Neuroendocrine axis and behavioral stress

Next-generation neonicotinoid: The impact of cycloxaprid on the crustacean decapod Penaeus vannamei

Cycloxaprid, a new neonicotinoid pesticide, poses ecological risks, particularly in aquatic environments, due to its unique action and environmental dispersal. This study investigated the ecotoxicological effects of various concentrations of cycloxaprid on Penaeus vannamei over 28 days. High cycloxaprid levels significantly altered shrimp physiology, as shown by changes in the hepatosomatic index and fattening. Indicators of oxidative stress, such as increased serum hemocyanin, respiratory burst, and nitric oxide, as well as decreased phenol oxidase activity, were observed. Additionally, elevated activities of lactate dehydrogenase, succinate dehydrogenase, and isocitrate dehydrogenase indicated disrupted energy metabolism in the hepatopancreas. Notably, analyses of the nervous system revealed marked disturbances in neural signaling, as evidenced by elevated acetylcholine, octopamine, and acetylcholinesterase levels. Transcriptomic analysis highlighted significant effects on gene expression and metabolic processes in the hepatopancreas and nervous system. This study demonstrated that cycloxaprid disrupts neural signaling and oxidative balance in P. vannamei, potentially affecting its growth, and provides key insights into its biochemical and transcriptomic toxicity in aquatic systems.

The role of stress and anxiety in the onset of familial Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD): review

Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) is considered to be a sudden and fatal degenerative brain disorder that leads to death within a few months. In the last decade, we have studied the course of familial CJD (fCJD) among Jews of Libyan descent, one of the largest clusters of fCJD in the world. Recently, we published results that included the identification of abnormal anxiety levels in healthy CJD E200K mutation carriers that were significantly different from those of healthy non-carriers from the same families. All participants were first-degree relatives of patients known to have been carriers of the E200K mutation and had died from CJD, and none of the participants was aware of his/her genetic make-up. In the current review, it is suggested that an abnormality in anxiety levels among the healthy fCJD mutation carriers may reflect the clinical presentation of the disease onset especially during and after any stressful experience. This hypothesis is supported by a summary of relevant literature, dealing with psychological, physiological, and cellular aspects.

Glycated hemoglobin as an indicator of social environmental stress among indigenous versus westernized populations

BACKGROUND

This study assessed whether glycated hemoglobin concentration, an indicator of psychogenic stress, differs between indigenous populations and non-indigenous reference groups.

METHODS

Multivariate and stratified analyses were undertaken of cross-sectional data from multi-center community-based diabetes diagnostic and risk factor screening initiatives in Canada and Australia. Population groups were Australian Aborigines (n = 116), Torres Strait Islanders (n = 156), Native Canadians (n = 155), Greek migrants to Australia (n = 117), and Caucasian Australians (n = 67). Measurements included fasting glycated hemoglobin (HbA(1c)) concentration, fasting and 2-h post-load glucose concentrations, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, and demographic variables.

RESULTS

Mean HbA(1c) concentrations were greater for indigenous groups than for Greek migrants and Caucasian Australians (P < 0. 0001). The covariate adjusted indigenous versus non-indigenous difference (95% CI) was 0.90 (0.58-1.22) percentage units, 18.2% higher for indigenous people. Stratified analyses indicated greater HbA(1c) for indigenous than for non-indigenous persons with normoglycemia (P = 0.009), impaired glucose tolerance (P = 0.097), and diabetes (P < 0.0001).

CONCLUSIONS

HbA(1c) concentrations are greater for indigenous than for non-indigenous groups. Social changes, low control, and living conditions associated with westernization may be inherently stressful at the biological level for indigenous populations in westernized countries.