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Kingsbury MA. The intertwining of oxytocin's effects on social affiliation and inflammation. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2024; 19:100239. [PMID: 38784104 PMCID: PMC11112266 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2024.100239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
•Oxytocin is an ancient adaptive hormone that promotes social affiliation to maximize fitness and longevity.•Oxytocin is a multifaceted hormone that regulates stress responses at all levels of cellular organization within individuals.•Oxytocin's dual actions on sociability and inflammation highlight its powerful capacity as a modulator of human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcy A. Kingsbury
- Department of Pediatrics, Lurie Center for Autism, Massachusetts General Hospital for Children, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02129, USA
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2
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Havranek T, Mihalj D, Bacova Z, Bakos J. Oxytocin action on components of endoplasmic reticulum in hippocampal neuronal cells. Neurosci Lett 2023; 792:136971. [PMID: 36414131 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136971] [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: 08/17/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Despite the known importance of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) in protein synthesis and vesicular transport, it is not clear whether neuropeptide and neuromodulator oxytocin can directly affect components of the ER in neuronal cells. Therefore, in the present study, we hypothesize that incubation of hippocampal neuronal cells in a presence of oxytocin 1) plays a role in the regulation of the expression of selected ER chaperone components and molecules involved in unfolded protein response pathway 2) affects distribution of the intracellular fluorescence signal highly selective for the ER. We found that oxytocin (1 μM) after 60 min significantly decreased the gene expression of oxidoreductase Ero1β, chaperone glucose-regulated proteins (Grp) 78 and Grp94. A significant decrease in GRP78 protein levels in response to oxytocin treatment occurred after 30, 60 and 120 min. We also observed a time-dependent increase in calreticulin protein levels with a statistically significant increase observed after 360 min. We found that the dynamics of the ER network changes significantly within 2 h of incubation under the influence of oxytocin. In conclusion we have shown that ER chaperones, oxidoreductases and trafficking molecules in neuronal cells are changing in response to oxytocin treatment in a short-term scenario potentially relevant for growth of dendrites and axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Havranek
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - D Mihalj
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Z Bacova
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - J Bakos
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia; Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, Slovakia.
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3
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Carter CS, Kingsbury MA. Oxytocin and oxygen: the evolution of a solution to the ‘stress of life’. Philos Trans R Soc Lond B Biol Sci 2022; 377:20210054. [PMID: 35856299 PMCID: PMC9272143 DOI: 10.1098/rstb.2021.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin (OT) and the OT receptor occupy essential roles in our current understanding of mammalian evolution, survival, sociality and reproduction. This narrative review examines the hypothesis that many functions attributed to OT can be traced back to conditions on early Earth, including challenges associated with managing life in the presence of oxygen and other basic elements, including sulfur. OT regulates oxidative stress and inflammation especially through effects on the mitochondria. A related nonapeptide, vasopressin, as well as molecules in the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, including the corticotropin-releasing hormone family of molecules, have a broad set of functions that interact with OT. Interactions among these molecules have roles in the causes and consequence of social behaviour and the management of threat, fear and stress. Here, we discuss emerging evidence suggesting that unique properties of the OT system allowed vertebrates, and especially mammals, to manage over-reactivity to the ‘side effects’ of oxygen, including inflammation, oxidation and free radicals, while also supporting high levels of sociality and a perception of safety. This article is part of the theme issue ‘Interplays between oxytocin and other neuromodulators in shaping complex social behaviours’.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47405, USA
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22904, USA
| | - Marcy A. Kingsbury
- Lurie Center for Autism, Mass General Hospital for Children, Harvard University Medical School, Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129, USA
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Smith JA, Eikenberry SA, Scott KA, Baumer-Harrison C, de Lartigue G, de Kloet AD, Krause EG. Oxytocin and cardiometabolic interoception: Knowing oneself affects ingestive and social behaviors. Appetite 2022; 175:106054. [PMID: 35447163 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2022.106054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Maintaining homeostasis while navigating one's environment involves accurately assessing and interacting with external stimuli while remaining consciously in tune with internal signals such as hunger and thirst. Both atypical social interactions and unhealthy eating patterns emerge as a result of dysregulation in factors that mediate the prioritization and attention to salient stimuli. Oxytocin is an evolutionarily conserved peptide that regulates attention to exteroceptive and interoceptive stimuli in a social environment by functioning in the brain as a modulatory neuropeptide to control social behavior, but also in the periphery as a hormone acting at oxytocin receptors (Oxtr) expressed in the heart, gut, and peripheral ganglia. Specialized sensory afferent nerve endings of Oxtr-expressing nodose ganglia cells transmit cardiometabolic signals via the Vagus nerve to integrative regions in the brain that also express Oxtr(s). These brain regions are influenced by vagal sensory pathways and coordinate with external events such as those demanding attention to social stimuli, thus the sensations related to cardiometabolic function and social interactions are influenced by oxytocin signaling. This review investigates the literature supporting the idea that oxytocin mediates the interoception of cardiovascular and gastrointestinal systems, and that the modulation of this awareness likewise influences social cognition. These concepts are then considered in relation to Autism Spectrum Disorder, exploring how atypical social behavior is comorbid with cardiometabolic dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin A Smith
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Sophia A Eikenberry
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Karen A Scott
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Caitlin Baumer-Harrison
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Guillaume de Lartigue
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Annette D de Kloet
- Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Eric G Krause
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Center for Integrative Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA; Evelyn F. and William L. McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
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Klein BY, Greenblatt CL, Gofrit ON, Bercovier H. Bacillus Calmette–Guérin in Immuno-Regulation of Alzheimer’s Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:861956. [PMID: 35832066 PMCID: PMC9271739 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.861956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Bacillus Calmette–Guérin is frequently the treatment of choice of superficial bladder cancer. Exposing the urinary bladder of elderly patients with bladder cancer to the BCG vaccine reduced the risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) substantially. Vaccines against other infectious microorganisms by other vaccination methods showed a similar but a lesser effect. This suggests that immune effects on AD are antigenically non-specific, likely being a metabolic result of immune system activation, similar to that shown for Juvenile diabetes. In this mini review we point to the benefit of BCG vaccine. We then briefly highlight the pathological involvement of the immune system in the AD both, in the peripheral and the central (brain) compartments. Given the uncertain prophylactic mechanism of the BCG effect against AD we propose to take advantage of the therapeutically planned bladder exposure to BCG. Based on pathological aggregation of wrongly cleaved amyloid precursor protein (APP) resistant to the unfolded protein response (UPR) which results in amyloid beta plaques we predict that BCG may impact the UPR signaling cascade. In addition pathways of innate immunity training concerned with energy metabolism, predict capability of activated immune cells to substitute deranged astrocytes that fail to support neuronal energy metabolism. This mini review points to ways through which immune cells can mediate between BCG vaccination and AD to support the wellness of the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Y. Klein
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
- *Correspondence: Benjamin Y. Klein,
| | - Charles L. Greenblatt
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ofer N. Gofrit
- Department of Urology, Hadassah Medical Center, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hervé Bercovier
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
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Carter CS, Kenkel WM, MacLean EL, Wilson SR, Perkeybile AM, Yee JR, Ferris CF, Nazarloo HP, Porges SW, Davis JM, Connelly JJ, Kingsbury MA. Is Oxytocin "Nature's Medicine"? Pharmacol Rev 2021; 72:829-861. [PMID: 32912963 PMCID: PMC7495339 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxytocin is a pleiotropic, peptide hormone with broad implications for general health, adaptation, development, reproduction, and social behavior. Endogenous oxytocin and stimulation of the oxytocin receptor support patterns of growth, resilience, and healing. Oxytocin can function as a stress-coping molecule, an anti-inflammatory, and an antioxidant, with protective effects especially in the face of adversity or trauma. Oxytocin influences the autonomic nervous system and the immune system. These properties of oxytocin may help explain the benefits of positive social experiences and have drawn attention to this molecule as a possible therapeutic in a host of disorders. However, as detailed here, the unique chemical properties of oxytocin, including active disulfide bonds, and its capacity to shift chemical forms and bind to other molecules make this molecule difficult to work with and to measure. The effects of oxytocin also are context-dependent, sexually dimorphic, and altered by experience. In part, this is because many of the actions of oxytocin rely on its capacity to interact with the more ancient peptide molecule, vasopressin, and the vasopressin receptors. In addition, oxytocin receptor(s) are epigenetically tuned by experience, especially in early life. Stimulation of G-protein–coupled receptors triggers subcellular cascades allowing these neuropeptides to have multiple functions. The adaptive properties of oxytocin make this ancient molecule of special importance to human evolution as well as modern medicine and health; these same characteristics also present challenges to the use of oxytocin-like molecules as drugs that are only now being recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sue Carter
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - William M Kenkel
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Evan L MacLean
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Steven R Wilson
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Allison M Perkeybile
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Jason R Yee
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Craig F Ferris
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Hossein P Nazarloo
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Stephen W Porges
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - John M Davis
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Jessica J Connelly
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
| | - Marcy A Kingsbury
- Kinsey Institute, Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana (C.S.C., W.M.K., A.M.P., H.P.N., S.W.P.); School of Anthropology, Department of Psychology, and College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (E.L.M.); Department of Chemistry, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway (S.R.W.); Institute of Animal Welfare Science, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria (J.R.Y.); Departments of Psychology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts (C.F.F.); Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois (J.M.D.); Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia (J.J.C.); and Department of Pediatrics, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Charleston, Massachusetts (M.A.K.)
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7
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The inflammatory event of birth: How oxytocin signaling may guide the development of the brain and gastrointestinal system. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100794. [PMID: 31560883 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The role of oxytocin (OT) as a neuropeptide that modulates social behavior has been extensively studied and reviewed, but beyond these functions, OT's adaptive functions at birth are quite numerous, as OT coordinates many physiological processes in the mother and fetus to ensure a successful delivery. In this review we explore in detail the potential adaptive roles of oxytocin as an anti-inflammatory, protective molecule at birth for the developing fetal brain and gastrointestinal system based on evidence that birth is a potent inflammatory/immune event. We discuss data with relevance for a number of neurodevelopmental disorders, as well as the emerging role of the gut-brain axis for health and disease. Finally, we discuss the potential relevance of sex differences in OT signaling present at birth in the increased male vulnerability to neurodevelopmental disabilities.
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Wang P, Wang SC, Yang H, Lv C, Jia S, Liu X, Wang X, Meng D, Qin D, Zhu H, Wang YF. Therapeutic Potential of Oxytocin in Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Mechanisms and Signaling Pathways. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:454. [PMID: 31178679 PMCID: PMC6537480 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a major cardiovascular disease responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. The major pathophysiological basis of CAD is atherosclerosis in association with varieties of immunometabolic disorders that can suppress oxytocin (OT) receptor (OTR) signaling in the cardiovascular system (CVS). By contrast, OT not only maintains cardiovascular integrity but also has the potential to suppress and even reverse atherosclerotic alterations and CAD. These protective effects of OT are associated with its protection of the heart and blood vessels from immunometabolic injuries and the resultant inflammation and apoptosis through both peripheral and central approaches. As a result, OT can decelerate the progression of atherosclerosis and facilitate the recovery of CVS from these injuries. At the cellular level, the protective effect of OT on CVS involves a broad array of OTR signaling events. These signals mainly belong to the reperfusion injury salvage kinase pathway that is composed of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-Akt-endothelial nitric oxide synthase cascades and extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2. Additionally, AMP-activated protein kinase, Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase signaling and many others are also implicated in OTR signaling in the CVS protection. These signaling events interact coordinately at many levels to suppress the production of inflammatory cytokines and the activation of apoptotic pathways. A particular target of these signaling events is endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial oxidative stress that interact through mitochondria-associated ER membrane. In contrast to these protective effects and machineries, rare but serious cardiovascular disturbances were also reported in labor induction and animal studies including hypotension, reflexive tachycardia, coronary spasm or thrombosis and allergy. Here, we review our current understanding of the protective effect of OT against varieties of atherosclerotic etiologies as well as the approaches and underlying mechanisms of these effects. Moreover, potential cardiovascular disturbances following OT application are also discussed to avoid unwanted effects in clinical trials of OT usages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Wang
- Department of Genetics, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Stephani C Wang
- Department of Medicine, Albany Medical Center, Albany, NY, United States
| | - Haipeng Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Forth Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Chunmei Lv
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Shuwei Jia
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Xiaoran Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Dexin Meng
- Department of Physiology, Jiamusi University, Jiamusi, China
| | - Danian Qin
- Department of Physiology, Shantou University of Medical College, Shantou, China
| | - Hui Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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9
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Mitochondria, Oxytocin, and Vasopressin: Unfolding the Inflammatory Protein Response. Neurotox Res 2018; 36:239-256. [PMID: 30259418 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-018-9962-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Revised: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 09/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine and immune signaling pathways are activated following insults such as stress, injury, and infection, in a systemic response aimed at restoring homeostasis. Mitochondrial metabolism and function have been implicated in the control of immune responses. Commonly studied along with mitochondrial function, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are closely linked to cellular inflammatory responses. It is also accepted that cells experiencing mitochondrial or endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress induce response pathways in order to cope with protein-folding dysregulation, in homeostatic responses referred to as the unfolded protein responses (UPRs). Recent reports indicate that the UPRs may play an important role in immune responses. Notably, the homeostasis-regulating hormones oxytocin (OXT) and vasopressin (AVP) are also associated with the regulation of inflammatory responses and immune function. Intriguingly, OXT and AVP have been linked with ER unfolded protein responses (UPRER), and can impact ROS production and mitochondrial function. Here, we will review the evidence for interactions between these various factors and how these neuropeptides might influence mitochondrial processes.
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Gross Margolis K, Vittorio J, Talavera M, Gluck K, Li Z, Iuga A, Stevanovic K, Saurman V, Israelyan N, Welch MG, Gershon MD. Enteric serotonin and oxytocin: endogenous regulation of severity in a murine model of necrotizing enterocolitis. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2017; 313:G386-G398. [PMID: 28774871 PMCID: PMC5792212 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00215.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2017] [Revised: 07/28/2017] [Accepted: 07/28/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a gastrointestinal inflammatory disease of unknown etiology that may also affect the liver, causes a great deal of morbidity and mortality in premature infants. We tested the hypothesis that signaling molecules, which are endogenous to the bowel, regulate the severity of intestinal and hepatic damage in an established murine NEC model. Specifically, we postulated that mucosal serotonin (5-HT), which is proinflammatory, would exacerbate experimental NEC and that oxytocin (OT), which is present in enteric neurons and is anti-inflammatory, would oppose it. Genetic deletion of the 5-HT transporter (SERT), which increases and prolongs effects of 5-HT, was found to increase the severity of systemic manifestations, intestinal inflammation, and associated hepatotoxicity of experimental NEC. In contrast, genetic deletion of tryptophan hydroxylase 1 (TPH1), which is responsible for 5-HT biosynthesis in enterochromaffin (EC) cells of the intestinal mucosa, and TPH inhibition with LP-920540 both decrease the severity of experimental NEC in the small intestine and liver. These observations suggest that 5-HT from EC cells helps to drive the inflammatory damage to the gut and liver that occurs in the murine NEC model. Administration of OT decreased, while the OT receptor antagonist atosiban exacerbated, the intestinal inflammation of experimental NEC. Data from the current investigation are consistent with the tested hypotheses-that the enteric signaling molecules, 5-HT (positively) and OT (negatively) regulate severity of inflammation in a mouse model of NEC. Moreover, we suggest that mucosally restricted inhibition of 5-HT biosynthesis and/or administration of OT may be useful in the treatment of NEC.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Serotonin (5-HT) and oxytocin reciprocally regulate the severity of intestinal inflammation and hepatotoxicity in a murine model of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Selective depletion of mucosal 5-HT through genetic deletion or inhibition of tryptophan hydroxylase-1 ameliorates, while deletion of the 5-HT uptake transporter, which increases 5-HT availability, exacerbates the severity of NEC. In contrast, oxytocin reduces, while the oxytocin receptor antagonist atosiban enhances, NEC severity. Peripheral tryptophan hydroxylase inhibition may be useful in treatment of NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara Gross Margolis
- Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; .,Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Jennifer Vittorio
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Maria Talavera
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Karen Gluck
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Zhishan Li
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Alina Iuga
- 2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Korey Stevanovic
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Virginia Saurman
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Narek Israelyan
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
| | - Martha G. Welch
- 1Department of Pediatrics, Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; ,2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and ,3Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York
| | - Michael D. Gershon
- 2Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York; and
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Klein BY, Tamir H, Ludwig RJ, Glickstein SB, Welch MG, Anwar M. Colostrum oxytocin modulates cellular stress response, inflammation, and autophagy markers in newborn rat gut villi. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 487:47-53. [PMID: 28389244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the role of oxytocin (OT) in colostrum during early gut colonization. We previously showed that transient OT receptor (OTR) expression on newborn rat enterocytes coincides with the milk-suckling period, and that OT activates endoplasmic reticulum stress sensors in cultured enterocytes. Here, we explored whether colostrum-OT attenuates stress in newborn villi primed and unprimed by colostrum by measuring levels of stress markers including BiP (an ER chaperone), eIF2a (translation initiation factor), and pPKR (eIF2a kinase). We also measured two inflammation-signaling proteins NF-κB and its inhibitor IκB. To test the impact of colostrum on autophagy, we measured a marker of autophagy initiation, LC3A. Colostrum increased inactive p-eIF2a, p-PKR and IκB and reduced p-IκB, BiP and LC3A. LPS increased and OT decreased p-IkB. BiP (GRP78) was higher in unprimed than primed villi. Together, these data suggest that colostrum OT attenuates the impact of inflammation on postnatal gut villi and that OT enhances autophagy to protect against amino acid insufficiency-induced stress during the interval between birth and the first feeding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Y Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Hadassah Tamir
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robert J Ludwig
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Martha G Welch
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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Abstract
The biological functions of oxytocin in attachment and bonding between mother and infant in parturition and breastfeeding and between adults have been studied extensively. However, most current authors have proposed that infant attachment to the mother is learned through operant conditioning mechanisms via the infant's brain and central nervous system. We propose that oxytocin levels in the mother and infant are co-regulated by emotional connection or disconnection, and that the autonomic co-conditioning learning mechanism can be exploited to change a negative physiological and behavioral response between mother and infant into a positive one. Lack of efficacy and scalability of child development therapies that have come out of the attachment theoretical framework have prompted calls for new ideas. Here, we review calming cycle theory, which takes a new view of the emotional relationship of mother and infant, and predicts ways to positively intervene when problems arise. The theory builds upon the research and ideas of Pavlov and his followers and proposes that subcortical Pavlovian co-conditioning of the autonomic nervous systems of mother and infant is the key to maintaining emotional connection between the two and to shaping emotional behavior of the infant into adulthood. We review evidence in support of calming cycle theory from a randomized controlled trial of Family Nurture Intervention (FNI), which is designed to overcome adverse emotional, behavioral, and developmental outcomes in prematurely born infants. Finally, we discuss the role of visceral oxytocin and emotional behavior, and that the conditional mother-infant relationship may affect behavioral changes through anti-inflammatory gut-brain stem vagal signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martha G Welch
- Director Nurture Science Program, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
| | - Robert J Ludwig
- Associate Director Nurture Science Program, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York
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Klein BY, Tamir H, Hirschberg DL, Ludwig RJ, Glickstein SB, Myers MM, Welch MG. Oxytocin opposes effects of bacterial endotoxin on ER-stress signaling in Caco2BB gut cells. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2015; 1860:402-11. [PMID: 26520666 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2015.10.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 10/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropeptide neuromodulator and hormone oxytocin (OT) activates signaling pathways involved in mRNA translation in response to endoplasmic reticulum stress and reduces inflammation associated with experimental colitis in rats. The anti-inflammatory effects of OT may serve a vital role in the development, survival and function of newborn-type enterocytes during microbial gut colonization, which coincides with the milk suckling period when OT receptor expression peaks in the gut. Furthermore, mice deficient in the OT receptor have abnormal gut structure and function, underscoring OT's developmental importance. METHODS We tested the effect of OT upon lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced markers of the inflammatory response in Caco2BB gut cells in vitro using automated immunocapillary electrophoresis. RESULTS We demonstrate that OT suppresses NF-κB signaling and presumably inflammatory transcriptional programs, which are unleashed by LPS through the modulation of IκB. We show that OT counteracts LPS-elicited silencing of the unfolded protein response, a pathway limiting endoplasmic reticulum stress by suppressing protein translation. OT selectively activates dsRNA-activated kinase (PKR), X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1), immunoglobulin binding protein (BiP), A20 (TNFα-induced protein 3) and inositol requiring enzyme 1a (IRE1a). OT inactivates eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2a (eIF2a) without significant activation of protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). CONCLUSIONS Mild, preemptive stimulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress sensors by OT may precondition newborn enterocytes to resist apoptosis associated with inflammation and may support their differentiation and development by modulating cellular metabolism. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE OT may protect enterocytes and other cell types, such as neurons, from stress-related complications during postnatal development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Y Klein
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
| | - Hadassah Tamir
- Division of Molecular Imaging and Neuropathology, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - David L Hirschberg
- Center for Infection and Immunology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Robert J Ludwig
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | | - Michael M Myers
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Martha G Welch
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pathology & Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA.
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