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Ceci FM, Ferraguti G, Petrella C, Greco A, Tirassa P, Iannitelli A, Ralli M, Vitali M, Ceccanti M, Chaldakov GN, Versacci P, Fiore M. Nerve Growth Factor, Stress and Diseases. Curr Med Chem 2021; 28:2943-2959. [PMID: 32811396 DOI: 10.2174/0929867327999200818111654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2020] [Revised: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a constant threat for homeostasis and is represented by different extrinsic and intrinsic stimuli (stressors, Hans Selye's "noxious agents"), such as aggressive behavior, fear, diseases, physical activity, drugs, surgical injury, and environmental and physiological changes. Our organisms respond to stress by activating the adaptive stress system to activate compensatory responses for restoring homeostasis. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) was discovered as a signaling molecule involved in survival, protection, differentiation, and proliferation of sympathetic and peripheral sensory neurons. NGF mediates stress with an important role in translating environmental stimuli into physiological and pathological feedbacks since NGF levels undergo important variations after exposure to stressful events. Psychological stress, lifestyle stress, and oxidative stress are well known to increase the risk of mental disorders such as schizophrenia, major depressive disorders, bipolar disorder, alcohol use disorders and metabolic disorders such as metabolic syndrome. This review reports recent works describing the activity of NGF in mental and metabolic disorders related to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavio Maria Ceci
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Petrella
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Iannitelli
- Department of Biotechnology and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sense Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale del Policlinico 155, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mauro Ceccanti
- Centro Riferimento Alcologico Regione Lazio, ASL Roma 1, Rome, Italy
| | - George N Chaldakov
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Medical University, and Institute for Advanced Study, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Paolo Versacci
- Department of Pediatrics, Sapienza University Hospital of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, IBBC-CNR, Rome, Italy
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Webster JP, Kaushik M, Bristow GC, McConkey GA. Toxoplasma gondii infection, from predation to schizophrenia: can animal behaviour help us understand human behaviour? J Exp Biol 2013; 216:99-112. [PMID: 23225872 PMCID: PMC3515034 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.074716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2012] [Accepted: 09/08/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
We examine the role of the protozoan Toxoplasma gondii as a manipulatory parasite and question what role study of infections in its natural intermediate rodent hosts and other secondary hosts, including humans, may elucidate in terms of the epidemiology, evolution and clinical applications of infection. In particular, we focus on the potential association between T. gondii and schizophrenia. We introduce the novel term 'T. gondii-rat manipulation-schizophrenia model' and propose how future behavioural research on this model should be performed from a biological, clinical and ethically appropriate perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne P. Webster
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Maya Kaushik
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, London, W2 1PG, UK
| | - Greg C. Bristow
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
| | - Glenn A. McConkey
- School of Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, University of Leeds, Leeds, LS2 9JT, UK
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3
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Kaushik M, Lamberton PHL, Webster JP. The role of parasites and pathogens in influencing generalised anxiety and predation-related fear in the mammalian central nervous system. Horm Behav 2012; 62:191-201. [PMID: 22521209 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2012.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Revised: 03/30/2012] [Accepted: 04/04/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Behavioural and neurophysiological traits and responses associated with anxiety and predation-related fear have been well documented in rodent models. Certain parasites and pathogens which rely on predation for transmission appear able to manipulate these, often innate, traits to increase the likelihood of their life-cycle being completed. This can occur through a range of mechanisms, such as alteration of hormonal and neurotransmitter communication and/or direct interference with the neurons and brain regions that mediate behavioural expression. Whilst some post-infection behavioural changes may reflect 'general sickness' or a pathological by-product of infection, others may have a specific adaptive advantage to the parasite and be indicative of active manipulation of host behaviour. Here we review the key mechanisms by which anxiety and predation-related fears are controlled in mammals, before exploring evidence for how some infectious agents may manipulate these mechanisms. The protozoan Toxoplasma gondii, the causative agent of toxoplasmosis, is focused on as a prime example. Selective pressures appear to have allowed this parasite to evolve strategies to alter the behaviour in its natural intermediate rodent host. Latent infection has also been associated with a range of altered behavioural profiles, from subtle to severe, in other secondary host species including humans. In addition to enhancing our knowledge of the evolution of parasite manipulation in general, to further our understanding of how and when these potential changes to human host behaviour occur, and how we may prevent or manage them, it is imperative to elucidate the associated mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Kaushik
- Department of Infectious Disease Epidemiology, School of Public Health, Imperial College Faculty of Medicine, St Mary's Hospital Campus, Norfolk Place, London W2 1PG, UK
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Fiore M, Laviola G, Aloe L, di Fausto V, Mancinelli R, Ceccanti M. Early exposure to ethanol but not red wine at the same alcohol concentration induces behavioral and brain neurotrophin alterations in young and adult mice. Neurotoxicology 2009; 30:59-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2008.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2008] [Revised: 11/19/2008] [Accepted: 11/21/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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GARAMSZEGI LÁSZLÓZSOLT, ERRITZØE JOHANNES, MØLLER ANDERSPAPE. Feeding innovations and parasitism in birds. Biol J Linn Soc Lond 2007. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1095-8312.2007.00733.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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6
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Kolss M, Kraaijeveld AR, Mery F, Kawecki TJ. No trade-off between learning ability and parasitoid resistance in Drosophila melanogaster. J Evol Biol 2006; 19:1359-63. [PMID: 16780538 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2005.01068.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Learning ability and immunity to parasites are linked at the physiological level in several insect species. The aim of this work was to investigate the relationship between learning and immunity at an evolutionary level. We tested whether selection for improved learning ability in Drosophila melanogaster led to changes in parasitoid resistance as a correlated response. Similarly, we assayed whether selection for better parasitoid resistance led to a change in learning ability. There was no significant difference between selected and control lines in either case; the estimated confidence intervals for the differences indicate that a trade-off relationship is unlikely.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Kolss
- Section of Ecology and Evolution, Department of Biology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
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Abstract
Molecular techniques allowing in vivo modulation of gene expression have provided unique opportunities and challenges for behavioural studies aimed at understanding the function of particular genes or biological systems under physiological or pathological conditions. Although various animal models are available, the laboratory mouse (Mus musculus) has unique features and is therefore a preferred animal model. The mouse shares a remarkable genetic resemblance and aspects of behaviour with humans. In this review, first we describe common mouse models for behavioural analyses. As both genetic and environmental factors influence behavioural performance and need to be carefully evaluated in behavioural experiments, considerations for designing and interpretations of these experiments are subsequently discussed. Finally, common behavioural tests used to assess brain function are reviewed, and it is illustrated how behavioural tests are used to increase our understanding of the role of histaminergic neurotransmission in brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter van Meer
- *Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, U.S.A
| | - Jacob Raber
- *Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, U.S.A
- †Department of Neurology and Division of Neuroscience, ONPRC, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon 97239, U.S.A
- To whom correspondence should be addressed (email )
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Møller AP, Erritzøe J, Garamszegi LZ. Covariation between brain size and immunity in birds: implications for brain size evolution. J Evol Biol 2005; 18:223-37. [PMID: 15669979 DOI: 10.1111/j.1420-9101.2004.00805.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Parasitism can negatively affect learning and cognition, setting the scene for coevolution between brain and immunity. Greater susceptibility to parasitism by males may impair their cognitive ability, and relatively greater male investment in immunity could compensate for greater susceptibility to parasites, in particular when males have a relatively large brain. We analysed covariation between relative size of immune defence organs and brain in juvenile and adult birds. The relative size of the bursa of Fabricius and the spleen in adults covaried positively with relative brain size across bird species. The relative size of these two immune defence organs covaried with sex differences in relative size of the brain, indicating that the relationship between immune defence and brain size was stronger for males. In contrast, liver and heart size or sexual size dimorphism in size did not covary with immune defence. Thus, species in which males have relatively large brains also have relatively large immune defence organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A P Møller
- Laboratoire de Parasitologie Evolutive, CNRS UMR 7103, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris Cedex 05, France.
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