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Crews FT, Coleman LG, Macht VA, Vetreno RP. Alcohol, HMGB1, and Innate Immune Signaling in the Brain. Alcohol Res 2024; 44:04. [PMID: 39135668 PMCID: PMC11318841 DOI: 10.35946/arcr.v44.1.04] [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] [Indexed: 08/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Binge drinking (i.e., consuming enough alcohol to achieve a blood ethanol concentration of 80 mg/dL, approximately 4-5 drinks within 2 hours), particularly in early adolescence, can promote progressive increases in alcohol drinking and alcohol-related problems that develop into compulsive use in the chronic relapsing disease, alcohol use disorder (AUD). Over the past decade, neuroimmune signaling has been discovered to contribute to alcohol-induced changes in drinking, mood, and neurodegeneration. This review presents a mechanistic hypothesis supporting high mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) and Toll-like receptor (TLR) signaling as key elements of alcohol-induced neuroimmune signaling across glia and neurons, which shifts gene transcription and synapses, altering neuronal networks that contribute to the development of AUD. This hypothesis may help guide further research on prevention and treatment. SEARCH METHODS The authors used the search terms "HMGB1 protein," "alcohol," and "brain" across PubMed, Scopus, and Embase to find articles published between 1991 and 2023. SEARCH RESULTS The database search found 54 references in PubMed, 47 in Scopus, and 105 in Embase. A total of about 100 articles were included. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS In the brain, immune signaling molecules play a role in normal development that differs from their functions in inflammation and the immune response, although cellular receptors and signaling are shared. In adults, pro-inflammatory signals have emerged as contributing to brain adaptation in stress, depression, AUD, and neurodegenerative diseases. HMGB1, a cytokine-like signaling protein released from activated cells, including neurons, is hypothesized to activate pro-inflammatory signals through TLRs that contribute to adaptations to binge and chronic heavy drinking. HMGB1 alone and in heteromers with other molecules activates TLRs and other immune receptors that spread signaling across neurons and glia. Both blood and brain levels of HMGB1 increase with ethanol exposure. In rats, an adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) binge drinking model persistently increases brain HMGB1 and its receptors; alters microglia, forebrain cholinergic neurons, and neuronal networks; and increases alcohol drinking and anxiety while disrupting cognition. Studies of human postmortem AUD brain have found elevated levels of HMGB1 and TLRs. These signals reduce cholinergic neurons, whereas microglia, the brain's immune cells, are activated by binge drinking. Microglia regulate synapses through complement proteins that can change networks affected by AIE that increase drinking, contributing to risks for AUD. Anti-inflammatory drugs, exercise, cholinesterase inhibitors, and histone deacetylase epigenetic inhibitors prevent and reverse the AIE-induced pathology. Further, HMGB1 antagonists and other anti-inflammatory treatments may provide new therapies for alcohol misuse and AUD. Collectively, these findings suggest that restoring the innate immune signaling balance is central to recovering from alcohol-related pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fulton T. Crews
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Leon G. Coleman
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Victoria A. Macht
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Ryan P. Vetreno
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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Parada-Kusz M, Clatworthy AE, Goering ER, Blackwood SM, Shigeta JY, Mashin E, Salm EJ, Choi C, Combs S, Lee JSW, Rodriguez-Osorio C, Clish C, Tomita S, Hung DT. 3-Hydroxykynurenine targets kainate receptors to promote defense against infection. Nat Chem Biol 2024:10.1038/s41589-024-01635-z. [PMID: 38898166 DOI: 10.1038/s41589-024-01635-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Bacterial infection involves a complex interaction between the pathogen and host where the outcome of infection is not solely determined by pathogen eradication. To identify small molecules that promote host survival by altering the host-pathogen dynamic, we conducted an in vivo chemical screen using zebrafish embryos and found that treatment with 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) protects from lethal bacterial infection. 3-HK, a metabolite produced through host tryptophan metabolism, has no direct antibacterial activity but enhances host survival by restricting bacterial expansion in macrophages through a systemic mechanism that targets kainate-sensitive glutamate receptors. These findings reveal a new pathway by which tryptophan metabolism and kainate-sensitive glutamate receptors function and interact to modulate immunity, with important implications for the coordination between the immune and nervous systems in pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margarita Parada-Kusz
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anne E Clatworthy
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Emily R Goering
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Stephanie M Blackwood
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jack Y Shigeta
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth J Salm
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Catherine Choi
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Senya Combs
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jenny S W Lee
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Carlos Rodriguez-Osorio
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Clary Clish
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Susumu Tomita
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Physiology and Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Deborah T Hung
- Department of Molecular Biology and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Genetics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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3
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Garbizu M, Aguado L, Martín A. Alpha7 nicotinic receptors as potential theranostic targets for experimental stroke. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:939-940. [PMID: 37862178 PMCID: PMC10749633 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.385294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maider Garbizu
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Laura Aguado
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- CIC biomaGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, San Sebastian, Spain
| | - Abraham Martín
- Achucarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, Leioa, Spain
- Ikerbasque Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
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4
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Wang Z, Han B, Qi J, Cao X, Gu H, Sun J. Chuanzhitongluo capsule improves cognitive impairment in mice with chronic cerebral hypoperfusion via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Exp Gerontol 2024; 189:112407. [PMID: 38522309 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112407] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) has become a common disease-causing cognitive deficit in humans, second only to Alzheimer's Disease (AD). Chuanzhitongluo capsule (CZTL) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) preparation known for its effective protection against cerebral ischemia. However, its potential to ameliorate VCI remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the cognitive improvement effects of CZTL in a mouse model of VCI. Chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) was induced in mice by bilateral common carotid artery stenosis (BCAS) to simulate the pathological changes associated with VCI. Spatial learning and memory abilities were assessed using the Morris Water Maze (MWM). RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) was employed to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in the hippocampus. Levels of inflammatory factors were measured through enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while immunofluorescence (IF) determined the expression intensity of target proteins. Western Blot (WB) confirmed the final action pathway. Results indicated that CZTL significantly improved the spatial learning and memory abilities of CCH mice, along with alterations in gene expression profiles in the hippocampus. It also reduced neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and upregulated the choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and α7 subunit-containing nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), which are in synaptic plasticity and neuronal development. Moreover, CZTL inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway. In conclusion, CZTL may alleviate neuroinflammation induced by CCH and improve cognitive impairment in CCH mice by regulating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAIP) involving ChAT/α7nAChR/NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Wang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bin Han
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jianjiao Qi
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xuelei Cao
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Huali Gu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Jinping Sun
- Department of Emergency Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Bricher Choque PN, Porter MH, Teixeira MS, Dellê H, Elias RM, Durante B, Dutra MRH, Metz CN, Pavlov VA, Consolim Colombo FM. Cholinergic Stimulation Exerts Cardioprotective Effects and Alleviates Renal Inflammatory Responses after Acute Myocardial Infarction in Spontaneous Hypertensive Rats (SHRs). Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:547. [PMID: 38794117 PMCID: PMC11124479 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050547] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In this investigation, we explored the effects of pharmacological cholinergic stimulation on cardiac function and renal inflammation following acute myocardial infarction (AMI) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs). METHODS Adult male SHRs were randomized into three experimental groups: sham-operated; AMI + Veh (infarcted, treated with vehicle); and AMI + PY (infarcted, treated with the cholinesterase inhibitor, pyridostigmine bromide (PY)-40 mg/kg, once daily for seven days). Rats were euthanized 7 or 30 days post-surgery. The clinical parameters were assessed on the day before euthanasia. Subsequent to euthanasia, blood samples were collected and renal tissues were harvested for histological and gene expression analyses aimed to evaluate inflammation and injury. RESULTS Seven days post-surgery, the AMI + PY group demonstrated improvements in left ventricular diastolic function and autonomic regulation, and a reduction in renal macrophage infiltration compared to the AMI + Veh group. Furthermore, there was a notable downregulation in pro-inflammatory gene expression and an upregulation in anti-inflammatory gene expression. Analysis 30 days post-surgery showed that PY treatment had a sustained positive effect on renal gene expression, correlated with a decrease in biomarkers, indicative of subclinical kidney injury. CONCLUSIONS Short-term cholinergic stimulation with PY provides both cardiac and renal protection by mitigating the inflammatory response after AMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Nithzi Bricher Choque
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho (Uninove), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (P.N.B.C.); (M.H.P.); (H.D.); (R.M.E.); (M.R.H.D.)
| | - Maria Helena Porter
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho (Uninove), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (P.N.B.C.); (M.H.P.); (H.D.); (R.M.E.); (M.R.H.D.)
| | - Manuella S. Teixeira
- Hypertension Unit, Heart Institute, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-900, SP, Brazil; (M.S.T.); (B.D.)
| | - Humberto Dellê
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho (Uninove), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (P.N.B.C.); (M.H.P.); (H.D.); (R.M.E.); (M.R.H.D.)
| | - Rosilene Motta Elias
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho (Uninove), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (P.N.B.C.); (M.H.P.); (H.D.); (R.M.E.); (M.R.H.D.)
| | - Bruno Durante
- Hypertension Unit, Heart Institute, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-900, SP, Brazil; (M.S.T.); (B.D.)
| | - Marina Rascio Henriques Dutra
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho (Uninove), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (P.N.B.C.); (M.H.P.); (H.D.); (R.M.E.); (M.R.H.D.)
| | - Christine N. Metz
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA; (C.N.M.); (V.A.P.)
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
| | - Valentin A. Pavlov
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA; (C.N.M.); (V.A.P.)
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
| | - Fernanda M. Consolim Colombo
- Department of Medicine, Universidade Nove de Julho (Uninove), São Paulo 01504-001, SP, Brazil; (P.N.B.C.); (M.H.P.); (H.D.); (R.M.E.); (M.R.H.D.)
- Hypertension Unit, Heart Institute, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05403-900, SP, Brazil; (M.S.T.); (B.D.)
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Ihnatovych I, Saddler RA, Sule N, Szigeti K. Translational implications of CHRFAM7A, an elusive human-restricted fusion gene. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1020-1032. [PMID: 38200291 PMCID: PMC11176066 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02389-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Genes restricted to humans may contribute to human-specific traits and provide a different context for diseases. CHRFAM7A is a uniquely human fusion gene and a negative regulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR). The α7 nAChR has been a promising target for diseases affecting cognition and higher cortical functions, however, the treatment effect observed in animal models failed to translate into human clinical trials. As CHRFAM7A was not accounted for in preclinical drug screens it may have contributed to the translational gap. Understanding the complex genetic architecture of the locus, deciphering the functional impact of CHRFAM7A on α7 nAChR neurobiology and utilizing human-relevant models may offer novel approaches to explore α7 nAChR as a drug target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivanna Ihnatovych
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Ruth-Ann Saddler
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Norbert Sule
- Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, 665 Elm St, Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA
| | - Kinga Szigeti
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York at Buffalo, 875 Ellicott St., Buffalo, NY, 14203, USA.
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7
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López-Otín C, Kroemer G. The missing hallmark of health: psychosocial adaptation. Cell Stress 2024; 8:21-50. [PMID: 38476764 PMCID: PMC10928495 DOI: 10.15698/cst2024.03.294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
The eight biological hallmarks of health that we initially postulated (Cell. 2021 Jan 7;184(1):33-63) include features of spatial compartmentalization (integrity of barriers, containment of local perturbations), maintenance of homeostasis over time (recycling & turnover, integration of circuitries, rhythmic oscillations) and an array of adequate responses to stress (homeostatic resilience, hormetic regulation, repair & regeneration). These hallmarks affect all eight somatic strata of the human body (molecules, organelles, cells, supracellular units, organs, organ systems, systemic circuitries and meta-organism). Here we postulate that mental and socioeconomic factors must be added to this 8×8 matrix as an additional hallmark of health ("psychosocial adaptation") and as an additional stratum ("psychosocial interactions"), hence building a 9×9 matrix. Potentially, perturbation of each of the somatic hallmarks and strata affects psychosocial factors and vice versa. Finally, we discuss the (patho)physiological bases of these interactions and their implications for mental health improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos López-Otín
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida y la Naturaleza, Universidad Nebrija, Madrid, Spain
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Instituto Universitario de Oncología (IUOPA), Universidad de Oviedo
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, Equipe labellisée par la Ligue contre le cancer, Université Paris Cité, Sorbonne Université, Inserm U1138, Institut Universitaire de France, Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Institut Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
- Institut du Cancer Paris CARPEM, Department of Biology, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, Paris, France
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8
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Hesampour F, Bernstein CN, Ghia JE. Brain-Gut Axis: Invasive and Noninvasive Vagus Nerve Stimulation, Limitations, and Potential Therapeutic Approaches. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2024; 30:482-495. [PMID: 37738641 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izad211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic relapsing condition with no known etiology and is characterized by disrupted gut homeostasis, chronic inflammation, and ulcerative lesions. Although current treatments can reduce disease activity, IBD frequently recurs once treatments are discontinued, indicating that treatments are ineffective in providing long-term remission. The lack of responsiveness and reluctance of some affected persons to take medications because of potential adverse effects has enhanced the need for novel therapeutic approaches. The vagus nerve (VN) is likely important in the pathogenesis of IBD, considering the decreased activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, especially the VN, and the impaired interaction between the enteric nervous system and central nervous system in patients with IBD. Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in various inflammatory disorders, including IBD, by inhibiting the production of inflammatory cytokines by immune cells. It has been suggested that stimulating the vagus nerve to induce its anti-inflammatory effects may be a potential therapeutic approach for IBD. Noninvasive techniques for VNS have been developed. Considering the importance of VN function in the brain-gut axis, VNS is a promising treatment option for IBD. This review discusses the potential therapeutic advantages and drawbacks of VNS, particularly the use of noninvasive transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Charles N Bernstein
- Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
| | - Jean-Eric Ghia
- Immunology, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Internal Medicine, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease Clinical and Research Centre, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Canada
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Parente J, Carolyna Gianlorenco A, Rebello-Sanchez I, Kim M, Mario Prati J, Kyung Kim C, Choi H, Song JJ, Fregni F. Neural, Anti-Inflammatory, and Clinical Effects of Transauricular Vagus Nerve Stimulation in Major Depressive Disorder: A Systematic Review. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2024; 27:pyad058. [PMID: 37870480 PMCID: PMC10972554 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyad058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The discovery of effective treatments for major depressive disorder (MDD) may help target different brain pathways. Invasive vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is an effective neuromodulation technique for the treatment of MDD; however, the effectiveness of the noninvasive technique, transauricular VNS (taVNS), remains unknown. Moreover, a mechanistic understanding of the neural effects behind its biological and therapeutic effects is lacking. This review aimed to evaluate the clinical evidence and the neural and anti-inflammatory effects of taVNS in MDD. METHODS Two searches were conducted using a systematic search strategy reviewed the clinical efficacy and neural connectivity of taVNS in MDD in humans and evaluated the changes in inflammatory markers after taVNS in humans or animal models of depression. A risk of bias assessment was performed in all human studies. RESULTS Only 5 studies evaluated the effects of taVNS in patients with depression. Although the studies demonstrated the efficacy of taVNS in treating depression, they used heterogeneous methodologies and limited data, thus preventing the conduct of pooled quantitative analyses. Pooled analysis could not be performed for studies that investigated the modulation of connectivity between brain areas; of the 6 publications, 5 were based on the same experiment. The animal studies that analyzed the presence of inflammatory markers showed a reduction in the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines or receptor expression. CONCLUSIONS Data on the clinical efficacy of taVNS in the treatment of MDD are limited. Although these studies showed positive results, no conclusions can be drawn regarding this topic considering the heterogeneity of these studies, as in the case of functional connectivity studies. Based on animal studies, the application of taVNS causes a decrease in the level of inflammatory factors in different parts of the brain, which also regulate the immune system. Therefore, further studies are needed to understand the effects of taVNS in patients with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joao Parente
- Escola Bahiana de Medicina e Saúde Pública, Salvador, Bahia, Brazil
| | | | | | - Minkyung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jose Mario Prati
- Department of Physical Therapy, Federal University of Sao Carlos, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Chi Kyung Kim
- Department of Neurology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyuk Choi
- Department of Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Neurive Co., Ltd., Gimhae, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Jun Song
- Neurive Co., Ltd., Gimhae, Republic of Korea
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Korea University Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Felipe Fregni
- Neuromodulation Center and Center for Clinical Research Learning, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital and Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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10
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González-González MA, Conde SV, Latorre R, Thébault SC, Pratelli M, Spitzer NC, Verkhratsky A, Tremblay MÈ, Akcora CG, Hernández-Reynoso AG, Ecker M, Coates J, Vincent KL, Ma B. Bioelectronic Medicine: a multidisciplinary roadmap from biophysics to precision therapies. Front Integr Neurosci 2024; 18:1321872. [PMID: 38440417 PMCID: PMC10911101 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2024.1321872] [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: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Bioelectronic Medicine stands as an emerging field that rapidly evolves and offers distinctive clinical benefits, alongside unique challenges. It consists of the modulation of the nervous system by precise delivery of electrical current for the treatment of clinical conditions, such as post-stroke movement recovery or drug-resistant disorders. The unquestionable clinical impact of Bioelectronic Medicine is underscored by the successful translation to humans in the last decades, and the long list of preclinical studies. Given the emergency of accelerating the progress in new neuromodulation treatments (i.e., drug-resistant hypertension, autoimmune and degenerative diseases), collaboration between multiple fields is imperative. This work intends to foster multidisciplinary work and bring together different fields to provide the fundamental basis underlying Bioelectronic Medicine. In this review we will go from the biophysics of the cell membrane, which we consider the inner core of neuromodulation, to patient care. We will discuss the recently discovered mechanism of neurotransmission switching and how it will impact neuromodulation design, and we will provide an update on neuronal and glial basis in health and disease. The advances in biomedical technology have facilitated the collection of large amounts of data, thereby introducing new challenges in data analysis. We will discuss the current approaches and challenges in high throughput data analysis, encompassing big data, networks, artificial intelligence, and internet of things. Emphasis will be placed on understanding the electrochemical properties of neural interfaces, along with the integration of biocompatible and reliable materials and compliance with biomedical regulations for translational applications. Preclinical validation is foundational to the translational process, and we will discuss the critical aspects of such animal studies. Finally, we will focus on the patient point-of-care and challenges in neuromodulation as the ultimate goal of bioelectronic medicine. This review is a call to scientists from different fields to work together with a common endeavor: accelerate the decoding and modulation of the nervous system in a new era of therapeutic possibilities.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Alejandra González-González
- Jan and Dan Duncan Neurological Research Institute, Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Silvia V. Conde
- iNOVA4Health, NOVA Medical School, Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, NOVA University, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ramon Latorre
- Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencia de Valparaíso, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Stéphanie C. Thébault
- Laboratorio de Investigación Traslacional en salud visual (D-13), Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), Querétaro, Mexico
| | - Marta Pratelli
- Neurobiology Department, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Nicholas C. Spitzer
- Neurobiology Department, Kavli Institute for Brain and Mind, UC San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- Achucarro Centre for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- International Collaborative Center on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signaling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Cuneyt G. Akcora
- Department of Computer Science, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, United States
| | | | - Melanie Ecker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, United States
| | | | - Kathleen L. Vincent
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, United States
| | - Brandy Ma
- Stanley H. Appel Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston, TX, United States
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11
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Abraham MN, Nedeljkovic-Kurepa A, Fernandes TD, Yaipen O, Brewer MR, Leisman DE, Taylor MD, Deutschman CS. M1 cholinergic signaling in the brain modulates cytokine levels and splenic cell sub-phenotypes following cecal ligation and puncture. Mol Med 2024; 30:22. [PMID: 38317082 PMCID: PMC10845657 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00787-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: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The contribution of the central nervous system to sepsis pathobiology is incompletely understood. In previous studies, administration of endotoxin to mice decreased activity of the vagus anti-inflammatory reflex. Treatment with the centrally-acting M1 muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor (M1AChR) attenuated this endotoxin-mediated change. We hypothesize that decreased M1AChR-mediated activity contributes to inflammation following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a mouse model of sepsis. METHODS In male C57Bl/6 mice, we quantified basal forebrain cholinergic activity (immunostaining), hippocampal neuronal activity, serum cytokine/chemokine levels (ELISA) and splenic cell subtypes (flow cytometry) at baseline, following CLP and following CLP in mice also treated with the M1AChR agonist xanomeline. RESULTS At 48 h. post-CLP, activity in basal forebrain cells expressing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) was half of that observed at baseline. Lower activity was also noted in the hippocampus, which contains projections from ChAT-expressing basal forebrain neurons. Serum levels of TNFα, IL-1β, MIP-1α, IL-6, KC and G-CSF were higher post-CLP than at baseline. Post-CLP numbers of splenic macrophages and inflammatory monocytes, TNFα+ and ILβ+ neutrophils and ILβ+ monocytes were higher than baseline while numbers of central Dendritic Cells (cDCs), CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were lower. When, following CLP, mice were treated with xanomeline activity in basal forebrain ChAT-expressing neurons and in the hippocampus was significantly higher than in untreated animals. Post-CLP serum concentrations of TNFα, IL-1β, and MIP-1α, but not of IL-6, KC and G-CSF, were significantly lower in xanomeline-treated mice than in untreated mice. Post-CLP numbers of splenic neutrophils, macrophages, inflammatory monocytes and TNFα+ neutrophils also were lower in xanomeline-treated mice than in untreated animals. Percentages of IL-1β+ neutrophils, IL-1β+ monocytes, cDCs, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were similar in xanomeline-treated and untreated post-CLP mice. CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that M1AChR-mediated responses modulate CLP-induced alterations in serum levels of some, but not all, cytokines/chemokines and affected splenic immune response phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mabel N Abraham
- Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
- Sepsis Research Laboratories, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Room 3140, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Ana Nedeljkovic-Kurepa
- Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
- Sepsis Research Laboratories, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Room 3140, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Tiago D Fernandes
- Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
- Sepsis Research Laboratories, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Room 3140, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Omar Yaipen
- Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
- Sepsis Research Laboratories, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Room 3140, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Mariana R Brewer
- Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
- Sepsis Research Laboratories, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Room 3140, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Daniel E Leisman
- Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, USA
| | - Matthew D Taylor
- Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA
- Sepsis Research Laboratories, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Room 3140, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Clifford S Deutschman
- Department of Pediatrics, Cohen Children's Medical Center, Northwell Health, New Hyde Park, New York, USA.
- Sepsis Research Laboratories, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Room 3140, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
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12
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Giunta S, Xia S, Pelliccioni G, Olivieri F. Autonomic nervous system imbalance during aging contributes to impair endogenous anti-inflammaging strategies. GeroScience 2024; 46:113-127. [PMID: 37821752 PMCID: PMC10828245 DOI: 10.1007/s11357-023-00947-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammaging refers to the age-related low grade, sterile, chronic, systemic, and long-lasting subclinical, proinflammatory status, currently recognized as the main risk factor for development and progression of the most common age-related diseases (ARDs). Extensive investigations were focused on a plethora of proinflammatory stimuli that can fuel inflammaging, underestimating and partly neglecting important endogenous anti-inflammaging mechanisms that could play a crucial role in such age-related proinflammatory state. Studies on autonomic nervous system (ANS) functions during aging highlighted an imbalance toward an overactive sympathetic nervous system (SNS) tone, promoting proinflammatory conditions, and a diminished parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity, playing anti-inflammatory effects mediated by the so called cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP). At the molecular level, CAP is characterized by signals communicated via the vagus nerve (with the possible involvement of the splenic nerves) through acetylcholine release to downregulate the inflammatory actions of macrophages, key players of inflammaging. Notably, decreased vagal function and increased burden of activated/senescent macrophages (macrophaging) probably precede the development of several age-related risk factors and diseases, while increased vagal function and reduced macrophaging could be associated with relevant reduction of risk profiles. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) is another pathway related to ANS promoting some anti-inflammatory response mainly through increased cortisol levels. In this perspective review, we highlighted that CAP and HPA, representing broadly "anti-inflammaging" mechanisms, have a reduced efficacy and lose effectiveness in aged people, a phenomenon that could contribute to fuel inflammaging. In this framework, strategies aimed to re-balance PNS/SNS activities could be explored to modulate systemic inflammaging especially at an early subclinical stage, thus increasing the chances to reach the extreme limit of human lifespan in healthy status.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Giunta
- Casa Di Cura Prof. Nobili (Gruppo Garofalo (GHC)), Castiglione Dei Pepoli, Bologna, Italy
| | - Shijin Xia
- Department of Geriatrics, Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | | | - Fabiola Olivieri
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Sciences, DISCLIMO, Università Politecnica Delle Marche, Via Tronto 10/A, 60126, Ancona, Italy.
- Clinical Laboratory and Molecular Diagnostic, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
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13
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Bauer KC, Trehan R, Ruf B, Myojin Y, Benmebarek MR, Ma C, Seifert M, Nur A, Qi J, Huang P, Soliman M, Green BL, Wabitsch S, Springer DA, Rodriguez-Matos FJ, Ghabra S, Gregory SN, Matta J, Dawson B, Golino J, Xie C, Dzutsev A, Trinchieri G, Korangy F, Greten TF. The Gut Microbiome Controls Liver Tumors via the Vagus Nerve. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.23.576951. [PMID: 38328040 PMCID: PMC10849697 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.23.576951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Liver cancer ranks amongst the deadliest cancers. Nerves have emerged as an understudied regulator of tumor progression. The parasympathetic vagus nerve influences systemic immunity via acetylcholine (ACh). Whether cholinergic neuroimmune interactions influence hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains uncertain. Liver denervation via hepatic vagotomy (HV) significantly reduced liver tumor burden, while pharmacological enhancement of parasympathetic tone promoted tumor growth. Cholinergic disruption in Rag1KO mice revealed that cholinergic regulation requires adaptive immunity. Further scRNA-seq and in vitro studies indicated that vagal ACh dampens CD8+ T cell activity via muscarinic ACh receptor (AChR) CHRM3. Depletion of CD8+ T cells abrogated HV outcomes and selective deletion of Chrm3 on CD8 + T cells inhibited liver tumor growth. Beyond tumor-specific outcomes, vagotomy improved cancer-associated fatigue and anxiety-like behavior. As microbiota transplantation from HCC donors was sufficient to impair behavior, we investigated putative microbiota-neuroimmune crosstalk. Tumor, rather than vagotomy, robustly altered fecal bacterial composition, increasing Desulfovibrionales and Clostridial taxa. Strikingly, in tumor-free mice, vagotomy permitted HCC-associated microbiota to activate hepatic CD8+ T cells. These findings reveal that gut bacteria influence behavior and liver anti-tumor immunity via a dynamic and pharmaceutically targetable, vagus-liver axis.
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14
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Nicolini P, Malfatto G, Lucchi T. Heart Rate Variability and Cognition: A Narrative Systematic Review of Longitudinal Studies. J Clin Med 2024; 13:280. [PMID: 38202287 PMCID: PMC10780278 DOI: 10.3390/jcm13010280] [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: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heart rate variability (HRV) is a reliable and convenient method to assess autonomic function. Cross-sectional studies have established a link between HRV and cognition. Longitudinal studies are an emerging area of research with important clinical implications in terms of the predictive value of HRV for future cognition and in terms of the potential causal relationship between HRV and cognition. However, they have not yet been the objective of a systematic review. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to investigate the association between HRV and cognition in longitudinal studies. METHODS The review was conducted according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The Embase, PsycINFO and PubMed databases were searched from the earliest available date to 26 June 2023. Studies were included if they involved adult human subjects and evaluated the longitudinal association between HRV and cognition. The risk of bias was assessed with the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale for Cohort Studies. The results were presented narratively. RESULTS Of 14,359 records screened, 12 studies were included in this systematic review, with a total of 24,390 participants. Two thirds of the studies were published from 2020 onwards. All studies found a longitudinal relationship between HRV and cognition. There was a consistent association between higher parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity and better cognition, and some association between higher sympathetic nervous system activity and worse cognition. Also, higher PNS activity persistently predicted better executive functioning, while data on episodic memory and language were more scant and/or controversial. CONCLUSIONS Our results support the role of HRV as a biomarker of future cognition and, potentially, as a therapeutic target to improve cognition. They will need confirmation by further, more comprehensive studies also including unequivocal non-HRV sympathetic measures and meta-analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Nicolini
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Malfatto
- Istituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Department of Cardiovascular, Neural and Metabolic Sciences, Ospedale San Luca, 20149 Milan, Italy;
| | - Tiziano Lucchi
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Geriatric Unit, Internal Medicine Department, 20122 Milan, Italy;
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15
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Andersson U, Tracey KJ. Vagus nerve SARS-CoV-2 infection and inflammatory reflex dysfunction: Is there a causal relationship? J Intern Med 2024; 295:91-102. [PMID: 38018736 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Autonomic dysfunction is a clinical hallmark of infection caused by SARS-CoV-2, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown. The vagus nerve inflammatory reflex is an important, well-characterized mechanism for the reflexive suppression of cytokine storm, and its experimental or clinical impairment facilitates the onset and progression of hyperinflammation. Recent pathological evidence from COVID-19 victims reveals viral infection and inflammation in the vagus nerve and associated nuclei in the medulla oblongata. Although it has been suggested that vagus nerve inflammation in these patients mediates dysregulated respiration, whether it also contributes to dysfunction of the vagus nerve inflammatory reflex has not been addressed. Because lethality and tissue injury in acute COVID-19 are characterized by cytokine storm, it is plausible to consider evidence that impairment of the inflammatory reflex may contribute to overproduction of cytokines and resultant hyperinflammatory pathogenesis. Accordingly, here the authors discuss the inflammatory reflex, the consequences of its dysfunction in COVID-19, and whether there are opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, New York, USA
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16
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Huang Y, Dong S, Li X, Shi J, Zhang Y, Liu S, Zhang Y, Yu J. VNS-mediated α7nAChR signaling promotes SPM synthesis via regulation of netrin-1 expression during LPS-induced ALI. FASEB J 2024; 38:e9664. [PMID: 38038805 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301623r] [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: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) plays a crucial role in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) during sepsis-associated acute lung injury (ALI). Increasing evidence suggests that specialized pro-resolving mediators (SPMs) are important in resolving α7nAChR-mediated ALI resolution. Our study aims to elucidate the pivotal role of α7nAChR in the CAP during LPS-associated acute lung injury (ALI). By employing vagus nerve stimulation (VNS), we identified α7nAChR as the key CAP subunit in ALI mice, effectively reducing lung permeability and the release of inflammatory cytokines. We further investigated the alterations in SPMs regulated by α7nAChR, revealing a predominant synthesis of lipoxin A4 (LXA4). The significance of α7nAChR-netrin-1 pathway in governing SPM synthesis was confirmed through the use of netrin-1 knockout mice and siRNA-transfected macrophages. Additionally, our evaluation identified a synchronous alteration of LXA4 synthesis in the α7nAChR-netrin-1 pathway accompanied by 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX), thereby confirming an ameliorative effect of LXA4 on lung injury and macrophage inflammatory response. Concurrently, inhibiting the function of LXA4 annulled the lung-protective effect of VNS. As a result, our findings reveal a novel anti-inflammatory pathway wherein VNS modulates netrin-1 expression via α7nAChR, ultimately leading to LXA4 synthesis and subsequent lung protection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuan Dong
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiangyun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jia Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shasha Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jianbo Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine, Tianjin Nankai Hospital, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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17
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Brooke AK, Murrow DP, Caldwell KCN, Witt CE, Ross AE. Measuring neuron-regulated immune cell physiology via the alpha-2 adrenergic receptor in an ex vivo murine spleen model. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:354. [PMID: 37945921 PMCID: PMC11071927 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05012-2] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The communication between the nervous and immune systems plays a crucial role in regulating immune cell function and inflammatory responses. Sympathetic neurons, which innervate the spleen, have been implicated in modulating immune cell activity. The neurotransmitter norepinephrine (NE), released by sympathetic neurons, influences immune cell responses by binding to adrenergic receptors on their surface. The alpha-2 adrenergic receptor (α2AR), expressed predominantly on sympathetic neurons, has received attention due to its autoreceptor function and ability to modulate NE release. In this study, we used fast-scan cyclic voltammetry (FSCV) to provide the first subsecond measurements of NE released in the white pulp region of the spleen and validated it with yohimbine, a known antagonist of α2AR. For further application of FSCV in neuroimmunology, we investigated the extent to which subsecond NE from sympathetic neurons is important for immune cell physiology and cytokine production, focusing on tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-10 (IL-10), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Our findings provide insights into the regulatory mechanisms underlying sympathetic-immune interactions and show the significance of using FSCV, a traditional neurochemistry technique, to study these neuroimmune mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra K Brooke
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 312 College Dr. 404 Crosley Tower, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, USA
| | - Daniel P Murrow
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 312 College Dr. 404 Crosley Tower, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, USA
| | - Kaejaren C N Caldwell
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 312 College Dr. 404 Crosley Tower, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, USA
| | - Colby E Witt
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 312 College Dr. 404 Crosley Tower, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, USA
| | - Ashley E Ross
- Department of Chemistry, University of Cincinnati, 312 College Dr. 404 Crosley Tower, Cincinnati, OH, 45221-0172, USA.
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18
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Yang D, Almanzar N, Chiu IM. The role of cellular and molecular neuroimmune crosstalk in gut immunity. Cell Mol Immunol 2023; 20:1259-1269. [PMID: 37336989 PMCID: PMC10616093 DOI: 10.1038/s41423-023-01054-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
The gastrointestinal tract is densely innervated by the peripheral nervous system and populated by the immune system. These two systems critically coordinate the sensations of and adaptations to dietary, microbial, and damaging stimuli from the external and internal microenvironment during tissue homeostasis and inflammation. The brain receives and integrates ascending sensory signals from the gut and transduces descending signals back to the gut via autonomic neurons. Neurons regulate intestinal immune responses through the action of local axon reflexes or through neuronal circuits via the gut-brain axis. This neuroimmune crosstalk is critical for gut homeostatic maintenance and disease resolution. In this review, we discuss the roles of distinct types of gut-innervating neurons in the modulation of intestinal mucosal immunity. We will focus on the molecular mechanisms governing how different immune cells respond to neural signals in host defense and inflammation. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of strategies targeting neuroimmune crosstalk for intestinal diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daping Yang
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Nicole Almanzar
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Isaac M Chiu
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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19
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Abraham MN, Nedeljkovic-Kurepa A, Fernandes T, Yaipen O, Brewer MR, Taylor MD, Deutschman C. M1 Cholinergic Signaling Modulates Cytokine Levels and Splenocyte Sub-Phenotypes Following Cecal Ligation and Puncture. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3353062. [PMID: 37886474 PMCID: PMC10602092 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3353062/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Background The contribution of the central nervous system to sepsis pathobiology is incompletely understood. In previous studies, administration of endotoxin to mice decreased activity of the vagus anti-inflammatory reflex. Treatment with the centrally-acting M1/M4 muscarinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor (M1/M4AChR) attenuated this endotoxin-mediated change. We hypothesize that decreased M1/M4AChR-mediated activity contributes to inflammation following cecal ligation and puncture (CLP), a mouse model of sepsis. Methods Basal forebrain cholinergic activity (immunostaining), serum cytokine/chemokine levels (ELISA) and splenocyte subtypes (flow cytometry) were examined at baseline and following CLP in male C57BL/6 male mice. Rersults At 48hrs. post-CLP, activity in basal forebrain cells expressing choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) was half of that observed at baseline. Lower activity was also noted in the hippocampus, which contains projections from ChAT-expressing basal forebrain neurons. Serum levels of TNFα, IL-1β, MIP-1α, IL-6, KC and G-CSF were higher post-CLP than at baseline. Post-CLP numbers of splenic macrophages and inflammatory monocytes, TNFa+ and ILb+ neutrophils and ILb+ monocytes were higher than baseline while numbers of central Dendritic Cells (cDCs), CD4+ and CD8+ T cells were lower. When, following CLP, mice were treated with xanomeline, a central-acting M1AChR agonist, activity in basal forebrain ChAT-expressing neurons and in the hippocampus was significantly higher than in untreated animals. Post-CLP serum concentrations of TNFα, IL-1β, and MIP-1α, but not of IL-6, KC and G-CSF, were significantly lower in xanomline-treated mice than in untreated mice. Post-CLP numbers of splenic neutrophils, macrophages, inflammatory monocytes and TNFα+ neutrophils also were lower in xanomeline-treated mice than in untreated animals. The effects of CLP on percentages of IL-1β+ neutrophils, IL-1β+ monocytes, cDCs, CD4+ T cells and CD8+ T cells were similar in xanomeline - treated and untreated post-CLP mice. Conclusion Our findings indicate that M1/M4AChR-mediated responses modulate CLP-induced alterations in the distribution of some, but not all, leukocyte phenotypes and certain cytokines and chemokines.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Omar Yaipen
- Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | | | | | - Clifford Deutschman
- Hofstra Northwell School of Medicine at Hofstra University: Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell
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20
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Boahen A, Hu D, Adams MJ, Nicholls PK, Greene WK, Ma B. Bidirectional crosstalk between the peripheral nervous system and lymphoid tissues/organs. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1254054. [PMID: 37767094 PMCID: PMC10520967 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1254054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) influences the immune system generally by regulating the systemic concentration of humoral substances (e.g., cortisol and epinephrine), whereas the peripheral nervous system (PNS) communicates specifically with the immune system according to local interactions/connections. An imbalance between the components of the PNS might contribute to pathogenesis and the further development of certain diseases. In this review, we have explored the "thread" (hardwiring) of the connections between the immune system (e.g., primary/secondary/tertiary lymphoid tissues/organs) and PNS (e.g., sensory, sympathetic, parasympathetic, and enteric nervous systems (ENS)) in health and disease in vitro and in vivo. Neuroimmune cell units provide an anatomical and physiological basis for bidirectional crosstalk between the PNS and the immune system in peripheral tissues, including lymphoid tissues and organs. These neuroimmune interactions/modulation studies might greatly contribute to a better understanding of the mechanisms through which the PNS possibly affects cellular and humoral-mediated immune responses or vice versa in health and diseases. Physical, chemical, pharmacological, and other manipulations of these neuroimmune interactions should bring about the development of practical therapeutic applications for certain neurological, neuroimmunological, infectious, inflammatory, and immunological disorders/diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Boahen
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Seri-Kembangan, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Dailun Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Murray J. Adams
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Philip K. Nicholls
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Wayne K. Greene
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
| | - Bin Ma
- School of Medical, Molecular and Forensic Sciences, Murdoch University, Murdoch, WA, Australia
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21
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Mazzone GL, Coronel MF, Mladinic M, Sámano C. An update to pain management after spinal cord injury: from pharmacology to circRNAs. Rev Neurosci 2023; 34:599-611. [PMID: 36351309 DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2022-0089] [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: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) following a spinal cord injury (SCI) is often hard to control and therapies should be focused on the physical, psychological, behavioral, social, and environmental factors that may contribute to chronic sensory symptoms. Novel therapeutic treatments for NP management should be based on the combination of pharmacological and nonpharmacological options. Some of them are addressed in this review with a focus on mechanisms and novel treatments. Several reports demonstrated an aberrant expression of non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) that may represent key regulatory factors with a crucial role in the pathophysiology of NP and as potential diagnostic biomarkers. This review analyses the latest evidence for cellular and molecular mechanisms associated with the role of circular RNAs (circRNAs) in the management of pain after SCI. Advantages in the use of circRNA are their stability (up to 48 h), and specificity as sponges of different miRNAs related to SCI and nerve injury. The present review discusses novel data about deregulated circRNAs (up or downregulated) that sponge miRNAs, and promote cellular and molecular interactions with mRNAs and proteins. This data support the concept that circRNAs could be considered as novel potential therapeutic targets for NP management especially after spinal cord injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graciela L Mazzone
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), CONICET-Universidad Austral, Av. Pte. Perón 1500, B1629AHJ, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María F Coronel
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Medicina Traslacional (IIMT), CONICET-Universidad Austral, Av. Pte. Perón 1500, B1629AHJ, Pilar, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Miranda Mladinic
- Laboratory for Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, 51000 Rijeka, Croatia
| | - Cynthia Sámano
- Departamento de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana, Unidad Cuajimalpa. Avenida Vasco de Quiroga 4871, Col. Santa Fe Cuajimalpa. Alcaldía Cuajimalpa de Morelos, C.P. 05348, Ciudad de México, México
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22
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Zouali M. Pharmacological and Electroceutical Targeting of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway in Autoimmune Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1089. [PMID: 37631004 PMCID: PMC10459025 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081089] [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: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous dialogue between the immune system and the brain plays a key homeostatic role in various immune responses to environmental cues. Several functions are under the control of the vagus nerve-based inflammatory reflex, a physiological mechanism through which nerve signals regulate immune functions. In the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, the vagus nerve, its pivotal neurotransmitter acetylcholine, together with the corresponding receptors play a key role in modulating the immune response of mammals. Through communications of peripheral nerves with immune cells, it modulates proliferation and differentiation activities of various immune cell subsets. As a result, this pathway represents a potential target for treating autoimmune diseases characterized by overt inflammation and a decrease in vagal tone. Consistently, converging observations made in both animal models and clinical trials revealed that targeting the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway using pharmacologic approaches can provide beneficial effects. In parallel, bioelectronic medicine has recently emerged as an alternative approach to managing systemic inflammation. In several studies, nerve electrostimulation was reported to be clinically relevant in reducing chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. In the future, these new approaches could represent a major therapeutic strategy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moncef Zouali
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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23
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Fang YT, Lin YT, Tseng WL, Tseng P, Hua GL, Chao YJ, Wu YJ. Neuroimmunomodulation of vagus nerve stimulation and the therapeutic implications. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 15:1173987. [PMID: 37484689 PMCID: PMC10358778 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2023.1173987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is a technology that provides electrical stimulation to the cervical vagus nerve and can be applied in the treatment of a wide variety of neuropsychiatric and systemic diseases. VNS exerts its effect by stimulating vagal afferent and efferent fibers, which project upward to the brainstem nuclei and the relayed circuits and downward to the internal organs to influence the autonomic, neuroendocrine, and neuroimmunology systems. The neuroimmunomodulation effect of VNS is mediated through the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway that regulates immune cells and decreases pro-inflammatory cytokines. Traditional and non-invasive VNS have Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved indications for patients with drug-refractory epilepsy, treatment-refractory major depressive disorders, and headaches. The number of clinical trials and translational studies that explore the therapeutic potentials and mechanisms of VNS is increasing. In this review, we first introduced the anatomical and physiological bases of the vagus nerve and the immunomodulating functions of VNS. We covered studies that investigated the mechanisms of VNS and its therapeutic implications for a spectrum of brain disorders and systemic diseases in the context of neuroimmunomodulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ting Fang
- Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ye-Ting Lin
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Wu-Lung Tseng
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Philip Tseng
- Cross College Elite Program, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Research Center for Mind, Brain and Learning, National Chengchi University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Gia-Linh Hua
- School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Ying-Jui Chao
- Department of Surgery, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Jen Wu
- Department of Neurology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
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24
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Cai H, Du Z, Lin X, Lawrence WR, Hopke PK, Rich DQ, Lin S, Xiao J, Deng X, Qu Y, Lin Z, Wang X, Ju X, Chen S, Zhang Y, Wu W, Wang Y, Gu J, Hao Y, Zhang W. Interactions between long-term ambient particle exposures and lifestyle on the prevalence of hypertension and diabetes: insight from a large community-based survey. J Epidemiol Community Health 2023; 77:440-446. [PMID: 37094940 PMCID: PMC10330163 DOI: 10.1136/jech-2023-220480] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Evidence on the interaction of lifestyle and long-term ambient particle (PM) exposure on the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes, particularly their combined condition is limited. We investigate the associations between PM and these outcomes and whether the associations were modified by various lifestyles. METHODS This was a large population-based survey during 2019-2021 in Southern China. The concentrations of PM were interpolated and assigned to participants by the residential address. Hypertension and diabetes status were from questionnaires and confirmed with the community health centres. Logistic regression was applied to examine the associations, followed by a comprehensive set of stratified analyses by the lifestyles including diet, smoking, drinking, sleeping and exercise. RESULTS A total of 82 345 residents were included in the final analyses. For each 1 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5, the adjusted OR for the prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and their combined condition were 1.05 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.06), 1.07 (95% CI 1.06 to 1.08) and 1.05 (95% CI 1.04 to 1.06), respectively. We observed that the association between PM2.5 and the combined condition was greatest in the group with 4-8 unhealthy lifestyles (OR=1.09, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.13) followed by the group with 2-3 and those with 0-1 unhealthy lifestyle (P interaction=0.026). Similar results and trends were observed in PM10 and/or in those with hypertension or diabetes. Individuals who consumed alcohol, had inadequate sleep duration or had poor quality sleep were more vulnerable. CONCLUSION Long-term PM exposure was associated with increased prevalence of hypertension, diabetes and their combined condition, and those with unhealthy lifestyles suffered greater risks of these conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanle Cai
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhicheng Du
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Lin
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wayne R Lawrence
- Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Philip K Hopke
- Institute for a Sustainable Environment, Clarkson University, Potsdam, New York, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - David Q Rich
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, New York, USA
| | - Shao Lin
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Jianpeng Xiao
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinlei Deng
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University at Albany, State University of New York, Rensselaer, New York, USA
| | - Yanji Qu
- Guangdong Cardiovascular Institute, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ziqiang Lin
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xu Ju
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Shirui Chen
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuqin Zhang
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenjing Wu
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jing Gu
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuantao Hao
- Peking University Center for Public Health and Epidemic Preparedness & Response, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Wangjian Zhang
- School of Public Health/Sun Yat-sen Global Health Institute/Center for Health Information Research, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Husain Syed F, Okusa MD. Neuroimmune Control of Inflammation in Acute Kidney Injury: From Mouse Models to Human Disease. Nephron Clin Pract 2023; 147:754-758. [PMID: 37257419 DOI: 10.1159/000531293] [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: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is common in patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and contributes to increased risk of morbidity and mortality. The central nervous system plays an important role in the immune and inflammatory pathways of AKI. In this review, we discuss the preclinical evidence for the neural pathways associated with neuromodulation in AKI, as well as clinical trials that translate these observations into the clinical context. The ultimate goal of these trials is to design strategies using noninvasive approaches, such as splenic pulsed ultrasonography, to prevent or attenuate inflammatory conditions at the bedside, including AKI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faeq Husain Syed
- Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine II, University Hospital Giessen and Marburg, Justus-Liebig-University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Mark D Okusa
- Division of Nephrology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- The Center for Immunity, Inflammation and Regenerative Medicine (CIIR), University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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26
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Montanari M, Imbriani P, Bonsi P, Martella G, Peppe A. Beyond the Microbiota: Understanding the Role of the Enteric Nervous System in Parkinson's Disease from Mice to Human. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1560. [PMID: 37371655 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11061560] [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: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is a nerve network composed of neurons and glial cells that regulates the motor and secretory functions of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. There is abundant evidence of mutual communication between the brain and the GI tract. Dysfunction of these connections appears to be involved in the pathophysiology of Parkinson's disease (PD). Alterations in the ENS have been shown to occur very early in PD, even before central nervous system (CNS) involvement. Post-mortem studies of PD patients have shown aggregation of α-synuclein (αS) in specific subtypes of neurons in the ENS. Subsequently, αS spreads retrogradely in the CNS through preganglionic vagal fibers to this nerve's dorsal motor nucleus (DMV) and other central nervous structures. Here, we highlight the role of the ENS in PD pathogenesis based on evidence observed in animal models and using a translational perspective. While acknowledging the putative role of the microbiome in the gut-brain axis (GBA), this review provides a comprehensive view of the ENS not only as a "second brain", but also as a window into the "first brain", a potentially crucial element in the search for new therapeutic approaches that can delay and even cure the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Montanari
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Systems Neuroscience, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Imbriani
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Clinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Bonsi
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppina Martella
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology and Plasticity, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonella Peppe
- Clinical Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Santa Lucia, 00179 Rome, Italy
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27
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Ozulumba T, Montalbine AN, Ortiz-Cárdenas JE, Pompano RR. New tools for immunologists: models of lymph node function from cells to tissues. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1183286. [PMID: 37234163 PMCID: PMC10206051 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1183286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The lymph node is a highly structured organ that mediates the body's adaptive immune response to antigens and other foreign particles. Central to its function is the distinct spatial assortment of lymphocytes and stromal cells, as well as chemokines that drive the signaling cascades which underpin immune responses. Investigations of lymph node biology were historically explored in vivo in animal models, using technologies that were breakthroughs in their time such as immunofluorescence with monoclonal antibodies, genetic reporters, in vivo two-photon imaging, and, more recently spatial biology techniques. However, new approaches are needed to enable tests of cell behavior and spatiotemporal dynamics under well controlled experimental perturbation, particularly for human immunity. This review presents a suite of technologies, comprising in vitro, ex vivo and in silico models, developed to study the lymph node or its components. We discuss the use of these tools to model cell behaviors in increasing order of complexity, from cell motility, to cell-cell interactions, to organ-level functions such as vaccination. Next, we identify current challenges regarding cell sourcing and culture, real time measurements of lymph node behavior in vivo and tool development for analysis and control of engineered cultures. Finally, we propose new research directions and offer our perspective on the future of this rapidly growing field. We anticipate that this review will be especially beneficial to immunologists looking to expand their toolkit for probing lymph node structure and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tochukwu Ozulumba
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
| | - Alyssa N. Montalbine
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Wallace H. Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jennifer E. Ortiz-Cárdenas
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Rebecca R. Pompano
- Department of Chemistry, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, United States
- Carter Immunology Center and University of Virginia (UVA) Cancer Center, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, United States
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Scherlinger M, Tsokos GC. Neurotransmitters arrive to control systemic autoimmunity. Cell Metab 2023; 35:728-729. [PMID: 37137285 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Immune cell microenvironment plays a major role in the aberrant function of immune cells in systemic lupus erythematosus. Zeng and co-authors show that in human and murine lupus, splenic stromal cell-derived acetylcholine switches B cell metabolism to fatty acid oxidation and promotes B cell autoreactivity and disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Scherlinger
- Centre National de Référence des Maladies Auto-Immunes et Systémiques Rares, Est/Sud-Ouest (RESO), France; Service de rhumatologie, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, 1 avenue Molière, 67098 Strasbourg, France; Laboratoire d'ImmunoRhumatologie Moléculaire, Institut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM) UMR_S 1109, Strasbourg, France
| | - George C Tsokos
- Division of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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29
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Shelukhina I, Siniavin A, Kasheverov I, Ojomoko L, Tsetlin V, Utkin Y. α7- and α9-Containing Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors in the Functioning of Immune System and in Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076524. [PMID: 37047495 PMCID: PMC10095066 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Revised: 03/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) present as many different subtypes in the nervous and immune systems, muscles and on the cells of other organs. In the immune system, inflammation is regulated via the vagus nerve through the activation of the non-neuronal α7 nAChR subtype, affecting the production of cytokines. The analgesic properties of α7 nAChR-selective compounds are mostly based on the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. The molecular mechanism of neuropathic pain relief mediated by the inhibition of α9-containing nAChRs is not fully understood yet, but the role of immune factors in this process is becoming evident. To obtain appropriate drugs, a search of selective agonists, antagonists and modulators of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs is underway. The naturally occurring three-finger snake α-neurotoxins and mammalian Ly6/uPAR proteins, as well as neurotoxic peptides α-conotoxins, are not only sophisticated tools in research on nAChRs but are also considered as potential medicines. In particular, the inhibition of the α9-containing nAChRs by α-conotoxins may be a pathway to alleviate neuropathic pain. nAChRs are involved in the inflammation processes during AIDS and other viral infections; thus they can also be means used in drug design. In this review, we discuss the role of α7- and α9-containing nAChRs in the immune processes and in pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Yuri Utkin
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +7-495-3366522
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30
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Patel N, Johnson MA, Vapniarsky N, Van Brocklin MW, Williams TK, Youngquist ST, Ford R, Ewer N, Neff LP, Hoareau GL. Elamipretide mitigates ischemia-reperfusion injury in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4496. [PMID: 36934127 PMCID: PMC10024723 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31374-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023] Open
Abstract
ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) after hemorrhage is potentiated by aortic occlusion or resuscitative endovascular balloon occlusion of the aorta (REBOA). Given the central role of mitochondrial injury in shock, we hypothesized that Elamipretide, a peptide that protects mitochondria, would mitigate IRI after hemorrhagic shock and REBOA. Twelve pigs were subjected to hemorrhagic shock and 45 min of REBOA. After 25 min of REBOA, animals received either saline or Elamipretide. Animals were transfused with autologous blood during balloon deflation, and pigs were resuscitated with isotonic crystalloids and norepinephrine for 4.25 h. Elamipretide-treated animals required less crystalloids than the controls (62.5 [50-90] and 25 [5-30] mL/kg, respectively), but similar amounts of norepinephrine (24.7 [8.6-39.3] and 9.7 [2.1-12.5] mcg/kg, respectively). Treatment animals had a significant reduction in serum creatinine (control: 2.7 [2.6-2.8]; Elamipretide: 2.4 [2.4-2.5] mg/dL; p = 0.04), troponin (control: 3.20 [2.14-5.47] ng/mL, Elamipretide: 0.22 [0.1-1.91] ng/mL; p = 0.03), and interleukin-6 concentrations at the end of the study. There were no differences in final plasma lactate concentration. Elamipretide reduced fluid requirements and protected the kidney and heart after profound IRI. Further understanding the subcellular consequences of REBOA and mitochondrial rescue will open new therapeutic avenues for patients suffering from IRI after hemorrhage.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Patel
- Department of Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - M A Johnson
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - N Vapniarsky
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology, and Immunology, University of California-Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - M W Van Brocklin
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - T K Williams
- Department of Vascular/Endovascular Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - S T Youngquist
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - R Ford
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - N Ewer
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - L P Neff
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center, Winston-Salem, NC, USA
| | - G L Hoareau
- Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
- Nora Eccles-Harrison Cardiovascular Research and Training Institute, Salt Lake City, UT, USA.
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31
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Huffman WJ, Musselman ED, Pelot NA, Grill WM. Measuring and modeling the effects of vagus nerve stimulation on heart rate and laryngeal muscles. Bioelectron Med 2023; 9:3. [PMID: 36797733 PMCID: PMC9936668 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-023-00107-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Reduced heart rate (HR) during vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) is associated with therapy for heart failure, but stimulation frequency and amplitude are limited by patient tolerance. An understanding of physiological responses to parameter adjustments would allow differential control of therapeutic and side effects. To investigate selective modulation of the physiological responses to VNS, we quantified the effects and interactions of parameter selection on two physiological outcomes: one related to therapy (reduced HR) and one related to side effects (laryngeal muscle EMG). METHODS We applied a broad range of stimulation parameters (mean pulse rates (MPR), intra-burst frequencies, and amplitudes) to the vagus nerve of anesthetized mice. We leveraged the in vivo recordings to parameterize and validate computational models of HR and laryngeal muscle activity across amplitudes and temporal patterns of VNS. We constructed a finite element model of excitation of fibers within the mouse cervical vagus nerve. RESULTS HR decreased with increased amplitude, increased MPR, and decreased intra-burst frequency. EMG increased with increased MPR. Preferential HR effects over laryngeal EMG effects required combined adjustments of amplitude and MPR. The model of HR responses highlighted contributions of ganglionic filtering to VNS-evoked changes in HR at high stimulation frequencies. Overlap in activation thresholds between small and large modeled fibers was consistent with the overlap in dynamic ranges of related physiological measures (HR and EMG). CONCLUSION The present study provides insights into physiological responses to VNS required for informed parameter adjustment to modulate selectively therapeutic effects and side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- William J. Huffman
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Fitzpatrick CIEMAS, Box 90281, Room 1427, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281 USA
| | - Eric D. Musselman
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Fitzpatrick CIEMAS, Box 90281, Room 1427, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281 USA
| | - Nicole A. Pelot
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Fitzpatrick CIEMAS, Box 90281, Room 1427, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281 USA
| | - Warren M. Grill
- grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Fitzpatrick CIEMAS, Box 90281, Room 1427, 101 Science Drive, Durham, NC 27708-0281 USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Neurobiology Engineering, Duke University, Durham, USA ,grid.26009.3d0000 0004 1936 7961Department of Neurosurgery Engineering, Duke University, Durham, USA
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Hughes FM, Odom MR, Cervantes A, Livingston AJ, Purves JT. Why Are Some People with Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms (LUTS) Depressed? New Evidence That Peripheral Inflammation in the Bladder Causes Central Inflammation and Mood Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2821. [PMID: 36769140 PMCID: PMC9917564 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Anecdotal evidence has long suggested that patients with lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) develop mood disorders, such as depression and anxiety, at a higher rate than the general population and recent prospective studies have confirmed this link. Breakthroughs in our understanding of the diseases underlying LUTS have shown that many have a substantial inflammatory component and great strides have been made recently in our understanding of how this inflammation is triggered. Meanwhile, studies on mood disorders have found that many are associated with central neuroinflammation, most notably in the hippocampus. Excitingly, work on other diseases characterized by peripheral inflammation has shown that they can trigger central neuroinflammation and mood disorders. In this review, we discuss the current evidence tying LUTS to mood disorders, its possible bidirectionally, and inflammation as a common mechanism. We also review modern theories of inflammation and depression. Finally, we discuss exciting new animal studies that directly tie two bladder conditions characterized by extensive bladder inflammation (cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis and bladder outlet obstruction) to neuroinflammation and depression. We conclude with a discussion of possible mechanisms by which peripheral inflammation is translated into central neuroinflammation with the resulting psychiatric concerns.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis M. Hughes
- Department Urology, Duke University Medical Center, P.O. Box 3831, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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Linnhoff S, Koehler L, Haghikia A, Zaehle T. The therapeutic potential of non-invasive brain stimulation for the treatment of Long-COVID-related cognitive fatigue. Front Immunol 2023; 13:935614. [PMID: 36700201 PMCID: PMC9869163 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.935614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Following an acute COVID-19 infection, a large number of patients experience persisting symptoms for more than four weeks, a condition now classified as Long-COVID syndrome. Interestingly, the likelihood and severity of Long-COVID symptoms do not appear to be related to the severity of the acute COVID-19 infection. Fatigue is amongst the most common and debilitating symptoms of Long-COVID. Other symptomes include dyspnoea, chest pain, olfactory disturbances, and brain fog. Fatigue is also frequently reported in many other neurological diseases, affecting a broad range of everyday activities. However, despite its clinical significance, limited progress has been made in understanding its causes and developing effective treatment options. Non-invasive brain stimulation (NIBS) methods offer the unique opportunity to modulate fatigue-related maladaptive neuronal activity. Recent data show promising results of NIBS applications over frontoparietal regions to reduce fatigue symptoms. In this current paper, we review recent data on Long-COVID and Long-COVID-related fatigue (LCOF), with a special focus on cognitive fatigue. We further present widely used NIBS methods, such as transcranial direct current stimulation, transcranial alternating current stimulation, and transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation and propose their use as possible therapeutic strategies to alleviate individual pathomechanisms of LCOF. Since NIBS methods are safe and well-tolerated, they have the potential to enhance the quality of life in a broad group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie Linnhoff
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lilli Koehler
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Aiden Haghikia
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Tino Zaehle
- Department of Neurology, Otto-von-Guericke-University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany,Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences (CBBS), Magdeburg, Germany,*Correspondence: Tino Zaehle,
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Kirkland LG, Garbe CG, Hadaya J, Benson PV, Wagener BM, Tankovic S, Hoover DB. Sympathetic innervation of human and porcine spleens: implications for between species variation in function. Bioelectron Med 2022; 8:20. [PMID: 36536461 PMCID: PMC9762010 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-022-00102-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vagus nerve affects innate immune responses by activating spleen-projecting sympathetic neurons, which modulate leukocyte function. Recent basic and clinical research investigating vagus nerve stimulation to engage the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) has shown promising therapeutic results for a variety of inflammatory diseases. Abundant sympathetic innervation occurs in rodent spleens, and use of these species has dominated mechanistic research investigating the CAP. However, previous neuroanatomical studies of human spleen found a more restricted pattern of innervation compared to rodents. Therefore, our primary goal was to establish the full extent of sympathetic innervation of human spleens using donor tissue with the shortest procurement to fixation time. Parallel studies of porcine spleen, a large animal model, were performed as a positive control and for comparison. METHODS Human and porcine spleen tissue were fixed immediately after harvest and prepared for immunohistochemistry. Human heart and porcine spleen were stained in conjunction as positive controls. Several immunohistochemical protocols were compared for best results. Tissue was stained for tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a noradrenergic marker, using VIP purple chromogen. Consecutive tissue slices were stained for neuropeptide Y (NPY), which often co-localizes with TH, or double-labelled for TH and CD3, a T cell marker. High-magnification images and full scans of the tissue were obtained and analyzed for qualitative differences between species. RESULTS TH had dominant perivascular localization in human spleen, with negligible innervation of parenchyma, but such nerves were abundant throughout ventricular myocardium. In marked contrast, noradrenergic innervation was abundant in all regions of porcine spleen, with red pulp having more nerves than white pulp. NPY stain results were consistent with this pattern. In human spleen, noradrenergic nerves only ran close to T cells at the boundary of the periarterial lymphatic sheath and arteries. In porcine spleen, noradrenergic nerves were closely associated with T cells in both white and red pulp as well as other leukocytes in red pulp. CONCLUSION Sympathetic innervation of the spleen varies between species in both distribution and abundance, with humans and pigs being at opposite extremes. This has important implications for sympathetic regulation of neuroimmune interactions in the spleen of different species and focused targeting of the CAP in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Logan G. Kirkland
- grid.255381.80000 0001 2180 1673Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Chloe G. Garbe
- grid.255381.80000 0001 2180 1673Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
| | - Joseph Hadaya
- grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718UCLA Cardiac Arrhythmia Center and Neurocardiology Research Program of Excellence, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, CA 90095 USA ,grid.19006.3e0000 0000 9632 6718Molecular, Cellular, and Integrative Physiology Program, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA USA
| | - Paul V. Benson
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Pathology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35249 USA
| | - Brant M. Wagener
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35249 USA
| | - Sanjin Tankovic
- grid.265892.20000000106344187Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Heersink School of Medicine, Birmingham, AL 35249 USA
| | - Donald B. Hoover
- grid.255381.80000 0001 2180 1673Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA ,grid.255381.80000 0001 2180 1673Department of Biomedical Sciences, Quillen College of Medicine and Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Disease and Immunity, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN 37614 USA
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Mota CMD, Madden CJ. Neural control of the spleen as an effector of immune responses to inflammation: mechanisms and treatments. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2022; 323:R375-R384. [PMID: 35993560 PMCID: PMC9485006 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00151.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Immune system responses are a vital defense mechanism against pathogens. Inflammatory mediators finely regulate complex inflammatory responses from initiation to resolution. However, in certain conditions, the inflammation is initiated and amplified, but not resolved. Understanding the biological mechanisms underlying the regulation of the immune response is critical for developing therapeutic alternatives, including pharmaceuticals and bioelectronic tools. The spleen is an important immune effector organ since it orchestrates innate and adaptive immune responses such as pathogen clearance, cytokine production, and differentiation of cells, therefore playing a modulatory role that balances pro- and anti-inflammatory responses. However, modulation of splenic immune activity is a largely unexplored potential therapeutic tool that could be used for the treatment of inflammatory and life-threatening conditions. This review discusses some of the mechanisms controlling neuroimmune communication and the brain-spleen axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa M D Mota
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
| | - Christopher J Madden
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, Oregon
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