Clinical potential of minocycline for schizophrenia

CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2008 Oct;7(4):376-81. doi: 10.2174/187152708786441858.

Abstract

Minocycline, an antibiotic of the tetracycline family, has been shown to display neurorestorative or neuroprotective properties in various models of neurodegenerative diseases. In particular, it has been shown to delay motor alterations, inflammation and apoptosis in models of Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Parkinson's disease. Despite controversies about its efficacy, the relative safety and tolerability of minocycline have led to various clinical trials. Recently, we reported the antipsychotic effects of minocycline in patients with schizophrenia. In a pilot investigation, we administered minocycline as an open-label adjunct to antipsychotic medication to patients with schizophrenia. The results of this trial suggested that minocycline might be a safe and effective adjunct to antipsychotic medications, and that augmentation with minocycline may prove to be a viable strategy for "boosting" antipsychotic efficacy and for treating schizophrenia. The present review summarizes the available data supporting the clinical testing of minocycline for patients with schizophrenia. In addition, we extend our discussion to the potential applications of minocycline for combining this treatment with cellular and molecular therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / pharmacology
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antipsychotic Agents / pharmacology
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Apoptosis / drug effects
  • Apoptosis / physiology
  • Humans
  • Microglia / drug effects
  • Minocycline / pharmacology
  • Minocycline / therapeutic use*
  • Nerve Degeneration / drug therapy
  • Nerve Degeneration / physiopathology
  • Nerve Degeneration / prevention & control
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents
  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • Minocycline