1
|
Du S, Shang G, Tian X, Liu Z, Yang Y, Niu H, Bian J, Wu Y, Ma J. Effects of DNA Methylation of HPA-Axis Genes of F1 Juvenile Induced by Maternal Density Stress on Behavior and Immune Traits in Root Voles ( Microtus oeconomus)-A Field Experiment. Animals (Basel) 2024; 14:2467. [PMID: 39272253 PMCID: PMC11393846 DOI: 10.3390/ani14172467] [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: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
The literature shows that maternal stress can influence behavior and immune function in F1. Yet, most studies on these are from the laboratory, and replicated studies on the mechanisms by which maternal stress drives individual characteristics are still not fully understood in wild animals. We manipulated high- and low-density parental population density using large-scale field enclosures and examined behavior and immune traits. Within the field enclosures, we assessed anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunoglobulin G (anti-KLH IgG) level, phytohemagglutinin (PHA) responses, hematology, cytokines, the depressive and anxiety-like behaviors and prevalence and intensity of coccidial infection. We then collected brain tissue from juvenile voles born at high or low density, quantified mRNA and protein expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoid receptor gene (NR3C1) and measured DNA methylation at CpG sites in a region that was highly conserved with the prairie vole CRH and NR3C1 promoter. At high density, we found that the F1 had a lower DNA methylation level of CRH and a higher DNA methylation level of NR3C1, which resulted in an increase in the expression levels of the CRH mRNA and protein expression and further reduced the expression levels of the NR3C1 mRNA and protein expression, and ultimately led to have delayed responses to acute immobilization stress. Juvenile voles born at high density also reduced anti-KLH IgG levels and PHA responses, increased cytokines, and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, and the effects further led to higher coccidial infection. From the perspective of population density inducing the changes in behavior and immunity at the brain level, our results showed a physiological epigenetic mechanism for population self-regulation in voles. Our results indicate that altering the prenatal intrinsic stress environment can fundamentally impact behavior and immunity by DNA methylation of HPA-axis genes and can further drive population fluctuations in wild animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shouyang Du
- Postdoctoral Research Base, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Guozhen Shang
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining 810001, China
| | - Xin Tian
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Zihan Liu
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| | - Yanbin Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Henan Agricultural University, Zhengzhou 450007, China
| | - Hongxing Niu
- College of Life Science, Henan Normal University, Xinxiang 453007, China
| | - Jianghui Bian
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining 810001, China
- Qinghai Key Laboratory of Animal Ecological Genomics, Xining 810001, China
| | - Yan Wu
- School of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou 310012, China
| | - Jinyou Ma
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang 453003, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xu DL, Zhao MX. Leptin mediates the suppressive effect of partial fat removal on cellular and humoral immunity in striped hamsters. Comp Biochem Physiol A Mol Integr Physiol 2022; 271:111256. [PMID: 35690304 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpa.2022.111256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Leptin secreted mainly by white adipose tissues (WAT) plays an important role in immune responses. To understand the role of energy status and leptin in immunity, bilateral perigonadal fat pads were removed or sham-removed in male striped hamsters (Cricetulus barabensis). Half of these hamsters were injected with sterile saline, and another half were administrated with exogenous leptin each day, which lasted for 20 days. Fat removal reduced total body fat mass and leptin titers significantly, leptin administration increased leptin levels in the fat removed hamsters to the control levels, but did not affect total body fat mass. Body mass and gross energy intake were not affected by fat removal, leptin supplement or their interaction. Fat removal decreased thymus mass, phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) response at 12 h, and the levels of immunoglobin (Ig) G 5, IgG10, IgM5, IgM10, IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-α, indicating a reduction in fat mass suppressed cellular and humoral immunity and the production of cytokines. However, fat removal had no effect on spleen mass, bacteria killing activity and IFN-γ titers. Leptin supplement increased PHA response at 6 h and 12 h, and the levels of IgG5, IgG10, IL-4, and IFN-γ to the control levels, implying its boosting effects on these parameters. In addition, leptin level was positively correlated with body fat mass, PHA 6 h, 12 h, Ig G10, Ig M5, Ig M10, IL-2, IL-4, and TNF-α. Collectively, these findings implied leptin was a link between energy status and immunity, and leptin mediated the suppressive effects of reduced energy storage on cellular and humoral immunity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, Shandong Province, China.
| | - Ming-Xing Zhao
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu 273165, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Xu DL, Hu XK. Effect of Natural Seasonal Changes in Photoperiod and Temperature on Immune Function in Striped Hamsters. Zoolog Sci 2022; 39. [DOI: 10.2108/zs220005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Xu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong Province, China
| | - Xiao-Kai Hu
- College of Life Sciences, Qufu Normal University, Qufu, 273165, Shandong Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Cao W, Pu P, Wang J, Niu Z, Zhang T, He J, Tang X, Chen Q. Suppressed LPS-mediated TLR4 signaling in the plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi) compared to the bamboo rat (Rhizomys pruinosus) and rat (Rattus norvegicus). JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART 2020; 333:240-251. [PMID: 31994847 DOI: 10.1002/jez.2346] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Ecological immunology involves the study of the immune function of wildlife, which is seldom compared with that of model animals. Here, we evaluated and compared the level of the innate immune response in the plateau zokor (Eospalax baileyi), an indigenous underground rodent from the Tibetan Plateau, with that in the bamboo rat (Rhizomys pruinosus) and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat (Rattus norvegicus). The spleen was observed by ordinary light and transmission electron microscopy, and the spleen index was calculated. After liposaccharide (LPS) challenge, the expression of Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2), TLR4, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) in the spleen was detected by Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence. The expression of nuclear factor-κB1 (NF-κB1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK14) in the spleen was detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and the levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interferon-β (IFN-β) in the spleen were detected by enzyme-linked immunoassay. The spleen index of the plateau zokor was lower than that of the bamboo rat and SD rat. The expression of TLR4, NF-κB1, and MAPK14 and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the spleen of the plateau zokor were lower than those of the bamboo rat and SD rat, while the expression of TLR2 and HIF-1α and the level of IFN-β were higher than those of the bamboo rat and SD rat. We speculate that suppression of the TLR4 signaling pathway in the plateau zokor is an adaptation to hypoxic tunnels that decreases antigenic risk and maintains immune homeostasis. Moreover, the spleen of the plateau zokor is reduced in size, reducing the innate immunity investment in the spleen. We also noted that high levels of HIF-1α in the spleen of the plateau zokor suppressed crosstalk between HIF-1α and TLR4, promoting the innate immune response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wangjie Cao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Peng Pu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jinzhou Wang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhiyi Niu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Tao Zhang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Jie He
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaolong Tang
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang Chen
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Life Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Synergistic effects of predation and parasites on the overwinter survival of root voles. Oecologia 2019; 191:83-96. [PMID: 31332519 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-019-04455-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Predators and parasites have been important extrinsic factors influencing the fluctuation of small mammal populations. They can have non-additive effects on a shared group of preys or hosts, which can have important consequences for population dynamics. However, experimental studies incorporating the interactions between predation and parasites are scarce in small mammal populations. Here we systematically examined the synergistic effects of predators and coccidian parasites interaction on overwinter survival and likely mechanisms underlying the synergistic effects in the root vole (Microtus oeconomus). Our aim was to test the general hypothesis that predators and coccidia interact synergistically to decrease overwinter survival of root voles through mediating vole's physiological traits and body conditions. We carried out a factorial experimental design, by which we manipulated the predator exclusion in combination with the parasitic removal in enclosures, and then measured fecal corticosterone metabolite (FCM) levels, immunocompetence, and body conditions in captured animals via repeated live trapping. We found a strong negative synergistic effect of predators and coccidia on survival. Importantly, we found that predators increased both the prevalence and intensity of coccidian infection in voles through immune suppression induced by predation stress, while increased coccidian infection reduced plasma protein and hematocrit level of voles, which may impair anti-predator ability of voles and lead to an increase in predation. Our finding showed when voles are exposed to both predation risk and infection, their synergistic effects greatly reduce overwinter survival and population density. This may be an important mechanism influencing population dynamics in small mammals.
Collapse
|
6
|
Merlo J, Cutrera AP, Zenuto RR. Assessment of Trade-Offs between Simultaneous Immune Challenges in a Slow-Living Subterranean Rodent. Physiol Biochem Zool 2019; 92:92-105. [PMID: 30601103 DOI: 10.1086/701320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The coexistence of two or more infectious agents in the same host is common in nature. Given this, the study of trade-offs within the immune system itself is key to understanding how immune defenses act in wild species in their natural environment. Here we assessed the possible trade-off between an inflammatory response (induced by phytohemagglutinin [PHA]; involving innate and adaptive responses in the study species) and an antibody response (induced by sheep red blood cells [SRBC]; adaptive response) in a slow-living subterranean rodent, the Talas tuco-tuco (Ctenomys talarum Thomas, 1898). According to life-history theory, slow-living species should rely more heavily on adaptive immunity, which develops more slowly than an innate response but is beneficial against repeated infections. Individual physiological condition (estimated by measuring levels of infection and immune, nutritional, and stress parameters) was analyzed during immune challenges. Contrary to what was expected, we found that the magnitude and energetic costs of both immune responses were similar when stimulated alone or simultaneously. Variation in natural antibodies, neutrophils, basophils, total leukocytes, and the ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes in relation to the different treatments was also detected. In particular, natural antibodies were negatively affected by the induction of both immune challenges simultaneously and an increase of neutrophil counts was detected in all animals with the exception of those challenged with SRBC, while the pattern of variation of basophils, total leukocytes, and ratio of neutrophils to lymphocytes was not clearly associated with any triggered immune response. In general, our results suggest the absence of an energetic or resource-based trade-off between the immune responses triggered by PHA and SRBC in C. talarum.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ventura LLA, Fortes NCL, Santiago HC, Caliari MV, Gomes MA, Oliveira DR. Obesity-induced diet leads to weight gain, systemic metabolic alterations, adipose tissue inflammation, hepatic steatosis, and oxidative stress in gerbils ( Meriones unguiculatus). PeerJ 2017; 5:e2967. [PMID: 28265495 PMCID: PMC5337087 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.2967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2016] [Accepted: 01/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nowadays, the number of obese people in the world has reached alarming proportions. During the expansion of adipose tissue, a number of functions such as activation and release of cytokines and hormones may be affected. This leads the body to a pro-inflammatory pattern, which may affect the proper functioning of many tissues. Thus, studying the mechanisms by which obesity induces physiological disorders is necessary, and may be facilitated by the use of animal models, in particular rodents. We sought to characterize the metabolic and adipose tissue changes resulting from a diet rich in fats and simple sugars in gerbils. METHODS We divided 14 gerbils into two experimental groups that received a diet rich in simple carbohydrates and fats with 5,86 kcal/g (OB, n = 7) or a standard diet with 4.15 kcal/g (CT; n = 7) for 11 weeks. The animals had free access to water and food. The animal weight and food consumption were measured weekly. Blood, adipose tissue and liver of each animal were collected at the end of experiment. The following parameters were determined: cholesterol (COL), triglycerides (TGL) and glycemia (GLI) in the plasma; cytokines (IL-6, IL-10 and TNF-α) and hormones (adiponectin and leptin) in adipose tissue; activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), extraction and differentiation of fat and histology in liver. RESULTS The consumption of a diet rich in simple carbohydrates and fats led to increased total body weight and increased relative weights of liver and adipose tissue. In addition, we observed increased fasting glucose levels and circulating triglycerides, along with high TNF-α production in adipose tissue and increased total fat, cholesterol and triglyceride contents in the liver, contributing to higher intensity of hepatic steatosis. On the other hand, the animals of this group showed depletion in the enzyme activity of SOD and CAT in the liver, as well as reduction of IL-10 and adiponectin levels in adipose tissue. DISCUSSION High intake of saturated fat and simple carbohydrates establish the gerbil as an experimental model for the study of metabolic and hepatic abnormalities resulting from obesity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana L A Ventura
- Department of Parasitologia/Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Nathália C L Fortes
- Department of Nutrição/Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Helton C Santiago
- Department of Bioquímica e Imunologia/Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Marcelo V Caliari
- Department of Patologia Geral/Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Maria A Gomes
- Department of Parasitologia/Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| | - Dirce R Oliveira
- Department of Nutrição/Escola de Enfermagem, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais , Belo Horizonte , Minas Gerais , Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Du SY, Cao YF, Nie XH, Wu Y, Bian JH. The synergistic effect of density stress during the maternal period and adulthood on immune traits of root vole (Microtus oeconomus) individuals-a field experiment. Oecologia 2015; 181:335-46. [PMID: 26373286 DOI: 10.1007/s00442-015-3445-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/31/2015] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The literature reveals that stress in early life or adulthood can influence immune function. As most studies on this are from the laboratory, there is a need for replicated studies in wild animals. This study aims to examine the effects of density stress during the maternal period and adulthood on immune traits of root vole (Microtus oeconomus) individuals. Four replicated high- and low-density parental populations were established, from which we obtained offspring and assigned each into four enclosures, two for each of the two density treatments used in establishing parental populations. The F1 offspring fecal corticosterone metabolite response to acute immobilization stress, anti-keyhole limpet hemocyanin immunoglobulin G (anti-KLH IgG) level, phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-delayed hypersensitivity and hematology at the end of the first breeding season, and prevalence and intensity of coccidial infection throughout the two breeding seasons, were tested. Density-induced maternally stressed offspring had delayed responses to acute immobilization stress. Density-stressed offspring as adults had reduced anti-KLH IgG levels and PHA responses, and the effects further deteriorated in maternally stressed offspring, leading to higher coccidial infection in the first breeding season than in the second. No correlations were found between immune traits or coccidial infection and survival over winter. These findings indicated that the combined density stresses during the maternal period and adulthood exhibited negative synergistic effects on immune traits. The synergistic effects lead to higher coccidial infection; however, this consequently reduced the risk of subsequent infection. The increased coccidial infection mediated by the synergistic effects may have an adaptive value in the context of the environment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Yang Du
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yi-Fan Cao
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
| | - Xu-Heng Nie
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China
- Graduate University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yan Wu
- School of Life and Environment Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 310012, China.
| | - Jiang-Hui Bian
- Key Laboratory of Adaptation and Evolution of Plateau Biota, Northwest Institute of Plateau Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xining, 810001, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Avenant NL. Recent progress in rodent biology and management. Integr Zool 2011; 6:297-8. [PMID: 22182321 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-4877.2011.00267.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
|