Placebo effects and the molecular biological components involved

Area of Science:

• Pharmacology
• Neuroscience
• Genetics

Background:

• Placebo effects, beneficial responses to inactive substances, have been utilized in medicine for over 700 years.
• These effects robustly influence psychosocial and physiological responses, increasing research interest.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the history and characteristics of placebo effects.
• To review recent advancements in placebo effect research, focusing on placebome studies.
• To highlight the need for further research into the molecular and genetic components of placebo responses.

Main Methods:

• Review of historical data on placebo use.
• Summary of recent advancements in placebo effect research.
• Highlighting placebome studies and their methodologies.

Main Results:

• Placebo effects are well-documented phenomena influencing patient outcomes.
• Behavioral, neurobiological, and genetic studies suggest involvement of dopamine, opioid, serotonin, and endocannabinoid systems.
• The placebome concept is emerging, with bioinformatics identifying molecular modules.

Conclusions:

• The placebome concept is still developing and requires further investigation.
• Placebome studies utilizing no-treatment controls are essential for identifying whole-genome genetic targets.
• Validation of identified molecular findings through no-treatment control studies is crucial.