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Biomedical subjects

P Malek-Ahmadi

Publications and source records attributed to P Malek-Ahmadi.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed2001

Cytokines and etiopathogenesis of pervasive developmental disorders.

Autistic disorder, also known as early infantile autism, is a developmental disorder of unknown etiology. However, there is some evidence to suggest that abnormalities of the immune system mediate the pathophysiology of autistic disorder. Cytokines, which play a pivotal role in initiating and maintaining immune responses, have been implicated in the etiopathogenesis of major neuropsychiatric disorders including autism. Cytokines are synthesized in the periphery, as well as in the central nervous system, and exert their effects by binding to their receptors in the nervous tissues. It is suggested that, in genetically predisposed individuals, overproduction or decreased synthesis of certain cytokines may result in neurodevelopmental arrest and/or neurotoxicity.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Successful ECT in a patient with hydrocephalus, shunt, hypopituitarism, and paraplegia.

A 25-year-old patient with paraplegia, hypopituitarism, hydrocephalus, and a ventriculoperitoneal shunt was successfully treated with a course of bilateral electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for major depression. Brain imaging studies and neurology/ endocrinology consultations were obtained prior to the use of ECT. Throughout the course of ECT, his replacement hormonal therapy continued. Prior to each ECT, additional parenteral hydrocortisone was also administered. Consistent with the previously published reports, the patient did not experience any neurological deterioration. A brief review of the literature on the use of ECT in patients with panhypopituitarism, spinal cord injury, and hydrocephalus is presented.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Mood disorders associated with interferon treatment: theoretical and practical considerations.

OBJECTIVE: To review the theoretical and clinical aspects of mood disorders associated with interferon treatment and discuss their management. DATA SOURCES: Pertinent and selected laboratory/clinical studies, review articles, letters, abstracts, and book chapters on behavioral and mood-related adverse effects of interferons published in English-language journals in the past two decades were identified by MEDLINE (June 1980-June 2000) and manual searches. DATA SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION: All of the publications identified were reviewed, and the relevant data were included. Studies not using criteria for psychiatric diagnosis or instruments for psychiatnc monitoring were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS: Clinical observations and limited research data suggest that interferon treatment may be associated with mood disorders. Mood-related symptoms induced by interferons emerge in a few days or weeks and tend to be dose dependent. Their severity may necessitate discontinuation of interferon therapy and/or the use of antidepressant or antimanic agents. The mechanisms responsible for inducing or exacerbating mood disorders in interferon-treated patients have not been elucidated. There is limited evidence implicating alterations in the serotonin system. CONCLUSIONS: While interferon therapy may trigger or induce mood-related symptoms, preexisting or stable concurrent mood disorders in remission do not necessarily constitute a contraindication to treatment with interferons. Mood disorders associated with interferon treatment can present clinical challenges. However, they may promote our understanding of mood disorders in the context of the current biologic theories of depression and mania.

Humans↗
PubMed1998

Cytokines in dementia of the Alzheimer's type (DAT): relevance to research and treatment.

There is indirect evidence suggesting that some cytokines may be involved in the pathophysiology of dementia of the Alzheimer type (DAT). Measurement of proinflammatory cytokines in the biologic fluids and brain tissues of DAT patients have provided some support for such a role. However, these studies are limited in scope and have included a relatively small number of patients. Future studies are needed to elucidate the role of cytokines in the pathogenesis and treatment of DAT.

Aged↗
PubMed1998

Role of cytokines in psychopathology: therapeutic implications.

Cytokines can influence physiological functions such as sleep and food intake; they also interact with a number of neurotransmitters and second messengers in the brain. Cytokines are involved in a number of infectious, inflammatory, neoplastic, metabolic and degenerative illnesses. They also have been implicated in some psychiatric disorders, including 1) depressive and anxiety disorders; 2) schizophrenic disorders (chronic and acute); 3) autistic disorder; 4) eating disorders; and 5) obsessive-compulsive disorder. Alterations in cytokine peptide/receptor production or function in major psychiatric disorders are of special interest to researchers in the field. Exogenous administration of cytokines may be of therapeutic value in disorders in which the cytokine system may be disturbed. In some brain disorders of defined neuropathology, some cytokines have been found clinically useful. Such a development has yet to occur in the treatment of psychiatric disorders; however, some limited and very preliminary observations suggest that manipulation of the cytokine network may be of potential value in the treatment of some psychiatric disorders. Considering the human and economic costs of major psychiatric disorders, alteration of the cytokine network as a potential therapeutic tool is worthy of consideration and investigation.

Journal Article↗
PubMed1996

Neuropsychiatric aspects of cytokines research: an overview.

Cytokines are a group of proteins primarily synthesized by various immune cells. They have multiple functions within the immune system and have been implicated in a number of disease states. There is growing evidence that some cytokines are also synthesized in the central nervous system. Taking into consideration that some cytokines are also capable of inducing behavioral effects, it has been suggested that cytokines may play a role in some psychiatric and neurologic disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed1995

Use of ECT in a patient with a Harrington rod implant.

A 50-year-old depressed patient with prior Harrington rod implantation and spinal disease was treated with 6 electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) treatments, despite conflicting orthopedic recommendations. Complete muscle relaxation was achieved with succinylcholine 2.1-2.2 mg/kg without complication during or after ECT. Concerns and recommendations regarding the use of ECT in patients with Harrington rods are discussed.

Depressive Disorder↗
PubMed1992

Substance P and neuropsychiatric disorders: an overview.

Substance P (SP) is a naturally-occurring tachykinin peptide isolated from brain tissues and gastrointestinal tract. In the brain, substantia nigra and basal ganglia contain relatively high amounts of substance P. There is evidence suggesting that substance P functions as a neurotransmitter. It has been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neuropsychiatric disorders. Substance P may also serve as a useful tool in studying the effects of antidepressant drugs and electroconvulsive therapy. However, the contribution of substance P to the understanding of neuropsychiatric disorders is far from clear. Future studies should focus on the interactions and coexistence of substance P with other neurotransmitters and neuropeptides.

Humans↗
PubMed1988

S-adenosylmethionine in the treatment of depression.

The antidepressant property of S-adenosylmethionine (SAMe) has been supported by several uncontrolled and controlled studies. Compared to standard antidepressant agents, SAMe has fewer side-effects and shorter lag period. Future studies to delineate SAMe-responsive depression are warranted.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗