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Jo AY, Xie Y, Rodrigues A, Sandoval Ortega RA, Creasy KT, Beier KT, Blendy JA, Corder G. VTA μ-opioidergic neurons facilitate low sociability in protracted opioid withdrawal. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.07.08.602522. [PMID: 39026700 PMCID: PMC11257471 DOI: 10.1101/2024.07.08.602522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/20/2024]
Abstract
Opioids initiate dynamic maladaptation in brain reward and affect circuits that occur throughout chronic exposure and withdrawal that persist beyond cessation. Protracted withdrawal is characterized by negative affective behaviors such as heightened anxiety, irritability, dysphoria, and anhedonia, which pose a significant risk factor for relapse. While the ventral tegmental area (VTA) and mu-opioid receptors (MORs) are critical for opioid reinforcement, the specific contributions of VTA MOR neurons in mediating protracted withdrawal-induced negative affect is not fully understood. In our study, we elucidate the role of VTA MOR neurons in mediating negative affect and altered brain-wide neuronal activities following opioid exposure and withdrawal in male and female mice. Utilizing a chronic oral morphine administration model, we observe increased social deficit, anxiety-related, and despair-like behaviors during protracted withdrawal. VTA MOR neurons show heightened neuronal FOS activation at the onset of withdrawal and connect to an array of brain regions that mediate reward and affective processes. Viral re-expression of MORs selectively within the VTA of MOR knockout mice demonstrates that the disrupted social interaction observed during protracted withdrawal is facilitated by this neural population, without affecting other protracted withdrawal behaviors. Lastly, VTA MORs contribute to heightened neuronal FOS activation in the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in response to an acute morphine challenge, suggesting their unique role in modulating ACC-specific neuronal activity. These findings identify VTA MOR neurons as critical modulators of low sociability during protracted withdrawal and highlight their potential as a mechanistic target to alleviate negative affective behaviors associated with opioid withdrawal. SIGNFICANCE The compelling urge for relief from negative affective states during long-term opioid withdrawal presents a crucial challenge for maintaining abstinence. The ventral tegmental area (VTA) and its mu-opioid receptor-expressing (VTA MOR ) neurons represent a critical target of opioidergic action that underlie dependence and withdrawal. Chronic activation of VTA MOR neurons during opioid exposure induces maladaptations within these neurons and their structurally connected circuitries, which alter reward processing and contribute to negative affect. Using an oral morphine drinking paradigm to induce dependence, we demonstrate that withdrawal engages VTA MOR neurons and identify this neuronal population as key mediators of opioid withdrawal-induced social deficits. These findings hold promise to inform development of targeted therapies aimed at alleviating negative affective states associated with protracted opioid withdrawal.
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Huang ZY, Lyu ZP, Li HG, You HZ, Yang XN, Cha CH. Des-Arg(9) bradykinin as a causal metabolite for autism spectrum disorder. World J Psychiatry 2024; 14:88-101. [PMID: 38327885 PMCID: PMC10845217 DOI: 10.5498/wjp.v14.i1.88] [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: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis and therapeutic interventions can greatly enhance the developmental trajectory of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, the etiology of ASD is not completely understood. The presence of confounding factors from environment and genetics has increased the difficulty of the identification of diagnostic biomarkers for ASD. AIM To estimate and interpret the causal relationship between ASD and metabolite profile, taking into consideration both genetic and environmental influences. METHODS A two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was conducted using summarized data from large-scale genome-wide association studies (GWAS) including a metabolite GWAS dataset covering 453 metabolites from 7824 European and an ASD GWAS dataset comprising 18381 ASD cases and 27969 healthy controls. Metabolites in plasma were set as exposures with ASD as the main outcome. The causal relationships were estimated using the inverse variant weight (IVW) algorithm. We also performed leave-one-out sensitivity tests to validate the robustness of the results. Based on the drafted metabolites, enrichment analysis was conducted to interpret the association via constructing a protein-protein interaction network with multi-scale evidence from databases including Infinome, SwissTargetPrediction, STRING, and Metascape. RESULTS Des-Arg(9)-bradykinin was identified as a causal metabolite that increases the risk of ASD (β = 0.262, SE = 0.064, PIVW = 4.64 × 10-5). The association was robust, with no significant heterogeneity among instrument variables (PMR Egger = 0.663, PIVW = 0.906) and no evidence of pleiotropy (P = 0.949). Neuroinflammation and the response to stimulus were suggested as potential biological processes mediating the association between Des-Arg(9) bradykinin and ASD. CONCLUSION Through the application of MR, this study provides practical insights into the potential causal association between plasma metabolites and ASD. These findings offer perspectives for the discovery of diagnostic or predictive biomarkers to support clinical practice in treating ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhong-Yu Huang
- Center for Medical Research on Innovation and Translation, Institute of Clinical Medicine, Guangzhou First People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510000, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Zi-Pan Lyu
- School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Nanyang Ave 639798, Singapore
| | - Hong-Gui Li
- Department of Pediatrics, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Hua-Zhi You
- Department of Nutrition, First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510405, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Xiang-Na Yang
- Department of Pediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinic, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Cai-Hui Cha
- Department of Psychology, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou 510632, Guangdong Province, China
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Le Merrer J, Detraux B, Gandía J, De Groote A, Fonteneau M, de Kerchove d'Exaerde A, Becker JAJ. Balance Between Projecting Neuronal Populations of the Nucleus Accumbens Controls Social Behavior in Mice. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:123-135. [PMID: 37207936 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deficient social interactions are a hallmark of major neuropsychiatric disorders, and accumulating evidence points to altered social reward and motivation as key underlying mechanisms of these pathologies. In the present study, we further explored the role of the balance of activity between D1 and D2 receptor-expressing striatal projection neurons (D1R- and D2R-SPNs) in the control of social behavior, challenging the hypothesis that excessive D2R-SPN activity, rather than deficient D1R-SPN activity, compromises social behavior. METHODS We selectively ablated D1R- and D2R-SPNs using an inducible diphtheria toxin receptor-mediated cell targeting strategy and assessed social behavior as well as repetitive/perseverative behavior, motor function, and anxiety levels. We tested the effects of optogenetic stimulation of D2R-SPNs in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and pharmacological compounds repressing D2R-SPN. RESULTS Targeted deletion of D1R-SPNs in the NAc blunted social behavior in mice, facilitated motor skill learning, and increased anxiety levels. These behaviors were normalized by pharmacological inhibition of D2R-SPN, which also repressed transcription in the efferent nucleus, the ventral pallidum. Ablation of D1R-SPNs in the dorsal striatum had no impact on social behavior but impaired motor skill learning and decreased anxiety levels. Deletion of D2R-SPNs in the NAc produced motor stereotypies but facilitated social behavior and impaired motor skill learning. We mimicked excessive D2R-SPN activity by optically stimulating D2R-SPNs in the NAc and observed a severe deficit in social interaction that was prevented by D2R-SPN pharmacological inhibition. CONCLUSIONS Repressing D2R-SPN activity may represent a promising therapeutic strategy to relieve social deficits in neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Le Merrer
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Unité Mixte de Recherche Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 7247, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement 0085, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France; iBrain, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1253 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, Tours, France.
| | - Bérangère Detraux
- Neurophy Lab, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jorge Gandía
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Unité Mixte de Recherche Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 7247, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement 0085, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France
| | - Aurélie De Groote
- Neurophy Lab, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathieu Fonteneau
- iBrain, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1253 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, Tours, France
| | - Alban de Kerchove d'Exaerde
- Neurophy Lab, ULB Neuroscience Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium; WELBIO, Wavre, Belgium.
| | - Jérôme A J Becker
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, Unité Mixte de Recherche Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique 7247, Institut National de Recherche pour l'Agriculture, l'Alimentation et l'Environnement 0085, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Tours, Nouzilly, France; iBrain, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1253 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Faculté des Sciences et Techniques, Université de Tours, Tours, France
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Dinckol O, Wenger NH, Zachry JE, Kutlu MG. Nucleus accumbens core single cell ensembles bidirectionally respond to experienced versus observed aversive events. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22602. [PMID: 38114559 PMCID: PMC10730531 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49686-x] [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: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Fear learning is a critical feature of survival skills among mammals. In rodents, fear learning manifests itself through direct experience of the aversive event or social transmission of aversive stimuli such as observing and acting on conspecifics' distress. The neuronal network underlying the social transmission of information largely overlaps with the brain regions that mediate behavioral responses to aversive and rewarding stimuli. In this study, we recorded single cell activity patterns of nucleus accumbens (NAc) core neurons using in vivo optical imaging of calcium transients via miniature scopes. This cutting-edge imaging methodology not only allows us to record activity patterns of individual neurons but also lets us longitudinally follow these individual neurons across time and different behavioral states. Using this approach, we identified NAc core single cell ensembles that respond to experienced and/or observed aversive stimuli. Our results showed that experienced and observed aversive stimuli evoke NAc core ensemble activity that is largely positive, with a smaller subset of negative responses. The size of the NAc single cell ensemble response was greater for experienced aversive stimuli compared to observed aversive events. Our results also revealed sex differences in the NAc core single cell ensembles responses to experience aversive stimuli, where females showed a greater accumbal response. Importantly, we found a subpopulation within the NAc core single cell ensembles that show a bidirectional response to experienced aversive stimuli versus observed aversive stimuli (i.e., negative response to experienced and positive response to observed). Our results suggest that the NAc plays a role in differentiating somatosensory experience from social observation of aversion at a single cell level. These results have important implications for psychopathologies where social information processing is maladaptive, such as autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oyku Dinckol
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, 08084, USA
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, 08084, USA
| | - Noah Harris Wenger
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, 08084, USA
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, 08084, USA
| | - Jennifer E Zachry
- Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, 37232, USA
| | - Munir Gunes Kutlu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan-Virtua School of Translational Biomedical Engineering and Sciences, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, 08084, USA.
- Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Rowan University, Stratford, NJ, 08084, USA.
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Nakamoto K, Tokuyama S. Stress-Induced Changes in the Endogenous Opioid System Cause Dysfunction of Pain and Emotion Regulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11713. [PMID: 37511469 PMCID: PMC10380691 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411713] [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: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life stress, such as child abuse and neglect, and psychosocial stress in adulthood are risk factors for psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety. Furthermore, exposure to these stresses affects the sensitivity to pain stimuli and is associated with the development of chronic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of stress-induced depression, anxiety, and pain control remain unclear. Endogenous opioid signaling is reportedly associated with analgesia, reward, addiction, and the regulation of stress responses and anxiety. Stress alters the expression of various opioid receptors in the central nervous system and sensitivity to opioid receptor agonists and antagonists. μ-opioid receptor-deficient mice exhibit attachment disorders and autism-like behavioral expression patterns, while those with δ-opioid receptor deficiency exhibit anxiety-like behavior. In contrast, deficiency and antagonists of the κ-opioid receptor suppress the stress response. These findings strongly suggest that the expression and dysfunction of the endogenous opioid signaling pathways are involved in the pathogenesis of stress-induced psychiatric disorders and chronic pain. In this review, we summarize the latest basic and clinical research studies on the effects of endogenous opioid signaling on early-life stress, psychosocial stress-induced psychiatric disorders, and chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Nakamoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8586, Japan
| | - Shogo Tokuyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-8586, Japan
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6
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Dinckol O, Zachry JE, Kutlu MG. Nucleus accumbens core single cell ensembles bidirectionally respond to experienced versus observed aversive events. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.17.549364. [PMID: 37503203 PMCID: PMC10370069 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.17.549364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Empathy is the ability to adopt others' sensory and emotional states and is an evolutionarily conserved trait among mammals. In rodents, empathy manifests itself as social modulation of aversive stimuli such as acknowledging and acting on conspecifics' distress. The neuronal network underlying social transmission of information is known to overlap with the brain regions that mediate behavioral responses to aversive and rewarding stimuli. In this study, we recorded single cell activity patterns of nucleus accumbens (NAc) core neurons using in vivo optical imaging of calcium transients via miniature scopes. This cutting-edge imaging methodology not only allows us to record activity patterns of individual neurons but also lets us longitudinally follow these individual neurons across time and different behavioral states. Using this approach, we identified NAc core single cell ensembles that respond to experienced and/or observed aversive stimuli. Our results showed that experienced and observed aversive stimuli evoke NAc core ensemble activity that is largely positive, with a smaller subset of negative responses. The size of the NAc single cell ensemble response was greater for experienced aversive stimuli compared to observed aversive events. Our results also revealed a subpopulation within the NAc core single cell ensembles that show a bidirectional response to experienced aversive stimuli versus observed aversive stimuli (i.e., negative response to experienced and positive response to observed). These results suggest that the NAc plays a role in differentiating somatosensory experience from social observation of aversion at a single cell level. This has important implications for psychopathologies where social information processing is maladaptive, such as autism spectrum disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Munir Gunes Kutlu
- Department of Cell Biology and Neuroscience, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine, Stratford, NJ, USA
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Gaitanis J, Nie D, Hou T, Frye R. Developmental Regression Followed by Epilepsy and Aggression: A New Syndrome in Autism Spectrum Disorder? J Pers Med 2023; 13:1049. [PMID: 37511662 PMCID: PMC10381960 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) with regression (ASD-R) involves the loss of previously attained developmental milestones, typically during the first or second year of life. As children age, it is not uncommon for them to develop comorbid conditions such as aggressive behaviors or epilepsy, which can inhibit habilitation in language and social function. In this paper, we hypothesize that aggressive behaviors and epilepsy more commonly develop in patients with ASD-R than in those without a history of regression (ASD-NR). We conducted a retrospective review of non-syndromic patients with ASD over 12 years of age and compared the rates of epilepsy and aggression between ASD-R and ASD-NR patients. Patients with ASD-R, as compared to ASD-NR patients, demonstrated non-significantly higher rates of epilepsy (51.8% vs. 38.1%, p = 0.1335) and aggressive behaviors (73.2% vs. 57.1%, p = 0.0673) when evaluated separately. The rates for combined epilepsy and aggression, however, were statistically significant when comparing ASD-R versus ASD patients (44.5% vs. 23.8%, p = 0.0163). These results suggest that epilepsy with aggression is more common in ASD-R as compared to ASD-NR patients. When considering the impact of epilepsy and aggression on quality of life, these co-morbidities effectively cause a second regression in patients who experienced an earlier regression as toddlers. A larger, prospective trial is recommended to confirm these associations and further define the timeline in which these characteristics develop from early childhood to adolescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Gaitanis
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Duyu Nie
- Hasbro Children's Hospital, The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA
| | - Tao Hou
- Department of Nutrition, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Richard Frye
- Autism Discovery and Treatment Foundation, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
- Rossignol Medical Center, Phoenix, AZ 85050, USA
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Adzic M, Lukic I, Mitic M, Glavonic E, Dragicevic N, Ivkovic S. Contribution of the opioid system to depression and to the therapeutic effects of classical antidepressants and ketamine. Life Sci 2023:121803. [PMID: 37245840 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) afflicts approximately 5 % of the world population, and about 30-50 % of patients who receive classical antidepressant medications do not achieve complete remission (treatment resistant depressive patients). Emerging evidence suggests that targeting opioid receptors mu (MOP), kappa (KOP), delta (DOP), and the nociceptin/orphanin FQ receptor (NOP) may yield effective therapeutics for stress-related psychiatric disorders. As depression and pain exhibit significant overlap in their clinical manifestations and molecular mechanisms involved, it is not a surprise that opioids, historically used to alleviate pain, emerged as promising and effective therapeutic options in the treatment of depression. The opioid signaling is dysregulated in depression and numerous preclinical studies and clinical trials strongly suggest that opioid modulation can serve as either an adjuvant or even an alternative to classical monoaminergic antidepressants. Importantly, some classical antidepressants require the opioid receptor modulation to exert their antidepressant effects. Finally, ketamine, a well-known anesthetic whose extremely efficient antidepressant effects were recently discovered, was shown to mediate its antidepressant effects via the endogenous opioid system. Thus, although opioid system modulation is a promising therapeutical venue in the treatment of depression further research is warranted to fully understand the benefits and weaknesses of such approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miroslav Adzic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.
| | - Iva Lukic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Milos Mitic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Emilija Glavonic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Nina Dragicevic
- Department of Pharmacy, Singidunum University, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sanja Ivkovic
- Department of Molecular Biology and Endocrinology, Vinca - Institute for Nuclear Sciences, National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Geng Y, Yates C, Peterson RT. Social behavioral profiling by unsupervised deep learning reveals a stimulative effect of dopamine D3 agonists on zebrafish sociality. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2023; 3:100381. [PMID: 36814839 PMCID: PMC9939379 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
It has been a major challenge to systematically evaluate and compare how pharmacological perturbations influence social behavioral outcomes. Although some pharmacological agents are known to alter social behavior, precise description and quantification of such effects have proven difficult. We developed a scalable social behavioral assay for zebrafish named ZeChat based on unsupervised deep learning to characterize sociality at high resolution. High-dimensional and dynamic social behavioral phenotypes are automatically classified using this method. By screening a neuroactive compound library, we found that different classes of chemicals evoke distinct patterns of social behavioral fingerprints. By examining these patterns, we discovered that dopamine D3 agonists possess a social stimulative effect on zebrafish. The D3 agonists pramipexole, piribedil, and 7-hydroxy-DPAT-HBr rescued social deficits in a valproic-acid-induced zebrafish autism model. The ZeChat platform provides a promising approach for dissecting the pharmacology of social behavior and discovering novel social-modulatory compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijie Geng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Christopher Yates
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Randall T. Peterson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
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Koevoet D, Deschamps PKH, Kenemans JL. Catecholaminergic and cholinergic neuromodulation in autism spectrum disorder: A comparison to attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 16:1078586. [PMID: 36685234 PMCID: PMC9853424 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1078586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social impairments and restricted, repetitive behaviors. Treatment of ASD is notoriously difficult and might benefit from identification of underlying mechanisms that overlap with those disturbed in other developmental disorders, for which treatment options are more obvious. One example of the latter is attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), given the efficacy of especially stimulants in treatment of ADHD. Deficiencies in catecholaminergic systems [dopamine (DA), norepinephrine (NE)] in ADHD are obvious targets for stimulant treatment. Recent findings suggest that dysfunction in catecholaminergic systems may also be a factor in at least a subgroup of ASD. In this review we scrutinize the evidence for catecholaminergic mechanisms underlying ASD symptoms, and also include in this analysis a third classic ascending arousing system, the acetylcholinergic (ACh) network. We complement this with a comprehensive review of DA-, NE-, and ACh-targeted interventions in ASD, and an exploratory search for potential treatment-response predictors (biomarkers) in ASD, genetically or otherwise. Based on this review and analysis we propose that (1) stimulant treatment may be a viable option for an ASD subcategory, possibly defined by genetic subtyping; (2) cerebellar dysfunction is pronounced for a relatively small ADHD subgroup but much more common in ASD and in both cases may point toward NE- or ACh-directed intervention; (3) deficiency of the cortical salience network is sizable in subgroups of both disorders, and biomarkers such as eye blink rate and pupillometric data may predict the efficacy of targeting this underlying deficiency via DA, NE, or ACh in both ASD and ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian Koevoet
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands,*Correspondence: Damian Koevoet,
| | - P. K. H. Deschamps
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - J. L. Kenemans
- Experimental Psychology, Helmholtz Institute, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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Bending and bonding: a randomized controlled trial on the socio-psychobiological effects of spiritual versus secular yoga practice on social bonding. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04062-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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12
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Minakova E, Mikati MO, Madasu MK, Conway SM, Baldwin JW, Swift RG, McCullough KB, Dougherty JD, Maloney SE, Al-Hasani R. Perinatal oxycodone exposure causes long-term sex-dependent changes in weight trajectory and sensory processing in adult mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:3859-3873. [PMID: 36269379 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06257-8] [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] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE In utero opioid exposure is associated with lower weight and a neonatal opioid withdrawal syndrome (NOWS) at birth, along with longer-term adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes and mood disorders. While NOWS is sometimes treated with continued opioids, clinical studies have not addressed if long-term neurobehavioral outcomes are worsened with continued postnatal exposure to opioids. In addition, pre-clinical studies comparing in utero only opioid exposure to continued post-natal opioid administration for withdrawal mitigation are lacking. OBJECTIVES Here, we sought to understand the impact of continued postnatal opioid exposure on long term behavioral consequences. METHODS We implemented a rodent perinatal opioid exposure model of oxycodone (Oxy) exposure that included Oxy exposure until birth (short Oxy) and continued postnatal opioid exposure (long Oxy) spanning gestation through birth and lactation. RESULTS Short Oxy exposure was associated with a sex-specific increase in weight gain trajectory in adult male mice. Long Oxy exposure caused an increased weight gain trajectory in adult males and alterations in nociceptive processing in females. Importantly, there was no evidence of long-term social behavioral deficits, anxiety, hyperactivity, or memory deficits following short or long Oxy exposure. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that offspring with prolonged opioid exposure experienced some long-term sequelae compared to pups with opioid cessation at birth. These results highlight the potential long-term consequences of opioid administration as a mitigation strategy for clinical NOWS symptomology and suggest alternatives should be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Minakova
- Department of Pediatrics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Marwa O Mikati
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA.,Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Washington University Pain Management Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Manish K Madasu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Washington University Pain Management Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Sineadh M Conway
- Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Washington University Pain Management Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Justin W Baldwin
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Department of Biology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Raylynn G Swift
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Katherine B McCullough
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Joseph D Dougherty
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA.,Department of Genetics, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Susan E Maloney
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University School of Medicine, Campus Box 8232, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110-1093, USA. .,Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA.
| | - Ream Al-Hasani
- Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Department of Anesthesiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Washington University Pain Management Center, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA. .,Center for Clinical Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences and Pharmacy in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, USA.
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13
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Lin L, Lin J, Qiu J, Wei F, Bai X, Ma W, Zeng J, Lin D. Gut microbiota alterations may increase the risk of prescription opioid use, but not vice versa: A two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization study. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:994170. [PMID: 36483210 PMCID: PMC9722965 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.994170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gut microbiota alterations are strongly associated with prescription opioid use (POU) and multisite chronic pain (MCP). However, whether or not these associations are causal remains unknown. Therefore, we aim to explore the causal relationships between them comprehensively. METHODS A two-sample bi-directional Mendelian randomization was conducted to assess the potential associations between gut microbiota and POU/MCP using summary level Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) that were based on predominantly European ancestry. RESULTS Potential causal effects were identified between seven host genetic-driven traits of gut microbiota on POU, including Adlercreutzia, Allisonella, Dialister, Anaerofilum, Anaerostipes, ChristensenellaceaeR.7group, and LachnospiraceaeNC2004group at the genus level (p < 0.05) by the Inverse-variance weighted method, with significant causal effects of ChristensenellaceaeR.7group and Allisonella on POU (p < 0.025). A total of five genetically greater abundance of gut microbiota traits were identified to be possibly related to the level of MCP (p < 0.05), including genus ErysipelotrichaceaeUCG003, family Clostridiaceae1, order Gastranaerophilales, order Actinomycetales, and family Actinomycetaceae. In the other direction, no clear evidence was found to support a significant causal relationship between POU and gut microbiota, as well as MCP and gut microbiota. In addition, evidence was also provided for the relationship between triacylglycerols and diacylglycerol elevation, and an increased risk of POU and MCP. No evidence was found across various sensitivity analyses, including reverse causality, pleiotropy, and heterogeneity. CONCLUSION The findings from this study provide robust evidence that gut microbiota alterations may be a risk of POU/MCP, but not vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liling Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianwei Lin
- Big Data Laboratory, Joint Shantou International Eye Center of Shantou University and The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Junxiong Qiu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Feng Wei
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Bai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weiying Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jingxian Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daowei Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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14
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Hsu JW, Tsai SJ, Bai YM, Huang KL, Su TP, Chen TJ, Chen MH. Risk of exposure to prescription opioids in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder: A nationwide longitudinal study. Autism Res 2022; 15:2192-2199. [PMID: 36054259 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2806] [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: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Whether children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) are more likely to be exposed to prescription opioids than others remains unknown. The Taiwan National Health Insurance Research Database was employed, and 14,849 children and adolescents with ASD and 148,490 age- and sex-matched non-ASD controls were enrolled between 2001 and 2009 and followed up till the end of 2011. Those exposed to prescription opioids during the follow-up period were identified. Patients with ASD were more likely to be exposed to prescription opioids (hazard ratio [HR]: 4.95, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.50-5.45), including intravenous or intramuscular opioids (HR: 5.80, 95% CI: 5.23-6.43) and oral or transcutaneous opioids (HR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.87-2.89), than were non-ASD controls. Furthermore, the ASD cohort had the increased likelihood of cumulative exposure of >14 days (HR: 6.19, 95% CI: 4.91-7.79) and >30 days (HR: 7.17, 95% CI: 5.19-9.90) to prescription opioids compared with the control cohort. ASD was a risk factor for exposure to prescription opioids. Close monitoring of prescription opioid use is necessary for at-risk children and adolescents with ASD, such as those having with or chronic pain. We found that patients with ASD were more likely to be exposed to prescription opioids, including intravenous or intramuscular opioids and oral or transcutaneous opioids, than were non-ASD controls. We suggest that close monitoring of prescription opioid use is necessary for at-risk children and adolescents with ASD, such as those having with or chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lin Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tung-Ping Su
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, General Cheng Hsin Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Tzeng-Ji Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Institute of Hospital and Health Care Administration, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mu-Hong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.,Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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15
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Koch E, Demontis D. Drug repurposing candidates to treat core symptoms in autism spectrum disorder. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:995439. [PMID: 36172193 PMCID: PMC9510394 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.995439] [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: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is characterized by high heritability and clinical heterogeneity. The main core symptoms are social communication deficits. There are no medications approved for the treatment of these symptoms, and medications used to treat non-specific symptoms have serious side effects. To identify potential drugs for repurposing to effectively treat ASD core symptoms, we studied ASD risk genes within networks of protein-protein interactions of gene products. We first defined an ASD network from network-based analyses, and identified approved drugs known to interact with proteins within this network. Thereafter, we evaluated if these drugs can change ASD-associated gene expression perturbations in genes in the ASD network. This was done by analyses of drug-induced versus ASD-associated gene expression, where opposite gene expression perturbations in drug versus ASD indicate that the drug could counteract ASD-associated perturbations. Four drugs showing significant (p < 0.05) opposite gene expression perturbations in drug versus ASD were identified: Loperamide, bromocriptine, drospirenone, and progesterone. These drugs act on ASD-related biological systems, indicating that these drugs could effectively treat ASD core symptoms. Based on our bioinformatics analyses of ASD genetics, we shortlist potential drug repurposing candidates that warrant clinical translation to treat core symptoms in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Koch
- Norwegian Centre for Mental Disorders Research (NORMENT), University of Oslo and Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- *Correspondence: Elise Koch,
| | - Ditte Demontis
- The Lundbeck Foundation Initiative for Integrative Psychiatric Research, iPSYCH, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Biomedicine (Human Genetics) and Centre for Integrative Sequencing, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Genomics and Personalized Medicine, Aarhus, Denmark
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16
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Ashapkin V, Suvorov A, Pilsner JR, Krawetz SA, Sergeyev O. Age-associated epigenetic changes in mammalian sperm: implications for offspring health and development. Hum Reprod Update 2022; 29:24-44. [PMID: 36066418 PMCID: PMC9825272 DOI: 10.1093/humupd/dmac033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern reproductive behavior in most developed countries is characterized by delayed parenthood. Older gametes are generally less fertile, accumulating and compounding the effects of varied environmental exposures that are modified by lifestyle factors. Clinicians are primarily concerned with advanced maternal age, while the influence of paternal age on fertility, early development and offspring health remains underappreciated. There is a growing trend to use assisted reproductive technologies for couples of advanced reproductive age. Thus, the number of children born from older gametes is increasing. OBJECTIVE AND RATIONALE We review studies reporting age-associated epigenetic changes in mammals and humans in sperm, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and non-coding RNAs. The interplay between environment, fertility, ART and age-related epigenetic signatures is explored. We focus on the association of sperm epigenetics on epigenetic and phenotype events in embryos and offspring. SEARCH METHODS Peer-reviewed original and review articles over the last two decades were selected using PubMed and the Web of Science for this narrative review. Searches were performed by adopting the two groups of main terms. The first group included 'advanced paternal age', 'paternal age', 'postponed fatherhood', 'late fatherhood', 'old fatherhood' and the second group included 'sperm epigenetics', 'sperm', 'semen', 'epigenetic', 'inheritance', 'DNA methylation', 'chromatin', 'non-coding RNA', 'assisted reproduction', 'epigenetic clock'. OUTCOMES Age is a powerful factor in humans and rodent models associated with increased de novo mutations and a modified sperm epigenome. Age affects all known epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation, histone modifications and profiles of small non-coding (snc)RNA. While DNA methylation is the most investigated, there is a controversy about the direction of age-dependent changes in differentially hypo- or hypermethylated regions with advanced age. Successful development of the human sperm epigenetic clock based on cross-sectional data and four different methods for DNA methylation analysis indicates that at least some CpG exhibit a linear relationship between methylation levels and age. Rodent studies show a significant overlap between genes regulated through age-dependent differentially methylated regions and genes targeted by age-dependent sncRNA. Both age-dependent epigenetic mechanisms target gene networks enriched for embryo developmental, neurodevelopmental, growth and metabolic pathways. Thus, age-dependent changes in the sperm epigenome cannot be described as a stochastic accumulation of random epimutations and may be linked with autism spectrum disorders. Chemical and lifestyle exposures and ART techniques may affect the epigenetic aging of sperm. Although most epigenetic modifications are erased in the early mammalian embryo, there is growing evidence that an altered offspring epigenome and phenotype is linked with advanced paternal age due to the father's sperm accumulating epigenetic changes with time. It has been hypothesized that age-induced changes in the sperm epigenome are profound, physiological and dynamic over years, yet stable over days and months, and likely irreversible. WIDER IMPLICATIONS This review raises a concern about delayed fatherhood and age-associated changes in the sperm epigenome that may compromise reproductive health of fathers and transfer altered epigenetic information to subsequent generations. Prospective studies using healthy males that consider confounders are recommended. We suggest a broader discussion focused on regulation of the father's age in natural and ART conceptions is needed. The professional community should be informed and should raise awareness in the population and when counseling older men.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J Richard Pilsner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Stephen A Krawetz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA,Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Oleg Sergeyev
- Correspondence address. Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskye Gory, House 1, Building 40, Room 322, Moscow 119992, Russia. E-mail: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5745-3348
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17
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Zhang J, Song C, Dai J, Li L, Yang X, Chen Z. Mechanism of opioid addiction and its intervention therapy: Focusing on the reward circuitry and mu‐opioid receptor. MedComm (Beijing) 2022; 3:e148. [PMID: 35774845 PMCID: PMC9218544 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jia‐Jia Zhang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology The Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an China
| | - Chang‐Geng Song
- Department of Neurology Xijing Hospital The Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an China
| | - Ji‐Min Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery Xijing Hospital The Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an China
| | - Ling Li
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology The Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an China
| | - Xiang‐Min Yang
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology The Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an China
| | - Zhi‐Nan Chen
- National Translational Science Center for Molecular Medicine & Department of Cell Biology The Fourth Military Medical University Xi'an China
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18
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The Opioid System in Depression. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 140:104800. [PMID: 35914624 PMCID: PMC10166717 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Opioid receptors are widely distributed throughout the brain and play an essential role in modulating aspects of human mood, reward, and well-being. Accumulating evidence indicates the endogenous opioid system is dysregulated in depression and that pharmacological modulators of mu, delta, and kappa opioid receptors hold potential for the treatment of depression. Here we review animal and clinical data, highlighting evidence to support: dysregulation of the opioid system in depression, evidence for opioidergic modulation of behavioural processes and brain regions associated with depression, and evidence for opioidergic modulation in antidepressant responses. We evaluate clinical trials that have examined the safety and efficacy of opioidergic agents in depression and consider how the opioid system may be involved in the effects of other treatments, including ketamine, that are currently understood to exert antidepressant effects through non-opioidergic actions. Finally, we explore key neurochemical and molecular mechanisms underlying the potential therapeutic effects of opioid system engagement, that together provides a rationale for further investigation into this relevant target in the treatment of depression.
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19
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Bogdanova OV, Bogdanov VB, Pizano A, Bouvard M, Cazalets JR, Mellen N, Amestoy A. The Current View on the Paradox of Pain in Autism Spectrum Disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:910824. [PMID: 35935443 PMCID: PMC9352888 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.910824] [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: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder, which affects 1 in 44 children and may cause severe disabilities. Besides socio-communicational difficulties and repetitive behaviors, ASD also presents as atypical sensorimotor function and pain reactivity. While chronic pain is a frequent co-morbidity in autism, pain management in this population is often insufficient because of difficulties in pain evaluation, worsening their prognosis and perhaps driving higher mortality rates. Previous observations have tended to oversimplify the experience of pain in autism as being insensitive to painful stimuli. Various findings in the past 15 years have challenged and complicated this dogma. However, a relatively small number of studies investigates the physiological correlates of pain reactivity in ASD. We explore the possibility that atypical pain perception in people with ASD is mediated by alterations in pain perception, transmission, expression and modulation, and through interactions between these processes. These complex interactions may account for the great variability and sometimes contradictory findings from the studies. A growing body of evidence is challenging the idea of alterations in pain processing in ASD due to a single factor, and calls for an integrative view. We propose a model of the pain cycle that includes the interplay between the molecular and neurophysiological pathways of pain processing and it conscious appraisal that may interfere with pain reactivity and coping in autism. The role of social factors in pain-induced response is also discussed. Pain assessment in clinical care is mostly based on subjective rather than objective measures. This review clarifies the strong need for a consistent methodology, and describes innovative tools to cope with the heterogeneity of pain expression in ASD, enabling individualized assessment. Multiple measures, including self-reporting, informant reporting, clinician-assessed, and purely physiological metrics may provide more consistent results. An integrative view on the regulation of the pain cycle offers a more robust framework to characterize the experience of pain in autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olena V. Bogdanova
- CNRS, Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, INCIA, UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Volodymyr B. Bogdanov
- Laboratoire EA 4136 – Handicap Activité Cognition Santé HACS, Collège Science de la Sante, Institut Universitaire des Sciences de la Réadaptation, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Adrien Pizano
- CNRS, Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, INCIA, UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Centre Hospitalier Charles-Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Bordeaux, France
| | - Manuel Bouvard
- CNRS, Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, INCIA, UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Centre Hospitalier Charles-Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Bordeaux, France
| | - Jean-Rene Cazalets
- CNRS, Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, INCIA, UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
| | - Nicholas Mellen
- Department of Neurology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, United States
| | - Anouck Amestoy
- CNRS, Aquitaine Institute for Cognitive and Integrative Neuroscience, INCIA, UMR 5287, Université de Bordeaux, Bordeaux, France
- Centre Hospitalier Charles-Perrens, Pôle Universitaire de Psychiatrie de l’Enfant et de l’Adolescent, Bordeaux, France
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20
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Bee Pollen and Probiotics May Alter Brain Neuropeptide Levels in a Rodent Model of Autism Spectrum Disorders. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12060562. [PMID: 35736494 PMCID: PMC9230532 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12060562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 06/12/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptides play a major role in maintaining normal brain development in children. Dysfunction of some specific neuropeptides can lead to autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in terms of social interaction and repetitive behavior, but the exact underlying etiological mechanisms are still not clear. In this study, we used an animal model of autism to investigate the role of bee pollen and probiotic in maintaining neuropeptide levels in the brain. We measured the Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), Beta-endorphin (β-End), neurotensin (NT), and substance P (SP) in brain homogenates of six studied groups of rats. Group I served as control, given only PBS for 30 days; Group II as an autistic model treated with 250 mg PPA/kg BW/day for 3 days after being given PBS for 27 days. Groups III-VI were denoted as intervention groups. G-III was treated with bee pollen (BP) 250 mg/kg body weight/day; G-IV with Lactobacillus paracaseii (LB) (109 CFU/mL) suspended in PBS; G-V with 0.2 g/kg body weight/day Protexin®, a mixture of probiotics (MPB); and G-VI was transplanted with stool from normal animals (FT) for 27 days prior to the induction of PPA neurotoxicity on the last 3 days of study (days 28–30). The obtained data were analyzed through the use of principal component analysis (PCA), discriminant analysis (DA), hierarchical clustering, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves as excellent statistical tools in the field of biomarkers. The obtained data revealed that brain levels of the four measured neuropeptides were significantly reduced in PPA-treated animals compared to healthy control animals. Moreover, the findings demonstrate the ameliorative effects of bee pollen as a prebiotic and of the pure or mixed probiotics. This study proves the protective effects of pre and probiotics against the neurotoxic effects of PPA presented as impaired levels of α-MSH, β-End, NT, and SP.
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21
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Saad AK, Akour A, Mahboob A, AbuRuz S, Sadek B. Role of Brain Modulators in Neurodevelopment: Focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder and Associated Comorbidities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:612. [PMID: 35631438 PMCID: PMC9144645 DOI: 10.3390/ph15050612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and associated neurodevelopmental disorders share similar pathogenesis and clinical features. Pathophysiological changes in these diseases are rooted in early neuronal stem cells in the uterus. Several genetic and environmental factors potentially perturb neurogenesis and synaptogenesis processes causing incomplete or altered maturation of the brain that precedes the symptomology later in life. In this review, the impact of several endogenous neuromodulators and pharmacological agents on the foetus during pregnancy, manifested on numerous aspects of neurodevelopment is discussed. Within this context, some possible insults that may alter these modulators and therefore alter their role in neurodevelopment are high-lighted. Sometimes, a particular insult could influence several neuromodulator systems as is supported by recent research in the field of ASD and associated disorders. Dopaminergic hy-pothesis prevailed on the table for discussion of the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCH), atten-tion-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and ASD for a long time. However, recent cumulative evidence suggests otherwise. Indeed, the neuromodulators that are dysregulated in ASD and comorbid disorders are as diverse as the causes and symptoms of this disease. Additionally, these neuromodulators have roles in brain development, further complicating their involvement in comorbidity. This review will survey the current understanding of the neuromodulating systems to serve the pharmacological field during pregnancy and to minimize drug-related insults in pa-tients with ASD and associated comorbidity disorders, e.g., SCH or ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali K. Saad
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Amal Akour
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 11942, Jordan
| | - Abdulla Mahboob
- Department of Chemistry, College of Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al-Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Salahdein AbuRuz
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Biopharmaceutics and Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman P.O. Box 11942, Jordan
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates; (A.K.S.); (A.A.); (S.A.)
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 17666, United Arab Emirates
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22
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Skoglund C, Leknes S, Heilig M. The partial µ-opioid agonist buprenorphine in autism spectrum disorder: a case report. J Med Case Rep 2022; 16:152. [PMID: 35422015 PMCID: PMC9011926 DOI: 10.1186/s13256-022-03384-w] [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: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
There are currently no approved medications for impaired social cognition and function, core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder. We describe marked improvement of these symptoms with long-term low-dose administration of the partial µ-opioid agonist buprenorphine. We discuss these observations in the context of a role for endogenous opioid systems in social attachment, and theories integrating those findings mechanistically with autism spectrum disorder.
Case presentation
M, a 43-year-old Caucasian male, is medically healthy. Despite social difficulties since childhood, he completed high school with better-than-average grades, but failed university education. A psychiatric evaluation in his twenties diagnosed attention deficit hyperactivity disorder but also noted symptoms of coexisting autism spectrum disorder. M accidentally came across buprenorphine in his late twenties and experienced progressively improved social functioning on a low daily dosage (0.5–1.0 mg/day), an effect maintained for 15 years. He lived independently and maintained a part-time occupation. After abrupt discontinuation of treatment, his autistic symptoms returned, and function deteriorated. Following evaluation by our team, buprenorphine was resumed, with gradual return to prior level of functioning. An attempt to formally evaluate M both on and off medication was agreed with him and approved by the Swedish Ethics Authority, but medication had to be resumed when the patient worsened following discontinuation.
Conclusions
According to the µ-opioid receptor balance model, both excessive and deficient μ-receptor activity may negatively influence social behavior, and accordingly both opioid agonist and opioid antagonist treatment may be able to improve social functioning, depending on an individual’s opioid tone before treatment. Our case report is consistent with these hypotheses, and given the extensive unmet medical needs in individuals with autism spectrum disorders, randomized controlled trial appears warranted.
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23
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Effah F, de Gusmão Taveiros Silva NK, Vijayanathan K, Camarini R, Joly F, Taiwo B, Rabot S, Champeil-Potokar G, Bombail V, Bailey A. SEX-DEPENDENT IMPACT OF MICROBIOTA STATUS ON CEREBRAL μ -OPIOID RECEPTOR DENSITY IN FISCHER RATS. Eur J Neurosci 2022; 55:1917-1933. [PMID: 35393704 PMCID: PMC9324823 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15666] [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: 09/13/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
μ‐opioid receptors (MOPr) play a critical role in social play, reward and pain, in a sex‐ and age‐dependent manner. There is evidence to suggest that sex and age differences in brain MOPr density may be responsible for this variability; however, little is known about the factors driving these differences in cerebral MOPr density. Emerging evidence highlights gut microbiota's critical influence and its bidirectional interaction with the brain on neurodevelopment. Therefore, we aimed to determine the impact of gut microbiota on MOPr density in male and female brains at different developmental stages. Quantitative [3H]DAMGO autoradiographic binding was carried out in the forebrain of male and female conventional (CON) and germ‐free (GF) rats at postnatal days (PND) 8, 22 and 116–150. Significant ‘microbiota status X sex’, ‘age X brain region’ interactions and microbiota status‐ and age‐dependent effects on MOPr binding were uncovered. Microbiota status influenced MOPr levels in males but not females, with higher MOPr levels observed in GF versus CON rats overall regions and age groups. In contrast, no overall sex differences were observed in GF or CON rats. Interestingly, within‐age planned comparison analysis conducted in frontal cortical and brain regions associated with reward revealed that this microbiota effect was restricted only to PND22 rats. Thus, this pilot study uncovers the critical sex‐dependent role of gut microbiota in regulating cerebral MOPr density, which is restricted to the sensitive developmental period of weaning. This may have implications in understanding the importance of microbiota during early development on opioid signalling and associated behaviours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Effah
- Pharmacology Section, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, London, UK
| | | | - Katie Vijayanathan
- Pharmacology Section, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, London, UK
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Pharmacology Department, Universidade de Sao Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Fatima Joly
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Benjamin Taiwo
- Pharmacology Section, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, London, UK
| | - Sylvie Rabot
- Université Paris-Saclay, INRAE, AgroParisTech, Micalis Institute, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | | | - Vincent Bombail
- UMR PNCA, AgroParisTech, INRAE, Université Paris-Saclay, Paris, France
| | - Alexis Bailey
- Pharmacology Section, St George's University of London, Cranmer Terrace, SW17 0RE, London, UK
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24
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McKowen J, Woodward D, Yule AM, DiSalvo M, Rao V, Greenbaum J, Joshi G, Wilens TE. Characterizing autistic traits in treatment-seeking young adults with substance use disorders. Am J Addict 2021; 31:108-114. [PMID: 34957636 DOI: 10.1111/ajad.13247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Recent work highlights an increase in the overlap of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and substance use disorder (SUD). Little is known about the presence of ASD symptoms in SUD-treatment-seeking populations. METHODS The informant-rated Social Responsiveness Scale-2 (SRS-2) was completed at intake to an outpatient SUD clinic for youth aged 16-26 (N = 69). Comparisons were made between those with elevated SRS-2 scores on demographic, psychiatric, and substance use variables. RESULTS Parents of sixty-nine patients with SUD completed the SRS-2. Fourteen (20%) (average age 18.7 ± 2.5) had elevated SRS-2 Total T-scores (≥66) and 55 (average age 18.1 ± 2.8) had non-clinical SRS-2 Total T-scores. There were few differences between groups; however, those with elevated SRS-2 Total T-scores were more likely to have a stimulant use disorder (odds ratio [OR] = 7.59, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.77, 101.88; p = 0.05) or an opioid use disorder (OR = 5.02, 95% CI = 0.59, 43.27; p = 0.08) than patients with normal SRS-2 Total T-scores as well as alcohol use in the week prior to intake. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS A significant proportion of treatment-seeking SUD outpatients suffer from clinically elevated autistic traits. These findings highlight the importance of assessing for autistic traits in SUD treatment settings yet additional research is needed to determine if these findings are specific to the presence of ASD or secondary to sequelae of specific SUD presentations. SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE This study is, to our knowledge, the first to have examined the prevalence, morbidity, or clinical characteristics, associated with ASD symptoms in a SUD-specific population.
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Affiliation(s)
- James McKowen
- Addiction Recovery Management Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Diana Woodward
- Addiction Recovery Management Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Amy M Yule
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Maura DiSalvo
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Pharmacology and Adult ADHD, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Vinod Rao
- Addiction Recovery Management Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Julia Greenbaum
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Pharmacology and Adult ADHD, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Gagan Joshi
- Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Pharmacology and Adult ADHD, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Timothy E Wilens
- Addiction Recovery Management Service, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.,Clinical and Research Programs in Pediatric Pharmacology and Adult ADHD, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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25
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McPartland JC, Lerner MD, Bhat A, Clarkson T, Jack A, Koohsari S, Matuskey D, McQuaid GA, Su WC, Trevisan DA. Looking Back at the Next 40 Years of ASD Neuroscience Research. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 51:4333-4353. [PMID: 34043128 PMCID: PMC8542594 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05095-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
During the last 40 years, neuroscience has become one of the most central and most productive approaches to investigating autism. In this commentary, we assemble a group of established investigators and trainees to review key advances and anticipated developments in neuroscience research across five modalities most commonly employed in autism research: magnetic resonance imaging, functional near infrared spectroscopy, positron emission tomography, electroencephalography, and transcranial magnetic stimulation. Broadly, neuroscience research has provided important insights into brain systems involved in autism but not yet mechanistic understanding. Methodological advancements are expected to proffer deeper understanding of neural circuitry associated with function and dysfunction during the next 40 years.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Matthew D Lerner
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, USA
| | - Anjana Bhat
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Tessa Clarkson
- Department of Psychology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Allison Jack
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Sheida Koohsari
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - David Matuskey
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Goldie A McQuaid
- Department of Psychology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA, USA
| | - Wan-Chun Su
- Department of Physical Therapy, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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26
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A preliminary study on abnormal brain function and autistic behavior in mice caused by dcf1 deletion. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2021; 579:29-34. [PMID: 34583192 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2021.09.056] [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: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Autism is one of the urgent problems in neuroscience. Early research in our laboratory found that dcf1 gene-deficient mice exhibited autistic behavior. Reviewing the literature, we know that the caudate putamen (CPu) brain region is closely related to the occurrence of autism. In this study, we observed that the electrical signal in the abnormal brain region of adult mice was enhanced by using field potential detection for the corresponding brain region. We then used retrovirus markers to track neurons in the CPu brain region and found that there are neural projections in the hippocampus-CPu brain region. Therefore, we selected DREADDs (Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) to inhibit the abnormal brain region of the mouse and found, through behavioral testing, that this can inhibit the autistic behavior of mice. This research provides new evidence for the understanding of the cause of autism and has accumulated new basis for the treatment of autism. It has theoretical significance and potential application value for the understanding and treatment of autism.
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27
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Osman A, Zuffa S, Walton G, Fagbodun E, Zanos P, Georgiou P, Kitchen I, Swann J, Bailey A. Post-weaning A1/A2 β-casein milk intake modulates depressive-like behavior, brain μ-opioid receptors, and the metabolome of rats. iScience 2021; 24:103048. [PMID: 34585111 PMCID: PMC8450247 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The postnatal period is critical for brain and behavioral development and is sensitive to environmental stimuli, such as nutrition. Prevention of weaning from maternal milk was previously shown to cause depressive-like behavior in rats. Additionally, loss of dietary casein was found to act as a developmental trigger for a population of brain opioid receptors. Here, we explore the effect of exposure to milk containing A1 and A2 β-casein beyond weaning. A1 but not A2 β-casein milk significantly increased stress-induced immobility in rats, concomitant with an increased abundance of Clostridium histolyticum bacterial group in the caecum and colon of A1 β-casein fed animals, brain region-specific alterations of μ-opioid and oxytocin receptors, and modifications in urinary biochemical profiles. Moreover, urinary gut microbial metabolites strongly correlated with altered brain metabolites. These findings suggest that consumption of milk containing A1 β-casein beyond weaning age may affect mood via a possible gut-brain axis mechanism. Postnatal brain development is sensitive to nutritional exposures Consumption of A1 but not A2 β-casein milk post-weaning affects mood in rats Gut microbial, biochemical, and neurochemical changes accompany mood alterations Urinary gut microbial metabolites correlate with brain metabolites
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Osman
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA.,Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Simone Zuffa
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Gemma Walton
- Food and Nutritional Sciences, School of Chemistry, Food and Pharmacy, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - Elizabeth Fagbodun
- Pharmacology Section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
| | - Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, 1 University Avenue, 2109 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ian Kitchen
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, Surrey GU2 7XH, UK
| | - Jonathan Swann
- Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK.,School of Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Alexis Bailey
- Pharmacology Section, Institute of Medical and Biomedical Education, St George's University of London, London, UK
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28
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Toddes C, Lefevre EM, Brandner DD, Zugschwert L, Rothwell PE. μ-Opioid Receptor (Oprm1) Copy Number Influences Nucleus Accumbens Microcircuitry and Reciprocal Social Behaviors. J Neurosci 2021; 41:7965-7977. [PMID: 34301826 PMCID: PMC8460143 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.2440-20.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The μ-opioid receptor regulates reward derived from both drug use and natural experiences, including social interaction, through actions in the nucleus accumbens. Here, we studied nucleus accumbens microcircuitry and social behavior in male and female mice with heterozygous genetic knockout of the μ-opioid receptor (Oprm1+/-). This genetic condition models the partial reduction of μ-opioid receptor signaling reported in several neuropsychiatric disorders. We first analyzed inhibitory synapses in the nucleus accumbens, using methods that differentiate between medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing the D1 or D2 dopamine receptor. Inhibitory synaptic transmission was increased in D2-MSNs of male mutants, but not female mutants, while the expression of gephyrin mRNA and the density of inhibitory synaptic puncta at the cell body of D2-MSNs was increased in mutants of both sexes. Some of these changes were more robust in Oprm1+/- mutants than Oprm1-/- mutants, demonstrating that partial reductions of μ-opioid signaling can have large effects. At the behavioral level, social conditioned place preference and reciprocal social interaction were diminished in Oprm1+/- and Oprm1-/- mutants of both sexes. Interaction with Oprm1 mutants also altered the social behavior of wild-type test partners. We corroborated this latter result using a social preference task, in which wild-type mice preferred interactions with another typical mouse over Oprm1 mutants. Surprisingly, Oprm1-/- mice preferred interactions with other Oprm1-/- mutants, although these interactions did not produce a conditioned place preference. Our results support a role for partial dysregulation of μ-opioid signaling in social deficits associated with neuropsychiatric conditions.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT Activation of the μ-opioid receptor plays a key role in the expression of normal social behaviors. In this study, we examined brain function and social behavior of female and male mice, with either partial or complete genetic deletion of μ-opioid receptor expression. We observed abnormal social behavior following both genetic manipulations, as well as changes in the structure and function of synaptic input to a specific population of neurons in the nucleus accumbens, which is an important brain region for social behavior. Synaptic changes were most robust when μ-opioid receptor expression was only partially lost, indicating that small reductions in μ-opioid receptor signaling can have a large impact on brain function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlee Toddes
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Emilia M Lefevre
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Dieter D Brandner
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
- Medical Scientist Training Program, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
| | - Lauryn Zugschwert
- Neuroscience Program and Department of Biology, University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, Minnesota 55105
| | - Patrick E Rothwell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55455
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29
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Gevezova M, Sarafian V, Anderson G, Maes M. Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:320-333. [PMID: 32600237 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200628015039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a severe childhood psychiatric condition with an array of cognitive, language and social impairments that can significantly impact family life. ASD is classically characterized by reduced communication skills and social interactions, with limitations imposed by repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The pathophysiology of ASD is thought to arise from complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors within the context of individual development. A growing body of research has raised the possibility of identifying the aetiological causes of the disorder. This review highlights the roles of immune-inflammatory pathways, nitro-oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in ASD pathogenesis and symptom severity. The role of NK-cells, T helper, T regulatory and B-cells, coupled with increased inflammatory cytokines, lowered levels of immune-regulatory cytokines, and increased autoantibodies and microglial activation is elucidated. It is proposed that alterations in mitochondrial activity and nitrooxidative stress are intimately associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways. Future research should determine as to whether the mitochondria, immune-inflammatory activity and nitrooxidative stress changes in ASD affect the development of amygdala-frontal cortex interactions. A number of treatment implications may arise, including prevention-orientated prenatal interventions, treatment of pregnant women with vitamin D, and sodium butyrate. Treatments of ASD children and adults with probiotics, sodium butyrate and butyrate-inducing diets, antipurinergic therapy with suramin, melatonin, oxytocin and taurine are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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30
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Bermudez-Martin P, Becker JAJ, Caramello N, Fernandez SP, Costa-Campos R, Canaguier J, Barbosa S, Martinez-Gili L, Myridakis A, Dumas ME, Bruneau A, Cherbuy C, Langella P, Callebert J, Launay JM, Chabry J, Barik J, Le Merrer J, Glaichenhaus N, Davidovic L. The microbial metabolite p-Cresol induces autistic-like behaviors in mice by remodeling the gut microbiota. MICROBIOME 2021; 9:157. [PMID: 34238386 PMCID: PMC8268286 DOI: 10.1186/s40168-021-01103-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are associated with dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis, changes in microbiota composition as well as in the fecal, serum, and urine levels of microbial metabolites. Yet a causal relationship between dysregulation of the microbiota-gut-brain axis and ASD remains to be demonstrated. Here, we hypothesized that the microbial metabolite p-Cresol, which is more abundant in ASD patients compared to neurotypical individuals, could induce ASD-like behavior in mice. RESULTS Mice exposed to p-Cresol for 4 weeks in drinking water presented social behavior deficits, stereotypies, and perseverative behaviors, but no changes in anxiety, locomotion, or cognition. Abnormal social behavior induced by p-Cresol was associated with decreased activity of central dopamine neurons involved in the social reward circuit. Further, p-Cresol induced changes in microbiota composition and social behavior deficits could be transferred from p-Cresol-treated mice to control mice by fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT). We also showed that mice transplanted with the microbiota of p-Cresol-treated mice exhibited increased fecal p-Cresol excretion, compared to mice transplanted with the microbiota of control mice. In addition, we identified possible p-Cresol bacterial producers. Lastly, the microbiota of control mice rescued social interactions, dopamine neurons excitability, and fecal p-Cresol levels when transplanted to p-Cresol-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS The microbial metabolite p-Cresol induces selectively ASD core behavioral symptoms in mice. Social behavior deficits induced by p-Cresol are dependant on changes in microbiota composition. Our study paves the way for therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiota and p-Cresol production to treat patients with ASD. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Bermudez-Martin
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Jérôme A J Becker
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR0075 INRAE, UMR7247 CNRS, IFCE, Inserm, Université François Rabelais, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Tours, 37200, France
| | - Nicolas Caramello
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Current address: Structural Biology, Radiation Facility, European Synchrotron, Grenoble, France
| | - Sebastian P Fernandez
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Renan Costa-Campos
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Juliette Canaguier
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Susana Barbosa
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Laura Martinez-Gili
- Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Antonis Myridakis
- Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Marc-Emmanuel Dumas
- Division of Systems Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
- Genomic and Environmental Medicine, National Heart & Lung Institute, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, SW3 6KY, UK
- European Genomic Institute for Diabetes, CNRS UMR 8199, INSERM UMR 1283, Institut Pasteur de Lille, Lille University Hospital, University of Lille, 59045, Lille, France
- McGill University and Genome Quebec Innovation Centre, 740 Doctor Penfield Avenue, Montréal, QC, H3A 0G1, Canada
| | - Aurélia Bruneau
- AgroParisTech, INRAE, Institut Micalis, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Claire Cherbuy
- AgroParisTech, INRAE, Institut Micalis, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Philippe Langella
- AgroParisTech, INRAE, Institut Micalis, Université Paris-Saclay, Jouy-en-Josas, France
| | - Jacques Callebert
- UMR-S 942, INSERM, Department of Biochemistry, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
- Centre for Biological Resources, BB-0033-00064, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Marie Launay
- UMR-S 942, INSERM, Department of Biochemistry, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
- Centre for Biological Resources, BB-0033-00064, Lariboisière Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Joëlle Chabry
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Jacques Barik
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
| | - Julie Le Merrer
- Physiologie de la Reproduction et des Comportements, UMR0075 INRAE, UMR7247 CNRS, IFCE, Inserm, Université François Rabelais, 37380, Nouzilly, France
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, CNRS, Tours, 37200, France
| | - Nicolas Glaichenhaus
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France
| | - Laetitia Davidovic
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Université Côte d'Azur, 660 route des Lucioles, 06560, Valbonne, France.
- Fondation FondaMental, Créteil, France.
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31
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Hughes EM, Calcagno P, Sanchez C, Smith K, Kelly JP, Finn DP, Roche M. Mu-opioid receptor agonism differentially alters social behaviour and immediate early gene expression in male adolescent rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid versus controls. Brain Res Bull 2021; 174:260-267. [PMID: 34197938 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Mu-opioid receptors (MOPs) mediate and modulate social reward and social interaction. However, few studies have examined the functionality of this system in rodent models of social impairment. Deficits in social motivation and cognition are observed in rodents following pre-natal exposure to the anti-epileptic valproic acid (VPA), however it is not known whether MOP functionality is altered in these animals. The present study examined the effects of acute administration of the prototypical MOP agonist morphine (1 mg/kg) on social behavioural responding in the 3-chamber test and immediate early gene expression in adolescent rats (postnatal day 28-43) prenatally exposed to VPA vs saline-exposed controls. Pharmacokinetic analysis of morphine concentration, MOP binding and expression were also examined. The data revealed that sociability and social novelty preference in the 3-chamber test were reduced in rats prenatally exposed to VPA compared to saline-exposed control counterparts. Morphine reduced both sociability and social novelty preference behaviour in saline-, but not VPA-, exposed rats. Analysis of immediate early gene expression revealed that morphine reduced the expression of cfos in the prefrontal cortex of both saline- and VPA-exposed rats and reduced expression of cfos and junb in the hippocampus of VPA-exposed rats only. Pharmacokinetic analysis revealed similar concentrations of morphine in the plasma and brain of both saline- and VPA-exposed rats and similar thalamic MOP occupancy levels. Gene and protein expression of MOP in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus did not differ between saline and VPA-exposed rats. These data indicate differential effects of morphine on social responding and immediate early gene expression in the hippocampus of VPA-exposed rats compared with saline-exposed controls. This study provides support for altered MOP functionality in rats prenatally exposed to VPA, which may underlie the social deficits observed in the model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edel M Hughes
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Patricia Calcagno
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | | | | | - John P Kelly
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - David P Finn
- Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Pharmacology and Therapeutics, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland
| | - Michelle Roche
- Physiology, School of Medicine, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Galway Neuroscience Centre, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland; Centre for Pain Research, National University of Ireland, Galway, Ireland.
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Facilitating mGluR4 activity reverses the long-term deleterious consequences of chronic morphine exposure in male mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1373-1385. [PMID: 33349673 PMCID: PMC8136479 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-020-00927-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Revised: 11/16/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of abstinence from drugs of abuse is critical to allow better recovery and ensure relapse prevention in addicted subjects. By comparing the long-term transcriptional consequences of morphine and cocaine exposure, we identified the metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 4 (mGluR4) as a promising pharmacological target in morphine abstinence. We evaluated the behavioral and molecular effects of facilitating mGluR4 activity in abstinent mice. Transcriptional regulation of marker genes of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) allowed best discriminating between 4-week morphine and cocaine abstinence in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). Among these markers, Grm4, encoding mGluR4, displayed down-regulated expression in the caudate putamen and NAc of morphine, but not cocaine, abstinent mice. Chronic administration of the mGluR4 positive allosteric modulator (PAM) VU0155041 (2.5 and 5 mg/kg) rescued social behavior, normalized stereotypies and anxiety and blunted locomotor sensitization in morphine abstinent mice. This treatment improved social preference but increased stereotypies in cocaine abstinent mice. Finally, the beneficial behavioral effects of VU0155041 treatment in morphine abstinent mice were correlated with restored expression of key MSN and neural activity marker genes in the NAc. This study reports that chronic administration of the mGluR4 PAM VU0155041 relieves long-term deleterious consequences of morphine exposure. It illustrates the neurobiological differences between opiate and psychostimulant abstinence and points to pharmacological repression of excessive activity of D2-MSNs in the NAc as a promising therapeutic lever in drug addiction.
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Aberrant Early in Life Stimulation of the Stress-Response System Affects Emotional Contagion and Oxytocin Regulation in Adult Male Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22095039. [PMID: 34068684 PMCID: PMC8126076 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Results over the last decades have provided evidence suggesting that HPA axis dysfunction is a major risk factor predisposing to the development of psychopathological behaviour. This susceptibility can be programmed during developmental windows of marked neuroplasticity, allowing early-life adversity to convey vulnerability to mental illness later in life. Besides genetic predisposition, also environmental factors play a pivotal role in this process, through embodiment of the mother's emotions, or via nutrients and hormones transferred through the placenta and the maternal milk. The aim of the current translational study was to mimic a severe stress condition by exposing female CD-1 mouse dams to abnormal levels of corticosterone (80 µg/mL) in the drinking water either during the last week of pregnancy (PreCORT) or the first one of lactation (PostCORT), compared to an Animal Facility Rearing (AFR) control group. When tested as adults, male mice from PostCORT offspring and somewhat less the PreCORT mice exhibited a markedly increased corticosterone response to acute restraint stress, compared to perinatal AFR controls. Aberrant persistence of adolescence-typical increased interest towards novel social stimuli and somewhat deficient emotional contagion also characterised profiles in both perinatal-CORT groups. Intranasal oxytocin (0 or 20.0 µg/kg) generally managed to reduce the stress response and restore a regular behavioural phenotype. Alterations in density of glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid receptors, oxytocin and µ- and κ-opioid receptors were found. Changes differed as a function of brain areas and the specific age window of perinatal aberrant stimulation of the HPA axis. Present results provided experimental evidence in a translational mouse model that precocious adversity represents a risk factor predisposing to the development of psychopathological behaviour.
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Eitan S, Madison CA, Kuempel J. The self-serving benefits of being a good host: A role for our micro-inhabitants in shaping opioids' function. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 127:284-295. [PMID: 33894242 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 04/07/2021] [Accepted: 04/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Opioids are highly efficacious in their ability to relieve pain, but they are liable for abuse, dependence, and addiction. Risk factors to develop opioid use disorders (OUD) include chronic stress, socio-environment, and preexisting major depressive disorders (MDD) and posttraumatic stress disorders (PTSD). Additionally, opioids reduce gut motility, induce loss of gut barrier function, and alter the composition of the trillions of microbes hosted in the gastrointestinal tract, known as the gut microbiota. The microbiota are significant contributors to the reciprocal communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the gut, termed the gut-brain axis. They have strong influences on their host behaviors, including the ability to cope with stress, sociability, affect, mood, and anxiety. Thus, they are implicated in the etiology of MDD and PTSD. Here we review the latest studies demonstrating that intestinal flora can, directly and indirectly, by affecting sociability levels, responses to stress, and mental state, alter the responses to opioids. It suggests that microbiota can potentially be used to increase the resilience to develop analgesic tolerance and OUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shoshana Eitan
- Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA.
| | - Caitlin A Madison
- Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Jacob Kuempel
- Behavioral and Cellular Neuroscience, Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, 4235 TAMU, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
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Manduca A, Carbone E, Schiavi S, Cacchione C, Buzzelli V, Campolongo P, Trezza V. The neurochemistry of social reward during development: What have we learned from rodent models? J Neurochem 2021; 157:1408-1435. [PMID: 33569830 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Social rewards are fundamental to survival and overall health. Several studies suggest that adequate social stimuli during early life are critical for developing appropriate socioemotional and cognitive skills, whereas adverse social experiences negatively affect the proper development of brain and behavior, by increasing the susceptibility to develop neuropsychiatric conditions. Therefore, a better understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying social interactions, and their rewarding components in particular, is an important challenge of current neuroscience research. In this context, preclinical research has a crucial role: Animal models allow to investigate the neurobiological aspects of social reward in order to shed light on possible neurochemical alterations causing aberrant social reward processing in neuropsychiatric diseases, and they allow to test the validity and safety of innovative therapeutic strategies. Here, we discuss preclinical research that has investigated the rewarding properties of two forms of social interaction that occur in different phases of the lifespan of mammals, that is, mother-infant interaction and social interactions with peers, by focusing on the main neurotransmitter systems mediating their rewarding components. Together, the research performed so far helped to elucidate the mechanisms of social reward and its psychobiological components throughout development, thus increasing our understanding of the neurobiological substrates sustaining social functioning in health conditions and social dysfunction in major psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.,Neuroendocrinology, Metabolism and Neuropharmacology Unit, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Emilia Carbone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Claudia Cacchione
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
| | - Valeria Buzzelli
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Campolongo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.,Neurobiology of Behavior Laboratory, IRCSS Fondazione Santa Lucia, Rome, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, Roma Tre University, Rome, Italy
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Wichers RH, Findon JL, Jelsma A, Giampietro V, Stoencheva V, Robertson DM, Murphy CM, Blainey S, McAlonan G, Ecker C, Rubia K, Murphy DGM, Daly EM. Modulation of atypical brain activation during executive functioning in autism: a pharmacological MRI study of tianeptine. Mol Autism 2021; 12:14. [PMID: 33608048 PMCID: PMC7893772 DOI: 10.1186/s13229-021-00422-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is associated with deficits in executive functioning (EF), and these have been suggested to contribute to core as well as co-occurring psychiatric symptoms. The biological basis of these deficits is unknown but may include the serotonergic system, which is involved both in regulating EF in neurotypical populations and in the pathophysiology of ASD. We previously demonstrated that reducing serotonin by acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) shifts differences in brain function during performance of EF tasks towards control levels. However, ATD cannot be easily used in the clinic, and we therefore need to adopt alternative approaches to challenge the serotonin system. Hence, we investigated the role of the serotonergic modulator tianeptine on EF networks in ASD. Method We conducted a pharmacological magnetic resonance imaging study, using a randomized double-blind crossover design, to compare the effect of an acute dosage of 12.5 mg tianeptine and placebo on brain activation during two EF tasks (of response inhibition and sustained attention) in 38 adult males: 19 with ASD and 19 matched controls. Results Under placebo, compared to controls, individuals with ASD had atypical brain activation in response inhibition regions including the inferior frontal cortex, premotor regions and cerebellum. During sustained attention, individuals with ASD had decreased brain activation in the right middle temporal cortex, right cuneus and left precuneus. Most of the case–control differences in brain function observed under placebo conditions were abolished by tianeptine administration. Also, within ASD individuals, brain functional differences were shifted significantly towards control levels during response inhibition in the inferior frontal and premotor cortices. Limitations We conducted a pilot study using a single dose of tianeptine, and therefore, we cannot comment on long-term outcome. Conclusions Our findings provide the first evidence that tianeptine can shift atypical brain activation during EF in adults with ASD towards control levels. Future studies should investigate whether this shift in the biology of ASD is maintained after prolonged treatment with tianeptine and whether it improves clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert H Wichers
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK. .,Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK.
| | - James L Findon
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Auke Jelsma
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Vincent Giampietro
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Vladimira Stoencheva
- Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Dene M Robertson
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Clodagh M Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sarah Blainey
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Grainne McAlonan
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Christine Ecker
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University Hospital Frankfurt am Main, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Katya Rubia
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Declan G M Murphy
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK.,Behavioural and Developmental Psychiatry Clinical Academic Group, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Eileen M Daly
- Department of Forensic and Neurodevelopmental Sciences, The Sackler Centre for Translational Neurodevelopment, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, PO50 De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 8AF, UK
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Gluten and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13020572. [PMID: 33572226 PMCID: PMC7915454 DOI: 10.3390/nu13020572] [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: 12/31/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
An expanding body of literature is examining connections between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and dietary interventions. While a number of specialist diets have been suggested as beneficial in ASD, gluten has received particularly close attention as a potentially exacerbating factor. Reports exist suggesting a beneficial effect of the gluten-free diet (GFD) in ameliorating behavioural and intellectual problems associated with ASD, while epidemiological research has also shown a comorbidity between ASD and coeliac disease. However, both caregivers and clinicians have expressed an uncertainty of the value of people with ASD going gluten-free, and as the GFD otherwise receives considerable public attention a discussion which focuses specifically on the interaction between ASD and gluten is warranted. In this review we discuss the historical context of ASD and gluten-related studies, and expand this to include an overview of epidemiological links, hypotheses of shared pathological mechanisms, and ultimately the evidence around the use and adoption of the GFD in people with ASD.
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Inoue R, Nishizawa D, Hasegawa J, Nakayama K, Fukuda KI, Ichinohe T, Mieda T, Tsujita M, Nakagawa H, Kitamura A, Sumikura H, Ikeda K, Hayashida M. Effects of rs958804 and rs7858836 single-nucleotide polymorphisms of the ASTN2 gene on pain-related phenotypes in patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy and mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:82-90. [PMID: 33476460 PMCID: PMC8182957 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Opioids are widely used as effective analgesics, but opioid sensitivity varies widely among individuals. The underlying genetic and nongenetic factors are not fully understood. Based on the results of our previous genome‐wide association study, we investigated the effects of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the astrotactin 2 (ASTN2) gene on pain‐related phenotypes in surgical patients. Methods We investigated the effects of two SNPs, rs958804 T/C and rs7858836 C/T, of the ASTN2 gene on eight and seven pain‐related phenotypes in 350 patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy (LAC) and 358 patients who underwent mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy (SSRO), respectively. In both surgical groups, intravenous fentanyl patient‐controlled analgesia (PCA) was used for postoperative analgesia, and 24‐hour postoperative PCA fentanyl use was the primary endpoint. Results The association analyses among the two SNPs and pain‐related traits showed that 24‐hour fentanyl use was significantly associated with the two SNP genotypes in both surgical groups. The Mann‐Whitney test showed that 24‐hour fentanyl use was lower in patients with the C allele than in patients with the TT genotype of the rs958804 T/C SNP (P = .0019 and .0200 in LAC and SSRO patients, respectively), and it was lower in patients with the T allele than in patients with the CC genotype of the rs7858836 C/T SNP (P = .0017 and .0098 in LAC and SSRO patients, respectively). Conclusion The two SNPs of the ASTN2 gene were consistently associated with fentanyl requirements after two different types of surgery. These findings may contribute to personalized pain control. We investigated the effects of two SNPs, rs958804 T/C and rs7858836 C/T, which are located in the same LD block of the ASTN2 gene, on pain‐related phenotypes in two groups of patients who underwent laparoscopic colectomy and mandibular sagittal split ramus osteotomy. We found that these SNPs consistently reduced fentanyl requirements for postoperative analgesia, possibly by enhancing the analgesic effect of fentanyl.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Rie Inoue
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.,Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Daisuke Nishizawa
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Hasegawa
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kyoko Nakayama
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichi Fukuda
- Department of Oral Health and Clinical Science, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsuya Ichinohe
- Department of Dental Anesthesiology, Tokyo Dental College, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tsutomu Mieda
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saitama Medical University Hospital, Saitama, Japan
| | - Miki Tsujita
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Nakagawa
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Akira Kitamura
- Department of Anesthesiology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Sumikura
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masakazu Hayashida
- Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.,Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Anesthesiology, Saitama Medical University International Medical Center, Saitama, Japan
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Ju ZH, Liang X, Ren YY, Shu LW, Yan YH, Cui X. Neurons derived from human-induced pluripotent stem cells express mu and kappa opioid receptors. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:653-658. [PMID: 33063716 PMCID: PMC8067944 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.295341] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroprotection studies have shown that induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells have the possibility to transform neuroprotection research. In the present study, iPS cells were generated from human renal epithelial cells and were then differentiated into neurons. Cells in the iPS-cell group were maintained in stem cell medium. In contrast, cells in the iPS-neuron group were first maintained in neural induction medium and expansion medium containing ROCK inhibitors, and then cultivated in neuronal differentiation medium and neuronal maturation medium to induce the neural stem cells to differentiate into neurons. The expression of relevant markers was compared at different stages of differentiation. Immunofluorescence staining revealed that cells in the iPS-neuron group expressed the neural stem cell markers SOX1 and nestin on day 11 of induction, and neuronal markers TUBB3 and NeuN on day 21 of induction. Polymerase chain reaction results demonstrated that, compared with the iPS-cell group, TUBB3 gene expression in the iPS-neuron group was increased 15.6-fold. Further research revealed that, compared with the iPS-cell group, the gene expression and immunoreactivity of mu opioid receptor in the iPS-neuron group were significantly increased (38.3-fold and 5.7-fold, respectively), but those of kappa opioid receptor had only a slight change (1.33-fold and 1.57-fold increases, respectively). Together, these data indicate that human iPS cells can be induced into mu opioid receptor- and kappa opioid receptor-expressing neurons, and that they may be useful to simulate human opioid receptor function in vitro and explore the underlying mechanisms of human conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Hai Ju
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xuan Liang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yao-Yao Ren
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Luo-Wa Shu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Hong Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cui
- Department of Anesthesiology, Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Niego A, Benítez-Burraco A. Autism and Williams syndrome: truly mirror conditions in the socio-cognitive domain? INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2020; 68:399-415. [PMID: 35937179 PMCID: PMC9351567 DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2020.1817717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/27/2020] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Williams Syndrome (WS) are frequently characterized as mirror conditions in the socio-cognitive domain, with ASD entailing restrictive social interests and with WS exhibiting hypersociability. In this review paper, we examine in detail the strong points and deficits of people with ASD or WS in the socio-cognitive domain and show that both conditions also share some common features. Moreover, we explore the neurobiological basis of the social profile of ASD and WS and found a similar mixture of common affected areas and condition-specific impaired regions. We discuss these findings under the hypothesis of a continuum of the socio-cognitive abilities in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Niego
- Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | - Antonio Benítez-Burraco
- Department of Spanish, Linguistics, and Theory of Literature (Linguistics), Faculty of Philology, University of Seville, Seville, Spain
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Denomme MM, Haywood ME, Parks JC, Schoolcraft WB, Katz‐Jaffe MG. The inherited methylome landscape is directly altered with paternal aging and associated with offspring neurodevelopmental disorders. Aging Cell 2020; 19:e13178. [PMID: 32610362 PMCID: PMC7431824 DOI: 10.1111/acel.13178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Revised: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Paternal aging and the prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring are well documented. Yet, the underlying mechanism and the mode of inheritance have not been conclusively established. Advancing paternal age is a subtle and varying phenotype. As such, it is likely that a threshold for cumulative risk may exist that, if surpassed, culminates in a predisposition to disease and ultimately an observed phenotype in offspring. Epigenetic regulation provides a plausible explanation for the nongenetic paternal transmission of disease susceptibility. With the use of whole‐genome methylation sequencing, the data described herein substantiate an increasingly compromised DNA methylation profile as sperm ages and, for the first time, also demonstrate a generational correlation in sperm and blastocyst of an altered methylome associated with advanced paternal age. Methylation alterations are not randomly distributed across the genome, but appear clustered at certain chromosomal locations, and significantly colocalize with regions of nucleosome retention. Genes associated with autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are significantly enriched with causative methylation aberrations in both sperm and embryos from aged fathers. The long‐term health burden and societal economic impact of these conditions are substantial and will continue with increasingly prevalent diagnosis. This work provides a mechanistic link between the paternal age effect and offspring neurodevelopmental disorders leading to a better understanding of causation and investigation into potential future therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Mandy G. Katz‐Jaffe
- Fertility Labs of Colorado Lone Tree CO USA
- Fertility Genetics Lone Tree CO USA
- Colorado Center for Reproductive Medicine Lone Tree CO USA
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Johnson KVA, Burnet PWJ. Opposing effects of antibiotics and germ-free status on neuropeptide systems involved in social behaviour and pain regulation. BMC Neurosci 2020; 21:32. [PMID: 32698770 PMCID: PMC7374917 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-020-00583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Recent research has revealed that the community of microorganisms inhabiting the gut affects brain development, function and behaviour. In particular, disruption of the gut microbiome during critical developmental windows can have lasting effects on host physiology. Both antibiotic exposure and germ-free conditions impact the central nervous system and can alter multiple aspects of behaviour. Social impairments are typically displayed by antibiotic-treated and germ-free animals, yet there is a lack of understanding of the underlying neurobiological changes. Since the μ-opioid, oxytocin and vasopressin systems are key modulators of mammalian social behaviour, here we investigate the effect of experimentally manipulating the gut microbiome on the expression of these pathways. Results We show that social neuropeptide signalling is disrupted in germ-free and antibiotic-treated mice, which may contribute to the behavioural deficits observed in these animal models. The most notable finding is the reduction in neuroreceptor gene expression in the frontal cortex of mice administered an antibiotic cocktail post-weaning. Additionally, the changes observed in germ-free mice were generally in the opposite direction to the antibiotic-treated mice. Conclusions Antibiotic treatment when young can impact brain signalling pathways underpinning social behaviour and pain regulation. Since antibiotic administration is common in childhood and adolescence, our findings highlight the potential adverse effects that antibiotic exposure during these key neurodevelopmental periods may have on the human brain, including the possible increased risk of neuropsychiatric conditions later in life. In addition, since antibiotics are often considered a more amenable alternative to germ-free conditions, our contrasting results for these two treatments suggest that they should be viewed as distinct models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina V A Johnson
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, Oxford, OX2 6GG, UK. .,Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK.
| | - Philip W J Burnet
- Department of Psychiatry, Warneford Hospital, University of Oxford, Oxford, OX3 7JX, UK
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Brain Opioid Activity and Oxidative Injury: Different Molecular Scenarios Connecting Celiac Disease and Autistic Spectrum Disorder. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10070437. [PMID: 32659996 PMCID: PMC7407635 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10070437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Celiac Disease (CD) is an immune-mediated disease triggered by the ingestion of wheat gliadin and related prolamins from other cereals, such as barley and rye. Immunity against these cereal-derived proteins is mediated by pro-inflammatory cytokines produced by both innate and adaptive system response in individuals unable to adequately digest them. Peptides generated in this condition are absorbed across the gut barrier, which in these patients is characterized by the deregulation of its permeability. Here, we discuss a possible correlation between CD and Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) pathogenesis. ASD can be induced by an excessive and inappropriate brain opioid activity during the neonatal period. Cereal-derived peptides produced in celiac patients cross the blood–brain barrier and bind to endogenous opioid receptors interfering with neurotransmission and generating deleterious effects on brain maturation, learning and social relations. Moreover, an increase in oxidative stress and a decrease in the antioxidant capacity, as well as an extended mitochondrial impairment in the brain, could represent a possible connection between ASD and CD. Therefore, we critically discuss the proposed relationship between ASD and CD and the possible usefulness of a gluten-free diet in ASD patients.
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Krüll J, Fehler SK, Hofmann L, Nebel N, Maschauer S, Prante O, Gmeiner P, Lanig H, Hübner H, Heinrich MR. Synthesis, Radiosynthesis and Biological Evaluation of Buprenorphine-Derived Phenylazocarboxamides as Novel μ-Opioid Receptor Ligands. ChemMedChem 2020; 15:1175-1186. [PMID: 32378310 PMCID: PMC7383964 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202000180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Targeted structural modifications have led to a novel type of buprenorphine-derived opioid receptor ligand displaying an improved selectivity profile for the μ-OR subtype. On this basis, it is shown that phenylazocarboxamides may serve as useful bioisosteric replacements for the widely occurring cinnamide units, without loss of OR binding affinity or subtype selectivity. This study further includes functional experiments pointing to weak partial agonist properties of the novel μ-OR ligands, as well as docking and metabolism experiments. Finally, the unique bifunctional character of phenylazocarboxylates, herein serving as precursors for the azocarboxamide subunit, was exploited to demonstrate the accessibility of an 18 F-fluorinated analogue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmin Krüll
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Stefanie K. Fehler
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Laura Hofmann
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Natascha Nebel
- Department of Nuclear MedicineMolecular Imaging and RadiochemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergSchwabachanlage 1291054ErlangenGermany
| | - Simone Maschauer
- Department of Nuclear MedicineMolecular Imaging and RadiochemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergSchwabachanlage 1291054ErlangenGermany
| | - Olaf Prante
- Department of Nuclear MedicineMolecular Imaging and RadiochemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergSchwabachanlage 1291054ErlangenGermany
| | - Peter Gmeiner
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Lanig
- Central Institute for Scientific Computing (ZISC)Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergMartensstr. 5a91058ErlangenGermany
| | - Harald Hübner
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
| | - Markus R. Heinrich
- Department of Chemistry and PharmacyPharmaceutical ChemistryFriedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-NürnbergNikolaus-Fiebiger-Str. 1091058ErlangenGermany
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Seo M, Anderson G. Gut-Amygdala Interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Developmental Roles via regulating Mitochondria, Exosomes, Immunity and microRNAs. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4344-4356. [PMID: 31692435 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191105102545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) have long been conceived as developmental disorder. A growing body of data highlights a role for alterations in the gut in the pathoetiology and/or pathophysiology of ASD. Recent work shows alterations in the gut microbiome to have a significant impact on amygdala development in infancy, suggesting that the alterations in the gut microbiome may act to modulate not only amygdala development but how the amygdala modulates the development of the frontal cortex and other brain regions. METHODS This article reviews wide bodies of data pertaining to the developmental roles of the maternal and foetal gut and immune systems in the regulation of offspring brain development. RESULTS A number of processes seem to be important in mediating how genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors interact in early development to regulate such gut-mediated changes in the amygdala, wider brain functioning and inter-area connectivity, including via regulation of microRNA (miR)-451, 14-3-3 proteins, cytochrome P450 (CYP)1B1 and the melatonergic pathways. As well as a decrease in the activity of monoamine oxidase, heightened levels of in miR-451 and CYP1B1, coupled to decreased 14-3-3 act to inhibit the synthesis of N-acetylserotonin and melatonin, contributing to the hyperserotonemia that is often evident in ASD, with consequences for mitochondria functioning and the content of released exosomes. These same factors are likely to play a role in regulating placental changes that underpin the association of ASD with preeclampsia and other perinatal risk factors, including exposure to heavy metals and air pollutants. Such alterations in placental and gut processes act to change the amygdala-driven biological underpinnings of affect-cognitive and affect-sensory interactions in the brain. CONCLUSION Such a perspective readily incorporates previously disparate bodies of data in ASD, including the role of the mu-opioid receptor, dopamine signaling and dopamine receptors, as well as the changes occurring to oxytocin and taurine levels. This has a number of treatment implications, the most readily applicable being the utilization of sodium butyrate and melatonin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moonsang Seo
- Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - George Anderson
- CRC Scotland & London, Eccleston Square, London, United Kingdom
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Nakamoto K, Taniguchi A, Tokuyama S. Changes in opioid receptors, opioid peptides and morphine antinociception in mice subjected to early life stress. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 881:173173. [PMID: 32511976 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that the endogenous opioid system is considerably affected by early life stress such as child abuse. Here, we investigated whether early life stress changes the endogenous opioid receptors and their peptides, and if such stress impacts morphine antinociception. We used mice affected by maternal separation and social isolation (MSSI) as an early life stress model. In the tail-flick test, 10-week-old MSSI mice showed a significant decrease in morphine antinociception compared to age-matched control mice. The number of c-Fos-positive cells increased in the periaqueductal gray (PAG), nucleus accumbens, and thalamus of control mice after the morphine injections, whereas hardly any positive cells were detected in the same areas of MSSI mice. The expression of μ- and κ-opioid receptor (MOR and KOR, respectively) messenger RNA (mRNA) was significantly decreased in the PAG of MSSI mice, whereas KOR expression was significantly increased in the amygdala of MSSI mice. The expression of δ-opioid receptor (DOR) mRNA was significantly reduced in the PAG and rostral ventromedial medulla of MSSI mice compared to control mice. Moreover, the lack of morphine antinociception was observed in 18-week-old MSSI mice. Our findings suggest that the supraspinal opioid system may be affected by early life stress exposure, and that this exposure may impact morphine antinociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuo Nakamoto
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan
| | - Ayaka Taniguchi
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan
| | - Shogo Tokuyama
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kobe Gakuin University, 1-1-3 Minatojima, Chuo-ku, Kobe, 650-8586, Japan.
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Summer A, Di Frangia F, Ajmone Marsan P, De Noni I, Malacarne M. Occurrence, biological properties and potential effects on human health of β-casomorphin 7: Current knowledge and concerns. Crit Rev Food Sci Nutr 2020; 60:3705-3723. [PMID: 32033519 DOI: 10.1080/10408398.2019.1707157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The genetic variant A1 of bovine β-casein (β-Cn) presents a His residue at a position 67 of the mature protein. This feature makes the Ile66-His67 bond more vulnerable to enzymatic cleavage, determining the release of the peptide β-Cn f(60-66), named β-casomorphin 7 (BCM7). BCM7 is an opioid-agonist for μ receptors, and it has been hypothesized to be involved in the development of different non-transmissible diseases in humans. In the last decade, studies have provided additional results on the potential health impact of β-Cn A1 and BCM7. These studies, here reviewed, highlighted a relation between the consumption of β-Cn A1 (and its derivative BCM7) and the increase of inflammatory response as well as discomfort at the gastrointestinal level. Conversely, the role of BCM7 and the effects of ingestion of β-Cn A1 on the onset or worsening of other non-transmissible diseases as caused or favored by still need proof of evidence. Overall, the reviewed literature demonstrates that the "β-Cn A1/BCM7 issue" remains an intriguing but not exhaustively explained topic in human nutrition. On this basis, policies in favor of breeding for β-Cn variants not releasing BCM7 and consumption of "A1-like" milk appear not yet sound for a healthier and safer nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Summer
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | | | - Paolo Ajmone Marsan
- Department of Animal Science, Food and Nutrition (DIANA) and Nutrigenomics and Proteomics Research Center (PRONUTRIGEN), Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Piacenza, Italy
| | - Ivano De Noni
- Department of Food, Environmental and Nutritional Sciences (DeFENS), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Malacarne
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Università di Parma, Parma, Italy
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Charles SJ, Farias M, Dunbar RI. The aetiology of social deficits within mental health disorders: The role of the immune system and endogenous opioids. Brain Behav Immun Health 2020; 1:100003. [PMID: 38377411 PMCID: PMC8474498 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2019.100003] [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: 09/25/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The American National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) has put out a set of research goals that include a long-term plan to identify more reliable endogenous explanations for a wide variety of mental health disorders (Insel, 2013). In response to this, we have identified a major symptom that underlies multiple mental health disorders - social bonding dysfunction. We suggest that endogenous opioid abnormalities can lead to altered social bonding, which is a symptom of various mental health disorders, including depression, schizophrenia and ASD. This article first outlines how endogenous opioids play a role in social bonding. Then we show their association with the body's inflammation immune function, and review recent literature linking inflammation to mental health 'immunophenotypes'. We finish by explaining how these immunophenotypes may be caused by alterations in the endogenous opioid system. This is the first overview of the role of inflammation across multiple disorders where we provide a biochemical explanation for why immunophenotypes might exist across diagnoses. We propose a novel mechanism of how the immune system may be causing 'sickness-type' behaviours (fatigue, appetite change, social withdrawal and inhibited motivation) in those who have these immunophenotypes. We hope that this novel aetiology can be used as a basis for future research in mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah J. Charles
- Brain, Belief and Behaviour Research Lab, Centre for Trust Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, United Kingdom
| | - Miguel Farias
- Brain, Belief and Behaviour Research Lab, Centre for Trust Peace and Social Relations, Coventry University, United Kingdom
| | - Robin I.M. Dunbar
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
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49
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al'Absi M. The influence of stress and early life adversity on addiction: Psychobiological mechanisms of risk and resilience. STRESS AND BRAIN HEALTH: IN CLINICAL CONDITIONS 2020; 152:71-100. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2020.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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50
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Schiavi S, Iezzi D, Manduca A, Leone S, Melancia F, Carbone C, Petrella M, Mannaioni G, Masi A, Trezza V. Reward-Related Behavioral, Neurochemical and Electrophysiological Changes in a Rat Model of Autism Based on Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:479. [PMID: 31708750 PMCID: PMC6824319 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to the antiepileptic drug valproic acid (VPA) induces autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in humans and autistic-like behaviors in rodents, which makes it a good model to study the neural underpinnings of ASD. Rats prenatally exposed to VPA show profound deficits in the social domain. The altered social behavior displayed by VPA-exposed rats may be due to either a deficit in social reward processing or to a more general inability to properly understand and respond to social signals. To address this issue, we performed behavioral, electrophysiological and neurochemical experiments and tested the involvement of the brain reward system in the social dysfunctions displayed by rats prenatally exposed to VPA (500 mg/kg). We found that, compared to control animals, VPA-exposed rats showed reduced play responsiveness together with impaired sociability in the three-chamber test and altered social discrimination abilities. In addition, VPA-exposed rats showed altered expression of dopamine receptors together with inherent hyperexcitability of medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, when tested for socially-induced conditioned place preference, locomotor response to amphetamine and sucrose preference, control and VPA-exposed rats performed similarly, indicating normal responses to social, drug and food rewards. On the basis of the results obtained, we hypothesize that social dysfunctions displayed by VPA-exposed rats are more likely caused by alterations in cognitive aspects of the social interaction, such as the interpretation and reciprocation of social stimuli and/or the ability to adjust the social behavior of the individual to the changing circumstances in the social and physical environment, rather than to inability to enjoy the pleasurable aspects of the social interaction. The observed neurochemical and electrophysiological alterations in the NAc may contribute to the inability of VPA-exposed rats to process and respond to social cues, or, alternatively, represent a compensatory mechanism towards VPA-induced neurodevelopmental insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Schiavi
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Iezzi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Antonia Manduca
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Leone
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Melancia
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen Carbone
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Guido Mannaioni
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Masi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health -NEUROFARBA-, Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Psychology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,School of Pharmacy, University of Camerino, Camerino, Italy
| | - Viviana Trezza
- Department of Science, Section of Biomedical Sciences and Technologies, University "Roma Tre", Rome, Italy
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