Title:The Complex Link Between Schizophrenia and Dementia: Targeting Ca2+/cAMP Signalling
Volume: 26
Issue: 27
Author(s): Leandro B. Bergantin*
Affiliation:
- Department of Pharmacology, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo, 669 - Vila Clementino, Sao Paulo,Brazil
Keywords:
Schizophrenia, dementia, Ca2+/cAMP signalling, Ca2+ channel blockers, pharmacotherapy, neurodegeneration.
Abstract:
Background: Considering a consistent body of evidence has been showing that schizophrenia patients
have had an increased risk of developing dementia. The hypothesis that dementia and schizophrenia share a complex
link, is emerging. It is highly discussed that dysregulations related to Ca2+ signalling, e.g., an increase of the
intracellular concentration of Ca2+, could link both diseases, in addition to cAMP signalling pathways.
Objective: Thus, revealing this interplay between schizophrenia and dementia may provide novel insights into the
pathogenesis of these diseases.
Methods: Publications involving Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways, dementia and schizophrenia (alone or
combined) were collected by searching PubMed and EMBASE.
Results: Both Ca2+ and cAMP signalling pathways (Ca2+/cAMP signalling) control the release of neurotransmitters/
hormones and neuronal death, and dysregulations of these cellular processes may be involved in both diseases.
Conclusion: Bearing in mind the experience of our group in this field, this article debated the involvement of
Ca2+/cAMP signalling in this link between schizophrenia and dementia, including its pharmacological implications.