1
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Takahashi A. Associations of the immune system in aggression traits and the role of microglia as mediators. Neuropharmacology 2024; 256:110021. [PMID: 38825308 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110021] [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: 11/26/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/04/2024]
Abstract
There is an important relationship between the immune system and aggressive behavior. Aggressive encounters acutely increase the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and there are positive correlations between aggressive traits and peripheral proinflammatory cytokines. Endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment, which results in peripheral immune activation, decreases aggressive behavior as one of the sickness behavioral symptoms. In contrast, certain brain infections and chronic interferon treatment are associated with increased aggression. Indeed, the effects of proinflammatory cytokines on the brain in aggressive behavior are bidirectional, depending on the type and dose of cytokine, target brain region, and type of aggression. Some studies have suggested that microglial activation and neuroinflammation influence intermale aggression in rodent models. In addition, pathological conditions as well as physiological levels of cytokines produced by microglia play an important role in social and aggressive behavior in adult animals. Furthermore, microglial function in early development is necessary for the establishment of the social brain and the expression of juvenile social behaviors, including play fighting. Overall, this review discusses the important link between the immune system and aggressive traits and the role of microglia as mediators of this link.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aki Takahashi
- Laboratory of Behavioral Neurobiology, Institute of Human Sciences, University of Tsukuba, 1-1-1 Tennodai, Tsukuba, Ibaraki, 305-8577, Japan.
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2
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Qin K, Li H, Zhang H, Yin L, Wu B, Pan N, Chen T, Roberts N, Sweeney JA, Huang X, Gong Q, Jia Z. Transcriptional Patterns of Brain Structural Covariance Network Abnormalities Associated With Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors in Major Depressive Disorder. Biol Psychiatry 2024; 96:435-444. [PMID: 38316331 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2024.01.026] [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: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 01/07/2024] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although brain structural covariance network (SCN) abnormalities have been associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs) in individuals with major depressive disorder (MDD), previous studies have reported inconsistent findings based on small sample sizes, and underlying transcriptional patterns remain poorly understood. METHODS Using a multicenter magnetic resonance imaging dataset including 218 MDD patients with STBs, 230 MDD patients without STBs, and 263 healthy control participants, we established individualized SCNs based on regional morphometric measures and assessed network topological metrics using graph theoretical analysis. Machine learning methods were applied to explore and compare the diagnostic value of morphometric and topological features in identifying MDD and STBs at the individual level. Brainwide relationships between STBs-related connectomic alterations and gene expression were examined using partial least squares regression. RESULTS Group comparisons revealed that SCN topological deficits associated with STBs were identified in the prefrontal, anterior cingulate, and lateral temporal cortices. Combining morphometric and topological features allowed for individual-level characterization of MDD and STBs. Topological features made a greater contribution to distinguishing between patients with and without STBs. STBs-related connectomic alterations were spatially correlated with the expression of genes enriched for cellular metabolism and synaptic signaling. CONCLUSIONS These findings revealed robust brain structural deficits at the network level, highlighting the importance of SCN topological measures in characterizing individual suicidality and demonstrating its linkage to molecular function and cell types, providing novel insights into the neurobiological underpinnings and potential markers for prediction and prevention of suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Qin
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Radiology, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Huiru Li
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Department of Medical Imaging, The First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming, China
| | - Huawei Zhang
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Yin
- Department of Psychiatry, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Baolin Wu
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Nanfang Pan
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Taolin Chen
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Neil Roberts
- Queens Medical Research Institute, School of Clinical Sciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, United Kingdom
| | - John A Sweeney
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Xiaoqi Huang
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiyong Gong
- Department of Radiology and Huaxi MR Research Center, Functional and Molecular Imaging Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Radiology, West China Xiamen Hospital of Sichuan University, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Zhiyun Jia
- Research Unit of Psychoradiology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Chengdu, China; Department of Nuclear Medicine, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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3
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Bencze N, Scheich B, Szőke É, Wilhelm I, Körmöndi S, Botz B, Helyes Z. Osteosarcoma-Induced Pain Is Mediated by Glial Cell Activation in the Spinal Dorsal Horn, but Not Capsaicin-Sensitive Nociceptive Neurons: A Complex Functional and Morphological Characterization in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1788. [PMID: 38791867 PMCID: PMC11120600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer and its related chronic pain are huge clinical problems since the available drugs are often ineffective or cannot be used long term due to a broad range of side effects. The mechanisms, mediators and targets need to be identified to determine potential novel therapies. Here, we characterize a mouse bone cancer model induced by intratibial injection of K7M2 osteosarcoma cells using an integrative approach and investigate the role of capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory nerves. The mechanical pain threshold was assessed by dynamic plantar aesthesiometry, limb loading by dynamic weight bearing, spontaneous pain-related behaviors via observation, knee diameter with a digital caliper, and structural changes by micro-CT and glia cell activation by immunohistochemistry in BALB/c mice of both sexes. Capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory neurons were defunctionalized by systemic pretreatment with a high dose of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonist resiniferatoxin (RTX). During the 14- and 28-day experiments, weight bearing on the affected limb and the paw mechanonociceptive thresholds significantly decreased, demonstrating secondary mechanical hyperalgesia. Signs of spontaneous pain and osteoplastic bone remodeling were detected both in male and female mice without any sex differences. Microglia activation was shown by the increased ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) immunopositivity on day 14 and astrocyte activation by the enhanced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cell density on day 28 in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. Interestingly, defunctionalization of the capsaicin-sensitive afferents representing approximately 2/3 of the nociceptive fibers did not alter any functional parameters. Here, we provide the first complex functional and morphological characterization of the K7M2 mouse osteosarcoma model. Bone-cancer-related chronic pain and hyperalgesia are likely to be mediated by central sensitization involving neuroinflammation via glial cell activation in the spinal dorsal horn, but not the capsaicin-sensitive sensory neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Bencze
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Scheich
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Éva Szőke
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Chronic Pain Research Group (HUN-REN-PTE), 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Sándor Körmöndi
- Department of Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Bálint Botz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- Department of Medical Imaging, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Chronic Pain Research Group (HUN-REN-PTE), 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- PharmInVivo Ltd., Szondy György Str. 10, 7629 Pécs, Hungary
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4
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Chaves-Filho A, Eyres C, Blöbaum L, Landwehr A, Tremblay MÈ. The emerging neuroimmune hypothesis of bipolar disorder: An updated overview of neuroimmune and microglial findings. J Neurochem 2024. [PMID: 38504593 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16098] [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: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a severe and multifactorial disease, with onset usually in young adulthood, which follows a progressive course throughout life. Replicated epidemiological studies have suggested inflammatory mechanisms and neuroimmune risk factors as primary contributors to the onset and development of BD. While not all patients display overt markers of inflammation, significant evidence suggests that aberrant immune signaling contributes to all stages of the disease and seems to be mood phase dependent, likely explaining the heterogeneity of findings observed in this population. As the brain's immune cells, microglia orchestrate the brain's immune response and play a critical role in maintaining the brain's health across the lifespan. Microglia are also highly sensitive to environmental changes and respond to physiological and pathological events by adapting their functions, structure, and molecular expression. Recently, it has been highlighted that instead of a single population of cells, microglia comprise a heterogeneous community with specialized states adjusted according to the local molecular cues and intercellular interactions. Early evidence has highlighted the contribution of microglia to BD neuropathology, notably for severe outcomes, such as suicidality. However, the roles and diversity of microglial states in this disease are still largely undermined. This review brings an updated overview of current literature on the contribution of neuroimmune risk factors for the onset and progression of BD, the most prominent neuroimmune abnormalities (including biomarker, neuroimaging, ex vivo studies) and the most recent findings of microglial involvement in BD neuropathology. Combining these different shreds of evidence, we aim to propose a unifying hypothesis for BD pathophysiology centered on neuroimmune abnormalities and microglia. Also, we highlight the urgent need to apply novel multi-system biology approaches to characterize the diversity of microglial states and functions involved in this enigmatic disorder, which can open bright perspectives for novel biomarkers and therapeutic discoveries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriano Chaves-Filho
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Women Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Brain Health Cluster at the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health (IALH), Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Capri Eyres
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Leonie Blöbaum
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Antonia Landwehr
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Women Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Brain Health Cluster at the Institute on Aging & Lifelong Health (IALH), Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, Quebec, Canada
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5
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Chen MH, Bai YM, Hsu JW, Huang KL, Tsai SJ. Proinflammatory cytokine levels, cognitive function, and suicidal symptoms of adolescents and young adults with major depressive disorder. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-024-01780-5. [PMID: 38492052 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-024-01780-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Whether proinflammatory cytokine dysregulation and cognitive dysfunction are associated with suicidal symptoms in adolescents and young adults with major depressive disorder (MDD) remains uncertain. We assessed the cognitive function and proinflammatory cytokine levels of 43 and 51 patients aged 15-29 years with MDD and severe and mild suicidal symptoms, respectively, as well as those of 85 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Specifically, we measured serum levels of C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-2, and interleukin-6 and assessed cognitive function by using working memory and go/no-go tasks. The severity of the patients' suicidal symptoms was based on Item 10 of the Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale; scores of ≤ 2 and ≥ 4 indicated mild and severe symptoms, respectively. The patients with MDD and severe suicidal symptoms had higher levels of C-reactive protein (p = .019) and TNF-α (p = .002) than did the patients with mild symptoms or the healthy controls. The number of errors committed on the go/no-go by patients with MDD and severe suicidal symptoms (p = .001) was significantly higher than those by patients with MDD and mild symptoms or by controls. After adjusting for nonsuicidal depressive symptoms, we observed suicidal symptoms to be positively associated with TNF-α levels (p = .050) and errors on the go/no-go task (p = .021). Compared with mild suicidal symptoms, severe symptoms are associated with greater serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines and inferior cognitive function in adolescents and young adults with MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu-Hong Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, 112, Taiwan.
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Ya-Mei Bai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ju-Wei Hsu
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Lin Huang
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jen Tsai
- Department of Psychiatry, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei, 112, Taiwan
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
- Institute of Brain Science, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan
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6
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Grewal S, Gonçalves de Andrade E, Kofoed RH, Matthews PM, Aubert I, Tremblay MÈ, Morse SV. Using focused ultrasound to modulate microglial structure and function. Front Cell Neurosci 2023; 17:1290628. [PMID: 38164436 PMCID: PMC10757935 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2023.1290628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Transcranial focused ultrasound (FUS) has the unique ability to target regions of the brain with high spatial precision, in a minimally invasive manner. Neuromodulation studies have shown that FUS can excite or inhibit neuronal activity, demonstrating its tremendous potential to improve the outcome of neurological diseases. Recent evidence has also shed light on the emerging promise that FUS has, with and without the use of intravenously injected microbubbles, in modulating the blood-brain barrier and the immune cells of the brain. As the resident immune cells of the central nervous system, microglia are at the forefront of the brain's maintenance and immune defense. Notably, microglia are highly dynamic and continuously survey the brain parenchyma by extending and retracting their processes. This surveillance activity aids microglia in performing key physiological functions required for brain activity and plasticity. In response to stressors, microglia rapidly alter their cellular and molecular profile to help facilitate a return to homeostasis. While the underlying mechanisms by which both FUS and FUS + microbubbles modify microglial structure and function remain largely unknown, several studies in adult mice have reported changes in the expression of the microglia/macrophage marker ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, and in their phagocytosis, notably of protein aggregates, such as amyloid beta. In this review, we discuss the demonstrated and putative biological effects of FUS and FUS + microbubbles in modulating microglial activities, with an emphasis on the key cellular and molecular changes observed in vitro and in vivo across models of brain health and disease. Understanding how this innovative technology can modulate microglia paves the way for future therapeutic strategies aimed to promote beneficial physiological microglial roles, and prevent or treat maladaptive responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarina Grewal
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Gonçalves de Andrade
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Rikke Hahn Kofoed
- Department of Neurosurgery, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Center for Experimental Neuroscience-CENSE, Department of Neurosurgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Paul M. Matthews
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Isabelle Aubert
- Hurvitz Brain Sciences Research Program, Biological Sciences, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sophie V. Morse
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- UK Dementia Research Institute, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
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González Ibáñez F, Halvorson T, Sharma K, McKee CG, Carrier M, Picard K, Vernoux N, Bisht K, Deslauriers J, Lalowski M, Tremblay MÈ. Ketogenic diet changes microglial morphology and the hippocampal lipidomic profile differently in stress susceptible versus resistant male mice upon repeated social defeat. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 114:383-406. [PMID: 37689276 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychological stress confers an increased risk for several diseases including psychiatric conditions. The susceptibility to psychological stress is modulated by various factors, many of them being modifiable lifestyle choices. The ketogenic diet (KD) has emerged as a dietary regime that offers positive outcomes on mood and health status. Psychological stress and elevated inflammation are common features of neuropsychiatric disorders such as certain types of major depressive disorder. KD has been attributed anti-inflammatory properties that could underlie its beneficial consequences on the brain and behavior. Microglia are the main drivers of inflammation in the central nervous system. They are known to respond to both dietary changes and psychological stress, notably by modifying their production of cytokines and relationships among the brain parenchyma. To assess the interactions between KD and the stress response, including effects on microglia, we examined adult male mice on control diet (CD) versus KD that underwent 10 days of repeated social defeat (RSD) or remained non-stressed (controls; CTRLs). Through a social interaction test, stressed mice were classified as susceptible (SUS) or resistant (RES) to RSD. The mouse population fed a KD tended to have a higher proportion of individuals classified as RES following RSD. Microglial morphology and ultrastructure were then analyzed in the ventral hippocampus CA1, a brain region known to present structural alterations as a response to psychological stress. Distinct changes in microglial soma and arborization linked to the KD, SUS and RES phenotypes were revealed. Ultrastructural analysis by electron microscopy showed a clear reduction of cellular stress markers in microglia from KD fed animals. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis showed that microglial contacts with synaptic elements were reduced in the SUS compared to the RES and CTRL groups. Hippocampal lipidomic analyses lastly identified a distinct lipid profile in SUS animals compared to CTRLs. These key differences, combined with the distinct microglial responses to diet and stress, indicate that unique metabolic changes may underlie the stress susceptibility phenotypes. Altogether, our results reveal novel mechanisms by which a KD might improve the resistance to psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando González Ibáñez
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Torin Halvorson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Kaushik Sharma
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | - Chloe Grace McKee
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Katherine Picard
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Nathalie Vernoux
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada
| | - Kanchan Bisht
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, United States
| | | | - Maciej Lalowski
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland; Biochemistry/Developmental Biology and HiLIFE, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Département de Médecine Moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec, Quebec, Canada; Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, British Columbia, Canada; Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
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8
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González Ibáñez F, Halvorson T, Sharma K, McKee C, Carrier M, Picard K, Vernoux N, Bisht K, Deslauriers J, Lalowski M, Tremblay MÈ. Ketogenic diet alters microglial morphology and changes the hippocampal lipidomic profile distinctively in stress susceptible versus resistant male mice upon repeated social defeat. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.28.555135. [PMID: 37693370 PMCID: PMC10491121 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.28.555135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
Psychological stress confers an increased risk for several diseases including psychiatric conditions. The susceptibility to psychological stress is modulated by various factors, many of them being modifiable lifestyle choices. The ketogenic diet (KD) has emerged as a dietary regime that offers positive outcomes on mood and health status. Psychological stress and elevated inflammation are common features of neuropsychiatric disorders such as certain types of major depressive disorder. KD has been attributed anti-inflammatory properties that could underlie its beneficial consequences on the brain and behavior. Microglia are the main drivers of inflammation in the central nervous system. They are known to respond to both dietary changes and psychological stress, notably by modifying their production of cytokines and relationships among the brain parenchyma. To assess the interactions between KD and the stress response, including effects on microglia, we examined adult male mice on control diet (CD) versus KD that underwent 10 days of repeated social defeat (RSD) or remained non-stressed (controls; CTRLs). Through a social interaction test, stressed mice were classified as susceptible (SUS) or resistant (RES) to RSD. The mouse population fed a KD tended to have a higher proportion of individuals classified as RES following RSD. Microglial morphology and ultrastructure were then analyzed in the ventral hippocampus CA1, a brain region known to present structural alterations as a response to psychological stress. Distinct changes in microglial soma and arborization linked to the KD, SUS and RES phenotypes were revealed. Ultrastructural analysis by electron microscopy showed a clear reduction of cellular stress markers in microglia from KD fed animals. Furthermore, ultrastructural analysis showed that microglial contacts with synaptic elements were reduced in the SUS compared to the RES and CTRL groups. Hippocampal lipidomic analyses lastly identified a distinct lipid profile in SUS animals compared to CTRLs. These key differences, combined with the distinct microglial responses to diet and stress, indicate that unique metabolic changes may underlie the stress susceptibility phenotypes. Altogether, our results reveal novel mechanisms by which a KD might improve the resistance to psychological stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernando González Ibáñez
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Torin Halvorson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kaushik Sharma
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | - Chloe McKee
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Micaël Carrier
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Katherine Picard
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Nathalie Vernoux
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
| | - Kanchan Bisht
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Chemistry, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States of America
| | | | - Maciej Lalowski
- Department of Gene Expression, Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Faculty of Biology, Adam Mickiewicz University, Poznań, Poland
- Biochemistry/Developmental Biology, Meilahti Clinical Proteomics Core Facility, University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Axe neurosciences, Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec-Université Laval, Québec, QC, Canada
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, BC, Canada
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9
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VanderZwaag J, Halvorson T, Dolhan K, Šimončičová E, Ben-Azu B, Tremblay MÈ. The Missing Piece? A Case for Microglia's Prominent Role in the Therapeutic Action of Anesthetics, Ketamine, and Psychedelics. Neurochem Res 2023; 48:1129-1166. [PMID: 36327017 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03772-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
There is much excitement surrounding recent research of promising, mechanistically novel psychotherapeutics - psychedelic, anesthetic, and dissociative agents - as they have demonstrated surprising efficacy in treating central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as mood disorders and addiction. However, the mechanisms by which these drugs provide such profound psychological benefits are still to be fully elucidated. Microglia, the CNS's resident innate immune cells, are emerging as a cellular target for psychiatric disorders because of their critical role in regulating neuroplasticity and the inflammatory environment of the brain. The following paper is a review of recent literature surrounding these neuropharmacological therapies and their demonstrated or hypothesized interactions with microglia. Through investigating the mechanism of action of psychedelics, such as psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide, ketamine, and propofol, we demonstrate a largely under-investigated role for microglia in much of the emerging research surrounding these pharmacological agents. Among others, we detail sigma-1 receptors, serotonergic and γ-aminobutyric acid signalling, and tryptophan metabolism as pathways through which these agents modulate microglial phagocytic activity and inflammatory mediator release, inducing their therapeutic effects. The current review includes a discussion on future directions in the field of microglial pharmacology and covers bidirectional implications of microglia and these novel pharmacological agents in aging and age-related disease, glial cell heterogeneity, and state-of-the-art methodologies in microglial research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jared VanderZwaag
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Torin Halvorson
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- BC Children's Hospital Research Institute, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Kira Dolhan
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Eva Šimončičová
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Benneth Ben-Azu
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Département de médecine moléculaire, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Axe Neurosciences, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada.
- Neurology and Neurosurgery Department, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
- Centre for Advanced Materials and Related Technology (CAMTEC), University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
- Institute for Aging and Lifelong Health, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada.
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10
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Naggan L, Robinson E, Dinur E, Goldenberg H, Kozela E, Yirmiya R. Suicide in bipolar disorder patients is associated with hippocampal microglia activation and reduction of lymphocytes-activation gene 3 (LAG3) microglial checkpoint expression. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 110:185-194. [PMID: 36863492 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) is associated with marked functional impairments along with increased rate of suicide. Although there is ample evidence for the involvement of inflammatory processes and microglia activation in the pathophysiology of BD, the mechanisms that regulate these cells in BD patients, and particularly the role of microglia checkpoints, is still unclear. METHODS Immunohistochemical analyses of hippocampal sections from post-mortem brains of 15 BD patients and 12 control subjects were used to assess microglia density, by staining the microglia-specific receptor P2RY12, and microglia activation, by staining the activation marker MHC II. Given recent findings on the involvement of LAG3, which interacts with MHC II and serves as a negative microglia checkpoint, in depression and electroconvulsive therapy, we assessed the levels of LAG3 expression and their correlations with microglia density and activation. RESULTS There were no overall differences between BD patients and controls, but BD patients who committed suicide (N = 9) displayed a significant elevation in the overall microglia density and the density of MHC II-labeled microglia (but not other MHC II-labeled cells), compared with no suicide BD patients (N = 6) and controls. Furthermore, the percent of microglia expressing LAG3 was significantly reduced only in suicidal BD patients, with significant negative correlations between microglial LAG3 expression levels and the density of microglia, in general, and activated microglia, in particular. CONCLUSION Suicidal BD patients exhibit microglia activation, which is possibly mediated by reduced LAG3 checkpoint expression, suggesting that anti-microglial therapeutics, including LAG3 modulators, may be beneficial for this subgroup of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lior Naggan
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Elad Robinson
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Eyal Dinur
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Hagar Goldenberg
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ewa Kozela
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Raz Yirmiya
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel.
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11
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Serafini G, Costanza A, Aguglia A, Amerio A, Trabucco A, Escelsior A, Sher L, Amore M. The Role of Inflammation in the Pathophysiology of Depression and Suicidal Behavior: Implications for Treatment. Med Clin North Am 2023; 107:1-29. [PMID: 36402492 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcna.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Depression and suicidal behavior are 2 complex psychiatric conditions of significant public health concerns due to their debilitating nature. The need to enhance contemporary treatments and preventative approaches for these illnesses not only calls for distillation of current views on their pathogenesis but also provides an impetus for further elucidation of their novel etiological determinants. In this regard, inflammation has recently been recognized as a potentially important contributor to the development of depression and suicidal behavior. This review highlights key evidence that supports the presence of dysregulated neurometabolic and immunologic signaling and abnormal interaction with microbial species as putative etiological hallmarks of inflammation in depression as well as their contribution to the development of suicidal behavior. Furthermore, therapeutic insights addressing candidate mechanisms of pathological inflammation in these disorders are proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Serafini
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health DINOGMI, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa 16132, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Costanza
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva (UNIGE), Geneva, Switzerland, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana (USI), Lugano, Switzerland; Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, University of Italian Switzerland (USI), Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Andrea Aguglia
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health DINOGMI, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Andrea Amerio
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health DINOGMI, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Alice Trabucco
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health DINOGMI, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy
| | - Andrea Escelsior
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health DINOGMI, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa 16132, Italy
| | - Leo Sher
- James J. Peters VA Medical Center, Bronx, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Psychiatry, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mario Amore
- Department of Neuroscience, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health DINOGMI, Section of Psychiatry, University of Genoa, Genoa, Italy; IRCCS Ospedale Policlinico San Martino, Largo Rosanna Benzi 10, Genoa 16132, Italy
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12
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Carrier M, Dolhan K, Bobotis BC, Desjardins M, Tremblay MÈ. The implication of a diversity of non-neuronal cells in disorders affecting brain networks. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:1015556. [PMID: 36439206 PMCID: PMC9693782 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.1015556] [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: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS) neurons are classically considered the functional unit of the brain. Analysis of the physical connections and co-activation of neurons, referred to as structural and functional connectivity, respectively, is a metric used to understand their interplay at a higher level. A myriad of glial cell types throughout the brain composed of microglia, astrocytes and oligodendrocytes are key players in the maintenance and regulation of neuronal network dynamics. Microglia are the central immune cells of the CNS, able to affect neuronal populations in number and connectivity, allowing for maturation and plasticity of the CNS. Microglia and astrocytes are part of the neurovascular unit, and together they are essential to protect and supply nutrients to the CNS. Oligodendrocytes are known for their canonical role in axonal myelination, but also contribute, with microglia and astrocytes, to CNS energy metabolism. Glial cells can achieve this variety of roles because of their heterogeneous populations comprised of different states. The neuroglial relationship can be compromised in various manners in case of pathologies affecting development and plasticity of the CNS, but also consciousness and mood. This review covers structural and functional connectivity alterations in schizophrenia, major depressive disorder, and disorder of consciousness, as well as their correlation with vascular connectivity. These networks are further explored at the cellular scale by integrating the role of glial cell diversity across the CNS to explain how these networks are affected in pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Micaël Carrier
- Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | - Kira Dolhan
- Department of Psychology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Biology, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
| | | | - Michèle Desjardins
- Department of Physics, Physical Engineering and Optics, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Oncology Axis, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Ève Tremblay
- Neurosciences Axis, Centre de Recherche du CHU de Québec, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC, Canada
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Université Laval, Québec City, QC, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- *Correspondence: Marie-Ève Tremblay,
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