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Cohen J, Mathew A, Dourvetakis KD, Sanchez-Guerrero E, Pangeni RP, Gurusamy N, Aenlle KK, Ravindran G, Twahir A, Isler D, Sosa-Garcia SR, Llizo A, Bested AC, Theoharides TC, Klimas NG, Kempuraj D. Recent Research Trends in Neuroinflammatory and Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2024; 13:511. [PMID: 38534355 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060511] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), traumatic brain injury (TBI) and Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are chronic major health disorders. The exact mechanism of the neuroimmune dysfunctions of these disease pathogeneses is currently not clearly understood. These disorders show dysregulated neuroimmune and inflammatory responses, including activation of neurons, glial cells, and neurovascular unit damage associated with excessive release of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, neurotoxic mediators, and infiltration of peripheral immune cells into the brain, as well as entry of inflammatory mediators through damaged neurovascular endothelial cells, blood-brain barrier and tight junction proteins. Activation of glial cells and immune cells leads to the release of many inflammatory and neurotoxic molecules that cause neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. Gulf War Illness (GWI) and myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome (ME/CFS) are chronic disorders that are also associated with neuroimmune dysfunctions. Currently, there are no effective disease-modifying therapeutic options available for these diseases. Human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived neurons, astrocytes, microglia, endothelial cells and pericytes are currently used for many disease models for drug discovery. This review highlights certain recent trends in neuroinflammatory responses and iPSC-derived brain cell applications in neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Cohen
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Annette Mathew
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Kirk D Dourvetakis
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Estella Sanchez-Guerrero
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Rajendra P Pangeni
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Narasimman Gurusamy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Barry and Judy Silverman College of Pharmacy, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Kristina K Aenlle
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Miami VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Geeta Ravindran
- Cell Therapy Institute, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Allopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Assma Twahir
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Dylan Isler
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Sara Rukmini Sosa-Garcia
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Axel Llizo
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Alison C Bested
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
| | - Theoharis C Theoharides
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery, Department of Immunology, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02111, USA
| | - Nancy G Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
- Miami VA Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), Miami Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Duraisamy Kempuraj
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL 33328, USA
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Ribeiro-Davis A, Al Saeedy DY, Jahr FM, Hawkins E, McClay JL, Deshpande LS. Ketamine Produces Antidepressant Effects by Inhibiting Histone Deacetylases and Upregulating Hippocampal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels in a Diisopropyl Fluorophosphate-Based Rat Model of Gulf War Illness. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2024; 388:647-654. [PMID: 37863487 PMCID: PMC10801753 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.123.001824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately one-third of Gulf War veterans suffer from Gulf War Illness (GWI), which encompasses mood disorders and depressive symptoms. Deployment-related exposure to organophosphate compounds has been associated with GWI development. Epigenetic modifications have been reported in GWI veterans. We previously showed that epigenetic histone dysregulations were associated with decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in a GWI rat model. GWI has no effective therapies. Ketamine (KET) has recently been approved by the Food and Drug Administration for therapy-resistant depression. Interestingly, BDNF upregulation underlies KET's antidepressant effect in GWI-related depression. Here, we investigated whether KET's effect on histone mechanisms signals BDNF upregulations in GWI. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were injected once daily with diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP; 0.5 mg/kg, s.c., 5 days). At 6 months following DFP exposure, KET (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected, and brains were dissected 24 hours later. Western blotting was used for protein expression, and epigenetic studies used chromatin immunoprecipitation methods. Dil staining was conducted for assessing dendritic spines. Our results indicated that an antidepressant dose of KET inhibited the upregulation of histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes in DFP rats. Furthermore, KET restored acetylated histone occupancy at the Bdnf promoter IV and induced BDNF protein expression in DFP rats. Finally, KET treatment also increased the spine density and altered the spine diversity with increased T-type and decreased S-type spines in DFP rats. Given these findings, we propose that KET's actions involve the inhibition of HDAC expression, upregulation of BDNF, and dendritic modifications that together ameliorates the pathologic synaptic plasticity and exerts an antidepressant effect in DFP rats. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study offers evidence supporting the involvement of epigenetic histone pathways in the antidepressant effects of ketamine (KET) in a rat model of Gulf War Illness (GWI)-like depression. This effect is achieved through the modulation of histone acetylation at the Bdnf promoter, resulting in elevated brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression and subsequent dendritic remodeling in the hippocampus. These findings underscore the rationale for considering KET as a potential candidate for clinical trials aimed at managing GWI-related depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Ribeiro-Davis
- Departments of Neurology (A.R.-D., E.H., L.S.D.), Pharmacology and Toxicology (L.S.D.), School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia and Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcome Sciences (D.Y.A.S., F.M.J., J.L.M.), School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Dalia Y Al Saeedy
- Departments of Neurology (A.R.-D., E.H., L.S.D.), Pharmacology and Toxicology (L.S.D.), School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia and Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcome Sciences (D.Y.A.S., F.M.J., J.L.M.), School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Fay M Jahr
- Departments of Neurology (A.R.-D., E.H., L.S.D.), Pharmacology and Toxicology (L.S.D.), School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia and Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcome Sciences (D.Y.A.S., F.M.J., J.L.M.), School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Elisa Hawkins
- Departments of Neurology (A.R.-D., E.H., L.S.D.), Pharmacology and Toxicology (L.S.D.), School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia and Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcome Sciences (D.Y.A.S., F.M.J., J.L.M.), School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Joseph L McClay
- Departments of Neurology (A.R.-D., E.H., L.S.D.), Pharmacology and Toxicology (L.S.D.), School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia and Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcome Sciences (D.Y.A.S., F.M.J., J.L.M.), School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
| | - Laxmikant S Deshpande
- Departments of Neurology (A.R.-D., E.H., L.S.D.), Pharmacology and Toxicology (L.S.D.), School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia and Department of Pharmacotherapy and Outcome Sciences (D.Y.A.S., F.M.J., J.L.M.), School of Pharmacy, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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Murray KE, Ratliff WA, Delic V, Citron BA. Gulf War toxicant-induced reductions in dendritic arbors and spine densities of dentate granule cells are improved by treatment with a Nrf2 activator. Brain Res 2024; 1823:148682. [PMID: 37989436 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multi-symptom disorder affecting approximately 30 % of Veterans deployed to the Persian Gulf from 1990 to 91. GWI encompasses a wide spectrum of symptoms which frequently include neurological problems such as learning and memory impairments, mood disorders, and an increased incidence of neurodegenerative disorders. Combined exposure to both reversible and irreversible acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitors has been identified as a likely risk factor for GWI. It is possible that the exposures affected connectivity in the brain, and it was also unknown whether this could benefit from treatment. We assessed chronic changes in dendritic architecture in granule cells of the dentate gyrus following exposure to pyridostigmine bromide (PB, 0.7 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos (CPF, 12.5 mg/kg), and N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET, 7.5 mg/kg) in male C57Bl/6J mice. We also evaluated the therapeutic effects of dietary administration for eight weeks of 1 % tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ), a Nrf2 activator, on long-term neuronal morphology. We found that Gulf War toxicant exposure resulted in reduced dendritic length and branching as well as overall spine density in dentate granule cells at 14 weeks post-exposure and that these effects were ameliorated by treatment with tBHQ. These findings indicate that Gulf War toxicant exposure results in chronic changes to dentate granule cell morphology and that modulation of neuroprotective transcription factors such as Nrf2 may improve long-term neuronal health in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen E Murray
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA; School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Whitney A Ratliff
- Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System, Bay Pines, FL 33744, USA
| | - Vedad Delic
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA; School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA
| | - Bruce A Citron
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Research & Development, Department of Veterans Affairs, VA New Jersey Health Care System, East Orange, NJ 07018, USA; School of Graduate Studies, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07103, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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Nguyen F, Shetty AK. Gulf War illness with or without post-traumatic stress disorder: differential symptoms and immune responses. Mil Med Res 2024; 11:5. [PMID: 38212827 PMCID: PMC10785439 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00508-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Faith Nguyen
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 1114 TAMU, 206 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 1114 TAMU, 206 Olsen Boulevard, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
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Sultana E, Shastry N, Kasarla R, Hardy J, Collado F, Aenlle K, Abreu M, Sisson E, Sullivan K, Klimas N, Craddock TJA. Disentangling the effects of PTSD from Gulf War Illness in male veterans via a systems-wide analysis of immune cell, cytokine, and symptom measures. Mil Med Res 2024; 11:2. [PMID: 38167090 PMCID: PMC10759613 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00505-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One-third of veterans returning from the 1990-1991 Gulf War reported a myriad of symptoms including cognitive dysfunction, skin rashes, musculoskeletal discomfort, and fatigue. This symptom cluster is now referred to as Gulf War Illness (GWI). As the underlying mechanisms of GWI have yet to be fully elucidated, diagnosis and treatment are based on symptomatic presentation. One confounding factor tied to the illness is the high presence of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Previous research efforts have demonstrated that both GWI and PTSD are associated with immunological dysfunction. As such, this research endeavor aimed to provide insight into the complex relationship between GWI symptoms, cytokine presence, and immune cell populations to pinpoint the impact of PTSD on these measures in GWI. METHODS Symptom measures were gathered through the Multidimensional fatigue inventory (MFI) and 36-item short form health survey (SF-36) scales and biological measures were obtained through cytokine & cytometry analysis. Subgrouping was conducted using Davidson Trauma Scale scores and the Structured Clinical Interview for Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM)-5, into GWI with high probability of PTSD symptoms (GWIH) and GWI with low probability of PTSD symptoms (GWIL). Data was analyzed using Analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical analysis along with correlation graph analysis. We mapped correlations between immune cells and cytokine signaling measures, hormones and GWI symptom measures to identify patterns in regulation between the GWIH, GWIL, and healthy control groups. RESULTS GWI with comorbid PTSD symptoms resulted in poorer health outcomes compared with both Healthy control (HC) and the GWIL subgroup. Significant differences were found in basophil levels of GWI compared with HC at peak exercise regardless of PTSD symptom comorbidity (ANOVA F = 4.7, P = 0.01,) indicating its potential usage as a biomarker for general GWI from control. While the unique identification of GWI with PTSD symptoms was less clear, the GWIL subgroup was found to be delineated from both GWIH and HC on measures of IL-15 across an exercise challenge (ANOVA F > 3.75, P < 0.03). Additional differences in natural killer (NK) cell numbers and function highlight IL-15 as a potential biomarker of GWI in the absence of PTSD symptoms. CONCLUSION We conclude that disentangling GWI and PTSD by defining trauma-based subgroups may aid in the identification of unique GWI biosignatures that can help to improve diagnosis and target treatment of GWI more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esha Sultana
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Nandan Shastry
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Rishabh Kasarla
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Jacob Hardy
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
| | - Fanny Collado
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Kristina Aenlle
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Maria Abreu
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Emily Sisson
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Kimberly Sullivan
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Nancy Klimas
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA
- Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL, 33125, USA
| | - Travis J A Craddock
- Institute for Neuro-Immune Medicine, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA.
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA.
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA.
- Department of Computer Science, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale-Davie, FL, 33314, USA.
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Meyer JN, Pan WK, Ryde IT, Alexander T, Klein-Adams JC, Ndirangu DS, Falvo MJ. Bioenergetic function is decreased in peripheral blood mononuclear cells of veterans with Gulf War Illness. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0287412. [PMID: 37910447 PMCID: PMC10619881 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0287412] [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: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a major health problem for approximately 250,000 Gulf War (GW) veterans, but the etiology of GWI is unclear. We hypothesized that mitochondrial dysfunction is an important contributor to GWI, based on the similarity of some GWI symptoms to those occurring in some mitochondrial diseases; the plausibility that certain pollutants to which GW veterans were exposed affect mitochondria; mitochondrial effects observed in studies in laboratory models of GWI; and previous evidence of mitochondrial outcomes in studies in GW veterans. A primary role of mitochondria is generation of energy via oxidative phosphorylation. However, direct assessment of mitochondrial respiration, reflecting oxidative phosphorylation, has not been carried out in veterans with GWI. In this case-control observational study, we tested multiple measures of mitochondrial function and integrity in a cohort of 114 GW veterans, 80 with and 34 without GWI as assessed by the Kansas definition. In circulating white blood cells, we analyzed multiple measures of mitochondrial respiration and extracellular acidification, a proxy for non-aerobic energy generation; mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) copy number; mtDNA damage; and nuclear DNA damage. We also collected detailed survey data on demographics; deployment; self-reported exposure to pesticides, pyridostigmine bromide, and chemical and biological warfare agents; and current biometrics, health and activity levels. We observed a 9% increase in mtDNA content in blood in veterans with GWI, but did not detect differences in DNA damage. Basal and ATP-linked oxygen consumption were respectively 42% and 47% higher in veterans without GWI, after adjustment for mtDNA amount. We did not find evidence for a compensatory increase in anaerobic energy generation: extracellular acidification was also lower in GWI (12% lower at baseline). A subset of 27 and 26 veterans returned for second and third visits, allowing us to measure stability of mitochondrial parameters over time. mtDNA CN, mtDNA damage, ATP-linked OCR, and spare respiratory capacity were moderately replicable over time, with intraclass correlation coefficients of 0.43, 0.44, 0.50, and 0.57, respectively. Other measures showed higher visit-to-visit variability. Many measurements showed lower replicability over time among veterans with GWI compared to veterans without GWI. Finally, we found a strong association between recalled exposure to pesticides, pyridostigmine bromide, and chemical and biological warfare agents and GWI (p < 0.01, p < 0.01, and p < 0.0001, respectively). Our results demonstrate decreased mitochondrial respiratory function as well as decreased glycolytic activity, both of which are consistent with decreased energy availability, in peripheral blood mononuclear cells in veterans with GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel N. Meyer
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - William K. Pan
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Ian T. Ryde
- Nicholas School of the Environment, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Thomas Alexander
- Department of Veterans Affairs, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, East Orange, NJ, United States of America
| | - Jacquelyn C. Klein-Adams
- Department of Veterans Affairs, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, East Orange, NJ, United States of America
| | - Duncan S. Ndirangu
- Department of Veterans Affairs, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, East Orange, NJ, United States of America
| | - Michael J. Falvo
- Department of Veterans Affairs, War Related Illness and Injury Study Center, East Orange, NJ, United States of America
- New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences, Newark, NJ, United States of America
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Wei ZYD, Liang K, Shetty AK. Complications of COVID-19 on the Central Nervous System: Mechanisms and Potential Treatment for Easing Long COVID. Aging Dis 2023; 14:1492-1510. [PMID: 37163427 PMCID: PMC10529748 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0312] [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: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) invades human cells by binding to the angiotensin-converting-enzyme-2 (ACE-2) using a spike protein and leads to Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19). COVID-19 primarily causes a respiratory infection that can lead to severe systemic inflammation. It is also common for some patients to develop significant neurological and psychiatric symptoms. The spread of SARS-CoV-2 to the CNS likely occurs through several pathways. Once spread in the CNS, many acute symptoms emerge, and such infections could also transpire into severe neurological complications, including encephalitis or ischemic stroke. After recovery from the acute infection, a significant percentage of patients develop "long COVID," a condition in which several symptoms of COVID-19 persist for prolonged periods. This review aims to discuss acute and chronic neurological problems after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The potential mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 enters the CNS and causes neuroinflammation, neuropathological changes observed in post-mortem brains of COVID-19 patients, and cognitive and mood problems in COVID-19 survivors are discussed in the initial part. The later part of the review deliberates the causes of long COVID, approaches for noninvasive tracking of neuroinflammation in long COVID patients, and the potential therapeutic strategies that could ease enduring CNS symptoms observed in long COVID.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuang-Yao D Wei
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ketty Liang
- Sam Houston State University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Conroe, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
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Bi Y, Liu X, Liu Y, Wang M, Shan Y, Yin Y, Meng X, Sun F, Li H, Li Z. Molecular and biochemical investigations of the anti-fatigue effects of tea polyphenols and fruit extracts of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. on mice with exercise-induced fatigue. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1223411. [PMID: 37416624 PMCID: PMC10319583 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1223411] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: The molecular mechanisms regulating the therapeutic effects of plant-based ingredients on the exercise-induced fatigue (EIF) remain unclear. The therapeutic effects of both tea polyphenols (TP) and fruit extracts of Lycium ruthenicum (LR) on mouse model of EIF were investigated. Methods: The variations in the fatigue-related biochemical factors, i.e., lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and interleukin-6 (IL-6), in mouse models of EIF treated with TP and LR were determined. The microRNAs involved in the therapeutic effects of TP and LR on the treatment of mice with EIF were identified using the next-generation sequencing technology. Results: Our results revealed that both TP and LR showed evident anti-inflammatory effect and reduced oxidative stress. In comparison with the control groups, the contents of LDH, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-2 were significantly decreased and the contents of SOD were significantly increased in the experimental groups treated with either TP or LR. A total of 23 microRNAs (21 upregulated and 2 downregulated) identified for the first time by the high-throughput RNA sequencing were involved in the molecular response to EIF in mice treated with TP and LR. The regulatory functions of these microRNAs in the pathogenesis of EIF in mice were further explored based on Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses with a total of over 20,000-30,000 target genes annotated and 44 metabolic pathways enriched in the experimental groups based on GO and KEGG databases, respectively. Conclusion: Our study revealed the therapeutic effects of TP and LR and identified the microRNAs involved in the molecular mechanisms regulating the EIF in mice, providing strong experimental evidence to support further agricultural development of LR as well as the investigations and applications of TP and LR in the treatment of EIF in humans, including the professional athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingxin Bi
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Xianjun Liu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Yue Liu
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Mengyuan Wang
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Yaming Shan
- National Engineering Laboratory for AIDS Vaccine, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Enzymology and Engineering, The Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yuhe Yin
- School of Chemistry and Life Science, Changchun University of Technology, Changchun, China
| | - Xianglong Meng
- Department of Burns Surgery, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fengjie Sun
- School of Science and Technology, Georgia Gwinnett College, Lawrenceville, GA, United States
| | - Hao Li
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhandong Li
- College of Biological and Food Engineering, Jilin Engineering Normal University, Changchun, China
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Kodali M, Jankay T, Shetty AK, Reddy DS. Pathophysiological basis and promise of experimental therapies for Gulf War Illness, a chronic neuropsychiatric syndrome in veterans. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2023; 240:673-697. [PMID: 36790443 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06319-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the pathophysiology and potential treatments for Gulf War Illness (GWI), which is a chronic neuropsychiatric illness linked to a combination of chemical exposures experienced by service personnel during the first Gulf War in 1991. However, there is currently no effective treatment for veterans with GWI. The article focuses on the current status and efficacy of existing therapeutic interventions in preclinical models of GWI, as well as potential perspectives of promising therapies. GWI stems from changes in brain and peripheral systems in veterans, leading to neurocognitive deficits, as well as physiological and psychological effects resulting from multifaceted changes such as neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and neuronal damage. Aging not only renders veterans more susceptible to GWI symptoms, but also attenuates their immune capabilities and response to therapies. A variety of experimental models are being used to investigate the pathophysiology and develop therapies that have the ability to alleviate devastating symptoms. Over two dozen therapeutic interventions targeting neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuronal injury, and neurogenesis are being tested, including agents such as curcumin, curcumin nanoparticles, monosodium luminol, melatonin, resveratrol, fluoxetine, rolipram, oleoylethanolamide, ketamine, levetiracetam, nicotinamide riboside, minocycline, pyridazine derivatives, and neurosteroids. Preclinical outcomes show that some agents have promise, including curcumin, resveratrol, and ketamine, which are being tested in clinical trials in GWI veterans. Neuroprotectants and other compounds such as monosodium luminol, melatonin, levetiracetam, oleoylethanolamide, and nicotinamide riboside appear promising for future clinical trials. Neurosteroids have been shown to have neuroprotective and disease-modifying properties, which makes them a promising medicine for GWI. Therefore, accelerated clinical studies are urgently needed to evaluate and launch an effective therapy for veterans displaying GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Tanvi Jankay
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.,Texas A&M Health Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University School of Medicine, Bryan, TX, USA. .,Texas A&M Health Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, 8447 Riverside Pkwy, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
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10
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Truax LE, Huang JJ, Jensen K, Locatelli EVT, Cabrera K, Peterson HO, Cohen NK, Mangwani-Mordani S, Jensen A, Goldhardt R, Galor A. Pyridostigmine Bromide Pills and Pesticides Exposure as Risk Factors for Eye Disease in Gulf War Veterans. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12062407. [PMID: 36983407 PMCID: PMC10059791 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12062407] [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: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
To examine associations between the pyridostigmine bromide (PB) pill and/or pesticide exposure during the 1990-1991 Gulf War (GW) and eye findings years after deployment. A cross-sectional study of South Florida veterans who were deployed on active duty during the GW Era (GWE). Information on GW exposures and ocular surface symptoms were collected via standardized questionnaires and an ocular surface examination was performed. Participants underwent spectral domain-ocular coherence tomography (SD-OCT) imaging that included retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL), ganglion cell layer (GCL), and macular maps. We examined for differences in eye findings between individuals exposed versus not exposed to PB pills or pesticides during service. A total of 40.7% (n = 44) of individuals reported exposure to PB pills and 41.7% (n = 45) to pesticides; additionally, 24 reported exposure to both in the GW arena. Demographics were comparable across groups. Individuals exposed to PB pills reported higher dry eye (DE) symptoms scores (the 5-Item Dry Eye Questionnaire, DEQ-5: 9.3 ± 5.3 vs. 7.3 ± 4.7, p = 0.04) and more intense ocular pain (average over the last week: 2.4 ± 2.6 vs. 1.5 ± 1.8, p = 0.03; Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory modified for the Eye (NPSI-E): 18.2 ± 20.0 vs. 10.8 ± 13.8, p = 0.03) compared to their non-exposed counterparts. DE signs were comparable between the groups. Individuals exposed to PB pills also had thicker OCT measurements, with the largest difference in the outer temporal segment of the macula (268.5 ± 22.2 μm vs. 260.6 ± 14.5 μm, p = 0.03) compared to non-exposed individuals. These differences remained significant when examined in multivariable models that included demographics and deployment history. Individuals exposed to pesticides had higher neuropathic ocular pain scores (NPSI-E: 17.1 ± 21.1 vs. 11.6 ± 12.9, p = 0.049), but this difference did not remain significant in a multivariable model. Individuals exposed to PB pills during the GWE reported more severe ocular surface symptoms and had thicker OCT measures years after deployment compared to their non-exposed counterparts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren E Truax
- Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Jaxon J Huang
- Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Katherine Jensen
- Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Elyana V T Locatelli
- Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Kimberly Cabrera
- Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Haley O Peterson
- Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Noah K Cohen
- Ophthalmology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | | | - Andrew Jensen
- Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
| | - Raquel Goldhardt
- Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
| | - Anat Galor
- Surgical Services, Miami Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Miami, FL 33125, USA
- Bascom Palmer Eye Institute, University of Miami, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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11
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Elhaj R, Reynolds JM. Chemical exposures and suspected impact on Gulf War Veterans. Mil Med Res 2023; 10:11. [PMID: 36882803 PMCID: PMC9993698 DOI: 10.1186/s40779-023-00449-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) encompass a spectrum of maladies specific to troops deployed during the Persian Gulf War (1990-1991). There are several hypothesized factors believed to contribute to GWI, including (but not limited to) exposures to chemical agents and a foreign environment (e.g., dust, pollens, insects, and microbes). Moreover, the inherent stress associated with deployment and combat has been associated with GWI. While the etiology of GWI remains uncertain, several studies have provided strong evidence that chemical exposures, especially neurotoxicants, may be underlying factors for the development of GWI. This mini style perspective article will focus on some of the major evidence linking chemical exposures to GWI development and persistence decades after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rami Elhaj
- Center for Cancer Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA
| | - Joseph M Reynolds
- Center for Cancer Biology, Immunology and Infection, Chicago Medical School, Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, North Chicago, IL, 60064, USA.
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12
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Combinations of classical and non-classical voltage dependent potassium channel openers suppress nociceptor discharge and reverse chronic pain signs in a rat model of Gulf War illness. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:186-199. [PMID: 36216193 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In a companion paper we examined whether combinations of Kv7 channel openers (Retigabine and Diclofenac; RET, DIC) could be effective modifiers of deep tissue nociceptor activity; and whether such combinations could then be optimized for use as safe analgesics for pain-like signs that developed in a rat model of GWI (Gulf War Illness) pain. In the present report, we examined the combinations of Retigabine/Meclofenamate (RET/MEC) and Meclofenamate/Diclofenac (MEC/DIC). Voltage clamp experiments were performed on deep tissue nociceptors isolated from rat DRG (dorsal root ganglion). In voltage clamp studies, a stepped voltage protocol was applied (-55 to -40 mV; Vh=-60 mV; 1500 msec) and Kv7 evoked currents were subsequently isolated by Linopirdine subtraction. MEC greatly enhanced voltage dependent conductance and produced exceptional maximum sustained currents of 6.01 ± 0.26 pA/pF (EC50: 62.2 ± 8.99 μM). Combinations of RET/MEC, and MEC/DIC substantially amplified resting currents at low concentrations. MEC/DIC also greatly improved voltage dependent conductance. In current clamp experiments, a cholinergic challenge test (Oxotremorine-M, 10 μM; OXO), associated with our GWI rat model, produced powerful action potential (AP) bursts (85 APs). Optimized combinations of RET/MEC (5 and 0.5 μM) and MEC/DIC (0.5 and 2.5 μM) significantly reduced AP discharges to 3 and 7 Aps, respectively. Treatment of pain-like ambulatory behavior in our rat model with a RET/MEC combination (5 and 0.5 mg/kg) successfully rescued ambulation deficits, but could not be fully separated from the effect of RET alone. Further development of this approach is recommended.
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13
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Cui Q, Zhu X, Guan G, Hui R, Zhu L, Wang J. Association of N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) with obesity among adult participants: Results from NHANES 2007-2016. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 307:135669. [PMID: 35835239 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2022.135669] [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: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET) exposure and obesity-related outcomes in the general adult population using the data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS This cross-sectional study examined the data from the NHANES from 2007 to 2016 and totally evaluated 8,770 individuals. DEET's primary oxidative metabolite, 3-(diethylcarbamoyl) benzoic acid (DCBA), is a sensitive and specific indicator of DEET exposure. DCBA was divided into three groups based on the interquartile range. Body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference (WC) were used to define obesity and abdominal obesity, respectively. The association among DCBA and obesity-related outcomes was evaluated using a multivariable linear and logistic regression model. RESULTS Overall, median age of participants was 46.0 (IQR 31.0, 59.0) years, with 4295 (49.2%) men, while median BMI and WC were 27.8 (24.0, 32.0) and 29.6 (86.6, 108.1) kg/m2, respectively. Approximately 3,251 (35.9%) cases of obesity and 4,778 cases (54.4%) of abdominal obesity were observed. In multivariable-adjusted linear regression models, as the tertiles of DCBA increased, BMI and WC monotonically increased regardless of the adjustments (all p for trend <0.01). By referring the lowest tertile of DCBA, the highest tertile was associated with a higher BMI (β = 0.83, 95% confidence intervals [CI] [0.45, 1.21]; p < 0.001) and WC (β = 1.59, 95% CI [0.59, 2.60]; p = 0.002). The multivariate odds ratios (95% CI) for obesity increased monotonically as 1.18 (0.97-1.44) and 1.36 (1.15-1.61) (p for trend 0.001). Similar associations between DCBA and the prevalence of abdominal obesity were observed across increasing DCBA tertiles compared with the reference tertile (OR = 1.22, 95% CI [1.02, 1.44]; OR = 1.28, 95% CI [1.08-1.54]; p for trend = 0.002). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggested that higher DCBA concentrations are positively associated with the prevalence of obesity and abdominal obesity in the general adult population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwei Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China
| | - Xu Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Province Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China
| | - Gongchang Guan
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China
| | - Rutai Hui
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease, Fuwai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Ling Zhu
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China; Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China.
| | - Junkui Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China; Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, 710000, China.
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14
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Carpenter JM, Brown KA, Veltmaat L, Ludwig HD, Clay KB, Norberg T, Harn DA, Wagner JJ, Filipov NM. Evaluation of delayed LNFPIII treatment initiation protocol on improving long-term behavioral and neuroinflammatory pathology in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100553. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
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15
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Fatigue and Pain Severity in Gulf War Illness Is Associated With Changes in Inflammatory Cytokines and Positive Acute Phase Proteins. J Occup Environ Med 2022; 64:905-911. [PMID: 35902364 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000002625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study is to investigate relationships between inflammatory analytes and symptoms of pain and fatigue in Gulf War illness (GWI). METHODS In this preliminary study, 12 male veterans meeting GWI criteria provided daily blood samples and symptom ratings over 25 days. Linear mixed models were used to analyze associations between symptoms and sera concentrations of cytokines, acute phase proteins, insulin, and brain-derived neurotropic factor. RESULTS Analyses included 277 days with both blood draws and self-reports. Days with worse fatigue severity were associated with higher C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A, and lower eotaxin 1. Muscle pain and joint pain were associated with leptin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, and interferon γ-induced protein. Joint pain was further associated with serum amyloid A and eotaxin 3. CONCLUSIONS Gulf War illness involves fatigue and pain associated with inflammation. Conventional and novel anti-inflammatories should be further explored for the treatment of GWI.
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16
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Langan MT, Kirkland AE, Rice LC, Mucciarone VC, Baraniuk J, VanMeter A, Holton KF. Low glutamate diet improves working memory and contributes to altering BOLD response and functional connectivity within working memory networks in Gulf War Illness. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18004. [PMID: 36289291 PMCID: PMC9606252 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-21837-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness is a chronic multi-symptom disorder with severe cognitive impairments which may be related to glutamate excitotoxicity and central nervous system dysfunction. The low glutamate diet has been proposed as a comprehensive intervention for Gulf War Illness. We examined the effects of the low glutamate diet on verbal working memory using a fMRI N-back task. Accuracy, whole-brain blood oxygen level dependency (BOLD) response, and task-based functional connectivity were assessed at baseline and after 1 month on the diet (N = 24). Multi-voxel pattern analysis identified regions of whole-brain BOLD pattern differences after the diet to be used as seeds for subsequent seed-to-voxel functional connectivity analyses. Verbal working memory accuracy improved after the diet (+ 13%; p = 0.006). Whole-brain BOLD signal changes were observed, revealing lower activation within regions of the frontoparietal network and default mode network after the low glutamate diet. Multi-voxel pattern analysis resulted in 3 clusters comprising parts of the frontoparietal network (clusters 1 and 2) and ventral attention network (cluster 3). The seed-to-voxel analyses identified significant functional connectivity changes post-diet for clusters 1 and 2 (peak p < 0.001, cluster FDR p < 0.05). Relative to baseline, clusters 1 and 2 had decreased functional connectivity with regions in the ventral attention and somatomotor networks. Cluster 2 also had increased functional connectivity with regions of the default mode and frontoparietal networks. These findings suggest that among veterans with Gulf War Illness, the low glutamate diet improves verbal working memory accuracy, alters BOLD response, and alters functional connectivity within two networks central to working memory.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna E Kirkland
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Laura C Rice
- Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Veronica C Mucciarone
- Department of Neurology, Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - James Baraniuk
- Department of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ashley VanMeter
- Department of Neurology, Center for Functional and Molecular Imaging, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kathleen F Holton
- Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington, DC, USA.
- Department of Health Studies, American University, Washington, DC, USA.
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavior, American University, Washington, DC, USA.
- Nutritional Neuroscience Lab, American University, 4400 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC, 20016, USA.
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17
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Ferguson S, McCartan R, Browning M, Hahn-Townsend C, Gratkowski A, Morin A, Abdullah L, Ait-Ghezala G, Ojo J, Sullivan K, Mullan M, Crawford F, Mouzon B. Impact of gulf war toxic exposures after mild traumatic brain injury. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2022; 10:147. [PMID: 36258255 PMCID: PMC9580120 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-022-01449-x] [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: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemical and pharmaceutical exposures have been associated with the development of Gulf War Illness (GWI), but how these factors interact with the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains an area of study that has received little attention thus far. We studied the effects of pyridostigmine bromide (an anti-nerve agent) and permethrin (a pesticide) exposure in a mouse model of repetitive mild TBI (r-mTBI), with 5 impacts over a 9-day period, followed by Gulf War (GW) toxicant exposure for 10 days beginning 30 days after the last head injury. We then assessed the chronic behavioral and pathological sequelae 5 months after GW agent exposure. We observed that r-mTBI and GWI cumulatively affect the spatial memory of mice in the Barnes maze and result in a shift of search strategies employed by r-mTBI/GW exposed mice. GW exposure also produced anxiety-like behavior in sham animals, but r-mTBI produced disinhibition in both the vehicle and GW treated mice. Pathologically, GW exposure worsened r-mTBI dependent axonal degeneration and neuroinflammation, increased oligodendrocyte cell counts, and increased r-mTBI dependent phosphorylated tau, which was found to colocalize with oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum. These results suggest that GW exposures may worsen TBI-related deficits. Veterans with a history of both GW chemical exposures as well as TBI may be at higher risk for worse symptoms and outcomes. Subsequent exposure to various toxic substances can influence the chronic nature of mTBI and should be considered as an etiological factor influencing mTBI recovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott Ferguson
- Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA
| | - Robyn McCartan
- Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA
| | | | | | | | - Alexander Morin
- Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA
| | - Laila Abdullah
- Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.,James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Joseph Ojo
- Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA
| | - Kimberly Sullivan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, Boston University, 715 Albany St. T4W, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Michael Mullan
- Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA
| | - Fiona Crawford
- Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA.,James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Benoit Mouzon
- Roskamp Institute, 2040 Whitfield Ave, Sarasota, FL, 34243, USA. .,James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL, USA.
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18
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Hamblin MR. Photobiomodulation for Gulf War Illness? Photobiomodul Photomed Laser Surg 2022; 40:437-439. [DOI: 10.1089/photob.2022.0052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael R. Hamblin
- Laser Research Centre, Faculty of Health Science, University of Johannesburg, Doornfontein, Johannesburg, South Africa
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19
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Attaluri S, Upadhya R, Kodali M, Madhu LN, Upadhya D, Shuai B, Shetty AK. Brain-Specific Increase in Leukotriene Signaling Accompanies Chronic Neuroinflammation and Cognitive Impairment in a Model of Gulf War Illness. Front Immunol 2022; 13:853000. [PMID: 35572589 PMCID: PMC9099214 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.853000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Persistent cognitive impairment is a primary central nervous system-related symptom in veterans afflicted with chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI). Previous studies in a rat model have revealed that cognitive dysfunction in chronic GWI is associated with neuroinflammation, typified by astrocyte hypertrophy, activated microglia, and enhanced proinflammatory cytokine levels. Studies in a mouse model of GWI have also shown upregulation of several phospholipids that serve as reservoirs of arachidonic acid, a precursor of leukotrienes (LTs). However, it is unknown whether altered LT signaling is a component of chronic neuroinflammatory conditions in GWI. Therefore, this study investigated changes in LT signaling in the brain of rats displaying significant cognitive impairments six months after exposure to GWI-related chemicals and moderate stress. The concentration of cysteinyl LTs (CysLTs), LTB4, and 5-Lipoxygenase (5-LOX), the synthesizing enzyme of LTs, were evaluated. CysLT and LTB4 concentrations were elevated in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex, along with enhanced 5-LOX expression in neurons and microglia. Such changes were also associated with increased proinflammatory cytokine levels in the hippocampus and the cerebral cortex. Enhanced CysLT and LTB4 levels in the brain could also be gleaned from their concentrations in brain-derived extracellular vesicles in the circulating blood. The circulating blood in GWI rats displayed elevated proinflammatory cytokines with no alterations in CysLT and LTB4 concentrations. The results provide new evidence that a brain-specific increase in LT signaling is another adverse alteration that potentially contributes to the maintenance of chronic neuroinflammation in GWI. Therefore, drugs capable of modulating LT signaling may reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognitive function in GWI. Additional findings demonstrate that altered LT levels in the brain could be tracked efficiently by analyzing brain-derived EVs in the circulating blood.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Ashok K. Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College Station, TX, United States
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20
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Ma W, Xu D, Zhao L, Yuan M, Cui YL, Li Y. Therapeutic role of curcumin in adult neurogenesis for management of psychiatric and neurological disorders: a scientometric study to an in-depth review. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2022; 63:9379-9391. [PMID: 35482938 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2022.2067827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Aberrant neurogenesis is a major factor in psychiatric and neurological disorders that have significantly attracted the attention of neuroscientists. Curcumin is a primary constituent of curcuminoid that exerts several positive pharmacological effects on aberrant neurogenesis. First, it is important to understand the different processes of neurogenesis, and whether their dysfunction promotes etiology as well as the development of many psychiatric and neurological disorders; then investigate mechanisms by which curcumin affects neurogenesis as an active participant in pathophysiological events. Based on scientometric studies and additional extensive research, we explore the mechanisms by which curcumin regulates adult neurogenesis and in turn affects psychiatric diseases, i.e., depression and neurological disorders among them traumatic brain injury (TBI), stroke, Alzheimer's disease (AD), Gulf War Illness (GWI) and Fragile X syndrome (FXS). This review aims to elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of curcumin on adult neurogenesis in various psychiatric and neurological disorders. Specifically, we discuss the regulatory role of curcumin in different activities of neural stem cells (NSCs), including proliferation, differentiation, and migration of NSCs. This is geared toward providing novel application prospects of curcumin in treating psychiatric and neurological disorders by regulating adult neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxin Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Dong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lucy Zhao
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mengmeng Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan-Lu Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-Based Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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21
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Health-Related Quality of Life by Gulf War Illness Case Status. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084425. [PMID: 35457293 PMCID: PMC9026791 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
This study examines how health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and related indices vary by Gulf War illness (GWI) case status. The study population included veterans from the Gulf War Era Cohort and Biorepository (n = 1116). Outcomes were physical and mental health from the Veterans RAND 12 and depression, post-traumatic stress (PTSD), sleep disturbance, and pain. Kansas (KS) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) GWI definitions were used. Kansas GWI derived subtypes included GWI (met symptom criteria; no exclusionary conditions (KS GWI: Sym+/Dx−)) and those without GWI: KS noncase (1): Sym+/Dx+, KS noncase (2): Sym−/Dx+, and noncase (3): Sym−/Dx−. CDC-derived subtypes included CDC GWI severe, CDC GWI mild-to-moderate and CDC noncases. Case status and outcomes were examined using multivariable regression adjusted for sociodemographic and military-related characteristics. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine associations between GWI case status and binary measures for depression, PTSD, and severe pain. The KS GWI: Sym+/Dx− and KS noncase (1): Sym+/Dx+ groups had worse mental and physical HRQOL outcomes than veterans in the KS noncase (2): Sym−/Dx+ and KS noncase (3): Sym−/Dx− groups (ps < 0.001). Individuals who met the CDC GWI severe criteria had worse mental and physical HRQOL outcomes than those meeting the CDC GWI mild-to-moderate or CDC noncases (ps < 0.001). For other outcomes, results followed a similar pattern. Relative to the less symptomatic comparison subtypes, veterans who met the Kansas symptom criteria, regardless of exclusionary conditions, and those who met the CDC GWI severe criteria experienced lower HRQOL and higher rates of depression, PTSD, and severe pain.
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22
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Attaluri S, Arora M, Madhu LN, Kodali M, Shuai B, Melissari L, Upadhya R, Rao X, Bates A, Mitra E, Ghahfarouki KR, Ravikumar MNV, Shetty AK. Oral Nano-Curcumin in a Model of Chronic Gulf War Illness Alleviates Brain Dysfunction with Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Function, Neuroinflammation, Neurogenesis, and Gene Expression. Aging Dis 2022; 13:583-613. [PMID: 35371600 PMCID: PMC8947830 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2021.0829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Unrelenting cognitive and mood impairments concomitant with incessant oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are among the significant symptoms of chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI). Curcumin (CUR), an antiinflammatory compound, has shown promise to alleviate brain dysfunction in a model of GWI following intraperitoneal administrations at a high dose. However, low bioavailability after oral treatment has hampered its clinical translation. Therefore, this study investigated the efficacy of low-dose, intermittent, oral polymer nanoparticle encapsulated CUR (nCUR) for improving brain function in a rat model of chronic GWI. Intermittent administration of 10 or 20 mg/Kg nCUR for 8 weeks in the early phase of GWI improved brain function and reduced oxidative stress (OS) and neuroinflammation. We next examined the efficacy of 12-weeks of intermittent nCUR at 10 mg/Kg in GWI animals, with treatment commencing 8 months after exposure to GWI-related chemicals and stress, mimicking treatment for the persistent cognitive and mood dysfunction displayed by veterans with GWI. GWI rats receiving nCUR exhibited better cognitive and mood function associated with improved mitochondrial function and diminished neuroinflammation in the hippocampus. Improved mitochondrial function was evident from normalized expression of OS markers, antioxidants, and mitochondrial electron transport genes, and complex proteins. Lessened neuroinflammation was noticeable from reductions in astrocyte hypertrophy, NF-kB, activated microglia with NLRP3 inflammasomes, and multiple proinflammatory cytokines. Moreover, nCUR treated animals displayed enhanced neurogenesis with a normalized expression of synaptophysin puncta, and multiple genes linked to cognitive dysfunction. Thus, low-dose, intermittent, oral nCUR therapy has promise for improving brain function in veterans with GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Meenakshi Arora
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Leelavathi N Madhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Laila Melissari
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Raghavendra Upadhya
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Xiaolan Rao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Adrian Bates
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Eeshika Mitra
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - Keyhan R Ghahfarouki
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
| | - M. N. V Ravikumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel College of Pharmacy, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, Texas, USA.
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23
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Development of KVO treatment strategies for chronic pain in a rat model of Gulf War Illness. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 434:115821. [PMID: 34896435 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether combinations of Kv7 channel openers could be effective modifiers of deep tissue nociceptor activity; and whether such combinations could then be optimized for use as safe analgesics for pain-like signs that developed in a rat model of GWI (Gulf War Illness) pain. Voltage clamp experiments were performed on subclassified nociceptors isolated from rat DRG (dorsal root ganglion). A stepped voltage protocol was applied (-55 to -40 mV; Vh = -60 mV; 1500 ms) and Kv7 evoked currents were subsequently isolated by linopirdine subtraction. Directly activated and voltage activated K+ currents were characterized in the presence and absence of Retigabine (5-100 μM) and/or Diclofenac (50-140 μM). Retigabine produced substantial voltage dependent effects and a maximal sustained current of 1.14 pA/pF ± 0.15 (ED50: 62.7 ± 3.18 μM). Diclofenac produced weak voltage dependent effects but a similar maximum sustained current of 1.01 ± 0.26 pA/pF (ED50: 93.2 ± 8.99 μM). Combinations of Retigabine and Diclofenac substantially amplified resting currents but had little effect on voltage dependence. Using a cholinergic challenge test (Oxotremorine, 10 μM) associated with our GWI rat model, combinations of Retigabine (5 uM) and Diclofenac (2.5, 20 and 50 μM) substantially reduced or totally abrogated action potential discharge to the cholinergic challenge. When combinations of Retigabine and Diclofenac were used to relieve pain-signs in our rat model of GWI, only those combinations associated with serious subacute side effects could relieve pain-like behaviors.
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24
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Kozlova EV, Carabelli B, Bishay AE, Liu R, Denys ME, Macbeth JC, Piamthai V, Crawford MS, McCole DF, Zur Nieden NI, Hsiao A, Curras-Collazo MC. Induction of distinct neuroinflammatory markers and gut dysbiosis by differential pyridostigmine bromide dosing in a chronic mouse model of GWI showing persistent exercise fatigue and cognitive impairment. Life Sci 2022; 288:120153. [PMID: 34801513 PMCID: PMC9048156 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To characterize neuroinflammatory and gut dysbiosis signatures that accompany exaggerated exercise fatigue and cognitive/mood deficits in a mouse model of Gulf War Illness (GWI). METHODS Adult male C57Bl/6N mice were exposed for 28 d (5 d/wk) to pyridostigmine bromide (P.O.) at 6.5 mg/kg/d, b.i.d. (GW1) or 8.7 mg/kg/d, q.d. (GW2); topical permethrin (1.3 mg/kg), topical N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (33%) and restraint stress (5 min). Animals were phenotypically evaluated as described in an accompanying article [124] and sacrificed at 6.6 months post-treatment (PT) to allow measurement of brain neuroinflammation/neuropathic pain gene expression, hippocampal glial fibrillary acidic protein, brain Interleukin-6, gut dysbiosis and serum endotoxin. KEY FINDINGS Compared to GW1, GW2 showed a more intense neuroinflammatory transcriptional signature relative to sham stress controls. Interleukin-6 was elevated in GW2 and astrogliosis in hippocampal CA1 was seen in both GW groups. Beta-diversity PCoA using weighted Unifrac revealed that gut microbial communities changed after exposure to GW2 at PT188. Both GW1 and GW2 displayed systemic endotoxemia, suggesting a gut-brain mechanism underlies the neuropathological signatures. Using germ-free mice, probiotic supplementation with Lactobacillus reuteri produced less gut permeability than microbiota transplantation using GW2 feces. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings demonstrate that GW agents dose-dependently induce differential neuropathology and gut dysbiosis associated with cognitive, exercise fatigue and mood GWI phenotypes. Establishment of a comprehensive animal model that recapitulates multiple GWI symptom domains and neuroinflammation has significant implications for uncovering pathophysiology, improving diagnosis and treatment for GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bruno Carabelli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Graduate Program in Genetics, Genomics, and Bioinformatics, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Maximillian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - John C Macbeth
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Varadh Piamthai
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Meli'sa S Crawford
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Declan F McCole
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicole I Zur Nieden
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
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25
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Delic V, Karp J, Klein J, Stalnaker KJ, Murray KE, Ratliff WA, Myers CE, Beck KD, Citron BA. Pyridostigmine bromide, chlorpyrifos, and DEET combined Gulf War exposure insult depresses mitochondrial function in neuroblastoma cells. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2021; 35:e22913. [PMID: 34528356 PMCID: PMC8678325 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.22913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) as a multi-symptom illness having at least one symptom from two of three factors, which include: fatigue, mood-cognition problems, and musculoskeletal disorders. The cluster of long-term symptoms is unique to military personnel from coalition countries including United States, Australia, and the United Kingdom that served in Operation Desert Storm from 1990 to 1991. Reporting of these symptoms is much lower among soldiers deployed in other parts of the world like Bosnia during the same time period. The exact cause of GWI is unknown, but combined exposure to N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide (DEET), organophosphates like chlorpyrifos (CPF), and pyridostigmine bromide (PB), has been hypothesized as a potential mechanism. Mitochondrial dysfunction is known to occur in most neurodegenerative diseases that share symptoms with GWI and has therefore been implicated in GWI. Although exposure to these and other toxicants continues to be investigated as potential causes of GWI, their combined impact on mitochondrial physiology remains unknown. In this study, the effects of combined GWI toxicant exposure on mitochondrial function were determined in a commonly used and readily available immortalized cell line (N2a), whose higher rate of oxygen consumption resembles that of highly metabolic neurons in vivo. We report that combined exposure containing pesticide CPF 71 μM, insect repellants DEET 78 μM, and antitoxins PB 19 μM, causes profound mitochondrial dysfunction after a 4-h incubation resulting in decreased mitochondrial respiratory states in the absence of proapoptotic signaling, proton leak, or significant increase in reactive oxygen species production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vedad Delic
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Joshua Karp
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Julian Klein
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Katherine J. Stalnaker
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
- NeuroBehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kathleen E. Murray
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
- Rutgers School of Graduate Studies, Newark, New Jersey, USA
| | - Whitney A. Ratliff
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Bay Pines VA Healthcare System Research and Development, Bay Pines, Florida, USA
| | - Catherine E. Myers
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- NeuroBehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
| | - Kevin D. Beck
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
- NeuroBehavioral Research Laboratory, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
| | - Bruce A. Citron
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology, VA New Jersey Health Care System, Research & Development (Mailstop 15), East Orange, New Jersey, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience, Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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26
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Yates PL, Patil A, Sun X, Niceforo A, Gill R, Callahan P, Beck W, Piermarini E, Terry AV, Sullivan KA, Baas PW, Qiang L. A cellular approach to understanding and treating Gulf War Illness. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:6941-6961. [PMID: 34580742 PMCID: PMC9669894 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03942-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI), a disorder suffered by approximately 200,000 veterans of the first Gulf War, was caused by exposure to low-level organophosphate pesticides and nerve agents in combination with battlefield stress. To elucidate the mechanistic basis of the brain-related symptoms of GWI, human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) derived from veterans with or without GWI were differentiated into forebrain glutamatergic neurons and then exposed to a Gulf War (GW) relevant toxicant regimen consisting of a sarin analog and cortisol, a human stress hormone. Elevated levels of total and phosphorylated tau, reduced microtubule acetylation, altered mitochondrial dynamics/transport, and decreased neuronal activity were observed in neurons exposed to the toxicant regimen. Some of the data are consistent with the possibility that some veterans may have been predisposed to acquire GWI. Wistar rats exposed to a similar toxicant regimen showed a mild learning and memory deficit, as well as cell loss and tau pathology selectively in the CA3 region of the hippocampus. These cellular responses offer a mechanistic explanation for the memory loss suffered by veterans with GWI and provide a cell-based model for screening drugs and developing personalized therapies for these veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip L Yates
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Ankita Patil
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Xiaohuan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Alessia Niceforo
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Ramnik Gill
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Patrick Callahan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Wayne Beck
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Emanuela Piermarini
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Alvin V Terry
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Kimberly A Sullivan
- Department of Environmental Health, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Peter W Baas
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA
| | - Liang Qiang
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, PA, 19129, USA.
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27
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Kozlova EV, Carabelli B, Bishay AE, Denys ME, Chinthirla DB, Tran JD, Hsiao A, Nieden NZ, Curras-Collazo MC. Persistent exercise fatigue and associative learning deficits in combination with transient glucose dyshomeostasis in a GWI mouse model. Life Sci 2021; 289:120094. [PMID: 34710444 PMCID: PMC9053767 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Aims: To characterize exercise fatigue, metabolic phenotype and cognitive and mood deficits correlated with brain neuroinflammatory and gut microbiome changes in a chronic Gulf War Illness (GWI) mouse model. The latter have been described in an accompanying paper [1]. Main methods: Adult male C57Bl/6N mice were exposed for 28 days (5 days/week) to pyridostigmine bromide: 6.5 mg/kg, b.i.d., P.O. (GW1) or 8.7 mg/kg, q.d., P.O. (GW2); topical permethrin (1.3 mg/kg in 100% DMSO) and N,N-diethyl-meta-toluamide (DEET 33% in 70% EtOH) and restraint stress (5 min). Exercise, metabolic and behavioral endpoints were compared to sham stress control (CON/S). Key findings: Relative to CON/S, GW2 presented persistent exercise intolerance (through post-treatment (PT) day 161), deficient associative learning/memory, and transient insulin insensitivity. In contrast to GW2, GW1 showed deficient long-term object recognition memory, milder associative learning/memory deficit, and behavioral despair. Significance: Our findings demonstrate that GW chemicals dose-dependently determine the presentation of exercise fatigue and severity/type of cognitive/mood-deficient phenotypes that show persistence. Our comprehensive mouse model of GWI recapitulates the major multiple symptom domains characterizing GWI, including fatigue and cognitive impairment that can be used to more efficiently develop diagnostic tests and curative treatments for ill Gulf War veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena V Kozlova
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Bruno Carabelli
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Anthony E Bishay
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Maximilian E Denys
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Devi B Chinthirla
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jasmin D Tran
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Ansel Hsiao
- Department of Microbiology and Plant Pathology, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Nicole Zur Nieden
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - M C Curras-Collazo
- Department of Molecular, Cell and Systems Biology, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA.
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28
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Further validation of the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell infusions for reducing mortality in COVID-19 patients with ARDS. NPJ Regen Med 2021; 6:53. [PMID: 34504110 PMCID: PMC8429629 DOI: 10.1038/s41536-021-00161-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 08/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent double-blind, randomized, controlled trials reported that human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) infusions in COVID-19 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) could diminish cytokine storm and lung damage. While these outcomes are significant, additional phase II/III trials are required to validate the efficacy of MSCs to improve the survival of COVID-19 patients with ARDS. Future studies also need to assess the efficacy of MSCs to prevent long COVID.
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29
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Ribeiro ACR, Deshpande LS. A review of pre-clinical models for Gulf War Illness. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 228:107936. [PMID: 34171340 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) is a chronic multisymptomatic disorder that afflicts over 1/3rd of the 1991 GW veterans. It spans multiple bodily systems and presents itself as a syndrome exhibiting diverse symptoms including fatigue, depression, mood, and memory and concentration deficits, musculoskeletal pain and gastrointestinal distress in GW veterans. The etiology of GWI is complex and many factors, including chemical, physiological, and environmental stressors present in the GW arena, have been implicated for its development. It has been over 30 years since the end of the GW but, GWI has been persistent in suffering veterans who are also dealing with paucity of effective treatments. The multifactorial aspect of GWI along with genetic heterogeneity and lack of available data surrounding war-time exposures have proved to be challenging in developing pre-clinical models of GWI. Despite this, over a dozen GWI animal models exist in the literature. In this article, following a brief discussion of GW history, GWI definitions, and probable causes for its pathogenesis, we will expand upon various experimental models used in GWI laboratory research. These animal models will be discussed in the context of their attempts at mimicking GW-related exposures with regards to the variations in chemical combinations, doses, and frequency of exposures. We will discuss their advantages and limitations in modeling GWI followed by a discussion of behavioral and molecular findings in these models. The mechanistic data obtained from these preclinical studies have offered multiple molecular pathways including chronic inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, lipid disturbances, calcium homeostatic alterations, changes in gut microbiota, and epigenetic modifications, amongst others for explaining GWI development and its persistence. Finally, these findings have also informed us on novel druggable targets in GWI. While, it has been difficult to conceive a single pre-clinical model that could express all the GWI signs and exhibit biological complexity reflective of the clinical presentation in GWI, animal models have been critical for identifying molecular underpinnings of GWI and evaluating treatment strategies for GWI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana C R Ribeiro
- Departments of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Laxmikant S Deshpande
- Departments of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA; Departments of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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30
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Nkiliza A, Joshi U, Evans JE, Ait-Ghezala G, Parks M, Crawford F, Mullan M, Abdullah L. Adaptive Immune Responses Associated with the Central Nervous System Pathology of Gulf War Illness. Neurosci Insights 2021; 16:26331055211018458. [PMID: 34104887 PMCID: PMC8155779 DOI: 10.1177/26331055211018458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness is a multisymptomatic condition which affects 30% of veterans
from the 1991 Gulf War. While there is evidence for a role of peripheral
cellular and humoral adaptive immune responses in Gulf War Illness, a potential
role of the adaptive immune system in the central nervous system pathology of
this condition remains unknown. Furthermore, many of the clinical features of
Gulf War Illness resembles those of autoimmune diseases, but the biological
processes are likely different as the etiology of Gulf War Illness is linked to
hazardous chemical exposures specific to the Gulf War theatre. This review
discusses Gulf War chemical–induced maladaptive immune responses and a potential
role of cellular and humoral immune responses that may be relevant to the
central nervous system symptoms and pathology of Gulf War Illness. The
discussion may stimulate investigations into adaptive immunity for developing
novel therapies for Gulf War Illness.
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31
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Madhu LN, Kodali M, Attaluri S, Shuai B, Melissari L, Rao X, Shetty AK. Melatonin improves brain function in a model of chronic Gulf War Illness with modulation of oxidative stress, NLRP3 inflammasomes, and BDNF-ERK-CREB pathway in the hippocampus. Redox Biol 2021; 43:101973. [PMID: 33933884 PMCID: PMC8105671 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.101973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent cognitive and mood dysfunction is the primary CNS symptom in veterans afflicted with Gulf War Illness (GWI). This study investigated the efficacy of melatonin (MEL) for improving cognitive and mood function with antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and pro-cognitive effects in a rat model of chronic GWI. Six months after exposure to GWI-related chemicals and stress, rats were treated with vehicle or MEL (5, 10, 20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) for eight weeks. Behavioral tests revealed cognitive and mood dysfunction in GWI rats receiving vehicle, which were associated with elevated oxidative stress, reduced NRF2, catalase and mitochondrial complex proteins, astrocyte hypertrophy, activated microglia with NLRP3 inflammasomes, elevated proinflammatory cytokines, waned neurogenesis, and synapse loss in the hippocampus. MEL at 10 mg/kg alleviated simple and associative recognition memory dysfunction and anhedonia, along with reduced oxidative stress, enhanced glutathione and complex III, and reduced NLRP3 inflammasomes, IL-18, TNF-α, and IFN-γ. MEL at 20 mg/kg also normalized NRF2 and catalase and increased microglial ramification. MEL at 40 mg/kg, in addition, reduced astrocyte hypertrophy, activated microglia, NF-kB-NLRP3-caspase-1 signaling, IL-1β, MCP-1, and MIP-1α. Moreover, MEL at 80 mg/kg activated the BDNF-ERK-CREB signaling pathway, enhanced neurogenesis and diminished synapse loss in the hippocampus, and improved a more complex hippocampus-dependent cognitive function. Thus, MEL therapy is efficacious for improving cognitive and mood function in a rat model of chronic GWI, and MEL's effect was dose-dependent. The study provides the first evidence of MEL's promise for alleviating neuroinflammation and cognitive and mood impairments in veterans with chronic GWI. A low dose of Melatonin alleviated recognition memory dysfunction and anhedonia in a model of chronic GWI. A moderate dose of Melatonin improved more complex cognitive function in a model of chronic GWI. Melatonin treatment reduced oxidative stress and enhanced mitochondrial complex proteins in the GWI brain. Melatonin inhibited NLRP3 inflammasomes and proinflammatory cytokines in the GWI brain. Melatonin activated the BDNF-ERK-CREB signaling pathway and enhanced neurogenesis in the GWI brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leelavathi N Madhu
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Maheedhar Kodali
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sahithi Attaluri
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Bing Shuai
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Laila Melissari
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Xiaolan Rao
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Ashok K Shetty
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Department of Molecular and Cellular Medicine, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, College Station, TX, USA.
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Phillips KF, Deshpande LS. Calcium Hypothesis of Gulf War Illness: Role of Calcium Ions in Neurological Morbidities in a DFP-Based Rat Model for Gulf War Illness. Neurosci Insights 2020; 15:2633105520979841. [PMID: 33354668 PMCID: PMC7734545 DOI: 10.1177/2633105520979841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Gulf War Illness (GWI) refers to a multi-system disorder that afflicts approximately 30% of First Gulf War (GW) veterans. Amongst the symptoms exhibited, mood and memory impairment are commonly reported by GW veterans. Exposure to organophosphate (OP) compounds which target the cholinergic system is considered a leading cause for GWI symptoms. It is hypothesized that chronic OP-based war-time stimulation of cholinergic signaling led to recruitment of excitatory glutamatergic signaling and other downstream signaling cascades leading to neuronal injury, neuroinflammation, generation of reactive oxygen species, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial damage within the central nervous system. These findings have been observed in both experimental models and GWI veterans. In this context the role of calcium (Ca2+) signaling in GWI has come to the forefront. Here we present our Ca2+ hypothesis of GWI that suggests sustained neuronal Ca2+ elevations serve as a molecular trigger for pathological synaptic plasticity that has allowed for the persistence of GWI symptoms. Subsequently we discuss that therapeutic targeting of Ca2+ homeostatic mechanisms provides novel targets for effective treatment of GWI-related neurological signs in our rodent model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laxmikant S Deshpande
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA.,Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, USA
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