1
|
Nguyen TV, Yamanaka K, Tomita K, Zubcevic J, Gouraud SSS, Waki H. Impact of exercise on brain-bone marrow interactions in chronic stress: potential mechanisms preventing stress-induced hypertension. Physiol Genomics 2023; 55:222-234. [PMID: 36939204 PMCID: PMC10151049 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00168.2022] [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: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined the effect of chronic restraint stress and the counteractive effects of daily exercise on the molecular basis of the brain-bone marrow (BM) interactions, by especially focusing on the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of the hypothalamus. Male Wistar rats were assigned into control, restraint stress, and stress + daily spontaneous exercise (SE) groups. BM and hypothalamic gene expression profiles were examined through the undertaking of RT-PCR and microarrays, respectively. The inflammatory blood cell population was investigated through flow cytometry. Through the use of immunohistochemistry, we examined the presence of BM-derived C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (CCR2)-expressing microglial cells in the rat PVN. The gene expression levels of BM inflammatory factors such as those of interleukin 1 beta and CCR2, and the inflammatory blood cell population were found to be significantly higher in both restrained groups compared with control group. Interestingly, chronic restraint stress alone activated the recruitment of BM-derived CCR2-expressing microglial cells into the PVN, whereas daily spontaneous exercise prevented it. A notable finding was that restraint stress upregulated relative gene expression of hypothalamic matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3), which increases the permeability of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), and that exercise managed to normalize it. Moreover, relative expression of some hypothalamic genes directly involved in the facilitation of cell migration was downregulated by daily exercise. Our findings suggest that daily spontaneous exercise can reduce the numbers of BM-derived CCR2-expressing microglial cells into the PVN through the prevention of stress-induced changes in the hypothalamic gene expression.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Chronic restraint stress can upregulate MMP3 gene expression in the rat hypothalamus, whereas daily spontaneous exercise can prevent this stress-induced effect. Stress-induced BM-derived inflammatory cell recruitment into the rat PVN can be prevented by daily spontaneous exercise. Stress-induced increase of hypothalamic MMP3 gene expression may be responsible for BBB injury, thereby allowing for BM-derived inflammatory cells to be recruited and to accumulate in the rat PVN, and to be subsequently involved in the onset of stress-induced hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thu Van Nguyen
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
- Department of Military Occupational Medicine, Vietnam Military Medical University, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ko Yamanaka
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Keisuke Tomita
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Jasenka Zubcevic
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo, Toledo, Ohio, United States
| | - Sabine S S Gouraud
- College of Liberal Arts, International Christian University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hidefumi Waki
- Department of Physiology, Graduate School of Health and Sports Science, Juntendo University, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carreras I, Jung Y, Lopez-Benitez J, Tognoni CM, Dedeoglu A. Fingolimod mitigates memory loss in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness amid decreasing the activation of microglia, protein kinase R, and NFκB. Neurotoxicology 2023; 96:197-206. [PMID: 37160207 PMCID: PMC10334821 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is an unrelenting multi-symptom illness with chronic central nervous system and peripheral pathology affecting veterans from the 1991 Gulf War and for which effective treatment is lacking. An increasing number of studies indicate that persistent neuroinflammation is likely the underlying cause of cognitive and mood dysfunction that affects veterans with GWI. We have previously reported that fingolimod, a drug approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, decreases neuroinflammation and improves cognition in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. In this study, we investigated the effect of fingolimod treatment on cognition and neuroinflammation in a mouse model of GWI. We exposed C57BL/6 J male mice to GWI-related chemicals pyridostigmine bromide, DEET, and permethrin, and to mild restraint stress for 28 days (GWI mice). Control mice were exposed to the chemicals' vehicle only. Starting 3 months post-exposure, half of the GWI mice and control mice were orally treated with fingolimod (1 mg/kg/day) for 1 month, and the other half were left untreated. Decreased memory on the Morris water maze test was detected in GWI mice compared to control mice and was reversed by fingolimod treatment. Immunohistochemical analysis of brain sections with antibodies to Iba1 and GFAP revealed that GWI mice had increased microglia activation in the hippocampal dentate gyrus, but no difference in reactive astrocytes was detected. The increased activation of microglia in GWI mice was decreased to the level in control mice by treatment with fingolimod. No effect of fingolimod treatment on gliosis in control mice was detected. To explore the signaling pathways by which decreased memory and increased neuroinflammation in GWI may be protected by fingolimod, we investigated the involvement of the inflammatory signaling pathways of protein kinase R (PKR) in the cerebral cortex of these mice. We found increased phosphorylation of PKR in the brain of GWI mice compared to controls, as well as increased phosphorylation of its most recognized downstream effectors: the α subunit of eukaryotic initiation factor 2 (eIF2α), IκB kinase (IKK), and the p65 subunit of nuclear factor-κB (NFκB-p65). Furthermore, we found that the increased phosphorylation level of these three proteins were suppressed in GWI mice treated with fingolimod. These results suggest that activation of PKR and NFκB signaling may be important for the regulation of cognition and neuroinflammation in the GWI condition and that fingolimod, a drug already approved for human use, may be a potential candidate for the treatment of GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isabel Carreras
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System,150 S Huntington Av, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Younghun Jung
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System,150 S Huntington Av, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA; The Endocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 73 High St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan Lopez-Benitez
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System,150 S Huntington Av, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Christina M Tognoni
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System,150 S Huntington Av, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Alpaslan Dedeoglu
- Department of Veterans Affairs, VA Boston Healthcare System,150 S Huntington Av, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 E Concord St, Boston, MA 02118, USA; Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, 73 High St, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Kodali M, Jankay T, Shetty AK, Reddy DS. Pathophysiological basis and promise of experimental therapies for Gulf War Illness, a chronic neuropsychiatric syndrome in veterans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:673-697. [PMID: 36790443 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the pathophysiology and potential treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI), which is a chronic neuropsychiatric illness linked to a combination of chemical exposures experienced by service personnel during the first Gulf War in 1991. However, there is currently no effective treatment for veterans with GWI. The article focuses on the current status and efficacy of existing therapeutic interventions in preclinical models of GWI, as well as potential perspectives of promising therapies. GWI stems from changes in brain and peripheral systems in veterans, leading to neurocognitive deficits, as well as physiological and psychological effects resulting from multifaceted changes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. Aging not only renders veterans more susceptible to GWI symptoms, but also attenuates their immune capabilities and response to therapies. A variety of experimental models are being used to investigate the pathophysiology and develop therapies that have the ability to alleviate devastating symptoms. Over two dozen therapeutic interventions targeting neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal injury, and neurogenesis are being tested, including agents such as curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles, monosodium luminol, melatonin, resveratrol, fluoxetine, rolipram, oleoylethanolamide, ketamine, levetiracetam, nicotinamide riboside, minocycline, pyridazine derivatives, and neurosteroids. Preclinical outcomes show that some agents have promise, including curcumin, resveratrol, and ketamine, which are being tested in clinical trials in GWI veterans. Neuroprotectants and other compounds such as monosodium luminol, melatonin, levetiracetam, oleoylethanolamide, and nicotinamide riboside appear promising for future clinical trials. Neurosteroids have been shown to have neuroprotective and disease-modifying properties, which makes them a promising medicine for GWI. Therefore, accelerated clinical studies are urgently needed to evaluate and launch an effective therapy for veterans displaying GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tanvi Jankay
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Texas A&M Health Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA. .,Texas A&M Health Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Collier CA, Foncerrada S, Clevenger AJ, Shetty A, Raghavan SA. Acute Exposure to Pyridostigmine Bromide Disrupts Cholinergic Myenteric Neuroimmune Function in Mice. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200254. [PMID: 36802210 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200254] [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: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) results from chemical exposure during the Gulf War, with notable impacts on gastrointestinal motility. Due to the limited demographic impacted by this ailment, an in-depth investigation of the GWI has yielded little regarding the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms. Here, the hypothesis that exposure to pyridostigmine bromide (PB) results in severe enteric neuro-inflammation, that cascades to disruptions in colonic motility, is tested. The analyses are performed on male C57BL/6 mice that are treated with physiologically similar doses of PB given to GW veterans. When colonic motility is assessed, GWI colons have significantly reduced forces in response to acetylcholine or electrical field stimulation. GWI is also accompanied by high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, associated with increased numbers of CD40+ pro-inflammatory macrophages within the myenteric plexus. Enteric neurons responsible for mediating colonic motility reside within the myenteric plexus, and PB exposure reduced their numbers. Significant smooth muscle hypertrophy is also observed due to increased inflammation. Together, the results show that PB exposure caused functional and anatomical dysfunction, promoting impaired motility within the colon. Achieving a greater understanding of the mechanisms of GWI will allow more refinement in therapeutic options that improve veterans' quality of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia A Collier
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3120 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Steven Foncerrada
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3120 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Abigail J Clevenger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3120 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ashok Shetty
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, College Station, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Shreya A Raghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, 3120 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kirkland AE, Baron M, VanMeter JW, Baraniuk JN, Holton KF. The low glutamate diet improves cognitive functioning in veterans with Gulf War Illness and resting-state EEG potentially predicts response. Nutr Neurosci 2022; 25:2247-2258. [PMID: 34282720 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2021.1954292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Objectives: Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic, multi-symptom disorder with underlying central nervous system dysfunction and cognitive impairments. The objective of this study was to test the low glutamate diet as a novel treatment for cognitive dysfunction among those with GWI, and to explore if baseline resting-state electroencephalography (EEG) could predict cognitive outcomes.Methods: Cognitive functioning was assessed at baseline, after one-month on the diet, and across a two-week double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover challenge with monosodium glutamate (MSG) relative to placebo.Results: Significant improvements were seen after one-month on the diet in overall cognitive functioning, and in all other domains tested (FDR p < 0.05), except for memory. Challenge with MSG resulted in significant inter-individual response variability (p < 0.0001). Participants were clustered according to baseline resting-state EEG using k-means clustering to explore the inter-individual response variability. Three distinct EEG clusters were observed, and each corresponded with differential cognitive effects during challenge with MSG: cluster 1 had cognitive benefit (24% of participants), cluster 2 had cognitive detriment (42% of participants), and cluster 3 had mild/mixed effects (33% of participants).Discussion: These findings suggest that the low glutamate diet may be a beneficial treatment for cognitive impairment in GWI. Future research is needed to understand the extent to which resting-state EEG can predict response to the low glutamate diet and to explore the mechanisms behind the varied response to acute glutamate challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna E Kirkland
- Behavior, Cognition and Neuroscience Program, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael Baron
- Mathematics & Statistics Department, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - John W VanMeter
- Department of Neurology, Center for Functional & Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - James N Baraniuk
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kathleen F Holton
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC, USA
- Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Sanchez V, Baksh BS, Cabrera K, Choudhury A, Jensen K, Klimas N, Galor A. Dry Eye Symptoms and Signs in US Veterans With Gulf War Illness. Am J Ophthalmol 2022; 237:32-40. [PMID: 34780800 PMCID: PMC9035031 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajo.2021.11.010] [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: 07/20/2021] [Revised: 11/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To examine dry eye (DE) symptoms and signs in individuals with vs without Gulf War illness (GWI). DESIGN Prospective cross-sectional study. METHODS We performed a prospective, cross-sectional study of South Florida veterans who were active duty during the Gulf War era (GWE; 1990-1991) and seen at an eye clinic between October 1, 2020, and March 13, 2021. Veterans were split into 2 groups: those who met Kansas criteria for GWI (cases, n = 30) and those who did not (controls, n = 41). DE symptoms were assessed via standardized questionnaires whereas DE signs were assessed using a series of ocular surface parameters. Differences between groups were assessed via Mann-Whitney U test. Linear regression analyses were used to examine which GWI symptoms most closely aligned with DE symptoms. RESULTS Veterans with GWI had higher DE symptoms scores compared to controls (Ocular Surface Disease Index [OSDI] scores: mean 41.20±22.92 vs 27.99±24.03, P = .01). In addition, veterans with GWI had higher eye pain scores compared with controls (average eye pain over past week: 2.63±2.72 vs 1.22±1.50, P = .03), including on neuropathic ocular pain questionnaires (Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye [NPSI-E]: 17.33±17.20 vs 9.63±12.64, P = .03). DE signs were mostly similar between the groups. GWI symptoms "nausea or upset stomach" (β=14.58, SE = 3.02, P < .001) and "headache" (β=7.90, SE = 2.91, P = .011) correlated with higher OSDI scores. CONCLUSION Individuals with GWI have more severe DE symptoms and ocular pain scores but similar tear and ocular surface parameters compared to controls without GWI. This finding suggests that mechanisms beyond tear dysfunction drive eye symptoms in GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Victor Sanchez
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine (V.S.), New York, New York; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (B.S.B., A.C., N.K., A.G.), Miami, Florida; Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (K.C.), Miami, Florida; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (A.C., A.G.), Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Brandon S Baksh
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine (V.S.), New York, New York; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (B.S.B., A.C., N.K., A.G.), Miami, Florida; Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (K.C.), Miami, Florida; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (A.C., A.G.), Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Kimberly Cabrera
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine (V.S.), New York, New York; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (B.S.B., A.C., N.K., A.G.), Miami, Florida; Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (K.C.), Miami, Florida; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (A.C., A.G.), Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anjalee Choudhury
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine (V.S.), New York, New York; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (B.S.B., A.C., N.K., A.G.), Miami, Florida; Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (K.C.), Miami, Florida; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (A.C., A.G.), Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Katherine Jensen
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine (V.S.), New York, New York; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (B.S.B., A.C., N.K., A.G.), Miami, Florida; Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (K.C.), Miami, Florida; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (A.C., A.G.), Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Nancy Klimas
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine (V.S.), New York, New York; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (B.S.B., A.C., N.K., A.G.), Miami, Florida; Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (K.C.), Miami, Florida; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (A.C., A.G.), Miami, Florida, USA
| | - Anat Galor
- From the New York University Grossman School of Medicine (V.S.), New York, New York; University of Miami Miller School of Medicine (B.S.B., A.C., N.K., A.G.), Miami, Florida; Ophthalmology, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center (K.C.), Miami, Florida; and Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami (A.C., A.G.), Miami, Florida, USA..
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Attaluri S, Upadhya R, Kodali M, Madhu LN, Upadhya D, Shuai B, Shetty AK. Brain-Specific Increase in Leukotriene Signaling Accompanies Chronic Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in a Model of Gulf War Illness. Front Immunol 2022; 13:853000. [PMID: 35572589 PMCID: PMC9099214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.853000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent cognitive impairment is a primary central nervous system-related symptom in veterans afflicted with chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI). Previous studies in a rat model have revealed that cognitive dysfunction in chronic GWI is associated with neuroinflammation, typified by astrocyte hypertrophy, activated microglia, and enhanced proinflammatory cytokine levels. Studies in a mouse model of GWI have also shown upregulation of several phospholipids that serve as reservoirs of arachidonic acid, a precursor of leukotrienes (LTs). However, it is unknown whether altered LT signaling is a component of chronic neuroinflammatory conditions in GWI. Therefore, this study investigated changes in LT signaling in the brain of rats displaying significant cognitive impairments six months after exposure to GWI-related chemicals and moderate stress. The concentration of cysteinyl LTs (CysLTs), LTB4, and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX), the synthesizing enzyme of LTs, were evaluated. CysLT and LTB4 concentrations were elevated in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex, along with enhanced 5-LOX expression in neurons and microglia. Such changes were also associated with increased proinflammatory cytokine levels in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. Enhanced CysLT and LTB4 levels in the brain could also be gleaned from their concentrations in brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the circulating blood. The circulating blood in GWI rats displayed elevated proinflammatory cytokines with no alterations in CysLT and LTB4 concentrations. The results provide new evidence that a brain-specific increase in LT signaling is another adverse alteration that potentially contributes to the maintenance of chronic neuroinflammation in GWI. Therefore, drugs capable of modulating LT signaling may reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognitive function in GWI. Additional findings demonstrate that altered LT levels in the brain could be tracked efficiently by analyzing brain-derived EVs in the circulating blood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ashok K. Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Attaluri S, Arora M, Madhu LN, Kodali M, Shuai B, Melissari L, Upadhya R, Rao X, Bates A, Mitra E, Ghahfarouki KR, Ravikumar MNV, Shetty AK. Oral Nano-Curcumin in a Model of Chronic Gulf War Illness Alleviates Brain Dysfunction with Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Function, Neuroinflammation, Neurogenesis, and Gene Expression. Aging Dis 2022; 13:583-613. [PMID: 35371600 PMCID: PMC8947830 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unrelenting cognitive and mood impairments concomitant with incessant oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are among the significant symptoms of chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI). Curcumin (CUR), an antiinflammatory compound, has shown promise to alleviate brain dysfunction in a model of GWI following intraperitoneal administrations at a high dose. However, low bioavailability after oral treatment has hampered its clinical translation. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of low-dose, intermittent, oral polymer nanoparticle encapsulated CUR (nCUR) for improving brain function in a rat model of chronic GWI. Intermittent administration of 10 or 20 mg/Kg nCUR for 8 weeks in the early phase of GWI improved brain function and reduced oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammation. We next examined the efficacy of 12-weeks of intermittent nCUR at 10 mg/Kg in GWI animals, with treatment commencing 8 months after exposure to GWI-related chemicals and stress, mimicking treatment for the persistent cognitive and mood dysfunction displayed by veterans with GWI. GWI rats receiving nCUR exhibited better cognitive and mood function associated with improved mitochondrial function and diminished neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. Improved mitochondrial function was evident from normalized expression of OS markers, antioxidants, and mitochondrial electron transport genes, and complex proteins. Lessened neuroinflammation was noticeable from reductions in astrocyte hypertrophy, NF-kB, activated microglia with NLRP3 inflammasomes, and multiple proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, nCUR treated animals displayed enhanced neurogenesis with a normalized expression of synaptophysin puncta, and multiple genes linked to cognitive dysfunction. Thus, low-dose, intermittent, oral nCUR therapy has promise for improving brain function in veterans with GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Meenakshi Arora
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Leelavathi N Madhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Laila Melissari
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Raghavendra Upadhya
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Xiaolan Rao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Adrian Bates
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Eeshika Mitra
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Keyhan R Ghahfarouki
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - M. N. V Ravikumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
James LM, Georgopoulos AP. At the Root of 3 “Long” Diseases: Persistent Antigens Inflicting Chronic Damage on the Brain and Other Organs in Gulf War Illness, Long-COVID-19, and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Neurosci Insights 2022; 17:26331055221114817. [PMID: 35910083 PMCID: PMC9335483 DOI: 10.1177/26331055221114817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several foreign antigens such as those derived from viruses and bacteria have been linked to long-term deleterious effects on the brain and other organs; yet, health outcomes subsequent to foreign antigen exposure vary depending in large part on the host’s immune system, in general, and on human leukocyte antigen (HLA) composition, in particular. Here we first provide a brief description of 3 conditions characterized by persistent long-term symptoms, namely long-COVID-19, myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS), and Gulf War Illness (GWI), followed by a brief overview of the role of HLA in the immune response to foreign antigens. We then discuss our Persistent Antigen (PA) hypothesis and highlight associations between antigen persistence due to HLA-antigen incongruence and chronic health conditions in general and the 3 “long” diseases above in particular. This review is not intended to cover the breadth and depth of symptomatology of those diseases but is specifically focused on the hypothesis that the presence of persistent antigens underlies their pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa M James
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Brain Sciences Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Cognitive Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Apostolos P Georgopoulos
- Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Brain Sciences Center, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Center for Cognitive Sciences, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Kozlova EV, Carabelli B, Bishay AE, Liu R, Denys ME, Macbeth JC, Piamthai V, Crawford MS, McCole DF, Zur Nieden NI, Hsiao A, Curras-Collazo MC. Induction of distinct neuroinflammatory markers and gut dysbiosis by differential pyridostigmine bromide dosing in a chronic mouse model of GWI showing persistent exercise fatigue and cognitive impairment. Life Sci 2022; 288:120153. [PMID: 34801513 PMCID: PMC9048156 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize neuroinflammatory and gut dysbiosis signatures that accompany exaggerated exercise fatigue and cognitive/mood deficits in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness (GWI). METHODS Adult male C57Bl/6N mice were exposed for 28 d (5 d/wk) to pyridostigmine bromide (P.O.) at 6.5 mg/kg/d, b.i.d. (GW1) or 8.7 mg/kg/d, q.d. (GW2); topical permethrin (1.3 mg/kg), topical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (33%) and restraint stress (5 min). Animals were phenotypically evaluated as described in an accompanying article [124] and sacrificed at 6.6 months post-treatment (PT) to allow measurement of brain neuroinflammation/neuropathic pain gene expression, hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein, brain Interleukin-6, gut dysbiosis and serum endotoxin. KEY FINDINGS Compared to GW1, GW2 showed a more intense neuroinflammatory transcriptional signature relative to sham stress controls. Interleukin-6 was elevated in GW2 and astrogliosis in hippocampal CA1 was seen in both GW groups. Beta-diversity PCoA using weighted Unifrac revealed that gut microbial communities changed after exposure to GW2 at PT188. Both GW1 and GW2 displayed systemic endotoxemia, suggesting a gut-brain mechanism underlies the neuropathological signatures. Using germ-free mice, probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri produced less gut permeability than microbiota transplantation using GW2 feces. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that GW agents dose-dependently induce differential neuropathology and gut dysbiosis associated with cognitive, exercise fatigue and mood GWI phenotypes. Establishment of a comprehensive animal model that recapitulates multiple GWI symptom domains and neuroinflammation has significant implications for uncovering pathophysiology, improving diagnosis and treatment for GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bruno Carabelli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Maximillian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - John C Macbeth
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Varadh Piamthai
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Meli'sa S Crawford
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Declan F McCole
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicole I Zur Nieden
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Brandley ET, Kirkland AE, Baron M, Baraniuk JN, Holton KF. The Effect of the Low Glutamate Diet on the Reduction of Psychiatric Symptoms in Veterans With Gulf War Illness: A Pilot Randomized-Controlled Trial. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:926688. [PMID: 35795023 PMCID: PMC9251130 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.926688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this pilot study was to examine the effects of the low glutamate diet on anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and depression in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). The low glutamate diet removes dietary excitotoxins and increases consumption of micronutrients which are protective against glutamatergic excitotoxicity. This study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT#03342482). Forty veterans with GWI completed psychiatric questionnaires at baseline and after 1-month following the low glutamate diet. Participants were then randomized into a double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover challenge with monosodium glutamate (MSG; a dietary excitotoxin) vs. placebo over three consecutive days per week, with assessments on day three. Data were analyzed across the full sample and with participants categorized by baseline symptom severity. Pre-post-dietary intervention change scores were analyzed with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests and paired sample t-tests across the full sample, and changes across symptom severity categories were analyzed using ANOVA. Crossover challenge results were analyzed with linear mixed modeling accounting for challenge material (MSG v. placebo), sequence (MSG/placebo v. placebo/MSG), period (challenge week 1 v. week 2), pre-diet baseline symptom severity category (minimal/mild, moderate, or severe), and the challenge material*symptom severity category interaction. A random effect of ID (sequence) was also included. All three measures showed significant improvement after 1 month on the diet, with significant differences between baseline severity categories. Individuals with severe psychological symptoms at baseline showed the most improvement after 1 month on the diet, while those with minimal/mild symptoms showed little to no change. Modeling results from the challenge period demonstrated a significant worsening of anxiety from MSG in only the most severe group, with no significant effects of MSG challenge on depression nor PTSD symptoms. These results suggest that the low glutamate diet may be an effective treatment for depression, anxiety, and PTSD, but that either (a) glutamate is only a direct cause of symptoms in anxiety, or (b) underlying nutrient intake may prevent negative psychiatric effects from glutamate exposure. Future, larger scale clinical trials are needed to confirm these findings and to further explore the potential influence of increased micronutrient intake on the improvements observed across anxiety, PTSD, and depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Brandley
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Anna E Kirkland
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Michael Baron
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - James N Baraniuk
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Kathleen F Holton
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC, United States.,Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, United States.,Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC, United States
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Long-term changes in neuroimaging markers, cognitive function and psychiatric symptoms in an experimental model of Gulf War Illness. Life Sci 2021; 285:119971. [PMID: 34560085 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a multi-symptom disease with debilitating cognitive and emotional impairments in veterans. GWI, like epilepsy, is caused by chemical neurotoxicity and manifests from disturbances in neuronal excitability. However, the mechanisms underlying such devastating neurological and psychiatric symptoms remain unclear. Here we investigated the long-term changes in neural behavior and brain structural abnormalities in a rat model of GWI. GWI is linked to exposure to GWI-related organophosphate chemicals (pyridostigmine bromide or PB and insecticide DEET, permethrin) during the stressful Gulf war. METHODS To mimic GWI, we generated an experimental GWI prototype in rats by daily exposure to GWI-related chemicals with restraint stress (GWIR-CS) for 4 weeks. Changes in MRI scan and cognitive function were assessed at 5- and 10- months post-exposure. KEY FINDINGS In MRI scans, rats displayed significant increases in lateral ventricle T2 relaxation times at both 5- and 10-months after GWIR-CS, indicating alterations in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) density. Furthermore, at 10 months, there were significant decreases in the volumes of the hippocampus and thalamus and an increase in the lateral ventricle volume. At both time points, they exhibited impairments in multiple neurobehavioral tests, confirming substantial deficits in memory and mood function. GWI-CS rats also displayed aggressive behavior and a marked decrease in social interaction and forced swimming, indicating depression. CONCLUSIONS These results confirm that chronic GWIR-CS exposure led to cognitive and psychiatric symptoms with concurrent neuroimaging abnormalities in CSF, with morphological neural lesions, demonstrating the role of divergent etiological mechanisms in GWI and its comorbidities.
Collapse
|
13
|
Restorative potential of (-)-epicatechin in a rat model of Gulf War illness muscle atrophy and fatigue. Sci Rep 2021; 11:21861. [PMID: 34750405 PMCID: PMC8575952 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-01093-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
We examined in a rat model of Gulf War illness (GWI), the potential of (-)-epicatechin (Epi) to reverse skeletal muscle (SkM) atrophy and dysfunction, decrease mediators of inflammation and normalize metabolic perturbations. Male Wistar rats (n = 15) were provided orally with pyridostigmine bromide (PB) 1.3 mg/kg/day, permethrin (PM) 0.13 mg/kg/day (skin), DEET 40 mg/kg/day (skin) and were physically restrained for 5 min/day for 3 weeks. A one-week period ensued to fully develop the GWI-like profile followed by 2 weeks of either Epi treatment at 1 mg/kg/day by gavage (n = 8) or water (n = 7) for controls. A normal, control group (n = 15) was given vehicle and not restrained. At 6 weeks, animals were subjected to treadmill and limb strength testing followed by euthanasia. SkM and blood sampling was used for histological, biochemical and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine and metabolomics assessments. GWI animals developed an intoxication profile characterized SkM atrophy and loss of function accompanied by increases in modulators of muscle atrophy, degradation markers and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Treatment of GWI animals with Epi yielded either a significant partial or full normalization of the above stated indicators relative to normal controls. Plasma metabolomics revealed that metabolites linked to inflammation and SkM waste pathways were dysregulated in the GWI group whereas Epi, attenuated such changes. In conclusion, in a rat model of GWI, Epi partially reverses detrimental changes in SkM structure including modulators of atrophy, inflammation and select plasma metabolites yielding improved function.
Collapse
|
14
|
Murray KE, Delic V, Ratliff WA, Beck KD, Citron BA. Acute gene expression changes in the mouse hippocampus following a combined Gulf War toxicant exposure. Life Sci 2021; 284:119845. [PMID: 34293396 PMCID: PMC8994630 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Approximately 30% of the nearly 700,000 Veterans who were deployed to the Gulf War from 1990 to 1991 have reported experiencing a variety of symptoms including difficulties with learning and memory, depression and anxiety, and increased incidence of neurodegenerative diseases. Combined toxicant exposure to acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors has been studied extensively as a likely risk factor. In this study, we modeled Gulf War exposure in male C57Bl/6J mice with simultaneous administration of three chemicals implicated as exposure hazards for Gulf War Veterans: pyridostigmine bromide, the anti-sarin prophylactic; chlorpyrifos, an organophosphate insecticide; and the repellant N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET). MAIN METHODS Following two weeks of daily exposure, we examined changes in gene expression by whole transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) with hippocampal isolates. Hippocampal-associated spatial memory was assessed with a Y-maze task. We hypothesized that genes important for neuronal health become dysregulated by toxicant-induced damage and that these detrimental inflammatory gene expression profiles could lead to chronic neurodegeneration. KEY FINDINGS We found dysregulation of genes indicating a pro-inflammatory response and downregulation of genes associated with neuronal health and several important immediate early genes (IEGs), including Arc and Egr1, which were both reduced approximately 1.5-fold. Mice exposed to PB + CPF + DEET displayed a 1.6-fold reduction in preference for the novel arm, indicating impaired spatial memory. SIGNIFICANCE Differentially expressed genes observed at an acute timepoint may provide insight into the pathophysiology of Gulf War Illness and further explanations for chronic neurodegeneration after toxicant exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Murray
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), Bldg. 16, Rm. 16-176, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018, United States of America; Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, NJ 07103, United States of America.
| | - Vedad Delic
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), Bldg. 16, Rm. 16-176, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018, United States of America; Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, NJ 07103, United States of America; Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States of America.
| | - Whitney A Ratliff
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Research and Development, 151, Bldg. 22, Rm. 123, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744, United States of America.
| | - Kevin D Beck
- Neurobehavior Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), Bldg. 16, Rm. 16-176, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018, United States of America; Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, NJ 07103, United States of America; Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States of America.
| | - Bruce A Citron
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), Bldg. 16, Rm. 16-176, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018, United States of America; Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, NJ 07103, United States of America; Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Research and Development, 151, Bldg. 22, Rm. 123, 10000 Bay Pines Blvd, Bay Pines, FL 33744, United States of America; Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kozlova EV, Carabelli B, Bishay AE, Denys ME, Chinthirla DB, Tran JD, Hsiao A, Nieden NZ, Curras-Collazo MC. Persistent exercise fatigue and associative learning deficits in combination with transient glucose dyshomeostasis in a GWI mouse model. Life Sci 2021; 289:120094. [PMID: 34710444 PMCID: PMC9053767 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To characterize exercise fatigue, metabolic phenotype and cognitive and mood deficits correlated with brain neuroinflammatory and gut microbiome changes in a chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI) mouse model. The latter have been described in an accompanying paper [1]. Main methods: Adult male C57Bl/6N mice were exposed for 28 days (5 days/week) to pyridostigmine bromide: 6.5 mg/kg, b.i.d., P.O. (GW1) or 8.7 mg/kg, q.d., P.O. (GW2); topical permethrin (1.3 mg/kg in 100% DMSO) and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET 33% in 70% EtOH) and restraint stress (5 min). Exercise, metabolic and behavioral endpoints were compared to sham stress control (CON/S). Key findings: Relative to CON/S, GW2 presented persistent exercise intolerance (through post-treatment (PT) day 161), deficient associative learning/memory, and transient insulin insensitivity. In contrast to GW2, GW1 showed deficient long-term object recognition memory, milder associative learning/memory deficit, and behavioral despair. Significance: Our findings demonstrate that GW chemicals dose-dependently determine the presentation of exercise fatigue and severity/type of cognitive/mood-deficient phenotypes that show persistence. Our comprehensive mouse model of GWI recapitulates the major multiple symptom domains characterizing GWI, including fatigue and cognitive impairment that can be used to more efficiently develop diagnostic tests and curative treatments for ill Gulf War veterans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bruno Carabelli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Maximilian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Devi B Chinthirla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jasmin D Tran
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Zur Nieden
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - M C Curras-Collazo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kodali M, Mishra V, Hattiangady B, Attaluri S, Gonzalez JJ, Shuai B, Shetty AK. Moderate, intermittent voluntary exercise in a model of Gulf War Illness improves cognitive and mood function with alleviation of activated microglia and astrocytes, and enhanced neurogenesis in the hippocampus. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:135-149. [PMID: 34245811 PMCID: PMC9885810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent cognitive and mood impairments in Gulf War Illness (GWI) are associated with chronic neuroinflammation, typified by hypertrophied astrocytes, activated microglia, and increased proinflammatory mediators in the brain. Using a rat model, we investigated whether a simple lifestyle change such as moderate voluntary physical exercise would improve cognitive and mood function in GWI. Because veterans with GWI exhibit fatigue and post-exertional malaise, we employed an intermittent voluntary running exercise (RE) regimen, which prevented exercise-induced stress. The GWI rats were provided access to running wheels three days per week for 13 weeks, commencing ten weeks after the exposure to GWI-related chemicals and stress (GWI-RE group). Groups of age-matched sedentary GWI rats (GWI-SED group) and naïve rats were maintained parallelly. Interrogation of rats with behavioral tests after the 13-week RE regimen revealed improved hippocampus-dependent object location memory and pattern separation function and reduced anxiety-like behavior in the GWI-RE group compared to the GWI-SED group. Moreover, 13 weeks of RE in GWI rats significantly reversed activated microglia with short and less ramified processes into non-inflammatory/antiinflammatory microglia with highly ramified processes and reduced the hypertrophy of astrocytes. Moreover, the production of new neurons in the hippocampus was enhanced when examined eight weeks after the commencement of RE. Notably, increased neurogenesis continued even after the cessation of RE. Collectively, the results suggest that even a moderate, intermittent physical exercise has the promise to improve brain function in veterans with GWI in association with suppression of neuroinflammation and enhancement of hippocampal neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Vikas Mishra
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Bharathi Hattiangady
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jenny Jaimes Gonzalez
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, United States
| | - Ashok K. Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, United States,Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, United States,Corresponding author at: Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, 1114 TAMU, 206 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, United States. (A.K. Shetty)
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Hayley S, Hakim AM, Albert PR. Depression, dementia and immune dysregulation. Brain 2021; 144:746-760. [PMID: 33279966 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awaa405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 09/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depression is a prevalent illness that increases the risk of several neurological conditions. These include stroke, cardiovascular disease, and dementia including Alzheimer's disease. In this review we ask whether certain types of depression and associated loneliness may be a harbinger of cognitive decline and possibly even dementia. We propose that chronic stress and inflammation combine to compromise vascular and brain function. The resulting increases in proinflammatory cytokines and microglial activation drive brain pathology leading to depression and mild cognitive impairment, which may progress to dementia. We present evidence that by treating the inflammatory changes, depression can be reversed in many cases. Importantly, there is evidence that anti-inflammatory and antidepressant treatments may reduce or prevent dementia in people with depression. Thus, we propose a model in which chronic stress and inflammation combine to increase brain permeability and cytokine production. This leads to microglial activation, white matter damage, neuronal and glial cell loss. This is first manifest as depression and mild cognitive impairment, but can eventually evolve into dementia. Further research may identify clinical subgroups with inflammatory depression at risk for dementia. It would then be possible to address in clinical trials whether effective treatment of the depression can delay the onset of dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shawn Hayley
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Antoine M Hakim
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience), uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Paul R Albert
- Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (Neuroscience), uOttawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nguyen H, Sahbaie P, Goba L, Sul J, Suzaki A, Clark JD, Huang TT. Exposure to Gulf War Illness-related agents leads to the development of chronic pain and fatigue. Life Sci 2021; 283:119867. [PMID: 34358550 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS A substantial contingent of veterans from the first Gulf War continues to suffer from a number of Gulf War-related illnesses (GWI) affecting the neurological and musculoskeletal systems; the most common symptoms include chronic pain and fatigue. Although animal models have recapitulated several aspects of cognitive impairments in GWI, the pain and fatigue symptoms have not been well documented to allow examination of potential pathogenic mechanisms. MAIN METHODS We used a mouse model of GWI by exposing mice repeatedly to a combination of Gulf War chemicals (pyridostigmine bromide, permethrin, DEET, and chlorpyrifos) and mild immobilization stress, followed by investigating their pain susceptibilities and fatigue symptoms. To assess whether enhanced antioxidant capacity can counter the effects of GW agents, transgenic mice overexpressing extracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD3OE) were also examined. KEY FINDINGS The mouse model recapitulated several aspects of the human illness, including hyperalgesia, impaired descending inhibition of pain, and increased tonic pain. There is a close association between chronic pain and fatigue in GWI patients. Consistent with this observation, the mouse model showed a significant reduction in physical endurance on the treadmill. Examination of skeletal muscles suggested reduction in mitochondrial functions may have contributed to the fatigue symptoms. Furthermore, the negative impacts of GW agents in pain susceptibilities were largely diminished in SOD3OE mice, suggesting that increased oxidative stress was associated with the emergence of these Gulf War symptoms. SIGNIFICANCE the mouse model will be suitable for delineating specific defects in the pain pathways and mechanisms of fatigue in GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huy Nguyen
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America; Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America
| | - Peyman Sahbaie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America; Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America; Anesthesiology Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America
| | - Lihle Goba
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America
| | - Julian Sul
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America
| | - Aoi Suzaki
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America
| | - J David Clark
- Department of Anesthesiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America; Anesthesiology Service, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America
| | - Ting-Ting Huang
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, United States of America; Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Ribeiro ACR, Deshpande LS. A review of pre-clinical models for Gulf War Illness. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 228:107936. [PMID: 34171340 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptomatic disorder that afflicts over 1/3rd of the 1991 GW veterans. It spans multiple bodily systems and presents itself as a syndrome exhibiting diverse symptoms including fatigue, depression, mood, and memory and concentration deficits, musculoskeletal pain and gastrointestinal distress in GW veterans. The etiology of GWI is complex and many factors, including chemical, physiological, and environmental stressors present in the GW arena, have been implicated for its development. It has been over 30 years since the end of the GW but, GWI has been persistent in suffering veterans who are also dealing with paucity of effective treatments. The multifactorial aspect of GWI along with genetic heterogeneity and lack of available data surrounding war-time exposures have proved to be challenging in developing pre-clinical models of GWI. Despite this, over a dozen GWI animal models exist in the literature. In this article, following a brief discussion of GW history, GWI definitions, and probable causes for its pathogenesis, we will expand upon various experimental models used in GWI laboratory research. These animal models will be discussed in the context of their attempts at mimicking GW-related exposures with regards to the variations in chemical combinations, doses, and frequency of exposures. We will discuss their advantages and limitations in modeling GWI followed by a discussion of behavioral and molecular findings in these models. The mechanistic data obtained from these preclinical studies have offered multiple molecular pathways including chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, lipid disturbances, calcium homeostatic alterations, changes in gut microbiota, and epigenetic modifications, amongst others for explaining GWI development and its persistence. Finally, these findings have also informed us on novel druggable targets in GWI. While, it has been difficult to conceive a single pre-clinical model that could express all the GWI signs and exhibit biological complexity reflective of the clinical presentation in GWI, animal models have been critical for identifying molecular underpinnings of GWI and evaluating treatment strategies for GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C R Ribeiro
- Departments of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Laxmikant S Deshpande
- Departments of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Brown KA, Carpenter JM, Preston CJ, Ludwig HD, Clay KB, Harn DA, Norberg T, Wagner JJ, Filipov NM. Lacto-N-fucopentaose-III ameliorates acute and persisting hippocampal synaptic plasticity and transmission deficits in a Gulf War Illness mouse model. Life Sci 2021; 279:119707. [PMID: 34102195 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The present study investigated if treatment with the immunotherapeutic, lacto-N-fucopentaose-III (LNFPIII), resulted in amelioration of acute and persisting deficits in synaptic plasticity and transmission as well as trophic factor expression along the hippocampal dorsoventral axis in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness (GWI). MAIN METHODS Mice received either coadministered or delayed LNFPIII treatment throughout or following, respectively, exposure to a 15-day GWI induction paradigm. Subsets of animals were subsequently sacrificed 48 h, seven months, or 11 months post GWI-related (GWIR) exposure for hippocampal qPCR or in vitro electrophysiology experiments. KEY FINDINGS Progressively worsened impairments in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, as well as a biphasic effect on hippocampal synaptic transmission, were detected in GWIR-exposed animals. Dorsoventral-specific impairments in hippocampal synaptic responses became more pronounced over time, particularly in the dorsal hippocampus. Notably, delayed LNFPIII treatment ameliorated GWI-related aberrations in hippocampal synaptic plasticity and transmission seven and 11 months post-exposure, an effect that was consistent with enhanced hippocampal trophic factor expression and absence of increased interleukin 6 (IL-6) in animals treated with LNFPIII. SIGNIFICANCE Approximately a third of Gulf War Veterans have GWI; however, GWI therapeutics are presently limited to targeted and symptomatic treatments. As increasing evidence underscores the substantial role of persisting neuroimmune dysfunction in GWI, efficacious neuroactive immunotherapeutics hold substantial promise in yielding GWI remission. The findings in the present report indicate that LNFPIII may be an efficacious candidate for ameliorating persisting neurological abnormalities presented in GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyle A Brown
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Jessica M Carpenter
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Neuroscience Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Collin J Preston
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Helaina D Ludwig
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Kendall B Clay
- Neuroscience Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Donald A Harn
- Department of Infectious Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Center for Tropical and Emerging Diseases, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Thomas Norberg
- Department of Chemistry, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - John J Wagner
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Neuroscience Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.
| | - Nikolay M Filipov
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Interdisciplinary Toxicology Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States; Neuroscience Program, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Venkatasamy L, Nizamutdinov D, Jenkins J, Shapiro LA. Vagus Nerve Stimulation Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment and Increased Hippocampal Astrocytes in a Mouse Model of Gulf War Illness. Neurosci Insights 2021; 16:26331055211018456. [PMID: 34104886 PMCID: PMC8165814 DOI: 10.1177/26331055211018456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Gulf war illness (GWI), is a chronic multi-symptom illness that has impacted approximately one-third of the veterans who served in the 1990 to 1991 Gulf War. GWI symptoms include cognitive impairments (eg, memory and concentration problems), headaches, migraines, fatigue, gastrointestinal and respiratory issues, as well as emotional deficits. The exposure to neurological chemicals such as the anti-nerve gas drug, pyridostigmine bromide (PB), and the insecticide permethrin (PER), may contribute to the etiologically related factors of GWI. Various studies utilizing mouse models of GWI have reported the interplay of these chemical agents in increasing neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunction. Astrocytes are involved in the secretion of neuroinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in pathological conditions and have been implicated in GWI symptomology. We hypothesized that exposure to PB and PER causes lasting changes to hippocampal astrocytes, concurrent with chronic cognitive deficits that can be reversed by cervical vagus nerve stimulation (VNS). GWI was induced in CD1 mice by injecting the mixture of PER (200 mg/kg) and PB (2 mg/kg), i.p. for 10 consecutive days. VNS stimulators were implanted at 33 weeks after GWI induction. The results show age-related cognitive alterations at approximately 9 months after exposure to PB and PER. The results also showed an increased number of GFAP-labeled astrocytes in the hippocampus and dentate gyrus that was ameliorated by VNS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lavanya Venkatasamy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Damir Nizamutdinov
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Jaclyn Jenkins
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Lee A Shapiro
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University, Bryan, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Nkiliza A, Joshi U, Evans JE, Ait-Ghezala G, Parks M, Crawford F, Mullan M, Abdullah L. Adaptive Immune Responses Associated with the Central Nervous System Pathology of Gulf War Illness. Neurosci Insights 2021; 16:26331055211018458. [PMID: 34104887 PMCID: PMC8155779 DOI: 10.1177/26331055211018458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness is a multisymptomatic condition which affects 30% of veterans
from the 1991 Gulf War. While there is evidence for a role of peripheral
cellular and humoral adaptive immune responses in Gulf War Illness, a potential
role of the adaptive immune system in the central nervous system pathology of
this condition remains unknown. Furthermore, many of the clinical features of
Gulf War Illness resembles those of autoimmune diseases, but the biological
processes are likely different as the etiology of Gulf War Illness is linked to
hazardous chemical exposures specific to the Gulf War theatre. This review
discusses Gulf War chemical–induced maladaptive immune responses and a potential
role of cellular and humoral immune responses that may be relevant to the
central nervous system symptoms and pathology of Gulf War Illness. The
discussion may stimulate investigations into adaptive immunity for developing
novel therapies for Gulf War Illness.
Collapse
|
23
|
Holton KF, Ramachandra SS, Murray SL, Baron M, Baraniuk JN. Effect of the low glutamate diet on inflammatory cytokines in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI): A pilot study. Life Sci 2021; 280:119637. [PMID: 34015284 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119637] [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] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM To examine the effects of the low glutamate diet on inflammatory cytokines in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). MAIN METHODS Forty veterans with GWI were recruited from across the country. Anthropometric measurements and blood samples were collected at baseline and after one month on the low glutamate diet. Dietary adherence was measured with a glutamate food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) were measured in pre- and post-diet serum (N = 34). Improvement was defined as being "much" or "very much" improved on the patient global impression of change scale (PGIC), or as having ≥30% of their symptoms remit. Correlations of the FFQ and the cytokines were calculated, followed by multivariable linear regression for significant findings. Mann Whitney U tests were used to compare cytokine levels according to improvement on the diet, and then logistic regression was used to estimate the association after adjustment for potential confounders. Classification trees were also produced to determine the ability of change in the inflammatory cytokines to predict improvement on the diet. KEY FINDINGS Dietary adherence was significantly associated with reduction in TNF-α, and PGIC improvement was significantly associated with reduced IL-1β, after adjustment for potential confounders. Classification trees demonstrated that IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 can predict improvement on the diet with 76.5% accuracy. SIGNIFICANCE Findings suggest that the low glutamate diet may be able to reduce systemic inflammation in veterans with GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen F Holton
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States of America; Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States of America.
| | - Shalini S Ramachandra
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States of America; Department of Mathematics and Statistics, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States of America
| | - Sidney L Murray
- Behavior, Cognition, and Neuroscience Program, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States of America
| | - Michael Baron
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, American University, Washington, DC 20016, United States of America
| | - James N Baraniuk
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Madhu LN, Kodali M, Attaluri S, Shuai B, Melissari L, Rao X, Shetty AK. Melatonin improves brain function in a model of chronic Gulf War Illness with modulation of oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasomes, and BDNF-ERK-CREB pathway in the hippocampus. Redox Biol 2021; 43:101973. [PMID: 33933884 PMCID: PMC8105671 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent cognitive and mood dysfunction is the primary CNS symptom in veterans afflicted with Gulf War Illness (GWI). This study investigated the efficacy of melatonin (MEL) for improving cognitive and mood function with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and pro-cognitive effects in a rat model of chronic GWI. Six months after exposure to GWI-related chemicals and stress, rats were treated with vehicle or MEL (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) for eight weeks. Behavioral tests revealed cognitive and mood dysfunction in GWI rats receiving vehicle, which were associated with elevated oxidative stress, reduced NRF2, catalase and mitochondrial complex proteins, astrocyte hypertrophy, activated microglia with NLRP3 inflammasomes, elevated proinflammatory cytokines, waned neurogenesis, and synapse loss in the hippocampus. MEL at 10 mg/kg alleviated simple and associative recognition memory dysfunction and anhedonia, along with reduced oxidative stress, enhanced glutathione and complex III, and reduced NLRP3 inflammasomes, IL-18, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. MEL at 20 mg/kg also normalized NRF2 and catalase and increased microglial ramification. MEL at 40 mg/kg, in addition, reduced astrocyte hypertrophy, activated microglia, NF-kB-NLRP3-caspase-1 signaling, IL-1β, MCP-1, and MIP-1α. Moreover, MEL at 80 mg/kg activated the BDNF-ERK-CREB signaling pathway, enhanced neurogenesis and diminished synapse loss in the hippocampus, and improved a more complex hippocampus-dependent cognitive function. Thus, MEL therapy is efficacious for improving cognitive and mood function in a rat model of chronic GWI, and MEL's effect was dose-dependent. The study provides the first evidence of MEL's promise for alleviating neuroinflammation and cognitive and mood impairments in veterans with chronic GWI. A low dose of Melatonin alleviated recognition memory dysfunction and anhedonia in a model of chronic GWI. A moderate dose of Melatonin improved more complex cognitive function in a model of chronic GWI. Melatonin treatment reduced oxidative stress and enhanced mitochondrial complex proteins in the GWI brain. Melatonin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasomes and proinflammatory cytokines in the GWI brain. Melatonin activated the BDNF-ERK-CREB signaling pathway and enhanced neurogenesis in the GWI brain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Leelavathi N Madhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Laila Melissari
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Xiaolan Rao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Gargas NM, Ethridge VT, Miklasevich MK, Rohan JG. Altered hippocampal function and cytokine levels in a rat model of Gulf War illness. Life Sci 2021; 274:119333. [PMID: 33705732 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Gulf War illness (GWI) is a disorder affecting military personnel deployed in the Gulf War (GW) from 1990 to 1991. Here, we will use a rat model of GWI to evaluate hippocampal function and cytokine levels. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were exposed to diethyltoluamide and permethrin via dermal absorption and pyridostigmine bromide via gavage with or without a 5-min restraint for 28 days. Immediate and delayed effects of GW chemical exposure were evaluated using electrophysiology to quantitate hippocampal function, behavioral tests to assess cognitive effects and biochemical assays to measure neurotransmitter and cytokine levels. KEY FINDINGS Behavioral data revealed a statistically significant increase in motor activity at 3 months following completion of exposures, potentially indicating increased excitability, and/or restlessness. Electrophysiology data revealed statistically significant changes in paired pulse facilitation and input-output function of CA1 hippocampal neurons within 24 h and 3 months following completion of exposures. There was also a statistically significant reduction in the frequency of spontaneous firing activity of hippocampal neurons within 24 h following exposures. Naïve hippocampal slices directly incubated in GW chemicals also resulted in similar changes in electrophysiological parameters. Biochemical measurements revealed reduced hippocampal glutamate level at 3 months post-exposure. Furthermore, there was a statistically significant increase in plasma and hippocampal levels of IL-13, as well as decrease in plasma level of IL-1β. SIGNIFICANCE Our data support an effect on glutamate signaling within the hippocampus as indicated by changes in PPF and hippocampal level of glutamate, with some activation of T helper type 2 immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nathan M Gargas
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, 2728 Q Street, Area B, Building 837, WPAFB, OH 45433, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA; Odyssey Systems Consulting Group, Ltd, 201 Edgewater Drive Suite 270, Wakefield, MA 01880, USA
| | - Victoria T Ethridge
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, 2728 Q Street, Area B, Building 837, WPAFB, OH 45433, USA; Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education, 1299 Bethel Valley Rd, Oak Ridge, TN 37830, USA
| | - Molly K Miklasevich
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, 2728 Q Street, Area B, Building 837, WPAFB, OH 45433, USA; Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Drive, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Joyce G Rohan
- Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, 2728 Q Street, Area B, Building 837, WPAFB, OH 45433, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Sex-Based Differences in Plasma Autoantibodies to Central Nervous System Proteins in Gulf War Veterans versus Healthy and Symptomatic Controls. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11020148. [PMID: 33498629 PMCID: PMC7911379 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 01/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Veterans from the 1991 Gulf War (GW) have suffered from Gulf War illness (GWI) for nearly 30 years. This illness encompasses multiple body systems, including the central nervous system (CNS). Diagnosis and treatment of GWI is difficult because there has not been an objective diagnostic biomarker. Recently, we reported on a newly developed blood biomarker that discriminates GWI from GW healthy controls, and symptomatic controls with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS). The present study was designed to compare levels of these biomarkers between men and women with GWI, as well as sex-specific effects in comparison to healthy GW veterans and symptomatic controls (IBS, ME/CFS). The results showed that men and women with GWI differ in 2 of 10 plasma autoantibodies, with men showing significantly elevated levels. Men and women with GWI showed significantly different levels of autoantibodies in 8 of 10 biomarkers to neuronal and glial proteins in plasma relative to controls. In summary, the present study addressed the utility of the use of plasma autoantibodies for CNS proteins to distinguish among both men and women veterans with GWI and other healthy and symptomatic control groups.
Collapse
|
27
|
Phillips KF, Deshpande LS. Calcium Hypothesis of Gulf War Illness: Role of Calcium Ions in Neurological Morbidities in a DFP-Based Rat Model for Gulf War Illness. Neurosci Insights 2020; 15:2633105520979841. [PMID: 33354668 PMCID: PMC7734545 DOI: 10.1177/2633105520979841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) refers to a multi-system disorder that afflicts approximately 30% of First Gulf War (GW) veterans. Amongst the symptoms exhibited, mood and memory impairment are commonly reported by GW veterans. Exposure to organophosphate (OP) compounds which target the cholinergic system is considered a leading cause for GWI symptoms. It is hypothesized that chronic OP-based war-time stimulation of cholinergic signaling led to recruitment of excitatory glutamatergic signaling and other downstream signaling cascades leading to neuronal injury, neuroinflammation, generation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage within the central nervous system. These findings have been observed in both experimental models and GWI veterans. In this context the role of calcium (Ca2+) signaling in GWI has come to the forefront. Here we present our Ca2+ hypothesis of GWI that suggests sustained neuronal Ca2+ elevations serve as a molecular trigger for pathological synaptic plasticity that has allowed for the persistence of GWI symptoms. Subsequently we discuss that therapeutic targeting of Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms provides novel targets for effective treatment of GWI-related neurological signs in our rodent model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Laxmikant S Deshpande
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.,Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lavrador M, Castel-Branco MM, Cabral AC, Veríssimo MT, Figueiredo IV, Fernandez-Llimos F. Association between anticholinergic burden and anticholinergic adverse outcomes in the elderly: Pharmacological basis of their predictive value for adverse outcomes. Pharmacol Res 2020; 163:105306. [PMID: 33248197 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The use of anticholinergic drugs and other drugs with anticholinergic activity is highly prevalent in older people. Cumulative anticholinergic effects, known as anticholinergic burden, are associated with important peripheral and central adverse effects and outcomes. Several methods have been developed to quantify anticholinergic burden and to estimate the risk of adverse anticholinergic effects. Serum anticholinergic activity (SAA) and anticholinergic burden scoring systems are the most commonly used methods to predict the occurrence of important negative outcomes. These tools could guide clinicians in making more rational prescriptions to enhance patient safety, especially in older people. However, the literature has reported conflicting results about the predictive ability of these tools. The majority of these instruments ignore relevant pharmacologic aspects such as the doses used, differential muscarinic receptor subtype affinities, and blood-brain barrier permeability. To increase the clinical relevance of these tools, mechanistic and clinical pharmacology should collaborate. This narrative review describes the rational and pharmacological basis of anticholinergic burden tools and provides insight about their predictive value for adverse outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Lavrador
- University of Coimbra, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - M Margarida Castel-Branco
- University of Coimbra, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Ana C Cabral
- University of Coimbra, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Manuel T Veríssimo
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; University of Coimbra, Faculty of Medicine, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Isabel V Figueiredo
- University of Coimbra, Pharmacology and Pharmaceutical Care Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Pólo das Ciências da Saúde, Azinhaga de Santa Comba, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal.
| | - Fernando Fernandez-Llimos
- University of Porto, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy. Rua Jorge Viterbo 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal; CINTESIS - Center for Health Technology and Services Research, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Hernandez S, Morales-Soto W, Grubišić V, Fried D, Gulbransen BD. Pyridostigmine bromide exposure creates chronic, underlying neuroimmune disruption in the gastrointestinal tract and brain that alters responses to palmitoylethanolamide in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness. Neuropharmacology 2020; 179:108264. [PMID: 32758565 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptom illness that includes gastrointestinal disorders. Although the exact etiology of GWI is unknown, exposure to the drug pyridostigmine bromide (PB) is considered a major factor. Exposure to PB drives enteric neuroinflammation, promotes immunosuppression, and alters physiological functions of the colon in the short term but whether exposure to PB is sufficient to promote long term dysfunction is not known. Here, we tested whether exposure to PB is sufficient to drive long term changes that reflect GWI, and whether the endogenous anti-inflammatory mediator palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is sufficient to reduce the detrimental effects of PB in the gut and brain of mice. Exposure to PB alone was not sufficient to cause major changes in neuromuscular transmission but did drive major changes by altering the effects of PEA. Calcium imaging data show that the mechanisms responsible include a shift in receptor signaling mediated by TRPV1, endocannabinoids, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha (PPARα). Additional mechanisms include the development of glial reactivity and changes in enteric neurochemical coding and survival. PB and PEA caused major shifts in pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines in the brain and colon that persisted up to 5 months following exposure. Many of the effects of PB and PEA exhibit significant sex differences. Together, these results highlight novel mechanisms whereby PB promotes long-lasting changes in nervous system and immune function by inducing occult neuroplasticity that is revealed by subsequent exposure to unrelated drugs in a sex dependent manner.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siomara Hernandez
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Wilmarie Morales-Soto
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Vladimir Grubišić
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - David Fried
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Brian D Gulbransen
- Department of Physiology and Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, 567 Wilson Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hoffman JF, Kalinich JF. Effects of Incubation of Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Astrocytes with Pyridostigmine Bromide, DEET, or Permethrin in the Absence or Presence of Metal Salts. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17228336. [PMID: 33187257 PMCID: PMC7696739 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17228336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic, multi-symptom illness suffered by over one-third of American military veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War between 1990 and 1991. No current single-exposure scenario accounts for all the symptoms observed in GWI, and instead may be due to a multi-exposure scenario. As a larger effort to understand how one category of multi-exposure scenarios of organic compounds such as nerve gas prophylactic pyridostigmine bromide, or insecticides/pesticides such as N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) and permethrin, plus heavy metals found in inhaled dust particles (Al, Fe, Ni, Sr, DU, Co, Cu, Mn, and Zn) might play a role in neural aspects of GWI, we begin this initial study to examine the toxicity and oxidative damage markers of human brain endothelial cell and human astrocyte cell cultures in response to these compounds. A battery of cytotoxicity assessments, including the MTT assay, Neutral Red uptake, and direct microscopic observation, was used to determine a non-toxic dose of the test compounds. After testing a wide range of doses of each compound, we chose a sub-toxic dose of 10 µM for the three organic compounds and 1 µM for the nine metals of interest for co-exposure experiments on cell cultures and examined an array of oxidative stress-response markers including nitric oxide production, formation of protein carbonyls, production of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, and expression of proteins involved in oxidative stress and cell damage. Many markers were not significantly altered, but we report a significant increase in nitric oxide after exposure to any of the three compounds in conjunction with depleted uranium.
Collapse
|
31
|
Dickey B, Madhu LN, Shetty AK. Gulf War Illness: Mechanisms Underlying Brain Dysfunction and Promising Therapeutic Strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 220:107716. [PMID: 33164782 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI), a chronic multisymptom health problem, afflicts ~30% of veterans served in the first GW. Impaired brain function is among the most significant symptoms of GWI, which is typified by persistent cognitive and mood impairments, concentration problems, headaches, chronic fatigue, and musculoskeletal pain. This review aims to discuss findings from animal prototypes and veterans with GWI on mechanisms underlying its pathophysiology and emerging therapeutic strategies for alleviating brain dysfunction in GWI. Animal model studies have linked brain impairments to incessantly elevated oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, inhibitory interneuron loss, altered lipid metabolism and peroxisomes, mitochondrial dysfunction, modified expression of genes relevant to cognitive function, and waned hippocampal neurogenesis. Furthermore, the involvement of systemic alterations such as the increased intensity of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines in the blood, transformed gut microbiome, and activation of the adaptive immune response have received consideration. Investigations in veterans have suggested that brain dysfunction in GWI is linked to chronic activation of the executive control network, impaired functional connectivity, altered blood flow, persistent inflammation, and changes in miRNA levels. Lack of protective alleles from Class II HLA genes, the altered concentration of phospholipid species and proinflammatory factors in the circulating blood have also been suggested as other aiding factors. While some drugs or combination therapies have shown promise for alleviating symptoms in clinical trials, larger double-blind, placebo-controlled trials are needed to validate such findings. Based on improvements seen in animal models of GWI, several antioxidants and anti-inflammatory compounds are currently being tested in clinical trials. However, reliable blood biomarkers that facilitate an appropriate screening of veterans for brain pathology need to be discovered. A liquid biopsy approach involving analysis of brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the blood appears efficient for discerning the extent of neuropathology both before and during clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brandon Dickey
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple, TX, USA
| | - Leelavathi N Madhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Ramirez-Sanchez I, Navarrete-Yañez V, Garate-Carrillo A, Loredo M, Lira-Romero E, Estrada-Mena J, Campeau A, Gonzalez D, Carrillo-Terrazas M, Moreno-Ulloa A, Ceballos G, Villarreal F. Development of muscle atrophy and loss of function in a Gulf-War illness model: underlying mechanisms. Sci Rep 2020; 10:14526. [PMID: 32884027 PMCID: PMC7471336 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-71486-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Gulf War illness (GWI) afflicts military personnel who served during the Persian Gulf War and is notable for cognitive deficits, depression, muscle pain, weakness, intolerance to exercise, and fatigue. Suspect causal agents include the chemicals pyridostigmine (PB), permetrim (PM) and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) used as protectants against insects and nerve gases. No pre-clinical studies have explored the effects on skeletal muscle (SkM). Young male rats were provided PB, PM and DEET at equivalent human doses and physical restraint (to induce stress) for 3 weeks followed a 3-week recovery. GWI gastrocnemius weight was ~ 35% lower versus controls, which correlated with decreases in myofiber area, limb strength, and treadmill time/distance. In GWI rats, SkM fiber type relative abundance changed towards slow type I. Muscle wasting pathway proteins were upregulated while those that promote growth decreased as did mitochondrial endpoints and muscle ATP levels. Proteomic analysis of SkM also documented unique alterations in mitochondrial and metabolic pathways. Thus, exposure to GWI chemicals/stress adversely impacts key metabolic pathways leading to muscle atrophy and loss of function. These changes may account for GWI Veterans symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Israel Ramirez-Sanchez
- School of Medicine, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Dr. BSB4028, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0613, USA
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Viridiana Navarrete-Yañez
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Alejandra Garate-Carrillo
- School of Medicine, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Dr. BSB4028, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0613, USA
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Maria Loredo
- Escuela de Medicina, Universidad Panamericana, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | | - Anaamika Campeau
- School of Medicine, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Dr. BSB4028, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0613, USA
| | - David Gonzalez
- School of Medicine, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Dr. BSB4028, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0613, USA
| | | | | | - Guillermo Ceballos
- Seccion de Estudios de Posgrado e Investigacion, Escuela Superior de Medicina, IPN, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Francisco Villarreal
- School of Medicine, UCSD, 9500 Gilman Dr. BSB4028, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0613, USA.
- VA San Diego Health Care, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
In-vivo imaging of neuroinflammation in veterans with Gulf War illness. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 87:498-507. [PMID: 32027960 PMCID: PMC7864588 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2019] [Revised: 01/27/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic disorder affecting approximately 30% of the veterans who served in the 1991 Gulf War. It is characterised by a constellation of symptoms including musculoskeletal pain, cognitive problems and fatigue. The cause of GWI is not definitively known but exposure to neurotoxicants, the prophylactic use of pyridostigmine bromide (PB) pills, and/or stressors during deployment have all been suspected to play some pathogenic role. Recent animal models of GWI have suggested that neuroinflammatory mechanisms may be implicated, including a dysregulated activation of microglia and astrocytes. However, neuroinflammation has not previously been directly observed in veterans with GWI. To measure GWI-related neuroinflammation in GW veterans, we conducted a Positron Emission Tomography (PET) study using [11C]PBR28, which binds to the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a protein upregulated in activated microglia/macrophages and astrocytes. Veterans with GWI (n = 15) and healthy controls (HC, n = 33, including a subgroup of healthy GW veterans, HCVET, n = 8), were examined using integrated [11C]PBR28 PET/MRI. Standardized uptake values normalized by occipital cortex signal (SUVR) were compared across groups and against clinical variables and circulating inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β). SUVR were validated against volume of distribution ratio (n = 13). Whether compared to the whole HC group, or only the HCVET subgroup, veterans with GWI demonstrated widespread cortical elevations in [11C]PBR28 PET signal, in areas including precuneus, prefrontal, primary motor and somatosensory cortices. There were no significant group differences in the plasma levels of the inflammatory cytokines evaluated. There were also no significant correlations between [11C]PBR28 PET signal and clinical variables or circulating inflammatory cytokines. Our study provides the first direct evidence of brain upregulation of the neuroinflammatory marker TSPO in veterans with GWI and supports the exploration of neuroinflammation as a therapeutic target for this disorder.
Collapse
|
34
|
Michalovicz LT, Kelly KA, Sullivan K, O'Callaghan JP. Acetylcholinesterase inhibitor exposures as an initiating factor in the development of Gulf War Illness, a chronic neuroimmune disorder in deployed veterans. Neuropharmacology 2020; 171:108073. [PMID: 32247728 PMCID: PMC7398580 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multi-symptom disorder, characterized by symptoms such as fatigue, pain, cognitive and memory impairment, respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal problems, that is experienced by approximately one-third of 1991 Gulf War veterans. Over the nearly three decades since the end of the war, investigators have worked to elucidate the initiating factors and underlying causes of GWI. A significant portion of this research has indicated a strong correlation between GWI and exposure to a number of different acetycholinesterase inhibitors (AChEIs) in theater, such as sarin and cyclosarin nerve agents, chlorpyrifos and dichlorvos pesticides, and the anti-nerve agent prophylactic pyridostigmine bromide. Through studying these exposures and their relationship to the symptoms presented by ill veterans, it has become increasingly apparent that GWI is the likely result of an underlying neuroimmune disorder. While evidence indicates that AChEIs are a key exposure in the development of GWI, particularly organophosphate AChEIs, the mechanism(s) by which these chemicals instigate illness appears to be related to "off-target", non-cholinergic effects. In this review, we will discuss the role of AChEI exposure in the development and persistence of GWI; in particular, how these chemicals, combined with other exposures, have led to a chronic neuroimmune disorder. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: From Bench to Bedside to Battlefield'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lindsay T Michalovicz
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Kimberly A Kelly
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | | | - James P O'Callaghan
- Health Effects Laboratory Division, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, Morgantown, WV, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Shetty AK, Attaluri S, Kodali M, Shuai B, Shetty GA, Upadhya D, Hattiangady B, Madhu LN, Upadhya R, Bates A, Rao X. Monosodium luminol reinstates redox homeostasis, improves cognition, mood and neurogenesis, and alleviates neuro- and systemic inflammation in a model of Gulf War Illness. Redox Biol 2019; 28:101389. [PMID: 31778892 PMCID: PMC6888767 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Enduring brain dysfunction is amid the highly manifested symptoms in veterans with Gulf War Illness (GWI). Animal studies have established that lasting brain dysfunction in GWI is concomitant with augmented oxidative stress, inflammation, and declined neurogenesis in the brain, and systemic inflammation. We hypothesize that drugs capable of restoring redox homeostasis in GWI will improve cognitive and mood function with modulation of neuroinflammation and neurogenesis. We examined the efficacy of monosodium luminol-GVT (MSL), a drug that promotes redox homeostasis, for improving cognitive and mood function in GWI rats. Young rats were exposed to GWI-related chemicals and moderate restraint stress for four weeks. Four months later, GWI rats received different doses of MSL or vehicle for eight weeks. Behavioral analyses in the last three weeks of treatment revealed that GWI rats receiving higher doses of MSL displayed better cognitive and mood function associated with reinstatement of redox homeostasis. Such restoration was evident from the normalized expression of multiple genes encoding proteins involved in combating oxidative stress in the brain and the return of several oxidative stress markers to control levels in the brain and the circulating blood. Sustained redox homeostasis by MSL also resulted in antiinflammatory and pro-neurogenic effects, which were apparent from reduced densities of hypertrophied astrocytes and activated microglia, and increased neurogenesis with augmented neural stem cell proliferation. Moreover, MSL treatment normalized the concentration of multiple proinflammatory markers in the circulating blood. Thus, MSL treatment reinstated redox homeostasis in an animal model of GWI, which resulted in alleviation of both brain and systemic inflammation, improved neurogenesis, and better cognitive and mood function. Brain dysfunction in an animal model of Gulf War Illness is linked with persistently elevated oxidative stress. Monosodium Luminol treatment reinstated redox homeostasis in a model of Gulf War Illness. Reinstatement of redox balance improved cognitive and mood function. Restoration of redox balance modulated reactive astrocytes and activated microglia in the brain. Return of redox homeostasis enhanced neurogenesis and suppressed systemic inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.
| | - Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Geetha A Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bharathi Hattiangady
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Leelavathi N Madhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Raghavendra Upadhya
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Adrian Bates
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Xiaolan Rao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Chester JE, Rowneki M, Van Doren W, Helmer DA. Progression of intervention-focused research for Gulf War illness. Mil Med Res 2019; 6:31. [PMID: 31627737 PMCID: PMC6798371 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-019-0221-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The Persian Gulf War of 1990 to 1991 involved the deployment of nearly 700,000 American troops to the Middle East. Deployment-related exposures to toxic substances such as pesticides, nerve agents, pyridostigmine bromide (PB), smoke from burning oil wells, and petrochemicals may have contributed to medical illness in as many as 250,000 of those American troops. The cluster of chronic symptoms, now referred to as Gulf War Illness (GWI), has been studied by many researchers over the past two decades. Although over $500 million has been spent on GWI research, to date, no cures or condition-specific treatments have been discovered, and the exact pathophysiology remains elusive.Using the 2007 National Institute of Health (NIH) Roadmap for Medical Research model as a reference framework, we reviewed studies of interventions involving GWI patients to assess the progress of treatment-related GWI research. All GWI clinical trial studies reviewed involved investigations of existing interventions that have shown efficacy in other diseases with analogous symptoms. After reviewing the published and ongoing registered clinical trials for cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise therapy, acupuncture, coenzyme Q10, mifepristone, and carnosine in GWI patients, we identified only four treatments (cognitive-behavioral therapy, exercise therapy, CoQ10, and mifepristone) that have progressed beyond a phase II trial.We conclude that progress in the scientific study of therapies for GWI has not followed the NIH Roadmap for Medical Research model. Establishment of a standard case definition, prioritized GWI research funding for the characterization of the pathophysiology of the condition, and rapid replication and adaptation of early phase, single site clinical trials could substantially advance research progress and treatment discovery for this condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy E Chester
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs New Jersey Healthcare System, 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA. .,War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 50 Irving St., Washington, DC, NW, 20422, USA.
| | - Mazhgan Rowneki
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs New Jersey Healthcare System, 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA
| | - William Van Doren
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs New Jersey Healthcare System, 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA
| | - Drew A Helmer
- War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, Veterans Affairs New Jersey Healthcare System, 385 Tremont Avenue, East Orange, NJ, 07018, USA.,Rutgers University, New Jersey Medical School, 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, NJ, 07103, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Neuroinflammation in Gulf War Illness is linked with HMGB1 and complement activation, which can be discerned from brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the blood. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 81:430-443. [PMID: 31255677 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.06.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2019] [Revised: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction and neuroinflammation are conspicuously observed in Gulf War Illness (GWI). We investigated whether brain inflammation in GWI is associated with activation of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and complement-related proteins in neurons and astrocytes, and brain inflammation can be tracked through neuron-derived extracellular vesicles (NDEVs) and astrocyte-derived EVs (ADEVs) found in the circulating blood. We exposed animals to GWI-related chemicals pyridostigmine bromide, DEET and permethrin, and moderate stress for 28 days. We performed behavioral tests 10 months post-exposure and quantified activated microglia and reactive astrocytes in the cerebral cortex. Then, we measured the concentration of HMGB1, proinflammatory cytokines, and complement activation-related proteins in the cerebral cortex, and NDEVs and ADEVs in the circulating blood. Cognitive impairments persisted in GWI rats at 10 months post-exposure, which were associated with increased density of activated microglia and reactive astrocytes in the cerebral cortex. Moreover, the level of HMGB1 was elevated in the cerebral cortex with altered expression in the cytoplasm of neuronal soma and dendrites as well as the extracellular space. Also, higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFa, IL-1b, and IL-6), and complement activation-related proteins (C3 and TccC5b-9) were seen in the cerebral cortex. Remarkably, increased levels of HMGB1 and proinflammatory cytokines observed in the cerebral cortex of GWI rats could also be found in NDEVs isolated from the blood. Similarly, elevated levels of complement proteins seen in the cerebral cortex could be found in ADEVs. The results provide new evidence that persistent cognitive dysfunction and chronic neuroinflammation in a model of GWI are linked with elevated HMGB1 concentration and complement activation. Furthermore, the results demonstrated that multiple biomarkers of neuroinflammation could be tracked reliably via analyses of NDEVs and ADEVs in the circulating blood. Execution of such a liquid biopsy approach is especially useful in clinical trials for monitoring the remission, persistence or progression of brain inflammation in GWI patients with drug treatment.
Collapse
|
38
|
Pyridostigmine bromide and stress interact to impact immune function, cholinergic neurochemistry and behavior in a rat model of Gulf War Illness. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 80:384-393. [PMID: 30953774 PMCID: PMC6790976 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is characterized by a constellation of symptoms that includes cognitive dysfunction. While the causes for GWI remain unknown, prophylactic use of the acetylcholinesterase inhibitor pyridostigmine bromide (PB) in combination with the stress of deployment has been proposed to be among the causes of the cognitive dysfunction in GWI. Mechanistically, clinical studies suggest that altered immune function may be an underlying factor in the neurochemical and neurobehavioral complications of GWI. Accordingly, the goal of this study was to determine how responses to an immune challenge (lipopolysaccharide; LPS) or stress impacts inflammation, acetylcholine (ACh) neurochemistry and behavior in an experimental model of GWI. Rats with a history of PB treatment exhibited potentiated increases in C-reactive protein levels in response to a submaximal LPS challenge compared to control rats, indicating that prior treatment with this cholinesterase inhibitor leads to exacerbated inflammatory responses to a subsequent immune challenge. ACh responses to LPS administration were decreased in the hippocampus, but not prefrontal cortex (PFC), in rats with a prior history of PB treatment or stress exposure. Additionally, ACh release in response to acute immobilization stress was attenuated in the PFC and hippocampus in these groups. These attenuated cholinergic responses were accompanied by impairments in contextual and cue-based fear learning. The results of this study suggest that stress and LPS challenges adversely affect central ACh neurochemistry in a rodent model of GWI and support the hypothesis that dysregulated immune responses are mechanistically linked to the neurological complications of GWI.
Collapse
|
39
|
Inhibition of microRNA-124-3p as a novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of Gulf War Illness: Evaluation in a rat model. Neurotoxicology 2018; 71:16-30. [PMID: 30503814 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2018] [Revised: 11/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic, multisymptom illness that continues to affect up to 30% of veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf during the 1990-1991 Gulf War. After nearly 30 years, useful treatments for GWI are lacking and underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in its pathobiology remain poorly understood, although exposures to pyridostigmine bromide (PB) and pesticides are consistently identified to be among the strongest risk factors. Alleviation of the broad range of symptoms manifested in GWI, which involve the central nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, and the immune system likely requires therapies that are able to activate and inactivate a large set of orchestrated genes. Previous work in our laboratory using an established rat model of GWI identified persistent elevation of microRNA-124-3p (miR-124) levels in the hippocampus whose numerous gene targets are involved in cognition-associated pathways and neuroendocrine function. This study aimed to investigate the broad effects of miR-124 inhibition in the brain 9 months after completion of a 28-day exposure regimen of PB, DEET (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide), permethrin, and mild stress by profiling the hippocampal expression of genes known to play a critical role in synaptic plasticity, glucocorticoid signaling, and neurogenesis. We determined that intracerebroventricular infusion of a miR-124 antisense oligonucleotide (miR-124 inhibitor; 0.05-0.5 nmol/day/28 days), but not a negative control oligonucleotide, into the lateral ventricle of the brain caused increased protein expression of multiple validated miR-124 targets and increased expression of downstream target genes important for cognition and neuroendocrine signaling in the hippocampus. Off-target cardiotoxic effects were revealed in GWI rats receiving 0.1 nmol/day as indicated by the detection in plasma of 5 highly elevated protein cardiac injury markers and 6 upregulated cardiac-enriched miRNAs in plasma exosomes determined by next-generation sequencing. Results from this study suggest that in vivo inhibition of miR-124 function in the hippocampus is a promising, novel therapeutic approach to improve cognition and neuroendocrine dysfunction in GWI. Additional preclinical studies in animal models to assess feasibility and safety by developing a practical, noninvasive drug delivery system to the brain and exploring potential adverse toxicologic effects of miR-124 inhibition are warranted.
Collapse
|
40
|
Petrescu AD, Grant S, Frampton G, McMillin M, Kain J, Kodali M, Shetty AK, DeMorrow S. Gulf war illness-related chemicals increase CD11b/c + monocyte infiltration into the liver and aggravate hepatic cholestasis in a rodent model. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13147. [PMID: 30177688 PMCID: PMC6120951 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-31599-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptom disorder affecting veterans of the 1990-91 Gulf war. GWI was linked with exposure to chemicals including the nerve gas prophylactic drug pyridostigmine-bromide (PB) and pesticides (DEET, permethrin). Veterans with GWI exhibit prolonged, low-level systemic inflammation, though whether this impacts the liver is unknown. While no evidence exists that GWI-related chemicals are hepatotoxic, the prolonged inflammation may alter the liver's response to insults such as cholestatic injury. We assessed the effects of GWI-related chemicals on macrophage infiltration and its subsequent influence on hepatic cholestasis. Sprague Dawley rats were treated daily with PB, DEET and permethrin followed by 15 minutes of restraint stress for 28 days. Ten weeks afterward, GWI rats or naïve age-matched controls underwent bile duct ligation (BDL) or sham surgeries. Exposure to GWI-related chemicals alone increased IL-6, and CD11b+F4/80- macrophages in the liver, with no effect on biliary mass or hepatic fibrosis. However, pre-exposure to GWI-related chemicals enhanced biliary hyperplasia and fibrogenesis caused by BDL, compared to naïve rats undergoing the same surgery. These data suggest that GWI patients could be predisposed to developing worse liver pathology due to sustained low-level inflammation of the liver when compared to patients without GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anca D Petrescu
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, 76504, USA
- Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, 76504, USA
| | - Stephanie Grant
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, 76504, USA
- Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, 76504, USA
| | - Gabriel Frampton
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, 76504, USA
- Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, 76504, USA
| | | | - Jessica Kain
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, 76504, USA
| | - Maheedhar Kodali
- Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, 76504, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, College Station, 77843, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, 76504, USA
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M College of Medicine, College Station, 77843, USA
| | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Department of Medical Physiology, Texas A&M College of Medicine, Temple, 76504, USA.
- Central Texas Veterans Healthcare System, Temple, 76504, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Lee S, Kang BM, Kim JH, Min J, Kim HS, Ryu H, Park H, Bae S, Oh D, Choi M, Suh M. Real-time in vivo two-photon imaging study reveals decreased cerebro-vascular volume and increased blood-brain barrier permeability in chronically stressed mice. Sci Rep 2018; 8:13064. [PMID: 30166586 PMCID: PMC6117335 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30875-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 08/07/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic stress disrupts brain homeostasis and adversely affects the cerebro-vascular system. Even though the effects of chronic stress on brain system have been extensively studied, there are few in vivo dynamic studies on the effects of chronic stress on the cerebro-vascular system. In this study, the effects of chronic stress on cerebral vasculature and BBB permeability were studied using in vivo two-photon (2p) microscopic imaging with an injection of fluorescence-conjugated dextran. Our real-time 2p imaging results showed that chronic stress reduced the vessel diameter and reconstructed vascular volume, regardless of vessel type and branching order. BBB permeability was investigated with two different size of tracers. Stressed animals exhibited a greater BBB permeability to 40-kDa dextran, but not to 70-kDa dextran, which is suggestive of weakened vascular integrity following stress. Molecular analysis revealed significantly higher VEGFa mRNA expression and a reduction in claudin-5. In summary, chronic stress decreases the size of cerebral vessels and increases BBB permeability. These results may suggest that the sustained decrease in cerebro-vascular volume due to chronic stress leads to a hypoxic condition that causes molecular changes such as VEGF and claudin-5, which eventually impairs the function of BBB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sohee Lee
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Bok-Man Kang
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Hwan Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiwoong Min
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung Seok Kim
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunwoo Ryu
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyejin Park
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biological Science, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Sungjun Bae
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Daehwan Oh
- Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Myunghwan Choi
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Minah Suh
- Center for Neuroscience Imaging Research, Institute for Basic Science (IBS), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Biomedical Institute for Convergence at SKKU (BICS), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea. .,Samsung Advanced Institute of Health Science and Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU), Suwon, 16419, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kodali M, Hattiangady B, Shetty G, Bates A, Shuai B, Shetty A. Curcumin treatment leads to better cognitive and mood function in a model of Gulf War Illness with enhanced neurogenesis, and alleviation of inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus. Brain Behav Immun 2018; 69:499-514. [PMID: 29454881 PMCID: PMC7023905 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2018.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Diminished cognitive and mood function are among the most conspicuous symptoms of Gulf War Illness (GWI). Our previous studies in a rat model of GWI have demonstrated that persistent cognitive and mood impairments are associated with substantially declined neurogenesis, chronic low-grade inflammation, increased oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus. We tested the efficacy of curcumin (CUR) to maintain better cognitive and mood function in a rat model of GWI because of its neurogenic, antiinflammatory, antioxidant, and memory and mood enhancing properties. Male rats were exposed daily to low doses of GWI-related chemicals, pyridostigmine bromide, N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) and permethrin, and 5-minutes of restraint stress for 28 days. Animals were next randomly assigned to two groups, which received daily CUR or vehicle treatment for 30 days. Animals also received 5'-bromodeoxyuridine during the last seven days of treatment for analysis of neurogenesis. Behavioral studies through object location, novel object recognition and novelty suppressed feeding tests performed sixty days after treatment revealed better cognitive and mood function in CUR treated GWI rats. These rats also displayed enhanced neurogenesis and diminished inflammation typified by reduced astrocyte hypertrophy and activated microglia in the hippocampus. Additional studies showed that CUR treatment to GWI rats enhanced the expression of antioxidant genes and normalized the expression of multiple genes related to mitochondrial respiration. Thus, CUR therapy is efficacious for maintaining better memory and mood function in a model of GWI. Enhanced neurogenesis, restrained inflammation and oxidative stress with normalized mitochondrial respiration may underlie better memory and mood function mediated by CUR treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M. Kodali
- Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College Station, TX, USA,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - B. Hattiangady
- Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College Station, TX, USA,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - G.A. Shetty
- Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College Station, TX, USA,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - A. Bates
- Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College Station, TX, USA,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - B. Shuai
- Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College Station, TX, USA,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - A.K. Shetty
- Olin E. Teague Veterans’ Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Temple, TX, USA,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College Station, TX, USA,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA,Corresponding author at: Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, College of Medicine, 1114 TAMU, 206 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX 77843, USA. (A.K. Shetty)
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Anxiety, neuroinflammation, cholinergic and GABAergic abnormalities are early markers of Gulf War illness in a mouse model of the disease. Brain Res 2017; 1681:34-43. [PMID: 29277710 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic disease that affects the 1991 Gulf War (GW) veterans for which treatment is lacking. It has been hypothesized that drugs used to protect military personnel from chemical attacks and insects during the war: pyridostigmine bromide (PB),N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), and permethrin (PER) together with stress may have contributed collectively and synergistically to generate GWI. There is a need to find markers of pathology to be used in pre-clinical trials. For this purpose we employed a previously validated mouse model of GWI evoked by daily exposure to PB (1.3 mg/kg), DEET (40 mg/kg), PER (0.13 mg/kg), and 5 min of restraint stress for 28 days to analyze behavior, brain pathology and neurochemical outcomes three months later. GWI-model mice were characterized by increased anxiety, decreased hippocampal levels of N-acetyl aspartate, GABA, the GABA-producing enzyme GAD-67 and microglial activation. We also observed that GWI model was sexually dimorphic on some measures: males had increased while females had decreased protein levels of the acetylcholine-synthesizing enzyme, choline acetyltransferase, in the septum and hippocampus and decreased levels of the receptor for brain-derived neurotrophic factor, TrkB140, in the hippocampus. Increased hippocampal levels of nerve growth factor were detected in males only. Together the data show behavioral and neuropathological abnormalities detected at 3 months post-exposure and that some of them are sexually dimorphic. Future preclinical studies for GWI may take advantage of this short latency model and should include both males and females as their response to treatment may differ.
Collapse
|
44
|
El Rahman HAA, Salama M, Gad El-Hak SA, El-Harouny MA, ElKafrawy P, Abou-Donia MB. A Panel of Autoantibodies Against Neural Proteins as Peripheral Biomarker for Pesticide-Induced Neurotoxicity. Neurotox Res 2017; 33:316-336. [PMID: 28875469 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9793-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we screened the sera of subjects chronically exposed to mixtures of pesticides (composed mainly of organophosphorus compounds (OPs) and others) and developed neurological symptoms for the presence of autoantibodies against cytoskeletal neural proteins. OPs have a well-characterized clinical profile resulting from acute cholinergic crisis. However, some of these compounds cause neuronal degeneration and demyelination known as organophosphorus compound-induced delayed neurotoxicity (OPIDN) and/or organophosphorus compound-induced chronic neurotoxicity (OPICN). Studies from our group have demonstrated the presence of autoantibodies to essential neuronal and glial proteins against cytoskeletal neural proteins in patients with chemical-induced brain injury. In this study, we screened the serum of 50 pesticide-exposed subjects and 25 non-exposed controls, using Western blot analysis against the following proteins: neurofilament triplet proteins (NFPs), tubulin, microtubule-associated tau proteins (Tau), microtubule-associated protein-2 (MAP-2), myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), calcium-calmodulin kinase II (CaMKII), glial S100-B protein, and alpha-synuclein (SNCA). Serum reactivity was measured as arbitrary chemiluminescence units. As a group, exposed subjects had significantly higher levels of autoantibody reactivity in all cases examined. The folds of increase in of autoantibodies against neural proteins of the subjects compared to healthy humans in descending order were as follows: MBP, 7.67, MAG 5.89, CaMKII 5.50, GFAP 5.1, TAU 4.96, MAP2 4.83, SNCA 4.55, NFP 4.55, S-100B 2.43, and tubulin 1.78. This study has demonstrated the presence of serum autoantibodies to central nervous system-specific proteins in a group of farmers chronically exposed to pesticides who developed neurological signs and symptoms of neural injury. These autoantibodies can be used as future diagnostic/therapeutic target for OP-induced neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heba Allah Abd El Rahman
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Salama
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Seham A Gad El-Hak
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Mona A El-Harouny
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Mohamed B Abou-Donia
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, 27710, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
|
46
|
Shetty GA, Hattiangady B, Upadhya D, Bates A, Attaluri S, Shuai B, Kodali M, Shetty AK. Chronic Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Dysfunction, Nrf2 Activation and Inflammation in the Hippocampus Accompany Heightened Systemic Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in an Animal Model of Gulf War Illness. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:182. [PMID: 28659758 PMCID: PMC5469946 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00182] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Memory and mood dysfunction are the key symptoms of Gulf war illness (GWI), a lingering multi-symptom ailment afflicting >200,000 veterans who served in the Persian Gulf War-1. Research probing the source of the disease has demonstrated that concomitant exposures to anti-nerve gas agent pyridostigmine bromide (PB), pesticides, and war-related stress are among the chief causes of GWI. Indeed, exposures to GWI-related chemicals (GWIR-Cs) and mild stress in animal models cause memory and mood impairments alongside reduced neurogenesis and chronic low-level inflammation in the hippocampus. In the current study, we examined whether exposure to GWIR-Cs and stress causes chronic changes in the expression of genes related to increased oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation in the hippocampus. We also investigated whether GWI is linked with chronically increased activation of Nrf2 (a master regulator of antioxidant response) in the hippocampus, and inflammation and enhanced oxidative stress at the systemic level. Adult male rats were exposed daily to low-doses of PB and pesticides (DEET and permethrin), in combination with 5 min of restraint stress for 4 weeks. Analysis of the hippocampus performed 6 months after the exposure revealed increased expression of many genes related to oxidative stress response and/or antioxidant activity (Hmox1, Sepp1, and Srxn1), reactive oxygen species metabolism (Fmo2, Sod2, and Ucp2) and oxygen transport (Ift172 and Slc38a1). Furthermore, multiple genes relevant to mitochondrial respiration (Atp6a1, Cox6a1, Cox7a2L, Ndufs7, Ndufv1, Lhpp, Slc25a10, and Ucp1) and neuroinflammation (Nfkb1, Bcl6, Csf2, IL6, Mapk1, Mapk3, Ngf, N-pac, and Prkaca) were up-regulated, alongside 73–88% reduction in the expression of anti-inflammatory genes IL4 and IL10, and nuclear translocation and increased expression of Nrf2 protein. These hippocampal changes were associated with elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines (Tnfa, IL1b, IL1a, Tgfb, and Fgf2) and lipid peroxidation byproduct malondialdehyde in the serum, suggesting the presence of an incessant systemic inflammation and elevated oxidative stress. These results imply that chronic oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction in the hippocampus, and heightened systemic inflammation and oxidative stress likely underlie the persistent memory and mood dysfunction observed in GWI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Geetha A Shetty
- Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, TempleTX, United States.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College StationTX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College StationTX, United States
| | - Bharathi Hattiangady
- Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, TempleTX, United States.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College StationTX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College StationTX, United States
| | - Dinesh Upadhya
- Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, TempleTX, United States.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College StationTX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College StationTX, United States
| | - Adrian Bates
- Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, TempleTX, United States.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College StationTX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College StationTX, United States
| | - Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College StationTX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College StationTX, United States
| | - Bing Shuai
- Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, TempleTX, United States.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College StationTX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College StationTX, United States
| | - Maheedhar Kodali
- Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, TempleTX, United States.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College StationTX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College StationTX, United States
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Research Service, Olin E. Teague Veterans' Medical Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, TempleTX, United States.,Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, Temple and College StationTX, United States.,Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center College of Medicine, College StationTX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Screening for novel central nervous system biomarkers in veterans with Gulf War Illness. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2017; 61:36-46. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2017.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
48
|
Shukla RK, Dhuriya YK, Chandravanshi LP, Gupta R, Srivastava P, Pant AB, Kumar A, Pandey CM, Siddiqui MH, Khanna VK. Influence of immobilization and forced swim stress on the neurotoxicity of lambda-cyhalothrin in rats: Effect on brain biogenic amines and BBB permeability. Neurotoxicology 2017; 60:187-196. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2015] [Revised: 06/23/2016] [Accepted: 07/05/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
|
49
|
Kharrazian D, Vojdani A. Correlation between antibodies to bisphenol A, its target enzyme protein disulfide isomerase and antibodies to neuron-specific antigens. J Appl Toxicol 2016; 37:479-484. [PMID: 27610592 PMCID: PMC5324640 DOI: 10.1002/jat.3383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Evidence continues to increase linking autoimmunity and other complex diseases to the chemicals commonly found in our environment. Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic monomer used widely in many forms, from food containers to toys, medical products and many others. The potential for BPA to participate as a triggering agent for autoimmune diseases is likely due to its known immunological influences. The goal of this research was to determine if immune reactivity to BPA has any correlation with neurological antibodies. BPA binds to a target enzyme called protein disulfide isomerase (PDI). Myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) are neuronal antigens that are target sites for neuroinflammation and neuroautoimmunity. We determined the co‐occurrence of anti‐MBP and anti‐MOG antibodies with antibodies made against BPA bound to human serum albumin in 100 healthy human subjects. Correlation between BPA to PDI, BPA to MOG, BPA to MBP, PDI to MBP and PDI to MOG were all highly statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The outcome of our study suggests that immune reactivity to BPA‐human serum albumin and PDI has a high degree of statistical significance with substantial correlation with both MBP and MOG antibody levels. This suggests that BPA may be a trigger for the production of antibodies against PDI, MBP and MOG. Immune reactivity to BPA bound to human tissue proteins may be a contributing factor to neurological autoimmune disorders. Further research is needed to determine the exact relationship of these antibodies with neuroautoimmunities. Copyright © 2016 The Authors Journal of Applied Toxicology Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd. This study investigated correlation of bisphenol A bound to human albumin antibodies with protein disulfide isomerase antibodies, myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibodies and myelin basic protein antibodies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Datis Kharrazian
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Aristo Vojdani
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.,Immunosciences Lab., Inc., Los Angeles, CA, 90035, USA
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Roszkowski M, Bohacek J. Stress does not increase blood-brain barrier permeability in mice. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2016; 36:1304-15. [PMID: 27146513 PMCID: PMC4929709 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x16647739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2015] [Accepted: 04/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have reported that exposure to acute psychophysiological stressors can lead to an increase in blood-brain barrier permeability, but these findings remain controversial and disputed. We thoroughly examined this issue by assessing the effect of several well-established paradigms of acute stress and chronic stress on blood-brain barrier permeability in several brain areas of adult mice. Using cerebral extraction ratio for the small molecule tracer sodium fluorescein (NaF, 376 Da) as a sensitive measure of blood-brain barrier permeability, we find that neither acute swim nor restraint stress lead to increased cerebral extraction ratio. Daily 6-h restraint stress for 21 days, a model for the severe detrimental impact of chronic stress on brain function, also does not alter cerebral extraction ratio. In contrast, we find that cold forced swim and cold restraint stress both lead to a transient, pronounced decrease of cerebral extraction ratio in hippocampus and cortex, suggesting that body temperature can be an important confounding factor in studies of blood-brain barrier permeability. To additionally assess if stress could change blood-brain barrier permeability for macromolecules, we measured cerebral extraction ratio for fluorescein isothiocyanate-dextran (70 kDa). We find that neither acute restraint nor cold swim stress affected blood-brain barrier permeability for macromolecules, thus corroborating our findings that various stressors do not increase blood-brain barrier permeability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martin Roszkowski
- Brain Research Institute, Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Johannes Bohacek
- Brain Research Institute, Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich, University of Zurich, Winterthurerstrasse, Zurich, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|