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Walker KA, Rhodes ST, Liberman DA, Gore AC, Bell MR. Microglial responses to inflammatory challenge in adult rats altered by developmental exposure to polychlorinated biphenyls in a sex-specific manner. Neurotoxicology 2024:S0161-813X(24)00081-0. [PMID: 39038526 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2024.07.009] [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: 02/01/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024]
Abstract
Polychlorinated biphenyls are ubiquitous environmental contaminants linked with peripheral immune and neural dysfunction. Neuroimmune signaling is critical to brain development and later health; however, effects of PCBs on neuroimmune processes are largely undescribed. This study extends our previous work in neonatal or adolescent rats by investigating longer-term effects of perinatal PCB exposure on later neuroimmune responses to an inflammatory challenge in adulthood. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed to a low-dose, environmentally relevant, mixture of PCBs (Aroclors 1242, 1248, and 1254, 1:1:1, 20μg / kg dam BW per gestational day) or oil control during gestation and via lactation. Upon reaching adulthood, rats were given a mild inflammatory challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 50μg / kg BW, ip) or saline control and then euthanized 3hours later for gene expression analysis or 24hours later for immunohistochemical labeling of Iba1+ microglia. PCB exposure did not alter gene expression or microglial morphology independently, but instead interacted with the LPS challenge in brain region- and sex-specific ways. In the female hypothalamus, PCB exposure blunted LPS responses of neuroimmune and neuromodulatory genes without changing microglial morphology. In the female prefrontal cortex, PCBs shifted Iba1+ cells from reactive to hyperramified morphology in response to LPS. Conversely, in the male hypothalamus, PCBs shifted cell phenotypes from hyperramified to reactive morphologies in response to LPS. The results highlight the potential for long-lasting effects of environmental contaminants that are differentially revealed over a lifetime, sometimes only after a secondary challenge. These neuroimmune endpoints are possible mechanisms for PCB effects on a range of neural dysfunction in adulthood, including mental health and neurodegenerative disorders. The findings suggest possible interactions with other environmental challenges that also influence neuroimmune systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Walker
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614.
| | - Simone T Rhodes
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614.
| | - Deborah A Liberman
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614.
| | - Andrea C Gore
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712.
| | - Margaret R Bell
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Health Sciences, DePaul University, Chicago, IL 60614; Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy and Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712.
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2
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Stojanović NM, Ranđelović PJ, Simonović M, Radić M, Todorović S, Corrigan M, Harkin A, Boylan F. Essential Oil Constituents as Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Agents: An Insight through Microglia Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5168. [PMID: 38791205 PMCID: PMC11121245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25105168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia are key players in the brain's innate immune response, contributing to homeostatic and reparative functions but also to inflammatory and underlying mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Targeting microglia and modulating their function may have therapeutic potential for mitigating neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration. The anti-inflammatory properties of essential oils suggest that some of their components may be useful in regulating microglial function and microglial-associated neuroinflammation. This study, starting from the ethnopharmacological premises of the therapeutic benefits of aromatic plants, assessed the evidence for the essential oil modulation of microglia, investigating their potential pharmacological mechanisms. Current knowledge of the phytoconstituents, safety of essential oil components, and anti-inflammatory and potential neuroprotective effects were reviewed. This review encompasses essential oils of Thymus spp., Artemisia spp., Ziziphora clinopodioides, Valeriana jatamansi, Acorus spp., and others as well as some of their components including 1,8-cineole, β-caryophyllene, β-patchoulene, carvacrol, β-ionone, eugenol, geraniol, menthol, linalool, thymol, α-asarone, and α-thujone. Essential oils that target PPAR/PI3K-Akt/MAPK signalling pathways could supplement other approaches to modulate microglial-associated inflammation to treat neurodegenerative diseases, particularly in cases where reactive microglia play a part in the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikola M. Stojanović
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (N.M.S.); (P.J.R.)
| | - Pavle J. Ranđelović
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (N.M.S.); (P.J.R.)
| | - Maja Simonović
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia;
- University Clinical Centre Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.R.); (S.T.)
| | - Milica Radić
- University Clinical Centre Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.R.); (S.T.)
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia
| | - Stefan Todorović
- University Clinical Centre Niš, 18000 Niš, Serbia; (M.R.); (S.T.)
| | - Myles Corrigan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; (M.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Andrew Harkin
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; (M.C.); (A.H.)
| | - Fabio Boylan
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; (M.C.); (A.H.)
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute (TBSI) and The Trinity Centre for Natural Product Research (NatPro), D02 R590 Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Lopez-Lee C, Torres ERS, Carling G, Gan L. Mechanisms of sex differences in Alzheimer's disease. Neuron 2024; 112:1208-1221. [PMID: 38402606 PMCID: PMC11076015 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and the mechanisms underlying its etiology and progression are complex and multifactorial. The higher AD risk in women may serve as a clue to better understand these complicated processes. In this review, we examine aspects of AD that demonstrate sex-dependent effects and delve into the potential biological mechanisms responsible, compiling findings from advanced technologies such as single-cell RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and multi-omics analyses. We review evidence that sex hormones and sex chromosomes interact with various disease mechanisms during aging, encompassing inflammation, metabolism, and autophagy, leading to unique characteristics in disease progression between men and women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Lopez-Lee
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eileen Ruth S Torres
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gillian Carling
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Gan
- Helen and Robert Appel Alzheimer's Disease Institute, Feil Family Brain and Mind Research Institute, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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4
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Cleland NRW, Potter GJ, Buck C, Quang D, Oldham D, Neal M, Saviola A, Niemeyer CS, Dobrinskikh E, Bruce KD. Altered metabolism and DAM-signatures in female brains and microglia with aging. Brain Res 2024; 1829:148772. [PMID: 38244754 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.148772] [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: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/22/2024]
Abstract
Despite Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affecting women, the mechanisms remain elusive. In AD, microglia undergo 'metabolic reprogramming', which contributes to microglial dysfunction and AD pathology. However, how sex and age contribute to metabolic reprogramming in microglia is understudied. Here, we use metabolic imaging, transcriptomics, and metabolic assays to probe age- and sex-associated changes in brain and microglial metabolism. Glycolytic and oxidative metabolism in the whole brain was determined using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM). Young female brains appeared less glycolytic than male brains, but with aging, the female brain became 'male-like.' Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of disease-associated microglia (DAM) genes (e.g., ApoE, Trem2, LPL), and genes involved in glycolysis and oxidative metabolism in microglia from aged females compared to males. To determine whether estrogen can alter the expression of these genes, BV-2 microglia-like cell lines, which abundantly express DAM genes, were supplemented with 17β-estradiol (E2). E2 supplementation resulted in reduced expression of DAM genes, reduced lipid and cholesterol transport, and substrate-dependent changes in glycolysis and oxidative metabolism. Consistent with the notion that E2 may suppress DAM-associated factors, LPL activity was elevated in the brains of aged female mice. Similarly, DAM gene and protein expression was higher in monocyte-derived microglia-like (MDMi) cells derived from middle-aged females compared to age-matched males and was responsive to E2 supplementation. FLIM analysis of MDMi from young and middle-aged females revealed reduced oxidative metabolism and FAD+ with age. Overall, our findings show that altered metabolism defines age-associated changes in female microglia and suggest that estrogen may inhibit the expression and activity of DAM-associated factors, which may contribute to increased AD risk, especially in post-menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R W Cleland
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Garrett J Potter
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Courtney Buck
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Daphne Quang
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Dean Oldham
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Mikaela Neal
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Anthony Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Christy S Niemeyer
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Kimberley D Bruce
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
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Rojas-Colón LA, Redell JB, Dash PK, Vegas PE, Vélez-Torres W. 4R-cembranoid suppresses glial cells inflammatory phenotypes and prevents hippocampal neuronal loss in LPS-treated mice. J Neurosci Res 2024; 102:e25336. [PMID: 38656664 PMCID: PMC11073245 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25336] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Chronic neuroinflammation has been implicated in neurodegenerative disease pathogenesis. A key feature of neuroinflammation is neuronal loss and glial activation, including microglia and astrocytes. 4R-cembranoid (4R) is a natural compound that inhibits hippocampal pro-inflammatory cytokines and increases memory function in mice. We used the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection model to study the effect of 4R on neuronal density and microglia and astrocyte activation. C57BL/6J wild-type mice were injected with LPS (5 mg/kg) and 2 h later received either 4R (6 mg/kg) or vehicle. Mice were sacrificed after 72 h for analysis of brain pathology. Confocal images of brain sections immunostained for microglial, astrocyte, and neuronal markers were used to quantify cellular hippocampal phenotypes and neurons. Hippocampal lysates were used to measure the expression levels of neuronal nuclear protein (NeuN), inducible nitrous oxide synthase (iNOS), arginase-1, thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and orosomucoid-2 (ORM2) by western blot. iNOS and arginase-1 are widely used protein markers of pro- and anti-inflammatory microglia, respectively. GDNF promotes neuronal survival, and ORM2 and THBS1 are astrocytic proteins that regulate synaptic plasticity and inhibit microglial activation. 4R administration significantly reduced neuronal loss and the number of pro-inflammatory microglia 72 h after LPS injection. It also decreased the expression of the pro-inflammatory protein iNOS while increasing arginase-1 expression, supporting its anti-inflammatory role. The protein expression of THBS1, GDNF, and ORM2 was increased by 4R. Our data show that 4R preserves the integrity of hippocampal neurons against LPS-induced neuroinflammation in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis A Rojas-Colón
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - John B Redell
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pramod K Dash
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Pedro E Vegas
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
| | - Wanda Vélez-Torres
- Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine, Bayamón, Puerto Rico
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Zamani A, Thomas E, Wright DK. Sex biology in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Ageing Res Rev 2024; 95:102228. [PMID: 38354985 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2024.102228] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Although sex differences in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) have not been studied systematically, numerous clinical and preclinical studies have shown sex to be influential in disease prognosis. Moreover, with the development of advanced imaging tools, the difference between male and female brain in structure and function and their response to neurodegeneration are more definitive. As discussed in this review, ALS patients exhibit a sex bias pertaining to the features of the disease, and their clinical, pathological, (and pathophysiological) phenotypes. Several epidemiological studies have indicated that this sex disparity stems from various aetiologies, including sex-specific brain structure and neural functioning, genetic predisposition, age, gonadal hormones, susceptibility to traumatic brain injury (TBI)/head trauma and lifestyle factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akram Zamani
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.
| | - Emma Thomas
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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7
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Arantes ALF, Carvalho MC, Brandão ML, Prado WA, Crippa JADS, Lovick TA, Genaro K. Antinociceptive action of cannabidiol on thermal sensitivity and post-operative pain in male and female rats. Behav Brain Res 2024; 459:114793. [PMID: 38048909 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114793] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the antinociceptive potential of cannabidiol (CBD) in male and female Wistar rats. The assessment and analysis included tail withdrawal to thermal stimulation (tail flick test) and mechanical allodynia induced by plantar incision injury (von Frey test). CBD reduced acute thermal sensitivity in uninjured animals and post-operative mechanical allodynia in males and females. In the tail flick test, CBD 30 mg/kg i.p. was required to induce antinociception in males. During the proestrus phase, females did not show a statistically significant antinociceptive response to CBD treatment despite a noticeable trend. In contrast, in a separate group of rats tested during the late diestrus phase, antinociception varied with CBD dosage and time. In the post-operative pain model, CBD at 3 mg/kg decreased mechanical allodynia in males. Similarly, this dose reduced allodynia in females during proestrus. However, in females during late diestrus, the lower dose of CBD (0.3 mg/kg) reduced mechanical allodynia, although the latency to onset of the effect was slower (90 min). The effectiveness of a 10-fold lower dose of CBD during the late diestrus stage in females suggests that ovarian hormones can influence the action of CBD. While CBD has potential for alleviating pain in humans, personalized dosing regimens may need to be developed to treat pain in women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luisa Ferreira Arantes
- Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior and Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology of Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Milene Cristina Carvalho
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP 14040-900, Brazil; Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior and Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology of Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Marcus Lira Brandão
- Institute of Neurosciences and Behavior and Laboratory of Neuropsychopharmacology of Faculty of Philosophy, Sciences and Letters of University of São Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - Wiliam Alves Prado
- Department of Pharmacology, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP 14040-900, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre de Souza Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavioral Sciences, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP 14040-900, Brazil; National Institute of Science and Technology for Translational Medicine, Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Cientifico e Tecnologico (INCT-TM, CNPq), Brasília, DF 71605-001, Brazil
| | - Thelma Anderson Lovick
- Physiology, Pharmacology & Neuroscience, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, United Kingdom
| | - Karina Genaro
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, CA 92617, USA.
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Volk Robertson K, Schleh MW, Harrison FE, Hasty AH. Microglial-specific knockdown of iron import gene, Slc11a2, blunts LPS-induced neuroinflammatory responses in a sex-specific manner. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 116:370-384. [PMID: 38141840 PMCID: PMC10874246 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 12/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation and microglial iron load are significant hallmarks found in several neurodegenerative diseases. In in vitro systems, microglia preferentially upregulate the iron importer, divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1, gene name Slc11a2) in response to inflammatory stimuli, and it has been shown that iron can augment cellular inflammation, suggesting a feed-forward loop between mechanisms involved in iron import and inflammatory signaling. However, it is not understood how microglial iron import mechanisms contribute to inflammation in vivo, or whether altering a microglial iron-related gene affects the inflammatory response. These studies aimed to determine the effect of knocking down microglial iron import gene Slc11a2 on the inflammatory response in vivo. We generated a novel model of tamoxifen-inducible, microglial-specific Slc11a2 knockdown using Cx3cr1Cre-ERT2 mice. Transgenic male and female mice were administered intraperitoneal saline or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and assessed for sickness behavior post-injection. Plasma cytokines and microglial bulk RNA sequencing (RNASeq) analyses were performed at 4 h post-LPS, and microglia were collected for gene expression analysis after 24 h. A subset of mice was assessed in a behavioral test battery following LPS-induced sickness recovery. Control male, but not female, mice significantly upregulated microglial Slc11a2 at 4 and 24 h following LPS. In Slc11a2 knockdown mice, we observed an improvement in the acute behavioral sickness response post-LPS in male, but not female, animals. Microglia from male, but not female, knockdown animals exhibited a significant decrease in LPS-provoked pro-inflammatory cytokine expression after 24 h. RNASeq data from male knockdown microglia 4 h post-LPS revealed a robust downregulation in inflammatory genes including Il6, Tnfα, and Il1β, and an increase in anti-inflammatory and homeostatic markers (e.g., Tgfbr1, Cx3cr1, and Trem2). This corresponded with a profound decrease in plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines 4 h post-LPS. At 4 h, male knockdown microglia also upregulated expression of markers of iron export, iron recycling, and iron homeostasis and decreased iron storage and import genes, along with pro-oxidant markers such as Cybb, Nos2, and Hif1α. Overall, this work elucidates how manipulating a specific gene involved in iron import in microglia alters acute inflammatory signaling and overall cell activation state in male mice. These data highlight a sex-specific link between a microglial iron import gene and the pro-inflammatory response to LPS in vivo, providing further insight into the mechanisms driving neuroinflammatory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Volk Robertson
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael W Schleh
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Fiona E Harrison
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
| | - Alyssa H Hasty
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA; VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA.
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9
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Shaik SM, Cao Y, Gogola JV, Dodiya HB, Zhang X, Boutej H, Han W, Kriz J, Sisodia SS. Translational profiling identifies sex-specific metabolic and epigenetic reprogramming of cortical microglia/macrophages in APPPS1-21 mice with an antibiotic-perturbed-microbiome. Mol Neurodegener 2023; 18:95. [PMID: 38104136 PMCID: PMC10725591 DOI: 10.1186/s13024-023-00668-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages perform immune surveillance and engage with pathological processes resulting in phenotype changes necessary for maintaining homeostasis. In preceding studies, we showed that antibiotic-induced perturbations of the gut microbiome of APPPS1-21 mice resulted in significant attenuation in Aβ amyloidosis and altered microglial phenotypes that are specific to male mice. The molecular events underlying microglial phenotypic transitions remain unclear. Here, by generating 'APPPS1-21-CD11br' reporter mice, we investigated the translational state of microglial/macrophage ribosomes during their phenotypic transition and in a sex-specific manner. METHODS Six groups of mice that included WT-CD11br, antibiotic (ABX) or vehicle-treated APPPS1-21-CD11br males and females were sacrificed at 7-weeks of age (n = 15/group) and used for immunoprecipitation of microglial/macrophage polysomes from cortical homogenates using anti-FLAG antibody. Liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry and label-free quantification was used to identify newly synthesized peptides isolated from polysomes. RESULTS We show that ABX-treatment leads to decreased Aβ levels in male APPPS1-21-CD11br mice with no significant changes in females. We identified microglial/macrophage polypeptides involved in mitochondrial dysfunction and altered calcium signaling that are associated with Aβ-induced oxidative stress. Notably, female mice also showed downregulation of newly-synthesized ribosomal proteins. Furthermore, male mice showed an increase in newly-synthesized polypeptides involved in FcγR-mediated phagocytosis, while females showed an increase in newly-synthesized polypeptides responsible for actin organization associated with microglial activation. Next, we show that ABX-treatment resulted in substantial remodeling of the epigenetic landscape, leading to a metabolic shift that accommodates the increased bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands associated with microglial polarization in a sex-specific manner. While microglia in ABX-treated male mice exhibited a metabolic shift towards a neuroprotective phenotype that promotes Aβ clearance, microglia in ABX-treated female mice exhibited loss of energy homeostasis due to persistent mitochondrial dysfunction and impaired lysosomal clearance that was associated with inflammatory phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS Our studies provide the first snapshot of the translational state of microglial/macrophage cells in a mouse model of Aβ amyloidosis that was subject to ABX treatment. ABX-mediated changes resulted in metabolic reprogramming of microglial phenotypes to modulate immune responses and amyloid clearance in a sex-specific manner. This microglial plasticity to support neuro-energetic homeostasis for its function based on sex paves the path for therapeutic modulation of immunometabolism for neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabana M Shaik
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yajun Cao
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Joseph V Gogola
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hemraj B Dodiya
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xulun Zhang
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Hejer Boutej
- CERVO Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Weinong Han
- Dept. of Neurobiology, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Jasna Kriz
- CERVO Brain Research Centre and Department of Psychiatry and Neuroscience, Laval University, Québec, QC, Canada
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10
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Reed EG, Keller-Norrell PR. Minding the Gap: Exploring Neuroinflammatory and Microglial Sex Differences in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17377. [PMID: 38139206 PMCID: PMC10743742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Research into Alzheimer's Disease (AD) describes a link between AD and the resident immune cells of the brain, the microglia. Further, this suspected link is thought to have underlying sex effects, although the mechanisms of these effects are only just beginning to be understood. Many of these insights are the result of policies put in place by funding agencies such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) and the move towards precision medicine due to continued lackluster therapeutic options. The purpose of this review is to provide an updated assessment of the current research that summarizes sex differences and the research pertaining to microglia and their varied responses in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin G. Reed
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH 44242, USA
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11
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Cleland NRW, Potter GJ, Buck C, Quang D, Oldham D, Neal M, Saviola A, Niemeyer CS, Dobrinskikh E, Bruce KD. Altered Metabolism and DAM-signatures in Female Brains and Microglia with Aging. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.28.569104. [PMID: 38076915 PMCID: PMC10705419 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.28.569104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2023]
Abstract
Despite Alzheimer's disease (AD) disproportionately affecting women, the mechanisms remain elusive. In AD, microglia undergo 'metabolic reprogramming', which contributes to microglial dysfunction and AD pathology. However, how sex and age contribute to metabolic reprogramming in microglia is understudied. Here, we use metabolic imaging, transcriptomics, and metabolic assays to probe age-and sex-associated changes in brain and microglial metabolism. Glycolytic and oxidative metabolism in the whole brain was determined using Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Microscopy (FLIM). Young female brains appeared less glycolytic than male brains, but with aging, the female brain became 'male-like.' Transcriptomic analysis revealed increased expression of disease-associated microglia (DAM) genes (e.g., ApoE, Trem2, LPL), and genes involved in glycolysis and oxidative metabolism in microglia from aged females compared to males. To determine whether estrogen can alter the expression of these genes, BV-2 microglia-like cell lines, which abundantly express DAM genes, were supplemented with 17β-estradiol (E2). E2 supplementation resulted in reduced expression of DAM genes, reduced lipid and cholesterol transport, and substrate-dependent changes in glycolysis and oxidative metabolism. Consistent with the notion that E2 may suppress DAM-associated factors, LPL activity was elevated in the brains of aged female mice. Similarly, DAM gene and protein expression was higher in monocyte-derived microglia-like (MDMi) cells derived from middle-aged females compared to age-matched males and was responsive to E2 supplementation. FLIM analysis of MDMi from young and middle-aged females revealed reduced oxidative metabolism and FAD+ with age. Overall, our findings show that altered metabolism defines age-associated changes in female microglia and suggest that estrogen may inhibit the expression and activity of DAM-associated factors, which may contribute to increased AD risk, especially in post-menopausal women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas R W Cleland
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Garrett J Potter
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Courtney Buck
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Daphne Quang
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Dean Oldham
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Mikaela Neal
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Anthony Saviola
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
| | - Christy S. Niemeyer
- Department of Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Evgenia Dobrinskikh
- Section of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Kimberley D. Bruce
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO USA
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12
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Hosseinzadeh S, Afshari S, Molaei S, Rezaei N, Dadkhah M. The role of genetics and gender specific differences in neurodegenerative disorders: Insights from molecular and immune landscape. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 384:578206. [PMID: 37813041 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578206] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders (NDDs) are the most common neurological disorders with high prevalence and have significant socioeconomic implications. Understanding the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the immune system can be effective in disease etiology, leading to more effective therapeutic approaches for both females and males. The central nervous system (CNS) actively participates in immune responses, both within and outside the CNS. Immune system activation is a common feature in NDDs. Gender-specific factors play a significant role in the prevalence, progression, and manifestation of NDDs. Neuroinflammation, in both inflammatory neurological and neurodegenerative conditions, is defined by the triggering of microglia and astrocyte cell activation. This results in the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. Numerous studies have documented the role of neuroinflammation in neurological diseases, highlighting the involvement of immune signaling pathways in disease development. Converging evidence support immune system involvement during neurodegeneration in NDDs. In this review, we summarize emerging evidence that reveals gender-dependent differences in immune responses related to NDDs. Also, we highlight sex differences in immune responses and discuss how these sex-specific influences can increase the risk of NDDs. Understanding the role of gender-specific factors can aid in developing targeted therapeutic strategies and improving patient outcomes. Ultimately, the better understanding of these mechanisms contributed to sex-dependent immune response in NDDs, can be critically usful in targeting of immune signaling cascades in such disorders. In this regard, sex-related immune responses in NDDs may be promising and effective targets in therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahnaz Hosseinzadeh
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Iran; Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Salva Afshari
- Students Research Committee, Pharmacy School, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Soheila Molaei
- Zoonoses Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1419733151, Iran; Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Dadkhah
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Ardabil University of Medical Sciences, Ardabil, Iran.
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13
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King'uyu DN, Nti-Kyemereh L, Bonin JL, Feustel PJ, Tram M, MacNamara KC, Kopec AM. The effect of morphine on rat microglial phagocytic activity: An in vitro study of brain region-, plating density-, sex-, morphine concentration-, and receptor-dependency. J Neuroimmunol 2023; 384:578204. [PMID: 37774553 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2023.578204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
Opioids have long been used for clinical pain management, but also have addictive properties that have contributed to the ongoing opioid epidemic. While opioid activation of opioid receptors is well known to contribute to reward and reinforcement, data now also suggest that opioid activation of immune signaling via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) may also play a role in addiction-like processes. TLR4 expression is enriched in immune cells, and in the nervous system is primarily expressed in microglia. Microglial phagocytosis is important for developmental, homeostatic, and pathological processes. To examine how morphine impacts microglial phagocytosis, we isolated microglia from adult male and female rat cortex and striatum and plated them in vitro at 10,000 (10K) or 50,000 cells/well densities. Microglia were incubated with neutral fluorescent microbeads to stimulate phagocytosis in the presence of one of four morphine concentrations. We found that the brain region from which microglia are isolated and plating density, but not morphine concentration, impacts cell survival in vitro. We found that 10-12 M morphine, but not higher concentrations, increases phagocytosis in striatal microglia in vitro independent of sex and plating density, while 10-12 M morphine increased phagocytosis in cortical microglia in vitro independent of sex, but contingent on a plating density. Finally, we demonstrate that the effect of 10-12 M morphine in striatal microglia plated at 10 K density is mediated via TLR4, and not μORs. Overall, our data suggest that in rats, a morphine-TLR4 signaling pathway increases phagocytic activity in microglia independent of sex. This may is useful information for better understanding the possible neural outcomes associated with morphine exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N King'uyu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America.
| | - Lily Nti-Kyemereh
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America; Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12211, United States of America
| | - Jesse L Bonin
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America
| | - Paul J Feustel
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America
| | - Michelle Tram
- Siena College, Loudonville, NY 12211, United States of America
| | - Katherine C MacNamara
- Department of Immunology and Microbial Disease, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America
| | - Ashley M Kopec
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, Albany, NY 12208, United States of America
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14
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Patrizz A, Hamamy AE, Maniskas M, Munshi Y, Atadja L, Ahnstedt H, Howe M, Bu F, Mulkey DK, McCullough LD, Li J. Stroke-Induced Respiratory Dysfunction Is Associated With Cognitive Decline. Stroke 2023; 54:1863-1874. [PMID: 37264918 PMCID: PMC10330454 DOI: 10.1161/strokeaha.122.041239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Respiratory dysfunction is a common complication of stroke, with an incidence of over 60%. Despite the high prevalence of stroke-induced respiratory dysfunction, how disordered breathing influences recovery and cognitive outcomes after ischemic stroke is unknown. We hypothesized that stroke induces chronic respiratory dysfunction, breathing instability, and apnea in mice, which would contribute to higher mortality and greater poststroke cognitive deficits. METHODS Mice were subjected to a 60-minute transient middle cerebral artery occlusion or permanent distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. Whole body plethysmography was performed on C57BL/6 young (2-3 months) and aged (20 months) male and female mice. Animals were exposed to a variety of gas conditions to assess the contribution of peripheral and central chemoreceptors. A battery of cognitive tests was performed to examine behavioral function. RESULTS Middle cerebral artery occlusion led to disordered breathing characterized by hypoventilation and apneas. Cognitive decline correlated with the severity of disordered breathing. Distal permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, which produces a smaller cortical infarct, also produced breathing disorders and cognitive impairment but only in aged mice. CONCLUSIONS Our data suggest that poststroke apnea is associated with cognitive decline and highlights the influence of aging on breathing disorders after stroke. Therefore, the treatment of respiratory instability may be a viable approach to improving cognitive outcomes after stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Patrizz
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Ahmad El Hamamy
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Michael Maniskas
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Yashasvee Munshi
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Louise Atadja
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Hilda Ahnstedt
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Matthew Howe
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Fan Bu
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Daniel K. Mulkey
- Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, University of Connecticut, Storrs CT, 06269
| | - Louise D. McCullough
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
| | - Jun Li
- The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston and the McGovern Medical School, Houston TX, 77030
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15
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Cheng Y, Dempsey RE, Roodsari SK, Shuboni-Mulligan DD, George O, Sanford LD, Guo ML. Cocaine Regulates NLRP3 Inflammasome Activity and CRF Signaling in a Region- and Sex-Dependent Manner in Rat Brain. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1800. [PMID: 37509440 PMCID: PMC10376186 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11071800] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cocaine, one of the most abused drugs worldwide, is capable of activating microglia in vitro and in vivo. Several neuroimmune pathways have been suggested to play roles in cocaine-mediated microglial activation. Previous work showed that cocaine activates microglia in a region-specific manner in the brains of self-administered mice. To further characterize the effects of cocaine on microglia and neuroimmune signaling in vivo, we utilized the brains from both sexes of outbred rats with cocaine self-administration to explore the activation status of microglia, NOD-, LRR-, and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activity, corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) signaling, and NF-κB levels in the striatum and hippocampus (HP). Age-matched rats of the same sex (drug naïve) served as controls. Our results showed that cocaine increased neuroinflammation in the striatum and HP of both sexes with a relatively higher increases in male brains. In the striatum, cocaine upregulated NLRP3 inflammasome activity and CRF levels in males but not in females. In contrast, cocaine increased NLRP3 inflammasome activity in the HP of females but not in males, and no effects on CRF signaling were observed in this region of either sex. Interestingly, cocaine increased NF-κB levels in the striatum and HP with no sex difference. Taken together, our results provide evidence that cocaine can exert region- and sex-specific differences in neuroimmune signaling in the brain. Targeting neuroimmune signaling has been suggested as possible treatment for cocaine use disorders (CUDs). Our current results indicate that sex should be taken into consideration when determining the efficacy of these new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Cheng
- Drug Addiction Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Rachael Elizabeth Dempsey
- Drug Addiction Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Soheil Kazemi Roodsari
- Drug Addiction Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Dorela D Shuboni-Mulligan
- Sleep Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Olivier George
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA 92093, USA
| | - Larry D Sanford
- Sleep Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Ming-Lei Guo
- Drug Addiction Laboratory, Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
- Center for Integrative Neuroscience and Inflammatory Diseases, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
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16
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Colombo E, De Angelis A, Bassani C, Ruffini F, Ottoboni L, Garzetti L, Finardi A, Martino G, Furlan R, Farina C. iAstrocytes do not restrain T cell proliferation in vitro. BMC Neurosci 2023; 24:33. [PMID: 37286983 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-023-00806-3] [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: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The cross-talk between T cells and astrocytes occurring under physiological and, even more, neuroinflammatory conditions may profoundly impact the generation of adaptive immune responses in the nervous tissue. In this study, we used a standardized in vitro co-culture assay to investigate the immunomodulatory properties of astrocytes differing for age, sex, and species. Mouse neonatal astrocytes enhanced T cell vitality but suppressed T lymphocyte proliferation in response to mitogenic stimuli or myelin antigens, regardless of the Th1, Th2 or Th17 T cell phenotype. Studies comparing glia cells from adult and neonatal animals showed that adult astrocytes were more efficient in inhibiting T lymphocyte activation than neonatal astrocytes, regardless of their sex. Differently from primary cultures, mouse and human astrocytes derived from reprogrammed fibroblasts did not interfere with T cell proliferation. Overall, we describe a standardized astrocyte-T cell interaction in vitro assay and demonstrate that primary astrocytes and iAstrocytes may differ in modulating T cell function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Colombo
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Anthea De Angelis
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Claudia Bassani
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Ruffini
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Linda Ottoboni
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Livia Garzetti
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Annamaria Finardi
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Gianvito Martino
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberto Furlan
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Cinthia Farina
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSpe), Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Hospital, Milan, Italy.
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17
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Murack M, Smith KB, Traynor OH, Pirwani AF, Gostlin SK, Mohamed T, Tata DA, Messier C, Ismail N. Environmental enrichment alters LPS-induced changes in BDNF and PSD-95 expressions during puberty. Brain Res 2023; 1806:148283. [PMID: 36801452 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
Puberty is a critical period of cortical reorganization and increased synaptogenesis. Healthy cortical reorganization and synaptic growth require sufficient environmental stimuli and minimalized stress exposure during pubertal development. Exposure to impoverished environments or immune challenges impact cortical reorganization and reduce the expression of proteins associated with neuronal plasticity (BDNF) and synaptogenesis (PSD-95). Environmentally enriched (EE) housing includes improved social-, physical-, and cognitive stimulation. We hypothesized that enriched housing environment would mitigate pubertal stress-induced decreases in BDNF and PSD-95 expressions. Three-week-old male and female CD-1 mice (n = 10 per group) were housed for three weeks in either EE, social or deprived housing conditions. At 6 weeks of age, mice were treated with either lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or saline eight hours prior to tissue collection. Male and female EE mice displayed greater BDNF and PSD-95 expressions in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus compared to socially housed and deprived housed mice. LPS treatment decreased BDNF expression in all the brain regions examined in EE mice, except for the CA3 region of the hippocampus, where EE housing successfully mitigated the pubertal LPS-induced decrease in BDNF expression. Interestingly, LPS-treated mice housed in deprived conditions displayed unexpected increases in BDNF and PSD-95 expressions throughout the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Both enriched and deprived housing conditions moderate how an immune challenge influences BDNF and PSD-95 expressions in a region-specific manner. These findings also emphasize the vulnerability of brain plasticity during puberty to various environmental factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Murack
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Kevin B Smith
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Olivia H Traynor
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Atiqa F Pirwani
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Sarah K Gostlin
- Department of Psychology, McGill University, 2001 Av. McGill College Montreal, Quebec H3A 1G1, Canada
| | - Taha Mohamed
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Despoina A Tata
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Claude Messier
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada; University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Nafissa Ismail
- NISE Laboratory, School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada; University of Ottawa Brain and Mind Research Institute, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier Ottawa, Ontario K1N 6N5, Canada.
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18
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Kadlecova M, Freude K, Haukedal H. Complexity of Sex Differences and Their Impact on Alzheimer's Disease. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11051261. [PMID: 37238932 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex differences are present in brain morphology, sex hormones, aging processes and immune responses. These differences need to be considered for proper modelling of neurological diseases with clear sex differences. This is the case for Alzheimer's disease (AD), a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with two-thirds of cases diagnosed in women. It is becoming clear that there is a complex interplay between the immune system, sex hormones and AD. Microglia are major players in the neuroinflammatory process occurring in AD and have been shown to be directly affected by sex hormones. However, many unanswered questions remain as the importance of including both sexes in research studies has only recently started receiving attention. In this review, we provide a summary of sex differences and their implications in AD, with a focus on microglia action. Furthermore, we discuss current available study models, including emerging complex microfluidic and 3D cellular models and their usefulness for studying hormonal effects in this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marion Kadlecova
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Kristine Freude
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Henriette Haukedal
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 1870 C Frederiksberg, Denmark
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19
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Costello A, Linning-Duffy K, Vandenbrook C, Lonstein JS, Yan L. Daytime Light Deficiency Leads to Sex- and Brain Region-Specific Neuroinflammatory Responses in a Diurnal Rodent. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2023; 43:1369-1384. [PMID: 35864429 PMCID: PMC10635710 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-022-01256-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Seasonal changes in peripheral inflammation are well documented in both humans and animal models, but seasonal changes in neuroinflammation, especially the impact of seasonal lighting environment on neuroinflammation remain unclear. To address this question, the present study examined the effects of environmental lighting conditions on neuroinflammation in a diurnal rodent model, Nile grass rats (Arvicanthis niloticus). Male and female grass rats were housed in either bright (brLD) or dim (dimLD) light during the day to simulate a summer or winter light condition, respectively. After 4 weeks, microglia markers Iba-1 and CD11b, as well as pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6, were examined in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC), basolateral amygdala (BLA), and dorsal hippocampus (dHipp). The results revealed that winter-like dim light during the day leads to indicators of increased neuroinflammation in a brain site- and sex-specific manner. Specifically, relatively few changes in the neuroinflammatory markers were observed in the ACC, while numerous changes were found in the BLA and dHipp. In the BLA, winter-like dimLD resulted in hyper-ramified microglia morphology and increased expression of the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-6, but only in males. In the dHipp, dimLD led to a higher number and hyper-ramified morphology of microglia as well as increased expression of CD11b and TNF-α, but only in females. Neuroinflammatory state is thus influenced by environmental light, differently in males and females, and could play a role in sex differences in the prevalence and symptoms of psychiatric or neurological disorders that are influenced by season or other environmental light conditions. Diurnal Nile grass rats were housed under bright or dim light during the day for 4 weeks, simulating seasonal fluctuations in daytime lighting environment. Dim light housing resulted in hyper-ramified morphology of microglia (scale bar, 15 μm) and altered expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α) in a sex- and brain region-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Allison Costello
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Katrina Linning-Duffy
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Carleigh Vandenbrook
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Joseph S Lonstein
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Lily Yan
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Michigan State University, 766, Service Road, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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20
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Grovola MR, von Reyn C, Loane DJ, Cullen DK. Understanding microglial responses in large animal models of traumatic brain injury: an underutilized resource for preclinical and translational research. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:67. [PMID: 36894951 PMCID: PMC9999644 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02730-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) often results in prolonged or permanent brain dysfunction with over 2.8 million affected annually in the U.S., including over 56,000 deaths, with over 5 million total survivors exhibiting chronic deficits. Mild TBI (also known as concussion) accounts for over 75% of all TBIs every year. Mild TBI is a heterogeneous disorder, and long-term outcomes are dependent on the type and severity of the initial physical event and compounded by secondary pathophysiological consequences, such as reactive astrocytosis, edema, hypoxia, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. Neuroinflammation has gained increasing attention for its role in secondary injury as inflammatory pathways can have both detrimental and beneficial roles. For example, microglia-resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS)-influence cell death pathways and may contribute to progressive neurodegeneration but also aid in debris clearance and neuroplasticity. In this review, we will discuss the acute and chronic role of microglia after mild TBI, including critical protective responses, deleterious effects, and how these processes vary over time. These descriptions are contextualized based on interspecies variation, sex differences, and prospects for therapy. We also highlight recent work from our lab that was the first to describe microglial responses out to chronic timepoints after diffuse mild TBI in a clinically relevant large animal model. The scaled head rotational acceleration of our large animal model, paired with the gyrencephalic architecture and appropriate white:gray matter ratio, allows us to produce pathology with the same anatomical patterns and distribution of human TBI, and serves as an exemplary model to examine complex neuroimmune response post-TBI. An improved understanding of microglial influences in TBI could aid in the development of targeted therapeutics to accentuate positive effects while attenuating detrimental post-injury responses over time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael R Grovola
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Brain Injury & Repair, University of Pennsylvania, 105E Hayden Hall/3320 Smith Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Catherine von Reyn
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Science and Health Systems, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - David J Loane
- School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.,Department of Anesthesiology and Shock, Trauma, and Anesthesiology Research (STAR) Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - D Kacy Cullen
- Center for Neurotrauma, Neurodegeneration & Restoration, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA. .,Department of Neurosurgery, Center for Brain Injury & Repair, University of Pennsylvania, 105E Hayden Hall/3320 Smith Walk, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA. .,Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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21
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The Pathological Activation of Microglia Is Modulated by Sexually Dimorphic Pathways. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054739. [PMID: 36902168 PMCID: PMC10003784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are the primary immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system (CNS). Their ability to survey, assess and respond to perturbations in their local environment is critical in their role of maintaining CNS homeostasis in health and disease. Microglia also have the capability of functioning in a heterogeneous manner depending on the nature of their local cues, as they can become activated on a spectrum from pro-inflammatory neurotoxic responses to anti-inflammatory protective responses. This review seeks to define the developmental and environmental cues that support microglial polarization towards these phenotypes, as well as discuss sexually dimorphic factors that can influence this process. Further, we describe a variety of CNS disorders including autoimmune disease, infection, and cancer that demonstrate disparities in disease severity or diagnosis rates between males and females, and posit that microglial sexual dimorphism underlies these differences. Understanding the mechanism behind differential CNS disease outcomes between men and women is crucial in the development of more effective targeted therapies.
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22
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Mela V, Gaban AS, Shatz PM, Guillot-Sestier MV, Lynch MA. Acute Stress, Induced by IFNγ + Aβ, and Chronic Stress, Induced by Age, Affect Microglia in a Sex-Specific Manner. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3044-3053. [PMID: 36781739 PMCID: PMC10122617 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03235-9] [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: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Microglial phenotype changes in the aged brain, and also in neurodegenerative diseases, and it is generally accepted that these changes at least contribute to the inflammation that can have detrimental effects on brain health. Accumulating data have determined that there are multiple microglial activation states with consistent findings indicating that with stressors including age, a switch towards an inflammatory phenotype occurs. Among the changes that accompany this is a change in metabolism, whereby glycolysis is increased in microglia. Here, we asked whether sex impacted on the response of microglia to two stressors, interferon-γ + amyloid-β (IFNγ + Aβ) and age. The data show that IFNγ + Aβ triggered cells from female mice to adopt a glycolytic phenotype. Metabolism was also altered with age; microglia from aged male mice responded by increasing oxidative phosphorylation, and microglial motility was preserved, contrasting with microglia from female mice where motility was compromised. We conclude that sex is a significant variable in the responses of microglia to stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Virginia Mela
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland. .,Department of Medicine and Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaga, Malaga, 29010, Spain.
| | - Aline Sayd Gaban
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Paul Marie Shatz
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Marie-Victoire Guillot-Sestier
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.,School of Medicine and Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marina A Lynch
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
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23
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Bringuier CM, Noristani HN, Perez JC, Cardoso M, Goze-Bac C, Gerber YN, Perrin FE. Up-Regulation of Astrocytic Fgfr4 Expression in Adult Mice after Spinal Cord Injury. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040528. [PMID: 36831195 PMCID: PMC9954417 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) leads to persistent neurological deficits without available curative treatment. After SCI astrocytes within the lesion vicinity become reactive, these undergo major morphological, and molecular transformations. Previously, we reported that following SCI, over 10% of resident astrocytes surrounding the lesion spontaneously transdifferentiate towards a neuronal phenotype. Moreover, this conversion is associated with an increased expression of fibroblast growth factor receptor 4 (Fgfr4), a neural stem cell marker, in astrocytes. Here, we evaluate the therapeutic potential of gene therapy upon Fgfr4 over-expression in mature astrocytes following SCI in adult mice. We found that Fgfr4 over-expression in astrocytes immediately after SCI improves motor function recovery; however, it may display sexual dimorphism. Improved functional recovery is associated with a decrease in spinal cord lesion volume and reduced glial reactivity. Cell-specific transcriptomic profiling revealed concomitant downregulation of Notch signaling, and up-regulation of neurogenic pathways in converting astrocytes. Our findings suggest that gene therapy targeting Fgfr4 over-expression in astrocytes after injury is a feasible therapeutic approach to improve recovery following traumatism of the spinal cord. Moreover, we stress that a sex-dependent response to astrocytic modulation should be considered for the development of effective translational strategies in other neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Maida Cardoso
- UMR 5221, Univ. Montpellier, CNRS, 34095 Montpellier, France
| | | | | | - Florence Evelyne Perrin
- MMDN, Univ. Montpellier, EPHE, INSERM, 34095 Montpellier, France
- Institut Universitaire de France (IUF), 75005 Paris, France
- Correspondence:
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24
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Gudkov SV, Burmistrov DE, Kondakova EV, Sarimov RM, Yarkov RS, Franceschi C, Vedunova MV. An emerging role of astrocytes in aging/neuroinflammation and gut-brain axis with consequences on sleep and sleep disorders. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 83:101775. [PMID: 36334910 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2022.101775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the role of astrocytes in the central nervous system has changed dramatically over the last decade. The accumulating findings indicate that glial cells are involved not only in the maintenance of metabolic and ionic homeostasis and in the implementation of trophic functions but also in cognitive functions and information processing in the brain. Currently, there are some controversies regarding the role of astrocytes in complex processes such as aging of the nervous system and the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Many findings confirm the important functional role of astrocytes in age-related brain changes, including sleep disturbance and the development of neurodegenerative diseases and particularly Alzheimer's disease. Until recent years, neurobiological research has focused mainly on neuron-glial interactions, in which individual astrocytes locally modulate neuronal activity and communication between neurons. The review considers the role of astrocytes in the physiology of sleep and as an important "player" in the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In addition, the features of the astrocytic network reorganization during aging are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey V Gudkov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia; Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Dmitriy E Burmistrov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Elena V Kondakova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Ruslan M Sarimov
- Prokhorov General Physics Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 38 Vavilov str., 119991 Moscow, Russia.
| | - Roman S Yarkov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
| | - Maria V Vedunova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin ave., 603022 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia.
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25
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Alvarez-Sanchez N, Dunn SE. Potential biological contributers to the sex difference in multiple sclerosis progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1175874. [PMID: 37122747 PMCID: PMC10140530 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1175874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an immune-mediated disease that targets the myelin sheath of central nervous system (CNS) neurons leading to axon injury, neuronal death, and neurological progression. Though women are more highly susceptible to developing MS, men that develop this disease exhibit greater cognitive impairment and accumulate disability more rapidly than women. Magnetic resonance imaging and pathology studies have revealed that the greater neurological progression seen in males correlates with chronic immune activation and increased iron accumulation at the rims of chronic white matter lesions as well as more intensive whole brain and grey matter atrophy and axon loss. Studies in humans and in animal models of MS suggest that male aged microglia do not have a higher propensity for inflammation, but may become more re-active at the rim of white matter lesions as a result of the presence of pro-inflammatory T cells, greater astrocyte activation or iron release from oligodendrocytes in the males. There is also evidence that remyelination is more efficient in aged female than aged male rodents and that male neurons are more susceptible to oxidative and nitrosative stress. Both sex chromosome complement and sex hormones contribute to these sex differences in biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuria Alvarez-Sanchez
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Shannon E. Dunn
- Keenan Research Centre for Biomedical Science, St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Immunology, 1 King’s College Circle, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Women's College Research Institute, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
- *Correspondence: Shannon E. Dunn,
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26
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Boyle AJ, Murrell E, Tong J, Schifani C, Narvaez A, Wuest M, West F, Wuest F, Vasdev N. PET Imaging of Fructose Metabolism in a Rodent Model of Neuroinflammation with 6-[ 18F]fluoro-6-deoxy-D-fructose. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27238529. [PMID: 36500626 PMCID: PMC9736258 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27238529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Fluorine-18 labeled 6-fluoro-6-deoxy-D-fructose (6-[18F]FDF) targets the fructose-preferred facilitative hexose transporter GLUT5, which is expressed predominantly in brain microglia and activated in response to inflammatory stimuli. We hypothesize that 6-[18F]FDF will specifically image microglia following neuroinflammatory insult. 6-[18F]FDF and, for comparison, [18F]FDG were evaluated in unilateral intra-striatal lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected male and female rats (50 µg/animal) by longitudinal dynamic PET imaging in vivo. In LPS-injected rats, increased accumulation of 6-[18F]FDF was observed at 48 h post-LPS injection, with plateaued uptake (60-120 min) that was significantly higher in the ipsilateral vs. contralateral striatum (0.985 ± 0.047 and 0.819 ± 0.033 SUV, respectively; p = 0.002, n = 4M/3F). The ipsilateral-contralateral difference in striatal 6-[18F]FDF uptake expressed as binding potential (BPSRTM) peaked at 48 h (0.19 ± 0.11) and was significantly decreased at one and two weeks. In contrast, increased [18F]FDG uptake in the ipsilateral striatum was highest at one week post-LPS injection (BPSRTM = 0.25 ± 0.06, n = 4M). Iba-1 and GFAP immunohistochemistry confirmed LPS-induced activation of microglia and astrocytes, respectively, in ipsilateral striatum. This proof-of-concept study revealed an early response of 6-[18F]FDF to neuroinflammatory stimuli in rat brain. 6-[18F]FDF represents a potential PET radiotracer for imaging microglial GLUT5 density in brain with applications in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J. Boyle
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Correspondence: (A.J.B.); (N.V.); Tel.: +1-416-535-8501 (ext. 30884) (A.J.B.); +1-416-535-8501 (ext. 30988) (N.V.)
| | - Emily Murrell
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Junchao Tong
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Christin Schifani
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Andrea Narvaez
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
| | - Melinda Wuest
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2N4, Canada
| | - Frederick West
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2N4, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Frank Wuest
- Department of Chemistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2N4, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada
| | - Neil Vasdev
- Azrieli Centre for Neuro-Radiochemistry, Brain Health Imaging Centre, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, 250 College St., Toronto, ON M5T 1R8, Canada
- Correspondence: (A.J.B.); (N.V.); Tel.: +1-416-535-8501 (ext. 30884) (A.J.B.); +1-416-535-8501 (ext. 30988) (N.V.)
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27
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Lombardo G, Nettis MA, Hastings C, Zajkowska Z, Mariani N, Nikkheslat N, Worrell C, Enache D, McLaughlin A, Kose M, Bogdanova A, Sforzini L, Cleare AJ, Young AH, Dazzan P, Mondelli V, Pariante CM. Sex differences in a double-blind randomized clinical trial with minocycline in treatment-resistant depressed patients: CRP and IL-6 as sex-specific predictors of treatment response. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 26:100561. [PMID: 36467125 PMCID: PMC9712814 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100561] [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: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammation is a well-known risk factor for depression. Specifically, patients who do not respond to antidepressant treatment show higher levels of inflammatory biomarkers compared with responders. Thus, several studies have investigated the efficacy of anti-inflammatory add-on treatment in this population. However, major depressive disorder is more prevalent in females than in males, with sex differences present in antidepressant treatment response and in immune system regulation. To explore sex differences in inflammatory profiles and treatment responses, we investigated a cohort of patients with treatment resistant depression (TRD), for which they received an adjunctive, anti-inflammatory treatment with minocycline - the Minocycline in Depression (MINDEP) study. Methods The MINDEP study is a 4-week double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial (stratified by sex) with 39 TRD participants, which demonstrated the efficacy of minocycline, an antibiotic with anti-inflammatory properties, in TRD patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and evidence of low-grade inflammation measured with C-reactive protein (CRP) ≥ 3 mg/L. In these secondary analyses, we investigated the differential effects of minocycline in females (N = 22, 10 randomised to minocycline and 12 randomised to placebo) and in males (N = 17, 8 randomised to minocycline and 9 randomised to placebo) on changes in depressive symptoms (Δ- Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD)-17), taking also into consideration CRP levels (CRP ≥3 mg/L vs. CRP <3 mg/L). Additionally, we investigated the role of serum IL-6 in predicting treatment response to minocycline, using sex-specific medians of IL-6, in novel exploratory analyses. Results Sex differences in Δ-HAMD-17 indicate that only females (F = 10.49, p = 0.005), but not males (F = 1.64, p = 0.22), presented an effect of CRP levels on the response to minocycline. Also, we detected sex differences in the relationship between serum CRP and IL-6 levels: CRP was strongly correlated with IL-6 in females (Spearman's ρ = 0.658, P < 0.001) but not in males (ρ = 0.007, p = 0.979). Exploratory analyses found that IL-6 was indeed a better predictor of response than minocycline than CRP, as we found an interaction between study arms and IL-6 groups (above and below the IL-6 sex-specific median) in females (F = 4.435 p = 0.050) and, at trend statistical level, in males (F = 4.258 p = 0.060). Moreover, Δ-HAMD-17 was numerically comparable in the two high-IL-6 group taking minocycline (females, mean 9.20 ± SD 7.80; males, mean 8.80 ± SD 5.97), confirming that high IL-6, differently from high CRP, identified responders to minocycline both in males and females. Conclusion Our findings highlight the need of sex-specific inflammatory biomarkers in predicting antidepressant response to anti-inflammatories in TRD patients, with the possibility of CRP being a relevant predictor of treatment response only for females, and IL-6 being relevant for both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lombardo
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Maria Antonietta Nettis
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Caitlin Hastings
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Zuzanna Zajkowska
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Nicole Mariani
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Naghmeh Nikkheslat
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Courtney Worrell
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Daniela Enache
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK.,Division of Neurogeriatrics, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna McLaughlin
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Melisa Kose
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anna Bogdanova
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Luca Sforzini
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - Anthony J Cleare
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Allan H Young
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine M Pariante
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry Psychology and Neuroscience, Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK.,National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
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28
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Barko K, Shelton M, Xue X, Afriyie-Agyemang Y, Puig S, Freyberg Z, Tseng GC, Logan RW, Seney ML. Brain region- and sex-specific transcriptional profiles of microglia. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:945548. [PMID: 36090351 PMCID: PMC9448907 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.945548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are resident macrophages of the brain, performing roles related to brain homeostasis, including modulation of synapses, trophic support, phagocytosis of apoptotic cells and debris, as well as brain protection and repair. Studies assessing morphological and transcriptional features of microglia found regional differences as well as sex differences in some investigated brain regions. However, markers used to isolate microglia in many previous studies are not expressed exclusively by microglia or cannot be used to identify and isolate microglia in all contexts. Here, fluorescent activated cell sorting was used to isolate cells expressing the microglia-specific marker TMEM119 from prefrontal cortex (PFC), striatum, and midbrain in mice. RNA-sequencing was used to assess the transcriptional profile of microglia, focusing on brain region and sex differences. We found striking brain region differences in microglia-specific transcript expression. Most notable was the distinct transcriptional profile of midbrain microglia, with enrichment for pathways related to immune function; these midbrain microglia exhibited a profile similar to disease-associated or immune-surveillant microglia. Transcripts more highly expressed in PFC isolated microglia were enriched for synapse-related pathways while microglia isolated from the striatum were enriched for pathways related to microtubule polymerization. We also found evidence for a gradient of expression of microglia-specific transcripts across the rostral-to-caudal axes of the brain, with microglia extracted from the striatum exhibiting a transcriptional profile intermediate between that of the PFC and midbrain. We also found sex differences in expression of microglia-specific transcripts in all 3 brain regions, with many selenium-related transcripts more highly expressed in females across brain regions. These results suggest that the transcriptional profile of microglia varies between brain regions under homeostatic conditions, suggesting that microglia perform diverse roles in different brain regions and even based on sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Barko
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Micah Shelton
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Xiangning Xue
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yvette Afriyie-Agyemang
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Stephanie Puig
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zachary Freyberg
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - George C. Tseng
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ryan W. Logan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, United States
- Genome Science Institute, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marianne L. Seney
- Translational Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
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29
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Castillo-Ruiz A, Cisternas CD, Sturgeon H, Forger NG. Birth triggers an inflammatory response in the neonatal periphery and brain. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 104:122-136. [PMID: 35661680 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Birth is preceded by inflammation at the fetal/maternal interface. Additionally, the newborn experiences stimuli that under any other circumstance could elicit an immune response. It is unknown, however, whether birth elicits an inflammatory response in the newborn that extends to the brain. Moreover, it is unknown whether birth mode may alter such a response. To study these questions, we first measured corticosterone and pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in plasma of mouse offspring at several timepoints spaced closely before and after a vaginal or Cesarean birth. We found highest levels of IL-6 one day before birth and surges in corticosterone and IL-10 just after birth, regardless of birth mode. We next examined the neuroimmune response by measuring cytokine mRNA expression and microglial number and morphology in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus and hippocampus around the time of birth. We found a marked increase in TNF-α expression in both brain regions a day after birth, and rapid increases in microglial cell number in the first three days postnatal, with subtle differences by birth mode. To test whether the association between birth and cytokine production or expansion of microglia is causal, we manipulated birth timing. Remarkably, advancing birth by a day advanced the increases in all of the markers tested. Thus, birth triggers an immune response in the body and brain of offspring. Our results may provide a mechanism for effects of birth (e.g., acute changes in cell death and neural activation) previously reported in the newborn brain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla D Cisternas
- Instituto de Investigación Médica Mercedes y Martín Ferreyra INIMEC-CONICET-UNC, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Hannah Sturgeon
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
| | - Nancy G Forger
- Neuroscience Institute, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA 30302, USA
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Prenatal and adolescent alcohol exposure programs immunity across the lifespan: CNS-mediated regulation. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2022; 216:173390. [PMID: 35447157 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
For many individuals, first exposure to alcohol occurs either prenatally due to maternal drinking, or during adolescence, when alcohol consumption is most likely to be initiated. Prenatal Alcohol Exposure (PAE) and its associated Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders (FASD) in humans is associated with earlier initiation of alcohol use and increased rates of Alcohol Use Disorders (AUD). Initiation of alcohol use and misuse in early adolescence correlates highly with later AUD diagnosis as well. Thus, PAE and adolescent binge drinking set the stage for long-term health consequences due to adverse effects of alcohol on subsequent immune function, effects that may persist across the lifespan. The overarching goal of this review, therefore, is to determine the extent to which early developmental exposure to alcohol produces long-lasting, and potentially life-long, changes in immunological function. Alcohol affects the whole body, yet most studies are narrowly focused on individual features of immune function, largely ignoring the systems-level interactions required for effective host defense. We therefore emphasize the crucial role of the Central Nervous System (CNS) in orchestrating host defense processes. We argue that alcohol-mediated disruption of host immunity can occur through both (a) direct action of ethanol on neuroimmune processes, that subsequently disrupt peripheral immune function (top down); and (b) indirect action of ethanol on peripheral immune organs/cells, which in turn elicit consequent changes in CNS neuroimmune function (bottom up). Recognizing that alcohol consumption across the entire body, we argue in favor of integrative, whole-organism approaches toward understanding alcohol effects on immune function, and highlight the need for more work specifically examining long-lasting effects of early developmental exposure to alcohol (prenatal and adolescent periods) on host immunity.
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Lin SH, Chen SCC. RNA Editing in Glioma as a Sexually Dimorphic Prognostic Factor That Affects mRNA Abundance in Fatty Acid Metabolism and Inflammation Pathways. Cells 2022; 11:cells11071231. [PMID: 35406793 PMCID: PMC8997934 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA editing alters the nucleotide sequence and has been associated with cancer progression. However, little is known about its prognostic and regulatory roles in glioma, one of the most common types of primary brain tumors. We characterized and analyzed RNA editomes of glioblastoma and isocitrate dehydrogenase mutated (IDH-MUT) gliomas from The Cancer Genome Atlas and the Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA). We showed that editing change during glioma progression was another layer of molecular alterations and that editing profiles predicted the prognosis of glioblastoma and IDH-MUT gliomas in a sex-dependent manner. Hyper-editing was associated with poor survival in females but better survival in males. Moreover, noncoding editing events impacted mRNA abundance of the host genes. Genes associated with inflammatory response (e.g., EIF2AK2, a key mediator of innate immunity) and fatty acid oxidation (e.g., acyl-CoA oxidase 1, the rate-limiting enzyme in fatty acid β-oxidation) were editing-regulated and associated with glioma progression. The above findings were further validated in CGGA samples. Establishment of the prognostic and regulatory roles of RNA editing in glioma holds promise for developing editing-based therapeutic strategies against glioma progression. Furthermore, sexual dimorphism at the epitranscriptional level highlights the importance of developing sex-specific treatments for glioma.
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Janisset NRLL, Romariz SAA, Hashiguchi D, Quintella ML, Gimenes C, Yokoyama T, Filev R, Carlini E, Barbosa da Silva R, Faber J, Longo BM. Partial protective effects of cannabidiol against PTZ-induced acute seizures in female rats during the proestrus-estrus transition. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 129:108615. [PMID: 35217387 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108615] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 70% of women with epilepsy experience additional challenges in seizure exacerbation due to hormonal changes, particularly during fluctuations of estrogen-progesterone levels in the menstrual cycle, which is known as catamenial epilepsy. In animal models of epilepsy, a sustained increase in seizure frequency has been observed in female rats during the proestrus-estrus transition when estrogen levels are high and progesterone levels are low resembling catamenial epilepsy. Cannabidiol (CBD) has been proposed to have anticonvulsant and anti-inflammatory effects, able to decrease seizure duration and increase seizure threshold in rats with epilepsy. However, most studies have used males to investigate the pharmacological effects of CBD on seizures, and the neuroprotective effects of CBD against seizures exacerbated by hormonal fluctuations in females are still little explored. Given this scenario, the aim of the present study was to investigate whether CBD would protect against acute seizures induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in female rats during a pro-convulsant hormonal phase. Therefore, CBD (50 mg/kg) or saline was administered during the proestrus-estrus transition phase, 1 h prior to induction of seizures with PTZ (60 mg/kg), and the following parameters were recorded: duration, latency to first seizure, as well as percentage of convulsing animals (incidence), mortality, and severity of seizures. Brains were processed for immunohistochemistry for microglial cells (Iba-1), and blood was collected for the analysis of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and TNF-α). Cannabidiol pre-treated rats showed a significant reduction in duration and severity of seizures, and IL-1β levels, although the latency, incidence of seizures, and mortality rate remained unchanged as well the quantification of microglia in the selected areas. Therefore, acute administration of CBD in a single dose prior to seizure induction showed a partial neuroprotective effect against seizure severity and inflammation, suggesting that female rats in the proconvulsant phase of proestrus-estrus have a low seizure threshold and are more resistant to the anticonvulsant effects of CBD. It appears that other doses or administration windows of CBD may be required to achieve a full protective effect against seizures, suggesting that CBD could be used as an adjunctive therapy during fluctuations of estrogen-progesterone levels. In this sense, considering the hormonal fluctuation as a seizure-potentiating factor, our study contributes to understand the anticonvulsant activity of CBD in females in a pro-convulsant hormonal phase, similar to catamenial seizures in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilma R L L Janisset
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Simone A A Romariz
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Debora Hashiguchi
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Miguel L Quintella
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Christiane Gimenes
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Thais Yokoyama
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Renato Filev
- Departamento de Psiquiatria e Psicologia Médica, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Elisaldo Carlini
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Regina Barbosa da Silva
- Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, UNIFESP Baixada Santista, Brazil
| | - Jean Faber
- Departamento de Neurologia e Neurocirurgia, Laboratório de Neuroengenharia e Neurocognição, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil
| | - Beatriz M Longo
- Departamento de Fisiologia, Laboratório de Neurofisiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo - UNIFESP, Brazil.
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Lynch MA. Exploring Sex-Related Differences in Microglia May Be a Game-Changer in Precision Medicine. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:868448. [PMID: 35431903 PMCID: PMC9009390 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.868448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
One area of microglial biology that has been relatively neglected until recently is sex differences and this is in spite of the fact that sex is a risk factor in several diseases that are characterized by neuroinflammation and, by extension, microglial activation. Why these sex differences exist is not known but the panoply of differences extend to microglial number, genotype and phenotype. Significantly, several of these sex-related differences are also evident in health and change during life emphasizing the dynamic and plastic nature of microglia. This review will consider how age impacts on sex-related differences in microglia and ask whether the advancement of personalized medicine demands that a greater focus is placed on studying sex-related differences in microglia in Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and models of inflammatory stress and trauma in order to make true progress in dealing with these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A. Lynch
- Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
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Stranahan AM. Visceral adiposity, inflammation, and hippocampal function in obesity. Neuropharmacology 2021; 205:108920. [PMID: 34902347 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The 'apple-shaped' anatomical pattern that accompanies visceral adiposity increases risk for multiple chronic diseases, including conditions that impact the brain, such as diabetes and hypertension. However, distinguishing between the consequences of visceral obesity, as opposed to visceral adiposity-associated metabolic and cardiovascular pathologies, presents certain challenges. This review summarizes current literature on relationships between adipose tissue distribution and cognition in preclinical models and highlights unanswered questions surrounding the potential role of tissue- and cell type-specific insulin resistance in these effects. While gaps in knowledge persist related to insulin insensitivity and cognitive impairment in obesity, several recent studies suggest that cells of the neurovascular unit contribute to hippocampal synaptic dysfunction, and this review interprets those findings in the context of progressive metabolic dysfunction in the CNS. Signalling between cerebrovascular endothelial cells, astrocytes, microglia, and neurons has been linked with memory deficits in visceral obesity, and this article describes the cellular changes in each of these populations with respect to their role in amplification or diminution of peripheral signals. The picture emerging from these studies, while incomplete, implicates pro-inflammatory cytokines, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia in various stages of obesity-induced hippocampal dysfunction. As in the parable of the five blind wanderers holding different parts of an elephant, considerable work remains in order to assemble a model for the underlying mechanisms linking visceral adiposity with age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexis M Stranahan
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, 1462 Laney Walker Blvd, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
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McClellan S, Pitchaikannu A, Wright R, Bessert D, Iulianelli M, Hazlett LD, Xu S. Prophylactic Knockdown of the miR-183/96/182 Cluster Ameliorates Pseudomonas aeruginosa-Induced Keratitis. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:14. [PMID: 34919120 PMCID: PMC8684302 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.15.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Previously, we demonstrated that miR-183/96/182 cluster (miR-183C) knockout mice exhibit decreased severity of Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA)-induced keratitis. This study tests the hypothesis that prophylactic knockdown of miR-183C ameliorates PA keratitis indicative of a therapeutic potential. Methods Eight-week-old miR-183C wild-type and C57BL/6J inbred mice were used. Locked nucleic acid-modified anti-miR-183C or negative control oligoribonucleotides with scrambled sequences (NC ORNs) were injected subconjunctivally 1 day before and then topically applied once daily for 5 days post-infection (dpi) (strain 19660). Corneal disease was graded at 1, 3, and 5 dpi. Corneas were harvested for RT-PCR, ELISA, immunofluorescence (IF), myeloperoxidase and plate count assays, and flow cytometry. Corneal nerve density was evaluated in flatmounted corneas by IF staining with anti-β-III tubulin antibody. Results Anti-miR-183C downregulated miR-183C in the cornea. It resulted in an increase in IL-1β at 1 dpi, which was decreased at 5 dpi; fewer polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) at 5 dpi; lower viable bacterial plate count at both 1 and 5 dpi; increased percentages of MHCII+ macrophages (Mϕ) and dendritic cells (DCs), consistent with enhanced activation/maturation; and decreased severity of PA keratitis. Anti-miR-183C treatment in the cornea of naïve mice resulted in a transient reduction of corneal nerve density, which was fully recovered one week after the last anti-miR application. miR-183C targets repulsive axon-guidance receptor molecule Neuropilin 1, which may mediate the effect of anti-miR-183C on corneal nerve regression. Conclusions Prophylactic miR-183C knockdown is protective against PA keratitis through its regulation of innate immunity, corneal innervation, and neuroimmune interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharon McClellan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Ahalya Pitchaikannu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Robert Wright
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Denise Bessert
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Mason Iulianelli
- Departments of Biological Sciences and Public Health, College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Linda D Hazlett
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
| | - Shunbin Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Visual and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, United States
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Bottenfield KR, Bowley BGE, Pessina MA, Medalla M, Rosene DL, Moore TL. Sex differences in recovery of motor function in a rhesus monkey model of cortical injury. Biol Sex Differ 2021; 12:54. [PMID: 34627376 PMCID: PMC8502310 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-021-00398-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke disproportionately affects men and women, with women over 65 years experiencing increased severity of impairment and higher mortality rates than men. Human studies have explored risk factors that contribute to these differences, but additional research is needed to investigate how sex differences affect functional recovery and hence the severity of impairment. In the present study, we used our rhesus monkey model of cortical injury and fine motor impairment to compare sex differences in the rate and degree of motor recovery following this injury. METHODS Aged male and female rhesus monkeys were trained on a task of fine motor function of the hand before undergoing surgery to produce a cortical lesion limited to the hand area representation of the primary motor cortex. Post-operative testing began two weeks after the surgery and continued for 12 weeks. All trials were video recorded and latency to retrieve a reward was quantitatively measured to assess the trajectory of post-operative response latency and grasp pattern compared to pre-operative levels. RESULTS Postmortem analysis showed no differences in lesion volume between male and female monkeys. However, female monkeys returned to their pre-operative latency and grasp patterns significantly faster than males. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate the need for additional studies to further investigate the role of estrogens and other sex hormones that may differentially affect recovery outcomes in the primate brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen R Bottenfield
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.
| | - Bethany G E Bowley
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Monica A Pessina
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA
| | - Maria Medalla
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Douglas L Rosene
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Tara L Moore
- Dept. of Anatomy & Neurobiology, Boston University School of Medicine, 700 Albany Street, W701, Boston, MA, 02118, USA.,Center for Systems Neuroscience, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
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Aceves-Serrano L, Sossi V, Doudet DJ. Comparison of Invasive and Non-invasive Estimation of [ 11C]PBR28 Binding in Non-human Primates. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 24:404-415. [PMID: 34622422 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01661-6] [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: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify a reliable alternative to the full blood [11C]PBR28 quantification method that would be easily replicated in multiple research and clinical settings. PROCEDURES Ten [11C]PBR28 scans were acquired from 7 healthy non-human primates (NHP). Arterial input functions (AIFs) were averaged to create a population template input function (TIF). Population-based input functions were created by scaling the TIF with injected activity per body weight (PBIF) or unmetabolized tracer activity in blood at 15-,30-, and 60-min post-injection (PBIF15, PBIF30, and PBIF60). Two additional input functions were used: the native unmetabolized total plasma activity (Totals) and the Totals curve metabolite corrected by a scaled template parent fraction from a 30-min sample (TPF30-IF). Total distribution volumes (VTs) were calculated using PBIF, PBIF30, PBIF15, PBIF60, Totals, TPF30-IF, and the individual AIF (VTAIF). Distribution volume ratios (DVR) were computed using the cerebellum and the centrum semiovale (CSO), as pseudo-reference regions (DVRCereb, DVRCSO). Results obtained with each method were compared to VTAIF. Applicability of these alternative methods was tested on an independent pharmacological challenge dataset of microglial activation and depletion. Evaluation was carried at baseline, immediately after intervention (acute), and weeks post-intervention (post-recovery). RESULTS VTs computed using PBIF15 and PBIF30 showed the best correlation to VTAIF (r > 0.90), while VT derived from the blood-free-scaled PBIF showed poor correlation (r = 0.46) and DVRCSO correlated the least (r = 0.26). In the pharmacological challenge study, most population-derived VT values were comparable to VTAIF at baseline and showed varied sensitivity to challenges at acute and post-recovery evaluation. DVR values did not detect relevant changes. CONCLUSIONS Population-based input functions scaled with a single blood sample might be a useful alternative to using AIF to compute [11C]PBR28 binding in healthy NHPs or animals with comparable metabolism and overall perform better than pseudo-reference regions approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucero Aceves-Serrano
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Rm M36 Purdy Pavilion, 2221 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada.
| | - Vesna Sossi
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Doris J Doudet
- Department of Medicine, Division of Neurology, University of British Columbia, Rm M36 Purdy Pavilion, 2221 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 2B5, Canada
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Connolly MG, Potter OV, Sexton AR, Kohman RA. Effects of Toll-like receptor 4 inhibition on spatial memory and cell proliferation in male and female adult and aged mice. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 97:383-393. [PMID: 34343615 PMCID: PMC8453097 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) participate in the response to infection, stress, and injury by initiating an innate immune response. In addition, these receptors are expressed in many neural cell types and under physiological conditions are implicated in modulating cognitive function and neural plasticity in the adult and aged brain. Knockout of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) subtype enhances spatial memory and adult hippocampal neurogenesis through increasing proliferation and neuronal differentiation. Currently unknown is whether pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 produces similar enhancements in cognitive function and cell proliferation. The present study evaluated water maze performance, cytokine expression, and cell proliferation in the hippocampus of young and aged male and female C57BL6/J mice following treatment with the TLR4 antagonist, TAK-242. Further, alterations in the response to an acute stressor were evaluated in TAK-242-treated mice. Results showed that TAK-242 selectively enhanced spatial learning and memory in young females. Additionally, TAK-242 treatment reduced thigmotaxis in the water maze and lowered corticosterone levels following acute stress in females. TAK-242 decreased hippocampal interleukin (IL)-1β expression but had no effect on IL-6 or tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα). Aged mice showed decreased cell proliferation compared to young mice, but TAK-242 administration had minimal effects on estimated Ki67 positive cell numbers. Findings indicate that pharmacological inhibition of TLR4 improves cognitive function in young females likely through attenuating stress reactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meghan G. Connolly
- University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Psychology, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Opal V. Potter
- University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Psychology, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Ashley R. Sexton
- University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Psychology, Wilmington, NC, USA
| | - Rachel A. Kohman
- University of North Carolina Wilmington, Department of Psychology, Wilmington, NC, USA
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Posillico CK. Three's Company: Neuroimmune activation, sex, and memory at the tripartite synapse. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100326. [PMID: 34589812 PMCID: PMC8474433 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The neuroimmune system is required for normal cognitive functions such as learning and memory in addition to its critical role in detecting and responding to invading pathogens and injury. Understanding the functional convergence of neurons, astrocytes, and microglia at the synapse, particularly in the hippocampus, is key to understanding the nuances of such diverse roles. In the healthy brain, communication between all three cells is important for regulating neuronal activation and synaptic plasticity mechanisms, and during neuroinflammation, the activity and functions of all three cells can produce and be modulated by inflammatory cytokines. An important remaining component to this system is the conclusive evidence of sex differences in hippocampal plasticity mechanisms, hormone modulation of synaptic plasticity, functional properties of hippocampal neurons, and in neuroimmune activation. Sex as a biological variable here is necessary to consider given sex differences in the prevalence of memory-related disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Post-Traumatic Stress disorder, both of which present with neuroimmune dysregulation. To make meaningful progress towards a deeper understanding of sex biases in memory-related disease prevalence, I propose that the next chapter of psychoneuroimmune research must focus on the signal integration and transduction at the synapse between experience-dependent plasticity mechanisms, neuroimmune activation, and the influence of biological sex.
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Prowse N, Hayley S. Microglia and BDNF at the crossroads of stressor related disorders: Towards a unique trophic phenotype. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 131:135-163. [PMID: 34537262 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Stressors ranging from psychogenic/social to neurogenic/injury to systemic/microbial can impact microglial inflammatory processes, but less is known regarding their effects on trophic properties of microglia. Recent studies do suggest that microglia can modulate neuronal plasticity, possibly through brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). This is particularly important given the link between BDNF and neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative pathology. We posit that certain activated states of microglia play a role in maintaining the delicate balance of BDNF release onto neuronal synapses. This focused review will address how different "activators" influence the expression and release of microglial BDNF and address the question of tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) expression on microglia. We will then assess sex-based differences in microglial function and BDNF expression, and how microglia are involved in the stress response and related disorders such as depression. Drawing on research from a variety of other disorders, we will highlight challenges and opportunities for modulators that can shift microglia to a "trophic" phenotype with a view to potential therapeutics relevant for stressor-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie Prowse
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Shawn Hayley
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
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Posillico CK, Garcia-Hernandez RE, Tronson NC. Sex differences and similarities in the neuroimmune response to central administration of poly I:C. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:193. [PMID: 34488804 PMCID: PMC8418962 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02235-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuroimmune system is required for normal neural processes, including modulation of cognition, emotion, and adaptive behaviors. Aberrant neuroimmune activation is associated with dysregulation of memory and emotion, though the precise mechanisms at play are complex and highly context dependent. Sex differences in neuroimmune activation and function further complicate our understanding of its roles in cognitive and affective regulation. METHODS Here, we characterized the physiological sickness and inflammatory response of the hippocampus following intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of a synthetic viral mimic, polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly I:C), in both male and female C57Bl/6N mice. RESULTS We observed that poly I:C induced weight loss, fever, and elevations of cytokine and chemokines in the hippocampus of both sexes. Specifically, we found transient increases in gene expression and protein levels of IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, TNFα, CCL2, and CXCL10, where males showed a greater magnitude of response compared with females. Only males showed increased IFNα and IFNγ in response to poly I:C, whereas both males and females exhibited elevations of IFNβ, demonstrating a specific sex difference in the anti-viral response in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that type I interferons are one potential node mediating sex-specific cytokine responses and neuroimmune effects on cognition. Together, these findings highlight the importance of using both males and females and analyzing a broad set of inflammatory markers in order to identify the precise, sex-specific roles for neuroimmune dysregulation in neurological diseases and disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin K Posillico
- Psychology Department, University of Michigan, 530 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | | | - Natalie C Tronson
- Psychology Department, University of Michigan, 530 Church St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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Gregus AM, Levine IS, Eddinger KA, Yaksh TL, Buczynski MW. Sex differences in neuroimmune and glial mechanisms of pain. Pain 2021; 162:2186-2200. [PMID: 34256379 PMCID: PMC8277970 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000002215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Pain is the primary motivation for seeking medical care. Although pain may subside as inflammation resolves or an injury heals, it is increasingly evident that persistency of the pain state can occur with significant regularity. Chronic pain requires aggressive management to minimize its physiological consequences and diminish its impact on quality of life. Although opioids commonly are prescribed for intractable pain, concerns regarding reduced efficacy, as well as risks of tolerance and dependence, misuse, diversion, and overdose mortality rates limit their utility. Advances in development of nonopioid interventions hinge on our appreciation of underlying mechanisms of pain hypersensitivity. For instance, the contributory role of immunity and the associated presence of autoimmune syndromes has become of particular interest. Males and females exhibit fundamental differences in innate and adaptive immune responses, some of which are present throughout life, whereas others manifest with reproductive maturation. In general, the incidence of chronic pain conditions, particularly those with likely autoimmune covariates, is significantly higher in women. Accordingly, evidence is now accruing in support of neuroimmune interactions driving sex differences in the development and maintenance of pain hypersensitivity and chronicity. This review highlights known sexual dimorphisms of neuroimmune signaling in pain states modeled in rodents, which may yield potential high-value sex-specific targets to inform future analgesic drug discovery efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M Gregus
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Ian S Levine
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | | | - Tony L Yaksh
- Departments of Anesthesiology and
- Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Matthew W Buczynski
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Lombardo G, Mondelli V, Dazzan P, Pariante CM. Sex hormones and immune system: A possible interplay in affective disorders? A systematic review. J Affect Disord 2021; 290:1-14. [PMID: 33989924 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex hormones and the immune system may play a key role in sex differences in affective disorders. The understanding of their interplay may lead to the detection of new sex-specific tailored therapeutic approaches. The aim of this systematic review is to summarise the evidence supporting a possible association between sex hormones and inflammatory biomarkers in people with affective disorders. METHODS A systematic search of the literature published until January 2021 was conducted on PubMed database. The initial search identified a total of 1259 studies; 20 studies investigating inflammatory biomarkers and sex hormones in patients exhibiting depressive symptoms were included: 10 studies focused on patients with affective disorders, and 10 studies focused on women in menopause or in the post-partum period exhibiting depressive symptoms. RESULTS Testosterone and exogenous female sex hormones may play protective roles through their modulation of the immune system, respectively, in male patients with bipolar disorder and in peri-/post-menopausal women with depression. LIMITATIONS The main limitations are the paucity of studies investigating both sex hormones and immune biomarkers, the lack of statistical analyses exploring specifically the association between these two classes of biomarkers, and the great heterogeneity between the participants' samples in the studies. CONCLUSION This review highlights the need to investigate the interplay between sex hormones and immune system in affective disorders. The inconsistent or incomplete evidence may be improved by studies in patients with moderate-high inflammatory levels that specifically evaluate the relationship between sex hormones and the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Lombardo
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, UK.
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
| | - Paola Dazzan
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, UK
| | - Carmine Maria Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience (IoPPN), King's College London, UK; National Institute for Health Research Mental Health Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College London, London, UK
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Sex-Dependent Reduction in Mechanical Allodynia in the Sural-Sparing Nerve Injury Model in Mice Lacking Merkel Cells. J Neurosci 2021; 41:5595-5619. [PMID: 34031166 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1668-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Innocuous touch sensation is mediated by cutaneous low-threshold mechanoreceptors (LTMRs). Aβ slowly adapting type I (SAI) neurons constitute one LTMR subtype that forms synapse-like complexes with associated Merkel cells in the basal skin epidermis. Under healthy conditions, these complexes transduce indentation and pressure stimuli into Aβ SAI LTMR action potentials that are transmitted to the CNS, thereby contributing to tactile sensation. However, it remains unknown whether this complex plays a role in the mechanical hypersensitivity caused by peripheral nerve injury. In this study, we characterized the distribution of Merkel cells and associated afferent neurons across four diverse domains of mouse hind paw skin, including a recently described patch of plantar hairy skin. We also showed that in the spared nerve injury (SNI) model of neuropathic pain, Merkel cells are lost from the denervated tibial nerve territory but are relatively preserved in nearby hairy skin innervated by the spared sural nerve. Using a genetic Merkel cell KO mouse model, we subsequently examined the importance of intact Merkel cell-Aβ complexes to SNI-associated mechanical hypersensitivity in skin innervated by the spared neurons. We found that, in the absence of Merkel cells, mechanical allodynia was partially reduced in male mice, but not female mice, under sural-sparing SNI conditions. Our results suggest that Merkel cell-Aβ afferent complexes partially contribute to mechanical allodynia produced by peripheral nerve injury, and that they do so in a sex-dependent manner.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Merkel discs or Merkel cell-Aβ afferent complexes are mechanosensory end organs in mammalian skin. Yet, it remains unknown whether Merkel cells or their associated sensory neurons play a role in the mechanical hypersensitivity caused by peripheral nerve injury. We found that male mice genetically lacking Merkel cell-Aβ afferent complexes exhibited a reduction in mechanical allodynia after nerve injury. Interestingly, this behavioral phenotype was not observed in mutant female mice. Our study will facilitate understanding of mechanisms underlying neuropathic pain.
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Reddy DS, Thompson W, Calderara G. Molecular mechanisms of sex differences in epilepsy and seizure susceptibility in chemical, genetic and acquired epileptogenesis. Neurosci Lett 2021; 750:135753. [PMID: 33610673 PMCID: PMC7994197 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This article provides a succinct overview of sex differences in epilepsy and putative molecular mechanisms underlying sex differences in seizure susceptibility in chemical, genetic, and acquired epileptogenesis. The susceptibility to excitability episodes and occurrence of epileptic seizures are generally higher in men than women. The precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear, but differences in regional morphology and neural circuits in men and women may explain differential vulnerability to seizures and epileptogenic cascades. Changes in seizure sensitivity can be attributed to steroid hormones, including fluctuations in neurosteroids as well as neuroplasticity in their receptor signaling systems. Other potential neurobiological bases for sex differences in epilepsies include differences in brain development, neurogenesis, neuronal chloride homeostasis, and neurotrophic and glial responses. In catamenial epilepsy, a gender-specific neuroendocrine condition, epileptic seizures are most often clustered around a specific menstrual period in adult women. A deeper understanding of the molecular and neural network basis of sex differences in seizures and response to antiepileptic drugs is highly warranted for designing effective, sex-specific therapies for epilepsy, epileptogenesis, and seizure disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States.
| | - Wesley Thompson
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Gianmarco Calderara
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University College of Medicine, Bryan, TX, United States
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Rienecker KDA, Paladini MS, Grue K, Krukowski K, Rosi S. Microglia: Ally and Enemy in Deep Space. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 126:509-514. [PMID: 33862064 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.03.036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
In 2024 the first female astronaut will land on the moon, advancing our preparations for human missions to Mars. While on Earth we are protected from space radiation by our planet's magnetic field, on such deep space voyages astronauts will be exposed to high energy particles from solar flares and galactic cosmic rays (GCR). This exposure carries risks to the central nervous system (CNS) that could jeopardize the mission and astronaut health. Earth-bound studies have employed a variety of single-beam and sequential radiation exposures to simulate the effects of GCR exposure in rodents. Multiple studies have shown that GCR simulation induces a maladaptive activation of microglia - the brain-resident immune cells. GCR simulation also induced synaptic changes resulting in lasting cognitive and behavioral defects. Female and male mice show different susceptibilities to GCR exposure, and evidence suggests this sexually dimorphic response is linked to microglia. Manipulating microglia can prevent the development of cognitive deficits in male mice exposed to components of GCR. This discovery may provide clues towards how to protect astronauts' cognitive and behavioral health both during deep space missions and upon return to Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kira D A Rienecker
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Maria Serena Paladini
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Katherine Grue
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Karen Krukowski
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Susanna Rosi
- Department of Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Science, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Brain and Spinal Injury Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Weill Institute for Neuroscience, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Kavli Institute of Fundamental Neuroscience, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.
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47
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Chowen JA, Garcia-Segura LM. Role of glial cells in the generation of sex differences in neurodegenerative diseases and brain aging. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 196:111473. [PMID: 33766745 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2021] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Diseases and aging-associated alterations of the nervous system often show sex-specific characteristics. Glial cells play a major role in the endogenous homeostatic response of neural tissue, and sex differences in the glial transcriptome and function have been described. Therefore, the possible role of these cells in the generation of sex differences in pathological alterations of the nervous system is reviewed here. Studies have shown that glia react to pathological insults with sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative effects. At least three factors determine this sex-specific response of glia: sex chromosome genes, gonadal hormones and neuroactive steroid hormone metabolites. The sex chromosome complement determines differences in the transcriptional responses in glia after brain injury, while gonadal hormones and their metabolites activate sex-specific neuroprotective mechanisms in these cells. Since the sex-specific neuroprotective and regenerative activity of glial cells causes sex differences in the pathological alterations of the nervous system, glia may represent a relevant target for sex-specific therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutriciόn (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, and IMDEA Food Institute, CEIUAM+CSIC, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC) and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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48
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Han J, Fan Y, Zhou K, Blomgren K, Harris RA. Uncovering sex differences of rodent microglia. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:74. [PMID: 33731174 PMCID: PMC7972194 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
There are inherent structural and functional differences in the central nervous systems (CNS) of females and males. It has been gradually established that these sex-specific differences are due to a spectrum of genetic, epigenetic, and hormonal factors which actively contribute to the differential incidences, disease courses, and even outcomes of CNS diseases between sexes. Microglia, as principle resident macrophages in the CNS, play a crucial role in both CNS physiology and pathology. However, sex differences of microglia have been relatively unexplored until recently. Emerging data has convincingly demonstrated the existence of sex-dependent structural and functional differences of rodent microglia, consequently changing our current understanding of these versatile cells. In this review, we attempt to comprehensively outline the current advances revealing microglial sex differences in rodent and their potential implications for specific CNS diseases with a stark sex difference. A detailed understanding of molecular processes underlying microglial sex differences is of major importance in design of translational sex- and microglia-specific therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinming Han
- Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, CMM L8:04, Karolinska Sjukhuset, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Yueshan Fan
- Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, CMM L8:04, Karolinska Sjukhuset, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Neurosurgery, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Pediatrics, Children's Hospital of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Klas Blomgren
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Pediatric Oncology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Robert A Harris
- Applied Immunology and Immunotherapy, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, CMM L8:04, Karolinska Sjukhuset, S-171 76, Stockholm, Sweden.
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49
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Kumar M, Rainville JR, Williams K, Lile JA, Hodes GE, Vassoler FM, Turner JR. Sexually dimorphic neuroimmune response to chronic opioid treatment and withdrawal. Neuropharmacology 2021; 186:108469. [PMID: 33485944 PMCID: PMC7988821 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2020] [Revised: 01/12/2021] [Accepted: 01/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Opioid use disorder is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Increasing pre-clinical and clinical evidence demonstrates sex differences in opioid use and dependence. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to these effects, including neuroinflammation, are still obscure. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the effect of oxycodone exposure and withdrawal on sex- and region-specific neuroimmune response. Real-time PCR and multiplex cytokine array analysis demonstrated elevated neuroinflammation with increased pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, and aberrant oligodendroglial response in reward neurocircuitry, following withdrawal from chronic oxycodone treatment. Chronic oxycodone and withdrawal treated male mice had lower mRNA expression of TMEM119 along with elevated protein levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines and growth factors (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-7, IL-9, IL-12, IL-15, IL17, M-CSF, VEGF) in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) as compared to their female counterparts. In contrast, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-9, IL-12, CCL11) was observed in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) of oxycodone and withdrawal-treated males as compared to female mice. No treatment specific effects were observed on the mRNA expression of putative microglial activation markers (Iba1, CD68), but an overall sex specific decrease in the mRNA expression of Iba1 and CD68 was found in the PFC and NAc of male mice as compared to females. Moreover, a sex and region-specific increase in the mRNA levels of oligodendrocyte lineage markers (NG2, Sox10) was also observed in oxycodone and withdrawal treated animals. These findings may open a new avenue for the development of sex-specific precision therapeutics for opioid dependence by targeting region-specific neuroimmune signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohit Kumar
- University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, KY, USA
| | - Jennifer R Rainville
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, School of Neuroscience, VA, USA
| | - Kori Williams
- University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, KY, USA
| | - Joshua A Lile
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, KY, USA
| | - Georgia E Hodes
- Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, School of Neuroscience, VA, USA
| | - Fair M Vassoler
- Tufts University, Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, MA, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- University of Kentucky, College of Pharmacy, KY, USA.
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50
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Lennol MP, Canelles S, Guerra-Cantera S, Argente J, García-Segura LM, de Ceballos ML, Chowen JA, Frago LM. Amyloid-β 1-40 differentially stimulates proliferation, activation of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in male and female hippocampal astrocyte cultures. Mech Ageing Dev 2021; 195:111462. [PMID: 33609535 DOI: 10.1016/j.mad.2021.111462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia and has a higher incidence in women. The main component of the senile plaques characteristic of AD is amyloid-beta (Aβ), with surrounding astrocytes contributing to the degenerative process. We hypothesized that the sex difference in the incidence of AD could be partially due to differential astrocytic responses to Aβ. Thus, the effect of Aβ1-40 on cell viability, the inflammatory response, and oxidative status was studied in cultures of hippocampal astrocytes from male and female rats. Aβ1-40 increased astrocyte viability in both female and male cultures by activating proliferation and survival pathways. Pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses were induced in astrocytes from both sexes. Aβ1-40 did not affect endoplasmic reticulum stress although it induced oxidative stress in male and female astrocytes. Interestingly, male astrocytes had an increase in cell number and significantly lower cell death in response to Aβ1-40. Conversely, astrocytes from females displayed a greater inflammatory response after the Aβ1-40 challenge. These results suggest that the inflammatory and oxidative environment induced by Aβ1-40 in female astrocytes may contribute to enhance the vulnerability to AD and warrants further studies to unveil the mechanisms underlying sex differences in astrocytic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew P Lennol
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain
| | - Sandra Canelles
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Santiago Guerra-Cantera
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Jesús Argente
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain; IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Luis Miguel García-Segura
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, Madrid, 28002, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludable (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - María L de Ceballos
- Instituto Cajal, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Av. Doctor Arce, 37, Madrid, 28002, Spain; CIBER de Investigación Biomédica en Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain
| | - Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain; IMDEA Food Institute, CEI UAM + CSIC, Carretera de Cantoblanco 8, Madrid, 28049, Spain
| | - Laura M Frago
- Department of Paediatrics, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo, 4, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Av. Menéndez Pelayo, 65, Madrid, 28009, Spain; Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Princesa, IIS-IP, Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Av. Monforte de Lemos, 3-5 Pabellón 11, Planta 0, Madrid, 28029, Spain.
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