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Wronski ML, Bernardoni F, Bahnsen K, Seidel M, Arold D, Doose A, Steinhäuser JL, Borucki K, Breithaupt L, Lawson EA, Holsen LM, Weidner K, Roessner V, King JA, Plessow F, Ehrlich S. Dynamic Amygdala Nuclei Alterations in Relation to Weight Status in Anorexia Nervosa Are Mediated by Leptin. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 63:624-639. [PMID: 37797814 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2023.08.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The amygdaloid complex is a subcortical limbic group of distinct nuclei. In a previous patient-control study, differential amygdala nuclei alterations were found in acute anorexia nervosa (AN); rostral-medial nuclei involved in fear and reward processing were substantially reduced in volume and associated with hypoleptinemia, a key neuroendocrine characteristic of AN. Here, longitudinal amygdala nuclei alterations in AN were investigated in relation to weight status and their associations with leptin levels. METHOD T1-weighted structural magnetic resonance imaging scans were longitudinally processed with FreeSurfer. Amygdala nuclei volumes in young female patients with acute AN before and after short-term weight restoration (n = 110, >14% body mass index increase over 3 months) and female participants with a history of AN (n = 79, long-term [mean 5 years] weight recovered) were compared with female healthy control participants (n = 271) using linear mixed effects models. RESULTS Rostral-medially clustered amygdala nuclei volumes, accessory basal, cortical, medial nuclei, and corticoamygdaloid transition, increased during short-term weight restoration (Cohen's d range 0.18-0.30). However, volumetric normalization across nuclei was heterogeneous. Right cortical, medial nuclei, bilateral corticoamygdaloid transitions, and anterior amygdaloid areas were only partially normalized following short-term weight restoration. Right anterior amygdaloid area remained reduced after long-term weight recovery compared with control participants (d = 0.36). Leptin increase, accompanying short-term weight restoration, mediated the effect of weight gain on volumetric increase in left corticoamygdaloid transition and bilateral medial nuclei. CONCLUSION Rostral-medially clustered amygdala nuclei show pronounced volumetric increase but incomplete normalization in AN during and after short-term weight restoration. Leptin increase may be relevant for the recovery of specific amygdala nuclei in addition to nutritional rehabilitation, indicating links between amygdala substructure and leptin dynamics of potential pathophysiological and clinical relevance in AN. PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY The amygdala plays a critical role in processing fearful and rewarding stimuli, and alterations in the amygdala are associated with anorexia nervosa. In this study, the authors measured amygdala nuclei volumes in female patients with acute anorexia nervosa undergoing weight-restoration treatment (n = 110), long-term weight-recovered individuals with anorexia (n = 79), and healthy control participants (n = 271). Structural magnetic resonance imaging revealed that volumes of specific nuclei, clustered in the rostral-medial amygdala, were substantially reduced in acute anorexia nervosa and only partially normalized following weight restoration treatment. Residual reductions in volume persisted even after long-term weight-recovery, compared to healthy control participants. Short-term weight restoration was associated with increases in the neurohormone leptin, and increasing leptin levels were found to mediate the positive impact of weight gain on increased amygdala volume over the treatment course. DIVERSITY & INCLUSION STATEMENT We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. One or more of the authors of this paper received support from a program designed to increase minority representation in science. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. The author list of this paper includes contributors from the location and/or community where the research was conducted who participated in the data collection, design, analysis, and/or interpretation of the work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louis Wronski
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaas Bahnsen
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Seidel
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Dominic Arold
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Arne Doose
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jonas L Steinhäuser
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Katrin Borucki
- Otto-von-Guericke University Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Lauren Breithaupt
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth A Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Laura M Holsen
- Division of Women's Health, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kerstin Weidner
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Joseph A King
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany; University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
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Hebebrand J, Plieger M, Milos G, Peters T, Hinney A, Antel J. Does hypoleptinemia trigger entrapment in anorexia nervosa? Etiological and clinical considerations. EUROPEAN EATING DISORDERS REVIEW 2024; 32:557-574. [PMID: 38303556 DOI: 10.1002/erv.3071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Based on the recent observation that human recombinant leptin (r-Met-hu-leptin; metreleptin) may induce a profound alleviation of the complex symptomatology of patients with anorexia nervosa (AN), we examine the implications for our conceptualisation of this eating disorder. Hypoleptinemia as a core endocrine feature of AN serves as a central and peripheral trigger of tissue-specific adaptations to starvation. In this narrative review, we argue that leptin deficiency may explain many of the puzzling features of this eating disorder. Weight loss can be viewed as a two-step process, with only the second step entailing hypoleptinemia and thereby the entrapment characteristic of AN. We discuss the central and peripheral distribution of leptin receptors and consider possible functional implications of hypoleptinemia. We contrast the slow psychological recovery of patients with AN and of people who experienced starvation upon weight recovery with the rapid onset of improvements upon off-label metreleptin treatment. Characteristics of the sex and age dependent secretion of leptin may contribute to the elevated vulnerability of young females to develop AN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Gabriella Milos
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Triinu Peters
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Anke Hinney
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Centre for Translational Neuro- and Behavioral Sciences, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Boyle CA, Kola PK, Oraegbuna CS, Lei S. Leptin excites basolateral amygdala principal neurons and reduces food intake by LepRb-JAK2-PI3K-dependent depression of GIRK channels. J Cell Physiol 2024; 239:e31117. [PMID: 37683049 PMCID: PMC10920395 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.31117] [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: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023]
Abstract
Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone that modulates food intake, energy balance, neuroendocrine status, thermogenesis, and cognition. Whereas a high density of leptin receptors has been detected in the basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons, the physiological functions of leptin in the BLA have not been determined yet. We found that application of leptin excited BLA principal neurons by activation of the long form leptin receptor, LepRb. The LepRb-elicited excitation of BLA neurons was mediated by depression of the G protein-activated inwardly rectifying potassium (GIRK) channels. Janus Kinase 2 (JAK2) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) were required for leptin-induced excitation of BLA neurons and depression of GIRK channels. Microinjection of leptin into the BLA reduced food intake via activation of LepRb, JAK2, and PI3K. Our results may provide a cellular and molecular mechanism to explain the physiological roles of leptin in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cody A. Boyle
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
| | - Phani K. Kola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
| | - Chidiebele S. Oraegbuna
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
| | - Saobo Lei
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, Grand Forks, ND58203, USA
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Tseng YT, Schaefke B, Wei P, Wang L. Defensive responses: behaviour, the brain and the body. Nat Rev Neurosci 2023; 24:655-671. [PMID: 37730910 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-023-00736-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Most animals live under constant threat from predators, and predation has been a major selective force in shaping animal behaviour. Nevertheless, defence responses against predatory threats need to be balanced against other adaptive behaviours such as foraging, mating and recovering from infection. This behavioural balance in ethologically relevant contexts requires adequate integration of internal and external signals in a complex interplay between the brain and the body. Despite this complexity, research has often considered defensive behaviour as entirely mediated by the brain processing threat-related information obtained via perception of the external environment. However, accumulating evidence suggests that the endocrine, immune, gastrointestinal and reproductive systems have important roles in modulating behavioural responses to threat. In this Review, we focus on how predatory threat defence responses are shaped by threat imminence and review the circuitry between subcortical brain regions involved in mediating defensive behaviours. Then, we discuss the intersection of peripheral systems involved in internal states related to infection, hunger and mating with the neurocircuits that underlie defence responses against predatory threat. Through this process, we aim to elucidate the interconnections between the brain and body as an integrated network that facilitates appropriate defensive responses to threat and to discuss the implications for future behavioural research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ting Tseng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behaviour, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bernhard Schaefke
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Pengfei Wei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liping Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, Shenzhen-Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Behaviour, the Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China.
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Liu Z, Xiao T, Liu H. Leptin signaling and its central role in energy homeostasis. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1238528. [PMID: 38027481 PMCID: PMC10644276 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1238528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin plays a critical role in regulating appetite, energy expenditure and body weight, making it a key factor in maintaining a healthy balance. Despite numerous efforts to develop therapeutic interventions targeting leptin signaling, their effectiveness has been limited, underscoring the importance of gaining a better understanding of the mechanisms through which leptin exerts its functions. While the hypothalamus is widely recognized as the primary site responsible for the appetite-suppressing and weight-reducing effects of leptin, other brain regions have also been increasingly investigated for their involvement in mediating leptin's action. In this review, we summarize leptin signaling pathways and the neural networks that mediate the effects of leptin, with a specific emphasis on energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoxun Liu
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Emergency, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Tao Xiao
- Nursing Department, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hailan Liu
- USDA/ARS Children’s Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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Wronski ML, Geisler D, Bernardoni F, Seidel M, Bahnsen K, Doose A, Steinhäuser JL, Gronow F, Böldt LV, Plessow F, Lawson EA, King JA, Roessner V, Ehrlich S. Differential alterations of amygdala nuclei volumes in acutely ill patients with anorexia nervosa and their associations with leptin levels. Psychol Med 2023; 53:6288-6303. [PMID: 36464660 PMCID: PMC10358440 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291722003609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The amygdala is a subcortical limbic structure consisting of histologically and functionally distinct subregions. New automated structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) segmentation tools facilitate the in vivo study of individual amygdala nuclei in clinical populations such as patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) who show symptoms indicative of limbic dysregulation. This study is the first to investigate amygdala nuclei volumes in AN, their relationships with leptin, a key indicator of AN-related neuroendocrine alterations, and further clinical measures. METHODS T1-weighted MRI scans were subsegmented and multi-stage quality controlled using FreeSurfer. Left/right hemispheric amygdala nuclei volumes were cross-sectionally compared between females with AN (n = 168, 12-29 years) and age-matched healthy females (n = 168) applying general linear models. Associations with plasma leptin, body mass index (BMI), illness duration, and psychiatric symptoms were analyzed via robust linear regression. RESULTS Globally, most amygdala nuclei volumes in both hemispheres were reduced in AN v. healthy control participants. Importantly, four specific nuclei (accessory basal, cortical, medial nuclei, corticoamygdaloid transition in the rostral-medial amygdala) showed greater volumetric reduction even relative to reductions of whole amygdala and total subcortical gray matter volumes, whereas basal, lateral, and paralaminar nuclei were less reduced. All rostral-medially clustered nuclei were positively associated with leptin in AN independent of BMI. Amygdala nuclei volumes were not associated with illness duration or psychiatric symptom severity in AN. CONCLUSIONS In AN, amygdala nuclei are altered to different degrees. Severe volume loss in rostral-medially clustered nuclei, collectively involved in olfactory/food-related reward processing, may represent a structural correlate of AN-related symptoms. Hypoleptinemia might be linked to rostral-medial amygdala alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie-Louis Wronski
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Daniel Geisler
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Fabio Bernardoni
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria Seidel
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaas Bahnsen
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Arne Doose
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jonas L. Steinhäuser
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Franziska Gronow
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Luisa V. Böldt
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Charité University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Franziska Plessow
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Lawson
- Neuroendocrine Unit, Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph A. King
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Veit Roessner
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Stefan Ehrlich
- Translational Developmental Neuroscience Section, Division of Psychological and Social Medicine and Developmental Neurosciences, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Eating Disorder Treatment and Research Center, Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, TU Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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Geisler CE, Hayes MR. Metabolic hormone action in the VTA: Reward-directed behavior and mechanistic insights. Physiol Behav 2023; 268:114236. [PMID: 37178855 PMCID: PMC10330780 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2023.114236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Dysfunctional signaling in midbrain reward circuits perpetuates diseases characterized by compulsive overconsumption of rewarding substances such as substance abuse, binge eating disorder, and obesity. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopaminergic activity serves as an index for how rewarding stimuli are perceived and triggers behaviors necessary to obtain future rewards. The evolutionary linking of reward with seeking and consuming palatable foods ensured an organism's survival, and hormone systems that regulate appetite concomitantly developed to regulate motivated behaviors. Today, these same mechanisms serve to regulate reward-directed behavior around food, drugs, alcohol, and social interactions. Understanding how hormonal regulation of VTA dopaminergic output alters motivated behaviors is essential to leveraging therapeutics that target these hormone systems to treat addiction and disordered eating. This review will outline our current understanding of the mechanisms underlying VTA action of the metabolic hormones ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide-1, amylin, leptin, and insulin to regulate behavior around food and drugs of abuse, highlighting commonalities and differences in how these five hormones ultimately modulate VTA dopamine signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Geisler
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | - Matthew R Hayes
- Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Bouarab C, Wynalda M, Thompson BV, Khurana A, Cody CR, Kisner A, Polter AM. Sex-specific adaptations to VTA circuits following subchronic stress. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.02.551665. [PMID: 37577542 PMCID: PMC10418168 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/15/2023]
Abstract
Dysregulation of the mesolimbic reward circuitry is implicated in the pathophysiology of stress-related illnesses such as depression and anxiety. These disorders are more frequently diagnosed in females, and sex differences in the response to stress are likely to be one factor that leads to enhanced vulnerability of females. In this study, we use subchronic variable stress (SCVS), a model in which females are uniquely vulnerable to behavioral disturbances, to investigate sexually divergent mechanisms of regulation of the ventral tegmental area by stress. Using slice electrophysiology, we find that female, but not male mice have a reduction in the ex vivo firing rate of VTA dopaminergic neurons following SCVS. Surprisingly, both male and female animals show an increase in inhibitory tone onto VTA dopaminergic neurons and an increase in the firing rate of VTA GABAergic neurons. In males, however, this is accompanied by a robust increase in excitatory synaptic tone onto VTA dopamine neurons. This supports a model by which SCVS recruits VTA GABA neurons to inhibit dopaminergic neurons in both male and female mice, but males are protected from diminished functioning of the dopaminergic system by a compensatory upregulation of excitatory synapses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chloé Bouarab
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
- Current address: Institut Pasteur, 25-28 rue du Docteur Roux, 75015 Paris
| | - Megan Wynalda
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
| | - Brittney V. Thompson
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
- Current address: Department of Psychology, Florida State University, Tallahasse, FL, 32306
| | - Ambika Khurana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
| | - Caitlyn R. Cody
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
- Current address: Department of Psychology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, 02115
| | - Alexandre Kisner
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
- Current address: Department of Neuroscience, American University, Washington DC 20016
| | - Abigail M. Polter
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Washington, DC 20037
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Arjunan A, Song J. Pharmacological and physiological roles of adipokines and myokines in metabolic-related dementia. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 163:114847. [PMID: 37150030 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Dementia is a detrimental neuropathologic condition with considerable physical, mental, social, and financial impact on patients and society. Patients with metabolic syndrome (MetS), a group of diseases that occur in tandem and increase the risk of neurologic diseases, have a higher risk of dementia. The ratio between muscle and adipose tissue is crucial in MetS, as these contain many hormones, including myokines and adipokines, which are involved in crosstalk and local paracrine/autocrine interactions. Evidence suggests that abnormal adipokine and myokine synthesis and release may be implicated in various MetS, such as atherosclerosis, diabetic mellitus (DM), and dyslipidemia, but their precise role is unclear. Here we review the literature on adipokine and myokine involvement in MetS-induced dementia via glucose and insulin homeostasis regulation, neuroinflammation, vascular dysfunction, emotional changes, and cognitive function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Archana Arjunan
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea
| | - Juhyun Song
- Department of Anatomy, Chonnam National University Medical School, Seoyangro 264, Hwasun 58128, Republic of Korea.
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Hou J, Liu S, van Wingen G. Increased subcortical brain activity in anxious but not depressed individuals. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 160:38-46. [PMID: 36773346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depressive symptoms usually co-occur. Neuroimaging abnormalities in patients with depression and anxiety disorders are therefore related to a combination of symptoms. Here, we used a large population study to select individuals with anxiety, depressive, or both anxiety and depressive symptoms to identify whether neuroimaging differences are unique or shared between anxiety and depressive symptoms. METHODS We selected four groups of 200 individuals (anxiety, depression, anxiety and depression, controls) from the UK Biobank, matched for age, sex, intelligence, and educational attainment (total N = 800). We extracted the amplitude of low frequency fluctuations (ALFF) from resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data, which indexes spontaneous neuronal activity. Group differences were assessed using permutation testing to correct for multiple comparisons, with age, sex, IQ, and head motion as covariates. RESULTS Compared to controls, anxious individuals had higher ALFF values in many subcortical brain regions including the striatum, thalamus, medial temporal lobe, midbrain, pons, as well as the cerebellum. Anxious individuals also showed higher ALFF in the hippocampus, parahippocampal gyrus, cerebellum, and pons compared to individuals with depressive symptoms. No significant differences were found for the depression and combined anxiety/depression groups. Post-hoc tests with largest possible samples showed comparable results in the anxiety group and in the combined group, but still no significant differences for the depression group. CONCLUSIONS Anxiety but not depressive symptoms were associated with increased subcortical activity during rest. This suggest that anxiety symptoms may have the largest contribution to the neuroimaging differences in individuals with depression and anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiangyun Hou
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Shu Liu
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Guido van Wingen
- Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
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Ye H, Cao T, Shu Q, Chen Y, Lu Y, He Z, Li Z. Blockade of orexin receptor 1 attenuates morphine protracted abstinence-induced anxiety-like behaviors in male mice. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2023; 151:106080. [PMID: 36931057 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2023.106080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
One negative emotional state from morphine protracted abstinence is anxiety which can drive craving and relapse risk in opioid addicts. Although the orexinergic system has been reported to be important in mediating emotion processing and addiction, the role of orexinergic system in anxiety from drug protracted abstinence remains elusive. In this study, by using behavioral test, western blot, electrophysiology and virus-mediated regulation of orexin receptor 1 (OX1R), we found that: (1) Intraperitoneal and intra-VTA administration of a selective OX1R antagonist SB334867 alleviated anxiety-like behaviors in open field test (OFT) but not in elevated plus maze test (EPM) in morphine protracted abstinent male mice. (2) OX1R expression in the VTA was upregulated by morphine withdrawal. (3) Virus-mediated knockdown of OX1R in the VTA prevented morphine abstinence-induced anxiety-like behaviors and virus-mediated overexpression of OX1R in the VTA was sufficient to produce anxiety-like behaviors in male mice. (4) The VTA neuronal activity was increased significantly induced by morphine protracted abstinence, which was mediated by OX1R. (5) OX1R was widely distributed in the neuronal soma and processes of dopaminergic and non-dopaminergic neurons in the VTA. The findings revealed that the OX1R mediates morphine abstinence-induced anxiety-like behaviors and the VTA plays a critical role in this effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongming Ye
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China; Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Tong Cao
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China; Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Qigang Shu
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China; Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yue Chen
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China; Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yongli Lu
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China; Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Zhi He
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China; Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
| | - Zicheng Li
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China; Third-grade Pharmacological Laboratory on Traditional Chinese Medicine, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China.
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12
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Intestinal gluconeogenesis: metabolic benefits make sense in the light of evolution. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:183-194. [PMID: 36470967 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00707-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 03/02/2023]
Abstract
The intestine, like the liver and kidney, in various vertebrates and humans is able to carry out gluconeogenesis and release glucose into the blood. In the fed post-absorptive state, intestinal glucose is sensed by the gastrointestinal nervous system. The latter initiates a signal to the brain regions controlling energy homeostasis and stress-related behaviour. Intestinal gluconeogenesis (IGN) is activated by several complementary mechanisms, in particular nutritional situations (for example, when food is enriched in protein or fermentable fibre and after gastric bypass surgery in obesity). In these situations, IGN has several metabolic and behavioural benefits. As IGN is activated by nutrients capable of fuelling systemic gluconeogenesis, IGN could be a signal to the brain that food previously ingested is suitable for maintaining plasma glucose for a while. This process might account for the benefits observed. Finally, in this Perspective, we discuss how the benefits of IGN in fasting and fed states could explain why IGN emerged and was maintained in vertebrates by natural selection.
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Valente EEL, Klotz JL, Egert-McLean AM, Costa GW, May JB, Harmon DL. Influence of intra-abomasal administration of L-DOPA on circulating catecholamines and feed intake in cattle. FRONTIERS IN ANIMAL SCIENCE 2023. [DOI: 10.3389/fanim.2023.1127575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dopamine has multiple physiological functions including feed intake control in which it can act as an anorectic or orexigenic agent. This study had the objective to evaluate intra-abomasal administration of L-DOPA (levodopa; L-3,4-dihydroxyphenylalanine) from -Mucuna pruriens on circulating catecholamines, indicators of energy metabolism and feed intake in cattle. Eight Holstein steers (340 ± 20 kg) fitted with ruminal cannula were used in a replicated 4 x 4 Latin Square design experiment. Intra-abomasal infusion of L-DOPA at 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg BW was carried out for seven days and blood samples were collected at 0, 30, 60, 120, 240 and 480 min from L-DOPA infusion on day 7. The area under the curve (AUC) of plasma L-DOPA and free dopamine increased quadratically with the administration of L-DOPA. However, the AUC of plasma total dopamine had a positive linear response with the increase of L-DOPA. Conversely, the serum 5-hydroxytriptophan (5-HTP), plasma serotonin, serum serotonin, serum tyrosine, plasma glucose and plasma free fatty acids were not affected by the intra-abomasal infusion of L-DOPA. The circulating concentration of the epinephrine, norepinephrine, serotonin, glucose and free fatty acids did not change with L-DOPA infusion. It can be concluded that intra-abomasal L-DOPA administration produced a strong increase in circulating dopamine with no change in energy metabolites and feed intake in cattle.
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14
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Wang J, Yang Y, Liu J, Qiu J, Zhang D, Ou M, Kang Y, Zhu T, Zhou C. Loss of sodium leak channel (NALCN) in the ventral dentate gyrus impairs neuronal activity of the glutamatergic neurons for inflammation-induced depression in male mice. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:13-29. [PMID: 36796706 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [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: 10/02/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dentate gyrus (DG) has been implicated in the pathophysiology of depression. Many studies have revealed the cellular types, neural circuits, and morphological changes of the DG involved in the development of depression. However, the molecular regulating its intrinsic activity in depression is unknown. METHODS Utilizing the mode of depression induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we investigate the involvement of the sodium leak channel (NALCN) in inflammation-induced depressive-like behaviors of male mice. The expression of NALCN was detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction. DG microinjection of the adeno-associated virus or lentivirus was carried out using a stereotaxic instrument and followed by behavioral tests. Neuronal excitability and NALCN conductance were recorded by whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. RESULTS The expression and function of NALCN were reduced in both the dorsal and ventral DG in LPS-treated mice; whereas, only knocking down NALCN in the ventral pole produced depressive-like behaviors and this effect of NALCN was specific to ventral glutamatergic neurons. The excitability of ventral glutamatergic neurons was impaired by both the knockdown of NALCN and/or the treatment of LPS. Then, the overexpression of NALCN in the ventral glutamatergic neurons decreased the susceptibility of mice to inflammation-induced depression, and the intracranial injection of substance P (non-selective NALCN activator) into the ventral DG rapidly ameliorated inflammation-induced depression-like behaviors in an NALCN-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS NALCN, which drives the neuronal activity of the ventral DG glutamatergic neurons, uniquely regulates depressive-like behaviors and susceptibility to depression. Therefore, the NALCN of glutamatergic neurons in the ventral DG may present a molecular target for rapid antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yaoxin Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jin Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jingxuan Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Donghang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Mengchan Ou
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Kang
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, National-Local Joint Engineering Research Centre of Translational Medicine of Anesthesiology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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15
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D1 receptor-expressing neurons in ventral tegmental area alleviate mouse anxiety-like behaviors via glutamatergic projection to lateral septum. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:625-638. [PMID: 36195641 PMCID: PMC9531220 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01809-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine (DA) acts as a key regulator in controlling emotion, and dysfunction of DA signal has been implicated in the pathophysiology of some psychiatric disorders, including anxiety. Ventral tegmental area (VTA) is one of main regions with DA-producing neurons. VTA DAergic projections in mesolimbic brain regions play a crucial role in regulating anxiety-like behaviors, however, the function of DA signal within VTA in regulating emotion remains unclear. Here, we observe that pharmacological activation/inhibition of VTA D1 receptors will alleviate/aggravate mouse anxiety-like behaviors, and knockdown of VTA D1 receptor expression also exerts anxiogenic effect. With fluorescence in situ hybridization and electrophysiological recording, we find that D1 receptors are functionally expressed in VTA neurons. Silencing/activating VTA D1 neurons bidirectionally modulate mouse anxiety-like behaviors. Furthermore, knocking down D1 receptors in VTA DA and glutamate neurons elevates anxiety-like state, but in GABA neurons has the opposite effect. In addition, we identify the glutamatergic projection from VTA D1 neurons to lateral septum is mainly responsible for the anxiolytic effect induced by activating VTA D1 neurons. Thus, our study not only characterizes the functional expression of D1 receptors in VTA neurons, but also uncovers the pivotal role of DA signal within VTA in mediating anxiety-like behaviors.
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16
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Hebebrand J, Hildebrandt T, Schlögl H, Seitz J, Denecke S, Vieira D, Gradl-Dietsch G, Peters T, Antel J, Lau D, Fulton S. The role of hypoleptinemia in the psychological and behavioral adaptation to starvation: implications for anorexia nervosa. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 141:104807. [PMID: 35931221 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 06/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
This narrative review aims to pinpoint mental and behavioral effects of starvation, which may be triggered by hypoleptinemia and as such may be amenable to treatment with leptin receptor agonists. The reduced leptin secretion results from the continuous loss of fat mass, thus initiating a graded triggering of diverse starvation related adaptive functions. In light of leptin receptors located in several peripheral tissues and many brain regions adaptations may extend beyond those of the hypothalamus-pituitary-end organ-axes. We focus on gastrointestinal tract and reward system as relevant examples of peripheral and central effects of leptin. Despite its association with extreme obesity, congenital leptin deficiency with its many parallels to a state of starvation allows the elucidation of mental symptoms amenable to treatment with exogenous leptin in both ob/ob mice and humans with this autosomal recessive disorder. For starvation induced behavioral changes with an intact leptin signaling we particularly focus on rodent models for which proof of concept has been provided for the causative role of hypoleptinemia. For humans, we highlight the major cognitive, emotional and behavioral findings of the Minnesota Starvation Experiment to contrast them with results obtained upon a lesser degree of caloric restriction. Evidence for hypoleptinemia induced mental changes also stems from findings obtained in lipodystrophies. In light of the recently reported beneficial cognitive, emotional and behavioral effects of metreleptin-administration in anorexia nervosa we discuss potential implications for the treatment of this eating disorder. We postulate that leptin has profound psychopharmacological effects in the state of starvation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Tom Hildebrandt
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029 USA
| | - Haiko Schlögl
- Department of Endocrinology, Nephrology, Rheumatology, Division of Endocrinology, University Hospital Leipzig, Liebigstr. 20, 04103 Leipzig, Germany; Helmholtz Institute for Metabolic, Obesity and Vascular Research (HI-MAG) of the Helmholtz Zentrum München at the University of Leipzig and University Hospital Leipzig, Philipp-Rosenthal-Str. 27, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jochen Seitz
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, RWTH University Hospital Aachen, Germany
| | - Saskia Denecke
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Diana Vieira
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Gertraud Gradl-Dietsch
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Triinu Peters
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Wickenburgstr. 21, 45134 Essen, Germany
| | - David Lau
- Department of Nutrition, Neuroscience - University of Montreal & CRCHUM, Montréal QC H3T1J4, Canada
| | - Stephanie Fulton
- Department of Nutrition, Neuroscience - University of Montreal & CRCHUM, Montréal QC H3T1J4, Canada
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17
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Casper RC. Restlessness and an Increased Urge to Move (Drive for Activity) in Anorexia Nervosa May Strengthen Personal Motivation to Maintain Caloric Restriction and May Augment Body Awareness and Proprioception: A Lesson From Leptin Administration in Anorexia Nervosa. Front Psychol 2022; 13:885274. [PMID: 35959022 PMCID: PMC9359127 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.885274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Anorexia nervosa (AN), a disorder of voluntary food restriction leading to severe weight loss in female adolescents, remains an enigma. In particular, the appropriation of the starved thin body into the self-concept in AN is a process insufficiently researched and still poorly understood. Healthy humans undergoing starvation experience a slowing of movements and avoid voluntary exercise. By contrast, AN tends to be not infrequently associated with voluntary, sometimes excessive and/or compulsive exercise. Such deliberate exercise, not reported in starvation, seems to be facilitated by an increased urge for movement and physical restlessness, particular to AN. The increased urge to move would reflect spontaneous daily activity, the energy expended for everything that is not sleeping, eating, or voluntary exercise. Our hypothesis is that the starvation-induced increased urge to move and restlessness may promote the development of AN. Reversal of the fasting state, by either high caloric food or by leptin administration, would be expected to reduce restlessness and the increased urge to move along with improvement in other symptoms in AN. This review explores the idea that such restless activation in AN, in itself and through accelerating body weight loss, might foster the integration of the starving body into the self-concept by (1) enhancing the person’s sense of self-control and sense of achievement and (2) through invigorating proprioception and through intensifying the perception of the changing body shape. (3) Tentative evidence from studies piloting leptin administration in chronic AN patients which support this hypothesis is reviewed. The findings show that short term administration of high doses of leptin indeed mitigated depressive feelings, inner tension, intrusive thoughts of food, and the increased urge to be physically active, easing the way to recovery, yet had little influence on the patients’ personal commitment to remain at a low weight. Full recovery then requires resolution of the individuals’ personal unresolved psychological conflicts through psychotherapy and frequently needs specialized treatment approaches to address psychiatric co-morbidities. AN might be conceptualized as a hereditary form of starvation resistance, facilitated by the effects of starvation on fitness allowing for an exceptionally intense personal commitment to perpetuate food restriction.
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Hanssen R, Thanarajah SE, Tittgemeyer M, Brüning JC. Obesity - A Matter of Motivation? Exp Clin Endocrinol Diabetes 2022; 130:290-295. [PMID: 35181879 PMCID: PMC9286865 DOI: 10.1055/a-1749-4852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Excessive food intake and reduced physical activity have long been established as
primary causes of obesity. However, the underlying mechanisms causing this
unhealthy behavior characterized by heightened motivation for food but not for
physical effort are unclear. Despite the common unjustified stigmatization that
obesity is a result of laziness and lack of discipline, it is becoming
increasingly clear that high-fat diet feeding and obesity cause alterations in
brain circuits that are critical for the control of motivational behavior. In this mini-review, we provide a comprehensive overview of incentive motivation,
its neural encoding in the dopaminergic mesolimbic system as well as its
metabolic modulation with a focus on derangements of incentive motivation in
obesity. We further discuss the emerging field of metabolic interventions to
counteract motivational deficits and their potential clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Hanssen
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetology and Preventive Medicine (PEPD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sharmili E Thanarajah
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Marc Tittgemeyer
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens C Brüning
- Max Planck Institute for Metabolism Research, Cologne, Germany.,Policlinic for Endocrinology, Diabetology and Preventive Medicine (PEPD), University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Cluster of Excellence in Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-associated Diseases (CECAD), Cologne, Germany
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19
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Leptin enhances social motivation and reverses chronic unpredictable stress-induced social anhedonia during adolescence. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4948-4958. [PMID: 36138127 PMCID: PMC9763124 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01778-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Social anhedonia, a loss of interest and pleasure in social interactions, is a common symptom of major depression as well as other psychiatric disorders. Depression can occur at any age, but typically emerges in adolescence or early adulthood, which represents a sensitive period for social interaction that is vulnerable to stress. In this study, we evaluated social interaction reward using a conditioned place preference (CPP) paradigm in adolescent male and female mice. Adolescent mice of both sexes exhibited a preference for the social interaction-associated context. Chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) impaired the development of CPP for social interaction, mimicking social anhedonia in depressed adolescents. Conversely, administration of leptin, an adipocyte-derived hormone, enhanced social interaction-induced CPP in non-stressed control mice and reversed social anhedonia in CUS mice. By dissecting the motivational processes of social CPP into social approach and isolation avoidance components, we demonstrated that leptin treatment increased isolation aversion without overt social reward effect. Further mechanistic exploration revealed that leptin stimulated oxytocin gene transcription in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus, while oxytocin receptor blockade abolished the leptin-induced enhancement of socially-induced CPP. These results establish that chronic unpredictable stress can be used to study social anhedonia in adolescent mice and provide evidence that leptin modulates social motivation possibly via increasing oxytocin synthesis and oxytocin receptor activation.
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20
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Kang N, Oh S, Kim SY, Ahn H, Son M, Heo SJ, Byun K, Jeon YJ. Anti-obesity effects of Ishophloroglucin A from the brown seaweed Ishige okamurae (Yendo) via regulation of leptin signal in ob/ob mice. ALGAL RES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.algal.2021.102533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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21
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Avegno EM, Gilpin NW. Reciprocal midbrain-extended amygdala circuit activity in preclinical models of alcohol use and misuse. Neuropharmacology 2022; 202:108856. [PMID: 34710467 PMCID: PMC8627447 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2021.108856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is characterized by a shift in motivation to consume alcohol from positive reinforcement (i.e., increased likelihood of future alcohol drinking based on its rewarding effects) to negative reinforcement (i.e., increased likelihood of future alcohol drinking based on alcohol-induced reductions in negative affective symptoms, including but not limited to those experienced during alcohol withdrawal). The neural adaptations that occur during this transition are not entirely understood. Mesolimbic reinforcement circuitry (i.e., ventral tegmental area [VTA] neurons) is activated during early stages of alcohol use, and may be involved in the recruitment of brain stress circuitry (i.e., extended amygdala) during the transition to alcohol dependence, after chronic periods of high-dose alcohol exposure. Here, we review the literature regarding the role of canonical brain reinforcement (VTA) and brain stress (extended amygdala) systems, and the connections between them, in acute, sub-chronic, and chronic alcohol response. Particular emphasis is placed on preclinical models of alcohol use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Avegno
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Department of Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Corresponding author: Correspondence should be addressed to Elizabeth Avegno, 1901 Perdido St, Room 7205, New Orleans, LA 70112,
| | - Nicholas W Gilpin
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Department of Alcohol & Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA,Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS), New Orleans, LA
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22
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Identification of Novel Neurocircuitry Through Which Leptin Targets Multiple Inputs to the Dopamine System to Reduce Food Reward Seeking. Biol Psychiatry 2021; 90:843-852. [PMID: 33867112 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.02.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Leptin reduces the motivation to obtain food by modulating activity of the mesolimbic dopamine (DA) system upon presentation of cues that predict a food reward. Although leptin directly reduces the activity of ventral tegmental area (VTA) DA neurons, the majority of leptin receptor (LepR)-expressing DA neurons do not project to the nucleus accumbens, the projection implicated in driving food reward seeking. Therefore, the precise locus of leptin action to modulate motivation for a food reward is unresolved. METHODS We used transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase under the control of the LepR promoter, anatomical tracing, optogenetics-assisted patch-clamp electrophysiology, in vivo optogenetics with fiber photometric calcium measurements, and chemogenetics to unravel how leptin-targeted neurocircuitry inhibits food reward seeking. RESULTS A large number of DA neurons projecting to the nucleus accumbens are innervated by local VTA LepR-expressing GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) neurons. Leptin enhances the activity of these GABA neurons and thereby inhibits nucleus accumbens-projecting DA neurons. In addition, we find that lateral hypothalamic LepR-expressing neurons projecting to the VTA are inhibited by leptin and that these neurons modulate DA neurons indirectly via inhibition of VTA GABA neurons. In accordance with such a disinhibitory function, optogenetically stimulating lateral hypothalamic LepR projections to the VTA potently activates DA neurons in vivo. Moreover, we found that chemogenetic activation of lateral hypothalamic LepR neurons increases the motivation to obtain a food reward only when mice are in a positive energy balance. CONCLUSIONS We identify neurocircuitry through which leptin targets multiple inputs to the DA system to reduce food reward seeking.
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23
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Avegno EM, Kasten CR, Snyder WB, Kelley LK, Lobell TD, Templeton TJ, Constans M, Wills TA, Middleton JW, Gilpin NW. Alcohol dependence activates ventral tegmental area projections to central amygdala in male mice and rats. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12990. [PMID: 33331103 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The neural adaptations that occur during the transition to alcohol dependence are not entirely understood but may include a gradual recruitment of brain stress circuitry by mesolimbic reward circuitry that is activated during early stages of alcohol use. Here, we focused on dopaminergic and nondopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA), important for mediating acute alcohol reinforcement, to the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA), important for alcohol dependence-related negative affect and escalated alcohol drinking. The VTA projects directly to the CeA, but the functional relevance of this circuit is not fully established. Therefore, we combined retrograde and anterograde tracing, anatomical, and electrophysiological experiments in mice and rats to demonstrate that the CeA receives input from both dopaminergic and nondopaminergic projection neurons primarily from the lateral VTA. We then used slice electrophysiology and fos immunohistochemistry to test the effects of alcohol dependence on activity and activation profiles of CeA-projecting neurons in the VTA. Our data indicate that alcohol dependence activates midbrain projections to the central amygdala, suggesting that VTA projections may trigger plasticity in the CeA during the transition to alcohol dependence and that this circuit may be involved in mediating behavioral dysregulation associated with alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M. Avegno
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Chelsea R. Kasten
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - William B. Snyder
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Leslie K. Kelley
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Thomas D. Lobell
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Taylor J. Templeton
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Michael Constans
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Tiffany A. Wills
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Jason W. Middleton
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Cell Biology and Anatomy Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
| | - Nicholas W. Gilpin
- Departments of Physiology Louisiana State University Health Science Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Alcohol and Drug Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Neuroscience Center of Excellence, School of Medicine Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans Louisiana USA
- Southeast Louisiana VA Healthcare System (SLVHCS) New Orleans Louisiana USA
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24
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Fernandes MF, Lau D, Sharma S, Fulton S. Anxiety-like behavior in female mice is modulated by STAT3 signaling in midbrain dopamine neurons. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 95:391-400. [PMID: 33872705 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.04.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central signaling actions of cytokines are mediated by signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT3). STAT3 activation plays a pivotal role in the behavioral responses to the adiposity hormone leptin, including in midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons where it mediates the influence of leptin to diminish physical activity and running reward in male mice. Leptin also has anxiolytic effects which have been tied to the mesolimbic DA system. To assess the contribution of STAT3 signaling in mesolimbic DA neurons on feeding, mesolimbic DA tone and anxiodepressive behaviors in female mice, we generated DA-specific STAT3 knockout mice by crossing mice expressing Cre under the control of the dopamine transporter with STAT3-LoxP mice. Feeding, locomotion, wheel running, conditioned place preference for palatable food and amphetamine locomotor sensitization were unaffected by DA-specific STAT3 deletion. Conversely, knockout mice exhibited heightened anxiety-like behavior (open field test and elevated plus maze) along with increased basal and stress-induced plasma corticosterone, whereas indices of behavioral despair (forced swim and tail-suspension tasks) were unchanged. In accordance with biochemical evidence of increased D1 receptor signaling (phospho-DARPP32Thr34) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) of knockout mice, local microinjections of a D1 receptor antagonist reversed the anxiogenic phenotype of knockout mice. In addition to alluding to sex differences in the signaling mechanisms mediating anxiety-like behavior, our findings suggest that activation of STAT3 in midbrain dopamine neurons projecting to the CeA dampens anxiety in a D1R-dependent manner in female mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria F Fernandes
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Canada; Physiology and Pharmacology, Canada
| | - David Lau
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Canada; Neuroscience, Faculty of Medicine, University of Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Sandeep Sharma
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Canada; Department of Nutrition, Canada
| | - Stephanie Fulton
- Centre de Recherche du CHUM, Canada; Department of Nutrition, Canada; Montreal Diabetes Research Center, Canada; Center for Studies in Behavioural Neurobiology (Concordia University), Canada.
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25
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Neuroticism is positively associated with leptin/adiponectin ratio, leptin and IL-6 in young adults. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9690. [PMID: 33963214 PMCID: PMC8105321 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89251-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
High neuroticism is related to cardiovascular morbidity. Early detection of metabolic and cardiovascular risk is important in high-risk groups to enable preventive measures. The aim of this study was therefore to explore if neuroticism is associated with early biomarkers for cardiovascular and metabolic disease in young adults from a psychiatry cohort. Blood samples and self-ratings on neuroticism with the Swedish universities Scales of Personality (SSP) questionnaire were collected from 172 psychiatric outpatients and 46 healthy controls. The blood samples were analysed for plasma leptin, adiponectin, CRP, IL-6 and TNF-α. Associations between neuroticism and biomarkers were assessed using Spearman's correlation coefficients and generalized linear models adjusting for confounders. In the adjusted generalized linear models, neuroticism predicted the leptin/adiponectin ratio (p = 0.003), leptin (p = 0.004) and IL-6 (p = 0.001). These associations were not better explained by current major depressive disorder and/or anxiety disorder. Adiponectin, CRP and TNF-α were not associated with neuroticism. In conclusion, the findings suggest that high neuroticism is related to elevated levels of plasma leptin/adiponectin ratio, leptin and IL-6 in young adults. Young adults with high neuroticism may therefore benefit from preventive interventions to decrease the risk for future metabolic and cardiovascular morbidity, but more research is required to test this hypothesis.
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Abstract
There is increasing evidence demonstrating that reward-related motivational food intake is closely connected with the brain's homeostatic system of energy balance and that this interaction might be important in the integrative control of feeding behavior. Dopamine regulates motivational behavior, including feeding behaviors, and the dopamine reward system is recognized as the most prominent system that controls appetite and motivational and emotional drives for food. It appears that the dopamine system exerts a critical role in the control of feeding behavior not only by the reward-related circuit, but also by contributing to the homeostatic circuit of food intake, suggesting that dopamine plays an integrative role across the converging circuitry of control of food intake by linking energy state-associated signals to reward-related behaviors. This review will cover and discuss up-to-date findings on the dopaminergic control of food intake by both the reward-related circuit and the homeostatic hypothalamic system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ja-Hyun Baik
- Molecular Neurobiology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Korea
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27
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Badoer E. Cardiovascular and Metabolic Crosstalk in the Brain: Leptin and Resistin. Front Physiol 2021; 12:639417. [PMID: 33679451 PMCID: PMC7930826 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.639417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Leptin and resistin are cytokines whose plasma levels correlate with adiposity. Leptin is a hormone synthesised and released from adipocytes and can be transported into the brain. Resistin is produced in adipocytes in rodents and in macrophages in humans, particularly macrophages that have infiltrated adipose tissue. Both hormones can act within the brain to influence sympathetic nerve activity. Leptin appears to have a generalised sympatho-excitatory actions whilst resistin appears to increase sympathetic nerve activity affecting the cardiovascular system but inhibits sympathetic nerve activity to brown adipose tissue, which contrasts with leptin. Since both hormones can be elevated in conditions of metabolic dysfunction, interactions/crosstalk between these two hormones in the brain is a real possibility. This review describes the current knowledge regarding such crosstalk within the central nervous system. The evidence suggests that with respect to sympathetic nerve activity, crosstalk between leptin and resistin can elicit enhanced sympatho-excitatory responses to the kidneys. In contrast, with respect to food intake, resistin has weaker effects, but in regard to insulin secretion and thermogenesis, leptin and resistin have opposing actions. Thus, in conditions in which there is increased resistin and leptin levels, the result of crosstalk in the central nervous system could contribute to worse cardiovascular and metabolic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Badoer
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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28
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López‐Gambero AJ, Rodríguez de Fonseca F, Suárez J. Energy sensors in drug addiction: A potential therapeutic target. Addict Biol 2021; 26:e12936. [PMID: 32638485 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Addiction is defined as the repeated exposure and compulsive seek of psychotropic drugs that, despite the harmful effects, generate relapse after the abstinence period. The psychophysiological processes associated with drug addiction (acquisition/expression, withdrawal, and relapse) imply important alterations in neurotransmission and changes in presynaptic and postsynaptic plasticity and cellular structure (neuroadaptations) in neurons of the reward circuits (dopaminergic neuronal activity) and other corticolimbic regions. These neuroadaptation mechanisms imply important changes in neuronal energy balance and protein synthesis machinery. Scientific literature links drug-induced stimulation of dopaminergic and glutamatergic pathways along with presence of neurotrophic factors with alterations in synaptic plasticity and membrane excitability driven by metabolic sensors. Here, we provide current knowledge of the role of molecular targets that constitute true metabolic/energy sensors such as AMPK, mTOR, ERK, or KATP in the development of the different phases of addiction standing out the main brain regions (ventral tegmental area, nucleus accumbens, hippocampus, and amygdala) constituting the hubs in the development of addiction. Because the available treatments show very limited effectiveness, evaluating the drug efficacy of AMPK and mTOR specific modulators opens up the possibility of testing novel pharmacotherapies for an individualized approach in drug abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Jesús López‐Gambero
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga Universidad de Málaga Málaga Spain
| | - Fernando Rodríguez de Fonseca
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), UGC Salud Mental Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga Málaga Spain
| | - Juan Suárez
- Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), UGC Salud Mental Hospital Regional Universitario de Málaga Málaga Spain
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29
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Costa KM, Schenkel D, Roeper J. Sex-dependent alterations in behavior, drug responses and dopamine transporter expression in heterozygous DAT-Cre mice. Sci Rep 2021; 11:3334. [PMID: 33558587 PMCID: PMC7870653 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82600-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterozygous mice that express Cre-recombinase under the dopamine transporter promoter (DAT-Cre knock in mice, or KI) are widely used for targeting midbrain dopamine neurons, under the assumption that their constitutive physiology is not affected. We report here that these mice display striking sex-dependent behavioral and molecular differences in relation to wildtypes (WT). Male and female KI mice were constitutively hyperactive, and male KI mice showed attenuated hyperlocomotor responses to amphetamine. In contrast, female KIs displayed a marked reduction in locomotion ("calming" effect) in response to the same dose of amphetamine. Furthermore, male and female DAT-Cre KI mice showed opposing differences in reinforcement learning, with females showing faster conditioning and males showing slower extinction. Other behavioral variables, including working memory and novelty preference, were not changed compared to WT. These effects were paralleled by differences in striatal DAT expression that disproportionately affected female KI mice. Our findings reveal clear limitations of the DAT-Cre line that must be considered when using this model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kauê Machado Costa
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Present Address: National Institute on Drug Abuse Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 251 Bayview Blvd, Baltimore, MD 21224 USA
| | - Daniela Schenkel
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jochen Roeper
- grid.7839.50000 0004 1936 9721Institute of Neurophysiology, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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de Vrind VAJ, van ‘t Sant LJ, Rozeboom A, Luijendijk-Berg MCM, Omrani A, Adan RAH. Leptin Receptor Expressing Neurons in the Substantia Nigra Regulate Locomotion, and in The Ventral Tegmental Area Motivation and Feeding. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:680494. [PMID: 34276560 PMCID: PMC8281287 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.680494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin is an anorexigenic hormone, important in the regulation of body weight. Leptin plays a role in food reward, feeding, locomotion and anxiety. Leptin receptors (LepR) are expressed in many brain areas, including the midbrain. In most studies that target the midbrain, either all LepR neurons of the midbrain or those of the ventral tegmental area (VTA) were targeted, but the role of substantia nigra (SN) LepR neurons has not been investigated. These studies have reported contradicting results regarding motivational behavior for food reward, feeding and locomotion. Since not all midbrain LepR mediated behaviors can be explained by LepR neurons in the VTA alone, we hypothesized that SN LepR neurons may provide further insight. We first characterized SN LepR and VTA LepR expression, which revealed LepR expression mainly on DA neurons. To further understand the role of midbrain LepR neurons in body weight regulation, we chemogenetically activated VTA LepR or SN LepR neurons in LepR-cre mice and tested for motivational behavior, feeding and locomotion. Activation of VTA LepR neurons in food restricted mice decreased motivation for food reward (p=0.032) and food intake (p=0.020), but not locomotion. In contrast, activation of SN LepR neurons in food restricted mice decreased locomotion (p=0.025), but not motivation for food reward or food intake. Our results provide evidence that VTA LepR and SN LepR neurons serve different functions, i.e. activation of VTA LepR neurons modulated motivation for food reward and feeding, while SN LepR neurons modulated locomotor activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Véronne A. J. de Vrind
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lisanne J. van ‘t Sant
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Annemieke Rozeboom
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mieneke C. M. Luijendijk-Berg
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Azar Omrani
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Roger A. H. Adan
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Translational Neuroscience, University Medical Center Utrecht and University Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Roger A. H. Adan,
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31
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Chronic unpredictable stress induces depression-related behaviors by suppressing AgRP neuron activity. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:2299-2315. [PMID: 33432188 PMCID: PMC8272726 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-01004-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that AgRP neurons in the arcuate nucleus (ARC) respond to energy deficits and play a key role in the control of feeding behavior and metabolism. Here, we demonstrate that chronic unpredictable stress, an animal model of depression, decreases spontaneous firing rates, increases firing irregularity and alters the firing properties of AgRP neurons in both male and female mice. These changes are associated with enhanced inhibitory synaptic transmission and reduced intrinsic neuronal excitability. Chemogenetic inhibition of AgRP neurons increases susceptibility to subthreshold unpredictable stress. Conversely, chemogenetic activation of AgRP neurons completely reverses anhedonic and despair behaviors induced by chronic unpredictable stress. These results indicate that chronic stress induces maladaptive synaptic and intrinsic plasticity, leading to hypoactivity of AgRP neurons and subsequently causing behavioral changes. Our findings suggest that AgRP neurons in the ARC are a key component of neural circuitry involved in mediating depression-related behaviors and that increasing AgRP neuronal activity coule be a novel and effective treatment for depression.
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32
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DeGroot SR, Zhao-Shea R, Chung L, Klenowski PM, Sun F, Molas S, Gardner PD, Li Y, Tapper AR. Midbrain Dopamine Controls Anxiety-like Behavior by Engaging Unique Interpeduncular Nucleus Microcircuitry. Biol Psychiatry 2020; 88:855-866. [PMID: 32800629 PMCID: PMC8043246 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2020.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dopamine (DA) is hypothesized to modulate anxiety-like behavior, although the precise role of DA in anxiety behaviors and the complete anxiety network in the brain have yet to be elucidated. Recent data indicate that dopaminergic projections from the ventral tegmental area (VTA) innervate the interpeduncular nucleus (IPN), but how the IPN responds to DA and what role this circuit plays in anxiety-like behavior are unknown. METHODS We expressed a genetically encoded G protein-coupled receptor activation-based DA sensor in mouse midbrain to detect DA in IPN slices using fluorescence imaging combined with pharmacology. Next, we selectively inhibited or activated VTA→IPN DAergic inputs via optogenetics during anxiety-like behavior. We used a biophysical approach to characterize DA effects on neural IPN circuits. Site-directed pharmacology was used to test if DA receptors in the IPN can regulate anxiety-like behavior. RESULTS DA was detected in mouse IPN slices. Silencing/activating VTA→IPN DAergic inputs oppositely modulated anxiety-like behavior. Two neuronal populations in the ventral IPN (vIPN) responded to DA via D1 receptors (D1Rs). vIPN neurons were controlled by a small population of D1R neurons in the caudal IPN that directly respond to VTA DAergic terminal stimulation and innervate the vIPN. IPN infusion of a D1R agonist and antagonist bidirectionally controlled anxiety-like behavior. CONCLUSIONS VTA DA engages D1R-expressing neurons in the caudal IPN that innervate vIPN, thereby amplifying the VTA DA signal to modulate anxiety-like behavior. These data identify a DAergic circuit that mediates anxiety-like behavior through unique IPN microcircuitry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R. DeGroot
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept, of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA,Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Rubing Zhao-Shea
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept, of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Leeyup Chung
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept, of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Paul M. Klenowski
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept, of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Fangmiao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, 100871 Beijing, China,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Susanna Molas
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept, of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Paul D. Gardner
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept, of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA
| | - Yulong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Peking University School of Life Sciences, 100871 Beijing, China,PKU-IDG/McGovern Institute for Brain Research, 100871 Beijing, China,Peking-Tsinghua Center for Life Sciences, 100871 Beijing, China
| | - Andrew R. Tapper
- Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, Dept, of Neurobiology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, 01605, USA,Lead Contact, Correspondence to:
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33
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Ventral tegmental area GABAergic neurons induce anxiety-like behaviors and promote palatable food intake. Neuropharmacology 2020; 173:108114. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2020] [Revised: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 04/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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34
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Lei Y, Wang J, Wang D, Li C, Liu B, Fang X, You J, Guo M, Lu XY. SIRT1 in forebrain excitatory neurons produces sexually dimorphic effects on depression-related behaviors and modulates neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission in the medial prefrontal cortex. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:1094-1111. [PMID: 30705425 PMCID: PMC7192847 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0352-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, is a key regulator of cellular metabolism. Recent genome-wide association studies identified genetic variants of SIRT1 linked to major depressive disorders. SIRT1 is widely expressed in the brain; however, neuronal substrates that mediate SIRT1 action on depressive behaviors remain largely unknown. Here we show that selective deletion of SIRT1 in forebrain excitatory neurons causes depression-like phenotypes in male but not female mice. AAV-Cre-mediated SIRT1 knockdown in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adult male mice induces depressive-like behaviors. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings demonstrate that loss of SIRT1 decreases intrinsic excitability and spontaneous excitatory synaptic transmission in layer V pyramidal neurons in the prelimbic mPFC. Consistent with neuronal hypoexcitability, SIRT1 knockout reduces mitochondrial density and expression levels of genes involved in mitochondrial biogenesis and dynamics in the prelimbic mPFC. When a SIRT1 activator (SRT2104) is injected into the mPFC or lateral ventricle of wild-type mice, it reverses chronic unpredictable stress-induced anhedonia and behavioral despair, indicating an antidepressant-like effect. These results suggest that SIRT1 in mPFC excitatory neurons is required for normal neuronal excitability and synaptic transmission and regulates depression-related behaviors in a sex-specific manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Lei
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Jiangong Wang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Xing Fang
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Jingjing You
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA
| | - Ming Guo
- Institute for Metabolic & Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xin-Yun Lu
- Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
- Department of Pharmacology, The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX, USA.
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35
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Qu N, He Y, Wang C, Xu P, Yang Y, Cai X, Liu H, Yu K, Pei Z, Hyseni I, Sun Z, Fukuda M, Li Y, Tian Q, Xu Y. A POMC-originated circuit regulates stress-induced hypophagia, depression, and anhedonia. Mol Psychiatry 2020; 25:1006-1021. [PMID: 31485012 PMCID: PMC7056580 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-019-0506-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2018] [Revised: 06/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Chronic stress causes dysregulations of mood and energy homeostasis, but the neurocircuitry underlying these alterations remain to be fully elucidated. Here we demonstrate that chronic restraint stress in mice results in hyperactivity of pro-opiomelanocortin neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (POMCARH neurons) associated with decreased neural activities of dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (DAVTA neurons). We further revealed that POMCARH neurons project to the VTA and provide an inhibitory tone to DAVTA neurons via both direct and indirect neurotransmissions. Finally, we show that photoinhibition of the POMCARH→VTA circuit in mice increases body weight and food intake, and reduces depression-like behaviors and anhedonia in mice exposed to chronic restraint stress. Thus, our results identified a novel neurocircuitry regulating feeding and mood in response to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Qu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430012, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanlin He
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Pingwen Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xing Cai
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Hesong Liu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Kaifan Yu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zhou Pei
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ilirjana Hyseni
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Zheng Sun
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Makoto Fukuda
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Affiliated Wuhan Mental Health Center, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430012, Wuhan, China
- Research Center for Psychological and Health Sciences, China University of Geosciences, 430074, Wuhan, China
| | - Qing Tian
- Department of Pathology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Institute for Brain Research, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, 430030, Wuhan, China
| | - Yong Xu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, One Baylor Plaza, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
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Akram F, Gragnoli C, Raheja UK, Snitker S, Lowry CA, Sterns-Yoder KA, Hoisington AJ, Brenner LA, Saunders E, Stiller JW, Ryan KA, Rohan KJ, Mitchell BD, Postolache TT. Seasonal affective disorder and seasonal changes in weight and sleep duration are inversely associated with plasma adiponectin levels. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 122:97-104. [PMID: 31981963 PMCID: PMC7024547 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2019] [Revised: 12/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Overlapping pathways between mood and metabolic regulation have increasingly been reported. Although impaired regulation of adiponectin, a major metabolism-regulating hormone, has been implicated in major depressive disorder, its role in seasonal changes in mood and seasonal affective disorder-winter type (SAD), a disorder characterized by onset of mood impairment and metabolic dysregulation (e.g., carbohydrate craving and weight gain) in fall/winter and spontaneous alleviation in spring/summer, has not been previously studied. We studied a convenience sample of 636 Old Order Amish (mean (± SD), 53.6 (±14.8) years; 50.1% males), a population with self-imposed restriction on network electric light at home, and low prevalence of total SAD (t-SAD = syndromal + subsyndromal). We calculated the global seasonality score (GSS), estimated SAD and subsyndromal-SAD after obtaining Seasonal Pattern Assessment Questionnaires (SPAQs), and measured overnight fasting plasma adiponectin levels. We then tested associations between plasma adiponectin levels and GSS, t-SAD, winter-summer difference in self-reported sleep duration, and self-reported seasonal weight change, by using analysis of co-variance (ANCOVA) and linear regression analysis after adjusting for age, gender, and BMI. Participants with t-SAD (N = 14; 2.2%) had significantly lower plasma adiponectin levels (mean ± SEM, 8.76 ± 1.56 μg/mL) than those without t-SAD (mean ± SEM, 11.93 ± 0.22 μg/mL) (p = 0.035). In addition, there was significant negative association between adiponectin levels and winter-summer difference in self-reported sleep duration (p = 0.025) and between adiponectin levels and self-reported seasonal change in weight (p = 0.006). There was no significant association between GSS and adiponectin levels (p = 0.88). To our knowledge, this is the first study testing the association of SAD with adiponectin levels. Replication and extension of our findings longitudinally and, then, interventionally, may implicate low adiponectin as a novel target for therapeutic intervention in SAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Akram
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Saint Elizabeths Hospital, DC Department of Behavioral Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Claudia Gragnoli
- Division of Endocrinology, Sidney Kimmel Medical College, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA,Public Health Sciences, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA,Molecular Biology Laboratory, Bios Biotech Multi-Diagnostic Health Center, Rome, Italy
| | - Uttam K. Raheja
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Saint Elizabeths Hospital, DC Department of Behavioral Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Soren Snitker
- Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Amish Research Clinic of the University of Maryland, Lancaster, PA, USA
| | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Integrative Physiology and Center for Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, USA
| | - Kelly A. Sterns-Yoder
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), Aurora, CO, USA,Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Andrew J. Hoisington
- Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Systems Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, USA
| | - Lisa A. Brenner
- Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), Aurora, CO, USA,Military and Veteran Microbiome: Consortium for Research and Education (MVM-CoRE), Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA,Departments of Psychiatry & Neurology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Erika Saunders
- Department of Psychiatry, Penn State University, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - John W. Stiller
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Saint Elizabeths Hospital, DC Department of Behavioral Health, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Ryan
- Program for Personalized and Genomic Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Geriatrics Research and Education Clinical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA,Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kelly J. Rohan
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Vermont, Burlington, VT, USA
| | - Braxton D. Mitchell
- Program for Personalized and Genomic Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetes and Nutrition, Department of Medicine, University of Maryland, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Geriatrics Research and Education Clinical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA,Baltimore Veterans Administration Medical Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Teodor T. Postolache
- Mood and Anxiety Program, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA,Saint Elizabeths Hospital, DC Department of Behavioral Health, Washington, DC, USA,Veterans Health Administration, Rocky Mountain Mental Illness Research Education and Clinical Center (MIRECC), Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center (RMRVAMC), Aurora, CO, USA,Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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Ambrus L, Westling S. Leptin, Anxiety Symptoms, and Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity among Drug-Free, Female Suicide Attempters. Neuropsychobiology 2020; 78:145-152. [PMID: 31189176 DOI: 10.1159/000500737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dysregulation of leptin secretion and functioning of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis may be involved in the pathophysiology of suicide. Preclinical and clinical studies have shown interactions between the HPA axis and leptin. There is also evidence for a negative relationship between leptin and anxiety in humans. However, these possible associations have not been studied in individuals with attempted suicide. OBJECTIVES To examine the relationship between leptin, HPA axis activity, and anxiety in individuals with a recent suicide attempt. METHOD Sixty-nine individuals with a recent suicide attempt (n = 37 females; n = 32 males) were recruited and subjected to the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST), lumbar puncture, and evaluation with the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale from which the Brief Scale for Anxiety (BSA) was derived. Leptin was analyzed in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and cortisol in serum. Leptin was corrected for body mass index (BMI) by dividing CSF-leptin by BMI (CSF-leptin/BMI). Due to gender-related differences in leptin secretion and HPA axis activity, calculations were made for males and females separately. RESULTS Significant differences were only found among females; CSF-leptin/BMI levels correlated significantly and negatively with BSA (p < 0.05), pre-DST cortisol, and post-DST serum cortisol at 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. (all p < 0.05). Furthermore, CSF-leptin/BMI was significantly lower in nonsuppressors of dexamethasone as compared to suppressors (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that in females with a recent suicide attempt, low CSF leptin may be related to symptoms of anxiety and a hyperactive HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Ambrus
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Psychiatric Research Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden,
| | - Sofie Westling
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical Sciences, Clinical Psychiatric Research Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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38
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Abstract
Leptin is a hormone that plays a major role as mediator of long-term regulation of energy balance, suppressing food intake, and stimulating weight loss. More recently, important physiological roles other than controlling appetite and energy expenditure have been suggested for leptin, including neuroendocrine, reparative, reproductive, and immune functions. These emerging peripheral roles let hypothesize that leptin can modulate also cancer progression. Indeed, many studies have demonstrated that elevated chronic serum concentrations of leptin, frequently seen in obese subjects, represent a stimulatory signal for tumor growth. Current knowledge indicates that also different non-tumoral cells resident in tumor microenvironment may respond to leptin creating a favorable soil for cancer cells. In addition, leptin is produced also within the tumor microenvironment creating the possibility for paracrine and autocrine action. In this review, we describe the main mechanisms that regulate peripheral leptin availability and how leptin can shape tumor microenvironment.
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An JH, Jang EH, Kim AY, Fava M, Mischoulon D, Papakostas GI, Na EJ, Jang J, Yu HY, Hong JP, Jeon HJ. Ratio of plasma BDNF to leptin levels are associated with treatment response in major depressive disorder but not in panic disorder: A 12-week follow-up study. J Affect Disord 2019; 259:349-354. [PMID: 31465895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2019.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A link between brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression and the mood regulatory effect of leptin has been suggested in the pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD). We investigated treatment response and pre-treatment leptin and BDNF in patients with MDD and with panic disorder (PD). METHODS We recruited 41 patients with MDD, 52 patients with PD, and 59 matched healthy controls. All subjects completed five visits (at baseline, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks), and both MDD and PD patients were treated with standard pharmacotherapy for 12 weeks. Plasma BDNF (pBDNF) and blood leptin levels were obtained along with a 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale rating (HDRS-17) score at every visit. RESULTS The ratio of pre-treatment pBDNF to leptin was significantly lower in patients with MDD and PD compared to healthy controls (p = 0.024), but was not associated with severity of depressive or anxiety symptoms. Pre-treatment pBDNF:leptin ratio was significantly higher in treatment responders than in non-responders (p = 0.012) in MDD but not in PD. This difference was larger in MDD patients with appetite loss (p = 0.034). In multivariate analysis, pre-treatment pBDNF:leptin ratio was significantly associated with treatment responsiveness (Adjusted Odds Ration [AOR] = 2.50, 95% CI 1.02-6.14) in MDD. LIMITATION small sample size; limited information on detailed pharmacological effects. CONCLUSIONS A relatively higher ratio of pre-treatment pBDNF to leptin was associated with greater treatment response in MDD but not in PD. Further research should focus on exploration of a link between BDNF and leptin underlying neuronal plasticity in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hyun An
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Jang
- Bio-Medical IT Convergence Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ah Young Kim
- Bio-Medical IT Convergence Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Maurizio Fava
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David Mischoulon
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - George I Papakostas
- Depression Clinical and Research Program, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eun Jin Na
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jihoon Jang
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Han Young Yu
- Bio-Medical IT Convergence Research Division, Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Pyo Hong
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hong Jin Jeon
- Department of Psychiatry, Depression Center, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea; Department of Health Sciences & Technology, Department of Medical Device Management & Research, and Department of Clinical Research Design & Evaluation, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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40
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Comeras LB, Herzog H, Tasan RO. Neuropeptides at the crossroad of fear and hunger: a special focus on neuropeptide Y. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2019; 1455:59-80. [PMID: 31271235 PMCID: PMC6899945 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Survival in a natural environment forces an individual into constantly adapting purposive behavior. Specified interoceptive neurons monitor metabolic and physiological balance and activate dedicated brain circuits to satisfy essential needs, such as hunger, thirst, thermoregulation, fear, or anxiety. Neuropeptides are multifaceted, central components within such life‐sustaining programs. For instance, nutritional depletion results in a drop in glucose levels, release of hormones, and activation of hypothalamic and brainstem neurons. These neurons, in turn, release several neuropeptides that increase food‐seeking behavior and promote food intake. Similarly, internal and external threats activate neuronal pathways of avoidance and defensive behavior. Interestingly, specific nuclei of the hypothalamus and extended amygdala are activated by both hunger and fear. Here, we introduce the relevant neuropeptides and describe their function in feeding and emotional‐affective behaviors. We further highlight specific pathways and microcircuits, where neuropeptides may interact to identify prevailing homeostatic needs and direct respective compensatory behaviors. A specific focus will be on neuropeptide Y, since it is known for its pivotal role in metabolic and emotional pathways. We hypothesize that the orexigenic and anorexigenic properties of specific neuropeptides are related to their ability to inhibit fear and anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucas B Comeras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ramon O Tasan
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
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41
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Hebebrand J, Milos G, Wabitsch M, Teufel M, Führer D, Bühlmeier J, Libuda L, Ludwig C, Antel J. Clinical Trials Required to Assess Potential Benefits and Side Effects of Treatment of Patients With Anorexia Nervosa With Recombinant Human Leptin. Front Psychol 2019; 10:769. [PMID: 31156489 PMCID: PMC6533856 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.00769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The core phenotype of anorexia nervosa (AN) comprises the age and stage dependent intertwining of both its primary and secondary (i.e., starvation induced) somatic and mental symptoms. Hypoleptinemia acts as a key trigger for the adaptation to starvation by affecting diverse brain regions including the reward system and by induction of alterations of the hypothalamus-pituitary-“target-organ” axes, e.g., resulting in amenorrhea as a characteristic symptom of AN. Particularly, the rat model activity-based anorexia (ABA) convincingly demonstrates the pivotal role of hypoleptinemia in the development of starvation-induced hyperactivity. STAT3 signaling in dopaminergic neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) plays a crucial role in the transmission of the leptin signal in ABA. In patients with AN, an inverted U-shaped relationship has been observed between their serum leptin levels and physical activity. Albeit obese and therewith of a very different phenotype, humans diagnosed with rare congenital leptin deficiency have starvation like symptoms including hypothalamic amenorrhea in females. Over the past 20 years, such patients have been successfully treated with recombinant human (rh) leptin (metreleptin) within a compassionate use program. The extreme hunger of these patients subsides within hours upon initiation of treatment; substantial weight loss and menarche in females ensue after medium term treatment. In contrast, metreleptin had little effect in patients with multifactorial obesity. Small clinical trials have been conducted for hypothalamic amenorrhea and to increase bone mineral density, in which metreleptin proved beneficial. Up to now, metreleptin has not yet been used to treat patients with AN. Metreleptin has been approved by the FDA under strict regulations solely for the treatment of generalized lipodystrophy. The recent approval by the EMA may offer, for the first time, the possibility to treat extremely hyperactive patients with AN off-label. Furthermore, a potential dissection of hypoleptinemia-induced AN symptoms from the primary cognitions and behaviors of these patients could ensue. Accordingly, the aim of this article is to review the current state of the art of leptin in relation to AN to provide the theoretical basis for the initiation of clinical trials for treatment of this eating disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Hebebrand
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Gabriella Milos
- Department of Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital of Zürich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Martin Wabitsch
- Division of Paediatric Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Martin Teufel
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Dagmar Führer
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Medical Center and Central Laboratory, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Judith Bühlmeier
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Lars Libuda
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Christine Ludwig
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
| | - Jochen Antel
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
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Son DH, Doan KV, Yang DJ, Sun JS, Kim SK, Kang N, Kang JY, Paik JH, DePinho RA, Choi YH, Shin DM, Kim KW. FoxO1 regulates leptin-induced mood behavior by targeting tyrosine hydroxylase. Metabolism 2019; 91:43-52. [PMID: 30500562 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2018.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE While leptin has been associated with various psycho-physiological functions, the molecular network in leptin-mediated mood regulation remains elusive. METHODS Anxiolytic behaviors and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels were examined after leptin administration. Functional roles of STAT3 and FoxO1 in regulation of TH expression were investigated using in vivo and in vitro systems. A series of animal behavioral tests using dopaminergic neuron-specific FoxO1 KO (FoxO1 KODAT) were performed and investigated the roles of FoxO1 in regulation of mood behaviors. RESULTS Here, we show that administration of leptin induces anxiolytic-like phenotype through the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) and the inhibition of forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) in dopaminergic (DA) neurons of the midbrain. Specifically, STAT3 and FoxO1 directly bind to and exert opposing effects on tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression, where STAT3 acts as an enhancer and FoxO1 acts as a prominent repressor. Accordingly, suppression of the prominent suppressor FoxO1 by leptin strongly increased TH expression. Furthermore, our previous results showed that specific deletion of FoxO1 in DA neurons (FoxO1 KODAT) led to a profound elevation of TH activity and dopamine contents. Finally, FoxO1 KODAT mice exhibited enhanced leptin sensitivity as well as displayed reduced anxiety- and depression-like behaviors. CONCLUSIONS This work establishes a novel molecular mechanism of mood behavior regulation by leptin and suggests FoxO1 suppression by leptin might be a key for leptin-induced behavioral manifestation in DA neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hwee Son
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, South Korea; Department of Wellness & Healthy Aging, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, South Korea
| | - Khanh V Doan
- Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, South Korea; Department of Wellness & Healthy Aging, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, South Korea; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tan Tao University, Tan Duc E.City, Duc Hoa, Long An 850000, Viet Nam
| | - Dong Joo Yang
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, South Korea; Department of Wellness & Healthy Aging, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, South Korea
| | - Ji Su Sun
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Seul Ki Kim
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Namju Kang
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Jung Yun Kang
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea
| | - Ji-Hye Paik
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Ronald A DePinho
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yun-Hee Choi
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
| | - Dong Min Shin
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea.
| | - Ki Woo Kim
- Department of Oral Biology, BK21 PLUS, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul 03722, South Korea; Department of Global Medical Science, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, South Korea; Department of Wellness & Healthy Aging, Wonju College of Medicine, Yonsei University, Wonju 26426, South Korea.
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Ramos-Lobo AM, Teixeira PD, Furigo IC, Melo HM, de M Lyra E Silva N, De Felice FG, Donato J. Long-term consequences of the absence of leptin signaling in early life. eLife 2019; 8:40970. [PMID: 30694175 PMCID: PMC6384028 DOI: 10.7554/elife.40970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Leptin regulates energy balance and also exhibits neurotrophic effects during critical developmental periods. However, the actual role of leptin during development is not yet fully understood. To uncover the importance of leptin in early life, the present study restored leptin signaling either at the fourth or tenth week of age in mice formerly null for the leptin receptor (LepR) gene. We found that some defects previously considered irreversible due to neonatal deficiency of leptin signaling, including the poor development of arcuate nucleus neural projections, were recovered by LepR reactivation in adulthood. However, LepR deficiency in early life led to irreversible obesity via suppression of energy expenditure. LepR reactivation in adulthood also led to persistent reduction in hypothalamic Pomc, Cartpt and Prlh mRNA expression and to defects in the reproductive system and brain growth. Our findings revealed that early defects in leptin signaling cause permanent metabolic, neuroendocrine and developmental problems. Leptin is a hormone that keeps us healthy in many ways. It regulates our body weight by reining in our appetite and fine-tuning the energy we burn, and it helps us establish and maintain our fertility. It also participates in brain development. Leptin performs these roles by attaching to specific receptors in nerve cells and relaying relevant information to the brain. Early events can trigger life-long changes in the way our body works, a process called metabolic programming. Leptin is believed to participate in this reprogramming mechanism, but its role remains uncertain. In particular, it is still unclear which leptin-driven changes are permanent, and which ones are reversible. Being able to distinguish between the two types of alterations would help to better grasp the role leptin plays in early development. Here, Ramos-Lobo et al. examined genetically engineered mice born without a working leptin receptor. These animals were impervious to the effects of leptin. Then, once the rodents were adults, they were treated with a drug that restored their leptin receptors, making them sensitive to the hormone again. These experiments revealed that mice without leptin receptors during early life developed obesity, were less able to lose weight and burned less energy. Their reproductive success was also compromised. Finally, the lack of leptin during development caused permanent reduction of the animals’ brains, and changes in the activity of certain genes in the organ. The work by Ramos-Lobo et al. indicates that in mice, lacking leptin sensibility early in life conditions the body to permanently become ‘thrifty’, burning less energy and making it harder to lose weight. It is rare for humans to be born completely without leptin activity. Yet, having too much or too little food as a baby affects the level of the hormone, or our sensitivity to it: this may permanently change the way our bodies manage energy. Ultimately, learning more about these mechanisms could help us ward off or treat obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela M Ramos-Lobo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Pryscila Ds Teixeira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Isadora C Furigo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Helen M Melo
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Natalia de M Lyra E Silva
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Centre for Neuroscience Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Queen's University, Kingston, Canada
| | - Fernanda G De Felice
- Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Jose Donato
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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44
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Adiponectin modulates ventral tegmental area dopamine neuron activity and anxiety-related behavior through AdipoR1. Mol Psychiatry 2019; 24:126-144. [PMID: 29988086 PMCID: PMC6325675 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-018-0102-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2017] [Revised: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 05/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Adiponectin, a metabolic hormone secreted by adipocytes, can cross the blood-brain barrier to act on neurons in different brain regions, including those involved in stress-related disorders. Here we show that dopamine neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) express adiponectin receptor 1 (AdipoR1). Intra-VTA infusion of adiponectin or the adiponectin mimetic AdipoRon in wild-type mice decreases basal dopamine neuron population activity and firing rate and reverses the restraint stress-induced increase in dopamine neuron activity and anxiety behavior. Adiponectin haploinsufficiency leads to increased dopamine neuron firing and anxiety behavior under basal conditions. Ablation of AdipoR1 specifically from dopamine neurons enhances neuronal and anxiogenic responses to restraint stress. The effects of intra-VTA infusion of adiponectin on neuronal activity and behavior were abolished in mice lacking AdipoR1 in dopamine neurons. These observations indicate that adiponectin can directly modulate VTA dopamine neuron activity and anxiety behavior, and that AdipoR1 is required for adiponectin-induced inhibition of dopamine neurons and anxiolytic effects. These results strengthen the idea of adiponectin as a key biological factor that links metabolic syndrome and emotional disorders.
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Evans MC, Kumar NS, Inglis MA, Anderson GM. Leptin and insulin do not exert redundant control of metabolic or emotive function via dopamine neurons. Horm Behav 2018; 106:93-104. [PMID: 30292429 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2018.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2018] [Revised: 10/02/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Leptin and insulin's hunger-suppressing and activity-promoting actions on hypothalamic neurons are well characterized, yet the mechanisms by which they modulate the midbrain dopamine system to influence energy balance remain less clear. A subset of midbrain dopamine neurons express receptors for leptin (Lepr) and insulin (Insr). Leptin-dopamine signaling reduces running reward and homecage activity. However, dopamine-specific deletion of Lepr does not affect body weight or food intake in mice. We hypothesized insulin-dopamine signaling might compensate for disrupted leptin-dopamine signaling. To investigate the degree to which insulin and leptin exert overlapping (i.e. redundant) versus discrete control over dopamine neurons, we generated transgenic male and female mice exhibiting dopamine-specific deletion of either Lepr (Lepr KO), Insr (Insr KO) or both Lepr and Insr (Dbl KO) and assessed their feeding behavior, voluntary activity, and energy expenditure compared to control mice. No differences in body weight, daily food intake, energy expenditure or hyperphagic feeding of palatable chow were observed between Lepr, Insr or Dbl KO mice and control mice. However, consistent with previous findings, Lepr KO (but not Insr or Dbl KO) male mice exhibited significantly increased running wheel activity compared to controls. These data demonstrate that insulin and leptin do not exert redundant control of dopamine neuron-mediated modulation of energy balance. Furthermore, our results indicate neither leptin nor insulin plays a critical role in the modulation of dopamine neurons regarding hedonic feeding behavior or anxiety-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie C Evans
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Nivesh S Kumar
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Megan A Inglis
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Greg M Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Leptin in depression: a potential therapeutic target. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:1096. [PMID: 30367065 PMCID: PMC6203758 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-018-1129-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2018] [Revised: 06/02/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Leptin, produced and secreted by white adipose tissue, plays a critical role in regulating body weight, food intake, and energy metabolism. Recently, several studies have identified an underlying role for leptin in regulation of mood and cognition via regulation of synaptic changes in the brain that have been associated with antidepressant-like actions. Brain neural plasticity occurs in response to a range of intrinsic and extrinsic stimuli, including those that may mediate the effects of antidepressants. Neural plasticity theories of depression are thought to explain multiple aspects of depression and the effects of antidepressants. It is also well documented that leptin has effects on neural plasticity. This review summarizes the recent literature on the role of leptin in neural plasticity in order to elaborate the possible mechanism of leptin’s antidepressant-like effects. Recent findings provide new insights into the underlying mechanisms of neural plasticity in depression. Leptin may influence these mechanisms and consequently constitute a possible target for novel therapeutic approaches to the treatment of depression.
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Abstract
Obesity represents the single most important risk factor for early disability and death in developed societies, and the incidence of obesity remains at staggering levels. CNS systems that modulate energy intake and expenditure in response to changes in body energy stores serve to maintain constant body adiposity; the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin and its receptor (LEPR) represent crucial regulators of these systems. As in the case of insulin resistance, a variety of mechanisms (including feedback inhibition, inflammation, gliosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress) have been proposed to interfere with leptin action and impede the systems that control body energy homeostasis to promote or maintain obesity, although the relative importance and contribution of each of these remain unclear. However, LEPR signalling may be increased (rather than impaired) in common obesity, suggesting that any obesity-associated defects in leptin action must result from lesions somewhere other than the initial LEPR signal. It is also possible that increased LEPR signalling could mediate some of the obesity-associated changes in hypothalamic function.
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Evans MC, Anderson GM. Dopamine Neuron-Restricted Leptin Receptor Signaling Reduces Some Aspects of Food Reward but Exacerbates the Obesity of Leptin Receptor-Deficient Male Mice. Endocrinology 2017; 158:4246-4256. [PMID: 28938472 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The contribution of leptin-induced modulation of dopamine neurons to feeding behavior and energy homeostasis remains unclear. Midbrain dopamine neurons regulate the reward value of food, and direct leptin administration to the midbrain reduces food intake. However, selective deletion of leptin receptors (Leprs) from dopamine neurons has no effect on body weight, food intake, or hedonic responses, suggesting that leptin acts indirectly or demonstrating that sufficient compensation occurs to mask any direct leptin-dopamine effects. To further explore the role of direct Lepr-dopamine neuron signaling in the control of feeding behavior and energy homeostasis, we generated mice in which Leprs were expressed exclusively in dopamine transporter (DAT)-expressing neurons (LeprDAT). We then assessed weekly body weight, daily food intake, hyperphagic feeding, and leptin-induced suppression of feeding in the LeprDAT mice compared with their Lepr-deficient (LeprNULL) and wild-type control (LeprCON) littermates. We also used metabolic cages to characterize running wheel activity, home-cage activity, and total energy expenditure. As expected, LeprNULL mice exhibited increased body weight and food intake compared with LeprCON mice. LeprDAT male mice exhibited acute leptin-induced suppression of food intake and reduced hedonic feeding but also exhibited significantly increased postweaning body weight gain compared with the LeprNULL mice. This was associated with significantly reduced home-cage activity counts, although no differences in food intake were observed between the LeprDAT and LeprNULL mice. These data demonstrate that restoring Lepr signaling exclusively in dopamine neurons reduces some aspects of food reward and activity but does not ameliorate the obesity phenotype of Lepr-deficient mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie C Evans
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, New Zealand
| | - Greg M Anderson
- Centre for Neuroendocrinology and Department of Anatomy, University of Otago School of Biomedical Sciences, New Zealand
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Dunn JP, Abumrad NN, Kessler RM, Patterson BW, Li R, Marks-Shulman P, Tamboli RA. Caloric Restriction-Induced Decreases in Dopamine Receptor Availability are Associated with Leptin Concentration. Obesity (Silver Spring) 2017; 25:1910-1915. [PMID: 28944597 PMCID: PMC5718041 DOI: 10.1002/oby.22023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/21/2017] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE It has been previously reported that early after Roux-en-Y-gastric bypass, dopamine (DA) type 2 and 3 receptor (D2/3R) binding potential (BPND ) was decreased from preoperative levels. The current study aimed to determine whether calorie restriction without weight loss modifies D2/3R BPND and whether such changes are explained by neuroendocrine regulation. METHODS Fifteen females with obesity (BMI = 39 ± 6 kg/m2 ) were studied before and after ∼10 days of a very-low-calorie-diet (VLCD). Outcome measures included fasting insulin, leptin, acyl ghrelin, and glucose, and insulin sensitivity and disposition index were estimated using the oral-minimal model (OMM) method. Participants underwent positron emission tomography scanning with the displaceable radioligand [18 F]fallypride to estimate available regional D2/3R levels. Regions of interest included the caudate, putamen, ventral striatum, hypothalamus, and substantia nigra (SN). RESULTS With the VLCD, weight decreased slightly (-3 kg). Insulin, glucose, and leptin decreased significantly, but there was no change in acyl ghrelin or measures from OMM. SN D2/3R BPND decreased significantly, with trends toward decreased levels in the remaining regions. The decrease in leptin concentration strongly predicted the change in D2/3R BPND in all regions (all P ≤ 0.004). CONCLUSIONS In obesity, reductions in regional D2/3R availability after VLCD are suggestive of increased endogenous DA competing with the radioligand. Changes in regional D2/3R availability were associated with decreases in leptin concentrations that occurred before clinically significant weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia P. Dunn
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A
- Veterans Administration St. Louis Health Care System, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Naji N. Abumrad
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A
| | - Robert M. Kessler
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A
| | - Bruce W. Patterson
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri, U.S.A
| | - Rui Li
- Department of Radiology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A
| | - Pamela Marks-Shulman
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A
| | - Robyn A. Tamboli
- Department of Surgery, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.A
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