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Dunn GA, Thompson JR, Mitchell AJ, Papadakis S, Selby M, Fair D, Gustafsson HC, Sullivan EL. Perinatal Western-style diet alters serotonergic neurons in the macaque raphe nuclei. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1067479. [PMID: 36704012 PMCID: PMC9872117 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1067479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The neurotransmitter serotonin is a key regulator of neurotransmission, mood, and behavior and is essential in neurodevelopment. Dysfunction in this important neurotransmitter system is connected to behavioral disorders such as depression and anxiety. We have previously shown that the developing serotonin system is sensitive to perinatal exposure to Western-style diet (WSD). Methods To advance our hypothesis that perinatal WSD has a long-term impact on the serotonergic system, we designed a fluorescent immunohistochemistry experiment using antibodies against tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) and vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3) to probe protein expression in the raphe subnuclei in 13-month-old Japanese macaques (Macaca fuscata; n = 22). VGLUT3 has been shown to be coexpressed in TPH2+ cells in the dorsal raphe (DR) and median raphe nucleus (MnR) of rodent raphe nuclei and may provide information about the projection site of serotonergic fibers into the forebrain. We also sought to improve scientific understanding of the heterogeneity of the serotonin production center for the central nervous system, the midbrain raphe nuclei. Results In this immunohistochemical study, we provide the most detailed characterization of the developing primate raphe to date. We utilize multi-level modeling (MLM) to simultaneously probe the contribution of WSD, offspring sex, and raphe anatomical location, to raphe neuronal measurements. Our molecular and morphological characterization revealed that the 13-month-old macaque DR is remarkably similar to that of adult macaques and humans. We demonstrate that vesicular glutamate transporter 3 (VGLUT3), which rodent studies have recently shown can distinguish raphe populations with distinct projection targets and behavioral functions, likewise contributes to the heterogeneity of the primate raphe. Discussion This study provides evidence that perinatal WSD has a long-term impact on the density of serotonin-producing neurons, potentially limiting serotonin availability throughout the brain. Due to the critical involvement of serotonin in development and behavior, these findings provide important insight into the mechanisms by which maternal nutrition and metabolic state influence offspring behavioral outcomes. Finally, these findings could inform future research focused on designing therapeutic interventions to optimize neural development and decrease a child's risk of developing a mental health disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geoffrey A. Dunn
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | | | - A J Mitchell
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Samantha Papadakis
- Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Matthew Selby
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States
| | - Damien Fair
- Masonic Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota School of Medicine, Minneapolis, MN, United States
| | - Hanna C. Gustafsson
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Elinor L. Sullivan
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR, United States,Division of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, OR, United States,Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States,*Correspondence: Elinor L. Sullivan,
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Mitchell AJ, Dunn GA, Sullivan EL. The Influence of Maternal Metabolic State and Nutrition on Offspring Neurobehavioral Development: A Focus on Preclinical Models. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2022; 7:450-460. [PMID: 34915175 PMCID: PMC9086110 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The prevalence of both obesity and neurodevelopmental disorders has increased substantially over the last several decades. Early environmental factors, including maternal nutrition and metabolic state during gestation, influence offspring neurodevelopment. Both human and preclinical models demonstrate a link between poor maternal nutrition, altered metabolic state, and risk of behavioral abnormalities in offspring. This review aims to highlight evidence from the current literature connecting maternal nutrition and the associated metabolic changes with neural and behavioral outcomes in the offspring, as well as identify possible mechanisms underlying these neurodevelopmental outcomes. Owing to the highly correlated nature of poor nutrition and obesity in humans, preclinical animal models are important in distinguishing the unique effects of maternal nutrition and metabolic state on offspring brain development. We use a translational lens to highlight results from preclinical animal models of maternal obesogenic diet related to alterations in behavioral and neurodevelopmental outcomes in offspring. Specifically, we aim to highlight results that resemble behavioral phenotypes described in the diagnostic criteria of neurodevelopmental conditions in humans. Finally, we examine the proinflammatory nature of maternal obesity and consumption of a high-fat diet as a mechanism for neurodevelopmental alterations that may alter offspring behavior later in life. It is important that future studies examine potential therapeutic interventions and prevention strategies to interrupt the transgenerational transmission of the disease. Given the tremendous risk to the next generation, changes need to be made to ensure that all pregnant people have access to nutritious food and are informed about the optimal diet for their developing child.
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Affiliation(s)
- A J Mitchell
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Department of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon
| | - Geoffrey A Dunn
- Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon
| | - Elinor L Sullivan
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon; Department of Neuroscience, Oregon National Primate Research Center, Beaverton, Oregon; Department of Human Physiology, University of Oregon, Eugene, Oregon.
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Maternal Metabolic State and Fetal Sex and Genotype Modulate Methylation of the Serotonin Receptor Type 2A Gene (HTR2A) in the Human Placenta. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020467. [PMID: 35203678 PMCID: PMC8962258 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The serotonin receptor 2A gene (HTR2A) is a strong candidate for the fetal programming of future behavior and metabolism. Maternal obesity and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) have been associated with an increased risk of metabolic and psychological problems in offspring. We tested the hypothesis that maternal metabolic status affects methylation of HTR2A in the placenta. The prospective study included 199 pairs of mothers and healthy full-term newborns. Genomic DNA was extracted from feto-placental samples and analyzed for genotypes of two polymorphisms (rs6311, rs6306) and methylation of four cytosine residues (−1665, −1439, −1421, −1224) in the HTR2A promoter region. Placental HTR2A promoter methylation was higher in male than female placentas and depended on both rs6311 and rs6306 genotypes. A higher maternal pre-gestational body mass index (pBMI) and, to a lesser extent, diagnosis of GDM were associated with reduced HTR2A promoter methylation in female but not male placentas. Higher pBMI was associated with reduced methylation both directly and indirectly through increased GDM incidence. Tobacco use during pregnancy was associated with reduced HTR2A promoter methylation in male but not female placentas. The obtained results suggest that HTR2A is a sexually dimorphic epigenetic target of intrauterine exposures. The findings may contribute to a better understanding of the early developmental origins of neurobehavioral and metabolic disorders associated with altered HTR2A function.
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FumDSB Can Reduce the Toxic Effects of Fumonisin B 1 by Regulating Several Brain-Gut Peptides in Both the Hypothalamus and Jejunum of Growing Pigs. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120874. [PMID: 34941712 PMCID: PMC8708632 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is the most common food-borne mycotoxin produced by the Fusarium species, posing a potential threat to human and animal health. Pigs are more sensitive to FB1 ingested from feed compared to other farmed livestock. Enzymatic degradation is an ideal detoxification method that has attracted much attention. This study aimed to explore the functional characteristics of the carboxylesterase FumDSB in growing pigs from the perspective of brain–gut regulation. A total of 24 growing pigs were divided into three groups. The control group was fed a basal diet, the FB1 group was supplemented with FB1 at 5 mg/kg feed, and the FumDSB group received added FumDSB based on the diet of the FB1 group. After 35 days of animal trials, samples from the hypothalamus and jejunum were analyzed through HE staining, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. The results demonstrated that the ingestion of FB1 can reduce the feed intake and weight gain of growing pigs, indicating that several appetite-related brain-gut peptides (including NPY, PYY, ghrelin and obestatin, etc.) play important roles in the anorexia response induced by FB1. After adding FumDSB as detoxifying enzymes, however, the anorexia effects of FB1 were alleviated, and the expression and distribution of the corresponding brain-gut peptides exhibited a certain degree of regulation. In conclusion, the addition of FumDSB can reduce the anorexia effects of FB1 by regulating several brain-gut peptides in both the hypothalamus and the jejunum of growing pigs.
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