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IVIG Stopped Ella’s Self-Harm
IVIG Stopped Ella’s Self-Harm

Trigger Warning: Self-Harm & Suicide The following story discusses experiences with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and psychiatric hospitalization. If you are sensitive to these topics, please...

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Neuroinflammation and pathways that contribute to Tourette Syndrome

Wu, X., Hao, J., Jiang, K. et al. Neuroinflammation and pathways that contribute to tourette syndrome. Ital J Pediatr 51, 63 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-025-01874-3

  • Tourette Syndrome (TS): A neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by motor and vocal tics, often co-occurring with ADHD, OCD, and other psychological issues.
  • Neurotransmitter Imbalances: TS is traditionally linked to neurotransmitter disruptions, especially within the cortex-striatum-thalamus-cortex circuit, involving dopamine and glutamate.
  • Neuroinflammation: Emerging research shows neuroinflammation, often triggered by infections or allergies, contributes to neurotransmitter imbalances that may induce tics.
  • Infectious Triggers: Streptococcal infections (e.g., PANDAS), viral infections (e.g., enterovirus, COVID-19), and other pathogens (e.g., Chlamydia, Mycoplasma) are linked to TS exacerbation.
  • Immune Mechanisms: Inflammatory responses activate microglia and the peripheral immune system, disrupting neurotransmitter balance and leading to tics.
Fluoxetine promotes IL-10-dependent metabolic defenses to protect from sepsis-induced lethality
Gallant RM, Sanchez KK, Joulia E, Snyder JM, Metallo CM, Ayres JS. Fluoxetine promotes IL-10-dependent metabolic defenses to protect from sepsis-induced lethality. Sci Adv. 2025 Feb 14;11(7):eadu4034. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adu4034. Epub 2025 Feb 14. PMID: 39951524; PMCID: PMC11827869.
  • SSRIs Overview: Among the most prescribed drugs globally, primarily used to enhance serotonergic signaling in the brain.
  • Beyond the Brain: SSRIs also impact immune and metabolic functions.
  • Infection Protection: Studies show SSRIs, including fluoxetine, protect against infections like sepsis and COVID-19, though mechanisms remain unclear.
  • Key Findings on Fluoxetine:Protection is independent of peripheral serotonin.
    • Increases circulating interleukin-10 (IL-10) levels.
    • IL-10 prevents sepsis-induced hypertriglyceridemia and associated cardiac issues (glucose oxidation impairment, lipid accumulation, ventricular stretch, potential cardiac failure).
  • Therapeutic Potential: Fluoxetine’s “off-target” effects offer a protective immunometabolic mechanism with possible clinical applications.