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Taylor JA, Smith ZZ, Anderson ME, Holbrook EM, Elkinbard IS, Reuter JD, Lowry CA, Barth DS. Prenatal broad-spectrum cannabidiol administration prevents an autism-like phenotype in male offspring from a maternal stress/terbutaline rat model. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 40:100828. [PMID: 39170798 PMCID: PMC11337682 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Recently, the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has increased from 1 in 150 to every 1 in 36 children in the United States, warranting a need for novel prevention and therapeutic strategies. Broad-spectrum cannabidiol oil, free from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the psychoactive component of cannabis, may be one such therapeutic. It has a high safety profile and is frequently used as a complementary and integrative intervention by persons experiencing symptoms of anxiety, stress, and inflammation. Using a neurodevelopmental rat model of ASD (based on neuroinflammation induced by stress and terbutaline exposure during pre- and postnatal development), we sought to prevent the development of ASD-like behaviors in male offspring by administering broad-spectrum cannabidiol oil to dams throughout pregnancy (10 mg/kg, i.p., daily, embryonic days 3-16). To assess an ASD-like phenotype in the offspring, we used three behavioral measures relevant to three core ASD symptoms: 1) social communication (time spent vocalizing when alone); 2) repetitive behavior (marbles buried during a marble burying test); and 3) social interaction (time spent interacting with a novel conspecific during the three-chamber social interaction test). Broad-spectrum cannabidiol oil given during pregnancy decreased scores for all three ASD-related behavioral responses, resulting in an overall significant prevention of the ASD-like phenotype. These findings highlight the potential of broad-spectrum cannabidiol oil as a complementary and integrative approach for prevention of stressor-induced sequelae relevant to development of an ASD-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremy A. Taylor
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
| | - Zachariah Z. Smith
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
| | - Michael E. Anderson
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
| | - Evan M. Holbrook
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
| | - Isabella S. Elkinbard
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
| | - Jon D. Reuter
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
| | - Christopher A. Lowry
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
- Department of Integrative Physiology, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
| | - Daniel S. Barth
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO 80301, USA
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Shah RG, Salafia CM, Girardi T, Rukat C, Brunner J, Barrett ES, O'Connor TG, Misra DP, Miller RK. Maternal affective symptoms and sleep quality have sex-specific associations with placental topography. J Affect Disord 2024; 360:62-70. [PMID: 38806063 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.05.108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The impacts of prenatal maternal affective symptoms on the placental structure are not well-established. Employing Geographic Information System (GIS) spatial autocorrelation, Moran's I, can help characterize placental thickness uniformity/variability and evaluate the impacts of maternal distress on placental topography. METHODS This study (N = 126) utilized cohort data on prenatal maternal affective symptoms and placental 2D and 3D morphology. Prenatal maternal depression, stress, anxiety and sleep quality were scored for each trimester using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Stressful Life Event Scale (SLE), Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. Placental shape was divided into Voronoi cells and thickness variability among these cells was computed using Moran's I for 4-nearest neighbors and neighbors within a 10 cm radius. Sex-stratified Spearman correlations and linear regression were used to study associations between mean placental thickness, placental GIS variables, placental weight and the average score of each maternal variable. RESULTS For mothers carrying boys, poor sleep was associated with higher mean thickness (r = 0.308,p = 0.035) and lower placental thickness uniformity (r = -0.36,p = 0.012). Lower placental weight (r = 0.395,p = 0.003), higher maternal depression (r = -0.318,p = 0.019) and worry/anxiety (r = -0.362,p = 0.007) were associated with lower placental thickness uniformity for mothers carrying girls. LIMITATIONS The study is exploratory and not all GIS models were developed. Excluding high-risk pregnancies prevented investigating pregnancy complications related hypotheses. A larger sample size is needed for greater confidence for clinical application. CONCLUSIONS Placental topography can be studied using GIS theory and has shown that prenatal maternal affective symptoms and sleep have sex-specific associations with placental thickness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruchit G Shah
- Placental Analytics, LLC, New Rochelle, USA and New York State Institute for Basic Research, Staten Island, USA.
| | - Carolyn M Salafia
- Placental Analytics, LLC, New Rochelle, USA and New York State Institute for Basic Research, Staten Island, USA
| | - Theresa Girardi
- Placental Analytics, LLC, New Rochelle, USA and New York State Institute for Basic Research, Staten Island, USA
| | - Cate Rukat
- Placental Analytics, LLC, New Rochelle, USA and New York State Institute for Basic Research, Staten Island, USA
| | - Jessica Brunner
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, USA
| | - Emily S Barrett
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, Rutgers School of Public Health; Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute, Piscataway, USA
| | - Thomas G O'Connor
- Departments of Psychiatry, Obstetrics/Gynecology, Pediatrics, University of Rochester, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, USA
| | - Dawn P Misra
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Michigan State University, MI, USA
| | - Richard K Miller
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Environmental Medicine, Pathology, and Pediatrics, University of Rochester School of Medicine and Dentistry, Rochester, USA
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Cui S, Xiong W, Zhao Z, Han Y, Cui T, Qu Z, Li Z, Zhang X. Negative impact of maternal depressive symptoms on infancy neurodevelopment: a moderated mediation effect of maternal inflammation. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-024-02572-x. [PMID: 39190153 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-024-02572-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/20/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
Maternal depression promotes maternal inflammation and the risk of neurodevelopmental disorder in offspring, but the role of inflammation on the association between depression and neurodevelopment in offspring has not been extensively studied in humans. This study aims to examine the mediating role of maternal inflammation on the relationship between maternal depression and neurodevelopment in infants. 146 mother-child pairs were identified from Tianjin Maternal and Child Health Education and Service Cohort (Tianjin MCHESC). Maternal depression was investigated by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale, and depressive trajectories were identified by latent class growth analysis. Inflammatory biomarkers in the three trimesters were assessed with enzyme-linked immunoassay. The Children Neuropsychological and Behavior Scale-Revision 2016 was used to measure neurodevelopment in infants. Principal component analysis was performed to identify inflammatory condition. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis and mediation analysis were used to identify association among maternal depression, maternal inflammation and neurodevelopment in infants. Offspring in the low and moderate maternal depression groups exhibited higher adaptive behavior development quotient than those in the high maternal depression group. Higher maternal c-reactive protein level and higher inflammatory level in acute-phase of inflammation in the first trimester, and moderate maternal depression were associated with lower adaptive behavior quotients of infants. Inflammatory level in acute-phase of inflammation in the first trimester significantly mediated the association between maternal depression and adaptive behavior development of infants, with explaining 11.85% of the association. Maternal depression could impair adaptive behavior development in infants by inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanshan Cui
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Environmental Toxicology, School of Public Health, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100069, China
| | - Wenjuan Xiong
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Ziyu Zhao
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Yu Han
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Tingkai Cui
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zhiyi Qu
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Zhi Li
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Maternal, Child & Adolescence Health, School of Public Health, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300070, China.
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Martz J, Shelton MA, Langen TJ, Srinivasan S, Seney ML, Kentner AC. Peripubertal antagonism of corticotropin-releasing factor receptor 1 results in sustained, sex-specific changes in behavioral plasticity and the transcriptomic profile of the amygdala. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.08.14.607957. [PMID: 39185241 PMCID: PMC11343213 DOI: 10.1101/2024.08.14.607957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/27/2024]
Abstract
Peripuberty is a significant period of neurodevelopment with long-lasting effects on the brain and behavior. Blocking type 1 corticotropin-releasing factor receptors (CRFR1) in neonatal and peripubertal rats attenuates detrimental effects of early-life stress on neural plasticity, behavior, and stress hormone action, long after exposure to the drug has ended. CRFR1 antagonism can also impact neural and behavioral development in the absence of stressful stimuli, suggesting sustained alterations under baseline conditions. To investigate this further, we administered a CRFR1 antagonist (CRFR1a), R121919, to young adolescent male and female rats across 4 days. Following each treatment, rats were tested for locomotion, social behavior, mechanical allodynia, or PPI of the acoustic startle reflex. Acute CRFR1 blockade immediately reduced PPI in peripubertal males, but not females. In adulthood, each assay was repeated without CRFR1a exposure to test for long-term effects of the adolescent treatment, with males continuing to experience deficits in PPI, while females displayed altered locomotion, PPI, and social behavior. The amygdala was collected to measure long- term effects on gene expression in pathways related to neural plasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Relative expression of cannabinoid type 1 receptors (CB1R), which mediate sensorimotor and HPA function, was also measured. In the adult amygdala, peripubertal CRFR1a induced alterations in pathways related to neural plasticity and stress in males and lower expression of CB1R protein in females. Understanding how acute exposure to neuropharmacological agents can have sustained impacts on brain and behavior, in the absence of further exposures, has important clinical implications for adolescent psychiatric treatment protocols.
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Camacho-Morales A, Cárdenas-Tueme M. Prenatal Programming of Monocyte Chemotactic Protein-1 Signaling in Autism Susceptibility. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:6119-6134. [PMID: 38277116 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03940-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder that involves functional and structural defects in selective central nervous system (CNS) regions, harming the individual capability to process and respond to external stimuli, including impaired verbal and non-verbal communications. Etiological causes of ASD have not been fully clarified; however, prenatal activation of the innate immune system by external stimuli might infiltrate peripheral immune cells into the fetal CNS and activate cytokine secretion by microglia and astrocytes. For instance, genomic and postmortem histological analysis has identified proinflammatory gene signatures, microglia-related expressed genes, and neuroinflammatory markers in the brain during ASD diagnosis. Active neuroinflammation might also occur during the developmental stage, promoting the establishment of a defective brain connectome and increasing susceptibility to ASD after birth. While still under investigation, we tested the hypothesis whether the monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) signaling is prenatally programmed to favor peripheral immune cell infiltration and activate microglia into the fetal CNS, setting susceptibility to autism-like behavior. In this review, we will comprehensively provide the current understanding of the prenatal activation of MCP-1 signaling by external stimuli during the developmental stage as a new selective node to promote neuroinflammation, brain structural alterations, and behavioral defects associated to ASD diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Camacho-Morales
- College of Medicine, Department of Biochemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
- Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Neurometabolism Unit, Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo Leon, San Nicolás de los Garza, Monterrey, NL, Mexico.
| | - Marcela Cárdenas-Tueme
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de La Salud and The Institute for Obesity Research, 64710, Monterrey, Mexico
- Nutrition Unit, Center for Research and Development in Health Sciences, Universidad Autonoma de Nuevo Leon, 64460, Monterrey, Mexico
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Ignjatović Đ, Nestorović N, Tomić M, Ristić N, Veličković N, Perović M, Manojlović-Stojanoski M. Effects of Prenatal Dexamethasone Treatment and Post-Weaning Moderate Fructose Intake on Synaptic Plasticity and Behavior in Adult Male Wistar Rat Offspring. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:547. [PMID: 39056739 PMCID: PMC11274266 DOI: 10.3390/biology13070547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/12/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Early-life glucocorticoid overexposure induces diverse neurodevelopmental outcomes regarding stress reactivity and cognition. Increased fructose consumption has also been associated with alterations in cognitive capacity and behavior. The present study investigated the effects of prenatal dexamethasone exposure on synaptic plasticity, locomotion, anxiety, and recognition memory in adult male Wistar rat offspring, and whether these effects are potentiated by postnatal fructose consumption. Pregnant female rats were treated with dexamethasone during late gestation and male offspring were supplemented with a moderate dose of fructose. Recognition memory, locomotion, and anxiety-like behavior were assessed using a novel object recognition test, open-field test, and elevated plus maze, respectively. Hippocampal synaptic plasticity was estimated by the levels of growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43), synaptophysin, postsynaptic density protein 95, calcium/calmodulin-dependent kinase IIα, and their activating phosphorylations. Additionally, protein levels of the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and its transcriptionally active phosphorylated form were evaluated. Prenatal dexamethasone treatment induced an anxiolytic-like effect, stimulation of exploratory behavior, and novelty preference associated with an increase in GR and GAP-43 protein levels in the hippocampus. Fructose overconsumption after weaning did not modify the effects of prenatal glucocorticoid exposure. Applied prenatal dexamethasone treatment may induce changes in reactions to novel situations in male Wistar rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Đurđica Ignjatović
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.T.); (N.V.)
| | - Nataša Nestorović
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.N.); (N.R.)
| | - Mirko Tomić
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.T.); (N.V.)
| | - Nataša Ristić
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.N.); (N.R.)
| | - Nataša Veličković
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (M.T.); (N.V.)
| | - Milka Perović
- Department of Neurobiology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia;
| | - Milica Manojlović-Stojanoski
- Department of Cytology, Institute for Biological Research “Siniša Stanković”—National Institute of Republic of Serbia, University of Belgrade, 142 Despot Stefan Blvd., 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.N.); (N.R.)
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7
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Martz J, Shelton MA, Geist L, Seney ML, Kentner AC. Sex differences in offspring risk and resilience following 11β-hydroxylase antagonism in a rodent model of maternal immune activation. Neuropsychopharmacology 2024; 49:1078-1090. [PMID: 38007547 PMCID: PMC11109257 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-023-01771-5] [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: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) puts offspring at greater risk for neurodevelopmental disorders associated with impaired social behavior. While it is known that immune signaling through maternal, placental, and fetal compartments contributes to these phenotypical changes, it is unknown to what extent the stress response to illness is involved and how it can be harnessed for potential interventions. To this end, on gestational day 15, pregnant rat dams were administered the bacterial mimetic lipopolysaccharide (LPS; to induce MIA) alongside metyrapone, a clinically available 11β-hydroxylase (11βHSD) inhibitor used to treat hypercortisolism in pregnant, lactating, and neonatal populations. Maternal, placental, and fetal brain levels of corticosterone and placental 11βHSD enzymes type 1 and 2 were measured 3-hrs post treatment. Offspring social behaviors were evaluated across critical phases of development. MIA was associated with increased maternal, placental, and fetal brain corticosterone concentrations that were diminished with metyrapone exposure. Metyrapone protected against reductions in placental 11βHSD2 in males only, suggesting that less corticosterone was inactivated in female placentas. Behaviorally, metyrapone-exposure attenuated MIA-induced social disruptions in juvenile, adolescent, and adult males, while females were unaffected or performed worse. Metyrapone-exposure reversed MIA-induced transcriptional changes in monoamine-, glutamate-, and GABA-related genes in adult male ventral hippocampus, but not in females. Taken together, these findings illustrate that MIA-induced HPA responses act alongside the immune system to produce behavioral deficits. As a clinically available drug, the sex-specific benefits and constraints of metyrapone should be investigated further as a potential means of reducing neurodevelopmental risks due to gestational MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Martz
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Micah A Shelton
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Laurel Geist
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Marianne L Seney
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh, 450 Technology Drive, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219, USA
| | - Amanda C Kentner
- School of Arts & Sciences, Health Psychology Program, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA, 02115, USA.
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8
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Chen RJ, Nabila A, Gal Toth J, Stuhlmann H, Toth M. The chemokine XCL1 functions as a pregnancy hormone to program offspring innate anxiety. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:178-189. [PMID: 38428650 PMCID: PMC11044916 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.02.032] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Elevated levels of cytokines in maternal circulation increase the offspring's risk for neuropsychiatric disease. Because of their low homeostatic levels, circulating maternal cytokines during normal pregnancies have not been considered to play a role in fetal brain development and offspring behavior. Here we report that the T/NK cell chemotactic cytokine XCL1, a local paracrine immune signal, can function as a pregnancy hormone and is required for the proper development of placenta and male offspring approach-avoidance behavior. We found that circulating XCL1 levels were at a low pregestational level throughout pregnancy except for a midgestational rise and fall. Blunted elevation in maternal plasma XCL1 in dams with a genetic 5HT1A receptor deficit or following neutralization by anti-XCL1 antibodies increased the expression of tissue damage associated factors in WT fetal placenta and led to increased innate anxiety and stress reactivity in the WT male offspring. Therefore, chemokines like XCL1 may act as pregnancy hormones to regulate placenta development and offspring emotional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa J Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anika Nabila
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Judit Gal Toth
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Heidi Stuhlmann
- Cell and Developmental Biology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Miklos Toth
- Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA.
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9
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Guma E, Chakravarty MM. Immune Alterations in the Intrauterine Environment Shape Offspring Brain Development in a Sex-Specific Manner. Biol Psychiatry 2024:S0006-3223(24)01260-5. [PMID: 38679357 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to immune dysregulation in utero or in early life has been shown to increase risk for neuropsychiatric illness. The sources of inflammation can be varied, including acute exposures due to maternal infection or acute stress, or persistent exposures due to chronic stress, obesity, malnutrition, or autoimmune diseases. These exposures may cause subtle alteration in brain development, structure, and function that can become progressively magnified across the life span, potentially increasing the likelihood of developing a neuropsychiatric conditions. There is some evidence that males are more susceptible to early-life inflammatory challenges than females. In this review, we discuss the various sources of in utero or early-life immune alteration and the known effects on fetal development with a sex-specific lens. To do so, we leveraged neuroimaging, behavioral, cellular, and neurochemical findings. Gaining clarity about how the intrauterine environment affects offspring development is critically important for informing preventive and early intervention measures that may buffer against the effects of these early-life risk factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Guma
- Section on Developmental Neurogenomics, Human Genetics Branch, National Institute of Mental Health, Bethesda, Maryland; Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts.
| | - M Mallar Chakravarty
- Computational Brain Anatomy Laboratory, Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Cerebral Imaging Centre, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Biomedical Engineering, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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10
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Chan JC, Alenina N, Cunningham AM, Ramakrishnan A, Shen L, Bader M, Maze I. Serotonin Transporter-dependent Histone Serotonylation in Placenta Contributes to the Neurodevelopmental Transcriptome. J Mol Biol 2024; 436:168454. [PMID: 38266980 PMCID: PMC10957302 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmb.2024.168454] [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: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024]
Abstract
Brain development requires appropriate regulation of serotonin (5-HT) signaling from distinct tissue sources across embryogenesis. At the maternal-fetal interface, the placenta is thought to be an important contributor of offspring brain 5-HT and is critical to overall fetal health. Yet, how placental 5-HT is acquired, and the mechanisms through which 5-HT influences placental functions, are not well understood. Recently, our group identified a novel epigenetic role for 5-HT, in which 5-HT can be added to histone proteins to regulate transcription, a process called H3 serotonylation. Here, we show that H3 serotonylation undergoes dynamic regulation during placental development, corresponding to gene expression changes that are known to influence key metabolic processes. Using transgenic mice, we demonstrate that placental H3 serotonylation is dependent on 5-HT uptake by the serotonin transporter (SERT/SLC6A4). SERT deletion robustly reduces enrichment of H3 serotonylation across the placental genome, and disrupts neurodevelopmental gene networks in early embryonic brain tissues. Thus, these findings suggest a novel role for H3 serotonylation in coordinating placental transcription at the intersection of maternal physiology and offspring brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalia Alenina
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ashley M Cunningham
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Bader
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany; Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ian Maze
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.
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11
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Yeramilli V, Rizek CS, Graham J, Taylor C, Cheddadi R, Patterson S, Watts S, Martin C. Parental preconception stress in zebrafish induces long-lasting anxiety in offspring. Physiol Behav 2024; 277:114477. [PMID: 38301945 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
The growth and function of the vertebrate brain are impacted by environmental stimuli and early life stress. Adults who experience chronic stress during early life are more likely to suffer various neurodevelopmental and health issues. However, our understanding of how these specific environmental signals at different developmental stages affect brain development is poorly understood. In this study, we investigated if stress in parents prior to conception modulates neurodevelopment in offspring. We used a chronic unpredictable stress model adapted to zebrafish, which is an increasingly popular vertebrate model in neuroscience research to investigate the effects of both maternal and paternal preconception stress on offspring behavior. We evaluated the responsiveness of three anxiety-related behavioral paradigms in zebrafish: the novel tank test, thigmotaxis, and shoaling behavior. We found larvae from stressed females exhibited anxiety-like behavior in a thigmotaxis assay. As these larvae matured into adults, they continued to exhibit anxiety-like behavior in a novel tank and shoaling behavioral assay. These studies indicate preconception stress exposure in parents can induce life-long alterations in offspring neurodevelopment. Further, these results expand the hypothesis that chronically elevated glucocorticoid signaling not only in stressed mothers, but also stressed dads can affect neurodevelopment in offspring. We propose that zebrafish may be a useful model to study the transgenerational effects of chronic stress mediated via the maternal and paternal line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Yeramilli
- Dept of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, US
| | | | - Jessica Graham
- Dept of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, US
| | - Christopher Taylor
- Dept of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, US
| | - Riadh Cheddadi
- Dept of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, US
| | - Sophie Patterson
- Dept of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, US
| | - Stephen Watts
- Dept of Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, US
| | - Colin Martin
- Dept of Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO, US.
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12
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González-Rojas A, Valencia-Narbona M. Neurodevelopmental Disruptions in Children of Preeclamptic Mothers: Pathophysiological Mechanisms and Consequences. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3632. [PMID: 38612445 PMCID: PMC11012011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia (PE) is a multisystem disorder characterized by elevated blood pressure in the mother, typically occurring after 20 weeks of gestation and posing risks to both maternal and fetal health. PE causes placental changes that can affect the fetus, particularly neurodevelopment. Its key pathophysiological mechanisms encompass hypoxia, vascular and angiogenic dysregulation, inflammation, neuronal and glial alterations, and disruptions in neuronal signaling. Animal models indicate that PE is correlated with neurodevelopmental alterations and cognitive dysfunctions in offspring and in humans, an association between PE and conditions such as cerebral palsy, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and sexual dimorphism has been observed. Considering the relevance for mothers and children, we conducted a narrative literature review to describe the relationships between the pathophysiological mechanisms behind neurodevelopmental alterations in the offspring of PE mothers, along with their potential consequences. Furthermore, we emphasize aspects pertinent to the prevention/treatment of PE in pregnant mothers and alterations observed in their offspring. The present narrative review offers a current, complete, and exhaustive analysis of (i) the pathophysiological mechanisms that can affect neurodevelopment in the children of PE mothers, (ii) the relationship between PE and neurological alterations in offspring, and (iii) the prevention/treatment of PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea González-Rojas
- Laboratorio de Neurociencias Aplicadas, Escuela de Kinesiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Avenida Brasil 2950, Valparaíso 2340025, Chile;
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13
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Gumusoglu SB. The role of the placenta-brain axis in psychoneuroimmune programming. Brain Behav Immun Health 2024; 36:100735. [PMID: 38420039 PMCID: PMC10900837 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2024.100735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Gestational exposures have enduring impacts on brain and neuroimmune development and function. Perturbations of pregnancy leading to placental structure/function deficits, cell stress, immune activation, and endocrine changes (metabolic, growth factors, etc.) all increase neuropsychiatric risk in offspring. The existing literature links obstetric diseases with placental involvement to offspring neuroimmune outcomes and neurodevelopmental risk. Psychoneuroimmune outcomes in offspring brain include changes to microglia, cytokine/chemokine production, cell stress, and long-term immunoreactivity. These outcomes are altered by structural, anti-angiogenic/hypoxic, inflammatory, and metabolic diseases of the placenta. This fetal programming occurs via direct placental passage or production of factors which can act directly on fetal brain substrates, or indirectly via action of circulating factors on intermediates in the placenta. Placental neuroendocrine, vascular/angiogenic, immune, and extracellular vesicular mechanisms are detailed. These mechanisms interact within various placental and pregnancy conditions. An increased understanding of the placental origins of psychoneuroimmunology will yield dividends for human health. Identifying maternal and placental biomarkers for fetal neuroimmune health may also revolutionize early diagnosis and precision psychiatry, empowering patients to make the best healthcare decisions for their families. Targeting placental mechanisms may be a valuable approach for the prevention and mitigation of intergenerational, lifelong neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena B. Gumusoglu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, 200 Hawkins Dr. Iowa City, IA, 52327, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, USA
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14
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Kimmel MC, Verosky B, Chen HJ, Davis O, Gur TL. The Maternal Microbiome as a Map to Understanding the Impact of Prenatal Stress on Offspring Psychiatric Health. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 95:300-309. [PMID: 38042328 PMCID: PMC10884954 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Stress and psychiatric disorders have been independently associated with disruption of the maternal and offspring microbiome and with increased risk of the offspring developing psychiatric disorders, both in clinical studies and in preclinical studies. However, the role of the microbiome in mediating the effect of prenatal stress on offspring behavior is unclear. While preclinical studies have identified several key mechanisms, clinical studies focusing on mechanisms are limited. In this review, we discuss 3 specific mechanisms by which the microbiome could mediate the effects of prenatal stress: 1) altered production of short-chain fatty acids; 2) disruptions in TH17 (T helper 17) cell differentiation, leading to maternal and fetal immune activation; and 3) perturbation of intestinal and microbial tryptophan metabolism and serotonergic signaling. Finally, we review the existing clinical literature focusing on these mechanisms and highlight the need for additional mechanistic clinical research to better understand the role of the microbiome in the context of prenatal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary C Kimmel
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.
| | - Branden Verosky
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Helen J Chen
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
| | - Olivia Davis
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Tamar L Gur
- Ohio State University College of Medicine, Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio
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15
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Li Y, Yao G, Wang R, Zhu J, Li H, Yang D, Ma S, Fu Y, Liu C, Guan S. Maternal immune activation mediated prenatal chronic stress induces Th17/Treg cell imbalance may relate to the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in offspring rats. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111308. [PMID: 38061121 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA), defined as elevated levels of inflammatory markers beyond the normal range, can occur due to psychological stress, infection, and other disruptions during pregnancy. MIA affects the immune system development in offspring and increases the risk of immune-related disorders. Limited studies have investigated the effects of prenatal stress on offspring's immune system. In this study, pregnant rats were exposed to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) during pregnancy, involving seven different stressors. We examined the impact of prenatal stress stimuli on the offspring's immune system and observed activation of the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, resulting in an imbalance of Th17/Treg cells in the offspring's spleen. Our findings revealed increased plasma levels of corticosterone, IL-1β, and IL-6 in female rats exposed to prenatal stress, as well as elevated serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the offspring. Furthermore, we identified a correlation between cytokine levels in female rats and their offspring. Transcriptome sequencing and qPCR experiments indicated differentially expressed mRNAs in offspring exposed to prenatal stress, which may contribute to the imbalance of Th17/Treg cells through the activation of the Gng3-related PI3K/Akt/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Li
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Guixiang Yao
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Rui Wang
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Jiashu Zhu
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Hongyu Li
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Deguang Yang
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Shuqin Ma
- General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Youjuan Fu
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Can Liu
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China
| | - Suzhen Guan
- School of Public Health, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, China; Key Laboratory of Environmental Factors and Chronic Disease Control, Yinchuan 750004, China.
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16
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Chen HJ, Galley JD, Verosky BG, Yang FT, Rajasekera TA, Bailey MT, Gur TL. Fetal CCL2 signaling mediates offspring social behavior and recapitulates effects of prenatal stress. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:308-318. [PMID: 37914098 PMCID: PMC10872760 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.10.032] [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: 04/09/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress during pregnancy is prevalent and associated with increased risk of neurodevelopmental disorders in the offspring. Maternal and offspring immune dysfunction has been implicated as a potential mechanism by which prenatal stress shapes offspring neurodevelopment; however, the impact of prenatal stress on the developing immune system has yet to be elucidated. Furthermore, there is evidence that the chemokine C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) plays a key role in mediating the behavioral sequelae of prenatal stress. Here, we use an established model of prenatal restraint stress in mice to investigate alterations in the fetal immune system, with a focus on CCL2. In the placenta, stress led to a reduction in CCL2 and Ccr2 expression with a concomitant decrease in leukocyte number. However, the fetal liver exhibited an inflammatory phenotype, with upregulation of Ccl2, Il6, and Lbp expression, along with an increase in pro-inflammatory Ly6CHi monocytes. Prenatal stress also disrupted chemokine signaling and increased the number of monocytes and microglia in the fetal brain. Furthermore, stress increased Il1b expression by fetal brain CD11b+ microglia and monocytes. Finally, intra-amniotic injections of recombinant mouse CCL2 partially recapitulated the social behavioral deficits in the adult offspring previously observed in the prenatal restraint stress model. Altogether, these data suggest that prenatal stress led to fetal inflammation, and that fetal CCL2 plays a role in shaping offspring social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen J Chen
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Jeffrey D Galley
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Branden G Verosky
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Felix T Yang
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Therese A Rajasekera
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Michael T Bailey
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Center for Microbial Pathogenesis, The Research Institute, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, United States; Biosciences Division, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Pediatrics, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Tamar L Gur
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, OH, United States; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus OH, United States.
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17
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Chan JC, Alenina N, Cunningham AM, Ramakrishnan A, Shen L, Bader M, Maze I. Serotonin transporter-dependent histone serotonylation in placenta contributes to the neurodevelopmental transcriptome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.11.14.567020. [PMID: 38014301 PMCID: PMC10680709 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.14.567020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Brain development requires appropriate regulation of serotonin (5-HT) signaling from distinct tissue sources across embryogenesis. At the maternal-fetal interface, the placenta is thought to be an important contributor of offspring brain 5-HT and is critical to overall fetal health. Yet, how placental 5-HT is acquired, and the mechanisms through which 5-HT influences placental functions, are not well understood. Recently, our group identified a novel epigenetic role for 5-HT, in which 5-HT can be added to histone proteins to regulate transcription, a process called H3 serotonylation. Here, we show that H3 serotonylation undergoes dynamic regulation during placental development, corresponding to gene expression changes that are known to influence key metabolic processes. Using transgenic mice, we demonstrate that placental H3 serotonylation largely depends on 5-HT uptake by the serotonin transporter (SERT/SLC6A4). SERT deletion robustly reduces enrichment of H3 serotonylation across the placental genome, and disrupts neurodevelopmental gene networks in early embryonic brain tissues. Thus, these findings suggest a novel role for H3 serotonylation in coordinating placental transcription at the intersection of maternal physiology and offspring brain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Chan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Natalia Alenina
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ashley M Cunningham
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Aarthi Ramakrishnan
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Li Shen
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael Bader
- Max-Delbrück-Center for Molecular Medicine (MDC), Berlin, Germany
- DZHK (German Center for Cardiovascular Research), Partner Site Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Institute for Biology, University of Lübeck, Germany
| | - Ian Maze
- Nash Family Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
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18
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Jagtap A, Jagtap B, Jagtap R, Lamture Y, Gomase K. Effects of Prenatal Stress on Behavior, Cognition, and Psychopathology: A Comprehensive Review. Cureus 2023; 15:e47044. [PMID: 38022302 PMCID: PMC10643752 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.47044] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal stress is increasingly recognized as a significant factor impacting an individual's life from the beginning. This comprehensive review explores the intricate relationship between prenatal stress and its effects on behaviour, cognition, and psychopathology. Key findings reveal that prenatal stress can lead to a wide range of adverse outcomes in offspring, including neurodevelopmental disorders, emotional dysregulation, cognitive deficits, mood disorders, and an increased risk of psychopathological conditions. These effects' mechanisms involve epigenetic modifications, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation, neurodevelopmental alterations, inflammatory processes, and changes in brain structure and function. Moreover, moderating factors such as maternal stress levels, maternal mental health, socioeconomic status, social support, and early-life adversity can significantly influence the impact of prenatal stress. The review also discusses intervention and prevention strategies, emphasizing the importance of prenatal stress reduction programs, maternal mental health support, nutritional interventions, and targeted early interventions for at-risk populations. These findings have substantial implications for public health and clinical practice, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to prenatal care that prioritizes maternal well-being and mitigates the lasting effects of prenatal stress. Addressing this critical issue promises healthier generations and stronger communities in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aniket Jagtap
- Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
| | - Balasaheb Jagtap
- Medical Intern, Annasaheb Chaudaman Patil Memorial Medical College, Dhule, IND
| | - Rajlaxmi Jagtap
- Medical Student, Bharti Vidyapeeth Deemed University, Sangali, IND
| | - Yashwant Lamture
- Surgery, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, wardha, IND
| | - Kavita Gomase
- Obstetric and Gynecological Nursing, Srimati Radhikabai Meghe Memorial College of Nursing, Datta Meghe Institute of Higher Education and Research, Wardha, IND
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19
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Jeong DS, Lee JY, Kim MH, Oh JH. Regulation of sexually dimorphic placental adaptation in LPS exposure-induced intrauterine growth restriction. Mol Med 2023; 29:114. [PMID: 37718409 PMCID: PMC10506314 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00688-5] [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: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual dimorphism in placental physiology affects the functionality of placental adaptation during adverse pregnancy. Defects of placental function compromise fetal programming, affecting the offspring's adult life. However, studies focusing on the relationship between sex-specific placental adaptation and consequent fetal maldevelopment under sub-optimal uterus milieu are still elusive. METHODS Here, we investigated the effects of maternal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure between placental sex. Pregnant ICR mice received intraperitoneal injection of phosphate-buffered saline or 100, 200, and 400 µg/kg LPS on the gestational day (GD) 15.5. To determine whether prenatal maternal LPS exposure resulted in complicated pregnancy outcomes, survival rate of embryos was calculated and the growth of embryos and placentas was examined. To elucidate global transcriptomic changes occurring in the placenta, total RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) was performed in female and male placentas. RESULTS LPS administration induced placental inflammation in both sexes at GD 17.5. Prenatal infection resulted in growth retardation in both sexes of embryos, and especially more prevalently in male. Impaired placental development was observed in a sex-specific manner. LPS 400 µg/kg reduced the percentage area of the labyrinth in females and junctional zone in males, respectively. RNA-sequencing revealed widespread sexually dimorphic transcriptional changes in placenta. In particular, representative changes were involved in biological processes such as trophoblast differentiation, nutrient/ion transporter, pregnancy, and immune system. CONCLUSIONS Our results present the sexually dimorphic responses of placental physiology in intrauterine growth restriction model and provide tentative relationship further to be elucidated between sex-biased placental functional change and long-term effects on the offspring's later life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Da Som Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
- Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Yeon Lee
- Vivozon, Inc, Kolon Digital Tower3, 49, Achasan-ro, Seongdong-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Myoung Hee Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Embryology Laboratory, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, 03722, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ji Hoon Oh
- Department of Biological Sciences, Keimyung University College of Natural Sciences, Daegu, 42601, Republic of Korea.
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20
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Gonzalez VJ, Li L, Buarpung S, Prahl M, Robinson JF, Gaw SL. Minimal mRNA uptake and inflammatory response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental explants. iScience 2023; 26:107549. [PMID: 37664582 PMCID: PMC10470080 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite universal recommendations for COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in pregnancy, uptake has been lower than desired. There have been limited studies of the direct impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental tissue. Using a primary human placental explants model, we investigated the uptake of two common mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech or mRNA-1273 Moderna), and whether exposure altered villous cytokine responses. Explants derived from second or third trimester chorionic villi were incubated with vaccines at supraphysiologic concentrations and analyzed at two time points. We observed minimal uptake of mRNA vaccines in placental explants by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. No specific or global cytokine response was elicited by either of the mRNA vaccines in multiplexed immunoassays. Our results suggest that the human placenta does not readily absorb the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines nor generate a significant inflammatory response after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica J. Gonzalez
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Lin Li
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
| | - Mary Prahl
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94110, USA
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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21
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Baines KJ, West RC. Sex differences in innate and adaptive immunity impact fetal, placental, and maternal health†. Biol Reprod 2023; 109:256-270. [PMID: 37418168 DOI: 10.1093/biolre/ioad072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The differences between males and females begin shortly after birth, continue throughout prenatal development, and eventually extend into childhood and adult life. Male embryos and fetuses prioritize proliferation and growth, often at the expense of the fetoplacental energy reserves. This singular focus on growth over adaptability leaves male fetuses and neonates vulnerable to adverse outcomes during pregnancy and birth and can have lasting impacts throughout life. Beyond this prioritization of growth, male placentas and fetuses also respond to infection and inflammation differently than female counterparts. Pregnancies carrying female fetuses have a more regulatory immune response, whereas pregnancies carrying male fetuses have a stronger inflammatory response. These differences can be seen as early as the innate immune response with differences in cytokine and chemokine signaling. The sexual dimorphism in immunity then continues into the adaptive immune response with differences in T-cell biology and antibody production and transfer. As it appears that these sex-specific differences are amplified in pathologic pregnancies, it stands to reason that differences in the placental, fetal, and maternal immune responses in pregnancy contribute to increased male perinatal morbidity and mortality. In this review, we will describe the genetic and hormonal contributions to the sexual dimorphism of fetal and placental immunity. We will also discuss current research efforts to describe the sex-specific differences of the maternal-fetal interface and how it impacts fetal and maternal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly J Baines
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
| | - Rachel C West
- Anatomy, Physiology, Pharmacology Department, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
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Mondal A, Sharma R, Abiha U, Ahmad F, Karan A, Jayaraj RL, Sundar V. A Spectrum of Solutions: Unveiling Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Manage Autism Spectrum Disorder. MEDICINA (KAUNAS, LITHUANIA) 2023; 59:1584. [PMID: 37763703 PMCID: PMC10536417 DOI: 10.3390/medicina59091584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes difficulty while socializing and communicating and the performance of stereotyped behavior. ASD is thought to have a variety of causes when accompanied by genetic disorders and environmental variables together, resulting in abnormalities in the brain. A steep rise in ASD has been seen regardless of the numerous behavioral and pharmaceutical therapeutic techniques. Therefore, using complementary and alternative therapies to treat autism could be very significant. Thus, this review is completely focused on non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions which include different diets, supplements, antioxidants, hormones, vitamins and minerals to manage ASD. Additionally, we also focus on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, herbal remedies, camel milk and cannabiodiol. Additionally, we concentrate on how palatable phytonutrients provide a fresh glimmer of hope in this situation. Moreover, in addition to phytochemicals/nutraceuticals, it also focuses on various microbiomes, i.e., gut, oral, and vaginal. Therefore, the current comprehensive review opens a new avenue for managing autistic patients through non-pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arunima Mondal
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Ghudda 151401, India
| | - Rashi Sharma
- Department of Biotechnology, Delhi Technological University, Bawana, Delhi 110042, India
| | - Umme Abiha
- IDRP, Indian Institute of Technology, Jodhpur 342030, India
- All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Jodhpur 342005, India
| | - Faizan Ahmad
- Department of Medical Elementology and Toxicology, Jamia Hamdard University, Delhi 110062, India
| | | | - Richard L. Jayaraj
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Vaishnavi Sundar
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
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Wu Y, Vasung L, Calixto C, Gholipour A, Karimi D. Characterizing normal perinatal development of the human brain structural connectivity. ARXIV 2023:arXiv:2308.11836v1. [PMID: 37664406 PMCID: PMC10473780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Early brain development is characterized by the formation of a highly organized structural connectome. The interconnected nature of this connectome underlies the brain's cognitive abilities and influences its response to diseases and environmental factors. Hence, quantitative assessment of structural connectivity in the perinatal stage is useful for studying normal and abnormal neurodevelopment. However, estimation of the connectome from diffusion MRI data involves complex computations. For the perinatal period, these computations are further challenged by the rapid brain development and imaging difficulties. Combined with high inter-subject variability, these factors make it difficult to chart the normal development of the structural connectome. As a result, there is a lack of reliable normative baselines of structural connectivity metrics at this critical stage in brain development. In this study, we developed a computational framework, based on spatio-temporal averaging, for determining such baselines. We used this framework to analyze the structural connectivity between 33 and 44 postmenstrual weeks using data from 166 subjects. Our results unveiled clear and strong trends in the development of structural connectivity in perinatal stage. Connection weighting based on fractional anisotropy and neurite density produced the most consistent results. We observed increases in global and local efficiency, a decrease in characteristic path length, and widespread strengthening of the connections within and across brain lobes and hemispheres. We also observed asymmetry patterns that were consistent between different connection weighting approaches. The new computational method and results are useful for assessing normal and abnormal development of the structural connectome early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Wu
- Computational Radiology Laboratory (CRL), Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Lana Vasung
- Department of Pediatrics at Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Camilo Calixto
- Computational Radiology Laboratory (CRL), Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Ali Gholipour
- Computational Radiology Laboratory (CRL), Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, USA
| | - Davood Karimi
- Computational Radiology Laboratory (CRL), Department of Radiology, Boston Children’s Hospital, and Harvard Medical School, USA
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Bhaumik S, Lockett J, Cuffe J, Clifton VL. Glucocorticoids and Their Receptor Isoforms: Roles in Female Reproduction, Pregnancy, and Foetal Development. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1104. [PMID: 37626990 PMCID: PMC10452123 DOI: 10.3390/biology12081104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Alterations in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and associated changes in circulating levels of glucocorticoids are integral to an organism's response to stressful stimuli. Glucocorticoids acting via glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) play a role in fertility, reproduction, placental function, and foetal development. GRs are ubiquitously expressed throughout the female reproductive system and regulate normal reproductive function. Stress-induced glucocorticoids have been shown to inhibit reproduction and affect female gonadal function by suppressing the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis at each level. Furthermore, during pregnancy, a mother's exposure to prenatal stress or external glucocorticoids can result in long-lasting alterations to the foetal HPA and neuroendocrine function. Several GR isoforms generated via alternative splicing or translation initiation from the GR gene have been identified in the mammalian ovary and uterus. The GR isoforms identified include the splice variants, GRα and GRβ, and GRγ and GR-P. Glucocorticoids can exert both stimulatory and inhibitory effects and both pro- and anti-inflammatory functions in the ovary, in vitro. In the placenta, thirteen GR isoforms have been identified in humans, guinea pigs, sheep, rats, and mice, indicating they are conserved across species and may be important in mediating a differential response to stress. Distinctive responses to glucocorticoids, differential birth outcomes in pregnancy complications, and sex-based variations in the response to stress could all potentially be dependent on a particular GR expression pattern. This comprehensive review provides an overview of the structure and function of the GR in relation to female fertility and reproduction and discusses the changes in the GR and glucocorticoid signalling during pregnancy. To generate this overview, an extensive non-systematic literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with a focus on original research articles, meta-analyses, and previous review papers addressing the subject. This review integrates the current understanding of GR variants and their roles in glucocorticoid signalling, reproduction, placental function, and foetal growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sreeparna Bhaumik
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
| | - Jack Lockett
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
- Department of Diabetes and Endocrinology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Metro South Health, Brisbane 4102, Australia
| | - James Cuffe
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia;
| | - Vicki L. Clifton
- Mater Research Institute, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane 4067, Australia; (S.B.); (J.L.)
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Takahashi N, Nishimura T, Harada T, Okumura A, Iwabuchi T, Rahman MS, Kuwabara H, Takagai S, Usui N, Makinodan M, Matsuzaki H, Ozaki N, Itoh H, Nomura Y, Newcorn JH, Tsuchiya KJ. Interaction of genetic liability for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and perinatal inflammation contributes to ADHD symptoms in children. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100630. [PMID: 37251547 PMCID: PMC10213186 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Genetic and environmental factors contribute to the development of Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Perinatal inflammation is one of the promising environmental risk factors for ADHD, but the relationship between the genetic risk for ADHD and perinatal inflammation requires further examination. Methods A possible gene-environmental interaction between perinatal inflammation and ADHD polygenic risk score (ADHD-PRS) on ADHD symptoms was investigated in children aged 8-9 from the Hamamatsu Birth Cohort for Mothers and Children (N = 531). Perinatal inflammation was evaluated by the level of concentration of three cytokines assayed in umbilical cord blood. The genetic risk for ADHD was assessed by calculating ADHD-PRS for each individual using a previously collected genome-wide association study of ADHD. Results Perinatal inflammation (β [SE], 0.263 [0.017]; P < 0.001), ADHD-PRS (β [SE], 0.116[0.042]; P = 0.006), and an interaction between the two (β [SE], 0.031[0.011]; P = 0.010) were associated with ADHD symptoms. The association between perinatal inflammation and ADHD symptoms measured by ADHD-PRS was evident only in the two higher genetic risk groups (β [SE], 0.623[0.122]; P < 0.001 for the medium-high risk group; β [SE], 0.664[0.152]; P < 0.001 for the high-risk group). Conclusion Inflammation in the perinatal period both directly elevated ADHD symptoms and magnified the impact of genetic vulnerability on ADHD risk particularly among children aged 8-9 with genetically higher risk for ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nagahide Takahashi
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Tomoko Nishimura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Taeko Harada
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Akemi Okumura
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Toshiki Iwabuchi
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Md Shafiur Rahman
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Kuwabara
- Department of Psychiatry, Saitama University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Shu Takagai
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Noriyoshi Usui
- Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Japan
| | | | - Hideo Matsuzaki
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, University of Fukui, Japan
| | - Norio Ozaki
- Pathophysiology of Mental Disorders, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Itoh
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Yoko Nomura
- Queens College and Graduate Center, City University of New York, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jeffrey H. Newcorn
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kenji J. Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Japan
- United Graduate School of Child Development, Osaka University, Kanazawa University, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Chiba University and University of Fukui, Japan
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Gibson B, Goodfriend E, Zhong Y, Melhem NM. Fetal inflammatory response and risk for psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:224. [PMID: 37355708 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02505-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/01/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation contributes to numerous neuropsychiatric disorders, especially those that first appear in childhood. Maternal intrauterine environment, including the placenta, has a role in brain development and risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. This study examines the link between fetal inflammatory syndrome (FIRS), which is placental inflammation in the peri-partem period, and neuropsychiatric disorders during childhood.This is a retrospective cohort study using data from electronic medical records over a 19-year period at one women's hospital. The study includes 4851 children born with placentas meeting criteria for and 31,927 controls identified with normal placentas born during the same period. To be diagnosed with FIRS placenta must contain chorionic vasculitis and/or funisitis. Children had to be in study period for at least 5 years. The primary outcome of the study is incidence of neuropsychiatric disorders during childhood. The secondary outcomes were psychiatric medications prescribed, and psychiatric hospitalizations and treatment. Children born to placentas meeting criteria for FIRS were more likely to be diagnosed with neuropsychiatric disorders (OR = 1.21, CI 95% [1.09,1.35]). Specifically, they were more likely to be diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (OR = 1.35, CI 95% [1.08, 1.67]), ADHD (OR = 1.27, CI 95% [1.07, 1.49]), conduct disorder (OR = 1.50, CI 95% [1.24, 1.81]), PTSD (OR = 2.46. CI 95% [1.21, 5.04]), adjusting for maternal history of psychiatric disorders, intra-partem substance use, and prescriptions of anti-inflammatory drugs. Children born with placental inflammation are at an increased risk to develop neuropsychiatric disorders. This has profound implications for future research, and early detection, monitoring, and treatment in these children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake Gibson
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Eli Goodfriend
- University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yongqi Zhong
- The Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nadine M Melhem
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Yeramilli V, Cheddadi R, Shah J, Brawner K, Martin C. A Review of the Impact of Maternal Prenatal Stress on Offspring Microbiota and Metabolites. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13040535. [PMID: 37110193 PMCID: PMC10142778 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13040535] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal prenatal stress exposure affects the development of offspring. We searched for articles in the PubMed database and reviewed the evidence for how prenatal stress alters the composition of the microbiome, the production of microbial-derived metabolites, and regulates microbiome-induced behavioral changes in the offspring. The gut-brain signaling axis has gained considerable attention in recent years and provides insights into the microbial dysfunction in several metabolic disorders. Here, we reviewed evidence from human studies and animal models to discuss how maternal stress can modulate the offspring microbiome. We will discuss how probiotic supplementation has a profound effect on the stress response, the production of short chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and how psychobiotics are emerging as novel therapeutic targets. Finally, we highlight the potential molecular mechanisms by which the effects of stress are transmitted to the offspring and discuss how the mitigation of early-life stress as a risk factor can improve the birth outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Venkata Yeramilli
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Riadh Cheddadi
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
| | - Juhi Shah
- Burnett School of Medicine, Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, TX 76129, USA
| | - Kyle Brawner
- Department of Biology, Lipscomb University, Nashville, TN 37204, USA
| | - Colin Martin
- Division of Pediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA
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28
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Zierden HC, Marx-Rattner R, Rock KD, Montgomery KR, Anastasiadis P, Folts L, Bale TL. Extracellular vesicles are dynamic regulators of maternal glucose homeostasis during pregnancy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4568. [PMID: 36941297 PMCID: PMC10027885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31425-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Homeostatic regulation of the maternal milieu during pregnancy is critical for maternal and fetal health. The placenta facilitates critical communication between maternal and fetal compartments, in part, through the production of extracellular vesicles (EVs). EVs enable tissue synchrony via cell-cell and long-distance communication and are at their highest circulating concentration during pregnancy. While much work has been done investigating how physiological challenges in pregnancy affect the fetus, the role of placental communication in maternal health has not been well examined. We previously identified placental O-glycosyl transferase (OGT), a glucose-sensing enzyme, as a target of maternal stress where OGT levels and activity affected the O-glycosylation of proteins critical for EV cargo loading and secretion. Here, we hypothesized that placental OGT plays an essential role in maternal homeostatic regulation during pregnancy via its regulation of maternal circulating EV concentrations. Our studies found that changes to key metabolic factors over the circadian cycle, including glucocorticoids, insulin, and glucose, were significantly associated with changes in circulating EV concentration. Targeting placental OGT in mice, we found a novel significant positive relationship between placental OGT and maternal circulating EV concentration that was associated with improving maternal glucose tolerance during pregnancy. Finally, an intravenous elevation in EVs, matching the concentration of EVs during pregnancy, shifted non-pregnant female glucose sensitivity, blunted glucose variance, and improved synchrony of glucose uptake. These data suggest an important and novel role for circulating EVs as homeostatic regulators important in maternal health during pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah C Zierden
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20740, USA
| | - Ruth Marx-Rattner
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Kylie D Rock
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, 27695, USA
| | - Kristen R Montgomery
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Pavlos Anastasiadis
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Lillian Folts
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Tracy L Bale
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Center for Epigenetic Research in Child Health and Brain Development, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- The Anschutz Foundation Endowed Chair in Women's Integrated Mental and Physical Health Research at the Ludeman Center, Aurora, CO, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, CU Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Avenue, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
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Dong Y, Weng J, Zhu Y, Sun D, He W, Chen Q, Cheng J, Zhu Y, Jiang Y. Transcriptomic profiling of the developing brain revealed cell-type and brain-region specificity in a mouse model of prenatal stress. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:86. [PMID: 36829105 PMCID: PMC9951484 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09186-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prenatal stress (PS) is considered as a risk factor for many mental disorders. PS-induced transcriptomic alterations may contribute to the functional dysregulation during brain development. Here, we used RNA-seq to explore changes of gene expression in the mouse fetal brain after prenatal exposure to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). RESULTS We compared the stressed brains to the controls and identified groups of significantly differentially expressed genes (DEGs). GO analysis on up-regulated DEGs revealed enrichment for the cell cycle pathways, while down-regulated DEGs were mostly enriched in the neuronal pathways related to synaptic transmission. We further performed cell-type enrichment analysis using published scRNA-seq data from the fetal mouse brain and revealed cell-type-specificity for up- and down-regulated DEGs, respectively. The up-regulated DEGs were highly enriched in the radial glia, while down-regulated DEGs were enriched in different types of neurons. Cell deconvolution analysis further showed altered cell fractions in the stressed brain, indicating accumulation of neuroblast and impaired neurogenesis. Moreover, we also observed distinct brain-region expression pattern when mapping DEGs onto the developing Allen brain atlas. The up-regulated DEGs were primarily enriched in the dorsal forebrain regions including the cortical plate and hippocampal formation. Surprisingly, down-regulated DEGs were found excluded from the cortical region, but highly expressed on various regions in the ventral forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. CONCLUSION Taken together, we provided an unbiased data source for transcriptomic alterations of the whole fetal brain after chronic PS, and reported differential cell-type and brain-region vulnerability of the developing brain in response to environmental insults during the pregnancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhao Dong
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Weng
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Yueyan Zhu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Daijing Sun
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Wei He
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Qi Chen
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Jin Cheng
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Zhu
- grid.8547.e0000 0001 0125 2443Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Jiang
- Institutes of Brain Science, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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30
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Lopes NA, Ambeskovic M, King SE, Faraji J, Soltanpour N, Falkenberg EA, Scheidl T, Patel M, Fang X, Metz GAS, Olson DM. Environmental Enrichment Promotes Transgenerational Programming of Uterine Inflammatory and Stress Markers Comparable to Gestational Chronic Variable Stress. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043734. [PMID: 36835144 PMCID: PMC9962069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Revised: 02/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prenatal maternal stress is linked to adverse pregnancy and infant outcomes, including shortened gestation lengths, low birth weights, cardio-metabolic dysfunction, and cognitive and behavioural problems. Stress disrupts the homeostatic milieu of pregnancy by altering inflammatory and neuroendocrine mediators. These stress-induced phenotypic changes can be passed on to the offspring epigenetically. We investigated the effects of gestational chronic variable stress (CVS) in rats using restraint and social isolation stress in the parental F0 generation and its transgenerational transmission across three generations of female offspring (F1-F3). A subset of F1 rats was housed in an enriched environment (EE) to mitigate the adverse effects of CVS. We found that CVS is transmitted across generations and induces inflammatory changes in the uterus. CVS did not alter any gestational lengths or birth weights. However, inflammatory and endocrine markers changed in the uterine tissues of stressed mothers and their offspring, suggesting that stress is transgenerationally transmitted. The F2 offspring reared in EE had increased birth weights, but their uterine gene expression patterns remained comparable to those of stressed animals. Thus, ancestral CVS induced changes transgenerationally in fetal programming of uterine stress markers over three generations of offspring, and EE housing did not mitigate these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nayara A. Lopes
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mirela Ambeskovic
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Stephanie E. King
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Jamshid Faraji
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Nasrin Soltanpour
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Erin A. Falkenberg
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Taylor Scheidl
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Mansi Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
| | - Xin Fang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
| | - Gerlinde A. S. Metz
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.A.S.M.); (D.M.O.); Tel.: +1-403-394-3992 (G.A.S.M.); +1-780-492-8559 (D.M.O.)
| | - David M. Olson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Lethbridge, Lethbridge, AB T1K 3M4, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2R3, Canada
- Correspondence: (G.A.S.M.); (D.M.O.); Tel.: +1-403-394-3992 (G.A.S.M.); +1-780-492-8559 (D.M.O.)
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Gonzalez V, Li L, Buarpung S, Prahl M, Robinson JF, Gaw SL. Minimal mRNA uptake and inflammatory response to COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental explants. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.01.23285349. [PMID: 36778281 PMCID: PMC9915836 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.01.23285349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite universal recommendations for COVID-19 mRNA vaccination in pregnancy, uptake has been lower than desired. There have been limited studies of the direct impact of COVID-19 mRNA vaccine exposure in human placental tissue. Using a primary human villous explant model, we investigated the uptake of two common mRNA vaccines (BNT162b2 Pfizer-BioNTech or mRNA-1273 Moderna), and whether exposure altered villous cytokine responses. Explants derived from second or third trimester chorionic villi were incubated with vaccines at supraphysiologic concentrations and analyzed at two time points. We observed minimal uptake of mRNA vaccines in placental explants by in situ hybridization and quantitative RT-PCR. No specific or global cytokine response was elicited by either of the mRNA vaccines in multiplexed immunoassays. Our results suggest that the human placenta does not readily absorb the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines nor generate a significant inflammatory response after exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gonzalez
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Lin Li
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
- These authors contributed equally to this work
| | - Sirirak Buarpung
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
| | - Mary Prahl
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Global Health, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Francisco, California 94110, USA
| | - Joshua F. Robinson
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
| | - Stephanie L. Gaw
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94158, USA
- Center for Reproductive Sciences, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, California 94143, USA
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Microbiota-immune-brain interactions: A lifespan perspective. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 78:102652. [PMID: 36463579 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
There is growing appreciation of key roles of the gut microbiota in maintaining homeostasis and influencing brain and behaviour at critical windows across the lifespan. Mounting evidence suggests that communication between the gut and the brain could be the key to understanding multiple neuropsychiatric disorders, with the immune system coming to the forefront as an important mechanistic mediator. Throughout the lifespan, the immune system exchanges continuous reciprocal signals with the central nervous system. Intestinal microbial cues alter immune mediators with consequences for host neurophysiology and behaviour. Several factors challenge the gut microbiota composition, which in response release molecules with neuro- and immuno-active potential that are crucial for adequate neuro-immune interactions. In this review, multiple factors contributing to the upkeep of the fine balance between health and disease of these systems are discussed, and we elucidate the potential mechanistic implications for the gut microbiota inputs on host brain and behaviour across the lifespan.
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Channer B, Matt SM, Nickoloff-Bybel EA, Pappa V, Agarwal Y, Wickman J, Gaskill PJ. Dopamine, Immunity, and Disease. Pharmacol Rev 2023; 75:62-158. [PMID: 36757901 PMCID: PMC9832385 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.122.000618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The neurotransmitter dopamine is a key factor in central nervous system (CNS) function, regulating many processes including reward, movement, and cognition. Dopamine also regulates critical functions in peripheral organs, such as blood pressure, renal activity, and intestinal motility. Beyond these functions, a growing body of evidence indicates that dopamine is an important immunoregulatory factor. Most types of immune cells express dopamine receptors and other dopaminergic proteins, and many immune cells take up, produce, store, and/or release dopamine, suggesting that dopaminergic immunomodulation is important for immune function. Targeting these pathways could be a promising avenue for the treatment of inflammation and disease, but despite increasing research in this area, data on the specific effects of dopamine on many immune cells and disease processes remain inconsistent and poorly understood. Therefore, this review integrates the current knowledge of the role of dopamine in immune cell function and inflammatory signaling across systems. We also discuss the current understanding of dopaminergic regulation of immune signaling in the CNS and peripheral tissues, highlighting the role of dopaminergic immunomodulation in diseases such as Parkinson's disease, several neuropsychiatric conditions, neurologic human immunodeficiency virus, inflammatory bowel disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and others. Careful consideration is given to the influence of experimental design on results, and we note a number of areas in need of further research. Overall, this review integrates our knowledge of dopaminergic immunology at the cellular, tissue, and disease level and prompts the development of therapeutics and strategies targeted toward ameliorating disease through dopaminergic regulation of immunity. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Canonically, dopamine is recognized as a neurotransmitter involved in the regulation of movement, cognition, and reward. However, dopamine also acts as an immune modulator in the central nervous system and periphery. This review comprehensively assesses the current knowledge of dopaminergic immunomodulation and the role of dopamine in disease pathogenesis at the cellular and tissue level. This will provide broad access to this information across fields, identify areas in need of further investigation, and drive the development of dopaminergic therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Breana Channer
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Stephanie M Matt
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Emily A Nickoloff-Bybel
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Vasiliki Pappa
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Yash Agarwal
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Jason Wickman
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
| | - Peter J Gaskill
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (B.C., S.M.M., E.A.N-B., Y.A., J.W., P.J.G.); and The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (V.P.)
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Dong J, Chen W, Liu N, Chang S, Zhu W, Kang J. NRG1 knockdown rescues PV interneuron GABAergic maturation deficits and schizophrenia behaviors in fetal growth restriction mice. Cell Death Dis 2022; 8:476. [PMID: 36460658 PMCID: PMC9718849 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-022-01271-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a highly debilitating mental disorder, those who experienced fetal growth restriction (FGR) in the early stage of life have a greater probability of schizophrenia. In this study, FGR mice showed hyperactivity in locomotor activity test, sociability dysfunction in three chamber test and nesting social behavior tests, cognition decline in Morris water maze and impaired sensory motor gating function in prepulse inhibition test. Mechanistic studies indicated that the number of parvalbumin (PV) interneuron was significantly reduced in FGR mouse media prefrontal cortex (mPFC). And the mRNA and protein level of neuregulin 1(NRG1), which is a critical schizophrenia gene, increased significantly in FGR mouse mPFC. Furthermore, NRG1 knockdown in FGR mouse mPFC improved PV interneuron GABAergic maturation and rescued schizophrenia behaviors including hyperactivity, social novelty defects, cognition decline, and sensorimotor gating deficits in FGR mice. This study indicates that mPFC NRG1 upregulation is one of the main causes of FGR-induced schizophrenia, which leads to significant reduction of PV interneuron number in mPFC. NRG1 knockdown in mPFC significantly rescues schizophrenia behaviors in FGR mouse. This study thus provides a potential effective therapy target or strategy for schizophrenia patients induced by FGR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Dong
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen Chen
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Nana Liu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shujuan Chang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Zhu
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiuhong Kang
- grid.24516.340000000123704535Clinical and Translational Research Center of Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Signaling and Disease Research, Frontier Science Center for Stem Cell Research, National Stem Cell Translational Resource Center, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Institute for Advanced Study, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Kwok J, Hall HA, Murray AL, Lombardo MV, Auyeung B. Maternal infections during pregnancy and child cognitive outcomes. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:848. [PMCID: PMC9670450 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-05188-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Maternal prenatal infections have been linked to children’s neurodevelopment and cognitive outcomes. It remains unclear, however, whether infections occurring during specific vulnerable gestational periods can affect children’s cognitive outcomes. The study aimed to examine maternal infections in each trimester of pregnancy and associations with children’s developmental and intelligence quotients. The ALSPAC birth cohort was used to investigate associations between maternal infections in pregnancy and child cognitive outcomes.
Methods
Infection data from mothers and cognition data from children were included with the final study sample size comprising 7,410 mother-child participants. Regression analysis was used to examine links between maternal infections occurring at each trimester of pregnancy and children’s cognition at 18 months, 4 years, and 8 years.
Results
Infections in the third trimester were significantly associated with decreased verbal IQ at age 4 (p < .05, adjusted R2 = 0.004); decreased verbal IQ (p < .01, adjusted R2 = 0.001), performance IQ (p < .01, adjusted R2 = 0.0008), and total IQ at age 8 (p < .01, adjusted R2 = 0.001).
Conclusion
Results suggest that maternal infections in the third trimester could have a latent effect on cognitive development, only emerging when cognitive load increases over time, though magnitude of effect appears to be small. Performance IQ may be more vulnerable to trimester-specific exposure to maternal infection as compared to verbal IQ. Future research could include examining potential mediating mechanisms on childhood cognition, such as possible moderating effects of early childhood environmental factors, and if effects persist in future cognitive outcomes.
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Durbagula S, Korlimarla A, Ravikumar G, Valiya Parambath S, Kaku SM, Visweswariah AM. Prenatal epigenetic factors are predisposing for neurodevelopmental disorders—Considering placenta as a model. Birth Defects Res 2022; 114:1324-1342. [DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.2119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Srividhya Durbagula
- St. John's Medical College Bangalore India
- St. John's Research Institute Bangalore India
| | - Aruna Korlimarla
- St. John's Research Institute Bangalore India
- Department of Research Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Center Bangalore India
| | | | - Snijesh Valiya Parambath
- St. John's Medical College Bangalore India
- Department of Molecular Medicine St. John's Research Institute Bangalore India
| | - Sowmyashree Mayur Kaku
- St. John's Medical College Bangalore India
- Centre for Advanced Research and Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders (CARE ADD) St. John's Research Institute Bangalore India
| | - Ashok Mysore Visweswariah
- St. John's Medical College Bangalore India
- Centre for Advanced Research and Excellence in Autism and Developmental Disorders (CARE ADD) St. John's Research Institute Bangalore India
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37
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Granata L, Gildawie KR, Ismail N, Brenhouse HC, Kopec AM. Immune signaling as a node of interaction between systems that sex-specifically develop during puberty and adolescence. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2022; 57:101143. [PMID: 35933922 PMCID: PMC9357835 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2022.101143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescence is pivotal for neural and behavioral development across species. During this period, maturation occurs in several biological systems, the most well-recognized being activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis marking pubertal onset. Increasing comparative studies of sex differences have enriched our understanding of systems integration during neurodevelopment. In recent years, immune signaling has emerged as a key node of interaction between a variety of biological signaling processes. Herein, we review the age- and sex-specific changes that occur in neural, hypothalamic-pituitary, and microbiome systems during adolescence. We then describe how immune signaling interacts with these systems, and review recent preclinical evidence indicating that immune signaling may play a central role in integrating changes in their typical and atypical development during adolescence. Finally, we discuss the translational relevance of these preclinical studies to human health and wellness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Granata
- Northeastern University, 125 Nightingale Hall, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Kelsea R Gildawie
- Tufts University Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, 200 Westboro Rd. North Grafton, MA 01536, USA.
| | - Nafissa Ismail
- University of Ottawa, 136 Jean-Jacques Lussier, Vanier Hall 2076A, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5 Canada.
| | | | - Ashley M Kopec
- Albany Medical College, 43 New Scotland Ave., Albany, NY 12208, USA.
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38
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Zhao C, Biondic S, Vandal K, Björklund ÅK, Hagemann-Jensen M, Sommer TM, Canizo J, Clark S, Raymond P, Zenklusen DR, Rivron N, Reik W, Petropoulos S. Single-cell multi-omics of human preimplantation embryos shows susceptibility to glucocorticoids. Genome Res 2022; 32:1627-1641. [PMID: 35948369 PMCID: PMC9528977 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276665.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The preconceptual, intrauterine, and early life environments can have a profound and long-lasting impact on the developmental trajectories and health outcomes of the offspring. Given the relatively low success rates of assisted reproductive technologies (ART; ∼25%), additives and adjuvants, such as glucocorticoids, are used to improve the success rate. Considering the dynamic developmental events that occur during this window, these exposures may alter blastocyst formation at a molecular level, and as such, affect not only the viability of the embryo and the ability of the blastocyst to implant, but also the developmental trajectory of the first three cell lineages, ultimately influencing the physiology of the embryo. In this study, we present a comprehensive single-cell transcriptome, methylome, and small RNA atlas in the day 7 human embryo. We show that, despite no change in morphology and developmental features, preimplantation glucocorticoid exposure reprograms the molecular profile of the trophectoderm (TE) lineage, and these changes are associated with an altered metabolic and inflammatory response. Our data also suggest that glucocorticoids can precociously mature the TE sublineages, supported by the presence of extravillous trophoblast markers in the polar sublineage and presence of X Chromosome dosage compensation. Further, we have elucidated that epigenetic regulation-DNA methylation and microRNAs (miRNAs)-likely underlies the transcriptional changes observed. This study suggests that exposures to exogenous compounds during preimplantation may unintentionally reprogram the human embryo, possibly leading to suboptimal development and longer-term health outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Zhao
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Savana Biondic
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, H2X 0A9 Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Katherine Vandal
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, H2X 0A9 Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Åsa K Björklund
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, SE-752 37 Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Theresa Maria Sommer
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Jesica Canizo
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, H2X 0A9 Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Stephen Clark
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
| | - Pascal Raymond
- Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Daniel R Zenklusen
- Département de Biochimie et Médecine Moléculaire, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
| | - Nicolas Rivron
- Institute of Molecular Biotechnology of the Austrian Academy of Sciences (IMBA), Vienna BioCenter (VBC), 1030 Vienna, Austria
| | - Wolf Reik
- Epigenetics Programme, Babraham Institute, Cambridge CB22 3AT, United Kingdom
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge CB10 1RQ, United Kingdom
- Center for Trophoblast Research, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, United Kingdom
| | - Sophie Petropoulos
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Institutet, 14186 Stockholm, Sweden
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l'Université de Montréal, Axe Immunopathologie, H2X 0A9 Montréal, Canada
- Département de Médecine, Université de Montréal, H3T 1J4 Montréal, Canada
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Denizli M, Capitano ML, Kua KL. Maternal obesity and the impact of associated early-life inflammation on long-term health of offspring. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022; 12:940937. [PMID: 36189369 PMCID: PMC9523142 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2022.940937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of obesity is increasingly common in the United States, with ~25% of women of reproductive age being overweight or obese. Metaflammation, a chronic low grade inflammatory state caused by altered metabolism, is often present in pregnancies complicated by obesity. As a result, the fetuses of mothers who are obese are exposed to an in-utero environment that has altered nutrients and cytokines. Notably, both human and preclinical studies have shown that children born to mothers with obesity have higher risks of developing chronic illnesses affecting various organ systems. In this review, the authors sought to present the role of cytokines and inflammation during healthy pregnancy and determine how maternal obesity changes the inflammatory landscape of the mother, leading to fetal reprogramming. Next, the negative long-term impact on offspring’s health in numerous disease contexts, including offspring’s risk of developing neuropsychiatric disorders (autism, attention deficit and hyperactive disorder), metabolic diseases (obesity, type 2 diabetes), atopy, and malignancies will be discussed along with the potential of altered immune/inflammatory status in offspring as a contributor of these diseases. Finally, the authors will list critical knowledge gaps in the field of developmental programming of health and diseases in the context of offspring of mothers with obesity, particularly the understudied role of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Denizli
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, United States
| | - Maegan L. Capitano
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, United States
| | - Kok Lim Kua
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatal-Perinatal Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis IN, United States
- *Correspondence: Kok Lim Kua,
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Gumusoglu SB, Maurer SV, Stevens HE. Dataset describing maternal prenatal restraint stress effects on immune factors in mice. Data Brief 2022; 43:108348. [PMID: 35707242 PMCID: PMC9189994 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2022.108348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune dysregulation, caused by gestational psychological stress, infection, and other perturbations, results in altered offspring neurodevelopment and increases risk for psychiatric disorders. Prior work has found that multiple cytokines play critical roles in shaping offspring neurodevelopment after gestational stress, though how maternal psychological stress impacts maternal, placental, and fetal cytokine levels more broadly remains unclear. The purpose of the present study was to assess changes to IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A, IFNγ, and TNFα in a widely-used mouse prenatal restraint stress model. After repetitive restraint stress on gestational days 12-14, stressed dams had increased serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-10. Embryonic day 14 IL-2 and IL-1β levels were decreased in prenatally stressed male fetal forebrain, while placental IL-2 was decreased by stress regardless of offspring sex. Placental and fetal forebrain IL-2 levels were negatively correlated. These data provide important insights into the immune changes that occur with prenatal restraint stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Banu Gumusoglu
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
| | - Sara Victoria Maurer
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
| | - Hanna Elizabeth Stevens
- Interdisciplinary Graduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Iowa Neuroscience Institute, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, 200 Hawkins Dr., Iowa City, IA 52242 USA
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Musana J, Cohen CR, Kuppermann M, Gerona R, Wanyoro A, Aguilar D, Santos N, Temmerman M, Weiss SJ. Obstetric risk in pregnancy interacts with hair cortisone levels to reduce gestational length. Front Glob Womens Health 2022; 3:878538. [PMID: 35936818 PMCID: PMC9354598 DOI: 10.3389/fgwh.2022.878538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal psychological stress has been linked to preterm birth. However, the differential contribution of psychological stress versus stress hormones is not clear. Studies focus primarily on perceived stress and cortisol, with few assessing its inter-convertible hormone cortisone. Furthermore, little is known about the potential moderating roles of obstetric risk and fetal sex in the relationship between maternal stress and gestational length. This gap in knowledge is particularly evident for rural women who typically experience chronic multiple stressors during pregnancy. We explored the relationship of hormonal and psychological stress to gestational length and the effects of obstetric risks and fetal sex on this relationship among Kenyan pregnant women. Methods The sample included 130 women recruited between 22 to 28 weeks gestation. They completed a clinical and sociodemographic questionnaire together with the Perceived Stress Scale and provided a hair sample for cortisol and cortisone assay. Women underwent an ultrasound to assess weeks of gestation. At delivery, their pregnancy-related health problems were identified using information extracted from medical records to compile each woman's number of pregnancy risks on the Obstetric Medical Risk Index (OMRI). Results Perceived stress and hair cortisol were not significant predictors of gestational length. However, a greater number of obstetric risks on the OMRI was associated with shorter gestational length. This effect was further explained by the interaction between obstetric risk and hair cortisone (B = 0.709, p = 0.02). Hair cortisone levels of mothers who had a shorter gestation were significantly higher in mothers with 2 or more risks on the OMRI but not among mothers with only one or no risks (t = 2.39, p = 0.02). Fetal sex had no relationship to gestational length and also had no moderating effect on the relationship between any stress-related metric and gestational length. Conclusion Cortisone levels may increase in anticipation of shorter gestation as a compensatory response to increased obstetric risk. Elevated cortisone may be a more sensitive marker of risk for early delivery than cortisol or psychological stress, with salience for both the male and female fetus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Musana
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
- *Correspondence: Joseph Musana
| | - Craig R. Cohen
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Miriam Kuppermann
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Roy Gerona
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Anthony Wanyoro
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kenyatta University, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - David Aguilar
- Clinical Toxicology and Environmental Biomonitoring Lab, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Santos
- Institute for Global Health Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Marleen Temmerman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Sandra J. Weiss
- Department of Community Health Systems, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
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Reemst K, Ruigrok SR, Bleker L, Naninck EFG, Ernst T, Kotah JM, Lucassen PJ, Roseboom TJ, Pollux BJA, de Rooij SR, Korosi A. Sex-dependence and comorbidities of the early-life adversity induced mental and metabolic disease risks: Where are we at? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2022; 138:104627. [PMID: 35339483 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2022.104627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Early-life adversity (ELA) is a major risk factor for developing later-life mental and metabolic disorders. However, if and to what extent ELA contributes to the comorbidity and sex-dependent prevalence/presentation of these disorders remains unclear. We here comprehensively review and integrate human and rodent ELA (pre- and postnatal) studies examining mental or metabolic health in both sexes and discuss the role of the placenta and maternal milk, key in transferring maternal effects to the offspring. We conclude that ELA impacts mental and metabolic health with sex-specific presentations that depend on timing of exposure, and that human and rodent studies largely converge in their findings. ELA is more often reported to impact cognitive and externalizing domains in males, internalizing behaviors in both sexes and concerning the metabolic dimension, adiposity in females and insulin sensitivity in males. Thus, ELA seems to be involved in the origin of the comorbidity and sex-specific prevalence/presentation of some of the most common disorders in our society. Therefore, ELA-induced disease states deserve specific preventive and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Reemst
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Silvie R Ruigrok
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Laura Bleker
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Eva F G Naninck
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tiffany Ernst
- Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Experimental Zoology &Evolutionary Biology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janssen M Kotah
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J Lucassen
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Centre for Urban Mental Health, University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Tessa J Roseboom
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J A Pollux
- Wageningen University, Department of Animal Sciences, Experimental Zoology &Evolutionary Biology Group, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Susanne R de Rooij
- Amsterdam University Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Epidemiology and Data Science, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- University of Amsterdam, Swammerdam Institute of Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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The long-term impact of elevated C-reactive protein levels during pregnancy on brain morphology in late childhood. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 103:63-72. [PMID: 35378231 PMCID: PMC9149104 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Animal studies show that Maternal Immune Activation (MIA) may have detrimental effects on fetal brain development. Clinical studies provide evidence for structural brain abnormalities in human neonates following MIA, but no study has investigated the long-term effects of MIA (as measured with biomarkers) on human brain morphology ten years after the exposure. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to evaluate the long-term impact of MIA on brain morphology in 10-year-old children, including the possible mediating role of gestational age at birth. DESIGN We leveraged data from Generation R, a large-scale prospective pregnancy cohort study. Pregnant women were included between 2002 and 2006, and their children were invited to participate in the MRI study between 2013 and 2015. To be included, mother-child dyads had to have data on maternal C-reactive protein levels during gestation and a good quality MRI-scan of the child's brain at age 10 years. Of the 3,992 children scanned, a total of 2,053 10-year-old children were included in this study. EXPOSURE Maternal C-reactive protein was measured in the first 18 weeks of gestation. For the analyses we used both a continuous approach as well as a categorical approach based on clinical cut-offs to determine if there was a dose-response relationship. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES High-resolution MRI brain morphology measures were used as the primary outcome. Gestational age at birth, established using ultrasound, was included as a mediator using a causal mediation analysis. Corrections were made for relevant confounders and multiple comparisons. Biological sex was investigated as moderator. RESULTS We found a direct association between continuous MIA and lower cerebellar volume. In girls, we demonstrated a negative indirect association between continuous MIA and total brain volume, through the mediator gestational age at birth. We observed no associations with categorical MIA after multiple testing correction. CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE Our results suggest sex-specific long-term effects in brain morphology after MIA. Categorical analyses suggest that this association might be driven by acute infections or other sources of severe inflammation, which is of clinical relevance given that the COVID-19 pandemic is currently affecting millions of pregnant women worldwide.
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Zimmermann P, Antonelli MC, Sharma R, Müller A, Zelgert C, Fabre B, Wenzel N, Wu HT, Frasch MG, Lobmaier SM. Prenatal stress perturbs fetal iron homeostasis in a sex specific manner. Sci Rep 2022; 12:9341. [PMID: 35662279 PMCID: PMC9167276 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-13633-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The adverse effects of maternal prenatal stress (PS) on child's neurodevelopment warrant the establishment of biomarkers that enable early interventional therapeutic strategies. We performed a prospective matched double cohort study screening 2000 pregnant women in third trimester with Cohen Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10) questionnaire; 164 participants were recruited and classified as stressed and control group (SG, CG). Fetal cord blood iron parameters of 107 patients were measured at birth. Transabdominal electrocardiograms-based Fetal Stress Index (FSI) was derived. We investigated sex contribution to group differences and conducted causal inference analyses to assess the total effect of PS exposure on iron homeostasis using a directed acyclic graph (DAG) approach. Differences are reported for p < 0.05 unless noted otherwise. Transferrin saturation was lower in male stressed neonates. The minimum adjustment set of the DAG to estimate the total effect of PS exposure on fetal ferritin iron biomarkers consisted of maternal age and socioeconomic status: SG revealed a 15% decrease in fetal ferritin compared with CG. Mean FSI was higher among SG than among CG. FSI-based timely detection of fetuses affected by PS can support early individualized iron supplementation and neurodevelopmental follow-up to prevent long-term sequelae due to PS-exacerbated impairment of the iron homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Zimmermann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Marta C Antonelli
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Instituto de Biología Celular y Neurociencias "Prof. E. De Robertis," Facultad de Medicina, UBA, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ritika Sharma
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- Helmholtz Zentrum Munich, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Alexander Müller
- Innere Medizin I, Department of Cardiology, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Camilla Zelgert
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Bibiana Fabre
- Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Instituto de Fisiopatología y Bioquímica Clínica (INFIBIOC), Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Natasha Wenzel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Hau-Tieng Wu
- Department of Mathematics, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Mathematics Division, National Center for Theoretical Sciences, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Martin G Frasch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Center on Human Development and Disability (CHDD), University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Silvia M Lobmaier
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany.
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De Asis-Cruz J, Andescavage N, Limperopoulos C. Adverse Prenatal Exposures and Fetal Brain Development: Insights From Advanced Fetal Magnetic Resonance Imaging. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2022; 7:480-490. [PMID: 34848383 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2021.11.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Converging evidence from clinical and preclinical studies suggests that fetal vulnerability to adverse prenatal exposures increases the risk for neuropsychiatric diseases such as autism spectrum disorder, schizophrenia, and depression. Recent advances in fetal magnetic resonance imaging have allowed us to characterize typical fetal brain growth trajectories in vivo and to interrogate structural and functional alterations associated with intrauterine exposures, such as maternal stress, environmental toxins, drugs, and obesity. Here, we review proposed mechanisms for how prenatal influences disrupt neurodevelopment, including the role played by maternal and fetal inflammatory responses. We summarize insights from magnetic resonance imaging research in fetuses, highlight recent discoveries in normative fetal development using quantitative magnetic resonance imaging techniques (i.e., three-dimensional volumetry, proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy, placental diffusion imaging, and functional imaging), and discuss how baseline trajectories are shaped by prenatal exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josepheen De Asis-Cruz
- Developing Brain Institute, Department of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Nickie Andescavage
- Developing Brain Institute, Department of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC; Department of Neonatology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC
| | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Department of Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC.
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Namba MD, Phillips MN, Neisewander JL, Olive MF. Nuclear factor kappa B signaling within the rat nucleus accumbens core sex-dependently regulates cue-induced cocaine seeking and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 102:252-265. [PMID: 35259426 PMCID: PMC9116481 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic drug self-administration and withdrawal are associated with distinct neuroimmune adaptations that may increase drug craving and relapse vulnerability in humans. The nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway is a critical regulator of many immune- and addiction-related genes such as the extracellular matrix enzyme matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), which is a known modulator of learning, memory, and synaptic plasticity. While some studies suggest striatal NF-κB signaling may regulate drug-conditioned behavior, no studies to date have examined whether NF-κB signaling within the nucleus accumbens core (NAc core) alters downstream neuroimmune function and cue-motivated cocaine seeking following a period of forced abstinence, whether any effects are specific to cocaine over other reinforcers, or whether sex differences exist. Here, we examined whether viral-mediated knockdown of the p65 subunit of NF-κB within the NAc core would alter MMP-9 expression and cue-induced cocaine- and sucrose-seeking behavior following a period of forced abstinence in male and female rats. We demonstrate that NAc core p65 knockdown results in a significant decrease in cue-induced cocaine seeking in males but not females. This effect was specific to cocaine, as p65 knockdown did not significantly affect cue-induced sucrose seeking in either males or females. Moreover, we demonstrate that males express higher levels of MMP-9 within the NAc core and nucleus accumbens shell (NAcSh) compared to females, and that p65 knockdown significantly decreases MMP-9 in the NAc core of males but not females among cocaine cue-exposed animals. Altogether, these results suggest that NAc core NF-κB signaling exerts modulatory control over cue-motivated drug-seeking behavior and downstream neuroimmune function in a sex-specific manner. These findings highlight the need to consider sex as an important biological variable when examining immunomodulatory mechanisms of cocaine seeking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark D Namba
- School of Life Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
| | - Megan N Phillips
- School of Life Science, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | | | - M Foster Olive
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
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47
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The maternal-placental-fetal interface: Adaptations of the HPA axis and immune mediators following maternal stress and prenatal alcohol exposure. Exp Neurol 2022; 355:114121. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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48
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Buthmann J, Huang D, Casaccia P, O’Neill S, Nomura Y, Liu J. Prenatal Exposure to a Climate-Related Disaster Results in Changes of the Placental Transcriptome and Infant Temperament. Front Genet 2022; 13:887619. [PMID: 35571026 PMCID: PMC9099074 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.887619] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal stress during pregnancy exerts long-term effects on the mental well-being of the offspring. However, the long-term effect of prenatal exposure on the offspring's mental status is only partially understood. The placenta plays a vital role in connecting the maternal side to the fetus, thereby serving as an important interface between maternal exposure and fetal development. Here, we profiled the placental transcriptome of women who were pregnant during a hurricane (Superstorm Sandy), which struck New York City in 2012. The offspring were followed longitudinally and their temperament was assessed during the first 6-12 months of age. The data identified a significant correlation between a Superstorm Sandy stress factor score and infant temperament. Further, analysis of the placental transcriptomes identified an enrichment of functional pathways related to inflammation, extracellular matrix integrity and sensory perception in the specimen from those infants with "Slow-to-Warm-up" temperament during the first year of life. Together, these findings provide initial evidence that maternal exposure to climate-related disasters results in altered placental transcriptome, which may be related to long-term emotional and behavioral consequences in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Buthmann
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Dennis Huang
- The Graduate Center at the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Patrizia Casaccia
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, Neuroscience Initiative, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Sarah O’Neill
- The Graduate Center at the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States,The City College of New York at the City University of New York, New York, NY, United States
| | - Yoko Nomura
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, Neuroscience Initiative, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States,Department of Psychology, Queens College, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Jia Liu, ; Yoko Nomura,
| | - Jia Liu
- Advanced Science Research Center at the Graduate Center, Neuroscience Initiative, City University of New York, New York, NY, United States,*Correspondence: Jia Liu, ; Yoko Nomura,
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49
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Amici F, Röder S, Kiess W, Borte M, Zenclussen AC, Widdig A, Herberth G. Maternal stress, child behavior and the promotive role of older siblings. BMC Public Health 2022; 22:863. [PMID: 35488325 PMCID: PMC9055772 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13261-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the first years of their lives, children develop the cognitive, social and emotional skills that will provide the foundations for their lifelong health and achievements. To increase their life prospects and reduce the long-term effects of early aversive conditions, it is therefore crucial to understand the risk factors that negatively affect child development and the factors that are instead beneficial. In this study, we tested (i) the effects of different social and environmental stressors on maternal stress levels, (ii) the dynamic relationship between maternal stress and child behavior problems during development, and (iii) the potential promotive (i.e. main) or protective (i.e. buffering) effect of siblings on child behavior problems during development. METHODS We used longitudinal data from 373 mother-child pairs (188 daughters, 185 sons) from pregnancy until 10 years of age. We assessed maternal stress and child behavior problems (internalizing and externalizing) with validated questionnaires, and then used linear mixed models, generalized linear mixed models and longitudinal cross-lagged models to analyze the data. RESULTS Our results showed that higher maternal stress levels were predicted by socio-environmental stressors (i.e. the lack of sufficient social areas in the neighborhood). Moreover, prenatal maternal stress reliably predicted the occurrence of behavior problems during childhood. Finally, the presence of older siblings had a promotive function, by reducing the likelihood that children developed externalizing problems. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results confirm the negative effects that maternal stress during pregnancy may have on the offspring, and suggest an important main effect of older siblings in promoting a positive child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Amici
- Department of Comparative Cultural Psychology, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, Deutscher Platz 6, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
- Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Stefan Röder
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Wieland Kiess
- Department of Women and Child Health, Center of Paediatric Research (CPL), Hospital for Children and Adolescents, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
- Leipzig Research Centre for Civilization Diseases (LIFE), Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Michael Borte
- Children's Hospital, Municipal Hospital "St. Georg", Academic Teaching Hospital of the University of Leipzig, 04129, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Ana C Zenclussen
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Anja Widdig
- Behavioural Ecology Research Group, Institute of Biology, University of Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- German Centre for Integrative Biodiversity Research (iDiv) Halle-Jena-Leipzig, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
- Department of Human Behaviour, Ecology and Culture, Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Gunda Herberth
- Department of Environmental Immunology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Leipzig, Germany
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50
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Guo H, Liu R, He J, Yao W, Zheng W. Heat Stress Modulates a Placental Immune Response Associated With Alterations in the Development of the Fetal Intestine and Its Innate Immune System in Late Pregnant Mouse. Front Physiol 2022; 13:841149. [PMID: 35444558 PMCID: PMC9014288 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.841149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The placenta is critical for the regulation of fetal innate immune function. Maternal heat stress (HS) impairs the immune function and the intestinal barrier in the offspring. However, the effects of maternal HS on the placental immune response and the development of the fetal intestine and its innate immune system remain unclear. Fetal mice were divided into the utero control (IUTN) and heat stress (IUHS) groups according to the maternal ambient temperature. Transcriptome analysis revealed that the expressions of placental immune response–related genes such as macrophage antigen CD68 and Fc gamma receptors 1 and 3 (fcgγ1 and fcgγ3) were increased, but the mRNA expression and protein levels of colony-stimulating factor-1 (Csf1) were decreased in the HS group compared with the TN group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, there was no significant difference in the intestinal length normalized to pup weight between the IUTN and IUHS groups. The expression of genes (such as alpi and ttr) involved in fetal duodenum and jejunum development was downregulated by maternal HS, whereas the expression of genes enriched in the cell cycle was increased. The mRNA expression and protein levels of cell division cycle 6 (Cdc6) in the fetal duodenum and jejunum were much higher in the IUHS group than in the IUTN group (p < 0.05). Maternal HS also down-regulated the expression of genes enriched in the innate immune system in the fetal duodenum and jejunum. The mRNA expression and protein levels of interleukin 1 alpha (IL1a) were reduced in the IUHS group compared with the IUTN group (p < 0.05). Taken together, these data demonstrated that maternal HS modulated the expression of genes in the placenta related to the immune response and inhibited the development of the fetal intestine and its innate immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiduo Guo
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- College of Biotechnology, Jiangsu University of Science and Technology, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Riliang Liu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianwen He
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Clinical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Wen Yao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- Key Lab of Animal Physiology and Biochemistry, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Weijiang Zheng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Weijiang Zheng,
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