1
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Hamidovic A, Cho S, Davis J. Positive association between dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and gene expression of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA-A) receptor δ subunit. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2024; 241:106525. [PMID: 38636682 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2024.106525] [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: 03/20/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid A (GABA-A) receptors in the cells of the immune system enhance anti-inflammatory responses by regulating cytokine secretion, cytotoxic responses, and cell activation. In the CNS, the formation of GABA-A subunits into a pentameric structure has been extensively studied; however, no such study has been conducted in the immune system. The objective of the present study was to examine associations between the levels of steroid hormones and GABA-A receptor δ subunit expression in the immune system. We focused on this subunit because GABA-A receptors that contain it become significantly more sensitive to steroid hormones. We collected 80 blood samples from reproductive age women for the purpose of analyzing dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and allopregnanolone using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). Furthermore, we extracted peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for determining mRNA expression levels of GABA-A receptor genes encoding the δ and ε subunits. We constructed linear mixed effect models for each GABA-A receptor subunit with all 4 steroid hormones, age, and age of menarche as predictors. Whereas DHEA was significantly associated with δ subunit expression (t-value = 2.981; p = 0.003), in line with our hypothesis, none of the steroid hormones were significantly associated with the expression of the ε subunit. Results of this study indicate that significant interactions between hormones from the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway and GABAergic machinery from the immune cells may be utilized to expand models examining the molecular basis of inflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ajna Hamidovic
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Soojeong Cho
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - John Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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2
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Bäckström T, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Scharschmidt BF, Felipo V. Allopregnanolone and its antagonist modulate neuroinflammation and neurological impairment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105668. [PMID: 38608826 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105668] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation accompanies several brain disorders, either as a secondary consequence or as a primary cause and may contribute importantly to disease pathogenesis. Neurosteroids which act as Positive Steroid Allosteric GABA-A receptor Modulators (Steroid-PAM) appear to modulate neuroinflammation and their levels in the brain may vary because of increased or decreased local production or import from the systemic circulation. The increased synthesis of steroid-PAMs is possibly due to increased expression of the mitochondrial cholesterol transporting protein (TSPO) in neuroinflammatory tissue, and reduced production may be due to changes in the enzymatic activity. Microglia and astrocytes play an important role in neuroinflammation, and their production of inflammatory mediators can be both activated and inhibited by steroid-PAMs and GABA. What is surprising is the finding that both allopregnanolone, a steroid-PAM, and golexanolone, a novel GABA-A receptor modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA), can inhibit microglia and astrocyte activation and normalize their function. This review focuses on the role of steroid-PAMs in neuroinflammation and their importance in new therapeutic approaches to CNS and liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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3
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Björväng RD, Walldén Y, Fransson E, Comasco E, Sundström-Poromaa I, Skalkidou A. Mid-pregnancy allopregnanolone levels and trajectories of perinatal depressive symptoms. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 164:107009. [PMID: 38442504 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107009] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 02/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Perinatal depression is a major cause of disability for individuals giving birth worldwide, with detrimental effects on short- and long-term parental and child outcomes. There is emerging evidence that the neuroactive steroid hormone allopregnanolone is implicated in the pathophysiology and course of perinatal mood symptoms. However, no study thus far has examined allopregnanolone levels whilst making use of longitudinal data on depressive symptom trajectories throughout the perinatal period. The present study investigated levels of allopregnanolone at gestational week 17 of 252 participants in relation to perinatal depressive symptom trajectories, with a secondary aim of exploring the role of history of depression as an effect modifier. Four perinatal depressive symptom trajectories were investigated: controls (no depressive symptoms throughout perinatal period) (N=161), antepartum (depressive symptoms prenatally with postpartum remission) (N=31), postpartum-onset (no depressive symptoms during pregnancy, development of depressive symptoms postpartum) (N=23), and persistent (depressive symptoms throughout the perinatal period) (N=37). Results show that for every one nmol/l increase in allopregnanolone, there was 7% higher odds for persistent depressive symptoms (OR 1.07, 95% CI 1.01-1.14) compared to controls. No association was seen for antepartum and postpartum-onset depressive symptoms. History of depression did not modify the association between allopregnanolone and perinatal depressive symptom trajectories. These results show the role of allopregnanolone for persistent depressive symptoms and strengthen the hypothesis of differences in pathophysiology among the trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richelle D Björväng
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge 14158, Sweden.
| | - Ylva Walldén
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | - Emma Fransson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden; Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
| | | | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala 751 85, Sweden
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Cho S, Soumare F, Mumford SL, Rosas PC, Abrieva Z, Davis JM, Hamidovic A. Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cell Expression of Cation-Chloride Cotransporter (CCC) Genes in Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) across the Menstrual Cycle-A Preliminary Study. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:377. [PMID: 38927257 PMCID: PMC11201072 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 05/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by debilitating affective symptomatology in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. Based on the previous reports that PMDD may be related to GABAergic cellular dysfunction(s), we assessed whether cation-chloride cotransporter (CCC) gene expression across the menstrual cycle is altered in PMDD. As there are limitations in accessing the human CNS to study CCC-encoding genes, we utilized peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) as an alternative model. We first sought to replicate previous reports characterizing CCC gene expression patterns in PBMCs of reproductive age women. We subsequently investigated potential distinct CCC mRNA expression patterns in women with PMDD. We collected blood samples across 8 menstrual cycle visits for PBMC separation/RNA extraction to study mRNA expression of four KCCs (KCC1, KCC2, KCC3, KCC4) and two NKCCs (NKCC1, NKCC2) cotransporters. We mostly replicated the earlier gene expression pattern findings, and found that the expression levels of KCC1 were significantly downregulated during the mid-follicular and periovulatory subphases of the menstrual cycle in women with PMDD. The present study shows that PBMCs is a valid model for studying GABAergic mechanisms underlying PMDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soojeong Cho
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.R.)
| | - Fatimata Soumare
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.R.)
| | - Sunni L. Mumford
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Paola C. Rosas
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.R.)
| | - Zarema Abrieva
- Genomics Research Core, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - John M. Davis
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Ajna Hamidovic
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; (S.C.); (F.S.); (P.C.R.)
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Hantsoo L, Payne JL. Towards understanding the biology of premenstrual dysphoric disorder: From genes to GABA. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 149:105168. [PMID: 37059403 PMCID: PMC10176022 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder, with affective symptoms that rise and fall in concert with the hormonal fluctuations of the menstrual cycle. PMDD's pathophysiology is poorly understood. This review describes recent research on potential biological contributors to PMDD, with a focus on neuroactive steroids, genetics, neuroimaging and cellular studies. Studies suggest that a key contributor is abnormal central nervous system (CNS) response to fluctuations in neuroactive steroid hormones. Imaging studies are limited but support alterations in serotonergic and GABA transmission. Genetic studies suggest heritability, yet specific genetic contributors have not been characterized. Finally, recent cutting-edge cellular studies indicate an underlying vulnerability to the effect of sex hormones at a cellular level. Overall the findings across studies do not yet fit together into a complete description of the underlying biology of PMDD. It is possible that PMDD consists of biological subtypes, and future research may benefit from a subtyping approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N. Broadway Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
| | - Jennifer L Payne
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Sciences, University of Virginia, PO Box 800548, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
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The GABA and GABA-Receptor System in Inflammation, Anti-Tumor Immune Responses, and COVID-19. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020254. [PMID: 36830790 PMCID: PMC9953446 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA and GABAA-receptors (GABAA-Rs) play major roles in neurodevelopment and neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). There has been a growing appreciation that GABAA-Rs are also present on most immune cells. Studies in the fields of autoimmune disease, cancer, parasitology, and virology have observed that GABA-R ligands have anti-inflammatory actions on T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), while also enhancing regulatory T cell (Treg) responses and shifting APCs toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes. These actions have enabled GABAA-R ligands to ameliorate autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated inflammation in preclinical models. Conversely, antagonism of GABAA-R activity promotes the pro-inflammatory responses of T cells and APCs, enhancing anti-tumor responses and reducing tumor burden in models of solid tumors. Lung epithelial cells also express GABA-Rs, whose activation helps maintain fluid homeostasis and promote recovery from injury. The ability of GABAA-R agonists to limit both excessive immune responses and lung epithelial cell injury may underlie recent findings that GABAA-R agonists reduce the severity of disease in mice infected with highly lethal coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2 and MHV-1). These observations suggest that GABAA-R agonists may provide off-the-shelf therapies for COVID-19 caused by new SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as novel beta-coronaviruses, which evade vaccine-induced immune responses and antiviral medications. We review these findings and further advance the notions that (1) immune cells possess GABAA-Rs to limit inflammation in the CNS, and (2) this natural "braking system" on inflammatory responses may be pharmacologically engaged to slow the progression of autoimmune diseases, reduce the severity of COVID-19, and perhaps limit neuroinflammation associated with long COVID.
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7
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Ferguson LB, Mayfield RD, Messing RO. RNA biomarkers for alcohol use disorder. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:1032362. [PMID: 36407766 PMCID: PMC9673015 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1032362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is highly prevalent and one of the leading causes of disability in the US and around the world. There are some molecular biomarkers of heavy alcohol use and liver damage which can suggest AUD, but these are lacking in sensitivity and specificity. AUD treatment involves psychosocial interventions and medications for managing alcohol withdrawal, assisting in abstinence and reduced drinking (naltrexone, acamprosate, disulfiram, and some off-label medications), and treating comorbid psychiatric conditions (e.g., depression and anxiety). It has been suggested that various patient groups within the heterogeneous AUD population would respond more favorably to specific treatment approaches. For example, there is some evidence that so-called reward-drinkers respond better to naltrexone than acamprosate. However, there are currently no objective molecular markers to separate patients into optimal treatment groups or any markers of treatment response. Objective molecular biomarkers could aid in AUD diagnosis and patient stratification, which could personalize treatment and improve outcomes through more targeted interventions. Biomarkers of treatment response could also improve AUD management and treatment development. Systems biology considers complex diseases and emergent behaviors as the outcome of interactions and crosstalk between biomolecular networks. A systems approach that uses transcriptomic (or other -omic data, e.g., methylome, proteome, metabolome) can capture genetic and environmental factors associated with AUD and potentially provide sensitive, specific, and objective biomarkers to guide patient stratification, prognosis of treatment response or relapse, and predict optimal treatments. This Review describes and highlights state-of-the-art research on employing transcriptomic data and artificial intelligence (AI) methods to serve as molecular biomarkers with the goal of improving the clinical management of AUD. Considerations about future directions are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura B. Ferguson
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,*Correspondence: Laura B. Ferguson,
| | - R. Dayne Mayfield
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
| | - Robert O. Messing
- Waggoner Center for Alcohol and Addiction Research, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neurology, Dell Medical School, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States,Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, United States
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8
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Pinna G, Almeida FB, Davis JM. Allopregnanolone in Postpartum Depression. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:823616. [PMID: 35558166 PMCID: PMC9088875 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.823616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by a high worldwide prevalence and serious long-term negative outcomes for both mothers and children. The lack of a specific treatment and overreliance on pharmacotherapy with limited efficacy and delayed treatment response has constituted a complication in the management of PPD. Recently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the USA approved a synthetic formulation of the GABAergic neurosteroid allopregnanolone, administered intravenously (brexanolone) for the rapid, long-lasting and effective treatment of PPD. Hereinafter, we review findings on allopregnanolone biosynthesis and GABAA receptor plasticity in the pathophysiology of PPD. We also discuss evidence supporting the efficacy of brexanolone for the treatment of PPD, which opens a promising new horizon for neurosteroid-based therapeutics for mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- *Correspondence: Graziano Pinna ;
| | - Felipe B. Almeida
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - John M. Davis
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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Nasirinezhad F, Zarepour L, Hadjighassem M, Gharaylou Z, Majedi H, Ramezani F. Analgesic Effect of Bumetanide on Neuropathic Pain in Patients With Spinal Cord Injury. Basic Clin Neurosci 2021; 12:409-420. [PMID: 34917299 PMCID: PMC8666921 DOI: 10.32598/bcn.12.3.2049.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2019] [Revised: 10/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction The current study evaluated the analgesic effects of bumetanide as an adjunctive in the management of neuropathic pain following Spinal Cord Injury (SCI). The peripheral expression of Na-K-Cl Cotransporter-1 (NKCC1) and K-Cl Cotransporter-2 (KCC2) genes in polymorphonuclear lymphocytes (PMLs) was assessed as a possible biomarker indicating central mechanisms underlying the observed response. Methods Through an open-label, single-arm, pilot trial of bumetanide (2 mg/d), an add-on treatment was conducted on 14 SCI patients for 19 weeks. This study consisted of 3 phases: pre-treatment (1 month), titration (3 weeks), and active treatment (4 months). Ultimately, 9 patients completed the study. The primary outcome variables were the endpoint pain score using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS), and also the short-form of the McGill pain questionnaire. Secondary endpoints included the short-form of the health survey that assesses the quality of life. Blood samples were collected and used for determining the expression of NKCC1 and KCC2 genes in transcription and translation levels. Results Bumetanide treatment significantly decreased average pain intensity according to the NRS and the short-form of the McGill pain questionnaire scores. Baseline expression of KCC2 protein was low between groups and increased significantly following treatment (P<0.05). In the current study, pain improvement was accompanied by the greater mean change from the baseline (improvement) for the overall quality of life. Conclusion These data highlighted the analgesic effect of bumetanide on neuropathic pain and indicated the potential role of the upregulation of KCC2 protein and involvement of GABAergic disinhibition in producing neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farinaz Nasirinezhad
- Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Zarepour
- Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoudreza Hadjighassem
- Brain and Spinal cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Gharaylou
- Brain and Spinal cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossin Majedi
- Brain and Spinal cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Department of Physiology, Physiology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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10
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Della Vecchia A, Arone A, Piccinni A, Mucci F, Marazziti D. GABA System in Depression: Impact on Pathophysiology and Psychopharmacology. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:5710-5730. [PMID: 34781862 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666211115124149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathophysiology of major depressive disorder (MDD), one of the major causes of worldwide disability, is still largely unclear, despite the increasing data reporting evidence of multiple alterations of different systems. Recently, there was a renewed interest in the signalling of gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) - the main inhibitory neurotransmitter. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to review and comment on the available literature about the involvement of GABA in MDD, as well as on novel GABAergic compounds possibly useful as antidepressants. METHODS We carried out a narrative review through Pubmed, Google Scholar and Scopus, by using specific keywords. RESULTS The results, derived from various research tools, strongly support the presence of a deficiency of the GABA system in MDD, which appears to be restored by common antidepressant treatments. More recent publications would indicate the complex interactions between GABA and all the other processes involved in MDD, such as monoamine neurotransmission, hypothalamus-pituitary adrenal axis functioning, neurotrophism, and immune response. Taken together, all these findings seem to further support the complexity of the pathophysiology of MDD, possibly reflecting the heterogeneity of the clinical pictures. CONCLUSION Although further data are necessary to support the specificity of GABA deficiency in MDD, the available findings would suggest that novel GABAergic compounds might constitute innovative therapeutic strategies in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa. Italy
| | - Alessandro Arone
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa. Italy
| | - Armando Piccinni
- Saint Camillus International University of Health and Medical Sciences, Rome. Italy
| | - Federico Mucci
- Dipartimento di Biotecnologie, Chimica e Farmacia, University of Siena. Italy
| | - Donatella Marazziti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Psychiatry, University of Pisa. Italy
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11
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Bhandage AK, Friedrich LM, Kanatani S, Jakobsson-Björkén S, Escrig-Larena JI, Wagner AK, Chambers BJ, Barragan A. GABAergic signaling in human and murine NK cells upon challenge with Toxoplasma gondii. J Leukoc Biol 2021; 110:617-628. [PMID: 34028876 DOI: 10.1002/jlb.3hi0720-431r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Protective cytotoxic and proinflammatory cytokine responses by NK cells impact the outcome of infections by Toxoplasma gondii, a common parasite in humans and other vertebrates. However, T. gondii can also sequester within NK cells and downmodulate their effector functions. Recently, the implication of GABA signaling in infection and inflammation-related responses of mononuclear phagocytes and T cells has become evident. Yet, the role of GABAergic signaling in NK cells has remained unknown. Here, we report that human and murine NK cells synthesize and secrete GABA in response to infection challenge. Parasitized NK cells secreted GABA, whereas activation stimuli, such as IL-12/IL-18 or parasite lysates, failed to induce GABA secretion. GABA secretion by NK cells was associated to a transcriptional up-regulation of GABA synthesis enzymes (glutamate decarboxylases [GAD65/67]) and was abrogated by GAD inhibition. Further, NK cells expressed GABA-A receptor subunits and GABA signaling regulators, with transcriptional modulations taking place upon challenge with T. gondii. Exogenous GABA and GABA-containing supernatants from parasitized dendritic cells (DCs) impacted NK cell function by reducing the degranulation and cytotoxicity of NK cells. Conversely, GABA-containing supernatants from NK cells enhanced the migratory responses of parasitized DCs. This enhanced DC migration was abolished by GABA-A receptor antagonism or GAD inhibition and was reconstituted by exogenous GABA. Jointly, the data show that NK cells are GABAergic cells and that GABA hampers NK cell cytotoxicity in vitro. We hypothesize that GABA secreted by parasitized immune cells modulates the immune responses to T. gondii infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol K Bhandage
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laura M Friedrich
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Sachie Kanatani
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Simon Jakobsson-Björkén
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - J Ignacio Escrig-Larena
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Arnika K Wagner
- Center for Hematology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Medicine Huddinge, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Huddinge, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Benedict J Chambers
- Center for Infectious Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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12
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Wenzel ES, Pinna G, Eisenlohr-Moul T, Bernabe BP, Tallon RR, Nagelli U, Davis J, Maki PM. Neuroactive steroids and depression in early pregnancy. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 134:105424. [PMID: 34607173 PMCID: PMC8943472 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Progesterone (P4) can be metabolized to two general classes of neuroactive steroids (NAS) -those like allopregnanolone (ALLO) and pregnanolone (PA) which are positive allosteric modulators of the Gamma Aminobutyric Acid type A (GABAA) receptor and those like isoallopregnanolone (ISOALLO) and epipregnanolone (EPI) which are negative allosteric modulators of the GABAA receptor. While exogenous administration of ALLO is effective in treating postpartum depression, knowledge gaps remain in the dynamic interplay of NAS across the perinatal period. In particular little is known about ALLO and PA in relation to depression earlier in pregnancy, and the role of ISOALLO and EPI in relation to depression at any point in the perinatal period. In a prospective, nested case/control study in low-income women of color, we compared the metabolism of P4 to four NAS (i.e., ratios ALLO:P4, PA:P4, ISOALLO:P4, EPI:P4) in pregnant women with depression at either or both of the first and second trimesters (cases) and women without depression at either time point (controls). Fifty women (36% depressed, 56% Black, 28% Latina) completed depression screening using a computerized adaptive test of mental health (CAT-MH™) and provided blood serum samples in both trimesters. In longitudinal mixed effects models of both trimesters, PND cases showed higher ratios of ALLO:P4 (p = .002) and PA:P4 (p = .03) compared to controls. In regression models of only first trimester data, there was no significant difference in NAS ratios between cases and controls (p > .05). Conversely, in models of the second trimester, ratios of PA:P4 (p = .002) and ISOALLO:P4 (p = .01) were significantly higher in cases compared to controls, and ratios of ALLO:P4 (p = .08) and EPI:P4 (p = .1) also trended higher in cases. The most severe cases, those with depression at both trimesters, showed an increase in ALLO:P4 (p = .06) and EPI:P4 (p < .001) ratios from the first to the second trimester, whereas controls showed a decrease in these ratios. Secondary analyses confirmed higher levels of ALLO (p = .04) and PA (p = .07) overall in cases compared to controls, along with higher levels of PA (p = .005) and ISOALLO (p = .02) in the second trimester alone. This work suggests a dynamic relationship between NAS and PND; whereas low ALLO levels have been previously associated with postpartum depression, earlier in pregnancy a higher metabolism of P4 to ALLO (and higher ALLO levels) is associated with depression. Some women may show a hormone-sensitive depressive response to acute increases in NAS metabolism in early pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S Wenzel
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, 1007 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Tory Eisenlohr-Moul
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Beatriz Penalver Bernabe
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Biomedical Engineering, 820 S Wood St, Chicago, IL, 60612, USA
| | - Raquel Romay Tallon
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Unnathi Nagelli
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - John Davis
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Pauline M Maki
- University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychiatry, 912 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Psychology, 1007 W Harrison St, Chicago, IL 60607, USA; University of Illinois at Chicago, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, 820 S Wood St, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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13
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GABAergic signaling by cells of the immune system: more the rule than the exception. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5667-5679. [PMID: 34152447 PMCID: PMC8316187 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03881-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/11/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is best known as an essential neurotransmitter in the evolved central nervous system (CNS) of vertebrates. However, GABA antedates the development of the CNS as a bioactive molecule in metabolism and stress-coupled responses of prokaryotes, invertebrates and plants. Here, we focus on the emerging findings of GABA signaling in the mammalian immune system. Recent reports show that mononuclear phagocytes and lymphocytes, for instance dendritic cells, microglia, T cells and NK cells, express a GABAergic signaling machinery. Mounting evidence shows that GABA receptor signaling impacts central immune functions, such as cell migration, cytokine secretion, immune cell activation and cytotoxic responses. Furthermore, the GABAergic signaling machinery of leukocytes is implicated in responses to microbial infection and is co-opted by protozoan parasites for colonization of the host. Peripheral GABA signaling is also implicated in inflammatory conditions and diseases, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer cell metastasis. Adding to its role in neurotransmission, growing evidence shows that the non-proteinogenic amino acid GABA acts as an intercellular signaling molecule in the immune system and, as an interspecies signaling molecule in host–microbe interactions. Altogether, the data raise the assumption of conserved GABA signaling in a broad range of mammalian cells and diversification of function in the immune system.
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Yang Y, Xu W, Xiang RL, Tian X, Xu KF. Expression profiles and potential functions of long noncoding RNAs and mRNAs in autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis patients. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:10535-10554. [PMID: 33820876 PMCID: PMC8064141 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autoimmune pulmonary alveolar proteinosis (APAP) is a rare lung disease that may be associated with surfactant overaccumulation. To assess the function of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in APAP, we performed microarray analyses to identify differentially expressed (DE) lncRNAs and mRNAs between peripheral blood samples from five APAP patients and five healthy volunteers. In total, 12459 DE lncRNAs and 9331 DE mRNAs were identified in APAP patient samples. A qRT-PCR validation of 20 DE lncRNAs and 20 mRNAs indicated that 12 DE lncRNAs may be involved in the pathogenesis of APAP. Coding and noncoding co-expression (CNC) and competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks were constructed with these 12 DE lncRNAs. Gene Ontology analysis of the downregulated mRNAs and the CNC network revealed that “ubiquitin-like protein transferase activity” was suppressed in APAP patient samples. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis demonstrated that the “MAPK signaling pathway” was enriched in the ceRNA network. Gene Ontology analysis also indicated that mRNAs involved in many transmembrane ion transport processes were upregulated in APAP patients. The DE lncRNAs and mRNAs discovered in this study have elucidated the pathogenesis of APAP, and the CNC and ceRNA networks have provided novel insights for future functional research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Yang
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Wenshuai Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Ruo-Lan Xiang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, Peking University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Xinlun Tian
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
| | - Kai-Feng Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100730, China
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Liao J, Wang S, Yang H, Ma P, Li C, Huang Q, Pan J. The mRNA expression levels of GABA A receptor α1 and α2 subunits in patients with major depressive disorder during onset and remission. Int J Neurosci 2021; 132:606-612. [PMID: 33089710 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2020.1829618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We aimed to investigate the expression levels of GABA and GABAA receptor α1 and α2 subunits in patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) during onset and remission. MATERIALS AND METHODS 48 patients with MDD during onset and 45 patients with MDD during remission who were treated in our university were selected. Moreover, the control group included 46 healthy volunteers recruited in the community. The depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed by Hamilton Depression (HAMD) Scale and Hamilton Anxiety (HAMA) Scale. ELISA was used to determine the serum GABA levels. The mRNA expression of GABAA receptor α1 and α2 subunits in peripheral blood were detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS The expression levels of serum GABA and of GABAA receptor α1 and α2 subunits in MDD depression attack group were notably decreased in comparison with those in MDD remission group and control group ((4.10 ± 0.73) v.s. (5.91 ± 1.25) and (5.83 ± 1.17) umol/L, F = 5.61, p < 0.001; (0.53 ± 0.32) v.s. (0.91 ± 0.18) and (0.93 ± 0.21), F = 8.37, p < 0.001; (1.45 ± 0.86) v.s. (2.33 ± 1.49) and (2.28 ± 1.50), F = 8.23, p < 0.001). However, there were no marked difference in the levels of these three indices between the MDD remission group and the control group (p > 0.05). Serum GABA levels were negatively correlated with HAMA total score (r = -0.34, p = 0.02), HAMD total score (r = -0.46, p = 0.01) and depression core symptom score (r = -0.32, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS During the onset of MDD, there may be GABA neuronal dysfunction and abnormal expression of GABAA receptor subunits, and those changes showed a state change, which gradually returned to normal during remission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiwu Liao
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Sisi Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Haihua Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Ping Ma
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Congrui Li
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Qiaoting Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Jiyang Pan
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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16
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Bhandage AK, Olivera GC, Kanatani S, Thompson E, Loré K, Varas-Godoy M, Barragan A. A motogenic GABAergic system of mononuclear phagocytes facilitates dissemination of coccidian parasites. eLife 2020; 9:60528. [PMID: 33179597 PMCID: PMC7685707 DOI: 10.7554/elife.60528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) serves diverse biological functions in prokaryotes and eukaryotes, including neurotransmission in vertebrates. Yet, the role of GABA in the immune system has remained elusive. Here, a comprehensive characterization of human and murine myeloid mononuclear phagocytes revealed the presence of a conserved and tightly regulated GABAergic machinery with expression of GABA metabolic enzymes and transporters, GABA-A receptors and regulators, and voltage-dependent calcium channels. Infection challenge with the common coccidian parasites Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum activated GABAergic signaling in phagocytes. Using gene silencing and pharmacological modulators in vitro and in vivo in mice, we identify the functional determinants of GABAergic signaling in parasitized phagocytes and demonstrate a link to calcium responses and migratory activation. The findings reveal a regulatory role for a GABAergic signaling machinery in the host-pathogen interplay between phagocytes and invasive coccidian parasites. The co-option of GABA underlies colonization of the host by a Trojan horse mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol K Bhandage
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gabriela C Olivera
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Sachie Kanatani
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Karin Loré
- Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Manuel Varas-Godoy
- Cancer Cell Biology Laboratory, Center for Cell Biology and Biomedicine (CEBICEM), Faculty of Medicine and Science, Universidad San Sebastian, Santiago, Chile
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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17
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Zarepour L, Gharaylou Z, Hadjighassem M, Shafaghi L, Majedi H, Behzad E, Hosseindoost S, Ramezani F, Nasirinezhad F. Preliminary study of analgesic effect of bumetanide on neuropathic pain in patients with spinal cord injury. J Clin Neurosci 2020; 81:477-484. [PMID: 33222966 DOI: 10.1016/j.jocn.2020.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE The current study evaluated the analgesic effects of bumetanide as an adjunctive treatment in managing neuropathic pain following spinal cord injury. The peripheral expression level of Na-K-Cl-cotransporter-1 (NKCC1) and K-Cl-cotransporter-2 (KCC2) genes in polymorphonuclear lymphocytes (PMLs) assessed as a possible biomarker indicating central underlying mechanisms. METHODS This open-label, single-arm, pilot trial of bumetanide (2 mg/day) is an add-on treatment conducted in 14 SCI patients for 19 weeks. The whole duration consisted of three phases: pre-treatment (1 month), titration (3 weeks), and active treatment (4 months). Ultimately, nine patients completed the study. The primary outcome variables were the endpoint pain score measured by the numeric rating scale (NRS), and the short-form McGill Pain Questionnaire. Secondary endpoints included the Short-Form Health Survey that measures the quality of life. Blood samples were collected and used for determining the expression of NKCC1 and KCC2 genes in transcription and translation levels. RESULTS Bumetanide treatment significantly reduced average pain intensity according to the NRS and the short form of the McGill Pain Questionnaire scores. The baseline expression of KCC2 protein was low between groups and increased significantly following treatment (P < 0.05). Through the current study, pain improvement accompanied by the more significant mean change from the baseline for the overall quality of life. CONCLUSION These data might be a piece of preliminary evidence for the analgesic effect of bumetanide on neuropathic pain and could support the potential role of the upregulation of KCC2 protein and involvement of GABAergic disinhibition in producing neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leila Zarepour
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Gharaylou
- Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahmoudreza Hadjighassem
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Lida Shafaghi
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Majedi
- Brain and Spinal Cord Injury Research Center, Neuroscience Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ebrahim Behzad
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Saereh Hosseindoost
- Department of Neuroscience and Addiction Studies, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farinaz Nasirinezhad
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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18
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Sundström-Poromaa I, Comasco E, Sumner R, Luders E. Progesterone - Friend or foe? Front Neuroendocrinol 2020; 59:100856. [PMID: 32730861 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol is the "prototypic" sex hormone of women. Yet, women have another sex hormone, which is often disregarded: Progesterone. The goal of this article is to provide a comprehensive review on progesterone, and its metabolite allopregnanolone, emphasizing three key areas: biological properties, main functions, and effects on mood in women. Recent years of intensive research on progesterone and allopregnanolone have paved the way for new treatment of postpartum depression. However, treatment for premenstrual syndrome and premenstrual dysphoric disorder as well as contraception that women can use without risking mental health problems are still needed. As far as progesterone is concerned, we might be dealing with a two-edged sword: while its metabolite allopregnanolone has been proven useful for treatment of PPD, it may trigger negative symptoms in women with PMS and PMDD. Overall, our current knowledge on the beneficial and harmful effects of progesterone is limited and further research is imperative.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Erika Comasco
- Department of Neuroscience, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Eileen Luders
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, New Zealand; Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, USA
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19
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Hantsoo L, Epperson CN. Allopregnanolone in premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD): Evidence for dysregulated sensitivity to GABA-A receptor modulating neuroactive steroids across the menstrual cycle. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 12:100213. [PMID: 32435664 PMCID: PMC7231988 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a severe mood disorder with core symptoms (affective lability, irritability, depressed mood, anxiety) and increased sensitivity to stress occurring in the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle. PMDD can be conceptualized as a disorder of suboptimal sensitivity to neuroactive steroid hormones (NASs). In this review, we describe the role of the NAS allopregnanolone (ALLO), a positive allosteric modulator of the GABAA receptor (GABAA-R), in PMDD's pathophysiology. We review evidence of impaired interaction between ALLO and GABAA-Rs in terms of affective symptom expression, with evidence from rodent and human studies. We discuss evidence of increased luteal phase stress sensitivity as a result of poor ALLO-GABA control of the HPA axis. Finally, we describe how treatments such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and new drugs targeting GABAA-Rs provide evidence for impaired ALLO-GABA function in PMDD. In sum, the literature supports the hypothesis that PMDD pathophysiology is rooted in impaired GABAA-R response to dynamic ALLO fluctuations across the menstrual cycle, manifesting in affective symptoms and poor regulation of physiologic stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liisa Hantsoo
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 N, Broadway Street Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA
| | - C Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus, 13001 E 17th Place, MS F546, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
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20
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Bhandage AK, Cunningham JL, Jin Z, Shen Q, Bongiovanni S, Korol SV, Syk M, Kamali-Moghaddam M, Ekselius L, Birnir B. Depression, GABA, and Age Correlate with Plasma Levels of Inflammatory Markers. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20246172. [PMID: 31817800 PMCID: PMC6941074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20246172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2019] [Revised: 12/03/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunomodulation is increasingly being recognised as a part of mental diseases. Here, we examined whether levels of immunological protein markers changed with depression, age, or the inhibitory neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). An analysis of plasma samples from patients with a major depressive episode and control blood donors (CBD) revealed the expression of 67 inflammatory markers. Thirteen of these markers displayed augmented levels in patients compared to CBD. Twenty-one markers correlated with the age of the patients, whereas 10 markers correlated with the age of CBD. Interestingly, CST5 and CDCP1 showed the strongest correlation with age in the patients and CBD, respectively. IL-18 was the only marker that correlated with the MADRS-S scores of the patients. Neuronal growth factors (NGFs) were significantly enhanced in plasma from the patients, as was the average plasma GABA concentration. GABA modulated the release of seven cytokines in anti-CD3-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from the patients. The study reveals significant changes in the plasma composition of small molecules during depression and identifies potential peripheral biomarkers of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol K. Bhandage
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.K.B.); (Z.J.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Janet L. Cunningham
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (J.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.S.); (L.E.)
| | - Zhe Jin
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.K.B.); (Z.J.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Qiujin Shen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life laboratory, Uppsala University, 75108 Uppsala, Sweden; (Q.S.); (M.K.-M.)
| | - Santiago Bongiovanni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (J.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.S.); (L.E.)
| | - Sergiy V. Korol
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.K.B.); (Z.J.); (S.V.K.)
| | - Mikaela Syk
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (J.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.S.); (L.E.)
| | - Masood Kamali-Moghaddam
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life laboratory, Uppsala University, 75108 Uppsala, Sweden; (Q.S.); (M.K.-M.)
| | - Lisa Ekselius
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden; (J.L.C.); (S.B.); (M.S.); (L.E.)
| | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; (A.K.B.); (Z.J.); (S.V.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +46-18-471-4622
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Kimmel MC, Bauer A, Meltzer-Brody S. Toward a framework for best practices and research guidelines for perinatal depression research. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:1255-1267. [PMID: 30924191 PMCID: PMC10127524 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2018] [Revised: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 10/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
This review article highlights the current state of perinatal depression (PND) research including established standards of care and innovative research in progress. PND can have a significant adverse impact on mother, child, and family; however, to date, wide-scale identification, prevention, and treatment have been limited. PND is heterogenous in presentation with likely multifactorial etiologies for each woman. Challenges in PND research are discussed including a need for universal tools, standardized measures, benchmarks, and best practices. Current examples are reviewed that highlight approaches to novel treatment paradigms and interventions. This includes reviewing epidemiologic studies in PND research, examining the biological underpinnings of PND, and discussing examples from this field and other fields currently developing translational research that spans from bench to bedside. Current and future challenges and opportunities in developing best practices for the treatment of PND are outlined. We also discuss the use of the NIMH Research Domain Criteria approach for PND research and provide recommendations for future directions in PND research collaboration. In conclusion, greater precision in perinatal psychiatry can be possible in the future with the development of guidelines and best practices that build on current work and apply innovative and collaborative approaches of scientists, providers, patients, community members, and government officials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Kimmel
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Anna Bauer
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Samantha Meltzer-Brody
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
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22
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Bhandage AK, Barragan A. Calling in the Ca Valry- Toxoplasma gondii Hijacks GABAergic Signaling and Voltage-Dependent Calcium Channel Signaling for Trojan horse-Mediated Dissemination. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2019; 9:61. [PMID: 30949456 PMCID: PMC6436472 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2019.00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) are regarded as the gatekeepers of the immune system but can also mediate systemic dissemination of the obligate intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii. Here, we review the current knowledge on how T. gondii hijacks the migratory machinery of DCs and microglia. Shortly after active invasion by the parasite, infected cells synthesize and secrete the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and activate GABA-A receptors, which sets on a hypermigratory phenotype in parasitized DCs in vitro and in vivo. The signaling molecule calcium plays a central role for this migratory activation as signal transduction following GABAergic activation is mediated via the L-type voltage-dependent calcium channel (L-VDCC) subtype Cav1.3. These studies have revealed that DCs possess a GABA/L-VDCC/Cav1.3 motogenic signaling axis that triggers migratory activation upon T. gondii infection. Moreover, GABAergic migration can cooperate with chemotactic responses. Additionally, the parasite-derived protein Tg14-3-3 has been associated with hypermigration of DCs and microglia. We discuss the interference of T. gondii infection with host cell signaling pathways that regulate migration. Altogether, T. gondii hijacks non-canonical signaling pathways in infected immune cells to modulate their migratory properties, and thereby promote its own dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Barragan
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute (MBW), Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
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Bhandage AK, Jin Z, Korol SV, Tafreshiha AS, Gohel P, Hellgren C, Espes D, Carlsson PO, Sundström-Poromaa I, Birnir B. Expression of calcium release-activated and voltage-gated calcium channels genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells is altered in pregnancy and in type 1 diabetes. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0208981. [PMID: 30543678 PMCID: PMC6292698 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0208981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Calcium (Ca2+) is an important ion in physiology and is found both outside and inside cells. The intracellular concentration of Ca2+ is tightly regulated as it is an intracellular signal molecule and can affect a variety of cellular processes. In immune cells Ca2+ has been shown to regulate e.g. gene transcription, cytokine secretion, proliferation and migration. Ca2+ can enter the cytoplasm either from intracellular stores or from outside the cells when Ca2+ permeable ion channels in the plasma membrane open. The Ca2+ release-activated (CRAC) channel is the most prominent Ca2+ ion channel in the plasma membrane. It is formed by ORAI1-3 and the channel is opened by the endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ sensor proteins stromal interaction molecules (STIM) 1 and 2. Another group of Ca2+ channels in the plasma membrane are the voltage-gated Ca2+ (CaV) channels. We examined if a change in immunological tolerance is accompanied by altered ORAI, STIM and CaV gene expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in pregnant women and in type 1 diabetic individuals. Our results show that in pregnancy and type 1 diabetes ORAI1-3 are up-regulated whereas STIM1 and 2 are down-regulated in pregnancy but only STIM2 in type 1 diabetes. Expression of L-, P/Q-, R- and T-type voltage-gated Ca2+ channels was detected in the PBMCs where the CaV2.3 gene was up-regulated in pregnancy and type 1 diabetes whereas the CaV 2.1 and CaV3.2 genes were up-regulated only in pregnancy and the CaV1.3 gene in type 1 diabetes. The results are consistent with that expression of ORAI, STIM and CaV genes correlate with a shift in immunological status of the individual in health, as during pregnancy, and in the autoimmune disease type 1 diabetes. Whether the changes are in general protective or in type 1 diabetes include some pathogenic components remains to be clarified.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol K Bhandage
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhe Jin
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergiy V Korol
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Priya Gohel
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, The Wenner-Gren Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Hellgren
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Daniel Espes
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per-Ola Carlsson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
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24
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Bhandage AK, Jin Z, Korol SV, Shen Q, Pei Y, Deng Q, Espes D, Carlsson PO, Kamali-Moghaddam M, Birnir B. GABA Regulates Release of Inflammatory Cytokines From Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells and CD4 + T Cells and Is Immunosuppressive in Type 1 Diabetes. EBioMedicine 2018; 30:283-294. [PMID: 29627388 PMCID: PMC5952354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.03.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2017] [Revised: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is an extracellular signaling molecule in the brain and in pancreatic islets. Here, we demonstrate that GABA regulates cytokine secretion from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T cells. In anti-CD3 stimulated PBMCs, GABA (100 nM) inhibited release of 47 cytokines in cells from patients with type 1 diabetes (T1D), but only 16 cytokines in cells from nondiabetic (ND) individuals. CD4+ T cells from ND individuals were grouped into responder or non-responder T cells according to effects of GABA (100 nM, 500 nM) on the cell proliferation. In the responder T cells, GABA decreased proliferation, and inhibited secretion of 37 cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner. In the non-responder T cells, GABA modulated release of 8 cytokines. GABA concentrations in plasma from T1D patients and ND individuals were correlated with 10 cytokines where 7 were increased in plasma of T1D patients. GABA inhibited secretion of 5 of these cytokines from both T1D PBMCs and ND responder T cells. The results identify GABA as a potent regulator of both Th1- and Th2-type cytokine secretion from human PBMCs and CD4+ T cells where GABA generally decreases the secretion. GABA regulates cytokine secretion in anti-CD3-stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and CD4+ T cells. GABA inhibits secretion of 47 cytokines in PBMCs from type 1 diabetes patients. GABA regulates secretion of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in a concentration-dependent manner.
GABA is a signal molecule in the brain, blood and pancreatic islets where it is secreted by the insulin-producing β cells. GABA has many roles in human islets including optimizing function and survival of β cells. Bhandage et al. now show that GABA is a potent regulator of secretion of both pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines in stimulated immune cells. In type 1 diabetes the β-cell mass is diminished and thus the protective effect of GABA in the islets although not in blood. Targeting GABA signaling in diabetes mellitus is likely to be a part of the solution when curing diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol K Bhandage
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhe Jin
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergiy V Korol
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Qiujin Shen
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life laboratory, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Yu Pei
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Qiaolin Deng
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, 17165 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Daniel Espes
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Per-Ola Carlsson
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden; Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Masood Kamali-Moghaddam
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Science for Life laboratory, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124 Uppsala, Sweden.
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25
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Postpartum estrogen withdrawal impairs GABAergic inhibition and LTD induction in basolateral amygdala complex via down-regulation of GPR30. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2017; 27:759-772. [PMID: 28619359 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/29/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Postpartum estrogen (E2) withdrawal is known to be a particularly vulnerable time for depressive symptoms. In this study, ovariectomized (OVX) mice were treated with co-administration of estradiol benzoate and progesterone (E2/P4) followed by administration of E2 alone (E2) and a subsequent E2 withdrawal (EW) to mimic the hormonal changes during pregnancy and postpartum. The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of E2 withdrawal after hormone-simulated pregnancy on synaptic function and plasticity in basolateral amygdala complex (BLA). In comparison to control mice, EW mice spent less time in the central portion of open-field test and open arms of elevated plus-maze. Excitatory postsynaptic potentials (EPSPs) slopes at external capsule BLA synapse were reduced in E2/P4-mice, recovered in E2-mice, and increased in EW-mice. EW-mice showed a significant increase in duration of EPSPs and paired-pulse inhibition (PPI) with multi-spike responses of EPSPs and impairment of long-term depression (LTD) induction, which were corrected by GABAAR agonist muscimol. Levels of estrogen receptor (ER) GPR30, ERα and ERβ expression in BLA of EW-mice were lower than those in control mice. The bath-application of GPR30 agonist G-1 in BLA of EW-mice recovered the GABAAR-mediated inhibition and LTD indication, but ERβ agonist DPN or ERα agonist PPT could not. A single BLA-injection of G-1 rather than DPN or PPT in EW-mice could partially relieve the anxiety-like behaviors. The results indicate that postpartum E2 withdrawal causes dysfunction of GABAAR-mediated inhibition in the BLA through reducing GPR30 expression, which impairs LTD induction and causes anxiety-like behaviors.
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Hellgren C, Comasco E, Skalkidou A, Sundström-Poromaa I. Allopregnanolone levels and depressive symptoms during pregnancy in relation to single nucleotide polymorphisms in the allopregnanolone synthesis pathway. Horm Behav 2017; 94:106-113. [PMID: 28666923 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2017.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2017] [Revised: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/25/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid whose levels rise throughout gestation, putatively stabilizes antenatal mood. The present study aimed to investigate associations of plasma allopregnanolone to antenatal depressive symptoms, as well as to genetic and obstetric factors. Allopregnanolone plasma levels from 284 pregnant women were measured around gestational week 18. Haplotype tag single nucleotide polymorphisms in the aldo-keto reductase family 1, members C2 and C4 (AKR1C2, AKR1C4), and steroid 5 alpha-reductase 1 and 2 (SRD5A1, and SRD5A2) genes were genotyped in a larger sample of pregnant women (n=1351). The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) was administered via web-questionnaires in gestational weeks 17 and 32. Demographic and obstetric data was retrieved from web-questionnaires and medical records. There was no association between allopregnanolone levels and depressive symptoms. Furthermore, no associations between allopregnanolone level and synthesis pathway genotypes were found after accounting for multiple comparisons. However, exploratory analyses suggested that the women who were homozygous for the minor allele of the AKR1C2 polymorphism rs1937863 had nominally lower allopregnanolone levels and lower depression scores in gestational week 17, but also the highest increase in depression scores between week 17 and 32. Additionally, higher body mass index was associated with lower allopregnanolone levels. The results do not support second trimester plasma allopregnanolone as a mood stabilizing factor. However, we speculate that AKR1C2 variation may alter the susceptibility to depressive symptoms through effects on central allopregnanolone synthesis. Another implication of this study is that the relationship between neuroactive steroids and obesity in pregnancy deserves to be investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Hellgren
- Dept. of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Erika Comasco
- Dept. of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 751 24 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Alkistis Skalkidou
- Dept. of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Inger Sundström-Poromaa
- Dept. of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
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27
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Bhandage AK, Jin Z, Hellgren C, Korol SV, Nowak K, Williamsson L, Sundström-Poromaa I, Birnir B. AMPA, NMDA and kainate glutamate receptor subunits are expressed in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) where the expression of GluK4 is altered by pregnancy and GluN2D by depression in pregnant women. J Neuroimmunol 2017; 305:51-58. [PMID: 28284346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2017.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2016] [Revised: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The amino acid glutamate opens cation permeable ion channels, the iGlu receptors. These ion channels are abundantly expressed in the mammalian brain where glutamate is the main excitatory neurotransmitter. The neurotransmitters and their receptors are being increasingly detected in the cells of immune system. Here we examined the expression of the 18 known subunits of the iGlu receptors families; α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA), kainate, N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) and delta in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). We compared the expression of the subunits between four groups: men, non-pregnant women, healthy pregnant women and depressed pregnant women. Out of 18 subunits of the iGlu receptors, mRNAs for 11 subunits were detected in PBMCs from men and non-pregnant women; AMPA: GluA3, GluA4, kainate: GluK2, GluK4, GluK5, NMDA: GluN1, GluN2C, GluN2D, GluN3A, GluN3B, and delta: GluD1. In the healthy and the depressed pregnant women, in addition, the delta GluD2 subunit was identified. The mRNAs for GluK4, GluK5, GluN2C and GluN2D were expressed at a higher level than other subunits. Gender, pregnancy or depression during pregnancy altered the expression of GluA3, GluK4, GluN2D, GluN3B and GluD1 iGlu subunit mRNAs. The greatest changes recorded were the lower GluA3 and GluK4 mRNA levels in pregnant women and the higher GluN2D mRNA level in healthy but not in depressed pregnant women as compared to non-pregnant individuals. Using subunit specific antibodies, the GluK4, GluK5, GluN1, GluN2C and GluN2D subunit proteins were identified in the PBMCs. The results show expression of specific iGlu receptor subunit in the PBMCs and support the idea of physiology-driven changes of iGlu receptors subtypes in the immune cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amol K Bhandage
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Zhe Jin
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Charlotte Hellgren
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Sergiy V Korol
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Krzysztof Nowak
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | | | - Bryndis Birnir
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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28
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Ma Z, Niu B, Shi Z, Li J, Wang J, Zhang F, Gao X, Zhang K. Genetic Polymorphism of GABRR2 Modulates Individuals' General Cognitive Ability in Healthy Chinese Han People. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2016; 37:93-100. [PMID: 26922432 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-016-0347-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have indicated that the cognitive impairment or deficit is associated with GABAergic signaling in central nervous system. Inspired by the finding that receptor GABRR2 modulates concentration of GABA and phasic inhibitory GABAergic transmission in brain. This study investigated to what extent a genetic variant (c.1423C>T, rs282129) of GABRR2 gene modulates individuals' general cognitive ability in 987 Chinese Han people. Results showed a significant influence of GABRR2 gene polymorphism on individuals' Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices (RSPM) performance (F = 3.58, P = .028 by ANOVA and χ 2 = 9.35, P = .009 by K-W test, respectively), even if non-genetic factors were partialed out (gender, major, types of birthplace, and socioeconomic index) (B = -.67, SE = .26, t = 2.63, P = .009). The finding provided a strong evidence, to our knowledge, for the view that genetic variant of GABRR2 gene may contribute to the difference of individuals' general cognitive ability, independently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Ma
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Binbin Niu
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Zhangyan Shi
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Junlin Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Applied Psychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Public Management, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Fuchang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.,Department of Applied Psychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Public Management, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China
| | - Xiaocai Gao
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China. .,Department of Applied Psychology, Institute of Applied Psychology, College of Public Management, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China. .,School of Public Management, Institute of Application Psychology, Institute of Population and Health, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710127, China.
| | - Kejin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China (Ministry of Education), Institute of Population and Health, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, 710069, China.
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