Long-term enhancements in antidepressant efficacy and neurogenesis: Effects of intranasal co-administration of neuropeptide Y 1 receptor (NPY1R) and galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) agonists in the ventral hippocampus.

This study evaluates the sustained antidepressant-like effects and neurogenic potential of a 3-day intranasal co-administration regimen of galanin receptor 2 (GALR2) agonist M1145 and neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor (NPY1R) agonist [Leu31, Pro34]NPY in the ventral hippocampus of adult rats, with outcomes analyzed 3 weeks post-treatment. Utilizing the forced swimming test (FST), we found that this co-administration significantly enhances antidepressant-like behaviors, an effect neutralized by the GALR2 antagonist M871, highlighting the synergistic potential of these neuropeptides in modulating mood-related behaviors. In situ proximity ligation assay (PLA) indicated a significant increase in GALR2/NPYY1R heteroreceptor complexes in the ventral hippocampal dentate gyrus, suggesting a molecular basis for the behavioral outcomes observed. Moreover, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunolabeling revealed increased cell proliferation in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus, specifically in neuroblasts as evidenced by co-labeling with doublecortin (DCX), without affecting quiescent neural progenitors or astrocytes. The study also noted a significant uptick in the number of DCX-positive cells and alterations in dendritic morphology in the ventral hippocampus, indicative of enhanced neuronal differentiation and maturation. These morphological changes highlight the potential of these agonists to facilitate the functional integration of new neurons into existing neural circuits. By demonstrating the long-lasting effects of a brief, 3-day intranasal administration of GALR2 and NPY1R agonists, our findings contribute significantly to the understanding of neuropeptide-mediated neuroplasticity and herald novel therapeutic strategies for the treatment of depression and related mood disorders, emphasizing the therapeutic promise of targeting neurogenesis and neuronal maturation processes.

Enhancing Cognitive Functions and Neuronal Growth through NPY1R Agonist and Ketamine Co-Administration: Evidence for NPY1R-TrkB Heteroreceptor Complexes in Rats.

This study investigates the combined effects of the neuropeptide Y Y1 receptor (NPY1R) agonist [Leu31-Pro34]NPY at a dose of 132 µg and Ketamine at 10 mg/Kg on cognitive functions and neuronal proliferation, against a backdrop where neurodegenerative diseases present an escalating challenge to global health systems. Utilizing male Sprague-Dawley rats in a physiological model, this research employed a single-dose administration of these compounds and assessed their impact 24 h after treatment on object-in-place memory tasks, alongside cellular proliferation within the dorsal hippocampus dentate gyrus. Methods such as the in situ proximity ligation assay and immunohistochemistry for proliferating a cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and doublecortin (DCX) were utilized. The results demonstrated that co-administration significantly enhanced memory consolidation and increased neuronal proliferation, specifically neuroblasts, without affecting quiescent neural progenitors and astrocytes. These effects were mediated by the potential formation of NPY1R-TrkB heteroreceptor complexes, as suggested by receptor co-localization studies, although further investigation is required to conclusively prove this interaction. The findings also highlighted the pivotal role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in mediating these effects. In conclusion, this study presents a promising avenue for enhancing cognitive functions and neuronal proliferation through the synergistic action of the NPY1R agonist and Ketamine, potentially via NPY1R-TrkB heteroreceptor complex formation, offering new insights into therapeutic strategies for neurodegenerative diseases.

Neuropeptide Y receptor 1 and galanin receptor 2 (NPY1R-GALR2) interactions in the dentate gyrus and their relevance for neurogenesis and cognition.

Introduction: This study may unveil novel insights into the interactions between neuropeptide Y receptor 1 (NPY1R) and galanin receptor 2 (GALR2), in the dentate gyrus of the dorsal hippocampus, shedding light on their role in neurogenesis and cognitive functions. Existing literature highlights the potential of these interactions in enhancing learning and memory, yet detailed mechanisms remain underexplored. Methods: Utilizing intracerebroventricular injections of GALR2 and NPY1R agonists in Sprague-Dawley male rats, we examined neurogenesis via markers PCNA and DCX, and memory consolidation through the object-in-place task over a three-week period. Results: Significant increases in NPY1R-GALR2 co-localization and neuroblast proliferation were observed, alongside enhanced memory consolidation. These findings suggest a synergistic effect of NPY1R and GALR2 activation on cognitive functions. Discussion: Our findings may foster the development of novel heterobivalent or multitargeting drugs, affecting NPY1R-GALR2 interaction, and suggest a future pharmacogical strategy for improving learning and memory found in many brain diseases. Further research is encouraged to explore these mechanisms in pathological models.

Síndrome de Jadassohn-Lewandowsky. Reporte del primer caso pediátrico en Cuba

El síndrome de Jadassohn-Lewandowsky o paquioniquia congénita tipo 1 pertenece al grupo de las enfermedades raras. A nivel mundial se han descrito hasta la fecha menos de mil casos y el que ahora se publica constituye el primer reporte en la edad pediátrica en Cuba. Es un paciente masculino, de siete años de edad ingresado en el Servicio de Clínicas Pediátricas del Hospital Pediátrico Provincial de Holguín con antecedentes de uñas amarillas e hipertróficas desde los nueve meses de edad. Al examen físico se constató la presencia de distrofia ungueal hipertrófica en las 20 uñas, queratosis folicular en codos, manos y miembros inferiores, queratodermia plantar focal y leucoqueratosis oral. Se identificó un patrón de herencia autosómico dominante. Basado en las características fenotípicas y los antecedentes familiares se clasificó el caso presentado como paquioniquia congénita tipo 1, para la cual aún no existe cura y la terapia génica se encuentra en investigación. Por lo poco común de la enfermedad y ser el primer caso en edad pediátrica en Cuba, se decidió su publicación.

Jadassohn-Lewandowsky syndrome or congenital pachyonychia type 1 belongs to the rare diseases' group. Worldwide, less than a thousand cases have been described to date and the one that is now published constitutes the first pediatric age report in Cuba. A seven-years-old male patient admitted to the Pediatric Clinic Service at the Holguín Provincial Pediatric Hospital with a history of yellow and hypertrophic nails since he was nine months old. The physical examination confirmed the presence of hypertrophic nail dystrophy in all 20 nails, keratosis follicularis on the elbows, hands and lower limbs, focal plantar keratoderma and oral leukokeratosis. An autosomal dominant inheritance pattern was identified. Based on the phenotypic characteristics and family history, the case presented was classified as congenital pachyonychia type 1, for which there is still no cure and gene therapy is under investigation. Due to the rareness of the disease and being the first pediatric age case in Cuba, its publication was decided.