Articles tagged with Serotonin
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Stress-evoked changes in serotonin-regulating brain pathways can lead to low mood and cocaine-seeking. Researchers found that the dynorphin/kappa opioid system, activated by stress or chemicals, weakens serotonin levels in the nucleus accumbens.
UC researchers are examining the effects of ecstasy on young adult cognition, mood, and brain structure. They aim to understand how individual genetics moderate the negative effects of drug use.
A recent study published in Cell by Yale School of Medicine researchers identified a novel brain pathway where leptin regulates bone mass and suppresses appetite through serotonin pathways. The findings contradict the prevailing view that leptin primarily acts in the hypothalamus.
Studies suggest that genetic factors, particularly those related to monoamine neurotransmitters, may contribute to the development of conduct disorders. Variations in genes encoding enzymes such as MAO-B have been linked to increased risk of antisocial behaviour, with associations strengthening when environmental factors are considered.
Researchers at UAB are investigating genetic factors that contribute to suicidal behavior, focusing on the role of serotonin 2C and ADAR proteins. The study aims to develop diagnostic tests that can identify individuals at high risk of suicide and tailor therapies accordingly.
Researchers at Columbia University Medical Center have identified a previously unknown leptin-serotonin pathway in the brain that simultaneously promotes appetite and bone mass accrual. The discovery reveals that leptin acts on serotonin in the brain stem, increasing appetite and bone mass.
A lack of serotonin in the brain slows mouse growth and impairs maternal behavior, but not overall survival. Female mice with deficient serotonin still give birth and produce milk, but their offspring suffer poor survival rates.
A new analysis of data from 14 studies found a strong association between stressful life events and depression risk. However, the presumed high-risk version of the serotonin transporter gene did not show an increased risk for major depression alone or in interaction with stressful life events.
Researchers found that genetic variations in serotonin transporter gene and COMT enzyme affect how individuals learn and overcome fear. Participants with shorter version of serotonin transporter gene had strong physiological fear response, while those with longer version did not.
A meta-analysis of 8 large-scale observational studies found that SSRIs significantly reduced the risk of completed or attempted suicide in adults with depression. The study suggests that prescribing SSRI medications is safe for patients with major depression, but children and adolescents should be closely monitored.
Researchers discovered that desert locusts have higher serotonin levels when behaving in a swarm-like manner, which may help identify individual neurons driving this behavior and lead to more effective pest control. Desert locust swarms can devastate crop yields, with 20% of the world affected by this species.
Scientists at the University of Cambridge have identified a key biological reason behind locust swarming behavior, linking it to an increase in serotonin in specific parts of the insect's nervous system. This discovery could lead to new strategies for controlling locust plagues and understanding behavioral traits in animals.
A study by Vanderbilt University researchers found a surprising link between brain iron levels and serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in neuropsychiatric conditions. The team identified multiple trait differences affected by the SERT GK/ER variation, including traits associated with alcohol consumption and brain dopamine signaling.
A study published in Human Molecular Genetics found an association between a functional variant of the serotonin receptor-type 3E gene and diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome. This correlation could lead to the development of specific medications for certain genetic mutations in patients.
Researchers at Columbia University discovered that gut serotonin plays a crucial role in bone formation, challenging the long-held belief that the skeleton controls bone growth. The study found that inhibiting serotonin release can increase bone mass and potentially treat osteoporosis.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center have identified a brain circuit that suppresses appetite and induces weight loss. The study found that blocking serotonin receptors in specific neurons can normalize abnormal metabolism and prevent obesity-related disorders.
Research finds that specific DNA sequence variations of the serotonin transporter gene can influence drinking intensity among alcohol-dependent individuals. The study analyzed six single nucleotide polymorphisms and found a significant association between one particular variation and lower drinking intensity.
Researchers discovered greater serotonin transporter levels in brain regions during fall/winter compared to spring/summer, suggesting more serotonin removal. This finding explains why some experience low mood and energy in the winter.
Researchers found that serotonin transporter binding potential values were higher in fall and winter, suggesting a link between lower serotonin levels and seasonal mood changes. The study suggests that variations in brain serotonin levels may explain why people feel happier on sunny days and more sluggish during the dark winter season.
A recent study suggests that a specific biochemical process in the placenta may contribute to postpartum blues and depression. The researchers propose that an imbalance in serotonin levels, triggered by the withdrawal of interleukin-1 beta after birth, may lead to symptoms of depression.
Researchers have developed a mouse model of SIDS, showing that an imbalance of serotonin in the brainstem is sufficient to cause sudden death. The study suggests that a congenital serotonin defect could play a critical role in SIDS.
A recent study suggests that serotonin levels affect our sense of fairness, leading to increased impulsivity and aggression when unfair offers are made. The findings may help explain social difficulties associated with disorders like depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Researchers at the University of Cambridge found that low serotonin levels are associated with increased impulsivity, particularly during social interactions. The study suggests that boosting serotonin levels through diet or therapy may help alleviate symptoms of depression, OCD, and anxiety disorders.
A recent study using Caenorhabditis elegans to examine the relationship between eating and weight gain found that increased eating does not necessarily lead to increased fat. The researchers discovered two separate signaling channels controlled by serotonin, which regulates feeding and fat metabolism.
Researchers found altered dopamine activity in individuals with social anxiety disorder, suggesting a biological cause for the dysfunction. The study provides evidence of a physical component to social anxiety and may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Researchers confirm long-term use of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors as effective treatment for depression. A 6-9 month course is recommended after recovery from an episode, especially in those without major comorbidities.
Dr. Watts' research suggests that serotonin may play a role in lowering blood pressure, contradicting previous findings that it causes constriction. She hopes to resolve the 'serotonin puzzle' with her lecture and gather input from fellow physiologists.
Researchers investigated how inheriting different combinations of gene variants impact depression risk in normal subjects. They found that the SLC6A4 serotonin transporter gene interacts with the BDNF gene to regulate emotion regulation system development, revealing individual genes are not isolated risks.
New University of Washington research suggests that negative mother-daughter relationships and low serotonin levels in adolescents may be linked to self-harming behaviors. The study found that these two factors combined account for 64% of the difference between adolescents who engage in self-harming behaviors and those who do not.
Researchers at Vanderbilt University Medical Center have identified a sticky blood protein that regulates serotonin transporter activity, potentially contributing to autism. The discovery may lead to new treatments for autism and depression.
Researchers at UTMB will study brain's electrochemical signaling system to develop new anti-addiction drugs, potentially benefiting compulsive overeaters as well. The four-year program aims to find effective treatments for substance abuse and addiction.
Researchers found that manipulating serotonin receptors can block L-DOPA-induced side effects in advanced Parkinson's disease. The discovery suggests a new approach for developing treatments for this disorder, which is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's.
A study published in PLoS Computational Biology suggests that serotonin may contribute to depression and anxiety by disrupting reflexive avoidance behaviors. When serotonin levels drop, individuals lose their instinctual ability to avoid aversive events, leading to increased exploration of potentially harmful states.
A cohort study of over 320,000 Swedish men found that short birth length more than doubles the risk of violent suicide attempts. Catch-up growth during childhood does not mitigate this risk. The study also suggests a link between low serotonin levels and impulsivity, aggression, and suicidal behavior.
Researchers at Ohio State University Medical Center found that serotonin and synthetic hallucinogens trigger different chemical pathways in brain cells, leading to important implications for drug development. The study's findings suggest that screening agents must also determine if the agent signals through beta-arrestin.
A team of scientists has discovered that the antidepressant drug mianserin can extend the lifespan of adult roundworms, Caenorhabditis elegans, by about 30 percent. The drug may act by mimicking the effects of caloric restriction, which has been shown to retard the effects of aging in various animals.
Scientists found that Roaccutane increases production of proteins reducing serotonin availability, potentially leading to depression-related behavior. Low serotonin levels are linked to aggression and clinical depression.
A new genetic study from the University of Iowa found that women are more likely than men to have altered serotonin processes related to depression. The study, which analyzed data from 192 individuals, suggests that genetic variations may play a role in tailoring antidepressant treatment for individual responders.
Researchers found that a low dose of m-chlorophenylpiperazine (mCPP) improves glucose tolerance and lowers insulin levels in obese and diabetic mice. The drug works by stimulating a-melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptors, which is important for appetite control.
A study published in World Journal of Gastroenterology found that plasma serotonin levels significantly increase in patients with liver cirrhosis, correlating with the degree of liver damage. This discovery provides a potential non-invasive diagnostic method for assessing liver insufficiency.
A new study found that a synthetic form of THC increases serotonin levels in the brain at low doses, acting as an effective anti-depressant. However, at higher doses, the effect reverses and can worsen depression and psychosis.
Researchers identified serotonin as the chemical responsible for inhibiting milk production and secretion in human mammary glands. The finding could aid development of therapeutics to increase milk production, aiding efforts to alleviate milk shortages worldwide.
The Vanderbilt Conte Center for Neuroscience Research will investigate the role of serotonin in brain development and function, seeking to understand genetic variability's impact on mental health. The center aims to translate laboratory discoveries into improved treatments for mental illnesses, including depression and autism.
A study found that women experienced worsening mood and increased caution when serotonin levels were reduced, while men became more impulsive. The researchers discovered a genetic link influencing the response in women, highlighting sex differences in serotonin utilization.
Research suggests that cravings for chocolate are driven by sugar and fat content rather than psychoactive compounds, contradicting popular notions of 'addiction'. The study also reveals a preference for milk chocolate and chocolate-covered confectionery over dark chocolate.
A McGill University study has discovered that a new class of serotonin receptor agonists can take effect four to seven times faster than existing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This breakthrough has the potential to significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with depression.
Hypoxia caused by low oxygen levels in coastal waters impairs fish reproduction by disrupting their hormones. Laboratory studies found that hypoxia decreases serotonin levels in the brain, leading to endocrine disruption.
Pain researchers at Washington University School of Medicine have made a breakthrough in understanding the complex relationship between opiate drugs and their addictive effects. By isolating the analgesic effects from morphine, scientists can potentially develop more effective treatments for pain while minimizing the risk of addiction.
A pioneering study has confirmed the relation between allele s in the serotonin transporter gene and exposure to threatening life events in the onset of depression. The research predicts a personalized approach to treating depression by tailoring antidepressant treatment to an individual's genetic configuration and environmental factors.
A recent study published in SLEEP found that rotating shift workers have significantly lower levels of serotonin compared to day workers. This could have implications for the treatment of associated comorbidities and behavioral problems in rotating shift workers.
Two studies found that selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are linked to increased rates of hip bone loss, particularly among women over 78 years old. The research suggests that SSRIs may interfere with the function of osteoclasts and osteoblasts, leading to reduced bone density.
A team of researchers discovered a receptor molecule for serotonin plays crucial roles in fear responses to ambiguous stimuli in mice. The hippocampus brain region is involved in processing and assessing value of stimuli, making it easier to interpret situations as threatening.
Researchers found that odorants in spices and fragrances can trigger serotonin release, leading to gastrointestinal reactions. Sacral nerve stimulation has also shown potential for relieving symptoms of idiopathic constipation, with long-term results indicating improved bowel habits and reduced straining.
The Natural Fat-Loss Pharmacy highlights safe and effective supplements like HCA, MCT, green tea extract, and chromium that can aid in weight loss. Dr. Preuss separates the good from the bad and lists natural weight-loss aids available on the market.
A new study reveals that brain monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) enzyme is significantly higher in individuals with untreated depression, leading to lower levels of key chemicals like serotonin and dopamine. This finding provides a comprehensive disease model for depression, which can aid in targeted treatment.
Researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center discovered that a gene variant associated with mental illness enlarges the pulvinar, a brain region handling negative emotions. The study found individuals carrying two copies of the SERT-s gene had larger pulvinars containing more nerve cells.
Research found that baby rhesus monkeys with high maternal rejection and mild abuse had lower serotonin levels, associated with anxiety and depression. Abused females who became abusive mothers had reduced serotonin, suggesting a potential link between early abuse and intergenerational transmission of parenting behaviors.
Researchers found abnormalities in nerve cells that make and use serotonin in the brainstem of babies who died from SIDS, linking the condition to defects in the brainstem serotonin system. The study provides strong evidence for a biological basis of SIDS and potential diagnostic tests and treatments.
Researchers found that fluoxetine stimulates new bone formation under normal conditions and reverses total bone loss triggered by inflammation. The study suggests a link between serotonin reuptake inhibitors and improved bone health.
Scientists have identified a crucial role of TPH2 protein in regulating serotonin levels, which may be linked to the development of depression and manic depression. The study suggests that variations in the TPH2 gene are associated with an increased risk of developing these psychiatric disorders.