Abnormalities in the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system have been noted in subjects with mood and anxiety disorders. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) enzymes synthesize GABA from glutamate, and, thus, are reasonable candidate susceptibility genes for these conditions. In this study, we examined the GAD1 and GAD2genes for their association with

Ethanol is a chemically simple compound that produces many well-known effects in humans. The prevailing idea for many years was that ethanol and other alcohols exerted their effects on the central nervous system (CNS) by non-selectively disrupting the lipid bilayers of neurons. However, in recent years, there has been an

The neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) inhibits the activity of signal-receiving neurons by interacting with the GABAA receptor on these cells. The GABAA receptor is a channel-forming protein that allows the passage of chloride ions into the cells. Excessive GABAA activation may play a role in mediating the sedative effects of

Tremendous strides have been made in the treatment and early detection of breast cancer. Even so, over 400,000 people are diagnosed with this condition annually in the United States. In some instances, risk factors such as drinking alcohol may play a role. Article here.

WASHINGTON — Injections of Johnson & Johnson’s coronavirus vaccine came to a sudden halt across the country on Tuesday after federal health agencies called for a pause in the vaccine’s use as they examine a rare blood-clotting disorder that emerged in six recipients. All six were women between the ages

Impulsive aggression is characterized by an inability to regulate affect as well as aggressive impulses, and is highly comorbid with other mental disorders including depression, suicidal behavior, and substance abuse. In an effort to elucidate the neurobiological underpinnings of impulsive aggression and to help account for its connections with these

We have suggested that reduced food intake increases the risk for anorexia nervosa by engaging mesolim- bic dopamine neurons, thereby initially rewarding dieting. Recent fMRI studies have confirmed that dopamine neurons are activated in anorexia nervosa, but it is not clear whether this response is due to the disorder or

Folate is an essential B vitamin required for the maintenance of AdoMet-dependent methylation. The liver is responsible for many methylation reactions that are used for post- translational modification of proteins, methylation of DNA, and the synthesis of hormones, creatine, carnitine, and phos- phatidylcholine. Conditions where methylation capacity is compromised, including

Adequate levels of folates are essential for homeostasis of the organism, prevention of congenital malformations, and the salvage of predisposed disease states. They depend on genetic predisposition, and therefore, a pharmacogenetic approach to individualized supplementation or therapeutic intervention is necessary for an optimal outcome. The role of folates in vital

Periconceptual consumption of folic acid has been shown to decrease the incidence of neural tube defects. The strategy of universal fortification of staple foodstuffs with folic acid presents the possibility of life-long exposure to unmetabolized folic acid. Chief among the risks of exposure to folic acid in the circulation is

The socio-economic implications of COVID-19 are devastating. Considerable morbidity is attributed to ‘long- COVID’ – an increasingly recognized complication of infection. Its diverse symptoms are reminiscent of vitamin B12 deficiency, a condition in which methylation status is compromised. We suggest why SARS-CoV-2 infection likely leads to increased methyl-group requirements and

Molybdenum, a trace element essential for micro-organisms, plants, and animals, was discovered in 1778 by a Swedish chemist named Karl Scheele. Initially mistaken for lead, molybdenum was named after the Greek work molybdos, meaning lead-like. In the 1930s, it was recognized that ingestion of forage with high amounts of molybdenum