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Jiang J, Zou Y, Xie C, Yang M, Tong Q, Yuan M, Pei X, Deng S, Tian M, Xiao L, Gong Y. Oxytocin alleviates cognitive and memory impairments by decreasing hippocampal microglial activation and synaptic defects via OXTR/ERK/STAT3 pathway in a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:195-213. [PMID: 37648002 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a diffuse brain dysfunction, characterized by cognitive and memory impairments closely linked to hippocampal dysfunction. Though it is well-known that SAE is a diffuse brain dysfunction with microglial activation, the pathological mechanisms of SAE are not well established and effective clinical interventions are lacking. Oxytocin (OXT) is reported to have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective roles. However, the effects of OXT on SAE and the underlying mechanisms are not clear. METHODS SAE was induced in adult C57BL/6J male mice by cecal ligation and perforation (CLP) surgery. Exogenous OXT was intranasally applied after surgery. Clinical score, survivor rate, cognitive and memory behaviors, and hippocampal neuronal and non-neuronal functions were evaluated. Cultured microglia challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were used to investigate the effects of OXT on microglial functions, including inflammatory cytokines release and phagocytosis. The possible intracellular signal pathways involved in the OXT-induced neuroprotection were explored with RNA sequencing. RESULTS Hippocampal OXT level decreases, while the expression of OXT receptor (OXTR) increases around 24 h after CLP surgery. Intranasal OXT application at a proper dose increases mouse survival rate, alleviates cognitive and memory dysfunction, and restores hippocampal synaptic function and neuronal activity via OXTR in the SAE model. Intraperitoneal or local administration of the OXTR antagonist L-368,899 in hippocampal CA1 region inhibited the protective effects of OXT. Moreover, during the early stages of sepsis, hippocampal microglia are activated, while OXT application reduces microglial phagocytosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines, thereby exerting a neuroprotective effect. OXT may improve the SAE outcomes via the OXTR-ERK-STAT3 signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our study uncovers the dysfunction of the OXT signal in SAE and shows that intranasal OXT application at a proper dose can alleviate SAE outcomes by reducing microglial overactivation, suggests that OXT may be a promising therapeutic approach in managing SAE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Jiang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Orthopedics & Traumatology, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Yue Zou
- Yunnan Eye Institute & Key Laboratory of Yunnan Province, Yunnan Eye Disease Clinical Medical Center, Affiliated Hospital of Yunnan University, Yunnan University, Kunming, China
| | - Chuantong Xie
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Miaoxian Yang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qiuping Tong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mimi Yuan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xu Pei
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shuixiang Deng
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Mi Tian
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Xiao
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Ye Gong
- Department of Critical Care Medicine and Neurosurgery of Huashan Hospital, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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Yadollahzadeh M, Rezaie N, Eskandari M, Farrokhpour M, Azimi M, Farasatinasab M. Variable Levels of Oxytocin During Sepsis: The Role of Oxytocin in Sepsis Pathophysiology. J Intensive Care Med 2023; 38:997-1002. [PMID: 37211665 DOI: 10.1177/08850666231177255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although the role of oxytocin in the pathophysiology of sepsis is still unknown, rising preclinical evidence suggests that oxytocin is possibly involved. However, no direct clinical studies have measured the levels of oxytocin during sepsis. In this preliminary study, the serum oxytocin levels were evaluated throughout the duration of sepsis. METHOD Twenty-two male patients over 18 years of age with a SOFA score of 2 points or more who were admitted to the ICU were included. Patients with a history of neuroendocrine, psychiatric, and neurologic disorders, cancer, an infection caused by COVID-19, shock due to reasons other than sepsis, a history of psychiatric or neurologic medication use, and those who died during the study were excluded. The main endpoint included the measurement of serum oxytocin levels using radioimmunoassay at 6, 24, and 48 h of the ICU admission. RESULTS Mean serum oxytocin level was higher at 6 h of ICU admission (41.27 ± 13.14 ng/L) than after 24 and 48 h of ICU admission (22.63 ± 5.75 and 20.97 ± 7.61 ng/L respectively) (P-value < .001). CONCLUSION Our study, while reporting increased serum oxytocin levels in the initial phase of sepsis and decline afterward, supports the possible contribution of oxytocin in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Given that oxytocin seems to modulate the innate immune system, future investigations are necessary to assess the potential role of oxytocin in the pathophysiology of sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahdi Yadollahzadeh
- Department of Internal Medicine, Firoozgar Medical & Educational Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Rezaie
- Department of Internal Medicine, Firoozgar Medical & Educational Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohana Eskandari
- Department of Internal Medicine, Firoozgar Medical & Educational Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Farrokhpour
- Department of Internal Medicine, Firoozgar Medical & Educational Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Azimi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Firoozgar Medical & Educational Hospital, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Farasatinasab
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy-International Campus, Firoozgar Clinical Research Development Center (FCRDC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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López-Martínez MJ, Ornelas MAS, Amarie RE, Manzanilla EG, Martínez-Subiela S, Tecles F, Tvarijonaviciute A, Escribano D, González-Bulnes A, Cerón JJ, López-Arjona M, Muñoz-Prieto A. Changes in salivary biomarkers of stress, inflammation, redox status, and muscle damage due to Streptococcus suis infection in pigs. BMC Vet Res 2023; 19:100. [PMID: 37525237 PMCID: PMC10388462 DOI: 10.1186/s12917-023-03650-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Streptococcus suis (S. suis) is a Gram-positive bacteria that infects pigs causing meningitis, arthritis, pneumonia, or endocarditis. This increases the mortality in pig farms deriving in severe economic losses. The use of saliva as a diagnostic fluid has various advantages compared to blood, especially in pigs. In this study, it was hypothesized that saliva could reflect changes in different biomarkers related to stress, inflammation, redox status, and muscle damage in pigs with S. suis infection and that changes in these biomarkers could be related to the severity of the disease. RESULTS A total of 56 growing pigs from a farm were selected as infected pigs (n = 28) and healthy pigs (n = 28). Results showed increases in biomarkers related to stress (alpha-amylase and oxytocin), inflammation (haptoglobin, inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain 4 (ITIH4), total protein, S100A8-A9 and S100A12), redox status (advanced oxidation protein producs (AOPP)) and muscle damage (creatine kinase (CK), CK-MB, troponin I, lactate, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase). An increase in adenosine deaminase (ADA), procalcitonin, and aldolase in infected animals were also observed, as previously described. The grade of severity of the disease indicated a significant positive correlation with total protein concentrations, aspartate aminotransferase, aldolase, and AOPP. CONCLUSIONS This report revealed that S. suis infection caused variations in analytes related to stress, inflammation, redox status, and muscle damage in the saliva of pigs and these can be considered potential biomarkers for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- María José López-Martínez
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Mario Andre S Ornelas
- Pig Development Department, The Irish Food and Agriculture Authority, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Roxana Elena Amarie
- Department of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Edgar Garcia Manzanilla
- Pig Development Department, The Irish Food and Agriculture Authority, Teagasc, Moorepark, Fermoy, Co Cork, P61 C996, Ireland
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Silvia Martínez-Subiela
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Fernando Tecles
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Asta Tvarijonaviciute
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Damián Escribano
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Antonio González-Bulnes
- Departamento de Producción y Sanidad Animal, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidad Cardenal Herrera-CEU, CEU Universities, C/Tirant lo Blanc, 7, Alfara del Patriarca, Valencia, 46115, Spain
| | - José Joaquín Cerón
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Marina López-Arjona
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain
| | - Alberto Muñoz-Prieto
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Analysis (Interlab-UMU), Regional Campus of International Excellence 'Campus Mare Nostrum, University of Murcia, Espinardo, Murcia, 30100, Spain.
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Gu M, Mei XL, Zhao YN. Sepsis and Cerebral Dysfunction: BBB Damage, Neuroinflammation, Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis and Autophagy as Key Mediators and the Potential Therapeutic Approaches. Neurotox Res 2020; 39:489-503. [PMID: 32876918 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00270-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated cerebral dysfunction is complex pathophysiology, generated from primary infections that are developed elsewhere in the body. The neonates, elderly population and chronically ill and long-term hospitalized patients are predominantly vulnerable to sepsis and related cerebral damage. Generally, electrophysiological recordings, severity and sedation scales, computerized imaging and spectroscopy techniques are used for its detection and diagnosis. About the underlying mechanisms, enhanced blood-brain barrier permeability and metalloprotease activity, tight junction protein loss and endothelial cell degeneration promote the influx of inflammatory and toxic mediators into the brain, triggering cerebrovascular damage. An altered neutrophil count and phenotype further dysregulate the normal neuroimmune responses and neuroendocrine stability via modulated activation of protein kinase C-delta, nuclear factor kappa-B and sphingolipid signaling. Glial activation, together with pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and the Toll-like receptor, destabilize the immune system. Moreover, superoxides and hydroperoxides generate oxidative stress and perturb mitochondrial dynamics and ATP synthesis, propagating neuronal injury cycle. Activated mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, characterized by increased caspase-3 and caspase-9 cleavage and Bax/Bcl2 ratio in the hippocampal and cortical neurons, stimulate neurocognitive impairments. Additionally, altered LC3-II/I and P62/SQSTM1, p-mTOR, p-AMPK1 and p-ULK1 levels and dysregulated autophagosome-lysosome fusion decrease neuronal and glial energy homeostasis. The therapies and procedures for attenuating sepsis-induced brain damage include early resuscitation, cerebral blood flow autoregulation, implantable electric vagus nerve stimulation, antioxidants, statins, glucocorticoids, neuroimmune axis modulators and PKCδ inhibitors. The current review enumerates the pathophysiology of sepsis-induced brain damage, its diagnosis, the role of critical inducers and mediators and, ultimately, therapeutic measures attenuating cerebrovascular degeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Gu
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiang-Lin Mei
- Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhao
- Neurology Department, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130000, People's Republic of China.
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Diversity of central oxytocinergic projections. Cell Tissue Res 2018; 375:41-48. [PMID: 30498946 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-018-2960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Localization and distribution of hypothalamic neurons expressing the nonapeptide oxytocin has been extensively studied. Their projections to the neurohypophyseal system release oxytocin into the systemic circulation thus controlling endocrine events associated with reproduction in males and females. Oxytocinergic neurons seem to be confined to the ventral hypothalamus in all mammals. Groups of such cells located outside the supraoptic and the paraventricular nuclei are summarized as "accessory neurons." Although evolutionary probably associated with the classical magocellular nuclei, accessory oxytocin neurons seem to consist of rather heterogenous groups: Periventricular oxytocin neurons may gain contact to the third ventricle to secrete the peptide into the cerebrospinal fluid. Perivascular neurons may be involved in control of cerebral blood flow. They may also gain access to the portal circulation of the anterior pituitary lobe. Central projections of oxytocinergic neurons extend to portions of the limbic system, to the mesencephalon and to the brain stem. Such projections have been associated with control of behaviors, central stress response as well as motor and vegetative functions. Activity of the different oxytocinergic systems seems to be malleable to functional status, strongly influenced by systemic levels of steroid hormones.
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Li T, Wang P, Wang SC, Wang YF. Approaches Mediating Oxytocin Regulation of the Immune System. Front Immunol 2017; 7:693. [PMID: 28119696 PMCID: PMC5223438 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 12/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The hypothalamic neuroendocrine system is mainly composed of the neural structures regulating hormone secretion from the pituitary gland and has been considered as the higher regulatory center of the immune system. Recently, the hypothalamo-neurohypophysial system (HNS) emerged as an important component of neuroendocrine–immune network, wherein the oxytocin (OT)-secreting system (OSS) plays an essential role. The OSS, consisting of OT neurons in the supraoptic nucleus, paraventricular nucleus, their several accessory nuclei and associated structures, can integrate neural, endocrine, metabolic, and immune information and plays a pivotal role in the development and functions of the immune system. The OSS can promote the development of thymus and bone marrow, perform immune surveillance, strengthen immune defense, and maintain immune homeostasis. Correspondingly, OT can inhibit inflammation, exert antibiotic-like effect, promote wound healing and regeneration, and suppress stress-associated immune disorders. In this process, the OSS can release OT to act on immune system directly by activating OT receptors or through modulating activities of other hypothalamic–pituitary–immune axes and autonomic nervous system indirectly. However, our understandings of the role of the OSS in neuroendocrine regulation of immune system are largely incomplete, particularly its relationship with other hypothalamic–pituitary–immune axes and the vasopressin-secreting system that coexists with the OSS in the HNS. In addition, it remains unclear about the relationship between the OSS and peripherally produced OT in immune regulation, particularly intrathymic OT that is known to elicit central immunological self-tolerance of T-cells to hypophysial hormones. In this work, we provide a brief review of current knowledge of the features of OSS regulation of the immune system and of potential approaches that mediate OSS coordination of the activities of entire neuroendocrine–immune network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tong Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University , Harbin , China
| | - Ping Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University , Harbin , China
| | - Stephani C Wang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Albany Medical Center , Albany, NY , USA
| | - Yu-Feng Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Harbin Medical University , Harbin , China
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