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Neurosteroid influence on affective tone.
Najah L Walton1, Pantelis Antonoudiou1, Jamie L Maguire1
1Program of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Reviews
|July 27, 2023
Summary
Neurosteroids, like the recently approved ZULRESSO (Brexanolone), impact mood. This review explores how both external and internal neurosteroids influence affective disorders like depression and anxiety.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Affective disorders (depression, anxiety) are leading causes of global disability.
- Neurosteroids are implicated in mood regulation, with recent FDA approval of Brexanolone (ZULRESSO®) highlighting their therapeutic potential.
- Current research primarily focuses on exogenous neurosteroid administration, leaving the role of endogenous neurosteroids less understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review existing clinical and preclinical literature on neurosteroid influence on affective states.
- To explore the mechanisms behind neurosteroid antidepressant effects.
- To investigate the role of endogenous neurosteroids in modulating baseline affective tone.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of scientific literature.
- Analysis of clinical studies involving neurosteroid administration.
- Examination of preclinical research on neurosteroid mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Exogenous neurosteroids demonstrate significant effects on affective states.
- Emerging evidence suggests endogenous neurosteroids play a crucial role in establishing baseline mood.
- Neurosteroids are synthesized from cholesterol and steroid hormone precursors.
Conclusions:
- Neurosteroids are critical modulators of affective tone.
- Further research into endogenous neurosteroid pathways is warranted for understanding and treating affective disorders.
- Understanding neurosteroid function offers new avenues for antidepressant therapies.
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