Expression of NMDA receptor subunits in human blood lymphocytes: A peripheral biomarker in online computer game addiction

Sadat‐Shirazi, Mitra‐Sadat; Vousooghi, Nasim; Alizadeh, Bentolhoda; Makki, Seyed Mohammad; Zarei, Seyed Zeinolabedin; Nazari, Shahrzad; Zarrindast, Mohammad Reza

doi:10.1556/2006.7.2018.35

Cited by 14 publications

(8 citation statements)

References 73 publications

(91 reference statements)

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“…Studies have shown that 23.3, 26.3, and 21.7% of patients with PIU suffer from anxiety disorder, depression, and ADHD, respectively (6). Many researchers have confirmed the aetiological mechanism of PIU, and considerable evidence is available regarding changes in the central and peripheral nervous systems in patients with PIU (7,8). However, the exact physiopathological mechanism of PIU remains unclear.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mRNA Levels of MAOA and 5-HT2A Receptor in Patients With Pathological Internet Use: Correlations With Comorbid Symptoms

Qiu

Zhang²,

Dai

et al. 2021

Front. Psychiatry

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Objective: Uncontrolled internet use may lead to the emergence of pathological internet use (PIU). PIU has become a global public health concern that can cause a range of psychotic symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and impulse control disorder. To date, we know very little about the principal biological factors related to PIU. Monoamine oxidase type A (MAOA) and serotonin (5-HT) 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR) play critical roles in the development of behavioural and drug addictions. Thus, the aim of this study was to measure the relative expression of mRNA of MAOA and 5-HT2AR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with PIU and to determine the correlations between these biological indicators and the comorbid symptoms of patients with PIU.Methods: In this study, the mRNA of MAOA and 5-HT2AR was detected using real-time PCR in PBMCs of the patients with PIU (n = 24) and healthy controls (HCs, n = 25). The relationship between the mRNA levels of MAOA and 5-HT2AR and clinical symptoms in patients with PIU was further investigated.Results: MAOA mRNA in PBMCs was significantly upregulated in patients with PIU compared with that in HCs. mRNA levels of 5-HT2AR were not found to differ significantly between HCs and patients with PIU. Correlation analyses further revealed a significant positive correlation between the relative expression of MAOA mRNA in PBMCs of patients with PIU and the Young's Internet Addiction Test and Self-Rating Depression Scale scores.Conclusion: The present study revealed upregulated expression of MAOA mRNA in patients with PIU and an association between the expression of MAOA mRNA and clinical symptoms of PIU, suggesting that the neurobiological changes may be similar between PIU and substance addiction. Additionally, this study demonstrated a potential association between comorbid symptoms and mRNA levels of MAOA.

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Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

mRNA Levels of MAOA and 5-HT2A Receptor in Patients With Pathological Internet Use: Correlations With Comorbid Symptoms

Qiu

Zhang²,

Dai

et al. 2021

Front. Psychiatry

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“…Computer games as an environmental factor cause gene expression, hormonal, neurological, and behavioral changes in CNS. According to the literature, environmental factors may adversely affect the neurological system, normal secretion of hormones, and even gene expression of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors ( Sadat-Shirazi et al, 2018 ; Tekieh et al, 2017 ). The gene expression of NMDA receptors plays a key role in developing cognitive abilities such as attention, concentration, memory, and learning among animals and human beings.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…The gene expression of NMDA receptors plays a key role in developing cognitive abilities such as attention, concentration, memory, and learning among animals and human beings. Environmental factors in urban areas, such as electromagnetic fields, electric fields, and even computer games, act as activators or inhibitors of gene expression of NMDA receptors ( Aliyari et al, 2019 ; Kazemi et al, 2018 ; Sadat-Shirazi et al, 2018 ). Several studies have shown that computer game addiction would alter the expression level of NMDA receptors ( Sadat-Shirazi et al, 2018 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Environmental factors in urban areas, such as electromagnetic fields, electric fields, and even computer games, act as activators or inhibitors of gene expression of NMDA receptors ( Aliyari et al, 2019 ; Kazemi et al, 2018 ; Sadat-Shirazi et al, 2018 ). Several studies have shown that computer game addiction would alter the expression level of NMDA receptors ( Sadat-Shirazi et al, 2018 ). Computer games have either positive or negative effects on the players’ cognitive abilities based on the game content and style.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The Effect of Brain Teaser Games on the Attention of Players Based on Hormonal and Brain Signals Changes

Aliyari

Sahraei

Golabi³

et al. 2021

BCN

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Introduction: Today, evaluation and determination of the impact of computer games as an interactive media, play a significant role in cognitive and behavioral health of the individuals in the society. Computer games have been shown to have either positive or negative effects on cognitive indices among players. They also directly influence the lifestyle and quality of life of children, adolescents, and young adults. The present study was aimed to evaluate the short-term effects of the Brain Teaser game on players. Methods: Among forty-five male volunteers, a total of forty subjects with an average age of twenty years were recruited, and divided into two groups, the experimental group and control group. All required tests were conducted before and after the experimentation (playing the game) on the experimental group. Also, the tests were performed on control group, in which participants were not allowed to play the game. All assigned subjects completed a questionnaire, comprised of demographic characteristics and specific information regarding the game (e.g. game style and hours spent on playing the game). The saliva samples were collected to measure levels of Cortisol and Alpha Amylase. The salivary Alpha Amylase (sAA) and Cortisol levels were analyzed using a specific ELISA kit. Also, cognitive tests were performed using PASAT software before and after the game to assess perceptual-cognitive abilities of the players. The Brain waveforms were acquired by a 14-channel Emotiv brain signal recording device before and after the experimentation. Data analysis was conducted using R and MATLAB software. Results: PASAT test suggested that mental health and sustained attention were significantly improved, after the experimentation. In addition, the sAA and salivary Cortisol levels were significantly higher prior to the experimentation. The results of the brainwave analysis revealed that stress index and attention were significantly higher before the experimentation. Conclusion: Findings of the present study suggest that Brain Teaser games positively influence the central nervous system, and activate stress path, leading to changes in brain signals and subsequently improved cognitive elements, such as attention among players.

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“…Behavioural addictions are disorders analogous to substance addiction, in which there is a behavioural core based on repeated performances. The analysis of mRNA levels of different NMDAR subunits in human blood lymphocytes surprisingly revealed a reduction in GRIN3A mRNA levels in computer game addicts (Sadat-Shirazi et al 2018). Dysregulated Grin3a expression has also been observed during transgenerational transmission of hedonistic and addictive behaviours such as increased preference of palatable foods (Sarker et al 2019).…”

Section: Addiction and Hedonistic Behaviourmentioning

confidence: 99%

GluN3A NMDA receptor subunits: more enigmatic than ever?

Crawley

Conde-Dusman

Pérez‐Otaño

2021

The Journal of Physiology

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Non‐conventional N‐methyl‐d‐aspartate receptors (NMDARs) containing GluN3A subunits have unique biophysical, signalling and localization properties within the NMDAR family, and are typically thought to counterbalance functions of classical NMDARs made up of GluN1/2 subunits. Beyond their recognized roles in synapse refinement during postnatal development, recent evidence is building a wider perspective for GluN3A functions. Here we draw particular attention to the latest developments for this multifaceted and unusual subunit: from finely timed expression patterns that correlate with plasticity windows in developing brains or functional hierarchies in the mature brain to new insight onto presynaptic GluN3A‐NMDARs, excitatory glycine receptors and behavioural impacts, alongside further connections to a range of brain disorders.

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Expression of NMDA receptor subunits in human blood lymphocytes: A peripheral biomarker in online computer game addiction

Cited by 14 publications

References 73 publications

mRNA Levels of MAOA and 5-HT2A Receptor in Patients With Pathological Internet Use: Correlations With Comorbid Symptoms

mRNA Levels of MAOA and 5-HT2A Receptor in Patients With Pathological Internet Use: Correlations With Comorbid Symptoms

The Effect of Brain Teaser Games on the Attention of Players Based on Hormonal and Brain Signals Changes

GluN3A NMDA receptor subunits: more enigmatic than ever?

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