This review aims to draw attention to current studies on syndromes related to food eating behavior, including food addiction, and to highlight the neurobiological and neuropharmacological aspects of ...food addiction toward the development of new therapies. Food addiction and eating disorders are influenced by several neurobiological factors. Changes in feeding behavior, food addiction, and its pharmacological therapy are related to complex neurobiological processes in the brain. Thus, it is not surprising that there is inconsistency among various individual studies. In this review, we assessed literature including both experimental and clinical studies regarding food addiction as a feeding disorder. We selected articles from animal studies, randomized clinical trials, meta-analyses, narrative, and systemic reviews given that, crucial quantitative data with a measure of neurobiological, neuropharmacological aspects and current therapies of food addiction as an outcome. Thus, the main goal to outline here is to investigate and discuss the association between the brain reward system and feeding behavior in the frame of food addiction in the light of current literature.
•The brain reward system plays a basic role in the mechanism of food addiction.•Various neurochemicals play roles in the formation and maintenance of food addiction.•Food addiction and obesity should be treated as separate neuropsychiatric problems.•The relationship between gut microbiota and food addiction remains unclear.•There is no radical treatment for food addiction, but new approaches are promising.
•MH elicited antianxiety and antidepressant-like responses in the UCMS rats.•MH may repair aberrant reward circuit induced by UCMS.•NAc and hypothalamus might reveal multiple effects of MH on ...MDD-FD-CVD comorbidity.
The burden of depression is enormous, and numerous studies have found that major depressive disorder (MDD) induces cardiovascular disorders (CVD) and functional dyspepsia (FD). Excitingly, meranzin hydrate (MH), an absorbed bioactive compound of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus, reverses psychosocial stress-induced mood disorders, gastrointestinal dysfunction and cardiac disease. Pharmacological methods have repeatedly failed in antidepressant development over the past few decades, but repairing aberrant neural circuits might be a reasonable strategy. This article aimed to explore antidepressant-like effects and potential mechanisms of MH in a rat model of unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS). Utilizing blood oxygen level-dependent (BOLD) functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), we sought to find reliable neurocircuits or a dominant brain region revealing the multiple effects of MH. The results show that compared with UCMS rats, MH (10 mg/kg/day for 1 week i.g.)-treated rats exhibited decreased depression-like behaviour; increased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus; and normalized levels of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), corticosterone (CORT), and acylated ghrelin (AG). Additionally, the UCMS-induced rise in BOLD activation in the reward system was attenuated after MH treatment. A literature search shown that nucleus accumbens (NAc) and hypothalamus of the reward system might reveal multiple effects of MH on MDD-FD-CVD comorbidity. Further research will focus on the role of these two brain regions in treating depression associated with comorbidities.
The last decades have seen a major gain in understanding the action of
cannabinoids and the endocannabinoid system in reward processing and the development of
addictive behavior. Cannabis-derived ...psychoactive compounds such as
Δ
9
-tetrahydrocannabinol and synthetic cannabinoids directly interact with the reward
system and thereby have addictive properties. Cannabinoids induce their reinforcing
properties by an increase in tonic dopamine levels through a cannabinoid type 1 (CB
1
)
receptor-dependent mechanism within the ventral tegmental area. Cues that are
conditioned to cannabis smoking can induce drug-seeking responses (ie, craving) by
eliciting phasic dopamine events. A dopamine-independent mechanism involved in
drug-seeking responses involves an endocannabinoid/glutamate interaction within the
corticostriatal part of the reward system. In conclusion, pharmacological blockade of
endocannabinoid signaling should lead to a reduction in drug craving and subsequently
should reduce relapse behavior in addicted individuals. Indeed, there is increasing
preclinical evidence that targeting the endocannabinoid system reduces craving and
relapse, and allosteric modulators at CB
1
receptors and fatty acid amide hydrolase
inhibitors are in clinical development for cannabis use disorder. Cannabidiol, which
mainly acts on CB
1
and CB
2
receptors, is currently being tested in patients with alcohol
use disorder and opioid use disorder.
•Orexins increase reward-related and anxiety-like behaviors, and stress responses.•Orexinergic antagonists induce anti-reward effects.•Orexinergic antagonists improve stress- or anxiety-induced ...psychiatric disorders.•Orexinergic system plays inconsistent roles in modulating depression.•Orexins have no stable pattern in modulating stress-induced reward-seeking behavior.
In this review study, we aimed to introduce the orexinergic system as an important signaling pathway involved in a variety of cognitive functions such as memory, motivation, and reward-related behaviors. This study focused on the role of orexinergic system in modulating reward-related behavior, with or without the presence of stressors. Cross-talk between the reward system and orexinergic signaling was also investigated, especially orexinergic signaling in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), the nucleus accumbens (NAc), and the hippocampus. Furthermore, we discussed the role of the orexinergic system in modulating mood states and mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, panic, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Here, we narrowed down our focus on the orexinergic signaling in three brain regions: the VTA, NAc, and the hippocampus (CA1 region and dentate gyrus) for their prominent role in reward-related behaviors and memory. It was concluded that the orexinergic system is critically involved in reward-related behavior and significantly alters stress responses and stress-related psychiatric and mood disorders.
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, changes in microbiota composition as well as in the fecal, serum, and urine levels of microbial ...metabolites. Yet a causal relationship between dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and ASD remains to be demonstrated. Here, we hypothesized that the microbial metabolite p-Cresol, which is more abundant in ASD patients compared to neurotypical individuals, could induce ASD-like behavior in mice.
Mice exposed to p-Cresol for 4 weeks in drinking water presented social behavior deficits, stereotypies, and perseverative behaviors, but no changes in anxiety, locomotion, or cognition. Abnormal social behavior induced by p-Cresol was associated with decreased activity of central dopamine neurons involved in the social reward circuit. Further, p-Cresol induced changes in microbiota composition and social behavior deficits could be transferred from p-Cresol-treated mice to control mice by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We also showed that mice transplanted with the microbiota of p-Cresol-treated mice exhibited increased fecal p-Cresol excretion, compared to mice transplanted with the microbiota of control mice. In addition, we identified possible p-Cresol bacterial producers. Lastly, the microbiota of control mice rescued social interactions, dopamine neurons excitability, and fecal p-Cresol levels when transplanted to p-Cresol-treated mice.
The microbial metabolite p-Cresol induces selectively ASD core behavioral symptoms in mice. Social behavior deficits induced by p-Cresol are dependant on changes in microbiota composition. Our study paves the way for therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiota and p-Cresol production to treat patients with ASD. Video abstract.
This article reviews current research and cross-disciplinary perspectives on the neuroscience of food reward in animals and humans, examines the scientific hypothesis of food addiction, discusses ...methodological and terminology challenges, and identifies knowledge gaps and future research needs. Topics addressed herein include the role of reward and hedonic aspects in the regulation of food intake, neuroanatomy and neurobiology of the reward system in animals and humans, responsivity of the brain reward system to palatable foods and drugs, translation of craving versus addiction, and cognitive control of food reward. The content is based on a workshop held in 2013 by the North American Branch of the International Life Sciences Institute.
This study aims to analyze: (1) the influence of leadership and organizational culture partially on employee performance, (2) the influence of leadership and organizational culture simultaneously on ...employee performance, 3) the influence of leadership directly and indirectly through the reward system on employee performance, (4) direct and indirect influence of organizational culture through the reward system on employee performance at the Jeneponto Regency One Stop Integrated Service and Investment Service. This study uses a quantitative approach, using path analysis. Using a saturated sample, ie all populations are sampled, the results show that: 1) There is a positive and significant influence of leadership and organizational culture partially on employee performance, (2) There is a positive and significant influence of leadership and organizational culture simultaneously on employee performance, (3) Leadership through Reward System either directly and significantly related to employee performance, (4) cultural organizations through Reward System has influence directly and significantly on Employee performance at the Department of Investment and Integrated Services One Stop Jeneponto.
This paper acknowledges the need for a user-centric solution that helps with emotional regulation and stress management in children with ADHD. The paper presents a unique and comprehensive solution ...that integrates Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms to enhance user experience and aid children with ADHD to regulate their emotions and behaviours through a reward-based system. Through careful analysis of existing literature, and user requirements assessment, a comprehensive framework that integrates machine learning algorithms, physical and digital solution components through a user-centric design approach has been proposed. The core objective is to design and develop a sensory regulation system specifically tailored to the requirements of children with ADHD. Through the development of an engaging and impactful sensory regulation system, children can experience social and academic aspects of school positively while also having the opportunity to expand their social circle through inclusive play environments and ultimately improving their daily experiences. This paper aims to address the imminent need for emotional regulation and stress management tools catering to children with ADHD. By incorporating Reinforcement Learning (RL) algorithms with a reward-based interaction, this paper aims to solve critical challenges faced by children with ADHD, like emotional regulation difficulties, stress management, poor social skills, and academic performance issues so that they can lead more holistic lives.
Abstract Background Depressed mood, anhedonia, psychomotor retardation and alterations of circadian rhythm are core features of the depressive syndrome. Its neural correlates can be located within a ...frontal–striatal–tegmental neural network, commonly referred to as the reward circuit. It is the aim of this article to review literature on white matter microstructure alterations of the reward system in depression. Method We searched for diffusion tensor imaging (DTI)-studies that have explored neural deficits within the cingulum bundle, the uncinate fasciculus and the supero-lateral medial forebrain bundle/anterior thalamic radiation – in adolescent and adult depression (acute and remitted), melancholic depression, treatment-resistant depression and those at familial risk of depression. The relevant diffusion MRI literature was identified using PUBMED. Results Thirty-five studies were included. In people at familial risk for depression the main finding was reduced fractional anisotropy (FA) in the cingulum bundle. Both increases and decreases of FA have been reported in the uncinate fasciculus in adolescents. Reductions of FA in the uncinate fasciculus and the anterior thalamic radiation/supero-lateral medial forebrain bundle during acute depressive episodes in adults were most consistently reported. Limitations Non-quantitative approach. Conclusions Altered cingulum bundle microstructure in unaffected relatives may either indicate resilience or vulnerability to depression. Uncinate fasciculus and supero-lateral medial forebrain bundle microstructure may be altered during depressive episodes in adult MDD. Future studies call for a careful clinical stratification of clinically meaningful subgroups.
Behavioral studies have suggested that exaggerated reactivity to food cues, especially those associated with high-calorie foods, may be a factor underlying obesity. This increased motivational ...potency of foods in obese individuals appears to be mediated in part by a hyperactive reward system. We used a Philips 3T magnet and fMRI to investigate activation of reward-system and associated brain structures in response to pictures of high-calorie and low-calorie foods in 12 obese compared to 12 normal-weight women. A regions of interest (ROI) analysis revealed that pictures of high-calorie foods produced significantly greater activation in the obese group compared to controls in medial and lateral orbitofrontal cortex, amygdala, nucleus accumbens/ventral striatum, medial prefrontal cortex, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, ventral pallidum, caudate, putamen, and hippocampus. For the contrast of high-calorie vs. low-calorie foods, the obese group also exhibited a larger difference than the controls did in all of the same regions of interest except for the putamen. Within-group contrasts revealed that pictures of high-calorie foods uniformly stimulated more activation than low-calorie foods did in the obese group. By contrast, in the control group, greater activation by high-calorie foods was seen only in dorsal caudate, whereas low-calorie foods were more effective than high-calorie foods in the lateral orbitofrontal cortex, medial prefrontal cortex, and anterior cingulate cortex. In summary, compared to normal-weight controls, obese women exhibited greater activation in response to pictures of high-calorie foods in a large number of regions hypothesized to mediate motivational effects of food cues.
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