Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026
09:58
C. elegans Positive Butanone Learning, Short-term, and Long-term Associative Memory Assays
Published on: March 11, 2011
30.4K
Elevated peripheral kynurenine/tryptophan ratio predicts poor short-term auditory memory in panic disorder patients
Laiana A Quagliato1, Rafael C Freire1, Antonio E Nardi1
1Laboratory of Panic & Respiration, Institute of Psychiatry, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rua Ataulfo de Paiva 135 S. 609, 22440-901, Brazil.
Journal of Psychiatric Research
|April 9, 2019
Summary
Elevated kynurenine/tryptophan ratio in panic disorder (PD) patients is linked to cognitive deficits, particularly short-term memory impairment. This suggests kynurenine pathway (KP) targeting treatments may help improve cognition in PD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Biochemistry
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Kynurenine pathway (KP) abnormalities are linked to cognitive deficits in psychiatric disorders.
- Cytokines may increase indoleamine-2,3 dioxygenase (IDO) activity, a key enzyme in the KP.
- Panic disorder (PD) patients may exhibit elevated peripheral cytokine levels.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if elevated peripheral cytokine levels and kynurenine/tryptophan (kyn/tryp) ratio serve as biomarkers for PD.
- To determine the relationship between these biomarkers and cognitive function in PD patients.
Main Methods:
- Assessed serum levels of IL-2R, IL-1β, IL-10, kynurenine, and tryptophan in 78 PD patients and matched controls.
- Evaluated cognitive functions including memory, attention, and cognitive flexibility.
- Analyzed the association between cytokine levels, kyn/tryp ratio, and cognitive performance.
Main Results:
- In PD patients, IL-2R levels correlated with kynurenine levels, unlike in controls.
- An elevated kyn/tryp ratio significantly predicted poorer scores in digit span forward and total tests.
- The study identified a link between inflammation biomarkers, KP, and cognitive deficits in PD.
Conclusions:
- Elevated kyn/tryp ratio is associated with cognitive deficits, specifically short-term auditory memory impairment, in PD.
- This suggests potential therapeutic targets within the KP for cognitive abnormalities in PD patients.
- The findings highlight the role of the KP in the pathophysiology of cognitive dysfunction in PD.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:27Panic Disorder
693
Panic disorder is an anxiety disorder characterized by recurrent and sudden minutes-long episodes of intense fear, known as panic attacks. These attacks may feel like heart attacks and often happen without warning or a specific cause. They can include symptoms such as rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, trembling, sweating, dizziness, and a sense of helplessness. During a panic attack, individuals may feel as though they are experiencing a heart attack or are in a...
693
01:18Long-Term Memory
670
Long-term memory is a relatively permanent type of memory, capable of storing vast amounts of information over extended periods. Its storage capacity is generally considered unlimited.
Long-term memory can be categorized into two primary types: explicit and implicit memory. Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, involves the conscious recollection of information that we deliberately try to remember, recall, and articulate. This type of memory encompasses specific facts, events, and...
Long-term memory can be categorized into two primary types: explicit and implicit memory. Explicit memory, also known as declarative memory, involves the conscious recollection of information that we deliberately try to remember, recall, and articulate. This type of memory encompasses specific facts, events, and...
670
03:12Freezing Point Depression and Boiling Point Elevation
39.8K
Boiling Point Elevation
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the vapor pressure of a solution is lowered due to the presence of nonvolatile solutes, it stands to reason that the solution’s boiling point will subsequently be increased. Vapor pressure increases with temperature, and so a solution will require a higher temperature than will pure solvent to achieve any given vapor pressure, including one...
The boiling point of a liquid is the temperature at which its vapor pressure is equal to ambient atmospheric pressure. Since the vapor pressure of a solution is lowered due to the presence of nonvolatile solutes, it stands to reason that the solution’s boiling point will subsequently be increased. Vapor pressure increases with temperature, and so a solution will require a higher temperature than will pure solvent to achieve any given vapor pressure, including one...
39.8K
01:11The Auditory Ossicles
3.1K
The auditory ossicles of the middle ear transmit sounds from the air as vibrations to the fluid-filled cochlea. The auditory ossicles consist of two malleus (hammer) bones, two incus (anvil) bones, and two stapes (stirrups), one on each side. These bones develop during the fetal stage and are the ones to ossify first. They are fully mature at birth and do not grow afterward.
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
The aptly named stapes look very much like a stirrup. The three ossicles are unique to mammals, and each plays a role in...
3.1K
02:27Predicting Molecular Geometry
45.6K
VSEPR Theory for Determination of Electron Pair Geometries
45.6K
01:20Elevation of Intermediate Points on Vertical Curves
283
Vertical curves are essential in roadway design because they provide smooth transitions between varying roadway grades. Designing vertical curves involves calculating intermediate elevations and identifying the curve's highest or lowest point, which is essential for optimal roadway performance.Intermediate elevations on a vertical curve are determined using the tangent offset method. This method considers the initial elevation at the start of the curve, the grades, and the curve's geometry. The...
283