Environmental enrichment has no effect on the development of dopaminergic and GABAergic fibers during methylphenidate treatment of early traumatized gerbils

It is widely believed, that environmental factors play a crucial role in the etiology and outcome of psychiatric diseases such as Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). A former study from our laboratory has shown that both methylphenidate (MP) and handling have a positive effect on the dopaminergic fiber density in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of early traumatized gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus). The current study was performed to investigate if enriched environment during MP application has an additional influence on the dopaminergic and GABAergic fiber densities in the PFC and amygdala in this animal model

An introduction to pharmacogenomics and personalized medicine

Pharmacogenomics is gradually assuming an integral part in modern medical practice. The exploitation of genomic data to better predict response to medications and avoid adverse drug reactions is becoming a reality in some medical specialties (i.e., personalized medicine). The creation of an informational structured framework of genetic, phenotypic, and environmental factors might provide the health-care system with useful tools that can optimize the effectiveness of specific treatments. In this chapter, we review the most relevant applications of pharmacogenomics, together with an overview of the opportunities and bottlenecks of the implementation of genetic information in personalized medicine and of its full adoption in clinical settings