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Gupta A, Agarwal V. Inflammation as a shared mechanism of chronic stress related disorders with potential novel therapeutic targets. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03205-5. [PMID: 38850304 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03205-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Stress is a subjective experience that varies across individuals depending on their sensitivity, resilience, and length of exposure to stressors. Stress may be categorised as acute (positive stress) or chronic (negative stress). Acute stress is advantageous for the human body, but chronic stress results in changes in cardiovascular, neuroendocrine, autonomic, and immunological functions, eventually causing different illnesses. The specific process relating stress to chronic stress associated diseases is still a topic of continuing debate. Inflammation has been recognised as a new and fascinating physiological mechanism that connects chronic stress and its associated illnesses. This article explored the relationships between chronic stress, inflammation, and chronic illnesses, including depression, cancer, and cardiovascular disease. This article also emphasises on various possible therapeutic targets for the management of chronic stress related illnesses by targeting inflammation, namely lipoxins and alpha7 nicotinic receptors. These therapeutic targets may be useful in developing new and safe therapies for the management of chronic stress related dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anugya Gupta
- Faculty of Medical and Paramedical Sciences, Madhyanchal Professional University, Bhopal, 462044, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Vipul Agarwal
- Ankerite College of Pharmacy, Sausheer Khera, Parvar Purab, Mohanlalganj, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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2
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Li Y, Luo Y, Zhu P, Liang X, Li J, Dou X, Liu L, Qin L, Zhou M, Deng Y, Jiang L, Wang S, Yang W, Tang J, Tang Y. Running exercise improves astrocyte loss, morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted synapses in the hippocampus of CUS-induced depression model mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 239:173750. [PMID: 38494007 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Although the antidepressant effects of running exercise have been widely reported, further research is still needed to determine the structural bases for these effects. Astrocyte processes physically contact many synapses and directly regulate the numbers of synapses, but it remains unclear whether running exercise can modulate astrocyte morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted synapses in the hippocampus of the mice with depressive-like behavior. Male C57BL/6 J mice underwent four weeks of running exercise after four weeks of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). The sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) were used to assess anhedonia in mice. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of astrocyte- and synapse-related proteins. Immunofluorescence and 3D reconstruction were used to quantify the density and morphology of astrocytes, and astrocyte-contacted synapses in each hippocampal subregion. Four weeks of running exercise alleviated depressive-like symptoms in mice. The expression of astrocyte- and synapse-related proteins in the hippocampus; astrocyte process lengths, process numbers, and dendritic arborization; and the number of astrocyte-contacted PSD95 positive synapses in the CA2-3 and DG regions were significantly decreased in the mice with depressive-like behavior, and running exercise successfully reserved these changes. Running exercise improved the decreases in astrocyte morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted PSD95 positive synapses in the CA2-3 and DG regions of the mice with depressive-like behavior, suggesting that the physical interactions between astrocytes and synapses can be increased by running exercise, which might be an important structural basis for the antidepressant effects of running exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yanmin Luo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Peilin Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xin Liang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun Dou
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Lu Qin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yuhui Deng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Wenyu Yang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
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3
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Untiet V, Verkhratsky A. How astrocytic chloride modulates brain states. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2400004. [PMID: 38615322 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202400004] [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: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
The way the central nervous system (CNS) responds to diverse stimuli is contingent upon the specific brain state of the individual, including sleep and wakefulness. Despite the wealth of readout parameters and data delineating the brain states, the primary mechanisms are yet to be identified. Here we highlight the role of astrocytes, with a specific emphasis on chloride (Cl-) homeostasis as a modulator of brain states. Neuronal activity is regulated by the concentration of ions that determine excitability. Astrocytes, as the CNS homeostatic cells, are recognised for their proficiency in maintaining dynamic homeostasis of ions, known as ionostasis. Nevertheless, the contribution of astrocyte-driven ionostasis to the genesis of brain states or their response to sleep-inducing pharmacological agents has been overlooked. Our objective is to underscore the significance of astrocytic Cl- homeostasis, elucidating how it may underlie the modulation of brain states. We endeavour to contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between astrocytes and brain states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Verena Untiet
- Division of Glial Disease and Therapeutics, Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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Bollinger JL, Johnsamuel S, Vollmer LL, Kuhn AM, Wohleb ES. Stress-induced dysfunction of neurovascular astrocytes contributes to sex-specific behavioral deficits. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.14.594147. [PMID: 38798398 PMCID: PMC11118421 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.14.594147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes form an integral component of the neurovascular unit, ensheathing brain blood vessels with projections high in aquaporin-4 (AQP4) expression. These AQP4-rich projections facilitate interaction between the vascular endothelium, astrocytes, and neurons, and help stabilize vascular morphology. Studies using preclinical models of psychological stress and post-mortem tissue from patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) have reported reductions in AQP4, loss of astrocytic structures, and vascular impairment in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Though compelling, the role of AQP4 in mediating stress-induced alterations in blood vessel function and behavior remains unclear. Here, we address this, alongside potential sex differences in chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) effects on astrocyte phenotype, blood-brain barrier integrity, and behavior. CUS led to pronounced shifts in stress-coping behavior and working memory deficits in male -but not female- mice. Following behavioral testing, astrocytes from the frontal cortex were isolated for gene expression analyses. We found that CUS increased various transcripts associated with blood vessel maintenance in astrocytes from males, but either had no effect on- or decreased- these genes in females. Furthermore, CUS caused a reduction in vascular-localized AQP4 and elevated extravasation of a small molecule fluorescent reporter (Dextran) in the PFC in males but not females. Studies showed that knockdown of AQP4 in the PFC in males is sufficient to disrupt astrocyte phenotype and increase behavioral susceptibility to a sub-chronic stressor. Collectively, these findings provide initial evidence that sex-specific alterations in astrocyte phenotype and neurovascular integrity in the PFC contribute to behavioral and cognitive consequences following chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin L Bollinger
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Shobha Johnsamuel
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Lauren L Vollmer
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Alexander M Kuhn
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
| | - Eric S Wohleb
- Department of Pharmacology & Systems Physiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH
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Soto NN, Gaspar P, Bacci A. Not Just a Mood Disorder─Is Depression a Neurodevelopmental, Cognitive Disorder? Focus on Prefronto-Thalamic Circuits. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:1611-1618. [PMID: 38580316 PMCID: PMC11027097 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00828] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the most burdensome psychiatric disorders, affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide. The disease is characterized not only by severe emotional and affective impairments, but also by disturbed vegetative and cognitive functions. Although many candidate mechanisms have been proposed to cause the disease, the pathophysiology of cognitive impairments in depression remains unclear. In this article, we aim to assess the link between cognitive alterations in depression and possible developmental changes in neuronal circuit wiring during critical periods of susceptibility. We review the existing literature and propose a role of serotonin signaling during development in shaping the functional states of prefrontal neuronal circuits and prefronto-thalamic loops. We discuss how early life insults affecting the serotonergic system could be important in the alterations of these local and long-range circuits, thus favoring the emergence of neurodevelopmental disorders, such as depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Nitzan Soto
- ICM−Paris
Brain Institute, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne
Université, 47 Boulevard de l’Hopital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Patricia Gaspar
- ICM−Paris
Brain Institute, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne
Université, 47 Boulevard de l’Hopital, 75013 Paris, France
| | - Alberto Bacci
- ICM−Paris
Brain Institute, CNRS, INSERM, Sorbonne
Université, 47 Boulevard de l’Hopital, 75013 Paris, France
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Li ZA, Zhou M. Astrocyte Syncytium-A Biopower Grid System in the Brain. J Integr Neurosci 2024; 23:71. [PMID: 38682232 PMCID: PMC11103770 DOI: 10.31083/j.jin2304071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhouruolan A. Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH
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Cui L, Li S, Wang S, Wu X, Liu Y, Yu W, Wang Y, Tang Y, Xia M, Li B. Major depressive disorder: hypothesis, mechanism, prevention and treatment. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:30. [PMID: 38331979 PMCID: PMC10853571 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01738-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 12/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, the incidence of major depressive disorder (MDD) is increasing annually, resulting in greater economic and social burdens. Moreover, the pathological mechanisms of MDD and the mechanisms underlying the effects of pharmacological treatments for MDD are complex and unclear, and additional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for MDD still are needed. The currently widely accepted theories of MDD pathogenesis include the neurotransmitter and receptor hypothesis, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis hypothesis, cytokine hypothesis, neuroplasticity hypothesis and systemic influence hypothesis, but these hypothesis cannot completely explain the pathological mechanism of MDD. Even it is still hard to adopt only one hypothesis to completely reveal the pathogenesis of MDD, thus in recent years, great progress has been made in elucidating the roles of multiple organ interactions in the pathogenesis MDD and identifying novel therapeutic approaches and multitarget modulatory strategies, further revealing the disease features of MDD. Furthermore, some newly discovered potential pharmacological targets and newly studied antidepressants have attracted widespread attention, some reagents have even been approved for clinical treatment and some novel therapeutic methods such as phototherapy and acupuncture have been discovered to have effective improvement for the depressive symptoms. In this work, we comprehensively summarize the latest research on the pathogenesis and diagnosis of MDD, preventive approaches and therapeutic medicines, as well as the related clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lulu Cui
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Shu Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Siman Wang
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiafang Wu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Yingyu Liu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Weiyang Yu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Yijun Wang
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China
| | - Maosheng Xia
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, Shenyang, China.
- China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, Shenyang, China.
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8
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Zhou M, Zhong S, Verkhratsky A. Astrocyte syncytium: from neonatal genesis to aging degeneration. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:395-396. [PMID: 37488898 PMCID: PMC10503608 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Min Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shiying Zhong
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Achücarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Neurosciences, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain
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Holt LM, Gyles TM, Parise EM, Minier-Toribio A, Markovic T, Rivera M, Yeh SY, Nestler EJ. Astrocytic CREB in nucleus accumbens promotes susceptibility to chronic stress. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.15.575728. [PMID: 38293227 PMCID: PMC10827054 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.15.575728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Background Increasing evidence implicates astrocytes in stress and depression in both rodent models and human Major Depressive Disorder (MDD). Despite this, little is known about the transcriptional responses to stress of astrocytes within the nucleus accumbens (NAc), a key brain reward region, and their influence on behavioral outcomes. Methods We used whole cell sorting, RNA-sequencing, and bioinformatic analyses to investigate the NAc astrocyte transcriptome in male mice in response to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Immunohistochemistry was used to determine stress-induced changes in astrocytic CREB within the NAc. Finally, astrocytic regulation of depression-like behavior was investigated using viral-mediated manipulation of CREB in combination with CSDS. Results We found a robust transcriptional response in NAc astrocytes to CSDS in stressed mice, with changes seen in both stress-susceptible and stress-resilient animals. Bioinformatic analysis revealed CREB, a transcription factor widely studied in neurons, as one of the top-predicted upstream regulators of the NAc astrocyte transcriptome, with opposite activation states seen in resilient versus susceptible mice. This bioinformatic result was confirmed at the protein level with immunohistochemistry. Viral overexpression of CREB selectively in NAc astrocytes promoted susceptibility to chronic stress. Conclusions Together, our data demonstrate that the astrocyte transcriptome responds robustly to CSDS and, for the first time, that transcriptional regulation in astrocytes contributes to depressive-like behaviors. A better understanding of transcriptional regulation in astrocytes may reveal unknown molecular mechanisms underlying neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leanne M Holt
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Trevonn M Gyles
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Eric M Parise
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Angelica Minier-Toribio
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Tamara Markovic
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Matthew Rivera
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Szu-Ying Yeh
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Eric J Nestler
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience and Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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Lei L, Wang YT, Hu D, Gai C, Zhang Y. Astroglial Connexin 43-Mediated Gap Junctions and Hemichannels: Potential Antidepressant Mechanisms and the Link to Neuroinflammation. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:4023-4040. [PMID: 37875763 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01426-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
Major depression disorder (MDD) is a neuropsychiatric disorder associated with a high suicide rate and a higher disability rate than any other disease. Evidence suggests that the pathological mechanism of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction. Depression is mainly associated with the expression of connexin 43 (Cx43) and the function of Cx43-mediated gap junctions and hemichannels in astrocytes. Moreover, neuroinflammation has been a hotspot in research on the pathology of depression, and Cx43-mediated functions are thought to be involved in neuroinflammation-related depression. However, the specific mechanism of Cx43-mediated functions in neuroinflammation-related depression pathology remains unclear. Therefore, this review summarizes and discusses Cx43 expression, the role of gap junction intercellular communication, and its relationship with neuroinflammation in depression. This review also focuses on the effects of antidepressant drugs (e.g., monoamine antidepressants, psychotropic drugs, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonists) on Cx43-mediated function and provides evidence for Cx43 as a novel target for the treatment of MDD. The pathogenesis of MDD is related to astrocyte dysfunction, with reduced Cx43 expression, GJ dysfunction, decreased GJIC and reduced BDNF expression in the depressed brain. The effect of Cx43 on neuroinflammation-related depression involving inflammatory cytokines, glutamate excitotoxicity, and HPA axis dysregulation. Antidepressant drugs targeting Cx43 can effectively relieve depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Die Hu
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Cong Gai
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Sunshine Southern Avenue, Fang-Shan District, Beijing, 102488, China.
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11
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Verkhratsky A, Butt A, Li B, Illes P, Zorec R, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Sofroniew MV. Astrocytes in human central nervous system diseases: a frontier for new therapies. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:396. [PMID: 37828019 PMCID: PMC10570367 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01628-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Astroglia are a broad class of neural parenchymal cells primarily dedicated to homoeostasis and defence of the central nervous system (CNS). Astroglia contribute to the pathophysiology of all neurological and neuropsychiatric disorders in ways that can be either beneficial or detrimental to disorder outcome. Pathophysiological changes in astroglia can be primary or secondary and can result in gain or loss of functions. Astroglia respond to external, non-cell autonomous signals associated with any form of CNS pathology by undergoing complex and variable changes in their structure, molecular expression, and function. In addition, internally driven, cell autonomous changes of astroglial innate properties can lead to CNS pathologies. Astroglial pathophysiology is complex, with different pathophysiological cell states and cell phenotypes that are context-specific and vary with disorder, disorder-stage, comorbidities, age, and sex. Here, we classify astroglial pathophysiology into (i) reactive astrogliosis, (ii) astroglial atrophy with loss of function, (iii) astroglial degeneration and death, and (iv) astrocytopathies characterised by aberrant forms that drive disease. We review astroglial pathophysiology across the spectrum of human CNS diseases and disorders, including neurotrauma, stroke, neuroinfection, autoimmune attack and epilepsy, as well as neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, metabolic and neuropsychiatric disorders. Characterising cellular and molecular mechanisms of astroglial pathophysiology represents a new frontier to identify novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102, Vilnius, Lithuania.
| | - Arthur Butt
- Institute of Biomedical and Biomolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, 04109, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Robert Zorec
- Celica Biomedical, Lab Cell Engineering, Technology Park, 1000, Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Faculty of Medicine, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- Department of Physiology, Jiaxing University College of Medicine, 314033, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling/School of Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture for Senile Disease (Chengdu University of TCM), Ministry of Education/Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Michael V Sofroniew
- Department of Neurobiology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Jing D, Hou X, Guo X, Zhao X, Zhang K, Zhang J, Kan C, Han F, Liu J, Sun X. Astrocytes in Post-Stroke Depression: Roles in Inflammation, Neurotransmission, and Neurotrophin Signaling. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:3301-3313. [PMID: 37470888 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-023-01386-w] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Post-stroke depression (PSD) is a frequent and disabling complication of stroke that affects up to one-third of stroke survivors. The pathophysiology of PSD involves multiple mechanisms, including neurochemical, neuroinflammatory, neurotrophic, and neuroplastic changes. Astrocytes are a type of glial cell that is plentiful and adaptable in the central nervous system. They play key roles in various mechanisms by modulating neurotransmission, inflammation, neurogenesis, and synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the latest evidence of astrocyte involvement in PSD from human and animal studies, focusing on the alterations of astrocyte markers and functions in relation to monoamine neurotransmitters, inflammatory cytokines, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glutamate excitotoxicity. We also discuss the potential therapeutic implications of targeting astrocytes for PSD prevention and treatment. Astrocytes could be new candidates for antidepressant medications and other interventions that aim to restore astrocyte homeostasis and function in PSD. Astrocytes could be new candidates for antidepressant medications and other interventions that aim to restore astrocyte homeostasis and function in PSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongqing Jing
- Department of Neurology 1, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xiaoli Hou
- Department of General Practice, Weifang Sixth People's Hospital, Weifang, China
| | - Xiao Guo
- Department of Neurology 1, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Neurology 1, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Kexin Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Jingwen Zhang
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Chengxia Kan
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Junling Liu
- Department of Neurology 1, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, China.
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
| | - Xiaodong Sun
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China.
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, 2428 Yuhe Road, Weifang, 261031, China.
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Lin SS, Zhou B, Chen BJ, Jiang RT, Li B, Illes P, Semyanov A, Tang Y, Verkhratsky A. Electroacupuncture prevents astrocyte atrophy to alleviate depression. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:343. [PMID: 37248211 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05839-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte atrophy is the main histopathological hallmark of major depressive disorder (MDD) in humans and in animal models of depression. Here we show that electroacupuncture prevents astrocyte atrophy in the prefrontal cortex and alleviates depressive-like behaviour in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). Treatment of mice with CUMS induced depressive-like phenotypes as confirmed by sucrose preference test, tail suspension test, and forced swimming test. These behavioural changes were paralleled with morphological atrophy of astrocytes in the prefrontal cortex, revealed by analysis of 3D reconstructions of confocal Z-stack images of mCherry expressing astrocytes. This morphological atrophy was accompanied by a decrease in the expression of cytoskeletal linker Ezrin, associated with formation of astrocytic leaflets, which form astroglial synaptic cradle. Electroacupuncture at the acupoint ST36, as well as treatment with anti-depressant fluoxetine, prevented depressive-like behaviours, astrocytic atrophy, and down-regulation of astrocytic ezrin. In conclusion, our data further strengthen the notion of a primary role of astrocytic atrophy in depression and reveal astrocytes as cellular target for electroacupuncture in treatment of depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Lin
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling of Sichuan Province /Research Centre on TCM-Rehabilitation and Neural Circuit, School of Acupuncture and Tuina/Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Bin Zhou
- Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anaesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Bin-Jie Chen
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ruo-Tian Jiang
- Laboratory of Anaesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Anaesthesiology, Translational Neuroscience Centre, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling of Sichuan Province /Research Centre on TCM-Rehabilitation and Neural Circuit, School of Acupuncture and Tuina/Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Alexey Semyanov
- College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling of Sichuan Province /Research Centre on TCM-Rehabilitation and Neural Circuit, School of Acupuncture and Tuina/Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, China.
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- International Joint Research Centre on Purinergic Signalling of Sichuan Province /Research Centre on TCM-Rehabilitation and Neural Circuit, School of Acupuncture and Tuina/Health and Rehabilitation, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK.
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain.
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14
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Zhong S, Kiyoshi CM, Du Y, Wang W, Luo Y, Wu X, Taylor AT, Ma B, Aten S, Liu X, Zhou M. Genesis of a functional astrocyte syncytium in the developing mouse hippocampus. Glia 2023; 71:1081-1098. [PMID: 36598109 PMCID: PMC10777263 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are increasingly shown to operate as an isopotential syncytium in brain function. Protoplasmic astrocytes acquire this ability to functionally go beyond the single-cell level by evolving into a spongiform morphology, cytoplasmically connecting into a syncytium, and expressing a high density of K+ conductance. However, none of these cellular/functional features exist in neonatal newborn astrocytes, which imposes a basic question of when a functional syncytium evolves in the developing brain. Our results show that the spongiform morphology of individual astrocytes and their spatial organization all reach stationary levels by postnatal day (P) 15 in the hippocampal CA1 region. Functionally, astrocytes begin to uniformly express a mature level of passive K+ conductance by P11. We next used syncytial isopotentiality measurement to monitor the maturation of the astrocyte syncytium. In uncoupled P1 astrocytes, the substitution of endogenous K+ by a Na+ -electrode solution ([Na+ ]p ) resulted in the total elimination of the physiological membrane potential (VM ), and outward K+ conductance as predicted by the Goldman-Hodgkin-Katz (GHK) equation. As more astrocytes are coupled to each other through gap junctions during development, the [Na+ ]p -induced loss of physiological VM and the outward K+ conductance is progressively compensated by the neighboring astrocytes. By P15, a stably established syncytial isopotentiality (-73 mV), and a fully compensated outward K+ conductance appeared in all [Na+ ]p -recorded astrocytes. Thus, in view of the developmental timeframe wherein a singular syncytium is anatomically and functionally established for intra-syncytium K+ equilibration, an astrocyte syncytium becomes fully operational at P15 in the mouse hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiying Zhong
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai 10Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Conrad M. Kiyoshi
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Yixing Du
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Department of Physiology, Tongji Medical College, Wuhan, 430030, China
| | - Yumeng Luo
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xiao Wu
- Department of Neurology, Wuhan First Hospital, Wuhan 430022, China
| | - Anne T. Taylor
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Baofeng Ma
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Sydney Aten
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Xueyuan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai 10Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Min Zhou
- Department of Neuroscience, Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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Verkhratsky A, Pivoriūnas A. Astroglia support, regulate and reinforce brain barriers. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 179:106054. [PMID: 36842485 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Nervous system is segregated from the body by the complex system of barriers. The CNS is protected by (i) the blood-brain and blood-spinal cord barrier between the intracerebral and intraspinal blood vessels and the brain parenchyma; (ii) the arachnoid blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier; (iii) the blood-cerebrospinal barrier of circumventricular organs made by tanycytes and (iv) the choroid plexus blood-CSF barrier formed by choroid ependymocytes. In the peripheral nervous system the nerve-blood barrier is secured by tight junctions between specialised glial cells known as perineural cells. In the CNS astroglia contribute to all barriers through the glia limitans, which represent the parenchymal portion of the barrier system. Astroglia through secretion of various paracrine factors regulate the permeability of endothelial vascular barrier; in pathology damage or asthenia of astrocytes may compromise brain barriers integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania; Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK; Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011 Bilbao, Spain; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Augustas Pivoriūnas
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, LT-01102 Vilnius, Lithuania.
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Astrocytes in the pathophysiology of neuroinfection. Essays Biochem 2023; 67:131-145. [PMID: 36562155 DOI: 10.1042/ebc20220082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Key homeostasis providing cells in the central nervous system (CNS) are astrocytes, which belong to the class of cells known as atroglia, a highly heterogeneous type of neuroglia and a prominent element of the brain defence. Diseases evolve due to altered homeostatic state, associated with pathology-induced astroglia remodelling represented by reactive astrocytes, astroglial atrophy and astrodegeneration. These features are hallmarks of most infectious insults, mediated by bacteria, protozoa and viruses; they are also prominent in the systemic infection. The COVID-19 pandemic revived the focus into neurotropic viruses such as SARS-CoV2 (Coronaviridae) but also the Flaviviridae viruses including tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV) and Zika virus (ZIKV) causing the epidemic in South America prior to COVID-19. Astrocytes provide a key response to neurotropic infections in the CNS. Astrocytes form a parenchymal part of the blood-brain barrier, the site of virus entry into the CNS. Astrocytes exhibit aerobic glycolysis, a form of metabolism characteristic of highly morphologically plastic cells, like cancer cells, hence a suitable milieu for multiplication of infectious agent, including viral particles. However, why the protection afforded by astrocytes fails in some circumstances is an open question to be studied in the future.
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