Nicole Erin Carmona

All Publications

• Peripheral Inflammatory Biomarkers Define Biotypes of Bipolar Depression Lee, Y., Mansur, R. B., Brietzke, E., Kapogiannis, D., Delgado-Peraza, F., Boutilier, J. J., Chan, T. Y., Carmona, N. E., Rosenblat, J., Lee, J., Maletic, V., Vinberg, M., Suppes, T., Goldstein, B. I., Ravindran, A., Taylor, V., Cosgrove, V., Kramer, N. E., Ho, R., Raison, C., McIntyre, R. S. ELSEVIER SCIENCE INC. 2021: S156

  View details for Web of Science ID 000645683800376

• Peripheral inflammatory biomarkers define biotypes of bipolar depression. Molecular psychiatry Lee, Y. n., Mansur, R. B., Brietzke, E. n., Kapogiannis, D. n., Delgado-Peraza, F. n., Boutilier, J. J., Chan, T. C., Carmona, N. E., Rosenblat, J. D., Lee, J. n., Maletic, V. n., Vinberg, M. n., Suppes, T. n., Goldstein, B. I., Ravindran, A. V., Taylor, V. H., Chawla, S. n., Nogueras-Ortiz, C. n., Cosgrove, V. E., Kramer, N. E., Ho, R. n., Raison, C. A., McIntyre, R. S. 2021

  Abstract

  We identified biologically relevant moderators of response to tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α inhibitor, infliximab, among 60 individuals with bipolar depression. Data were derived from a 12-week, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial secondarily evaluating the efficacy of infliximab on a measure of anhedonia (i.e., Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale). Three inflammatory biotypes were derived from peripheral cytokine measurements using an iterative, machine learning-based approach. Infliximab-randomized participants classified as biotype 3 exhibited lower baseline concentrations of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and soluble TNF receptor-1 and reported greater pro-hedonic improvements, relative to those classified as biotype 1 or 2. Pretreatment biotypes also moderated changes in neuroinflammatory substrates relevant to infliximab's hypothesized mechanism of action. Neuronal origin-enriched extracellular vesicle (NEV) protein concentrations were reduced to two factors using principal axis factoring: phosphorylated nuclear factorκB (p-NFκB), Fas-associated death domain (p-FADD), and IκB kinase (p-IKKα/β) and TNF receptor-1 (TNFR1) comprised factor "NEV1," whereas phosphorylated insulin receptor substrate-1 (p-IRS1), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38), and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (p-JNK) constituted "NEV2". Among infliximab-randomized subjects classified as biotype 3, NEV1 scores were decreased at weeks 2 and 6 and increased at week 12, relative to baseline, and NEV2 scores increased over time. Decreases in NEV1 scores and increases in NEV2 scores were associated with greater reductions in anhedonic symptoms in our classification and regression tree model (r2 = 0.22, RMSE = 0.08). Our findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the hypothesis that the pro-hedonic effects of infliximab require modulation of multiple TNF-α signaling pathways, including NF-κB, IRS1, and MAPK.

  View details for DOI 10.1038/s41380-021-01051-y

  View details for PubMedID 33658605

• Effects of infliximab on brain neurochemistry of adults with bipolar depression. Journal of affective disorders Mansur, R. B., Subramaniapillai, M., Lee, Y., Pan, Z., Carmona, N. E., Shekotikhina, M., Iacobucci, M., Rodrigues, N., Nasri, F., Rosenblat, J. D., Brietzke, E., Cosgrove, V. E., Kramer, N. E., Suppes, T., Newport, J., Hajek, T., McIntyre, R. S. 2020; 281: 61–66

  Abstract

  OBJECTIVES: To explore the relationship between inflammation and neuronal metabolism in bipolar disorder (BD) by evaluating the neurochemical effects of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) antagonist infliximab among individuals with bipolar depression METHODS: This is a post-hoc, exploratory analysis from a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with infliximab for adults with bipolar depression. We assessed the effects of infliximab on concentration of metabolites in the prefrontal cortex, using proton-magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H-MRS), as well as its association with clinical outcomes (i.e. depressive symptom severity and cognitive function).RESULTS: Eighteen participants in the placebo and 15 in the infliximab group were included in this analysis. In the pre-specified primary outcome, there were no significant effects of treatment on prefrontal concentrations of N-acetylaspartate (NAA; p=0.712). In the secondary analyses, there was a significant treatment by time interaction for glutamate (Glx; p=0.018), indicating that Glx levels decreased in infliximab-treated patients, relative to placebo. Treatment group significantly moderated the association between changes in Glx levels and changes in a neurocognitive test (i.e. Digit Symbol Substitution Test; p=0.014), indicating that in infliximab-treated participants reductions in Glx were associated with cognitive improvement.CONCLUSIONS: Treatment with infliximab did not affect prefrontal NAA concentration in adults with BD. Exploratory analysis suggested a potential effect of treatment on the glutamate system, a finding that should be confirmed and validated by additional studies.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.jad.2020.11.128

  View details for PubMedID 33296798

• Efficacy of Adjunctive Infliximab vs. Placebo in the Treatment of Anhedonia in Bipolar I/II Depression. Brain, behavior, and immunity Lee, Y. n., Mansur, R. B., Brietzke, E. n., Carmona, N. E., Subramaniapillai, M. n., Pan, Z. n., Shekotikhina, M. n., Rosenblat, J. D., Suppes, T. n., Cosgrove, V. E., Kramer, N. E., McIntyre, R. S. 2020

  Abstract

  We investigated the efficacy of tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonist infliximab on a measure of anhedonia amongst individuals with bipolar I/II depression (ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT02363738). Adults (ages 18-65) with bipolar I/II disorder currently experiencing a major depressive episode with a higher probability of inflammatory activity (i.e., meeting one or more of the following inflammatory/metabolic criteria: obesity and dyslipidemia/hypertension, daily cigarette smoking, diabetes mellitus, migraine, inflammatory bowel disease, and/or C-reactive protein level of ⩾5 mg/L) were enrolled in a double-blind, 12-week clinical trial of adjunctive infliximab (5 mg/kg) and saline control, which were administered at weeks 0, 2, and 6. The primary outcome measure for the present secondary analysis was change in the Snaith-Hamilton Pleasure Scale (SHAPS) total score between placebo- and infliximab-treated subjects from baseline to weeks 6 and 12. Plasma concentrations of TNF-α and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) 1 and 2 were assessed at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12. Sixty eligible adults received treatment with infliximab (n=29) or placebo (n=31); 48 subjects completed the study (infliximab: n=21, placebo: n=26). Overall, infliximab-randomized subjects exhibited significantly larger increases in SHAPS total score, denoting greater reductions in anhedonic symptoms, when compared to placebo-randomized subjects (treatment × time interaction effect: χ2=7.15,df=2,p=0.03). Anti-anhedonic efficacy was moderated by baseline plasma levels of TNF-α and sTNFR1, but not by changes in TNF-α or sTNFR1 concentrations. Baseline and changes in sTNFR2 concentrations did not moderate anti-anhedonic efficacy. Infliximab significantly improved a measure of anhedonia relative to placebo in adults with bipolar I/II depression at week 6; intervention efficacy was not sustained 6 weeks after the final infusion.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.04.063

  View details for PubMedID 32380271

• Leptin mediates improvements in cognitive function following treatment with infliximab in adults with bipolar depression. Psychoneuroendocrinology Mansur, R. B., Subramaniapillai, M. n., Lee, Y. n., Pan, Z. n., Carmona, N. E., Shekotikhina, M. n., Iacobucci, M. n., Rodrigues, N. n., Nasri, F. n., Rashidian, H. n., Rosenblat, J. D., Brietzke, E. n., Cosgrove, V. E., Kramer, N. E., Suppes, T. n., McIntyre, R. S. 2020; 120: 104779

  Abstract

  A potential role for leptin in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder (BD) has been proposed. We recently investigated the effects of the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) antagonist infliximab in individuals with bipolar depression. Leptin is known to interact with the TNF-α system. Herein, we aimed to explore infliximab's effects on leptin and its relationship with brain structure and function. Sixty adults with bipolar depression were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, 12-week clinical trial of adjunctive infliximab (n = 29) and saline control (n = 31), which were administered intravenously at weeks 0, 2, and 6. Plasma concentrations of leptin, TNF-α and soluble TNF receptors (sTNFR) 1 and 2 were assessed at weeks 0, 2, 6, and 12. We observed a significant decrease in leptin levels in infliximab-treated patients, relative to placebo. Infliximab treatment also significantly reduced TNF-α and sTNFR2, but not sTNFR1 levels. Changes in sTNR2 levels at week 6 significantly determined changes in leptin at week 12 in infliximab-, but not placebo-treated participants. Improvements in verbal memory and increases in global cortical volume were associated with reduction in leptin levels in the treatment group. Mediation analysis indicated that cognitive improvement in infliximab-treated patients was mediated by reductions in leptin levels, which in its turn were determined by decreases in sTNR2 levels. In conclusion, infliximab treatment reduced plasma leptin levels in individuals with BD, through modulation of sTNFR2. Decreases in leptin signaling were associated with an increase in global cortical volume and better performance in a verbal memory task.

  View details for DOI 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104779

  View details for PubMedID 32603956

• Efficacy of Adjunctive Infliximab vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adults With Bipolar I/II Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial JAMA PSYCHIATRY McIntyre, R. S., Subramaniapillai, M., Lee, Y., Pan, Z., Carmona, N. E., Shekotikhina, M., Rosenblat, J. D., Brietzke, E., Soczynska, J. K., Cosgrove, V. E., Miller, S., Fischer, E., Kramer, N. E., Dunlap, K., Suppes, T., Mansur, R. B. 2019; 76 (8): 783–90

  View details for DOI 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2019.0779

  View details for Web of Science ID 000480298500005

• Efficacy of Adjunctive Infliximab vs Placebo in the Treatment of Adults With Bipolar I/II Depression: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA psychiatry McIntyre, R. S., Subramaniapillai, M. n., Lee, Y. n., Pan, Z. n., Carmona, N. E., Shekotikhina, M. n., Rosenblat, J. D., Brietzke, E. n., Soczynska, J. K., Cosgrove, V. E., Miller, S. n., Fischer, E. G., Kramer, N. E., Dunlap, K. n., Suppes, T. n., Mansur, R. B. 2019

  Abstract

  To our knowledge, no study has previously evaluated whether individuals with bipolar depression enriched a priori on the basis of biochemical and/or phenotypic immuno-inflammatory activation would differentially respond to an anti-inflammatory agent for the treatment of depressive symptoms.To assess the antidepressant efficacy of adjunctive infliximab, a monoclonal antibody targeting tumor necrosis factor, in adults with bipolar I and bipolar II depression and inflammatory conditions.This 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group trial of 60 participants was conducted at 2 outpatient tertiary care sites in Canada and the United States. Eligible adults (aged 18-65 years) met DSM-5-defined criteria for bipolar I or bipolar II depression and exhibited pretreatment biochemical and/or phenotypic evidence of inflammatory activation. Participants were enrolled between October 1, 2015, and April 30, 2018. Data analysis was performed from May 1 through July 31, 2018, using modified intent-to-treat analysis.Patients were randomized to receive 3 intravenous infusions of infliximab therapy or placebo at baseline and at weeks 2 and 6 of the 12-week study.The primary efficacy outcome was baseline-to-end point (ie, week-12) change in Montgomery-Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS) total score. History of childhood maltreatment, as assessed by the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire, was used for exploratory analyses as 1 of several secondary outcomes.A total of 60 participants were randomized to infliximab (n = 29 [48%]; mean [SD] age, 45.0 [11.7] years; 20 of 28 female [71%]) or to placebo (n = 31 [52%]; mean [SD] age, 46.8 [10.2] years; 26 of 30 female [87%]) across study sites. Overall baseline-to-end point change in MADRS total score was observed across treatment × time interaction (χ2 = 10.33; P = .04); reduction in symptom severity was not significant at week 12 (relative risk, 1.09; 95% CI, 0.80-1.50; df = 1; P = .60). As part of a secondary analysis, a significant treatment × time × childhood maltreatment interaction was observed in which infliximab-treated individuals with childhood history of physical abuse exhibited greater reductions in MADRS total score (χ2 = 12.20; P = .02) and higher response rates (≥50% reduction in MADRS total score) (χ2 = 4.05; P = .04).Infliximab did not significantly reduce depressive symptoms compared with placebo in adults with bipolar depression. Results from secondary analyses identified a subpopulation (ie, those reporting physical and/or sexual abuse) that exhibited a significant reduction in depressive symptoms with infliximab treatment compared with placebo.ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02363738.

  View details for PubMedID 31066887

• Determinants of cognitive function in individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus: A meta-analysis ANNALS OF CLINICAL PSYCHIATRY Mansur, R. B., Lee, Y., Zhou, A. J., Carmona, N. E., Cha, D. S., Rosenblat, J. D., Bruins, R., Kakar, R., Rasgon, N. L., Lovshin, J. A., Wroolie, T. E., Sim, K., Brietzke, E., Gerstein, H. C., Rong, C., McIntyre, R. S. 2018; 30 (1): 38–50

  Abstract

  Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is associated with deficits across multiple cognitive domains; however, the determinants of cognitive impairment in T2DM are not well characterized. We aimed to evaluate body mass index (BMI), glycemic control, and T2DM duration as moderators of cognitive dysfunction in T2DM.We conducted a meta-analytic review of the literature reporting data on BMI, hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), T2DM duration, and validated measures of processing speed (ie, Digit Symbol Substitution Test, Trail Making Test [TMT]-A), verbal learning and memory (ie, Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test), and working memory/executive function (ie, TMT-B) among individuals with vs without T2DM.Individuals with T2DM demonstrated deficits across multiple cognitive domains (k = 40; n = 4,252 T2DM; n = 22,322 non-T2DM; effect sizes 0.21 to 0.35). Illness duration and BMI did not significantly moderate measures of cognition; however, higher HbA1c levels were significantly associated with deficits in measures of processing speed (R2 values 0.41 to 0.73, P < .01) and working memory/executive function (R2 = 0.62, P < .001).Adults with T2DM exhibited significant deficits across multiple domains of cognitive function. Additionally, we identified an association between poorer glycemic control and cognitive dysfunction. A clinical translation of our findings relates to the reduction in morbidity by improving glycemic control.

  View details for Web of Science ID 000438453600007

  View details for PubMedID 29373617