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Peng X, Mao Y, Liu Y, Dai Q, Tai Y, Luo B, Liang Y, Guan R, Zhou W, Chen L, Zhang Z, Shen G, Wang H. Microglial activation in the lateral amygdala promotes anxiety-like behaviors in mice with chronic moderate noise exposure. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14674. [PMID: 38468130 PMCID: PMC10927919 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14674] [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: 10/21/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Long-term non-traumatic noise exposure, such as heavy traffic noise, can elicit emotional disorders in humans. However, the underlying neural substrate is still poorly understood. METHODS We exposed mice to moderate white noise for 28 days to induce anxiety-like behaviors, measured by open-field, elevated plus maze, and light-dark box tests. In vivo multi-electrode recordings in awake mice were used to examine neuronal activity. Chemogenetics were used to silence specific brain regions. Viral tracing, immunofluorescence, and confocal imaging were applied to define the neural circuit and characterize the morphology of microglia. RESULTS Exposure to moderate noise for 28 days at an 85-dB sound pressure level resulted in anxiety-like behaviors in open-field, elevated plus maze, and light-dark box tests. Viral tracing revealed that fibers projecting from the auditory cortex and auditory thalamus terminate in the lateral amygdala (LA). A noise-induced increase in spontaneous firing rates of the LA and blockade of noise-evoked anxiety-like behaviors by chemogenetic inhibition of LA glutamatergic neurons together confirmed that the LA plays a critical role in noise-induced anxiety. Noise-exposed animals were more vulnerable to anxiety induced by acute noise stressors than control mice. In addition to these behavioral abnormalities, ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1)-positive microglia in the LA underwent corresponding morphological modifications, including reduced process length and branching and increased soma size following noise exposure. Treatment with minocycline to suppress microglia inhibited noise-associated changes in microglial morphology, neuronal electrophysiological activity, and behavioral changes. Furthermore, microglia-mediated synaptic phagocytosis favored inhibitory synapses, which can cause an imbalance between excitation and inhibition, leading to anxiety-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS Our study identifies LA microglial activation as a critical mediator of noise-induced anxiety-like behaviors, leading to neuronal and behavioral changes through selective synapse phagocytosis. Our results highlight the pivotal but previously unrecognized roles of LA microglia in chronic moderate noise-induced behavioral changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqi Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yunfeng Mao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Yehao Liu
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Qian Dai
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Yingju Tai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Bin Luo
- Auditory Research Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
- Department of PsychiatryThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCHefeiChina
| | - Yue Liang
- Department of OtolaryngologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCHefeiChina
| | - Ruirui Guan
- Department of OtolaryngologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of USTCHefeiChina
| | - Wenjie Zhou
- Songjiang Research InstituteShanghai Jiao Tong University School of MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Lin Chen
- Auditory Research Laboratory, Department of Neurobiology and Biophysics, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Zhi Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei National Laboratory for Physical Sciences at the Microscale, Division of Life Sciences and MedicineUniversity of Science and Technology of ChinaHefeiChina
| | - Guoming Shen
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
| | - Haitao Wang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western MedicineAnhui University of Chinese MedicineHefeiChina
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Sant'Anna MB, Kimura LF, Vieira WF, Zambelli VO, Novaes LS, Hösch NG, Picolo G. Environmental factors and their impact on chronic pain development and maintenance. Phys Life Rev 2024; 48:176-197. [PMID: 38320380 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2024.01.007] [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] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
It is more than recognized and accepted that the environment affects the physiological responses of all living things, from bacteria to superior vertebrates, constituting an important factor in the evolution of all species. Environmental influences range from natural processes such as sunlight, seasons of the year, and rest to complex processes like stress and other mood disorders, infections, and air pollution, being all of them influenced by how each creature deals with them. In this chapter, it will be discussed how some of the environmental elements affect directly or indirectly neuropathic pain, a type of chronic pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. For that, it was considered the edge of knowledge in translational research, thus including data from human and experimental animals as well as the applicability of such findings.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Louise Faggionato Kimura
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA
| | - Willians Fernando Vieira
- Laboratory of Functional Neuroanatomy of Pain, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Santana Novaes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Gisele Picolo
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Dou Z, Su N, Zhou Z, Mi A, Xu L, Zhou J, Sun S, Liu Y, Hao M, Li Z. Modulation of visceral pain by brain nuclei and brain circuits and the role of acupuncture: a narrative review. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1243232. [PMID: 38027491 PMCID: PMC10646320 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1243232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain is a complex and heterogeneous pain condition that is often associated with pain-related negative emotional states, including anxiety and depression, and can exert serious effects on a patient's physical and mental health. According to modeling stimulation protocols, the current animal models of visceral pain mainly include the mechanical dilatation model, the ischemic model, and the inflammatory model. Acupuncture can exert analgesic effects by integrating and interacting input signals from acupuncture points and the sites of pain in the central nervous system. The brain nuclei involved in regulating visceral pain mainly include the nucleus of the solitary tract, parabrachial nucleus (PBN), locus coeruleus (LC), rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and the amygdala. The neural circuits involved are PBN-amygdala, LC-RVM, amygdala-insula, ACC-amygdala, claustrum-ACC, bed nucleus of the stria terminalis-PVN and the PVN-ventral lateral septum circuit. Signals generated by acupuncture can modulate the central structures and interconnected neural circuits of multiple brain regions, including the medulla oblongata, cerebral cortex, thalamus, and hypothalamus. This analgesic process also involves the participation of various neurotransmitters and/or receptors, such as 5-hydroxytryptamine, glutamate, and enkephalin. In addition, acupuncture can regulate visceral pain by influencing functional connections between different brain regions and regulating glucose metabolism. However, there are still some limitations in the research efforts focusing on the specific brain mechanisms associated with the effects of acupuncture on the alleviation of visceral pain. Further animal experiments and clinical studies are now needed to improve our understanding of this area.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Dou
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Na Su
- First Clinical Medicine College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Ziyang Zhou
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Aoyue Mi
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Luyao Xu
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Jiazheng Zhou
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Sizhe Sun
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Yanyi Liu
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Mingyao Hao
- External Treatment Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
| | - Zhaofeng Li
- College of Acupuncture and Moxibustion and Tuina, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
- International Office, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji’nan, China
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Zheng H, Zhang C, Zhang J, Duan L. "Sentinel or accomplice": gut microbiota and microglia crosstalk in disorders of gut-brain interaction. Protein Cell 2023; 14:726-742. [PMID: 37074139 PMCID: PMC10599645 DOI: 10.1093/procel/pwad020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Abnormal brain-gut interaction is considered the core pathological mechanism behind the disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI), in which the intestinal microbiota plays an important role. Microglia are the "sentinels" of the central nervous system (CNS), which participate in tissue damage caused by traumatic brain injury, resist central infection and participate in neurogenesis, and are involved in the occurrence of various neurological diseases. With in-depth research on DGBI, we could find an interaction between the intestinal microbiota and microglia and that they are jointly involved in the occurrence of DGBI, especially in individuals with comorbidities of mental disorders, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This bidirectional regulation of microbiota and microglia provides a new direction for the treatment of DGBI. In this review, we focus on the role and underlying mechanism of the interaction between gut microbiota and microglia in DGBI, especially IBS, and the corresponding clinical application prospects and highlight its potential to treat DGBI in individuals with psychiatric comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haonan Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Cunzheng Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Jindong Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Liping Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
- Beijing Key Laboratory for Helicobacter Pylori Infection and Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases, Beijing 100191, China
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Ishioh M, Nozu T, Okumura T. Brain Neuropeptides, Neuroinflammation, and Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Digestion 2023; 105:34-39. [PMID: 37673052 DOI: 10.1159/000533275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a functional bowel disorder characterized by chronic abdominal symptoms, but its pathogenesis is not fully understood. SUMMARY We have recently shown in rats that neuropeptides such as orexin, ghrelin, and oxytocin act in the brain to improve the intestinal barrier dysfunction, which is a major pathophysiology of IBS. We have additionally shown that the neuropeptides injected intracisternally induced a visceral antinociceptive action against colonic distension. Since it has been known that intestinal barrier dysfunction causes visceral hypersensitivity, the other main pathophysiology of IBS, the neuropeptides act centrally to reduce leaky gut, followed by improvement of visceral sensation, leading to therapeutic action on IBS. It has been recently reported that there is a bidirectional relationship between neuroinflammation in the brain and the pathophysiology of IBS. For example, activation of microglia in the brain causes visceral hypersensitivity. Accumulating evidence has suggested that orexin, ghrelin, or oxytocin could improve neuroinflammation in the CNS. All these results suggest that neuropeptides such as orexin, ghrelin, and oxytocin act in the brain to improve intestinal barrier function and visceral sensation and also induce a protective action against neuroinflammation in the brain. KEY MESSAGES We therefore speculated that orexin, ghrelin, or oxytocin in the brain possess dual actions, improvement of visceral sensation/leaky gut in the gut, and reduction of neuroinflammation in the brain, thereby inducing a therapeutic effect on IBS in a convergent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatomo Ishioh
- Division of Metabolism, Biosystemic Science, Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Nozu
- Department of Regional Medicine and Education, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
| | - Toshikatsu Okumura
- Division of Metabolism, Biosystemic Science, Gastroenterology and Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Asahikawa Medical University, Asahikawa, Japan
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Galindo-Paredes G, Flores G, Morales-Medina JC. Olfactory bulbectomy induces nociceptive alterations associated with gliosis in male rats. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2023; 14:494-506. [PMID: 37388490 PMCID: PMC10300455 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a major health concern worldwide with a wide array of symptoms. Emerging evidence suggests a high comorbidity between MDD and chronic pain, however, the relationship between these two diseases is not completely understood. Growing evidence suggests that glial cells play a key role in both disorders. Hence, we examined the effect of olfactory bulbectomy (OBX), a well-known model of depression-related behavior, on nociceptive behaviors and the number and morphology of astrocytes and glial cells in brain regions involved in the control of nociceptive processes in male rats. The brain regions analyzed included the basolateral amygdala (BLA), central amygdala (CeA), prefrontal cortex (PFC), and CA1 subregion of the hippocampus. A battery of behavioral tests, mechanical allodynia, thermal cold allodynia and mechanical hyperalgesia, was evaluated before and four weeks after OBX. Quantitative morphological analysis, as well as assessment of the number of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and ionizing calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) positive astrocytes and microglia were carried out to characterize glial remodeling and density, respectively. OBX caused mechanical and cold allodynia in an asynchronous pattern. The cold allodynia was noticeable one week following surgery, while mechanical allodynia became apparent two weeks after surgery. In the BLA, CeA and CA1, OBX caused significant changes in glial cells, such as hypertrophy and hypotrophy in GFAP-positive astrocytes and Iba1-positive microglia, respectively. Iba1-positive microglia in the PFC underwent selective hypotrophy due to OBX and OBX enhanced both GFAP-positive astrocytes and Iba1-positive microglia in the BLA. In addition, OBX increased the number of GFAP-positive astrocytes in the CeA and CA1. The amount of Iba1-positive microglia in the PFC also increased as a result of OBX. Furthermore, we found that there was a strong link between the observed behaviors and glial activation in OBX rats. Overall, our work supports the neuroinflammatory hypothesis of MDD and the comorbidity between pain and depression by demonstrating nociceptive impairment and significant microglial and astrocytic activation in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gumaro Galindo-Paredes
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, AP 62, CP 90000 Tlaxcala, Mexico
- Departamento de Fisiología, Biofísica y Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Cinvestav del IPN, Av. IPN 2508, San Pedro Zacatenco, 07360 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Gonzalo Flores
- Lab. Neuropsiquiatría, Instituto de Fisiología, Benemérita Universidad Autónoma de Puebla, 14 Sur 6301, San Manuel 72570, Puebla, Mexico
| | - Julio César Morales-Medina
- Centro de Investigación en Reproducción Animal, CINVESTAV-Universidad Autónoma de Tlaxcala, AP 62, CP 90000 Tlaxcala, Mexico
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7
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Atta AA, Ibrahim WW, Mohamed AF, Abdelkader NF. Microglia polarization in nociplastic pain: mechanisms and perspectives. Inflammopharmacology 2023; 31:1053-1067. [PMID: 37069462 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01216-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Nociplastic pain is the third classification of pain as described by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), in addition to the neuropathic and nociceptive pain classes. The main pathophysiological mechanism for developing nociplastic pain is central sensitization (CS) in which pain amplification and hypersensitivity occur. Fibromyalgia is the prototypical nociplastic pain disorder, characterized by allodynia and hyperalgesia. Much scientific data suggest that classical activation of microglia in the spinal cord mediates neuroinflammation which plays an essential role in developing CS. In this review article, we discuss the impact of microglia activation and M1/M2 polarization on developing neuroinflammation and nociplastic pain, besides the molecular mechanisms engaged in this process. In addition, we mention the impact of microglial modulators on M1/M2 microglial polarization that offers a novel therapeutic alternative for the management of nociplastic pain disorders. Illustrating the mechanisms underlying microglia activation in central sensitization and nociplastic pain. LPS lipopolysaccharide, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor-α, INF-γ Interferon gamma, ATP adenosine triphosphate, 49 P2Y12/13R purinergic P2Y 12/13 receptor, P2X4/7R purinergic P2X 4/7 receptor, SP Substance P, NK-1R Neurokinin 1 receptor, CCL2 CC motif ligand 2, CCR2 CC motif ligand 2 receptor, CSF-1 colony-stimulating factor 1, CSF-1R colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor, CX3CL1 CX3C motif ligand 1, CX3XR1 CX3C motif ligand 1 receptor, TLR toll-like receptor, MAPK mitogen-activated protein kinases, JNK jun N-terminal kinase, ERK extracellular signal-regulated kinase, iNOS Inducible nitric oxide synthase, IL-1β interleukin-1β, IL-6 interleukin-6, BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic factor, GABA γ-Aminobutyric acid, GABAR γ-Aminobutyric acid receptor, NMDAR N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, AMPAR α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropi-onic acid receptor, IL-4 interleukin-4, IL-13 interleukin-13, IL-10 interleukin-10, Arg-1 Arginase 1, FGF fibroblast growth factor, GDNF glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor, IGF-1 insulin-like growth factor-1, NGF nerve growth factor, CD Cluster of differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahd A Atta
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Weam W Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Ahmed F Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
| | - Noha F Abdelkader
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini St., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
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Watling SE, Gill T, Gaudette EV, Richardson JD, McCluskey T, Tong J, Meyer JH, Warsh J, Jetly R, Hutchison MG, Rhind SG, Houle S, Kish SJ, Boileau I. Investigating TSPO levels in occupation-related posttraumatic stress disorder. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4970. [PMID: 36973385 PMCID: PMC10041517 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31327-y] [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: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are immune brain cells implicated in stress-related mental illnesses including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Their role in the pathophysiology of PTSD, and on neurobiological systems that regulate stress, is not completely understood. We tested the hypothesis that microglia activation, in fronto-limbic brain regions involved in PTSD, would be elevated in participants with occupation-related PTSD. We also explored the relationship between cortisol and microglia activation. Twenty participants with PTSD and 23 healthy controls (HC) completed positron emission tomography (PET) scanning of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), a putative biomarker of microglia activation using the probe [18F]FEPPA, and blood samples for measurement of cortisol. [18F]FEPPA VT was non-significantly elevated (6.5-30%) in fronto-limbic regions in PTSD participants. [18F]FEPPA VT was significantly higher in PTSD participants reporting frequent cannabis use compared to PTSD non-users (44%, p = 0.047). Male participants with PTSD (21%, p = 0.094) and a history of early childhood trauma (33%, p = 0.116) had non-significantly higher [18F]FEPPA VT. Average fronto-limbic [18F]FEPPA VT was positively related to cortisol (r = 0.530, p = 0.028) in the PTSD group only. Although we did not find a significant abnormality in TSPO binding in PTSD, findings suggest microglial activation might have occurred in a subgroup who reported frequent cannabis use. The relationship between cortisol and TSPO binding suggests a potential link between hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis dysregulation and central immune response to trauma which warrants further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah E Watling
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Talwinder Gill
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Erin V Gaudette
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - J Don Richardson
- The MacDonald Franklin OSI Research Centre, Lawson Health Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- St Joseph's, London OSI, Parkwood Institute, St. Joseph's Health Care, London, ON, Canada
| | - Tina McCluskey
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Junchao Tong
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jeffrey H Meyer
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jerry Warsh
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Rakesh Jetly
- Directorate of Mental Health, Canadian Forces Health Services, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Michael G Hutchison
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- David L. MacIntosh Sport Medicine Clinic, Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science of St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shawn G Rhind
- Faculty of Kinesiology and Physical Education, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Defence Research and Development Canada, Toronto Research Centre, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sylvain Houle
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Stephen J Kish
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Isabelle Boileau
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Campbell Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.
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Chen Z, Liu Y, Wu X, Lin W, Liu Z, Huang Y, Chen Y, Tang Y, Chen A, Lin C. Spinal CircKcnk9 Regulates Chronic Visceral Hypersensitivity of Irritable Bowel Syndrome. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2023; 24:463-477. [PMID: 36257575 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2022] [Revised: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dysregulation of circular RNAs (circRNAs) has been reported to be functionally associated with chronic pain, but it is unknown whether and how circRNAs participate in visceral hypersensitivity. The expression of circKcnk9 was increased in spinal neurons of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)-like rats. ShcircKcnk9 attenuated visceral hypersensitivity and inhibited c-Fos expression in IBS-like rats, whereas overexpression of spinal circKcnk9 induced visceral hypersensitivity and increased c-Fos expression in control rats. Furthermore, circKcnk9 was found to act as a miR-124-3p sponge. MiR-124-3p antagomir restored pain responses downregulated by shcircKcnk9 in IBS-like rats. Finally, the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), validated as a target of miR-124-3p, could play a critical role in visceral hypersensitivity by regulating NSF/GluR2. PERSPECTIVE: Spinal circKcnk9 functions as a miR-124-3p sponge to promote visceral hypersensitivity by regulating the STAT3/NSF/GluR2 pathway. This pathway might provide a novel epigenetic mechanism of visceral hypersensitivity and a potential circRNA therapeutic target for IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong Chen
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yuan Liu
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Xianhe Wu
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Wei Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yang Huang
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Ying Tang
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Aiqin Chen
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China
| | - Chun Lin
- Pain Research Institute, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China.; Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, Fujian, China..
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10
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Brierley SM, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B, Sarnelli G, Sharkey KA, Storr M, Tack J. Targeting the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of abdominal pain in irritable bowel syndrome. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:5-25. [PMID: 36168049 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00682-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The management of visceral pain in patients with disorders of gut-brain interaction, notably irritable bowel syndrome, presents a considerable clinical challenge, with few available treatment options. Patients are increasingly using cannabis and cannabinoids to control abdominal pain. Cannabis acts on receptors of the endocannabinoid system, an endogenous system of lipid mediators that regulates gastrointestinal function and pain processing pathways in health and disease. The endocannabinoid system represents a logical molecular therapeutic target for the treatment of pain in irritable bowel syndrome. Here, we review the physiological and pathophysiological functions of the endocannabinoid system with a focus on the peripheral and central regulation of gastrointestinal function and visceral nociception. We address the use of cannabinoids in pain management, comparing them to other treatment modalities, including opioids and neuromodulators. Finally, we discuss emerging therapeutic candidates targeting the endocannabinoid system for the treatment of pain in irritable bowel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart M Brierley
- Visceral Pain Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, Australia.,Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, Lifelong Health, South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, North Terrace, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | | | - Giovanni Sarnelli
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Keith A Sharkey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. .,Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada. .,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
| | - Martin Storr
- Department of Medicine, Ludwig-Maximilians University, Munich, Germany.,Zentrum für Endoskopie, Starnberg, Germany
| | - Jan Tack
- Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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11
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Shin A, Kashyap PC. Multi-omics for biomarker approaches in the diagnostic evaluation and management of abdominal pain and irritable bowel syndrome: what lies ahead. Gut Microbes 2023; 15:2195792. [PMID: 37009874 PMCID: PMC10072066 DOI: 10.1080/19490976.2023.2195792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Reliable biomarkers for common disorders of gut-brain interaction characterized by abdominal pain, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), are critically needed to enhance care and develop individualized therapies. The dynamic and heterogeneous nature of the pathophysiological mechanisms that underlie visceral hypersensitivity have challenged successful biomarker development. Consequently, effective therapies for pain in IBS are lacking. However, recent advances in modern omics technologies offer new opportunities to acquire deep biological insights into mechanisms of pain and nociception. Newer methods for large-scale data integration of complementary omics approaches have further expanded our ability to build a holistic understanding of complex biological networks and their co-contributions to abdominal pain. Here, we review the mechanisms of visceral hypersensitivity, focusing on IBS. We discuss candidate biomarkers for pain in IBS identified through single omics studies and summarize emerging multi-omics approaches for developing novel biomarkers that may transform clinical care for patients with IBS and abdominal pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Shin
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Purna C. Kashyap
- Clinical Enteric Neuroscience Translational and Epidemiological Research Program, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
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12
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Sun Y, Wang Y, Ye F, Cui V, Lin D, Shi H, Zhang Y, Wu A, Wei C. SIRT1 activation attenuates microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment in postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:943842. [PMID: 36437988 PMCID: PMC9685341 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.943842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) is a debilitating neurological complication in surgical patients. Current research has focused mainly on microglial activation, but less is known about the resultant neuronal synaptic changes. Recent studies have suggested that Sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) plays a critical role in several different neurological disorders via its involvement in microglial activation. In this study, we evaluate the effects of SIRT1 activation in a POCD mouse model. MATERIALS AND METHODS Exploratory laparotomy was performed in mice aged 12-14 months under sevoflurane anesthesia to establish our animal POCD model. Transcriptional changes in the hippocampus after anesthesia and surgery were evaluated by RNA sequencing. SIRT1 expression was verified by Western Blot. Mice were treated with SIRT1 agonist SRT1720 or vehicle after surgery. Changes in microglia morphology, microglial phagocytosis, presence of dystrophic neurites, and dendritic spine density were evaluated. Cognitive performance was evaluated using the Y maze and Morris water maze (MWM). RESULTS Sirtuin-1 expression levels were downregulated in POCD. Exposure to anesthesia and surgery lead to alteration in microglia morphology, increased synaptic engulfment, dendritic spine loss, and cognitive deficits. These effects were alleviated by SRT1720 administration. CONCLUSION This study suggests an important neuroprotective role for SIRT1 in POCD pathogenesis. Increasing SIRT1 function represents a promising therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of POCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuzhu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Victoria Cui
- Department of General Surgery, MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Dandan Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Shi
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, College of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Anshi Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Changwei Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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13
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Olfactory Stimulation Successfully Modulates the Neurochemical, Biochemical and Behavioral Phenotypes of the Visceral Pain. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27217659. [DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain (VP) is the organ-derived nociception in which increased inflammatory reaction and exaggerated activation of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) may contribute to this deficiency. Considering the amygdala also serves as the integration center for olfaction, the present study aimed to determine whether olfactory stimulation (OS) would effectively depress over-activation and inflammatory reaction in CeA, and successfully relieve VP-induced abnormalities. Adult rats subjected to intraperitoneal injection of acetic acid inhaled lavender essential oil for 2 or 4 h. The potential benefits of OS were determined by measuring the pro-inflammatory cytokine level, intracellular potassium and the upstream small-conductance calcium-activated potassium (SK) channel expression, together with detecting the stress transmitters that participated in the modulation of CeA activity. Results indicated that in VP rats, strong potassium intensity, reduced SK channel protein level, and increased corticotropin-releasing factor, c-fos, and substance P immuno-reactivities were detected in CeA. Enhanced CeA activation corresponded well with increased inflammatory reaction and decreased locomotion, respectively. However, in rats subjected to VP and received OS, all above parameters were significantly returned to normal levels with higher change detected in treating OS of 4h. As OS successfully depresses inflammation and CeA over-activation, application of OS may serve as an alternative and effective strategy to efficiently relieve VP-induced deficiency.
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14
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Panax notoginseng saponins alleviates inflammation induced by microglial activation and protects against ischemic brain injury via inhibiting HIF-1α/PKM2/STAT3 signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 155:113479. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.113479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Revised: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
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15
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Yuan T, Orock A, Greenwood-VanMeerveld B. An enriched environment reduces chronic stress-induced visceral pain through modulating microglial activity in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2022; 322:G223-G233. [PMID: 34877892 PMCID: PMC8793868 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00307.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improves the quality of life for patients with brain-gut disorders; however, the underlying mechanisms of CBT remain to be explored. Previously, we showed that environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm that mirrors positive behavioral intervention, ameliorates chronic stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity in a rodent model via mechanisms involving altered activity in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA). In the present study, we investigated whether microglia-mediated synaptic plasticity in the CeA is a potential mechanism underlying the protective effects of EE against stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. We stereotaxically implanted corticosterone (CORT) micropellets onto the dorsal margin of the CeA shown previously to induce colonic hypersensitivity. Animals were housed in EE cages or standard cages for 14 days after CORT implantation. Visceral sensitivity was assessed via visceromotor behavioral response to colorectal distension. Microglial morphology, microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment, and the expression of synaptic pruning-related signals complement component 1q (C1q), complement component 3 (C3), and C3 receptor (C3R) were measured using immunofluorescence and RNAscope assay. We found that housing CORT implanted rats in EE cages for 14 days attenuated visceral hypersensitivity in both male and female rats as compared with control rats maintained in standard housing. EE reduced CORT-induced microglial remodeling and microglia-mediated synaptic pruning with reduced C1q and CR3, but not C3, expression. Our data suggest that exposure to EE is sufficient to ameliorate stress-induced visceral pain via reducing amygdala microglia-modulated neuronal plasticity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Clinical studies show that cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is effective in ameliorating visceral pain in patient with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), yet the underlying mechanisms remain unexplored. By using environmental enrichment (EE), an experimental paradigm that mirrors positive behavioral intervention, we demonstrated that microglia-mediated synaptic plasticity in the CeA explains, plays a role, at least in part, in the positive effects of EE to reduce visceral hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yuan
- 1Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Albert Orock
- 1Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Beverley Greenwood-VanMeerveld
- 1Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma,2Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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16
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Wang Y, Chen X, Wang Y, Li S, Cai H, Le W. The essential role of transcription factor Pitx3 in preventing mesodiencephalic dopaminergic neurodegeneration and maintaining neuronal subtype identities during aging. Cell Death Dis 2021; 12:1008. [PMID: 34707106 PMCID: PMC8551333 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-021-04319-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Pituitary homeobox 3 (Pitx3) is required for the terminal differentiation of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons during neuronal development. However, whether Pitx3 contributes to the normal physiological function and cell-type identity of adult neurons remains unknown. To explore the role of Pitx3 in maintaining mature neurons, we selectively deleted Pitx3 in the mesodiencephalic dopaminergic (mdDA) neurons of Pitx3fl/fl/DATCreERT2 bigenic mice using a tamoxifen inducible CreERT2/loxp gene-targeting system. Pitx3fl/fl/DATCreERT2 mice developed age-dependent progressive motor deficits, concomitant with a rapid reduction of striatal dopamine (DA) content and a profound loss of mdDA neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) but not in the adjacent ventral tegmental area (VTA), recapitulating the canonical neuropathological features of Parkinson's disease (PD). Mechanistic studies showed that Pitx3-deficiency significantly increased the number of cleaved caspase-3+ cells in SNc, which likely underwent neurodegeneration. Meanwhile, the vulnerability of SNc mdDA neurons was increased in Pitx3fl/fl/DATCreERT2 mice, as indicated by an early decline in glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and aldehyde dehydrogenase 1a1 (Aldh1a1) levels. Noticeably, somatic accumulation of α-synuclein (α-syn) was also significantly increased in the Pitx3-deficient neurons. Together, our data demonstrate that the loss of Pitx3 in fully differentiated mdDA neurons results in progressive neurodegeneration, indicating the importance of the Pitx3 gene in adult neuronal survival. Our findings also suggest that distinct Pitx3-dependent pathways exist in SNc and VTA mdDA neurons, correlating with the differential vulnerability of SNc and VTA mdDA neurons in the absence of Pitx3.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Xi Chen
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
- Institute of Neurology and Department of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences-Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Medical School of UETSC, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Song Li
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China
| | - Huaibin Cai
- Transgenic Section, Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Weidong Le
- Liaoning Provincial Key Laboratory for Research on the Pathogenic Mechanisms of Neurological Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116011, China.
- Institute of Neurology and Department of Neurology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences-Sichuan Provincial Hospital, Medical School of UETSC, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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17
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Cao DY, Hu B, Xue Y, Hanson S, Dessem D, Dorsey SG, Traub RJ. Differential Activation of Colonic Afferents and Dorsal Horn Neurons Underlie Stress-Induced and Comorbid Visceral Hypersensitivity in Female Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2021; 22:1283-1293. [PMID: 33887444 PMCID: PMC8500917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions, including irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and temporomandibular disorder (TMD), represent a group of idiopathic pain conditions that likely have peripheral and central mechanisms contributing to their pathology, but are poorly understood. These conditions are exacerbated by stress and have a female predominance. The presence of one condition predicts the presence or development of additional conditions, making this a significant pain management problem. The current study was designed to determine if the duration and magnitude of peripheral sensitization and spinal central sensitization differs between restraint stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity (SIH) and chronic comorbid pain hypersensitivity (CPH; stress during pre-existing orofacial pain). SIH in female rats, as determined by the visceromotor response, persisted at least four but resolved by seven weeks. In contrast, CPH persisted at least seven weeks. Surprisingly, colonic afferents in both SIH and CPH rats were sensitized at seven weeks. CPH rats also had referred pain through seven weeks, but locally anesthetizing the colon only attenuated the referred pain through four weeks, suggesting a transition to colonic afferent independent central sensitization. Different phenotypes of dorsal horn neurons were sensitized in the CPH rats seven weeks post stress compared to four weeks or SIH rats. The current study suggests differential processing of colonic afferent input to the lumbosacral spinal cord contributes to visceral hypersensitivity during comorbid chronic pain conditions. PERSPECTIVE: Chronic Overlapping Pain Conditions represent a unique challenge in pain management. The diverse nature of peripheral organs hinders a clear understanding of underlying mechanisms accounting for the comorbidity. This study highlights a mismatch between the condition-dependent behavior and peripheral and spinal mechanisms that contribute to visceral pain hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Yuan Cao
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland; Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Bo Hu
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland; Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Province for Craniofacial Precision Medicine Research, Research Center of Stomatology, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Stomatology, Xi'an, Shaanxi, P. R. China
| | - Yang Xue
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland; Department of Prosthodontics, Peking University School and Hospital of Stomatology, Haidian District, Beijing, P. R. China
| | - Shelby Hanson
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dean Dessem
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland; UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Susan G Dorsey
- Department of Pain and Translational Symptom Science, University of Maryland School of Nursing, Baltimore, Maryland; UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Richard J Traub
- Department of Neural and Pain Sciences, University of Maryland School of Dentistry, Baltimore, Maryland; UM Center to Advance Chronic Pain Research, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Baltimore, Maryland.
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18
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Kimura LF, Novaes LS, Picolo G, Munhoz CD, Cheung CW, Camarini R. How environmental enrichment balances out neuroinflammation in chronic pain and comorbid depression and anxiety disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 179:1640-1660. [PMID: 34076891 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression and anxiety commonly occur in chronic pain states and the coexistence of these diseases worsens outcomes for both disorders and may reduce treatment adherence and response. Despite the advances in the knowledge of chronic pain mechanisms, pharmacological treatment is still unsatisfactory. Research based on exposure to environmental enrichment is currently under investigation and seems to offer a promising low-cost strategy with no side effects. In this review, we discuss the role of inflammation as a major biological substrate and aetiological factor of chronic pain and depression/anxiety and report a collection of preclinical evidence of the effects and mechanisms of environmental enrichment. As microglia participates in the development of both conditions, we also discuss microglia as a potential target underlying the beneficial actions of environmental enrichment in chronic pain and comorbid depression/anxiety. We also discuss how alternative interventions under clinical guidelines, such as environmental enrichment, may improve treatment compliance and patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise F Kimura
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leonardo S Novaes
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Gisele Picolo
- Laboratory of Pain and Signaling, Butantan Institute, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Carolina D Munhoz
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chi W Cheung
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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19
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Yuan T, Orock A, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Amygdala microglia modify neuronal plasticity via complement C1q/C3-CR3 signaling and contribute to visceral pain in a rat model. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2021; 320:G1081-G1092. [PMID: 33949202 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.00123.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Stress can trigger symptoms in patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Previously we demonstrated that chronic psychological stress induced microglial remodeling in the central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) and contributed to the development of visceral hypersensitivity via synaptic engulfment. However, the specific signaling mechanisms that microglia depend upon to recognize target neurons to facilitate visceral pain remain unknown. Here, we test the hypothesis that the microglia in the CeA contribute to chronic stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity via complement C1q/C3-CR3 signaling-mediated synaptic remodeling. In male and female Fischer-344 rats, micropellets of corticosterone (CORT) or cholesterol (control) were stereotaxically implanted bilaterally onto the CeA. After 7 days, microglial C1q, complement receptor 3 (CR3) expression, and microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment were assessed via RNAscope, quantitative PCR, and immunofluorescence. The microglial inhibitor minocycline, CR3 antagonist neutrophil inhibitory factor (NIF), or vehicle were daily infused into the CeA following CORT implantations. Visceral sensitivity was assessed via a visceromotor response (VMR) to graded pressures of isobaric colorectal distension (CRD). Our results suggest that chronic exposure to elevated CORT in the CeA induced visceral hypersensitivity and amygdala microglial morphological remodeling. CORT increased microglial C1q and CR3 expression and increased microglia-mediated synaptic engulfment. Both groups of animals with minocycline or NIF infusions reversed microglia-mediated synaptic remodeling and attenuated CORT-induced visceral hypersensitivity. Our findings demonstrate that C1q/C3-CR3 signaling is critical for microglia-mediated synaptic remodeling in the CeA and contributes to CORT-induced visceral hypersensitivity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY Patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) show altered amygdala activity. We showed previously that stress induces visceral hypersensitivity partially through microglia-modulated synaptic plasticity in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Our current data suggest that the C1q/C3-CR3 cascade initiates microglia-mediated synaptic remodeling in the CeA. Blocking C3-CR3 interaction attenuates stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. These findings uncover a role of microglia-synapse signaling in the brain-gut regulation and support a future therapeutic target to treat visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yuan
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Albert Orock
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
| | - Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.,Oklahoma City Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
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20
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Ligon CO, Hannig G, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Peripheral Guanylate Cyclase-C modulation of corticolimbic activation and corticotropin-releasing factor signaling in a rat model of stress-induced colonic hypersensitivity. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2021; 33:e14076. [PMID: 33373484 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.14076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Revised: 11/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychological stress is a risk factor for irritable bowel syndrome, a functional gastrointestinal pain disorder featuring abnormal brain-gut connectivity. The guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist linaclotide has been shown to relieve abdominal pain in IBS-C and exhibits antinociceptive effects in rodent models of post-inflammatory visceral hypersensitivity. However, the role GC-C signaling plays in psychological stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity is unknown. Here, we test the hypothesis that GC-C agonism reverses stress-induced colonic hypersensitivity via inhibition of nociceptive afferent signaling resulting in normalization of stress-altered corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression in brain regions involved in pain perception and modulation. METHODS Adult female rats were exposed to water avoidance stress or sham stress for 10 days, and the effects of linaclotide on stress-induced changes in colonic sensitivity, corticolimbic phospho-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (pERK), and CRF expression were measured using a combination of behavioral assessments, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR. KEY RESULTS Stressed rats exhibited colonic hypersensitivity and elevated corticolimbic pERK on day 11, which was inhibited by linaclotide. qRT-PCR analysis revealed dysregulated CRF expression in the medial prefrontal cortex, paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and central nucleus of the amygdala on day 28. Dysregulated CRF expression was not affected by linaclotide treatment. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Our results demonstrate that exposure to repeated stress induces chronic colonic hypersensitivity in conjunction with altered corticolimbic activation and CRF expression. GC-C agonism attenuated stress-induced colonic hypersensitivity and ERK phosphorylation, but had no effect on CRF expression, suggesting the analgesic effects of linaclotide occur independent of stress-driven CRF gene expression in corticolimbic circuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey O Ligon
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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