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Fernandes C, Forny-Germano L, Andrade MM, Lyra E Silva NM, Ramos-Lobo AM, Meireles F, Tovar-Moll F, Houzel JC, Donato J, De Felice FG. Leptin receptor reactivation restores brain function in early-life Lepr-deficient mice. Brain 2024; 147:2706-2717. [PMID: 38650574 PMCID: PMC11292908 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awae127] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Obesity is a chronic disease caused by excessive fat accumulation that impacts the body and brain health. Insufficient leptin or leptin receptor (LepR) is involved in the disease pathogenesis. Leptin is involved with several neurological processes, and it has crucial developmental roles. We have previously demonstrated that leptin deficiency in early life leads to permanent developmental problems in young adult mice, including an imbalance in energy homeostasis, alterations in melanocortin and the reproductive system and a reduction in brain mass. Given that in humans, obesity has been associated with brain atrophy and cognitive impairment, it is important to determine the long-term consequences of early-life leptin deficiency on brain structure and memory function. Here, we demonstrate that leptin-deficient (LepOb) mice exhibit altered brain volume, decreased neurogenesis and memory impairment. Similar effects were observed in animals that do not express the LepR (LepRNull). Interestingly, restoring the expression of LepR in 10-week-old mice reverses brain atrophy, in addition to neurogenesis and memory impairments in older animals. Our findings indicate that leptin deficiency impairs brain development and memory, which are reversible by restoring leptin signalling in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Fernandes
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Leticia Forny-Germano
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Mayara M Andrade
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Natalia M Lyra E Silva
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences & Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Meireles
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Tovar-Moll
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22281-100, Brazil
| | - Jean Christophe Houzel
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
- Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences & Department of Psychiatry, Queen’s University, Kingston, ON K7L 3N6, Canada
- D’Or Institute for Research and Education, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 22281-100, Brazil
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Nguyen HD, Jo WH, Cha JO, Hoang NHM, Kim MS. Elucidation of the effects of 2,5-hexandione as a metabolite of n-hexane on cognitive impairment in leptin-knockout mice (C57BL/6-Lepem1Shwl/Korl). Toxicol Res 2024; 40:389-408. [PMID: 38911537 PMCID: PMC11187033 DOI: 10.1007/s43188-024-00228-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2024] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Exposure to n-hexane and its metabolite 2,5-hexandione (HD) is a well-known cause of neurotoxicity, particularly in the peripheral nervous system. To date, few studies have focused on the neurotoxic effects of HD on cognitive impairment. Exposure to HD and diabetes mellitus can exacerbate neurotoxicity. There are links among HD, diabetes mellitus, and cognitive impairment; however, the specific mechanisms underlying them remain unclear. Therefore, we aimed to elucidate the neurotoxic effects of HD on cognitive impairment in ob/ob (C57BL/6-Lepem1Shwl/Korl) mice. We found that HD induced cognitive impairment by altering the expression of genes (FN1, AGT, ACTA2, MYH11, MKI67, MET, CTGF, and CD44), miRNAs (mmu-miR15a-5p, mmu-miR-17-5p, and mmu-miR-29a-3p), transcription factors (transcription factor AP-2 alpha [TFAP2A], serum response factor [Srf], and paired box gene 4 [PAX4]), and signaling pathways (ERK/CERB, PI3K/AKT, GSK-3β/p-tau/amyloid-β), as well as by causing neuroinflammation (TREM1/DAP12/NF-κB), oxidative stress, and apoptosis. The prevalent use of n-hexane in various industrial applications (for instance, shoe manufacturing, printing inks, paints, and varnishes) suggests that individuals with elevated body weight and glucose levels and those employed in high-risk workplaces have greater probability of cognitive impairment. Therefore, implementing screening strategies for HD-induced cognitive dysfunction is crucial. Graphical abstract Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-024-00228-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai Duc Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, 57922 Republic of Korea
| | - Won Hee Jo
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, 57922 Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ok Cha
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, 57922 Republic of Korea
| | - Ngoc Hong Minh Hoang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, 57922 Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Sun Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Suncheon, 57922 Republic of Korea
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3
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Norman JE, Nuthikattu S, Milenkovic D, Villablanca AC. Sex Modifies the Impact of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus on the Murine Whole Brain Metabolome. Metabolites 2023; 13:1012. [PMID: 37755291 PMCID: PMC10536706 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13091012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) leads to the development of cardiovascular diseases, cognitive impairment, and dementia. There are sex differences in the presentation of T2DM and its associated complications. We sought to determine the impact of sex and T2DM on the brain metabolome to gain insights into the underlying mechanisms of T2DM-associated cognitive complications. Untargeted metabolomic analysis was performed, using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, on whole brain tissue from adult male and female db/db mice (a T2DM model) compared to wild-type (WT) C57Bl6/J mice. Regardless of sex, T2DM increased free fatty acids and decreased acylcarnitines in the brain. Sex impacted the number (103 versus 65 in males and females, respectively), and types of metabolites shifted by T2DM. Many choline-containing phospholipids were decreased by T2DM in males. Female-specific T2DM effects included changes in neuromodulatory metabolites (γ-aminobutyric acid, 2-linoleoyl glycerol, N-methylaspartic acid, and taurine). Further, there were more significantly different metabolites between sexes in the T2DM condition as compared to the WT controls (54 vs. 15 in T2DM and WT, respectively). T2DM alters the murine brain metabolome in both sex-independent and sex-dependent manners. This work extends our understanding of brain metabolic sex differences in T2DM, cognitive implications, and potential sex-specific metabolic therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E. Norman
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis. 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.N.); (A.C.V.)
| | - Saivageethi Nuthikattu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis. 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.N.); (A.C.V.)
| | - Dragan Milenkovic
- Department of Nutrition, University of California, Davis. 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA;
| | - Amparo C. Villablanca
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, University of California, Davis. 1 Shields Ave, Davis, CA 95616, USA; (S.N.); (A.C.V.)
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von Schnurbein J, Remy M, Brandt S, Manzoor J, Kohlsdorf K, Mahmood S, Hebebrand J, Wabitsch M. Positive effect of leptin substitution on mood and behaviour in patients with congenital leptin deficiency. Pediatr Obes 2023; 18:e13057. [PMID: 37226403 DOI: 10.1111/ijpo.13057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND States of starvation are characterized by reduced physical activity and social withdrawal. This has been suggested to be mediated at least in part via reduced leptin concentrations. OBJECTIVE We therefore aimed to ascertain if leptin substitution in patients with congenital leptin deficiency (CLD) can improve physical activity and mood. METHODS Seven patients with CLD were filmed prior to and after short- and long-term substitution (2-21 days; 3-4 months) in a play situation. Six independent, blinded investigators ranked each video according to specifically developed scales concerning motor activity, social interaction, emotionality, and mood with higher scores representing improvements. RESULTS Short term metreleptin substitution significantly increased mean total score from 17.7 ± 4.1 to 22.6 ± 6.6 (p = 0.039), and mean scores for motor activity (4.1 ± 1.1 to 5.1 ± 1.5, p = 0.023) and social interaction (4.6 ± 1.1 to 6.2 ± 1.7, p = 0.016). After long term substitution means of all four single scales and of total score were even higher than at short-term follow-up. During a treatment pause of 3 months in two children, all four scale scores fell below substitution levels and rose again after restart. CONCLUSIONS Metreleptin substitution improved indices of physical activity and psychological wellbeing in patients with CLD. This suggests that reduced leptin concentrations might be in part responsible for emotional and behavioural changes seen during starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia von Schnurbein
- Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Miriam Remy
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Stephanie Brandt
- Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jaida Manzoor
- The Children's Hospital, University of Child Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Katja Kohlsdorf
- Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
| | - Saqib Mahmood
- Human Genetics & Molecular Biology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Martin Wabitsch
- Department for Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, University Ulm Medical Centre, Ulm, Germany
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5
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Al-Onaizi M, Al-Sarraf A, Braysh K, Kazem F, Al-Hussaini H, Rao M, Kilarkaje N, ElAli A. Impaired spatial navigation and age-dependent hippocampal synaptic dysfunction are associated with chronic inflammatory response in db/db mice. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 56:6003-6021. [PMID: 36226387 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) increases the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD), which has been proposed to be driven by an abnormal neuroinflammatory response affecting cognitive function. However, the impact of T2DM on hippocampal function and synaptic integrity during aging has not been investigated. Here, we investigated the effects of aging in T2DM on AD-like pathology using the leptin receptor-deficient db/db mouse model of T2DM. Our results indicate that adult T2DM mice exhibited impaired spatial acquisition in the Morris water maze (MWM). Morphological analysis showed an age-dependent neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus. We found that astrocyte density was significantly decreased in all regions of the hippocampus in T2DM mice. Our analysis showed that microglial activation was increased in the CA3 and the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in an age-dependent manner in T2DM mice. However, the expression of presynaptic marker protein (synaptophysin) and the postsynaptic marker protein [postsynaptic density protein 95 (PSD95)] was unchanged in the hippocampus of adult T2DM mice. Interestingly, synaptophysin and PSD95 expression significantly decreased in the hippocampus of aged T2DM mice, suggesting an impaired hippocampal synaptic integrity. Cytokine profiling analysis displayed a robust pro-inflammatory cytokine profile in the hippocampus of aged T2DM mice compared with the younger cohort, outlining the role of aging in exacerbating the neuroinflammatory profile in the diabetic state. Our results suggest that T2DM impairs cognitive function by promoting neuronal loss in the dentate gyrus and triggering an age-dependent deterioration in hippocampal synaptic integrity, associated with an aberrant neuroinflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed Al-Onaizi
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ahmad Al-Sarraf
- Undergraduate Medical Degree Program, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Kawthar Braysh
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Fatema Kazem
- Undergraduate Medical Degree Program, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Heba Al-Hussaini
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Muddanna Rao
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Narayana Kilarkaje
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, Kuwait City, Kuwait
| | - Ayman ElAli
- Neuroscience Axis, Research Center of CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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6
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Hebebrand J, Hildebrandt T, Schlögl H, Seitz J, Denecke S, Vieira D, Gradl-Dietsch G, Peters T, Antel J, Lau D, Fulton S. The role of hypoleptinemia in the psychological and behavioral adaptation to starvation: implications for anorexia nervosa. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104807. [PMID: 35931221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review aims to pinpoint mental and behavioral effects of starvation, which may be triggered by hypoleptinemia and as such may be amenable to treatment with leptin receptor agonists. The reduced leptin secretion results from the continuous loss of fat mass, thus initiating a graded triggering of diverse starvation related adaptive functions. In light of leptin receptors located in several peripheral tissues and many brain regions adaptations may extend beyond those of the hypothalamus-pituitary-end organ-axes. We focus on gastrointestinal tract and reward system as relevant examples of peripheral and central effects of leptin. Despite its association with extreme obesity, congenital leptin deficiency with its many parallels to a state of starvation allows the elucidation of mental symptoms amenable to treatment with exogenous leptin in both ob/ob mice and humans with this autosomal recessive disorder. For starvation induced behavioral changes with an intact leptin signaling we particularly focus on rodent models for which proof of concept has been provided for the causative role of hypoleptinemia. For humans, we highlight the major cognitive, emotional and behavioral findings of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment to contrast them with results obtained upon a lesser degree of caloric restriction. Evidence for hypoleptinemia induced mental changes also stems from findings obtained in lipodystrophies. In light of the recently reported beneficial cognitive, emotional and behavioral effects of metreleptin-administration in anorexia nervosa we discuss potential implications for the treatment of this eating disorder. We postulate that leptin has profound psychopharmacological effects in the state of starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Tom Hildebrandt
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Haiko Schlögl
- Department of Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany
| | - Saskia Denecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Diana Vieira
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Gertraud Gradl-Dietsch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Triinu Peters
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - David Lau
- Department of Nutrition, Neuroscience - University of Montreal & CRCHUM, Montréal QC H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Stephanie Fulton
- Department of Nutrition, Neuroscience - University of Montreal & CRCHUM, Montréal QC H3T1J4, Canada
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Erichsen JM, Fadel JR, Reagan LP. Peripheral versus central insulin and leptin resistance: Role in metabolic disorders, cognition, and neuropsychiatric diseases. Neuropharmacology 2022; 203:108877. [PMID: 34762922 PMCID: PMC8642294 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Insulin and leptin are classically regarded as peptide hormones that play key roles in metabolism. In actuality, they serve several functions in both the periphery and central nervous system (CNS). Likewise, insulin and leptin resistance can occur both peripherally and centrally. Metabolic disorders such as diabetes and obesity share several key features including insulin and leptin resistance. While the peripheral effects of these disorders are well-known (i.e. cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, dyslipidemia, etc.), the CNS complications of leptin and insulin resistance have come into sharper focus. Both preclinical and clinical findings have indicated that insulin and leptin resistance are associated with cognitive deficits and neuropsychiatric diseases such as depression. Importantly, these studies also suggest that these deficits in neuroplasticity can be reversed by restoration of insulin and leptin sensitivity. In view of these observations, this review will describe, in detail, the peripheral and central functions of insulin and leptin and explain the role of insulin and leptin resistance in various metabolic disorders, cognition, and neuropsychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Erichsen
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| | - Jim R Fadel
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Lawrence P Reagan
- University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA; Columbia VA Health Care System, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
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