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Ye J, Duan C, Han J, Chen J, Sun N, Li Y, Yuan T, Peng D. Peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for major depressive disorder. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1541-1554. [PMID: 38934398 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
In the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder, chronic stress-related neuroinflammation hinders favorable prognosis and antidepressant response. Mitochondrial DNA may be an inflammatory trigger, after its release from stress-induced dysfunctional central nervous system mitochondria into peripheral circulation. This evidence supports the potential use of peripheral mitochondrial DNA as a neuroinflammatory biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of major depressive disorder. Herein, we critically review the neuroinflammation theory in major depressive disorder, providing compelling evidence that mitochondrial DNA release acts as a critical biological substrate, and that it constitutes the neuroinflammatory disease pathway. After its release, mitochondrial DNA can be carried in the exosomes and transported to extracellular spaces in the central nervous system and peripheral circulation. Detectable exosomes render encaged mitochondrial DNA relatively stable. This mitochondrial DNA in peripheral circulation can thus be directly detected in clinical practice. These characteristics illustrate the potential for mitochondrial DNA to serve as an innovative clinical biomarker and molecular treatment target for major depressive disorder. This review also highlights the future potential value of clinical applications combining mitochondrial DNA with a panel of other biomarkers, to improve diagnostic precision in major depressive disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Ye
- Division of Mood Disorder, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Duan
- Division of Mood Disorder, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiaxin Han
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Jinrong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Psychiatry, First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Yuan Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Health Institute, National Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tifei Yuan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Psychotic Disorders, Brain Health Institute, National Center for Mental Disorders, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Daihui Peng
- Division of Mood Disorder, Shanghai Mental Health Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Deng Q, Li Y, Sun Z, Gao X, Zhou J, Ma G, Qu WM, Li R. Sleep disturbance in rodent models and its sex-specific implications. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 164:105810. [PMID: 39009293 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances, encompassing altered sleep physiology or disorders like insomnia and sleep apnea, profoundly impact physiological functions and elevate disease risk. Despite extensive research, the underlying mechanisms and sex-specific differences in sleep disorders remain elusive. While polysomnography serves as a cornerstone for human sleep studies, animal models provide invaluable insights into sleep mechanisms. However, the availability of animal models of sleep disorders is limited, with each model often representing a specific sleep issue or mechanism. Therefore, selecting appropriate animal models for sleep research is critical. Given the significant sex differences in sleep patterns and disorders, incorporating both male and female subjects in studies is essential for uncovering sex-specific mechanisms with clinical relevance. This review provides a comprehensive overview of various rodent models of sleep disturbance, including sleep deprivation, sleep fragmentation, and circadian rhythm dysfunction. We evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each model and discuss sex differences in sleep and sleep disorders, along with potential mechanisms. We aim to advance our understanding of sleep disorders and facilitate sex-specific interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Deng
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yuhong Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Zuoli Sun
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiang Gao
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi, China
| | | | - Guangwei Ma
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Min Qu
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Rena Li
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders & National Center for Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.
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Mottarlini F, Targa G, Rizzi B, Fumagalli F, Caffino L. Developmental activity-based anorexia alters hippocampal non-genomic stress response and induces structural instability and spatial memory impairment in female rats. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 134:111065. [PMID: 38901757 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2024] [Revised: 05/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Anorexia nervosa (AN) is characterized by hyperactivation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and cognitive deficits. However, little is known about the rapid non-genomic stress response involvement. This study investigates the molecular, structural and behavioral signatures of the anorexic phenotype induction in female rats on stress-related mechanisms in the hippocampus. METHOD Female adolescent rats, exposed to the combination of food restriction and wheel access, i.e., the activity-based anorexia (ABA) protocol, were sacrificed in the acute phase of the pathology (postnatal day [P]42) or following a 7-day recovery period (P49). RESULTS ABA rats, in addition to body weight loss and increased wheel activity, alter their pattern of activity over days, showing increased food anticipatory activity, a readout of their motivation to engage in intense physical activity. Corticosterone plasma levels were enhanced at P42 while reduced at P49 in ABA rats. In the membrane fraction of the hippocampus, we found reduced glucocorticoid receptor levels together with reduced expression of caldesmon, n-cadherin and neuroligin-1, molecular markers of cytoskeletal stability and glutamatergic homeostasis. Accordingly, structural analyses revealed reduced dendritic spine density, a reduced number of mushroom-shaped spines, together with an increased number of thin-shaped spines. These events are paralleled by impairment in spatial memory measured in the spatial order object recognition test. These effects persisted even when body weight of ABA rats was restored. DISCUSSION Our findings indicate that ABA induction orchestrates hippocampal maladaptive structural and functional plasticity, contributing to cognitive deficits, providing a putative mechanism that could be targeted in AN patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Mottarlini
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Giorgia Targa
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Beatrice Rizzi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy; Center for Neuroscience, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy
| | - Lucia Caffino
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences 'Rodolfo Paoletti', Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milano, Italy.
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Morè L, Privitera L, Lopes M, Arthur JSC, Lauterborn JC, Corrêa SAL, Frenguelli BG. MSK1 is required for the experience- and ampakine-dependent enhancement of spatial reference memory and reversal learning and for the induction of Arc and BDNF. Neuropharmacology 2024:110110. [PMID: 39128584 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110110] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024]
Abstract
There is considerable interest in the development of nootropics, pharmacological agents that can improve cognition across a range of both cognitive modalities and cognitive disabilities. One class of cognitive enhancers, the ampakines, has attracted particular attention by virtue of improving cognition associated with animal models of neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and psychiatric conditions, as well as in age-related cognitive impairment. Ampakines elevate CNS levels of BDNF, and it is through this elevation that their beneficial actions are believed to occur. However, what transduces the elevation of BDNF into long-lasting cognitive enhancement is not known. We have previously shown that MSK1, by virtue of its ability to regulate gene transcription, converts the elevation of BDNF associated with environmental enrichment into molecular, synaptic, cognitive and genomic adaptations that underlie enrichment-induced enhanced synaptic plasticity and learning and memory, a property that MSK1 retains across the lifespan. To establish whether MSK1 similarly converts ampakine-induced elevations of BDNF into cognitive enhancement we tested an ampakine (CX929) in male WT mice and in male mice in which the kinase activity of MSK1 was inactivated. We found that MSK1 is required for the ampakine-dependent improvement in spatial reference memory and cognitive flexibility, and for the elevations of BDNF and the plasticity-related protein Arc associated with ampakines and experience. These observations implicate MSK1 as a key enabler of the beneficial effects of ampakines on cognitive function, and furthermore identify MSK1 as a hub for BDNF-elevating nootropic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenzo Morè
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK; School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, PR1 2HE, UK
| | - Lucia Privitera
- School of Life Sciences, University of Warwick, Coventry, CV4 7AL, UK
| | - Marcia Lopes
- Bradford School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK
| | - J Simon C Arthur
- Division of Cell Signalling and Immunology, University of Dundee, Dundee, DD1 5EH, UK
| | - Julie C Lauterborn
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, USA
| | - Sonia A L Corrêa
- Bradford School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford, BD7 1DP, UK; Department of Life Sciences, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, M15 6BH, UK
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Toso A, Garoche C, Balaguer P. Human and fish differences in steroid receptors activation: A review. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 948:174889. [PMID: 39047839 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.174889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Steroid receptors (SRs) are transcription factors activated by steroid hormones (SHs) that belong to the nuclear receptors (NRs) superfamily. Several studies have shown that SRs are targets of endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs), widespread substances in the environment capable of interfering with the endogenous hormonal pathways and causing adverse health effects in living organisms and/or their progeny. Cell lines with SRs reporter gene are currently used for in vitro screening of large quantities of chemicals with suspected endocrine-disrupting activities. However, most of these cell lines express human SRs and therefore the toxicological data obtained are also extrapolated to non-mammalian species. In parallel, in vivo tests have recently been developed on fish species whose data are also extrapolated to mammalian species. As some species-specific differences in SRs activation by natural and synthetic chemicals have been recently reported, the aim of this review is to summarize those between human and fish SRs, as representatives of mammalian and non-mammalian toxicology, respectively. Overall, this literature study aims to improve inter-species extrapolation of toxicological data on EDCs and to understand which reporter gene cell lines expressing human SRs are relevant for the assessment of effects in fish and whether in vivo tests on fish can be properly used in the assessment of adverse effects on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Toso
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), 34090 Montpellier, France; Department Environmental Toxicology, Swiss Federal Institute of Aquatic Science and Technology, Eawag, 8600 Dübendorf, Switzerland.
| | - Clémentine Garoche
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), 34090 Montpellier, France
| | - Patrick Balaguer
- Institut de Recherche en Cancérologie de Montpellier (IRCM), Inserm U1194, Université Montpellier, Institut régional du Cancer de Montpellier (ICM), 34090 Montpellier, France
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Mateos-Olivares M, Pastor-Idoate S, Martín-Vallejo J, García-Vazquez C, Pastor JC, Usategui-Martín R, Sobas EM. Stress and sleep deprivation-related biomarkers in saliva in patients with retinitis pigmentosa. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0304261. [PMID: 38870197 PMCID: PMC11175419 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0304261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Patients with Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) commonly experience sleep-related issues and are susceptible to stress. Moreover, variatiaons in their vision are often linked to anxiety, stress and drowsiness, indicating that stress and sleep deprivation lead to a decline in vision, and vision improves when both are mitigated. The objective of this study was to investigate the utility of salivary biomarkers as biochemical indicators of anxiety and sleep deprivation in RP patients. METHODS Seventy-eight RP patients and 34 healthy controls were included in this observational study. Anxiety and sleep-quality questionnaires, a complete ophthalmological exam for severity grading and, the collection of salivary samples from participants were assessed for participants. The activity of biomarkers was estimated by ELISA, and statistical analysis was performed to determine associations between the parameters. Associations between underlying psychological factors, grade of disease severity, and biomarkers activity were also examined. RESULTS Fifty-two (67%) of patients had a severe RP, and 26 (33%) had a mild-moderate grade. Fifty-eight (58,9%) patients reported severe levels of anxiety and 18 (23.,1%) a high level. Forty-six (59%) patients obtained pathological values in sleep-quality questionaries and 43 (55.1%) in sleepiness. Patients with RP exhibited significant differences in testosterone, cortisol, sTNFαRII, sIgA and melatonin as compared to controls and patients with a mild-moderate and advanced stage of disease showed greater differences. In covariate analysis, patients with a severe anxiety level also showed greater differences in mean salivary cortisol, sTNFαRII and melatonin and male patients showed lower IgA levels than female. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that salivary biomarkers could be suitable non-invasive biochemical markers for the objective assessment of sleep deprivation and anxiety in RP patients. Further research is needed to characterize the effects of untreated negative psychological states and sleep deprivation on increased variability of vision and disease progression, if any.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milagros Mateos-Olivares
- Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical University Hospital of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Salvador Pastor-Idoate
- Department of Ophthalmology, Clinical University Hospital of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Networks of Cooperative Research oriented to Health Results (RICORS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Martín-Vallejo
- Department of Statistics, Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | | | - José Carlos Pastor
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Networks of Cooperative Research oriented to Health Results (RICORS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Usategui-Martín
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Networks of Cooperative Research oriented to Health Results (RICORS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Medicine, Department of Cell Biology, Genetics, Histology and Pharmacology, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
| | - Eva María Sobas
- Institute of Applied Ophthalmobiology (IOBA), University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
- Networks of Cooperative Research oriented to Health Results (RICORS), Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
- Faculty of Nursing, University of Valladolid, Valladolid, Spain
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Gonzalez DE, Dillard CC, Johnson SE, Martin SE, McAllister MJ. Physiological Stress Responses to a Live-Fire Training Evolution in Career Structural Firefighters. J Occup Environ Med 2024; 66:475-480. [PMID: 38471807 DOI: 10.1097/jom.0000000000003088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study assessed firefighters' physiological stress response to a live fire training evolution (LFTE). METHODS Seventy-six ( n = 76) firefighters completed an LFTE. Salivary samples were collected pre-, immediately post, and 30-min post-LFTE and analyzed for α-amylase (AA), cortisol (CORT), and secretory immunoglobulin-A (SIgA). RESULTS Concentrations of AA, CORT, and SIgA were elevated immediately post LFTE versus pre (P<0.001) and 30-min post (P<0.001). Cohen's d effect size comparing pre and immediately-post means were 0.83, 0.77, and 0.61 for AA, CORT, and SIgA and were 0.54, 0.44, and 0.69 for AA, CORT, and SIgA, comparing immediately-post and 30-min post, respectively. CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the stress response and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal/sympathetic-adreno-medullar axis and immune system immediately after real-world firefighting operations. Future work is needed to understand the impact of elevated stress biomarkers on firefighter performance and disease risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Drew E Gonzalez
- From the Tactical Athlete Research Unit, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (D.E.G., S.E.J., S.E.M.); Exercise Biochemistry Laboratory, Department of Kinesiology, University of North Alabama, Florence, Alabama (C.C.D.); Sydney and JL Huffines Institute for Sports Medicine and Human Performance, Department of Kinesiology & Sport Management, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (S.E.M.); and Metabolic and Applied Physiology Laboratory, Department of Health & Human Performance, Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas (C.C.D., M.J.M.)
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Eachus H, Ryu S. Glucocorticoid effects on the brain: from adaptive developmental plasticity to allostatic overload. J Exp Biol 2024; 227:jeb246128. [PMID: 38449327 PMCID: PMC10949071 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.246128] [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] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to stress during early life may alter the developmental trajectory of an animal by a mechanism known as adaptive plasticity. For example, to enhance reproductive success in an adverse environment, it is known that animals accelerate their growth during development. However, these short-term fitness benefits are often associated with reduced longevity, a phenomenon known as the growth rate-lifespan trade-off. In humans, early life stress exposure compromises health later in life and increases disease susceptibility. Glucocorticoids (GCs) are major stress hormones implicated in these processes. This Review discusses the evidence for GC-mediated adaptive plasticity in development, leading to allostatic overload in later life. We focus on GC-induced effects on brain structure and function, including neurogenesis; highlight the need for longitudinal studies; and discuss approaches to identify molecular mechanisms mediating GC-induced alteration of the brain developmental trajectory leading to adult dysfunctions. Further understanding of how stress and GC exposure can alter developmental trajectories at the molecular and cellular level is of critical importance to reduce the burden of mental and physical ill health across the life course.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen Eachus
- Living Systems Institute & Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
| | - Soojin Ryu
- Living Systems Institute & Department of Clinical and Biomedical Sciences, University of Exeter, Stocker Road, Exeter EX4 4QD, UK
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Shan MA, Ishtiaq W, Kanwal S, Khan MU, Iftikhar A, Khan S. Cell-free DNA as a potential diagnostic biomarker in academic stress: A case-control study in young adults. Saudi J Biol Sci 2024; 31:103933. [PMID: 38304540 PMCID: PMC10831250 DOI: 10.1016/j.sjbs.2024.103933] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Stress is a pervasive issue in modern life, affecting both physical and mental health. Identifying biomarkers like cell-free DNA (cfDNA) could provide insights into stress response and help detect individuals at risk for stress-related disorders. Objective The aim of this study is to investigate the potential use of cfDNA as a diagnostic biomarker in individuals experiencing stress. Methodology A case-control analysis was conducted using convenient sampling on university participants (N = 285 cases, N = 500 controls) aged 18-24. The study assessed haematological and lipid profile parameters using the Sysmex XP-300TM automated analyzer and an automated biochemistry analyzer, and cfDNA was extracted using a standardized in house developed Phenol-Chloroform protocol and estimated using Agarose Gel Electrophoresis and Nanodrop. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS ver. 21.0. Results The results indicated a significant difference between stressed individuals and healthy controls in demographic, haematological and biochemical parameters. Specifically, stressed cases had significantly higher levels of cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, VLDL cholesterol, and lower levels of HDL compared to healthy controls. Stressed cases also showed significantly elevated levels of circulating cfDNA relative to healthy controls. Conclusion These findings suggest that cfDNA may have potential as a diagnostic biomarker for stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Warda Ishtiaq
- Center for Molecular Biology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Shamsa Kanwal
- Muhammad Ali Jinnah University Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umer Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Iftikhar
- Lahore Business School, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Samiullah Khan
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
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van Mever M, Mamani-Huanca M, Faught E, López-Gonzálvez Á, Hankemeier T, Barbas C, Schaaf MJM, Ramautar R. Application of a capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry metabolomics workflow in zebrafish larvae reveals new effects of cortisol. Electrophoresis 2024; 45:380-391. [PMID: 38072651 DOI: 10.1002/elps.202300186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
In contemporary biomedical research, the zebrafish (Danio rerio) is increasingly considered a model system, as zebrafish embryos and larvae can (potentially) fill the gap between cultured cells and mammalian animal models, because they can be obtained in large numbers, are small and can easily be manipulated genetically. Given that capillary electrophoresis-mass spectrometry (CE-MS) is a useful analytical separation technique for the analysis of polar ionogenic metabolites in biomass-limited samples, the aim of this study was to develop and assess a CE-MS-based analytical workflow for the profiling of (endogenous) metabolites in extracts from individual zebrafish larvae and pools of small numbers of larvae. The developed CE-MS workflow was used to profile metabolites in extracts from pools of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16, 20, and 40 zebrafish larvae. For six selected endogenous metabolites, a linear response (R2 > 0.98) for peak areas was obtained in extracts from these pools. The repeatability was satisfactory, with inter-day relative standard deviation values for peak area of 9.4%-17.7% for biological replicates (n = 3 over 3 days). Furthermore, the method allowed the analysis of over 70 endogenous metabolites in a pool of 12 zebrafish larvae, and 29 endogenous metabolites in an extract from only 1 zebrafish larva. Finally, we applied the optimized CE-MS workflow to identify potential novel targets of the mineralocorticoid receptor in mediating the effects of cortisol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlien van Mever
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Maricruz Mamani-Huanca
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Erin Faught
- Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ángeles López-Gonzálvez
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Thomas Hankemeier
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Coral Barbas
- Centre for Metabolomics and Bioanalysis (CEMBIO), Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Facultad de Farmacia, Universidad San Pablo-CEU, CEU Universities, Urbanización Montepríncipe, Boadilla del Monte, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marcel J M Schaaf
- Institute of Biology Leiden (IBL), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Rawi Ramautar
- Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research (LACDR), Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
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11
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Zhang L, Wang Q, Cui HS, Luo YY. Assessing myocardial indices and inflammatory factors to determine anxiety and depression severity in patients with chronic heart failure. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:53-62. [PMID: 38327882 PMCID: PMC10845224 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i1.53] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 11/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with chronic heart failure (CHF) have a progressive disease that is associated with poor quality of life and high mortality. Many patients experience anxiety and depression (A&D) symptoms, which can further accelerate disease progression. We hypothesized that indicators of myocardial function and inflammatory stress may reflect the severity of A&D symptoms in patients with CHF. Changes in these biomarkers could potentially predict whether A&D symptoms will deteriorate further in these individuals. AIM To measure changes in cardiac and inflammatory markers in patients with CHF to determine A&D severity and predict outcomes. METHODS We retrospectively analyzed 233 patients with CHF treated at the Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University between 2018-2022 and grouped them according to Self-Rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) and Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) scores. We compared clinical data in the no-A&D, mild-A&D, moderate-A&D, and severe-A&D groups, the SAS and SDS scores with the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, and cardiac markers and inflammatory factors between the no/mild-A&D and moderate/severe-A&D groups. Regression analysis was performed on the markers with P < 0.05 to determine their ability to predict A&D severity in patients and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate their accuracy. RESULTS In the inter-group comparison, the following variables had an effect on A&D severity in patients with CHF: NYHA class, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (P < 0.05). Other variables did not differ significantly between the A&D groups (P > 0.05). In addition, we found that higher NYHA classes were associated with higher the SAS and SDS scores (P < 0.05). Regression analysis showed that LVEF, NT-proBNP, and IL-6 were independent risk factors for A&D severity (P < 0.05). Among them, NT-proBNP had the best predictive ability as a single indicator (AUROC = 0.781). Furthermore, the combination of these three indicators exhibited a good predictive effect toward discriminating the extent of A&D severity among patients (AUROC = 0.875). CONCLUSION Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers, such as LVEF, NT-proBNP, and IL-6, are correlated with A&D severity in patients with CHF and have predictive value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434020, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434020, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hong-Sheng Cui
- Department of Cardiology, Jingzhou Hospital, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434020, Hubei Province, China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Luo
- Department of Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
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12
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Amaya JM, Sips HCM, Viho EMG, Kroon J, Meijer OC. Restricted effects of androgens on glucocorticoid signaling in the mouse prefrontal cortex and midbrain. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2024; 14:1292024. [PMID: 38303978 PMCID: PMC10830692 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1292024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are key executors of the physiological response to stress. Previous studies in mice showed that the androgen receptor (AR) influenced the transcriptional outcome of glucocorticoid treatment in white and brown adipocytes and in the liver. In the brain, we observed that chronic hypercorticism induced changes in gene expression that tended to be more pronounced in male mice. In the present study, we investigated if glucocorticoid signaling in the brain could be modulated by androgen. After chronic treatment with corticosterone, dihydrotestosterone, a combination of both, and corticosterone in combination with the AR antagonist enzalutamide, we compared the expression of glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1, also abbreviated GR) target genes in brain regions where AR and GR are co-expressed, namely: prefrontal cortex, hypothalamus, hippocampus, ventral tegmental area and substantia nigra. We observed that androgen affected glucocorticoid signaling only in the prefrontal cortex and the substantia nigra. Dihydrotestosterone and corticosterone independently and inversely regulated expression of Sgk1 and Tsc22d3 in prefrontal cortex. AR antagonism with enzalutamide attenuated corticosterone-induced expression of Fkbp5 in the prefrontal cortex and of Fkbp5 and Sgk1 in the substantia nigra. Additionally, in the substantia nigra, AR antagonism increased expression of Th and Slc18a1, two genes coding for key components of the dopaminergic system. Our data indicate that androgen influence over glucocorticoid stimulation in the brain is not a dominant phenomenon in the context of high corticosterone levels, but can occur in the prefrontal cortex and substantia nigra.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jorge Miguel Amaya
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Hetty C. M. Sips
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eva M. G. Viho
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Jan Kroon
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Onno C. Meijer
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
- Einthoven Laboratory for Experimental Vascular Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, Netherlands
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13
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Faught E, Schaaf MJM. Molecular mechanisms of the stress-induced regulation of the inflammatory response in fish. Gen Comp Endocrinol 2024; 345:114387. [PMID: 37788784 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygcen.2023.114387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Stressors in the environment of aquatic organisms can profoundly affect their immune system. The stress response in fish involves the activation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-interrenal (HPI) axis, leading to the release of several stress hormones, among them glucocorticoids, such as cortisol, which bind and activate corticosteroid receptors, namely the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). These receptors are highly expressed on immune cells, thereby allowing stress to have a potent effect that is classically considered to suppress immune function. In this review, we highlight the conserved structure and function of GR and MR among vertebrates and describe their role in modulating inflammation by regulating the expression of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory genes. In particular, the involvement of MR during inflammation is reviewed, which in many studies has been shown to be immune-enhancing. In recent years, the use of zebrafish as a model organism has opened up new possibilities to study the effects of stress on inflammation, making it possible to investigate knockout lines for MR and/or GR, in combination with transgenic models with fluorescently labeled leukocyte subpopulations that enable the visualization and manipulation of these immune cells. The potential roles of other hormones of the HPI axis, such as corticotrophin-releasing hormone (Crh) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (Acth), in immune modulation are also discussed. Overall, this review highlights the need for further research to elucidate the specific roles of GR, MR and other stress hormones in regulating immune function in fish. Understanding these mechanisms will contribute to improving fish health and advancing our knowledge of stress signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Faught
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, The Netherlands
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14
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Forsyth JK, Bearden CE. Rethinking the First Episode of Schizophrenia: Identifying Convergent Mechanisms During Development and Moving Toward Prediction. Am J Psychiatry 2023; 180:792-804. [PMID: 37908094 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.20230736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer K Forsyth
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle (Forsyth); Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (Bearden)
| | - Carrie E Bearden
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle (Forsyth); Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, and Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles (Bearden)
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15
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Issa R, Sfeir M, Azzi V, Salameh P, Akiki M, Akel M, Hallit S, Obeid S, Malaeb D, Hallit R. Association of Computer Vision Syndrome with Depression/Anxiety among Lebanese Young Adults: The Mediating Effect of Stress. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2674. [PMID: 37830711 PMCID: PMC10572235 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11192674] [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: 08/30/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Computers have become indispensable in daily activities. With this excess use of electronics, computer vision syndrome (CVS), a highly prevalent condition, is associated with various symptoms. Although understanding the relationship between CVS and mental health has been reported, the impact of CVS has not been explored on more than one psychological aspect. We hypothesize that higher CVS symptoms could be associated with higher levels of anxiety and depression, mediated by higher stress. Therefore, the objective of this study was to determine the association between CVS and depression and anxiety among a sample of Lebanese young adults, along with evaluating the mediating effect of stress on these associations. Between August 2020 and April 2021, 749 participants completed an online questionnaire for this cross-sectional study. Females compared to males (Beta = 3.73) and those with CVS compared to those who did not (Beta = 3.14) were significantly associated with more anxiety, whereas having a university level of education compared to secondary or less (Beta = -3.02) was significantly associated with less anxiety. Females compared to males (Beta = 2.55) and those with CVS compared to those without (Beta = 2.61) were significantly associated with more depression, whereas being of an older age (Beta = -0.18) was significantly associated with less depression. Stress partially mediated the association between CVS and anxiety and between CVS and depression. More CVS was significantly associated with more stress (Beta = 3.05). Higher stress was significantly associated with more anxiety (Beta = 0.70) and depression (Beta = 0.71), whereas more CVS was significantly and directly associated with more anxiety (Beta = 3.14) and depression (Beta = 2.61). This study is the first worldwide to evaluate an association between CVS and mental health. Our results serve as a starting point for healthcare providers (psychiatrists and psychologists, most importantly) to look deeper into CVS when looking for reasons behind mental health issues. Further studies are warranted to confirm our results and look for more factors and mediators in such associations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Issa
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon; (R.I.); (V.A.); (S.H.); (R.H.)
| | - Michel Sfeir
- Faculty of Social and Political Sciences (SSP), Institute of Psychology (IP), University of Lausanne, 1015 Lausanne, Switzerland;
| | - Vanessa Azzi
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon; (R.I.); (V.A.); (S.H.); (R.H.)
| | - Pascale Salameh
- School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Byblos 5053, Lebanon;
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut P.O. Box 12109, Lebanon;
- Medical School, University of Nicosia, 2417 Nicosia, Cyprus
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Lebanese University, Hadat 1103, Lebanon
| | - Maria Akiki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Saint Michael’s Medical Center, Newark, NJ 07102, USA;
| | - Marwan Akel
- INSPECT-LB (Institut National de Santé Publique, d’Épidémiologie Clinique et de Toxicologie-Liban), Beirut P.O. Box 12109, Lebanon;
- School of Pharmacy, Lebanese International University, Beirut P.O. Box 146404, Lebanon
| | - Souheil Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon; (R.I.); (V.A.); (S.H.); (R.H.)
- Applied Science Research Center, Applied Science Private University, Amman 11931, Jordan
- Research Department, Psychiatric Hospital of the Cross, Jal Eddib P.O. Box 60096, Lebanon
| | - Sahar Obeid
- Social and Education Sciences Department, School of Arts and Sciences, Lebanese American University, Jbeil P.O. Box 13-5053, Lebanon;
| | - Diana Malaeb
- College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman P.O. Box 4184, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rabih Hallit
- School of Medicine and Medical Sciences, Holy Spirit University of Kaslik, Jounieh P.O. Box 446, Lebanon; (R.I.); (V.A.); (S.H.); (R.H.)
- Department of Infectious Disease, Notre-Dame des Secours University Hospital, Byblos Postal Code 3, Lebanon
- Department of Infectious Disease, Bellevue Medical Center, Mansourieh P.O. Box 295, Lebanon
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16
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Inoue M, Harada K. Enhancement of muscarinic receptor-mediated excitation in spontaneously hypertensive rat adrenal medullary chromaffin cells. Auton Neurosci 2023; 248:103108. [PMID: 37467550 DOI: 10.1016/j.autneu.2023.103108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
One of the mechanisms for hypertension is an increase in blood catecholamines due to increased secretion from sympathetic nerve terminals and adrenal medullary chromaffin (AMC) cells. Spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHRs) are used as an animal model of hypertension. Catecholamine secretion in AMC cells occurs in response to humoral factors and neuronal inputs from the sympathetic nerve fibres. Acetylcholine (ACh) released from the nerve terminals activates nicotinic as well as muscarinic ACh receptors. The present experiment aimed to elucidate whether muscarinic receptor-mediated excitation is altered in SHR AMC cells and, if it is, how. Compared with normotensive rat AMC cells, muscarinic stimulation induced greater catecholamine secretion and larger depolarising inward currents in SHR AMC cells. In contrast to normotensive rat AMC cells, the muscarine-induced current consisted of quinine-sensitive and quinine-insensitive components. The former and the latter are possibly ascribed to nonselective cation channel activation and TWIK-related acid-sensitive K+ (TASK) channel inhibition, as noted in guinea pig AMC cells. In fact, immunoreactive material for TASK1 and several isoforms of transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels was detected in SHR AMC cells. Stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), which plays an essential role for heteromeric TRPC1-TRPC4 channel formation and is not expressed in normotensive rat AMC cells, was detected in the cytoplasm and co-localised with TRPC1. The expression of muscarinic M1 receptors was enhanced in SHR AMC cells compared with normotensive rats. The results indicate that muscarinic excitation is enhanced in SHR AMC cells, probably through facilitation of TRPC channel signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Inoue
- Department of Cell and Systems Physiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan.
| | - Keita Harada
- Department of Cell and Systems Physiology, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, School of Medicine, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan
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17
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Faught E, Schaaf MJM. The Mineralocorticoid Receptor Plays a Crucial Role in Macrophage Development and Function. Endocrinology 2023; 164:bqad127. [PMID: 37597174 PMCID: PMC10475750 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqad127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/21/2023]
Abstract
Stress and the attendant rise in glucocorticoids (GCs) results in a potent suppression of the immune system. To date, the anti-inflammatory role of GCs, via activation of the glucocorticoid receptor, has been well-characterized. However, cortisol, the primary GC in both fish and humans, also signals through the high-affinity mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), of which the immunomodulatory role is poorly understood. Here, we tested the hypothesis that MR is a key modulator of leukocyte function during inflammation. Using transgenic MR knockout zebrafish with fluorescently labelled leukocytes, we show that a loss of MR results in a global reduction in macrophage number during key development stages. This reduction was associated with impaired macrophage proliferation and responsivity to developmental distribution signals, as well as increased susceptibility to cell death. Using a tail fin amputation in zebrafish larvae as a model for localized inflammation, we further showed that MR knockout larvae display a reduced ability to produce more macrophages under periods of inflammation (emergency myelopoiesis). Finally, we treated wild-type larvae with an MR antagonist (eplerenone) during definitive hematopoiesis, when the macrophages had differentiated normally throughout the larvae. This pharmacological blockade of MR reduced the migration of macrophages toward a wound, which was associated with reduced macrophage Ccr2 signalling. Eplerenone treatment also abolished the cortisol-induced inhibition of macrophage migration, suggesting a role for MR in cortisol-mediated anti-inflammatory action. Taken together, our work reveals that MR is a key modulator of the innate immune response to inflammation under both basal and stressed conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Faught
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden 2333CC, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel J M Schaaf
- Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, Leiden 2333CC, The Netherlands
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18
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Caceres S, Moreno J, Crespo B, Silvan G, Illera JC. Physiological Stress Responses in Cattle Used in the Spanish Rodeo. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2654. [PMID: 37627445 PMCID: PMC10451956 DOI: 10.3390/ani13162654] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Certain events can cause distress in cattle. In Spain, there is a sport similar to rodeo called persecution and takedown, in which calves are harassed and knocked down by riders. In this study, the physiological stress response of calves (n = 260) is assessed by measuring hormonal physiological parameters. Salivary samples were collected from Salers (n = 110) and Lidia (n = 150) calves before, during, and after the persecution and takedown event. The hormones epinephrine, cortisol, serotonin, and dopamine were determined in saliva samples using enzyme-immunoassay techniques. The results obtained revealed that epinephrine and cortisol levels increased during the event in Salers calves, with a significant increase (p < 0.05) in the case of epinephrine, although after the event, these values returned to their initial state. Therefore, this sport supposes an assumable punctual stressor stimulus for the animal. In contrast, in Lidia calves, cortisol and epinephrine levels decreased, with a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the case of cortisol, which may be related to the temperament of this breed and facing a stressful situation in a different manner. This is confirmed by serotonin and dopamine levels that were altered in Lidia calves with respect to the other group studied. In conclusion, the sport of persecution and takedown produces a physiological response of adaptive stress assumable for the animals.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Gema Silvan
- Department of Animal Physiology, Veterinary Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid (UCM), 28040 Madrid, Spain; (S.C.); (J.M.); (B.C.); (J.C.I.)
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19
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Nicolaides NC, Chrousos GP. The human glucocorticoid receptor. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2023; 123:417-438. [PMID: 37717993 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are members of steroid hormones that are biosynthesized in the intermediate cellular zone of the adrenal cortex (zona fasciculata) and released into the peripheral blood as final products of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as well as under the control of the circadian biologic system. These molecules regulate every physiologic function of the organism as they bind to an almost ubiquitous hormone-activated transcription factor, the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which influences the rate of transcription of a huge number of target genes amounting to up to 20% of the mammalian genome. The evolving progress of cellular, molecular and computational-structural biology and the implication of epigenetics in every-day clinical practice have enabled us a deeper and ever-increasing understanding of how target tissues respond to natural and synthetic glucocorticoids. In this chapter, we summarize the current knowledge on the structure, expression, function and signaling of the human glucocorticoid receptor in normal and pathologic conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas C Nicolaides
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece; University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece.
| | - George P Chrousos
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, First Department of Pediatrics, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, 'Aghia Sophia' Children's Hospital, Athens, Greece; Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Center of Clinical, Experimental Surgery and Translational Research, Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, Athens, Greece; University Research Institute of Maternal and Child Health and Precision Medicine and UNESCO Chair on Adolescent Health Care, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens Medical School, Athens, Greece
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20
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Fontes MAP, Marins FR, Patel TA, de Paula CA, Dos Santos Machado LR, de Sousa Lima ÉB, Ventris-Godoy AC, Viana ACR, Linhares ICS, Xavier CH, Filosa JA, Patel KP. Neurogenic Background for Emotional Stress-Associated Hypertension. Curr Hypertens Rep 2023; 25:107-116. [PMID: 37058193 PMCID: PMC10103037 DOI: 10.1007/s11906-023-01235-7] [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] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The response to natural stressors involves both cardiac stimulation and vascular changes, primarily triggered by increases in sympathetic activity. These effects lead to immediate flow redistribution that provides metabolic support to priority target organs combined with other key physiological responses and cognitive strategies, against stressor challenges. This extremely well-orchestrated response that was developed over millions of years of evolution is presently being challenged, over a short period of time. In this short review, we discuss the neurogenic background for the origin of emotional stress-induced hypertension, focusing on sympathetic pathways from related findings in humans and animals. RECENT FINDINGS The urban environment offers a variety of psychological stressors. Real or anticipatory, emotional stressors may increase baseline sympathetic activity. From routine day-to-day traffic stress to job-related anxiety, chronic or abnormal increases in sympathetic activity caused by emotional stressors can lead to cardiovascular events, including cardiac arrhythmias, increases in blood pressure and even sudden death. Among the various alterations proposed, chronic stress could modify neuroglial circuits or compromise antioxidant systems that may alter the responsiveness of neurons to stressful stimuli. These phenomena lead to increases in sympathetic activity, hypertension and consequent cardiovascular diseases. The link between anxiety, emotional stress, and hypertension may result from an altered neuronal firing rate in central pathways controlling sympathetic activity. The participation of neuroglial and oxidative mechanisms in altered neuronal function is primarily involved in enhanced sympathetic outflow. The significance of the insular cortex-dorsomedial hypothalamic pathway in the evolution of enhanced overall sympathetic outflow is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Antônio Peliky Fontes
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270 901, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Ribeiro Marins
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270 901, Brazil
| | - Tapan A Patel
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Cristiane Amorim de Paula
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270 901, Brazil
| | - Liliane Ramos Dos Santos Machado
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270 901, Brazil
| | - Érick Bryan de Sousa Lima
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270 901, Brazil
| | - Ana Caroline Ventris-Godoy
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270 901, Brazil
| | - Ana Clara Rocha Viana
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270 901, Brazil
| | - Isadora Cristina Souza Linhares
- Department of Physiology & Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270 901, Brazil
| | | | | | - Kaushik P Patel
- Department of Cellular and Integrative Physiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA
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21
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Koenneker K, Schulze M, Pieper L, Jung M, Schmicke M, Beyer F. Comparative Assessment of the Stress Response of Cattle to Common Dairy Management Practices. Animals (Basel) 2023; 13:2115. [PMID: 37443913 DOI: 10.3390/ani13132115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
While studies have been conducted examining the stress response of dairy cattle to individual acute and chronic stressors, the results are difficult to compare due to differences in study design and analysis methods. The aim of the present study was to conduct a comparative assessment of the impact of eight common stimuli: artificial insemination (AI), embryo transfer (ET), morning milking (MM), evening milking (EM), veterinary examination (VE), ultrasound examination (US), hoof trimming (HT), and natural breeding (NB) on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and milk production of 24 Holstein-Friesian cattle. After random allocation into control and treatment groups, a total of five blood samples were collected 40 min (Ba1) and 20 min (Ba2) prior to stimulus application, immediately following the stimulus (St), as well as 20 min (Re1) and 40 min (Re2) post-stimulus. A comparison between the overall serum cortisol concentrations in the treatment groups showed a significant difference between HT to AI (p = 0.006), ET (p = 0.010), MM (p = 0.021), VE (p = 0.009), EM (p = 0.007), and US (p = 0.010), except for NB (p = 0.542). There is no significant difference between the control groups (p > 0.05). The stimuli HT (p < 0.001) and NB (p < 0.001) showed significant increases in cortisol following stimulus application, and the levels failed to decrease significantly by sample Re2. No significant differences in daily milk yield (kg) were measured amongst the tested stimuli (p = 0.472) nor amongst the groups 'Control', 'Treatment' and 'no stimulus' (p = 0.350). In conclusion, when factors such as increased physical activity, novel social interaction, sexual arousal, and a more intense restriction of movement are present, the animal's perceived controllability and predictability might decrease, affecting the animal's response to stress. Treatments carried out while animals are restrained in a headlock while remaining within their regular group likely result in a less intense activation of the HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katja Koenneker
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, 16321 Bernau, Germany
- Clinic for Cattle, Veterinary Endocrinology and Laboratory Diagnostic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Schulze
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, 16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Laura Pieper
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, 16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Markus Jung
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, 16321 Bernau, Germany
| | - Marion Schmicke
- Clinic for Cattle, Veterinary Endocrinology and Laboratory Diagnostic, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, 30559 Hannover, Germany
| | - Fritz Beyer
- Institute for Reproduction of Farm Animals Schönow, 16321 Bernau, Germany
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22
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Deploey N, Van Moortel L, Rogatsky I, Peelman F, De Bosscher K. The Biologist's Guide to the Glucocorticoid Receptor's Structure. Cells 2023; 12:1636. [PMID: 37371105 PMCID: PMC10297449 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily and functions as a glucocorticoid (GC)-responsive transcription factor. GR can halt inflammation and kill off cancer cells, thus explaining the widespread use of glucocorticoids in the clinic. However, side effects and therapy resistance limit GR's therapeutic potential, emphasizing the importance of resolving all of GR's context-specific action mechanisms. Fortunately, the understanding of GR structure, conformation, and stoichiometry in the different GR-controlled biological pathways is now gradually increasing. This information will be crucial to close knowledge gaps on GR function. In this review, we focus on the various domains and mechanisms of action of GR, all from a structural perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick Deploey
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Laura Van Moortel
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Inez Rogatsky
- Hospital for Special Surgery Research Institute, The David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Center, New York, NY 10021, USA;
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Frank Peelman
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Karolien De Bosscher
- VIB Center for Medical Biotechnology, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium; (N.D.); (L.V.M.); (F.P.)
- Department of Biomolecular Medicine, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Translational Nuclear Receptor Research (TNRR) Laboratory, VIB, 9052 Ghent, Belgium
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23
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Yang H, Narayan S, Schmidt MV. From Ligands to Behavioral Outcomes: Understanding the Role of Mineralocorticoid Receptors in Brain Function. Stress 2023; 26:2204366. [PMID: 37067948 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2023.2204366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stress is a normal response to situational pressures or demands. Exposure to stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and leads to the release of corticosteroids, which act in the brain via two distinct receptors: mineralocorticoid receptors (MR) and glucocorticoid receptors (GR). Persistent HPA axis overactivation or dysregulation can disrupt an individual's homeostasis, thereby contributing to an increased risk for mental illness. On the other hand, successful coping with stressful events involves adaptive and cognitive processes in the brain that render individuals more resilient to similar stressors in the future. Here we review the role of the MR in these processes, starting with an overview of the physiological structure, ligand binding, and expression of MR, and further summarizing its role in the brain, its relevance to psychiatric disorders, and related rodent studies. Given the central role of MR in cognitive and emotional functioning, and its importance as a target for promoting resilience, future research should investigate how MR modulation can be used to alleviate disturbances in emotion and behavior, as well as cognitive impairment, in patients with stress-related psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huanqing Yang
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Sowmya Narayan
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- Department Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
- International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Mathias V Schmidt
- Research Group Neurobiology of Stress Resilience, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, 80804 Munich, Germany
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24
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Kinetics of Plasma Cell-Free DNA under a Highly Standardized and Controlled Stress Induction. Cells 2023; 12:cells12040564. [PMID: 36831231 PMCID: PMC9954572 DOI: 10.3390/cells12040564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress affects the immune system and activates peripheral inflammatory pathways. Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is associated with systemic inflammation, and recent research indicates that cfDNA is an inflammatory marker that is sensitive to psychological stress in humans. The present study investigated the effects of acute stress on the kinetics of cfDNA in a within-subjects design. Twenty-nine males (mean age: 24.34 ± 4.08 years) underwent both the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST) and a resting condition. Blood samples were collected at two time points before and at 9 time points up to 105 min after both conditions. The cfDNA immediately increased 2-fold after the TSST and returned to baseline levels after 30 min after the test, showing that a brief psychological stressor was sufficient to evoke a robust and rapid increase in cfDNA levels. No associations were detected between perceived stress, whereas subjects with higher basal cfDNA levels showed higher increases. The rapid cfDNA regulation might be attributed to the transient activation of immune cells caused by neuroendocrine-immune activation. Further research is required to evaluate the reliability of cfDNA as a marker of neuroendocrine-immune activation, which could be used for diagnostics purposes or monitoring of treatment progression.
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25
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Farias SDS, Dierings AC, Mufalo VC, Sabei L, Parada Sarmiento M, da Silva AN, Ferraz PA, Pugliesi G, Ribeiro CVDM, Oliveira CADA, Zanella AJ. Asinine milk mitigates stress-mediated immune, cortisol and behavioral responses of piglets to weaning: A study to foster future interventions in humans. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1139249. [PMID: 37122716 PMCID: PMC10140756 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1139249] [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: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The present study assessed whether asinine milk supplementation improved the immune and behavioral responses of piglets during an early life weaning stress event as a model for its future use in humans. Methods For this, 48 piglets from 4 different litters were used. At 20 days of age, piglets were weighed and allocated with their litter and dam into group pens until 28 days of age. Four piglets from each litter were then randomly assigned to either (1) asinine milk supplementation (n = 16) (2), skimmed cow milk supplementation (n = 16) or (3) no supplementation (n = 16; control group). The supplementations were voluntarily administered for 3 days preweaning and 3 days postweaning using a baby bottle. The effects on the weaning stress response were assessed through salivary cortisol measurements; behavioral tests such as the open field, novel object end elevated plus maze tests; and gene expression of HSD11B1, NR3C1 and IL1B in PBMCs, which was determined by RT-qPCR and normalized to GAPDH and UBB. To test the effect of the supplementations on weight, milk intake, gene expression, and behavior, a randomized block design was used with repeated measurements over time by the PROC MIXED procedure. Results and discussion The effects on salivary cortisol were determined using the ratio between the morning and afternoon concentrations, considering the time before and after the weaning event. Principal component analysis (PCA) and Fisher's test were performed to evaluate the behavior test data. When comparing salivary cortisol concentrations between the pre- and postweaning periods, there was a difference (p < 0.05) between the supplementation groups in the afternoon period, suggesting that piglets fed asinine milk had lower afternoon cortisol concentrations postweaning than their counterparts. For the behavioral tests, the supplementations had no measurable effects. No difference was between groups pre- and postweaning for the expression of HSD11B2, which codes for an enzyme that breaks down cortisol. However, the expression of NR3C1, which encodes the glucocorticoid receptor, was significantly upregulated in piglets supplemented with cow milk (mean 1.245; p < 0.05). Conclusion Asinine milk downregulated 1L1B gene expression, which codes for an inflammatory cytokine. In conclusion, these results suggest that supplementation with asinine milk may represent a strategy to diminish the damage associated with an early life event by modulating IL1B expression and reducing salivary cortisol levels in piglets undergoing weaning stress. Further transcriptomic and metabolomic studies may improve our understanding of the molecular pathways that mediate this systemic immune-mediated response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharacely de Souza Farias
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Sharacely de Souza Farias, ; Adroaldo José Zanella,
| | - Ana Carolina Dierings
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Vinicius Cardoso Mufalo
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Leandro Sabei
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marisol Parada Sarmiento
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Arthur Nery da Silva
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Priscila Assis Ferraz
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Pugliesi
- Department of Animal Reproduction, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudio Vaz Di Mambro Ribeiro
- Department of Animal Science, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Chiara Albano de Araujo Oliveira
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Production, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
| | - Adroaldo José Zanella
- Department of Preventive Veterinary Medicine and Animal Health, School of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of São Paulo, Pirassununga, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Sharacely de Souza Farias, ; Adroaldo José Zanella,
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Fries GR, Saldana VA, Finnstein J, Rein T. Molecular pathways of major depressive disorder converge on the synapse. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:284-297. [PMID: 36203007 PMCID: PMC9540059 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01806-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 112.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric disease of still poorly understood molecular etiology. Extensive studies at different molecular levels point to a high complexity of numerous interrelated pathways as the underpinnings of depression. Major systems under consideration include monoamines, stress, neurotrophins and neurogenesis, excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmission, mitochondrial dysfunction, (epi)genetics, inflammation, the opioid system, myelination, and the gut-brain axis, among others. This review aims at illustrating how these multiple signaling pathways and systems may interact to provide a more comprehensive view of MDD's neurobiology. In particular, considering the pattern of synaptic activity as the closest physical representation of mood, emotion, and conscience we can conceptualize, each pathway or molecular system will be scrutinized for links to synaptic neurotransmission. Models of the neurobiology of MDD will be discussed as well as future actions to improve the understanding of the disease and treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel R. Fries
- grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Translational Psychiatry Program, Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 1941 East Rd, Houston, TX 77054 USA ,grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 6767 Bertner Ave, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Valeria A. Saldana
- grid.262285.90000 0000 8800 2297Frank H. Netter MD School of Medicine at Quinnipiac University, 370 Bassett Road, North Haven, CT 06473 USA
| | - Johannes Finnstein
- grid.419548.50000 0000 9497 5095Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Project Group Molecular Pathways of Depression, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 10, 80804 Munich, Germany
| | - Theo Rein
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Project Group Molecular Pathways of Depression, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstr. 10, 80804, Munich, Germany.
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27
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Kober P, Rusetska N, Mossakowska BJ, Maksymowicz M, Pękul M, Zieliński G, Styk A, Kunicki J, Działach Ł, Witek P, Bujko M. The expression of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors in pituitary tumors causing Cushing's disease and silent corticotroph tumors. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1124646. [PMID: 37065760 PMCID: PMC10090509 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1124646] [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: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Pituitary neuroendocrine corticotroph tumors commonly cause Cushing's disease (CD) that results from increased adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion by the pituitary tumor and consequent increase of cortisol levels in blood. However, in some patients, corticotroph tumors remain clinically non-functioning. Cortisol secretion is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and includes a negative feedback between cortisol and ACTH secretion. Glucocorticoids reduce ACTH level both by hypothalamic regulation and acting on corticotrophs via glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid (MR) receptors. The aim of the study was to determine the role of GR and MR expression at mRNA and protein levels in both functioning and silent corticotroph tumors. METHODS Ninety-five patients were enrolled, including 70 with CD and 25 with silent corticotroph tumors. Gene expression levels of NR3C1 and NR3C2 coding for GR and MR, respectively, were determined with qRT-PCR in the two tumor types. GR and MR protein abundance was assessed with immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Both GR and MR were expressed in corticotroph tumors. Correlation between NR3C1 and NR3C2 expression levels was observed. NR3C1 expression was higher in silent than in functioning tumors. In CD patients NR3C1 and NR3C2 levels were negatively correlated with morning plasma ACTH levels and tumor size. Higher NR3C2 was confirmed in patients with remission after surgery and in densely granulated tumors. Expression of both genes and GR protein was higher in USP8-mutated tumors. Similar relationship between USP8 mutations and expression levels were observed in analysis of silent tumors that also revealed a negative correlation between GR and tumor size and higher NR3C1 expression in densely granulated tumors. CONCLUSIONS Although the associations between gene/protein expression and patients clinical features are not strong, they consistently show an evident trend in which higher receptor expression corresponds to more favorable clinical characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Kober
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Rusetska
- Department of Experimental Immunotherapy, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Beata J. Mossakowska
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Maria Maksymowicz
- Department of Cancer Pathomorphology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Monika Pękul
- Department of Cancer Pathomorphology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Zieliński
- Department of Neurosurgery, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Andrzej Styk
- Department of Neurosurgery, Military Institute of Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jacek Kunicki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Łukasz Działach
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Przemysław Witek
- Department of Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Diabetes, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Mateusz Bujko
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
- *Correspondence: Mateusz Bujko,
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28
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Sun DJ, You YX, He XJ, Li HT, Zeng XP, Li DZ, Wang W. Effects of light music played by piano intervention on satisfaction, anxiety, and pain in patients undergoing colonoscopy: A randomized controlled trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e32339. [PMID: 36595974 PMCID: PMC9803447 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000032339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colonoscopy is the main kind of way to detect and treat diseases about large intestine, but during the examination and preparation, these 2 processes are able to lead abdominal pain, abdominal distention and other discomfort feel, which will cause patients to refuse the examination and become anxious. Painless and sedative endoscopy may reduce discomfort of patients, but there is a risk of adverse effects. Many studies have shown that playing music during colonoscopy can reduce discomfort and increase acceptance of colonoscopy, but the conclusion remains controversial. The 3 approaches of random, single-blind, controlled method were used to investigate the interventions effects of piano light music on satisfaction, anxiety and pain in patients undergoing colonoscopy. METHODS A total of 216 patients were randomly divided into piano music group (n = 112, piano music played during colonoscopy) and control group (n = 104, no music during colonoscopy) to compare patients satisfaction, anxiety score, pain score, vital signs, endoscopic difficulty score, and willingness to undergo colonoscopy again. RESULTS There were no significant differences in vital signs, pre-colonoscopic state anxiety score, and trait anxiety score before and after colonoscopy, and willingness to undergo colonoscopy again between the 2 groups (P > .05). The difficulty of colonoscopy operation and the score of state anxiety after colonoscopy in the piano group were lower than those in the control group (P < .05), and the satisfaction of colonoscopy process, pain management and overall service satisfaction were better than those of the control group (P < .05), and they were more likely to listen to music in the next examination (P < .001). CONCLUSION The light music played by piano can relieve patients' anxiety, improve the satisfaction of colonoscopy process, pain management and service satisfaction, reduce the difficulty of colonoscopy, which have no obvious adverse reactions. Therefore, it is worthy of promotion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Jie Sun
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Teaching Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900th Hospital of PLA, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yi-Xiang You
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Jian He
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900th Hospital of PLA, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Hai-Tao Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900th Hospital of PLA, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiang-Peng Zeng
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900th Hospital of PLA, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Da-Zhou Li
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900th Hospital of PLA, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Fuzong Clinical Medical College of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, 900th Hospital of PLA, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Digestive Diseases, Oriental Hospital Affiliated to Xiamen University, Fuzhou, China
- * Correspondence: Wen Wang, Department of Digestive Diseases, The Fuzong Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, 156 North Road of West No.2 Ring, Fuzhou 350025, China (e-mails: )
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Stress, kisspeptin, and functional hypothalamic amenorrhea. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2022; 67:102288. [PMID: 36103784 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2022.102288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Functional hypothalamic amenorrhea (FHA) is the most common cause of secondary amenorrhea in women of reproductive age. FHA is predominantly caused by stress, decreased caloric intake, excessive exercise, or a combination thereof. These physical, psychological, and metabolic stressors cause aberration in the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) and subsequently impair function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian (HPO) axis. Various neurotransmitters acting in the central nervous system are involved in control of the HPO axis and of these, kisspeptin is one of the most important. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), also inhibits the pulsatile secretion of GnRH and also acts as an intermediary between stress factors and the reproductive system. One of the main ongoing concerns in patients with FHA is chronic hypoestrogenism, a condition, which is associated with sexual dysfunction and infertility. It may also lead to osteoporosis, and predispose to neurodegenerative and cardiovascular diseases. Treatment of FHA requires the elimination of causative factors, however, making the necessary lifestyle changes is not always easy to initiate and maintain. Broadening our knowledge of the complex neural mechanisms regulating reproductive function in which kisspeptin plays a key role can help in the development of new treatment options such as the potential of kisspeptin receptor agonists for patients with FHA.
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30
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Murphy MD, Heller EA. Convergent actions of stress and stimulants via epigenetic regulation of neural circuitry. Trends Neurosci 2022; 45:955-967. [PMID: 36280459 PMCID: PMC9671852 DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2022.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal striatum integrates prior and current information to guide appropriate decision-making. Chronic stress and stimulant exposure interferes with decision-making, and can confer similar cognitive and behavioral inflexibilities. This review examines the literature on acute and chronic regulation of the epigenome by stress and stimulants. Recent evidence suggests that exposures to stress and stimulants share similarities in the manners in which they regulate the dorsal striatum epigenome through DNA methylation, transposable element activity, and histone post-translational modifications. These findings suggest that chronic stress and stimulant exposure leads to the accumulation of epigenetic modifications that impair immediate and future neuron function and activity. Such epigenetic mechanisms represent potential therapeutic targets for ameliorating convergent symptoms of stress and addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael D Murphy
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Elizabeth A Heller
- Institute for Translational Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Penn Epigenetics Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA; Department of Systems Pharmacology and Translational Therapeutics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA.
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31
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Zhang X, Wei Y, Li X, Li C, Zhang L, Liu Z, Cao Y, Li W, Zhang X, Zhang J, Shen M, Liu H. The Corticosterone–Glucocorticoid Receptor–AP1/CREB Axis Inhibits the Luteinizing Hormone Receptor Expression in Mouse Granulosa Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012454. [PMID: 36293309 PMCID: PMC9604301 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Under stress conditions, luteinizing hormone (LH)-mediated ovulation is inhibited, resulting in insufficient oocyte production and excretion during follicular development. When the body is stressed, a large amount of corticosterone (CORT) is generated, which will lead to a disorder of the body’s endocrine system and damage to the body. Our previous work showed that CORT can block follicular development in mice. Since LH acts through binding with the luteinizing hormone receptor (Lhcgr), the present study aimed to investigate whether and how corticosterone (CORT) influences Lhcgr expression in mouse ovarian granulosa cells (GCs). For this purpose, three-week-old ICR female mice were injected intraperitoneally with pregnant mare serum gonadotropin (PMSG). In addition, the treatment group was injected with CORT (1 mg/mouse) at intervals of 8 h and the control group was injected with the same volume of methyl sulfoxide (DMSO). GCs were collected at 24 h, 48 h, and 55 h after PMSG injection. For in vitro experiments, the mouse GCs obtained from healthy follicles were treated with CORT alone, or together with inhibitors against the glucocorticoid receptor (Nr3c1). The results showed that the CORT caused a downregulation of Lhcgr expression in GCs, which was accompanied by impaired cell viability. Moreover, the effect of the CORT was mediated by binding to its receptor (Nr3c1) in GCs. Further investigation revealed that Nr3c1 might regulate the transcription of Lhcgr through inhibiting the expression of Lhcgr transcription factors, including AP1 and Creb. Taken together, our findings suggested a possible mechanism of CORT-induced anovulation involving the inhibition of Lhcgr expression in GCs by the CORT–Nr3c1–AP1/Creb axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuan Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yinghui Wei
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Hangzhou Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Hangzhou 310024, China
| | - Xiaoxuan Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Chengyu Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Liangliang Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Zhaojun Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Yan Cao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Weijian Li
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Xiying Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
| | - Jiaqing Zhang
- Institute of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Science, Henan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Zhengzhou 450002, China
| | - Ming Shen
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (H.L.)
| | - Honglin Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing 210095, China
- Correspondence: (M.S.); (H.L.)
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Faught E, Vijayan MM. The Mineralocorticoid Receptor Functions as a Key Glucose Regulator in the Skeletal Muscle of Zebrafish. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6679268. [PMID: 36041019 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqac149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids (GCs) are essential for maintaining energy homeostasis as part of the adaptive stress response. Most work to date has characterized the metabolic role of GCs via the activation of the glucocorticoid receptor (nr3c1; GR), which is activated under high GC conditions. However, GCs also bind to the mineralocorticoid receptor (nr3c2; MR), a high-affinity corticosteroid receptor active under basal GC conditions. Despite the expression of MR in skeletal muscles, almost nothing is known about its physiological role. Here we tested the hypothesis that the MR promotes anabolic processes during resting cortisol levels and curtails the catabolic actions of the GR during high (stressed) levels of cortisol. To determine the effect of MR, a zebrafish line with a ubiquitous MR knockout (MRca402/ca402) was utilized. The GR was activated in the same group by chronically treating fish with exogenous cortisol. In the muscle, MR primarily promoted nutrient storage, and restricted energy substrate mobilization under resting conditions, whereas GR activation resulted in increased nutrient utilization. Interestingly, MR loss improved GR-driven metabolic flexibility, suggesting that the activation state of these receptors is a key determinant of skeletal muscle ability to switch fuel sources. To determine if the anabolism-promoting nature of MR was due to an interaction with insulin, fish were co-injected with insulin and the fluorescent glucose analogue 2-NBDG. A loss of MR abolished insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in the skeletal muscle. Taken together, we postulate that MR acts as a key modulator of glucose metabolism in the musculature during basal and stress conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Faught
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N1N4, Canada
| | - Mathilakath M Vijayan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N1N4, Canada
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Dong X, Huang R. Ferulic acid: An extraordinarily neuroprotective phenolic acid with anti-depressive properties. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 105:154355. [PMID: 35908520 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Depression, one of the most common mental illnesses and mood disorder syndromes, can seriously harm physical and mental health. As the pathophysiology of depression remains unclear, there is a need to find novel therapeutic agents. Ferulic acid (FA), a phenolic compound found in various Chinese herbal medicines, has anti-inflammatory and free radical scavenging properties as well as a wide range of therapeutic effects against depression. PURPOSE In this review, we appraised preclinical research to fully discuss the anti-depression capacity of FA and discussed FAs' holistic characteristics that can contribute to better management of depression. STUDY DESIGN We reviewed the results of in vitro and in vivo experiments using FA to treat depression and explored the possible antidepressant pharmacological mechanisms of FA for the clinical treatment of depression. METHODS Electronic databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure, were searched from the beginning of the database creation to December 2021. RESULTS Studies on the antidepressant effects of FA show that it may exert such effects through various mechanisms. These include the following: the regulation of monoamine and non-monoamine neurotransmitter levels, inhibition of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis hyperfunction and neuroinflammation, promotion of hippocampal neurogenesis and upregulation brain-derived neurotrophic factor level, neuroprotection (inhibition of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis), and downregulation of oxidative stress. CONCLUSION Preclinical studies on the antidepressant effects of FA were reviewed in this study, and research on the antidepressant mechanisms of FA was summarized, confirming that FA can exert antidepressant effects through various pharmacological mechanisms. However, more multicenter clinical case-control studies are needed to confirm the clinical efficacy of FA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Dong
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning PR China
| | - Rui Huang
- Department of Neurology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning PR China.
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Musazzi L, Tornese P, Sala N, Lee FS, Popoli M, Ieraci A. Acute stress induces an aberrant increase of presynaptic release of glutamate and cellular activation in the hippocampus of BDNF Val/Met mice. J Cell Physiol 2022; 237:3834-3844. [PMID: 35908196 PMCID: PMC9796250 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.30833] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Stressful life events are considered major risk factors for the development of several psychiatric disorders, though people differentially cope with stress. The reasons for this are still largely unknown but could be accounted for by individual genetic variants, previous life events, or the kind of stressors. The human brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met variant, which was found to impair intracellular trafficking and activity-dependent secretion of BDNF, has been associated with increased susceptibility to develop several neuropsychiatric disorders, although there is still some controversial evidence. On the other hand, acute stress has been consistently demonstrated to promote the release of glutamate in cortico-limbic regions and altered glutamatergic transmission has been reported in psychiatric disorders. However, it is not known if the BDNF Val66Met single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) affects the stress-induced presynaptic glutamate release. In this study, we exposed adult male BDNFVal/Val and BDNFVal/Met knock-in mice to 30 min of acute restraint stress. Plasma corticosterone levels, glutamate release, protein, and gene expression in the hippocampus were analyzed immediately after the end of the stress session. Acute restraint stress similarly increased plasma corticosterone levels and nuclear glucocorticoid receptor levels and phosphorylation in both BDNFVal/Val and BDNFVal/Met mice. However, acute restraint stress induced higher increases in hippocampal presynaptic release of glutamate, phosphorylation of cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), and levels of the immediate early gene c-fos of BDNFVal/Met compared to BFNFVal/Val mice. Moreover, acute restraint stress selectively increased phosphorylation levels of synapsin I at Ser9 and at Ser603 in BDNFVal/Val and BDNFVal/Met mice, respectively. In conclusion, we report here that the BDNF Val66Met SNP knock-in mice display an altered response to acute restraint stress in terms of hippocampal glutamate release, CREB phosphorylation, and neuronal activation, compared to wild-type animals. Taken together, these results could partially explain the enhanced vulnerability to stressful events of Met carriers reported in both preclinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Musazzi
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of Milano‐BicoccaMonzaItaly
| | - Paolo Tornese
- Dipartimento di Scienze FarmaceuticheUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Nathalie Sala
- Dipartimento di Scienze FarmaceuticheUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
| | - Francis S. Lee
- Department of PsychiatryWeill Cornell Medical CollegeNew YorkNew YorkUSA
| | - Maurizio Popoli
- Dipartimento di Scienze FarmaceuticheUniversity of MilanMilanItaly
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Caradonna SG, Paul MR, Marrocco J. Evidence for an allostatic epigenetic memory on chromatin footprints after double-hit acute stress. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 20:100475. [PMID: 36032404 PMCID: PMC9400173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100475] [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: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress induces allostatic responses, whose limits depend on genetic background and the nature of the challenges. Allostatic load reflects the cumulation of these reponses over the course of life. Acute stress is usually associated with adaptive responses, although, depending on the intensity of the stress and individual differences , some may experience maladaptive coping that persists through life and may influence subsequent responses to stressful events, as is the case of post-traumatic stress disorder. We investigated the behavioral traits and epigenetic signatures in a double-hit mouse model of acute stress in which heterotypic stressors (acute swim stress and acute restraint stress) were applied within a 7-day interval period. The ventral hippocampus was isolated to study the footprints of chromatin accessibility driven by exposure to double-hit stress. Using ATAC sequencing to determine regions of open chromatin, we showed that depending on the number of acute stressors, several gene sets related to development, immune function, cell starvation, translation, the cytoskeleton, and DNA modification were reprogrammed in both males and females. Chromatin accessibility for transcription factor binding sites showed that stress altered the accessibility for androgen, glucocorticoid, and mineralocorticoid receptor binding sites (AREs/GREs) at the genome-wide level, with double-hit stressed mice displaying a profile unique from either single hit of acute stress. The investigation of AREs/GREs adjacent to gene coding regions revealed several stress-related genes, including Fkbp5, Zbtb16, and Ddc, whose chromatin accessibility was affected by prior exposure to stress. These data demonstrate that acute stress is not truly acute because it induces allostatic signatures that persist in the epigenome and may manifest when a second challenge hits later in life.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew R. Paul
- Bioinformatics Resource Center, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jordan Marrocco
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Biology, Touro University, New York, NY, USA
- Corresponding author. Department of Biology, Touro University, New York, NY, USA.
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36
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Thalamocortical bistable switch as a theoretical model of fibromyalgia pathogenesis inferred from a literature survey. J Comput Neurosci 2022; 50:471-484. [PMID: 35816263 PMCID: PMC9666334 DOI: 10.1007/s10827-022-00826-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia (FM) is an unsolved central pain processing disturbance. We aim to provide a unifying model for FM pathogenesis based on a loop network involving thalamocortical regions, i.e., the ventroposterior lateral thalamus (VPL), the somatosensory cortex (SC), and the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN). The dynamics of the loop have been described by three differential equations having neuron mean firing rates as variables and containing Hill functions to model mutual interactions among the loop elements. A computational analysis conducted with MATLAB has shown a transition from monostability to bistability of the loop behavior for a weakening of GABAergic transmission between TRN and VPL. This involves the appearance of a high-firing-rate steady state, which becomes dominant and is assumed to represent pathogenic pain processing giving rise to chronic pain. Our model is consistent with a bulk of literature evidence, such as neuroimaging and pharmacological data collected on FM patients, and with correlations between FM and immunoendocrine conditions, such as stress, perimenopause, chronic inflammation, obesity, and chronic dizziness. The model suggests that critical targets for FM treatment are to be found among immunoendocrine pathways leading to GABA/glutamate imbalance having an impact on the thalamocortical system.
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de Kloet ER. Brain mineralocorticoid and glucocorticoid receptor balance in neuroendocrine regulation and stress-related psychiatric etiopathologies. CURRENT OPINION IN ENDOCRINE AND METABOLIC RESEARCH 2022; 24:100352. [PMID: 38037568 PMCID: PMC10687720 DOI: 10.1016/j.coemr.2022.100352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Cortisol and corticosterone (CORT) coordinate circadian events and manage the stress response by differential activation of two complementary brain receptor systems, i.e., the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR), which mediate rapid non-genomic and slow genomic actions. Several recent discoveries are highlighted from molecular fine-tuning of the MR/GR balance by FKBP5 to CORTs role in neural network regulation underlying stress adaptation in emotional, cognitive, and social domains of behavior. The data suggest that MR mediates CORT action on risk assessment, social interaction, and response selection, while GR activation promotes memory consolidation and behavioral adaptation; there are also sex differences in CORT action. New evidence suggests that targeting the MR/GR balance resets a dysregulated stress response system and promotes resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edo Ronald de Kloet
- Division of Endocrinology, Department of Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, University of Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
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38
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Manohar S, Chen GD, Ding D, Liu L, Wang J, Chen YC, Chen L, Salvi R. Unexpected Consequences of Noise-Induced Hearing Loss: Impaired Hippocampal Neurogenesis, Memory, and Stress. Front Integr Neurosci 2022; 16:871223. [PMID: 35619926 PMCID: PMC9127992 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2022.871223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL), caused by direct damage to the cochlea, reduces the flow of auditory information to the central nervous system, depriving higher order structures, such as the hippocampus with vital sensory information needed to carry out complex, higher order functions. Although the hippocampus lies outside the classical auditory pathway, it nevertheless receives acoustic information that influence its activity. Here we review recent results that illustrate how NIHL and other types of cochlear hearing loss disrupt hippocampal function. The hippocampus, which continues to generate new neurons (neurogenesis) in adulthood, plays an important role in spatial navigation, memory, and emotion. The hippocampus, which contains place cells that respond when a subject enters a specific location in the environment, integrates information from multiple sensory systems, including the auditory system, to develop cognitive spatial maps to aid in navigation. Acute exposure to intense noise disrupts the place-specific firing patterns of hippocampal neurons, "spatially disorienting" the cells for days. More traumatic sound exposures that result in permanent NIHL chronically suppresses cell proliferation and neurogenesis in the hippocampus; these structural changes are associated with long-term spatial memory deficits. Hippocampal neurons, which contain numerous glucocorticoid hormone receptors, are part of a complex feedback network connected to the hypothalamic-pituitary (HPA) axis. Chronic exposure to intense intermittent noise results in prolonged stress which can cause a persistent increase in corticosterone, a rodent stress hormone known to suppress neurogenesis. In contrast, a single intense noise exposure sufficient to cause permanent hearing loss produces only a transient increase in corticosterone hormone. Although basal corticosterone levels return to normal after the noise exposure, glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) in the hippocampus remain chronically elevated. Thus, NIHL disrupts negative feedback from the hippocampus to the HPA axis which regulates the release of corticosterone. Preclinical studies suggest that the noise-induced changes in hippocampal place cells, neurogenesis, spatial memory, and glucocorticoid receptors may be ameliorated by therapeutic interventions that reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. These experimental results may provide new insights on why hearing loss is a risk factor for cognitive decline and suggest methods for preventing this decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Senthilvelan Manohar
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Guang-Di Chen
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Dalian Ding
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Lijie Liu
- Department of Physiology, Medical College, Southeast University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jian Wang
- School of Communication Science and Disorders, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Yu-Chen Chen
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Auditory Research Laboratory, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Richard Salvi
- Center for Hearing and Deafness, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
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39
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Díaz-Hung ML, Hetz C. Proteostasis and resilience: on the interphase between individual's and intracellular stress. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2022; 33:305-317. [PMID: 35337729 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2022.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
A long proportion of the population is resilient to the negative consequences of stress. Glucocorticoids resulting from endocrine responses to stress are essential adaptive mediators, but also drive alterations to brain function, negatively impacting neuronal connectivity, synaptic plasticity, and memory-related processes. Recent evidence has indicated that organelle function and cellular stress responses are relevant determinant of vulnerability and resistance to environmental stress. At the molecular level, a fundamental mechanism of cellular stress adaptation is the maintenance of proteostasis, which also have key roles in sustaining basal neuronal function. Here, we discuss recent evidence suggesting that proteostasis unbalance at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum, the main site for protein folding in the cell, represents a possible mechanistic link between individuals and cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Li Díaz-Hung
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile
| | - Claudio Hetz
- Biomedical Neuroscience Institute (BNI), Faculty of Medicine, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; Program of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago, Chile; FONDAP Center for Geroscience, Brain Health and Metabolism, Santiago, Chile; Buck Institute for Research on Aging, Novato, CA, USA.
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40
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Nicolas C, Hofford RS, Dugast E, Lardeux V, Belujon P, Solinas M, Bardo MT, Thiriet N. Prevention of relapse to methamphetamine self-administration by environmental enrichment: involvement of glucocorticoid receptors. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:1009-1018. [PMID: 33768375 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-021-05770-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE In rodents, environmental enrichment (EE) produces both preventive and curative effects on drug addiction, and this effect is believed to depend at least in part on EE's actions on the stress system. OBJECTIVES This study investigated whether exposure to EE during abstinence reduces methamphetamine seeking after extended self-administration. In addition, we investigated whether these effects are associated with alterations in the levels of glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the brain and whether administration of GR antagonists blocks methamphetamine relapse. METHODS We allowed rats to self-administer methamphetamine for twenty 14-h sessions. After 3 weeks of abstinence either in standard (SE) or EE conditions, we measured methamphetamine seeking in a single 3-h session. Then, we used western blot techniques to measure GR levels in several brain areas. Finally, in an independent group of rats, after methamphetamine self-administration and abstinence in SE, we administered the GR antagonist mifepristone, and we investigated methamphetamine seeking. RESULTS Exposure to EE reduced methamphetamine seeking and reversed methamphetamine-induced increases in GR levels in the ventral and dorsal hippocampus. In addition, EE decreased GR levels in the amygdala in drug-naive animals, but this effect was prevented by previous exposure to methamphetamine. Administration of mifepristone significantly decreased methamphetamine seeking. CONCLUSIONS The anti-craving effects of EE are paralleled by restoration of methamphetamine-induced dysregulation of GR in the hippocampus. These results provide support for the hypothesis that the effect of EE on methamphetamine relapse is at least in part mediated by EE's action on the brain stress system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Nicolas
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U-1084, Laboratoire des Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Rebecca S Hofford
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA
| | - Emilie Dugast
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U-1084, Laboratoire des Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France.,CHU de Poitiers, Poitiers, France
| | - Virginie Lardeux
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U-1084, Laboratoire des Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Pauline Belujon
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U-1084, Laboratoire des Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Marcello Solinas
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U-1084, Laboratoire des Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France
| | - Michael T Bardo
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536-0509, USA
| | - Nathalie Thiriet
- Université de Poitiers, INSERM, U-1084, Laboratoire des Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Poitiers, France.
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41
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Lengel D, Romm ZL, Bostwick AL, Huh JW, Snyder NW, Smith G, Raghupathi R. Glucocorticoid Receptor Overexpression in the Dorsal Hippocampus Attenuates Spatial Learning and Synaptic Plasticity Deficits Following Pediatric Traumatic Brain Injury. J Neurotrauma 2022; 39:979-998. [PMID: 35293260 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2022.0012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in children younger than 4 years old leads to long-term deficits in cognitive and learning abilities that can persist or even worsen as children age into adolescence. In this study, the role of glucocorticoid receptor (GR) function in the dorsal hippocampus (DH) in hippocampal-dependent cognitive function and synaptic plasticity were assessed following injury to the 11-day-old rat. Brain injury produced significant impairments in spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze in male and female rats at 1-month post-injury (adolescence) which was accompanied by impairments in induction and maintenance of long-term potentiation (LTP) in the CA1 region of the DH. Brain injury resulted in a significant decrease in the expression of the glucocorticoid-inducible gene, serum- and glucocorticoid-kinase 1 (sgk1), suggestive of an impairment in GR transcriptional activity within the hippocampus. Lentiviral transfection of the human GR (hGR) in the DH improved spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze and attenuated LTP deficits following TBI. GR overexpression in the DH was also associated with a significant increase in the mRNA expression levels of sgk1, and the glutamate receptor subunits GluA1 and GluA2 within the hippocampus. Overall, these findings support an important role of dorsal hippocampal GR function in learning and memory deficits following pediatric TBI and suggest that these effects may be related to the regulation of glutamate receptor subunit expression in the DH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dana Lengel
- Drexel University College of Medicine, 12312, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.,Mount Sinai School of Medicine, 5925, Neuroscience, New York, New York, United States;
| | - Zoe L Romm
- Drexel University College of Medicine, 12312, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Anna L Bostwick
- Temple University, 6558, Microbiology and Immunology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Jimmy W Huh
- Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Anesthesiology and Critical Care, Critical Care Office-7C26, 34th Street & Civic Center Blvd., Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104;
| | - Nathaniel W Snyder
- Temple University, 6558, Microbiology and Immunology, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - George Smith
- Temple University, 6558, Pediatric Research Center, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States;
| | - Ramesh Raghupathi
- Drexel University, 6527, Neurobiology and Anatomy, 2900 Queen Lane, Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, 19104-2816;
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Mateos-Olivares M, Sobas E, Puertas-Neyra K, Peralta-Ramírez M, Gonzalez-Pérez R, Martín-Vallejo J, García-Vazquez C, Coco R, Pastor J, Pastor-Idoate S, Usategui-Martín R. Hair cortisol level as a molecular biomarker in retinitis pigmentosa patients. Exp Eye Res 2022; 219:109019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.109019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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43
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Faucher P, Huguet C, Mons N, Micheau J. Acute pre-learning stress selectively impairs hippocampus-dependent fear memory consolidation: Behavioral and molecular evidence. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2022; 188:107585. [PMID: 35021061 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2022.107585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Despite compelling evidence that stress or stress-related hormones influence fear memory consolidation processes, the understanding of molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of stress is still fragmentary. The release of corticosterone in response to pre-learning stress exposure has been demonstrated to modulate positively or negatively memory encoding and/or consolidation according to many variables such as stress intensity, the emotional valence of the learned material or the interval between stressful episode and learning experience. Here, we report that contextual but not cued fear memory consolidation was selectively impaired in male mice exposed to a 50 min-period of restraint stress just before the unpaired fear conditioning session. In addition to behavioral impairment, acute stress down-regulated activated/phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK1/2) in dorsal hippocampal area CA1 in mice sacrificed 60 min and 9 h after unpaired conditioning. In lateral amygdala, although acute stress by itself increased the level of pERK1/2 it nevertheless blocked the peak of pERK1/2 that was normally observed 15 min after unpaired conditioning. To examine whether stress-induced corticosterone overflow was responsible of these detrimental effects, the corticosterone synthesis inhibitor, metyrapone, was administered 30 min before stress exposure. Metyrapone abrogated the stress-induced contextual fear memory deficits but did not alleviate the effects of stress on pERK1/2 and its downstream target phosphorylated CREB (pCREB) in hippocampus CA1 and lateral amygdala. Collectively, our observations suggest that consolidation of hippocampus-dependent memory and the associated signaling pathway are particularly sensitive to stress. However, behavioral normalization by preventive metyrapone treatment was not accompanied by renormalization of the canonical signaling pathway. A new avenue would be to consider surrogate mechanisms involving proper metyrapone influence on both nongenomic and genomic actions of glucocorticoid receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre Faucher
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Célia Huguet
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicole Mons
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Jacques Micheau
- Université de Bordeaux, CNRS, INCIA, UMR 5287, F-33000 Bordeaux, France.
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44
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Ryznar R, Wong C, Onat E, Towne F, LaPorta A, Payton M. Principal component analysis of salivary cytokines and hormones in the acute stress response. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:957545. [PMID: 36339833 PMCID: PMC9626986 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.957545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The acute stress response is characterized by activation of multiple interconnected systems in the body, resulting in the release of a flood of hormones and immune mediators into circulation. In addition to detection of these molecules in the serum, saliva can serve as a source of these markers as well and can be collected in a non-invasive way. The complete profile of salivary biomarkers associated with the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal/gonadal axes and the immune system during the acute stress response has not been fully elucidated. In a cohort of 62 first responders engaged in a stress training exercise, we set out to determine patterns of cytokine, chemokine and hormone shifts during the acute stress response. Salivary samples were collected immediately before (pre-stress), immediately after (post-stress) and 1 h after the stress test (recovery). Multiplex ELISA panels of 42 cytokines and 6 steroid and thyroid hormones were used to determine concentrations of these biomarkers during the three aforementioned time points. Principal components analysis was conducted to determine patterns in the large data sets collected. In our ≥0.3 loading principal components analysis, for pre-stress vs. post, post-stress vs. recovery and pre-stress vs. recovery, a total of three, four and three factors accounted for 56.6, 68.34, and 61.70% of the biomarker variation for each phase respectively. In the ≥0.7 loading principal components analysis, three, four and three factors were found for pre-stress vs. post, post-stress vs. recovery and pre-stress vs. recovery stages, respectively. Of note, in our ≥0.3 loading principal components analysis, MCP1 was present in all three factors from pre-stress to post-stress, and fractalkine was found to be in all four factors post-stress vs. recovery and pre vs. recovery from stress. Additionally, hormones testosterone, estradiol, T4 and T3 grouped together consistently in the same factor for all phases of acute stress in both ≥0.3 and ≥0.7 principal components analysis. Overall, our results identified specific patterns of immune markers and hormones that shift during acute stress and warrant further investigation to understand their mechanistic role in regulating the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Ryznar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, United States
| | - Cheyenne Wong
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Ivins, UT, United States
| | - Erin Onat
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, United States
| | - Francina Towne
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, United States
| | - Anthony LaPorta
- Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, United States
| | - Mark Payton
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Rocky Vista University College of Osteopathic Medicine, Parker, CO, United States
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Faught E, Vijayan MM. Coordinated Action of Corticotropin-Releasing Hormone and Cortisol Shapes the Acute Stress-Induced Behavioural Response in Zebrafish. Neuroendocrinology 2022; 112:74-87. [PMID: 33503614 DOI: 10.1159/000514778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The stress response mediated by the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis activation is highly conserved in vertebrates. Hyperactivity is one such established acute stress response, and corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), the primary step in HPA activation, signalling has been implicated in this stressor-mediated behaviour. However, whether CRH mediates the acute behavioural effects either alone or in conjunction with glucocorticoids (GCs) are far from clear. We hypothesized that the CRH receptor 1 (CRHR1)-mediated rise in GCs post-stress is necessary for the initiation and maintenance of the acute stress-related behaviour. METHODS We first generated zebrafish (Danio rerio) with a mutation in the CRHR1 gene (CRHR1-KO) to assess the function of CRH. The behavioural readout utilized for this study was the locomotor activity of larval zebrafish in response to an acute light exposure, a protocol that freezes the larvae in response to the light stimulus. To test whether cortisol signalling is involved in the stress-mediated hyperactivity, we treated wildtype fish with metyrapone (MET), an inhibitor of 11β-hydroxylase, to suppress cortisol production. The temporal role for cortisol signalling in the stress-related hyperactivity was tested using the glucocorticoid receptor knockout (GRKO) and mineralocorticoid receptor knockout (MRKO) zebrafish mutants. RESULTS CRHR1-KO larvae did not increase cortisol, the principal GC in teleosts, post-stress, confirming a functional knockout. An acute stress resulted in the hyperactivity of the larvae in light at 15, 60, and 240 min post-stress, and this was absent in CRHR1-KO larvae. Addition of MET effectively blocked the attendant rise in cortisol post-stress; however, the stress-mediated hyperactivity was inhibited only at 60 and 240 min but not at 15 min post-stress. Addition of human CRH peptide caused hyperactivity at 15 min, and this response was also abolished in the CRHR1-KO mutants. The stress-induced hyperactivity was absent in the MRKO fish, while GRKO mutants showed transient effects. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the stress-induced hyperactivity is induced by the CRH/CRHR1 system, while the temporal activation of cortisol production and the associated GR/MR signalling is essential for prolonging the stressor-induced hyperactivity. This study underscores the importance of systems-level analysis to assess stress responsivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin Faught
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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Variability in Behavioral Phenotypes after Forced Swimming-Induced Stress in Rats Is Associated with Expression of the Glucocorticoid Receptor, Nurr1, and IL-1β in the Hippocampus. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222312700. [PMID: 34884503 PMCID: PMC8657438 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Individual differences in coping with stress may determine either a vulnerable or resilient phenotype. Therefore, it is important to better understand the biology underlying the behavioral phenotype. We assessed whether individual behavioral phenotype to acute stress is related with the hippocampal expression of glucocorticoid receptor (GR), Nurr1, interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) or brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Wistar male rats were exposed to forced swimming for 15 min and sacrificed at different times. Behavioral response was analyzed, and it was compared with the gene and protein expression of GR, Nurr1, IL-1β and BDNF in the hippocampus for each time point. Behavioral phenotyping showed a group with high immobility (vulnerable) while another had low immobility (resilient). No significant differences were found in the Nurr1, IL-1β and BDNF mRNA levels between resilient and vulnerable rats at different recovery times except for Nr3c1 (gene for GR). However, exposure to stress caused significantly higher levels of GR, Nurr1 and IL-1β proteins of vulnerable compared to resilient rats. This variability of behavioral phenotypes is associated with a differential molecular response to stress that involves GR, Nurr1, and IL-1β as mediators in coping with stress. This contributes to identifying biomarkers of susceptibility to stress.
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Klinger-König J, Frenzel S, Hannemann A, Wittfeld K, Bülow R, Friedrich N, Nauck M, Völzke H, Grabe HJ. Sex differences in the association between basal serum cortisol concentrations and cortical thickness. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 15:100416. [PMID: 34786441 PMCID: PMC8578044 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100416] [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: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 10/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Basal cortisol concentrations vary between men and women. Likewise, previous findings suggest stress-related cortical thickness alterations. Thus, we aimed at elucidating sex differences in the association between serum cortisol concentrations and cortical thickness. Methods Data of 2594 participants (55.55% male; mean age = 53.55 years ± 13.17 years) of the general population were used to investigate sex differences in basal serum cortisol concentrations and associations of serum cortisol concentrations with global and regional cortical thickness. The validity of the results was tested by including sex hormone concentrations as a biological and childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms as a psychological confounder. Results Basal serum cortisol concentrations were higher in men than in women (β = -0.158, t(2575) = -6.852, p = 9.056e-12). Sex differences in serum cortisol concentrations were diminished by including serum concentrations of testosterone, estrone, or estradiol in the models. In men but not in women, serum cortisol concentrations were inversely associated with the global cortical thickness (men: β = -0.064, t(1412) = -3.010, p = .003; women: β = -0.016, t(1131) = -0.607, p = .544). Additionally, these effects were observed in eleven cortical regions after adjusting for multiple testing. The associations were independent of childhood maltreatment and depressive symptoms. Conclusion Sex differences in serum cortisol concentrations and the association between serum cortisol concentrations and cortical thickness suggest important sex-specific effects of stress on the brain. Future studies should integrate the interaction between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis in sex-stratified analyses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stefan Frenzel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Anke Hannemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Katharina Wittfeld
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Germany
| | - Robin Bülow
- Institute of Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Nele Friedrich
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Matthias Nauck
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Greifswald, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Henry Völzke
- Institute for Community Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany
| | - Hans J Grabe
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Medicine Greifswald, Germany.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Site Rostock/Greifswald, Germany
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Chae WR, Metz S, Pantazidis P, Dziobek I, Hellmann-Regen J, Wingenfeld K, Otte C. Effects of glucocorticoid and noradrenergic activity on implicit and explicit facial emotion recognition in healthy young men. Stress 2021; 24:1050-1056. [PMID: 33860721 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2021.1908255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The ability to recognize emotions from facial expressions is crucial for social interaction. Only few studies have examined the effect of stress hormones on facial emotion recognition, although stressful events affect social interactions on a daily basis. Those studies that examined facial emotion recognition mostly used explicit prompts to trigger consciously controlled processing. However, facial emotions are processed mainly implicitly in real life. Therefore, we investigated separate and combined effects of noradrenergic and glucocorticoid stimulation on implicit and explicit facial emotion recognition. One hundred and four healthy men (mean age = 24.1 years ±SD 3.5) underwent the Face Puzzle task to test implicit and explicit facial emotion recognition after receiving either 10 mg hydrocortisone or 10 mg yohimbine (an alpha 2-adrenergic receptor antagonist that increases noradrenergic activity) or 10 mg hydrocortisone/10 mg yohimbine combined or placebo. Salivary cortisol and salivary alpha amylase (sAA) were measured during the experiment. Compared to the placebo condition hydrocortisone significantly increased salivary cortisol and yohimbine significantly increased sAA. Participants were better and faster in explicit than in implicit facial emotion recognition. However, there was no effect of separate and combined noradrenergic and glucocorticoid stimulation on implicit and explicit facial emotion recognition performance compared to placebo. Our results do not support an essential role of the glucocorticoid and noradrenergic system in FER in young healthy men.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woo Ri Chae
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sophie Metz
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Pierre Pantazidis
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabel Dziobek
- Berlin School of Mind and Brain, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Psychology, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Hellmann-Regen
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Katja Wingenfeld
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christian Otte
- Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, and Berlin Institute of Health, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Berlin, Germany
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Jiang H, Yang W, Sun Q, Liu C, Bian L. Trends in regional morphological changes in the brain after the resolution of hypercortisolism in Cushing's disease: a complex phenomenon, not mere partial reversibility. Endocr Connect 2021; 10:1377-1386. [PMID: 34596577 PMCID: PMC8558890 DOI: 10.1530/ec-21-0385] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The adverse effects of hypercortisolism on the human brain have been highlighted in previous studies of Cushing's disease (CD). However, the relative alterations in regional hypercortisolism in the brain remain unclear. Thus, we investigated regional volumetric alterations in CD patients. We also analyzed the associations between these volumetric changes and clinical characteristics. The study participants comprised of active CD (n = 60), short-term-remitted CD (n = 28), and long-term-remitted CD (n = 32) patients as well as healthy control subjects (n = 66). Gray matter volumes (GMVs) were measured via voxel-based morphometry. The GMVs of substructures were defined using the automated anatomical labeling (AAL) atlas. Trends toward normalization in GMV were found in most brain substructures of CD patients. Different trends, including enlarged, irreversible, and unaffected, were observed in the other subregions, such as the amygdala, thalamus, and caudate. Morphological changes in GMVs after the resolution of hypercortisolism are a complex phenomenon; the characteristics of these changes significantly differ within the brain substructures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Lu-Wan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - WenJie Yang
- Department of Radiology, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - QingFang Sun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Lu-Wan Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chang Liu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Lab for Neuroinformation, Center for Information in Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
- College of Information Technology and Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, China
- College of Computer Science, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - LiuGuan Bian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Correspondence should be addressed to L Bian:
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50
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Motavalli R, Majidi T, Pourlak T, Abediazar S, Shoja MM, Zununi Vahed S, Etemadi J. The clinical significance of the glucocorticoid receptors: Genetics and epigenetics. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 213:105952. [PMID: 34274458 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2021.105952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The impacts of glucocorticoids (GCs) are mainly mediated by a nuclear receptor (GR) existing in almost every tissue. The GR regulates a wide range of physiological functions, including inflammation, cell metabolism, and differentiation playing a major role in cellular responses to GCs and stress. Therefore, the dysregulation or disruption of GR can cause deficiencies in the adaptation to stress and the preservation of homeostasis. The number of GR polymorphisms associated with different diseases has been mounting per year. Tackling these clinical complications obliges a comprehensive understanding of the molecular network action of GCs at the level of the GR structure and its signaling pathways. Beyond genetic variation in the GR gene, epigenetic changes can enhance our understanding of causal factors involved in the development of diseases and identifying biomarkers. In this review, we highlight the relationships of GC receptor gene polymorphisms and epigenetics with different diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roza Motavalli
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Taraneh Majidi
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Tala Pourlak
- Department of Pathology, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sima Abediazar
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammadali M Shoja
- Clinical Academy of Teaching and Learning, Ross University School of Medicine, Miramar, FL, USA
| | | | - Jalal Etemadi
- Kidney Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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