1
|
Aberizk K, Addington JM, Bearden CE, Cadenhead KS, Cannon TD, Cornblatt BA, Keshavan M, Mathalon DH, Perkins DO, Stone WS, Tsuang MT, Woods SW, Walker EF, Ku BS. Relations of Lifetime Perceived Stress and Basal Cortisol With Hippocampal Volume Among Healthy Adolescents and Those at Clinical High Risk for Psychosis: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 96:401-411. [PMID: 38092185 PMCID: PMC11166888 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2023.11.027] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hippocampal volume (HV) is sensitive to environmental influences. Under normative conditions in humans, HV increases linearly into childhood and asymptotes in early adulthood. Studies of humans and nonhuman animals have provided evidence of inverse relationships between several measures of stress and HV. METHODS Using structural equation modeling, this study aimed to characterize the relationships of age, basal cortisol, biological sex, and lifetime perceived stress with bilateral HV in a sample of healthy adolescents and adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis (CHR-P) (N = 571, 43% female; age range = 12-19.9 years). This sample included 469 individuals at CHR-P and 102 healthy comparison participants from the combined baseline cohorts of the second and third NAPLS (North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study). RESULTS A structural model that constrained the individual effects of basal cortisol and perceived stress to single path coefficients, and freely estimated the effects of age and biological sex in group models, optimized model fit and parsimony relative to other candidate models. Significant inverse relationships between basal cortisol and bilateral HV were observed in adolescents at CHR-P and healthy comparison participants. Significant sex differences in bilateral HV were also observed, with females demonstrating smaller HV than males in both groups. CONCLUSIONS Multigroup structural equation modeling revealed heterogeneity in the relationships of age and biological sex with basal cortisol, lifetime perceived stress, and bilateral HV in individuals at CHR-P and healthy comparison participants. Moreover, the findings support previous literature indicating that elevated basal cortisol is a nonspecific risk factor for reduced HV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katrina Aberizk
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Jean M Addington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carrie E Bearden
- Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Tyrone D Cannon
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | | | - Matcheri Keshavan
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel H Mathalon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Diana O Perkins
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - William S Stone
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ming T Tsuang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, California
| | - Scott W Woods
- Departments of Psychology and Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut
| | - Elaine F Walker
- Department of Psychology, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia
| | - Benson S Ku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Alves J, Dos Santos APB, Vieira ADS, Martini APR, de Lima RMS, Smaniotto TÂ, de Moraes RO, Gomes RF, Acerbi GCDA, de Assis EZB, Lampert C, Dalmaz C, Couto Pereira NDS. Coping with the experience of frustration throughout life: Sex- and age-specific effects of early life stress on the susceptibility to reward devaluation. Neuroscience 2024; 553:160-171. [PMID: 38960089 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.06.020] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Early life stress may lead to lifelong impairments in psychophysiological functions, including emotional and reward systems. Unpredicted decrease in reward magnitude generates a negative emotional state (frustration) that may be involved with susceptibility to psychiatric disorders. We evaluated, in adolescents and adult rats of both sexes, whether maternal separation (MS) alters the ability to cope with an unexpected reduction of reward later in life. Litters of Wistar rats were divided into controls (non handled - NH) or subjected to MS. Animals were trained to find sugary cereal pellets; later the amount was reduced. Increased latency to reach the reward-associated area indicates higher inability to regulate frustration. The dorsal hippocampus (dHC) and basolateral amygdala (BLA) were evaluated for protein levels of NMDA receptor subunits (GluN2A/GluN2B), synaptophysin, PSD95, SNAP-25 and CRF1. We found that adult MS males had greater vulnerability to reward reduction, together with decreased GluN2A and increased GluN2B immunocontent in the dHC. MS females and adolescents did not differ from controls. We concluded that MS enhances the response to frustration in adult males. The change in the ratio of GluN2A and GluN2B subunits in dHC could be related to a stronger, more difficult to update memory of the aversive experience.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joelma Alves
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Bosquetti Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Aline Dos Santos Vieira
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Rodrigues Martini
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Randriely Merscher Sobreira de Lima
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Thiago Ângelo Smaniotto
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Rafael Oliveira de Moraes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Roger Ferreira Gomes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Giulia Conde de Albite Acerbi
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo Z B de Assis
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carine Lampert
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Carla Dalmaz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Natividade de Sá Couto Pereira
- Psychological Neuroscience Laboratory, Psychology Research Centre (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
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.
Collapse
|
4
|
Cattaneo A, Begni V, Zonca V, Riva MA. Early life adversities, psychopathologies and novel pharmacological strategies. Pharmacol Ther 2024; 260:108686. [PMID: 38969307 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2024.108686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to adversities during early life stages (early life adversities - ELA), ranging from pregnancy to adolescence, represents a major risk factor for the vulnerability to mental disorders. Hence, it is important to understand the molecular and functional underpinning of such relationship, in order to develop strategies aimed at reducing the psychopathologic burden associated with ELA, which may eventually lead to a significant improvement in clinical practice. In this review, we will initially recapitulate clinical and preclinical evidence supporting the link between ELA and psychopathology and we will primarily discuss the main biological mechanisms that have been described as potential mediators of the effects of ELA on the psychopathologic risk, including the role for genetic factors as well as sex differences. The knowledge emerging from these studies may be instrumental for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed not only at correcting the deficits that emerge from ELA exposure, but also in preventing the manifestation of a full-blown psychopathologic condition. With this respect, we will specifically focus on adolescence as a key time frame for disease onset as well as for early therapeutic intervention. We believe that incorporating clinical and preclinical research data in the context of early life adversities can be instrumental to elucidate the mechanisms contributing to the risk for psychopathology or that may promote resilience. This will ultimately allow the identification of 'at risk' individuals who may benefit from specific forms of interventions that, by interfering with disease trajectories, could result in more benign clinical outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Cattaneo
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy
| | - Veronica Begni
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Zonca
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco A Riva
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Balzaretti 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; Biological Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Istituto Centro San Giovanni di Dio Fatebenefratelli, Brescia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Tian Y, Yang XW, Chen L, Xi K, Cai SQ, Cai J, Yang XM, Wang ZY, Li M, Xing GG. Activation of CRF/CRFR1 Signaling in the Central Nucleus of the Amygdala Contributes to Chronic Stress-Induced Exacerbation of Neuropathic Pain by Enhancing GluN2B-NMDA Receptor-Mediated Synaptic Plasticity in Adult Male Rats. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:104495. [PMID: 38354968 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.02.009] [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: 07/11/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Exacerbation of pain by chronic stress and comorbidity of pain with stress-related disorders such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder, represent significant clinical challenges. Previously we have documented that chronic forced swim (FS) stress exacerbates neuropathic pain in spared nerve injury (SNI) rats, associated with an up-regulation of GluN2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (GluN2B-NMDARs) in the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying chronic FS stress (CFSS)-mediated exacerbation of pain sensitivity in SNI rats still remain unclear. In this study, we demonstrated that exposure of CFSS to rats activated the corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF)/CRF receptor type 1 (CRFR1) signaling in the CeA, which was shown to be necessary for CFSS-induced depressive-like symptoms in stressed rats, and as well, for CFSS-induced exacerbation of pain hypersensitivity in SNI rats exposed to chronic FS stress. Furthermore, we discovered that activation of CRF/CRFR1 signaling in the CeA upregulated the phosphorylation of GluN2B-NMDARs at tyrosine 1472 (pGluN2BY1472) in the synaptosomal fraction of CeA, which is highly correlated to the enhancement of synaptic GluN2B-NMDARs expression that has been observed in the CeA in CFSS-treated SNI rats. In addition, we revealed that activation of CRF/CRFR1 signaling in the CeA facilitated the CFSS-induced reinforcement of long-term potentiation as well as the enhancement of NMDAR-mediated excitatory postsynaptic currents in the basolateral amygdala (BLA)-CeA pathway in SNI rats. These findings suggest that activation of CRF/CRFR1 signaling in the CeA contributes to chronic stress-induced exacerbation of neuropathic pain by enhancing GluN2B-NMDAR-mediated synaptic plasticity in rats subjected to nerve injury. PERSPECTIVE: Our present study provides a novel mechanism for elucidating stress-induced hyperalgesia and highlights that the CRF/CRFR1 signaling and the GluN2B-NMDAR-mediated synaptic plasticity in the CeA may be important as potential therapeutic targets for chronic stress-induced pain exacerbation in human neuropathic pain. DATA AVAILABILITY: The data that support the findings of this study are available from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Tian
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Wei Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Ke Xi
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Si-Qing Cai
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Jie Cai
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhi-Yong Wang
- Department of Human Anatomy and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Guo-Gang Xing
- Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education of China & National Health Commission of China, Beijing, China; Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China; Neuroscience Research Institute, Peking University, Beijing, China; Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Short AK, Weber R, Kamei N, Wilcox Thai C, Arora H, Mortazavi A, Stern HS, Glynn L, Baram TZ. Individual longitudinal changes in DNA-methylome identify signatures of early-life adversity and correlate with later outcome. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 31:100652. [PMID: 38962694 PMCID: PMC11219970 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Adverse early-life experiences (ELA) affect a majority of the world's children. Whereas the enduring impact of ELA on cognitive and emotional health is established, there are no tools to predict vulnerability to ELA consequences in an individual child. Epigenetic markers including peripheral-cell DNA-methylation profiles may encode ELA and provide predictive outcome markers, yet the interindividual variance of the human genome and rapid changes in DNA methylation in childhood pose significant challenges. Hoping to mitigate these challenges we examined the relation of several ELA dimensions to DNA methylation changes and outcome using a within-subject longitudinal design and a high methylation-change threshold. DNA methylation was analyzed in buccal swab/saliva samples collected twice (neonatally and at 12 months) in 110 infants. We identified CpGs differentially methylated across time for each child and determined whether they associated with ELA indicators and executive function at age 5. We assessed sex differences and derived a sex-dependent 'impact score' based on sites that most contributed to methylation changes. Changes in methylation between two samples of an individual child reflected age-related trends and correlated with executive function years later. Among tested ELA dimensions and life factors including income to needs ratios, maternal sensitivity, body mass index and infant sex, unpredictability of parental and household signals was the strongest predictor of executive function. In girls, high early-life unpredictability interacted with methylation changes to presage executive function. Thus, longitudinal, within-subject changes in methylation profiles may provide a signature of ELA and a potential predictive marker of individual outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, ersity of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ryan Weber
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, ersity of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Christina Wilcox Thai
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Hal S. Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| | - Laura Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 92866, USA
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, ersity of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sanguino-Gómez J, Krugers HJ. Early-life stress impairs acquisition and retrieval of fear memories: sex-effects, corticosterone modulation, and partial prevention by targeting glucocorticoid receptors at adolescent age. Neurobiol Stress 2024; 31:100636. [PMID: 38883213 PMCID: PMC11177066 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2024.100636] [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: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The early postnatal period is a sensitive time window that is characterized by several neurodevelopmental processes that define neuronal architecture and function later in life. Here, we examined in young adult mice, using an auditory fear conditioning paradigm, whether stress during the early postnatal period 1) impacts fear acquisition and memory consolidation in male and female mice; 2) alters the fear responsiveness to corticosterone and 3) whether effects of early-life stress (ELS) can be prevented by treating mice with a glucocorticoid (GR) antagonist at adolescence. Male and female mice were exposed to a limited nesting and bedding model of ELS from postnatal day (PND) 2-9 and injected i.p with RU38486 (RU486) at adolescent age (PND 28-30). At two months of age, mice were trained in the fear conditioning (FC) paradigm (with and without post training administration of corticosterone - CORT) and freezing behavior during fear acquisition and contextual and auditory memory retrieval was scored. We observed that ELS impaired fear acquisition specifically in male mice and reduced both contextual and auditory memory retrieval in male and female mice. Acute post-training administration of CORT increased freezing levels during auditory memory retrieval in female mice but reduced freezing levels during the tone presentation in particular in control males. Treatment with RU486 prevented ELS-effects in acquisition in male mice and in females during auditory memory retrieval. In conclusion, this study highlights the long-lasting consequences of early-life stress on fear memory processing and further illustrates 1) the potential of a glucocorticoid antagonist intervention during adolescence to mitigate these effects and 2) the partial modulation of the auditory retrieval upon post training administration of CORT, with all these effects being sex-dependent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Harm J Krugers
- Brain Plasticity Group, SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Ye C, Ye B, Zhang Z. The relationship between unpredictability in childhood and depression among college students: the mediating roles of coping style and resilience. BMC Psychol 2024; 12:333. [PMID: 38845034 PMCID: PMC11157934 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-024-01812-8] [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: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND According to previous studies, unpredictability in childhood could significantly increase the risk of depression in adulthood. Only a few studies have explored the relationship between these two variables in China. This paper aims to explore the relationship between unpredictability in childhood and depression and examine the mediating roles of coping styles and resilience. METHODS We investigated 601 college students, who had an average age of 19.09 (SD = 2.78) years. Participants completed questionnaires regarding unpredictability in childhood, coping style, resilience, and depression. We analyzed survey data using the bias-corrected bootstrap method. RESULTS The findings revealed a significant positive association between unpredictability in childhood and depression among college students. Mature coping style, immature coping style, and resilience were found to mediate this relationship independently. Furthermore, the study unveiled a serial mediation process, wherein both mature and immature coping styles, followed by resilience, sequentially mediate the relationship between unpredictability in childhood and depression, underscoring the complex interplay between these variables. CONCLUSIONS The results indicated that the risk of depression among college students who have experienced unpredictable childhood should be valued. Attention to coping styles and resilience should be paid to decrease depression among college students who have experienced unpredictable childhood.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengxiu Ye
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Applied Psychology, Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Baojuan Ye
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China.
- School of Physical Education, School of Education, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China.
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, National Center for Mental Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ma J, Cao H, Hou D, Wang W, Liu T. Investigation of high-dose radiotherapy's effect on brain structure aggravated cognitive impairment and deteriorated patient psychological status in brain tumor treatment. Sci Rep 2024; 14:10149. [PMID: 38698048 PMCID: PMC11066031 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59694-0] [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: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aims to investigate the potential impact of high-dose radiotherapy (RT) on brain structure, cognitive impairment, and the psychological status of patients undergoing brain tumor treatment. We recruited and grouped 144 RT-treated patients with brain tumors into the Low dose group (N = 72) and the High dose group (N = 72) according to the RT dose applied. Patient data were collected by using the HADS and QLQ-BN20 system for subsequent analysis and comparison. Our analysis showed no significant correlation between the RT doses and the clinicopathological characteristics. We found that a high dose of RT could aggravate cognitive impairment and deteriorate patient role functioning, indicated by a higher MMSE and worsened role functioning in the High dose group. However, the depression status, social functioning, and global health status were comparable between the High dose group and the Low dose group at Month 0 and Month 1, while being worsened in the High dose group at Month 3, indicating the potential long-term deterioration of depression status in brain tumor patients induced by high-dose RT. By comparing patient data at Month 0, Month 1, Month 3, Month 6, and Month 9 after RT, we found that during RT treatment, RT at a high dose could aggravate cognitive impairment in the short term and lead to worsened patient role functioning, and even deteriorate the overall psychological health status of patients in the long term.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianpeng Ma
- Department of Magnetic Resonance Imaging, Dingbian County People's Hospital, Dingbian, Yulin, 718600, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hetao Cao
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongmei Hou
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Weiqi Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Department of Medical Imaging, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, No.20 Xisi Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, 226001, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Davis EP, Glynn LM. Annual Research Review: The power of predictability - patterns of signals in early life shape neurodevelopment and mental health trajectories. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2024; 65:508-534. [PMID: 38374811 PMCID: PMC11283837 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13958] [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] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
The global burden of early life adversity (ELA) is profound. The World Health Organization has estimated that ELA accounts for almost 30% of all psychiatric cases. Yet, our ability to identify which individuals exposed to ELA will develop mental illness remains poor and there is a critical need to identify underlying pathways and mechanisms. This review proposes unpredictability as an understudied aspect of ELA that is tractable and presents a conceptual model that includes biologically plausible mechanistic pathways by which unpredictability impacts the developing brain. The model is supported by a synthesis of published and new data illustrating the significant impacts of patterns of signals on child development. We begin with an overview of the existing unpredictability literature, which has focused primarily on longer patterns of unpredictability (e.g. years, months, and days). We then describe our work testing the impact of patterns of parental signals on a moment-to-moment timescale, providing evidence that patterns of these signals during sensitive windows of development influence neurocircuit formation across species and thus may be an evolutionarily conserved process that shapes the developing brain. Next, attention is drawn to emerging themes which provide a framework for future directions of research including the evaluation of functions, such as effortful control, that may be particularly vulnerable to unpredictability, sensitive periods, sex differences, cross-cultural investigations, addressing causality, and unpredictability as a pathway by which other forms of ELA impact development. Finally, we provide suggestions for prevention and intervention, including the introduction of a screening instrument for the identification of children exposed to unpredictable experiences.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Laura M. Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Kuhn HG, Skau S, Nyberg J. A lifetime perspective on risk factors for cognitive decline with a special focus on early events. CEREBRAL CIRCULATION - COGNITION AND BEHAVIOR 2024; 6:100217. [PMID: 39071743 PMCID: PMC11273094 DOI: 10.1016/j.cccb.2024.100217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
Both Alzheimer's disease and vascular dementia are the result of disease processes that typically develop over several decades. Population studies have estimated that more than half of the risk for dementia is preventable or at least modifiable through behavioral adaptations. The association between these lifestyle factors and the risk of dementia is most evident for exposure in midlife. However, habits formed in middle age often reflect a lifetime of behavior patterns and living conditions. Therefore, individuals who, for example, are able to maintain healthy diets and regular exercise during their middle years are likely to benefit from these cognition-protective habits they have practiced throughout their lives. For numerous adult diseases, significant risks can often be traced back to early childhood. Suboptimal conditions during the perinatal period, childhood and adolescence can increase the risk of adult diseases, including stroke, heart disease, insulin resistance, hypertension and dementia. This review aims at summarizing some of the evidence for dementia risks from a life-time perspective with the goal of raising awareness for early dementia prevention and successful aging.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H. Georg Kuhn
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Simon Skau
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Pedagogical, Curricular and Professional Studies, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jenny Nyberg
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aran Ö, Swales DA, Bailey NA, Korja R, Holmberg E, Eskola E, Nolvi S, Perasto L, Nordenswan E, Karlsson H, Karlsson L, Sandman CA, Stern HS, Baram TZ, Glynn LM, Davis EP. Across ages and places: Unpredictability of maternal sensory signals and child internalizing behaviors. J Affect Disord 2024; 347:557-567. [PMID: 38007106 PMCID: PMC10843791 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2023.11.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patterns of sensory inputs early in life play an integral role in shaping the maturation of neural circuits, including those implicated in emotion and cognition. In both experimental animal models and observational human research, unpredictable sensory signals have been linked to aberrant developmental outcomes, including poor memory and effortful control. These findings suggest that sensitivity to unpredictable sensory signals is conserved across species and sculpts the developing brain. The current study provides a novel investigation of unpredictable maternal sensory signals in early life and child internalizing behaviors. We tested these associations in three independent cohorts to probe the generalizability of associations across continents and cultures. METHOD The three prospective longitudinal cohorts were based in Orange, USA (n = 163, 47.2 % female, Mage = 1 year); Turku, Finland (n = 239, 44.8 % female, Mage = 5 years); and Irvine, USA (n = 129, 43.4 % female, Mage = 9.6 years). Unpredictability of maternal sensory signals was quantified during free-play interactions. Child internalizing behaviors were measured via parent report (Orange & Turku) and child self-report (Irvine). RESULTS Early life exposure to unpredictable maternal sensory signals was associated with greater child fearfulness/anxiety in all three cohorts, above and beyond maternal sensitivity and sociodemographic factors. The association between unpredictable maternal sensory signals and child sadness/depression was relatively weaker and did not reach traditional thresholds for statistical significance. LIMITATIONS The correlational design limits our ability to make causal inferences. CONCLUSIONS Findings across the three diverse cohorts suggest that unpredictable maternal signals early in life shape the development of internalizing behaviors, particularly fearfulness and anxiety.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Özlü Aran
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA.
| | - Danielle A Swales
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
| | - Natasha A Bailey
- Department of Psychology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Riikka Korja
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland; Centre of Excellence in Learning Dynamics and Intervention Research (InterLearn), University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva Holmberg
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland
| | - Eeva Eskola
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland
| | - Saara Nolvi
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Perasto
- University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Elisabeth Nordenswan
- University of Turku, Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, Turku, Finland; University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland
| | - Hasse Karlsson
- University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland; Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland; Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Linnea Karlsson
- University of Turku, Department of Clinical Medicine, Turku Brain and Mind Center, FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku, Finland; Centre of Excellence in Learning Dynamics and Intervention Research (InterLearn), University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Department of Clinical Medicine, Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku
| | - Curt A Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hal S Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Tallie Z Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA; Department of Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Surani Z, Turesky TK, Sullivan E, Shama T, Haque R, Islam N, Kakon SH, Yu X, Petri WA, Nelson C, Gaab N. Examining the relationship between psychosocial adversity and inhibitory control: an fMRI study of children growing up in extreme poverty. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.02.05.578942. [PMID: 38370839 PMCID: PMC10871278 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.05.578942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
Exposure to psychosocial adversity (PA) is associated with poor behavioral, physical, and mental health outcomes in adulthood. Growing evidence suggests that deficits in executive functions may in part moderate these outcomes, with inhibitory control as an example of such a putative moderator. However, much of the literature examining the development of inhibitory control has been based on children in higher resource environments, and little is known how growing up in a low resource setting might exacerbate the link between inhibitory control and health outcomes. In this context we collected fMRI data during a Go/No-Go inhibitory control task and PA variables for 68 children 5 to 7 years of age living in Dhaka, Bangladesh, an area with a high prevalence of PA. The children's mothers completed behavioral questionnaires to assess the child's PA and their own PA. Whole-brain activation underlying inhibitory control was examined using the No-Go versus Go contrast, and associations with PA variables were assessed using whole-brain regressions. Childhood neglect was associated with weaker activation in the right posterior cingulate, whereas greater family conflict, economic stress, and maternal PA factors were associated with greater activation in the left medial frontal gyrus, right superior and middle frontal gyrus, and left cingulate gyrus. These data suggest that neural networks supporting inhibitory control processes may vary as a function of exposure to different types of PA, particularly between those related to threat and deprivation. Furthermore, increased activation in children with greater PA may serve as a compensatory mechanism, allowing them to maintain similar behavioral task performance.
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang J, Horlacher M, Cheng L, Winther O. DeepLocRNA: an interpretable deep learning model for predicting RNA subcellular localization with domain-specific transfer-learning. Bioinformatics 2024; 40:btae065. [PMID: 38317052 PMCID: PMC10879750 DOI: 10.1093/bioinformatics/btae065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
MOTIVATION Accurate prediction of RNA subcellular localization plays an important role in understanding cellular processes and functions. Although post-transcriptional processes are governed by trans-acting RNA binding proteins (RBPs) through interaction with cis-regulatory RNA motifs, current methods do not incorporate RBP-binding information. RESULTS In this article, we propose DeepLocRNA, an interpretable deep-learning model that leverages a pre-trained multi-task RBP-binding prediction model to predict the subcellular localization of RNA molecules via fine-tuning. We constructed DeepLocRNA using a comprehensive dataset with variant RNA types and evaluated it on the held-out dataset. Our model achieved state-of-the-art performance in predicting RNA subcellular localization in mRNA and miRNA. It has also demonstrated great generalization capabilities, performing well on both human and mouse RNA. Additionally, a motif analysis was performed to enhance the interpretability of the model, highlighting signal factors that contributed to the predictions. The proposed model provides general and powerful prediction abilities for different RNA types and species, offering valuable insights into the localization patterns of RNA molecules and contributing to our understanding of cellular processes at the molecular level. A user-friendly web server is available at: https://biolib.com/KU/DeepLocRNA/.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, København Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Marc Horlacher
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center Munich, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - Lixin Cheng
- Shenzhen People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medicine College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Ole Winther
- Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, København Ø 2100, Denmark
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Section for Cognitive Systems, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Dixon R, Malave L, Thompson R, Wu S, Sadik N, Anacker C. Resilience to Early Life Adversity Effects on Stress Reactivity by Postnatal Knockdown of 5-HT 1A Autoreceptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.22.576344. [PMID: 38328253 PMCID: PMC10849559 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.22.576344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Early Life Adversity (ELA) predisposes to stress hypersensitivity in adulthood, but neurobiological mechanisms that can protect from long-lasting effects of ELA are poorly understood. Serotonin 1A (5HT 1A ) autoreceptors in the raphé nuclei regulate adult stress vulnerability, but if 5HT 1A could be targeted to prevent ELA effects on susceptibility to future stressors is unknown. Here, we exposed mice with postnatal knockdown of 5HT 1A autoreceptors to the limited bedding and nesting model of ELA from postnatal day (P)3-10. We then tested behavioral, neuroendocrine, neurogenic, and neuroinflammatory responses to an acute swim stress in male and female mice in adolescence (P35) and in adulthood (P56). In ELA-exposed females, adult swim stress exposure increased passive coping and despair-like behavior, corticosterone levels at baseline and after stress, and neuronal activity and corticotropin releasing hormone levels in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus. ELA also reduced neurogenesis and increased microglia activation in the ventral dentate gyrus (DG) of the hippocampus - an important mediator of individual differences in stress susceptibility. These effects of ELA were specific to females, but not males, and manifested predominantly in adulthood, but not earlier on in adolescence. Postnatal 5HT 1A autoreceptor knockdown prevented ELA effects on stress reactivity and on neurogenesis and neuroinflammation in the DG, indicating that reducing 5HT 1A autoreceptors confers resilience to ELA. Our findings demonstrate that ELA induces long-lasting and sex-specific impairments in stress reactivity and ventral DG function across development, and identify 5HT 1A autoreceptors as potential targets to prevent these persistent effects of ELA.
Collapse
|
16
|
Wang HH, Moon SY, Kim H, Kim G, Ahn WY, Joo YY, Cha J. Early life stress modulates the genetic influence on brain structure and cognitive function in children. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23345. [PMID: 38187352 PMCID: PMC10770463 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23345] [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: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The enduring influence of early life stress (ELS) on brain and cognitive development has been widely acknowledged, yet the precise mechanisms underlying this association remain elusive. We hypothesize that ELS might disrupt the genome-wide influence on brain morphology and connectivity development, consequently exerting a detrimental impact on children's cognitive ability. We analyzed the multimodal data of DNA genotypes, brain imaging (structural and diffusion MRI), and neurocognitive battery (NIH Toolbox) of 4276 children (ages 9-10 years, European ancestry) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study. The genome-wide influence on cognitive function was estimated using the polygenic score (GPS). By using brain morphometry and tractography, we identified the brain correlates of the cognition GPSs. Statistical analyses revealed relationships for the gene-brain-cognition pathway. The brain structural variance significantly mediated the genetic influence on cognition (indirect effect = 0.016, PFDR < 0.001). Of note, this gene-brain relationship was significantly modulated by abuse, resulting in diminished cognitive capacity (Index of Moderated Mediation = -0.007; 95 % CI = -0.012 ∼ -0.002). Our results support a novel gene-brain-cognition model likely elucidating the long-lasting negative impact of ELS on children's cognitive development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Hwan Wang
- Department of Brain Cognitive and Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
| | - Seo-Yoon Moon
- College of Liberal Studies, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
| | - Hyeonjin Kim
- Department of Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
| | - Gakyung Kim
- Department of Brain Cognitive and Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
| | - Woo-Young Ahn
- Department of Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
| | - Yoonjung Yoonie Joo
- Department of Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
- Department of Digital Health, Samsung Advanced Institute for Health Sciences & Technology (SAIHST), Sungkyunkwan University, Seoul, 06355, South Korea
- Research Center for Future Medicine, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, 06335, South Korea
| | - Jiook Cha
- Department of Brain Cognitive and Science, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
- Department of Psychology, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
- AI Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, 08825, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Bagheri F, Goudarzi I, Lashkarbolouki T, Elahdadi Salmani M, Goudarzi A, Morley-Fletcher S. Improving behavioral deficits induced by perinatal ethanol and stress exposure in adolescent male rat progeny via maternal melatonin treatment. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:153-169. [PMID: 37889278 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06470-z] [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: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Early-life stressful situations and binge drinking have been thus far acknowledged as two burdensome conditions that potentially give rise to negative outcomes and then synergistically affect brain development. In this context, the hippocampus, with the greatest number of glucocorticoid receptors (GCRs) in the brain, is responsible for regulating negative responses to stress. Prolonged glucocorticoid (GC) exposure can accordingly cause oxidative stress (OS), leading to cognitive and emotional dysfunction. Against this background, melatonin, as a powerful antioxidant and hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis regulator, was administered in this study to ameliorate cognitive impairments induced by perinatal ethanol and stress exposure in adolescent male rat progeny. METHODS Wistar rat dams were exposed to ethanol (4 g/kg) and melatonin (10 mg/kg) from gestational day (GD) 6 to postnatal day (PND) 14 and then limited nesting material (LNS) from PND0 to PND14 individually or in combination. Maternal behavior was then investigated in mothers. Afterward, the plasma corticosterone (CORT) concentration, the OS marker, the corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor type 1 (CRHR1) expression, and the GCR and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured in the male pups. Moreover, behavioral tasks, including the elevated plus maze (EPM), the Morris water maze (MWM), the novel object recognition (NORT), and the object-location memory (OLM) tests were completed and assessed. RESULTS The quantity and quality of maternal care significantly decreased in the mothers with dual exposure to ethanol and stress. The plasma CORT concentration in the progeny also dropped in the Ethanol + LNS group, but the risk-taking behavior elevated significantly. The ethanol and stress exposure further revealed a significant fall in the GCR and CRHR1 expression levels, compared with stress alone. The results of learning and memory tasks also indicated a significant reduction in spatial learning and memory among animals exposed to ethanol and stress. The BDNF mRNA levels correspondingly increased in the Ethanol + LNS group, compared with LNS alone. In the presence of ethanol and stress, the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities correspondingly declined. On the other hand, the malondialdehyde (MDA) levels augmented in the hippocampus of the animals with ethanol and LNS dual exposure, as compared with the control group. Melatonin treatment (MT) thus improved nursing behaviors in dams, prevented OS, enhanced the CRHR1 and GCR expression, and reduced the BDNF levels to the similar ones in the control group. The animals in the Ethanol + LNS + MT group ultimately showed an ameliorated performance at behavioral tasks, including the memory and risk-taking behavior. CONCLUSION It was concluded that MT could prevent stress response and memory impairments arising from dual exposure to ethanol and stress by inhibiting OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Iran Goudarzi
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran.
| | | | | | - Afsaneh Goudarzi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Morley-Fletcher
- Univ. Lille, CNRS, UMR 8576 - UGSF - Unité de Glycobiologie Structurale Et Fonctionnelle, 59000, Lille, France
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Short AK, Weber R, Kamei N, Thai CW, Arora H, Mortazavi A, Stern HS, Glynn L, Baram TZ. Within-subject changes in methylome profile identify individual signatures of early-life adversity, with a potential to predict neuropsychiatric outcome. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.12.16.571594. [PMID: 38187766 PMCID: PMC10769190 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.16.571594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Background Adverse early-life experiences (ELA), including poverty, trauma and neglect, affect a majority of the world's children. Whereas the impact of ELA on cognitive and emotional health throughout the lifespan is well-established, it is not clear how distinct types of ELA influence child development, and there are no tools to predict for an individual child their vulnerability or resilience to the consequences of ELAs. Epigenetic markers including DNA-methylation profiles of peripheral cells may encode ELA and provide a predictive outcome marker. However, the rapid dynamic changes in DNA methylation in childhood and the inter-individual variance of the human genome pose barriers to identifying profiles predicting outcomes of ELA exposure. Here, we examined the relation of several dimensions of ELA to changes of DNA methylation, using a longitudinal within-subject design and a high threshold for methylation changes in the hope of mitigating the above challenges. Methods We analyzed DNA methylation in buccal swab samples collected twice for each of 110 infants: neonatally and at 12 months. We identified CpGs differentially methylated across time, calculated methylation changes for each child, and determined whether several indicators of ELA associated with changes of DNA methylation for individual infants. We then correlated select dimensions of ELA with methylation changes as well as with measures of executive function at age 5 years. We examined for sex differences, and derived a sex-dependent 'impact score' based on sites that most contributed to the methylation changes. Findings Setting a high threshold for methylation changes, we discovered that changes in methylation between two samples of an individual child reflected age-related trends towards augmented methylation, and also correlated with executive function years later. Among the tested factors and ELA dimensions, including income to needs ratios, maternal sensitivity, body mass index and sex, unpredictability of parental and household signals was the strongest predictor of executive function. In girls, an interaction was observed between a measure of high early-life unpredictability and methylation changes, in presaging executive function. Interpretation These findings establish longitudinal, within-subject changes in methylation profiles as a signature of some types of ELA in an individual child. Notably, such changes are detectable beyond the age-associated DNA methylation dynamics. Future studies are required to determine if the methylation profile changes identified here provide a predictive marker of vulnerabilities to poorer cognitive and emotional outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annabel K. Short
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697
- Brain Tumour Research Program, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia, 6009 (current)
- Division of Paediatrics/Centre for Child Health Research, Medical School, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia, 6009 (current)
| | - Ryan Weber
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Noriko Kamei
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Christina Wilcox Thai
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697
| | - Ali Mortazavi
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
| | - Hal S. Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697
| | - Laura Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, 92866
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California- Irvine, Irvine, CA 92697
- Departments of Pediatrics and Neurology, University of California-Irvine, Irvine, CA, 92697
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Brosens N, Simon C, Kessels HW, Lucassen PJ, Krugers HJ. Early life stress lastingly alters the function and AMPA-receptor composition of glutamatergic synapses in the hippocampus of male mice. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13346. [PMID: 37901923 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13346] [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: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
Early postnatal life is a sensitive period of development that shapes brain structure and function later in life. Exposure to stress during this critical time window can alter brain development and may enhance the susceptibility to psychopathology and neurodegenerative disorders later in life. The developmental effects of early life stress (ELS) on synaptic function are not fully understood, but could provide mechanistic insights into how ELS modifies later brain function and disease risk. We here assessed the effects of ELS on synaptic function and composition in the hippocampus of male mice. Mice were subjected to ELS by housing dams and pups with limited bedding and nesting material from postnatal days (P) 2-9. Synaptic strength was measured in terms of miniature excitatory postsynaptic currents (mEPSCs) in the hippocampal dentate gyrus at three different developmental stages: the early postnatal phase (P9), preadolescence (P21, at weaning) and adulthood at 3 months of age (3MO). Hippocampal synaptosome fractions were isolated from P9 and 3MO tissue and analyzed for protein content to assess postsynaptic composition. Finally, dendritic spine density was assessed in the DG at 3MO. At P9, ELS increased mEPSC frequency and amplitude. In parallel, synaptic composition was altered as PSD-95, GluA3 and GluN2B content were significantly decreased. The increased mEPSC frequency was sustained up to 3MO, at which age, GluA3 content was significantly increased. No differences were found in dendritic spine density. These findings highlight how ELS affects the development of hippocampal synapses, which could provide valuable insight into mechanisms how ELS alters brain function later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Niek Brosens
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Carla Simon
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | | | - Paul J Lucassen
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Harm J Krugers
- SILS-CNS, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pardasani M, Ramakrishnan AM, Mahajan S, Kantroo M, McGowan E, Das S, Srikanth P, Pandey S, Abraham NM. Perceptual learning deficits mediated by somatostatin releasing inhibitory interneurons of olfactory bulb in an early life stress mouse model. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4693-4706. [PMID: 37726451 PMCID: PMC10914616 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02244-3] [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: 02/07/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) causes aberrant functioning of neural circuits affecting the health of an individual. While ELA-induced behavioural disorders resulting from sensory and cognitive disabilities can be assessed clinically, the neural mechanisms need to be probed using animal models by employing multi-pronged experimental approaches. As ELA can alter sensory perception, we investigated the effect of early weaning on murine olfaction. By implementing go/no-go odour discrimination paradigm, we observed olfactory learning and memory impairments in early life stressed (ELS) male mice. As olfactory bulb (OB) circuitry plays a critical role in odour learning, we studied the plausible changes in the OB of ELS mice. Lowered c-Fos activity in the external plexiform layer and a reduction in the number of dendritic processes of somatostatin-releasing, GABAergic interneurons (SOM-INs) in the ELS mice led us to hypothesise the underlying circuit. We recorded reduced synaptic inhibitory feedback on mitral/tufted (M/T) cells, in the OB slices from ELS mice, explaining the learning deficiency caused by compromised refinement of OB output. The reduction in synaptic inhibition was nullified by the photo-activation of ChR2-expressing SOM-INs in ELS mice. The role of SOM-INs was revealed by learning-dependent refinement of Ca2+dynamics quantified by GCaMP6f signals, which was absent in ELS mice. Further, the causal role of SOM-INs involving circuitry was investigated by optogenetic modulation during the odour discrimination learning. Photo-activating these neurons rescued the ELA-induced learning deficits. Conversely, photo-inhibition caused learning deficiency in control animals, while it completely abolished the learning in ELS mice, confirming the adverse effects mediated by SOM-INs. Our results thus establish the role of specific inhibitory circuit in pre-cortical sensory area in orchestrating ELA-dependent changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meenakshi Pardasani
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Anantha Maharasi Ramakrishnan
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Sarang Mahajan
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Meher Kantroo
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Eleanor McGowan
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Susobhan Das
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Priyadharshini Srikanth
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Sanyukta Pandey
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India
| | - Nixon M Abraham
- Laboratory of Neural Circuits and Behaviour (LNCB), Department of Biology, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Pune, Maharashtra, 411008, India.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Koszałka A, Lustyk K, Pytka K. Sex-dependent differences in animal cognition. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 153:105374. [PMID: 37634555 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105374] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Abstract
The differences in cognitive processes driven by biological sex are the issues that have gotten growing attention recently. Considering the increasing population suffering from various cognitive impairments and the development of therapeutic strategies, it is essential that we recognize the mechanisms responsible for discrepancies observed in male and female learning and memory functions. In this review, we discuss recent reports from preclinical studies on rodents regarding selected cognitive domains to explore the state of knowledge on sex-dependent differences and point to challenges encountered during such research. We focus on spatial, recognition, and emotional memory, as well as on executive functions, such as attention, cognitive flexibility, and working memory. This review will help to acknowledge sex-related differences in cognition and indicate some fields that lack sufficient data.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Koszałka
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland; Jagiellonian University Medical College, Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Św. Łazarza 16, 31-530 Krakow, Poland
| | - Klaudia Lustyk
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Pytka
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacodynamics, Medyczna 9, 30-688 Krakow, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kooiker CL, Chen Y, Birnie MT, Baram TZ. Genetic Tagging Uncovers a Robust, Selective Activation of the Thalamic Paraventricular Nucleus by Adverse Experiences Early in Life. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2023; 3:746-755. [PMID: 37881549 PMCID: PMC10593902 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2023.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 01/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Early-life adversity (ELA) is associated with increased risk for mood disorders, including depression and substance use disorders. These disorders are characterized by impaired reward-related behaviors, suggesting compromised operations of reward-related brain circuits. However, the brain regions engaged by ELA that mediate these enduring consequences of ELA remain largely unknown. In an animal model of ELA, we identified aberrant reward-seeking behaviors, a discovery that provides a framework for assessing the underlying circuits. Methods Employing TRAP2 (targeted recombination in active populations) male and female mice, in which neurons activated within a defined time frame are permanently tagged, we compared ELA- and control-reared mice, assessing the quantity and distribution of ELA-related neuronal activation. After validating the TRAP2 results using native c-Fos labeling, we defined the molecular identity of this population of activated neurons. Results We uniquely demonstrated that the TRAP2 system is feasible and efficacious in neonatal mice. Surprisingly, the paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus was robustly and almost exclusively activated by ELA and was the only region distinguishing ELA from typical rearing. Remarkably, a large proportion of ELA-activated paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus neurons expressed CRF1, the receptor for the stress-related peptide, corticotropin-releasing hormone, but these neurons did not express corticotropin-releasing hormone itself. Conclusions The paraventricular nucleus of the thalamus, an important component of reward circuits that is known to encode remote, emotionally salient experiences to influence future motivated behaviors, encodes adverse experiences as remote as those occurring during the early postnatal period and is thus poised to contribute to the enduring deficits in reward-related behaviors consequent to ELA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra L. Kooiker
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Matthew T. Birnie
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
- Department of Neurology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wang J, Horlacher M, Cheng L, Winther O. RNA trafficking and subcellular localization-a review of mechanisms, experimental and predictive methodologies. Brief Bioinform 2023; 24:bbad249. [PMID: 37466130 PMCID: PMC10516376 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbad249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA localization is essential for regulating spatial translation, where RNAs are trafficked to their target locations via various biological mechanisms. In this review, we discuss RNA localization in the context of molecular mechanisms, experimental techniques and machine learning-based prediction tools. Three main types of molecular mechanisms that control the localization of RNA to distinct cellular compartments are reviewed, including directed transport, protection from mRNA degradation, as well as diffusion and local entrapment. Advances in experimental methods, both image and sequence based, provide substantial data resources, which allow for the design of powerful machine learning models to predict RNA localizations. We review the publicly available predictive tools to serve as a guide for users and inspire developers to build more effective prediction models. Finally, we provide an overview of multimodal learning, which may provide a new avenue for the prediction of RNA localization.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Wang
- Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, København Ø 2100, Denmark
| | - Marc Horlacher
- Computational Health Center, Helmholtz Center, Munich, Germany
| | - Lixin Cheng
- Shenzhen People’s Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Southern University of Science and Technology, Second Clinical Medicine College of Jinan University, Shenzhen 518020, China
| | - Ole Winther
- Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, København Ø 2100, Denmark
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Rigshospitalet (Copenhagen University Hospital), Copenhagen 2100, Denmark
- Section for Cognitive Systems, Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science, Technical University of Denmark, Kongens Lyngby 2800, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Reid BM, Georgieff MK. The Interaction between Psychological Stress and Iron Status on Early-Life Neurodevelopmental Outcomes. Nutrients 2023; 15:3798. [PMID: 37686831 PMCID: PMC10490173 DOI: 10.3390/nu15173798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This review presents evidence from animal and human studies demonstrating the possible connection and significant impact of poor iron status and psychological distress on neurocognitive development during pregnancy and the neonatal period, with implications for long-term cognition. Stress and iron deficiency are independently prevalent and thus are frequently comorbid. While iron deficiency and early-life stress independently contribute to long-term neurodevelopmental alterations, their combined effects remain underexplored. Psychological stress responses may engage similar pathways as infectious stress, which alters fundamental iron metabolism processes and cause functional tissue-level iron deficiency. Psychological stress, analogous to but to a lesser degree than infectious stress, activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and increases proinflammatory cytokines. Chronic or severe stress is associated with dysregulated HPA axis functioning and a proinflammatory state. This dysregulation may disrupt iron absorption and utilization, likely mediated by the IL-6 activation of hepcidin, a molecule that impedes iron absorption and redistributes total body iron. This narrative review highlights suggestive studies investigating the relationship between psychological stress and iron status and outlines hypothesized mechanistic pathways connecting psychological stress exposure and iron metabolism. We examine findings regarding the overlapping impacts of early stress exposure to iron deficiency and children's neurocognitive development. We propose that studying the influence of psychological stress on iron metabolism is crucial for comprehending neurocognitive development in children exposed to prenatal and early postnatal stressors and for children at risk of early iron insufficiency. We recommend future directions for dual-exposure studies exploring iron as a potential mediating pathway between early stress and offspring neurodevelopment, offering opportunities for targeted interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brie M. Reid
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA
- Center for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital, Providence, RI 02906, USA
| | - Michael K. Georgieff
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Alkandari AF, Madhyastha S, Rao MS. N-Acetylcysteine Amide against Aβ-Induced Alzheimer's-like Pathology in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12733. [PMID: 37628913 PMCID: PMC10454451 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress with a depletion of glutathione is a key factor in the initiation and progression of Alzheimer's disease (AD). N-Acetylcysteine (NAC), a glutathione precursor, provides neuroprotective effects in AD animal models. Its amide form, N-Acetylcysteine amide (NACA), has an extended bioavailability compared to NAC. This study evaluates the neuroprotective effects of NACA against Aβ1-42 peptide-induced AD-like pathology in rats. Male Wistar rats (2.5 months old) were divided into five groups: Normal Control (NC), Sham (SH), Aβ, Aβ + NACA and NACA + Aβ + NACA (n = 8 in all groups). AD-like pathology was induced by the intracerebroventricular infusion of Aβ1-42 peptide into the lateral ventricle. NACA (75 mg/kg) was administered either as a restorative (i.e., injection of NACA for 7 consecutive days after inducing AD-like pathology (Aβ + N group)), or as prophylactic (for 7 days before and 7 days after inducing the pathology (N + Aβ + N group)). Learning and memory, neurogenesis, expression of AD pathology markers, antioxidant parameters, neuroprotection, astrogliosis and microgliosis were studied in the hippocampus and the prefrontal cortex. All data were analyzed with a one-way ANOVA test followed by Bonferroni's multiple comparison test. NACA treatment reversed the cognitive deficits and reduced oxidative stress in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Western blot analysis for Tau, Synaptophysin and Aβ, as well as a histopathological evaluation through immunostaining for neurogenesis, the expression of neurofibrillary tangles, β-amyloid peptide, synaptophysin, neuronal morphology and gliosis, showed a neuroprotective effect of NACA. In conclusion, this study demonstrates the neuroprotective effects of NACA against β-amyloid induced AD-like pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Sampath Madhyastha
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait; (A.F.A.); (M.S.R.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Xu L, Liu Y, Long J, He X, Xie F, Yin Q, Chen M, Long D, Chen Y. Loss of spines in the prelimbic cortex is detrimental to working memory in mice with early-life adversity. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3444-3458. [PMID: 37500828 PMCID: PMC10618093 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02197-7] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
Adverse experiences in early life can shape neuronal structures and synaptic function in multiple brain regions, leading to deficits of distinct cognitive functions later in life. Focusing on the pyramidal cells of the prelimbic cortex (PrL), a main subregion of the medial prefrontal cortex, the impact of early-life adversity (ELA) was investigated in a well-established animal model generated by changing the rearing environment during postnatal days 2 to 9 (P2-P9), a sensitive developmental period. ELA has enduring detrimental impacts on the dendritic spines of PrL pyramidal cells, which is most apparent in a spatially circumscribed region. Specifically, ELA affects both thin and mushroom-type spines, and ELA-provoked loss of spines is observed on selective dendritic segments of PrL pyramidal cells in layers II-III and V-VI. Reduced postsynaptic puncta represented by postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), but not synaptophysin-labelled presynaptic puncta, in ELA mice supports the selective loss of spines in the PrL. Correlation analysis indicates that loss of spines and postsynaptic puncta in the PrL contributes to the poor spatial working memory of ELA mice, and thin spines may play a major role in working memory performance. To further understand whether loss of spines affects glutamatergic transmission, AMPA- and NMDA-receptor-mediated synaptic currents (EPSCs) were recorded in a group of Thy1-expressing PrL pyramidal cells. ELA mice exhibited a depressed glutamatergic transmission, which is accompanied with a decreased expression of GluR1 and NR1 subunits in the PrL. Finally, upregulating the activation of Thy1-expressing PrL pyramidal cells via excitatory DREADDs can efficiently improve the working memory performance of ELA mice in a T-maze-based task, indicating the potential of a chemogenetic approach in restoring ELA-provoked memory deficits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Xu
- Key Lab of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Yue Liu
- Key Lab of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Jingyi Long
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Center, 6525GA, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Xiulan He
- Key Lab of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Fanbing Xie
- Key Lab of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Qiao Yin
- Key Lab of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China
| | - Michael Chen
- University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Dahong Long
- Key Lab of Neuroscience, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 511436, China.
| | - Yuncai Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, CA, 92697, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Boroshok AL, McDermott CL, Fotiadis P, Park AT, Tooley UA, Gataviņš MM, Tisdall MD, Bassett DS, Mackey AP. Individual differences in T1w/T2w ratio development during childhood. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 62:101270. [PMID: 37348147 PMCID: PMC10439503 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Myelination is a key developmental process that promotes rapid and efficient information transfer. Myelin also stabilizes existing brain networks and thus may constrain neuroplasticity, defined here as the brain's potential to change in response to experiences rather than the canonical definition as the process of change. Characterizing individual differences in neuroplasticity may shed light on mechanisms by which early experiences shape learning, brain and body development, and response to interventions. The T1-weighted/T2-weighted (T1w/T2w) MRI signal ratio is a proxy measure of cortical microstructure and thus neuroplasticity. Here, in pre-registered analyses, we investigated individual differences in T1w/T2w ratios in children (ages 4-10, n = 157). T1w/T2w ratios were positively associated with age within early-developing sensorimotor and attention regions. We also tested whether socioeconomic status, cognition (crystallized knowledge or fluid reasoning), and biological age (as measured with molar eruption) were related to T1w/T2w signal but found no significant effects. Associations among T1w/T2w ratios, early experiences, and cognition may emerge later in adolescence and may not be strong enough to detect in moderate sample sizes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Austin L Boroshok
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Panagiotis Fotiadis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Anne T Park
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ursula A Tooley
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Washington University in St. Louis, USA; Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, USA
| | - Mārtiņš M Gataviņš
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - M Dylan Tisdall
- Department of Radiology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dani S Bassett
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Electrical & Systems Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Physics & Astronomy, School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neurology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, NM, USA
| | - Allyson P Mackey
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Sanchez K, Wu SL, Kakkar R, Darling JS, Harper CS, Fonken LK. Ovariectomy in mice primes hippocampal microglia to exacerbate behavioral sickness responses. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100638. [PMID: 37256192 PMCID: PMC10225896 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogens are a group of steroid hormones that promote the development and maintenance of the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. Estrogens also modulate immune responses; estrogen loss at menopause increases the risk of inflammatory disorders. Elevated inflammatory responses in the brain can lead to affective behavioral changes, which are characteristic of menopause. Thus, here we examined whether loss of estrogens sensitizes microglia, the primary innate immune cell of the brain, leading to changes in affective behaviors. To test this question, adult C57BL/6 mice underwent an ovariectomy to remove endogenous estrogens and then received estradiol hormone replacement or vehicle. After a one-month recovery, mice received an immune challenge with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or vehicle control treatment and underwent behavioral testing. Ovariectomized, saline-treated mice exhibited reduced social investigation compared to sham-operated mice. Furthermore, ovariectomized mice that received LPS exhibited an exacerbated decrease in sucrose preference, which was ameliorated by estradiol replacement. These results indicate that ovariectomy modulates affective behaviors at baseline and in response to an inflammatory challenge. Ovariectomy-related behavioral changes were associated with downregulation of Cx3cr1, a microglial receptor that limits activation, suggesting that estrogen loss can disinhibit microglia to immune stimuli. Indeed, estradiol treatment reduced ovariectomy-induced increases in Il1b and Il6 expression after an immune challenge. Changes in microglial reactivity following ovariectomy are likely subtle, as overt changes in microglial morphology (e.g., soma size and branching) were limited. Collectively, these results suggest that a lack of estrogens may allow microglia to confer exaggerated neuroimmune responses, thereby raising vulnerability to adverse affective- and sickness-related behavioral changes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Sanchez
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Sienna L. Wu
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Reha Kakkar
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Jeffrey S. Darling
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Claire S. Harper
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Laura K. Fonken
- Division of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sun YX, Su YA, Wang Q, Zheng JY, Zhang CC, Wang T, Liu X, Ma YN, Li XX, Zhang XQ, Xie XM, Wang XD, Li JT, Si TM. The causal involvement of the BDNF-TrkB pathway in dentate gyrus in early-life stress-induced cognitive deficits in male mice. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:173. [PMID: 37225683 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02476-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction is a significant, untreated clinical need in patients with psychiatric disorders, for which preclinical studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms and to identify potential therapeutic targets. Early-life stress (ELS) leads to long-lasting deficits of hippocampus-dependent learning and memory in adult mice, which may be associated with the hypofunction of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its high-affinity receptor, tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). In this study, we carried out eight experiments using male mice to examine the causal involvement of the BDNF-TrkB pathway in dentate gyrus (DG) and the therapeutic effects of the TrkB agonist (7,8-DHF) in ELS-induced cognitive deficits. Adopting the limited nesting and bedding material paradigm, we first demonstrated that ELS impaired spatial memory, suppressed BDNF expression and neurogenesis in the DG in adult mice. Downregulating BDNF expression (conditional BDNF knockdown) or inhibition of the TrkB receptor (using its antagonist ANA-12) in the DG mimicked the cognitive deficits of ELS. Acute upregulation of BDNF (exogenous human recombinant BDNF microinjection) levels or activation of TrkB receptor (using its agonist, 7,8-DHF) in the DG restored ELS-induced spatial memory loss. Finally, acute and subchronic systemic administration of 7,8-DHF successfully restored spatial memory loss in stressed mice. Subchronic 7,8-DHF treatment also reversed ELS-induced neurogenesis reduction. Our findings highlight BDNF-TrkB system as the molecular target of ELS-induced spatial memory deficits and provide translational evidence for the intervention at this system in the treatment of cognitive deficits in stress-related psychiatric disorders, such as major depressive disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Xin Sun
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yun-Ai Su
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Jia-Ya Zheng
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Chen-Chen Zhang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yu-Nu Ma
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xue-Xin Li
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xian-Qiang Zhang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Meng Xie
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology of Ministry of Health of China, Zhejiang Province Key Laboratory of Neurobiology, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Ji-Tao Li
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Tian-Mei Si
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
- School of Mental Health, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Huang Z, Jordan JD, Zhang Q. Early life adversity as a risk factor for cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease. Transl Neurodegener 2023; 12:25. [PMID: 37173751 PMCID: PMC10182702 DOI: 10.1186/s40035-023-00355-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurological conditions, including cognitive impairment and Alzheimer's disease (AD), impose a huge burden on society, affecting millions of people globally. In addition to genetic factors, recent studies indicate that environmental and experiential factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of these diseases. Early life adversity (ELA) has a profound impact on brain function and health later in life. In rodent models, exposure to ELA results in specific cognitive deficits and aggravated AD pathology. Extensive concerns have been raised regarding the higher risk of developing cognitive impairments in people with a history of ELA. In this review, we scrutinize findings from human and animal studies focusing on the connection of ELA with cognitive impairment and AD. These discoveries suggest that ELA, especially at early postnatal stages, increases susceptibility to cognitive impairment and AD later in life. In terms of mechanisms, ELA could lead to dysregulation of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis, altered gut microbiome, persistent inflammation, oligodendrocyte dysfunction, hypomyelination, and aberrant adult hippocampal neurogenesis. Crosstalks among these events may synergistically contribute to cognitive impairment later in life. Additionally, we discuss several interventions that may alleviate adverse consequences of ELA. Further investigation into this crucial area will help improve ELA management and reduce the burden of related neurological conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihai Huang
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA
| | - J Dedrick Jordan
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
| | - Quanguang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, 1501 Kings Highway, Shreveport, LA, 71103, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hardy KA, Hart DM, Rosen MJ. Early-life stress affects Mongolian gerbil interactions with conspecific vocalizations in a sex-specific manner. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1128586. [PMID: 37234406 PMCID: PMC10206074 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1128586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
During development, early-life stress (ELS) impairs cognition, learning, and emotional regulation, in part by disrupting neural circuitry in regions underlying these higher-order functions. In addition, our recent work indicates that ELS also alters simple sensory perception: ELS impaired auditory perception and neural encoding of short gaps in sounds, which are essential for vocal communication. The combination of higher-order and basic sensory disruption suggests that ELS is likely to affect both the perception and interpretation of communication signals. We tested this hypothesis by measuring behavioral responses to conspecific vocalizations (those emitted by other gerbils) in ELS and untreated Mongolian gerbils. Because stress effects often differ by sex, we separately examined females and males. To induce ELS, pups were intermittently maternally separated and restrained from post-natal days (P) 9-24, a time window when the auditory cortex is most sensitive to external disruption. We measured the approach responses of juvenile (P31-32) gerbils to two types of conspecific vocalizations: an alarm call, which is emitted to alert other gerbils of a potential threat, and the prosocial contact call, which is emitted near familiar gerbils, especially after separation. Control males, Control females, and ELS females approached a speaker emitting pre-recorded alarm calls, while ELS males avoided this source, suggesting that ELS affects the response to alarm calls in male gerbils. During playback of the pre-recorded contact call, Control females and ELS males avoided the sound source, while Control males neither approached nor avoided, and ELS females approached the sound. These differences cannot be accounted for by changes in locomotion or baseline arousal. However, ELS gerbils slept more during playback, suggesting that ELS may reduce arousal during vocalization playback. Further, male gerbils made more errors than females on a measure of working memory, but the sex difference of cognition in this context may stem from novelty aversion rather than impaired memory. These data indicate that ELS influences behavioral responses to ethologically relevant communication sounds in a sex-specific manner, and are among the first to demonstrate an altered response to auditory stimuli following ELS. Such changes may arise from differences in auditory perception, cognition, or a combination of factors, and suggest that ELS may affect auditory communication in human adolescents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate A. Hardy
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Hearing Research Group, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, Brain Health Research Institute, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
| | - Denise M. Hart
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Hearing Research Group, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States
| | - Merri J. Rosen
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Hearing Research Group, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Weissman DG, Hatzenbuehler ML, Cikara M, Barch DM, McLaughlin KA. State-level macro-economic factors moderate the association of low income with brain structure and mental health in U.S. children. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2085. [PMID: 37130880 PMCID: PMC10154403 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-37778-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrostructural characteristics, such as cost of living and state-level anti-poverty programs relate to the magnitude of socioeconomic disparities in brain development and mental health. In this study we leveraged data from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development (ABCD) study from 10,633 9-11 year old youth (5115 female) across 17 states. Lower income was associated with smaller hippocampal volume and higher internalizing psychopathology. These associations were stronger in states with higher cost of living. However, in high cost of living states that provide more generous cash benefits for low-income families, socioeconomic disparities in hippocampal volume were reduced by 34%, such that the association of family income with hippocampal volume resembled that in the lowest cost of living states. We observed similar patterns for internalizing psychopathology. State-level anti-poverty programs and cost of living may be confounded with other factors related to neurodevelopment and mental health. However, the patterns were robust to controls for numerous state-level social, economic, and political characteristics. These findings suggest that state-level macrostructural characteristics, including the generosity of anti-poverty policies, are potentially relevant for addressing the relationship of low income with brain development and mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David G Weissman
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | | | - Mina Cikara
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Deanna M Barch
- Department of Psychological & Brain Sciences, Washington University, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nie Z, Xie X, Kang L, Wang W, Xu S, Chen M, Yao L, Gong Q, Zhou E, Li M, Wang H, Bu L, Liu Z. A Cross-Sectional Study: Structural and Related Functional Connectivity Changes in the Brain: Stigmata of Adverse Parenting in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder? Brain Sci 2023; 13:brainsci13040694. [PMID: 37190659 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci13040694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: There is a high correlation between the risk of major depressive disorder (MDD) and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) such as adverse parenting (AP). While there appears to be an association between ACEs and changes in brain structure and function, there have yet to be multimodal neuroimaging studies of associations between parenting style and brain developmental changes in MDD patients. To explore the effect of AP on brain structure and function. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 125 MDD outpatients were included in the study and divided into the AP group and the optimal parenting (OP) group. Participants completed self-rating scales to assess depressive severity, symptoms, and their parents' styles. They also completed magnetic resonance imaging within one week of filling out the instruments. The differences between groups of gender, educational level, and medications were analyzed using the chi-squared test and those of age, duration of illness, and scores on scales using the independent samples t-test. Differences in gray matter volume (GMV) and resting-state functional connectivity (RS-FC) were assessed between groups. Results: AP was associated with a significant increase in GMV in the right superior parietal lobule (SPL) and FC between the right SPL and the bilateral medial superior frontal cortex in MDD patients. Limitations: The cross-cultural characteristics of AP will result in the lack of generalizability of the findings. Conclusions: The results support the hypothesis that AP during childhood may imprint the brain and affect depressive symptoms in adulthood. Parents should pay attention to the parenting style and avoid a style that lacks warmth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowen Nie
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xinhui Xie
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lijun Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shuxian Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Mianmian Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lihua Yao
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Qian Gong
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Enqi Zhou
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Meng Li
- PET/CT/MRI and Molecular Imaging Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Huiling Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Lihong Bu
- PET/CT/MRI and Molecular Imaging Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhongchun Liu
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
de Carvalho G, Khoja S, Haile MT, Chen LY. Early life adversity impaired dorsal striatal synaptic transmission and behavioral adaptability to appropriate action selection in a sex-dependent manner. Front Synaptic Neurosci 2023; 15:1128640. [PMID: 37091877 PMCID: PMC10116150 DOI: 10.3389/fnsyn.2023.1128640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) is a major health burden in the United States, with 62% of adults reporting at least one adverse childhood experience. These experiences during critical stages of brain development can perturb the development of neural circuits that mediate sensory cue processing and behavioral regulation. Recent studies have reported that ELA impaired the maturation of dendritic spines on neurons in the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) but not in the dorsomedial striatum (DMS). The DMS and DLS are part of two distinct corticostriatal circuits that have been extensively implicated in behavioral flexibility by regulating and integrating action selection with the reward value of those actions. To date, no studies have investigated the multifaceted effects of ELA on aspects of behavioral flexibility that require alternating between different action selection strategies or higher-order cognitive processes, and the underlying synaptic transmission in corticostriatal circuitries. To address this, we employed whole-cell patch-clamp electrophysiology to assess the effects of ELA on synaptic transmission in the DMS and DLS. We also investigated the effects of ELA on the ability to update action control in response to outcome devaluation in an instrumental learning paradigm and reversal of action-outcome contingency in a water T-maze paradigm. At the circuit level, ELA decreased corticostriatal glutamate transmission in male but not in female mice. Interestingly, in DMS, glutamate transmission is decreased in male ELA mice, but increased in female ELA mice. ELA impaired the ability to update action control in response to reward devaluation in a context that promotes goal-directedness in male mice and induced deficits in reversal learning. Overall, our findings demonstrate the sex- and region-dependent effects of ELA on behavioral flexibility and underlying corticostriatal glutamate transmission. By establishing a link between ELA and circuit mechanisms underlying behavioral flexibility, our findings will begin to identify novel molecular mechanisms that can represent strategies for treating behavioral inflexibility in individuals who experienced early life traumatic incidents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gregory de Carvalho
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Sheraz Khoja
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Mulatwa T Haile
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Lulu Y Chen
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- UCI-Conte Center, UCI-NIMH, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Cruz-Mendoza F, Luquin S, García-Estrada J, Fernández-Quezada D, Jauregui-Huerta F. Acoustic Stress Induces Opposite Proliferative/Transformative Effects in Hippocampal Glia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065520. [PMID: 36982594 PMCID: PMC10058072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/09/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The hippocampus is a brain region crucially involved in regulating stress responses and highly sensitive to environmental changes, with elevated proliferative and adaptive activity of neurons and glial cells. Despite the prevalence of environmental noise as a stressor, its effects on hippocampal cytoarchitecture remain largely unknown. In this study, we aimed to investigate the impact of acoustic stress on hippocampal proliferation and glial cytoarchitecture in adult male rats, using environmental noise as a stress model. After 21 days of noise exposure, our results showed abnormal cellular proliferation in the hippocampus, with an inverse effect on the proliferation ratios of astrocytes and microglia. Both cell lineages also displayed atrophic morphologies with fewer processes and lower densities in the noise-stressed animals. Our findings suggest that, stress not only affects neurogenesis and neuronal death in the hippocampus, but also the proliferation ratio, cell density, and morphology of glial cells, potentially triggering an inflammatory-like response that compromises their homeostatic and repair functions.
Collapse
|
36
|
Wisłowska-Stanek A, Lehner M, Tomczuk F, Kołosowska K, Krząśnik P, Turzyńska D, Skórzewska A. The role of the dorsal hippocampus in resistance to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder-like behaviours. Behav Brain Res 2023; 438:114185. [PMID: 36334781 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2022.114185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to determine the activity of the dorsal hippocampus (dHIP) in resistance to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like behaviours. Rats were divided into resistant, PTSD(-), and susceptible, PTSD(+) groups based on the time spent in the central area in an open field test and freezing duration during exposure to an aversive context one week after stress experience (electric foot shock). The PTSD(-) rats, compared to the PTSD(+) group, had an increased concentration of corticosterone in plasma and changes in the activity of the dHIP, specifically, increased c-Fos expression in the dentate gyrus (DG) and increased Neuroligin-2 (marker of GABAergic neurotransmission) expression in the DG and CA3 area of the dHIP. Moreover, in the hippocampus, the PTSD(-) group showed decreased mRNA expression for corticotropin-releasing factor receptors type 1 and 2, increased mRNA expression for orexin receptor type 1, and decreased miR-9 and miR-34c levels compared with the PTSD(+) group. This study may suggest that the increase in GABA signalling in the hippocampus attenuates the activity of the CRF system and enhances the function of the orexin system. Moreover, decreased expression of miR-34c and miR-9 could facilitate fear extinction and diminishes the anxiety response. These effects may lead to an anxiolytic-like effect and improve resistance to developing PTSD-like behaviours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Wisłowska-Stanek
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lehner
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Filip Tomczuk
- Department of Genetics, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Karolina Kołosowska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Paweł Krząśnik
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Warsaw, Centre for Preclinical Research and Technology (CEPT), 1B Banacha Street, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Danuta Turzyńska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Skórzewska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 9 Sobieskiego Street, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang T, Ma YN, Zhang CC, Liu X, Sun YX, Wang HL, Wang H, Zhong YH, Su YA, Li JT, Si TM. The Nucleus Accumbens CRH-CRHR1 System Mediates Early-Life Stress-Induced Sleep Disturbance and Dendritic Atrophy in the Adult Mouse. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:41-56. [PMID: 35750984 PMCID: PMC9849529 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00903-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: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Adverse experiences in early life have long-lasting negative impacts on behavior and the brain in adulthood, one of which is sleep disturbance. As the corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH)-corticotropin-releasing hormone receptor 1 (CRHR1) system and nucleus accumbens (NAc) play important roles in both stress responses and sleep-wake regulation, in this study we investigated whether the NAc CRH-CRHR1 system mediates early-life stress-induced abnormalities in sleep-wake behavior in adult mice. Using the limited nesting and bedding material paradigm from postnatal days 2 to 9, we found that early-life stress disrupted sleep-wake behaviors during adulthood, including increased wakefulness and decreased non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep time during the dark period and increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep time during the light period. The stress-induced sleep disturbances were accompanied by dendritic atrophy in the NAc and both were largely reversed by daily systemic administration of the CRHR1 antagonist antalarmin during stress exposure. Importantly, Crh overexpression in the NAc reproduced the effects of early-life stress on sleep-wake behavior and NAc morphology, whereas NAc Crhr1 knockdown reversed these effects (including increased wakefulness and reduced NREM sleep in the dark period and NAc dendritic atrophy). Together, our findings demonstrate the negative influence of early-life stress on sleep architecture and the structural plasticity of the NAc, and highlight the critical role of the NAc CRH-CRHR1 system in modulating these negative outcomes evoked by early-life stress.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ting Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yu-Nu Ma
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Chen-Chen Zhang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Xiao Liu
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ya-Xin Sun
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Hong-Li Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Han Wang
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Yu-Heng Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Institutes of Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yun-Ai Su
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ji-Tao Li
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Tian-Mei Si
- Peking University Sixth Hospital, Peking University Institute of Mental Health, NHC Key Laboratory of Mental Health (Peking University), National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders (Peking University Sixth Hospital), Beijing, 100191, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dayananda KK, Ahmed S, Wang D, Polis B, Islam R, Kaffman A. Early life stress impairs synaptic pruning in the developing hippocampus. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:16-31. [PMID: 36174883 PMCID: PMC10497209 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.014] [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: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 09/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity impairs normal hippocampal function and connectivity in various mammalian species, including humans and rodents. According to the 'cumulative model' the number of early adversities can be summed up to determine the risk for developing psychopathology later in life. In contrast, the 'dimensional model' argues that 'Deprivation' and 'Threat' impact different developmental processes that should not be added in determining clinical outcomes. Here we examine these predictions in male and female mice exposed to a single adversity - limited bedding (LB) - versus mice exposed to multiple adversities - unpredictable postnatal stress (UPS) - focusing on microglia-mediated synaptic pruning in the developing hippocampus. Exposure to both LB and UPS reduced the ramification of microglia, impaired their ability to phagocytose synaptic material in vivo and ex vivo, and decreased expression of TREM2. Abnormal phagocytic activity was associated with increased spine density in CA1 pyramidal neurons that was seen in 17-day-old groups and persisted in peri-pubescent 29-day-old LB and UPS mice. Exposure to LB caused more severe impairment in microglial ramification and synaptic engulfment compared to UPS, outcomes that were accompanied by a UPS-specific increase in the expression of several genes implicated in synaptic pruning. We propose that despite being a single stressor, LB represents a more severe form of early deprivation, and that appropriate levels of hippocampal stimulation during the second and third weeks of life are necessary to support normal microglial ramification and synaptic pruning. Further, impaired synaptic pruning during this critical period of hippocampal development contributes to the abnormal hippocampal function and connectivity seen in UPS and LB later in life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran K Dayananda
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Sahabuddin Ahmed
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Daniel Wang
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Baruh Polis
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Rafiad Islam
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Arie Kaffman
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, Suite 901, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Reemst K, Kracht L, Kotah JM, Rahimian R, van Irsen AAS, Congrains Sotomayor G, Verboon LN, Brouwer N, Simard S, Turecki G, Mechawar N, Kooistra SM, Eggen BJL, Korosi A. Early-life stress lastingly impacts microglial transcriptome and function under basal and immune-challenged conditions. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:507. [PMID: 36481769 PMCID: PMC9731997 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02265-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 11/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life stress (ELS) leads to increased vulnerability to psychiatric disorders including depression later in life. Neuroinflammatory processes have been implicated in ELS-induced negative health outcomes, but how ELS impacts microglia, the main tissue-resident macrophages of the central nervous system, is unknown. Here, we determined the effects of ELS-induced by limited bedding and nesting material during the first week of life (postnatal days [P]2-9) on microglial (i) morphology; (ii) hippocampal gene expression; and (iii) synaptosome phagocytic capacity in male pups (P9) and adult (P200) mice. The hippocampus of ELS-exposed adult mice displayed altered proportions of morphological subtypes of microglia, as well as microglial transcriptomic changes related to the tumor necrosis factor response and protein ubiquitination. ELS exposure leads to distinct gene expression profiles during microglial development from P9 to P200 and in response to an LPS challenge at P200. Functionally, synaptosomes from ELS-exposed mice were phagocytosed less by age-matched microglia. At P200, but not P9, ELS microglia showed reduced synaptosome phagocytic capacity when compared to control microglia. Lastly, we confirmed the ELS-induced increased expression of the phagocytosis-related gene GAS6 that we observed in mice, in the dentate gyrus of individuals with a history of child abuse using in situ hybridization. These findings reveal persistent effects of ELS on microglial function and suggest that altered microglial phagocytic capacity is a key contributor to ELS-induced phenotypes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kitty Reemst
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH The Netherlands
| | - Laura Kracht
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Janssen M. Kotah
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH The Netherlands
| | - Reza Rahimian
- grid.412078.80000 0001 2353 5268McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1 Canada
| | - Astrid A. S. van Irsen
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH The Netherlands
| | - Gonzalo Congrains Sotomayor
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH The Netherlands
| | - Laura N. Verboon
- grid.7177.60000000084992262Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH The Netherlands
| | - Nieske Brouwer
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sophie Simard
- grid.412078.80000 0001 2353 5268McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1 Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- grid.412078.80000 0001 2353 5268McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1 Canada
| | - Naguib Mechawar
- grid.412078.80000 0001 2353 5268McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Montreal, QC H4H 1R3 Canada ,grid.14709.3b0000 0004 1936 8649Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 1A1 Canada
| | - Susanne M. Kooistra
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bart J. L. Eggen
- grid.4494.d0000 0000 9558 4598Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & Systems, Section Molecular Neurobiology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Aniko Korosi
- Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, Center for Neuroscience, Brain Plasticity Group, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Science Park 904, 1098 XH, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
McFalls AJ, Jenney C, Stanford RS, Woodward E, Hajnal A, Grigson PS, Vrana KE. Greater avoidance of a saccharin cue paired with passive delivery of heroin is associated with a select increase in expression of CRFR2 and CRFbp in the hippocampus in rats. Brain Res Bull 2022; 191:48-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2022.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
|
41
|
Lindert NG, Maxwell MY, Liu SR, Stern HS, Baram TZ, Poggi Davis E, Risbrough VB, Baker DG, Nievergelt CM, Glynn LM. Exposure to unpredictability and mental health: Validation of the brief version of the Questionnaire of Unpredictability in Childhood (QUIC-5) in English and Spanish. Front Psychol 2022; 13:971350. [PMID: 36438371 PMCID: PMC9682115 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.971350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Unpredictability is increasingly recognized as a primary dimension of early life adversity affecting lifespan mental health trajectories; screening for these experiences is therefore vital. The Questionnaire of Unpredictability in Childhood (QUIC) is a 38-item tool that measures unpredictability in childhood in social, emotional and physical domains. The available evidence indicates that exposure to unpredictable experiences measured with the QUIC predicts internalizing symptoms including depression and anxiety. The purpose of the present study was to validate English and Spanish brief versions (QUIC-5) suitable for administration in time-limited settings (e.g., clinical care settings, large-scale epidemiological studies). Five representative items were identified from the QUIC and their psychometric properties examined. The predictive validity of the QUIC-5 was then compared to the QUIC by examining mental health in four cohorts: (1) English-speaking adult women assessed at 6-months postpartum (N = 116), (2) English-speaking male veterans (N = 95), (3) English-speaking male and female adolescents (N = 155), and (4) Spanish-speaking male and female adults (N = 285). The QUIC-5 demonstrated substantial variance in distributions in each of the cohorts and is correlated on average 0.84 (r's = 0.81-0.87) with the full 38-item version. Furthermore, the QUIC-5 predicted internalizing symptoms (anxiety and depression) in all cohorts with similar effect sizes (r's = 0.16-0.39; all p's < 0.05) to the full versions (r's = 0.19-0.42; all p's < 0.05). In sum, the QUIC-5 exhibits good psychometric properties and is a valid alternative to the full QUIC. These findings support the future use of the QUIC-5 in clinical and research settings as a concise way to measure unpredictability, identify risk of psychopathology, and intervene accordingly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Megan Y. Maxwell
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Sabrina R. Liu
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Hal S. Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Anatomy/Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Victoria B. Risbrough
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Dewleen G. Baker
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Caroline M. Nievergelt
- Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Affairs, San Diego, CA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Laura M. Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Liu Y, Li S, Zhang X, Wang L, Li Z, Wu W, Qin X, Zhou J, Ma C, Meng W, Kuang X, Yin F, Xia Q, Jiang B, Yang Y. Corticotropin releasing factor neurons in the visual cortex mediate long-term changes in visual function induced by early adversity. Neurobiol Stress 2022; 21:100504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2022.100504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Revised: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
|
43
|
Davis EP, McCormack K, Arora H, Sharpe D, Short AK, Bachevalier J, Glynn LM, Sandman CA, Stern HS, Sanchez M, Baram TZ. Early life exposure to unpredictable parental sensory signals shapes cognitive development across three species. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:960262. [PMID: 36338881 PMCID: PMC9630745 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.960262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to early life adversity has long term consequences on cognitive function. Most research has focused on understanding components of early life adversities that contribute to later risk, including poverty, trauma, maltreatment, and neglect. Whereas these factors, in the aggregate, explain a significant proportion of emotional and cognitive problems, there are serious gaps in our ability to identify potential mechanisms by which early life adversities might promote vulnerability or resilience. Here we discuss early life exposure to unpredictable signals from the caretaker as an understudied type of adversity that is amenable to prevention and intervention. We employ a translational approach to discover underlying neurobiological mechanisms by which early life exposure to unpredictable signals sculpts the developing brain. First, we review evidence that exposure to unpredictable signals from the parent during sensitive periods impacts development of neural circuits. Second, we describe a method for characterizing early life patterns of sensory signals across species. Third, we present published and original data illustrating that patterns of maternal care predict memory function in humans, non-human primates, and rodents. Finally, implications are discussed for identifying individuals at risk so that early preventive-intervention can be provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elysia Poggi Davis
- Department of Psychology, University of Denver, Denver, CO, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Kai McCormack
- Department of Psychology, Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Hina Arora
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Desiree Sharpe
- Mary Frances Early College of Education (MFECOE) Torrance Center for Creativity and Talent Development, University of Georgia, Athens, GA, United States
| | - Annabel K. Short
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Jocelyne Bachevalier
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Laura M. Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, United States
| | - Curt A. Sandman
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Hal S. Stern
- Department of Statistics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Mar Sanchez
- Emory National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Tallie Z. Baram
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
- Department of Neurology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Melatonin treatment improves cognitive deficits by altering inflammatory and neurotrophic factors in the hippocampus of obese mice. Physiol Behav 2022; 254:113919. [PMID: 35858673 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.113919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Revised: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Overweight and obesity are associated with an increased risk of developing dementia and cognitive deficits. Neuroinflammation is one of the most important mechanisms behind cognitive impairment in obese patients. In recent years, the neuroendocrine hormone melatonin has been suggested to have therapeutic effects for memory decline in several neuropsychiatric and neurological conditions. However, the effects of melatonin on cognitive function under obesity conditions still need to be clarified. The purpose of this study was to determine whether melatonin treatment can improve cognitive impairment in obese mice. To this end, male C57BL6 mice were treated with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 20 weeks to induce obesity. The animal received melatonin for 8 weeks. Cognitive functions were evaluated using the Y maze, object recognition test, and the Morris water maze. We measured inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, interleukin (IL)-17A, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the hippocampus of obese mice. Our results show that HFD-induced obesity significantly impaired working, spatial and recognition memory by increasing IFN-γ and IL-17A and decreasing BDNF levels in the hippocampus of mice. On the other hand, melatonin treatment effectively improved all cognitive impairments and reduced TNF-α, IFN-γ, and IL-17A and elevated BDNF levels in the hippocampus of obese mice. Taken together, this study suggests that melatonin treatment could have a beneficial role in the treatment of cognitive impairment in obesity.
Collapse
|
45
|
Ku BS, Aberizk K, Addington J, Bearden CE, Cadenhead KS, Cannon TD, Carrión RE, Compton MT, Cornblatt BA, Druss BG, Mathalon DH, Perkins DO, Tsuang MT, Woods SW, Walker EF. The Association Between Neighborhood Poverty and Hippocampal Volume Among Individuals at Clinical High-Risk for Psychosis: The Moderating Role of Social Engagement. Schizophr Bull 2022; 48:1032-1042. [PMID: 35689540 PMCID: PMC9434451 DOI: 10.1093/schbul/sbac055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Reductions in hippocampal volume (HV) have been associated with both prolonged exposure to stress and psychotic illness. This study sought to determine whether higher levels of neighborhood poverty would be associated with reduced HV among individuals at clinical high-risk for psychosis (CHR-P), and whether social engagement would moderate this association. This cross-sectional study included a sample of participants (N = 174, age-range = 12-33 years, 35.1% female) recruited for the second phase of the North American Prodrome Longitudinal Study. Generalized linear mixed models tested the association between neighborhood poverty and bilateral HV, as well as the moderating role of social engagement on this association. Higher levels of neighborhood poverty were associated with reduced left (β = -0.180, P = .016) and right HV (β = -0.185, P = .016). Social engagement significantly moderated the relation between neighborhood poverty and bilateral HV. In participants with lower levels of social engagement (n = 77), neighborhood poverty was associated with reduced left (β = -0.266, P = .006) and right HV (β = -0.316, P = .002). Among participants with higher levels of social engagement (n = 97), neighborhood poverty was not significantly associated with left (β = -0.010, P = .932) or right HV (β = 0.087, P = .473). In this study, social engagement moderated the inverse relation between neighborhood poverty and HV. These findings demonstrate the importance of including broader environmental influences and indices of social engagement when conceptualizing adversity and potential interventions for individuals at CHR-P.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benson S Ku
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GAUSA
| | | | - Jean Addington
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Carrie E Bearden
- Departments of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Psychology, Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, UCLA, Los Angeles, USA
| | | | - Tyrone D Cannon
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CTUSA
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, CTUSA
| | - Ricardo E Carrión
- Division of Psychiatry Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Michael T Compton
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, and New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Barbara A Cornblatt
- Division of Psychiatry Research, The Zucker Hillside Hospital, Northwell Health, Glen Oaks, NY, USA
- Department of Psychiatry, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Benjamin G Druss
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GAUSA
| | - Daniel H Mathalon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, and San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CAUSA
| | - Diana O Perkins
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ming T Tsuang
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Scott W Woods
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University, New Haven, CTUSA
| | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Mavromatis LA, Rosoff DB, Cupertino RB, Garavan H, Mackey S, Lohoff FW. Association Between Brain Structure and Alcohol Use Behaviors in Adults: A Mendelian Randomization and Multiomics Study. JAMA Psychiatry 2022; 79:869-878. [PMID: 35947372 PMCID: PMC9366661 DOI: 10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2022.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
IMPORTANCE Past studies have identified associations between brain macrostructure and alcohol use behaviors. However, identifying directional associations between these phenotypes is difficult due to the limitations of observational studies. OBJECTIVE To use mendelian randomization (MR) to identify directional associations between brain structure and alcohol use and elucidate the transcriptomic and cellular underpinnings of identified associations. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS The main source data comprised summary statistics from population-based and case-control genome-wide association studies (GWAS) of neuroimaging, behavioral, and clinical phenotypes (N = 763 874). Using these data, bidirectional and multivariable MR was performed analyzing associations between brain macrostructure and alcohol use. Downstream transcriptome-wide association studies (TWAS) and cell-type enrichment analyses investigated the biology underlying identified associations. The study approach was data driven and did not test any a priori hypotheses. Data were analyzed August 2021 to May 2022. MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES Brain structure phenotypes (global cortical thickness [GCT] and global cortical surface area [GCSA] in 33 709 individuals and left-right subcortical volumes in 19 629 individuals) and alcohol use behaviors (alcoholic drinks per week [DPW] in 537 349 individuals, binge drinking frequency in 143 685 individuals, and alcohol use disorder in 8845 individuals vs 20 657 control individuals [total of 29 502]). RESULTS The main bidirectional MR analyses were performed in samples totaling 763 874 individuals, among whom more than 94% were of European ancestry, 52% to 54% were female, and the mean cohort ages were 40 to 63 years. Negative associations were identified between genetically predicted GCT and binge drinking (β, -2.52; 95% CI, -4.13 to -0.91) and DPW (β, -0.88; 95% CI, -1.37 to -0.40) at a false discovery rate (FDR) of 0.05. These associations remained significant in multivariable MR models that accounted for neuropsychiatric phenotypes, substance use, trauma, and neurodegeneration. TWAS of GCT and alcohol use behaviors identified 5 genes at the 17q21.31 locus oppositely associated with GCT and binge drinking or DPW (FDR = 0.05). Cell-type enrichment analyses implicated glutamatergic cortical neurons in alcohol use behaviors. CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE The findings in this study show that the associations between GCT and alcohol use may reflect a predispositional influence of GCT and that 17q21.31 genes and glutamatergic cortical neurons may play a role in this association. While replication studies are needed, these findings should enhance the understanding of associations between brain structure and alcohol use.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas A. Mavromatis
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Daniel B. Rosoff
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland,National Institutes of Health–Oxford-Cambridge Scholars Program; Nuffield Department of Population Health, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Renata B. Cupertino
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Hugh Garavan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Scott Mackey
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington
| | - Falk W. Lohoff
- Section on Clinical Genomics and Experimental Therapeutics, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Gadberry TM, Goodman J, Packard MG. Chronic corticosterone administration in adolescence enhances dorsolateral striatum-dependent learning in adulthood. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:970304. [PMID: 36035016 PMCID: PMC9413048 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.970304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Previous evidence indicates a link between early life stress (ELS) in humans and a predisposition to psychopathologies that are characterized in part by maladaptive habitual behaviors. Stress and anxiety influence the relative use of mammalian memory systems implicated in these disorders. Specifically, cognitive memory functions of the hippocampus are typically impaired by stress/anxiety, whereas habit memory functions of the dorsolateral striatum (DLS) are enhanced. A stress/anxiety bias toward habit memory has largely been demonstrated in adult rodents and humans, and the effects of ELS on the later use of DLS-dependent habit memory in adult rodents have not been extensively examined. The present study addressed this question by chronically elevating corticosterone (CORT) during adolescence, and investigated the effects of this treatment on DLS-dependent habit learning in adulthood. In experiment 1, adolescent rats received a single daily injection of either CORT (5 mg/kg) or vehicle (cVEH) over 5 days and then matured undisturbed before training as adults in a DLS-dependent water plus-maze task. Rats administered CORT injections during adolescence displayed a strong trend toward enhanced learning during adulthood relative to vehicle-treated rats. Adolescent CORT administration also increased anxiety-like behavior in adulthood in an elevated plus-maze. In experiment 2, adolescent CORT administration enhanced task acquisition in adulthood, and this effect was blocked by concurrent administration of the glucocorticoid antagonist mifepristone (30 mg/kg). Taken together, these findings suggest that chronic elevation of glucocorticoids during adolescence are sufficient to facilitate habit learning in adulthood, and indicate that glucocorticoid function may be a potential underlying mechanism by which ELS influences subsequent habitual behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ty M. Gadberry
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Jarid Goodman
- Department of Psychology, Delaware State University, Dover, DE, United States
| | - Mark G. Packard
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M Institute for Neuroscience, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
- *Correspondence: Mark G. Packard,
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Petković A, Chaudhury D. Encore: Behavioural animal models of stress, depression and mood disorders. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:931964. [PMID: 36004305 PMCID: PMC9395206 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.931964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Animal studies over the past two decades have led to extensive advances in our understanding of pathogenesis of depressive and mood disorders. Among these, rodent behavioural models proved to be of highest informative value. Here, we present a comprehensive overview of the most popular behavioural models with respect to physiological, circuit, and molecular biological correlates. Behavioural stress paradigms and behavioural tests are assessed in terms of outcomes, strengths, weaknesses, and translational value, especially in the domain of pharmacological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Dipesh Chaudhury
- Laboratory of Neural Systems and Behaviour, Department of Biology, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Early life adversity shapes neural circuit function during sensitive postnatal developmental periods. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:306. [PMID: 35915071 PMCID: PMC9343623 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-022-02092-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life adversity (ELA) is a major risk factor for mental illness, but the neurobiological mechanisms by which ELA increases the risk for future psychopathology are still poorly understood. Brain development is particularly malleable during prenatal and early postnatal life, when complex neural circuits are being formed and refined through an interplay of excitatory and inhibitory neural input, synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, myelination, and neurogenesis. Adversity that influences these processes during sensitive periods of development can thus have long-lasting and pervasive effects on neural circuit maturation. In this review, we will discuss clinical and preclinical evidence for the impact of ELA on neural circuit formation with a focus on the early postnatal period, and how long-lasting impairments in these circuits can affect future behavior. We provide converging evidence from human and animal studies on how ELA alters the functional development of brain regions, neural circuits, and neurotransmitter systems that are crucial for cognition and affective behavior, including the hippocampus, the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, neural networks of fear responses and cognition, and the serotonin (5-HT) system. We also discuss how gene-by-environment (GxE) interactions can determine individual differences in susceptibility and resilience to ELA, as well as molecular pathways by which ELA regulates neural circuit development, for which we emphasize epigenetic mechanisms. Understanding the molecular and neurobiological mechanisms underlying ELA effects on brain function and psychopathology during early postnatal sensitive periods may have great potential to advance strategies to better treat or prevent psychiatric disorders that have their origin early in life.
Collapse
|
50
|
Featherstone RE, Gifford RL, Crown LM, Amirfathi F, Alaniz JP, Yi J, Tran A, Adomian D, Schwenk A, Melnychenko O, Duval C, Parekh K, Lee DJ, Siegel SJ. Early life social instability stress causes lasting cognitive decrement and elevated hippocampal stress-related gene expression. Exp Neurol 2022; 354:114099. [PMID: 35490720 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early life stress may have profound effects on brain health, yielding both short- and long-term cognitive or psychiatric impairment. Early life Social Instability Stress (SIS) in rodents has been used to model the effects of early chronic human stress. While many studies have assessed acute and short-term responses to this stressor, less attention has been paid to the lasting effects of early life stress in rodents. METHODS The current study utilized SIS in young mice to assess the impact of early life adversity over the lifespan. Mice were assessed in adulthood between the ages of 18 to 66 weeks for changes in behaviors associated with anxiety, affect, sociability, aggression, motivation, and recognition memory. Additionally, mice were assessed for changes in glucocorticoid level and hippocampal mRNA expression in a subset of genes that display alterations in humans following exposure to stress (CRHR1, CRHR2, FKBP5, SLC6A4). RESULTS Mice exposed to early SIS showed disrupted memory and increased hippocampal expression of FKBP5, CRHR2 and SLC6A4 mRNA compared to non-stressed mice. Importantly, there was a significant association between increased FKBP5 and CRHR2 with reduced recognition memory. Additionally, mice exposed to SIS showed increased responding on a progressive ratio schedule of reinforcement, indicating that reduction in memory performance was not mediated by decreased effort. CONCLUSIONS Ecologically-relevant social stress in mice causes long-term decrements in recognition memory, possibly mediated by persistent changes in moderators of the stress cascade. Additionally, animals exposed to early life stress showed increased motivation for reward, which may contribute to a host of hedonic seeking behaviors throughout life. These data suggest that SIS can be used to evaluate therapeutic interventions to attenuate or reverse lasting effects of early life adversity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert E Featherstone
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Raymond L Gifford
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Lindsey M Crown
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Felix Amirfathi
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Jon P Alaniz
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Janice Yi
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - AiVi Tran
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Derrick Adomian
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Andrew Schwenk
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Olya Melnychenko
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Christina Duval
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Krishna Parekh
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Darrin J Lee
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America; Department of Neurosurgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1200 North State St., Suite 3300, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America
| | - Steven J Siegel
- Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|