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Targeting Retinoid Receptors to Treat Schizophrenia: Rationale and Progress to Date
Vladimir Lerner1, Peter J A McCaffery2, Michael S Ritsner3,4
1Faculty of Health Sciences, Be'er Sheva Mental Health Center, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beersheba, Israel.
CNS Drugs
|March 13, 2016
Summary
Targeting retinoid receptors may offer a novel treatment for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder. Retinoic acid plays a role in brain function and psychotic states, suggesting potential therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Retinoic acid is crucial for normal brain function.
- Dysregulation of retinoids is implicated in schizophrenia.
- Retinoid receptors represent potential therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the rationale for targeting retinoid receptors in schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
- To discuss the role of retinoic acid in normal brain function and psychotic states.
- To present progress and findings from clinical trials investigating retinoid-based treatments.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of retinoic acid's function in the brain.
- Examination of evidence for retinoid dysregulation in schizophrenia.
- Discussion of clinical trial data for bexarotene as an add-on therapy.
Main Results:
- Retinoic acid has established roles in brain physiology.
- Evidence suggests altered retinoid signaling in schizophrenia.
- Preliminary clinical trials with bexarotene show potential as an add-on treatment.
Conclusions:
- Targeting retinoid receptors presents a novel therapeutic strategy for schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorder.
- Further research and clinical studies are necessary to validate this approach.
- Understanding retinoid pathways could unlock new treatment paradigms for psychosis.
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