JOURNAL ARTICLE

Brexpiprazole augmentation and mitochondrial gene expression changes in major depressive disorder.

  • Published In: Journal of Psychopharmacology, 2025, v. 39, n. 6. P. 603 1 of 3

  • Database: Academic Search Ultimate 2 of 3

  • Authored By: Kondo, Kohei; Yoshino, Yuta; Kumon, Hiroshi; Okano, Mariko; Mori, Hiroaki; Iga, Jun-ichi; Ueno, Shu-ichi 3 of 3

Abstract

This article investigates the mechanism of brexpiprazole (BREX) augmentation therapy in treatment-resistant major depressive disorder (MDD) by examining changes in mitochondrial (MT) gene expression. Using RNA sequencing and quantitative PCR, the study found that BREX combined with the antidepressant escitalopram (ES) upregulated MT-related mRNA expressions in mouse neuroblastoma cells, human cell lines, and mouse brain regions, while MT-ATP8 expression was decreased in the blood of MDD patients. Behavioral tests in mice showed improved depressive-like symptoms with ES + BREX treatment. These findings suggest that modulation of mitochondrial gene expression may underlie the therapeutic effects of BREX augmentation in MDD, providing insights into its pathogenesis and potential clinical applications.

Additional Information

  • Source:Journal of Psychopharmacology. 2025/06, Vol. 39, Issue 6, p603
  • Document Type:Article
  • Subject Area:Health and Medicine
  • Publication Date:2025
  • ISSN:0269-8811
  • DOI:10.1177/02698811251337365
  • Accession Number:186245959
  • Copyright Statement:Copyright of Journal of Psychopharmacology is the property of Sage Publications Inc. and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

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