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Kim S, Yang S, Kim J, Chung KW, Jung YS, Chung HY, Lee J. Glucocorticoid Receptor Down-Regulation Affects Neural Stem Cell Proliferation and Hippocampal Neurogenesis. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3198-3211. [PMID: 37979034 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03785-y] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and abnormalities in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) have been linked to major depressive disorder. Given the critical role of GR in stress response regulation, we investigated the impact of GR changes on neural stem cells (NSCs) proliferation and hippocampal neurogenesis. Stress response was induced using dexamethasone (DEX), a GR agonist, which led to reduced proliferation of neural stem cells and neural progenitor cells, as well as decreased expression of GR. Additionally, a reduction of serum concentration within the culture media resulted in suppressed cell proliferation, accompanied by decreased GR expression. The association between GR expression and cell proliferation was further confirmed through GR siRNA knockdown and overexpression experiments. Furthermore, in vivo studies utilizing young male C57BL/6 mice demonstrated that corticosterone (CORT) (35 μg/ml) administered through drinking water for four weeks induced depression-like behavior, as indicated by increased immobility times in forced swimming and tail suspension tests. CORT exposure led to reduced GR and nestin expression levels, along with diminished numbers of BrdU-positive cells in the hippocampi, indicating impaired hippocampal neurogenesis. Taken together, our findings provide the first evidence that stress-induced downregulation of GR negatively affects neurogenesis by inhibiting NSCs proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seoyeong Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Seonguk Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Wung Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Suk Jung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Hae Young Chung
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaewon Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Drug Development, Pusan National University, Busan, 46241, Republic of Korea.
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Shuai J, Tian G, Cui Y, Zhou F, Yang W, Ma Y, Deng Z, Wang Q. WITHDRAWN: Associations between family support, loneliness, and underlying depression among children and adolescents in the China family panel studies: A mediation analysis. J Affect Disord 2023; 327:397-403. [PMID: 36791654 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.02.037] [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: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
This article has been withdrawn: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (https://www.elsevier.com/about/policies/article-withdrawal). This article has been withdrawn at the request of the editor and publisher. The publisher regrets that an error occurred which led to the premature publication of this paper. This error bears no reflection on the article or its authors. The publisher apologizes to the authors and the readers for this unfortunate error.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingliang Shuai
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Gang Tian
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yiran Cui
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Feixiang Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Wenyan Yang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Yulan Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhihao Deng
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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3
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Mlili NE, Ahabrach H, Cauli O. Hair Cortisol Concentration as a Biomarker of Symptoms of Depression in the Perinatal Period. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2023; 22:71-83. [PMID: 35297354 DOI: 10.2174/1871527321666220316122605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Pregnancy is a sensitive period when women experience major hormonal and psychological changes. A high prevalence of the symptoms of depression and manifested major depression rates have been reported during this period, leading to negative outcomes both for mothers and the offspring. Despite its prevalence, the aetiology of depression is not yet fully understood. Nonetheless, alterations in cortisol levels have been proposed as a reliable biomarker to identify pregnant women at risk of perinatal depression. Hair cortisol has recently been extensively used in bio-psychological studies as a suitable non-invasive biomarker for several neuropsychiatric disorders. Various studies have published evidence regarding the relationship between cortisol fluctuations during the perinatal period, measured both in hair and in other substrates, and the onset of perinatal symptoms of depression. This current review provides an overview of cortisol level changes measured in women's hair during pregnancy or the postpartum period and its association with perinatal symptoms of depression. Further studies, including repetitive measurement of both hair cortisol and depression throughout the prenatal period, must be performed to clarify the relationship between cortisol levels and perinatal symptoms of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisrin El Mlili
- Institut Supérieur des Professions Infirmières et Techniques de Santé (ISPITS), Tetouan, Morocco
- Department of Physiology and Physiopathology, Faculty of Sciences, University Abdelmalek Essâadi, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Hanan Ahabrach
- Institut Supérieur des Professions Infirmières et Techniques de Santé (ISPITS), Tetouan, Morocco
- Department of Physiology and Physiopathology, Faculty of Sciences, University Abdelmalek Essâadi, Tetouan, Morocco
| | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
- Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Group (FROG), University of Valencia, Valencia 46010, Spain
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Aleksic M, Brkic Z, Petrovic Z, Francija E, Lukic I, Adzic M. Sex‐specific contribution of glucocorticoid receptor alpha isoforms to anxiety and depressive‐like behavior in mice. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1239-1253. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Minja Aleksic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences ‐ National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - Zeljka Brkic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences ‐ National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - Zorica Petrovic
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience Albert Einstein College of Medicine Bronx New York USA
| | - Ester Francija
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences ‐ National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences ‐ National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
| | - Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, “VINČA” Institute of Nuclear Sciences ‐ National Institute of thе Republic of Serbia University of Belgrade Belgrade Serbia
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Song MK, Lee JH, Kim YJ. Effect of chronic handling and social isolation on emotion and cognition in adolescent rats. Physiol Behav 2021; 237:113440. [PMID: 33940083 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2021.113440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Adolescence is a critical period of establishing social relations through social interactions that affect the emotional development associated with stress responses, anxiety, depression, and cognitive development. We investigated the behavioral and neurobiological changes induced by handling and social isolation in adolescent rats to determine social interaction effects. Rats were randomly divided into groups and used as a control, a handling, and a social isolation group. After 12 weeks, the handling group showed a significant increase in mobility in the open field test and in tryptophan hydroxylase expression in the dorsal raphe nucleus, as well as significantly reduced immobility times in the forced swim test, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The social isolation group, in contrast, showed a significant increase in immobility times in the forced swim test and in glucocorticoid and SIRT1 expression in the hippocampus, as well as a significant reduction in mobility in the open field test and in escape latency times in the passive avoidance test, compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The present results show that while handling did not improve cognitive function, it reduced anxiety and lowered depression levels; social isolation, in contrast, significantly impaired the animals' stress response, anxiety and depression levels, and cognitive function. Our findings indicate that handling and social isolation have a strong effect on adolescents' emotional and cognitive development into healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Kyung Song
- Department of Nursing, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Joo Hee Lee
- Department of Nursing, Graduate school, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Youn-Jung Kim
- College of Nursing Science, Kyung Hee University• East West Nursing Institute, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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The Potential Use of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells as Biomarkers for Treatment Response and Outcome Prediction in Psychiatry: A Systematic Review. Mol Diagn Ther 2021; 25:283-299. [PMID: 33978935 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-021-00516-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric disorders have a major impact on the global burden of disease while therapeutic interventions remain insufficient to adequately treat a large number of patients. Regrettably, the efficacy of several psychopharmacological treatment regimens becomes apparent only after 4-6 weeks, and at this point, a significant number of patients present as non-responsive. As such, many patients go weeks/months without appropriate treatment or symptom management. Adequate biomarkers for treatment success and outcome prediction are thus urgently needed. OBJECTIVE With this systematic review, we provide an overview of the use of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and their signaling pathways in evaluating and/or predicting the effectiveness of different treatment regimens in the course of psychiatric illnesses. We highlight PBMC characteristics that (i) reflect treatment presence, (ii) allow differentiation of responders from non-responders, and (iii) prove predictive at baseline with regard to treatment outcome for a broad range of psychiatric intervention strategies. REVIEW METHODS A PubMed database search was performed to extract papers investigating the relation between any type of PBMC characteristic and treatment presence and/or outcome in patients suffering from severe mental illness. Criteria for eligibility were: written in English; psychiatric diagnosis based on DSM-III-R or newer; PBMC isolation via gradient centrifugation; comparison between treated and untreated patients via PBMC features; sample size ≥ n = 5 per experimental group. Papers not researching in vivo treatment effects between patients and healthy controls, non-clinical trials, and non-hypothesis-/data-driven (e.g., -omics designs) approaches were excluded. DATA SYNTHESIS Twenty-nine original articles were included and qualitatively summarized. Antidepressant and antipsychotic treatments were mostly reflected by intracellular inflammatory markers while intervention with mood stabilizers was evidenced through cell maturation pathways. Lastly, cell viability parameters mirrored predominantly non-pharmacological therapeutic strategies. As for response prediction, PBMC (subtype) counts and telomerase activity seemed most promising for antidepressant treatment outcome determination; full length brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/truncated BDNF were shown to be most apt to prognosticate antipsychotic treatment. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that, although inherent limitations to and heterogeneity in study designs in combination with the scarce number of original studies hamper unambiguous identification, several PBMC characteristics-mostly related to inflammatory pathways and cell viability-indeed show promise towards establishment as clinically relevant treatment biomarkers.
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Wang B, Xin N, Qian X, Zhai L, Miao Z, Yang Y, Li S, Sun M, Xu X, Li XJ. Ahi1 regulates the nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptor to modulate stress response. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:188. [PMID: 33782379 PMCID: PMC8007735 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01305-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 02/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress activates the nuclear translocation of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) to trigger gene expression. Abnormal GR levels can alter the stress responses in animals and therapeutic effects of antidepressants. Here, we reported that stress-mediated nuclear translocation of GR reduced Ahi1 in the stressed cells and mouse brains. Ahi1 interacts with GR to stabilize each other in the cytoplasm. Importantly, Ahi1 deficiency promotes the degradation of GR in the cytoplasm and reduced the nuclear translocation of GR in response to stress. Genetic depletion of Ahi1 in mice caused hyposensitivity to antidepressants under the stress condition. These findings suggest that AHI1 is an important regulator of GR level and may serve as a therapeutic target for stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Wang
- grid.429222.d0000 0004 1798 0228Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006 Suzhou, China ,grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, 215123 Suzhou, China
| | - Ning Xin
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, 215123 Suzhou, China ,grid.413389.4Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 221000 Xuzhou, Jiangsu China
| | - Xuanchen Qian
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, 215123 Suzhou, China
| | - Lijing Zhai
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, 215123 Suzhou, China
| | - Zhigang Miao
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, 215123 Suzhou, China
| | - Yong Yang
- grid.263761.70000 0001 0198 0694Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Guangji Hospital of Soochow University, 215008 Suzhou, China
| | - Shihua Li
- grid.258164.c0000 0004 1790 3548Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human primate models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, 510632 Guangzhou, China
| | - Miao Sun
- Institute for Fetology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006, Suzhou, China.
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, China. .,Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, 215006, Suzhou, China. .,Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases, Soochow University, 215123, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Xiao-Jiang Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of non-human primate models, Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, 510632, Guangzhou, China.
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Stress effects on cognitive function in patients with major depressive disorder: Does childhood trauma play a role? Dev Psychopathol 2020; 32:1007-1016. [PMID: 31366417 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579419000932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Impaired cognitive functioning constitutes an important symptom of major depressive disorder (MDD), potentially associated with elevated cortisol levels. Adverse childhood experiences (ACE) enhance the risk for MDD and can contribute to disturbances in the stress systems, including cortisol and cognitive functions. In healthy participants, cortisol administration as well as acute stress can affect cognitive performance. In the current study, we tested cognitive performance in MDD patients with (N = 32) and without (N = 52) ACE and healthy participants with (N = 22) and without (N = 37) ACE after psychosocial stress induction (Trier Social Stress Test, TSST) and a control condition (Placebo-TSST). MDD predicted lower performance in verbal learning and both selective and sustained attention, while ACE predicted lower performance in psychomotoric speed and working memory. There were no interaction effects of MDD and ACE. After stress, MDD patients were more likely to show lower performance in working memory as well as in selective and sustained attention compared with participants without MDD. Individuals with ACE were more likely to show lower performance in verbal memory after stress compared with individuals without ACE. Our results indicate negative effects of MDD and ACE on distinct cognitive domains. Furthermore, MDD and/or ACE seem to enhance susceptibility for stress-related cognitive impairments.
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Low Circulating Levels of GR, FKBP5, and SGK1 in Medicated Patients With Depression Are Not Altered by Electroconvulsive Therapy. J ECT 2020; 36:137-143. [PMID: 31725056 DOI: 10.1097/yct.0000000000000633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation is frequently observed in patients with depression, with increased levels of the glucocorticoid (GC) cortisol commonly reported. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation may be a consequence of impaired feedback inhibition due to GC receptor (GR) impairments or dysfunction, termed "glucocorticoid resistance." Here, our objective was to assess mRNA levels of GC-related markers (GR, FKBP5, serum glucocorticoid kinase 1 [SGK1]) in patients with depression versus controls and in patient samples after electroconvulsive therapy (ECT). We also examined the relationship between these GC-related markers and 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D24) scores to assess the utility of using them as biological markers for depression or the therapeutic response to ECT. METHODS GR, FKBP5, and SGK1 mRNA levels were examined in whole blood samples from 88 medicated patients with depression pre-/post-ECT and 63 controls using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Exploratory subgroup correlational analyses were performed to determine the relationship between GR, FKBP5, and SGK1 and 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. RESULTS GR, FKBP5, and SGK1 mRNA levels were significantly lower in medicated patients with depression compared with controls (P < 0.001, P = 0.03, P < 0.001, respectively), but ECT did not alter their levels (all P > 0.05). There was no relationship between GR, FKBP5, or SGK1 and 24-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale scores. CONCLUSIONS GR, FKBP5, and SGK1 do not seem to be involved in the peripheral molecular response to ECT and do not represent useful biomarkers for predicting the therapeutic response to ECT in a real-world clinical setting.
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Zhang ZX, Li E, Yan JP, Fu W, Shen P, Tian SW, You Y. Apelin attenuates depressive-like behavior and neuroinflammation in rats co-treated with chronic stress and lipopolysaccharide. Neuropeptides 2019; 77:101959. [PMID: 31445676 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2019.101959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Several experimental studies have proved that activation of neuroinflammation pathways may contribute to the development of depression, a neuropsychiatric disorder disease. Our previous studies have shown the antidepressant properties of apelin, but the mechanism was unkown. This study was performed to verify whether the antidepressant effect of apelin was related to its anti-inflammation effect in the central nervous system. To achieve our aim, we selected the co-treatment of chronic stress and LPS to induced an inflammatory process in rats. The effect of this co-treatment was evaluated through the expression of inflammatory markers and glial cell activation. LPS injection co-treated with unpredictable chronic mild stress resulted in the activation of microglial cell and astrocyte, expression of inflammatory markers and depressive behaviors. Treatment with apelin significantly attenuates the deleterious effects in these rats. Our results showed that apelin improved depressive phenotype and decreased the activation of glial cells in stress co-treatment group. The down-regulations of p-NF-κB and p-IKKβ suggested that the effects are possibly mediated by inhibition of the NF-κB-mediated inflammatory response. These findings speculated that intracerebroventricular injection of apelin could be a therapeutic approach for the treatment of depression, and the antidepressant function of apelin may closely associated with its alleviation in neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Xuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, PR China; Department of Neurology, XiangTan Central Hospital, Xiangtan, Hunan 411100, PR China
| | - E Li
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chinese Academy of Sciences, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Shanghai 200031, PR China
| | - Jian-Ping Yan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Wan Fu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Pei Shen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China
| | - Shao-Wen Tian
- Department of Physiology, Hengyang Medical College, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, PR China.
| | - Yong You
- Department of Neurology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Hainan Medical University, Haikou, Hainan 571199, PR China.
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Xu J, Wang R, Liu Y, Wang W, Liu D, Jiang H, Pan F. Short- and long-term alterations of FKBP5-GR and specific microRNAs in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of male rats induced by adolescent stress contribute to depression susceptibility. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:204-215. [PMID: 30469088 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 11/05/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maladaptation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is involved in susceptibility to depression. Glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and the co-chaperone protein, FK506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5), play crucial roles in dysfunction of the HPA axis. Further, certain microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR-124a and miR-18a, which could reduce GR protein expression, contribute to affective disorders, while miR-511 as a regulator of FKBP5 is involved in an increased risk of depression. However, the short-term and persistent impacts of adolescent stress on miR-124a, miR-18a, and miR-511 expressions in the brain are unknown. Using depression models of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) or dexamethasone administration of adolescent rats, the authors of the present study probed the depressive-like behaviors, GR and FKBP5 expressions, and miR-124a, miR-18a, and miR-511 expressions in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. The GR antagonist RU486 was used as intervention. The results revealed that both CUMS and dexamethasone administration in the adolescent period resulted in anhedonia, altered locomotor behaviors, anxiety, and cognitive impairment. A remarkable decrease in GR expression, and increase in FKBP5, miR-124a, and miR-18a expressions were detected in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of adolescent rats. Furthermore, the similar long-term changes on behaviors and expressions of GR, FKBP5 and GR-related microRNAs were found in the adult rats following CUMS and dexamethasone treatment in adolescence. However, reduced miR-511 expression was observed only in the prefrontal cortex of adult rats exposed to adolescent CUMS or dexamethasone administration. These data suggested that the downregulation of GR, upregulation of FKBP5, miR-124a, and miR-18a in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, and downregulation of miR-511 in the prefrontal cortex were relevant to depressive-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Xu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Ethic, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Rui Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Ethic, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Yuan Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Ethic, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Ethic, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Dexiang Liu
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Ethic, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Ethic, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
| | - Fang Pan
- Department of Medical Psychology and Medical Ethic, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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12
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Alemu JL, Elberling F, Azam B, Pakkenberg B, Olesen MV. Electroconvulsive treatment prevents chronic restraint stress-induced atrophy of the hippocampal formation-A stereological study. Brain Behav 2019; 9:e01195. [PMID: 30656862 PMCID: PMC6379514 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/05/2018] [Accepted: 12/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is one of the most efficient treatments of major depressive disorder (MDD), although the underlying neurobiology remains poorly understood. There is evidence that ECT and MDD exert opposing effects on the hippocampal formation with respect to volume and number of neurons. However, there has been a paucity of quantitative data in experimental models of ECT and MDD. METHODS Using design-based stereology, we have measured the effects of a stress-induced depression model (chronic restraint stress, CRS) and ECS on the morphology of the hippocampus by estimating the volume and total number of neurons in the hilus, CA1, and CA2/3, as well as in the entire hippocampus. RESULTS We find that CRS induces a significant decrease in volume exclusively of the hilus and that ECS (CRS + ECS) blocks this reduction. Furthermore, ECS alone does not change the volume or total number of neurons in the entire hippocampus or any hippocampal subdivision in our rat model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johanne L Alemu
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Frederik Elberling
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Disease System Immunology, DTU Bioengineering, Kongens Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Bushra Azam
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Bente Pakkenberg
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mikkel V Olesen
- Research Laboratory for Stereology and Neuroscience, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Firouzabadi N, Nouraei H, Mandegary A. Genetic Variant of Glucocorticoid Receptor Gene at rs41423247 and Its Association with Major Depressive Disorder: A Case-Control Study. Galen Med J 2018; 7:e1181. [PMID: 34466443 PMCID: PMC8344155 DOI: 10.22086/gmj.v0i0.1181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2018] [Revised: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Extensive distribution of glucocorticoid receptors (GCRs) in different brain areas along with disruption of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in major depressive disorder (MDD) and the cross talk between GCRs and HPA proposes genetic variants of GC receptor genes as potential contributors in MDD. Among the GCR polymorphisms, rs41423247, rs6195 and rs6189/rs6190 are suggested to be involved in MDD. Materials and Methods We investigated the association between rs41423247, rs6195 and rs6189/rs6190 and MDD in a case-control study. One hundred MDD patients along with 100 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study. genetic variants of rs41423247, rs6195 and rs6189/rs6190 were determined in extracted DNAs using PCR-RFLP. Result The prevalence of heterozygote and mutant carriers of rs41423247 were significantly and by 1.9 fold greater in cases versus controls (P=0.033; OR; 95%CI=1.9; 1.1-3.3). Moreover, carriers of the mutant (G) allele were by 1.8 fold more prevalent in MDD group (P=0.013; OR;95%CI=1.8; 1.1-2.8). Conclusion Specific carriers of rs41423247 might be more susceptible to developing MDD. This supports the hypothesis of the involvement of GCRs in pathophysiology of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Negar Firouzabadi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hasti Nouraei
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali Mandegary
- Department of Toxicology & Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran.,Pharmaceutics Research Center, Neuropharmacology Institute, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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14
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Barfield ET, Gourley SL. Prefrontal cortical trkB, glucocorticoids, and their interactions in stress and developmental contexts. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:535-558. [PMID: 30477984 PMCID: PMC6392187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tropomyosin/tyrosine receptor kinase B (trkB) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulate neuron structure and function and the hormonal stress response. Meanwhile, disruption of trkB and GR activity (e.g., by chronic stress) can perturb neuronal morphology in cortico-limbic regions implicated in stressor-related illnesses like depression. Further, several of the short- and long-term neurobehavioral consequences of stress depend on the developmental timing and context of stressor exposure. We review how the levels and activities of trkB and GR in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) change during development, interact, are modulated by stress, and are implicated in depression. We review evidence that trkB- and GR-mediated signaling events impact the density and morphology of dendritic spines, the primary sites of excitatory synapses in the brain, highlighting effects in adolescents when possible. Finally, we review the role of neurotrophin and glucocorticoid systems in stress-related metaplasticity. We argue that better understanding the long-term effects of developmental stressors on PFC trkB, GR, and related factors may yield insights into risk for chronic, remitting depression and related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Barfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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15
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Hasselmann H, Gamradt S, Taenzer A, Nowacki J, Zain R, Patas K, Ramien C, Paul F, Wingenfeld K, Piber D, Gold SM, Otte C. Pro-inflammatory Monocyte Phenotype and Cell-Specific Steroid Signaling Alterations in Unmedicated Patients With Major Depressive Disorder. Front Immunol 2018; 9:2693. [PMID: 30532752 PMCID: PMC6265986 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.02693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2018] [Accepted: 10/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence have strongly implicated inflammatory processes in the pathobiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, the cellular origin of inflammatory signals and their specificity remain unclear. We examined the phenotype and glucocorticoid signaling in key cell populations of the innate immune system (monocytes) vs. adaptive immunity (T cells) in a sample of 35 well-characterized, antidepressant-free patients with MDD and 35 healthy controls individually matched for age, sex, smoking status and body mass index. Monocyte and T cell phenotype was assessed by flow cytometry. Cell-specific steroid signaling was determined by mRNA expression of pre-receptor regulation (11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1; 11β -HSD1), steroid receptor expression [glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR)], and the downstream target glucocorticoid-induced leucine-zipper (GILZ). We also collected salivary cortisol samples (8:00 a.m. and 10:00 p.m.) on two consecutive days. Patients showed a shift toward a pro-inflammatory phenotype characterized by higher frequency and higher absolute numbers of non-classical monocytes. No group differences were observed in major T cell subset frequencies and phenotype. Correspondingly, gene expression indicative of steroid resistance (i.e., lower expression of GR and GILZ) in patients with MDD was specific to monocytes and not observed in T cells. Monocyte phenotype and steroid receptor expression was not related to cortisol levels or serum levels of IL-6, IL-1β, or TNF-α. Our results thus suggest that in MDD, cells of the innate and adaptive immune system are differentially affected with shifts in monocyte subsets and lower expression of steroid signaling related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Hasselmann
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefanie Gamradt
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Aline Taenzer
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Jan Nowacki
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rami Zain
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Kostas Patas
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, (INIMS), Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Caren Ramien
- Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, (INIMS), Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center, (NCRC), Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Experimental and Clinical Research Center, Max Delbrueck Center for Molecular Medicine and Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Klinik für Neurologie, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Wingenfeld
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Dominique Piber
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan M Gold
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Institut für Neuroimmunologie und Multiple Sklerose, (INIMS), Zentrum für Molekulare Neurobiologie, Universitätsklinikum Hamburg Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Medizinische Klinik m.S. Psychosomatik, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Otte
- Klinik für Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
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16
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Numakawa T, Odaka H, Adachi N, Chiba S, Ooshima Y, Matsuno H, Nakajima S, Yoshimura A, Fumimoto K, Hirai Y, Kunugi H. Basic fibroblast growth factor increased glucocorticoid receptors in cortical neurons through MAP kinase pathway. Neurochem Int 2018; 118:217-224. [PMID: 29958871 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Prolonged and intense stress chronically increases blood concentration of glucocorticoids, which in turn causes downregulation of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in the central nervous system (CNS). This process has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Here, we found that basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) increased the expression of GR in the rat cerebral cortex and cultured cortical neurons and restored the reduced GR expression caused by glucocorticoid exposure. Among intracellular signaling pathways stimulated by bFGF, extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway was responsible for the upregulation of GR. The bFGF-induced GR was functional as a transcription factor to enhance transcription of a target gene. Because high stress augments bFGF levels in the brain, it is likely that bFGF plays a compensating role for reduced GR expression after stress and thus should be studied as a therapeutic target for the treatment of MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tadahiro Numakawa
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Modulation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan
| | - Haruki Odaka
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Cell Modulation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, 2-2-1 Honjo, Chuo-ku, Kumamoto 860-0811, Japan; Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoki Adachi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Biomedical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Gakuen 2-1, Sanda City, Hyogo, 669-1337, Japan.
| | - Shuichi Chiba
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiko Ooshima
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan; Administrative Section of Radiation Protection, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitomi Matsuno
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shingo Nakajima
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan; Endowed Research Division of Human Welfare Sciences, Ochanomizu University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Aya Yoshimura
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan; Education and Research Facility of Animal Models for Human Diseases, Center for Research Promotion and Support, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Fumimoto
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Gakuen 2-1, Sanda City, Hyogo, 669-1337, Japan
| | - Yohei Hirai
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Gakuen 2-1, Sanda City, Hyogo, 669-1337, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kunugi
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, NCNP, Tokyo, Japan
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17
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Leistner C, Menke A. How to measure glucocorticoid receptor's sensitivity in patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 91:235-260. [PMID: 29449045 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.01.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2017] [Revised: 12/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Stress is a state of derailed homeostasis and a main environmental risk factor for psychiatric diseases. Chronic or uncontrollable stress may lead to a dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which is a common feature of stress-related psychiatric disorders. One of the key mechanisms underlying a disturbed HPA axis is an impaired function of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) with an enhanced or reduced feedback sensitivity for glucocorticoids and subsequently altered concentrations of peripheral cortisol. GR function is regulated by a multiprotein complex including the different expression of the hsp90 co-chaperone FK 506 binding protein 51 (FKBP5) that may be genetically determined or acquired in response to stressful stimuli. Specific patterns of a dysregulation of the HPA axis and GR function are found in different stress-related psychiatric entities e.g. major depression, job-related exhaustion or posttraumatic stress disorder. GR challenge tests like the dexamethasone-suppression test (DST), the dexamethasone-corticotropin-releasing hormone (dex-CRH) test or most recently the analysis of the dexamethasone-induced gene expression are employed to sensitively measure HPA axis activity in these disorders. They provide information for a stratification of phenotypic similar but neurobiological diverse psychiatric disorders. In this review we present a synopsis of GR challenge tests with a focus on the application of the DST, the CRH test and the dex-CRH test as well as the dexamethasone-induced gene expression in stress-related psychiatric entities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolin Leistner
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Margarete-Hoeppel-Platz 1, Wuerzburg, 97080, Germany
| | - Andreas Menke
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Margarete-Hoeppel-Platz 1, Wuerzburg, 97080, Germany; Comprehensive Heart Failure Center, University Hospital of Wuerzburg, Am Schwarzenberg 15, Wuerzburg, 97080, Germany.
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18
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Li HY, Zhao YH, Zeng MJ, Fang F, Li M, Qin TT, Ye LY, Li HW, Qu R, Ma SP. Saikosaponin D relieves unpredictable chronic mild stress induced depressive-like behavior in rats: involvement of HPA axis and hippocampal neurogenesis. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:3385-3394. [PMID: 28875366 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-017-4720-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Saikosaponin D (SSD), a major bioactive component isolated from Radix Bupleuri, has been reported to exert neuroprotective properties. OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to investigate the anti-depressant-like effects and the potential mechanisms of SSD. METHODS Behavioural tests including sucrose preference test (SPT), open field test (OFT) and forced swim test (FST) were performed to study the antidepressant-like effects of SSD. In addition, we examined corticosterone and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels to evaluate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. Furthermore, hippocampal neurogenesis was assessed by testing doublecortin (DCX) levels, and neurotrophic molecule levels were also investigated in the hippocampus of rats. RESULTS We found that unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) rats displayed lost body weight, decreased sucrose consumption in SPT, reduced locomotive activity in OFT, and increased immobility time in FST. Chronic treatment with SSD (0.75, 1.50 mg/kg) remarkably ameliorated the behavioral deficiency induced by UCMS procedure. SSD administration downregulated elevated serum corticosterone levels, as well as alleviated the suppression of GR expression and nuclear translocation caused by UCMS, suggesting that SSD is able to remit the dysfunction of HPA axis. In addition, Western blot and immunohistochemistry analysis showed that SSD treatment significantly increased the generation of neurons in the hippocampus of UCMS rats indicated by elevated DCX levels. Moreover, hippocampal neurotrophic molecule levels of UCMS rats such as phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein (p-CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) were raised after SSD treatment. CONCLUSIONS Together, Our results suggest that SSD opposed UCMS-induced depressive behaviors in rats, which was mediated, partially, by the enhancement of HPA axis function and consolidation of hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Li
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Hua Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Min-Jie Zeng
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Fang Fang
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ting-Ting Qin
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lu-Yu Ye
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Wei Li
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Qu
- Discipline of Chinese and Western Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210046, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shi-Ping Ma
- Department of Pharmacology of Chinese Materia Medica, China Pharmaceutical University, Tongjiaxiang 24, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, People's Republic of China.
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19
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Effects of cortisol on the memory bias for emotional words? A study in patients with depression and healthy participants using the Directed Forgetting task. J Psychiatr Res 2017; 92:191-198. [PMID: 28499272 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2017.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2016] [Revised: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 04/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Mood congruent alterations in information processing such as an impaired memory bias for emotional information and impaired inhibitory functions are prominent features of a major depressive disorder (MDD). Furthermore, in MDD patients hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunctions are frequently found. Impairing effects of stress or cortisol administration on memory retrieval as well as impairing stress effects on cognitive inhibition are well documented in healthy participants. In MDD patients, no effect of acute cortisol administration on memory retrieval was found. The current study investigated the effect of acute cortisol administration on memory bias in MDD patients (N = 55) and healthy controls (N = 63) using the Directed Forgetting (DF) task with positive, negative and neutral words in a placebo controlled, double blind design. After oral administration of 10 mg hydrocortisone/placebo, the item method of the DF task was conducted. Memory performance was tested with a free recall test. Cortisol was not found to have an effect on the results of the DF task. Interestingly, there was significant impact of valence: both groups showed the highest DF score for positive words and remembered significantly more positive words that were supposed to be remembered and significantly more negative words that were supposed to be forgotten. In general, healthy participants remembered more words than the depressed patients. Still, the depressed patients were able to inhibit intentionally irrelevant information at a comparable level as the healthy controls. These results demonstrate the importance to distinguish in experimental designs between different cognitive domains such as inhibition and memory in our study.
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20
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Zhang J, Fan Y, Raza MU, Zhan Y, Du XD, Patel PD, Zhu MY. The regulation of corticosteroid receptors in response to chronic social defeat. Neurochem Int 2017; 108:397-409. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2017] [Revised: 05/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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21
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Mitic M, Brkic Z, Lukic I, Adzic M. Convergence of glycogen synthase kinase 3β and GR signaling in response to fluoxetine treatment in chronically stressed female and male rats. Behav Brain Res 2017; 333:295-303. [PMID: 28729116 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence strongly suggest that impaired glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling is involved in stress-related mood disorders, and nominate GR as a potential target for antidepressants (ADs). It is known that different classes of ADs affects the GR action via modifying its phosphorylation, while the mechanism through which ADs alter GR phosphorylation targeted by GSK3β, a kinase modulated via serotonin neurotransmission, are unclear. On this basis, we investigated whether GSK3β-GR signaling could be a convergence point of fluoxetine action on brain function and behavior, by examining its effect on GSK3β targeted-GR phosphorylation on threonine 171 (pGR171), and expression of GR-regulated genes in the hippocampus of female and male rats exposed to chronic isolation stress. Stress induced sex-specific GSK3β-targeted phosphorylation of pGR171 in the nucleus of the hippocampus of stressed animals. Namely, while in females stress triggered coupled action of GSK3β-pGR171 signaling, in males changes in pGR171 levels did not correspond to GSK3β activity. On the other hand, fluoxetine managed to up-regulate this pathway in sex-unbiased manner. Furthermore, fluoxetine reverted stress-induced changes in most of the analyzed genes in males, CRH, 5-HT1a and p11, while in females its effect was limited to CRH. These data further suggest that pGR171 signaling affects cellular localization of GR in response to chronic stress and fluoxetine in both sexes. Collectively, our results describe a novel convergence point between GR signaling and GSK3β pathway in rat hippocampus in response to stress and fluoxetine in both sexes and its involvement in fluoxetine-regulated brain function in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Zeljka Brkic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia; Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, University of Belgrade, Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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22
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Sarubin N, Hilbert S, Naumann F, Zill P, Wimmer AM, Nothdurfter C, Rupprecht R, Baghai TC, Bühner M, Schüle C. The sex-dependent role of the glucocorticoid receptor in depression: variations in the NR3C1 gene are associated with major depressive disorder in women but not in men. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2017; 267:123-133. [PMID: 27549215 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-016-0722-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Genetic variations in the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) have been associated with maladaptive stress responses and major depressive disorder (MDD). In a case-control study design, we examined whether single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haploid genotype (haplotype) associations of MR gene NR3C2, GR gene NR3C1 and genes of GR chaperone molecules FK506 binding protein 5 (FKBP5) and corticotrophin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) differed between healthy subjects (n = 634) and inpatients with major depressive disorder (n = 412). All analyses were conducted for women and men separately. After conservative correction of Type-I-error to obtain reliable p values, one SNP in the NR3C1 gene, namely rs6195, showed a significant association with the presence of a major depression (p = 0.048) in females. In contrast, NR3C2, FKBP5 and CRHR1 polymorphisms were not significantly associated with MDD. No haplotype effects could be identified. Our results support the notion of an association between variants of GR-related genes in women and the pathophysiology of depression: females suffering from MDD showed a more than three times higher frequency of the T/C polymorphism compared to controls, which thus seems to increase the vulnerability to depression in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Sarubin
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Psychological Methodology and Assessment, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany.
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
- Hochschule Fresenius, University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany.
| | - Sven Hilbert
- Department of Psychological Methodology and Assessment, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
- Faculty of Psychology, Educational Science and Sport Science, University of Regensburg, Universitätsstraße 31, 93053, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Felix Naumann
- Department of Psychological Methodology and Assessment, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Peter Zill
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Anna-Maria Wimmer
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
| | - Caroline Nothdurfter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Rainer Rupprecht
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Thomas C Baghai
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Markus Bühner
- Department of Psychological Methodology and Assessment, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelius Schüle
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, 80336, Munich, Germany
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23
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Kelly JR, Borre Y, O' Brien C, Patterson E, El Aidy S, Deane J, Kennedy PJ, Beers S, Scott K, Moloney G, Hoban AE, Scott L, Fitzgerald P, Ross P, Stanton C, Clarke G, Cryan JF, Dinan TG. Transferring the blues: Depression-associated gut microbiota induces neurobehavioural changes in the rat. J Psychiatr Res 2016; 82:109-18. [PMID: 27491067 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 950] [Impact Index Per Article: 118.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2016] [Revised: 07/01/2016] [Accepted: 07/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The gut microbiota interacts with the host via neuroimmune, neuroendocrine and neural pathways. These pathways are components of the brain-gut-microbiota axis and preclinical evidence suggests that the microbiota can recruit this bidirectional communication system to modulate brain development, function and behaviour. The pathophysiology of depression involves neuroimmune-neuroendocrine dysregulation. However, the extent to which changes in gut microbiota composition and function mediate the dysregulation of these pathways is unknown. Thirty four patients with major depression and 33 matched healthy controls were recruited. Cytokines, CRP, Salivary Cortisol and plasma Lipopolysaccharide binding protein were determined by ELISA. Plasma tryptophan and kynurenine were determined by HPLC. Fecal samples were collected for 16s rRNA sequencing. A Fecal Microbiota transplantation was prepared from a sub group of depressed patients and controls and transferred by oral gavage to a microbiota-deficient rat model. We demonstrate that depression is associated with decreased gut microbiota richness and diversity. Fecal microbiota transplantation from depressed patients to microbiota-depleted rats can induce behavioural and physiological features characteristic of depression in the recipient animals, including anhedonia and anxiety-like behaviours, as well as alterations in tryptophan metabolism. This suggests that the gut microbiota may play a causal role in the development of features of depression and may provide a tractable target in the treatment and prevention of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Kelly
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Yuliya Borre
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ciaran O' Brien
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
| | - Elaine Patterson
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sahar El Aidy
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Groningen Biomolecular Sciences and Biotechnology Institute, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jennifer Deane
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul J Kennedy
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sasja Beers
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Karen Scott
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Moloney
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Alan E Hoban
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Lucinda Scott
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Paul Ross
- Teagasc Food Research Centre, Moorepark, Fermoy, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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Farrell C, O'Keane V. Epigenetics and the glucocorticoid receptor: A review of the implications in depression. Psychiatry Res 2016; 242:349-356. [PMID: 27344028 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.06.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2015] [Revised: 06/11/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a serious psychiatric disorder that effects at least 350 million people worldwide today. Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPAA) is a robust finding in the pathophysiology of depression. This dysregulation is hypothesized to result from altered central glucocorticoid receptor (GR) levels and/or function as a consequence of chronic glucocorticoid (GC) release, leading to receptor resistance. Pivotal animal and human research to date has identified that early life exposure to prolonged levels of GCs, stress and/or depression, can induce epigenetic modifications at key regions on the GR gene that lead to alterations in GR expression and function. Epigenetics provides an attractive mechanism to explain how ones' genes and environment can interact to produce different disease phenotypes. This review aims to compile the information that has been collected to date and to identify key areas for further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloe Farrell
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Veronica O'Keane
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Trinity College Institute of Neuroscience, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity Centre for Health Sciences, AMNCH (Tallaght) Hospital, Tallaght, Dublin 24, Ireland
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Videlock EJ, Shih W, Adeyemo M, Mahurkar-Joshi S, Presson AP, Polytarchou C, Alberto M, Iliopoulos D, Mayer EA, Chang L. The effect of sex and irritable bowel syndrome on HPA axis response and peripheral glucocorticoid receptor expression. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2016; 69:67-76. [PMID: 27038676 PMCID: PMC4977028 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2016.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2015] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis has been reported in irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Enhanced HPA axis response has been associated with reduced glucocorticoid receptor (GR) mediated negative feedback inhibition. We aimed to study the effects of IBS status, sex, or presence of early adverse life events (EAL) on the cortisol response to corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and on GR mRNA expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). METHODS Rome III+ IBS patients and healthy controls underwent CRF (1μg/kg ovine) and ACTH (250μg) stimulation tests with serial plasma ACTH and cortisol levels measured (n=116). GR mRNA levels were measured using quantitative PCR (n=143). Area under the curve (AUC) and linear mixed effects models were used to compare ACTH and cortisol response measured across time between groups. RESULTS There were divergent effects of IBS on the cortisol response to ACTH by sex. In men, IBS was associated with an increased AUC (p=0.009), but in women AUC was blunted in IBS (p=0.006). Men also had reduced GR mRNA expression (p=0.007). Cumulative exposure to EALs was associated with an increased HPA response. Lower GR mRNA was associated with increased pituitary HPA response and increased severity of overall symptoms and abdominal pain in IBS. CONCLUSION This study highlights the importance of considering sex in studies of IBS and the stress response in general. Our findings also provide support for PBMC GR mRNA expression as a peripheral marker of central HPA response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J. Videlock
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States
| | - Wendy Shih
- Department of Biostatistics David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States.
| | - Mopelola Adeyemo
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States.
| | - Swapna Mahurkar-Joshi
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States.
| | - Angela P. Presson
- Division of Epidemiology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, 295 Chipeta Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84132, United States
| | - Christos Polytarchou
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States.
| | - Melissa Alberto
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States.
| | - Dimitrios Iliopoulos
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States.
| | - Emeran A. Mayer
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States
| | - Lin Chang
- Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience, Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, CHS 42-210, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7378, United States.
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Shumake J, Gonzalez-Lima F. Brain Systems Underlying Susceptibility to Helplessness and Depression. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2016; 2:198-221. [PMID: 15006293 DOI: 10.1177/1534582303259057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
There has been a relative lack of research into the neurobiological predispositions that confer vulnerability to depression. This article reviews functional brain mappings from a genetic animal model, the congenitally helpless rat, which is predisposed to develop learned helplessness. Neurometabolic findings from this model are integrated with the neuroscientific literature from other animal models of depression as well as depressed humans. Changes in four major brain systems are suggested to underlie susceptibility to helplessness and possibly depression: (a) an unbalanced prefrontal-cingulate cortical system, (b) a dissociated hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, (c) a dissociated septal-hippocampal system, and (d) a hypoactive brain reward system, as exemplified by a hypermetabolic habenula-interpeduncular nucleus pathway and a hypometabolic ventral tegmental area-striatum pathway. Functional interconnections and causal relationships among these systems are considered and further experiments are suggested, with theoretical attention to how an abnormality in any one system could affect the others.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Shumake
- Department of Psycology, University of Texas at Austin, USA
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Smart C, Strathdee G, Watson S, Murgatroyd C, McAllister-Williams RH. Early life trauma, depression and the glucocorticoid receptor gene--an epigenetic perspective. Psychol Med 2015; 45:3393-3410. [PMID: 26387521 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291715001555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hopes to identify genetic susceptibility loci accounting for the heritability seen in unipolar depression have not been fully realized. Family history remains the 'gold standard' for both risk stratification and prognosis in complex phenotypes such as depression. Meanwhile, the physiological mechanisms underlying life-event triggers for depression remain opaque. Epigenetics, comprising heritable changes in gene expression other than alterations of the nucleotide sequence, may offer a way to deepen our understanding of the aetiology and pathophysiology of unipolar depression and optimize treatments. A heuristic target for exploring the relevance of epigenetic changes in unipolar depression is the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. The glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene (NR3C1) has been found to be susceptible to epigenetic modification, specifically DNA methylation, in the context of environmental stress such as early life trauma, which is an established risk for depression later in life. METHOD In this paper we discuss the progress that has been made by studies that have investigated the relationship between depression, early trauma, the HPA axis and the NR3C1 gene. Difficulties with the design of these studies are also explored. RESULTS Future efforts will need to comprehensively address epigenetic natural histories at the population, tissue, cell and gene levels. The complex interactions between the epigenome, genome and environment, as well as ongoing nosological difficulties, also pose significant challenges. CONCLUSIONS The work that has been done so far is nevertheless encouraging and suggests potential mechanistic and biomarker roles for differential DNA methylation patterns in NR3C1 as well as novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Smart
- Institute of Neuroscience,Newcastle University,Newcastle upon Tyne,UK
| | - G Strathdee
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research,Newcastle University,Newcastle upon Tyne,UK
| | - S Watson
- Institute of Neuroscience,Newcastle University,Newcastle upon Tyne,UK
| | - C Murgatroyd
- School of Healthcare Science,Manchester Metropolitan University,Manchester,UK
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28
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Jacobson L. Hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical axis: neuropsychiatric aspects. Compr Physiol 2014; 4:715-38. [PMID: 24715565 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c130036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Evidence of aberrant hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) activity in many psychiatric disorders, although not universal, has sparked long-standing interest in HPA hormones as biomarkers of disease or treatment response. HPA activity may be chronically elevated in melancholic depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. The HPA axis may be more reactive to stress in social anxiety disorder and autism spectrum disorders. In contrast, HPA activity is more likely to be low in PTSD and atypical depression. Antidepressants are widely considered to inhibit HPA activity, although inhibition is not unanimously reported in the literature. There is evidence, also uneven, that the mood stabilizers lithium and carbamazepine have the potential to augment HPA measures, while benzodiazepines, atypical antipsychotics, and to some extent, typical antipsychotics have the potential to inhibit HPA activity. Currently, the most reliable use of HPA measures in most disorders is to predict the likelihood of relapse, although changes in HPA activity have also been proposed to play a role in the clinical benefits of psychiatric treatments. Greater attention to patient heterogeneity and more consistent approaches to assessing treatment effects on HPA function may solidify the value of HPA measures in predicting treatment response or developing novel strategies to manage psychiatric disease.
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Lukic I, Mitic M, Soldatovic I, Jovicic M, Maric N, Radulovic J, Adzic M. Accumulation of cytoplasmic glucocorticoid receptor is related to elevation of FKBP5 in lymphocytes of depressed patients. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 55:951-8. [PMID: 25355489 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0451-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that patients with the major depressive disorder (MDD) exhibited elevated phosphorylation of the lymphocyte glucocorticoid receptor (GR) at serine 226 (S226). Here, we further analyse potential alterations of GR signalization in lymphocytes of MDD patients, i.e. the cytoplasmic/nuclear distribution of GR, levels of FK506-binding protein 5 (FKBP5) and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ). The FKBP5 acts as an important regulator of GR activation, by decreasing ligand binding and impeding translocation of the receptor to the nucleus, while GILZ mediates glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory effects. Our result showed that the depressed patients had significantly higher GR levels in the cytoplasm compared to controls, which was accompanied by higher FKBP5 levels. Linear regression model demonstrated significantly higher correlation between FKBP5 and cytoplasmic GR than the presence of MDD itself or phosphorylation of nuclear GR at S226. There were no differences in the levels of GILZ isoforms. Therefore, the results suggest that accumulation of the GR in cytoplasm is related to the elevation of FKBP5, adding one more step in understanding altered GR signalling in lymphocytes, and potentially brain tissue, of MDD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Lukic
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, VINCA Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001, Belgrade, Serbia,
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Pattern of heat shock factor and heat shock protein expression in lymphocytes of bipolar patients: increased HSP70-glucocorticoid receptor heterocomplex. J Psychiatr Res 2013; 47:1725-36. [PMID: 23938235 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.07.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2013] [Revised: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD), a stress-related disease, is characterized by altered glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signalling. Stress response includes activation of heat shock factor (HSF) and subsequent heat shock protein (HSP) synthesis which regulate GR folding and function. The objective of this study was to investigate the possible role of HSFs, HSPs and their interaction with GR in BD. We applied immunoprecipitation, SDS-PAGE/Western blot analysis and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) in lymphocytes (whole cell or nuclear extracts) from BD patients and healthy subjects and determined the HSPs (HSP90 and HSP70), the heterocomplexes HSP90-GR and HSP70-GR, the HSFs (HSF1 and HSF4) as well as the HSF-DNA binding. The HSP70-GR heterocomplex was elevated (p < 0.05) in BD patients vs healthy subjects, and nuclear HSP70 was reduced (p ≤ 0.01) in bipolar manic patients. Protein levels of HSF1, HSF4, HSP90, HSP90-GR heterocomplex, and HSF-DNA binding remained unaltered in BD patients vs healthy subjects. The corresponding effect sizes (ES) indicated a large ES for HSP70-GR, HSP70, HSF-DNA binding and HSF4, and a medium ES for HSP90, HSF1 and HSP90-GR between healthy subjects and bipolar patients. Significant correlations among HSFs, HSPs, GR and HSP70-GR heterocomplex were observed in healthy subjects, which were abrogated in bipolar patients. The higher interaction between GR and HSP70 and the disturbances in the relations among heat shock response parameters and GR as observed in our BD patients may provide novel insights into the contribution of these factors in BD aetiopathogenesis.
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Leskiewicz M, Jantas D, Regulska M, Kaczanowska J, Basta-Kaim A, Budziszewska B, Kubera M, Lason W. Antidepressants attenuate the dexamethasone-induced decrease in viability and proliferation of human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells: A involvement of extracellular regulated kinase (ERK1/2). Neurochem Int 2013; 63:354-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2013.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2013] [Revised: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Schlosser N, Wolf OT, Fernando SC, Terfehr K, Otte C, Spitzer C, Beblo T, Driessen M, Löwe B, Wingenfeld K. Effects of acute cortisol administration on response inhibition in patients with major depression and healthy controls. Psychiatry Res 2013; 209:439-46. [PMID: 23332680 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2012.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) have repeatedly been shown to impair hippocampus-mediated, declarative memory retrieval and prefrontal cortex-based working memory in healthy subjects. However, recent experimental studies indicated that patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) lack these impairing effects. These missing effects have been suggested to result from dysfunctional brain GC receptors. The purpose of the present study was to investigate whether response inhibition, an executive function relying on the integrity of the prefrontal cortex, would be impaired after cortisol administration in patients with MDD. In a placebo-controlled, double blind crossover study, 50 inpatients with MDD and 54 healthy control participants conducted an emotional go/no-go task consisting of human face stimuli (fearful, happy, and neutral) after receiving a dose of 10 mg hydrocortisone and after placebo. GC administration had an enhancing effect on inhibitory performance in healthy control participants, indicated by faster responses, while no GC effect was revealed for the patients group. Moreover, patients showed an overall worse performance than healthy participants. In conclusion, this study further supports the hypothesis of impaired central glucocorticoid receptor function in MDD patients. Regarding the importance of inhibitory functioning for daily living, further studies are needed to examine the impact of glucocorticoids on response inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schlosser
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy Bethel, Ev. Hospital Bielefeld, Bielefeld, Germany
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Candidate genes expression profile associated with antidepressants response in the GENDEP study: differentiating between baseline 'predictors' and longitudinal 'targets'. Neuropsychopharmacology 2013; 38:377-85. [PMID: 22990943 PMCID: PMC3547188 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2012.191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 312] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
To improve the 'personalized-medicine' approach to the treatment of depression, we need to identify biomarkers that, assessed before starting treatment, predict future response to antidepressants ('predictors'), as well as biomarkers that are targeted by antidepressants and change longitudinally during the treatment ('targets'). In this study, we tested the leukocyte mRNA expression levels of genes belonging to glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function (FKBP-4, FKBP-5, and GR), inflammation (interleukin (IL)-1α, IL-1β, IL-4, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, macrophage inhibiting factor (MIF), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α), and neuroplasticity (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), p11 and VGF), in healthy controls (n=34) and depressed patients (n=74), before and after 8 weeks of treatment with escitalopram or nortriptyline, as part of the Genome-based Therapeutic Drugs for Depression study. Non-responders had higher baseline mRNA levels of IL-1β (+33%), MIF (+48%), and TNF-α (+39%). Antidepressants reduced the levels of IL-1β (-6%) and MIF (-24%), and increased the levels of GR (+5%) and p11 (+8%), but these changes were not associated with treatment response. In contrast, successful antidepressant response was associated with a reduction in the levels of IL-6 (-9%) and of FKBP5 (-11%), and with an increase in the levels of BDNF (+48%) and VGF (+20%)-that is, response was associated with changes in genes that did not predict, at the baseline, the response. Our findings indicate a dissociation between 'predictors' and 'targets' of antidepressant responders. Indeed, while higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines predict lack of future response to antidepressants, changes in inflammation associated with antidepressant response are not reflected by all cytokines at the same time. In contrast, modulation of the GR complex and of neuroplasticity is needed to observe a therapeutic antidepressant effect.
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Mitic M, Simic I, Djordjevic J, Radojcic MB, Adzic M. Gender-specific effects of fluoxetine on hippocampal glucocorticoid receptor phosphorylation and behavior in chronically stressed rats. Neuropharmacology 2013; 70:100-11. [PMID: 23353902 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2012.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 12/10/2012] [Accepted: 12/22/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Chronic psychosocial isolation stress (CPSI) modulates glucocorticoid receptor (GR) functioning in Wistar male rat hippocampus (HIPPO) through alteration of nuclear GR phosphorylation and its upstream kinases signaling, which parallels animal depressive-like behavior. The current study investigated potential gender specificities regarding the effect of chronic therapy by an antidepressant fluoxetine (FLU) on GR signaling in HIPPO and depressive-like behavior in CPSI animals. FLU was administrated to female and male naïve or CPSI rats for 21 days and GR protein, its phosphorylation status and upstream kinases, as well as GR and BDNF mRNA were followed in HIPPO together with animal serum corticosterone (CORT) and depressive-like behavior. The results showed that CPSI increased immobility in males versus hyperactivity in females and disrupted nuclear pGR232-Cdk5 pathway and JNK signaling in a gender-specific way. In contrast, in both genders CPSI increased the nuclear levels of GR and pGR246 but decreased CORT and mRNA levels of GR and BDNF. Concomitant FLU normalized the depressive-like behavior and altered the nuclear pGR232-Cdk5 signaling in a gender-specific manner. In both females and males, FLU reversed the nuclear levels of GR and pGR246 without affecting CORT and GR mRNA levels. In contrast, FLU exhibited gender-specific effect on BDNF mRNA in CPSI animals, by increasing it in females, but not in males. In spite of normalization the total nuclear GR level upon FLU treatment in both gender, down-regulation of GR mRNA is possibly maintained through prevalence of pGR232 isoform only in males. The gender-specific alterations of pGR232-Cdk5 signaling and BDNF gene expression in HIPPO and normalization of depressive-like behavior upon FLU treatment distinguishes this signaling pathway as potential future antidepressant target for gender-specific therapy of stress related mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milos Mitic
- Laboratory for Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, VINCA Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, PO Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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Simic I, Maric NP, Mitic M, Soldatovic I, Pavlovic Z, Mihaljevic M, Andric S, Radojcic MB, Adzic M. Phosphorylation of leukocyte glucocorticoid receptor in patients with current episode of major depressive disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 40:281-5. [PMID: 23123359 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2012.10.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2012] [Revised: 10/11/2012] [Accepted: 10/26/2012] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
The impaired glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling has long been considered one of the cornerstones in understanding the pathophysiology of depression. Since the phosphorylation of GR is very important for GR function, in this study we investigated whether GR phosphorylation at serine 211 (pGR-S211) and serine 226 (pGR-S226) is altered in patients with current episode of major depressive disorder (MDD). Particularly, in 30 MDD patients and 35 controls we assessed the levels of nuclear total GR (tGR), pGR-S211 and pGR-S226 in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using Western blot technique, along with plasma cortisol concentrations from the same blood samples. Our results demonstrated increased phosphorylation of GR at S226 (p<0.001) and, to a less extent, at S211 (p<0.05) in MDD patients compared to controls. Consequently, the pGR-S211/pGR-S226 ratio was decreased (p<0.05) implying reduced transcriptional activity of GR in MDD patients. MDD subjects had higher cortisol levels than controls and cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with PBMC pGR-S226 levels from the same blood samples. There was no difference in the levels of tGR between MDD and control subjects. The study showed that altered phosphorylation of GR could contribute to impaired GR function related to the pathophysiology of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Simic
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, VINCA Institute of Nuclear Sciences, University of Belgrade, P.O. Box-522-MBE090, 11001 Belgrade, Serbia
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Christiansen S, Bouzinova EV, Palme R, Wiborg O. Circadian activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is differentially affected in the rat chronic mild stress model of depression. Stress 2012; 15:647-57. [PMID: 22217141 DOI: 10.3109/10253890.2011.654370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The altered activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is often observed in stress-related disorders. According to the literature, about 60% of patients with major depressive disorder elicit high levels of cortisol. It is still unclear why high cortisol levels are not observed in all patients. In this study, we used the chronic mild stress (CMS) rat model of depression, which is based on continuous exposure to unpredictable stressors, to track longitudinal changes in HPA function using fecal corticosterone metabolites (FCM) as a read out. The dexamethasone suppression test was used to assess negative feedback inhibition of the HPA axis. Our results show (1) a disturbance in diurnal corticosterone rhythm measured as fluctuations of the diurnal FCM peak, (2) differences in corticosterone levels between stress-susceptible and stress-resilient animals, (3) recovery of diurnal corticosterone rhythm after 8 weeks of CMS, and (4) alterations in sensitivity to dexamethasone in negative feedback regulation of corticosterone secretion during the time course of CMS. Thus, a disruption of HPA axis circadian rhythmicity coincides with the initial state in the development of depression-like behavior. This chronobiological abnormality, as well as the hypersecretion of corticosterone, is state, rather than trait, dependent.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Christiansen
- Center for Psychiatric Research, Aarhus University Hospital, InCuba Science Park Skejby, Aarhus, Denmark
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37
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Anacker C, Zunszain PA, Cattaneo A, Carvalho LA, Garabedian MJ, Thuret S, Price J, Pariante CM. Antidepressants increase human hippocampal neurogenesis by activating the glucocorticoid receptor. Mol Psychiatry 2011; 16:738-50. [PMID: 21483429 PMCID: PMC3121947 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2011.26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 309] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2010] [Revised: 02/08/2011] [Accepted: 02/09/2011] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Antidepressants increase adult hippocampal neurogenesis in animal models, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are unknown. In this study, we used human hippocampal progenitor cells to investigate the molecular pathways involved in the antidepressant-induced modulation of neurogenesis. Because our previous studies have shown that antidepressants regulate glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function, we specifically tested whether the GR may be involved in the effects of these drugs on neurogenesis. We found that treatment (for 3-10 days) with the antidepressant, sertraline, increased neuronal differentiation via a GR-dependent mechanism. Specifically, sertraline increased both immature, doublecortin (Dcx)-positive neuroblasts (+16%) and mature, microtubulin-associated protein-2 (MAP2)-positive neurons (+26%). This effect was abolished by the GR-antagonist, RU486. Interestingly, progenitor cell proliferation, as investigated by 5'-bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation, was only increased when cells were co-treated with sertraline and the GR-agonist, dexamethasone, (+14%) an effect which was also abolished by RU486. Furthermore, the phosphodiesterase type 4 (PDE4)-inhibitor, rolipram, enhanced the effects of sertraline, whereas the protein kinase A (PKA)-inhibitor, H89, suppressed the effects of sertraline. Indeed, sertraline increased GR transactivation, modified GR phosphorylation and increased expression of the GR-regulated cyclin-dependent kinase-2 (CDK2) inhibitors, p27(Kip1) and p57(Kip2). In conclusion, our data suggest that the antidepressant, sertraline, increases human hippocampal neurogenesis via a GR-dependent mechanism that requires PKA signaling, GR phosphorylation and activation of a specific set of genes. Our data point toward an important role for the GR in the antidepressant-induced modulation of neurogenesis in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Anacker
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research ‘Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health', Institute of Psychiatry and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour (CCBB), London, UK
| | - P A Zunszain
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - A Cattaneo
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- Genetics Unit, IRCCS San Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - L A Carvalho
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
| | - M J Garabedian
- Department of Microbiology, NYU School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - S Thuret
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour (CCBB), London, UK
| | - J Price
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Centre for the Cellular Basis of Behaviour (CCBB), London, UK
| | - C M Pariante
- King's College London, Institute of Psychiatry, Section of Perinatal Psychiatry and Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology (SPI-lab), Department of Psychological Medicine, London, UK
- National Institute for Health Research ‘Biomedical Research Centre for Mental Health', Institute of Psychiatry and South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
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Wang D, Lin W, Pan Y, Kuang X, Qi X, Sun H. Chronic blockade of glucocorticoid receptors by RU486 enhances lipopolysaccharide-induced depressive-like behaviour and cytokine production in rats. Brain Behav Immun 2011; 25:706-14. [PMID: 21276847 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2011.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2010] [Revised: 01/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/20/2011] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Although accumulating evidence supports a role for cytokines in the pathophysiology of depression, the cytokine hypothesis of depression is debatable. It has been suggested that neuroendocrine and immune systems acting in concert may have roles in the development and the maintenance of the disease. Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) is the key element which exerts both anti-inflammatory and cytokine-inhibiting effects. Whether functional changes of GR are involved in the pathophysiology of cytokine-induced depression remains elusive. In the present study, the effects of both acute and chronic GR blockade on depressive-like behaviour and cytokine production induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), cytokine inducer, were investigated in rats. Acute or chronic blockade of GR was achieved by a single administration or repeated administrations, respectively, of the GR antagonist RU486 (RU). Behavioural measurements, including saccharin preference, locomotor activity, and immobility time, were assessed. The serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNFα, IL-1β, and IFNγ) were determined by ELISA. The results showed that LPS induced significant but transient depressive-like behaviour. Repeated, but not single, administration of RU significantly enhanced and prolonged LPS-induced depressive-like behaviour and an increase in the serum production of TNFα and IFNγ. These results indicate that the effective blockade of GR enhanced the depressive-like behaviour induced by cytokines. Findings from this study suggest that GR dysfunction may be an important contributing factor to the development of cytokine-related depression. These findings add to the growing evidence of mechanisms by which cytokines influence depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donglin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100101, China
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Elaković I, Djordjevic A, Adzic M, Djordjevic J, Radojčić M, Matić G. Gender-specific response of brain corticosteroid receptors to stress and fluoxetine. Brain Res 2011; 1384:61-8. [PMID: 21281618 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2011.01.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2010] [Revised: 01/20/2011] [Accepted: 01/22/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Gender-related differences in dexamethasone binding to corticosteroid receptors (CR) and in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) protein level in the pituitary, hypothalamus, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were studied before and after antidepressant fluoxetine administration to both unstressed and rats exposed to a chronic social isolation stress. Untreated males, in comparison to females, displayed higher hormone-binding capacity of both GR and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the hippocampal cytosol, as well as higher GR protein level in the pituitary cytosol. In both genders, dexamethasone binding to MR exceeded that to GR. While fluoxetine treatment and social isolation had no effect on GR activity, the influence on MR was gender-specific. Fluoxetine facilitated MR hormone-binding only in females, increasing the MR/GR activity ratio. In contrast, after a 6-week isolation of males, MR binding capacity was diminished and MR/GR ratio inverted in favor of GR. In addition, fluoxetine induced elevation of cytosolic GR protein level in the pituitary and hypothalamus, the latter change being gender-specific. The results point to gender-related differences in the CRs functioning and suggest that both MR and GR may contribute to well-known sexual dimorphism in vulnerability to stress and stress-related disorders and in the outcome of antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Elaković
- University of Belgrade, Institute for Biological Research "Siniša Stanković," Department of Biochemistry, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., 11060 Belgrade, Serbia
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40
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Schlosser N, Wolf OT, Wingenfeld K. Cognitive correlates of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in major depression. Expert Rev Endocrinol Metab 2011; 6:109-126. [PMID: 30764039 DOI: 10.1586/eem.10.79] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Depressive disorder has become a major health problem and is ranked among the leading causes of disability worldwide. Depression-related cognitive impairment contributes to loss of economic productivity and psychosocial functioning and calls for more efficient treatment strategies. Although the pathogenesis of cognitive impairments in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) is still insufficiently understood, increasing evidence implicates hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis as an important neurobiological determinant of cognitive impairment in depression. In this article, major findings of both HPA axis function abnormalities and cognitive impairments in depressed patients are summarized, focusing on their inter-relationship. Novel approaches in pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy have emerged which will be discussed with regard to their ability to reinstate normal HPA axis function in MDD and to treat cognitive impairments in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Schlosser
- a Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Evangelisch Hospital Bielefeld, Remterweg 69-71, D-33617 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Oliver T Wolf
- b Department of Cognitive Psychology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44780 Bochum, Germany.
| | - Katja Wingenfeld
- c Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf & Schön Klinik Hamburg-Eilbek, Germany
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41
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Elaković I, Vasiljević D, Adzic M, Djordjevic A, Djordjevic J, Radojcić M, Matić G. Sexually dimorphic functional alterations of rat hepatic glucocorticoid receptor in response to fluoxetine. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 632:79-85. [PMID: 20122922 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2009] [Revised: 12/16/2009] [Accepted: 01/20/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Gender-related differences in the expression and functional properties of the hepatic glucocorticoid receptor were studied before and after antidepressant fluoxetine administration to both unstressed and rats exposed to a chronic social isolation stress. Some of the receptor's functional properties, including hormone-binding capacity (B(max)), hormone-binding potency (B(max)/K(D) ratio) and the DNA-binding ability, were found to be sexually dimorphic. Fluoxetine treatment (5mg/kg body mass, 21day, intraperitoneally) induced a decrease in B(max) and in the amount of Hsp70 co-immunoprecipitated with the glucocorticoid receptor only in males, and stimulated the association of the receptor with Hsp90 in females. When applied during the last three weeks of the 6-week isolation, fluoxetine parallelly elevated B(max) and the receptor protein level in female animals, while in males diminished B(max) and inhibited association of the receptor with Hsp70. Binding of dexamethasone-receptor complexes both to DNA-cellulose and to isolated liver nuclei did not appear to be a target for fluoxetine action. The results point to sex-related differences in the glucocorticoid receptor functioning and in its response to fluoxetine, and suggest that these differences may contribute to well known sexual dimorphism in the sensitivity to stress, to stress-related disorders and to antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Elaković
- University of Belgrade Institute for Biological Research "Sinisa Stanković", Department of Biochemistry, Serbia
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42
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Marques AH, Silverman MN, Sternberg EM. Glucocorticoid dysregulations and their clinical correlates. From receptors to therapeutics. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2009; 1179:1-18. [PMID: 19906229 PMCID: PMC2933142 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04987.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Clinicians have long known that a substantial proportion of patients treated with high-dose glucocorticoids experience a variety of serious side effects, including metabolic syndrome, bone loss, and mood shifts, such as depressive symptomatology, manic or hypomanic symptoms, and even suicide. The reason for individual variability in expression or severity of these side effects is not clear. However, recent emerging literature is beginning to shed light on possible mechanisms of these effects. As an introduction to this volume, this chapter will review the basic biology of glucocorticoid release and molecular mechanisms of glucocorticoid receptor function, and will discuss how dysregulation of glucocorticoid action at all levels could contribute to such side effects. At the molecular level, glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms may be associated either with receptor hypofunction or hyperfunction and could thus contribute to differential individual sensitivity to the effects of glucocorticoid treatment. Numerous factors regulate hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis responsiveness, which could also contribute to individual differences in glucocorticoid side effects. One of these is sex hormone status and the influence of estrogen and progesterone on HPA axis function and mood. Another is immune system activity, in which immune molecules, such as interleukins and cytokines, activate the HPA axis and alter brain function, including memory, cognition, and mood. The effects of cytokines in inducing sickness behaviors, which overlap with depressive symptomatology, could also contribute to individual differences in such symptomatology. Taken together, this knowledge will have important relevance for identifying at-risk patients to avoid or minimize such side effects when they are treated with glucocorticoids. A framework for assessment of patients is proposed that incorporates functional, physiological, and molecular biomarkers to identify subgroups of patients at risk for depressive symptomatology associated with glucocorticoid treatment, and for prevention of side effects, which in many cases can be life-threatening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea H Marques
- Section on Neuroendocrine Immunology and Behavior, Integrative Neural Immune Program, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
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43
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Bei E, Salpeas V, Pappa D, Anagnostara C, Alevizos V, Moutsatsou P. Phosphorylation status of glucocorticoid receptor, heat shock protein 70, cytochrome c and Bax in lymphocytes of euthymic, depressed and manic bipolar patients. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2009; 34:1162-75. [PMID: 19359101 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2009.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2008] [Revised: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 03/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD), a severe mental illness, has been correlated with alterations in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling. Since it is phosphorylated GR that contributes to receptor function and determines its transcriptional activity, the Ser211 being a biomarker for activated GR in vivo, it is pertinent that we seek to determine the putative role of the total phosphorylation status of GR and site-specific phosphorylation at serine 211 (S211) in BD and their possible association with parameters of apoptosis. In lymphocytes from 48 BD patients under multiple psychotropic therapy and 20 healthy subjects, we measured whole cell GR, total GR phosphorylation, and phosphorylation of GR at serine 211 in nucleus, using immunoprecipitation, phosphospecific antibody and Western-blot analysis. Cytosolic cytochrome c and Bax and whole cell HSP70 were determined by immunoblot analysis. One-way ANOVA statistical analysis was carried out. Total phosphorylated GR was lower (P<0.001) while the GR S211 was higher (P<0.001) in all BD patients as compared to healthy subjects. HSP70 was reduced in euthymic (P<0.05), depressed (P<0.001) and manic (P<0.001) as compared to healthy subjects. Cytochrome c was higher in all-patient groups as compared to healthy subjects, however without reaching statistical significance (P>0.05). Bax levels were lower in the cytosolic fraction of all three BD groups. We provide the first evidence of altered GR phosphorylation joined with signs of apoptosis in lymphocytes of BD patients and suggest that the phosphorylation status of GR may play a role in the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Bei
- Laboratory of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, Goudi, GR 11527 Athens, Greece
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44
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David DJ, Samuels BA, Rainer Q, Wang JW, Marsteller D, Mendez I, Drew M, Craig DA, Guiard BP, Guilloux JP, Artymyshyn RP, Gardier AM, Gerald C, Antonijevic IA, Leonardo ED, Hen R. Neurogenesis-dependent and -independent effects of fluoxetine in an animal model of anxiety/depression. Neuron 2009; 62:479-93. [PMID: 19477151 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2009.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 938] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2008] [Revised: 03/03/2009] [Accepted: 04/15/2009] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the physiopathology of affective disorders and their treatment relies on the availability of experimental models that accurately mimic aspects of the disease. Here we describe a mouse model of an anxiety/depressive-like state induced by chronic corticosterone treatment. Furthermore, chronic antidepressant treatment reversed the behavioral dysfunctions and the inhibition of hippocampal neurogenesis induced by corticosterone treatment. In corticosterone-treated mice where hippocampal neurogenesis is abolished by X-irradiation, the efficacy of fluoxetine is blocked in some, but not all, behavioral paradigms, suggesting both neurogenesis-dependent and -independent mechanisms of antidepressant action. Finally, we identified a number of candidate genes, the expression of which is decreased by chronic corticosterone and normalized by chronic fluoxetine treatment selectively in the hypothalamus. Importantly, mice deficient in one of these genes, beta-arrestin 2, displayed a reduced response to fluoxetine in multiple tasks, suggesting that beta-arrestin signaling is necessary for the antidepressant effects of fluoxetine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis J David
- Université Paris-Sud EA 3544, Faculté de Pharmacie, Châtenay-Malabry Cedex F-92296, France.
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45
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Huang Y, Zhao JJ, Lv YY, Ding PS, Liu RY. Hypoxia down-regulates glucocorticoid receptor alpha and attenuates the anti-inflammatory actions of dexamethasone in human alveolar epithelial A549 cells. Life Sci 2009; 85:107-12. [PMID: 19450611 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2009.04.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2008] [Revised: 03/05/2009] [Accepted: 04/17/2009] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Glucocorticoids (GCs) are frequently used to treat various pulmonary diseases, which are typically accompanied by hypoxia. Whether hypoxia influences the effects of GCs on human airway cells remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to characterize changes in the expression levels of two isoforms of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and to evaluate the anti-inflammatory actions of GCs under hypoxic conditions in A549 cells. MAIN METHODS A549 cells were exposed to normoxic or hypoxic conditions for 24, 48 and 72 h. Morphological alterations of cells were captured using a differential interference contrast microscope (DIC), and cell cycle distribution was estimated by flow cytometry. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot were used to determine the mRNA and protein expression levels of GRalpha and GRbeta. Radioimmunoassay (RIA) for interleukin (IL)-8 was used to assess the anti-inflammatory actions of GCs after cells were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS). KEY FINDINGS After cells were exposed to hypoxic conditions for 48 h, visible morphological alterations in the cells were observed. Cell cycle analysis showed that the number of cells in G1 phase increased significantly under hypoxia compared to the normoxic conditions. Hypoxia caused a time-dependent decrease in both mRNA and protein expression levels for GRalpha, but not GRbeta. Furthermore, when exposed to hypoxia for 48 h, the inhibitory effects of dexamethasone on LPS-stimulated IL-8 release were attenuated. SIGNIFICANCE These results indicate that hypoxia impairs the anti-inflammatory actions of GCs in A549 cells, which could be attributed to down-regulation of GRalpha expression under hypoxic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Huang
- Department of Pulmonary Anhui Geriatric Institute, the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Jixi Road 218, Hefei 230022, Anhui, China
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46
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Electroconvulsive stimulations normalizes stress-induced changes in the glucocorticoid receptor and behaviour. Behav Brain Res 2009; 196:71-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2008.07.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2008] [Revised: 07/14/2008] [Accepted: 07/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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47
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Keen-Rhinehart E, Michopoulos V, Toufexis DJ, Martin EI, Nair H, Ressler KJ, Davis M, Owens MJ, Nemeroff CB, Wilson ME. Continuous expression of corticotropin-releasing factor in the central nucleus of the amygdala emulates the dysregulation of the stress and reproductive axes. Mol Psychiatry 2009; 14:37-50. [PMID: 18698320 PMCID: PMC2652696 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2008.91] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
An increase in corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) is a putative factor in the pathophysiology of stress-related disorders. As CRF expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) is important in adaptation to chronic stress, we hypothesized that unrestrained synthesis of CRF in CeA would mimic the consequences of chronic stress exposure and cause dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, increase emotionality and disrupt reproduction. To test this hypothesis, we used a lentiviral vector to increase CRF-expression site specifically in CeA of female rats. Increased synthesis of CRF in CeA amplified CRF and arginine vasopressin peptide concentration in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, and decreased glucocorticoid negative feedback, both markers associated with the pathophysiology of depression. In addition, continuous expression of CRF in CeA also increased the acoustic startle response and depressive-like behavior in the forced swim test. Protein levels of gonadotropin-releasing hormone in the medial preoptic area were significantly reduced by continuous expression of CRF in CeA and this was associated with a lengthening of estrous cycles. Finally, sexual motivation but not sexual receptivity was significantly attenuated by continuous CRF synthesis in ovariectomized estradiol-progesterone-primed females. These data indicate that unrestrained CRF synthesis in CeA produces a dysregulation of the HPA axis, as well as many of the behavioral, physiological and reproductive consequences associated with stress-related disorders.Molecular Psychiatry (2009) 14, 37-50; doi:10.1038/mp.2008.91; published online 12 August 2008.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Keen-Rhinehart
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - V Michopoulos
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - DJ Toufexis
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - EI Martin
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - H Nair
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - KJ Ressler
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - M Davis
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - MJ Owens
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - CB Nemeroff
- School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - ME Wilson
- Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Center for Behavioral Neuroscience, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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Abstract
Clinical studies have demonstrated an impairment of glucocorticoid receptor (GR)-mediated negative feedback on the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in patients with major depression (GR resistance), and its resolution by antidepressant treatment. Accordingly, reduced GR function has also been demonstrated in vitro, in peripheral tissues of depressed patients, as shown by reduced sensitivity to the effects of glucocorticoids on immune and metabolic functions. We and others have shown that antidepressants in vitro are able to modulate GR mRNA expression, GR protein level and GR function. This paper reviews the in vitro studies that have examined the effect of antidepressants on GR expression, number and function in human and animal cell lines, and the possible molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Antidepressants are shown to both increase and decrease GR function in vitro, based on different experimental conditions. Specifically, increased GR function is likely to be mediated by an increased intracellular concentration of glucocorticoids, while decreased GR function seems to be the consequence of GR downregulation. We suggest that the study of the effects of antidepressants on glucocorticoid function might help clarify the therapeutic action of these drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia A Carvalho
- Section and Laboratory of Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology, Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK.
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49
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Macedo JA, Hesse J, Turner JD, Meyer J, Hellhammer DH, Muller CP. Glucocorticoid sensitivity in fibromyalgia patients: decreased expression of corticosteroid receptors and glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2008; 33:799-809. [PMID: 18468809 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2008.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2007] [Revised: 03/17/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
In fibromyalgia (FM) patients, differences in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) affinity and disturbances associated with loss of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis resiliency have been observed. Based on these studies, we investigated whether FM would be associated with abnormalities in glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity. Salivary and blood samples were collected from 27 FM patients and 29 healthy controls. Total plasma cortisol and salivary free cortisol were quantified by ELISA and time-resolved fluorescence immunoassay, respectively. GR sensitivity to dexamethasone was evaluated through IL-6 inhibition in stimulated whole blood. The corticosteroid receptors, GR alpha and mineralocorticoid receptor, as well as the glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper (GILZ) and the FK506 binding protein 5 mRNA expression were assessed in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) by real-time RT-PCR. Furthermore, the corticosteroid receptors were analysed for polymorphism. We observed lower basal plasma cortisol levels (borderline statistical significance) and a lower expression of corticosteroid receptors and GILZ in FM patients when compared to healthy controls. The MR rs5522 (I180V) minor allele was found more often in FM patients than in controls and this variant was recently associated with a mild loss of receptor function. The lower GR and MR expression and possibly the reduced MR function may be associated with an impaired function of the HPA axis in these patients which, compounded by lower anti-inflammatory mediators, may sustain some of symptoms that contribute to the clinical picture of the syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana A Macedo
- Institute of Immunology, Laboratoire National de Santé, 20A rue Auguste Lumière, L-1011, Luxembourg
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Tanke MAC, Bosker FJ, Gladkevich AV, Medema HM, den Boer JA, Korf J. Lymphocyte glucocorticoid receptor resistance and depressive symptoms severity: a preliminary report. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2008; 32:1298-301. [PMID: 18502552 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2008] [Revised: 04/02/2008] [Accepted: 04/02/2008] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Assessment of the temporal interrelationship of neuropsychiatric parameters requires technologies allowing frequent biological measurements. We propose glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function of lymphocytes to assess the temporal relationship between glucocorticoid resistance and the course of major depressive disorder. METHOD Dexamethasone suppression of lymphocyte proliferation was in vitro assessed via 5-bromo-2' deoxyuridine (BrdU) incorporation in DNA. Optimal conditions were determined using blood of healthy volunteers. Thereafter the relation between depression severity (Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, HDRS, scores), lymphocyte proliferation and morning cortisol levels in blood was studied in thirteen depressed patients, mostly with a history of treatment resistance. RESULTS Recovery from depression was not directly associated with changes in lymphocyte glucocorticoid resistance. However, a negative correlation was observed between HDRS and BrdU incorporation and a positive correlation between morning cortisol and BrdU incorporation. No significant correlation was found between cortisol and HDRS. Regression analyses showed that HDRS was related to both suppression of BrdU incorporation (beta -0.508, p<0.001) and cortisol levels (beta 0.364, p=0.001) in a highly significant model (F2,60=14,244, p<0.001) Except for one case, such relation could not be found within patients. CONCLUSION Our preliminary results suggest a mutual relation between lymphocyte GR function, morning cortisol levels and MDD symptom severity. A direct relation between glucocorticoids resistance and recovery may not exist, but glucocorticoid resistance might attenuate or prevent recovery. It is clear that additional studies using larger and more homogenous groups of MDD patients are required to support our findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A C Tanke
- University Center of Psychiatry, University Medical Center of Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands
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