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Cattaneo A, Begni V, Zonca V, Riva MA. Early life adversities, psychopathologies and novel pharmacological strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 260:108686. [PMID: 38969307 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to adversities during early life stages (early life adversities - ELA), ranging from pregnancy to adolescence, represents a major risk factor for the vulnerability to mental disorders. Hence, it is important to understand the molecular and functional underpinning of such relationship, in order to develop strategies aimed at reducing the psychopathologic burden associated with ELA, which may eventually lead to a significant improvement in clinical practice. In this review, we will initially recapitulate clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the link between ELA and psychopathology and we will primarily discuss the main biological mechanisms that have been described as potential mediators of the effects of ELA on the psychopathologic risk, including the role for genetic factors as well as sex differences. The knowledge emerging from these studies may be instrumental for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed not only at correcting the deficits that emerge from ELA exposure, but also in preventing the manifestation of a full-blown psychopathologic condition. With this respect, we will specifically focus on adolescence as a key time frame for disease onset as well as for early therapeutic intervention. We believe that incorporating clinical and preclinical research data in the context of early life adversities can be instrumental to elucidate the mechanisms contributing to the risk for psychopathology or that may promote resilience. This will ultimately allow the identification of 'at risk' individuals who may benefit from specific forms of interventions that, by interfering with disease trajectories, could result in more benign clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Zonca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
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2
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Gallo MT, Brivio P, Dolci B, Fumagalli F, Calabrese F. Perinatal serotonergic manipulation shapes anhedonic and cognitive behaviors in a sex- and age-dependent manner: Identification of related biological functions at central and peripheral level. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:118-130. [PMID: 37595877 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor knowledge about psychiatric disorders often results in similar diagnoses for patients with different symptoms, thus limiting the effectiveness of the available medications. As suggested by several lines of evidence, to improve these shortcomings, it is essential to identify biomarkers associated with specific symptoms and to stratify patients into more homogeneous populations taking a further step toward personalized medicine. Here, we aimed to associate specific behavioral phenotypes with specific molecular alterations by employing an animal model based on the pharmacological manipulation of the serotonergic system, which mimics a condition of vulnerability to develop psychiatric disorders. In particular, we treated female and male rats with fluoxetine (FLX 15 mg/kg dissolved in drinking water) during prenatal or early postnatal life, and we evaluated different pathological-like phenotypes (cognitive deficit, anhedonia, and anxiety) by exposing the rats to a battery of behavioral tests during adolescence and adulthood. In addition, we carried out molecular analyses on specific brain areas and in the blood. Our results showed that perinatal FLX administration determined age- and sex-dependent effects, with males being more sensitive to prenatal manipulation and manifesting anhedonic-like behavior and females to early postnatal exposure, exhibiting cognitive deficits and a less anxious phenotype. Furthermore, we identified, peripherally and centrally, biological functions altered by perinatal serotonin modulation regardless of the timing of exposure and sex, and other pathways specific for the pathological-like phenotypes. The results presented here provide new insights into potential biomarkers associated with specific behavioral phenotypes that may be useful for broadening knowledge about psychiatric conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Teresa Gallo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Paola Brivio
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy.
| | - Beatrice Dolci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabio Fumagalli
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences "Rodolfo Paoletti", Università Degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
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3
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Uzungil V, Tran H, Aitken C, Wilson C, Opazo CM, Li S, Payet JM, Mawal CH, Bush AI, Hale MW, Hannan AJ, Renoir T. Novel Antidepressant-Like Properties of the Iron Chelator Deferiprone in a Mouse Model of Depression. Neurotherapeutics 2022; 19:1662-1685. [PMID: 35861925 PMCID: PMC9606181 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-022-01257-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Depressed individuals who carry the short allele for the serotonin-transporter-linked promotor region of the gene are more vulnerable to stress and have reduced response to first-line antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Since depression severity has been reported to correlate with brain iron levels, the present study aimed to characterise the potential antidepressant properties of the iron chelator deferiprone. Using the serotonin transporter knock-out (5-HTT KO) mouse model, we assessed the behavioural effects of acute deferiprone on the Porsolt swim test (PST) and novelty-suppressed feeding test (NSFT). Brain and blood iron levels were also measured following acute deferiprone. To determine the relevant brain regions activated by deferiprone, we then measured c-Fos expression and applied network-based analyses. We found that deferiprone reduced immobility time in the PST in 5-HTT KO mice and reduced latency to feed in the NSFT in both genotypes, suggesting potential antidepressant-like effects. There was no effect on brain or blood iron levels following deferiprone treatment, potentially indicating an acute iron-independent mechanism. Deferiprone reversed the increase in c-Fos expression induced by swim stress in 5-HTT KO mice in the lateral amygdala. Functional network analyses suggest that hub regions of activity in mice treated with deferiprone include the caudate putamen and prefrontal cortex. The PST-induced increase in network modularity in wild-type mice was not observed in 5-HTT KO mice. Altogether, our data show that the antidepressant-like effects of deferiprone could be acting via an iron-independent mechanism and that these therapeutic effects are underpinned by changes in neuronal activity in the lateral amygdala.
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Affiliation(s)
- Volkan Uzungil
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Harvey Tran
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Connor Aitken
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Carey Wilson
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Carlos M Opazo
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Shanshan Li
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Jennyfer M Payet
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Celeste H Mawal
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ashley I Bush
- Melbourne Dementia Research Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Matthew W Hale
- School of Psychology and Public Health, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC, 3086, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Thibault Renoir
- Melbourne Brain Centre, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
- Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia.
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BDNF Overexpression in the Ventral Hippocampus Promotes Antidepressant- and Anxiolytic-Like Activity in Serotonin Transporter Knockout Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22095040. [PMID: 34068707 PMCID: PMC8126235 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22095040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BDNF plays a pivotal role in neuroplasticity events, vulnerability and resilience to stress-related disorders, being decreased in depressive patients and increased after antidepressant treatment. BDNF was found to be reduced in patients carrying the human polymorphism in the serotonin transporter promoter region (5-HTTLPR). The serotonin knockout rat (SERT-/-) is one of the animal models used to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of depression in humans. They present decreased BDNF levels, and anxiety- and depression-like behavior. To investigate whether upregulating BDNF would ameliorate the phenotype of SERT-/- rats, we overexpressed BDNF locally into the ventral hippocampus and submitted the animals to behavioral testing. The results showed that BDNF overexpression in the vHIP of SERT-/- rats promoted higher sucrose preference and sucrose intake; on the first day of the sucrose consumption test it decreased immobility time in the forced swim test and increased the time spent in the center of a novel environment. Furthermore, BDNF overexpression altered social behavior in SERT-/- rats, which presented increased passive contact with test partner and decreased solitary behavior. Finally, it promoted decrease in plasma corticosterone levels 60 min after restraint stress. In conclusion, modulation of BDNF IV levels in the vHIP of SERT-/- rats led to a positive behavioral outcome placing BDNF upregulation in the vHIP as a potential target to new therapeutic approaches to improve depressive symptoms.
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Valappil NKM, Viswanathan PM, Hamza V. Chemical characteristics of rainwater in the tropical rainforest region in northwestern Borneo. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 27:36994-37010. [PMID: 32572749 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-020-09542-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
A comprehensive study of the chemical composition of rainwater was carried out from October 2016 to September 2017 in the equatorial tropical rainforest region of northwestern Borneo. Monthly cumulative rainwater samples were collected from different locations in the Limbang River Basin (LRB) and were later categorized into seasonal samples representing northeast monsoon (NEM), southwest monsoon (SWM), and inter-monsoon (IM) periods. Physical parameters (pH, EC, TDS, DO, and turbidity), major ions (HCO3-, Cl-, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, and K+) and trace metals (Co, Ni, Cd, Fe, Mn, Pb, Zn, and Cu) were analyzed from collected rainwater samples. Rainwater is slightly alkaline with mean pH higher than 5.8. Chloride and bicarbonate are the most abundant ions, and the concentration of major ions in seasonal rainwater has shown slight variation which follows a descending order of HCO3-> Cl-> Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ in NEM and Cl- > HCO3- > Na+ > Ca2+ > K+ > Mg2+ in SWM and Cl- > HCO3- > Na+ > Ca2+ > Mg2+ > K+ in IM period. Trace metals such as Fe and Ni have shown dominance in seasonal rainwater samples, and all the metals have shown variation in concentration in different seasons. Variation in chemical characteristic of seasonal rainwater samples identified through piper diagram indicates dominance of Ca2+-Mg2+-HCO3- and mixed Ca2+-Mg2+-Cl- facies during NEM, SWM, and IM periods. Statistical analysis of the results through two-way ANOVA and Pearson's correlation also indicates significant variation in physico-chemical characteristics. This suggests a variation in contributing sources during the monsoon seasons. Factor analysis confirmed the source variation by explaining the total variance of 79.80%, 90.72%, and 90.52% with three factor components in NEM, SWM, and IM rainwater samples with different loading of parameters. Enrichment factor analysis revealed a combined contribution of marine and crustal sources except K+ which was solely from crustal sources. Sample analysis of backward air mass trajectory supports all these findings by explaining seasonal variation in the source of pollutants reaching the study area. Overall, the results show that the chemical composition of seasonal rainwater samples in LRB was significantly influenced by natural as well as anthropogenic processes. These include (long-range and local) industrial activities, fossil fuel combustion, forest burning, transportation activities including road transport and shipping activities, and land-derived soil dust along with chemical constituents carried by seasonal wind.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninu Krishnan Modon Valappil
- Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia.
| | - Prasanna Mohan Viswanathan
- Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
| | - Vijith Hamza
- Department of Applied Geology, Faculty of Engineering and Science, Curtin University Malaysia, CDT 250, 98009, Miri, Sarawak, Malaysia
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Tata DA, Dandi E, Spandou E. Expression of synaptophysin and BDNF in the medial prefrontal cortex following early life stress and neonatal hypoxia-ischemia. Dev Psychobiol 2020; 63:173-182. [PMID: 32623722 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This study aims at investigating whether early stress interacts with brain injury due to neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). To this end, we examined possible changes in synaptophysin (SYN) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of maternally separated rats that were subsequently exposed to a HI episode. Rat pups (n = 11) were maternally separated during postnatal days 1 to 6 (3hr/day), while another group was left undisturbed (n = 11). On postnatal day 7, a subgroup (n = 12) from each postnatal manipulation was exposed to HI. Synaptophysin and BDNF expression was estimated in mPFC prelimbic and anterior cingulate subregions of the ipsilateral and contralateral to the occluded common carotid artery hemispheres. Maternally separated rats expressed significantly less BDNF and SYN in both hemispheres. Neonatal HI significantly reduced BDNF and SYN expression in the ipsilateral mPFC only and this reduction was not further altered by early stress. Our findings indicate the enduring negative effect of a short period of maternal separation on the expression of mPFC SYN and BDNF. They, also, reveal that the HI-associated decreases in these markers are limited to the ipsilateral mPFC and are not exacerbated by early stress. These decreases may have important functional implications given the role of prefrontal area in high-order cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Despina A Tata
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evgenia Dandi
- Laboratory of Cognitive Neuroscience, School of Psychology, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Spandou
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Comasco E, Schijven D, de Maeyer H, Vrettou M, Nylander I, Sundström-Poromaa I, Olivier JDA. Constitutive Serotonin Transporter Reduction Resembles Maternal Separation with Regard to Stress-Related Gene Expression. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3132-3142. [PMID: 30614673 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00595] [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: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Interactive effects between allelic variants of the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) promoter-linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and stressors on depression symptoms have been documented, as well as questioned, by meta-analyses. Translational models of constitutive 5-htt reduction and experimentally controlled stressors often led to inconsistent behavioral and molecular findings and often did not include females. The present study sought to investigate the effect of 5-htt genotype, maternal separation, and sex on the expression of stress-related candidate genes in the rat hippocampus and frontal cortex. The mRNA expression levels of Avp, Pomc, Crh, Crhbp, Crhr1, Bdnf, Ntrk2, Maoa, Maob, and Comt were assessed in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of 5-htt ± and 5-htt +/+ male and female adult rats exposed, or not, to daily maternal separation for 180 min during the first 2 postnatal weeks. Gene- and brain region-dependent, but sex-independent, interactions between 5-htt genotype and maternal separation were found. Gene expression levels were higher in 5-htt +/+ rats not exposed to maternal separation compared with the other experimental groups. Maternal separation and 5-htt +/- genotype did not yield additive effects on gene expression. Correlative relationships, mainly positive, were observed within, but not across, brain regions in all groups except in non-maternally separated 5-htt +/+ rats. Gene expression patterns in the hippocampus and frontal cortex of rats exposed to maternal separation resembled the ones observed in rats with reduced 5-htt expression regardless of sex. These results suggest that floor effects of 5-htt reduction and maternal separation might explain inconsistent findings in humans and rodents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jocelien D. A. Olivier
- Department Neurobiology, Unit Behavioural Neuroscience, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen 9712 CP, The Netherlands
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Popova NK, Naumenko VS. Neuronal and behavioral plasticity: the role of serotonin and BDNF systems tandem. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2019; 23:227-239. [DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2019.1572747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nina K. Popova
- Department of Behavioral Neurogenomics, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Science, Novosibirsk, Russia
| | - Vladimir S. Naumenko
- Department of Behavioral Neurogenomics, Federal Research Center Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Division of the Russian Academy of Science, Novosibirsk, Russia
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9
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Maternal separation induces anhedonia in female heterozygous serotonin transporter knockout rats. Behav Brain Res 2019; 356:204-207. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.08.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2018] [Revised: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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10
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Caraci F, Calabrese F, Molteni R, Bartova L, Dold M, Leggio GM, Fabbri C, Mendlewicz J, Racagni G, Kasper S, Riva MA, Drago F. International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology CIV: The Neurobiology of Treatment-resistant Depression: From Antidepressant Classifications to Novel Pharmacological Targets. Pharmacol Rev 2018; 70:475-504. [PMID: 29884653 DOI: 10.1124/pr.117.014977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is one of the most prevalent and life-threatening forms of mental illnesses and a major cause of morbidity worldwide. Currently available antidepressants are effective for most patients, although around 30% are considered treatment resistant (TRD), a condition that is associated with a significant impairment of cognitive function and poor quality of life. In this respect, the identification of the molecular mechanisms contributing to TRD represents an essential step for the design of novel and more efficacious drugs able to modify the clinical course of this disorder and increase remission rates in clinical practice. New insights into the neurobiology of TRD have shed light on the role of a number of different mechanisms, including the glutamatergic system, immune/inflammatory systems, neurotrophin function, and epigenetics. Advances in drug discovery processes in TRD have also influenced the classification of antidepressant drugs and novel classifications are available, such as the neuroscience-based nomenclature that can incorporate such advances in drug development for TRD. This review aims to provide an up-to-date description of key mechanisms in TRD and describe current therapeutic strategies for TRD before examining novel approaches that may ultimately address important neurobiological mechanisms not targeted by currently available antidepressants. All in all, we suggest that drug targeting different neurobiological systems should be able to restore normal function but must also promote resilience to reduce the long-term vulnerability to recurrent depressive episodes.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Caraci
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - F Calabrese
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - R Molteni
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - L Bartova
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - M Dold
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - G M Leggio
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - C Fabbri
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - J Mendlewicz
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - G Racagni
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - S Kasper
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - M A Riva
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
| | - F Drago
- Departments of Drug Sciences (F.Car.) and Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, School of Medicine (G.M.L., F.D.), University of Catania, Catania, Italy; Oasi-Research-Institute-IRCCS, Troina, Italy (F.Car.); Departments of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences (F.Cal., G.R., M.A.R.) and Medical Biotechnology and Translational Medicine (R.M.), Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria (L.B., M.D., S.K.); Department of Biomedical and NeuroMotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy (C.F.); and School of Medicine, Universite' Libre de Bruxelles, Bruxelles, Belgium (J.M.)
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Majcher-Maślanka I, Solarz A, Wędzony K, Chocyk A. Previous Early-life Stress Modifies Acute Corticosterone-induced Synaptic Plasticity in the Medial Prefrontal Cortex of Adolescent Rats. Neuroscience 2018; 379:316-333. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.03.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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12
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Neurobiological links between depression and AD: The role of TGF-β1 signaling as a new pharmacological target. Pharmacol Res 2018; 130:374-384. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2017] [Revised: 02/03/2018] [Accepted: 02/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Zannas AS. Gene-environment Interactions in Late Life: Linking Psychosocial Stress with Brain Aging. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:327-333. [PMID: 29119927 PMCID: PMC5843983 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171109121452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Gene-environment interactions (GxE) can have lasting consequences on brain structure and function, potentially contributing to diverse neuropsychiatric phenotypes. This has been extensively demonstrated by studies examining GxE in childhood and early adulthood, whereas much fewer studies have addressed this question in late life. The relative paucity of studies examining GxE in late life may stem from the working hypothesis that brains become less malleable to environmental inputs as life progresses. However, while some components of brain plasticity decline with increasing age, others are retained and may even become more pronounced in old ages. Moreover, the micro- and macro-structural brain changes that accrue as a result of aging-related morbidities are likely to accentuate the susceptibility of neural circuits to environmental stressors as life advances. Supporting this hypothesis, psychosocial stress can increase the risk for late-life neuropsychiatric syndromes, especially when afflicting genetically predisposed individuals. This article reviews evidence showing how gene-stress interactions can impact the aging brain and related phenotypes in late life, and it discusses the potential mechanisms underlying such GxE and their implications for the prevention and treatment of late-life neuropsychiatric syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony S. Zannas
- Address correspondence to this author at the Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Kraepelinstrasse 2-10, Munich, 80804, Germany; Tel: +498930622567; E-mail:
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Effects of environmental enrichment upon ethanol-induced conditioned place preference and pre-frontal BDNF levels in adolescent and adult mice. Sci Rep 2017; 7:8574. [PMID: 28819238 PMCID: PMC5561235 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-08795-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Environmental enrichment (EE) provides a non-pharmacological tool to alter drug-induced reward, yet its effects on ethanol-induced reward remain controversial. We analyzed adolescent vs. adult (mice) differences in the influence of EE on ethanol-induced conditioned place preference (CPP). The effects of these treatments on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels in the prefrontal cortex were examined in a separate group of animals. Ethanol-induced CPP was found in adults, and it was similar in EE and in animals reared under standard housing conditions (SC). Adolescents kept under EE, but not those in SC, exhibited CPP. Among SC, but not among EE, adolescents, BDNF levels were significantly lower in those treated with ethanol than in those given vehicle. These results indicate that, compared to adults, adolescent exhibited reduced sensitivity to ethanol’s rewarding effects, yet the youth but not the adults exhibited sensitivity to the promoting effect of EE upon CPP by ethanol. Ethanol significantly reduced BDNF levels in adolescents reared under standard housing conditions, but not in adult mice nor in adolescents given EE housing conditions. The present results add to the plethora of adolescent-specific responses to ethanol or to environmental stimuli that may put the youth at risk for escalation of ethanol intake.
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Benedetti F, Ambrée O, Locatelli C, Lorenzi C, Poletti S, Colombo C, Arolt V. The effect of childhood trauma on serum BDNF in bipolar depression is modulated by the serotonin promoter genotype. Neurosci Lett 2017; 656:177-181. [PMID: 28754344 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2017.07.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Revised: 07/14/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
In healthy humans, both childhood trauma and the short form of the serotonin promoter transporter genotype (5-HTTLPR) are associated with lower levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). In subjects with bipolar disorder (BD), lower levels of BDNF and a higher degree of childhood trauma were observed compared with healthy controls. However, is still unknown if the functional 5-HTTLPR polymorphisms exerts an effect on both abnormalities. In 40 inpatients affected by a major depressive episode in the course of BD, we genotyped 5-HTTLPR, measured serum BDNF with ELISA, and assessed early adversities by the childhood trauma questionnaire (CTQ). Data were analyzed in the context of the general linear model correcting for age, sex, ongoing lithium treatment, severity of current depression, and CTQ minimization/denial scores to investigate the effect of 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and childhood trauma on BDNF levels. Early trauma were negatively associated with BDNF serum levels (higher CTQ scores, lower BDNF; p=0.0019). 5-HTTLPR l/l homozygotes showed significantly higher BDNF levels than 5-HTTLPR*s carriers (30.57±6.13 vs 26.82±6.41; p=0.0309). A separate-slopes analysis showed that 5-HTTLPR significantly influenced the relationship between early trauma and adult BDNF (interaction of 5-HTTLPR with CTQ scores: p=0.0023), due to a significant relationship between trauma and BDNF in 5-HTTLPR*s carriers, but not among l/l homozygotes. Putatively detrimental effects of childhood trauma exposure on adult BDNF serum levels are influenced by 5-HTTLPR genotype in patients affected by BD. Possible mechanisms include epigenetic modulation of BDNF gene expression, due to different reactivity to stressors in 5-HTTLPR genotype groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Benedetti
- Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy.
| | - Oliver Ambrée
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Clara Locatelli
- Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Cristina Lorenzi
- Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Poletti
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
| | - Cristina Colombo
- Division of Neuroscience, Scientific Institute Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano and University Vita-Salute San Raffaele, Milano, Italy
| | - Volker Arolt
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Münster, Münster, Germany
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16
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Houwing DJ, Buwalda B, van der Zee EA, de Boer SF, Olivier JDA. The Serotonin Transporter and Early Life Stress: Translational Perspectives. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:117. [PMID: 28491024 PMCID: PMC5405142 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/07/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the serotonin transporter (SERT) linked polymorphic region (5-HTTLPR) and adverse early life stressing (ELS) events is associated with enhanced stress susceptibility and risk to develop mental disorders like major depression, anxiety, and aggressiveness. In particular, human short allele carriers are at increased risk. This 5-HTTLPR polymorphism is absent in the rodent SERT gene, but heterozygous SERT knockout rodents (SERT+/−) show several similarities to the human S-allele carrier, therefore creating an animal model of the human situation. Many rodent studies investigated ELS interactions in SERT knockout rodents combined with ELS. However, underlying neuromolecular mechanisms of the (mal)adaptive responses to adversity displayed by SERT rodents remain to be elucidated. Here, we provide a comprehensive review including studies describing mechanisms underlying SERT variation × ELS interactions in rodents. Alterations at the level of translation and transcription but also epigenetic alterations considerably contribute to underlying mechanisms of SERT variation × ELS interactions. In particular, SERT+/− rodents exposed to adverse early rearing environment may be of high translational and predictive value to the more stress sensitive human short-allele carrier, considering the similarity in neurochemical alterations. Therefore, SERT+/− rodents are highly relevant in research that aims to unravel the complex psychopathology of mental disorders. So far, most studies fail to show solid evidence for increased vulnerability to develop affective-like behavior after ELS in SERT+/− rodents. Several reasons may underlie these failures, e.g., (1) stressors used might not be optimal or severe enough to induce maladaptations, (2) effects in females are not sufficiently studied, and (3) few studies include both behavioral manifestations and molecular correlates of ELS-induced effects in SERT+/− rodents. Of course, one should not exclude the (although unlikely) possibility of SERT+/− rodents not being sensitive to ELS. In conclusion, future studies addressing ELS-induced effects in the SERT+/− rodents should extensively study both long-term behavioral and (epi)genetic aspects in both sexes. Finally, further research is warranted using more severe stressors in animal models. From there on, we should be able to draw solid conclusions whether the SERT+/− exposed to ELS is a suitable translational animal model for studying 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and stress interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle J Houwing
- Unit Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Bauke Buwalda
- Unit Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Eddy A van der Zee
- Unit Molecular Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Sietse F de Boer
- Unit Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
| | - Jocelien D A Olivier
- Unit Behavioral Neuroscience, Department of Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of GroningenGroningen, Netherlands
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17
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Postnatal LPS Challenge Impacts Escape Learning and Expression of Plasticity Factors Mmp9 and Timp1 in Rats: Effects of Repeated Training. Neurotox Res 2017; 32:175-186. [PMID: 28421528 PMCID: PMC5493723 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-017-9720-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2016] [Revised: 03/01/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Bacterial intoxication associated with inflammatory conditions during development can impair brain functions, in particular evolutionarily novel forms of memory, such as explicit learning. Little is known about the dangers of early-life inflammation on more basic forms of learning, for example, the acquisition of motor escape abilities, which are generally better preserved under pathological conditions. To address this limitation in knowledge, an inflammatory response was elicited in Wistar pups by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injections (25 μg/kg) on postnatal days P15, P18 and P21. The acquisition of escape behaviour was tested from P77 by active avoidance footshock model and water maze. Open-field behaviour and blood corticosterone levels were also measured. Rat brain tissue was collected from pups 2 h post-injection and from adult rats which either underwent escape training on P77-P81 or remained untrained. mRNA levels of developmental brain plasticity factors MMP-9 and TIMP-1 were investigated in the medial prefrontal cortex and ventral/dorsal hippocampus. LPS-challenged rats displayed moderately deficient escape responses in both memory tests, increased freezing behaviour and, surprisingly, reduced blood cortisol levels. Mmp9 and Timp1, and their ratio to one another, were differentially altered in pups versus adult untrained rats but remained unchanged overall in rats trained in either learning task. Together, our data indicate that systemic pro-inflammatory response during early postnatal development has long-lasting effects, including on the acquisition of motor escape abilities and plasticity factor expression, into adulthood. Our data suggest that altered stress response could possibly mediate these deviations and repeated training might generate positive effects on plasticity under the employed conditions.
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18
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Bondar NP, Merkulova TI. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and early-life stress: Multifaceted interplay. J Biosci 2017; 41:751-758. [PMID: 27966494 DOI: 10.1007/s12038-016-9648-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a key regulator of neural development and plasticity. Longterm changes in the BDNF pathway are associated with childhood adversity and adult depression symptoms. Initially, stress-induced decreases in the BDNF pathway were found in some studies, but subsequent reports indicated the relationship between stress and BDNF to be much more complex, and the concept was significantly revised. In the present mini-review, we focus on the structure and regulation of the Bbnf gene as well as on the stress-BDNF interactions under early-life adverse conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalya P Bondar
- Laboratory of Gene Expression Regulation, Institute of Cytology and Genetics, Siberian Branch of Russian Academy of Sciences, Novosibirsk, Russia,
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19
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Popova NK, Ilchibaeva TV, Naumenko VS. Neurotrophic factors (BDNF and GDNF) and the serotonergic system of the brain. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2017; 82:308-317. [DOI: 10.1134/s0006297917030099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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20
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Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor in physiological and pathological conditions. Clin Sci (Lond) 2016; 131:123-138. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20160009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2016] [Revised: 10/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a key role in the central nervous system, promoting synaptic plasticity, neurogenesis and neuroprotection. The BDNF gene structure is very complex and consists of multiple 5′-non-coding exons, which give rise to differently spliced transcripts, and one coding exon at the 3′-end. These multiple transcripts, together with the complex transcriptional regulatory machinery, lead to a complex and fine regulation of BDNF expression that can be tissue and stimulus specific. BDNF effects are mainly mediated by the high-affinity, tropomyosin-related, kinase B receptor and involve the activation of several downstream cascades, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase, phospholipase C-γ and phosphoinositide-3-kinase pathways. BDNF exerts a wide range of effects on neuronal function, including the modulation of activity-dependent synaptic plasticity and neurogenesis. Importantly, alterations in BDNF expression and function are involved in different brain disorders and represent a major downstream mechanism for stress response, which has important implications in psychiatric diseases, such as major depressive disorders and schizophrenia. In the present review, we have summarized the main features of BDNF in relation to neuronal plasticity, stress response and pathological conditions, and discussed the role of BDNF as a possible target for pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments in the context of psychiatric illnesses.
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21
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Luoni A, Berry A, Raggi C, Bellisario V, Cirulli F, Riva MA. Sex-Specific Effects of Prenatal Stress on Bdnf Expression in Response to an Acute Challenge in Rats: a Role for Gadd45β. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 53:7037-7047. [PMID: 26676568 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9569-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 11/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to early adversities represents a major risk factor for psychiatric disorders. We have previously shown that exposure to prenatal stress (PNS) in rats alters the developmental expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (Bdnf) with a specific temporal profile. However, exposure to early-life stress is known to alter the ability to cope with challenging events later in life, which may contribute to the enhanced vulnerability to stress-related disorders. Since Bdnf is also an important player for activity-dependent plasticity, we investigated whether the exposure to PNS in rats could alter Bdnf responsiveness to an acute challenge at adulthood. We found that exposure to PNS produces significant changes in Bdnf responsiveness with brain region- and gender-specific selectivity. Indeed, exposure to an acute stress upregulates Bdnf expression in the prefrontal cortex, but not in the hippocampus, of control animals. Moreover, such modulatory activity is selectively impaired in PNS female rats, an effect that was associated with changes in the modulation of the DNA demethylase Gadd45β. Our results suggest that exposure to PNS may reprogram gene transcription through epigenetic mechanisms reducing the ability to cope under adverse conditions, a trait that is disrupted in psychiatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Luoni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy
| | - A Berry
- Section of Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - C Raggi
- Section of Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - V Bellisario
- Section of Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - F Cirulli
- Section of Behavioural Neurosciences, Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - M A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, via Balzaretti 9, 20133, Milan, Italy.
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (Bdnf) and Gray Matter Volume in Bipolar Disorder. Eur Psychiatry 2016; 40:33-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurpsy.2016.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractIntroductionBipolar Disorder (BD) is a severe psychiatric condition characterized by grey matter (GM) volumes reduction. Neurotrophic factors have been suggested to play a role in the neuroprogressive changes during the illness course. In particular peripheral brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been proposed as a potential biomarker related to disease activity and neuroprogression in BD. The aim of our study was to investigate if serum levels of BDNF are associated with GM volumes in BD patients and healthy controls (HC).MethodsWe studied 36 inpatients affected by a major depressive episode in course of BD type I and 17 HC. Analysis of variance was performed to investigate the effect of diagnosis on GM volumes in the whole brain. Threshold for significance was P < 0.05, Family Wise Error (FWE) corrected for multiple comparisons. All the analyses were controlled for the effect of nuisance covariates known to influence GM volumes, such as age, gender and lithium treatment.ResultsBD patients showed significantly higher serum BDNF levels compared with HC. Reduced GM volumes in BD patients compared to HC were observed in several brain areas, encompassing the caudate head, superior temporal gyrus, insula, fusiform gyrus, parahippocampal gyrus, and anterior cingulate cortex. The interaction analysis between BDNF levels and diagnosis showed a significant effect in the middle frontal gyrus. HC reported higher BDNF levels associated with higher GM volumes, whereas no association between BDNF and GM volumes was observed in BD.DiscussionOur study seems to suggest that although the production of BDNF is increased in BD possibly to prevent and repair neural damage, its effects could be hampered by underlying neuroinflammatory processes interfering with the neurodevelopmental role of BDNF.
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The human BDNF gene: peripheral gene expression and protein levels as biomarkers for psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e958. [PMID: 27874848 PMCID: PMC5314126 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 142] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2016] [Revised: 08/09/2016] [Accepted: 09/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) regulates the survival and growth of neurons, and influences synaptic efficiency and plasticity. The human BDNF gene consists of 11 exons, and distinct BDNF transcripts are produced through the use of alternative promoters and splicing events. The majority of the BDNF transcripts can be detected not only in the brain but also in the blood cells, although no study has yet investigated the differential expression of BDNF transcripts at the peripheral level. This review provides a description of the human BDNF gene structure as well as a summary of clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the role of BDNF in the pathogenesis of psychiatric disorders. We will discuss several mechanisms as possibly underlying BDNF modulation, including epigenetic mechanisms. We will also discuss the potential use of peripheral BDNF as a biomarker for psychiatric disorders, focusing on the factors that can influence BDNF gene expression and protein levels. Within this context, we have also characterized, for we believe the first time, the expression of BDNF transcripts in the blood, with the aim to provide novel insights into the molecular mechanisms and signaling that may regulate peripheral BDNF gene expression levels.
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Mogi K, Ishida Y, Nagasawa M, Kikusui T. Early weaning impairs fear extinction and decreases brain-derived neurotrophic factor expression in the prefrontal cortex of adult male C57BL/6 mice. Dev Psychobiol 2016; 58:1034-1042. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.21437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kazutaka Mogi
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology; Azabu University; Sagamihara Kanagawa Japan
| | - Yuiko Ishida
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology; Azabu University; Sagamihara Kanagawa Japan
| | - Miho Nagasawa
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology; Azabu University; Sagamihara Kanagawa Japan
| | - Takefumi Kikusui
- Department of Animal Science and Biotechnology; Azabu University; Sagamihara Kanagawa Japan
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Cattaneo A, Riva MA. Stress-induced mechanisms in mental illness: A role for glucocorticoid signalling. J Steroid Biochem Mol Biol 2016; 160:169-74. [PMID: 26241031 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsbmb.2015.07.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 07/28/2015] [Accepted: 07/30/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Stress represents the main environmental risk factor for mental illness. Exposure to stressful events, particularly early in life, has been associated with increased incidence and susceptibility of major depressive disorders as well as of other psychiatric illnesses. Among the key players in these events are glucocorticoid receptors. Dysfunctional glucocorticoid signalling may indeed contribute to psychopathology through a number of mechanisms that regulate the response to acute or chronic stress and that affect the function of genes and systems known to be relevant for mood disorders. Indeed, exposure to chronic stress early in life as well as in adulthood has been shown to reduce the expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GR), also through epigenetic mechanisms, and to up-regulate the expression of the co-chaperone gene FKBP5, which restrains GR activity by limiting the translocation of the receptor complex to the nucleus. Another mechanism that contributes to changes in GR responsiveness is the state of receptor phosphorylation that controls activation, subcellular localization as well as its transcriptional activity. Moreover, GR phosphorylation may represent an important mechanism for the cross talk between neurotrophic signalling and GR-dependent transcription, bridging two important players for mood disorders. One gene that lies downstream from GR and may contribute to stress-related changes is serum glucocorticoid kinase-1 (SGK1). We have demonstrated that the expression of SGK1 is significantly increased after exposure to chronic stress in rodents as well as in the blood of drug-free depressed patients. We have also shown that SGK1 up-regulation may ultimately reduce hippocampal neurogenesis and contribute to the structural abnormalities that have been reported to occur in depressed patients. In summary, GR signalling may represent a point of convergence as well as of divergence for defects associated with pathologic conditions characterized by heightened vulnerability to stress. The characterization of these abnormalities is crucial to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention that may counteract more effectively stress-induced neurobiological abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Cattaneo
- Stress, Psychiatry and Immunology Laboratory, Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, London, UK; IRCCS Fatebenefratelli San Giovanni di Dio, Brescia, Italy
| | - M A Riva
- Laboratory of Psychopharmacology and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, Via Balzaretti 9, Milan, Italy.
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26
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Calabrese F, Riva MA, Molteni R. Synaptic alterations associated with depression and schizophrenia: potential as a therapeutic target. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2016; 20:1195-207. [PMID: 27167520 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2016.1188080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION In recent years, the concept of 'synaptopathy' has been extended from neurodegenerative and neurological disorders to psychiatric diseases. According to this nascent line of research, disruption in synaptic structure and function acts as the main determinant of mental illness. Therefore, molecular systems and processes crucial for synaptic activity may represent promising therapeutic targets. AREAS COVERED We review data on synaptic structural alterations in depression and schizophrenia and on specific molecular systems and/or mechanisms important for the maintenance of proper synaptic function. Specifically, we examine the involvement of the neuroligin system, the local protein translation, and the neurotrophin BDNF by reviewing clinical and preclinical studies, with particular attention to results provided by using animal models based on the role of stress in psychiatric diseases. Finally, we also discuss the impact of pharmacological treatment on these molecular systems/mechanisms. EXPERT OPINION The relevance of synaptic dysfunctions in psychiatric diseases is undoubted and the potential to normalize, ameliorate, and shape such alterations by acting on molecular systems crucial to ensure synaptic function property is fascinating. However, future studies are required to elucidate several open issues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Calabrese
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Marco A Riva
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Raffaella Molteni
- a Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
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27
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Couch Y, Trofimov A, Markova N, Nikolenko V, Steinbusch HW, Chekhonin V, Schroeter C, Lesch KP, Anthony DC, Strekalova T. Low-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) inhibits aggressive and augments depressive behaviours in a chronic mild stress model in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2016; 13:108. [PMID: 27184538 PMCID: PMC4867526 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-016-0572-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2015] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Aggression, hyperactivity, impulsivity, helplessness and anhedonia are all signs of depressive-like disorders in humans and are often reported to be present in animal models of depression induced by stress or by inflammatory challenges. However, chronic mild stress (CMS) and clinically silent inflammation, during the recovery period after an infection, for example, are often coincident, but comparison of the behavioural and molecular changes that underpin CMS vs a mild inflammatory challenge and impact of the combined challenge is largely unexplored. Here, we examined whether stress-induced behavioural and molecular responses are analogous to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced behavioural and molecular effects and whether their combination is adaptive or maladaptive. Methods Changes in measures of hedonic sensitivity, helplessness, aggression, impulsivity and CNS and systemic cytokine and 5-HT-system-related gene expression were investigated in C57BL/6J male mice exposed to chronic stress alone, low-dose LPS alone or a combination of LPS and stress. Results When combined with a low dose of LPS, chronic stress resulted in an enhanced depressive-like phenotype but significantly reduced manifestations of aggression and hyperactivity. At the molecular level, LPS was a strong inducer of TNFα, IL-1β and region-specific 5-HT2A mRNA expression in the brain. There was also increased serum corticosterone as well as increased TNFα expression in the liver. Stress did not induce comparable levels of cytokine expression to an LPS challenge, but the combination of stress with LPS reduced the stress-induced changes in 5-HT genes and the LPS-induced elevated IL-1β levels. Conclusions It is evident that when administered independently, both stress and LPS challenges induced distinct molecular and behavioural changes. However, at a time when LPS alone does not induce any overt behavioural changes per se, the combination with stress exacerbates depressive and inhibits aggressive behaviours. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12974-016-0572-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvonne Couch
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, OX1 3QT, Oxford, UK
| | - Alexander Trofimov
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Moscow Region, Russia
| | - Natalyia Markova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands.,Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Moscow Region, Russia
| | | | - Harry W Steinbusch
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Vladimir Chekhonin
- Department of Basic and Applied Neurobiology, Serbsky Federal Medical Research Center for Psychiatry and Narcology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Careen Schroeter
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Maastricht Medical Centre Annadal, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany.,Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands
| | - Daniel C Anthony
- Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Mansfield Road, OX1 3QT, Oxford, UK.
| | - Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 40, NL 6229, ER, Maastricht, Netherlands.
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28
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Beart PM. Synaptic signalling and its interface with neuropathologies: snapshots from the past, present and future. J Neurochem 2016; 139 Suppl 2:76-90. [PMID: 27144305 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/26/2016] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This 'Past to Future' Review as part of the 60th anniversary year of the Journal of Neurochemistry focuses on synaptic transmission and associated signalling, and seeks to identify seminal progress in neurochemistry over the last 10 years which has advanced our understanding of neuronal communication in brain. The approach adopted analyses neurotransmitters on a case by case basis (i.e. amino acids, monoamines, acetylcholine, neuropeptides, ATP/purines and gasotransmitters) to highlight novel findings that have changed the way we view each type of transmitter, to explore commonalities and interactions, and to note how new insights have changed the way we view the biology of degenerative, psychiatric and behavioural conditions. Across all transmitter systems there was remarkable growth in the identification of targets likely to provide therapeutic benefit and which undoubtedly was driven by the elucidation of circuit function and new vistas of synaptic signalling. There has been an increasing trend to relate signalling to disease, notably for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and related conditions, and which has occurred for each transmitter family. Forebrain circuitry and tonic excitatory control have been the centre of great attention yielding novel findings that will impact upon cognitive, emotional and addictive behaviours. Other impressive insights focus on gasotransmitters integrating activity as volume transmitters. Exciting developments in how serotonin, cholinergic, l-glutamate, galanin and adenosine receptors and their associated signalling can be beneficially targeted should underpin the development of new therapies. Clearly integrated, multifaceted neurochemistry has changed the way we view synaptic signalling and its relevance to pathobiology. Highlighted are important advances in synaptic signalling over the last decade in the Journal of Neurochemistry. Across all transmitter systems elucidation of circuit function, and notably molecular insights, have underpinned remarkable growth in the identification of targets likely to provide therapeutic benefit in neuropathologies. Another commonality was wide interest in forebrain circuitry and its tonic excitatory control. Increasingly observations relate to signalling in disease and behavioural conditions. This article is part of the 60th Anniversary special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philip M Beart
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
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29
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Kronenberg G, Mosienko V, Gertz K, Alenina N, Hellweg R, Klempin F. Increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein concentrations in mice lacking brain serotonin. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2016; 266:281-4. [PMID: 26100147 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-015-0611-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The interplay between BDNF signaling and the serotonergic system remains incompletely understood. Using a highly sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, we studied BDNF concentrations in hippocampus and cortex of two mouse models of altered serotonin signaling: tryptophan hydroxylase (Tph)2-deficient (Tph2 (-/-)) mice lacking brain serotonin and serotonin transporter (SERT)-deficient (SERT(-/-)) mice lacking serotonin re-uptake. Surprisingly, hippocampal BDNF was significantly elevated in Tph2 (-/-) mice, whereas no significant changes were observed in SERT(-/-) mice. Furthermore, BDNF levels were increased in the prefrontal cortex of Tph2 (-/-) but not of SERT(-/-) mice. Our results emphasize the interaction between serotonin signaling and BDNF. Complete lack of brain serotonin induces BDNF expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Golo Kronenberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Valentina Mosienko
- Research Team 'Cardiovascular Hormones and Peptides', Max-Delbruck-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Robert-Roessle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.,School of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK
| | - Karen Gertz
- Department of Neurology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Natalia Alenina
- Research Team 'Cardiovascular Hormones and Peptides', Max-Delbruck-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Robert-Roessle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany
| | - Rainer Hellweg
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Campus Charité Mitte, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Friederike Klempin
- Research Team 'Cardiovascular Hormones and Peptides', Max-Delbruck-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Robert-Roessle-Str. 10, 13125, Berlin, Germany.
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30
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Schmidt M, Brandwein C, Luoni A, Sandrini P, Calzoni T, Deuschle M, Cirulli F, Riva M, Gass P. Morc1 knockout evokes a depression-like phenotype in mice. Behav Brain Res 2016; 296:7-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2015.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2015] [Revised: 08/01/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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31
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Daskalakis NP, De Kloet ER, Yehuda R, Malaspina D, Kranz TM. Early Life Stress Effects on Glucocorticoid-BDNF Interplay in the Hippocampus. Front Mol Neurosci 2015; 8:68. [PMID: 26635521 PMCID: PMC4644789 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2015.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS) is implicated in the etiology of multiple psychiatric disorders. Important biological effects of ELS are manifested in stress-susceptible regions of the hippocampus and are partially mediated by long-term effects on glucocorticoid (GC) and/or neurotrophin signaling pathways. GC-signaling mediates the regulation of stress response to maintain homeostasis, while neurotrophin signaling plays a key role in neuronal outgrowth and is crucial for axonal guidance and synaptic integrity. The neurotrophin and GC-signaling pathways co-exist throughout the central nervous system (CNS), particularly in the hippocampus, which has high expression levels of glucocorticoid-receptors (GR) and mineralocorticoid-receptors (MR) as well as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tropomyosin-related kinase receptor B (TrkB). This review addresses the effects of ELS paradigms on GC- and BDNF-dependent mechanisms and their crosstalk in the hippocampus, including potential implications for the pathogenesis of common stress-related disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos P Daskalakis
- Traumatic Stress Studies Division and Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY, USA ; Mental Health Patient Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Edo Ronald De Kloet
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Leiden Academic Centre for Drug Research Leiden, Netherlands ; Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden University Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Traumatic Stress Studies Division and Laboratory of Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY, USA ; Mental Health Patient Care Center, James J. Peters Veterans Affairs Medical Center Bronx, NY, USA ; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai New York, NY, USA
| | - Dolores Malaspina
- Department of Psychiatry, New York University School of Medicine New York, NY, USA
| | - Thorsten M Kranz
- Departments of Cell Biology, Physiology and Neuroscience, and Psychiatry, Skirball Institute of Biomolecular Medicine, New York University New York, NY, USA
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