Chapters authored
Emergence of Ketamine as a Rapid Acting Antidepressant: Mechanistic Insights and Future Directions
Ketamine is a phencyclidine derivative and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, widely popular as a dissociative anesthetic. Its use as an anesthetic in humans was progressively fallen out due to its associated adverse effects and the emergence of newer and safer anesthetics. In recent few decades, various reports related to its efficacy in the treatment of resistant depression with anti-suicidal potential draw significant attention from researchers around the globe. The rapid clinical effect of ketamine within hours as compared to traditional antidepressants that take several weeks makes it a hot topic in antidepressant research. Studies conducted in the recent past suggest its mechanism of action through glutamate modulation via receptors like NMDA, AMPA as well as downregulation of BDNF etc. This chapter will shed light on the various mechanisms of ketamine related to antidepressant activity. Along with that its pharmacokinetics, toxicology and ongoing clinical trials will also be discussed.
Part of the book: Ketamine Revisited
Molecular Mechanisms Involved in Insulin Resistance: Recent Updates and Future Challenges
Insulin resistance (IR) is a condition in which insulin-mediated regulation of glucose metabolism in body tissues (primarily liver, adipose tissue and skeletal muscle) becomes disrupted. IR is a characteristic marker of type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. IR is generally associated with metabolic abnormalities, including hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose homeostasis, hyperlipidemia and obesity. IR can arise from pathological, genetic and environmental factors or from a combination of these factors. Studies conducted in recent decades showcase the important role of adipose tissue in the development of IR via release of lipids and different circulating factors. These extracellular factors influence the intracellular levels of intermediates including ceramide and various lipids that influence the cell responsiveness to insulin. These intermediates are suggested to promote IR via inhibition of one or more components of insulin signaling pathway (e.g., insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate proteins). This chapter will shed light on various molecular mechanisms and factors contributing to IR, which will help the researchers to design potential therapeutic strategies and interventions for efficiently managing IR and its related disorders.
Part of the book: Evolving Concepts in Insulin Resistance