1
|
Lu H, Tan A, Zhang Y, Chen Y, Ran S, Wang P. Neuroprotective effects of Shenghui decoction via inhibition of the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway in an AlCl 3-induced zebrafish (Danio rerio) model of Alzheimer's disease. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 328:117993. [PMID: 38423408 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multi-factorial degenerative disease, and multi-targeted therapies targeting multiple pathogenic mechanisms should be explored. Shenghui decoction (SHD) is an ancient traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula used clinically to alleviate AD. However, the precise mechanism of action of SHD as a therapeutic agent for AD remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study investigated the neuroprotective properties and potential mechanisms of action of SHD in mitigating AD-like symptoms induced by AlCl3 in a zebrafish model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Active components of SHD were detected using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). Zebrafish were exposed to AlCl3 (200 μg/L) for 30 days to establish an AD zebrafish model. AlCl3-exposed zebrafish were treated with SHD or donepezil. Behavioral tests were used to assess learning and memory, locomotor activity, and AD-related anxiety and aggression in AlCl3-exposed zebrafish. Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy were used to evaluate histological alterations in brain neurons. The concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α; interleukin-1β, IL-1β) were quantified using Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Markers of oxidative stress and cholinergic activity (acetylcholinesterase, AChE) were detected using biochemical assays. Western blotting and immunofluorescence were used to detect the protein expression levels of Aβ, p-tau, PSD-95, synaptophysin, TLR4, phosphorylation of NF-κB p65, p38, and JNK. RESULTS Fifteen SHD compounds were identified by UPLC-MS/MS analysis. SHD improved AlCl3-induced dyskinesia, learning and memory impairment, anxiety-like behavior, and aggressive behavior in zebrafish. AlCl3-exposed zebrafish showed AD-like pathology, overexpression of Aβ, hyperphosphorylated tau protein, marked neuronal damage, decreased expression of synaptic proteins, synaptophysin, and PSD-95, and impairment of synaptic structural plasticity. These effects were reversed by the SHD treatment. We also observed that SHD ameliorated oxidative stress and decreased AChE activity and inflammatory cytokine levels. These effects are similar to those observed for donepezil. Meanwhile, SHD could decrease the protein expression of TLR4 and inhibit phosphorylation of NF-κB, JNK, and p38 MAPK. These results demonstrate that SHD has the potential to exert neuroprotective effects, which may be partly mediated via inhibition of the JNK/p38 MAPK signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS Our findings revealed the therapeutic mechanism of SHD in mitigating AD progression and suggested that SHD is a potent neuroprotectant that contributes to the future development of TCM modernization and broader clinical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haifei Lu
- Institute of Geriatrics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Aihua Tan
- Institute of Geriatrics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China; Huanggang Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated to Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Huanggang, 438000, China.
| | - Yini Zhang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Yumeng Chen
- Institute of Geriatrics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| | - Simiao Ran
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530200, China.
| | - Ping Wang
- Institute of Geriatrics, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430065, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Mastin N, Durell L, Brooks BW, Hering AS. Advancing statistical treatment of photolocomotor behavioral response study data. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300636. [PMID: 38771799 PMCID: PMC11108188 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Fish photolocomotor behavioral response (PBR) studies have become increasingly prevalent in pharmacological and toxicological research to assess the environmental impact of various chemicals. There is a need for a standard, reliable statistical method to analyze PBR data. The most common method currently used, univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA), does not account for temporal dependence in observations and leads to incomplete or unreliable conclusions. Repeated measures ANOVA, another commonly used method, has drawbacks in its interpretability for PBR study data. Because each observation is collected continuously over time, we instead consider each observation to be a function and apply functional ANOVA (FANOVA) to PBR data. Using the functional approach not only accounts for temporal dependency but also retains the full structure of the data and allows for straightforward interpretation in any subregion of the domain. Unlike the traditional univariate and repeated measures ANOVA, the FANOVA that we propose is nonparametric, requiring minimal assumptions. We demonstrate the disadvantages of univariate and repeated measures ANOVA using simulated data and show how they are overcome by applying FANOVA. We then apply one-way FANOVA to zebrafish data from a PBR study and discuss how those results can be reproduced for future PBR studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Mastin
- Department of Statistical Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Luke Durell
- Department of Statistical Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Bryan W. Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| | - Amanda S. Hering
- Department of Statistical Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Tagkalidou N, Multisanti CR, Bleda MJ, Bedrossiantz J, Prats E, Faggio C, Barata C, Raldúa D. Analyzing the Effects of Age, Time of Day, and Experiment on the Basal Locomotor Activity and Light-Off Visual Motor Response Assays in Zebrafish Larvae. TOXICS 2024; 12:349. [PMID: 38787128 PMCID: PMC11125988 DOI: 10.3390/toxics12050349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
The recent availability of commercial platforms for behavioral analyses in zebrafish larvae based on video-tracking technologies has exponentially increased the number of studies analyzing different behaviors in this model organism to assess neurotoxicity. Among the most commonly used assays in zebrafish larvae are basal locomotor activity (BLA) and visual motor responses (VMRs). However, the effect of different intrinsic and extrinsic factors that can significantly alter the outcome of these assays is still not well understood. In this work, we have analyzed the influence of age (5-8 days post-fertilization), time of day (8:00, 10:00, 12:00, 14:00; 16:00, 18:00, and 20:00 h), and experiment (three experiments performed at different days) on BLA and VMR results (4004 analyses for each behavior) in 143 larvae. The results from both behaviors were adjusted to a random-effects linear regression model using generalized least squares (GLSs), including in the model the effect of the three variables, the second-way interactions between them, and the three-way interaction. The results presented in this manuscript show a specific effect of all three intrinsic factors and their interactions on both behaviors, supporting the view that the most stable time period for performing these behavioral assays is from 10:00 am to 04:00 pm, with some differences depending on the age of the larva and the behavioral test.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niki Tagkalidou
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (J.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Cristiana Roberta Multisanti
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Giovanni Palatucci snc, 98168 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy;
| | - Maria Jose Bleda
- Institute for Advanced Chemistry of Catalonia (IQAC-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Juliette Bedrossiantz
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (J.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Eva Prats
- Research and Development Center (CID-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Caterina Faggio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale Ferdinando Stagno d’Alcontres, 31, 98166 Messina, Italy;
- Department of Eco-Sustainable Marine Biotechnology, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, 80122 Naples, Italy
| | - Carlos Barata
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (J.B.); (C.B.)
| | - Demetrio Raldúa
- Institute for Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA-CSIC), 08034 Barcelona, Spain; (N.T.); (J.B.); (C.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Lee HB, Shams S, Dang Thi VH, Boyum GE, Modhurima R, Hall EM, Green IK, Cervantes EM, Miguez FE, Clark KJ. Key HPI axis receptors facilitate light adaptive behavior in larval zebrafish. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7759. [PMID: 38565594 PMCID: PMC10987622 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57707-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The vertebrate stress response (SR) is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and contributes to generating context appropriate physiological and behavioral changes. Although the HPA axis plays vital roles both in stressful and basal conditions, research has focused on the response under stress. To understand broader roles of the HPA axis in a changing environment, we characterized an adaptive behavior of larval zebrafish during ambient illumination changes. Genetic abrogation of glucocorticoid receptor (nr3c1) decreased basal locomotor activity in light and darkness. Some key HPI axis receptors (mc2r [ACTH receptor], nr3c1), but not nr3c2 (mineralocorticoid receptor), were required to adapt to light more efficiently but became dispensable when longer illumination was provided. Such light adaptation was more efficient in dimmer light. Our findings show that the HPI axis contributes to the SR, facilitating the phasic response and maintaining an adapted basal state, and that certain adaptations occur without HPI axis activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han B Lee
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Soaleha Shams
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Viet Ha Dang Thi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Grace E Boyum
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Rodsy Modhurima
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Emma M Hall
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Izzabella K Green
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | | | - Karl J Clark
- Department of Neurology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Center for Individualized Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Neuroscience, Mayo Clinic Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
- Department of Animal Science, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Locubiche S, Ordóñez V, Abad E, Scotto di Mase M, Di Donato V, De Santis F. A Zebrafish-Based Platform for High-Throughput Epilepsy Modeling and Drug Screening in F0. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2991. [PMID: 38474238 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25052991] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The zebrafish model has emerged as a reference tool for phenotypic drug screening. An increasing number of molecules have been brought from bench to bedside thanks to zebrafish-based assays over the last decade. The high homology between the zebrafish and the human genomes facilitates the generation of zebrafish lines carrying loss-of-function mutations in disease-relevant genes; nonetheless, even using this alternative model, the establishment of isogenic mutant lines requires a long generation time and an elevated number of animals. In this study, we developed a zebrafish-based high-throughput platform for the generation of F0 knock-out (KO) models and the screening of neuroactive compounds. We show that the simultaneous inactivation of a reporter gene (tyrosinase) and a second gene of interest allows the phenotypic selection of F0 somatic mutants (crispants) carrying the highest rates of mutations in both loci. As a proof of principle, we targeted genes associated with neurodevelopmental disorders and we efficiently generated de facto F0 mutants in seven genes involved in childhood epilepsy. We employed a high-throughput multiparametric behavioral analysis to characterize the response of these KO models to an epileptogenic stimulus, making it possible to employ kinematic parameters to identify seizure-like events. The combination of these co-injection, screening and phenotyping methods allowed us to generate crispants recapitulating epilepsy features and to test the efficacy of compounds already during the first days post fertilization. Since the strategy can be applied to a wide range of indications, this study paves the ground for high-throughput drug discovery and promotes the use of zebrafish in personalized medicine and neurotoxicity assessment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sílvia Locubiche
- ZeClinics S.L., Carrer de Laureà Miró, 408-410, 08980 Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Institute of Neurosciences, University of Barcelona, 08036 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Víctor Ordóñez
- ZeClinics S.L., Carrer de Laureà Miró, 408-410, 08980 Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Elena Abad
- ZeClinics S.L., Carrer de Laureà Miró, 408-410, 08980 Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
| | | | - Vincenzo Di Donato
- ZeClinics S.L., Carrer de Laureà Miró, 408-410, 08980 Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
| | - Flavia De Santis
- ZeClinics S.L., Carrer de Laureà Miró, 408-410, 08980 Sant Feliu de Llobregat, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Zheng S, Zhang Q, Shi X, Luo C, Chen J, Zhang W, Wu K, Tang S. Developmental hazards of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether induced endoplasmic reticulum stress on early life stages of zebrafish (Danio rerio). ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 267:115615. [PMID: 37890256 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Polybrominated diphenyl ether flame retardants are known to have adverse effects on the development of organisms. We investigated the molecular mechanisms associated with the developmental hazards of 2,2',4,4'-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47) in zebrafish, as well as the behavioral and morphological alterations involved, focusing on endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Our study revealed behavioral alterations in zebrafish exposed to BDE-47, including impaired motor activity, reduced exploration, and abnormal swimming patterns. In addition, we observed malformations in craniofacial regions and other developmental abnormalities that may be associated with ERS-induced cellular dysfunction. BDE-47 exposure showed apparent changes in ERS, oxidative stress, and apoptosis biomarkers at different developmental stages in zebrafish through gene expression analysis and enzyme activity assays. The study indicated that exposure to BDE-47 results in ERS, as supported by the upregulation of ERS-related genes and increased activity of ERS markers. In addition, oxidative stress-related genes showed different expression patterns, suggesting that oxidative stress is involved in the BDE-47 toxic effects. Moreover, an assessment of apoptotic biomarkers revealed an imbalance in the expression levels of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes, suggesting that BDE-47 exposure activated the apoptotic pathway. These results highlight the complex interactions between ERS, oxidative stress, apoptosis, behavioral alterations, and morphological malformations following BDE-47 exposure in zebrafish. Understanding the mechanisms of toxicity of developmental hazards is essential to elucidate the toxicological effects of environmental contaminants. The knowledge can help develop strategies to mitigate their adverse effects on the health of ecosystems and humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shukai Zheng
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Shantou Plastic surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Qiong Zhang
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Xiaoling Shi
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Congying Luo
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Jiasheng Chen
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Shantou Plastic surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Wancong Zhang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Shantou Plastic surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Kusheng Wu
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China
| | - Shijie Tang
- Department of Plastic Surgery and Burns Center, Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Plastic Surgery Institute of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China; Shantou Plastic surgery Clinical Research Center, Shantou, Guangdong 515041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lee H, Shams S, Dang Thi VH, Boyum G, Modhurima R, Hall E, Green I, Cervantes E, Miguez F, Clark K. The canonical HPA axis facilitates and maintains light adaptive behavior. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3240080. [PMID: 37720015 PMCID: PMC10503838 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3240080/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
The vertebrate stress response (SR) is mediated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and contributes to generating context appropriate physiological and behavioral changes. Although the HPA axis plays vital roles both in stressful and basal conditions, research has focused on the response under stress. To understand broader roles of the HPA axis in a changing environment, we characterized an adaptive behavior of larval zebrafish during ambient illumination changes. The glucocorticoid receptor (nr3c1) was necessary to maintain basal locomotor activity in light and darkness. The HPA axis was required to adapt to light more efficiently but became dispensable when longer illumination was provided. Light adaptation was more efficient in dimmer light and did not require the mineralocorticoid receptor (nr3c2). Our findings show that the HPA axis contributes to the SR at various stages, facilitating the phasic response and maintaining an adapted basal state, and that certain adaptations occur without HPA axis activity.
Collapse
|
8
|
Nieoczym D, Banono NS, Stępnik K, Kaczor AA, Szybkowski P, Esguerra CV, Kukula-Koch W, Gawel K. In Silico Analysis, Anticonvulsant Activity, and Toxicity Evaluation of Schisandrin B in Zebrafish Larvae and Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12949. [PMID: 37629132 PMCID: PMC10455331 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2023] [Revised: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to evaluate the anticonvulsant potential of schisandrin B, a main ingredient of Schisandra chinensis extracts. Schisandrin B showed anticonvulsant activity in the zebrafish larva pentylenetetrazole acute seizure assay but did not alter seizure thresholds in the intravenous pentylenetetrazole test in mice. Schisandrin B crosses the blood-brain barrier, which we confirmed in our in silico and in vivo analyses; however, the low level of its unbound fraction in the mouse brain tissue may explain the observed lack of anticonvulsant activity. Molecular docking revealed that the anticonvulsant activity of the compound in larval zebrafish might have been due to its binding to a benzodiazepine site within the GABAA receptor and/or the inhibition of the glutamate NMDA receptor. Although schisandrin B showed a beneficial anticonvulsant effect, toxicological studies revealed that it caused serious developmental impairment in zebrafish larvae, underscoring its teratogenic properties. Further detailed studies are needed to precisely identify the properties, pharmacological effects, and safety of schisandrin B.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Nancy Saana Banono
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalleen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
| | - Katarzyna Stępnik
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 3/243, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Agnieszka A. Kaczor
- Department of Synthesis and Chemical Technology of Pharmaceutical Substances with Computer Modeling Laboratory, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, 4A Chodzki St., 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Przemysław Szybkowski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
- Clinical Provincial Hospital No. 2 St. Jadwiga Krolowej in Rzeszow, Lwowska St. 60, 35-301 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Camila Vicencio Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalleen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki St. 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Biechele-Speziale D, Camarillo M, Martin NR, Biechele-Speziale J, Lein PJ, Plavicki JS. Assessing CaMPARI as new approach methodology for evaluating neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2023; 97:109-119. [PMID: 37244562 PMCID: PMC10527633 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Developmental exposure to environmental toxicants has been linked to the onset of neurological disorders and diseases. Despite substantial advances in the field of neurotoxicology, there remain significant knowledge gaps in our understanding of cellular targets and molecular mechanisms that mediate the neurotoxicological endpoints associated with exposure to both legacy contaminants and emerging contaminants of concern. Zebrafish are a powerful neurotoxicological model given their high degree sequence conservation with humans and the similarities they share with mammals in micro- and macro-level brain structures. Many zebrafish studies have effectively utilized behavioral assays to predict the neurotoxic potential of different compounds, but behavioral phenotypes are rarely able to predict the brain structures, cell types, or mechanisms affected by chemical exposures. Calcium-modulated photoactivatable ratiometric integrator (CaMPARI), a recently developed genetically-encoded calcium indicator, undergoes a permanent green to red switch in the presence of elevated intracellular Ca2+ concentrations and 405-nm light, which allows for a "snapshot" of brain activity in freely-swimming larvae. To determine whether behavioral results are predictive of patterns of neuronal activity, we assessed the effects of three common neurotoxicants, ethanol, 2,2',3,5',6-pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB 95), and monoethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP), on both brain activity and behavior by combining the behavioral light/dark assay with CaMPARI imaging. We demonstrate that brain activity profiles and behavioral phenotypes are not always concordant and, therefore, behavior alone is not sufficient to understand how toxicant exposure affects neural development and network dynamics. We conclude that pairing behavioral assays with functional neuroimaging tools such as CaMPARI provides a more comprehensive understanding of the neurotoxic endpoints of compounds while still offering a relatively high throughput approach to toxicity testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dana Biechele-Speziale
- Department of Chemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Manuel Camarillo
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | - Nathan R Martin
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA
| | | | - Pamela J Lein
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jessica S Plavicki
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Lovin LM, Scarlett KR, Henke AN, Sims JL, Brooks BW. Experimental arena size alters larval zebrafish photolocomotor behaviors and influences bioactivity responses to a model neurostimulant. ENVIRONMENT INTERNATIONAL 2023; 177:107995. [PMID: 37329757 DOI: 10.1016/j.envint.2023.107995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
Zebrafish behavior is increasingly common in biomedical and environmental studies of chemical bioactivity. Multiple experimental arena sizes have been used to measure photolocomotion in zebrafish depending on age, endpoints observed, and instrumentation, among other factors. However, the extent to which methodological parameters may influence naïve behavioral performance and detection of behavioral changes is poorly understood. Here we measured photolocomotion and behavioral profiles of naïve larval zebrafish across arena sizes. We then performed concentration response studies with the model neurostimulant caffeine, again across various arena dimensions. We found total swimming distance of unexposed fish to increase logarithmically with arena size, which as related to circumference, area, and volume. Photomotor response during light/dark transitions also increased with arena size. Following caffeine exposure, total distance travelled was significantly (p < 0.001) affected by well size, caffeine treatment (p < 0.001), and the interaction of these two experimental factors (p < 0.001). In addition, behavioral response profiles showed differences between 96 well plates and larger well sizes. Biphasic response, with stimulation at lower concentrations and refraction at the highest concentration, was observed in dark conditions for the 96 well size only, though almost no effects were identified in the light. However, swimming behavior was significantly (p < 0.1) altered in the highest studied caffeine treatment level in larger well sizes during both light and dark periods. Our results indicate zebrafish swim more in larger arenas and arena size influences behavioral response profiles to caffeine, though differences were mostly observed between very small and large arenas. Further, careful consideration should be given when choosing arena size, because small wells may lead to restriction, while larger wells may differentially reflect biologically relevant effects. These findings can improve comparability among experimental designs and demonstrates the importance of understanding confounding methodological variables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea M Lovin
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Center for Research and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Kendall R Scarlett
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Center for Research and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Abigail N Henke
- Center for Research and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Department of Biology, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Jaylen L Sims
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Center for Research and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA; Center for Research and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Scarlett KR, Lovin LM, Steele WB, Kim S, Brooks BW. Identifying Behavioral Response Profiles of Two Common Larval Fish Models to a Salinity Gradient. ARCHIVES OF ENVIRONMENTAL CONTAMINATION AND TOXICOLOGY 2022; 83:180-192. [PMID: 35976388 DOI: 10.1007/s00244-022-00951-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Salinization of aquatic systems is an emerging global issue projected to increase in magnitude, frequency, and duration with climate change and landscape modifications. To consider influences of salinity on locomotor activity of common fish models, we examined behavioral response profiles of two species, zebrafish (Danio rerio) and fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas), across a gradient of sodium chloride. Following each experiment, behavior was recorded with automated tracking software and then behavioral response variables, including locomotor (e.g., distance traveled, number of movements, duration of movements) and photolocomotor changes, were examined at several speed thresholds (bursting, cruising, freezing) to identify potential salinity responses. Zebrafish responses were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced at the highest treatment level (5.78 g/L) for multiple behavioral endpoints during both dark and light phases; however, fathead minnow responses were more variable and not consistently concentration dependent. Future efforts are needed to understand behavioral response profiles in combination with anthropogenic contaminants and natural toxins across the freshwater to marine continuum, considering salinization of inland waters, sea level rise, and transport of anthropogenic contaminants and algal toxins from inland waters to coastal systems.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kendall R Scarlett
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Lea M Lovin
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - W Baylor Steele
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Sujin Kim
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
- Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, 76798, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Jarema KA, Hunter DL, Hill BN, Olin JK, Britton KN, Waalkes MR, Padilla S. Developmental Neurotoxicity and Behavioral Screening in Larval Zebrafish with a Comparison to Other Published Results. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10050256. [PMID: 35622669 PMCID: PMC9145655 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10050256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
With the abundance of chemicals in the environment that could potentially cause neurodevelopmental deficits, there is a need for rapid testing and chemical screening assays. This study evaluated the developmental toxicity and behavioral effects of 61 chemicals in zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae using a behavioral Light/Dark assay. Larvae (n = 16–24 per concentration) were exposed to each chemical (0.0001–120 μM) during development and locomotor activity was assessed. Approximately half of the chemicals (n = 30) did not show any gross developmental toxicity (i.e., mortality, dysmorphology or non-hatching) at the highest concentration tested. Twelve of the 31 chemicals that did elicit developmental toxicity were toxic at the highest concentration only, and thirteen chemicals were developmentally toxic at concentrations of 10 µM or lower. Eleven chemicals caused behavioral effects; four chemicals (6-aminonicotinamide, cyclophosphamide, paraquat, phenobarbital) altered behavior in the absence of developmental toxicity. In addition to screening a library of chemicals for developmental neurotoxicity, we also compared our findings with previously published results for those chemicals. Our comparison revealed a general lack of standardized reporting of experimental details, and it also helped identify some chemicals that appear to be consistent positives and negatives across multiple laboratories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly A. Jarema
- Center for Public Health and Environmental Assessment, Immediate Office, Program Operations Staff, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA
- Correspondence: (K.A.J.); (S.P.); Tel.: +1-919-541-2299 (K.A.J.); +1-919-541-3956 (S.P.)
| | - Deborah L. Hunter
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (D.L.H.); (J.K.O.)
| | - Bridgett N. Hill
- ORISE Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Jeanene K. Olin
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (D.L.H.); (J.K.O.)
| | - Katy N. Britton
- ORAU Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Matthew R. Waalkes
- ORISE Research Participation Program Hosted by EPA, National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory, Integrated Systems Toxicology Division, Genetic and Cellular Toxicology Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA;
| | - Stephanie Padilla
- Center for Computational Toxicology and Exposure, Biomolecular and Computational Toxicology Division, Rapid Assay Development Branch, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Research Triangle Park, NC 27711, USA; (D.L.H.); (J.K.O.)
- Correspondence: (K.A.J.); (S.P.); Tel.: +1-919-541-2299 (K.A.J.); +1-919-541-3956 (S.P.)
| |
Collapse
|