1
|
Musillo C, Creutzberg KC, Collacchi B, Ajmone-Cat MA, De Simone R, Lepre M, Amrein I, Riva MA, Berry A, Cirulli F. Bdnf-Nrf-2 crosstalk and emotional behavior are disrupted in a sex-dependent fashion in adolescent mice exposed to maternal stress or maternal obesity. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:399. [PMID: 38105264 PMCID: PMC10725882 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02701-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal obesity has been recognized as a stressor affecting the developing fetal brain, leading to long-term negative outcomes comparable to those resulting from maternal psychological stress, although the mechanisms have not been completely elucidated. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that adverse prenatal conditions as diverse as maternal stress and maternal obesity might affect emotional regulation and stress response in the offspring through common pathways, with a main focus on oxidative stress and neuroplasticity. We contrasted and compared adolescent male and female offspring in two mouse models of maternal psychophysical stress (restraint during pregnancy - PNS) and maternal obesity (high-fat diet before and during gestation - mHFD) by combining behavioral assays, evaluation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis reactivity, immunohistochemistry and gene expression analysis of selected markers of neuronal function and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, a key region involved in stress appraisal. Prenatal administration of the antioxidant N-acetyl-cysteine (NAC) was used as a strategy to protect fetal neurodevelopment from the negative effects of PNS and mHFD. Our findings show that these two stressors produce overlapping effects, reducing brain anti-oxidant defenses (Nrf-2) and leading to sex-dependent impairments of hippocampal Bdnf expression and alterations of the emotional behavior and HPA axis functionality. Prenatal NAC administration, by restoring the redox balance, was able to exert long-term protective effects on brain development, suggesting that the modulation of redox pathways might be an effective strategy to target common shared mechanisms between different adverse prenatal conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Musillo
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
- Ph.D. Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Kerstin C Creutzberg
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Barbara Collacchi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Antonietta Ajmone-Cat
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberta De Simone
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Marcello Lepre
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Irmgard Amrein
- Functional Neuroanatomy, Institute of Anatomy, University of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Alessandra Berry
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Maffioli E, Nonnis S, Grassi Scalvini F, Negri A, Tedeschi G, Toni M. The Neurotoxic Effect of Environmental Temperature Variation in Adult Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15735. [PMID: 37958719 PMCID: PMC10648238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxicity consists of the altered functionality of the nervous system caused by exposure to chemical agents or altered chemical-physical parameters. The neurotoxic effect can be evaluated from the molecular to the behavioural level. The zebrafish Danio rerio is a model organism used in many research fields, including ecotoxicology and neurotoxicology. Recent studies by our research group have demonstrated that the exposure of adult zebrafish to low (18 °C) or high (34 °C) temperatures alters their brain proteome and fish behaviour compared to control (26 °C). These results showed that thermal variation alters the functionality of the nervous system, suggesting a temperature-induced neurotoxic effect. To demonstrate that temperature variation can be counted among the factors that generate neurotoxicity, eight different protein datasets, previously published by our research group, were subjected to new analyses using an integrated proteomic approach by means of the Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) software (Release December 2022). The datasets consist of brain proteome analyses of wild type adult zebrafish kept at three different temperatures (18 °C, 26 °C, and 34 °C) for 4 days (acute) or 21 days (chronic treatment), and of BDNF+/- and BDNF-/- zebrafish kept at 26 °C or 34 °C for 21 days. The results (a) demonstrate that thermal alterations generate an effect that can be defined as neurotoxic (p value ≤ 0.05, activation Z score ≤ -2 or ≥2), (b) identify 16 proteins that can be used as hallmarks of the neurotoxic processes common to all the treatments applied and (c) provide three protein panels (p value ≤ 0.05) related to 18 °C, 34 °C, and BDNF depletion that can be linked to anxiety-like or boldness behaviour upon these treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maffioli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.)
- CRC “Innovation for Well-Being and Environment” (I-WE), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Grassi Scalvini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Armando Negri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.)
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.)
- CRC “Innovation for Well-Being and Environment” (I-WE), Università degli Studi di Milano, 20126 Milano, Italy
| | - Mattia Toni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Via Alfonso Borrelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Toni M, Arena C, Cioni C, Tedeschi G. Temperature- and chemical-induced neurotoxicity in zebrafish. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1276941. [PMID: 37854466 PMCID: PMC10579595 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1276941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Throughout their lives, humans encounter a plethora of substances capable of inducing neurotoxic effects, including drugs, heavy metals and pesticides. Neurotoxicity manifests when exposure to these chemicals disrupts the normal functioning of the nervous system, and some neurotoxic agents have been linked to neurodegenerative pathologies such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. The growing concern surrounding the neurotoxic impacts of both naturally occurring and man-made toxic substances necessitates the identification of animal models for rapid testing across a wide spectrum of substances and concentrations, and the utilization of tools capable of detecting nervous system alterations spanning from the molecular level up to the behavioural one. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is gaining prominence in the field of neuroscience due to its versatility. The possibility of analysing all developmental stages (embryo, larva and adult), applying the most common "omics" approaches (transcriptomics, proteomics, lipidomics, etc.) and conducting a wide range of behavioural tests makes zebrafish an excellent model for neurotoxicity studies. This review delves into the main experimental approaches adopted and the main markers analysed in neurotoxicity studies in zebrafish, showing that neurotoxic phenomena can be triggered not only by exposure to chemical substances but also by fluctuations in temperature. The findings presented here serve as a valuable resource for the study of neurotoxicity in zebrafish and define new scenarios in ecotoxicology suggesting that alterations in temperature can synergistically compound the neurotoxic effects of chemical substances, intensifying their detrimental impact on fish populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mattia Toni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Chiara Arena
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Cioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science (DIVAS), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
- CRC “Innovation for Well-Being and Environment” (I-WE), Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milano, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Long-term effects of prenatal stress on the development of prefrontal cortex in the adolescent offspring. J Chem Neuroanat 2022; 125:102169. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2022.102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
|
5
|
Soti M, Ranjbar H, Kohlmeier KA, Shabani M. Sex differences in the vulnerability of the hippocampus to prenatal stress. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22305. [PMID: 36282753 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Distressing events during pregnancy that engage activity of the body's endocrine stress response have been linked with later life cognitive deficits in offspring and associated with developmental changes in cognitive-controlling neural regions. Interestingly, prenatal stress (PS)-induced alterations have shown some sex specificity. Here, we review the literature of animal studies examining sex-specific effect of physical PS on the function and structure of the hippocampus as hippocampal impairments likely underlie PS-associated deficits in learning and memory. Furthermore, the connectivity between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the hippocampus as well as the heavy presence of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus suggests this structure plays an important role in modulation of activity within stress circuitry in a sex-specific pattern. We hope that better understanding of sex-specific, PS-related hippocampal impairment will assist in uncovering the molecular mechanisms behind sex-based risk factors in PS populations across development, and perhaps contribute to greater precision in management of cognitive disturbances in this vulnerable population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monavareh Soti
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Hoda Ranjbar
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Kristi A Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mohammad Shabani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
German-Ponciano LJ, Rosas-Sánchez GU, Cueto-Escobedo J, Fernández-Demeneghi R, Guillén-Ruiz G, Soria-Fregozo C, Herrera-Huerta EV, Rodríguez-Landa JF. Participation of the Serotonergic System and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in the Antidepressant-like Effect of Flavonoids. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810896. [PMID: 36142808 PMCID: PMC9505567 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressive disorders are among the most disabling diseases experienced around the world, and their incidence has significantly increased over the last few decades due to multiple environmental, social, and biological factors. The search for new pharmacological alternatives to treat depression is a global priority. In preclinical research, molecules obtained from plants, such as flavonoids, have shown promising antidepressant-like properties through several mechanisms of action that have not been fully elucidated, including crossing of the blood brain barrier (BBB). This review will focus on discussing the main findings related to the participation of the serotonergic system and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on the antidepressant-like effect of some flavonoids reported by behavioral, neurochemical, and molecular studies. In this sense, evidence shows that depressive individuals have low levels of serotonin and BDNF, while flavonoids can reverse it. Finally, the elucidation of the mechanism used by flavonoids to modulate serotonin and BDNF will contribute to our understanding of the neurobiological bases underlying the antidepressant-like effects produced by these natural compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jonathan Cueto-Escobedo
- Departamento de Investigación Clínica y Traslacional Instituto de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico
| | | | - Gabriel Guillén-Ruiz
- Programa de Investigadoras e Investigadores por México CONACyT-Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa 91190, Mexico
| | - César Soria-Fregozo
- Centro Universitario de Los Lagos, Universidad de Guadalajara, Lagos de Moreno 47460, Mexico
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Altered Development of Prefrontal GABAergic Functions and Anxiety-like Behavior in Adolescent Offspring Induced by Prenatal Stress. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12081015. [PMID: 36009078 PMCID: PMC9406165 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12081015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress can afflict fetal brain development, putting the offspring at risk of cognitive deficits, including anxiety. The prefrontal cortex (PFC), a protracted maturing region, is notably affected by prenatal stress (PS). However, it remains unclear how PS interferes with the maturation of the GABAergic system, considering its functional adjustment in the PFC during adolescence. The present study thus investigated the long-lasting consequences of PS on the prefrontal GABAergic functions of adolescent offspring. Pregnant Sprague–Dawley rats were divided into controls and the PS group, which underwent restraint stress during the last week of gestation. Male pups from postnatal days (PND) 40–42 were submitted to the elevated plus maze (EPM) test. Proteins essentially involved in GABAergic signaling were then examined in PFC tissues, including the K+-Cl− cotransporter (KCC2), Na+-K+-Cl− cotransporter (NKCC1), α1 and α5 subunits of GABA type A receptors (GABAA receptors), and parvalbumin (PV), along with cAMP response element-binding protein phosphorylation (pCREB), which reacts in the plasticity regulation of PV-positive interneurons. The results revealed that the higher anxiety-like behavior of PS adolescent rats concurred with the significant decreases of the KCC2 and α1 subunits, with PV- and pCREB-lowered levels. The findings suggested that PS disrupts the continuance of PFC maturity by reducing the essential elements of GABAergic functions. These changes likely underlie the anxiety emerging in adolescence, possibly progressing to mental disorders.
Collapse
|
8
|
Reemst K, Ruigrok SR, Bleker L, Naninck EFG, Ernst T, Kotah JM, Lucassen PJ, Roseboom TJ, Pollux BJA, de Rooij SR, Korosi A. Sex-dependence and comorbidities of the early-life adversity induced mental and metabolic disease risks: Where are we at? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104627. [PMID: 35339483 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is a major risk factor for developing later-life mental and metabolic disorders. However, if and to what extent ELA contributes to the comorbidity and sex-dependent prevalence/presentation of these disorders remains unclear. We here comprehensively review and integrate human and rodent ELA (pre- and postnatal) studies examining mental or metabolic health in both sexes and discuss the role of the placenta and maternal milk, key in transferring maternal effects to the offspring. We conclude that ELA impacts mental and metabolic health with sex-specific presentations that depend on timing of exposure, and that human and rodent studies largely converge in their findings. ELA is more often reported to impact cognitive and externalizing domains in males, internalizing behaviors in both sexes and concerning the metabolic dimension, adiposity in females and insulin sensitivity in males. Thus, ELA seems to be involved in the origin of the comorbidity and sex-specific prevalence/presentation of some of the most common disorders in our society. Therefore, ELA-induced disease states deserve specific preventive and intervention strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Reemst
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvie R Ruigrok
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Bleker
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva F G Naninck
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tiffany Ernst
- Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Experimental Zoology &Evolutionary Biology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janssen M Kotah
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J A Pollux
- Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Experimental Zoology &Evolutionary Biology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Maffioli E, Angiulli E, Nonnis S, Grassi Scalvini F, Negri A, Tedeschi G, Arisi I, Frabetti F, D’Aniello S, Alleva E, Cioni C, Toni M. Brain Proteome and Behavioural Analysis in Wild Type, BDNF +/- and BDNF -/- Adult Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) Exposed to Two Different Temperatures. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105606. [PMID: 35628418 PMCID: PMC9146406 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105606] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Revised: 05/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental evidence suggests that environmental stress conditions can alter the expression of BDNF and that the expression of this neurotrophin influences behavioural responses in mammalian models. It has been recently demonstrated that exposure to 34 °C for 21 days alters the brain proteome and behaviour in zebrafish. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of BDNF in the nervous system of adult zebrafish under control and heat treatment conditions. For this purpose, zebrafish from three different genotypes (wild type, heterozygous BDNF+/- and knock out BDNF-/-) were kept for 21 days at 26 °C or 34 °C and then euthanized for brain molecular analyses or subjected to behavioural tests (Y-maze test, novel tank test, light and dark test, social preference test, mirror biting test) for assessing behavioural aspects such as boldness, anxiety, social preference, aggressive behaviour, interest for the novel environment and exploration. qRT-PCR analysis showed the reduction of gene expression of BDNF and its receptors after heat treatment in wild type zebrafish. Moreover, proteomic analysis and behavioural tests showed genotype- and temperature-dependent effects on brain proteome and behavioural responding. Overall, the absent expression of BDNF in KO alters (1) the brain proteome by reducing the expression of proteins involved in synapse functioning and neurotransmitter-mediated transduction; (2) the behaviour, which can be interpreted as bolder and less anxious and (3) the cellular and behavioural response to thermal treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Maffioli
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Elisa Angiulli
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.A.); (C.C.)
| | - Simona Nonnis
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.); (G.T.)
- CRC I-WE (Coordinating Research Centre: Innovation for Well-Being and Environment), University of Milan, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Grassi Scalvini
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Armando Negri
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.); (G.T.)
| | - Gabriella Tedeschi
- Department of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via dell’Università 6, 26900 Lodi, Italy; (E.M.); (S.N.); (F.G.S.); (A.N.); (G.T.)
- CRC I-WE (Coordinating Research Centre: Innovation for Well-Being and Environment), University of Milan, 20134 Milan, Italy
| | - Ivan Arisi
- Bioinformatics Facility, European Brain Research Institute (EBRI) “Rita Levi-Montalcini”, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Institute of Translational Pharmacology (IFT), National Research Council (CNR), 00131 Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Frabetti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Salvatore D’Aniello
- Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn Napoli, Villa Comunale, 80121 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Enrico Alleva
- Center for Behavioural Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Carla Cioni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.A.); (C.C.)
| | - Mattia Toni
- Department of Biology and Biotechnology “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza University, Via Alfonso Borelli 50, 00161 Rome, Italy; (E.A.); (C.C.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Musillo C, Berry A, Cirulli F. Prenatal psychological or metabolic stress increases the risk for psychiatric disorders: the "funnel effect" model. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 136:104624. [PMID: 35304226 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Adverse stressful experiences in utero can redirect fetal brain development, ultimately leading to increased risk for psychiatric disorders. Obesity during pregnancy can have similar effects as maternal stress, affecting mental health in the offspring. In order to explain how similar outcomes may originate from different prenatal conditions, we propose a "funnel effect" model whereby maternal psychological or metabolic stress triggers the same evolutionarily conserved response pathways, increasing vulnerability for psychopathology. In this context, the placenta, which is the main mother-fetus interface, appears to facilitate such convergence, re-directing "stress" signals to the fetus. Characterizing converging pathways activated by different adverse environmental conditions is fundamental to assess the emergence of risk signatures of major psychiatric disorders, which might enable preventive measures in risk populations, and open up new diagnostics, and potentially therapeutic approaches for disease prevention and health promotion already during pregnancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Musillo
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy; PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Berry
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Asadi E, Khodagholi F, Asadi S, Mohammadi Kamsorkh H, Kaveh N, Maleki A. Quality of early-life maternal care predicts empathy-like behavior in adult male rats: Linking empathy to BDNF gene expression in associated brain regions. Brain Res 2021; 1767:147568. [PMID: 34192516 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147568] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Empathy is the ability to experience a shared affective state as others. It enhances group living and manifests itself as helping behavior towards a distressed person. It also can flourish by nurturing. Recent findings suggest that rodents exhibit empathy-like behavior towards their conspecifics. However, the role of early-life experiences (e.g., maternal care) is not clear on the development of empathy-like behavior. Moreover, brain-derived neutrophilic factor (BDNF) is a pivotal protein in modulating the brain's function and behaviors. Evidence suggests that the expression of the BDNF gene can be affected by the quality of maternal care. In this study, we questioned whether variation in maternal care modulates empathy-like behavior of male rats in adulthood. Additionally, gene expression of BDNF was measured in the amygdala, hippocampus, insula, anterior cingulate cortex, prefrontal cortex, and striatum in these adult male rats. Based on the pattern of maternal care, the offspring were divided into high maternal care (HMC) and low maternal care (LMC) groups. We confirmed that the early-life experience of HMC significantly promoted the empathy-like behavior of rats in adulthood compared to LMC. In terms of gene expression, the HMC group consistently had higher BDNF gene expression in all studied regions, except anterior cingulate cortex which groups were not different. Taken together, it suggests that maternal care in infancy predicts empathy-like behavior in adulthood and differences in BDNF gene expression in different brain regions may reflect the underlying mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Asadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fariba Khodagholi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Sareh Asadi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Neda Kaveh
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Maleki
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Berry A, Mazzelli M, Musillo C, Riva MA, Cattaneo A, Cirulli F. High-fat diet during adulthood interacts with prenatal stress, affecting both brain inflammatory and neuroendocrine markers in male rats. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2326-2340. [PMID: 33711185 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PNS) affects foetal programming and, through an interaction with subsequent challenges, can increase vulnerability to mood and metabolic disorders. We have previously shown that, following PNS, adult male rats are characterized by increased vulnerability to a metabolic stressor experienced at adulthood (8-week-high-fat diet-HFD). In this study, we specifically assessed whether PNS might interact with an adult metabolic challenge to induce an inflammatory phenotype. Changes in the expression levels of inflammatory (Il-1β, Tnf-α, Il-6) and of stress response mediators (Nr3c1, Fkbp5) as well as of mood and metabolic regulators (Bdnf, Ghs-R) were investigated in the hippocampus, prefrontal cortex and hypothalamus, brain regions involved in the pathogenesis of depression and prone to inflammation in response to stress. Overall, PNS reduced the expression of Bdnf and Tnf-α, while HFD administered at adulthood counteracted this effect suggesting that PNS impinges upon the same pathways regulating responses to a metabolic challenge at adulthood. Furthermore, HFD and PNS affected the expression of both Nr3c1 and Fkbp5, two neuroendocrine mediators involved in the response to stress, metabolic challenges and in the modulation of the emotional profile (as shown by the correlation between Fkbp5 and the time spent in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze). Overall, these results indicate that the same metabolic and neuroendocrine effectors engaged by PNS are affected by metabolic challenges at adulthood, providing some mechanistic insight into the well-known comorbidity between mood and metabolic disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Berry
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Monica Mazzelli
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Musillo
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.,PhD Program in Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Andrea Riva
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lopizzo N, Mazzelli M, Zonca V, Begni V, D'Aprile I, Cattane N, Pariante CM, Riva MA, Cattaneo A. Alterations in 'inflammatory' pathways in the rat prefrontal cortex as early biological predictors of the long-term negative consequences of exposure to stress early in life. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 124:104794. [PMID: 33429258 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2020.104794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Early life stress, especially when experienced during the first period of life, affects the brain developmental trajectories leading to an enhanced vulnerability for stress-related psychiatric disorders later in life. Although both clinical and preclinical studies clearly support this association, the biological pathways deregulated by such exposure, and the effects in shaping the neurodevelopmental trajectories, have so far been poorly investigated. By using the prenatal stress (PNS) model, a well-established rat model of early life stress, we performed transcriptomic analyses in the prefrontal cortex of rats exposed or not to PNS and sacrificed at different postnatal days (PNDs 21, 40, 62). We first investigated the long-lasting mechanisms and pathways affected in the PFC. We have decided to focus on the prefrontal cortex because we have previously shown that this brain region is highly sensitive to PNS exposure. We found that adult animals exposed to PNS show alterations in 389 genes, mainly involved in stress and inflammatory signalling. We then wanted to establish whether PNS exposure could also affect the neurodevelopmental trajectories in order to identify the most critical temporal window. We found that PNS rats show the most significant changes during adolescence (between PND 40 versus PND 21), with alterations of several pathways related to stress, inflammation and metabolism, which were maintained until adulthood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Lopizzo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Monica Mazzelli
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Zonca
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Ilari D'Aprile
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College, London, UK
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy; Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Donovan M, Mackey CS, Platt GN, Rounds J, Brown AN, Trickey DJ, Liu Y, Jones KM, Wang Z. Social isolation alters behavior, the gut-immune-brain axis, and neurochemical circuits in male and female prairie voles. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100278. [PMID: 33344730 PMCID: PMC7739176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The absence of social support, or social isolation, can be stressful, leading to a suite of physical and psychological health issues. Growing evidence suggests that disruption of the gut-immune-brain axis plays a crucial role in the negative outcomes seen from social isolation stress. However, the mechanisms remain largely unknown. The socially monogamous prairie vole (Microtus ochrogaster) has been validated as a useful model for studying negative effects of social isolation on the brain and behaviors, yet how the gut microbiome and central immune system are altered in isolated prairie voles are still unknown. Here, we utilized this social rodent to examine how social isolation stress alters the gut-immune-brain axis and relevant behaviors. Adult male and female prairie voles (n = 48 per sex) experienced social isolation or were cohoused with a same-sex cagemate (control) for six weeks. Thereafter, their social and anxiety-like behaviors, neuronal circuit activation, neurochemical expression, and microgliosis in key brain regions, as well as gut microbiome alterations from the isolation treatment were examined. Social isolation increased anxiety-like behaviors and impaired social affiliation. Isolation also resulted in sex- and brain region-specific alterations in neuronal activation, neurochemical expression, and microgliosis. Further, social isolation resulted in alterations to the gut microbiome that were correlated with key brain and behavioral measures. Our data suggest that social isolation alters the gut-immune-brain axis in a sex-dependent manner and that gut microbes, central glial cells, and neurochemical systems may play a critical, integrative role in mediating negative outcomes from social isolation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meghan Donovan
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
- Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center, Rocky Mountain Regional VA Medical Center, 1700 N. Wheeling St., Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Calvin S. Mackey
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Grayson N. Platt
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Jacob Rounds
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Amber N. Brown
- Department of Biological Science Core Facilities, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Darryl J. Trickey
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Kathryn M. Jones
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, 319 Stadium Dr., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| | - Zuoxin Wang
- Department of Psychology and Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, 1107 W. Call St., Tallahassee, FL, 32306, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sanson A, Riva MA. Anti-Stress Properties of Atypical Antipsychotics. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2020; 13:E322. [PMID: 33092112 PMCID: PMC7589119 DOI: 10.3390/ph13100322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress exposure represents a major environmental risk factor for schizophrenia and other psychiatric disorders, as it plays a pivotal role in the etiology as well as in the manifestation of disease symptomatology. It may be inferred that pharmacological treatments must be able to modulate the behavioral, functional, and molecular alterations produced by stress exposure to achieve significant clinical outcomes. This review aims at examining existing clinical and preclinical evidence that supports the ability of atypical antipsychotic drugs (AAPDs) to modulate stress-related alterations. Indeed, while the pharmacodynamic differences between AAPDs have been extensively characterized, less is known on their ability to regulate downstream mechanisms that are critical for functional recovery and patient stabilization. We will discuss stress-related mechanisms, spanning from neuroendocrine function to inflammation and neuronal plasticity, which are relevant for the manifestation of schizophrenic symptomatology, and we will discuss if and how AAPDs may interfere with such mechanisms. Considering the impact of stress in everyday life, we believe that a better understanding of the potential effects of AAPDs on stress-related mechanisms may provide novel and important insights for improving therapeutic strategies aimed at promoting coping mechanisms and enhancing the quality of life of patients affected by psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco A. Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Giuseppe Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Mazzelli M, Maj C, Mariani N, Mora C, Begni V, Pariante CM, Riva MA, Cattaneo A, Cattane N. The Long-Term Effects of Early Life Stress on the Modulation of miR-19 Levels. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:389. [PMID: 32499725 PMCID: PMC7243913 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs), one of the major small non-coding RNA classes, have been proposed as regulatory molecules in neurodevelopment and stress response. Although alterations in miRNAs profiles have been implicated in several psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, the contribution of individual miRNAs in brain development and function is still unknown. Recent studies have identified miR-19 as a key regulator of brain trajectories, since it drives the differentiation of neural stem cells into mature neurons. However, no findings are available on how vulnerability factors for these disorders, such as early life stress (ELS), can modulate the expression of miR-19 and its target genes. To reach our aim, we investigated miR-19 modulation in human hippocampal progenitor stem cells (HPCs) treated with cortisol during 3 days of proliferation and harvested immediately after the end of the treatment or after 20 days of differentiation into mature neurons. We also analyzed the long-term expression changes of miR-19 and of its validated target genes, involved in neurodevelopment and inflammation, in the hippocampus of adult rats exposed or not to prenatal stress (PNS). Interestingly, we observed a significant downregulation of miR-19 levels both in proliferating (FC = −1.59, p-value = 0.022 for miR-19a; FC = −1.79, p-value = 0.016 for miR-19b) as well as differentiated HPCs (FC = −1.28, p-value = 0.065 for miR-19a; FC = −1.75, p-value = 0.047 for miR-19b) treated with cortisol. Similarly, we found a long-term decrease of miR-19 levels in the hippocampus of adult PNS rats (FC = −1.35, p-value = 0.025 for miR-19a; FC = −1.43, p-value = 0.032 for miR-19b). Among all the validated target genes, we observed a significant increase of NRCAM (FC = 1.20, p-value = 0.027), IL4R (FC = 1.26, p-value = 0.046), and RAPGEF2 (FC = 1.23, p-value = 0.020).We suggest that ELS can cause a long-term downregulation of miR-19 levels, which may be responsible of alterations in neurodevelopmental pathways and in immune/inflammatory processes, leading to an enhanced risk for mental disorders later in life. Intervention strategies targeting miR-19 may prevent alterations in these pathways, reducing the ELS-related effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Mazzelli
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carlo Maj
- Institute for Genomic Statistics and Bioinformatics, University Hospital, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicole Mariani
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Mora
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cattaneo
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Nadia Cattane
- Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang T, Nie Z, Shu H, Kuang Y, Chen X, Cheng J, Yu S, Liu H. The Role of BDNF on Neural Plasticity in Depression. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:82. [PMID: 32351365 PMCID: PMC7174655 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Using behavioral, pharmacological, and molecular methods, lots of studies reveal that depression is closely related to the abnormal neural plasticity processes occurring in the prefrontal cortex and limbic system such as the hippocampus and amygdala. Meanwhile, functions of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and the other neurotrophins in the pathogenesis of depression are well known. The maladaptive neuroplastic in depression may be related to alterations in the levels of neurotrophic factors, which play a central role in plasticity. Enhancement of neurotrophic factors signaling has great potential in therapy for depression. This review highlights the relevance of neurotrophic factors mediated neural plasticity and pathophysiology of depression. These studies reviewed here may suggest new possible targets for antidepressant drugs such as neurotrophins, their receptors, and relevant signaling pathways, and agents facilitating the activation of gene expression and increasing the transcription of neurotrophic factors in the brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Zheng Nie
- Department of Anatomy and Histology and Embryology, Regeneration Key Lab of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Haifeng Shu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongqin Kuang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Jingmin Cheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Sixun Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The General Hospital of Western Theater Command, Chengdu, China
| | - Huiying Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Diseases, The Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kamimura I, Kaneko R, Morita H, Mogi K, Kikusui T. Microbial colonization history modulates anxiety-like and complex social behavior in mice. Neurosci Res 2020; 168:64-75. [PMID: 32017965 DOI: 10.1016/j.neures.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2019] [Revised: 12/27/2019] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Microbiome composition has a pivotal role in neurobehavioral development. However, there is limited information about the role of the microbiome in sociability of mice in complex social contexts. Germ-free (GF) mice were reared in a microbiota-free environment until postnatal day 21 and then transferred to a room containing specific pathogen free (SPF) mice. At 9 weeks old, group social behaviors were measured for three GF mice and three SPF mice unfamiliar to each other. GF mice spent less time in the center area of the arena and there were longer inter-individual distances compared with SPF mice. GF mice also had decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and increased ΔFosB mRNA in the prefrontal cortex compared to SPF mice. There were differences in the gut microbiome composition between GF and SPF mice; however, if cohabitating after weaning, then their microbiome composition became equivalent and group differences in behavior and BDNF and ΔFosB mRNA expression disappeared. These results demonstrate that the bacterial community can modulate neural systems that are involved in sociability and anxiety during the developmental period and suggest that sociability and anxiety can be shaped depending on the microbiome environment through interaction with conspecifics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Itsuka Kamimura
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Japan
| | - Ryou Kaneko
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Morita
- Graduate School of Environmental and Life Science, Okayama University, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Mogi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology, Azabu University, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Sobolewski M, Abston K, Conrad K, Marvin E, Harvey K, Susiarjo M, Cory-Slechta DA. Lineage- and Sex-Dependent Behavioral and Biochemical Transgenerational Consequences of Developmental Exposure to Lead, Prenatal Stress, and Combined Lead and Prenatal Stress in Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:27001. [PMID: 32073883 PMCID: PMC7064322 DOI: 10.1289/ehp4977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/06/2020] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lead (Pb) exposure and prenatal stress (PS) during development are co-occurring risk factors with shared biological substrates. PS has been associated with transgenerational passage of altered behavioral phenotypes, whereas the transgenerational behavioral or biochemical consequences of Pb exposure, and modification of any such effects by PS, is unknown. OBJECTIVES The present study sought to determine whether Pb, PS, or combined Pb and PS exposures produced adverse transgenerational consequences on brain and behavior. METHODS Maternal Pb and PS exposures were carried out in F0 mice. Outside breeders were used at each subsequent breeding, producing four F1-F2 lineages: [F1 female-F2 female (FF), FM (male), MF, and MM]. F3 offspring were generated from each of these lineages and examined for outcomes previously found to be altered by Pb, PS, or combined Pb and PS in F1 offspring: behavioral performance [fixed-interval (FI) schedule of food reward, locomotor activity, and anxiety-like behavior], dopamine function [striatal expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (Th)], glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and plasma corticosterone, as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and total percent DNA methylation of Th and Bdnf genes in the frontal cortex and hippocampus. RESULTS Maternal F0 Pb exposure produced runting in F3 offspring. Considered across lineages, F3 females exhibited Pb-related alterations in behavior, striatal BDNF levels, frontal cortical Th total percentage DNA methylation levels and serum corticosterone levels, whereas F3 males showed Pb- and PS-related alterations in behavior and total percent DNA methylation of hippocampal Bdnf. However, numerous lineage-specific effects were observed, most of greater magnitude than those observed across lineages, with outcomes differing by F3 sex. DISCUSSION These findings support the possibility that exposures of previous generations to Pb or PS may influence the brain and behavior of future generations. Observed changes were sex-dependent, with F3 females showing multiple changes through Pb-exposed lineages. Lineage effects may occur through maternal responses to pregnancy, altered maternal behavior, epigenetic modifications, or a combination of mechanisms, but they have significant public health ramifications regardless of mechanism. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP4977.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sobolewski
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Kadijah Abston
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Katherine Conrad
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Elena Marvin
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Katherine Harvey
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Martha Susiarjo
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Deborah A Cory-Slechta
- Department of Environmental Medicine, University of Rochester School of Medicine, Rochester, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Badihian N, Daniali SS, Kelishadi R. Transcriptional and epigenetic changes of brain derived neurotrophic factor following prenatal stress: A systematic review of animal studies. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 117:211-231. [PMID: 31838194 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2019.12.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2019] [Revised: 12/07/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Gestational period plays critical role in neuropsychological development. One of the genes that undergoes changes by prenatal stress (PNS) exposure, is the gene coding brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Studies have reported different patterns of change following PNS in BDNF, which emphasizes the complexity of the issue. In this review, systematic search of PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane CENTRAL databases was performed. Primary searches resulted in 2132 studies and finally 43 studies were found to meet the inclusion criteria. Transcriptional and epigenetic changes of BDNF gene in the brain were recorded. Decreased or unchanged BDNF total mRNA and BDNF mature protein, with hypermethylation of the coding exons were the most reported changes. However, stress paradigm, gender of the fetus and the day of sacrifice were found to significantly affect the results. Hippocampus and prefrontal cortex are the most vulnerable regions. They can show long lasting and persistent transcriptional and epigenetics changes of BDNF gene following PNS. Further studies evaluating the importance of these findings in humans are essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Negin Badihian
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 81746-73461, Iran.
| | - Seyede Shahrbanoo Daniali
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 81746-73461, Iran.
| | - Roya Kelishadi
- Child Growth and Development Research Center, Research Institute for Primordial Prevention of Non-Communicable Disease, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, 81746-73461, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Lynch KS, O'Connell LA, Louder MIM, Balakrishnan CN, Fischer EK. Understanding the Loss of Maternal Care in Avian Brood Parasites Using Preoptic Area Transcriptome Comparisons in Brood Parasitic and Non-parasitic Blackbirds. G3 (BETHESDA, MD.) 2019; 9:1075-1084. [PMID: 30760540 PMCID: PMC6469424 DOI: 10.1534/g3.118.200992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Parental care is critical for offspring survival in many species. However, parental behaviors have been lost in roughly 1% of avian species known as the obligate brood parasites. To shed light on molecular and neurobiological mechanisms mediating brood parasitic behavior, we compared brain gene expression patterns between two brood parasitic species and one closely related non-parasitic Icterid (blackbird) species. Our analyses focused on gene expression changes specifically in the preoptic area (POA), a brain region known to play a critical role in parental behavior across vertebrates. Using comparative transcriptomic approaches, we identified gene expression patterns associated with brood parasitism. We evaluated three non-mutually exclusive alternatives for the evolution of brood parasitism: (1) retention of juvenile-like (neotenic) gene expression, (2) reduced expression of maternal care-related genes in the POA, and/or (3) increased expression of genes inhibiting maternal care. We find evidence for neotenic expression patterns in both species of parasitic cowbirds as compared to maternal, non-parasites. In addition, we observed differential expression in a number of genes with previously established roles in mediating maternal care. Together, these results provide the first insight into transcriptomic and genetic mechanisms underlying the loss of maternal behavior in avian brood parasites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Matthew I M Louder
- Department of Biology, East Carolina University: Greenville, NC, 27858
- Department of Animal Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
| | | | - Eva K Fischer
- Department of Biology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
The Role of Dendritic Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Transcripts on Altered Inhibitory Circuitry in Depression. Biol Psychiatry 2019; 85:517-526. [PMID: 30449530 PMCID: PMC6380918 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2018.09.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 08/24/2018] [Accepted: 09/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A parallel downregulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and somatostatin (SST), a marker of inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid interneurons that target pyramidal cell dendrites, has been reported in several brain areas of subjects with major depressive disorder (MDD). Rodent genetic studies suggest that they are linked and that both contribute to the illness. However, the mechanism by which they contribute to the pathophysiology of the illness has remained elusive. METHODS With quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we determined the expression level of BDNF transcript variants and synaptic markers in the prefrontal cortex of patients with MDD and matched control subjects (n = 19/group) and of C57BL/6J mice exposed to chronic stress or control conditions (n = 12/group). We next suppressed Bdnf transcripts with long 3' untranslated region (L-3'-UTR) using short hairpin RNA and investigated changes in cell morphology, gene expression, and behavior. RESULTS L-3'-UTRs containing BDNF messenger RNAs, which migrate to distal dendrites of pyramidal neurons, are selectively reduced, and their expression was highly correlated with SST expression in the prefrontal cortex of subjects with MDD. A similar downregulation occurs in mice submitted to chronic stress. We next show that Bdnf L-3'-UTR knockdown is sufficient to induce 1) dendritic shrinkage in cortical neurons, 2) cell-specific MDD-like gene changes (including Sst downregulation), and 3) depressive- and anxiety-like behaviors. The translational validity of the Bdnf L-3'-UTR short hairpin RNA-treated mice was confirmed by significant cross-species correlation of changes in MDD-associated gene expression. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence for a novel MDD-related pathological mechanism linking local neurotrophic support, pyramidal cell structure, dendritic inhibition, and mood regulation.
Collapse
|
23
|
Immune Challenge Alters Reactivity of Hippocampal Noradrenergic System in Prenatally Stressed Aged Mice. Neural Plast 2019; 2019:3152129. [PMID: 30804990 PMCID: PMC6360630 DOI: 10.1155/2019/3152129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 11/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PS) has long-term sequelae for the morphological and functional status of the central nervous system of the progeny. A PS-induced proinflammatory status of the organism may result in an impairment of both hippocampal synaptic plasticity and hippocampus-dependent memory formation in adults. We addressed here the question of how PS-induced alterations in the immune response in young and old mice may contribute to changes in hippocampal function in aging. Immune stimulation (via LPS injection) significantly affected the ability of the hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapse of PS mice to undergo long-term potentiation (LTP). Elevated corticosterone level in the blood of aged PS mice that is known to influence LTP magnitude indicates a chronic activation of the HPA axis due to the in utero stress exposure. We investigated the contribution of adrenergic receptors to the modulation of hippocampal synaptic plasticity of aged mice and found that impaired LTP in the PS-LPS group was indeed rescued by application of isoproterenol (a nonspecific noradrenergic agonist). Further exploration of the mechanisms of the observed phenomena will add to our understanding of the interaction between PS and proinflammatory immune activation and its contribution to the functional and structural integrity of the aging brain.
Collapse
|
24
|
Caraci F, Calabrese F, Molteni R, Bartova L, Dold M, Leggio GM, Fabbri C, Mendlewicz J, Racagni G, Kasper S, Riva MA, Drago F. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology CIV: The Neurobiology of Treatment-resistant Depression: From Antidepressant Classifications to Novel Pharmacological Targets. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:475-504. [PMID: 29884653 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent and life-threatening forms of mental illnesses and a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Currently available antidepressants are effective for most patients, although around 30% are considered treatment resistant (TRD), a condition that is associated with a significant impairment of cognitive function and poor quality of life. In this respect, the identification of the molecular mechanisms contributing to TRD represents an essential step for the design of novel and more efficacious drugs able to modify the clinical course of this disorder and increase remission rates in clinical practice. New insights into the neurobiology of TRD have shed light on the role of a number of different mechanisms, including the glutamatergic system, immune/inflammatory systems, neurotrophin function, and epigenetics. Advances in drug discovery processes in TRD have also influenced the classification of antidepressant drugs and novel classifications are available, such as the neuroscience-based nomenclature that can incorporate such advances in drug development for TRD. This review aims to provide an up-to-date description of key mechanisms in TRD and describe current therapeutic strategies for TRD before examining novel approaches that may ultimately address important neurobiological mechanisms not targeted by currently available antidepressants. All in all, we suggest that drug targeting different neurobiological systems should be able to restore normal function but must also promote resilience to reduce the long-term vulnerability to recurrent depressive episodes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Caraci
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - F Calabrese
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - R Molteni
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - L Bartova
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - M Dold
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - G M Leggio
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - C Fabbri
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - J Mendlewicz
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - G Racagni
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - S Kasper
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - M A Riva
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - F Drago
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Blecharz-Klin K, Wawer A, Jawna-Zboińska K, Pyrzanowska J, Piechal A, Mirowska-Guzel D, Widy-Tyszkiewicz E. Early paracetamol exposure decreases brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in striatum and affects social behaviour and exploration in rats. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 168:25-32. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 03/12/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
|
26
|
Neurobiological links between depression and AD: The role of TGF-β1 signaling as a new pharmacological target. Pharmacol Res 2018; 130:374-384. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
27
|
Cortisol, cortisone, and BDNF in amniotic fluid in the second trimester of pregnancy: Effect of early life and current maternal stress and socioeconomic status. Dev Psychopathol 2018; 30:971-980. [PMID: 29576035 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418000147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The prenatal environment shapes the offspring's phenotype; moreover, transgenerational stress and stress during pregnancy may play a role. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoids influence neurodevelopment during pregnancy, and there is evidence that BDNF in amniotic fluid is mainly of fetal origin, while the source of glucocorticoids is maternal. We tested the hypothesis that maternal early life stress, psychiatric diagnoses, anxiety, perceived stress, and socioeconomic status influence BDNF and glucocorticoid concentrations in amniotic fluid in the second trimester. We studied 79 pregnant women who underwent amniocentesis in the early second trimester and analyzed BDNF, cortisol, and cortisone concentrations in amniotic fluid. The endocrine data were related to maternal early life adversities (Childhood Trauma Questionaire), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), anxiety, socioeconomic status (family income), and the presence of psychiatric diseases. We found BDNF in amniotic fluid to be positively related to maternal early adversity (Childhood Trauma Questionaire). Low family income (socioeconomic status) was related to high amniotic fluid glucocorticoid concentrations. Neither glucocorticoid concentrations nor hydroxy steroid dehydrogenase (HSD2) activity could be related to BDNF concentrations in amniotic fluid. Early maternal adverse events may be reflected in the fetal BDNF regulation, and it should be tested whether this relates to differences in neurodevelopment.
Collapse
|
28
|
Kertes DA, Bhatt SS, Kamin HS, Hughes DA, Rodney NC, Mulligan CJ. BNDF methylation in mothers and newborns is associated with maternal exposure to war trauma. Clin Epigenetics 2017; 9:68. [PMID: 28680507 PMCID: PMC5493129 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-017-0367-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The BDNF gene codes for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, a growth factor involved in neural development, cell differentiation, and synaptic plasticity. Present in both the brain and periphery, BDNF plays critical roles throughout the body and is essential for placental and fetal development. Rodent studies show that early life stress, including prenatal stress, broadly alters BDNF methylation, with presumed changes in gene expression. No studies have assessed prenatal exposure to maternal traumatic stress and BDNF methylation in humans. This study examined associations of prenatal exposure to maternal stress and BDNF methylation at CpG sites across the BDNF gene. RESULTS Among 24 mothers and newborns in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, a region with extreme conflict and violence to women, maternal experiences of war trauma and chronic stress were associated with BDNF methylation in umbilical cord blood, placental tissue, and maternal venous blood. Associations of maternal stress and BDNF methylation showed high tissue specificity. The majority of significant associations were observed in putative transcription factor binding regions. CONCLUSIONS This is the first study in humans to examine BDNF methylation in relation to prenatal exposure to maternal stress in three tissues simultaneously and the first in any mammalian species to report associations of prenatal stress and BDNF methylation in placental tissue. The findings add to the growing body of evidence highlighting the importance of considering epigenetic effects when examining the impacts of trauma and stress, not only for adults but also for offspring exposed via effects transmitted before birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darlene A Kertes
- Department of Psychology and University of Florida Genetics Institute, 945 Center Drive, Gainesville, FL 32611-2250 USA
| | - Samarth S Bhatt
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Hayley S Kamin
- Department of Psychology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - David A Hughes
- Integrative Epidemiology Unit, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Nicole C Rodney
- Department of Anthropology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Connie J Mulligan
- Department of Anthropology and University of Florida Genetics Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Panetta P, Berry A, Bellisario V, Capoccia S, Raggi C, Luoni A, Longo L, Riva MA, Cirulli F. Long-Term Sex-Dependent Vulnerability to Metabolic challenges in Prenatally Stressed Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2017; 11:113. [PMID: 28706476 PMCID: PMC5489562 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2017.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress (PNS) might affect the developmental programming of adult chronic diseases such as metabolic and mood disorders. The molecular mechanisms underlying such regulations may rely upon long-term changes in stress-responsive effectors such as Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) that can affect neuronal plasticity underlying mood disorders and may also play a role in metabolic regulation. Based upon previous data, we hypothesized that PNS might lead to greater vulnerability to an obesogenic challenge experienced at adulthood. In order to investigate our hypothesis, pregnant Sprague-Dawley female rats underwent a chronic procedure of restraint stress during the last week of gestation. The adult offspring were then challenged with a high fat diet (HFD) over 8 weeks and tested for metabolic and emotional endpoints. Moreover, brain specific changes in Bdnf expression levels were also assessed. Overall, HFD resulted in increased caloric intake, insulin resistance, impaired glucose tolerance and higher circulating levels of leptin, while PNS increased the leptin/adiponectin ratio, an index of metabolic risk in adult male subjects. Interestingly, HFD consumption increased anxiety-like behaviors in the Elevated Plus Maze, particularly in males, and this effect was buffered by PNS. Levels of Bdnf were finely modulated by PNS and HFD in a region- and sex-dependent fashion: female offspring overall showed greater plasticity, possibly mediated through increased total Bdnf mRNA expression both in the hippocampus and in the hypothalamus. In conclusion, while the experience of maternal stress during intrauterine life promotes metabolic dysfunction induced by a HFD at adulthood, the interaction between PNS and HFD is positive in male subjects, and in agreement with the match-mismatch hypothesis, resulting in a reduction of anxious behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Panetta
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Berry
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Veronica Bellisario
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Sara Capoccia
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Carla Raggi
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| | - Alessia Luoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Linda Longo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of MilanMilan, Italy
| | - Francesca Cirulli
- Center for Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health, Istituto Superiore di SanitàRome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cirulli F. Interactions between early life stress and metabolic stress in programming of mental and metabolic health. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2016.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
31
|
Di Benedetto S, Müller L, Wenger E, Düzel S, Pawelec G. Contribution of neuroinflammation and immunity to brain aging and the mitigating effects of physical and cognitive interventions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2017; 75:114-128. [PMID: 28161508 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.01.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2016] [Revised: 01/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that the brain and the immune system continuously interact during normal as well as pathological functioning. Human aging is commonly accompanied by low-grade inflammation in both the immune and central nervous systems, thought to contribute to many age-related diseases. This review of the current literature focuses first on the normal neuroimmune interactions occurring in the brain, which promote learning, memory and neuroplasticity. Further, we discuss the protective and dynamic role of barriers to neuroimmune interactions, which have become clearer with the recent discovery of the meningeal lymphatic system. Next, we consider age-related changes of the immune system and possible deleterious influences of immunosenescence and low-grade inflammation (inflammaging) on neurodegenerative processes in the normally aging brain. We survey the major immunomodulators and neuroregulators in the aging brain and their highly tuned dynamic and reciprocal interactions. Finally, we consider our current understanding of how physical activity, as well as a combination of physical and cognitive interventions, may mediate anti-inflammatory effects and thus positively impact brain aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana Di Benedetto
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Center for Lifespan Psychology, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany; Center for Medical Research, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Waldhörnlestr. 22, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ludmila Müller
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Center for Lifespan Psychology, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Elisabeth Wenger
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Center for Lifespan Psychology, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sandra Düzel
- Max Planck Institute for Human Development, Center for Lifespan Psychology, Lentzeallee 94, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Graham Pawelec
- Center for Medical Research, Department of Internal Medicine II, University of Tübingen, Waldhörnlestr. 22, 72072 Tübingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Cattaneo A, Riva MA. Stress-induced mechanisms in mental illness: A role for glucocorticoid signalling. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:169-74. [PMID: 26241031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Stress represents the main environmental risk factor for mental illness. Exposure to stressful events, particularly early in life, has been associated with increased incidence and susceptibility of major depressive disorders as well as of other psychiatric illnesses. Among the key players in these events are glucocorticoid receptors. Dysfunctional glucocorticoid signalling may indeed contribute to psychopathology through a number of mechanisms that regulate the response to acute or chronic stress and that affect the function of genes and systems known to be relevant for mood disorders. Indeed, exposure to chronic stress early in life as well as in adulthood has been shown to reduce the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GR), also through epigenetic mechanisms, and to up-regulate the expression of the co-chaperone gene FKBP5, which restrains GR activity by limiting the translocation of the receptor complex to the nucleus. Another mechanism that contributes to changes in GR responsiveness is the state of receptor phosphorylation that controls activation, subcellular localization as well as its transcriptional activity. Moreover, GR phosphorylation may represent an important mechanism for the cross talk between neurotrophic signalling and GR-dependent transcription, bridging two important players for mood disorders. One gene that lies downstream from GR and may contribute to stress-related changes is serum glucocorticoid kinase-1 (SGK1). We have demonstrated that the expression of SGK1 is significantly increased after exposure to chronic stress in rodents as well as in the blood of drug-free depressed patients. We have also shown that SGK1 up-regulation may ultimately reduce hippocampal neurogenesis and contribute to the structural abnormalities that have been reported to occur in depressed patients. In summary, GR signalling may represent a point of convergence as well as of divergence for defects associated with pathologic conditions characterized by heightened vulnerability to stress. The characterization of these abnormalities is crucial to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention that may counteract more effectively stress-induced neurobiological abnormalities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Cattaneo
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK; IRCCS Fatebenefratelli San Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - M A Riva
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Calabrese F, Riva MA, Molteni R. Synaptic alterations associated with depression and schizophrenia: potential as a therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1195-207. [PMID: 27167520 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1188080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, the concept of 'synaptopathy' has been extended from neurodegenerative and neurological disorders to psychiatric diseases. According to this nascent line of research, disruption in synaptic structure and function acts as the main determinant of mental illness. Therefore, molecular systems and processes crucial for synaptic activity may represent promising therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED We review data on synaptic structural alterations in depression and schizophrenia and on specific molecular systems and/or mechanisms important for the maintenance of proper synaptic function. Specifically, we examine the involvement of the neuroligin system, the local protein translation, and the neurotrophin BDNF by reviewing clinical and preclinical studies, with particular attention to results provided by using animal models based on the role of stress in psychiatric diseases. Finally, we also discuss the impact of pharmacological treatment on these molecular systems/mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION The relevance of synaptic dysfunctions in psychiatric diseases is undoubted and the potential to normalize, ameliorate, and shape such alterations by acting on molecular systems crucial to ensure synaptic function property is fascinating. However, future studies are required to elucidate several open issues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Calabrese
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Marco A Riva
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Raffaella Molteni
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pro-apoptotic Action of Corticosterone in Hippocampal Organotypic Cultures. Neurotox Res 2016; 30:225-38. [PMID: 27189478 PMCID: PMC4947107 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9630-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2016] [Revised: 05/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Elevated levels of glucocorticoids exert neurotoxic effects, and the hippocampus is particularly sensitive to the effects of glucocorticoids. Because some data have indicated that an increased action of glucocorticoids in the perinatal period enhances the susceptibility of brain tissue to adverse substances later in life, the main purpose of the present study was to compare necrotic/apoptotic corticosterone action in hippocampal organotypic cultures obtained from control animals with the effect of this steroid in tissue from prenatally stressed rats. Because the adverse effects of glucocorticoid action on nerve cell viability appear to result mainly from an increase in the intensity of the effects of glutamate and changes in growth factor and pro-inflammatory cytokine synthesis, the involvement of these factors in corticosterone action were also determined. In stress-like concentration (1 μM), corticosterone, when added to hippocampal cultures for 1 and 3 days, alone or jointly with glutamate, did not induce necrosis. In contrast, in 3-day cultures, corticosterone (1 μM) increased caspase-3 activity and the mRNA expression of the pro-apoptotic Bax. Moreover, corticosterone’s effect on caspase-3 activity was stronger in hippocampal cultures from prenatally stressed compared to control rats. Additionally, 24 h of exposure to corticosterone and glutamate, when applied separately and together, increased Bdnf, Ngf, and Tnf-α expression. In contrast, after 72 h, a strong decrease in the expression of both growth factors was observed, while the expression of TNF-α remained high. The present study showed that in stress-like concentrations, corticosterone exerted pro-apoptotic but not necrotic effects in hippocampal organotypic cultures. Prenatal stress increased the pro-apoptotic effects of corticosterone. Increased synthesis of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α may be connected with the adverse effects of corticosterone on brain cell viability.
Collapse
|
35
|
Lasting Differential Effects on Plasticity Induced by Prenatal Stress in Dorsal and Ventral Hippocampus. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:2540462. [PMID: 26881096 PMCID: PMC4736977 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2540462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2015] [Revised: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversaries have a profound impact on the developing brain structure and functions that persist long after the original traumatic experience has vanished. One of the extensively studied brain structures in relation to early life stress has been the hippocampus because of its unique association with cognitive processes of the brain. While the entire hippocampus shares the same intrinsic organization, it assumes different functions in its dorsal and ventral sectors (DH and VH, resp.), based on different connectivity with other brain structures. In the present review, we summarize the differences between DH and VH and discuss functional and structural effects of prenatal stress in the two sectors, with the realization that much is yet to be explored in understanding the opposite reactivity of the DH and VH to stressful stimulation.
Collapse
|
36
|
Bennett GA, Palliser HK, Shaw JC, Walker D, Hirst JJ. Prenatal Stress Alters Hippocampal Neuroglia and Increases Anxiety in Childhood. Dev Neurosci 2015; 37:533-45. [DOI: 10.1159/000437302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 06/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress has been associated with detrimental outcomes of pregnancy, including altered brain development leading to behavioural pathologies. The neurosteroid allopregnanolone has been implicated in mediating some of these adverse outcomes following prenatal stress due to its potent inhibitory and anxiolytic effects on the brain. The aims of the current study were to characterise key markers for brain development as well as behavioural parameters, adrenocortical responses to handling and possible neurosteroid influences towards outcomes in guinea pig offspring in childhood. Pregnant guinea pig dams were exposed to strobe light for 2 h (9-11 a.m.) on gestational days 50, 55, 60, and 65 and were left to deliver spontaneously at term and care for their litter. Behavioural testing (open-field test, object exploration test) of the offspring was performed at postnatal day 18 (with salivary cortisol and DHEA measured), and brains were collected at post-mortem on day 21. Markers of brain development myelin basic protein (MBP) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were assessed via immunohistochemistry, and the neurosteroid allopregnanolone and its rate-limiting enzymes 5α-reductase types 1 and 2 (5αR1/2) were measured in neonatal brains by radioimmunoassay, reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and Western blot, respectively. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor protein was measured as a marker of synaptic plasticity, and GABAA receptor subunit expression was also assessed using RT-PCR. Neonates born from mothers stressed during late pregnancy showed a reduction in both MBP (p < 0.01) and GFAP (p < 0.05) expression in the CA1 region of the hippocampus at 21 days of age. Pups of prenatally stressed pregnancies also showed higher levels of anxiety and neophobic behaviours at the equivalent of childhood (p < 0.05). There were no significant changes observed in allopregnanolone levels, 5αR1/2 expression, or GABAA receptor subunit expression in prenatally stressed neonates compared to controls. This study shows alterations in markers of myelination and reactive astrocytes in the hippocampus of offspring exposed to prenatal stress. These changes are also observed in offspring that show increased anxiety behaviours at the equivalent of childhood, which indicates ongoing structural and functional postnatal changes after prenatal stress exposure.
Collapse
|