A Precision Medicine Approach to Oxytocin Trials

Abstract

In this chapter, we introduce a new area of social pharmacology that encompasses the study of the role of neuromodulators in modulating a wide range of social behaviors and brain function, with the interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors. There are increasing evidences for the role of the neuropeptide oxytocin in modulating a wide range of social behaviors, in reducing anxiety, and in impacting the social brain network. Oxytocin also promotes social functions in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders, such as autism and reduces anxiety and fear in anxiety disorders. In this chapter, we will emphasize the importance of integrating basic research and clinical human research in determining optimal strategies for drug discoveries for social dysfunctions and anxiety disorders. We will highlight the significance of adopting a precision medicine approach to optimize targeted treatments with oxytocin in neuropsychiatry. Oxytocin effects on social behavior and brain function can vary from one individual to another based on external factors, such as heterogeneity in autism phenotype, childhood experiences, personality, attachment style, and oxytocin receptor polymorphisms. Hence, targeted therapies for subgroups of patients can help alleviating some of the core symptoms and lead to a better future for these patients and their families.

Participatory Art Activities Increase Salivary Oxytocin Secretion of ASD Children

“…Exogenously administrated OT has been shown to modulate social behaviors, stress, and anxiety both in healthy individuals and in patients with neuropsychiatric disorders [ 16 ]. Moreover, intranasal administration of OT affects social perception, in that it improves discrimination of facial expressions [ 17 , 18 ] and increases the gaze to the eye region [ 19 ].…”

Social Feedback During Sensorimotor Synchronization Changes Salivary Oxytocin and Behavioral States

“…The neuropeptide oxytocin (OXT) plays complex roles in emotional and social behaviors, including attachment, social recognition, trust, generosity, anxiety management, and responses to social stress (Heinrichs et al, 2003;Kosfeld et al, 2005;Uvnäs-Moberg et al, 2005;Zak et al, 2007;De Dreu et al, 2010;MacDonald and Feifel, 2014). OXT administration has been proposed as a treatment option for autism, social anxiety and other disorders with a social dimension (Andari et al, 2018;Benner and Yamasue, 2018). The excitement for the therapeutic potential of OXT has been tampered mostly by the difficulty to deliver the exogenous peptide to the brain, even when administered intranasally (Leng and Ludwig, 2016).…”

Chronic oxytocin-driven alternative splicing of CRFR2α induces anxiety

“…Although the anxiolytic effect of acute OXT application and underlying molecular mechanisms have been well characterized (Blume et al, 2008;Jurek et al, 2012;Neumann et al, 2000a;Okimoto et al, 2012;Sabihi et al, 2014;, only little is known regarding possible adverse effects of chronic OXT treatment. In this context, detailed knowledge on the molecular processes downstream of the OXTR after chronic OXT is indispensable, as OXT has the potential as treatment option for psychopathologies associated with symptoms of anxiety (Andari et al, 2018;Macdonald and Feifel, 2012;Meyer-Lindenberg et al, 2011;Neumann and Slattery, 2016).…”