Dopamine, a co-regulatory component, bridges the central nervous system and the immune system

Characterization of Freshly Isolated Human Peripheral Blood B Cells, Monocytes, CD4+ and CD8+ T Cells, and Skin Mast Cells by Quantitative Transcriptomics

Quantitative transcriptomics offers a new way to obtain a detailed picture of freshly isolated cells. By direct isolation, the cells are unaffected by in vitro culture, and the isolation at cold temperatures maintains the cells relatively unaltered in phenotype by avoiding activation through receptor cross-linking or plastic adherence. Simultaneous analysis of several cell types provides the opportunity to obtain detailed pictures of transcriptomic differences between them. Here, we present such an analysis focusing on four human blood cell populations and compare those to isolated human skin mast cells. Pure CD19+ peripheral blood B cells, CD14+ monocytes, and CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were obtained by fluorescence-activated cell sorting, and KIT+ human connective tissue mast cells (MCs) were purified by MACS sorting from healthy skin. Detailed information concerning expression levels of the different granule proteases, protease inhibitors, Fc receptors, other receptors, transcription factors, cell signaling components, cytoskeletal proteins, and many other protein families relevant to the functions of these cells were obtained and comprehensively discussed. The MC granule proteases were found exclusively in the MC samples, and the T-cell granzymes in the T cells, of which several were present in both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. High levels of CD4 were also observed in MCs and monocytes. We found a large variation between the different cell populations in the expression of Fc receptors, as well as for lipid mediators, proteoglycan synthesis enzymes, cytokines, cytokine receptors, and transcription factors. This detailed quantitative comparative analysis of more than 780 proteins of importance for the function of these populations can now serve as a good reference material for research into how these entities shape the role of these cells in immunity and tissue homeostasis.

Dopamine agonist Rotigotine mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation and memory impairment in mice

BACKGROUND

Dopaminergic signaling in the Central Nervous System (CNS) has been observed in the pathophysiology of memory deficits. Rotigotine belongs to a non-ergot-based dopamine receptor agonist possessing anti-inflammatory properties. However, it is uncertain if it has a role in ameliorating cognitive decline. Here, we evaluated the actions of rotigotine on neuroinflammation and memory impairment.

METHODOLOGY

Rotigotine 1, 3, and 5 mg/kg were administered to mice subcutaneously once a day for fifteen days. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) 750 µg/kg was administered intraperitoneally for seven days to produce cognitive impairment in mice. Morris water maze and Passive avoidance step-down tests were performed to evaluate memory function. Further, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and amyloid-beta (Aβ) were estimated by ELISA. The mouse brain was analyzed for acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, lipid peroxidation, catalase, and reduced glutathione levels.

RESULTS

LPS elevated IL-6, Aβ, TNF-α, and AChE activity, promoted oxidative stress, and caused memory decline in mice. Lower doses of rotigotine 1 and 3 mg/kg significantly reduced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and AChE activity, followed by improved cognitive impairment.

CONCLUSION

Our data suggest that rotigotine 1 and 3 mg/kg could reverse the neuroinflammation-associated memory impairment.

Neuro-immune communication at the core of craving-associated brain structural network reconfiguration in methamphetamine users

Methamphetamine (MA) use disorder is a chronic neurotoxic brain disease characterized by a high risk of relapse driven by intense cravings. However, the neurobiological signatures of cravings remain unclear, limiting the effectiveness of various treatment methods. Diffusion MRI (dMRI) scans from 62 MA users and 57 healthy controls (HC) were used in this study. The MA users were longitudinally followed up during their period of long-term abstinence (duration of long-term abstinence: 347.52±99.25 days). We systematically quantified the control ability of each brain region for craving-associated state transitions using network control theory from a causal perspective. Craving-associated structural alterations (CSA) were investigated through multivariate group comparisons and biological relevance analysis. The neural mechanisms underlying CSA were elucidated using transcriptomic and neurochemical analyses. We observed that long-term abstinence-induced structural alterations significantly influenced the state transition energy involved in the cognitive control response to external information, which correlated with changes in craving scores (r ∼ 0.35, P <0.01). Our causal network analysis further supported the crucial role of the prefrontal cortex (PFC) in craving mechanisms. Notably, while the PFC is central to the craving, the CSAs were distributed widely across multiple brain regions (PFDR<0.05), with strong alterations in somatomotor regions (PFDR<0.05) and moderate alterations in high-level association networks (PFDR<0.05). Additionally, transcriptomic, chemical compounds, cell-type analyses, and molecular imaging collectively highlight the influence of neuro-immune communication on human craving modulation. Our results offer an integrative, multi-scale perspective on unraveling the neural underpinnings of craving and suggest that neuro-immune signaling may be a promising target for future human addiction therapeutics.

Integrating UPLC-MS/MS with in Silico and in Vitro Screening Accelerates the Discovery of Active Compounds in Stephania epigaea

Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) are popular in clinic because of their safety and efficacy. They contain abundant natural active compounds, which are important sources of new drug discovery. However, how to efficiently identify active compounds from complex ingredients remains a challenge. In this study, a method combining UHPLC-MS/MS characterization and in silico screening was developed to discover compounds with dopamine D2 receptor (D2R) activity in Stephania epigaea (S. epigaea). By combining the compounds identified in S. epigaea by UHPLC-MS/MS with reported compounds, a virtual library of 80 compounds was constructed for in silico screening. Potentially active compounds were chosen based on screening scores and subsequently tested for in vitro activity on a transfected cell line CHO-K1-D2 model using label-free cellular phenotypic assay. Three D2R agonists and five D2R antagonists were identified. (-)-Asimilobine, N-nornuciferine and (-)-roemerine were reported for the first time as D2R agonists, with EC50 values of 0.35 ± 0.04 μM, 1.37 ± 0.10 μM and 0.82 ± 0.22 μM, respectively. Their target specificity was validated by desensitization and antagonism assay. (-)-Isocorypalmine, (-)-tetrahydropalmatine, (-)-discretine, (+)-corydaline and (-)-roemeroline showed strong antagonistic activity on D2R with IC50 values of 92 ± 9.9 nM, 1.73 ± 0.13 μM, 0.34 ± 0.02 μM, 2.09 ± 0.22 μM and 0.85 ± 0.08 μM, respectively. Their kinetic binding profiles were characterized using co-stimulation assay and they were both D2R competitive antagonists. We docked these ligands with human D2R crystal structure and analyzed the structure-activity relationship of aporphine-type D2R agonists and protoberberine-type D2R antagonists. These results would help to elucidate the mechanism of action of S. epigaea for its analgesic and sedative efficacy and benefit for D2R drug design. This study demonstrated the potential of integrating UHPLC-MS/MS with in silico and in vitro screening for accelerating the discovery of active compounds from TCMs.

Identification of patients with internet gaming disorder via a radiomics-based machine learning model of subcortical structures in high-resolution T1-weighted MRI

It is of vital importance to establish an objective and reliable model to facilitate the early diagnosis and intervention of internet gaming disorder (IGD). A total of 133 patients with IGD and 110 healthy controls (HCs) were included. We extracted radiomic features of subcortical structures in high-resolution T1-weighted MRI. Different combinations of four feature selection methods (analysis of variance, Kruskal-Wallis, recursive feature elimination and relief) and ten classification algorithms were used to identify the most robust combined models for distinguishing IGD patients from HCs. Furthermore, a nomogram incorporating radiomic signatures and independent clinical factors was developed. Calibration curve and decision curve analyses were used to evaluate the nomogram. The combination of analysis of variance selector and logistic regression classifier identified that the radiomic model constructed with 20 features from the right caudate nucleus and amygdala showed better IGD screening performance. The radiomic model produced good areas under the curves (AUCs) in the training, validation and test cohorts (AUCs of 0.961, 0.903 and 0.895, respectively). In addition, sex, internet addiction test scores and radiomic scores were included in the nomogram as independent risk factors for IGD. Analysis of the correction curve and decision curve showed that the clinical-radiomic model has good reliability (C-index: 0.987). The nomogram incorporating radiomic features of subcortical structures and clinical characteristics achieved satisfactory classification performance and could serve as an effective tool for distinguishing IGD patients from HCs.

Single-step batch fabrication of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices with a 3D printer and their applications in nanoenzyme-enhanced visual detection of dopamine

Wax printing is the most widely used method for fabricating microfluidic paper-based analytical devices (μPADs), but it still suffers from disadvantages like discontinuation of wax printers and need for additional equipment for heating treatment. To address these issues, this work initially describes a new class of wax printing approach for high-precision, batch fabrication of μPADs using a household 3D printer. It only involves a one patterning step of printing polyethylene wax into rice paper body. Under optimized parameters, a fabrication resolution, namely the minimum hydrophilic channel width, down to ~189 ± 30 μm could be achieved. In addition, the analytical applicability of such polyethylene wax-patterned μPADs was demonstrated well with enhanced colorimetric detection of dopamine as a model analyte by combining metal-organic framework (MOF) based nanoenzymes (ZIF-67) with a smartphone (for portable quantitative readout). The developed nanosensor could linearly detect dopamine over a concentration range from 10 to 1000 μM, with a detection limit of ca. 2.75 μM (3σ). The recovery results for analyzing several real samples (i.e., pig feed, chicken feed, pork and human serum) were between 91.82 and 102.79%, further validating its good detection accuracy for potential practical applications in food safety and medical diagnosis.

Pramipexole improves depression-like behavior in diabetes mellitus with depression rats by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation and preventing impaired neuroplasticity

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is frequently associated with the occurrence and development of depression, and the co-occurrence of diabetes mellitus with depression (DD) may further reduce patients' quality of life. Recent research indicates that dopamine receptors (DRs) play a crucial role in immune and metabolic regulation. Pramipexole (PPX), a D2/3R agonist, has demonstrated promising neuroprotective and immunomodulatory effects. Nevertheless, the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of action of PPX on DM-induced depression are not clear at present.

METHODS

Depression, DM, and DD were induced in a rat model through a combination of a high-fat diet (HFD) supplemented with streptozotocin (STZ) and chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) combined with solitary cage rearing. The pathogenesis of DD and the neuroprotective effects of DRs agonists were investigated using behavioral assays, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Nissl staining, Western blotting (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF).

RESULTS

DD rats exhibited more severe dopaminergic, neuroinflammatory, and neuroplastic impairments and more pronounced depressive behaviors than rats with depression alone or DM. Our findings suggest that DRs agonists have significant therapeutic effects on DD rats and that PPX improved neuroplasticity and decreased neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of DD rats while also promoting DG cell growth and differentiation, ultimately mitigating depression-like behaviors.

LIMITATION

Our study is based on a rat model. Further evidence is needed to determine whether the therapeutic effects of PPX apply to patients suffering from DD.

CONCLUSIONS

Neuroinflammation mediated by damage to the dopaminergic system is one of the key pathogenic mechanisms of DD. We provide evidence that PPX has a neuroprotective effect on the hippocampus in DD rats and the mechanism may involve the inhibition of NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation by DRs to attenuate the neuroinflammatory response and neuroplasticity damage.

Investigating the link between antipsychotic use and post-stroke infections in older people: multi-centre propensity score analysis

BACKGROUND

The risk of stroke increases with age, and although previous reports have suggested that infection risk may increase with antipsychotic use, relevant studies after stroke are scarce. We aimed to investigate whether antipsychotics increase post-stroke infection risk in the acute stroke period.

METHODS

This propensity score matching study included adults diagnosed with first-ever stroke between 2011 and 2020 at five university hospitals. In-hospital antipsychotic exposure was defined as any administration during hospitalisation for stroke. The primary outcome was post-stroke infection after the first 2 days of hospitalisation, and the secondary outcome was the presence of pneumonia, bacteraemia and/or bacteriuria.

RESULT

Among 23,885 first-ever stroke patients, 2,773 antipsychotic users (age 71.6 ± 12.4, male 54.6%) and 2,773 non-users (age 71.2 ± 13.2, male 54.6%) were selected as matched cohorts. After adjusting for propensity score, antipsychotics were not associated with an increased risk of post-stroke infection (odds ratio 0.99, 95% confidence interval 0.87-1.14).

CONCLUSION

While our study did not find conclusive evidence linking antipsychotic medication to an increased risk of post-stroke infection, prescribing these medications should still be approached with prudence. Until further research can provide more definitive insights, clinicians should carefully weigh the potential infection risks when considering antipsychotic treatment during the acute stroke care period.

Dopamine receptor agonist cabergoline promotes immunogenic phenotype in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells

Dendritic cells (DCs) are known as antigen-presenting cells that are capable of regulating immune responses. DCs and T cells can interact mutually to induce antigen-specific T-cell responses. Cabergoline, which is a dopamine (DA) receptor agonist, seems to implement anti-inflammatory properties in the immune system, and therefore in the present study the impact of a DA receptor agonist cabergoline on the monocyte-derived DCs (moDCs) was assessed. Immature moDCs were treated with lipopolysaccharide to produce mature DCs (mDCs). The expression of DCs' related surface markers namely: CD11c, HLA-DR, and CD86 was measured by utilizing of flow cytometry. Real-time PCR was the technique of choice to determine the levels at which diverse inflammatory and anti-inflammatory factors in cabergoline-treated and control mDC groups were expressed. DCs treated with cabergoline displayed a significant decrease in CD86 and HLA-DR expression, markers linked to maturation and antigen presentation, respectively. In addition, the cabergoline-mDC group showed a considerable decline in terms of the levels at which IL-10, TGF-β, and IDO genes were expressed, and an increase in the expression of TNF-α and IL-12 in comparison to the mDC control group. Our findings revealed that cabergoline as an immunomodulatory agent can relatively shift DCs into an immunogenic state, and there is a requirement for further investigations to evaluate the effects of cabergoline-treated DCs on the T cell responses in vitro, and also in various diseases including cancer in animal models.

Assessment of the relationship between the dopaminergic pathway and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection, with related neuropathological features, and potential therapeutic approaches in COVID-19 infection

Dopamine is a known catecholamine neurotransmitter involved in several physiological processes, including motor control, motivation, reward, cognition, and immune function. Dopamine receptors are widely distributed throughout the nervous system and in immune cells. Several viruses, including human immunodeficiency virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, can use dopaminergic receptors to replicate in the nervous system and are involved in viral neuropathogenesis. In addition, studies suggest that dopaminergic receptors may play a role in the progression and pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. When SARS-CoV-2 binds to angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 receptors on the surface of neuronal cells, the spike protein of the virus can bind to dopaminergic receptors on neighbouring cells to accelerate its life cycle and exacerbate neurological symptoms. In addition, recent research has shown that dopamine is an important regulator of the immune-neuroendocrine system. Most immune cells express dopamine receptors and other dopamine-related proteins, indicating the importance of dopaminergic immune regulation. The increase in dopamine concentration during SARS-CoV2 infection may reduce immunity (innate and adaptive) that promotes viral spread, which could lead to neuronal damage. In addition, dopaminergic signalling in the nervous system may be affected by SARS-CoV-2 infection. COVID -19 can cause various neurological symptoms as it interacts with the immune system. One possible treatment strategy for COVID -19 patients could be the use of dopamine antagonists. To fully understand how to protect the neurological system and immune cells from the virus, we need to study the pathophysiology of the dopamine system in SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Untargeted Metabolomic Analyses of Body Fluids to Differentiate TBI DOC and NTBI DOC

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the metabolomic differences between Traumatic brain injury (TBI) disorder of consciousness (DOC) patients and non-traumatic brain injury (NTBI) DOC patients by using cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), serum and urine samples beneficial to understand the pathological mechanism differences between the two etiologies, provide potential clues for the subsequent treatment and prognosis, and investigate the metabolome differences and similarities between TBI and NTBI among three different body fluids.

METHODS

In total, 24 TBI DOC subjects and 29 NTBI DOC subjects were enrolled. CSF, serum and urine samples from TBI DOC and NTBI DOC patients were collected and analyzed by performing UPLC-MS. The statistical methods and pathway analyses were applied to discover potential biomarkers and altered metabolic functions.

RESULTS

When comparing TBI DOC and NTBI DOC, 36, 31 and 52 differential metabolites were obtained in CSF, serum and urine, respectively. The functional analysis of differential metabolites obtained in CSF, serum and urine were all related to amino acid metabolism. Except for amino acid metabolism, metabolic biomarkers in CSF, serum and urine mainly focus on central function, cognitive function, necrosis and apoptosis and neurological function, respectively. In CSF, the highest AUC was 0.864 (Isoproturon) and 0.816 (Proline betaine). Then, the AUC of NFurfurylformamide in serum was 0.941, while the AUC of Dihydronepetalactone and Doxepin N-oxide glucuronide were 1.0 in urine.

CONCLUSION

CSF, serum and urine metabolomic analyses could differentiate TBI DOC from NTBI DOC and functional analyses showed a metabolic change difference between TBI DOC and NTBI DOC.

Dopamine Activates the D1R-Zn2+ Signaling Pathway to Trigger Inflammatory Response in Primary-Cultured Rat Embryonic Cortical Neurons

Neuroinflammation is an early event during the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. Most studies focus on how the factors derived from pathogens or tissue damage activate the inflammation-pyroptosis cell death pathway. It is unclear whether endogenous neurotransmitters could induce inflammatory responses in neurons. Our previous reports have shown that dopamine-induced elevation of intracellular Zn2+ concentration via the D1-like receptor (D1R) is a prerequisite for autophagy and cell death in primary cultured rat embryonic neurons. Here we further examined that this D1R-Zn2+ signaling initiates the transient inflammatory response leading to cell death in cultured cortical neurons. Pretreating the cultured neurons with Zn2+ chelator and inhibitors against inflammation could enhance the cell viability in neurons treated with dopamine and dihydrexidine, an agonist of D1R. Both dopamine and dihydrexidine greatly enhanced inflammasome formation; a Zn2+ chelator, N,N,N',N'-tetrakis(2-pyridinylmethyl)-1,2-ethanediamine, suppressed this increment. Dopamine and dihydrexidine increased the expression levels of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 and enhanced the maturation of caspase-1, gasdermin D, and IL-1β; these changes were all Zn2+-dependent. Dopamine treatment did not recruit the N-terminal of the gasdermin D to the plasma membrane but enhanced its localization to the autophagosomes. Pretreating the neurons with IL-1β could increase the viability of neurons challenged with dopamine. These results demonstrate a novel D1R-Zn2+ signaling cascade activating neuroinflammation and cell death. Therefore, maintaining a balance between dopamine homeostasis and inflammatory responses is an important therapeutic target for neurodegeneration. Dopamine elicits transient inflammatory responses in cultured cortical neurons via the D1R-Zn2+ signaling pathway. Dopamine elevates [Zn2+]i to induce the formation of inflammasomes, which activates caspase-1, resulting in the maturation of IL-1β and gasdermin D (GSDMD). Therefore, the homeostasis of dopamine and Zn2+ are critical therapeutic targets for inflammation-derived neurodegeneration.

Spongin as a Unique 3D Template for the Development of Functional Iron-Based Composites Using Biomimetic Approach In Vitro

Marine sponges of the subclass Keratosa originated on our planet about 900 million years ago and represent evolutionarily ancient and hierarchically structured biological materials. One of them, proteinaceous spongin, is responsible for the formation of 3D structured fibrous skeletons and remains enigmatic with complex chemistry. The objective of this study was to investigate the interaction of spongin with iron ions in a marine environment due to biocorrosion, leading to the occurrence of lepidocrocite. For this purpose, a biomimetic approach for the development of a new lepidocrocite-containing 3D spongin scaffold under laboratory conditions at 24 °C using artificial seawater and iron is described for the first time. This method helps to obtain a new composite as "Iron-Spongin", which was characterized by infrared spectroscopy and thermogravimetry. Furthermore, sophisticated techniques such as X-ray fluorescence, microscope technique, and X-Ray diffraction were used to determine the structure. This research proposed a corresponding mechanism of lepidocrocite formation, which may be connected with the spongin amino acids functional groups. Moreover, the potential application of the biocomposite as an electrochemical dopamine sensor is proposed. The conducted research not only shows the mechanism or sensor properties of "Iron-spongin" but also opens the door to other applications of these multifunctional materials.

Inflammation, Dopaminergic Brain and Bilirubin

Dopamine is a well-known neurotransmitter due to its involvement in Parkinson's disease (PD). Dopamine is not only involved in PD but also controls multiple mental and physical activities, such as the pleasure of food, friends and loved ones, music, art, mood, cognition, motivation, fear, affective disorders, addiction, attention deficit disorder, depression, and schizophrenia. Dopaminergic neurons (DOPAn) are susceptible to stressors, and inflammation is a recognized risk for neuronal malfunctioning and cell death in major neurodegenerative diseases. Less is known for non-neurodegenerative conditions. Among the endogenous defenses, bilirubin, a heme metabolite, has been shown to possess important anti-inflammatory activity and, most importantly, to prevent DOPAn demise in an ex vivo model of PD by acting on the tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). This review summarizes the evidence linking DOPAn, inflammation (when possible, specifically TNFα), and bilirubin as an anti-inflammatory in order to understand what is known, the gaps that need filling, and the hypotheses of anti-inflammatory strategies to preserve dopamine homeostasis with bilirubin included.

Effect of l-Dopa in acute temozolomide-induced cognitive impairment in male mice: a possible antineuroinflammatory role

Temozolomide is used commonly in the treatment of some types of cancers, but it may also result in cognitive impairments such as memory deficits. l-Dopa, a well known medicine for the central nervous system, has been shown to have positive effects on some cognitive disorders. Here we sought to investigate the effect of l-Dopa on temozolomide-induced cognitive impairments. BALB/c mice were subjected to 3-days temozolomide and 6-days concomitant l-Dopa/benserazide administration in six groups (control, l-Dopa 25 mg/kg, l-Dopa 75 mg/kg, temozolomide, temozolomide + l-Dopa 25 mg/kg, and temozolomide + l-Dopa 75 mg/kg). Open field test, object location recognition, novel object recognition test, and shuttle-box test were carried out to determine the locomotor, anxiety-like behavior, and memory function of subjects. TNF-α and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene expression in the hippocampus was measured by real-time PCR. Mice treated with temozolomide showed recognition memory impairment, along with hippocampal TNF-α and BDNF mRNA expression level raise, and detection of histological insults in hematoxylin and eosin hippocampal slides. Mice that received temozolomide + l-Dopa showed normal behavioral function and lower TNF-α and BDNF hippocampal mRNA expression levels, and histologically normal hippocampal CA1 region in comparison with mice in the temozolomide group. Our results provide evidence that l-Dopa prevents temozolomide-induced recognition memory deficit in mice at the acute phase probably via l-Dopa antineuroinflammatory effects.

Brain and Systemic Inflammation in De Novo Parkinson's Disease

OBJECTIVE

To assess the presence of brain and systemic inflammation in subjects newly diagnosed with Parkinson's disease (PD).

BACKGROUND

Evidence for a pathophysiologic role of inflammation in PD is growing. However, several key gaps remain as to the role of inflammation in PD, including the extent of immune activation at early stages, potential effects of PD treatments on inflammation and whether pro-inflammatory signals are associated with clinical features and/or predict more rapid progression.

METHODS

We enrolled subjects with de novo PD (n = 58) and age-matched controls (n = 62). Subjects underwent clinical assessments, including the Movement Disorder Society-United Parkinson's Disease rating scale (MDS-UPDRS). Comprehensive cognitive assessment meeting MDS Level II criteria for mild cognitive impairment testing was performed. Blood was obtained for flow cytometry and cytokine/chemokine analyses. Subjects underwent imaging with 18 F-DPA-714, a translocator protein 18kd ligand, and lumbar puncture if eligible and consented.

RESULTS

Baseline demographics and medical history were comparable between groups. PD subjects showed significant differences in University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test, Schwab and England Activities of Daily Living, Scales for Outcomes in PD autonomic dysfunction, and MDS-UPDRS scores. Cognitive testing demonstrated significant differences in cognitive composite, executive function, and visuospatial domain scores at baseline. Positron emission tomography imaging showed increased 18 F-DPA-714 signal in PD subjects. 18 F-DPA-714 signal correlated with several cognitive measures and some chemokines.

CONCLUSIONS

18 F-DPA-714 imaging demonstrated increased central inflammation in de novo PD subjects compared to controls. Longitudinal follow-up will be important to determine whether the presence of inflammation predicts cognitive decline. © 2023 The Authors. Movement Disorders published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society.

By what molecular mechanisms do social determinants impact cardiometabolic risk?

While it is well known from numerous epidemiologic investigations that social determinants (socioeconomic, environmental, and psychosocial factors exposed to over the life-course) can dramatically impact cardiovascular health, the molecular mechanisms by which social determinants lead to poor cardiometabolic outcomes are not well understood. This review comprehensively summarizes a variety of current topics surrounding the biological effects of adverse social determinants (i.e., the biology of adversity), linking translational and laboratory studies with epidemiologic findings. With a strong focus on the biological effects of chronic stress, we highlight an array of studies on molecular and immunological signaling in the context of social determinants of health (SDoH). The main topics covered include biomarkers of sympathetic nervous system and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation, and the role of inflammation in the biology of adversity focusing on glucocorticoid resistance and key inflammatory cytokines linked to psychosocial and environmental stressors (PSES). We then further discuss the effect of SDoH on immune cell distribution and characterization by subset, receptor expression, and function. Lastly, we describe epigenetic regulation of the chronic stress response and effects of SDoH on telomere length and aging. Ultimately, we highlight critical knowledge gaps for future research as we strive to develop more targeted interventions that account for SDoH to improve cardiometabolic health for at-risk, vulnerable populations.

Immunomodulatory effect of dopamine in human keratinocytes and macrophages under chronical bisphenol-A exposure conditions

Dopamine is a key neurotransmitter that links the nervous and the immune system. Bisphenol A (BPA) is an endocrine disruptor with a wide distribution in the environment that is used in the manufacturing of plastic products. Evidence shows that BPA can interfere with the central dopaminergic transmission; however, there are no previous reports of this effect outside the central nervous system. Thus, the aim of this work was to investigate the in vitro mechanisms of action involved in the response to dopamine in both human keratinocyte and macrophage cell lines chronically exposed to BPA. Dopamine modulates cytokine secretion and NF-κB expression in BPA-treated HaCaT keratinocytes, without modifying these parameters in BPA-treated THP-1 macrophages. In addition, dopamine increases MMP activity in both BPA-treated cell lines, although it decreases keratinocytes migration. We suggest the immunomodulatory effect of dopamine might be different in keratinocytes and macrophages under chronical BPA exposure conditions. These findings revealed for the first time the in vitro immunomodulatory effect of dopamine in the presence of BPA at peripheral level.

Activation of dopamine D2 receptors attenuates neuroinflammation and ameliorates the memory impairment induced by rapid eye movement sleep deprivation in a murine model

The proinflammatory state, which may be induced by sleep deprivation, seems to be a determining factor in the development of neurodegenerative processes. Investigations of mechanisms that help to mitigate the inflammatory effects of sleep disorders are important. A new proposal involves the neurotransmitter dopamine, which may modulate the progression of the immune response by activating receptors expressed on immune cells. This study aimed to determine whether dopamine D2 receptor (D2DR) activation attenuates the proinflammatory response derived from rapid eye movement (REM) sleep deprivation in mice. REM sleep deprivation (RSD) was induced in 2-month-old male CD1 mice using the multiple platform model for three consecutive days; during this period, the D2DR receptor agonist quinpirole (QUIN) was administered (2 mg/kg/day i.p.). Proinflammatory cytokine levels were assessed in serum and homogenates of the brain cortex, hippocampus, and striatum using ELISAs. Long-term memory deficits were identified using the Morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. Animals were trained until learning criteria were achieved; then, they were subjected to RSD and treated with QUIN for 3 days. Memory evocation was determined afterward. Moreover, we found RSD induced anhedonia, as measured by the sucrose consumption test, which is commonly related to the dopaminergic system. Our data revealed increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα and IL-1β) in both the hippocampus and serum from RSD mice. However, QUIN attenuated the increased levels of these cytokines. Furthermore, RSD caused a long-term memory evocation deficit in both the MWM and NOR tests. In contrast, QUIN coadministration during the RSD period significantly improved the performance of the animals. On the other hand, QUIN prevented the anhedonic condition induced by RSD. Based on our results, D2DR receptor activation protects against memory impairment induced by disturbed REM sleep by inhibiting neuroinflammation.

Potential Targets and Action Mechanism of Gastrodin in the Treatment of Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: Bioinformatics and Network Pharmacology Analysis

Objective

Gastrodin is a main medicinal component of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) Gastrodia elata Blume (G. elata), presenting the potential for the treatment of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, the underlying targets and action mechanisms of the treatment have not been identified.

Methods

The gastrodin-related microarray dataset GSE85871 was obtained from the GEO database and analyzed by GEO2R to obtain differentially expressed genes (DEGs). Subsequently, the targets of gastrodin were supplemented by the Encyclopedia of Traditional Chinese Medicine (ETCM), PubChem, STITCH, and SwissTargetPrediction databases. ADHD-associated genes were collected from six available disease databases (i.e., TTD, DrugBank, OMIM, PharmGKB, GAD, and KEGG DISEASE). The potential targets of gastrodin during ADHD treatment were obtained by mapping gastrodin-related targets with ADHD genes, and their protein–protein interaction (PPI) relationship was constructed by the STRING database. The GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the ClueGO plug-in in the Cytoscape software and DAVID database, respectively. Finally, the binding affinity between gastrodin and important targets was verified by molecular docking.

Results

A total of 460 gastrodin-related DEGs were identified from GSE85871, and 124 known gastrodin targets were supplemented from 4 databases, including ETCM. A total of 440 genes were collected from the above 6 disease databases, and 267 ADHD-relevant genes were obtained after duplicate removal. Through mapping the 584 gastrodin targets to the 267 ADHD genes, 16 potential therapeutic targets were obtained, among which the important ones were DRD2, DRD4, CHRNA3, CYP1A1, TNF, IL6, and KCNJ3. The enrichment analysis results indicated that 16 potential targets were involved in 25 biological processes (e.g., dopamine (DA) transport) and 22 molecular functions (e.g., postsynaptic neurotransmitter receptor activity), which were mainly localized at excitatory synapses. The neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, cholinergic synapse, and dopaminergic synapse might be the core pathways of gastrodin in ADHD treatment. Through molecular docking, it was preliminarily verified that gastrodin showed good binding activity to seven important targets and formed stable binding conformations.

Conclusions

Gastrodin might exert an anti-ADHD effect by upgrading the dopaminergic system and central cholinergic system, inhibiting the inflammatory response and GIRK channel, and exerting a synergistic effect with other drugs on ADHD. For this reason, gastrodin should be considered a multitarget drug for ADHD treatment.

HBM4EU Chromates Study: Urinary Metabolomics Study of Workers Exposed to Hexavalent Chromium

Exposure to hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) may occur in several occupational activities, placing workers in many industries at risk for potential related health outcomes. Untargeted metabolomics was applied to investigate changes in metabolic pathways in response to Cr(VI) exposure. We obtained our data from a study population of 220 male workers with exposure to Cr(VI) and 102 male controls from Belgium, Finland, Poland, Portugal and the Netherlands within the HBM4EU Chromates Study. Urinary metabolite profiles were determined using liquid chromatography mass spectrometry, and differences between post-shift exposed workers and controls were analyzed using principal component analysis. Based on the first two principal components, we observed clustering by industrial chromate application, such as welding, chrome plating, and surface treatment, distinct from controls and not explained by smoking status or alcohol use. The changes in the abundancy of excreted metabolites observed in workers reflect fatty acid and monoamine neurotransmitter metabolism, oxidative modifications of amino acid residues, the excessive formation of abnormal amino acid metabolites and changes in steroid and thyrotropin-releasing hormones. The observed responses could also have resulted from work-related factors other than Cr(VI). Further targeted metabolomics studies are needed to better understand the observed modifications and further explore the suitability of urinary metabolites as early indicators of adverse effects associated with exposure to Cr(VI).

Continuous Activation of Dopamine Receptors Alleviates LPS-Induced Liver Injury in Mice via β-arrestin2 Dependent Akt/NF-κB Pathway

Many studies showed that dopamine receptors (DRs) agonists have anti-inflammatory effects. Rotigotine, a non-ergot dopamine receptor agonist, mainly actives DRD2/DRD3/DRD1. Rotigotine extended-release microspheres (RoMS) are a sustained-release formulation that can release sustainably rotigotine for more than 7 days after a single dose of RoMS. This study aimed to investigate whether RoMS can attenuate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury of mice. The liver injury was evaluated by assaying serum transaminase and observing histopathological changes. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum were also detected. Western blot was employed to assay the expression of proteins in the Akt/NF-κB pathway. The results showed that pre-administration with a single dose of RoMS could inhibit the increase of serum transaminase induced by LPS, alleviate the pathological damage of liver tissue, and decrease the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. In addition, RoMS decreased Toll-like receptor 4 protein expression in liver tissue. RoMS mitigated liver injury by activating DRs and negatively regulating the β-arrestin2-dependent Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. The effects of RoMS could be weakened or abolished by the specific DRD2 antagonist, R121. In conclusion, activation of DRs inhibited the releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines and alleviated the immune-mediated liver injury induced by LPS in mice. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of RoMS may be related to the regulation of the β-arrestin2-dependent Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway.