1
|
Bakhtazad A, Kabbaj M, Garmabi B, Joghataei MT. The role of CART peptide in learning and memory: A potential therapeutic target in memory-related disorders. Peptides 2024; 181:171298. [PMID: 39317295 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171298] [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] [Received: 04/27/2024] [Revised: 08/19/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/26/2024]
Abstract
Cocaine and amphetamine-regulated transcript (CART) mRNA and peptide are vastly expressed in both cortical and subcortical brain areas and are involved in critical cognitive functions. CART peptide (CARTp), described in reward-related brain structures, regulates drug-induced learning and memory, and its role appears specific to psychostimulants. However, many other drugs of abuse, such as alcohol, opiates, nicotine, and caffeine, have been shown to alter the expression levels of CART mRNA and peptides in brain structures directly or indirectly associated with learning and memory processes. However, the number of studies demonstrating the contribution of CARTp in learning and memory is still minimal. Notably, the exact cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying CARTp effects are still unknown. The discoveries that CARTp effects are mediated through a putative G-protein coupled receptor and activation of cellular signaling cascades via NMDA receptor-coupled ERK have enhanced our knowledge about the action of this neuropeptide and allowed us to comprehend better CARTp exact cellular/molecular mechanisms that could mediate drug-induced changes in learning and memory functions. Unfortunately, these efforts have been impeded by the lack of suitable and specific CARTp receptor antagonists. In this review, following a short introduction about CARTp, we report on current knowledge about CART's roles in learning and memory processes and its recently described role in memory-related neurological disorders. We will also discuss the importance of further investigating how CARTp interacts with its receptor(s) and other neurotransmitter systems to influence learning and memory functions. This topic is sure to intrigue and motivate further exploration in the field of neuroscience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atefeh Bakhtazad
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Deputy of Research and Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mohamed Kabbaj
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, United States; Program of Neuroscience, Florida State University, Tallahassee, FL 32306-1270, United States
| | - Behzad Garmabi
- School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taghi Joghataei
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Deputy of Research and Technology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Binge-like Prenatal Ethanol Exposure Causes Impaired Cellular Differentiation in the Embryonic Forebrain and Synaptic and Behavioral Defects in Adult Mice. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12060793. [PMID: 35741678 PMCID: PMC9220802 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12060793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
An embryo’s in-utero exposure to ethanol due to a mother’s alcohol drinking results in a range of deficits in the child that are collectively termed fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). Prenatal ethanol exposure is one of the leading causes of preventable intellectual disability. Its neurobehavioral underpinnings warrant systematic research. We investigated the immediate effects on embryos of acute prenatal ethanol exposure during gestational days (GDs) and the influence of such exposure on persistent neurobehavioral deficits in adult offspring. We administered pregnant C57BL/6J mice with ethanol (1.75 g/kg) (GDE) or saline (GDS) intraperitoneally (i.p.) at 0 h and again at 2 h intervals on GD 8 and GD 12. Subsequently, we assessed apoptosis, differentiation, and signaling events in embryo forebrains (E13.5; GD13.5). Long-lasting effects of GDE were evaluated via a behavioral test battery. We also determined the long-term potentiation and synaptic plasticity-related protein expression in adult hippocampal tissue. GDE caused apoptosis, inhibited differentiation, and reduced pERK and pCREB signaling and the expression of transcription factors Pax6 and Lhx2. GDE caused persistent spatial and social investigation memory deficits compared with saline controls, regardless of sex. Interestingly, GDE adult mice exhibited enhanced repetitive and anxiety-like behavior, irrespective of sex. GDE reduced synaptic plasticity-related protein expression and caused hippocampal synaptic plasticity (LTP and LTD) deficits in adult offspring. These findings demonstrate that binge-like ethanol exposure at the GD8 and GD12 developmental stages causes defects in pERK–pCREB signaling and reduces the expression of Pax6 and Lhx2, leading to impaired cellular differentiation during the embryonic stage. In the adult stage, binge-like ethanol exposure caused persistent synaptic and behavioral abnormalities in adult mice. Furthermore, the findings suggest that combining ethanol exposure at two sensitive stages (GD8 and GD12) causes deficits in synaptic plasticity-associated proteins (Arc, Egr1, Fgf1, GluR1, and GluN1), leading to persistent FASD-like neurobehavioral deficits in mice.
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhang X, Liu Y, Li J, Li B, Yang X, Sun Q, Yan J, Wang Z, Liu H. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure and the Risk of Depression in Offspring: a Meta-Analysis. Int J Clin Pract 2022; 2022:5458611. [PMID: 35685596 PMCID: PMC9159193 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5458611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE) has been related to poor consequences of mental health in offspring. However, it remains unknown whether maternal alcohol drinking during pregnancy is associated with depression in the offspring. Methods A meta-analysis was performed accordingly. Relevant observational studies were identified from Medline, Embase, and Web of Science databases. A fixed-effect or a random-effect model was selected dependending on the between-study heterogeneity. Results Eight cohort studies were included. The heterogeneity was not significant (I 2 = 14%). A meta-analysis with a fixed-effect model showed that PAE was associated with a higher risk of depression in offspring (odds ratio (OR): 2.28, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.61 to 3.25, p < 0.001). Subgroup analysis showed that moderate (OR: 1.74, 95% CI: 1.22 to 2.49, p=0.002, I 2 = 0%) or heavy (OR: 2.41, 95% CI: 1.55 to 3.73, p < 0.001, I 2 = 0%) maternal alcohol drinking in pregnancy was associated with depression in offspring, but not for those with low maternal alcohol drinking (OR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.97 to 1.44, p=0.10, I 2 = 0%). Further subgroup analyses according to study design, timing of PAE evaluation, age at depression diagnosis, and quality scores showed consistent results. Univariate metaregression showed a dose-response association between PAE and offspring depression (coefficient: 0.073, 95% CI: 0.019 to 0.127, p=0.014). Conclusions Current evidence suggests that PAE may be a risk factor of depression in offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Yanru Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Binbin Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Xingjie Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Qi Sun
- Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, Hebei, China
| | - Jingyi Yan
- Chengde Medical University, Chengde 067000, Hebei, China
| | - Zhiren Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing 100096, China
| | - Huaqing Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Beijing Huilongguan Hospital, Beijing 100096, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yao H, Shen H, Yu H, Wang C, Ding R, Lan X, Tash D, Wu X, Wang X, Zhang G. Chronic ethanol exposure induced depressive-like behavior in male C57BL/6 N mice by downregulating GluA1. Physiol Behav 2021; 234:113387. [PMID: 33713693 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Chronic ethanol exposure can increase the risk of depression. The α-amino-3‑hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionic acid (AMPA) receptor is a key factor in depression and its treatment. The study was conducted to investigate the depressive-like behavior induced by chronic ethanol exposure in mice and to explore the mechanism in cells. To establish the chronic ethanol exposure mouse model, male C57BL/6 N mice were administered 10% (m/V) and 20% (m/V) ethanol as the only choice for drinking for 60 days, 90 days and 180 days. Depressive-like behavior in mice was confirmed by the forced swimming test (FST). Ethanol-induced changes in the mouse hippocampus were indicated by Western blotting, qPCR and Fluoro-Jade C (FJC) staining. We confirmed that 90- and 180-day ethanol exposure can lead to depressive-like mouse behavior, cell apoptosis, neuronal degeneration, a reduction in GluA1 and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, and an increase in IL-6 and IL-1β in the mouse hippocampus. GluA1 silencing and overexpression models of SH-SY5Y cells were established for further investigation. The cells were treated with 100 mM and 200 mM ethanol for 24 h. Ethanol exposure decreased cell viability and the expression of BDNF and increased the cell apoptosis rate and the expression of BAX, cleaved caspase-3, IL-1β and IL-6. GluA1 silencing aggravated ethanol-induced changes in cell viability and apoptosis and the expression of BDNF, BAX and cleaved caspase-3, and GluA1 overexpression attenuated these changes. Neither the silencing nor overexpression of GluA1 had an effect on ethanol-induced increases in IL-1β and IL-6. Our results indicated that chronic ethanol exposure induced depressive-like behavior in male C57BL/6 N mice by downregulating GluA1 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yao
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China
| | - Hui Shen
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China
| | - Hao Yu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China
| | - Changliang Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China; The People's Procuratorate of Liaoning Province Judicial Authentication Center, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110032, P. R. China; Collaborative Laboratory of Intelligentized Forensic Science (CLIFS), Shenyang, Liaoning, 110032, P. R. China
| | - Runtao Ding
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China; School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong, 261053, P. R. China
| | - Xinze Lan
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China
| | - Dilichati Tash
- Kizilsu Kirgiz Autonomous Prefecture Public Security Bureau, Artux, Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, 845350, P. R. China
| | - Xu Wu
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China.
| | - Xiaolong Wang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China.
| | - Guohua Zhang
- Department of Forensic Pathology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, 110122, P. R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Qiao X, Sun M, Chen Y, Jin W, Zhao H, Zhang W, Lai J, Yan H. Ethanol-Induced Neuronal and Cognitive/Emotional Impairments are Accompanied by Down-Regulated NT3-TrkC-ERK in Hippocampus. Alcohol Alcohol 2021; 56:220-229. [PMID: 33103180 DOI: 10.1093/alcalc/agaa101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Ethanol ingestion affects cognition and emotion, which have been attributed to the dysfunction of specific brain structures. Studies of alcoholic patients and animal models consistently identify reduced hippocampal mass as a key ethanol-induced brain adaptation. This study evaluated how neuroadaptation in the hippocampus (Hip) produced by ethanol contributed to related behavioral deficits in male and female rats. METHODS Effects of acute, short-term and long-term ethanol exposure on the anxiety-like behavior and recognition memory on adult male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were assessed using elevated plus maze test and novel object recognition test, respectively. In addition, in order to investigate the direct effect of ethanol on hippocampal neurons, primary culture of hippocampal neurons was exposed to ethanol (10, 30 and 90 mM; 1, 24 and 48 h), and viability (CCK-8) and morphology (immunocytochemistry) were analyzed at structural levels. Western blot assays were used to assess protein levels of NT3-TrkC-ERK. RESULTS Acute and short-term ethanol exposure exerted anxiolytic effects, whereas long-term ethanol exposure induced anxiogenic responses in both sexes. Short-term ethanol exposure impaired spatial memory only in female rats, whereas long-term ethanol exposure impaired spatial and recognition memory in both sexes. These behavioral impairments and ethanol-induced loss of hippocampal neurons and decreased cell viability were accompanied by downregulated NT3-TrkC-ERK pathway. CONCLUSION These results indicate that NT3-TrkC-ERK signaling in the Hip may play an important role in ethanol-induced structural and behavioral impairments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Qiao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Mizhu Sun
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Forensic Biology, College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Wenyang Jin
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Huan Zhao
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Weiqi Zhang
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| | - Jianghua Lai
- Department of Forensic Biology, College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No.76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, No.76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710061, China
| | - Hongtao Yan
- Department of Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No.100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Brancato A, Castelli V, Lavanco G, Cannizzaro C. Environmental Enrichment During Adolescence Mitigates Cognitive Deficits and Alcohol Vulnerability due to Continuous and Intermittent Perinatal Alcohol Exposure in Adult Rats. Front Behav Neurosci 2020; 14:583122. [PMID: 33100982 PMCID: PMC7546794 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.583122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Perinatal alcohol exposure affects ontogenic neurodevelopment, causing physical and functional long-term abnormalities with limited treatment options. This study investigated long-term consequences of continuous and intermittent maternal alcohol drinking on behavioral readouts of cognitive function and alcohol vulnerability in the offspring. The effects of environmental enrichment (EE) during adolescence were also evaluated. Female rats underwent continuous alcohol drinking (CAD)—or intermittent alcohol drinking paradigm (IAD), along pregestation, gestation, and lactation periods—equivalent to the whole gestational period in humans. Male offspring were reared in standard conditions or EE until adulthood and were then assessed for declarative memory in the novel object recognition test; spatial learning, cognitive flexibility, and reference memory in the Morris water maze (MWM); alcohol consumption and relapse by a two-bottle choice paradigm. Our data show that perinatal CAD decreased locomotor activity, exploratory behavior, and declarative memory with respect to controls, whereas perinatal IAD displayed impaired declarative memory and spatial learning and memory. Moreover, both perinatal alcohol-exposed offspring showed higher vulnerability to alcohol consummatory behavior than controls, albeit perinatal IAD rats showed a greater alcohol consumption and relapse behavior with respect to perinatal-CAD progeny. EE ameliorated declarative memory in perinatal CAD, while it mitigated spatial learning and reference memory impairment in perinatal-IAD progeny. In addition, EE decreased vulnerability to alcohol in both control and perinatal alcohol-exposed rats. Maternal alcohol consumption produces drinking pattern-related long-term consequences on cognition and vulnerability to alcohol in the offspring. However, increased positive environmental stimuli during adolescence may curtail the detrimental effects of developmental alcohol exposure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Brancato
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Biomedicine, Neuroscience and Advanced Diagnostics, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| | - Gianluca Lavanco
- INSERM U1215, NeuroCentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France.,University of Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France.,Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Cannizzaro
- Department of Health Promotion, Mother and Child Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties of Excellence "G. D'Alessandro", University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ong ZY, McNally GP. CART in energy balance and drug addiction: Current insights and mechanisms. Brain Res 2020; 1740:146852. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.146852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
|
8
|
Zuniga A, Ryabinin AE. Involvement of Centrally Projecting Edinger-Westphal Nucleus Neuropeptides in Actions of Addictive Drugs. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10020067. [PMID: 31991932 PMCID: PMC7071833 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10020067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The centrally-projecting Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWcp) is a brain region distinct from the preganglionic Edinger-Westphal nucleus (EWpg). In contrast to the EWpg, the EWcp does not send projections to the ciliary ganglion and appears not to regulate oculomotor function. Instead, evidence is accumulating that the EWcp is extremely sensitive to alcohol and several other drugs of abuse. Studies using surgical, genetic knockout, and shRNA approaches further implicate the EWcp in the regulation of alcohol sensitivity and self-administration. The EWcp is also known as the site of preferential expression of urocortin 1, a peptide of the corticotropin-releasing factor family. However, neuroanatomical data indicate that the EWcp is not a monotypic brain region and consists of several distinct subpopulations of neurons. It is most likely that these subpopulations of the EWcp are differentially involved in the regulation of actions of addictive drugs. This review summarizes and analyzes the current literature of the EWcp's involvement in actions of drugs of abuse in male and female subjects in light of the accumulating evidence of complexities of this brain region.
Collapse
|