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Michetti C, Ferrante D, Parisi B, Ciano L, Prestigio C, Casagrande S, Martinoia S, Terranova F, Millo E, Valente P, Giovedi' S, Benfenati F, Baldelli P. Low glycemic index diet restrains epileptogenesis in a gender-specific fashion. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:356. [PMID: 37947886 PMCID: PMC10638170 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04988-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Dietary restriction, such as low glycemic index diet (LGID), have been successfully used to treat drug-resistant epilepsy. However, if such diet could also counteract antiepileptogenesis is still unclear. Here, we investigated whether the administration of LGID during the latent pre-epileptic period, prevents or delays the appearance of the overt epileptic phenotype. To this aim, we used the Synapsin II knockout (SynIIKO) mouse, a model of temporal lobe epilepsy in which seizures manifest 2-3 months after birth, offering a temporal window in which LGID may affect epileptogenesis. Pregnant SynIIKO mice were fed with either LGID or standard diet during gestation and lactation. Both diets were maintained in weaned mice up to 5 months of age. LGID delayed the seizure onset and induced a reduction of seizures severity only in female SynIIKO mice. In parallel with the epileptic phenotype, high-density multielectrode array recordings revealed a reduction of frequency, amplitude, duration, velocity of propagation and spread of interictal events by LGID in the hippocampus of SynIIKO females, but not mutant males, confirming the gender-specific effect. ELISA-based analysis revealed that LGID increased cortico-hippocampal allopregnanolone (ALLO) levels only in females, while it was unable to affect ALLO plasma concentrations in either sex. The results indicate that the gender-specific interference of LGID with the epileptogenic process can be ascribed to a gender-specific increase in cortical ALLO, a neurosteroid known to strengthen GABAergic transmission. The study highlights the possibility of developing a personalized gender-based therapy for temporal lobe epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Michetti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy.
| | - Daniele Ferrante
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Barbara Parisi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Ciano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
| | - Cosimo Prestigio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Casagrande
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Sergio Martinoia
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Terranova
- Department of Informatics, Bioengineering, Robotics and System Engineering, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Enrico Millo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pierluigi Valente
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Silvia Giovedi'
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Fabio Benfenati
- Center for Synaptic Neuroscience and Technology, Italian Institute of Technology, Genoa, Italy
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy
| | - Pietro Baldelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Genova, Genoa, Italy.
- IRCCS, Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Genoa, Italy.
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2
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Xu W, Gao W, Guo Y, Xue F, Di L, Fang S, Fan L, He Y, Zhou Y, Xie X, Pang X. Targeting mitophagy for depression amelioration: a novel therapeutic strategy. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1235241. [PMID: 37869512 PMCID: PMC10587558 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1235241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a global psychiatric condition characterized by persistent low mood and anhedonia, which seriously jeopardizes the physical and mental well-being of affected individuals. While various hypotheses have been proposed to explicate the etiology of depression, the precise pathogenesis and effective treatment of this disorder remain elusive. Mitochondria, as the primary organelles responsible for cellular energy production, possess the ability to meet the essential energy demands of the brain. Research indicated that the accumulation of damaged mitochondria is associated with the onset of depression. Mitophagy, a type of cellular autophagy, specifically targets and removes excess or damaged mitochondria. Emerging evidence demonstrated that mitophagy dysfunction was involved in the progression of depression, and several pharmacological interventions that stimulating mitophagy exerted excellent antidepressant actions. We provided an overview of updated advancements on the regulatory mechanism of mitophagy and the mitophagy abnormality in depressed patients and animals, as well as in cell models of depression. Meanwhile, various therapeutic strategies to restore mitophagy for depression alleviation were also discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wangjun Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Weiping Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yukun Guo
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Feng Xue
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Lulu Di
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Shaojie Fang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Linlin Fan
- Henan Key Laboratory of Brain Targeted Bio-nanomedicine, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yangyang He
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Institutes of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Yunfeng Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xinmei Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
| | - Xiaobin Pang
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Institutes of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
- Henan Province Engineering Research Center of High Value Utilization to Natural Medical Resource in Yellow River Basin, School of Pharmacy, Henan University, Kaifeng, China
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3
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Rudzinskas SA, Mazzu MA, Schiller CE, Meltzer-Brody S, Rubinow DR, Schmidt PJ, Goldman D. Divergent Transcriptomic Effects of Allopregnanolone in Postpartum Depression. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1234. [PMID: 37372414 DOI: 10.3390/genes14061234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Brexanolone, a formulation of the neurosteroid allopregnanolone (ALLO), is approved for treating postpartum depression (PPD) and is being investigated for therapeutic efficacy across numerous neuropsychiatric disorders. Given ALLO's beneficial effects on mood in women with PPD compared to healthy control women, we sought to characterize and compare the cellular response to ALLO in women with (n = 9) or without (n = 10, i.e., Controls) past PPD, utilizing our previously established patient-derived lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs). To mimic in vivo PPD ALLO-treatment, LCLs were exposed to ALLO or DMSO vehicle for 60 h and RNA-sequenced to detect differentially expressed genes (DEGs, pnominal < 0.05). Between ALLO-treated Control and PPD LCLs, 269 DEGs were identified, including Glutamate Decarboxylase 1 (GAD1), which was decreased 2-fold in PPD. Network analysis of PPD:ALLO DEGs revealed enriched terms related to synaptic activity and cholesterol biosynthesis. Within-diagnosis analyses (i.e., DMSO vs. ALLO) detected 265 ALLO-induced DEGs in Control LCLs compared to only 98 within PPD LCLs, with just 11 DEGs overlapping. Likewise, the gene ontologies underlying ALLO-induced DEGs in PPD and Control LCLs were divergent. These data suggest that ALLO may activate unique and opposing molecular pathways in women with PPD, which may be tied to its antidepressant mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Rudzinskas
- Behavioral Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, 10 Center Drive MSC 1277, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Rockville, MD 20855, USA
| | - Maria A Mazzu
- Behavioral Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, 10 Center Drive MSC 1277, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Rockville, MD 20855, USA
| | | | | | - David R Rubinow
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Peter J Schmidt
- Behavioral Endocrinology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), NIH, 10 Center Drive MSC 1277, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - David Goldman
- Laboratory of Neurogenetics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), NIH, Rockville, MD 20855, USA
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4
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Lushchak O, Strilbytska O, Koliada A, Storey KB. An orchestrating role of mitochondria in the origin and development of post-traumatic stress disorder. Front Physiol 2023; 13:1094076. [PMID: 36703926 PMCID: PMC9871262 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.1094076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most discussed and actively researched areas in medicine, psychiatry, neurophysiology, biochemistry and rehabilitation over the last decades. Multiple causes can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder. Humans subjected to violence, participants in hostilities, victims of terrorist attacks, physical or psychological persecution, witnessing scenes of cruelty, survival of natural disasters, and more, can strongly affect both children and adults. Pathological features of post-traumatic stress disorder that are manifested at molecular, cellular and whole-organism levels must be clearly understood for successful diagnosis, management, and minimizing of long-term outcomes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. This article summarizes existing data on different post-traumatic stress disorder causes and symptoms, as well as effects on homeostasis, genetic instability, behavior, neurohumoral balance, and personal psychic stability. In particular, we highlight a key role of mitochondria and oxidative stress development in the severity and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder. Excessive or prolonged exposure to traumatic factors can cause irreversible mitochondrial damage, leading to cell death. This review underlines the exceptional importance of data integration about the mechanisms and functions of the mitochondrial stress response to develop a three-dimensional picture of post-traumatic stress disorder pathophysiology and develop a comprehensive, universal, multifaceted, and effective strategy of managing or treatment post-traumatic stress disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oleh Lushchak
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine,Research and Development University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine,*Correspondence: Oleh Lushchak,
| | - Olha Strilbytska
- Department of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, Ivano-Frankivsk, Ukraine
| | - Alexander Koliada
- Institute of Food Biotechnology and Genomics, NAS of Ukraine, Kyiv, Ukraine
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5
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Petelin DS, Bairamova SP, Akhapkin RV, Kudryashov NV, Sorokina OY, Semin SA, Volel BA. [A role of neurosteroids in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2023; 123:31-36. [PMID: 37084362 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202312304131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Despite the proven importance of neurosteroids in many physiological processes, their role in the pathogenesis of the most of psychiatric disorders remains relatively understudied. This article reviews the current clinical evidence on the effects of neurosteroids on the formation and treatment of anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. In particular, the article points out the ambivalent nature of the effects of neurosteroids on GABAA- and other receptors. We are especially interested in the anxiolytic and anxiogenic effects of some neurosteroids, the antidepressant effect of allopregnanolone in treating postpartum and other forms of depression, and the nature of short- and long-term mechanisms of antidepressant effects of neurosteroids of different types. The currently unproven hypothesis about the effect of changes in the level of neurosteroids on the course of bipolar disorder is also discussed, with an analysis of the scientific evidence on the development of schizophrenic symptomatology in relation to changing neurosteroid levels in the context of positive and cognitive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- D S Petelin
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - S P Bairamova
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - R V Akhapkin
- Serbsky National Medical Research Center of Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - N V Kudryashov
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Zakusov Institute of Pharmacology, Moscow, Russia
| | - O Yu Sorokina
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
| | - S A Semin
- «Spasenie» Clinic, LLC, Moscow, Russia
| | - B A Volel
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, Russia
- Mental Health Research Center, Moscow, Russia
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Lesmana CBJ, Suryani LK, Tiliopoulos N. The biobehavioural effectiveness of spiritual-hypnosis-assisted therapy in PTSD with childhood trauma. THE EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF NEUROLOGY, PSYCHIATRY AND NEUROSURGERY 2022. [DOI: 10.1186/s41983-022-00475-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychological trauma disorder. Treatment of psychological trauma tends to focus on patients' memory. Clinical Spiritual-Hypnosis Assisted Therapy is a culturally sensitive treatment that combines elements of psychodynamic hypnosis, cognitive–behavioral and humanistic therapies.
Methods
The current interventional single-blind randomized control study assessed the biobehavioural effectiveness of spiritual-hypnosis on cortisol and PTSD symptomatology in adults with childhood trauma. Participants were divided into spiritual hypnosis (n = 15) and a control group (n = 14) that received fluoxetine. This study used PCL-C & CTQ to screen the presence and severity of PTSD symptoms.
Results
Spiritual hypnosis was significantly better than fluoxetine at reducing PTSD symptoms, while both treatments had similar effects on cortisol modification.
Conclusions
Spiritual-Hypnosis Assisted Therapy for PTSD patients with childhood trauma appears to have a noteworthy effect in reducing PTSD clinical symptoms and results in a comparable to the pharmacological treatment modification of the HPA axis cortisol markers.
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7
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Belardo C, Alessio N, Pagano M, De Dominicis E, Infantino R, Perrone M, Iannotta M, Galderisi U, Rinaldi B, Scuteri D, Bagetta G, Palazzo E, Maione S, Luongo L. PEA-OXA ameliorates allodynia, neuropsychiatric and adipose tissue remodeling induced by social isolation. Neuropharmacology 2022; 208:108978. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.108978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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8
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Rasmusson AM, Pineles SL, Brown KD, Pinna G. A role for deficits in GABAergic neurosteroids and their metabolites with NMDA receptor antagonist activity in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder. J Neuroendocrinol 2022; 34:e13062. [PMID: 34962690 PMCID: PMC9233411 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Trauma-focused psychotherapies show general efficacy in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), although outcomes vary substantially among individuals with PTSD and many patients do not achieve clinically meaningful symptom improvement. Several factors may contribute to poor treatment response, including genetic or environmental (e.g., stress) effects on neurobiological factors involved in learning and memory processes critical to PTSD recovery. In this review, we discuss the relationship between deficient GABAergic neurosteroid metabolites of progesterone, allopregnanolone (Allo) and pregnanolone (PA), and PTSD symptoms in men and women or PTSD-like behavioral abnormalities observed in male rodent models of PTSD. We also review the role and molecular underpinnings of learning and memory processes relevant to PTSD recovery, including extinction, extinction retention, reconsolidation of reactivated aversive memories and episodic non-aversive memory. We then discuss preclinical and clinical research that supports a role in these learning and memory processes for GABAergic neurosteroids and sulfated metabolites of Allo and PA that allosterically antagonize NMDA receptor function. Studies supporting the possible therapeutic impact of appropriately timed, acutely administered Allo or Allo analogs to facilitate extinction retention and/or block reconsolidation of aversive memories are also reviewed. Finally, we discuss important future directions for research in this area. Examining the varied and composite effects in PTSD of these metabolites of progesterone, as well as neuroactive derivatives of other parent steroids produced in the brain and the periphery, will likely enable a broadening of targets for treatment development. Defining contributions of these neuroactive steroids to common PTSD-comorbid psychiatric and medical conditions, as well as subpopulation-specific underlying dysfunctional physiological processes such as hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and immune system dysregulation, may also enable development of more effective multisystem precision medicines to prevent and treat the broader, polymorbid sequelae of extreme and chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann M. Rasmusson
- VA National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health Science Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston, MA 02130, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118
| | - Suzanne L. Pineles
- VA National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health Science Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston, MA 02130, U.S.A
- Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, 02118
| | - Kayla D. Brown
- Behavioral Neurosciences PhD Program, Boston University Medical Campus, Boston, MA, 02118, U.S.A
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, 60612, U.S.A
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Misztal T, Kowalczyk P, Młotkowska P, Marciniak E. The Effect of Allopregnanolone on Enzymatic Activity of the DNA Base Excision Repair Pathway in the Sheep Hippocampus and Amygdala under Natural and Stressful Conditions. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7762. [PMID: 33092287 PMCID: PMC7589085 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The neurosteroid allopregnanolone (AL) has many beneficial functions in the brain. This study tested the hypothesis that AL administered for three days into the third brain ventricle would affect the enzymatic activity of the DNA base excision repair (BER) pathway in the hippocampal CA1 and CA3 fields and the central amygdala in luteal-phase sheep under both natural and stressful conditions. Acute stressful stimuli, including isolation and partial movement restriction, were used on the last day of infusion. The results showed that stressful stimuli increased N-methylpurine DNA glycosylase (MPG), thymine DNA glycosylase (TDG), 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1), and AP-endonuclease 1 (APE1) mRNA expression, as well as repair activities for 1,N6-ethenoadenine (εA), 3,N4-ethenocytosine (εC), and 8-oxoguanine (8-oxoG) compared to controls. The stimulated events were lower in stressed and AL-treated sheep compared to sheep that were only stressed (except MPG mRNA expression in the CA1 and amygdala, as well as TDG mRNA expression in the CA1). AL alone reduced mRNA expression of all DNA repair enzymes (except TDG in the amygdala) relative to controls and other groups. DNA repair activities varied depending on the tissue-AL alone stimulated the excision of εA in the amygdala, εC in the CA3 and amygdala, and 8-oxoG in all tissues studied compared to controls. However, the excision efficiency of lesioned bases in the AL group was lower than in the stressed and stressed and AL-treated groups, with the exception of εA in the amygdala. In conclusion, the presented modulating effect of AL on the synthesis of BER pathway enzymes and their repair capacity, both under natural and stressful conditions, indicates another functional role of this neurosteroid in brain structures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Misztal
- The Kielanowski Institute of Animal Physiology and Nutrition, Polish Academy of Sciences, Instytucka 3, 05-110 Jabłonna, Poland; (P.K.); (P.M.); (E.M.)
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10
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Kelly AM, Wilson LC. Aggression: Perspectives from social and systems neuroscience. Horm Behav 2020; 123:104523. [PMID: 31002771 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2019.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2019] [Revised: 04/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Exhibiting behavioral plasticity in order to mount appropriate responses to dynamic and novel social environments is crucial to the survival of all animals. Thus, how animals regulate flexibility in the timing, duration, and intensity of specific behaviors is of great interest to biologists. In this review, we discuss how animals rapidly respond to social challenges, with a particular focus on aggression. We utilize a conceptual framework to understand the neural mechanisms of aggression that is grounded in Wingfield and colleagues' Challenge Hypothesis, which has profoundly influenced how scientists think about aggression and the mechanisms that allow animals to exhibit flexible responses to social instability. Because aggressive behavior is rooted in social interactions, we propose that mechanisms modulating prosocial behavior may be intricately tied to mechanisms of aggression. Therefore, in order to better understand how aggressive behavior is mediated, we draw on perspectives from social neuroscience and discuss how social context, species-typical behavioral phenotype, and neural systems commonly studied in relation to prosocial behavior (i.e., neuropeptides) contribute to organizing rapid responses to social challenges. Because complex behaviors are not the result of one mechanism or a single neural system, we consider how multiple neural systems important for prosocial and aggressive behavior (i.e., neuropeptides and neurosteroids) interact in the brain to produce behavior in a rapid, context-appropriate manner. Applying a systems neuroscience perspective and seeking to understand how multiple systems functionally integrate to rapidly modulate behavior holds great promise for expanding our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying social behavioral plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aubrey M Kelly
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA.
| | - Leah C Wilson
- Department of Biology, Bowdoin College, Brunswick, ME 04011, USA
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11
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Qiu ZK, Liu X, Chen Y, Wu RJ, Guan SF, Pan YY, Wang QB, Tang D, Zhu T, Chen JS. Translocator protein 18 kDa: a potential therapeutic biomarker for post traumatic stress disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2020; 35:695-707. [PMID: 32172519 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00548-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 02/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is widely regarded as a stress-related and trauma disorder. The symptoms of PTSD are characterized as a spectrum of vulnerabilities after the exposure to an extremely traumatic stressor. Considering as one of complex mental disorders, little progress has been made toward its diagnostic biomarkers, despite the involvement of PTSD has been studied. Many studies into the underlying neurobiology of PTSD implicated the dysfunction of neurosteroids biosynthesis and neuorinflammatory processes. Translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO) has been considered as one of the promising therapeutic biomarkers for neurological stress disorders (like PTSD, depression, anxiety, et al) without the benzodiazepine-like side effects. This protein participates in the formation of neurosteroids and modulation of neuroinflammation. The review outlines current knowledge involving the role of TSPO in the neuropathology of PTSD and the anti-PTSD-like effects of TSPO ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of Medical Supplies Center of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong-Jia Wu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Shi-Feng Guan
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun-Yun Pan
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Qian-Bo Wang
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - Dan Tang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Zhu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
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12
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Devaud LL, Alavi M, Jensen JP, Helms ML, Nipper MA, Finn DA. Sexually divergent changes in select brain proteins and neurosteroid levels after a history of ethanol drinking and intermittent PTSD-like stress exposure in adult C57BL/6J mice. Alcohol 2020; 83:115-125. [PMID: 30529168 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2018.12.001] [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: 09/10/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Human studies reported that the number of past-year stressors was positively related to current drinking patterns, including binge drinking. In animal models, exposure to predator odor stress (PS), considered a model of traumatic stress, consistently increased ethanol intake. Recently, we reported that repeated PS significantly increased ethanol intake and had a synergistic interaction with prior binge drinking (binge group) in male but not in female C57BL/6J mice, when compared to mice without prior binge exposure (control group). The current studies utilized plasma and dissected prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampal tissue from these animals and from age-matched naïve mice (naïve group). Western blots assessed relative protein levels of P450scc (an enzyme involved in the first step of steroidogenesis), of GABAA receptor α2 and α4 subunits, and of two proteins involved in synaptic plasticity - ARC (activity-regulated cytoskeletal protein) and synaptophysin. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry simultaneously quantified 10 neurosteroid levels in plasma. A history of ethanol drinking and PS exposure produced brain regional and sex differences in the changes in proteins examined as well as in the pattern of neurosteroid levels versus (vs.) values in naïve mice. For instance, P450scc levels were significantly increased only in binge and control female PFC and hippocampus vs. naïve mice. Some neurosteroid levels were significantly altered by binge treatment in both males and females, whereas others were only significantly altered in males. These sexually divergent changes in neurosteroid and protein levels add to evidence for sex differences in the neurochemical systems influenced by traumatic stress and a history of ethanol drinking.
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Tufano M, Pinna G. Is There a Future for PPARs in the Treatment of Neuropsychiatric Disorders? Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25051062. [PMID: 32120979 PMCID: PMC7179196 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α and γ isoforms have been gaining consistent interest in neuropathology and treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. Several studies have provided evidence that either the receptor expression or the levels of their endogenously-produced modulators are downregulated in several neurological and psychiatric disorders and in their respective animal models. Remarkably, administration of these endogenous or synthetic ligands improves mood and cognition, suggesting that PPARs may offer a significant pharmacological target to improve several neuropathologies. Furthermore, various neurological and psychiatric disorders reflect sustained levels of systemic inflammation. Hence, the strategy of targeting PPARs for their anti-inflammatory role to improve these disorders is attracting attention. Traditionally, classical antidepressants fail to be effective, specifically in patients with inflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs exert potent antidepressant effects by acting along with PPARs, thereby strongly substantiating the involvement of these receptors in the mechanisms that lead to development of several neuropathologies. We reviewed running findings in support of a role for PPARs in the treatment of neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease or psychiatric disorders, such as major depression. We discuss the opportunity of targeting PPARs as a future pharmacological approach to decrease neuropsychiatric symptoms at the same time that PPAR ligands resolve neuroinflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Graziano Pinna
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +1-312-355-1464; Fax: +1-312-413-4569
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Gao ZW, Ju RL, Luo M, Wu SL, Zhang WT. The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg2 on an animal model of PTSD. Psychiatry Res 2019; 279:130-137. [PMID: 31103345 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2018] [Revised: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 12/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the mental illness. The antidepressant-like properties of ginsenoside Rg2 (GRg2) have been shown, while little is known about its anti-PTSD-like effects. In the present study, the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits in rats were induced following exposure to single prolonged stress (SPS). The results showed that the decreased time and entries in the open arms in elevated plus maze test (EPMT) and increased freezing duration in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) were reversed by GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) without affecting the locomotor activity. In addition, GRg2 (10 and 20 mg/kg) could block the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in the brain or serum. In summary, GRg2 alleviated the PTSD-associated behavioral deficits with biosynthesis of neurosteroids, normalization of serotonergic system and HPA axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuo-Wei Gao
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China; Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China; Shunde Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528333,P.R. China
| | - Rong-Le Ju
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China
| | - Min Luo
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China.
| | - Shu-Lian Wu
- Shunde Hospital, Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, P.R. China
| | - Wen-Tong Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine School, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, P.R. China
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15
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Allopregnanolone reversion of estrogen and progesterone memory impairment: interplay with serotonin release. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2019; 126:1321-1328. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-019-02052-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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16
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Pinna G. Animal Models of PTSD: The Socially Isolated Mouse and the Biomarker Role of Allopregnanolone. Front Behav Neurosci 2019; 13:114. [PMID: 31244621 PMCID: PMC6579844 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2019.00114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating undertreated condition that affects 8%-13% of the general population and 20%-30% of military personnel. Currently, there are no specific medications that reduce PTSD symptoms or biomarkers that facilitate diagnosis, inform treatment selection or allow monitoring drug efficacy. PTSD animal models rely on stress-induced behavioral deficits that only partially reproduce PTSD neurobiology. PTSD heterogeneity, including comorbidity and symptoms overlap with other mental disorders, makes this attempt even more complicated. Allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid that positively, potently and allosterically modulates GABAA receptors and, by this mechanism, regulates emotional behaviors, is mainly synthesized in brain corticolimbic glutamatergic neurons. In PTSD patients, allopregnanolone down-regulation correlates with increased PTSD re-experiencing and comorbid depressive symptoms, CAPS-IV scores and Simms dysphoria cluster scores. In PTSD rodent models, including the socially isolated mouse, decrease in corticolimbic allopregnanolone biosynthesis is associated with enhanced contextual fear memory and impaired fear extinction. Allopregnanolone, its analogs or agents that stimulate its synthesis offer treatment approaches for facilitating fear extinction and, in general, for neuropsychopathologies characterized by a neurosteroid biosynthesis downregulation. The socially isolated mouse model reproduces several other deficits previously observed in PTSD patients, including altered GABAA receptor subunit subtypes and lack of benzodiazepines pharmacological efficacy. Transdiagnostic behavioral features, including expression of anxiety-like behavior, increased aggression, a behavioral component to reproduce behavioral traits of suicidal behavior in humans, as well as alcohol consumption are heightened in socially isolated rodents. Potentials for assessing novel biomarkers to predict, diagnose, and treat PTSD more efficiently are discussed in view of developing a precision medicine for improved PTSD pharmacological treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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17
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Locci A, Pinna G. Social isolation as a promising animal model of PTSD comorbid suicide: neurosteroids and cannabinoids as possible treatment options. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 92:243-259. [PMID: 30586627 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition characterized by drastic alterations in mood, emotions, social abilities and cognition. Notably, one aspect of PTSD, particularly in veterans, is its comorbidity with suicide. Elevated aggressiveness predicts high-risk to suicide in humans and despite the difficulty in reproducing a complex human suicidal behavior in rodents, aggressive behavior is a well reproducible behavioral trait of suicide. PTSD animal models are based on a peculiar phenotype, including exaggerated fear memory and impaired fear extinction associated with neurochemical dysregulations in the brain circuitry regulating emotion. The endocannabinoid and the neurosteroid systems regulate emotions and stress responses, and recent evidence shows these two systems are interrelated and critically compromised in neuropsychiatric disorders. For instance, levels of the neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, as well as those of the endocannabinoids, anandamide and its congener, palmitoylethanolamide are decreased in PTSD. Similarly, the endocannabinoid system and neurosteroid biosynthesis are altered in suicidal individuals. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the only FDA-approved treatments for PTSD, fail to help half of the treatment-seeking patients. This highlights the need for developing biomarker-based efficient therapies. One promising alternative to SSRIs points to stimulation of allopregnanolone biosynthesis as a treatment and a valid end-point to predict treatment response in PTSD patients. This review highlights running findings on the role of the endocannabinoid and neurosteroid systems in PTSD and suicidal behavior both in a preclinical and clinical perspective. A specific focus is given to predictive PTSD/suicide animal models. Ultimately, we discuss the idea that disruption of neurosteroid and endocannabinoid biosynthesis may offer a novel promising biomarker axis to develop new treatments for PTSD and, perhaps, suicidal behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Locci
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1601 W. Taylor St., Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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18
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Su AS, Zhang JW, Zou J. The anxiolytic-like effects of puerarin on an animal model of PTSD. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 115:108978. [PMID: 31102911 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.108978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Revised: 05/05/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that affected numerous people. The anti-PTSD-like effects of puerarin is unknown, although the antidepressant- and anxiolytic- like effects of puerarin have been reported. The PTSD behavioral deficits in rats were induced by single prolonged stress (SPS), mainly including the reduced time/entries in the open arms and the elevated time/entries in the closed arms in elevated plus maze test, increased freezing duration in contextual fear paradigm and lowered time/entries in the central zone in open field test. However, the behavioral deficits were attenuated by puerarin (50 and 100 mg/kg) without affecting the locomotor activity. For the evaluation of mechanism, the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, and the increased levels of corticosterone, corticotropin releasing hormone, and adrenocorticotropic hormone in the brain or serum were induced by SPS, which is blocked by puerarin. In summary, the anti-PTSD-like effects of puerarin were associated with biosynthesis of neurosteroids and normalized levels of stress hormones in HPA axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Shan Su
- GCP Center, Nangfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 501515, China
| | - Jun-Wei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Oral Medicine, Guangzhou Institute of Oral Disease, Stomatology Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510140, China
| | - Jing Zou
- Department of Pharmacy, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences and Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China; Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, China.
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19
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Zhang XY, Wei W, Zhang YZ, Fu Q, Mi WD, Zhang LM, Li YF. The 18 kDa Translocator Protein (TSPO) Overexpression in Hippocampal Dentate Gyrus Elicits Anxiolytic-Like Effects in a Mouse Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1364. [PMID: 30532709 PMCID: PMC6265405 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) recently attracted increasing attention in the pathogenesis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study is testing the hypothesis that the overexpression of TSPO in hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG) could alleviate the anxiogenic-like response in the mice model of PTSD induced by foot-shock. In this study, hippocampal DG overexpression of TSPO significantly reversed the increase of the contextual freezing response, the decrease of the percentage of both entries into and time spent in the open arms in elevated plus maze test and the decrease of the account of crossings from the dark to light compartments in light–dark transition test induced by electric foot-shocks procedure. It was further showed that the behavioral effects of TSPO overexpression were blocked by PK11195, a selective TSPO antagonist. In addition, the expression of TSPO and level of allopregnanolone (Allo) decreased in the mouse model of PTSD, which was blocked by overexpression of TSPO in hippocampal dentate gyrus. The difference of neurogenesis among groups was consistent with the changes of TSPO and Allo, as evidenced by bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU)- positive cells in the hippocampal dentate gyrus. These results firstly suggested that TSPO in hippocampal dentate gyrus could exert a great effect on the occurrence and recovery of PTSD in this animal model, and the anti-PTSD-like effect of hippocampal TSPO over-expression could be at least partially mediated by up-regulation of Allo and subsequent stimulation of the adult hippocampal neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China.,Anesthesia and Operation Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wang Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, The General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing, China
| | - You-Zhi Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Fu
- Anesthesia and Operation Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei-Dong Mi
- Anesthesia and Operation Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ming Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Feng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Toxicology and Medical Countermeasures, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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20
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Xu JN, Chen LF, Su J, Liu ZL, Chen J, Lin QF, Mao WD, Gao ZW, Shen D. The anxiolytic-like effects of estazolam on a PTSD animal model. Psychiatry Res 2018; 269:529-535. [PMID: 30195748 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2018.08.118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2018] [Revised: 08/23/2018] [Accepted: 08/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious psychiatric disorder. Estazolam has been shown to produce anxiolytic-, hypnotic-, amnestic-, and sedative-like effects. However, few studies are concerned about its anti-PTSD-like effects. The anti-PTSD-like effects of estazolam were evaluated by single prolonged stress animal model. After exposure to single prolonged stress, rats (Sprague-Dawley, male, 8 weeks) were administered by estazolam (0.5, 1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) from day 2 to 13 once daily. The behavioral assessments were performed during treatment with drugs. After the behavioral evaluation, the role of allopregnanolone in the anti-PTSD-like effects of estazolam was also evaluated via astrocyte cells and brain tissues (e.g. prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala). The PTSD-like behavioral deficits were significantly blocked by estazolam (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) without affecting locomotor activity. Consistently, the levels on allopregnanolone were increased by estazolam (1 and 2 mg/kg, i.p.) in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala. The levels of allopregnanolone were increased by sertraline (1 µmoL/L) and estazolam (4 µmoL/L), while the effects were antagonized by trilostane (1 µmoL/L) and finasteride (1 µmoL/L) in astrocyte cells, respectively. Collectively, the anxiety-like behavior deficits were ameliorated by estazolam in the single prolonged stress animal model that was associated with biosynthesis of allopregnanolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ning Xu
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, PR China
| | - Li-Fang Chen
- Department of Emergency, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, PR China
| | - Jun Su
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, PR China
| | - Zhi-Li Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, PR China
| | - Qing-Fen Lin
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, PR China
| | - Wei-Dong Mao
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, PR China
| | - Zhuo-Wei Gao
- Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University, Foshan, 528308, PR China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, PR China; Shunde Hospital of Guangzhou University of TCM, Foshan, 528333, PR China
| | - Dong Shen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Jiangyin Hospital of Southeast University Medical College, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, PR China.
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21
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Reuveni I, Nugent AC, Gill J, Vythilingam M, Carlson PJ, Lerner A, Neumeister A, Charney DS, Drevets WC, Bonne O. Altered cerebral benzodiazepine receptor binding in post-traumatic stress disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2018; 8:206. [PMID: 30287828 PMCID: PMC6172250 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-018-0257-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Agonists of the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) type A benzodiazepine (BZD) receptor exert anxiolytic effects in anxiety disorders, raising the possibility that altered GABA-ergic function may play a role in the pathophysiology of anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, few neuroimaging studies have assessed the function or binding potential of the central GABAA BZD receptor system in PTSD. Therefore, our aim was to compare the BZD receptor binding potential between PTSD patients and healthy controls. Twelve medication-free participants with a current diagnosis of PTSD and 15 matched healthy controls underwent positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using [11C] flumazenil. Structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans were obtained and co-registered to the PET images to permit co-location of neuroanatomical structures in the lower resolution PET image data. Compared to healthy controls, PTSD patients exhibited increased BZD binding in the caudal anterior cingulate cortex and precuneus (p's < 0.05). Severity of PTSD symptoms positively correlated with BZD binding in the left mid- and anterior insular cortices. This study extends previous findings by suggesting that central BZD receptor system involvement in PTSD includes portions of the default mode and salience networks, along with insular regions that support interoception and autonomic arousal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inbal Reuveni
- 0000 0001 2221 2926grid.17788.31Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Allison C. Nugent
- 0000 0004 0464 0574grid.416868.5Experimental Therapeutics and Pathophysiology Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Jessica Gill
- 0000 0001 2297 5165grid.94365.3dCenter for Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine (CNRM), National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Meena Vythilingam
- Deployment Health Clinical Center, Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury, Silver Spring, MD USA
| | - Paul J. Carlson
- 0000 0001 2193 0096grid.223827.eDepartment of Psychiatry, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT USA
| | - Alicja Lerner
- 0000 0001 2243 3366grid.417587.8Controlled Substance Staff, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD USA
| | - Alexander Neumeister
- 0000 0001 2182 2255grid.28046.38Institute of Mental Health Research (IMHR), University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON Canada
| | - Dennis S. Charney
- 0000 0001 0670 2351grid.59734.3cMood and Anxiety Disorders Program, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY USA
| | - Wayne C. Drevets
- grid.417429.dJanssen Research and Development, LLC of Johnson & Johnson Inc., Titusville, NJ USA
| | - Omer Bonne
- Department of Psychiatry, Hadassah Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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22
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Pinna G. Biomarkers for PTSD at the Interface of the Endocannabinoid and Neurosteroid Axis. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:482. [PMID: 30131663 PMCID: PMC6091574 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
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23
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The anxiolytic-like effects of ginsenoside Rg3 on chronic unpredictable stress in rats. Sci Rep 2018; 8:7741. [PMID: 29773855 PMCID: PMC5958129 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-26146-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study is to evaluate the anxiolytic-like activities underlying ginsenoside Rg3 (GRg3). The anxiolytic-like activities were induced by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g), evidenced by blocking the decreased time and entries in the open arms in elevated plus maze test and by reversing the increased latency to feed in novelty-suppressed feeding test. In addition, the decreased levels on progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) were blocked by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g). Furthermore, the increased corticotropin releasing hormone, corticosterone and adrenocorticotropic hormone were blocked by GRg3 (20 and 40 mg/kg, i.g). Collectively, the anxiolytic-like effects produced by GRg3 were associated with the normalization of neurosteroids biosynthesis, serotonergic system as well as HPA axis dysfunction.
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24
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Lima-Maximino MG, Cueto-Escobedo J, Rodríguez-Landa JF, Maximino C. FGIN-1-27, an agonist at translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), produces anti-anxiety and anti-panic effects in non-mammalian models. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2018; 171:66-73. [PMID: 29698632 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2018.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
FGIN-1-27 is an agonist at the translocator protein 18 kDa (TSPO), a cholesterol transporter that is associated with neurosteroidogenesis. This protein has been identified as a peripheral binding site for benzodiazepines; in anamniotes, however, a second TSPO isoform that is absent in amniotes has been implicated in erythropoiesis. Functional conservation of the central benzodiazepine-binding site located in the GABAA receptors has been demonstrated in anamniotes and amniotes alike; however, it was not previously demonstrated for TSPO. The present investigation explored the behavioral effects of FGIN-1-27 on an anxiety test in zebrafish (Danio rerio, Family: Cyprinide) and on a mixed anxiety/panic test on wall lizards (Tropidurus oreadicus, Family: Tropiduridae). Results showed that FGIN-1-27 reduced anxiety-like behavior in the zebrafish light/dark preference test similar to diazepam, but with fewer sedative effects. Similarly, FGIN-1-27 also reduced anxiety- and fear-like behaviors in the defense test battery in wall lizards, again producing fewer sedative-like effects than diazepam; the benzodiazepine was also unable to reduce fear-like behaviors in this species. These results A) underline the functional conservation of TSPO in defensive behavior in anamniotes; B) strengthen the proposal of using anamniote behavior as models in behavioral pharmacology; and C) suggest TSPO/neurosteroidogenesis as a target in treating anxiety disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monica Gomes Lima-Maximino
- Laboratório de Neurofarmacologia e Biofísica, Departamento de Morfologia e Ciências Fisiológicas, Universidade do Estado do Pará - Campus VIII, Marabá, Brazil
| | - Jonathan Cueto-Escobedo
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología, Instituto de Neuroetología, Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, Mexico
| | | | - Caio Maximino
- Instituto de Estudos em Saúde e Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Sul e Sudeste do Pará, Marabá, Brazil.
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Qiu ZK, Zhong DS, He JL, Liu X, Chen JS, Nie H. The anxiolytic-like effects of puerarin are associated with the changes of monoaminergic neurotransmitters and biosynthesis of allopregnanolone in the brain. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:167-175. [PMID: 29101599 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0127-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is a serious and burdensome psychiatric illness that frequently turn into chronic clinical conditions. Puerarin have been shown to be effective in the therapy of depression. However, few studies are concerned about the anxiolytic-like effects of puerarin. The current study aimed to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effects of puerarin and its possible mechanism. To evaluate this, the behavioral tests, i.e. Vogel-type conflict test (VTCT), elevated plus-maze test (EPMT), and open-field test (OFT) were conducted. Data showed that similar to the positive-control drug sertraline (Ser) (15 mg/kg, i.g.), the anxiolytic-like effects were produced by puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g.) in VTCT and EMPT respectively without affecting locomotor activity in OFT. Moreover, the present study also found that consistent with Ser, the levels of allopregnanolone and serotonin (5-HT) in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were increased by puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g.), respectively. In summary, the present study indicated that puerarin exerted the anxiolytic-like effects, which maybe associated with normalization of 5-HT levels and biosynthesis of allopregnanolone in brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China
| | - De-Sheng Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Hui Zhou Municipal Centre Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hong Nie
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, People's Republic of China.
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Liang JJ, Rasmusson AM. Overview of the Molecular Steps in Steroidogenesis of the GABAergic Neurosteroids Allopregnanolone and Pregnanolone. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2018; 2:2470547018818555. [PMID: 32440589 PMCID: PMC7219929 DOI: 10.1177/2470547018818555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Allopregnanolone and pregnanolone-neurosteroids synthesized from progesterone in the brain, adrenal gland, ovary and testis-have been implicated in a range of neuropsychiatric conditions including seizure disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, major depression, post-partum depression, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, chronic pain, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, neurotrauma, and stroke. Allopregnanolone and pregnanolone equipotently facilitate the effects of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) at GABAA receptors, and when sulfated, antagonize N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. They play myriad roles in neurophysiological homeostasis and adaptation to stress while exerting anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-nociceptive, anticonvulsant, anti-inflammatory, sleep promoting, memory stabilizing, neuroprotective, pro-myelinating, and neurogenic effects. Given that these neurosteroids are synthesized de novo on demand, this review details the molecular steps involved in the biochemical conversion of cholesterol to allopregnanolone and pregnanolone within steroidogenic cells. Although much is known about the early steps in neurosteroidogenesis, less is known about transcriptional, translational, and post-translational processes in allopregnanolone- and pregnanolone-specific synthesis. Further research to elucidate these mechanisms as well as to optimize the timing and dose of interventions aimed at altering the synthesis or levels of these neurosteroids is much needed. This should include the development of novel therapeutics for the many neuropsychiatric conditions to which dysregulation of these neurosteroids contributes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ann M. Rasmusson
- Boston
University School of Medicine, Boston, MA,
USA
- National Center for PTSD, Women’s Health
Science Division, Department of Veterans Affairs, Boston, MA, USA
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA,
USA
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Zhang ZS, Qiu ZK, He JL, Liu X, Chen JS, Wang YL. Resveratrol ameliorated the behavioral deficits in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2017; 161:68-76. [PMID: 28947177 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2017.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2017] [Revised: 08/20/2017] [Accepted: 09/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has become a major psychiatric and neurological issue. Resveratrol is shown to be effective on depression and anxiety. However, the mechanism of anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol remains unknown. The present study aimed to explore the possible molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol. Following a 2-day exposure to inescapable electric foot shocks, animals were administered resveratrol (10, 20, and 40mg/kg, i.g.) during the behavioral tests, which included contextual freezing measurement, elevated plus maze test, staircase test, and open field test. Similar to the positive control drug sertraline (15mg/kg, i.g.), the behavioral deficits of stressed mice were blocked by resveratrol (20 and 40mg/kg, i.g.), which reversed the increased freezing time in contextual freezing measurement and the number of rears in the staircase test and blocked the decrease in time and number of entries in open arms in the elevated plus maze test without affecting the locomotor activity in the open field test. In addition, resveratrol (20 and 40mg/kg, i.g.) antagonized the decrease in the levels of progesterone and allopregnanolone in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Furthermore, long-term resveratrol attenuated the dysfunctions of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis simultaneously. Collectively, the evidence indicated that the anti-PTSD-like effects of resveratrol were associated with the normalization of biosynthesis of neurosteroids in the brain and prevention of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Shun Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Zhuhai 519015, PR China
| | - Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yu-Lu Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou 350122, PR China.
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Qiu ZK, Zhang GH, Zhong DS, He JL, Liu X, Chen JS, Wei DN. Puerarin ameliorated the behavioral deficits induced by chronic stress in rats. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6266. [PMID: 28740098 PMCID: PMC5524961 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06552-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the mechanisms underlying the antidepressant-like effects of puerarin via the chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) procedure in rats. Similar to Sertraline (Ser), Chronic treatment of puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) elicited the antidepressant-like effects by reversing the decreased sucrose preference in sucrose preference test (SPT), by blocking the increased latency to feed in novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT) and the increased immobility time in forced swimming test (FST) without affecting locomotor activity. However, acute puerarin treatment did not ameliorate the antidepressant- and anxiolytic- like effects in FST and NSFT, respectively. In addition, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and high performance liquid chromatography-electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD) showed that chronic treatment of puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) reversed the decreased levels of progesterone, allopregnanolone, serotonin (5-HT) and 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA) in prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of post-CUS rats. Furthermore, puerarin (60 and 120 mg/kg, i.g) blocked the increased corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH), corticosterone (Cort) and adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). Collectively, repeated administration of puerarin alleviated the behavioral deficits induced by chronic stress which was associated with the biosynthesis of neurosteroids, normalization of serotonergic system and preventing HPA axis dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, P.R. China
| | - Guan-Hua Zhang
- Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, P.R. China
| | - De-Sheng Zhong
- Department of Pharmacy, Hui Zhou Municipal Centre Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, P.R. China.
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, P.R. China
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100850, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China.
| | - Da-Nian Wei
- Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510630, P.R. China.
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Overexpression of the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus produced anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavioural effects. Neuropharmacology 2017; 125:117-128. [PMID: 28655607 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2016] [Revised: 06/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) is a five transmembrane domain protein that plays a crucial role in neurosteroid (e.g., allopregnanolone) synthesis by promoting the transport of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane. This protein is predominantly expressed in steroid-synthesizing tissues, including the central and peripheral nervous system, affecting stress-related disorders such as anxiety and depression. Recent studies have focused on the hippocampal dentate gyrus, which is very important for involvement of anxiety and depression. However, the exact role that TSPO plays in the pathophysiology of anxiety and depression and the involvement of the hippocampal dentate gyrus in regulating these behavioural effects remain elusive. This study used the lentiviral vectors mediating TPSO overexpression to assess the effects of TPSO overexpression in the hippocampal dentate gyrus on anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavioural effects in mice. The expression of TSPO and the concentration of allopregnanolone in hippocampus tissues (3 mm in diameter around the injection site on both sides) were measured by Western blot and ELISA, respectively. The results indicated that microinjection of the LV-TSPO resulted in a significant increase in TSPO expression and allopregnanolone concentration in the hippocampus. Moreover, TSPO overexpression of the mouse hippocampal dentate gyrus generated significant anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavioural effects in a series of behavioural models. These effects were completely blocked by the TSPO antagonist PK11195 (3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and the 5α-reductase inhibitor finasteride (5 mg/kg,intraperitoneally). Meanwhile, the increased allopregnanolone was also reversed by PK11195 and finasteride. In addition, neither PK11195 nor finasteride had an effect on the expression of TSPO. Overall, our results are the first to suggest that the overexpression of TSPO in the hippocampal dentate gyrus produced anxiolytic and antidepressant-like behavioural effects that are partially mediated by downstream allopregnanolone biosynthesis. Our results suggest that TSPO would be a potential anxiolytic and antidepressant therapeutic target.
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Qiu ZK, He JL, Liu X, Zeng J, Chen JS, Nie H. Anti-PTSD-like effects of albiflorin extracted from Radix paeoniae Alba. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2017; 198:324-330. [PMID: 27993636 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.12.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2016] [Revised: 12/06/2016] [Accepted: 12/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY RELEVANCE Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric disorder that is characterized by symptoms of re-experiencing, avoidance and hyperarousal, as well as social and professional dysfunction at least one month after the exposure to a traumatic event. Biosynthesis of allopregnanolone has been suggested as one of the important contributors to PTSD. Albiflorin (AF) extracted from Radix paeoniae Alba had been shown to be effective in the therapy of depression. However, few studies were concerned about the anti-PTSD-like effects of AF. AIM OF THE STUDY The current study aimed to evaluate the anti-PTSD-like effects of AF in an animal model and its possible mechanism. MATERIALS AND METHODS To evaluate this, the single prolonged stress (SPS) model was used in the present study. The SPS rats were administered by AF (at doses of 3.5, 7 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.) after induction of SPS from days 2-13. After the exposure to SPS, behavioral assessments were conducted, including contextual fear paradigm (CFP), elevated plus-maze test (EPMT), open-field test (OFT). The rats were decapitated at the end of the behavioral tests and levels of allopregnanolone in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and amygdala were measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS It had been shown that behavioral deficits of SPS rats were reversed by AF (7.0 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.), which attenuated the PTSD-like associated contextual freezing behavior in CFP and improved PTSD-like associated anxiogenic behavior in EPMT without affecting locomotor activity in OFT. Moreover, decreased levels of allopregnanolone in prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala were reversed by AF (7.0 and 14.0mg/kg, i.g.), respectively. CONCLUSION In summary, the present study indicated that AF exerted the anti-PTSD-like effects, which maybe associated with allopregnanolone biosynthesis in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
| | - Hong Nie
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
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31
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Li D, Zheng J, Wang M, Feng L, Ren Z, Liu Y, Yang N, Zuo P. Changes of TSPO-mediated mitophagy signaling pathway in learned helplessness mice. Psychiatry Res 2016; 245:141-147. [PMID: 27543827 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2016.02.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2015] [Revised: 02/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Low response rate was witnessed with the present monoaminergic based antidepressants, urging a need for new therapeutic target identification. Accumulated evidences strongly suggest that mitochondrial deficit is implicated in major depression and 18kDa translocator protein (TSPO) plays an important role in regulating mitochondrial function. However the changes of TSPO and TSPO mediated mitophagy pathway in the depressive brain is unclear. In present study, a well validated animal model of depression, learned helplessness (LH), was employed to investigate the relevant changes. Significant behavioral changes were observed in the LH mice. Results showed that TSPO and other mitophagy related proteins, such as VDAC1, Pink1 and Beclin1 were significantly decreased by LH challenge. Moreover, KIFC2, relevant to the mitochondrial transport and Snap25, relevant to neurotransmitter vesicle release, were also obviously down-regulated in the LH mice, which further rendered supportive evidence for the existing mitochondrial dysfunction in LH mice. Present results demonstrated that LH induced depressive symptoms and affected TSPO-mediated mitophagy pathway, indicating a potential target candidate for depression treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongmei Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Ji Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Mingyang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Lu Feng
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Zhili Ren
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
| | - Yanyong Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Nan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China.
| | - Pingping Zuo
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100005, China
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Qiu ZK, He JL, Liu X, Zhang GH, Zeng J, Nie H, Shen YG, Chen JS. The antidepressant-like activity of AC-5216, a ligand for 18KDa translocator protein (TSPO), in an animal model of diabetes mellitus. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37345. [PMID: 27886206 PMCID: PMC5122851 DOI: 10.1038/srep37345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetes mellitus is a chronic disease that is associated with depression. Also, depression is common in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Translocator protein (18kDa) (TSPO) and allopregnanolone play an important role in the depression treatment. However, few studies have evaluated TSPO and allopregnanolone in the treatment of depression in T2DM. AC-5216, a ligand for TSPO, produces anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in animal models. The present study aimed to explore antidepressant-like effects of AC-5216 on diabetic rats. Following the development of diabetic model induced by high fat diet (HFD) feeding and streptozotocin (STZ), AC-5216 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.g.) elicited the antidepressant-like effects in behavioral tests while these activities were blocked by TSPO antagonist PK11195 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). The levels of allopregnanolone in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were increased by AC-5216 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.g.), which was antagonized by PK11195 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). The increased plasma glucose (PG) and decreased insulin (INS) in HFD-STZ rats were reversed by AC-5216 (0.3 and 1 mg/kg, i.g.). This study indicates that the antidepressant-like effects of AC-5216 on HFD-STZ rats, suggesting that TSPO may represent a novel therapeutic target for depression in T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, P.R. China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, P.R. China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People’s Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, P.R. China
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Guan-Hua Zhang
- Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510060, P.R. China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Hong Nie
- Academy of Military Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, P.R. China
| | - Yong-Gang Shen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, P.R. China
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Qiu ZK, Liu CH, Gao ZW, He JL, Liu X, Wei QL, Chen JS. The inulin-type oligosaccharides extract from morinda officinalis, a traditional Chinese herb, ameliorated behavioral deficits in an animal model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Metab Brain Dis 2016; 31:1143-9. [PMID: 27311612 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-016-9853-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe psychiatric condition. The allopregnanolone biosynthesis has been implicated as one of the possible contributors to PTSD. Inulin-type oligosaccharides of morinda officinalis (IOMO) had been shown to be effective in the therapy of depression. However, few studies concern the anti-PTSD-like effects of IOMO. To evaluate this, the single prolonged stress (SPS) model was used in the present study. It had been shown that the behavioral deficits of SPS-treated rats were reversed by IOMO (25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg, i.p.), which reversed the increased freezing time in contextual fear paradigm (CFP) and the decreased time and entries in open arms in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test without affecting the locomotor activity in the open field (OF) test. In addition, the decreased allopregnanolone in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and amygdala was reversed by IOMO (25.0 and 50.0 mg/kg, i.p.), respectively. In summary, the present study indicated that the IOMO exert anti-PTSD-like behaviors, which maybe associated with the brain allopregnanolone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Chun-Hui Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100050, China
| | - Zhuo-Wei Gao
- Department of ICU, Shunde TCM Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528333, China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Qing-Lan Wei
- Department of ICU, Shunde TCM Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Foshan, 528333, China.
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Servatius RJ, Marx CE, Sinha S, Avcu P, Kilts JD, Naylor JC, Pang KCH. Brain and Serum Androsterone Is Elevated in Response to Stress in Rats with Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Neurosci 2016; 10:379. [PMID: 27616978 PMCID: PMC4999428 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2016.00379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to lateral fluid percussion (LFP) injury consistent with mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) persistently attenuates acoustic startle responses (ASRs) in rats. Here, we examined whether the experience of head trauma affects stress reactivity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were matched for ASRs and randomly assigned to receive mTBI through LFP or experience a sham surgery (SHAM). ASRs were measured post injury days (PIDs) 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28. To assess neurosteroids, rats received a single 2.0 mA, 0.5 s foot shock on PID 34 (S34), PID 35 (S35), on both days (2S), or the experimental context (CON). Levels of the neurosteroids pregnenolone (PREG), allopregnanolone (ALLO), and androsterone (ANDRO) were determined for the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum. For 2S rats, repeated blood samples were obtained at 15, 30, and 60 min post-stressor for determination of corticosterone (CORT) levels after stress or context on PID 34. Similar to earlier work, ASRs were severely attenuated in mTBI rats without remission for 28 days after injury. No differences were observed between mTBI and SHAM rats in basal CORT, peak CORT levels or its recovery. In serum and brain, ANDRO levels were the most stress-sensitive. Stress-induced ANDRO elevations were greater than those in mTBI rats. As a positive allosteric modulator of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABAA) receptors, increased brain ANDRO levels are expected to be anxiolytic. The impact of brain ANDRO elevations in the aftermath of mTBI on coping warrants further elaboration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard J Servatius
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Syracuse Veterans Affairs Medical CenterSyracuse, NY, USA; Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA
| | - Christine E Marx
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham, NC, USA
| | - Swamini Sinha
- Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA
| | - Pelin Avcu
- Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA
| | - Jason D Kilts
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham, NC, USA
| | - Jennifer C Naylor
- Veterans Affairs Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness, Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical CenterDurham, NC, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of MedicineDurham, NC, USA
| | - Kevin C H Pang
- Rutgers Biomedical Health Sciences, Stress and Motivated Behavior Institute, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Rutgers UniversityNewark, NJ, USA; Department of Veterans Affairs, New Jersey Health Care SystemEast Orange, NJ, USA
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Bernardy NC, Friedman MJ. How and why does the pharmaceutical management of PTSD differ between men and women? Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1449-51. [PMID: 27276175 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1199686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nancy C Bernardy
- a National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Medical Center , White River Junction , VT , USA.,b Department of Psychiatry , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth , Hanover , NH , USA
| | - Matthew J Friedman
- a National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Veterans Affairs Medical Center , White River Junction , VT , USA.,c Departments of Psychiatry and Pharmacology & Toxicology , Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth , Hanover , NH , USA
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Möller AT, Bäckström T, Nyberg S, Söndergaard HP, Helström L. Women with PTSD have a changed sensitivity to GABA-A receptor active substances. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2016; 233:2025-2033. [PMID: 25345735 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3776-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The use of benzodiazepines in treating anxiety symptoms in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been debated. Studies on other anxiety disorders have indicated changed sensitivity to GABA-A receptor active substances. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we investigated the GABA receptor sensitivity in PTSD patients. METHODS Injections of allopreganolone, diazepam, and flumazenil were carried out, each on separate occasions, in 10 drug naïve patients with PTSD compared to 10 healthy controls. Effects were measured in saccadic eye velocity (SEV) and in subjective ratings of sedation. RESULTS The PTSD patients were less sensitive to allopregnanolone compared with healthy controls. This was seen as a significant difference in SEV between the groups (p = 0.047). Further, the patients were less sensitive to diazepam, with a significant less increase in sedation compared to controls (p = 0.027). After flumazenil injection, both patients and controls had a significant agonistic effect on SEV, leading to decreased SEV after injection. The patients also responded with an increase in sedation after flumazenil injection, while this was not seen in the controls. CONCLUSIONS Patients with PTSD have a changed sensitivity to GABA-A receptor active substances. As a consequence of this, benzodiazepines and other GABA-A receptor active compounds such as sleeping pills will be less useful for this group of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Tiihonen Möller
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stockholm South Hospital, SE-118 83, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sigrid Nyberg
- Department of Clinical Science, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | | | - Lotti Helström
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stockholm South Hospital, SE-118 83, Stockholm, Sweden
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Zhang LM, Qiu ZK, Chen XF, Zhao N, Chen HX, Xue R, Zhang YZ, Yang RF, Li YF. Involvement of allopregnanolone in the anti-PTSD-like effects of AC-5216. J Psychopharmacol 2016; 30:474-81. [PMID: 26783231 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115625115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cholesterol import into mitochondria through the translocator protein (18 KDa) (TSPO) is the starting point and an important rate-limiting step in neurosteroidogenesis. For this reason TSPO has received increased attention in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In an effort to explore the role of TSPO in mediating the anti-PTSD effect, we first assessed the effects of the TSPO ligand AC-5216 in alleviating the enhanced anxiety and fear response in a time-dependent sensitization (TDS) procedure, a rat PTSD animal model. In the present study, we showed that chronic treatment with AC-5216 caused significant suppression of the enhanced anxiety and contextual fear induced in post-TDS rats; these effects were blocked by PK11195. Furthermore, AC-5216 treatment increased the levels of allopregnanolone in the serum, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus of post-TDS rats, and these effects were antagonized by PK11195. These results demonstrate that AC-5216 has a clear anti-PTSD-like effect, which might be partially mediated by binding to TSPO and the subsequent synthesis of allopregnanolone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ming Zhang
- Department of New Drug Evaluation, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Department of New Drug Evaluation, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China Department of Pharmacology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Fei Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, the 309 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Department of New Drug Evaluation, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Xia Chen
- Department of New Drug Evaluation, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Rui- Xue
- Department of New Drug Evaluation, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - You-Zhi Zhang
- Department of New Drug Evaluation, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Ri-Fang Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
| | - Yun-Feng Li
- Department of New Drug Evaluation, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Beijing, China
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Qiu ZK, Li MS, He JL, Liu X, Zhang GH, Lai S, Ma JC, Zeng J, Li Y, Wu HW, Chen Y, Shen YG, Chen JS. Translocator protein mediates the anxiolytic and antidepressant effects of midazolam. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 139:77-83. [PMID: 26455280 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 10/07/2015] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO) plays an important role in stress-related disorders, such as anxiety, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), caused by neurosteroids (e.g. allopregnanolone). The present study sought to evaluate the significance of TSPO in anxiolytic and antidepressant effects induced by midazolam. The animals were administrated midazolam (0.25, 0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.) and subjected to behavioral tests, including Vogel-type conflict test, elevated plus-maze test, forced swimming test. Midazolam produced anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects Vogel-type conflict test (1 mg/kg, i.p.), elevated plus-maze test (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.), and forced swimming test (0.5 and 1 mg/kg, i.p.). These effects of Midazolam were totally blocked by the TSPO antagonist PK11195 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). To evaluate the role of allopregnanolone in the anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of midazolam, the animals were decapitated at the end of the behavioral tests. The allopregnanolone levels of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The allopregnanolone level of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was increased by midazolam (0.5, 1 mg/kg, i.p.) and the increase was reversed by PK11195 (3 mg/kg, i.p.). Overall, the results indicated that the anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects of midazolam were mediated by TSPO, via stimulation of allopregnanolone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ming-Sheng Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Centre Hospital of Taian, Taian 271000, PR China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, PR China.
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Guan-Hua Zhang
- Neurosurgery Department of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Sha Lai
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jian-Chun Ma
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Hong-Wei Wu
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yong Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yong-Gang Shen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
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Qiu ZK, He JL, Liu X, Lai S, Ma JC, Zeng J, Li Y, Wu HW, Chen Y, Shen YG, Chen JS, Luo M. The role of allopregnanolone in the anxiolytic-like effect of free and easy wanderer plus (FEWP), a polyherbal preparation. Neurosci Lett 2015; 595:94-8. [PMID: 25800108 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.03.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2015] [Accepted: 03/19/2015] [Indexed: 12/08/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the serious and burdensome psychiatric illnesses, which are closely correlated with allopregnanolone. The down-regulation of allopregnanolone biosynthesis has been implicated as the possible contributor to the aetiology of anxiety disorders. Free and easy wanderer plus (FEWP) is a well-known traditional Chinese medicine that had been shown to be effective in various mood disorders. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the anxiolytic-like effect of FEWP and its association with the level of allopregnanolone in the brain. The animal behavioral tests were processed by the acute FEWP (2.5, 5 and 10mg/kg, p.o.) treatment. It had been shown that FEWP produced anxiolytic-like effects in behavioral models, including novelty suppressed feeding (5, 10mg/kg, p.o.), Vogel-type conflict test (10mg/kg, p.o.), elevated plus-maze test (5, 10mg/kg, p.o.). The animals were decapitated after the end of the behavioral tests and measured the allopregnanolone level of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The allopregnanolone level of the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus was increased by administration of FEWP (5, 10mg/kg, p.o.). Overall, these results indicated that FEWP exerts anxiolytic-like effects that were associated with the stiumlation of the allopregnanolone biosynthesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi-Kun Qiu
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jia-Li He
- Department of Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510120, PR China
| | - Xu Liu
- Pharmacy Department of General Hospital of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Beijing 100039, PR China
| | - Sha Lai
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jian-Chun Ma
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Jia Zeng
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yan Li
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Hong-Wei Wu
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yong Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Yong-Gang Shen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China
| | - Ji-Sheng Chen
- Pharmaceutical Department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Clinical Pharmacy Department of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510080, PR China.
| | - Min Luo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515,PR China.
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Povarnina PY, Yarkov SA, Gudasheva TA, Yarkova MA, Seredenin SB. The Novel Dipeptide Translocator Protein Ligand, Referred to As GD-23, Exerts Anxiolytic and Nootropic Activities. Acta Naturae 2015; 7:108-12. [PMID: 26483966 PMCID: PMC4610171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The translocator protein (TSPO) promotes the translocation of cholesterol to the inner mitochondrial membrane and mediates steroid formation. In this study, we first report on a biological evaluation of the dipeptide GD-23 (N-carbobenzoxy-L tryptophanyl-L isoleucine amide), a structural analogue of Alpidem, the principal TSPO ligand. We show that GD-23 in a dose range of 0.05 to 0.5 mg/kg (i.p.) exhibits anxiolytic activity in the elevated plus maze test and nootropic activity in the object recognition test in scopolamine-induced amnesia in rodents. It was shown that GD-23 did not affect spontaneous locomotor activity, holding promise as a nonsedative anxiolytic agent. The anxiolytic and nootropic activities of GD-23 were abrogated by the TSPO specific ligand PK11195, which thus suggests a role for TSPO in mediating the pharmacological activity of GD-23.
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Affiliation(s)
- P. Yu. Povarnina
- V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology of RAMS, ul. Baltiyskaya, 8, Moscow, 125315, Russia
| | - S. A. Yarkov
- V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology of RAMS, ul. Baltiyskaya, 8, Moscow, 125315, Russia
| | - T. A. Gudasheva
- V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology of RAMS, ul. Baltiyskaya, 8, Moscow, 125315, Russia
| | - M. A. Yarkova
- V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology of RAMS, ul. Baltiyskaya, 8, Moscow, 125315, Russia
| | - S. B. Seredenin
- V.V. Zakusov Research Institute of Pharmacology of RAMS, ul. Baltiyskaya, 8, Moscow, 125315, Russia
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Devall AJ, Santos JM, Fry JP, Honour JW, Brandão ML, Lovick TA. Elevation of brain allopregnanolone rather than 5-HT release by short term, low dose fluoxetine treatment prevents the estrous cycle-linked increase in stress sensitivity in female rats. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2015; 25:113-23. [PMID: 25498416 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2014.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2014] [Revised: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/24/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Withdrawal from long-term dosing with exogenous progesterone precipitates increased anxiety-linked changes in behavior in animal models due to the abrupt decrease in brain concentration of allopregnanolone (ALLO), a neuroactive metabolite of progesterone. We show that a withdrawal-like effect also occurs during the late diestrus phase (LD) of the natural ovarian cycle in rats, when plasma progesterone and ALLO are declining but estrogen secretion maintains a stable low level. This effect at LD was prevented by short-term treatment with low dose fluoxetine. During LD, but not at other stages of the estrous cycle, exposure to anxiogenic stress induced by whole body vibration at 4 Hz for 5 min evoked a significant decrease in tail flick latency (stress-induced hyperalgesia) and a decrease in the number of Fos-positive neurons present in the periaqueductal gray (PAG). The threshold to evoke fear-like behaviors in response to electrical stimulation of the dorsal PAG was lower in the LD phase, indicating an increase in the intrinsic excitability of the PAG circuitry. All these effects were blocked by short-term administration of fluoxetine (2 × 1.75 mg kg(-1) i.p.) during LD. This dosage increased the whole brain concentration of ALLO, as determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, but was without effect on the extracellular concentration of 5-HT in the dorsal PAG, as measured by microdialysis. We suggest that fluoxetine-induced rise in brain ALLO concentration during LD offsets the sharp physiological decline, thus removing the trigger for the development of anxiogenic withdrawal effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam J Devall
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK
| | - Julia M Santos
- School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; Laboratório de Psicobiologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento-INeC, Campus USP, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Jonathan P Fry
- Department of Neuroscience, Physiology and Pharmacology, University College London, London W1E 6BT, UK
| | - John W Honour
- University College London Hospital, London NW1 2BU, UK
| | - Marcus L Brandão
- Laboratório de Psicobiologia, Faculdade de Filosofia, Ciências e Letras de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo (USP), 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento-INeC, Campus USP, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - Thelma A Lovick
- School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol BS8 1TD, UK; Instituto de Neurociências e Comportamento-INeC, Campus USP, 14040-901 Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil.
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Peng L, Gu L, Li B, Hertz L. Fluoxetine and all other SSRIs are 5-HT2B Agonists - Importance for their Therapeutic Effects. Curr Neuropharmacol 2014; 12:365-79. [PMID: 25342944 PMCID: PMC4207076 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x12666140828221720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 06/30/2014] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Fluoxetine and other serotonin-specific re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are generally thought to owe their therapeutic potency to inhibition of the serotonin transporter (SERT). However, research in our laboratory showed that it affects, with relatively high affinity the 5-HT2B receptor in cultured astrocytes; this finding was confirmed by independent observations showing that fluoxetine loses its ability to elicit SSRI-like responses in behavioral assays in mice in which the 5-HT2B receptor was knocked-out genetically or inhibited pharmacologically. All clinically used SSRIs are approximately equipotent towards 5-HT2B receptors and exert their effect on cultured astrocytes at concentrations similar to those used clinically, a substantial difference from their effect on SERT. We have demonstrated up-regulation and editing of astrocytic genes for ADAR2, the kainate receptor GluK2, cPLA2 and the 5-HT2B receptor itself after chronic treatment of cultures, which do not express SERT and after treatment of mice (expressing SERT) for 2 weeks with fluoxetine, followed by isolation of astrocytic and neuronal cell fractionation. Affected genes were identical in both experimental paradigms. Fluoxetine treatment also altered Ca(2+) homeostatic cascades, in a specific way that differs from that seen after treatment with the anti-bipolar drugs carbamazepine, lithium, or valproic acid. All changes occurred after a lag period similar to what is seen for fluoxetine's clinical effects, and some of the genes were altered in the opposite direction by mild chronic inescapable stress, known to cause anhedonia, a component of major depression. In the anhedonic mice these changes were reversed by treatment with SSRIs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Peng
- Laboratory of Metabolic Brain Diseases, Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Li Gu
- Laboratory of Metabolic Brain Diseases, Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Baoman Li
- Laboratory of Metabolic Brain Diseases, Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
| | - Leif Hertz
- Laboratory of Metabolic Brain Diseases, Institute of Metabolic Disease Research and Drug Development, China Medical University, Shenyang, P. R. China
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Anxiolytic-like effects of YL-IPA08, a potent ligand for the translocator protein (18 kDa) in animal models of post-traumatic stress disorder. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2014; 17:1659-69. [PMID: 24763106 DOI: 10.1017/s1461145714000479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the translocator protein (18 kDa) (TSPO), previously called peripheral benzodiazepine receptor (PBR) and both the starting point and an important rate-limiting step in neurosteroidogenesis, has received increased attention in the pathophysiology of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) because it affects the production of neurosteroids, reinforcing the hypothesis that selective TSPO ligands could potentially be used as anti-PTSD drugs. As expected, we showed that chronic treatment with YL-IPA08 [N-ethyl-N-(2-pyridinylmethyl)-2-(3,4-ichlorophenyl)-7-methylimidazo [1,2-a] pyridine-3-acetamide hydrochloride], a potent and selective TSPO ligand synthesized by our institute, caused significant suppression of enhanced anxiety and contextual fear induced in the inescapable electric foot-shock-induced mouse model of PTSD and the time-dependent sensitization (TDS) procedure. These effects were completely blocked by the TSPO antagonist PK11195. Furthermore, YL-IPA08 could increase the level of allopregnanolone in the prefrontal cortex and serum of post-TDS rats, and these effects were antagonized by PK11195. In summary, the findings from the current study showed that YL-IPA08, a potent and selective TSPO ligand, had a clear anti-PTSD-like effect, which might be partially mediated by binding to TSPO and the subsequent synthesis of allopregnanolone.
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Pinna G, Rasmusson AM. Ganaxolone improves behavioral deficits in a mouse model of post-traumatic stress disorder. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:256. [PMID: 25309317 PMCID: PMC4161165 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Allopregnanolone and its equipotent stereoisomer, pregnanolone (together termed ALLO), are neuroactive steroids that positively and allosterically modulate the action of gamma-amino-butyric acid (GABA) at GABAA receptors. Levels of ALLO are reduced in the cerebrospinal fluid of female premenopausal patients with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a severe, neuropsychiatric condition that affects millions, yet is without a consistently effective therapy. This suggests that restoring downregulated brain ALLO levels in PTSD may be beneficial. ALLO biosynthesis is also decreased in association with the emergence of PTSD-like behaviors in socially isolated (SI) mice. Similar to PTSD patients, SI mice also exhibit changes in the frontocortical and hippocampal expression of GABAA receptor subunits, resulting in resistance to benzodiazepine-mediated sedation and anxiolysis. ALLO acts at a larger spectrum of GABAA receptor subunits than benzodiazepines, and increasing corticolimbic ALLO levels in SI mice by injecting ALLO or stimulating ALLO biosynthesis with a selective brain steroidogenic stimulant, such as S-norfluoxetine, at doses far below those that block serotonin reuptake, reduces PTSD-like behavior in these mice. This suggests that synthetic analogs of ALLO, such as ganaxolone, may also improve anxiety, aggression, and other PTSD-like behaviors in the SI mouse model. Consistent with this hypothesis, ganaxolone (3.75–30 mg/kg, s.c.) injected 60 min before testing of SI mice, induced a dose-dependent reduction in aggression toward a same-sex intruder and anxiety-like behavior in an elevated plus maze. The EC50 dose of ganaxolone used in these tests also normalized exaggerated contextual fear conditioning and, remarkably, enhanced fear extinction retention in SI mice. At these doses, ganaxolone failed to change locomotion in an open field test. Therefore, unlike benzodiazepines, ganaxolone at non-sedating concentrations appears to improve dysfunctional emotional behavior associated with deficits in ALLO in mice and may provide an alternative treatment for PTSD patients with deficits in the synthesis of ALLO. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the only medications currently approved by the FDA for treatment of PTSD, although they are ineffective in a substantial proportion of PTSD patients. Hence, an ALLO analog such as ganaxolone may offer a therapeutic GABAergic alternative to SSRIs for the treatment of PTSD or other disorders in which ALLO biosynthesis may be impaired.
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Affiliation(s)
- Graziano Pinna
- The Psychiatric Institute, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ann M Rasmusson
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Women's Health Science Division of the VA National Center for PTSD, and Boston University School of Medicine Boston, MA, USA
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Involvement of pregnane xenobiotic receptor in mating-induced allopregnanolone formation in the midbrain and hippocampus and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus among female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3375-90. [PMID: 24781516 PMCID: PMC4135012 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3569-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2013] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Given that the pregnane neurosteroid, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP), is increased following behavioral challenges (e.g., mating), and that there is behavioral-induced biosynthesis of 3α,5α-THP in midbrain and mesocorticolimbic structures, 3α,5α-THP likely has a role in homeostasis and motivated reproduction and reproduction-related behaviors (e.g., affect, affiliation). The role of pregnane xenobiotic receptor (PXR), involved in cholesterol metabolism, for these effects is of continued interest. OBJECTIVES We hypothesized that there would be differences in brain levels of 3α,5α-THP following varied behavioral experiences, an effect abrogated by knockdown of PXR in the midbrain. METHODS Proestrous rats were infused with PXR antisense oligonucleotides (AS-ODNs) or vehicle to the ventral tegmental area before different behavioral manipulations and assessments. Endpoints were expression levels of PXR in the midbrain, 3α,5α-THP, and ovarian steroids (estradiol, progesterone, dihydroprogesterone) in the midbrain, striatum, hippocampus, hypothalamus, prefrontal cortex, and plasma. RESULTS Across experiments, knocking down PXR reduced PXR expression and 3α,5α-THP levels in the midbrain and hippocampus. There were differences in terms of the behavioral manipulations, such that paced mating had the most robust effects to increase 3α,5α-THP levels and reduce open field exploration and social interaction. An additional question that was addressed is whether brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a downstream factor for regulating effects of behavioral-induced 3α,5α-THP biosynthesis. Rats infused with PXR AS-ODNs had lower levels of BDNF in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION Thus, PXR may be a regulator of mating-induced 3α,5α-THP formation and behavioral changes and neural plasticity, such as BDNF.
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5α-reductase type I expression is downregulated in the prefrontal cortex/Brodmann's area 9 (BA9) of depressed patients. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2014; 231:3569-80. [PMID: 24781515 PMCID: PMC6223254 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-014-3567-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 03/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE The implications of the neurosteroid 3α-hydroxy-5α-pregnan-20-one [allopregnanolone (Allo)] in neuropsychiatric disorders have been highlighted in several recent clinical investigations. For instance, Allo levels are decreased in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major unipolar depression. Neurosteroidogenic antidepressants [i.e., selective brain steroidogenic stimulants (SBSSs)], including fluoxetine and analogs, correct this decrease in a manner that correlates with improved depressive symptoms. Allo positively and allosterically modulates GABA action at postsynaptic and extrasynaptic GABAA receptors. It is synthesized in both the human and rodent brain cortices by principal glutamatergic pyramidal neurons from progesterone by the sequential action of 5α-reductase type I (5α-RI), which is the rate-limiting step enzyme in Allo biosynthesis, and 3α-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3α-HSD), which converts 5α-dehydroprogesterone into Allo. HYPOTHESIS We thus hypothesized that decreased CSF levels of Allo in depressed patients could reflect a brain dysfunction of 5α-RI. METHODS In a pilot study of samples from six patients per group [six depressed patients and six nonpsychiatric subjects (NPS)], we studied the expression of 5α-RI messenger RNA (mRNA) in prefrontal cortex Brodmann's area 9 (BA9) and cerebellum from depressed patients obtained from the Maryland Brain Collection at the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (Baltimore, MD) that were age-matched with NPS. RESULTS The levels of 5α-RI mRNA were decreased from 25 ± 5.8 in NPS to 9.1 ± 3.1 fmol/pmol neuronal specific enolase (NSE) (t1,10 = 2.7, P = 0.02) in depressed patients. These differences are absent in the cerebellum of the same patients. The levels of neurosteroids were determined in the prefrontal cortex BA9 of depressed patients obtained from the Stanley Foundation Brain Bank Neuropathology Consortium, Bethesda (MD). The BA9 levels of Allo in male depressed patients failed to reach statistical difference from the levels of NPS (1.63 ± 1.01 pg/mg, n = 8, in NPS and 0.82 ± 0.33 pg/mg, n = 5, in nontreated depressed patients). However, depressed patients who had received antidepressant treatment (three patients SSRI and one TCA) exhibited increased BA9 Allo levels (6.16 ± 2.5 pg/mg, n = 4, t1,9 = 2.4, P = 0.047) when compared with nontreated depressed patients. CONCLUSIONS Although in a small number of patients, this finding is in-line with previous reports in the field that have observed an increase of Allo levels in CSF and plasma of depressed patients following antidepressant treatment. Hence, the molecular mechanisms underlying major depression may include a GABAergic neurotransmission deficit caused by a brain Allo biosynthesis downregulation, which can be normalized by SBSSs.
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Frye CA, Koonce CJ, Walf AA. The pregnane xenobiotic receptor, a prominent liver factor, has actions in the midbrain for neurosteroid synthesis and behavioral/neural plasticity of female rats. Front Syst Neurosci 2014; 8:60. [PMID: 24795576 PMCID: PMC4001026 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2014.00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A novel factor of interest for growth/plasticity in the brain is pregnane xenobiotic receptor (PXR). PXR is a liver factor known for its role in xenobiotic clearance and cholesterol metabolism. It is expressed in the brain, suggesting a potential role for plasticity, particularly involving cholesterol-based steroids and neurosteroids. Mating induces synthesis of neurosteroids in the midbrain Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA) of female rodents, as well as other “plastic” regions of the brain, including the hippocampus, that may be involved in the consolidation of the mating experience. Reducing PXR in the VTA attenuates mating-induced biosynthesis of the neurosteroid, 5α-pregnan-3α-ol-20-one (3α,5α-THP). The 18 kDA translocator protein (TSPO) is one rate-limiting factor for 3α,5α-THP neurosteroidogenesis. The hypothesis tested was that PXR is an upstream factor of TSPO for neurosteroidogenesis of 3α,5α-THP in the VTA for lordosis, independent of peripheral glands. First, proestrous rats were administered a TSPO blocker (PK11195) and/or 3α,5α-THP following infusions of PXR antisense oligonucleotides (AS-ODNs) or vehicle to the VTA. Inhibiting TSPO with PK11195 reduced 3α,5α-THP levels in the midbrain and lordosis, an effect that could be reversed with 3α,5α-THP administration, but not AS-ODN+3α,5α-THP. Second, proestrous, ovariectomized (OVX), or ovariectomized/adrenalectomized (OVX/ADX) rats were infused with a TSPO enhancer (FGIN 1-27) subsequent to AS-ODNs or vehicle to the VTA. PXR AS-ODNs blocked actions of FGIN 1–27 for lordosis and 3α,5α-THP levels among proestrous > OVX > OVX/ADX rats. Thus, PXR may be upstream of TSPO, involved in neurosteroidogenesis of 3α,5α-THP in the brain for plasticity. This novel finding of a liver factor involved in behavioral/neural plasticity substantiates future studies investigating factors known for their prominent actions in the peripheral organs, such as the liver, for modulating brain function and its augmentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Frye
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Department of Biological Sciences, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; The Center for Neuroscience Research, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; The Center for Life Sciences Research, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA ; Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA ; IDeA Network of Biomedical Excellence (INBRE), The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Carolyn J Koonce
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA ; IDeA Network of Biomedical Excellence (INBRE), The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Alicia A Walf
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA ; IDeA Network of Biomedical Excellence (INBRE), The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA
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Borowicz KK, Zarczuk R, Latalski M, Borowicz KM. Reboxetine and its influence on the action of classical antiepileptic drugs in the mouse maximal electroshock model. Pharmacol Rep 2014; 66:430-5. [PMID: 24905519 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2013.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2013] [Revised: 11/07/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous studies revealed that different classes of antidepressant drugs differently affect seizure phenomena. Continuing our research in this field, in the present study we wanted to investigate the influence of acute and chronic treatment with reboxetine, a selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, on the anticonvulsant action of classical antiepileptic drugs. METHODS Experiments were conducted in the model of electroconvulsive threshold and maximal electroshock in mice. Motor coordination was evaluated in the chimney test and long term memory in the step-through passive avoidance task. Brain concentrations of antiepileptic drugs were detected by fluorescence polarization immunoassay. RESULTS Acute treatment with reboxetine (8-16 mg/kg) significantly raised the electroconvulsive threshold. In contrast, chronic reboxetine (2-16 mg/kg) did not affect this parameter. Single administration of the antidepressant applied at its subthreshold doses enhanced the action of valproate, carbamazepine and phenobarbital. The antielectroshock effect of phenytoin was also potentiated by acute reboxetine, but only at doses increasing the threshold. Repeated administration of reboxetine (8-12 mg/kg) enhanced the anticonvulsant action of carbamazepine, but not that of three remaining antiepileptic drugs. Neither acute nor chronic reboxetine changed the brain concentrations of valproate, carbamazepine, phenytoin or phenobarbital. Therefore, all revealed interactions seem to be pharmacodynamic. In terms of undesired effects, acute/chronic reboxetine and its combinations with classical antiepileptic drugs did not significantly impair motor performance or long-term memory in mice. CONCLUSIONS As far as the obtained data can be extrapolated into clinical conditions, it seems that reboxetine may be safely used in the treatment of depressive disorders in epileptic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga K Borowicz
- Independent Unit of Experimental Neuropathophysiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Radosław Zarczuk
- Independent Unit of Experimental Neuropathophysiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Latalski
- Clinic for Children's Orthopaedics, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kornel M Borowicz
- Independent Unit of Experimental Neuropathophysiology, Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
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Frye CA, Koonce CJ, Walf AA. Novel receptor targets for production and action of allopregnanolone in the central nervous system: a focus on pregnane xenobiotic receptor. Front Cell Neurosci 2014; 8:106. [PMID: 24782710 PMCID: PMC3988369 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2014.00106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2014] [Accepted: 03/25/2014] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurosteroids are cholesterol-based hormones that can be produced in the brain, independent of secretion from peripheral endocrine glands, such as the gonads and adrenals. A focus in our laboratory for over 25 years has been how production of the pregnane neurosteroid, allopregnanolone, is regulated and the novel (i.e., non steroid receptor) targets for steroid action for behavior. One endpoint of interest has been lordosis, the mating posture of female rodents. Allopregnanolone is necessary and sufficient for lordosis, and the brain circuitry underlying it, such as actions in the midbrain ventral tegmental area (VTA), has been well-characterized. Published and recent findings supporting a dynamic role of allopregnanolone are included in this review. First, contributions of ovarian and adrenal sources of precursors of allopregnanolone, and the requisite enzymatic actions for de novo production in the central nervous system will be discussed. Second, how allopregnanolone produced in the brain has actions on behavioral processes that are independent of binding to steroid receptors, but instead involve rapid modulatory actions via neurotransmitter targets (e.g., γ-amino butyric acid-GABA, N-methyl-D-aspartate- NMDA) will be reviewed. Third, a recent focus on characterizing the role of a promiscuous nuclear receptor, pregnane xenobiotic receptor (PXR), involved in cholesterol metabolism and expressed in the VTA, as a target for allopregnanolone and how this relates to both actions and production of allopregnanolone will be addressed. For example, allopregnanolone can bind PXR and knocking down expression of PXR in the midbrain VTA attenuates actions of allopregnanolone via NMDA and/or GABAA for lordosis. Our understanding of allopregnanolone’s actions in the VTA for lordosis has been extended to reveal the role of allopregnanolone for broader, clinically-relevant questions, such as neurodevelopmental processes, neuropsychiatric disorders, epilepsy, and aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheryl A Frye
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Department of Biological Sciences, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; The Centers for Neuroscience, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Life Sciences Research, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA ; Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA ; IDeA Network of Biomedical Excellence (INBRE), The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Carolyn J Koonce
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA ; IDeA Network of Biomedical Excellence (INBRE), The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA
| | - Alicia A Walf
- Department of Psychology, The University at Albany-SUNY Albany, NY, USA ; Institute of Arctic Biology, The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA ; IDeA Network of Biomedical Excellence (INBRE), The University of Alaska-Fairbanks Fairbanks, AK, USA
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