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Deb P, Chini A, Guha P, Rishi A, Bhan A, Brady B, Perrotti LI, Mandal SS. Dynamic regulation of BDNF gene expression by estradiol and lncRNA HOTAIR. Gene 2024; 897:148055. [PMID: 38043834 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2023.148055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/05/2023]
Abstract
Brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a major neurotransmitter that controls growth and maintenance of neurons and its misregulation is linked to neurodegeneration and human diseases. Estradiol (E2) is well-known to regulate the process of differentiation and plasticity of hippocampal neurons. Here we examined the mechanisms of BDNF gene regulation under basal conditions and under stimuli such as E2. Our results demonstrated that BDNF expression is induced by E2 in vitro in HT22 cells (hippocampal neuronal cells) and in vivo (in ovariectomized mouse brain under E2-treatment). Using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay, we demonstrated that estrogen receptors (ERα, ERβ) were enriched at the BDNF promoter in presence of E2. Additionally, ER-coregulators (e.g., CBP/p300, MLL3), histone acetylation, H3K4-trimethylation, and RNA polymerase II levels were also elevated at the BDNF promoter in an E2-dependent manner. Additionally, under the basal conditions (in the absence of E2), the long noncoding RNA HOTAIR and its interacting partners PRC2 and LSD1 complexes binds to the promoter of BDNF and represses its expression. HOTAIR knockdown -relieves the repression resulting in elevation of BDNF expression. Further, levels of HOTAIR-interacting partners, EZH2 and LSD1 were reduced at the BDNF promoter upon HOTAIR-knockdown revealing that HOTAIR plays a regulatory role in BDNF gene expression by modulating promoter histone modifications. Additionally, we showed that E2 induced-BDNF expression is mediated by the displacement of silencing factors, EZH2 and LSD1 at BDNF promoter and subsequent recruitment of active transcription machinery. These results reveal the mechanisms of BDNF gene regulation under the basal condition and in presence of a positive regulator such as E2 in neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paromita Deb
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Lab, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States
| | - Avisankar Chini
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Lab, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States
| | - Prarthana Guha
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Lab, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States
| | - Ashcharya Rishi
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Lab, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States
| | - Arunoday Bhan
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Lab, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States
| | - Blake Brady
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States
| | - Linda I Perrotti
- Department of Psychology, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States
| | - Subhrangsu S Mandal
- Gene Regulation and Epigenetics Research Lab, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX 76019, United States.
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Bahi A. Gestational environmental enrichment prevents chronic social stress induced anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in offspring. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 234:173679. [PMID: 37977553 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2023.173679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Revised: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological surveys have shown a strong relationship between maternal stress and offspring's mood disorders. Growing evidence suggested that environmental enrichment (EE) improves cognitive function in models of psychiatric and neurological disorders. However, the potential protective effects of gestational EE on social stress-elicited mood disorders in offspring have not been studied. Knowing that the undeveloped brain is more sensitive to gestational environmental stimuli, we hypothesized that initiating cognitive stimulation, during gestation, would protect against social stress-induced behavioral alterations in adulthood. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of gestational EE on social stress-elicited anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors in adult offspring. EE consisted of free access, of dams, to tubular devices of different shapes, colors, and sizes that were changed regularly. After birth and weaning, young adult offspring were exposed to 19 days of social stress and anxiety-like behavior was evaluated by elevated plus maze, open field, and marbles burying tests. The two-bottle choice (TBC) drinking paradigm was used to assess stress-induced ethanol intake. Results showed that gestational EE prevented social stress-elicited anxiogenic-like effects with no differences in spontaneous locomotor activity. Moreover, in the TBC paradigm, mice pre-exposed to EE consistently showed a significantly decreased consumption and preference for ethanol with no effects on tastants' intakes. Interestingly, gestational EE increased serum BDNF levels, which showed a correlation with measures of anxiety- and ethanol-related behaviors. These findings indicate that some neurodevelopmental changes associated with prenatal EE may counteract adult social stress-induced behavioral alterations through a BDNF mechanism. Therefore, we propose that gestational EE has significant protective and beneficial effects on social stress-induced cognitive impairment. It can also alleviate anxiety-like behavior and subsequent excessive alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amine Bahi
- College of Medicine, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates; Department of Anatomy, CMHS, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates.
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De Hoyos G, Ramos-Sostre D, Torres-Reverón A, Barros-Cartagena B, López-Rodríguez V, Nieves-Vázquez C, Santiago-Saavedra F, Appleyard CB, Castro EM, Flores I. Efficacy of an environmental enrichment intervention for endometriosis: a pilot study. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1225790. [PMID: 37885745 PMCID: PMC10598732 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1225790] [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: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction We have previously shown that Environmental Enrichment (EE), a multi-modal psychosocial intervention consisting of increased social interaction, novelty, and open spaces, improved disease presentation, anxiety, and immune-related disturbances in the rat model of endometriosis. However, there is a knowledge gap regarding the effects of EE interventions in patients with this painful, inflammatory chronic disease. Aim To adapt and test the efficacy of an EE intervention on pelvic pain, mental health, perceived stress, quality of life, and systemic inflammation in endometriosis patients through a randomized clinical trial (RCT). Materials and methods A multidisciplinary team with expertise in physiology, neuroscience, psychology, and women's health adapted and implemented a two-arm RCT comparing an EE intervention with a wait-list control group. Six EE modules administered on alternate weeks were provided to patients in the intervention (N = 29); controls received education only. Survey data and biospecimens were collected at baseline, end-of-study, and 3-months post-intervention to assess pain (Brief Pain Inventory, BPI), endometriosis-related quality of life-QoL (Endometriosis Health Profile-30, EHP30), anxiety (Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7, GAD7), depression (Patient Health Questionnaire for Depression 8, PHQ8), pain catastrophizing (Pain Catastrophizing Score, PCS), stress (Perceived Stress Scale-14, PSS14), and saliva cortisol levels (AM, PM). Results Compared to the wait-list controls, participants in the EE intervention showed significantly decreased GAD-7 scores at the end of the intervention and 3-month follow-up. Depression, perceived stress, and QoL improved at the 3-month follow-up compared to baseline. While pain levels did not improve, they significantly correlated with anxiety, depression, QoL and pain catastrophizing scores. Conclusion This pilot RCT demonstrated significant improvements in anxiety and depressive symptoms, QoL, and perceived stress, supporting enriched environments as an integrative psychosocial intervention to be used as adjuvant to the standard of care for endometriosis pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace De Hoyos
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Darlenne Ramos-Sostre
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Annelyn Torres-Reverón
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Sur180 Therapeutics, Inc., McAllen, TX, United States
| | | | | | - Cristina Nieves-Vázquez
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Fanny Santiago-Saavedra
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Caroline B. Appleyard
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Sur180 Therapeutics, Inc., McAllen, TX, United States
| | - Eida M. Castro
- School of Behavioral and Brain Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Idhaliz Flores
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
- Sur180 Therapeutics, Inc., McAllen, TX, United States
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
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Xu L, Jiao M, Cui ZL, Zhao QY, Wang Y, Chen S, Zhang JJ, Jin YH, Mu D, Yang YQ. Enriched environment during adolescence modulates lipid metabolism and emotion-related behaviors in mice. J APPL ANIM WELF SCI 2023; 26:218-228. [PMID: 34470518 DOI: 10.1080/10888705.2021.1972421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Enriched environment (EE) is an important animal experimental paradigm to decipher gene-environment interaction. It is thought to be efficient in aiding recovery from certain metabolism disorders or cognitive impairments. Recently, the effects of EE during adolescence in mice gradually draw much attention. We first established an EE model in adolescent mice, dissected lipid metabolism, and further examined baseline level of anxiety and depression by multiple behavioral tests, including open field test (OFT), elevated zero maze (EZM), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST). EE mice exhibited lower weights, lower cholesterol than standard housing (SH) mice. Behaviorally, EE mice traveled more distance and had higher velocity than SH mice in OFT and EZM. Besides, EE mice showed reduced anxiety levels in OFT and EZM. Furthermore, EE mice also had less immobility time than SH mice in TST and FST. Thus, these results suggest that EE during adolescence has metabolic and behavioral benefits in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Jiao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ze-Lin Cui
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qing-Ya Zhao
- Department of Laboratory Animal Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shu Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Jie Zhang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yin-Hui Jin
- Department of Laboratory Animal Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Mu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Qin Yang
- Department of Laboratory Animal Center, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Survey on the Past Decade of Technology in Animal Enrichment: A Scoping Review. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12141792. [PMID: 35883339 PMCID: PMC9311579 DOI: 10.3390/ani12141792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2022] [Revised: 06/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Enrichment is important for supporting the well-being of captive animals. Enrichment increase animal quality of life through encouraging natural behaviours. As enrichment is shifting to a more centered role in animal care, technology is becoming increasingly accessible and is becoming embedded in animal enrichment in creative ways. This review explores the trends in technology usage in animal enrichment studies. Through pulling the past decade of technology enrichment work together, we discuss gaps such as needing to include a larger variety of species (extending passed mammals), ensuring enrichment designs focus primarily on the senses an animal uses to interact with the world rather than human senses, and encouraging similar study designs across animal contexts to allow for streamlined comparisons. Abstract Environmental enrichment is adding complexity to an environment that has a positive impact on a captive animal as a necessity of care. Computing technology is being rapidly weaved throughout the space in both enrichment devices as well as evaluating enrichment outcomes. In this article, we present a scoping review of 102 captive animal enrichment studies and propose a contextual lens for exploring current practices. We discuss the importance of directed growth in species inclusion, transitioning beyond anthro-centric designs, and utilizing shared methodologies.
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Balietti M, Conti F. Environmental enrichment and the aging brain: is it time for standardization? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 139:104728. [PMID: 35691473 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Aging entails a progressive decline of cognitive abilities. However, since the brain is endowed with considerable plasticity, adequate stimulation can delay or partially compensate for age-related structural and functional impairment. Environmental enrichment (EE) has been reported to determine a wide range of cerebral changes. Although most findings have been obtained in young and adult animals, research has recently turned to aged individuals. Notably, EE can contribute identifying key lifestyle factors whose change can help extend the "mind-span", i.e., the time an individual lives in a healthy cognitive condition. Here we discuss specific methodological issues that can affect the outcomes of EE interventions applied to aged rodents, summarize the main variables that would need standardization (e.g., timing and duration, enrichment items, control animals and setting), and offer some suggestions on how this goal may be achieved. Reaching a consensus on EE experiment design would significantly reduce differences between and within laboratories, enable constructive discussions among researchers, and improve data interpretation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Balietti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy; Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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7
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Corredor K, Marín DP, García CC, Restrepo DA, Martínez GS, Cardenas FP. Providing Environmental Enrichment without Altering Behavior in Male and Female Wistar Rats ( Rattus norvegicus). JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR LABORATORY ANIMAL SCIENCE : JAALAS 2022; 61:234-240. [PMID: 35379381 PMCID: PMC9137287 DOI: 10.30802/aalas-jaalas-21-000075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 09/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
In research using animal models, subjects are commonly maintained under standard housing conditions, mainly because of the idea that enhancing welfare conditions could alter experimental data. Another common practice in many laboratories relates to the preponderant use of males. Several reasons justifying this practice include the rapid hormonal and endocrine change in females, which may require a higher number of female animals to achieve more homogenous groups, thereby creating a dilemma with the reduction principle in animal research. In past decades, a relationship between enriched environments and enhanced cognitive functions has been reported in rats, but many of those enriched environmental protocols were not systematically or rigorously studied, leading to unexpected effects on behavior. Here we report the effects of 4 types of housing conditions (standard, structural changes, exercise, and foraging) in Wistar rats on anxiety (elevated plus maze), exploratory (open field), and stress vulnerability (forced swim test) responses. Sex was used as a blocking factor. Data show no effect of housing conditions on anxiety and exploratory behaviors, but do show an effect on stress responses. These results suggest the possibility of using a protocol for environmental enrichment without concern about altering experimental data. From this stand, new ways to enhance animal welfare in research laboratories could be designed and implemented.
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Key Words
- ee, environmental enrichment
- of, open field
- epm, elevated plus maze
- fst, forced swim test
- sd, standard condition
- st, structural modification
- ex, exercise, playing, and exploration
- fg, foraging
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Corredor
- Universidad de los Andes, Laboratorio de Neurociencia y Comportamiento, Bogotá, Colombia; Centro de Investigaciones en Biomodelos, Bogotá, Colombia;,
| | - Daniela P Marín
- Universidad de los Andes, Laboratorio de Neurociencia y Comportamiento, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Christian C García
- Universidad de los Andes, Laboratorio de Neurociencia y Comportamiento, Bogotá, Colombia
| | - Daniela A Restrepo
- Universidad de los Andes, Laboratorio de Neurociencia y Comportamiento, Bogotá, Colombia
| | | | - Fernando P Cardenas
- Universidad de los Andes, Laboratorio de Neurociencia y Comportamiento, Bogotá, Colombia
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Yuan T, Orock A, Greenwood-VanMeerveld B. An enriched environment reduces chronic stress-induced visceral pain through modulating microglial activity in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G223-G233. [PMID: 34877892 PMCID: PMC8793868 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00307.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improves the quality of life for patients with brain-gut disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms of CBT remain to be explored. Previously, we showed that environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm that mirrors positive behavioral intervention, ameliorates chronic stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity in a rodent model via mechanisms involving altered activity in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA). In the present study, we investigated whether microglia-mediated synaptic plasticity in the CeA is a potential mechanism underlying the protective effects of EE against stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. We stereotaxically implanted corticosterone (CORT) micropellets onto the dorsal margin of the CeA shown previously to induce colonic hypersensitivity. Animals were housed in EE cages or standard cages for 14 days after CORT implantation. Visceral sensitivity was assessed via visceromotor behavioral response to colorectal distension. Microglial morphology, microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment, and the expression of synaptic pruning-related signals complement component 1q (C1q), complement component 3 (C3), and C3 receptor (C3R) were measured using immunofluorescence and RNAscope assay. We found that housing CORT implanted rats in EE cages for 14 days attenuated visceral hypersensitivity in both male and female rats as compared with control rats maintained in standard housing. EE reduced CORT-induced microglial remodeling and microglia-mediated synaptic pruning with reduced C1q and CR3, but not C3, expression. Our data suggest that exposure to EE is sufficient to ameliorate stress-induced visceral pain via reducing amygdala microglia-modulated neuronal plasticity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Clinical studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in ameliorating visceral pain in patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. By using environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm that mirrors positive behavioral intervention, we demonstrated that microglia-mediated synaptic plasticity in the CeA explains, plays a role, at least in part, in the positive effects of EE to reduce visceral hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yuan
- 1Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Albert Orock
- 1Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Beverley Greenwood-VanMeerveld
- 1Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,2Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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Cutuli D, Landolfo E, Petrosini L, Gelfo F. Environmental Enrichment Effects on the Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in Healthy Condition, Alzheimer's Disease, and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 85:975-992. [PMID: 34897089 DOI: 10.3233/jad-215193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein belonging to the neurotrophin family, is known to be heavily involved in synaptic plasticity processes that support brain development, post-lesion regeneration, and cognitive performances, such as learning and memory. Evidence indicates that BDNF expression can be epigenetically regulated by environmental stimuli and thus can mediate the experience-dependent brain plasticity. Environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm based on the exposure to complex stimulations, constitutes an efficient means to investigate the effects of high-level experience on behavior, cognitive processes, and neurobiological correlates, as the BDNF expression. In fact, BDNF exerts a key role in mediating and promoting EE-induced plastic changes and functional improvements in healthy and pathological conditions. This review is specifically aimed at providing an updated framework of the available evidence on the EE effects on brain and serum BDNF levels, by taking into account both changes in protein expression and regulation of gene expression. A further purpose of the present review is analyzing the potential of BDNF regulation in coping with neurodegenerative processes characterizing Alzheimer's disease (AD), given BDNF expression alterations are described in AD patients. Moreover, attention is also paid to EE effects on BDNF expression in other neurodegenerative disease. To investigate such a topic, evidence provided by experimental studies is considered. A deeper understanding of environmental ability in modulating BDNF expression in the brain may be fundamental in designing more tuned and effective applications of complex environmental stimulations as managing approaches to AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debora Cutuli
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Eugenia Landolfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Psychology, University Sapienza of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Francesca Gelfo
- IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy.,Department of Human Sciences, Guglielmo Marconi University, Rome, Italy
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Rule L, Yang J, Watkin H, Hall J, Brydges NM. Environmental enrichment rescues survival and function of adult-born neurons following early life stress. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1898-1908. [PMID: 32286496 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-0718-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 03/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Adverse experiences early in life are associated with the development of psychiatric illnesses. The hippocampus is likely to play pivotal role in generating these effects: it undergoes significant development during childhood and is extremely reactive to stress. In rodent models, stress in the pre-pubertal period impairs adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) and behaviours which rely on this process. In normal adult animals, environmental enrichment (EE) is a potent promoter of AHN and hippocampal function. Whether exposure to EE during adolescence can restore normal hippocampal function and AHN following pre-pubertal stress (PPS) is unknown. We investigated EE as a treatment for reduced AHN and hippocampal function following PPS in a rodent model. Stress was administered between post-natal days (PND) 25-27, EE from PND 35 to early adulthood, when behavioural testing and assessment of AHN took place. PPS enhanced fear reactions to a conditioned stimulus (CS) following a trace fear protocol and reduced the survival of 4-week-old adult-born neurons throughout the adult hippocampus. Furthermore, we show that fewer adult-born neurons were active during recall of the CS stimulus following PPS. All effects were reversed by EE. Our results demonstrate lasting effects of PPS on the hippocampus and highlight the utility of EE during adolescence for restoring normal hippocampal function. EE during adolescence is a promising method of enhancing impaired hippocampal function resulting from early life stress, and due to multiple benefits (low cost, few side effects, widespread availability) should be more thoroughly explored as a treatment option in human sufferers of childhood adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lowenna Rule
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Jessica Yang
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Holly Watkin
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Jeremy Hall
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.,MRC Centre for Neuropsychiatric Genetics and Genomics, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Nichola Marie Brydges
- Neuroscience and Mental Health Research Institute, Cardiff University, Hadyn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
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Jia N, Chong J, Sun L. Application of stem cell biology in treating neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Neurosci 2020; 132:815-825. [PMID: 33081549 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1840376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The appropriate strategies are needed for stimulating the endogenous neurogenesis or introducing extrinsic neural progenitors, which could be harnessed as the regenerative resources for cueing the neurodegenerations. Adult neurogenesis is the endogenous continuing physiology in limited brain regions such as hippocampus, olfactory system, and hypothalamus. Besides adult neurogenesis, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) induced functional neurons could be another option for regenerative therapies. OBJECTIVE Current studies are trying to improve the adult neurogenesis and enable the iPSCs induced neurons into neural regeneration. Methods: Here in this review, we mainly introduced the recent progress in neural stem cell biology and its application in the treatment of the neurodegenerations. We main separated the strategy in summarizing the mediators and potential targets to promoting endogenous neural regeneration and transplantation of neural progenitors. CONCLUSION By collecting and comparing the advantages disadvantages between above-mentioned two strategies, we will offer the insight on future development of stem cell therapy in treating neurodegenerative patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Jia
- Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China
| | - Jingping Chong
- Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China.,Shanghai University of Engineering Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Sun
- Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, China.,College of PE and Sport, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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12
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Silva BA, Miglietta EA, Ferrari CC. Training the brain: could it improve multiple sclerosis treatment? Rev Neurosci 2020; 31:779-792. [PMID: 32712593 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2020-0014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurological disease characterized by neuroinflammation, demyelination and axonal degeneration along with loss of function in the central nervous system. For many years, research in MS has focused on the efficacy of pharmacological treatments. However, during the last years, many publications have been dedicated to the study of the efficacy of non-pharmacological strategies, such as physical exercise and cognitive training. Beneficial effects of the combination of both strategies on cognitive function have been described in both ageing adults and patients with neurodegenerative diseases, such as MS. The analysis of combining both physical and cognitive stimulation can be summarized by the environmental enrichment (EE) experiments, which are more suitable for animal models. EE refers to housing conditions consisting of exercise and cognitive and social stimulation. In this review, we will summarize the available studies that describe the influence of EE in both MS patients and MS animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenice Anabel Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Traslacional e Ingeniería Biomédica (IMTIB)-CONICET, Potosí 4240, Buenos Aires, C1181ACH, Argentina.,Leloir Institute Foundation, Institute for Biochemical Investigations, IIBBA-CONICET, Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Esteban Alberto Miglietta
- Leloir Institute Foundation, Institute for Biochemical Investigations, IIBBA-CONICET, Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carina Cintia Ferrari
- Instituto de Medicina Traslacional e Ingeniería Biomédica (IMTIB)-CONICET, Potosí 4240, Buenos Aires, C1181ACH, Argentina.,Leloir Institute Foundation, Institute for Biochemical Investigations, IIBBA-CONICET, Patricias Argentinas 435, C1405BWE, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Rojas-Carvajal M, Sequeira-Cordero A, Brenes JC. Neurobehavioral Effects of Restricted and Unpredictable Environmental Enrichment in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:674. [PMID: 32477137 PMCID: PMC7235364 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2020] [Accepted: 04/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
To study how motivational factors modulate experience-dependent neurobehavioral plasticity, we modify a protocol of environmental enrichment (EE) in rats. We assumed that the benefits derived from EE might vary according to the level of incentive salience attributed to it. To enhance the rewarding properties of EE, access to the EE cage varied randomly from 2 to 48 h for 30 days (REE). The REE group was enriched only 50% of the time and was compared to standard housing and continuous EE (CEE) groups. As behavioral readout, we analyzed the spontaneous activity and the ultrasonic vocalizations (USVs) within the EE cage weekly, and in the open field test at the end of the experiment. In the cage, REE increased the utilization of materials, physical activity, and the rate of appetitive USVs. In the OF, the CEE-induced enhancements in novelty habituation and social signaling were equaled by the REE. At the neural level, we measured the expression of genes related to neural plasticity and epigenetic regulations in different brain regions. In the dorsal striatum and hippocampus, REE upregulated the expression of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor, its tropomyosin kinase B receptor, and the DNA methyltransferase 3A. Altogether, our results suggest that the higher activity within the cage and the augmented incentive motivation provoked by the REE boosted its neurobehavioral effects equaling or surpassing those observed in the CEE condition. As constant exposures to treatments or stimulating environments are virtually impossible for humans, restricted EE protocols would have greater translational value than traditional ones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mijail Rojas-Carvajal
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Andrey Sequeira-Cordero
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Health Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
| | - Juan C Brenes
- Neuroscience Research Center, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica.,Institute for Psychological Research, University of Costa Rica, San Pedro, Costa Rica
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Almeida FB, Nin MS, Barros HMT. The role of allopregnanolone in depressive-like behaviors: Focus on neurotrophic proteins. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100218. [PMID: 32435667 PMCID: PMC7231971 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone (3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone; pharmaceutical formulation: brexanolone) is a neurosteroid that has recently been approved for the treatment of postpartum depression, promising to fill part of a long-lasting gap in the effectiveness of pharmacotherapies for depressive disorders. In this review, we explore the experimental research that characterized the antidepressant-like effects of allopregnanolone, with a particular focus on the neurotrophic adaptations induced by this neurosteroid in preclinical studies. We demonstrate that there is a consistent decrease in allopregnanolone levels in limbic brain areas in rodents submitted to stress-induced models of depression, such as social isolation and chronic unpredictable stress. Further, both the drug-induced upregulation of allopregnanolone or its direct administration reduce depressive-like behaviors in models such as the forced swim test. The main drugs of interest that upregulate allopregnanolone levels are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which present the neurosteroidogenic property even in lower, non-SSRI doses. Finally, we explore how these antidepressant-like behaviors are related to neurogenesis, particularly in the hippocampus. The protagonist in this mechanism is likely the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BFNF), which is decreased in animal models of depression and may be restored by the normalization of allopregnanolone levels. The role of an interaction between GABA and the neurotrophic mechanisms needs to be further investigated.
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Key Words
- 3α,5α-tetrahydroprogesterone
- BDNF
- BDNF, brain-derived neurotrophic factor
- Brexanolone
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- CUS, chronic unpredictable stress
- Depression
- EKR, extracellular signal-regulated kinase
- FST, forced swim test
- GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid
- GABAAR, GABA type A receptor
- HSD, hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase
- NGF, nerve growth factor
- Neurosteroid
- PTSD, post-traumatic stress disorder
- PXR, pregnane xenobiotic receptor
- SBSS, selective brain steroidogenic stimulant
- SSRI, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Selective brain steroidogenic stimulant
- THP, tetrahydroprogesterone
- TSPO, 18 kDa translocator protein
- TrkB, tropomyosin receptor kinase B
- USV, ultrasonic vocalization
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Borges Almeida
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maurício Schüler Nin
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Centro Universitário Metodista do IPA, 90420-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), 90040-060, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Helena Maria Tannhauser Barros
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Pharmacology and Toxicology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), 90050-170, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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