Brain Inflammation and Research Process Thoughts

Thoughts for future research

1. BrainAIn?ammation
A-AMentalAIllness
Brain Inflammation has been indicated as a factor in:
1.Depression - Alteration of neurotransmitter function
through the activity of inflammatory cytokines
2.Bipolar - Increased level of inflammatory markers have
been observed in bipolar disorder; the exact mechanism is
still under investigation.
3.Schizophrenia - Increased level of inflammatory markers
have been observed in Schizophrenia; it is believed that
neuroinflammation has a role in neuroplasticity

2. TheAMechanismAofA
BrainA
In?ammation
Brain inflammation has traditionally been seen as a secondary
effect to mental health conditions
Recent studies have indicated a causative role for brain
inflammation. More specifically, brain inflammation has been
linked to down-regulation of GABAnergic neurons (Falco, 2014;
Rossi, 2012)

3. WhatAareA
Neurosteroids?
Neurosteroids are understood to act on GABA-A
Receptors, increasing hyperpolarization by
modulating chloride currents
Current neurosteroids on the market include
allopregnanolone (Brexalone) and
Tetrahydrodeoxycorticosterone

4. AARoleAforANeurosteroidsAinABrainA
In?ammation?
Neurosteroids have recently been indicated as having
a role in modulating brain inflammation, and are
currently approved for use in Postpartum Depression.
Through their impact on GABA signaling,
neurosteroids have been shown to exhibit
immunosuppressive effects, specifically of microglia
and astrocytes (Wu, 2017)

5. AAWiderARoleAforANeurosteroids?A
While neurosteroids are currently only approved
for PPD, there is evidence to suggest that they
would have an impact on a wider range of mental
disorders?
In MDD, animal models treated with
allopregnanolone exhibit a decrease in
depressive-like behaviors
In Schizophrenia, increased allopregnanolone
levels has been associated with a decrease in
dopamine release
In Anxiety, low allopregnanolone levels have been
linked to an increase in symptoms

6. ObstaclesAtoATreatment
Cost Time
One Infusion of
Allopregnanolone requires 60
hours.
One dose of Allopregnanolone
costs $34,000

7. Bene?tsAtoATreatment
Acuity
For patients who severly
depressed and suicidal, there is
potential for allopregnenolone
and derivates to be life-saving
medications