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Li G, Zhong D, Zhang N, Dong J, Yan Y, Xu Q, Xu S, Yang L, Hao D, Li CSR. The inter-related effects of alcohol use severity and sleep deficiency on semantic processing in young adults. Neuroscience 2024; 555:116-124. [PMID: 39059740 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.07.025] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both alcohol misuse and sleep deficiency are associated with deficits in semantic processing. However, alcohol misuse and sleep deficiency are frequently comorbid and their inter-related effects on semantic processing as well as the underlying neural mechanisms remain to be investigated. METHODS We curated the Human Connectome Project data of 973 young adults (508 women) to examine the neural correlates of semantic processing in link with the severity of alcohol use and sleep deficiency. The latter were each evaluated using the first principal component (PC1) of principal component analysis of all drinking metrics and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). We employed path modeling to elucidate the interplay among clinical, behavioral, and neural variables. RESULTS Among women, we observed a significant negative correlation between the left precentral gyrus (PCG) and PSQI scores. Mediation analysis revealed that the left PCG activity fully mediated the relationship between PSQI scores and word comprehension in language tasks. In women alone also, the right middle frontal gyrus (MFG) exhibited a significant negative correlation with PC1. The best path model illustrated the associations among PC1, PSQI scores, PCG activity, and MFG activation during semantic processing in women. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol misuse may lead to reduced MFG activation while sleep deficiency hinder semantic processing by suppressing PCG activity in women. The pathway model underscores the influence of sleep quality and alcohol consumption severity on semantic processing in women, suggesting that sex differences in these effects need to be further investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangfei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Transformation, Beijing, China
| | - Dandan Zhong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Transformation, Beijing, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology and Clinical Psychology, Sleep Center, Department of Neurology, China National Clinical Research Center of Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jianyu Dong
- Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Neurology and Clinical Psychology, Sleep Center, Department of Neurology, China National Clinical Research Center of Neurological Diseases, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Yan
- The First Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Qixiao Xu
- Physical Education Department, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Shuchun Xu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Department, the University Hospital of Beijing University of Technology, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Transformation, Beijing, China
| | - Dongmei Hao
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Chemistry and Life Science, Beijing University of Technology, Beijing International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Intelligent Physiological Measurement and Clinical Transformation, Beijing, China.
| | - Chiang-Shan R Li
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA; Wu Tsai Institute, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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Nippert KE, Rowland CP, Vazey EM, Moorman DE. Alcohol, flexible behavior, and the prefrontal cortex: Functional changes underlying impaired cognitive flexibility. Neuropharmacology 2024; 260:110114. [PMID: 39134298 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/22/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive flexibility enables individuals to alter their behavior in response to changing environmental demands, facilitating optimal behavior in a dynamic world. The inability to do this, called behavioral inflexibility, is a pervasive behavioral phenotype in alcohol use disorder (AUD), driven by disruptions in cognitive flexibility. Research has repeatedly shown that behavioral inflexibility not only results from alcohol exposure across species but can itself be predictive of future drinking. Like many high-level executive functions, flexible behavior requires healthy functioning of the prefrontal cortex (PFC). The scope of this review addresses two primary themes: first, we outline tasks that have been used to investigate flexibility in the context of AUD or AUD models. We characterize these based on the task features and underlying cognitive processes that differentiate them from one another. We highlight the neural basis of flexibility measures, focusing on the PFC, and how acute or chronic alcohol in humans and non-human animal models impacts flexibility. Second, we consolidate findings on the molecular, physiological and functional changes in the PFC elicited by alcohol, that may contribute to cognitive flexibility deficits seen in AUD. Collectively, this approach identifies several key avenues for future research that will facilitate effective treatments to promote flexible behavior in the context of AUD, to reduce the risk of alcohol related harm, and to improve outcomes following AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn E Nippert
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Courtney P Rowland
- Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA
| | - Elena M Vazey
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA; Department of Biology, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
| | - David E Moorman
- Neuroscience and Behavior Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA; Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Massachusetts, Amherst, MA, 01003, USA.
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Wang S, Zhang X, Zhao Y, Lv H, Li P, Zhang Z, Qiao X. BCI Improves Alcohol-Induced Cognitive and Emotional Impairments by Restoring pERK-BDNF. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:59. [PMID: 38890235 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02237-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/13/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Binge drinking causes a range of problems especially damage to the nervous system, and the specific neural mechanism of brain loss and behavioral abnormalities caused by which is still unclear. Extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) maintain neuronal survival, growth, and regulation of synaptic plasticity by phosphorylating specific transcription factors to regulate expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Dual-specific phosphatase 1 (DUSP1) and DUSP6 dephosphorylate tyrosine and serine/threonine residues in ERK1/2 to inactivate them. To investigate the molecular mechanism by which alcohol affects memory and emotion, a chronic intermittent alcohol exposure (CIAE) model was established. The results demonstrated that mice in the CIAE group developed short-term recognition memory impairment and anxiety-like behavior; meanwhile, the expression of DUSP1 and DUSP66 in the mPFC was increased, while the levels of p-ERK and BDNF were decreased. Micro-injection of DUSP1/6 inhibitor BCI into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) restored the dendritic morphology by reversing the activity of ERK-BDNF and ultimately improved cognitive and emotional impairment caused by CIAE. These findings indicate that CIAE inhibits ERK-BDNF by increasing DUSP1/6 in the mPFC that may be associated with cognitive and emotional deficits. Consequently, DUSP1 and DUSP6 appear to be potential targets for the treatment of alcoholic brain disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sasa Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No. 100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xinlei Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No. 100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Yuru Zhao
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No. 100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Haoxuan Lv
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No. 100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Pengyu Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No. 100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Zhihao Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No. 100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China
| | - Xiaomeng Qiao
- Department of Pathology and Forensic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, No. 100, Science Avenue, Zhengzhou, 450001, Henan, China.
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Siddiqi MT, Podder D, Pahng AR, Athanason AC, Nadav T, Cates-Gatto C, Kreifeldt M, Contet C, Roberts AJ, Edwards S, Roberto M, Varodayan FP. Prefrontal cortex glutamatergic adaptations in a mouse model of alcohol use disorder. ADDICTION NEUROSCIENCE 2023; 9:100137. [PMID: 38152067 PMCID: PMC10752437 DOI: 10.1016/j.addicn.2023.100137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) produces cognitive deficits, indicating a shift in prefrontal cortex (PFC) function. PFC glutamate neurotransmission is mostly mediated by α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid-type ionotropic receptors (AMPARs); however preclinical studies have mostly focused on other receptor subtypes. Here we examined the impact of early withdrawal from chronic ethanol on AMPAR function in the mouse medial PFC (mPFC). Dependent male C57BL/6J mice were generated using the chronic intermittent ethanol vapor-two bottle choice (CIE-2BC) paradigm. Non-dependent mice had access to water and ethanol bottles but did not receive ethanol vapor. Naïve mice had no ethanol exposure. We used patch-clamp electrophysiology to measure glutamate neurotransmission in layer 2/3 prelimbic mPFC pyramidal neurons. Since AMPAR function can be impacted by subunit composition or plasticity-related proteins, we probed their mPFC expression levels. Dependent mice had higher spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic current (sEPSC) amplitude and kinetics compared to the Naïve/Non-dependent mice. These effects were seen during intoxication and after 3-8 days withdrawal, and were action potential-independent, suggesting direct enhancement of AMPAR function. Surprisingly, 3 days withdrawal decreased expression of genes encoding AMPAR subunits (Gria1/2) and synaptic plasticity proteins (Dlg4 and Grip1) in Dependent mice. Further analysis within the Dependent group revealed a negative correlation between Gria1 mRNA levels and ethanol intake. Collectively, these data establish a role for mPFC AMPAR adaptations in the glutamatergic dysfunction associated with ethanol dependence. Future studies on the underlying AMPAR plasticity mechanisms that promote alcohol reinforcement, seeking, drinking and relapse behavior may help identify new targets for AUD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahum T. Siddiqi
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Dhruba Podder
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Amanda R. Pahng
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
- Southeast Louisiana Veterans Health Care System, 2400 Canal Street, 11F, New Orleans, LA, 70119, USA
| | - Alexandria C. Athanason
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
| | - Tali Nadav
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Chelsea Cates-Gatto
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Max Kreifeldt
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Candice Contet
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Amanda J. Roberts
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 533 Bolivar Street, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA
| | - Marisa Roberto
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Florence P. Varodayan
- Developmental Exposure Alcohol Research Center and Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University-SUNY, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY, 13902, USA
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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Gruol DL, Calderon D, Huitron-Resendiz S, Cates-Gatto C, Roberts AJ. Impact of Elevated Brain IL-6 in Transgenic Mice on the Behavioral and Neurochemical Consequences of Chronic Alcohol Exposure. Cells 2023; 12:2306. [PMID: 37759527 PMCID: PMC10527024 DOI: 10.3390/cells12182306] [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: 04/11/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol consumption activates the neuroimmune system of the brain, a system in which brain astrocytes and microglia play dominant roles. These glial cells normally produce low levels of neuroimmune factors, which are important signaling factors and regulators of brain function. Alcohol activation of the neuroimmune system is known to dysregulate the production of neuroimmune factors, such as the cytokine IL-6, thereby changing the neuroimmune status of the brain, which could impact the actions of alcohol. The consequences of neuroimmune-alcohol interactions are not fully known. In the current studies we investigated this issue in transgenic (TG) mice with altered neuroimmune status relative to IL-6. The TG mice express elevated levels of astrocyte-produced IL-6, a condition known to occur with alcohol exposure. Standard behavioral tests of alcohol drinking and negative affect/emotionality were carried out in homozygous and heterozygous TG mice and control mice to assess the impact of neuroimmune status on the actions of chronic intermittent alcohol (ethanol) (CIE) exposure on these behaviors. The expressions of signal transduction and synaptic proteins were also assessed by Western blot to identify the impact of alcohol-neuroimmune interactions on brain neurochemistry. The results from these studies show that neuroimmune status with respect to IL-6 significantly impacts the effects of alcohol on multiple levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna L. Gruol
- Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Delilah Calderon
- Neuroscience Department, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | | | - Chelsea Cates-Gatto
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA (A.J.R.)
| | - Amanda J. Roberts
- Animal Models Core Facility, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA (A.J.R.)
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