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Since the
mid-1990s there has been a near exponential rise in the level of glycogen
synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) related research. Consequently the therapeutic
potential of GSK-3 inhibitors has become a major area of pharmaceutical
interest. In our recent analysis of the therapeutic and pharmaceutical options
surrounding the development of GSK-3 inhibitors (click
here for access), one of the focus indications was psychotic diseases.
Lithium and valproate are two mood stabilizers commonly employed in the
treatment of bipolar disorder which are also accepted inhibitors of GSK-3.
Although this has been taken as evidence to support a role for GSK-3 in the
treatment of bipolar disease, a study on GSK-3 expression in post mortem
frontal cortex tissues from bipolar disorder patients failed to document
altered enzyme levels. Schizophrenia
is a second major psychotic disease. Worldwide, the prevalence of
schizophrenia appears to be 1%, although pockets of higher or lower prevalence
exist. In the USA, patients with schizophrenia occupy about 25% of all
hospital beds and account for about 20% of all social security disability
days. Schizophrenia is more prevalent than Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, or
multiple sclerosis driving an annual market worth over $5 billion. In contrast to bipolar disorder, GSK-3 expression is altered in schizophrenia - in particular, GSK-3beta levels were 41% lower in the frontal cortex of schizophrenic patients than in control subjects. More recently Israeli field-leaders have demonstrated that, as with patients, GSK-3beta levels are reduced in the frontal cortex of rats with neonatal excitotoxic hippocampal lesions, a model which is used to investigate schizophrenia. These data suggest that strategies able to stimulate GSK-3 levels or activity, rather than GSK-3 inhibitors may offer a useful approach schizophrenia, and that this model may be used to develop such strategies. Entry date Adapted from Nadri et al, Brain Res Dev Brain Res 2003 Mar 14;141(1-2):33-7 - Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact LeadDiscovery or the authors direct.
Interested in collaborating with this group? Contact leaddiscovery@bioportfolio.co.uk Projects such as these are overviewed in full DiscoveryDossiers. LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio aims to provide reliable, insightful analysis on the biotechnology industry. However, this information is provided "as is" and no representations or warranties either express or implied of completeness, accuracy, or of any other nature are made with respect to this information. This information is neither an offer to sell nor a solicitation to buy the securities of any company. This information contains forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties which may not be listed. The biotechnology industry is an emerging industry and the securities of the companies mentioned in this report have a very high degree of risk and volatility. For this reason, this information is supplied on the condition that the reader will make his or her own determination as to its suitability for any purpose prior to any use of this information. The employees and officers of LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio may hold positions in some or all of the stocks discussed in this report. This abstract has been produced by LeadDiscovery Ltd. Founded by life scientists for life scientists we aim to help industry identify cutting edge drug discovery options and academic/biotech institutions maximize the potential of their research. Abstracts strictly reflect the opinion of LeadDiscovery's editorial panel. While all reasonable efforts are made to ensure the accuracy of information provided LeadDiscovery and the publisher BioPortfolio, takes no responsibility for incorrect or misleading information. LeadDiscovery is designed for educational and drug development purposes only and is not intended or designed to offer medical advice or advice of any sort, and must not be used for such purpose. The information provided through LeadDiscovery and BioPortfolio should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease and no reliance should be placed on any information contained in this abstract or elsewhere on LeadDiscovery's and BioPortfolio's website. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your physician or other health care provider. |
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