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Harbour K, Baccei ML. Influence of early life stress on the excitability of dynorphin neurons in the adult mouse dorsal horn. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024:104609. [PMID: 38885917 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.104609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
While early life adversity has been associated with a higher risk of developing chronic pain in adulthood, the cellular and molecular mechanisms by which chronic stress during the neonatal period can persistently sensitize developing nociceptive circuits remain poorly understood. Here we investigate the effects of early life stress (ELS) on synaptic integration and intrinsic excitability in dynorphin-lineage (DYN) interneurons within the adult mouse superficial dorsal horn (SDH) which are important for inhibiting mechanical pain and itch. The administration of neonatal limited bedding between postnatal days (P)2 and P9 evoked sex-dependent effects on spontaneous glutamatergic signaling, as female SDH neurons exhibited a higher amplitude of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) after ELS while mEPSC frequency was reduced in DYN neurons of the male SDH. Furthermore, ELS decreased the frequency of miniature inhibitory postsynaptic currents (mIPSCs) selectively in female DYN neurons. As a result, ELS increased the balance of spontaneous excitation vs. inhibition (E:I ratio) in mature DYN neurons of the female, but not male, SDH network. Nonetheless, ELS weakened the total primary afferent-evoked glutamatergic drive onto adult DYN neurons selectively in females, without modifying afferent-evoked inhibitory signaling onto the DYN population. Finally, ELS failed to significantly change the intrinsic membrane excitability of mature DYN neurons in either males or females. Collectively, these data suggest that ELS exerts a long-term influence on the properties of synaptic transmission onto DYN neurons within the adult SDH, which includes a reduction in the overall strength of sensory input onto this important subset of inhibitory interneurons. PERSPECTIVE: This study suggests that chronic stress during the neonatal period influences synaptic function within adult spinal nociceptive circuits in a sex-dependent manner. These findings yield new insight into the potential mechanisms by which early life adversity might shape the maturation of pain pathways in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle Harbour
- Molecular, Cellular and Biochemical Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Mark L Baccei
- Molecular, Cellular and Biochemical Pharmacology Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA; Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, 231 Albert Sabin Way, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA.
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Gonzales J, Dharshika C, Mazhar K, Morales-Soto W, McClain JL, Moeser AJ, Nault R, Price TJ, Gulbransen BD. Early life adversity promotes gastrointestinal dysfunction through a sex-dependent phenotypic switch in enteric glia. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.31.596805. [PMID: 38895433 PMCID: PMC11185517 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.31.596805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome and related disorders of gut-brain interaction (DGBI) are common and exhibit a complex, poorly understood etiology that manifests as abnormal gut motility and pain. Risk factors such as biological sex, stressors during critical periods, and inflammation are thought to influence DGBI vulnerability by reprogramming gut-brain circuits, but the specific cells affected are unclear. Here, we used a model of early life stress to understand cellular mechanisms in the gut that produce DGBIs. Our findings identify enteric glia as a key cellular substrate in which stress and biological sex converge to dictate DGBI susceptibility. Enteric glia exhibit sexual dimorphism in genes and functions related to cellular communication, inflammation, and disease susceptibility. Experiencing early life stress has sex-specific effects on enteric glia that cause a phenotypic switch in male glia toward a phenotype normally observed in females. This phenotypic transformation is followed by physiological changes in the gut, mirroring those observed in DGBI in humans. These effects are mediated, in part, by alterations to glial prostaglandin and endocannabinoid signaling. Together, these data identify enteric glia as a cellular integration site through which DGBI risk factors produce changes in gut physiology and suggest that manipulating glial signaling may represent an attractive target for sex-specific therapeutic strategies in DGBIs.
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Tiwari N, Qiao LY. Sex Differences in Visceral Pain and Comorbidities: Clinical Outcomes, Preclinical Models, and Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms. Cells 2024; 13:834. [PMID: 38786056 PMCID: PMC11119472 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 05/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Sexual dimorphism of visceral pain has been documented in clinics and experimental animal models. Aside from hormones, emerging evidence suggests the sex-differential intrinsic neural regulation of pain generation and maintenance. According to the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP) and the American College of Gastroenterology (ACG), up to 25% of the population have visceral pain at any one time, and in the United States 10-15 percent of adults suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Here we examine the preclinical and clinical evidence of sex differences in visceral pain focusing on IBS, other forms of bowel dysfunction and IBS-associated comorbidities. We summarize preclinical animal models that provide a means to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms in the sexual dimorphism of visceral pain. Neurons and nonneuronal cells (glia and immune cells) in the peripheral and central nervous systems, and the communication of gut microbiota and neural systems all contribute to sex-dependent nociception and nociplasticity in visceral painful signal processing. Emotion is another factor in pain perception and appears to have sexual dimorphism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namrata Tiwari
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Liya Y. Qiao
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
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4
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Irie K, Ohta KI, Ujihara H, Araki C, Honda K, Suzuki S, Warita K, Otabi H, Kumei H, Nakamura S, Koyano K, Miki T, Kusaka T. An enriched environment ameliorates the reduction of parvalbumin-positive interneurons in the medial prefrontal cortex caused by maternal separation early in life. Front Neurosci 2024; 17:1308368. [PMID: 38292903 PMCID: PMC10825025 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1308368] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Early child maltreatment, such as child abuse and neglect, is well known to affect the development of social skills. However, the mechanisms by which such an adverse environment interrupts the development of social skills remain unelucidated. Identifying the period and brain regions that are susceptible to adverse environments can lead to appropriate developmental care later in life. We recently reported an excitatory/inhibitory imbalance and low activity during social behavior in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of the maternal separation (MS) animal model of early life neglect after maturation. Based on these results, in the present study, we investigated how MS disturbs factors related to excitatory and inhibitory neurons in the mPFC until the critical period of mPFC development. Additionally, we evaluated whether the effects of MS could be recovered in an enriched environment after MS exposure. Rat pups were separated from their dams on postnatal days (PDs) 2-20 (twice daily, 3 h each) and compared with the mother-reared control (MRC) group. Gene expression analysis revealed that various factors related to excitatory and inhibitory neurons were transiently disturbed in the mPFC during MS. A similar tendency was found in the sensory cortex; however, decreased parvalbumin (PV) expression persisted until PD 35 only in the mPFC. Moreover, the number of PV+ interneurons decreased in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) on PD 35 in the MS group. Additionally, perineural net formation surrounding PV+ interneurons, which is an indicator of maturity and critical period closure, was unchanged, indicating that the decreased PV+ interneurons were not simply attributable to developmental delay. This reduction of PV+ interneurons improved to the level observed in the MRC group by the enriched environment from PD 21 after the MS period. These results suggest that an early adverse environment disturbs the development of the mPFC but that these abnormalities allow room for recovery depending on the subsequent environment. Considering that PV+ interneurons in the mPFC play an important role in social skills such as empathy, an early rearing environment is likely a very important factor in the subsequent acquisition of social skills.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanako Irie
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Ken-ichi Ohta
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Hidetoshi Ujihara
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Chihiro Araki
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kodai Honda
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Shingo Suzuki
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Katsuhiko Warita
- Department of Veterinary Anatomy, Faculty of Agriculture, Tottori University, Tottori, Japan
| | - Hikari Otabi
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Haruki Kumei
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Shinji Nakamura
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Kosuke Koyano
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takanori Miki
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
| | - Takashi Kusaka
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kagawa, Japan
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Soma C, Hitomi S, Oshima E, Hayashi Y, Soma K, Shibuta I, Tsuboi Y, Shirakawa T, Kikuiri T, Iwata K, Shinoda M. Involvement of oxidative stress in orofacial mechanical pain hypersensitivity following neonatal maternal separation in rats. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22760. [PMID: 38123836 PMCID: PMC10733350 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50116-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Patients with persistent pain have sometimes history of physical abuse or neglect during infancy. However, the pathogenic mechanisms underlying orofacial pain hypersensitivity associated with early-life stress remain unclear. The present study focused on oxidative stress and investigated its role in pain hypersensitivity in adulthood following early-life stress. To establish an early-life stress model, neonatal pups were separated with their mother in isolated cages for 2 weeks. The mechanical head-withdrawal threshold (MHWT) in the whisker pad skin of rats received maternal separation (MS) was lower than that of non-MS rats at postnatal week 7. In MS rats, the expression of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine, a marker of DNA oxidative damage, was enhanced, and plasma antioxidant capacity, but not mitochondrial complex I activity, decreased compared with that in non-MS rats. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) inactivation and ROS-sensitive transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) antagonism in the whisker pad skin at week 7 suppressed the decrease of MHWT. Corticosterone levels on day 14 increased in MS rats. Corticosterone receptor antagonism during MS periods suppressed the reduction in antioxidant capacity and MHWT. The findings suggest that early-life stress potentially induces orofacial mechanical pain hypersensitivity via peripheral nociceptor TRPA1 hyperactivation induced by oxidative stress in the orofacial region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Soma
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Suzuro Hitomi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan.
| | - Eri Oshima
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Showa University School of Dentistry, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, 142-8555, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Hayashi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Kumi Soma
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Ikuko Shibuta
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Tsuboi
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Shirakawa
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Takashi Kikuiri
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Koichi Iwata
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
| | - Masamichi Shinoda
- Department of Physiology, Nihon University School of Dentistry, 1-8-13 Kandasurugadai, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 101-8310, Japan
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Morales-Soto W, Gonzales J, Jackson WF, Gulbransen BD. Enteric glia promote visceral hypersensitivity during inflammation through intercellular signaling with gut nociceptors. Sci Signal 2023; 16:eadg1668. [PMID: 37988454 PMCID: PMC10733972 DOI: 10.1126/scisignal.adg1668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation in the intestines causes abdominal pain that is challenging to manage. The terminals of sensory neurons innervating the gut are surrounded by glia. Here, using a mouse model of acute colitis, we found that enteric glia contribute to visceral pain by secreting factors that sensitized sensory nerves innervating the gut in response to inflammation. Acute colitis induced a transient increase in the production of proinflammatory cytokines in the intestines of male and female mice. Of these, IL-1β was produced in part by glia and augmented the opening of the intercellular communication hemichannel connexin-43 in glia, which made normally innocuous stimuli painful in female mice. Chemogenetic glial activation paired with calcium imaging in nerve terminals demonstrated that glia sensitized gut-innervating nociceptors only under inflammatory conditions. This inflammatory, glial-driven visceral hypersensitivity involved an increased abundance of the enzyme COX-2 in glia, resulting in greater production and release of prostaglandin E2 that activated EP4 receptors on sensory nerve terminals. Blocking EP4 receptors reduced nociceptor sensitivity in response to glial stimulation in tissue samples from colitis-model mice, and impairing glial connexin-43 reduced visceral hypersensitivity induced by IL-1β in female mice. The findings suggest that therapies targeting enteric glial-neuron signaling might alleviate visceral pain caused by inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wilmarie Morales-Soto
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824 USA
| | - Jacques Gonzales
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824 USA
| | - William F. Jackson
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824 USA
| | - Brian D. Gulbransen
- Department of Physiology, Neuroscience Program, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824 USA
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Dothel G, Barbaro MR, Di Vito A, Ravegnini G, Gorini F, Monesmith S, Coschina E, Benuzzi E, Fuschi D, Palombo M, Bonomini F, Morroni F, Hrelia P, Barbara G, Angelini S. New insights into irritable bowel syndrome pathophysiological mechanisms: contribution of epigenetics. J Gastroenterol 2023; 58:605-621. [PMID: 37160449 PMCID: PMC10307698 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-023-01997-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a complex multifactorial condition including alterations of the gut-brain axis, intestinal permeability, mucosal neuro-immune interactions, and microbiota imbalance. Recent advances proposed epigenetic factors as possible regulators of several mechanisms involved in IBS pathophysiology. These epigenetic factors include biomolecular mechanisms inducing chromosome-related and heritable changes in gene expression regardless of DNA coding sequence. Accordingly, altered gut microbiota may increase the production of metabolites such as sodium butyrate, a prominent inhibitor of histone deacetylases. Patients with IBS showed an increased amount of butyrate-producing microbial phila as well as an altered profile of methylated genes and micro-RNAs (miRNAs). Importantly, gene acetylation as well as specific miRNA profiles are involved in different IBS mechanisms and may be applied for future diagnostic purposes, especially to detect increased gut permeability and visceromotor dysfunctions. In this review, we summarize current knowledge of the role of epigenetics in IBS pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Dothel
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Connect By Circular Lab SRL, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Aldo Di Vito
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Gloria Ravegnini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Gorini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sarah Monesmith
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Emma Coschina
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Eva Benuzzi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Daniele Fuschi
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marta Palombo
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonomini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Fabiana Morroni
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Hrelia
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Barbara
- IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina Angelini
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
- Inter-Departmental Center for Health Sciences & Technologies, CIRI-SDV, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Yang Q, Zhao Y, Zhao X, Sun S, Chen Y, Chen J, Zou D, Zhang L. Exploring the potential targets of Biling Weitong Granules on visceral hypersensitivity through integration of network pharmacology and in vivo analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023:116701. [PMID: 37257703 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Biling Weitong Granules(BLWTG) are a newly developed traditional Chinese medicine prescription based on the ancient prescription Jinlingzi San and Zuojin Wan. It is used for the treatment of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) featured as visceral hypersensitivity(VH). However, its active ingredients and protein targets involved still remain unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY To explore the potential targets of BLWTG for the treatment of visceral hypersensitivity. MATERIALS AND METHODS Active components and their protein targets of BLWTG were screened from TCMSP database and the component-target network were constructed with Cytoscape software. Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) was the representative disease in this study and information on its linked pathways was obtained from NCBI, Drugbank and Genecard. Target pathways of BLWTG were analyzed through KEGG to verify the correlation with IBS related pathways.Then, the VH mouse models was induced by maternal separation(MS), randomly divided into normal saline(NS),BLWTG1(low-dosage) and BLWTG2(high-dosage) group. After intervention, threshold intensity of colorectal distension (CRD) and body weight were measured to evaluate relief of IBS symptoms. Elisa was performed to evaluate 5-HT concentration changes of colon tissues. Flow cytometry was performed to assess changes of colon eosinophils and mast cells proportion. Transcriptome sequencing was employed to analyze changes of pathways and differential genes. RESULTS 199 protein targets and 132 active components of BLWTG were identified. KEGG analysis revealed the overlap between BLWTG target pathways and IBS related pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, tryptophan metabolism and inflammatory reaction. 34 genes were not only BLWTG target proteins but also recognized targets for treating IBS. After maternal separation(MS), the mice showed a significant decrease in threshold intensity of CRD, a progressive decrease in body weight and an increase of 5-HT concentration of colon tissue. The proportion of mast cells and eosinophils in the colon increased. Differential genes including Hp,Ido1 and Aqp7 were significantly increased in MS mice group and IBS-related pathways were upregulated. After treatment of BLWTG, threshold intensity of CRD and body weight were significantly improved and IBS related pathways were downregulated. In addition, among BLWTG protein targets, Il1b,Tnf,Adrb1 and Nos2 were found upregulated in MS + NS mice and downregulated after BLWTG intervention through combination of transcriptome sequencing. CONCLUSIONS In maternal separation-induced mouse models, BLWTG could alleviate visceral hypersensitivity, possibly through downregulation of 5-HT concentration and eosinophils and mast cells proportion in colon and critical pathways such as neuroactive ligand-receptor pathway. Potential targets of BLWTG including Il1b,Tnf,Adrb1 and Nos2 were found through integration of network pharmacology database and transcriptome sequencing, providing evidence for further study on mechanisms underlying visceral hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qidi Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Yizhou Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xiangyu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Sishen Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Yifei Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Jiayin Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Duowu Zou
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No.197, Rui Jin Er Road, Shanghai, 200025, China.
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Gálvez-Robleño C, López-Tofiño Y, López-Gómez L, Bagüés A, Soto-Montenegro ML, Abalo R. Radiographic assessment of the impact of sex and the circadian rhythm-dependent behaviour on gastrointestinal transit in the rat. Lab Anim 2022:236772221124381. [DOI: 10.1177/00236772221124381] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Relatively little is known about the influence of sex and the circadian rhythm on gastrointestinal transit. However, these factors could have an important impact on aspects such as digestion, oral absorption of drugs or the clinical manifestation of gastrointestinal diseases, among others. Remarkably, preclinical models have scarcely taken these factors into consideration. In this study, we assessed the gastrointestinal transit of young adult Wistar Han rats of both sexes, under normal and inverted light cycle. To do this, serial radiographs were taken for 24 h (T0–T24) after intragastric barium administration and subsequently analysed to construct transit curves for each gastrointestinal region. Under a normal light cycle, transit curves were similar, except for a slower transit in females compared with males from T8 to T24. Under the inverted cycle, there was a significant acceleration in stomach emptying (similar in both sexes), emptying of the small intestine (even faster in females) and filling of the caecum and colon (which was also even faster in females). This study confirms, using X-ray non-invasive methods for the first time, that both sex and circadian rhythm (probably through its effect on behaviour) influence gastrointestinal transit in laboratory animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos Gálvez-Robleño
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
- High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut), University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
| | - Yolanda López-Tofiño
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
- High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut), University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
| | - Laura López-Gómez
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
- High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut), University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
| | - Ana Bagüés
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
- Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica, IQM (CSIC), Spain
- High Performance Research Group in Experimental Pharmacology (PHARMAKOM), University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
| | - María Luisa Soto-Montenegro
- High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut), University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Gregorio Marañón, Spain
- CIBER de Salud Mental (CIBERSAM), Spain
| | - Raquel Abalo
- Department of Basic Health Sciences, University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
- High Performance Research Group in Physiopathology and Pharmacology of the Digestive System (NeuGut), University Rey Juan Carlos (URJC), Spain
- Unidad Asociada I+D+i al Instituto de Química Médica, IQM (CSIC), Spain
- Grupo de Trabajo de Ciencias Básicas en Dolor y Analgesia de la Sociedad Española del Dolor, Spain
- Grupo de Trabajo de Cannabinoides de la Sociedad Española del Dolor, Spain
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10
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Petković A, Chaudhury D. Encore: Behavioural animal models of stress, depression and mood disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:931964. [PMID: 36004305 PMCID: PMC9395206 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.931964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies over the past two decades have led to extensive advances in our understanding of pathogenesis of depressive and mood disorders. Among these, rodent behavioural models proved to be of highest informative value. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the most popular behavioural models with respect to physiological, circuit, and molecular biological correlates. Behavioural stress paradigms and behavioural tests are assessed in terms of outcomes, strengths, weaknesses, and translational value, especially in the domain of pharmacological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Dipesh Chaudhury
- Laboratory of Neural Systems and Behaviour, Department of Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
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11
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Buhck M, Achenbach J, Wiese B, Tran AT, Stuhrmann M, Jaeger B, Bernateck M, Schneider N, Karst M. The interplay of chronic stress and genetic traits discriminates between patients suffering from multisomatoform disorder with pain as the leading symptom and matched controls. J Affect Disord 2022; 308:466-472. [PMID: 35460735 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.04.094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [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: 11/20/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Somatoform disorders and functional somatic syndromes (FSS) with symptoms that are not sufficiently explained by physical or technical examination are among the most challenging underlying causes. Many different somatoform disorders and FSS have overlapping symptoms, often with pain as the most prevalent one, leading to a high burden of disease. The concept of multisomatoform disorder (MSD) has been developed to acknowledge that fact. We analyzed a group of 151 patients and 149 matched controls to identify interactions of genetic and environmental factors with a possible influence on the development of MSD. DESIGN In a retrospective case-control study, we performed a statistical analysis on 151 patients and 149 matched controls using logistic regression and a Classification and Regression Tree (CART) analysis. RESULTS The logistic regression analysis of genes and environmental factors demonstrated significant differences in the results of the Trier Inventory of Chronic Stress (TICS) questionnaire, the single nucleotide polymorphism rs1800955 of the dopamine receptor D4 and the single nucleotide polymorphism rs4818 of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase between patients with MSD and healthy controls. The resulting decision tree of the CART analysis determined that the TICS questionnaire was able to differentiate patients and controls most accurately, followed by certain genotypes of the 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 2A and a single nucleotide polymorphism of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase. CONCLUSIONS The results of the statistical analysis identified a gene-environmental interaction possibly leading to MSD. The resulting identifiers could be used as a reference to inform diagnostic algorithms to easier identify patients suffering from MSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Buhck
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Children's Hospital Auf der Bult Hannover, 30173 Hannover, Germany
| | - J Achenbach
- Department of Anesthesiology, Intensive Care Medicine, Emergency Medicine, and Pain Medicine, Nordstadt Krankenhaus Hannover, 30167 Hannover, Germany.
| | - B Wiese
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - A T Tran
- Department of Neurology und Neurophysiology, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M Stuhrmann
- Institute of Human Genetics, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - B Jaeger
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M Bernateck
- Center for Pain Medicine Hannover, 30159 Hannover, Germany
| | - N Schneider
- Institute for General Practice and Palliative Care, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - M Karst
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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12
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Raoof M, Amanpour S, Roghani A, Abbasnejad M, Kooshki R, Askari-Zahabi K, Mohamadi-Jorjafki E, Majdzadeh B, Aarab G, Lobbezoo F. The effects of neonatal maternal deprivation and chronic unpredictable stresses on migraine-like behaviors in adult rats. Neurosci Lett 2022; 772:136444. [PMID: 35007689 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress is known to cause migraine. This study investigates the effects of neonatal maternal deprivation (MD) and chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) on migraine in rats. METHODS Seventy rats were randomly divided into ten groups (five groups of each sex, and seven rats/group). The groups included: untreated intact, nitroglycerin (NTG) only, NTG + MD, NTG + CUS (10 weeks after birth), and NTG + MD + CUS. For the induction of MD, pups were separated from their mothers from postnatal day 2 to day 14. The CUS was conducted by daily exposure to different stressors for 2 weeks. For the induction of migraine after stress, NTG (5 mg/kg/IP) was administered every second day for 9 days. Afterward, NTG-related symptoms, including climbing behavior, facial rubbing, body grooming, freezing behavior, and head-scratching, were recorded for 90 min. Statistical differences between the groups were analyzed by one-way and two-way ANOVA followed by the Newman-Keuls test. RESULTS Migraine symptoms, including increased head-scratching, facial rubbing, and decreased climbing behavior, were more significant in females than in males. Head scratching and facial rubbing increased in stressed females, but not in males as compared to NTG-treated rats. Body grooming was significantly decreased in MD males compared to the NTG group. The effects of NTG in MD + CUS on the rats did not differ from those in the MD or CUS groups. CONCLUSIONS MD and CUS had a sex-related aggravating effect on the development of migraine, while the combination of MD and CUS had no additive migraine-aggravating effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Raoof
- Endodontology Research Center, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran; Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Sara Amanpour
- Department of Oral Pathology, School of Dentistry, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Arman Roghani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mehdi Abbasnejad
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Razieh Kooshki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Lorestan University, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Askari-Zahabi
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Elham Mohamadi-Jorjafki
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Baharosadat Majdzadeh
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, Shahid Bahonar University of Kerman, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ghizlane Aarab
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Frank Lobbezoo
- Department of Orofacial Pain and Dysfunction, Academic Centre for Dentistry Amsterdam (ACTA), University of Amsterdam and Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Mochizuki-Kawai H, Ichitani Y, Ayabe-Kanamura S, Yamada K. Odors associated with neonatal experiences with the dam have enhanced anxiolytic effects in rat. Chem Senses 2022; 47:6691364. [PMID: 36056921 DOI: 10.1093/chemse/bjac019] [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: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Odor stimuli are widely reported to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety in humans and rodents. However, it remains unclear if this anxiolytic efficacy can be further enhanced by association with positive experiences. Therefore, we compared the effects of a novel odor to a familiar odor previously paired with a positive experience on anxiety-like behaviors in rats. One group of Wistar-Imamichi female and male pups was exposed to an odor stimulus with their dams during postnatal days (PNDs) 8-12, whereas another control group was exposed to perfused air during the same period. Starting on PND 42, all animals were examined in the open field test (OFT) and elevated plus maze (EPM) test during exposure to scent-free air (vehicle), a novel odor, or the positive-familiar odor from postnatal exposure. In the EPM, female rats entered open arms with all 4 paws (complete entry) more frequently and spent more time on open arms during exposure to the positive-familiar odor than during exposure to air or a novel odor, whereas partial open arm entries with forepaws only were increased during exposure to both novel and positive-familiar odors compared to air. In contrast, male rats demonstrated no significant increase in open arm activity during positive-familiar odor exposure, but did show equally reduced grooming frequency during novel and familiar-positive odor exposure in the OFT. Exposure to positive-familiar odors may be an effective and safe method for anxiety reduction, especially in females.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroko Mochizuki-Kawai
- Institute of Food Research, National Agriculture and Food Research Organization (NARO), Kannondai, Tsukuba 305-8642, Japan
| | - Yukio Ichitani
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305 8577, Japan.,Faculty of Applied Psychology, Tokyo Seitoku University, Kitaku, Tokyo 114 0033, Japan
| | | | - Kazuo Yamada
- Faculty of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba 305 8577, Japan
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Noor-Mohammadi E, Ligon CO, Mackenzie K, Stratton J, Shnider S, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. A Monoclonal Anti-Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide Antibody Decreases Stress-Induced Colonic Hypersensitivity. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2021; 379:270-279. [PMID: 34620725 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.121.000731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a brain-gut disorder characterized by abdominal pain and altered bowel habits. Although the etiology of IBS remains unclear, stress in adulthood or in early life has been shown to be a significant factor in the development of IBS symptomatology. Evidence suggests that aberrant calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) signaling may be involved in afferent sensitization and visceral organ hypersensitivity. Here, we used a monoclonal anti-CGRP divalent antigen-binding fragment [F(ab')2] antibody to test the hypothesis that inhibition of peripheral CGRP signaling reverses colonic hypersensitivity induced by either chronic adult stress or early life stress. A cohort of adult male rats was exposed to repeated water avoidance stress. Additionally, a second cohort consisting of female rats was exposed to a female-specific neonatal odor-attachment learning paradigm of unpredictable early life stress. Colonic sensitivity was then assessed in adult animals via behavioral responses to colorectal distension (CRD). To analyze spinal nociceptive signaling in response to CRD, dorsal horn extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 phosphorylation was measured via immunohistochemistry. Repeated psychologic stress in adulthood or unpredictable stress in early life induced colonic hypersensitivity and enhanced evoked ERK1/2 phosphorylation in the spinal cord after CRD in rats. These phenotypes were reversed by administration of a monoclonal anti-CGRP F(ab')2 fragment antibody. Stress-induced changes in visceral sensitivity and spinal nociceptive signaling were reversed by inhibition of peripheral CGRP signaling, which suggests a prominent role for CGRP in central sensitization and the development of stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Targeting peripheral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) with a monoclonal anti-CGRP divalent antigen-binding fragment antibody reduced central sensitization and attenuated colonic hypersensitivity induced by either chronic adult stress or early life stress. CGRP-targeting antibodies are approved for migraine prevention, and the results of this study suggest that targeting CGRP may provide a novel treatment strategy for irritable bowel syndrome-related, stress-induced visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Noor-Mohammadi
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (E.N.-M., C.O.L., B.G.-V.M); and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Redwood City, California (K.M., J.S., S.S.)
| | - Casey Owen Ligon
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (E.N.-M., C.O.L., B.G.-V.M); and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Redwood City, California (K.M., J.S., S.S.)
| | - Kimberly Mackenzie
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (E.N.-M., C.O.L., B.G.-V.M); and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Redwood City, California (K.M., J.S., S.S.)
| | - Jennifer Stratton
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (E.N.-M., C.O.L., B.G.-V.M); and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Redwood City, California (K.M., J.S., S.S.)
| | - Sara Shnider
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (E.N.-M., C.O.L., B.G.-V.M); and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Redwood City, California (K.M., J.S., S.S.)
| | - Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma (E.N.-M., C.O.L., B.G.-V.M); and Teva Pharmaceutical Industries, Ltd., Redwood City, California (K.M., J.S., S.S.)
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15
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Chen XX, Xu LP, Zeng CC, Zhang XY, Tao FB, Sun Y. Prolonged parent-child separation and pain in adolescence: The role of HPA-axis genetic variations. J Affect Disord 2021; 292:255-260. [PMID: 34134023 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.05.092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence has demonstrated that childhood adversity was a predictor of pain and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis genetic variation is associated with pain risk. This study aims to explore possible effects of prolonged childhood separation from parents and HPA polygenic risk score (PRS) on pain among adolescents in rural China. METHOD We used data from 219 adolescents in rural area of Fuyang city, Anhui province, China. Parent-child separation was collected through interview and pain intensity was reported using the 11-point Numerical Rating Scale. SNP genotyping was performed using an improved multiplex ligation detection reaction (iMLDR) technique. The PRS was computed based on 3 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 2 genes (FKBP5 and NR3C1) related to HPA-axis stress reactivity. RESULTS Pain among adolescents separated from both parents scored higher compared to those without parent-child separation, however, this association was only observed in adolescents with moderate to high tertiles of PRS groups (parent-child separation in moderate group vs. no parent-child separation in moderate group: 3.07 vs. 1.57, P < 0.001; parent-child separation in highest group vs. no parent-child separation in highest group: 3.02 vs. 1.26, P < 0.001; parent-child separation in lowest group vs. no parent-child separation in lowest group: 2.34 vs. 1.25, P = 0.225). After controlled for demographic characteristics, psychopathological symptoms, adverse childhood experiences, parental warmth, prolonged childhood parent-child separation increased pain scores by 1.52 points (95% CI:0.72, 2.33) and 1.72 points (95% CI:1.13, 2.31) in moderate and high PRS groups, respectively. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that adolescents separated from both parents while carrying more risk alleles related to HPA-axis stress reactivity are at heightened risk of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing-Xing Chen
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Luo-Piao Xu
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Chen-Chen Zeng
- Fuyang Vocational Technical College, Fuyang, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xing-Yan Zhang
- Bengbu High-tech Education Group, Bengbu, Anhui Province, China
| | - Fang-Biao Tao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Ying Sun
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Key Laboratory of Population Health Across Life Cycle (Anhui Medical University), Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; Anhui Provincial Key Laboratory of Population Health and Aristogenics, Anhui Medical University, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China; NHC Key Laboratory of Study on Abnormal Gametes and Reproductive Tract, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, 230032, Anhui, China.
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16
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Orock A, Louwies T, Ligon CO, Mohammadi E, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Environmental enrichment prevents stress-induced epigenetic changes in the expression of glucocorticoid receptor and corticotrophin releasing hormone in the central nucleus of the amygdala to inhibit visceral hypersensitivity. Exp Neurol 2021; 345:113841. [PMID: 34390704 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Revised: 07/01/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Stress is a known trigger for the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal (GI) disorder that presents with abnormal bowel habits and abdominal pain due to visceral hypersensitivity. While behavioral therapies have been used to attenuate IBS symptoms, the underlying mechanisms by which these therapies interact with stress-induced pathology remains to be delineated. Here we use a rat model to test the hypothesis that exposure to environmental enrichment (EE) inhibits stress-induced changes within the brain-gut axis to prevent visceral and somatic hypersensitivity and colonic hyperpermeability. METHODS Female rats (n = 8/group) were housed in EE one week before and one week during exposure to water avoidance stress (WAS) while controls were housed in standard cages (SH). One day after the final WAS exposure, colonic and somatic sensitivity were assessed by the visceromotor response (VMR) to colorectal distension (CRD) and withdrawal threshold elicited by an electronic von Frey on the hind paw of the rats respectively. All rats were returned to SH for 3 weeks before colonic and somatic sensitivity were reassessed on day 28. The rats were then immediately euthanized and the spinal cord was collected to assess changes in neuronal activation (assessed via ERK phosphorylation) in response to noxious CRD. A separate cohort of animals (n = 8/group) that did not undergo behavioral assessments was euthanized the day after the final WAS exposure and the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) was collected to investigate WAS and EE induced epigenetic changes at the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and corticotrophin releasing hormone (CRH) promoter. The colon from these rats was also collected to assess colonic permeability via changes in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in vitro. RESULTS Exposure to stress persistently increased VMR to CRD (P < 0.01) and decreased the hind paw withdrawal threshold (P < 0.001) in female rats. WAS also decreased TEER in the colon tissue of female rats (p = 0.05). In the CeA, WAS induced a decrease in histone acetylation at the GR promoter but increased histone acetylation at the CRH promoter and reduced GR-CRH interactions in the CeA. Analysis of the spinal cord showed that WAS increased CRD-evoked ERK phosphorylation in the dorsal horn. Exposure to EE prevented WAS-induced changes in the CeA, dorsal horn and colon respectively to prevent visceral and somatic hypersensitivity. CONCLUSION Our data reveals that behavioral therapies can produce long lasting molecular and epigenetic changes that can prevent stress-induced pathologies even after completion of the therapy. These results highlight the potential mechanisms by which behavioral therapies may ameliorate visceral pain associated stress-related pathologies such as the irritable bowel syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Orock
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America.
| | - T Louwies
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - C O Ligon
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - E Mohammadi
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
| | - B Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America; Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Oklahoma City, OK, United States of America
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Davis SM, Zuke JT, Berchulski MR, Burman MA. Amygdalar Corticotropin-Releasing Factor Signaling Is Required for Later-Life Behavioral Dysfunction Following Neonatal Pain. Front Physiol 2021; 12:660792. [PMID: 34045975 PMCID: PMC8144524 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2021.660792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neonatal pain such as that experienced by infants in the neonatal intensive care unit is known to produce later-life dysfunction including heightened pain sensitivity and anxiety, although the mechanisms remain unclear. Both chronic pain and stress in adult organisms are known to influence the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) system in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala, making this system a likely candidate for changes following neonatal trauma. To examine this, neonatal rats were subjected to daily pain, non-painful handling or left undisturbed for the first week of life. Beginning on postnatal day, 24 male and female rats were subjected to a 4-day fear conditioning and sensory testing protocol. Some subjects received intra-amygdalar administration of either Vehicle, the CRF receptor 1 (CRF1) receptor antagonist Antalarmin, or the CRF receptor 2 (CRF2) receptor antagonist Astressin 2B prior to fear conditioning and somatosensory testing, while others had tissue collected following fear conditioning and CRF expression in the CeA and BLA was assessed using fluorescent in situ hybridization. CRF1 antagonism attenuated fear-induced hypersensitivity in neonatal pain and handled rats, while CRF2 antagonism produced a general antinociception. In addition, neonatal pain and handling produced a lateralized sex-dependent decrease in CRF expression, with males showing a diminished number of CRF-expressing cells in the right CeA and females showing a similar reduction in the number of CRF-expressing cells in the left BLA compared to undisturbed controls. These data show that the amygdalar CRF system is a likely target for alleviating dysfunction produced by early life trauma and that this system continues to play a major role in the lasting effects of such trauma into the juvenile stage of development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seth M Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States.,Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States
| | - Jared T Zuke
- Department of Psychology, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States.,Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States
| | - Mariah R Berchulski
- Department of Psychology, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States.,Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States
| | - Michael A Burman
- Department of Psychology, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States.,Center for Excellence in the Neurosciences, University of New England, Biddeford, ME, United States
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18
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Melchior M, Kuhn P, Poisbeau P. The burden of early life stress on the nociceptive system development and pain responses. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 55:2216-2241. [PMID: 33615576 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, the capacity of the newborn infant to feel pain was denied. Today it is clear that the nociceptive system, even if still immature, is functional enough in the newborn infant to elicit pain responses. Unfortunately, pain is often present in the neonatal period, in particular in the case of premature infants which are subjected to a high number of painful procedures during care. These are accompanied by a variety of environmental stressors, which could impact the maturation of the nociceptive system. Therefore, the question of the long-term consequences of early life stress is a critical question. Early stressful experience, both painful and non-painful, can imprint the nociceptive system and induce long-term alteration in brain function and nociceptive behavior, often leading to an increase sensitivity and higher susceptibility to chronic pain. Different animal models have been developed to understand the mechanisms underlying the long-term effects of different early life stressful procedures, including pain and maternal separation. This review will focus on the clinical and preclinical data about early life stress and its consequence on the nociceptive system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meggane Melchior
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierre Kuhn
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France.,Service de Médecine et Réanimation du Nouveau-né, Hôpital de Hautepierre, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Pierrick Poisbeau
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique and University of Strasbourg, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Strasbourg, France
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Dependency on sex and stimulus quality of nociceptive behavior in a conscious visceral pain rat model. Neurosci Lett 2021; 746:135667. [PMID: 33493648 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Visceral pain may be influenced by many factors. The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of sex and quality of intracolonic mechanical stimulus on the behavioral manifestations of visceral pain in a preclinical model. Male and female young adult Wistar rats were sedated, and a 5 cm long latex balloon was inserted into the colon. Sedation was reverted and behavior was recorded. The pressure of the intracolonic balloon was gradually increased using a sphygmomanometer. Visceral sensitivity was measured as abdominal contractions in response to mechanical intracolonic stimulation. Two different types of stimulation were used: tonic and phasic. Phasic stimulation consisted of repeating several times (3x) the same short stimulus (20 s) within a 5 min interval allowing a 1 min break between individual stimuli. For tonic stimulation the stimulus was maintained throughout the whole 5 min interval. Both phasic and tonic stimulation produced a pressure-dependent increase of abdominal contractions. The abdominal response was more intense under phasic than under tonic stimulation, but with differences depending on the sex of the animals: females exhibited more contractions than males and of similar duration at all pressures, whereas duration of contractions pressure-dependently increased in males. The duration of tonically stimulated contractions was lower and not sex- or pressure-dependent. In the rat, responses to colonic distension depend on the quality of the stimulus, which also produces sex-dependent differences that must be taken into account in the development of models of pathology and visceral pain treatments.
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Soni KG, Dike PN, Suh JH, Halder T, Edwards PT, Foong JPP, Conner ME, Preidis GA. Early-life malnutrition causes gastrointestinal dysmotility that is sexually dimorphic. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13936. [PMID: 33021011 PMCID: PMC7688589 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Slow gastrointestinal (GI) transit occurs in moderate-to-severe malnutrition. Mechanisms underlying malnutrition-associated dysmotility remain unknown, partially due to lack of animal models. This study sought to characterize GI dysmotility in mouse models of malnutrition. METHODS Neonatal mice were malnourished by timed maternal separation. Alternatively, low-protein, low-fat diet was administered to dams, with malnourished neonates tested at two weeks or weaned to the same chow and tested as young adults. We determined total GI transit time by carmine red gavage, colonic motility by rectal bead latency, and both gastric emptying and small bowel motility with fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated dextran. We assessed histology with light microscopy, ex vivo contractility and permeability with force-transduction and Ussing chamber studies, and gut microbiota composition by 16S rDNA sequencing. KEY RESULTS Both models of neonatal malnutrition and young adult malnourished males but not females exhibited moderate growth faltering, stunting, and grossly abnormal stomachs. Progression of fluorescent dye was impaired in both neonatal models of malnutrition, whereas gastric emptying was delayed only in maternally separated pups and malnourished young adult females. Malnourished young adult males but not females had atrophic GI mucosa, exaggerated intestinal contractile responses, and increased gut barrier permeability. These sex-specific abnormalities were associated with altered gut microbial communities. CONCLUSIONS & INFERENCES Multiple models of early-life malnutrition exhibit delayed upper GI transit. Malnutrition affects young adult males more profoundly than females. These models will facilitate future studies to identify mechanisms underlying malnutrition-induced pathophysiology and sex-specific regulatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Krishnakant G. Soni
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Peace N. Dike
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ji Ho Suh
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Tripti Halder
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Price T. Edwards
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jaime P. P. Foong
- Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Margaret E. Conner
- Department of Molecular Virology and Microbiology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Geoffrey A. Preidis
- Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston, TX, USA
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21
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Proteomic and mitochondrial adaptations to early-life stress are distinct in juveniles and adults. Neurobiol Stress 2020; 13:100251. [PMID: 33344706 PMCID: PMC7739184 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2020.100251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early-life stress (ELS) increases risk for poor mental and physical health outcomes that emerge at different stages across the lifespan. Yet, how age interacts with ELS to impact the expression of specific phenotypes remains largely unknown. An established limited-bedding paradigm was used to induce ELS in mouse pups over the early postnatal period. Initial analyses focused on the hippocampus, based on documented sensitivity to ELS in humans and various animal models, and the large body of data reporting anatomical and physiological outcomes in this structure using this ELS paradigm. An unbiased discovery proteomics approach revealed distinct adaptations in the non-nuclear hippocampal proteome in male versus female offspring at two distinct developmental stages: juvenile and adult. Gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses revealed significant enrichment in proteins associated with mitochondria and the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) pathway in response to ELS in female hippocampus only. To determine whether the protein adaptations to ELS reflected altered function, mitochondrial respiration (driven through complexes II-IV) and complex I activity were measured in isolated hippocampal mitochondria using a Seahorse X96 Flux analyzer and immunocapture ELISA, respectively. ELS had no effect on basal respiration in either sex at either age. In contrast, ELS increased OXPHOS capacity in juvenile males and females, and reduced OXPHOS capacity in adult females but not adult males. A similar pattern of ELS-induced changes was observed for complex I activity. These data suggest that initial adaptations in juvenile hippocampus due to ELS were not sustained in adults. Mitochondrial adaptations to ELS were also exhibited peripherally by liver. Overall, the temporal distinctions in mitochondrial responses to ELS show that ELS-generated adaptations and outcomes are complex over the lifespan. This may contribute to differences in the timing of appearance of mental and physical disturbances, as well as potential sex differences that influence only select outcomes.
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Key Words
- AA, antimycin A
- ADP, adenosine diphosphate
- CI, confidence interval
- Complex I activity
- ELS, early-life stress
- Early-life stress
- FCCP, carbonyl cyanide-4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenylhydrazone
- GO, gene ontology
- HCD, high energy C-trap dissociation
- Hippocampus
- Liver
- MS/MS, tandem mass spectrometry
- Mitochondrial respiration
- OCR, oxygen consumption rate
- OXPHOS, oxidative phosphorylation
- P, postnatal day
- Proteomics
- SCX, strong cation exchange
- iTRAQ, isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation
- oligo, oligomycin
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22
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Mohtashami Borzadaran F, Joushi S, Taheri Zadeh Z, Sheibani V, Esmaeilpour K. Environmental enrichment and pain sensitivity; a study in maternally separated rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:347-353. [PMID: 32246492 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Rodents are highly dependent on maternal care after birth. Maternal separation (MS) is an animal model for studying neglect and abuse. Depriving the pup of such care renders the animal with Hypothalamic-Pituitary-adrenal (HPA) dysfunction and these animals are more susceptible to anxiety and stress as well as poor cognition. These effects are due to abnormal brain development in these animals. We have tried to investigate how maternal separation can affect pain sensation and whether a non-pharmacological intervention such as enriched environment (EE) can restore an abnormal pain sensation. Animals were put into four groups MS, control (CTRL) and MS + EE and CTRL + EE groups that underwent EE after weaning until adulthood. These groups were tested for pain sensitivity with hot plate and tail flick for sensory pain and formalin for affect pain. The results showed that MS rats are more sensitive to pain in the hot plate test and formalin test, however, no significant difference was seen between groups for tail flick test. When MS rats experience EE their pain sensitivity is restored at the behavioral level. Further research is required to see how EE restores pain sensation in MS rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Zahra Taheri Zadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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23
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Mohtashami Borzadaran F, Esmaeilpour K, Joushi S, Rajizadeh MA, Sheibani V, Ur Rehman N, Sepehri G. What are the consequences of Methylphenidate exposure for maternally separated rats? Int J Dev Neurosci 2020; 80:489-499. [PMID: 32510645 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylphenidate (MPH) abuse is prevalent among youth. Drug abuse results in pain perception. We sought to investigate whether Maternal separation (MS) prone to MPH addiction. The next question was whether MPH abusers with MS differ in pain perception. We investigated the impact of MS on addiction and drug reward as well as pain perception following 5 days of MPH injection in males and females rats. Initially, rats underwent MS protocol of 3 hr daily for 21 days. Conditioned place preference (CPP) test was an attempt to investigate whether MS rats experience more reward with MPH. The protocol consisted of 10 min habituation on Day 1, conditioning on Day 2-Day 6 (5 mg per kg MPH injection in drug compartment and saline in saline compartment with 4 hr gap between injections) and 10 min test on Day 7. Furthermore, using another group, differences in pain perception were investigated after 5 days of daily MPH injection with 5 mg per kg. Sensory pain sensitivity was tested on PND 39 using tail flick and hotplate in MS and control groups with and without MPH exposure. Results indicated that female rats are equally prone to addiction in CPP. On the other hand, MS males experience a higher reward in CPP. In tail flick test, female MS rats exposed to MPH show a lower sensory pain threshold with similar MPH exposure. Experiencing MPH similarly declined hotplate pain perception in MS and controls in the females. Males, on the other hand, did not show any difference in sensory pain tests. According to results one can argue MS is detrimental. MS males experience more reward with MPH, females are equally addiction prone and MS females experience more pain in tail flick. On the other hand pain threshold can decline in hotplate test for both control and MS females that received MPH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khadijeh Esmaeilpour
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Sara Joushi
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Mohammad Amin Rajizadeh
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Vahid Sheibani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Naeem Ur Rehman
- Department of Pharmacy, COMSATS University Islamabad, Abbottabad Campus, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Gholamreza Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
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24
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Orock A, Louwies T, Yuan T, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Environmental enrichment prevents chronic stress-induced brain-gut axis dysfunction through a GR-mediated mechanism in the central nucleus of the amygdala. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13826. [PMID: 32084303 PMCID: PMC7906280 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) improves quality of life of patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a disorder characterized by chronic visceral pain and abnormal bowel habits. Whether CBT can actually improve visceral pain in IBS patients is still unknown. The aim of this study is to evaluate whether environment enrichment (EE), the animal analog of CBT, can prevent stress-induced viscero-somatic hypersensitivity through changes in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) signaling within the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). METHODS Rats were housed in either standard housing (SH) or EE for 7 days before and during daily water avoidance stress (WAS) exposure (1-h/d for 7 days). In the first cohort, visceral and somatic sensitivity were assessed via visceromotor response to colorectal distention and von Frey Anesthesiometer 24 hous and 21 days after WAS. In another cohort, the CeA was isolated for GR mRNA quantification. KEY RESULTS Environment enrichment for 7 days before and during the 7 days of WAS persistently attenuated visceral and somatic hypersensitivity when compared to rats placed in SH. Environment enrichment exposure also prevented the WAS-induced decrease in GR expression in the CeA. CONCLUSION & INFERENCES Pre-exposure to short-term EE prevents the stress-induced downregulation of GR, and inhibits visceral and somatic hypersensitivity induced by chronic stress. These results suggest that a positive environment can ameliorate stress-induced pathology and provide a non-pharmacological therapeutic option for disorders such as IBS.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Orock
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - T Louwies
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - T Yuan
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
| | - B Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK,,Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Oklahoma City, OK.,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK
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25
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Louwies T, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Sex differences in the epigenetic regulation of chronic visceral pain following unpredictable early life stress. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2020; 32:e13751. [PMID: 31667916 PMCID: PMC8628638 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Revised: 09/11/2019] [Accepted: 09/28/2019] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND We previously reported that early life stress (ELS) dysregulated glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH) expression in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). Epigenetic modifications serve as memories of adverse events that occurred during early life. Therefore, we hypothesized that epigenetic mechanisms alter GR and CRH expression in the CeA and underlie chronic visceral pain after ELS. METHODS Neonatal rats were exposed to unpredictable, predictable ELS, or odor only (no stress control) from postnatal days 8 to 12. In adulthood, visceral sensitivity was assessed or the CeA was isolated for Western blot or ChiP-qPCR to study histone modifications at the GR and CRH promoters. Female adult rats underwent stereotaxic implantation of indwelling cannulas for microinjections of garcinol (HAT inhibitor) into the CeA. After 7 days of microinjections, visceral sensitivity was assessed or the CeA was isolated for ChIP-qPCR assays. RESULTS Unpredictable ELS increased visceral sensitivity in adult female rats, but not in male counterparts. ELS increased histone 3 lysine 9 (H3K9) acetylation in the CeA and H3K9 acetylation levels at the GR promoter in the CeA of adult female rats. After unpredictable ELS, H3K9 acetylation was increased and GR binding was decreased at the CRH promoter. Administration of garcinol in the CeA of adult females, that underwent unpredictable ELS, normalized H3K9 acetylation and restored GR binding at the CRH promoter. CONCLUSION Dysregulated histone acetylation and GR binding at the CRH promoter in the CeA are an important mechanism for "memorizing" ELS events mediating visceral pain in adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Louwies
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA,VA Medical Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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26
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Achenbach J, Rhein M, Gombert S, Meyer-Bockenkamp F, Buhck M, Eberhardt M, Leffler A, Frieling H, Karst M. Childhood traumatization is associated with differences in TRPA1 promoter methylation in female patients with multisomatoform disorder with pain as the leading bodily symptom. Clin Epigenetics 2019; 11:126. [PMID: 31455424 PMCID: PMC6712620 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-019-0731-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 08/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The construct of multisomatoform disorder (MSD) is a common point of reference for patients in different somatic and psychosomatic specialties and therefore useful in studying large well-characterized cohorts of a prototype of a somatoform disorder and in parallel as a functional somatic syndrome (FSS). This disorder is characterized by distressing and functionally disabling somatic symptoms with chronic pain as the most frequent and clinically relevant complaint. Pain is perceived by nociceptive nerve fibers and transferred through the generation of action potentials by different receptor molecules known to determine pain sensitivity in pathophysiological processes. Previous studies have shown that for the transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1), receptor methylation of a particular CpG dinucleotide in the promoter region is inversely associated with both heat pain and pressure pain thresholds. In this study, we hypothesized that TRPA1 promoter methylation regulates pain sensitivity of patients with multisomatoform disorder (MSD). A cohort of 151 patients with MSD and 149 matched healthy volunteers were evaluated using quantitative sensory testing, clinical and psychometric assessment, and methylation analysis using DNA isolated from whole blood. Results We found CpG -628 to be correlated with mechanical pain threshold and CpG -411 to be correlated with mechanical pain threshold in female volunteers, i.e., higher methylation levels lead to higher pain thresholds. A novel finding is that methylation levels were significantly different between patients with no and severe levels of childhood trauma. CpG methylation also correlated with psychometric assessment of pain and pain levels rated on a visual analog scale. Conclusion Our findings support the hypothesis that epigenetic regulation of TRPA1 plays a role in mechanical pain sensitivities in healthy volunteers. They further provide evidence for the possible influence of childhood traumatic experiences on the epigenetic regulation of TRPA1 in patients with MSD. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-019-0731-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Achenbach
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
| | - Mathias Rhein
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Sara Gombert
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Fiona Meyer-Bockenkamp
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Miro Buhck
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Mirjam Eberhardt
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Leffler
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Helge Frieling
- Laboratory for Molecular Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Social Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Matthias Karst
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Pain Clinic, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, 30625, Hannover, Germany
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27
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McLennan KM, Miller AL, Dalla Costa E, Stucke D, Corke MJ, Broom DM, Leach MC. Conceptual and methodological issues relating to pain assessment in mammals: The development and utilisation of pain facial expression scales. Appl Anim Behav Sci 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.applanim.2019.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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28
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Abstract
The developmental period constitutes a critical window of sensitivity to stress. Indeed, early-life adversity increases the risk to develop psychiatric diseases, but also gastrointestinal disorders such as the irritable bowel syndrome at adulthood. In the past decade, there has been huge interest in the gut-brain axis, especially as regards stress-related emotional behaviours. Animal models of early-life adversity, in particular, maternal separation (MS) in rodents, demonstrate lasting deleterious effects on both the gut and the brain. Here, we review the effects of MS on both systems with a focus on stress-related behaviours. In addition, we discuss more recent findings showing the impact of gut-directed interventions, including nutrition with pre- and probiotics, illustrating the role played by gut microbiota in mediating the long-term effects of MS. Overall, preclinical studies suggest that nutritional approaches with pro- and prebiotics may constitute safe and efficient strategies to attenuate the effects of early-life stress on the gut-brain axis. Further research is required to understand the complex mechanisms underlying gut-brain interaction dysfunctions after early-life stress as well as to determine the beneficial impact of gut-directed strategies in a context of early-life adversity in human subjects.
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29
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Louwies T, Ligon CO, Johnson AC, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Targeting epigenetic mechanisms for chronic visceral pain: A valid approach for the development of novel therapeutics. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2019; 31:e13500. [PMID: 30393913 PMCID: PMC7924309 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2018] [Revised: 08/21/2018] [Accepted: 10/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic visceral pain is persistent pain emanating from thoracic, pelvic, or abdominal origin that is poorly localized with regard to the specific organ affected. The prevalence can range up to 25% in the adult population as chronic visceral pain is a common feature of many visceral disorders, which may or may not be accompanied by distinct structural or histological abnormalities within the visceral organs. Mounting evidence suggests that changes in epigenetic mechanisms are involved in the top-down or bottom-up sensitization of pain pathways and the development of chronic pain. Epigenetic changes can lead to long-term alterations in gene expression profiles of neurons and consequently alter functionality of peripheral neurons, dorsal root ganglia, spinal cord, and brain neurons. However, epigenetic modifications are dynamic, and thus, detrimental changes may be reversible. Hence, external factors/therapeutic interventions may be capable of modulating the epigenome and restore normal gene expression for extended periods of time. PURPOSE The goal of this review is to highlight the latest discoveries made toward understanding the epigenetic mechanisms that are involved in the development or maintenance of chronic visceral pain. Furthermore, this review will provide evidence supporting that targeting these epigenetic mechanisms may represent a novel approach to treat chronic visceral pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tijs Louwies
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - Casey O. Ligon
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | | | - Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Oklahoma City VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK USA
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30
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Lee JY, Park KS. [Gender Difference in Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders]. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY 2018; 72:163-169. [PMID: 30419641 DOI: 10.4166/kjg.2018.72.4.163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Functional gastrointestinal diseases (FGIDs) are known to be influenced more by a lowering of the quality of life, such as mental health and sleep quality, compared to organic diseases. Genetic, microbiological, molecular biological, and social environmental factors are involved in the pathophysiology of FGIDs. In particular, mental factors, such as depression and anxiety, play a major role in the development of FGIDs. The prevalence of most FGIDs is higher in women. Gender needs to be analyzed in patients with FGIDs because it can have a great influence on the onset of FGIDs. Because there are differences in the treatment response according to gender, further research in the development of therapeutic drugs considering this gender difference will be needed, and ultimately it will be possible to lower the prevalence of FGIDs and improve the quality of life of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Yup Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
| | - Kyung Sik Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Korea
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31
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Ligon C, Mohammadi E, Ge P, Hannig G, Higgins C, Greenwood-Van Meerveld B. Linaclotide inhibits colonic and urinary bladder hypersensitivity in adult female rats following unpredictable neonatal stress. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 30:e13375. [PMID: 29797376 DOI: 10.1111/nmo.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and bladder pain syndrome (BPS) are female-predominant, chronic functional pain disorders that are associated with early life stress (ELS) and therapeutic options for such patients remain limited. Linaclotide, a guanylate cyclase-C (GC-C) agonist, relieves abdominal pain and bowel symptoms in adult patients suffering from IBS with constipation. Here, we test the hypothesis that linaclotide will reverse colon and bladder hyperalgesia in a female-specific rodent model of adverse early life experience. METHODS Neonatal rats were exposed to an odor-attachment learning paradigm of early life stress (ELS). In adulthood, the effect of linaclotide (3 μg kg-1 d-1 , p.o.) on colonic and bladder sensitivity was assessed via quantification of the visceromotor response to colorectal distension and the frequency of withdrawal responses to the application of von Frey hairs to the suprapubic region. In another cohort of rats, the effect of linaclotide on ELS-induced colonic and bladder permeability was investigated via measurements of transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER). KEY RESULTS Rats exposed to unpredictable ELS exhibited colonic and bladder hypersensitivity that was significantly reduced by linaclotide compared to vehicle-treated controls. Colonic and bladder tissue isolated from adult rats exposed to unpredictable ELS exhibited a decrease in colonic and bladder TEER that was reversed by linaclotide. CONCLUSIONS AND INFERENCES Our results demonstrate that neonatal rats exposed to unpredictable ELS develop increased sensitivity and permeability of the colon and bladder in adulthood through a mechanism involving activation of peripheral GC-C signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Ligon
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - E Mohammadi
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
| | - P Ge
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - G Hannig
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - C Higgins
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - B Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA.,Department of Veterans Affairs, University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, Oklahoma City, OK, USA
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32
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Chang L, Di Lorenzo C, Farrugia G, Hamilton FA, Mawe GM, Pasricha PJ, Wiley JW. Functional Bowel Disorders: A Roadmap to Guide the Next Generation of Research. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:723-735. [PMID: 29288656 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In June 2016, the National Institutes of Health hosted a workshop on functional bowel disorders (FBDs), particularly irritable bowel syndrome, with the objective of elucidating gaps in current knowledge and recommending strategies to address these gaps. The workshop aimed to provide a roadmap to help strategically guide research efforts during the next decade. Attendees were a diverse group of internationally recognized leaders in basic and clinical FBD research. This document summarizes the results of their deliberations, including the following general conclusions and recommendations. First, the high prevalence, economic burden, and impact on quality of life associated with FBDs necessitate an urgent need for improved understanding of FBDs. Second, preclinical discoveries are at a point that they can be realistically translated into novel diagnostic tests and treatments. Third, FBDs are broadly accepted as bidirectional disorders of the brain-gut axis, differentially affecting individuals throughout life. Research must integrate each component of the brain-gut axis and the influence of biological sex, early-life stressors, and genetic and epigenetic factors in individual patients. Fourth, research priorities to improve diagnostic and management paradigms include enhancement of the provider-patient relationship, longitudinal studies to identify risk and protective factors of FBDs, identification of biomarkers and endophenotypes in symptom severity and treatment response, and incorporation of emerging "-omics" discoveries. These paradigms can be applied by well-trained clinicians who are familiar with multimodal treatments. Fifth, essential components of a successful program will include the generation of a large, validated, broadly accessible database that is rigorously phenotyped; a parallel, linkable biorepository; dedicated resources to support peer-reviewed, hypothesis-driven research; access to dedicated bioinformatics expertise; and oversight by funding agencies to review priorities, progress, and potential synergies with relevant stakeholders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin Chang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Oppenheimer Center for Neurobiology of Stress and Resilience at University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Carlo Di Lorenzo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Nationwide Children's Hospital, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Gianrico Farrugia
- Department of Physiology and Biomedical Engineering, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota
| | - Frank A Hamilton
- Division of Digestive Diseases and Nutrition, National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Gary M Mawe
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont, Burlington, Vermont
| | | | - John W Wiley
- Department Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan.
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Greenwood-Van Meerveld B, Johnson AC. Mechanisms of Stress-induced Visceral Pain. J Neurogastroenterol Motil 2018; 24:7-18. [PMID: 29291604 PMCID: PMC5753899 DOI: 10.5056/jnm17137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Evidence suggests that long-term stress facilitates visceral pain through sensitization of pain pathways and promotes chronic visceral pain disorders such as the irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This review will describe the importance of stress in exacerbating IBS-induced abdominal pain. Additionally, we will briefly review our understanding of the activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis by both chronic adult stress and following early life stress in the pathogenesis of IBS. The review will focus on the glucocorticoid receptor and corticotropin-releasing hormone-mediated mechanisms in the amygdala involved in stress-induced visceral hypersensitivity. One potential mechanism underlying persistent effects of stress on visceral sensitivity could be epigenetic modulation of gene expression. While there are relatively few studies examining epigenetically mediated mechanisms involved in stress-induced visceral nociception, alterations in DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns within the brain, have been linked to alterations in nociceptive signaling via increased expression of pro-nociceptive neurotransmitters. This review will discuss the latest studies investigating the long-term effects of stress on visceral sensitivity. Additionally, we will critically review the importance of experimental models of adult stress and early life stress in enhancing our understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms of nociceptive processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK,
USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK,
USA
- VA Medical Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK,
USA
| | - Anthony C Johnson
- VA Medical Center, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK,
USA
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Greenwood-Van Meerveld B, Johnson AC. Stress-Induced Chronic Visceral Pain of Gastrointestinal Origin. Front Syst Neurosci 2017; 11:86. [PMID: 29213232 PMCID: PMC5702626 DOI: 10.3389/fnsys.2017.00086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Visceral pain is generally poorly localized and characterized by hypersensitivity to a stimulus such as organ distension. In concert with chronic visceral pain, there is a high comorbidity with stress-related psychiatric disorders including anxiety and depression. The mechanisms linking visceral pain with these overlapping comorbidities remain to be elucidated. Evidence suggests that long term stress facilitates pain perception and sensitizes pain pathways, leading to a feed-forward cycle promoting chronic visceral pain disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Early life stress (ELS) is a risk-factor for the development of IBS, however the mechanisms responsible for the persistent effects of ELS on visceral perception in adulthood remain incompletely understood. In rodent models, stress in adult animals induced by restraint and water avoidance has been employed to investigate the mechanisms of stress-induce pain. ELS models such as maternal separation, limited nesting, or odor-shock conditioning, which attempt to model early childhood experiences such as neglect, poverty, or an abusive caregiver, can produce chronic, sexually dimorphic increases in visceral sensitivity in adulthood. Chronic visceral pain is a classic example of gene × environment interaction which results from maladaptive changes in neuronal circuitry leading to neuroplasticity and aberrant neuronal activity-induced signaling. One potential mechanism underlying the persistent effects of stress on visceral sensitivity could be epigenetic modulation of gene expression. While there are relatively few studies examining epigenetically mediated mechanisms involved in visceral nociception, stress-induced visceral pain has been linked to alterations in DNA methylation and histone acetylation patterns within the brain, leading to increased expression of pro-nociceptive neurotransmitters. This review will discuss the potential neuronal pathways and mechanisms responsible for stress-induced exacerbation of chronic visceral pain. Additionally, we will review the importance of specific experimental models of adult stress and ELS in enhancing our understanding of the basic molecular mechanisms of pain processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beverley Greenwood-Van Meerveld
- Oklahoma Center for Neuroscience, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- Department of Physiology, University of Oklahoma Health Science Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
- VA Medical Center, Oklahoma City, OK, United States
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35
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Amygdala-mediated mechanisms regulate visceral hypersensitivity in adult females following early life stress: importance of the glucocorticoid receptor and corticotropin-releasing factor. Pain 2017; 158:296-305. [PMID: 27849648 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000000759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Alterations in amygdala activity are apparent in women who report a history of early life stress (ELS) and those diagnosed with chronic pain disorders. Chronic stress in adulthood induces visceral hypersensitivity by alterations in glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) expression within the central amygdala (CeA). Here, we hypothesized that unpredictable ELS, previously shown to induce visceral hypersensitivity in adult female rats, alters GR and CRF expression in the CeA. After neonatal ELS, visceral sensitivity and GR and CRF gene expression were quantified in adult female rats. After unpredictable ELS, adult female rats exhibited visceral hypersensitivity and increased expression of GR and CRF in the CeA. After predictable ELS, adult female rats demonstrated normosensitive behavioral pain responses and upregulation of GR but not CRF in the CeA. After the ELS paradigms, visceral sensitivity and gene expression within the CeA were unaffected in adult male rats. The role of GR and CRF in modulating visceral sensitivity in adult female rats after ELS was investigated using oligodeoxynucleotide sequences targeted to the CeA for knockdown of GR or CRF. Knockdown of GR increased visceral sensitivity in all rats but revealed an exaggerated visceral hypersensitivity in females with a history of predictable or unpredictable ELS compared with that of controls. Knockdown of CRF expression or antagonism of CRF1R in the CeA attenuated visceral hypersensitivity after unpredictable ELS. This study highlights a shift in GR and CRF regulation within the CeA after ELS that underlies the development of visceral hypersensitivity in adulthood.
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O'Mahony SM, Clarke G, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Stress-Related Psychiatric Co-morbidities: Focus on Early Life Stress. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2017; 239:219-246. [PMID: 28233180 DOI: 10.1007/164_2016_128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Irritable bowel syndrome is a functional gastrointestinal disorder, with stress playing a major role in onset and exacerbation of symptoms such as abdominal pain and altered bowel movements. Stress-related disorders including anxiety and depression often precede the development of irritable bowel syndrome and vice versa. Stressor exposure during early life has the potential to increase an individual's susceptibility to both irritable bowel syndrome and psychiatric disease indicating that there may be a common origin for these disorders. Moreover, adverse early life events significantly impact upon many of the communication pathways within the brain-gut-microbiota axis, which allows bidirectional interaction between the central nervous system and the gastrointestinal tract. This axis is proposed to be perturbed in irritable bowel syndrome and studies now indicate that dysfunction of this axis is also seen in psychiatric disease. Here we review the co-morbidity of irritable bowel syndrome and psychiatric disease with their common origin in mind in relation to the impact of early life stress on the developing brain-gut-microbiota axis. We also discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting this axis in these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siobhain M O'Mahony
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland. .,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
| | - Gerard Clarke
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G Dinan
- APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,APC Microbiome Institute, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Abstract
Epidemiological studies indicate sex-related differences among functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) wherein females are more likely to receive a diagnosis than their male counterparts. However, the mechanism by which females exhibit an increased vulnerability for development of these pathophysiologies remains largely unknown, and therapeutic treatments are limited. The current chapter focuses on clinical research outlining our current knowledge of factors that contribute to the female predominance among FGID patients such as the menstrual cycle and sex hormones. In addition, we will discuss progress in preclinical research, including animal models, which serve as valuable tools for the investigation of the development and long term manifestation of symptoms observed within the patient population. Although much progress has been made, additional longitudinal studies in both clinical and preclinical research are necessary to identify more specific mechanisms underlying sex-related differences in FGIDs as well as targets for improved therapeutic approaches.
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López-Granero C, Antunes Dos Santos A, Ferrer B, Culbreth M, Chakraborty S, Barrasa A, Gulinello M, Bowman AB, Aschner M. BXD recombinant inbred strains participate in social preference, anxiety and depression behaviors along sex-differences in cytokines and tactile allodynia. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 80:92-98. [PMID: 28324704 PMCID: PMC5985819 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Depression and anxiety are the most common psychiatric disorders, representing a major public health concern. Dysregulation of oxidative and inflammatory systems may be associated with psychiatric disorders, such as depression and anxiety. Due to the need to find appropriate animal models to the understanding of such disorders, we queried whether 2 BXD recombinant inbred (RI) mice strains (BXD21/TyJ RI and BXD84/RwwJ RI mice) and C57BL/6 wild-type mice show differential performance in depression and anxiety related behaviors and biomarkers. Specifically, we assessed social preference, elevated plus maze, forced swim, and Von Frey tests at 3-4 months-of-age, as well as activation of cytokines and antioxidant mRNA levels in the cortex at 7 months-of-age. We report that (1) the BXD84/RwwJ RI strain exhibits anxiety disorder and social avoidance-like behavior (2) BXD21/TyJ RI strain shows a resistance to depression illness, and (3) sex-dependent cytokine profiles and allodynia with elevated inflammatory activity were inherent to male BXD21/TyJ RI mice. In conclusion, we provide novel data in favor of the use of BXD recombinant inbred mice to further understand anxiety and depression disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caridad López-Granero
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA; Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Campus Ciudad Escolar, 44003 Teruel, Spain.
| | | | - Beatriz Ferrer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Megan Culbreth
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Sudipta Chakraborty
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Angel Barrasa
- Departamento de Psicología y Sociología, Universidad de Zaragoza, Campus Ciudad Escolar, 44003 Teruel, Spain
| | - Maria Gulinello
- Behavioral Core Facility, Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- Departments of Pediatrics, Neurology and Biochemistry, Vanderbilt University (VU), and VU Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA.
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Pellman BA, Schuessler BP, Tellakat M, Kim JJ. Sexually Dimorphic Risk Mitigation Strategies in Rats. eNeuro 2017; 4:ENEURO.0288-16.2017. [PMID: 28197550 PMCID: PMC5292597 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0288-16.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2016] [Revised: 01/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The scientific understanding of fear and anxiety-in both normal and pathological forms-is presently limited by a predominance of studies that use male animals and Pavlovian fear conditioning-centered paradigms that restrict and assess specific behaviors (e.g., freezing) over brief sampling periods and overlook the broader contributions of the spatiotemporal context to an animal's behavioral responses to threats. Here, we use a risky "closed economy" system, in which the need to acquire food and water and the need to avoid threats are simultaneously integrated into the lives of rats, to examine sex differences in mitigating threat risk while foraging. Rats lived for an extended period (∼2 months) in enlarged chambers that consisted of a safe, bedded nest and a risky foraging area where footshocks could be delivered unpredictably. We observed that male and female rats used different strategies for responding to the threat of footshock. Whereas male rats increased the size of meals consumed to reduce the overall time spent foraging, female rats sacrificed their metabolic needs in order to avoid shocks. Ovarian hormone fluctuations were shown to exert slight but reliable rhythmic effects on risky decision-making in gonadally intact female rats. However, this did not produce significant differences in approach-avoidance trade-offs between ovariectomized and intact female groups, suggesting that male-female sex differences are not due to the activational effects of gonadal hormones but, rather, are likely to be organized during early development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake A. Pellman
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1525
| | - Bryan P. Schuessler
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1525
| | - Mohini Tellakat
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712
| | - Jeansok J. Kim
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1525
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-1525
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