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McCarthy DM, Vied C, Trupiano MX, Canekeratne AJ, Wang Y, Schatschneider C, Bhide PG. Behavioral, neurotransmitter and transcriptomic analyses in male and female Fmr1 KO mice. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1458502. [PMID: 39308631 PMCID: PMC11412825 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1458502] [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: 07/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Fragile X syndrome is an inherited X-linked disorder associated with intellectual disabilities that begin in childhood and last a lifetime. The symptoms overlap with autism spectrum disorder, and the syndrome predominantly affects males. Consequently, FXS research tends to favor analysis of social behaviors in males, leaving a gap in our understanding of other behavioral traits, especially in females. Methods We used a mouse model of FXS to analyze developmental, behavioral, neurochemical, and transcriptomic profiles in males and females. Results Our behavioral assays demonstrated locomotor hyperactivity, motor impulsivity, increased "approach" behavior in an approach-avoidance assay, and deficits in nest building behavior. Analysis of brain neurotransmitter content revealed deficits in striatal GABA, glutamate, and serotonin content. RNA sequencing of the ventral striatum unveiled expression changes associated with neurotransmission as well as motivation and substance use pathways. Sex differences were identified in nest building behavior, striatal neurotransmitter content, and ventral striatal gene expression. Discussion In summary, our study identified sex differences in specific behavioral, neurotransmitter, and gene expression phenotypes and gene set enrichment analysis identified significant enrichment of pathways associated with motivation and drug reward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre M. McCarthy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Cynthia Vied
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Translational Science Laboratory, Florida State University College of Medicine Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Mia X. Trupiano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Angeli J. Canekeratne
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Christopher Schatschneider
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
| | - Pradeep G. Bhide
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Center for Brain Repair, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- FSU Institute for Pediatric Rare Diseases, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, United States
- Program in Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL, United States
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Yim G, Roberts A, Lyall K, Ascherio A, Weisskopf MG. Multigenerational association between smoking and autism spectrum disorder: findings from a nationwide prospective cohort study. Am J Epidemiol 2024; 193:1115-1126. [PMID: 38583942 PMCID: PMC11299032 DOI: 10.1093/aje/kwae038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Animal studies have shown that exposure to cigarette smoke during pregnancy can induce neurobehavioral anomalies in multiple subsequent generations. However, little work has examined such effects in humans. We examined the risk of grandchild autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in association with grandmother's smoking during pregnancy, using data from 53 562 mothers and grandmothers and 120 267 grandchildren in Nurses' Health Study II. In 1999, Nurses' Health Study II participants with children reported on their mothers' smoking. Grandchildren's ASD diagnoses were reported by the mothers in 2005 and 2009. Among grandmothers, 13 383 (25.0%) smoked during pregnancy, and 509 (0.4%) grandchildren were diagnosed with ASD. The adjusted odds ratio for ASD for grandmother smoking during pregnancy was 1.52 (95% CI, 1.06-2.20). Results were similar with direct grandmother reporting in 2001 of her smoking during pregnancy from the Nurses' Mothers Cohort Study subgroup (n = 22 167 grandmothers, n = 49 917 grandchildren) and were stronger among grandmothers who smoked ≥15 cigarettes per day during pregnancy (adjusted odds ratio = 1.93 [95% CI, 1.10-3.40]; n = 1895 grandmothers, n = 4212 grandchildren). Results were similar when we adjusted for mother's smoking during pregnancy. There was no association with grandfather's smoking as reported by the grandmother. Our results suggest a potential persistent impact of gestational exposure to environmental insults across 3 generations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeyoon Yim
- Environmental and Occupational Medicine and Epidemiology Program, Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Andrea Roberts
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Kristen Lyall
- A.J. Drexel Autism Institute, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104, United States
| | - Alberto Ascherio
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, United States
| | - Marc G Weisskopf
- Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, United States
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Karatayev O, Collier AD, Targoff SR, Leibowitz SF. Neurological Disorders Induced by Drug Use: Effects of Adolescent and Embryonic Drug Exposure on Behavioral Neurodevelopment. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8341. [PMID: 39125913 PMCID: PMC11313660 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25158341] [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: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies demonstrate that the risk of developing neurological disorders is increased by overconsumption of the commonly used drugs, alcohol, nicotine and cannabis. These drug-induced neurological disorders, which include substance use disorder (SUD) and its co-occurring emotional conditions such as anxiety and depression, are observed not only in adults but also with drug use during adolescence and after prenatal exposure to these drugs, and they are accompanied by long-lasting disturbances in brain development. This report provides overviews of clinical and preclinical studies, which confirm these adverse effects in adolescents and the offspring prenatally exposed to the drugs and include a more in-depth description of specific neuronal systems, their neurocircuitry and molecular mechanisms, affected by drug exposure and of specific techniques used to determine if these effects in the brain are causally related to the behavioral disturbances. With analysis of further studies, this review then addresses four specific questions that are important for fully understanding the impact that drug use in young individuals can have on future pregnancies and their offspring. Evidence demonstrates that the adverse effects on their brain and behavior can occur: (1) at low doses with short periods of drug exposure during pregnancy; (2) after pre-conception drug use by both females and males; (3) in subsequent generations following the initial drug exposure; and (4) in a sex-dependent manner, with drug use producing a greater risk in females than males of developing SUDs with emotional conditions and female offspring after prenatal drug exposure responding more adversely than male offspring. With the recent rise in drug use by adolescents and pregnant women that has occurred in association with the legalization of cannabis and increased availability of vaping tools, these conclusions from the clinical and preclinical literature are particularly alarming and underscore the urgent need to educate young women and men about the possible harmful effects of early drug use and to seek novel therapeutic strategies that might help to limit drug use in young individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sarah F. Leibowitz
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY 10065, USA; (O.K.); (S.R.T.)
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Bekci E, Gokmen RC, Kanit L, Gozen O, Balkan B, Koylu EO, Keser A. Enhanced Novel Object Recognition and Spatial Memory in Rats Selectively Bred for High Nicotine Preference. Brain Sci 2024; 14:427. [PMID: 38790406 PMCID: PMC11118842 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14050427] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examined the influence of genetic background on cognitive performance in a selectively bred high nicotine-preferring (NP) rat line. Using the novel object recognition (NOR), novel location recognition (NLR), and Morris water maze (MWM) tests, we evaluated object memory, spatial memory, and spatial navigation in nicotine-naive NP rats compared to controls. Our results demonstrate that in the NOR test, both male and female NP rats spent more time exploring the novel object (higher discrimination index) compared to sex-matched controls. In the NLR, the discrimination index differed significantly from zero chance (no preference) in both NP males and females but not in controls, indicating enhanced spatial memory in the NP line. During MWM acquisition, the NP groups and control males took a shorter path to reach the platform compared to control females. On the probe trial, the distance traveled in the target quadrant was longer for NP males and females compared to their respective controls, suggesting enhanced spatial navigation and learning in the NP rats. The interesting preference for novel objects and locations displayed by NP rats may indicate a potential novelty-seeking phenotype in this line. These results highlight the complex interplay between genetic factors, cognitive function, and nicotine preference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eren Bekci
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ramazan Can Gokmen
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Lutfiye Kanit
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Oguz Gozen
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Burcu Balkan
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Ersin O. Koylu
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Keser
- Neuroscience Department, Institute of Health Sciences, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Ege University, Izmir 35100, Turkey
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McCarthy DM, Spencer TJ, Bhide PG. Preclinical Models of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder: Neurobiology, Drug Discovery, and Beyond. J Atten Disord 2024; 28:880-894. [PMID: 38084074 DOI: 10.1177/10870547231215286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We offer an overview of ADHD research using mouse models of nicotine exposure. METHOD Nicotine exposure of C57BL/6 or Swiss Webster mice occurred during prenatal period only or during the prenatal and the pre-weaning periods. Behavioral, neuroanatomical and neurotransmitter assays were used to investigate neurobiological mechanisms of ADHD and discover candidate ADHD medications. RESULTS Our studies show that norbinaltorphimine, a selective kappa opioid receptor antagonist is a candidate novel non-stimulant ADHD treatment and that a combination of methylphenidate and naltrexone has abuse deterrent potential with therapeutic benefits for ADHD. Other studies showed transgenerational transmission of ADHD-associated behavioral traits and demonstrated that interactions between untreated ADHD and repeated mild traumatic brain injury produced behavioral traits not associated with either condition alone. CONCLUSION Preclinical models contribute to novel insights into ADHD neurobiology and are valuable tools for drug discovery and translation to benefit humans with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Thomas J Spencer
- Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Pradeep G Bhide
- Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL, USA
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Ou XX, Wang X, Zhan XL, Shen SL, Karatela S, Jing J, Cai L, Liu RQ, Lin LZ, Dong GH. The associations of secondhand smoke exposure with neurodevelopmental disorders and critical time window identification: A systematic review and meta-analysis. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 913:169649. [PMID: 38159763 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2023.169649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure was harmful for brain development. However, the association between SHS exposure and NDDs diagnosis were unclear. OBJECTIVES To evaluate associations between SHS exposure and NDDs diagnosis, identify critical time windows, and summarize the strength of evidence. METHODS To investigate the associations of SHS exposure and the development of NDDs, we searched Ovid, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and PubMed for all the relevant studies up to 31 March 2023. The risk estimates and standardized mean differences (SMD) for the individuals with any NDDs who were exposed to SHS exposure compared with those unexposed or low-exposed. RESULTS The results showed that a total of 31,098 citations were identified, of which 54 studies were included. We identified significant associations between SHS exposure and the risks of NDDs including specific types of NDDs like attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and learning disabilities (LD) despite the observed heterogeneity for NDDs and ADHD. We also observed a significant association between cotinine exposure and ADHD. However, inconsistent ratings between the two quality-of-evidence methods for all the meta-analyses indicated the current evidence of the associations and the potential exposure window remained inconclusive. DISCUSSION Our findings suggested that SHS exposure was associated with a higher risk of developing ADHD and LD, with inconclusive quality-of-evidence. In addition, period-specific associations remained unclear based on current evidence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xuan Ou
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Brain, Cognition and Education Science, Institute for Brain Research and Rehabilitation, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Cognitive Science, Ministry of Education, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ling Zhan
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Li Shen
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shamshad Karatela
- Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Pharmacy Australia Centre of Excellence, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia; Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine (AITHM), James Cook University, Townsville, QLD, Australia
| | - Jin Jing
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li Cai
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ru-Qing Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Zi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China.
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, 510080 Guangzhou, China.
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Ng JWY, Felix JF, Olson DM. A novel approach to risk exposure and epigenetics-the use of multidimensional context to gain insights into the early origins of cardiometabolic and neurocognitive health. BMC Med 2023; 21:466. [PMID: 38012757 PMCID: PMC10683259 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-03168-z] [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: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Each mother-child dyad represents a unique combination of genetic and environmental factors. This constellation of variables impacts the expression of countless genes. Numerous studies have uncovered changes in DNA methylation (DNAm), a form of epigenetic regulation, in offspring related to maternal risk factors. How these changes work together to link maternal-child risks to childhood cardiometabolic and neurocognitive traits remains unknown. This question is a key research priority as such traits predispose to future non-communicable diseases (NCDs). We propose viewing risk and the genome through a multidimensional lens to identify common DNAm patterns shared among diverse risk profiles. METHODS We identified multifactorial Maternal Risk Profiles (MRPs) generated from population-based data (n = 15,454, Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)). Using cord blood HumanMethylation450 BeadChip data, we identified genome-wide patterns of DNAm that co-vary with these MRPs. We tested the prospective relation of these DNAm patterns (n = 914) to future outcomes using decision tree analysis. We then tested the reproducibility of these patterns in (1) DNAm data at age 7 and 17 years within the same cohort (n = 973 and 974, respectively) and (2) cord DNAm in an independent cohort, the Generation R Study (n = 686). RESULTS We identified twenty MRP-related DNAm patterns at birth in ALSPAC. Four were prospectively related to cardiometabolic and/or neurocognitive childhood outcomes. These patterns were replicated in DNAm data from blood collected at later ages. Three of these patterns were externally validated in cord DNAm data in Generation R. Compared to previous literature, DNAm patterns exhibited novel spatial distribution across the genome that intersects with chromatin functional and tissue-specific signatures. CONCLUSIONS To our knowledge, we are the first to leverage multifactorial population-wide data to detect patterns of variability in DNAm. This context-based approach decreases biases stemming from overreliance on specific samples or variables. We discovered molecular patterns demonstrating prospective and replicable relations to complex traits. Moreover, results suggest that patterns harbour a genome-wide organisation specific to chromatin regulation and target tissues. These preliminary findings warrant further investigation to better reflect the reality of human context in molecular studies of NCDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane W Y Ng
- Department of Pediatrics, Cummings School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 28 Oki Drive NW, Calgary, AB, T3B 6A8, Canada
| | - Janine F Felix
- The Generation F Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbus, 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - David M Olson
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Physiology, and Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, 220 HMRC, Edmonton, AB, T6G2S2, Canada.
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Costa G, Pollack AE. Prenatal and postnatal drug exposure: focus on persistent central effects. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:1697-1702. [PMID: 36751782 PMCID: PMC10154500 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.363190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 10/31/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies indicate significant use of prescription, nonprescription and social/recreational drugs by women during pregnancy; however, limited knowledge exists about the detrimental effects that this practice may have on the developing central nervous system of the fetus. Importantly, few experimental and clinical data are available on how gestational exposure could exacerbate the effects of the same or a different drug consumed by the offspring later in life. The present review summarizes recent findings on the central toxicity elicited by several classes of drugs, administered prenatally and postnatally in experimental animals and humans, focusing on prescription and nonprescription analgesics, anti-inflammatory agents, alcohol and nicotine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Costa
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Neuroscience, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Alexia E. Pollack
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts-Boston, Boston, MA, USA
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Ruden DM, Singh A, Rappolee DA. Pathological epigenetic events and reversibility review: the intersection between hallmarks of aging and developmental origin of health and disease. Epigenomics 2023; 15:741-754. [PMID: 37667910 PMCID: PMC10503466 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2023-0224] [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: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
We discuss pathological epigenetic events that are reversible (PEERs). A recent study by Poganik and colleagues showed that severe stress in mice and humans transiently elevates biological age of several tissues, and this transient age increase is reversible when the stress is removed. These studies suggest new strategies for reversing normal aging. However, it is important to note that developmental origin of health and disease studies have shown that developmental exposure to toxic chemicals such as lead causes permanent changes in neuron shape, connectivity and cellular hyperplasia of organs such as the heart and liver. In this review, the PEER hypothesis speculates that the hallmarks of aging and the hallmarks of developmental origin of health and disease intersect at PEERs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas M Ruden
- CS Mott Center for Human Health and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Aditi Singh
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
| | - Daniel A Rappolee
- CS Mott Center for Human Health and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Department of Physiology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI 48201, USA
- Reproductive Stress, Grosse Pointe Farms, MI 48236, USA
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Goud TJ. Epigenetic and Long-Term Effects of Nicotine on Biology, Behavior, and Health. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106741. [PMID: 37149116 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Tobacco and nicotine use are associated with disease susceptibility and progression. Health challenges associated with nicotine and smoking include developmental delays, addiction, mental health and behavioral changes, lung disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, diabetes, immune system changes, and cancer. Increasing evidence suggests that nicotine-associated epigenetic changes may mediate or moderate the development and progression of a myriad of negative health outcomes. In addition, nicotine exposure may confer increased lifelong susceptibility to disease and mental health challenges through alteration of epigenetic signaling. This review examines the relationship between nicotine exposure (and smoking), epigenetic changes, and maladaptive outcomes that include developmental disorders, addiction, mental health challenges, pulmonary disease, cardiovascular disease, endocrine disorders, diabetes, immune system changes, and cancer. Overall, findings support the contention that nicotine (or smoking) associated altered epigenetic signaling is a contributing factor to disease and health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas J Goud
- Department of Biobehavioral Health, The Pennsylvania State University, Penn State University, University Park, PA, USA.
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Mize TJ, Funkhouser SA, Buck JM, Stitzel JA, Ehringer MA, Evans LM. Testing Association of Previously Implicated Gene Sets and Gene-Networks in Nicotine Exposed Mouse Models with Human Smoking Phenotypes. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1030-1038. [PMID: 36444815 PMCID: PMC10077928 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smoking behaviors are partly heritable, yet the genetic and environmental mechanisms underlying smoking phenotypes are not fully understood. Developmental nicotine exposure (DNE) is a significant risk factor for smoking and leads to gene expression changes in mouse models; however, it is unknown whether the same genes whose expression is impacted by DNE are also those underlying smoking genetic liability. We examined whether genes whose expression in D1-type striatal medium spiny neurons due to DNE in the mouse are also associated with human smoking behaviors. METHODS Specifically, we assessed whether human orthologs of mouse-identified genes, either individually or as a set, were genetically associated with five human smoking traits using MAGMA and S-LDSC while implementing a novel expression-based gene-SNP annotation methodology. RESULTS We found no strong evidence that these genes sets were more strongly associated with smoking behaviors than the rest of the genome, but ten of these individual genes were significantly associated with three of the five human smoking traits examined (p < 2.5e-6). Three of these genes have not been reported previously and were discovered only when implementing the expression-based annotation. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest the genes whose expression is impacted by DNE in mice are largely distinct from those contributing to smoking genetic liability in humans. However, examining a single mouse neuronal cell type may be too fine a resolution for comparison, suggesting that experimental manipulation of nicotine consumption, reward, or withdrawal in mice may better capture genes related to the complex genetics of human tobacco use. IMPLICATIONS Genes whose expression is impacted by DNE in mouse D1-type striatal medium spiny neurons were not found to be, as a whole, more strongly associated with human smoking behaviors than the rest of the genome, though ten individual mouse-identified genes were associated with human smoking traits. This suggests little overlap between the genetic mechanisms impacted by DNE and those influencing heritable liability to smoking phenotypes in humans. Further research is warranted to characterize how developmental nicotine exposure paradigms in mice can be translated to understand nicotine use in humans and their heritable effects on smoking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis J Mize
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Scott A Funkhouser
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Marissa A Ehringer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Luke M Evans
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, USA
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Castro EM, Lotfipour S, Leslie FM. Nicotine on the developing brain. Pharmacol Res 2023; 190:106716. [PMID: 36868366 PMCID: PMC10392865 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Developmental periods such as gestation and adolescence have enhanced plasticity leaving the brain vulnerable to harmful effects from nicotine use. Proper brain maturation and circuit organization is critical for normal physiological and behavioral outcomes. Although cigarette smoking has declined in popularity, noncombustible nicotine products are readily used. The misperceived safety of these alternatives lead to widespread use among vulnerable populations such as pregnant women and adolescents. Nicotine exposure during these sensitive developmental windows is detrimental to cardiorespiratory function, learning and memory, executive function, and reward related circuitry. In this review, we will discuss clinical and preclinical evidence of the adverse alterations in the brain and behavior following nicotine exposure. Time-dependent nicotine-induced changes in reward related brain regions and drug reward behaviors will be discussed and highlight unique sensitivities within a developmental period. We will also review long lasting effects of developmental exposure persisting into adulthood, along with permanent epigenetic changes in the genome which can be passed to future generations. Taken together, it is critical to evaluate the consequences of nicotine exposure during these vulnerable developmental windows due to its direct impact on cognition, potential trajectories for other substance use, and implicated mechanisms for the neurobiology of substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Castro
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Shahrdad Lotfipour
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Frances M Leslie
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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13
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Escher J, Yan W, Rissman EF, Wang HLV, Hernandez A, Corces VG. Beyond Genes: Germline Disruption in the Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders. J Autism Dev Disord 2022; 52:4608-4624. [PMID: 34596807 PMCID: PMC9035896 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05304-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Investigations into the etiology of autism spectrum disorders have been largely confined to two realms: variations in DNA sequence and somatic developmental exposures. Here we suggest a third route-disruption of the germline epigenome induced by exogenous toxicants during a parent's gamete development. Similar to cases of germline mutation, these molecular perturbations may produce dysregulated transcription of brain-related genes during fetal and early development, resulting in abnormal neurobehavioral phenotypes in offspring. Many types of exposures may have these impacts, and here we discuss examples of anesthetic gases, tobacco components, synthetic steroids, and valproic acid. Alterations in parental germline could help explain some unsolved phenomena of autism, including increased prevalence, missing heritability, skewed sex ratio, and heterogeneity of neurobiology and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Escher
- Escher Fund for Autism, 1590 Calaveras Avenue, San Jose, CA, USA.
| | - Wei Yan
- The Lundquist Institute for Biomedical Innovation at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emilie F Rissman
- Center for Human Health and the Environment and Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Hsiao-Lin V Wang
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Arturo Hernandez
- Maine Medical Center Research Institute, MaineHealth, Scarborough, ME, USA
- Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Victor G Corces
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
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14
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Kessi M, Duan H, Xiong J, Chen B, He F, Yang L, Ma Y, Bamgbade OA, Peng J, Yin F. Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder updates. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:925049. [PMID: 36211978 PMCID: PMC9532551 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.925049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that commonly occurs in children with a prevalence ranging from 3.4 to 7.2%. It profoundly affects academic achievement, well-being, and social interactions. As a result, this disorder is of high cost to both individuals and society. Despite the availability of knowledge regarding the mechanisms of ADHD, the pathogenesis is not clear, hence, the existence of many challenges especially in making correct early diagnosis and provision of accurate management. Objectives We aimed to review the pathogenic pathways of ADHD in children. The major focus was to provide an update on the reported etiologies in humans, animal models, modulators, therapies, mechanisms, epigenetic changes, and the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Methods References for this review were identified through a systematic search in PubMed by using special keywords for all years until January 2022. Results Several genes have been reported to associate with ADHD: DRD1, DRD2, DRD4, DAT1, TPH2, HTR1A, HTR1B, SLC6A4, HTR2A, DBH, NET1, ADRA2A, ADRA2C, CHRNA4, CHRNA7, GAD1, GRM1, GRM5, GRM7, GRM8, TARBP1, ADGRL3, FGF1, MAOA, BDNF, SNAP25, STX1A, ATXN7, and SORCS2. Some of these genes have evidence both from human beings and animal models, while others have evidence in either humans or animal models only. Notably, most of these animal models are knockout and do not generate the genetic alteration of the patients. Besides, some of the gene polymorphisms reported differ according to the ethnic groups. The majority of the available animal models are related to the dopaminergic pathway. Epigenetic changes including SUMOylation, methylation, and acetylation have been reported in genes related to the dopaminergic pathway. Conclusion The dopaminergic pathway remains to be crucial in the pathogenesis of ADHD. It can be affected by environmental factors and other pathways. Nevertheless, it is still unclear how environmental factors relate to all neurotransmitter pathways; thus, more studies are needed. Although several genes have been related to ADHD, there are few animal model studies on the majority of the genes, and they do not generate the genetic alteration of the patients. More animal models and epigenetic studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Kessi
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Haolin Duan
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Juan Xiong
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Baiyu Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fang He
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Lifen Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Yanli Ma
- Department of Neurology, Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University, Henan Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou Children’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Olumuyiwa A. Bamgbade
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pharmacology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jing Peng
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
| | - Fei Yin
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- Hunan Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Fei Yin,
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15
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Dougnon G, Matsui H. Modelling Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Using Mice and Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23147550. [PMID: 35886894 PMCID: PMC9319972 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23147550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are two debilitating neurodevelopmental disorders. The former is associated with social impairments whereas the latter is associated with inattentiveness, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. There is recent evidence that both disorders are somehow related and that genes may play a large role in these disorders. Despite mounting human and animal research, the neurological pathways underlying ASD and ADHD are still not well understood. Scientists investigate neurodevelopmental disorders by using animal models that have high similarities in genetics and behaviours with humans. Mice have been utilized in neuroscience research as an excellent animal model for a long time; however, the zebrafish has attracted much attention recently, with an increasingly large number of studies using this model. In this review, we first discuss ASD and ADHD aetiology from a general point of view to their characteristics and treatments. We also compare mice and zebrafish for their similarities and discuss their advantages and limitations in neuroscience. Finally, we summarize the most recent and existing research on zebrafish and mouse models of ASD and ADHD. We believe that this review will serve as a unique document providing interesting information to date about these models, thus facilitating research on ASD and ADHD.
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16
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Wong H, Buck JM, Borski C, Pafford JT, Keller BN, Milstead RA, Hanson JL, Stitzel JA, Hoeffer CA. RCAN1 knockout and overexpression recapitulate an ensemble of rest-activity and circadian disruptions characteristic of Down syndrome, Alzheimer's disease, and normative aging. J Neurodev Disord 2022; 14:33. [PMID: 35610565 PMCID: PMC9128232 DOI: 10.1186/s11689-022-09444-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Regulator of calcineurin 1 (RCAN1) is overexpressed in Down syndrome (DS), but RCAN1 levels are also increased in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and normal aging. AD is highly comorbid among individuals with DS and is characterized in part by progressive neurodegeneration that resembles accelerated aging. Importantly, abnormal RCAN1 levels have been demonstrated to promote memory deficits and pathophysiology that appear symptomatic of DS, AD, and aging. Anomalous diurnal rest-activity patterns and circadian rhythm disruptions are also common in DS, AD, and aging and have been implicated in facilitating age-related cognitive decline and AD progression. However, no prior studies have assessed whether RCAN1 dysregulation may also promote the age-associated alteration of rest-activity profiles and circadian rhythms, which could in turn contribute to neurodegeneration in DS, AD, and aging. METHODS The present study examined the impacts of RCAN1 deficiency and overexpression on the photic entrainment, circadian periodicity, intensity and distribution, diurnal patterning, and circadian rhythmicity of wheel running in young (3-6 months old) and aged (9-14 months old) mice of both sexes. RESULTS We found that daily RCAN1 levels in the hippocampus and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) of light-entrained young mice are generally constant and that balanced RCAN1 expression is necessary for normal circadian locomotor activity rhythms. While the light-entrained diurnal period was unaltered, RCAN1-null and RCAN1-overexpressing mice displayed lengthened endogenous (free-running) circadian periods like mouse models of AD and aging. In light-entrained young mice, RCAN1 deficiency and overexpression also recapitulated the general hypoactivity, diurnal rest-wake pattern fragmentation, and attenuated amplitudes of circadian activity rhythms reported in DS, preclinical and clinical AD, healthily aging individuals, and rodent models thereof. Under constant darkness, RCAN1-null and RCAN1-overexpressing mice displayed altered locomotor behavior indicating circadian clock dysfunction. Using the Dp(16)1Yey/+ (Dp16) mouse model for DS, which expresses three copies of Rcan1, we found reduced wheel running activity and rhythmicity in both light-entrained and free-running young Dp16 mice like young RCAN1-overexpressing mice. Critically, these diurnal and circadian deficits were rescued in part or entirely by restoring Rcan1 to two copies in Dp16 mice. We also found that RCAN1 deficiency but not RCAN1 overexpression altered protein levels of the clock gene Bmal1 in the SCN. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, this study's findings suggest that both loss and aberrant gain of RCAN1 precipitate anomalous light-entrained diurnal and circadian activity patterns emblematic of DS, AD, and possibly aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Wong
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Curtis Borski
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jessica T Pafford
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Bailey N Keller
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
| | - Ryan A Milstead
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jessica L Hanson
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA
| | - Charles A Hoeffer
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA.
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO, 80303, USA.
- Linda Crnic Institute, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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17
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Yim G, Roberts A, Ascherio A, Wypij D, Kioumourtzoglou MA, Weisskopf AMG. Smoking During Pregnancy and Risk of Attention-deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder in the Third Generation. Epidemiology 2022; 33:431-440. [PMID: 35213510 PMCID: PMC9010055 DOI: 10.1097/ede.0000000000001467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Animal experiments indicate that environmental factors, such as cigarette smoke, can have multigenerational effects through the germline. However, there are little data on multigenerational effects of smoking in humans. We examined the associations between grandmothers' smoking while pregnant and risk of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in her grandchildren. METHODS Our study population included 53,653 Nurses' Health Study II (NHS-II) participants (generation 1 [G1]), their mothers (generation 0 [G0]), and their 120,467 live-born children (generation 2 [G2]). In secondary analyses, we used data from 23,844 mothers of the nurses who were participants in the Nurses' Mothers' Cohort Study (NMCS), a substudy of NHS-II. RESULTS The prevalence of G0 smoking during the pregnancy with the G1 nurse was 25%. ADHD was diagnosed in 9,049 (7.5%) of the grandchildren (G2). Grand-maternal smoking during pregnancy was associated with increased odds of ADHD among the grandchildren (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.1, 1.2), independent of G1 smoking during pregnancy. In the Nurses' Mothers' Cohort Study, odds of ADHD increased with increasing cigarettes smoked per day by the grandmother (1-14 cigarettes: aOR = 1.1; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.2; 15+: aOR = 1.2; 95% CI = 1.0, 1.3), compared with nonsmoking grandmothers. CONCLUSIONS Grandmother smoking during pregnancy is associated with an increased risk of ADHD among the grandchildren.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeyoon Yim
- From the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Andrea Roberts
- From the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
| | - Alberto Ascherio
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Channing Division of Network Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA
| | - David Wypij
- Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital Boston, Boston, MA
| | | | - And Marc G Weisskopf
- From the Department of Environmental Health, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA
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18
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Impact of Electronic Cigarette Vaping on Cerebral Ischemia: What We Know So Far. Transl Stroke Res 2022; 13:923-938. [DOI: 10.1007/s12975-022-01011-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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19
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McCarthy DM, Zhang L, Wilkes BJ, Vaillancourt DE, Biederman J, Bhide PG. Nicotine and the developing brain: Insights from preclinical models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 214:173355. [PMID: 35176350 PMCID: PMC9063417 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Use of tobacco products during pregnancy is associated with increased risk for neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Preclinical models of developmental nicotine exposure have offered valuable insights into the neurobiology of nicotine's effects on the developing brain and demonstrated lasting effects of developmental nicotine exposure on brain structure, neurotransmitter signaling and behavior. These models have facilitated discovery of novel compounds as candidate treatments for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, a neurodevelopmental disorder associated with prenatal nicotine exposure. Using these models the significance of heritability of behavioral phenotypes from the nicotine-exposed pregnant female or adult male to multiple generations of descendants has been demonstrated. Finally, research using the preclinical models has demonstrated synergistic interactions between developmental nicotine exposure and repetitive mild traumatic brain injury that contribute to "worse" outcomes from the injury in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder associated with developmental nicotine exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deirdre M McCarthy
- Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States of America
| | - Lin Zhang
- Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States of America
| | - Bradley J Wilkes
- Laboratory for Rehabilitation Neuroscience, Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - David E Vaillancourt
- Laboratory for Rehabilitation Neuroscience, Department of Applied Physiology & Kinesiology, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, United States of America
| | - Joseph Biederman
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, United States of America
| | - Pradeep G Bhide
- Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306, United States of America.
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20
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Joglekar R, Cauley M, Lipsich T, Corcoran DL, Patisaul HB, Levin ED, Meyer JN, McCarthy MM, Murphy SK. Developmental nicotine exposure and masculinization of the rat preoptic area. Neurotoxicology 2022; 89:41-54. [PMID: 35026373 PMCID: PMC8917982 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nicotine is a neuroteratogenic component of tobacco smoke, e-cigarettes, and other products and can exert sex-specific effects in the developing brain, likely mediated through sex hormones. Estradiol modulates expression of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in rats, and plays critical roles in neurodevelopmental processes, including sexual differentiation of the brain. Here, we examined the effects of developmental nicotine exposure on the sexual differentiation of the preoptic area (POA), a brain region that normally displays robust structural sexual dimorphisms and controls adult mating behavior in rodents. Using a rat model of gestational exposure, developing pups were exposed to nicotine (2 mg/kg/day) via maternal osmotic minipump (subcutaneously, sc) throughout the critical window for brain sexual differentiation. At postnatal day (PND) 4, a subset of offspring was analyzed for epigenetic effects in the POA. At PND40, all offspring were gonadectomized, implanted with a testosterone-releasing capsule (sc), and assessed for male sexual behavior at PND60. Following sexual behavior assessment, the area of the sexually dimorphic nucleus of the POA (SDN-POA) was measured using immunofluorescent staining techniques. In adults, normal sex differences in male sexual behavior and in the SDN-POA area were eliminated in nicotine-treated animals. Using novel analytical approaches to evaluate overall masculinization of the adult POA, we identified significant masculinization of the nicotine-treated female POA. In neonates (PND4), nicotine exposure induced trending alterations in methylation-dependent masculinizing gene expression and DNA methylation levels at sexually-dimorphic differentially methylated regions, suggesting that developmental nicotine exposure is capable of triggering masculinization of the rat POA via epigenetic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Joglekar
- Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Marty Cauley
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Taylor Lipsich
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - David L. Corcoran
- Duke Center for Genomic and Computational Biology, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Heather B. Patisaul
- North Carolina State University, Department of Biological Sciences, Raleigh, NC 27695 USA
| | - Edward D. Levin
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Joel N. Meyer
- Duke University Nicholas School of the Environment, Durham, NC 27708 USA
| | - Margaret M. McCarthy
- University of Maryland School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Susan K. Murphy
- Duke University Medical Center, Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Durham, NC 27708 USA
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21
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Mouat JS, LaSalle JM. The Promise of DNA Methylation in Understanding Multigenerational Factors in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Genet 2022; 13:831221. [PMID: 35242170 PMCID: PMC8886225 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.831221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by impairments in social reciprocity and communication, restrictive interests, and repetitive behaviors. Most cases of ASD arise from a confluence of genetic susceptibility and environmental risk factors, whose interactions can be studied through epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation. While various parental factors are known to increase risk for ASD, several studies have indicated that grandparental and great-grandparental factors may also contribute. In animal studies, gestational exposure to certain environmental factors, such as insecticides, medications, and social stress, increases risk for altered behavioral phenotypes in multiple subsequent generations. Changes in DNA methylation, gene expression, and chromatin accessibility often accompany these altered behavioral phenotypes, with changes often appearing in genes that are important for neurodevelopment or have been previously implicated in ASD. One hypothesized mechanism for these phenotypic and methylation changes includes the transmission of DNA methylation marks at individual chromosomal loci from parent to offspring and beyond, called multigenerational epigenetic inheritance. Alternatively, intermediate metabolic phenotypes in the parental generation may confer risk from the original grandparental exposure to risk for ASD in grandchildren, mediated by DNA methylation. While hypothesized mechanisms require further research, the potential for multigenerational epigenetics assessments of ASD risk has implications for precision medicine as the field attempts to address the variable etiology and clinical signs of ASD by incorporating genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. In this review, we discuss the promise of multigenerational DNA methylation investigations in understanding the complex etiology of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia S Mouat
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Janine M LaSalle
- LaSalle Laboratory, Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Perinatal Origins of Disparities Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- MIND Institute, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
- Genome Center, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
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22
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Jenkins S, Harker A, Gibb R. Distinct sex-dependent effects of maternal preconception nicotine and enrichment on the early development of rat offspring brain and behavior. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2022; 91:107062. [PMID: 34998861 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2021.107062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Developmental nicotine exposure is harmful to offspring. Whereas much is known about the consequences of prenatal nicotine exposure, relatively little is understood about how maternal preconception nicotine impacts the next generation. Positive experiences, such as environmental enrichment/complexity, have considerable potential to improve developmental outcomes and even treat and prevent drug addiction. Therefore, the current study sought to identify how maternal exposure to moderate levels of nicotine prior to conception impacts offspring development, and if the presumably negative consequence of nicotine could be reversed by concurrent exposure to an enriched environment. We treated female Long Evans rats with nicotine in their drinking water (15 mg nicotine salt/L) for seven weeks while residing in either standard or enriched conditions. Both experiences occurred exclusively prior to mating. Nicotine exposure reduced dam fertility by ~20% (p = .06). Females reared their own litters, and offspring were tested in two assessments of early development: negative geotaxis and open field. Offspring were euthanized at weaning (P21), and their brains were processed with Golgi-Cox solution to allow quantification of dendritic spine density. Results indicate that neither maternal nicotine or enrichment had an impact on maternal care, but male offspring were impaired at negative geotaxis due to maternal nicotine, female offspring showed altered open field exploration due to maternal enrichment, and offspring of both sexes had increased spine density in OFC due to maternal enrichment. Therefore, this experiment provides novel insights into the unique, sex-dependent consequences of maternal preconception nicotine and enrichment on the early development of rat behavior and brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Jenkins
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Allonna Harker
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.
| | - Robbin Gibb
- Canadian Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, 4401 University Dr W, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada.
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Stanford SC. Animal Models of ADHD? Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 57:363-393. [PMID: 35604570 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_342] [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: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
To describe animals that express abnormal behaviors as a model of Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) implies that the abnormalities are analogous to those expressed by ADHD patients. The diagnostic features of ADHD comprise inattentiveness, impulsivity, and hyperactivity and so these behaviors are fundamental for validation of any animal model of this disorder. Several experimental interventions such as neurotoxic lesion of neonatal rats with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), genetic alterations, or selective inbreeding of rodents have produced animals that express each of these impairments to some extent. This article appraises the validity of claims that these procedures have produced a model of ADHD, which is essential if they are to be used to investigate the underlying cause(s) of ADHD and its abnormal neurobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Clare Stanford
- Department of Neuroscience Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London, UK.
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24
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Buck JM, Yu L, Knopik VS, Stitzel JA. DNA methylome perturbations: an epigenetic basis for the emergingly heritable neurodevelopmental abnormalities associated with maternal smoking and maternal nicotine exposure†. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:644-666. [PMID: 34270696 PMCID: PMC8444709 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal smoking during pregnancy is associated with an ensemble of neurodevelopmental consequences in children and therefore constitutes a pressing public health concern. Adding to this burden, contemporary epidemiological and especially animal model research suggests that grandmaternal smoking is similarly associated with neurodevelopmental abnormalities in grandchildren, indicative of intergenerational transmission of the neurodevelopmental impacts of maternal smoking. Probing the mechanistic bases of neurodevelopmental anomalies in the children of maternal smokers and the intergenerational transmission thereof, emerging research intimates that epigenetic changes, namely DNA methylome perturbations, are key factors. Altogether, these findings warrant future research to fully elucidate the etiology of neurodevelopmental impairments in the children and grandchildren of maternal smokers and underscore the clear potential thereof to benefit public health by informing the development and implementation of preventative measures, prophylactics, and treatments. To this end, the present review aims to encapsulate the burgeoning evidence linking maternal smoking to intergenerational epigenetic inheritance of neurodevelopmental abnormalities, to identify the strengths and weaknesses thereof, and to highlight areas of emphasis for future human and animal model research therein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Li Yu
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Valerie S Knopik
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
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Xiao J, Gao Y, Yu Y, Toft G, Zhang Y, Luo J, Xia Y, Chawarska K, Olsen J, Li J, Liew Z. Associations of parental birth characteristics with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk in their offspring: a population-based multigenerational cohort study in Denmark. Int J Epidemiol 2021; 50:485-495. [PMID: 33411909 DOI: 10.1093/ije/dyaa246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fetal exposure risk factors are associated with increased autism spectrum disorder (ASD) risk. New hypotheses regarding multigenerational risk for ASD have been proposed, but epidemiological evidence is largely lacking. We evaluated whether parental birth characteristics, including preterm birth and low birthweight, were associated with ASD risk in offspring. METHODS We conducted a nationwide register-based cohort study that included 230 174 mother-child and 157 926 father-child pairs in Denmark. Logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for offspring ASD according to parental preterm (<37 weeks) and low birthweight (<2500 g) status, with or without adjustment for certain grandmaternal sociodemographic factors. Mediation analyses were performed for selected parental and offspring health-related factors. RESULTS Offspring of mothers or fathers with adverse birth characteristics had about 31-43% higher risk for ASD (maternal preterm birth, OR = 1.31, 95% CI= 1.12, 1.55; maternal low birthweight, OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17,1.57; paternal preterm birth, OR = 1.43, 95% CI = 1.18, 1.73; paternal low birthweight, OR = 1.38, 95% CI= 1.13, 1.70). Parents born very preterm (<32 weeks) marked a nearly 2-fold increase in ASD risk in their children. These associations were slightly attenuated upon adjustment for grandmaternal sociodemographic factors. Mediation analyses suggested that parental social-mental and offspring perinatal factors might explain a small magnitude of the total effect observed, especially for maternal birth characteristic associations. CONCLUSIONS Offspring of parents born with adverse characteristics had an elevated risk for ASD. Transmission of ASD risk through maternal and paternal factors should be considered in future research on ASD aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyuan Xiao
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yu Gao
- Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongfu Yu
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Gunnar Toft
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yawei Zhang
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jiajun Luo
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Yuntian Xia
- Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Jørn Olsen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jiong Li
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Zeyan Liew
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale Center for Perinatal, Pediatric, and Environmental Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT, USA
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26
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Buck JM, O'Neill HC, Stitzel JA. The Intergenerational Transmission of Developmental Nicotine Exposure-Induced Neurodevelopmental Disorder-Like Phenotypes is Modulated by the Chrna5 D397N Polymorphism in Adolescent Mice. Behav Genet 2021; 51:665-684. [PMID: 34159514 DOI: 10.1007/s10519-021-10071-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Maternal tobacco smoking during pregnancy constitutes developmental nicotine exposure (DNE) and is associated with nicotine dependence and neurodevelopmental disorders in both children and grandchildren as well as animal models thereof. Genetic variants such as the CHRNA5 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs16969968, which leads to an aspartic acid to asparagine substitution at amino acid position 398 (D398N) in the alpha-5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit, can also confer risk for nicotine dependence and neurodevelopmental disorders in the absence of DNE. However, the degrees to which, the consequences of maternal smoking on offspring outcomes are influenced by genetic variants and interactions therewith are not well understood. Addressing this void in the literature, the present study utilizes a DNE mouse model engineered to possess the equivalent of the human D398N SNP in CHRNA5 (D397N SNP in mice) to assess how the N397 risk allele impacts the induction and intergenerational transmission of a range of neurodevelopmental disorder-related behavioral phenotypes in first- and second-generation DNE offspring. Results reveal that offspring possessing the N397 variant in the absence of DNE as well as DNE offspring and grand offspring possessing theD397 variant exhibit analogous neurodevelopmental disorder-like phenotypes including hyperactivity, risk-taking behaviors, aberrant rhythmicity of activity, and enhanced nicotine consumption. DNE amplified these behavioral anomalies in first-generation N397 progeny, but the severity of DNE-evoked behavioral perturbations did not significantly differ between first-generation D397 and N397 DNE mice for any measure. Remarkably, the behavioral profiles of second-generation N397 DNE progeny closely resembled DNE-naive D397 mice, suggesting that the N397 variant may protect against the intergenerational transmission of DNE-induced neurodevelopmental disorder-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
| | - Heidi C O'Neill
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado Boulder, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA.
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA.
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27
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Martin MM, McCarthy DM, Schatschneider C, Trupiano MX, Jones SK, Kalluri A, Bhide PG. Effects of Developmental Nicotine Exposure on Frontal Cortical GABA-to-Non-GABA Neuron Ratio and Novelty-Seeking Behavior. Cereb Cortex 2021; 30:1830-1842. [PMID: 31599922 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhz207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking during pregnancy is a major public health concern, resulting in detrimental health effects in the mother and her offspring. The adverse behavioral consequences for children include increased risk for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, working memory deficits, epilepsy, novelty-seeking, and risk-taking behaviors. Some of these behavioral conditions are consistent with an imbalance in frontal cortical excitatory (glutamate) and inhibitory (GABA) neurotransmitter signaling. We used a GAD67-GFP knock-in mouse model to examine if developmental nicotine exposure alters frontal cortical GABA neuron numbers, GABA-to-non-GABA neuron ratio and behavioral phenotypes. Female mice were exposed to nicotine (100 or 200 μg/mL) in drinking water beginning 3 weeks prior to breeding and until 3 weeks postpartum. Male and female offspring were examined beginning at 60 days of age. The nicotine exposure produced dose-dependent decreases in GABA-to-non-GABA neuron ratios in the prefrontal and medial prefrontal cortices without perturbing the intrinsic differences in cortical thickness and laminar distribution of GABA or non-GABA neurons between these regions. A significant increase in exploratory behavior and a shift toward "approach" in the approach-avoidance paradigm were also observed. Thus, developmental nicotine exposure shifts the cortical excitation-inhibition balance toward excitation and produces behavioral changes consistent with novelty-seeking behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Martin
- Center for Brain Repair, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4300, USA
| | - Deirdre M McCarthy
- Center for Brain Repair, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4300, USA
| | - Chris Schatschneider
- Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4300, USA
| | - Mia X Trupiano
- Center for Brain Repair, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4300, USA
| | - Sara K Jones
- Center for Brain Repair, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4300, USA
| | - Aishani Kalluri
- Center for Brain Repair, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4300, USA
| | - Pradeep G Bhide
- Center for Brain Repair, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University College of Medicine, Tallahassee, FL 32306-4300, USA
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28
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Effect of Grandmaternal Smoking on Body Size and Proportions at Birth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18094985. [PMID: 34067158 PMCID: PMC8124860 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18094985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Many long-term adverse effects of smoking during pregnancy are known. Increasingly, adverse effects in the grandchild after grandmaternal smoking during pregnancy are reported. We explored this in a birth cohort of 24,000 grandmother–mother–child triads identified from the Finnish Medical Birth Register in 1991–2016. Multiple logistic regression was used to analyze the association between any smoking during pregnancy by both grandmother and mother, or only grandmother or mother on adverse birth outcomes. No smoking by neither grandmother nor mother was used as the reference. As endpoints, preterm birth, low birth weight, small for gestational age (birth weight, birth length, head circumference), and body proportionality (low ponderal index, high brain-to-body ratio, high head-to-length ratio) were included. Smoking by both grandmother and mother was consistently associated with higher risks than smoking only by the mother. Birth length and weight were especially sensitive to (grand)maternal smoking. In conclusion, the combined effect of grandmaternal and maternal smoking is associated with higher risks than only maternal smoking.
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29
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Escher J. How Family Histories Can Inform Research About Germ Cell Exposures: The Example of Autism. Biol Reprod 2021; 105:767-773. [PMID: 33959752 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioab092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Throughout the scientific literature, heritable traits are routinely presumed to be genetic in origin. However, as emerging evidence from the realms of genetic toxicology and epigenomics demonstrate, heritability may be better understood as encompassing not only DNA sequence passed down through generations, but also disruptions to the parental germ cells causing de novo mutations or epigenetic alterations, with subsequent shifts in gene expression and functions in offspring. The Beyond Genes conference highlighted advances in understanding these aspects at molecular, experimental and epidemiological levels. In this commentary I suggest that future research on this topic could be inspired by collecting parents' germ cell exposure histories, with particular attention to cases of families with multiple children suffering idiopathic disorders. In so doing I focus on the endpoint of autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Rates of this serious neurodevelopment disability have climbed around the world, a growing crisis that cannot be explained by diagnostic shifts. ASD's strong heritability has prompted a research program largely focused on DNA sequencing to locate rare and common variants, but decades of this gene-focused research have revealed surprisingly little about the molecular origins of the disorder. Based on my experience as the mother of two children with idiopathic autism, and as a research philanthropist and autism advocate, I suggest ways researchers might probe parental germ cell exposure histories to develop new hypotheses that may ultimately reveal sources of non-genetic heritability in a subset of idiopathic heritable pathologies.
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30
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Lin LZ, Xu SL, Wu QZ, Zhou Y, Ma HM, Chen DH, Chen GB, Yu HY, Yang BY, Zeng XW, Hu LW, Dong GH. Association of Prenatal, Early Postnatal, or Current Exposure to Secondhand Smoke With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Symptoms in Children. JAMA Netw Open 2021; 4:e2110931. [PMID: 34014325 PMCID: PMC8138689 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2021.10931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Few studies have investigated the association between the exposure window (prenatal, early postnatal, and current period) of secondhand smoke (SHS) and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms and subtypes in children. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the associations of prenatal, early postnatal, or current SHS exposure with ADHD symptoms and subtypes among school-aged children. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS In this cross-sectional study, 48 612 children aged 6 to 18 years from elementary and middle schools in Liaoning province, China, between April 2012 and January 2013 were eligible for participation. Data on SHS exposure and ADHD symptoms and subtypes for each child were collected via questionnaires administered to parents or guardians by school teachers. Data were analyzed from September 14 to December 2, 2020. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES The ADHD symptoms and subtypes (inattention, hyperactivity-impulsivity, and combined) were measured based on a validated tool developed from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fourth Edition). Generalized linear mixed models were evaluated to estimate the association of SHS exposure with ADHD symptoms and subtypes. RESULTS A total of 45 562 participants completed the questionnaires and were included in this study (22 905 girls [50.3%]; mean [SD] age, 11.0 [2.6] years; 2170 [4.8%] with ADHD symptoms). Compared with their unexposed counterparts, children who were ever exposed (odds ratio [OR], 1.50; 95% CI, 1.36-1.66) or always exposed to SHS (OR, 2.88; 95% CI, 2.55-3.25) from pregnancy to childhood had higher odds of having ADHD symptoms and subtypes (ORs ranged from 1.46 [95% CI, 1.31-1.62] to 2.94 [95% CI, 2.09-4.13]). Compared with their unexposed counterparts, children with SHS exposure had higher odds of having ADHD symptoms when exposed in the prenatal period (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 2.07-2.51), early postnatal period (OR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.29-1.68), or current period (OR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.09-1.31). Compared with their unexposed counterparts, children whose fathers smoked 10 or more cigarettes/d on both weekdays and weekends had higher odds of having ADHD symptoms and subtypes (ORs ranged from 1.48 [95% CI, 1.28-1.70] to 2.25 [95% CI, 1.29-3.93]). CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE Being exposed to SHS from pregnancy to childhood was associated with higher odds of having ADHD symptoms and subtypes among school-aged children, and the associations were somewhat stronger for SHS exposure during prenatal and early postnatal periods. Our findings highlight the important public health implications of reducing SHS exposure, which may decrease the health and economic burdens of individuals with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Zi Lin
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Li Xu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi-Zhen Wu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yang Zhou
- State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Health Risk Assessment, South China Institute of Environmental Sciences, Ministry of Environmental Protection, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui-Min Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Organic Geochemistry and Guangdong Key Laboratory of Environmental Protection and Resources Utilization, Guangzhou Institute of Geochemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Duo-Hong Chen
- Department of Air Quality Forecasting and Early Warning, Guangdong Environmental Monitoring Center, State Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Regional Air Quality Monitoring, Guangdong Environmental Protection Key Laboratory of Atmospheric Secondary Pollution, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gong-Bo Chen
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Yao Yu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bo-Yi Yang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Wen Zeng
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Li-Wen Hu
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guang-Hui Dong
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Environmental Pollution and Health Risk Assessment, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Cooper SY, Akers AT, Henderson BJ. Flavors Enhance Nicotine Vapor Self-administration in Male Mice. Nicotine Tob Res 2021; 23:566-572. [PMID: 32860507 PMCID: PMC7885783 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntaa165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Although the use of combustible cigarettes has decreased in many urban regions of America, the use of electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) has dramatically increased. ENDS, or electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), differ from combustible cigarettes given that there are no restrictions on flavorant additives in e-liquids. With 95% of ENDS users vaping flavored e-liquids, it is critical to understand how flavors alter vaping-related behaviors. We have previously shown that menthol and green apple flavors enhance nicotine reward-related behavior in a mouse model and in the present study have investigated how menthol and green apple flavors alter e-Vape self-administration behavior in male mice. METHODS Adult C57/BL6J male mice were used in vapor-inhalation self-administration assays. Mice were assigned vaping e-liquids (6 mg/mL nicotine with or without menthol or green apple flavor) to escalate on a fixed-ratio 1 (FR1) schedule in daily 3-hour sessions to examine initiation-related behaviors. Following escalation, mice were transitioned to a FR3 and progressive ratio schedules in 3-hour sessions to examine reinforcement-related behaviors. RESULTS Here we observed that male mice exhibited increased rates of self-administration escalation on a FR1 schedule when assigned to flavored e-liquids. Upon transition to FR3, mice continued to exhibit enhanced levels of reinforcement with flavored e-liquids. We also observed that mice self-administer zero-nicotine green apple flavored e-liquids. CONCLUSIONS These data provide additional evidence that ENDS flavors enhance vaping-related initiation and reinforcement-related behavior and promote the need to continue investigating the role ENDS flavors play in vaping-related behaviors. IMPLICATIONS There has been much discussion recently regarding the impact of flavors on vaping-related behavior. Our study here shows that flavors significantly enhance the acquisition and reinforcement of vaping-related behavior. This suggests that flavors in electronic nicotine delivery systems significantly increase the risk of addiction-related behaviors among users of vaping products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Skylar Y Cooper
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, WV
| | - Austin T Akers
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, WV
| | - Brandon J Henderson
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Joan C Edwards School of Medicine at Marshall University, Huntington, WV
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Yan R, Chen XL, Xu YM, Lau ATY. Epimutational effects of electronic cigarettes. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:17044-17067. [PMID: 33655478 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-12985-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes), since they do not require tobacco combustion, have traditionally been considered less harmful than conventional cigarettes (c-cigarettes). In recent years, however, researchers have found many toxic compounds in the aerosols of e-cigarettes, and numerous studies have shown that e-cigarettes can adversely affect the human epigenome. In this review, we provide an update on recent findings regarding epigenetic outcomes of e-cigarette aerosols. Moreover, we discussed the effects of several typical e-cigarette ingredients (nicotine, tobacco-specific nitrosamines, volatile organic compounds, carbonyl compounds, and toxic metals) on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and noncoding RNA expression. These epigenetic effects could explain some of the diseases caused by e-cigarettes. It also reminds the public that like c-cigarettes, inhaling e-cigarette aerosols could also be accompanied with potential epigenotoxicity on the human body.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Yan
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu-Li Chen
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan-Ming Xu
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China.
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China.
| | - Andy T Y Lau
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Epigenetics, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China.
- Clinical Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, 515041, People's Republic of China.
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Sha R, Chen Y, Wang Y, Luo Y, Liu Y, Ma Y, Li Y, Xu L, Xie HQ, Zhao B. Gestational and lactational exposure to 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin in mice: Neurobehavioral effects on female offspring. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2021; 752:141784. [PMID: 32889265 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2020.141784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2020] [Revised: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 08/17/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that perinatal dioxin exposure affects neurodevelopment and impairs multiple brain functions, including cognitive, language, learning and emotion, in the offspring. However, the impacts of gestational and lactational exposure to dioxin on behavior and related molecular events are still not fully understood. In this study, female C57BL/6J mice were orally administered three doses of 2, 3, 7, 8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) (0.1 or 10 μg/kg body weight (bw)) during the pregnancy and lactation periods. The locomotion, exploration and anxiety-related behaviors were examined by an open field test of the young adult female offspring at postnatal day 68. We found that the maternal TCDD exposure, particularly at a low dose, increased movement ability, novelty-exploration and certain anxiety-related behaviors in the offspring. Such hyperactivity-like behaviors were accompanied by the upregulation of certain genes associated with cholinergic neurotransmission or synaptogenesis in the offspring brain. In accordance with the potential enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission due to the gene upregulations, the enzymatic activity of acetylcholinesterase was decreased, which might lead to excess acetylcholine and consequent hyper-excitation at the synapses. Thus, we found that gestational and lactational TCDD exposure at low dose caused hyperactivity-like behaviors in young adult female offspring and speculated the enhancement of cholinergic neurotransmission and synaptogenesis as potential molecular events underlying the neurobehavioral effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Sha
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yangsheng Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yijing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yali Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yiyun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yongchao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yunping Li
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Li Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Heidi Qunhui Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
| | - Bin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100085, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
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Finch CE, Morgan TE. Developmental Exposure to Air Pollution, Cigarettes, and Lead: Implications for Brain Aging. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-devpsych-042320-044338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Brain development is impaired by maternal exposure to airborne toxins from ambient air pollution, cigarette smoke, and lead. Shared postnatal consequences include gray matter deficits and abnormal behaviors as well as elevated blood pressure. These unexpectedly broad convergences have implications for later life brain health because these same airborne toxins accelerate brain aging. Gene-environment interactions are shown for ApoE alleles that influence the risk of Alzheimer disease. The multigenerational trace of these toxins extends before fertilization because egg cells are formed in the grandmaternal uterus. The lineage and sex-specific effects of grandmaternal exposure to lead and cigarettes indicate epigenetic processes of relevance to future generations from our current and recent exposure to airborne toxins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caleb E. Finch
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0191, USA;,
| | - Todd E. Morgan
- Leonard Davis School of Gerontology and Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90089-0191, USA;,
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Schmidt S. E-Cigarette Aerosols and the Brain: Behavioral and Neuroinflammatory Changes in Prenatally Exposed Adult Mice. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:104005. [PMID: 33104447 PMCID: PMC7587668 DOI: 10.1289/ehp7315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/29/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
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Polli FS, Scharff MB, Ipsen TH, Aznar S, Kohlmeier KA, Andreasen JT. Prenatal nicotine exposure in mice induces sex-dependent anxiety-like behavior, cognitive deficits, hyperactivity, and changes in the expression of glutamate receptor associated-genes in the prefrontal cortex. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2020; 195:172951. [PMID: 32439454 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2020.172951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
In rodents, prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) has been associated with increased risk for development of cognitive and emotional disturbances, but the findings are somewhat conflicting. Lack of behavioral alterations following PNE could be due to the variety of methods available for nicotine delivery, exposure time and species used, with inbred strains being mostly employed. Such differences suggest the need to investigate the behavioral phenotype in each PNE model available if we are to find models with enhanced translational value. In this study, we assessed sex-dependent effects of PNE on ADHD-related behaviors and on the levels of mRNA coding for glutamate receptor subunits within the prefrontal cortex in the outbred NMRI mice exposed to nicotine via maternal drinking water during gestation. Cotinine levels were assessed in newborn pups. Behaviors related to anxiety, compulsivity, working memory, and locomotion were evaluated in both sexes of young adult offspring using the elevated zero maze, marble burying, spontaneous alternation behavior, and locomotor activity tests. Expression of mRNA coding for different glutamate receptors subunits within the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was measured using RT-qPCR. Cotinine levels in the serum of newborns confirmed fetal nicotine exposure. Both male and female offspring showed ADHD-like behaviors, such as deficit in the SAB test and hyperactivity. In addition, PNE male mice displayed anxiety- and compulsive-like behaviors, effects that were absent in female offspring. Finally, PNE reduced the mRNA expression of GluN1-, GluN2B-, and mGluR2-related genes within the PFC of male offspring, whereas it reduced the expression of mRNA coding for GluA2 subunit in female mice. PNE in NMRI mice induced sex-dependent behavioral changes, which parallels clinical findings following maternal cigarette smoke exposure. Alterations detected in PFC mRNA glutamate receptor proteins could contribute to the abnormal behavioral responses observed, but other signaling pathways or brain regions are likely involved in the behavioral susceptibility of PNE individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip S Polli
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Malthe B Scharff
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Theis H Ipsen
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Susana Aznar
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg Hospital, Copenhagen 2400, Denmark
| | - Kristi A Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Andreasen
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen 2100, Denmark.
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Church JS, Chace-Donahue F, Blum JL, Ratner JR, Zelikoff JT, Schwartzer JJ. Neuroinflammatory and Behavioral Outcomes Measured in Adult Offspring of Mice Exposed Prenatally to E-Cigarette Aerosols. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVES 2020; 128:47006. [PMID: 32293200 PMCID: PMC7228099 DOI: 10.1289/ehp6067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In an effort to decrease the rates of smoking conventional tobacco cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been proposed as an effective smoking cessation tool. However, little is known about their toxicological impacts. This is concerning given that e-cigarette use is perceived as less harmful than conventional tobacco cigarettes during pregnancy for both the mother and fetus. OBJECTIVE The goal of this study was to test the neurodevelopmental consequences of maternal e-cigarette use on adult offspring behavior and neuroimmune outcomes. METHODS Pregnant female CD-1 mice were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups (n=8-10 per group) and exposed daily to either filtered air, propylene glycol and vegetable glycerol (50:50 PG/VG vehicle), or to PG/VG with 16mg/mL nicotine (+Nic). Whole-body exposures were carried out for 3 h/d, 7 d/week, from gestational day (GD)0.5 until GD17.5. Adult male and female offspring (8 weeks old) were assessed across a battery of behavioral assessments followed by region-specific quantification of brain cytokines using multiplex immunoassays. RESULTS Adult offspring of both sexes exposed to +Nic exhibited elevated locomotor activity in the elevated plus maze and altered stress-coping strategies in the forced swim task. Moreover, male and female offspring exposed to PG/VG with and without nicotine had a 5.2% lower object discrimination score in the novel object recognition task. In addition to differences in offspring behavior, maternal e-cigarette exposure with nicotine led to a reduction in interleukin (IL)-4 and interferon-gamma (IFNγ) in the diencephalon, as well as lower levels of hippocampal IFNγ (females only). E-cigarette exposure without nicotine resulted in a 2-fold increase of IL-6 in the cerebellum. DISCUSSION These findings support previous adverse findings of e-cigarette exposure on neurodevelopment in a mouse model and provide substantial evidence of persistent adverse behavioral and neuroimmunological consequences to adult offspring following maternal e-cigarette exposure during pregnancy. https://doi.org/10.1289/EHP6067.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamie S. Church
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Fiona Chace-Donahue
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jason L. Blum
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jill R. Ratner
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Judith T. Zelikoff
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Jared J. Schwartzer
- Program in Neuroscience and Behavior, Department of Psychology and Education, Mount Holyoke College, South Hadley, Massachusetts, USA
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Buck JM, O'Neill HC, Stitzel JA. Developmental nicotine exposure engenders intergenerational downregulation and aberrant posttranslational modification of cardinal epigenetic factors in the frontal cortices, striata, and hippocampi of adolescent mice. Epigenetics Chromatin 2020; 13:13. [PMID: 32138755 PMCID: PMC7059320 DOI: 10.1186/s13072-020-00332-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Maternal smoking of traditional or electronic cigarettes during pregnancy, which constitutes developmental nicotine exposure (DNE), heightens the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia in children. Modeling the intergenerationally transmissible impacts of smoking during pregnancy, we previously demonstrated that both the first- and second-generation adolescent offspring of nicotine-exposed female mice exhibit enhanced nicotine preference, hyperactivity and risk-taking behaviors, aberrant rhythmicity of home cage activity, nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and dopamine transporter dysfunction, impaired furin-mediated proBDNF proteolysis, hypocorticosteronemia-related glucocorticoid receptor hypoactivity, and global DNA hypomethylation in the frontal cortices and striata. This ensemble of multigenerational DNE-induced behavioral, neuropharmacological, neurotrophic, neuroendocrine, and DNA methylomic anomalies recapitulates the pathosymptomatology of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia. Further probing the epigenetic bases of DNE-induced multigenerational phenotypic aberrations, the present study examined the expression and phosphorylation of key epigenetic factors via an array of immunoblot experiments. RESULTS Data indicate that DNE confers intergenerational deficits in corticostriatal DNA methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) expression accompanied by downregulation of methyl-CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) and histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) in the frontal cortices and hippocampi, while the expression of ten-eleven translocase methylcytosine dioxygenase 2 (TET2) is unaltered. Moreover, DNE evokes multigenerational abnormalities in HDAC2 (Ser394) but not MeCP2 (Ser421) phosphorylation in the frontal cortices, striata, and hippocampi. CONCLUSIONS In light of the extensive gene regulatory roles of DNMT3A, MeCP2, and HDAC2, the findings of this study that DNE elicits downregulation and aberrant posttranslational modification of these factors in both first- and second-generation DNE mice suggest that epigenetic perturbations may constitute a mechanistic hub for the intergenerational transmission of DNE-induced neurodevelopmental disorder-like phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA.
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA.
| | - Heidi C O'Neill
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, 1480 30th Street, Boulder, CO, 80309-0447, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, USA
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Escher J, Ford LD. General anesthesia, germ cells and the missing heritability of autism: an urgent need for research. ENVIRONMENTAL EPIGENETICS 2020; 6:dvaa007. [PMID: 32704384 PMCID: PMC7368377 DOI: 10.1093/eep/dvaa007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Agents of general anesthesia (GA) are commonly employed in surgical, dental and diagnostic procedures to effectuate global suppression of the nervous system, but in addition to somatic targets, the subject's germ cells-from the embryonic primordial stage to the mature gametes-may likewise be exposed. Although GA is generally considered safe for most patients, evidence has accumulated that various compounds, in particular the synthetic volatile anesthetic gases (SVAGs) such as sevoflurane, can exert neurotoxic, genotoxic and epigenotoxic effects, with adverse consequences for cellular and genomic function in both somatic and germline cells. The purpose of this paper is to review the evidence demonstrating that GA, and in particular, SVAGs, may in some circumstances adversely impact the molecular program of germ cells, resulting in brain and behavioral pathology in the progeny born of the exposed cells. Further, we exhort the medical and scientific communities to undertake comprehensive experimental and epidemiological research programs to address this critical gap in risk assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jill Escher
- Correspondence address. Escher Fund for Autism, 1590 Calaveras Avenue, San Jose, CA 95126, USA. E-mail:
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Polli FS, Kohlmeier KA. Alterations in NMDAR-mediated signaling within the laterodorsal tegmental nucleus are associated with prenatal nicotine exposure. Neuropharmacology 2019; 158:107744. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107744] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Polli FS, Kohlmeier KA. Prenatal Nicotine Exposure in Rodents: Why Are There So Many Variations in Behavioral Outcomes? Nicotine Tob Res 2019; 22:1694-1710. [DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntz196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction
The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that smoking cessation rates among women have stagnated in the past decade and estimates that hundreds of millions of women will be smokers in the next decade. Social, environmental, and biological conditions render women more susceptible to nicotine addiction, imposing additional challenges to quit smoking during gestation, which is likely why more than 8% of pregnancies in Europe are associated with smoking. In epidemiological investigations, individuals born from gestational exposure to smoking exhibit a higher risk of development of attention-deficit/hyperactive disorder (ADHD) and liability to drug dependence. Among other teratogenic compounds present in tobacco smoke, nicotine actions during neuronal development could contribute to the observed outcomes as nicotine misleads signaling among progenitor cells during brain development. Several experimental approaches have been developed to address the consequences of prenatal nicotine exposure (PNE) to the brain and behavior but, after four decades of studies, inconsistent data have been reported and the lack of consensus in the field has compromised the hypothesis that gestational nicotine exposure participates in cognitive and emotional behavioral deficits.
Aims
In this review, we discuss the most commonly used PNE models with focus on their advantages and disadvantages, their relative validity, and how the different technical approaches could play a role in the disparate outcomes.
Results
We propose methodological considerations, which could improve the translational significance of the PNE models.
Conclusions
Such alterations might be helpful in reconciling experimental findings, as well as leading to development of treatment targets for maladaptive behaviors in those prenatally exposed.
Implications
In this article, we have reviewed the advantages and disadvantages of different variables of the commonly used experimental models of PNE. We discuss how variations in the nicotine administration methods, the timing of nicotine exposure, nicotine doses, and species employed could contribute to the disparate findings in outcomes for PNE offspring, both in behavior and neuronal changes. In addition, recent findings suggest consideration of epigenetic effects extending across generations. Finally, we have suggested improvements in the available PNE models that could contribute to the enhancement of their validity, which could assist in the reconciliation of experimental findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Souza Polli
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristi Anne Kohlmeier
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Buck JM, O'Neill HC, Stitzel JA. Developmental nicotine exposure elicits multigenerational disequilibria in proBDNF proteolysis and glucocorticoid signaling in the frontal cortices, striata, and hippocampi of adolescent mice. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 168:438-451. [PMID: 31404529 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Maternal smoking of conventional or vapor cigarettes during pregnancy, a form of developmental nicotine exposure (DNE), enhances the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia in children. Modeling the multigenerational effects of smoking during pregnancy and nursing in the first- (F1) and second- (F2) generation adolescent offspring of oral nicotine-treated female C57BL/6J mice, we have previously reported that DNE precipitates intergenerational transmission of nicotine preference, hyperactivity and impulsivity-like behaviors, altered rhythmicity of home cage activity, corticostriatal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and dopamine transporter dysfunction, and corticostriatal global DNA methylome deficits. In aggregate, these DNE-evoked behavioral, neuropharmacological, and epigenomic anomalies mirror fundamental etiological aspects of neurodevelopmental disorders including ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia. Expanding this line of research, the current study profiled the multigenerational neurotrophic and neuroendocrine consequences of DNE. Results reveal impaired proBDNF proteolysis as indicated by proBDNF-BDNF imbalance, downregulation of the proBDNF processing enzyme furin, atypical glucocorticoid receptor (GR) activity as implied by decreased relative nuclear GR localization, and deficient basal plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels in adolescent DNE offspring and grandoffspring. Collectively, these data recapitulate the BDNF deficits and HPA axis dysregulation characteristic of neurodevelopmental disorders such as ADHD, autism, and schizophrenia as well as the children of maternal smokers. Notably, as BDNF is a quintessential mediator of neurodevelopment, our prior findings of multigenerational DNE-induced behavioral and neuropharmacological abnormalities may stem from neurodevelopmental insults conferred by the proBDNF-BDNF imbalance detected in DNE mice. Similarly, our findings of multigenerational GR hypoactivity may contribute to the increased risk-taking behaviors and aberrant circadian rhythmicity of home cage activity that we previously documented in first- and second-generation DNE mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordan M Buck
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States; Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States.
| | - Heidi C O'Neill
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States
| | - Jerry A Stitzel
- Institute for Behavioral Genetics, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States; Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado, Boulder, United States
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