Environmental noise stress disturbs commensal microbiota homeostasis and induces oxi-inflammmation and AD-like neuropathology through epithelial barrier disruption in the EOAD mouse model

Conductive hearing loss does not affect spatial learning and memory in middle-aged guinea pigs

Hearing loss (HL) in mid-life has been suggested as a risk factor for cognitive decline. It is unclear whether this relationship is due to deprivation of auditory input alone, degenerative processes, or a combination. Animal models are useful to investigate underlying neural mechanisms as human studies can be confounded by various factors. However, most animal studies use young animals and often exclude females. We used middle-aged guinea pigs of both sexes to investigate whether 8 weeks of auditory deprivation due to conductive HL caused spatial learning and memory impairments. Forty guinea pigs (20 M, 20 F, ~ 12 months) were tested in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) to assess baseline spatial learning and memory. In 20 of these animals (10 M, 10 F) the ear canal was plugged and 8 weeks later, animals were again assessed in MWM. No deficits in spatial learning or memory were observed in either sex. HL caused a small decline in body weight suggesting some stress associated with conductive HL, although adrenal weight, corrected for body weight, did not change. Our data suggest that auditory input deprivation alone does not affect spatial cognition in middle-age, in line with recent human data suggesting that additional risk factors need to be present.

CD36-mediated ROS/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway exacerbates cognitive impairment in APP/PS1 mice after noise exposure

There is an association between noise exposure and cognitive impairment, and noise may have a more severe impact on patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment; however, the mechanisms need further investigation. This study used the classic AD animal model APP/PS1 mice to simulate the AD population, and C57BL/6J mice to simulate the normal population. We compared their cognitive abilities after noise exposure, analyzed changes in Cluster of Differentiation (CD) between the two types of mice using transcriptomics, identified the differential CD molecule: CD36 in APP/PS1 after noise exposure, and used its pharmacological inhibitor to intervene to explore the mechanism by which CD36 affects APP/PS1 cognitive abilities. Our study shows that noise exposure has a more severe impact on the cognitive abilities of APP/PS1 mice, and that the expression trends of differentiation cluster molecules differ significantly between C57BL/6J and APP/PS1 mice. Transcriptomic analysis showed that the expression of CD36 in the hippocampus of APP/PS1 mice increased by 2.45-fold after noise exposure (p < 0.001). Meanwhile, Western Blot results from the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex indicated that CD36 protein levels increased by approximately 1.5-fold (p < 0.001) and 1.3-fold (p < 0.05) respectively, after noise exposure in APP/PS1 mice. The changes in CD36 expression elevated oxidative stress levels in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, leading to a decrease in PI3K/AKT phosphorylation, which in turn increased M1-type microglia and A1-type astrocytes while reducing the numbers of M2-type microglia and A2-type astrocytes. This increased neuroinflammation in the hippocampus and entorhinal cortex, causing synaptic and neuronal damage in APP/PS1 mice, ultimately exacerbating cognitive impairment. These findings may provide new insights into the relationship between noise exposure and cognitive impairment, especially given the different expression trends of CD molecules in the two types of mice, which warrants further research.

The role of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation in chronic noise-induced impairment of learning and memory ability

BACKGROUND

Noise pollution pervades daily working and living environment, becoming a serious public health problem. In addition to causing auditory impairment, noise independently contributes to cognitive decline as a risk factor. Though neuroinflammation plays an important role in noise-induced cognitive deficits, the mechanisms underlying noise-induced neuroinflammation in the hippocampus are still poorly understood. Glial hyperactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome contributes to various neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD). However, whether the NLRP3 inflammasome plays a role in noise-induced cognitive impairment remains to be further investigated.

METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to 100 dB white noise (4 h/day) for 30 days with or without injection of the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 (10 mg/kg/day). The Morris water maze (MWM) test and the open field test (OFT) were performed to evaluate learning and memory ability of rats. HE staining was used to explore hippocampal pathological changes, while immunohistochemical staining was employed to evaluate the number and morphology of microglia and astrocytes. The mRNA levels of the NLRP3 inflammasome in the hippocampus were examined by Real-time PCR. The protein levels of NLRP3 inflammasome, inflammatory cytokines, p-Tau-S396, and amyloid-β (Aβ) 42 in the hippocampus were examined by Western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to observe the distribution of NLRP3 in glial cells and neurons, and the assembly of the NLRP3 inflammasome.

RESULTS

We found that noise exposure induced learning and memory impairment in rats, mainly related to the activation of microglia and astrocytes in hippocampus region. Noise exposure increased the protein levels of p-Tau-S396, Aβ42, ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-18, and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in hippocampus. Furthermore, the hippocampus of noise-exposed rats showed elevated protein levels of NLRP3, ASC and cleaved caspase-1. The co-labeled immunofluorescence levels of Iba-1 or GFAP with NLRP3 significantly increased in the dentate gyrus (DG) region of the hippocampus. NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 intervention reversed chronic noise-induced activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, AD-like pathologies and impairment of learning and memory in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation played an essential role in chronic noise-induced cognitive dysfunction. These results provide novel strategies for the prevention and treatment of cognitive deficits caused by chronic noise.

Exploring causal effects and potential mediating mechanisms of genetically linked environmental senses with intracerebral hemorrhage

The occurrence mechanism of intracerebral hemorrhage remains unclear. Several recent studies have highlighted the close relationship between environmental senses and intracerebral hemorrhage, but the mechanisms of causal mediation are inconclusive. We aimed to investigate the causal relationships and potential mechanisms between environmental senses and intracerebral hemorrhage. Multiple Mendelian randomization methods were used to identify a causal relationship between environmental senses and intracerebral hemorrhage. Gut microbiota and brain imaging phenotypes were used to find possible mediators. Enrichment and molecular interaction analyses were used to identify potential mediators and molecular targets. No causal relationship between temperature and visual perception with intracerebral hemorrhage was found, whereas long-term noise was identified as a risk factor for intracerebral hemorrhage (OR 2.95, 95% CI: 1.25 to 6.93, PIVW = 0.01). The gut microbiota belonging to the class Negativicutes and the order Selenomonadales and the brain image-derived phenotypes ICA100 node 54, edge 803, edge 1149, and edge 1323 played mediating roles. "Regulation of signaling and function in synaptic organization" is the primary biological pathway of noise-induced intracerebral hemorrhage, and ARHGAP22 may be the critical gene. This study emphasized the importance of environmental noise in the prevention, disease management, and underlying biological mechanisms of intracerebral hemorrhage.

Stress and the gut-brain axis: an inflammatory perspective

The gut-brain axis (GBA) plays a dominant role in maintaining homeostasis as well as contributes to mental health maintenance. The pathways that underpin the axis expand from macroscopic interactions with the nervous system, to the molecular signals that include microbial metabolites, tight junction protein expression, or cytokines released during inflammation. The dysfunctional GBA has been repeatedly linked to the occurrence of anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors development. The importance of the inflammatory aspects of the altered GBA has recently been highlighted in the literature. Here we summarize current reports on GBA signaling which involves the immune response within the intestinal and blood-brain barrier (BBB). We also emphasize the effect of stress response on altering barriers' permeability, and the therapeutic potential of microbiota restoration by probiotic administration or microbiota transplantation, based on the latest animal studies. Most research performed on various stress models showed an association between anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors, dysbiosis of gut microbiota, and disruption of intestinal permeability with simultaneous changes in BBB integrity. It could be postulated that under stress conditions impaired communication across BBB may therefore represent a significant mechanism allowing the gut microbiota to affect brain functions.

Road traffic noise exposure and its impact on health: evidence from animal and human studies-chronic stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress as key components of the complex downstream pathway underlying noise-induced non-auditory health effects

In heavily urbanized world saturated with environmental pollutants, road traffic noise stands out as a significant factor contributing to widespread public health issues. It contributes in the development of a diverse range of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, metabolic dysregulation, cognitive impairment, and neurodegenerative disorders. Although the exact mechanisms behind these non-auditory health effects remain unclear, the noise reaction model centres on the stress response to noise. When exposed to noise, the body activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system, leading to the secretion of stress hormones like catecholamines and cortisol. Prolonged exposure to noise-induced stress results in chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. This review underscores the role of inflammation and oxidative stress in the progression of noise-induced vascular dysfunction, disruption of the circadian rhythm, accelerated aging, neuroinflammation, and changes in microbiome. Additionally, our focus is on understanding the interconnected nature of these health outcomes: These interconnected factors create a cascade effect, contributing to the accumulation of multiple risk factors that ultimately lead to severe adverse health effects.

Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle regulates microbiota-gut-inner ear axis for hearing protection

Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) is a highly prevalent form of sensorineural hearing damage that has significant negative effects on individuals of all ages and there are no effective drugs approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. In this study, we unveil the potential of superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle assembly (SPIOCA) to reshape the dysbiosis of gut microbiota for treating NIHL. This modulation inhibits intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress responses, protecting the integrity of the intestinal barrier. Consequently, it reduces the transportation of pathogens and inflammatory factors from the bloodstream to the cochlea. Additionally, gut microbiota-modulated SPIOCA-induced metabolic reprogramming in the gut-inner ear axis mainly depends on the regulation of the sphingolipid metabolic pathway, which further contributes to the restoration of hearing function. Our study confirms the role of the microbiota-gut-inner ear axis in NIHL and provides a novel alternative for the treatment of NIHL and other microbiota dysbiosis-related diseases.

Effects of 90 dB pure tone exposure on auditory and cardio-cerebral system functions in macaque monkeys

Excessive noise exposure presents significant health risks to humans, affecting not just the auditory system but also the cardiovascular and central nervous systems. This study focused on three male macaque monkeys as subjects. 90 dB sound pressure level (SPL) pure tone exposure (frequency: 500Hz, repetition rate: 40Hz, 1 min per day, continuously exposed for 5 days) was administered. Assessments were performed before exposure, during exposure, immediately after exposure, and at 7-, 14-, and 28-days post-exposure, employing auditory brainstem response (ABR) tests, electrocardiograms (ECG), and electroencephalograms (EEG). The study found that the average threshold for the Ⅴ wave in the right ear increased by around 30 dB SPL right after exposure (P < 0.01) compared to pre-exposure. This elevation returned to normal within 7 days. The ECG results indicated that one of the macaque monkeys exhibited an RS-type QRS wave, and inverted T waves from immediately after exposure to 14 days, which normalized at 28 days. The other two monkeys showed no significant changes in their ECG parameters. Changes in EEG parameters demonstrated that main brain regions exhibited significant activation at 40Hz during noise exposure. After noise exposure, the power spectral density (PSD) in main brain regions, particularly those represented by the temporal lobe, exhibited a decreasing trend across all frequency bands, with no clear recovery over time. In summary, exposure to 90 dB SPL noise results in impaired auditory systems, aberrant brain functionality, and abnormal electrocardiographic indicators, albeit with individual variations. It has implications for establishing noise protection standards, although the precise mechanisms require further exploration by integrating pathological and behavioral indicators.

Effects of Astragaloside IV on Hearing, Inflammatory Factors, and Intestinal Flora in Mice Exposed to Noise

Long-term exposure to noise can cause irreversible hearing loss. Considering that there is no effective drug treatment, it is important to seek preventive treatment for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL). Although astragaloside IV (AS-IV) protects against NIHL by reducing serum inflammatory factors, there is scarce information on the regulation of inflammatory factors by AS-IV to prevent NIHL. We investigated the hearing thresholds and relationship between the serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and intestinal microbiota of c57bl/6j mice exposed to noise (103 dB SPL 4 h·d-1) for 7 days, treated with or without AS-IV. Our results revealed a lower hearing threshold and lower serum levels of TNF-α, TNF-γ, IL-6, IL-1β, and IFN-γ in the mice treated with AS-IV. Additionally, AS-IV increased the abundance levels of the phylum Firmicutes, class Bacillus, order Lactobacillus, and family Lactobacillus (p < 0.05), and decreased those of the phylum Bacteroidetes and order Bacteroidales (p < 0.05). Lactobacillus and Bacilli negatively correlated with TNF-α, TNF-γ, and IL-1β; Erysipelotrichaceae negatively correlated with INF-γ; and Clostridiales positively correlated with IL-1β. In conclusion, AS-IV reduces the elevation of hearing thresholds in mice, preventing hearing loss in mice exposed to noise, and under the intervention of AS-IV, changes in the levels of inflammatory factors correlate with intestinal flora. We suggest that AS-IV improves intestinal flora and reduces inflammation levels in c57bl/6j mice exposed to noise.

Health position paper and redox perspectives - Disease burden by transportation noise

Transportation noise is a ubiquitous urban exposure. In 2018, the World Health Organization concluded that chronic exposure to road traffic noise is a risk factor for ischemic heart disease. In contrast, they concluded that the quality of evidence for a link to other diseases was very low to moderate. Since then, several studies on the impact of noise on various diseases have been published. Also, studies investigating the mechanistic pathways underlying noise-induced health effects are emerging. We review the current evidence regarding effects of noise on health and the related disease-mechanisms. Several high-quality cohort studies consistently found road traffic noise to be associated with a higher risk of ischemic heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, recent studies have indicated that road traffic and railway noise may increase the risk of diseases not commonly investigated in an environmental noise context, including breast cancer, dementia, and tinnitus. The harmful effects of noise are related to activation of a physiological stress response and nighttime sleep disturbance. Oxidative stress and inflammation downstream of stress hormone signaling and dysregulated circadian rhythms are identified as major disease-relevant pathomechanistic drivers. We discuss the role of reactive oxygen species and present results from antioxidant interventions. Lastly, we provide an overview of oxidative stress markers and adverse redox processes reported for noise-exposed animals and humans. This position paper summarizes all available epidemiological, clinical, and preclinical evidence of transportation noise as an important environmental risk factor for public health and discusses its implications on the population level.

Effect of chronic noise exposure on glucose and lipid metabolism in mice via modulating gut microbiota and regulating CREB/CRTC2 and SREBP1/SCD pathway

Chronic noise exposure is correlated with gut microbiota dysbiosis and glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. However, evidence on the mechanisms underlying of gut microbiota alterations in chronic noise induced glucose and lipid metabolism disorders is limited, and the potential aftereffects of chronic noise exposure on metabolic disorders remain unclear. In present study, we established chronic daytime and nighttime noise exposure mice models to explore the effects and underlying mechanism of gut microbiota on chronic noise-induced glucose and lipid metabolism disorders. The results showed that exposure to chronic daytime or nighttime noise significantly increased the fasting blood glucose, serum and liver TG levels, impaired glucose tolerance, and decreased serum HDL-C levels and liver TC levels in mice. However, after 4 weeks of recovery, only serum TG of mice in nighttime noise recovery group remained elevated. Besides, exposure to chronic noise reduced the intestinal tight junction protein levels and increased intestinal permeability, while this effect did not completely dissipate even after the recovery period. Moreover, chronic noise exposure changed the gut microbiota and significantly regulated metabolites and metabolic pathways, and further activate hepatic gluconeogenesis CRTC2/CREB-PCK1 signaling pathway and lipid synthesis SREBP1/SCD signaling pathway through intestinal hepatic axis. Together, our findings demonstrated that chronic daytime and nighttime noise exposure could cause the glucose and lipid metabolism disorder by modulating the gut microbiota and serum metabolites, and activating hepatic gluconeogenic CREB/CRTC2-PCK1 signaling and lipid synthesis SREBP1/SCD signaling pathway. The potential aftereffects of noise exposure during wakefulness on metabolic disorders are more significant than that of noise exposure during sleep.

The effects of noise exposure on hippocampal cognition in C57BL/6 mice via transcriptomics

BACKGROUND

Noise is an important environmental stressor in the industrialized world and has received increasing attention in recent years. Although epidemiological research has extensively demonstrated the relationship between noise and cognitive impairment, the specific molecular mechanisms and targets remain to be fully explored and understood.

METHODS

To address this issue, 5-month-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into two groups, with one group exposed to white noise at 98 dB. The effects of noise on cognition in mice were investigated through molecular biology and behavioral experiments. Subsequently, transcriptomic sequencing of the hippocampus in both groups of mice was performed and enrichment analysis of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) was conducted using KEGG and GO databases. Furthermore, LASSO analysis was used to further narrow down the relevant DEGs, followed by enrichment analysis of these genes using KEGG and GO databases. The DEGs were further validated by rt-qPCR.

RESULTS

Following noise exposure, the hippocampus levels of inflammation-related factors increased, the phosphorylation of Tau protein increased, the postsynaptic density protein decreased, the number of Nissl bodies decreased, and cell shrinkage in the hippocampus increased. Moreover, the behavioral experiments manifest characteristics indicative of a decline in cognitive.A total of 472 DEGs were identified through transcriptomic analysis, and seven relevant genes were screened by the LASSO algorithm, which were further validated by PCR to confirm their consistency with the omics results.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, noise exposure affects cognitive function in mice through multiple pathways, and the omics results provide new evidence for the cognitive impairment induced by noise exposure.

Chronic noise exposure induces Alzheimer's disease-like neuropathology and cognitive impairment via ferroptosis in rat hippocampus

BACKGROUND

Chronic noise exposure poses a remarkable public health concern, drawing attention to its impacts on the brain. Ferroptosis is involved in several brain-related diseases. However, the role of ferroptosis in the effects of chronic noise on the brain remains elusive. This study aimed to investigate the effects of chronic noise exposure on the brain and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

A chronic noise-induced cognitive impairment model in rats was constructed and validated. The pathological state and ferroptosis level of the rat hippocampus were determined using Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Bioinformatics was employed to investigate the interrelationship between chronic noise exposure and genes. Genetic relationships were analyzed using Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Cytoscape was employed for the prediction of upstream molecular and drug targets.

RESULTS

In vivo experiments revealed that chronic noise exposure could induce Alzheimer's disease (AD)-like neuropathological changes in rat hippocampus and cognitive impairment. Moreover, protein markers indicative of ferroptosis and levels of lipid peroxidation were quantified to elucidate underlying mechanisms. Thereafter, oxidative stress- and ferroptosis-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs) underwent functional enrichment and PPI network analyses. Additionally, 8 genes with diagnostic significance were identified. In MR analysis, retinoic acid receptor responder 2 (Rarres2) gene exhibited a negative genetic relationship with AD.

CONCLUSIONS

Chronic noise exposure could induce AD-like neuropathological changes and cognitive impairment via ferroptosis. The results of MR analysis indicated that Rarres2 gene may act as a protective factor in AD. This gene may be upstream of ferroptosis and serve as a target for the prevention and treatment of chronic noise-induced cognitive impairment.

Relationship Between Work-Related Noise Exposure and Cognitive Impairment: A Cross-Sectional Study in China

Background

Noise exposure and the risk of cognitive impairment are currently major public health issues.

Objective

This study aimed to analyze the relationship between noise exposure and early impairment of cognitive function from the perspective of occupational epidemiology and to provide evidence for the long-term prevention and treatment of dementia in the context of aging.

Methods

This study was conducted in China between May and August 2021. The independent variables were the type of hazardous factors, duration of noise exposure, perceived noise intensity, and cumulative noise exposure (CNE). The dependent variable was cognitive function, which was measured using the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Multiple linear and logistic regression were used to analyze the relationship between noise exposure and cognitive function and to establish an effect curve.

Results

The detection rates of cognitive dysfunction using the MMSE and MoCA were 1.1% and 36.2%, respectively. The predicted MMSE and MoCA scores showed a downward trend within the CNE value ranging from 90-140 dB.time. Each unit increase in CNE decreased cognitive function scores by 0.025 (0.037, 0.013) and 0.020 (0.037, 0.003) points,respectively.

Conclusions

From the perspective of occupational epidemiology, these findings reveal a potential link between long-term noise exposure and early cognitive impairment.

Exploratory Study of Gastrointestinal Redox Biomarkers in the Presymptomatic and Symptomatic Tg2576 Mouse Model of Familial Alzheimer's Disease: Phenotypic Correlates and Effects of Chronic Oral d-Galactose

The gut might play an important role in the etiopathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) as gastrointestinal alterations often precede the development of neuropathological changes in the brain and correlate with disease progression in animal models. The gut has an immense capacity to generate free radicals whose role in the etiopathogenesis of AD is well-known; however, it remains to be clarified whether gastrointestinal redox homeostasis is associated with the development of AD. The aim was to (i) examine gastrointestinal redox homeostasis in the presymptomatic and symptomatic Tg2576 mouse model of AD; (ii) investigate the effects of oral d-galactose previously shown to alleviate cognitive deficits and metabolic changes in animal models of AD and reduce gastrointestinal oxidative stress; and (iii) investigate the association between gastrointestinal redox biomarkers and behavioral alterations in Tg2576 mice. In the presymptomatic stage, Tg2576 mice displayed an increased gastrointestinal electrophilic tone, characterized by higher lipid peroxidation and elevated Mn/Fe-SOD activity. In the symptomatic stage, these alterations are rectified, but the total antioxidant capacity is decreased. Chronic oral d-galactose increased the antioxidant capacity and reduced lipid peroxidation in the Tg2576 but had the opposite effects in the wild-type animals. The total antioxidant capacity of the gastrointestinal tract was associated with greater spatial memory. Gut redox homeostasis might be involved in the development and progression of AD pathophysiology and should be further explored in this context.

Early-life noise exposure causes cognitive impairment in a sex-dependent manner by disrupting homeostasis of the microbiota-gut-brain axis

Epidemiological investigations show that noise exposure in early life is associated with health and cognitive impairment. The gut microbiome established in early life plays a crucial role in modulating developmental processes that subsequently affect brain function and behavior. Here, we examined the impact of early-life exposure to noise on cognitive function in adolescent rats by analyzing the gut microbiome and metabolome to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Chronic noise exposure during early life led to cognitive deficits, hippocampal injury, and neuroinflammation. Early-life noise exposure showed significant difference on the composition and function of the gut microbiome throughout adolescence, subsequently causing axis-series changes in fecal short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) metabolism and serum metabolome profiles, as well as dysregulation of endothelial tight junction proteins, in both intestine and brain. We also observed sex-dependent effects of microbiota depletion on SCFA-related beneficial bacteria in adolescence. Experiments on microbiota transplantation and SCFA supplementation further confirmed the role of intestinal bacteria and related SCFAs in early-life noise-exposure-induced impairments in cognition, epithelial integrity, and neuroinflammation. Overall, these results highlight the homeostatic imbalance of microbiota-gut-brain axis as an important physiological response toward environmental noise during early life and reveals subtle differences in molecular signaling processes between male and female rats.

The epithelial barrier: The gateway to allergic, autoimmune, and metabolic diseases and chronic neuropsychiatric conditions

Since the 1960 s, our health has been compromised by exposure to over 350,000 newly introduced toxic substances, contributing to the current pandemic in allergic, autoimmune and metabolic diseases. The "Epithelial Barrier Theory" postulates that these diseases are exacerbated by persistent periepithelial inflammation (epithelitis) triggered by exposure to a wide range of epithelial barrier-damaging substances as well as genetic susceptibility. The epithelial barrier serves as the body's primary physical, chemical, and immunological barrier against external stimuli. A leaky epithelial barrier facilitates the translocation of the microbiome from the surface of the afflicted tissues to interepithelial and even deeper subepithelial locations. In turn, opportunistic bacterial colonization, microbiota dysbiosis, local inflammation and impaired tissue regeneration and remodelling follow. Migration of inflammatory cells to susceptible tissues contributes to damage and inflammation, initiating and aggravating many chronic inflammatory diseases. The objective of this review is to highlight and evaluate recent studies on epithelial physiology and its role in the pathogenesis of chronic diseases in light of the epithelial barrier theory.

Effects of Music and White Noise Exposure on the Gut Microbiota, Oxidative Stress, and Immune-Related Gene Expression of Mice

The microbiota in gastrointestinal tracts is recognized to play a pivotal role in the health of their hosts. Music and noise are prevalent environmental factors in human society and animal production and are reported to impact their welfare and physiological conditions; however, the information on the relationship between the microbiota, physiological status, and sound is limited. This study investigated the impact of music and white noise exposure in mice through 16s rRNA gene sequencing, enzyme assay, and qPCR. The results demonstrate that white noise induced oxidative stress in animals by decreasing serum SOD and GSH-PX activity while increasing LDH activity and MDA levels (p < 0.05). Conversely, no oxidative stress was observed in the music treatment group. The relative gene expression of IFN-γ and IL-1β decreased in the white noise group compared to the music and control groups. The 16s rRNA gene amplicon sequencing revealed that Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Verrucomicrobia, and Proteobacteria were dominant among all the groups. Furthermore, the proportion of Firmicutes increased in the music treatment group but decreased in the white noise treatment group compared to the control group. In conclusion, white noise has detrimental impacts on the gut microbiota, antioxidant activity, and immunity of mice, while music is potentially beneficial.

Dysregulations of metabolites and gut microbes and their associations in rats with noise induced hearing loss

Background

Noise exposure could lead to hearing loss and disorders of various organs. Recent studies have reported the close relations of environmental noise exposure to the metabolomics dysregulations and gut microbiota disturbance in the exposers. However, the associations between gut microbial homeostasis and the body metabolism during noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) were unclear. To get a full understanding of their synergy in noise-associated diseases, it is essential to uncover their impacts and associations under exposure conditions.

Methods

With ten male rats with background noise exposure (≤ 40 dB) as controls (Ctr group), 20 age- and weight-matched male rats were exposed to 95 dB Sound pressure level (SPL) (LN group, n = 10) or 105 dB SPL noise (HN group, n = 10) for 30 days with 4 h/d. The auditory brainstem response (ABR) of the rats and their serum biochemical parameters were detected to investigate their hearing status and the potential effects of noise exposure on other organs. Metabolomics (UPLC/Q-TOF-MS) and microbiome (16S rDNA gene sequencing) analyses were performed on samples from the rats. Multivariate analyses and functional enrichments were applied to identify the dysregulated metabolites and gut microbes as well as their associated pathways. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to investigate the associations of the dysregulations of microbiota and the metabolites.

Results

NIHL rat models were constructed. Many biochemical parameters were altered by noise exposure. The gut microbiota constitution and serum metabolic profiles of the noise-exposed rats were also dysregulated. Through metabolomics analysis, 34 and 36 differential metabolites as well as their associated pathways were identified in LN and HN groups, respectively. Comparing with the control rats, six and 14 florae were shown to be significantly dysregulated in the LN group and HN group, respectively. Further association analysis showed significant correlations between differential metabolites and differential microbiota.

Conclusion

There were cochlea injuries and abnormalities of biochemical parameters in the rats with NIHL. Noise exposure could also disrupt the metabolic profiles and the homeostatic balance of gut microbes of the host as well as their correlations. The dysregulated metabolites and microbiota might provide new clues for prevention of noise-related disorders.

A review of the auditory-gut-brain axis

Hearing loss places a substantial burden on medical resources across the world and impacts quality of life for those affected. Further, it can occur peripherally and/or centrally. With many possible causes of hearing loss, there is scope for investigating the underlying mechanisms involved. Various signaling pathways connecting gut microbes and the brain (the gut-brain axis) have been identified and well established in a variety of diseases and disorders. However, the role of these pathways in providing links to other parts of the body has not been explored in much depth. Therefore, the aim of this review is to explore potential underlying mechanisms that connect the auditory system to the gut-brain axis. Using select keywords in PubMed, and additional hand-searching in google scholar, relevant studies were identified. In this review we summarize the key players in the auditory-gut-brain axis under four subheadings: anatomical, extracellular, immune and dietary. Firstly, we identify important anatomical structures in the auditory-gut-brain axis, particularly highlighting a direct connection provided by the vagus nerve. Leading on from this we discuss several extracellular signaling pathways which might connect the ear, gut and brain. A link is established between inflammatory responses in the ear and gut microbiome-altering interventions, highlighting a contribution of the immune system. Finally, we discuss the contribution of diet to the auditory-gut-brain axis. Based on the reviewed literature, we propose numerous possible key players connecting the auditory system to the gut-brain axis. In the future, a more thorough investigation of these key players in animal models and human research may provide insight and assist in developing effective interventions for treating hearing loss.

Effects of ultrasound-induced stress on gut microbiota of mice

Background and Aim

Prolonged stress causes deleterious effects on both the organism and its microbiota. In this study, we examined the effects of exposure to variable frequency ultrasound (US) on the gut microbiota-liver-brain axis of mice.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted on 20 mature clinically healthy sexually naive C57BL/6J male mice (42-45 days old). Group 1 (Normal) consisted of healthy intact mice (n = 10). Group 2 (Stress) consisted of mice subjected to US-induced stress (n = 10) for 20 days with alternating frequencies (20-45 kHz). Stool samples were collected on days 0, 10, and 20, and the corresponding DNA was later subjected to 16SrRNA sequencing. After mice were sacrificed on day 21, the leukocyte count, blood serum biochemical parameters, and liver and brain antioxidant status were measured. Behavioral testing was performed on days 17, 18, and 19.

Results

Ultrasound lead to higher stress and anxiety levels; increase in creatinine by 8.29% and gamma-glutamyltransferase activity by 5 times, a decrease in alkaline phosphatase activity by 38.23%, increase of de Ritis coefficient by 21.34%; increased liver and brain superoxide dismutase level by 20.8% and 21.5%, respectively; the stress-related changes in the gut microbiota composition - Bacteroidaceae and Firmicutes.

Conclusion

Subjecting mice to 20 days of US-induced stress leads to systemic disorders due to oxidative stress and a decrease in the diversity of the gut microbiota.

Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG ameliorates noise-induced cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation in rats by modulating the gut-brain axis

Background

Environmental noise exposure is linked to neuroinflammation and imbalance of the gut microbiota. Promoting gut microbiota homeostasis may be a key factor in relieving the deleterious non-auditory effects of noise. This study aimed to investigate the effect of Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG (LGG) intervention on noise-induced cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation in rats.

Methods

Learning and memory were assessed using the Morris water maze, while 16S rRNA sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry were used to analyze the gut microbiota and short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) content. Endothelial tight junction proteins and serum inflammatory mediators were assessed to explore the underlying pathological mechanisms.

Results

The results indicated that Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention ameliorated noise-induced memory deterioration, promoted the proliferation of beneficial bacteria, inhibited the growth of harmful bacteria, improved dysregulation of SCFA-producing bacteria, and regulated SCFA levels. Mechanistically, noise exposure led to a decrease in tight junction proteins in the gut and hippocampus and an increase in serum inflammatory mediators, which were significantly alleviated by Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention.

Conclusion

Taken together, Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG intervention reduced gut bacterial translocation, restored gut and blood-brain barrier functions, and improved gut bacterial balance in rats exposed to chronic noise, thereby protecting against cognitive deficits and systemic inflammation by modulating the gut-brain axis.

Myelin in Alzheimer's disease: culprit or bystander?

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with neuronal and synaptic losses due to the accumulation of toxic amyloid β (Αβ) peptide oligomers, plaques, and tangles containing tau (tubulin-associated unit) protein. While familial AD is caused by specific mutations, the sporadic disease is more common and appears to result from a complex chronic brain neuroinflammation with mitochondriopathies, inducing free radicals' accumulation. In aged brain, mutations in DNA and several unfolded proteins participate in a chronic amyloidosis response with a toxic effect on myelin sheath and axons, leading to cognitive deficits and dementia. Αβ peptides are the most frequent form of toxic amyloid oligomers. Accumulations of misfolded proteins during several years alters different metabolic mechanisms, induce chronic inflammatory and immune responses with toxic consequences on neuronal cells. Myelin composition and architecture may appear to be an early target for the toxic activity of Aβ peptides and others hydrophobic misfolded proteins. In this work, we describe the possible role of early myelin alterations in the genesis of neuronal alterations and the onset of symptomatology. We propose that some pathophysiological and clinical forms of the disease may arise from structural and metabolic disorders in the processes of myelination/demyelination of brain regions where the accumulation of non-functional toxic proteins is important. In these forms, the primacy of the deleterious role of amyloid peptides would be a matter of questioning and the initiating role of neuropathology would be primarily the fact of dysmyelination.

Hypomagnetic Field Exposure Affecting Gut Microbiota, Reactive Oxygen Species Levels, and Colonic Cell Proliferation in Mice

The gut microbiota has been considered one of the key factors in host health, which is influenced by many environmental factors. The geomagnetic field (GMF) represents one of the important environmental conditions for living organisms. Previous studies have shown that the elimination of GMF, the so-called hypomagnetic field (HMF), could affect the physiological functions and resistance to antibiotics of some microorganisms. However, whether long-term HMF exposure could alter the gut microbiota to some extent in mammals remains unclear. Here, we investigated the effects of long-term (8- and 12-week) HMF exposure on the gut microbiota in C57BL/6J mice. Our results clearly showed that 8-week HMF significantly affected the diversity and function of the mouse gut microbiota. Compared with the GMF group, the concentrations of short-chain fatty acids tended to decrease in the HMF group. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that HMF promoted colonic cell proliferation, concomitant with an increased level of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To our knowledge, this is the first in vivo finding that long-term HMF exposure could affect the mouse gut microbiota, ROS levels, and colonic cell proliferation in the colon. Moreover, the changes in gut microbiota can be restored by returning mice to the GMF environment, thus the possible harm to the microbiota caused by HMF exposure can be alleviated. © 2022 Bioelectromagnetics Society.

Experimental Exposure to Noise Alters Gut Microbiota in a Captive Songbird

Noise pollution is an unprecedented evolutionary pressure on wild animals that can lead to alteration of stress hormone levels and changes in foraging behavior. Both corticosterone and feeding behavior can have direct effects on gut bacteria, as well as indirect effects through changes in gut physiology. Therefore, we hypothesized that exposure to noise will alter gut microbial communities via indirect effects on glucocorticoids and foraging behaviors. We exposed captive white-crowned sparrows to city-like noise and measured each individuals' corticosterone level, food intake, and gut microbial diversity at the end of four treatments (acclimation, noise, recovery, and control) using a balanced repeated measures design. We found evidence that noise acts to increase corticosterone and decrease food intake, adding to a growing body of research indicating noise exposure affects stress hormone levels and foraging behaviors. We also found evidence to support our prediction for a causal, positive relationship between noise exposure and gut microbial diversity, such that birds had higher measures of alpha diversity during noise exposure. These results help to explain previous findings that urban, free-living white-crowned sparrows have higher bacterial richness than rural sparrows. However, noise appeared to act directly on the gut microbiome or, more likely, through an unmeasured variable, rather than through indirect effects via corticosterone and food intake. Altogether, our study indicates that noise affects plasma corticosterone, feeding behavior, and the gut microbiome in a songbird and raises new questions as to the mechanism linking noise exposure to gut microbial diversity.

Nanocurcumin substantially alleviates noise stress-induced anxiety-like behavior: the roles of tight junctions and NMDA receptors in the hippocampus

Environmental noise stress affects non-auditory brain regions such as the hippocampus; an area of the brain implicated in cognition and emotion. Recent experimental data indicate that dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and overexpression of NMDA receptors may cause anxiety. In this experiment, we evaluated the effect of nanocurcumin on anxiety-like behavior and the expression of tight junctions and NMDA receptor subunits in the hippocampus of rats exposed to traffic noise. Forty rats were assigned to control (CON), stress (ST), nanocurcumin (NC), and nanocurcumin+stress (NC+ST) groups. Anxiety-like behavior was evaluated through an elevated zero maze apparatus. The gene expression of tight junctions and NMDA receptor subunits was examined by real-time PCR in the hippocampus. Statistical analysis showed that noise exposure developed anxiety-like behavior and elevated the corticosterone level in the ST group compared to the CON group. The nanocurcumin administration decreased the stress and anxiety in the NC+ST group compared to the ST animals. While the noise stress reduced the gene expression of tight junctions occludin, claudin-5, and ZO-1, the nanocurcumin administration increased them in the NC+ST animals. Furthermore, the noise stress elevated the gene expression of the NMDA receptor subunits GRIN1 and GRIN2B. The NC+ST animals showed a modification of these subunits compared to the ST animals. Our findings showed that noise exposure promotes stress and anxiety and impairs the NMDA receptor structure and BBB integrity. The nanocurcumin treatment displayed partly restored the destructive effects of noise exposure.

Disbalance of the Duodenal Epithelial Cell Turnover and Apoptosis Accompanies Insensitivity of Intestinal Redox Homeostasis to Inhibition of the Brain Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide Receptors in a Rat Model of Sporadic Alzheimer's Disease

INTRODUCTION

Gastrointestinal dyshomeostasis is investigated in the context of metabolic dysfunction, systemic, and neuroinflammation in Alzheimer's disease. Dysfunctional gastrointestinal redox homeostasis and the brain-gut incretin axis have been reported in the rat model of insulin-resistant brain state-driven neurodegeneration induced by intracerebroventricular streptozotocin (STZ-icv). We aimed to assess whether (i) the structural epithelial changes accompany duodenal oxidative stress; (ii) the brain glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor (GIP-R) regulates redox homeostasis of the duodenum; and (iii) the STZ-icv brain-gut axis is resistant to pharmacological inhibition of the brain GIP-R.

METHODS

GIP-R inhibitor [Pro3]-GIP (85 μg/kg) was administered intracerebroventricularly to the control and the STZ-icv rats 1 month after model induction. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) were measured in the plasma and duodenum, and the sections were analyzed morphometrically. Caspase-3 expression and activation were assessed by Western blot and multiplex fluorescent signal amplification.

RESULTS

Intracerebroventricular [Pro3]-GIP decreased plasma TBARSs in the control and STZ-icv animals and increased duodenal TBARSs in the controls. In the controls, inhibition of brain GIP-R affected duodenal epithelial cells, but not villus structure, while all morphometric parameters were altered in the STZ-icv-treated animals. Morphometric changes in the STZ-icv animals were accompanied by reduced levels of caspase-3. Suppression of brain GIP-R inhibited duodenal caspase-3 activation.

CONCLUSION

Brain GIP-R seems to be involved in the regulation of duodenal redox homeostasis and epithelial cell turnover. Resistance of the brain-gut GIP axis and morphological changes indicative of abnormal epithelial cell turnover accompany duodenal oxidative stress in the STZ-icv rats.

Central role of intestinal epithelial glucocorticoid receptor in alcohol- and corticosterone-induced gut permeability and systemic response

Corticosterone, the stress hormone, exacerbates alcohol-associated tissue injury, but the mechanism involved is unknown. We examined the role of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) in corticosterone-mediated potentiation of alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and systemic response. Hepatocyte-specific GR-deficient (GR^ΔHC ) and intestinal epithelial-specific GR-deficient (GR^ΔIEC ) mice were fed ethanol, combined with corticosterone treatment. Intestinal epithelial tight junction integrity, mucosal barrier function, microbiota dysbiosis, endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, liver damage, and neuroinflammation were assessed. Corticosterone potentiated ethanol-induced epithelial tight junction disruption, mucosal permeability, and inflammatory response in GR^ΔHC mouse colon; these effects of ethanol and corticosterone were absent in GR^ΔIEC mice. Gut microbiota compositions in ethanol-fed GR^ΔHC and GR^ΔIEC mice were similar to each other. However, corticosterone treatment in ethanol-fed mice shifted the microbiota composition to distinctly different directions in GR^ΔHC and GR^ΔIEC mice. Ethanol and corticosterone synergistically elevated the abundance of Enterobacteriaceae and Escherichia coli and reduced the abundance of Lactobacillus in GR^ΔHC mice but not in GR^ΔIEC mice. In GR^ΔHC mice, corticosterone potentiated ethanol-induced endotoxemia and systemic inflammation, but these effects were absent in GR^ΔIEC mice. Interestingly, ethanol-induced liver damage and its potentiation by corticosterone were observed in GR^ΔHC mice but not in GR^ΔIEC mice. GR^ΔIEC mice were also resistant to ethanol- and corticosterone-induced inflammatory response in the hypothalamus. These data indicate that the intestinal epithelial GR plays a central role in alcohol- and corticosterone-induced gut barrier dysfunction, microbiota dysbiosis, endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, liver damage, and neuroinflammation. This study identifies a novel target for potential therapeutic for alcohol-associated tissue injury.

Protective effects of nanocurcumin against stress-induced deterioration in the intestine

The therapeutic activities of curcumin have long been investigated in some chronic and inflammatory diseases. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of nanocurcumin on intestinal barrier function, apoptosis, and oxidative stress in rats exposed to traffic noise. Forty rats were divided into four groups: two traffic noise-exposed groups of animals that received either vehicle (NOISE) or nanocurcumin (NCUR + NOISE) and two control groups that either remained intact (CON) or received nanocurcumin (NCUR). Nanocurcumin injection (15 mg/Kg/ip) and traffic noise exposure were administered daily for two weeks. The relative protein expression of intestinal tight junctions, occludin, and ZO-1 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio was measured to evaluate barrier integrity and apoptosis in intestinal samples, respectively. Plasma D-lactate concentration was examined as a criterion of intestinal permeability. Corticosterone, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and nitrite were measured in serum. The noise exposure increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, corticosterone, and oxidative stress in the NOISE animals. Nanocurcumin treatment improved the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and reduced corticosterone and oxidative stress in the NCUR + NOISE animals. The expression of tight junction proteins was decreased while the concentration of D-lactate was increased in the NOISE animals. Nanocurcumin did not efficiently impact the expression of tight junction proteins and the D-lactate level in the NCUR + NOISE group. Nanocurcumin administration displayed antioxidant and anti-apoptotic roles in the noise-exposed rats, however, it did not affect the intestinal barrier integrity. We concluded that reduced apoptosis in the intestine might be related to the antioxidant activity of nanocurcumin and its modulatory effects on the HPA axis in the nanocurcumin-treated animals.

Redox Switches in Noise-Induced Cardiovascular and Neuronal Dysregulation

Environmental exposures represent a significant health hazard, which cumulatively may be responsible for up to 2/3 of all chronic non-communicable disease and associated mortality (Global Burden of Disease Study and The Lancet Commission on Pollution and Health), which has given rise to a new concept of the exposome: the sum of environmental factors in every individual’s experience. Noise is part of the exposome and is increasingly being investigated as a health risk factor impacting neurological, cardiometabolic, endocrine, and immune health. Beyond the well-characterized effects of high-intensity noise on cochlear damage, noise is relatively well-studied in the cardiovascular field, where evidence is emerging from both human and translational experiments that noise from traffic-related sources could represent a risk factor for hypertension, ischemic heart disease, diabetes, and atherosclerosis. In the present review, we comprehensively discuss the current state of knowledge in the field of noise research. We give a brief survey of the literature documenting experiments in noise exposure in both humans and animals with a focus on cardiovascular disease. We also discuss the mechanisms that have been uncovered in recent years that describe how exposure to noise affects physiological homeostasis, leading to aberrant redox signaling resulting in metabolic and immune consequences, both of which have considerable impact on cardiovascular health. Additionally, we discuss the molecular pathways of redox involvement in the stress responses to noise and how they manifest in disruptions of the circadian rhythm, inflammatory signaling, gut microbiome composition, epigenetic landscape and vessel function.

The Relationship Between the Gut Microbiome and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Many recent studies have shown that the gut microbiome plays important roles in human physiology and pathology. Also, microbiome-based therapies have been used to improve health status and treat diseases. In addition, aging and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, have become topics of intense interest in biomedical research. Several researchers have explored the links between these topics to study the potential pathogenic or therapeutic effects of intestinal microbiota in disease. But the exact relationship between neurodegenerative diseases and gut microbiota remains unclear. As technology advances, new techniques for studying the microbiome will be developed and refined, and the relationship between diseases and gut microbiota will be revealed. This article summarizes the known interactions between the gut microbiome and neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting assay techniques for the gut microbiome, and we also discuss the potential therapeutic role of microbiome-based therapies in diseases.

The effects of combined environmental factors on the intestinal flora of mice based on ground simulation experiments

The composition and function of intestinal microbial communities are important for human health. However, these intestinal floras are sensitive to changes in the environment. Adverse changes to intestinal flora can affect the health of astronauts, resulting in difficulties in implementing space missions. We randomly divided mice into three groups and placed each group in either a normal environment, simulated microgravity environment or a combined effects environment, which included simulated microgravity, low pressure and noise. Fecal samples of the mice were collected for follow-up analysis based on metagenomics technology. With the influence of different space environmental factors, the species composition at the phylum and genus levels were significantly affected by the combined effects environment, especially the abundance of the Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Furthermore, screening was conducted to identify biomarkers that could be regarded as environmental markers. And there have also been some noticeable changes in the function of intestinal floras. Moreover, the abundance of antibiotic resistance genes (ARGs) was also found to be changed under different environmental conditions, such as bacitracin and vancomycin. The combined effects environment could significantly affect the species composition, function, and the expression of ARGs of intestinal flora of mice which may provide a theoretical basis for space medical supervision and healthcare.

Bacillus subtilis-Based Probiotic Improves Skeletal Health and Immunity in Broiler Chickens Exposed to Heat Stress

Simple Summary

High ambient temperature is a major environmental stressor affecting the physiological and behavioral status of animals, increasing stress susceptibility and immunosuppression, and consequently increasing intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and related neuroinflammation. Probiotics, as well as prebiotics and synbiotics, have been used to prevent or decrease stress-associated detrimental effects on physiological and behavioral homeostasis in humans and various animals. The current data indicate that a dietary probiotic supplement, Bacillus subtilis, reduces heat stress-induced abnormal behaviors and negative effects on skeletal health in broilers through a variety of cellular responses, regulating the functioning of the microbiota–gut–brain axis and/or microbiota-modulated immunity during bone remodeling under thermoneutral and heat-stressed conditions.

Abstract

The elevation of ambient temperature beyond the thermoneutral zone leads to heat stress, which is a growing health and welfare issue for homeothermic animals aiming to maintain relatively constant reproducibility and survivability. Particularly, global warming over the past decades has resulted in more hot days with more intense, frequent, and long-lasting heat waves, resulting in a global surge in animals suffering from heat stress. Heat stress causes pathophysiological changes in animals, increasing stress sensitivity and immunosuppression, consequently leading to increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) and related neuroinflammation. Probiotics, as well as prebiotics and synbiotics, have been used to prevent or reduce stress-induced negative effects on physiological and behavioral homeostasis in humans and various animals. The current data indicate dietary supplementation with a Bacillus subtilis-based probiotic has similar functions in poultry. This review highlights the recent findings on the effects of the probiotic Bacillus subtilis on skeletal health of broiler chickens exposed to heat stress. It provides insights to aid in the development of practical strategies for improving health and performance in poultry.