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Kang JWM, Davanzo OI, Emvalomenos GM, Mychasiuk R, Henderson LA, Keay KA. Infraorbital nerve injury triggers sex-specific neuroimmune responses in the peripheral trigeminal pathway and common pain behaviours. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 118:480-498. [PMID: 38499209 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Trigeminal neuropathic pain is emotionally distressing and disabling. It presents with allodynia, hyperalgesia and dysaesthesia. In preclinical models it has been assumed that cephalic nerve constriction injury shows identical molecular, cellular, and sex dependent neuroimmune changes as observed in extra-cephalic injury models. This study sought empirical evidence for such assumptions using the infraorbital nerve chronic constriction model (ION-CCI). We compared the behavioural consequences of nerve constriction with: (i) the temporal patterns of recruitment of macrophages and T-lymphocytes at the site of nerve injury and in the trigeminal ganglion; and (ii) the degree of demyelination and axonal reorganisation in the injured nerve. Our data demonstrated that simply testing for allodynia and hyperalgesia as is done in extra-cephalic neuropathic pain models does not provide access to the range of injury-specific nociceptive responses and behaviours reflective of the experience of trigeminal neuropathic pain. Similarly, trigeminal neuroimmune changes evoked by nerve injury are not the same as those identified in models of extra-cephalic neuropathy. Specifically, the timing, magnitude, and pattern of ION-CCI evoked macrophage and T-lymphocyte activity differs between the sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- James W M Kang
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Olivia I Davanzo
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Gaelle M Emvalomenos
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia.
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2
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Li CN, Keay KA, Henderson LA, Mychasiuk R. Re-examining the Mysterious Role of the Cerebellum in Pain. J Neurosci 2024; 44:e1538232024. [PMID: 38658164 PMCID: PMC11044115 DOI: 10.1523/jneurosci.1538-23.2024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is considered a multidimensional experience that embodies not merely sensation, but also emotion and perception. As is appropriate for this complexity, pain is represented and processed by an extensive matrix of cortical and subcortical structures. Of these structures, the cerebellum is gaining increasing attention. Although association between the cerebellum and both acute and chronic pain have been extensively detailed in electrophysiological and neuroimaging studies, a deep understanding of what functions are mediated by these associations is lacking. Nevertheless, the available evidence implies that lobules IV-VI and Crus I are especially pertinent to pain processing, and anatomical studies reveal that these regions connect with higher-order structures of sensorimotor, emotional, and cognitive function. Therefore, we speculate that the cerebellum exerts a modulatory role in pain via its communication with sites of sensorimotor, executive, reward, and limbic function. On this basis, in this review, we propose numerous ways in which the cerebellum might contribute to both acute and chronic pain, drawing particular attention to emotional and cognitive elements of pain. In addition, we emphasise the importance of advancing our knowledge about the relationship between the cerebellum and pain by discussing novel therapeutic opportunities that capitalize on this association.
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Affiliation(s)
- Crystal N Li
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience) and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience) and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Translational Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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3
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Harris S, Chinnery HR, Semple BD, Mychasiuk R. Shaking Up Our Approach: The Need for Characterization and Optimization of Pre-clinical Models of Infant Abusive Head Trauma. J Neurotrauma 2024. [PMID: 38497766 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2023.0598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are a large societal and individual burden. In the first year of life, the vast majority of these injuries are the result of inflicted abusive events by a trusted caregiver. Abusive head trauma (AHT) in infants, formerly known as shaken baby syndrome, is the leading cause of inflicted mortality and morbidity in this population. In this review we address clinical diagnosis, symptoms, prognosis, and neuropathology of AHT, emphasizing the burden of repetitive AHT. Next, we consider existing animal models of AHT, and we evaluate key features of an ideal model, highlighting important developmental milestones in children most vulnerable to AHT. We draw on insights from other injury models, such as repetitive, mild TBIs (RmTBIs), post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE), hypoxic-ischemic injuries, and maternal neglect, to speculate on key knowledge gaps and underline important new opportunities in pre-clinical AHT research. Finally, potential treatment options to facilitate healthy development in children following an AHT are considered. Together, this review aims to drive the field toward optimized, well-characterized animal models of AHT, which will allow for greater insight into the underlying neuropathological and neurobehavioral consequences of AHT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sydney Harris
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Holly R Chinnery
- Department of Optometry and Vision Science, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, Victoria, Australia
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4
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Sgro M, Kodila ZN, Li C, Carmichael I, Warren S, Reichelt AC, Yamakawa GR, Mychasiuk R. Microbiome depletion prior to repeat mild TBI differentially alters social deficits and prefrontal cortex plasticity in adolescent and adult rats. iScience 2024; 27:109395. [PMID: 38510122 PMCID: PMC10952042 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Although aging, repeat mild traumatic brain injury (RmTBI), and microbiome modifications independently change social behavior, there has been no investigation into their cumulative effects on social behavior and neuroplasticity within the prefrontal cortex. Therefore, we examined how microbiome depletion prior to RmTBI affected social behavior and neuroplasticity in adolescent and adult rats. Play, temperament analysis, elevated plus maze, and the hot/cold plate assessed socio-emotional function. Analyses of perineuronal nets (PNNs) and parvalbumin (PV) interneurons was completed. Social-emotional deficits were more pronounced in adults, with microbiome depletion attenuating social behavior deficits associated with RmTBI in both age groups. Microbiome depletion increased branch length and PNN arborization within the PFC but decreased the overall number of PNNs. Adults and males were more vulnerable to RmTBI. Interestingly, microbiome depletion may have attenuated the changes to neuroplasticity and subsequent social deficits, suggesting that the microbiome is a viable, but age-specific, target for RmTBI therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sgro
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Zoe N. Kodila
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Crystal Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Irena Carmichael
- Monash Micro Imaging, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Samantha Warren
- Monash Micro Imaging, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Amy C. Reichelt
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia
| | - Glenn R. Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Zhong M, Salberg S, Sampangi S, van der Walt A, Butzkueven H, Mychasiuk R, Jokubaitis V. Leukocyte telomere length in multiple sclerosis: relationship between disability severity and pregnancy history. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2024; 86:105607. [PMID: 38631073 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2024.105607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aging-related processes contribute to neurodegeneration and disability in multiple sclerosis (MS). Biomarkers of biological aging such as leukocyte telomere length (LTL) could help personalise prognosis. Pregnancy has been shown to be protective against disability accumulation in women with MS, though it is unclear if this effect relates to aging mechanisms or LTL. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to cross-sectionally characterise LTL in a cohort of individuals with MS, and to correlate LTL with disability severity and pregnancy history. METHODS We extracted DNA from the whole blood of 501 people with MS in Melbourne, Australia. Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score and demographic data, as well as pregnancy history for 197 females, were obtained at sample collection. Additional data were extracted from the MSBase Registry. LTL was determined in base pairs (bp) using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS A relationship between EDSS score and shorter LTL was robust to multivariable adjustment for demographic and clinical factors including chronological age, with an adjusted LTL reduction per 1.0 increase in EDSS of 97.1 bp (95 % CI = 9.7-184.5 bp, p = 0.030). Adjusted mediation analysis found chronological age accounted for 33.6 % of the relationship between LTL and EDSS score (p = 0.018). In females with pregnancy data, history of pregnancy was associated with older age (median 49.7 vs 33.0 years, p < 0.001). There were no significant relationships between adjusted LTL and any history of pregnancy (LTL increase of 65.3 bp, 95 % CI = -471.0-601.5 bp, p = 0.81) or number of completed pregnancies (LTL increase of 14.6 bp per pregnancy, 95 % CI = -170.3-199.6 bp, p = 0.87). CONCLUSIONS The correlation between LTL and disability independent of chronological age and other factors points to a link between neurological reserve in MS and biological aging, and a potential research target for pathophysiological and therapeutic mechanisms. Although LTL did not significantly differ by pregnancy history, longitudinal analyses could help identify interactions with prospectively captured pregnancy effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Zhong
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sandeep Sampangi
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Anneke van der Walt
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Helmut Butzkueven
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Vilija Jokubaitis
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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Lund T, Bernier E, Roman-Juan J, Kopala-Sibley D, Soltani S, Noyek S, Nania C, Beveridge J, Hoppe T, O'Connor R, O'Connor C, Clemens J, Mychasiuk R, Asmundson G, Stinson J, Noel M. Pain and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms: Dyadic Relationships Between Canadian Armed Forces Members/Veterans with Chronic Pain and their Offspring. J Pain 2024:S1526-5900(24)00436-X. [PMID: 38580101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2024.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain and mental health issues occur at higher rates in Veterans than the general population. One widely recognized mental health issue faced by Veterans is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trauma symptoms and pain frequently co-occur and are mutually maintained due to shared mechanisms. Many Veterans are also parents. Parental physical and mental health issues significantly predict children's chronic pain and related functioning, which can continue into adulthood. Only one US-based study has examined pain in the offspring of Veterans, suggesting heightened risk for pain. Research to date has not examined the associations between trauma and pain, and the dyadic influences of these symptoms, among Veterans and their children. The current study aimed to describe pain characteristics in Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) Members/Veterans with chronic pain and their offspring (youth and adult children aged 9-38). Cross-lagged Panel Models (CLPM) were conducted to examine dyadic relationships between pain interference and trauma symptoms of CAF Members/Veterans and their offspring. Over half of adult offspring and over one quarter of youth offspring reported chronic pain. Results revealed effects between one's own symptoms of PTSD and pain interference. No significant effects of parents on offspring or offspring on parents were found. The findings highlight the interconnection between pain and PTSD consistent with mutual maintenance models, and a lack of significant interpersonal findings suggestive of resiliency in this unique population. PERSPECTIVE: We characterized chronic pain in offspring of Canadian Armed Forces Members/Veterans with chronic pain and examined dyadic relationships between PTSD symptoms and chronic pain interference. Findings revealed that PTSD symptoms and pain interference were related within Veterans and offspring, but no dyadic relationships were found, which could reflect resiliency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Lund
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada.
| | - Emily Bernier
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Josep Roman-Juan
- Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unit for the Study and Treatment of Pain - ALGOS, Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Department of Psychology, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Cara Nania
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | | | - Tom Hoppe
- The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans.
| | - Robert O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unit for the Study and Treatment of Pain - ALGOS, Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Department of Psychology, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Canada; The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Australia; Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
| | - Christine O'Connor
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unit for the Study and Treatment of Pain - ALGOS, Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Department of Psychology, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Canada; The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Australia; Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
| | - Jessica Clemens
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada; Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Unit for the Study and Treatment of Pain - ALGOS, Research Center for Behavior Assessment (CRAMC), Department of Psychology, Catalonia, Spain; Institut d'Investigació Sanitària Pere Virgili, Universitat Rovira i Virgili, Catalonia, Spain; Department of Psychiatry, University of Calgary, Canada; The Chronic Pain Centre of Excellence for Canadian Veterans; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Australia; Department of Psychology, University of Regina, Canada; The Hospital for Sick Children, Canada
| | | | | | | | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Canada
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7
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Sun M, Baker TL, Wilson CT, Brady RD, Yamakawa GR, Wright DK, Mychasiuk R, Vo A, Wilson T, Allen J, McDonald SJ, Shultz SR. Treatment with the vascular endothelial growth factor-A antibody, bevacizumab, has sex-specific effects in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2024; 44:542-555. [PMID: 37933736 PMCID: PMC10981407 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x231212377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) involves damage to the cerebrovascular system. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is an important modulator of vascular health and VEGF-A promotes the brain's ability to recover after more severe forms of brain injury; however, the role of VEGF-A in mTBI remains poorly understood. Bevacizumab (BEV) is a monoclonal antibody that binds to VEGF-A and neutralises its actions. To better understand the role of VEGF-A in mTBI recovery, this study examined how BEV treatment affected outcomes in rats given a mTBI. Adult Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to sham-injury + vehicle treatment (VEH), sham-injury + BEV treatment, mTBI + VEH treatment, mTBI + BEV treatment groups. Treatment was administered intracerebroventricularly via a cannula beginning at the time of injury and continuing until the end of the study. Rats underwent behavioral testing after injury and were euthanized on day 11. In both females and males, BEV had a negative impact on cognitive function. mTBI and BEV treatment increased the expression of inflammatory markers in females. In males, BEV treatment altered markers related to hypoxia and vascular health. These novel findings of sex-specific responses to BEV and mTBI provide important insights into the role of VEGF-A in mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Campbell T Wilson
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anh Vo
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevor Wilson
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Josh Allen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Health Sciences, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
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Giesler LP, O'Brien WT, Symons GF, Salberg S, Spitz G, Wesselingh R, O'Brien TJ, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR, McDonald SJ. Investigating the Association Between Extended Participation in Collision Sports and Fluid Biomarkers Among Masters Athletes. Neurotrauma Rep 2024; 5:74-80. [PMID: 38463419 PMCID: PMC10923547 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2023.0086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and concussions are prevalent in collision sports, and there is evidence that levels of exposure to such sports may increase the risk of neurological abnormalities. Elevated levels of fluid-based biomarkers have been observed after concussions or among athletes with a history of participating in collision sports, and certain biomarkers exhibit sensitivity toward neurodegeneration. This study investigated a cohort of 28 male amateur athletes competing in "Masters" competitions for persons >35 years of age. The primary objective of this study was to compare the levels of blood and saliva biomarkers associated with brain injury, inflammation, aging, and neurodegeneration between athletes with an extensive history of collision sport participation (i.e., median = 27 years; interquartile range = 18-44, minimum = 8) and those with no history. Plasma proteins associated with neural damage and neurodegeneration were measured using Simoa® assays, and saliva was analyzed for markers associated with inflammation and telomere length using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. There were no significant differences between collision and non-collision sport athletes for plasma levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein, neurofilament light, ubiquitin C-terminal hydrolase L1, tau, tau phosphorylated at threonine 181, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Moreover, salivary levels of genes associated with inflammation and telomere length were similar between groups. There were no significant differences between groups in symptom frequency or severity on the Sport Concussion Assessment Tool-5th Edition. Overall, these findings provide preliminary evidence that biomarkers associated with neural tissue damage, neurodegeneration, and inflammation may not exhibit significant alterations in asymptomatic amateur athletes with an extensive history of amateur collision sport participation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P. Giesler
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - William T. O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgia F. Symons
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Gershon Spitz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Turner Institute for Brain and Mental Health, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Robb Wesselingh
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandy R. Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Health Sciences, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Stuart J. McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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9
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Baker TL, Wright DK, Uboldi AD, Tonkin CJ, Vo A, Wilson T, McDonald SJ, Mychasiuk R, Semple BD, Sun M, Shultz SR. A pre-existing Toxoplasma gondii infection exacerbates the pathophysiological response and extent of brain damage after traumatic brain injury in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:14. [PMID: 38195485 PMCID: PMC10775436 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03014-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a key contributor to global morbidity that lacks effective treatments. Microbial infections are common in TBI patients, and their presence could modify the physiological response to TBI. It is estimated that one-third of the human population is incurably infected with the feline-borne parasite, Toxoplasma gondii, which can invade the central nervous system and result in chronic low-grade neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and excitotoxicity-all of which are also important pathophysiological processes in TBI. Considering the large number of TBI patients that have a pre-existing T. gondii infection prior to injury, and the potential mechanistic synergies between the conditions, this study investigated how a pre-existing T. gondii infection modified TBI outcomes across acute, sub-acute and chronic recovery in male and female mice. Gene expression analysis of brain tissue found that neuroinflammation and immune cell markers were amplified in the combined T. gondii + TBI setting in both males and females as early as 2-h post-injury. Glutamatergic, neurotoxic, and oxidative stress markers were altered in a sex-specific manner in T. gondii + TBI mice. Structural MRI found that male, but not female, T. gondii + TBI mice had a significantly larger lesion size compared to their uninfected counterparts at 18-weeks post-injury. Similarly, diffusion MRI revealed that T. gondii + TBI mice had exacerbated white matter tract abnormalities, particularly in male mice. These novel findings indicate that a pre-existing T. gondii infection affects the pathophysiological aftermath of TBI in a sex-dependent manner, and may be an important modifier to consider in the care and prognostication of TBI patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Alessandro D Uboldi
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immune Defense, , The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Christopher J Tonkin
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immune Defense, , The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, 3010, Australia
| | - Anh Vo
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevor Wilson
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, The Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- Health Sciences, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.
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Yamakawa GR, Patel M, Lin R, O'Brien TJ, Mychasiuk R, Casillas‐Espinosa PM. Diurnal circadian clock gene expression is altered in models of genetic and acquired epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2023; 8:1523-1531. [PMID: 37805809 PMCID: PMC10690682 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Growing evidence demonstrates a relationship between epilepsy and the circadian system. However, relatively little is known about circadian function in disease states, such as epilepsy. This study aimed to characterize brain and peripheral core circadian clock gene expression in rat models of genetic and acquired epilepsy. METHODS For the Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) study, we used 40 GAERS and 40 non-epileptic control (NEC) rats. For the kainic acid status epilepticus (KASE) study, we used 40 KASE and 40 sham rats. Rats were housed in a 7 am:7 pm light-dark cycle. Hypothalamus, hippocampus, liver, and small intestine samples were collected every 3 h throughout the light period. We then assessed core diurnal clock gene expression of per1, cry1, clock, and bmal1. RESULTS In the GAERS rats, all tissues exhibited significant changes in clock gene expression (P < 0.05) when compared to NEC. In the KASE rats, there were fewer effects of the epileptic condition in the hypothalamus, hippocampus, or small intestine (P > 0.05) compared with shams. SIGNIFICANCE These results indicate marked diurnal disruption to core circadian clock gene expression in rats with both generalized and focal chronic epilepsy. This could contribute to epileptic symptomology and implicate the circadian system as a viable target for future treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Glenn R. Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Meshwa Patel
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Runxuan Lin
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Terence J. O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of NeurologyThe Alfred HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
| | - Pablo M. Casillas‐Espinosa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical SchoolMonash UniversityMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- Department of NeurologyThe Alfred HospitalMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
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11
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Sgro M, Ray J, Foster E, Mychasiuk R. Making migraine easier to stomach: the role of the gut-brain-immune axis in headache disorders. Eur J Neurol 2023; 30:3605-3621. [PMID: 37329292 DOI: 10.1111/ene.15934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Headache disorders place a significant burden on the healthcare system, being the leading cause of disability in those under 50 years. Novel studies have interrogated the relationship between headache disorders and gastrointestinal dysfunction, suggesting a link between the gut-brain-immune (GBI) axis and headache pathogenesis. Although the exact mechanisms driving the complex relationship between the GBI axis and headache disorders remain unclear, there is a growing appreciation that a healthy and diverse microbiome is necessary for optimal brain health. METHODS A literature search was performed through multiple reputable databases in search of Q1 journals within the field of headache disorders and gut microbiome research and were critically and appropriately evaluated to investigate and explore the following; the role of the GBI axis in dietary triggers of headache disorders and the evidence indicating that diet can be used to alleviate headache severity and frequency. The relationship between the GBI axis and post-traumatic headache is then synthesized. Finally, the scarcity of literature regarding paediatric headache disorders and the role that the GBI axis plays in mediating the relationship between sex hormones and headache disorders are highlighted. CONCLUSIONS There is potential for novel therapeutic targets for headache disorders if understanding of the GBI axis in their aetiology, pathogenesis and recovery is increased.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sgro
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jason Ray
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Austin Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Foster
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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12
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Chu E, Mychasiuk R, Green TRF, Zamani A, Dill LK, Sharma R, Raftery AL, Tsantikos E, Hibbs ML, Semple BD. Regulation of microglial responses after pediatric traumatic brain injury: exploring the role of SHIP-1. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1276495. [PMID: 37901420 PMCID: PMC10603304 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1276495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) is the world's leading cause of permanent neurological disability in children. TBI-induced neurological deficits may be driven by neuroinflammation post-injury. Abnormal activity of SH2 domain-containing inositol 5' phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1) has been associated with dysregulated immunological responses, but the role of SHIP-1 in the brain remains unclear. The current study investigated the immunoregulatory role of SHIP-1 in a mouse model of moderate-severe pediatric TBI. Methods SHIP-1+/- and SHIP-1-/- mice underwent experimental TBI or sham surgery at post-natal day 21. Brain gene expression was examined across a time course, and immunofluorescence staining was evaluated to determine cellular immune responses, alongside peripheral serum cytokine levels by immunoassays. Brain tissue volume loss was measured using volumetric analysis, and behavior changes both acutely and chronically post-injury. Results Acutely, inflammatory gene expression was elevated in the injured cortex alongside increased IBA-1 expression and altered microglial morphology; but to a similar extent in SHIP-1-/- mice and littermate SHIP-1+/- control mice. Similarly, the infiltration and activation of CD68-positive macrophages, and reactivity of GFAP-positive astrocytes, was increased after TBI but comparable between genotypes. TBI increased anxiety-like behavior acutely, whereas SHIP-1 deficiency alone reduced general locomotor activity. Chronically, at 12-weeks post-TBI, SHIP-1-/- mice exhibited reduced body weight and increased circulating cytokines. Pro-inflammatory gene expression in the injured hippocampus was also elevated in SHIP-1-/- mice; however, GFAP immunoreactivity at the injury site in TBI mice was lower. TBI induced a comparable loss of cortical and hippocampal tissue in both genotypes, while SHIP-1-/- mice showed reduced general activity and impaired working memory, independent of TBI. Conclusion Together, evidence does not support SHIP-1 as an essential regulator of brain microglial morphology, brain immune responses, or the extent of tissue damage after moderate-severe pediatric TBI in mice. However, our data suggest that reduced SHIP-1 activity induces a greater inflammatory response in the hippocampus chronically post-TBI, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erskine Chu
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Deparment of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, VIC, Australia
| | - Tabitha R. F. Green
- Department of Integrative Physiology, The University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder, CO, United States
| | - Akram Zamani
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Larissa K. Dill
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Alfred Health, Prahran, VIC, Australia
| | - Rishabh Sharma
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - April L. Raftery
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Evelyn Tsantikos
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Margaret L. Hibbs
- Department of Immunology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bridgette D. Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Deparment of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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13
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Ali I, Silva J, Casillas-Espinosa PM, Braine E, Yamakawa GR, Hudson MR, Brady RD, Major B, Thergarajan P, Haskali MB, Wright DK, Jupp B, Vivash L, Shultz SR, Mychasiuk R, Kwan P, Jones NC, Fukushima K, Sachdev P, Cheng JY, O'Brien TJ. E2730, an uncompetitive γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-1 inhibitor, suppresses epileptic seizures in a rat model of chronic mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsia 2023; 64:2806-2817. [PMID: 37539645 DOI: 10.1111/epi.17735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE More than one third of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) patients are resistant to current antiseizure medications (ASMs), and half experience mild-to-moderate adverse effects of ASMs. There is therefore a strong need to develop and test novel ASMs. The objective of this work is to evaluate the pharmacokinetics and neurological toxicity of E2730, a novel uncompetitive inhibitor of γ-aminobutyric acid transporter-1, and to test its seizure suppression effects in a rat model of chronic MTLE. METHODS We first examined plasma levels and adverse neurological effects of E2730 in healthy Wistar rats. Adult male rats were implanted with osmotic pumps delivering either 10, 20, or 100 mg/kg/day of E2730 subcutaneously for 1 week. Blood sampling and behavioral assessments were performed at several timepoints. We next examined whether E2730 suppressed seizures in rats with chronic MTLE. These rats were exposed to kainic acid-induced status epilepticus, and 9 weeks later, when chronic epilepsy was established, were assigned to receive one of the three doses of E2730 or vehicle for 1 week in a randomized crossover design. Continuous video-electroencephalographic monitoring was acquired during the treatment period to evaluate epileptic seizures. RESULTS Plasma levels following continuous infusion of E2730 showed a clear dose-related increase in concentration. The drug was well tolerated at all doses, and any sedation or neuromotor impairment was mild and transient, resolving within 48 h of treatment initiation. Remarkably, E2730 treatment in chronically epileptic rats led to seizure suppression in a dose-dependent manner, with 65% of rats becoming seizure-free at the highest dose tested. Mean seizure class did not differ between the treatment groups. SIGNIFICANCE This study shows that continuous subcutaneous infusion of E2730 over 7 days results in a marked, dose-dependent suppression of spontaneous recurrent seizures, with minimal adverse neurological effects, in a rat model of chronic MTLE. E2730 shows strong promise as an effective new ASM to be translated into clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Idrish Ali
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Juliana Silva
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Pablo M Casillas-Espinosa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Emma Braine
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew R Hudson
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan Major
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Mohammad B Haskali
- Radiopharmaceutical Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Bianca Jupp
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Lucy Vivash
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Patrick Kwan
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | | | | | | | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Chu E, Mychasiuk R, Tsantikos E, Raftery AL, L’Estrange-Stranieri E, Dill LK, Semple BD, Hibbs ML. Regulation of Microglial Signaling by Lyn and SHIP-1 in the Steady-State Adult Mouse Brain. Cells 2023; 12:2378. [PMID: 37830592 PMCID: PMC10571795 DOI: 10.3390/cells12192378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic neuroinflammation and glial activation are associated with the development of many neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychological disorders. Recent evidence suggests that the protein tyrosine kinase Lyn and the lipid phosphatase SH2 domain-containing inositol 5' phosphatase-1 (SHIP-1) regulate neuroimmunological responses, but their homeostatic roles remain unclear. The current study investigated the roles of Lyn and SHIP-1 in microglial responses in the steady-state adult mouse brain. Young adult Lyn-/- and SHIP-1-/- mice underwent a series of neurobehavior tests and postmortem brain analyses. The microglial phenotype and activation state were examined by immunofluorescence and flow cytometry, and neuroimmune responses were assessed using gene expression analysis. Lyn-/- mice had an unaltered behavioral phenotype, neuroimmune response, and microglial phenotype, while SHIP-1-/- mice demonstrated reduced explorative activity and exhibited microglia with elevated activation markers but reduced granularity. In addition, expression of several neuroinflammatory genes was increased in SHIP-1-/- mice. In response to LPS stimulation ex vivo, the microglia from both Lyn-/- and SHIP-1-/- showed evidence of hyper-activity with augmented TNF-α production. Together, these findings demonstrate that both Lyn and SHIP-1 have the propensity to control microglial responses, but only SHIP-1 regulates neuroinflammation and microglial activation in the steady-state adult brain, while Lyn activity appears dispensable for maintaining brain homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erskine Chu
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (E.T.); (A.L.R.); (E.L.-S.)
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Evelyn Tsantikos
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (E.T.); (A.L.R.); (E.L.-S.)
| | - April L. Raftery
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (E.T.); (A.L.R.); (E.L.-S.)
| | - Elan L’Estrange-Stranieri
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (E.T.); (A.L.R.); (E.L.-S.)
| | - Larissa K. Dill
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D. Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Margaret L. Hibbs
- Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; (E.T.); (A.L.R.); (E.L.-S.)
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15
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Bozkurt S, Lannin NA, Mychasiuk R, Semple BD. Environmental modifications to rehabilitate social behavior deficits after acquired brain injury: What is the evidence? Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 152:105278. [PMID: 37295762 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2023] [Revised: 04/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Social behavior deficits are a common, debilitating consequence of traumatic brain injury and stroke, particularly when sustained during childhood. Numerous factors influence the manifestation of social problems after acquired brain injuries, raising the question of whether environmental manipulations can minimize or prevent such deficits. Here, we examine both clinical and preclinical evidence addressing this question, with a particular focus on environmental enrichment paradigms and differing housing conditions. We aimed to understand whether environmental manipulations can ameliorate injury-induced social behavior deficits. In summary, promising data from experimental models supports a beneficial role of environmental enrichment on social behavior. However, limited studies have considered social outcomes in the chronic setting, and few studies have addressed the social context specifically as an important component of the post-injury environment. Clinically, limited high-caliber evidence supports the use of specific interventions for social deficits after acquired brain injuries. An improved understanding of how the post-injury environment interacts with the injured brain, particularly during development, is needed to validate the implementation of rehabilitative interventions that involve manipulating an individuals' environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Salome Bozkurt
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Natasha A Lannin
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; School of Allied Health (Occupational Therapy), La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia.
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16
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Wong KR, Wright DK, Sgro M, Salberg S, Bain J, Li C, Sun M, McDonald SJ, Mychasiuk R, Brady RD, Shultz SR. Persistent Changes in Mechanical Nociception in Rats With Traumatic Brain Injury Involving Polytrauma. J Pain 2023; 24:1383-1395. [PMID: 36958460 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) survivors often experience debilitating consequences. Due to the high impact nature of TBI, patients often experience concomitant peripheral injuries (ie, polytrauma). A common, yet often overlooked, comorbidity of TBI is chronic pain. Therefore, this study investigated how common concomitant peripheral injuries (ie, femoral fracture and muscle crush) can affect long-term behavioral and structural TBI outcomes with a particular focus on nociception. Rats were randomly assigned to 1 of 4 groups: polytrauma (POLY; ie, fracture + muscle crush + TBI), peripheral injury (PERI; ie, fracture + muscle crush + sham TBI), TBI (ie, sham fracture + sham muscle crush + TBI), and sham-injured (SHAM; ie, sham fracture + sham muscle crush + sham TBI). Rats underwent behavioral testing at 3-, 6-, and 11-weeks postinjury, and were then euthanized for postmortem magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). POLY rats had a persisting increase in pain sensitivity compared to all groups on the von Frey test. MRI revealed that POLY rats also had abnormalities in the cortical and subcortical brain structures involved in nociceptive processing. These findings have important implications and provide a foundation for future studies to determine the underlying mechanisms and potential treatment strategies for chronic pain in TBI survivors. PERSPECTIVE: Rats with TBI and concomitant peripheral trauma displayed chronic nociceptive pain and MRI images also revealed damaged brain structures/pathways that are involved in chronic pain development. This study highlights the importance of polytrauma and the affected brain regions for developing chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ker Rui Wong
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Marissa Sgro
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jesse Bain
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Crystal Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia; Department of Nursing, Health and Human Services, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada.
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17
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Salberg S, Li CN, Beveridge JK, Noel M, Yamakawa GR, Mychasiuk R. Gene expression changes in the cerebellum are associated with persistent post-injury pain in adolescent rats exposed to early life stress. Neurobiol Pain 2023; 14:100145. [PMID: 38099278 PMCID: PMC10719517 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2023.100145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain develops following injury in approximately 20% of adolescents, at twice the rate in females than males. Adverse childhood experiences also increase the risk for poor health outcomes, such as chronic pain. Emerging literature suggests the cerebellum to be involved in pain processing, however detailed explorations into how the cerebellum contributes to pain are lacking. Therefore, this study aimed to characterise chronic pain outcomes and cerebellar gene expression changes following early life stress and injury in both sexes. The adverse childhood experience of neglect was modelled using a maternal separation (MS) paradigm, which was combined with a subsequent injury (mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or plantar incision surgery) in adolescent male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. We measured behavioural nociceptive sensitivity, systemic modulators of pain such as calcitonin gene-related protein (CGRP) and Substance P, as well as gene expression of IL1β, GFAP, GR, MR, GABRA1, CNR1, MAOA, and DAT1 in the cerebellum to examine associations between pain and neuroinflammation, the stress response, inhibitory neurotransmission, and monoaminergic function. We found increases in mechanical nociceptive sensitivity following plantar incision surgery. Sex differences were observed in anxiety-like behaviour and neuroinflammation, whereas systemic pain modulators showed cumulative effects with the addition of stressors. Most interestingly however, the increases in nociceptive sensitivity were associated with the suppressed expression of cerebellar genes that regulate stress, inhibition, cannabinoid function, and dopaminergic function, alongside sex-dependent distinctions for genes involved in inflammation and injury. This study highlights a novel link between nociception and molecular function in the cerebellum. Further investigation into how the cerebellum contributes to pain in males and females will facilitate novel therapeutic insights and opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Crystal N. Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jaimie K. Beveridge
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Glenn R. Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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18
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Salberg S, Macowan M, Yamakawa GR, Beveridge JK, Noel M, Marsland BJ, Mychasiuk R. Gut instinct: Sex differences in the gut microbiome are associated with changes in adolescent nociception following maternal separation in rats. Dev Neurobiol 2023; 83:219-233. [PMID: 37488954 DOI: 10.1002/dneu.22925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Adolescent chronic pain is a growing public health epidemic. Our understanding of its etiology is limited; however, several factors can increase susceptibility, often developing in response to an acute pain trigger such as a surgical procedure or mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), or an adverse childhood experience (ACE). Additionally, the prevalence and manifestation of chronic pain is sexually dimorphic, with double the rates in females than males. Despite this, the majority of pre-clinical pain research focuses on males, leaving a gap in mechanistic understanding for females. Given that emerging evidence has linked the gut microbiome and the brain-gut-immune axis to various pain disorders, we aimed to investigate sex-dependent changes in taxonomic and functional gut microbiome features following an ACE and acute injury as chronic pain triggers. Male and female Sprague Dawley rat pups were randomly assigned to either a maternal separation (MS) or no stress paradigm, then further into a sham, mTBI, or surgery condition. Chronically, the von Frey test was used to measure mechanical nociception, and fecal samples were collected for 16S rRNA sequencing. Animals in the surgery group had an increase in pain sensitivity when compared to mTBI and sham groups, and this was complemented by changes to the gut microbiome. In addition, significant sex differences were identified in gut microbiome composition, which were exacerbated in response to MS. Overall, we provide preliminary evidence for sex differences and ACE-induced changes in bacterial composition that, when combined, may be contributing to heterogeneity in pain outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Matthew Macowan
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jaimie K Beveridge
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Benjamin J Marsland
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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19
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Christensen J, MacPherson N, Li C, Yamakawa GR, Mychasiuk R. Repeat mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBI) modify nociception and disrupt orexinergic connectivity within the descending pain pathway. J Headache Pain 2023; 24:72. [PMID: 37316796 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-023-01608-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Repeat mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBI) result in substantial burden to the public health system given their association with chronic post-injury pathologies, such as chronic pain and post-traumatic headache. Although this may relate to dysfunctional descending pain modulation (DPM), it is uncertain what mechanisms drive changes within this pathway. One possibility is altered orexinergic system functioning, as orexin is a potent anti-nociceptive neuromodulator. Orexin is exclusively produced by the lateral hypothalamus (LH) and receives excitatory innervation from the lateral parabrachial nucleus (lPBN). Therefore, we used neuronal tract-tracing to investigate the relationship between RmTBI and connectivity between lPBN and the LH, as well as orexinergic projections to a key site within the DPM, the periaqueductal gray (PAG). Prior to injury induction, retrograde and anterograde tract-tracing surgery was performed on 70 young-adult male Sprague Dawley rats, targeting the lPBN and PAG. Rodents were then randomly assigned to receive RmTBIs or sham injuries before undergoing testing for anxiety-like behaviour and nociceptive sensitivity. Immunohistochemical analysis identified distinct and co-localized orexin and tract-tracing cell bodies and projections within the LH. The RmTBI group exhibited altered nociception and reduced anxiety as well as a loss of orexin cell bodies and a reduction of hypothalamic projections to the ventrolateral nucleus of the PAG. However, there was no significant effect of injury on neuronal connectivity between the lPBN and orexinergic cell bodies within the LH. Our identification of structural losses and the resulting physiological changes in the orexinergic system following RmTBI begins to clarify acute post-injury mechanistic changes that drive may drive the development of post-traumatic headache and the chronification of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Naomi MacPherson
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Crystal Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, 99 Commercial Road, VIC, 3004, Melbourne, Australia.
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20
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Dill LK, Teymornejad S, Sharma R, Bozkurt S, Christensen J, Chu E, Rewell SS, Shad A, Mychasiuk R, Semple BD. Modulating chronic outcomes after pediatric traumatic brain injury: Distinct effects of social and environmental enrichment. Exp Neurol 2023; 364:114407. [PMID: 37059414 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
Impairments in social and cognitive function are a common consequence of pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI). Rehabilitation has the potential to promote optimal behavioral recovery. Here, we evaluated whether an enhanced social and/or cognitive environment could improve long-term outcomes in a preclinical model of pediatric TBI. Male C57Bl/6 J mice received a moderately-severe TBI or sham procedure at postnatal day 21. After one week, mice were randomized to different social conditions (minimal socialization, n = 2/cage; or social grouping, n = 6/cage), and housing conditions (standard cage, or environmental enrichment (EE), incorporating sensory, motor, and cognitive stimuli). After 8 weeks, neurobehavioral outcomes were assessed, followed by post-mortem neuropathology. We found that TBI mice exhibited hyperactivity, spatial memory deficits, reduced anxiety-like behavior, and reduced sensorimotor performance compared to age-matched sham controls. Pro-social and sociosexual behaviors were also reduced in TBI mice. EE increased sensorimotor performance, and the duration of sociosexual interactions. Conversely, social housing reduced hyperactivity and altered anxiety-like behavior in TBI mice, and reduced same-sex social investigation. TBI mice showed impaired spatial memory retention, except for TBI mice exposed to both EE and group housing. In the brain, while TBI led to significant regional tissue atrophy, social housing had modest neuroprotective effects on hippocampal volumes, neurogenesis, and oligodendrocyte progenitor numbers. In conclusion, manipulation of the post-injury environment has benefit for chronic behavioral outcomes, but the benefits are specific to the type of enrichment available. This study improves understanding of modifiable factors that may be harnessed to optimize long-term outcomes for survivors of early-life TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa K Dill
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; The Perron Institute for Neurological and Translational Science, Nedlands, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Sadaf Teymornejad
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Rishabh Sharma
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Salome Bozkurt
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Erskine Chu
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sarah S Rewell
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Ali Shad
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia; Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia.
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21
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Kodila ZN, Shultz SR, Yamakawa GR, Mychasiuk R. Critical Windows: Exploring the Association Between Perinatal Trauma, Epigenetics, and Chronic Pain. Neuroscientist 2023:10738584231176233. [PMID: 37212380 DOI: 10.1177/10738584231176233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is highly prevalent and burdensome, affecting millions of people worldwide. Although it emerges at any point in life, it often manifests in adolescence. Given that adolescence is a unique developmental period, additional strains associated with persistent and often idiopathic pain lead to significant long-term consequences. While there is no singular cause for the chronification of pain, epigenetic modifications that lead to neural reorganization may underpin central sensitization and subsequent manifestation of pain hypersensitivity. Epigenetic processes are particularly active during the prenatal and early postnatal years. We demonstrate how exposure to various traumas, such as intimate partner violence while in utero or adverse childhood experiences, can significantly influence epigenetic regulation within the brain and in turn modify pain-related processes. We provide compelling evidence that the burden of chronic pain is likely initiated early in life, often being transmitted from mother to offspring. We also highlight two promising prophylactic strategies, oxytocin administration and probiotic use, that have the potential to attenuate the epigenetic consequences of early adversity. Overall, we advance understanding of the causal relationship between trauma and adolescent chronic pain by highlighting epigenetic mechanisms that underlie this transmission of risk, ultimately informing how to prevent this rising epidemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe N Kodila
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Health Sciences, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, Canada
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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22
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Sgro M, Ellens S, Kodila ZN, Christensen J, Li C, Mychasiuk R, Yamakawa GR. Repetitive mild traumatic brain injury alters central and peripheral clock gene expression in the adolescent rat. Neurobiol Sleep Circadian Rhythms 2023; 14:100090. [PMID: 36942266 PMCID: PMC10024151 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbscr.2023.100090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) or concussion is a common injury worldwide leading to substantial medical costs and a high burden on society. In adolescents, falls and sports related trauma are often the causes of mTBI. Importantly, critical brain growth and development occurs during this sensitive period making the prospect of a brain injury a worrying phenomenon. Upwards of 70% of patients report circadian disruption following these injuries and this has been shown to impede recovery. Therefore, we sought to determine if core circadian clock gene expression was disrupted in rat model of repetitive mTBI (RmTBI). Male and female adolescent rats (n = 129) received sham or RmTBI. The animals were then euthanized at different times throughout the day and night. Tissue from the hypothalamus, cerebellum, hippocampus, liver, and small intestine were evaluated for the expression of per1, per2, cry1, clock, bmal1 and rev-erb-α. We found most clock genes varied across the day/night indicating circadian expression patterns. In the hypothalamus we found RmTBI altered the expression of cry1 and bmal1 in addition to sex differences in per2, cry1, clock, bmal1 and rev-erb- α. In the cerebellum, per1, per2, cry1, clock, bmal1 and rev-erb-α rhythms were all knocked out by RmTBI in addition to sex differences in cry1, clock and bmal1 expression. We also detected a significant decrease in overall expression of all clock genes in males in the middle of the night. In the hippocampus we found that RmTBI changed the rhythm of rev-erb-α expression in addition to sex differences in bmal1 expression. In the liver we detected strong rhythms in all genes examined, however only per2 expression was knocked out by RmTBI, in addition we also detected sex differences in per2 and cry1. We also detected an overall decrease in female clock gene expression in the early night. In the small intestine, RmTBI altered cry1 expression and there were sex differences in rev-erb-α. These results indicate that RmTBI alters core circadian clock gene expression in the central and peripheral nervous system in a time, tissue and sex dependent manner. This may be disrupting important phase relationships between the brain and peripheral nervous system and contributing to post-injury symptomology and also highlights the importance for time and sex dependent assessment of injury outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sgro
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Susanne Ellens
- Sport and Exercise Science, School of Allied Health, Human Services & Sport, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zoe N. Kodila
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Crystal Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn R. Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Corresponding author. Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, 6th Floor, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
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23
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Giesler LP, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR, McDonald SJ. BDNF: New Views of an Old Player in Traumatic Brain Injury. Neuroscientist 2023:10738584231164918. [PMID: 37067029 DOI: 10.1177/10738584231164918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury is a common health problem affecting millions of people each year. BDNF has been investigated in the context of traumatic brain injury due to its crucial role in maintaining brain homeostasis. Val66Met is a functional single-nucleotide polymorphism that results in a valine-to-methionine amino acid substitution at codon 66 in the BDNF prodomain, which ultimately reduces secretion of BDNF. Here, we review experimental animal models as well as clinical studies investigating the role of the Val66Met single-nucleotide polymorphism in traumatic brain injury outcomes, including cognitive function, motor function, neuropsychiatric symptoms, and nociception. We also review studies investigating the role of BDNF on traumatic brain injury pathophysiology as well as circulating BDNF as a biomarker of traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren P Giesler
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
- Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
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24
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Casillas-Espinosa PM, Anderson A, Harutyunyan A, Li C, Lee J, Braine EL, Brady RD, Sun M, Huang C, Barlow CK, Shah AD, Schittenhelm RB, Mychasiuk R, Jones NC, Shultz SR, O'Brien TJ. Disease-modifying effects of sodium selenate in a model of drug-resistant, temporal lobe epilepsy. eLife 2023; 12:e78877. [PMID: 36892461 PMCID: PMC10208637 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023] Open
Abstract
There are no pharmacological disease-modifying treatments with an enduring effect to mitigate the seizures and comorbidities of established chronic temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). This study aimed to evaluate for disease modifying effects of sodium selenate treatment in the chronically epileptic rat post-status epilepticus (SE) model of drug-resistant TLE. Wistar rats underwent kainic acid-induced SE or sham. Ten-weeks post-SE, animals received sodium selenate, levetiracetam, or vehicle subcutaneousinfusion continuously for 4 weeks. To evaluate the effects of the treatments, one week of continuous video-EEG was acquired before, during, and 4, 8 weeks post-treatment, followed by behavioral tests. Targeted and untargeted proteomics and metabolomics were performed on post-mortem brain tissue to identify potential pathways associated with modified disease outcomes. Telomere length was investigated as a novel surrogate marker of epilepsy disease severity in our current study. The results showed that sodium selenate treatment was associated with mitigation of measures of disease severity at 8 weeks post-treatment cessation; reducing the number of spontaneous seizures (p< 0.05), cognitive dysfunction (p< 0.05), and sensorimotor deficits (p< 0.01). Moreover, selenate treatment was associated with increased protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) expression, reduced hyperphosphorylated tau, and reversed telomere length shortening (p< 0.05). Network medicine integration of multi-omics/pre-clinical outcomes identified protein-metabolite modules positively correlated with TLE. Our results provide evidence that treatment with sodium selenate results in a sustained disease-modifying effect in chronically epileptic rats in the post-KA SE model of TLE, including improved comorbid learning and memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo M Casillas-Espinosa
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash UniversityClayton, VictoriaAustralia
| | - Alison Anderson
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Anna Harutyunyan
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Crystal Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Jiyoon Lee
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Emma L Braine
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Cheng Huang
- Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road,Melbourne, VictoriaAustralia
| | - Christopher K Barlow
- Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road,Melbourne, VictoriaAustralia
| | - Anup D Shah
- Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road,Melbourne, VictoriaAustralia
| | - Ralf B Schittenhelm
- Department of Neurology, The Alfred Hospital, Commercial Road,Melbourne, VictoriaAustralia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Nigel C Jones
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Monash Proteomics & Metabolomics Facility and Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Monash UniversityClayton, VictoriaAustralia
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25
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Pellegrini M, Lannin NA, Mychasiuk R, Graco M, Kramer SF, Giummarra MJ. Measuring Sleep Quality in the Hospital Environment with Wearable and Non-Wearable Devices in Adults with Stroke Undergoing Inpatient Rehabilitation. Int J Environ Res Public Health 2023; 20:3984. [PMID: 36900995 PMCID: PMC10001748 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20053984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Sleep disturbances are common after stroke and may affect recovery and rehabilitation outcomes. Sleep monitoring in the hospital environment is not routine practice yet may offer insight into how the hospital environment influences post-stroke sleep quality while also enabling us to investigate the relationships between sleep quality and neuroplasticity, physical activity, fatigue levels, and recovery of functional independence while undergoing rehabilitation. Commonly used sleep monitoring devices can be expensive, which limits their use in clinical settings. Therefore, there is a need for low-cost methods to monitor sleep quality in hospital settings. This study compared a commonly used actigraphy sleep monitoring device with a low-cost commercial device. Eighteen adults with stroke wore the Philips Actiwatch to monitor sleep latency, sleep time, number of awakenings, time spent awake, and sleep efficiency. A sub-sample (n = 6) slept with the Withings Sleep Analyzer in situ, recording the same sleep parameters. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman plots indicated poor agreement between the devices. Usability issues and inconsistencies were reported between the objectively measured sleep parameters recorded by the Withings device compared with the Philips Actiwatch. While these findings suggest that low-cost devices are not suitable for use in a hospital environment, further investigations in larger cohorts of adults with stroke are needed to examine the utility and accuracy of off-the-shelf low-cost devices to monitor sleep quality in the hospital environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Pellegrini
- Department of Neuroscience, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Natasha A. Lannin
- Department of Neuroscience, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Marnie Graco
- Institute for Breathing and Sleep, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Physiotherapy, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Sharon Flora Kramer
- Department of Neuroscience, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Institute for Health Transformation, Deakin University, Melbourne, VIC 3125, Australia
| | - Melita J. Giummarra
- Department of Neuroscience, The Alfred Centre, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
- Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
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26
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Salberg S, Yamakawa GR, Beveridge JK, Noel M, Mychasiuk R. A high-fat high-sugar diet and adversity early in life modulate pain outcomes at the behavioural and molecular level in adolescent rats: The role of sex. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:57-79. [PMID: 36403882 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Given that adolescence is a significant period of brain plasticity and development, early life factors have the potential to alter long term outcomes. For instance, adversities such as consumption of a high-fat high-sugar (HFHS) diet and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; e.g., neglect), and their resulting inflammation and microglial activation can influence pain outcomes by priming the neuroimmune system to overrespond to stressors. Chronic pain is highly prevalent amongst the adolescent population, with the prevalence and manifestation being sexually dimorphic. Although clinical studies show that females are twice as likely to report pain problems compared to males, the majority of pre-clinical work uses male rodents. Therefore, our aim was to examine the effects of sex, a HFHS diet, and an ACE on chronic pain outcomes following a stressor in adolescence. Rat dams were randomly assigned to a Standard or HFHS diet, with pups maintained on their respective diets then randomly allocated to a No Stress or ACE paradigm, and a Sham or Injury condition as a stressor. Results showed that early life adversities increased nociceptive sensitivity, inflammation, and microglial activation systemically and within the brain. Behaviourally, pain outcomes were more prominent in females, however the neuroimmune response was exacerbated in males. These results demonstrate the sexual dimorphism of chronic pain outcomes following early life adversities and provide insight into the mechanisms driving these changes, which will inform more targeted and effective treatment strategies for youth living with chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Jaimie K Beveridge
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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27
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O'Hagan ET, Wallwork SB, Callander E, Stanton TR, Mychasiuk R. The Foundations for Chronic Low Back Pain Management may Start in Early Life. Exploring the Role of Caregiver Parental Leave on Future Low Back Pain in the Offspring. J Pain 2023:S1526-5900(23)00016-0. [PMID: 36646402 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Chronic low back pain is difficult to treat and despite increased spending on health services, clinical outcomes for people with low back pain have not improved. Innovative, large scale initiatives seem necessary to stem the cost of low back pain. Psychological health contributes to the development and persistence of chronic low back pain and psychological interventions are important in the management of low back pain. Given the contribution of psychological health to low back pain development and management, it raises the question; can we support psychological health in later life by bolstering emotional development in early life, and reduce the burden of this common condition? Positive early life experiences, including those induced by extended paid parental leave, could bolster emotional development and support the psychological health necessary to manage low back pain in later life. We present the current state of evidence demonstrating the potential value of increasing support for parent-child relationships in early life to reduce the burden of low back pain in future generations. The current evidence is limited to cross-sectional associations, but strong preclinical data clearly shows the potential negative impacts of maternal separation on rodent pup health that compels consideration in human populations. PERSPECTIVE: The benefits stemming from enhanced child development include stable emotional foundations, possibly improving psychological health and low back pain management in the future. This perspective raises questions for future studies - within the context of low back pain, what ingredients bolster stable psychological health? And are these ingredients influenced by parental leave?
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Affiliation(s)
- Edel T O'Hagan
- Westmead Applied Research Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Sarah B Wallwork
- IIMPACT in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily Callander
- Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation (MCHRI), School of Public Health and Preventative Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | - Tasha R Stanton
- IIMPACT in Health, Allied Health and Human Performance, University of South Australia, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
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28
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Baker TL, Uboldi AD, Tonkin CJ, Wright DK, Vo A, Wilson T, Mychasiuk R, McDonald SJ, Semple BD, Sun M, Shultz SR. Pre-existing Toxoplasma gondii infection increases susceptibility to pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures independent of traumatic brain injury in mice. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 15:1079097. [PMID: 36683847 PMCID: PMC9849700 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.1079097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is a debilitating chronic outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI), and neuroinflammation is implicated in increased seizure susceptibility and epileptogenesis. However, how common clinical factors, such as infection, may modify neuroinflammation and PTE development has been understudied. The neurotropic parasite, Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) incurably infects one-third of the world's population. Thus, many TBI patients have a pre-existing T. gondii infection at the time of injury. T. gondii infection results in chronic low-grade inflammation and altered signaling pathways within the brain, and preliminary clinical evidence suggest that it may be a risk factor for epilepsy. Despite this, no studies have considered how a pre-existing T. gondii infection may alter the development of PTE. Methods This study aimed to provide insight into this knowledge gap by assessing how a pre-existing T. gondii infection alters susceptibility to, and severity of, pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizures (i.e., a surrogate marker of epileptogenesis/PTE) at a chronic stage of TBI recovery. We hypothesized that T. gondii will increase the likelihood and severity of seizures following PTZ administration, and that this would occur in the presence of intensified neuroinflammation. To test this, 6-week old male and female C57BL/6 Jax mice were intraperitoneally injected with 50,000 T. gondii tachyzoites or with the PBS vehicle only. At 12-weeks old, mice either received a severe TBI via controlled cortical impact or sham injury. At 18-weeks post-injury, mice were administered 40 mg/kg PTZ and video-recorded for evaluation of seizure susceptibility. Fresh cortical tissue was then collected for gene expression analyses. Results Although no synergistic effects were evident between infection and TBI, chronic T. gondii infection alone had robust effects on the PTZ-seizure response and gene expression of markers related to inflammatory, oxidative stress, and glutamatergic pathways. In addition to this, females were more susceptible to PTZ-induced seizures than males. While TBI did not impact PTZ responses, injury effects were evident at the molecular level. Discussion Our data suggests that a pre-existing T. gondii infection is an important modifier of seizure susceptibility independent of brain injury, and considerable attention should be directed toward delineating the mechanisms underlying this pro-epileptogenic factor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L. Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Alessandro D. Uboldi
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immune Defense, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Christopher J. Tonkin
- Division of Infectious Disease and Immune Defense, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - David K. Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anh Vo
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevor Wilson
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart J. McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Bridgette D. Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandy R. Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia,Health Sciences, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada,*Correspondence: Sandy R. Shultz,
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Salberg S, Doshen A, Yamakawa GR, Miller JV, Noel M, Henderson L, Mychasiuk R. The waiting game: investigating the neurobiological transition from acute to persistent pain in adolescent rats. Cereb Cortex 2023; 33:6382-6393. [PMID: 36610738 PMCID: PMC10183733 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhac511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Persistent postsurgical pain affects 20% of youth undergoing a surgical procedure, with females exhibiting increased prevalence of chronic pain compared with males. This study sought to examine the sexually-dimorphic neurobiological changes underlying the transition from acute to persistent pain following surgery in adolescence. Male and female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly allocated to a sham or injury (plantar-incision surgery) condition and assessed for pain sensitivity while also undergoing magnetic resonance imaging at both an acute and chronic timepoint within adolescence. We found that injury resulted in persistent pain in both sexes, with females displaying most significant sensitivity. Injury resulted in significant gray matter density increases in brain areas including the cerebellum, caudate putamen/insula, and amygdala and decreases in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens, and lateral septal nucleus. Gray matter density changes in the hippocampus and lateral septal nucleus were driven by male rats whereas changes in the amygdala and caudate putamen/insula were driven by female rats. Overall, our results indicate persistent behavioral and neurobiological changes following surgery in adolescence, with sexually-dimorphic and age-specific outcomes, highlighting the importance of studying both sexes and adolescents, rather than extrapolating from male adult literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Angela Doshen
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Jillian Vinall Miller
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative & Pain Medicine, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, 29 Street NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 2T9, Canada
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, The University of Calgary, 3330 Hospital Dr NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Luke Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences (Neuroscience), Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, 94 Mallett St, Camperdown, NSW, 2050, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
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Sgro M, Iacono G, Yamakawa GR, Kodila ZN, Marsland BJ, Mychasiuk R. Age matters: Microbiome depletion prior to repeat mild traumatic brain injury differentially alters microbial composition and function in adolescent and adult rats. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0278259. [PMID: 36449469 PMCID: PMC9710846 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of the gut microbiome has been shown to perpetuate neuroinflammation, alter intestinal permeability, and modify repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (RmTBI)-induced deficits. However, there have been no investigations regarding the comparative effects that the microbiome may have on RmTBI in adolescents and adults. Therefore, we examined the influence of microbiome depletion prior to RmTBI on microbial composition and metabolome, in adolescent and adult Sprague Dawley rats. Rats were randomly assigned to standard or antibiotic drinking water for 14 days, and to subsequent sham or RmTBIs. The gut microbiome composition and metabolome were analysed at baseline, 1 day after the first mTBI, and at euthanasia (11 days following the third mTBI). At euthanasia, intestinal samples were also collected to quantify tight junction protein (TJP1 and occludin) expression. Adolescents were significantly more susceptible to microbiome depletion via antibiotic administration which increased pro-inflammatory composition and metabolites. Furthermore, RmTBI induced a transient increase in 'beneficial bacteria' (Lachnospiraceae and Faecalibaculum) in only adolescents that may indicate compensatory action in response to the injury. Finally, microbiome depletion prior to RmTBI generated a microbiome composition and metabolome that exemplified a potentially chronic pathogenic and inflammatory state as demonstrated by increased Clostridium innocuum and Erysipelatoclostridium and reductions in Bacteroides and Clostridium Sensu Stricto. Results highlight that adolescents are more vulnerable to RmTBI compared to adults and dysbiosis prior to injury may exacerbate secondary inflammatory cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marissa Sgro
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Giulia Iacono
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn R. Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zoe N. Kodila
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Benjamin J. Marsland
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- * E-mail:
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Sun M, Baker TL, Wilson CT, Brady RD, Mychasiuk R, Yamakawa GR, Vo A, Wilson T, McDonald SJ, Shultz SR. Treatment with vascular endothelial growth factor-A worsens cognitive recovery in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:937350. [PMID: 36385769 PMCID: PMC9643175 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.937350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 09/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common and unmet clinical issue, with limited treatments available to improve recovery. The cerebrovascular system is vital to provide oxygen and nutrition to the brain, and a growing body of research indicates that cerebrovascular injury contributes to mTBI symptomatology. Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is a potent promoter of angiogenesis and an important modulator of vascular health. While indirect evidence suggests that increased bioavailability of VEGF-A may be beneficial after mTBI, the direct therapeutic effects of VEGF-A in this context remains unknown. This study therefore aimed to determine whether intracerebroventricular administration of recombinant VEGF-A could improve recovery from mTBI in a rat model. Male and female Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned to four groups: sham + vehicle (VEH), sham + VEGF-A, mTBI + VEH, mTBI + VEGF-A. The mTBI was induced using the lateral impact model, and treatment began at the time of the injury and continued until the end of the study. Rats underwent behavioral testing between days 1 and 10 post-injury, and were euthanized on day 11 for post-mortem analysis. In males, the mTBI + VEGF-A group had significantly worse cognitive recovery in the water maze than all other groups. In females, the VEGF treatment worsened cognitive performance in the water maze regardless of mTBI or sham injury. Analysis of hippocampal tissue found that these cognitive deficits occurred in the presence of gene expression changes related to neuroinflammation and hypoxia in both male and female rats. These findings indicate that the VEGF-A treatment paradigm tested in this study failed to improve mTBI outcomes in either male or female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Tamara L. Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Campbell T. Wilson
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhys D. Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn R. Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Anh Vo
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Trevor Wilson
- Monash Health Translation Precinct, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart J. McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandy R. Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Health and Human Services, Vancouver Island University, Nanaimo, BC, Canada
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Malik H, Wolff MD, Teskey GC, Mychasiuk R. Electrographic seizures and brain hyperoxia may be key etiological factors for post-concussive deficits. J Neurophysiol 2022; 128:727-737. [PMID: 35976074 PMCID: PMC9484996 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00533.2021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBIs) are increasingly recognized to have long-term neurological sequelae in a significant proportion of patients. Individuals that have had RmTBIs exhibit a variety of sensory, cognitive, or behavioral consequences that can negatively impact quality of life. Brain tissue oxygen levels (PO2) are normally maintained through exquisite regulation of blood supply to stay within the normoxic zone (18–30 mmHg in the rat hippocampus). However, during neurological events in which brain tissue oxygen levels leave the normoxic zone, neuronal dysfunction and behavioral deficits have been observed, and are frequently related to poorer prognoses. The oxygenation response in the brain after RmTBIs/repeated concussions has been poorly characterized, with most preliminary research limited to the neocortex. Furthermore, the mechanisms by which RmTBIs impact changes to brain oxygenation and vice versa remain to be determined. In the current study, we demonstrate that upon receiving RmTBIs, rats exhibit posttraumatic, electrographic seizures in the hippocampus, without behavioral (clinical) seizures, that are accompanied by a long-lasting period of hyperoxygenation. These electrographic seizures and the ensuing hyperoxic episodes are associated with deficits in working memory and motor coordination that were reversible through attenuation of the posttraumatic and postictal (postseizure) hyperoxia, via administration of a vasoconstricting agent, the calcium channel agonist Bay K8644. We propose that the posttraumatic period characterized by brain oxygenation levels well above the normoxic zone, may be the basis for some of the common symptoms associated with RmTBIs. NEW & NOTEWORTHY We monitor oxygenation and electrographic activity in the hippocampus, immediately before and after mild traumatic brain injury. We demonstrate that as the number of injuries increases from 1 to 3, the proportion of rats that exhibit electrographic seizures and hyperoxia increases. Moreover, the presence of electrographic seizures and hyperoxia are associated with postinjury behavioral impairments, and if the hyperoxia is blocked with Bay K8644, the behavioral deficits are eliminated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haris Malik
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Marshal D Wolff
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - G Campbell Teskey
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.,Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
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Eyolfson E, Carr T, Fraunberger E, Khan A, Clark I, Mychasiuk R, Lohman AW. Repeated mild traumatic brain injuries in mice cause age- and sex-specific alterations in dendritic spine density. Exp Neurol 2022; 357:114172. [PMID: 35863503 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI) plague the human population and their prevalence is increasing annually. More so, repeated mTBIs (RmTBI) are known to manifest and compound neurological deficits in vulnerable populations. Age at injury and sex are two important factors influencing RmTBI pathophysiology, but we continue to know little about the specific effects of RmTBI in youth and females. In this study, we directly quantified the effects of RmTBI on adolescent and adult, male and female mice, with a closed-head lateral impact model. We report age- and sex-specific neurobehavioural deficits in motor function and working memory, microglia responses to injury, and the subsequent changes in dendritic spine density in select brain regions. Specifically, RmTBI caused increased footslips in adult male mice as assessed in a beam walk assay and significantly reduced the time spent with a novel object in adolescent male and female mice. RmTBIs caused a significant reduction in microglia density in male mice in the motor cortex, but not female mice. Finally, RmTBI significantly reduced dendritic spine density in the agranular insular cortex (a region of the prefrontal cortex in mice) and increased dendritic spine density in the adolescent male motor cortex. Together, the data provided in this study sheds new light on the heterogeneity in RmTBI-induced behavioural, glial, and neuronal architecture changes dependent on age and sex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Eyolfson
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Thomas Carr
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Erik Fraunberger
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Asher Khan
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Isabel Clark
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.
| | - Alexander W Lohman
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute (ACHRI), Calgary, AB, Canada; Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute (HBI), University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.
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Abstract
As research regarding the role of circadian rhythms, sleep, and the orexinergic system in neurodegenerative diseases is growing, it is surprising that the choroid plexus (CP) remains underappreciated in this realm. Despite its extensive role in the regulation of circadian rhythms and orexinergic signalling, as well as acting as the primary conduit between cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and the circulatory system, providing a mechanism by which toxic waste molecules can be removed from the brain, the CP has been largely unexplored in neurodegeneration. In this review, we explore the role of the CP in maintaining brain homeostasis and circadian rhythms, regulating CSF dynamics, and how these functions change across the lifespan, from development to senescence. In addition, we examine the relationship between the CP, orexinergic signalling, and the glymphatic system, highlighting gaps in the literature and areas that require immediate exploration. Finally, we assess current knowledge, including possible therapeutic strategies, regarding the role of the CP in neurological disorders, such as traumatic brain injury, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Crystal Li
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Machan M, Tabor JB, Wang M, Sutter B, Wiley JP, Mychasiuk R, Debert CT. The Impact of Concussion, Sport, and Time in Season on Saliva Telomere Length in Healthy Athletes. Front Sports Act Living 2022; 4:816607. [PMID: 35243342 PMCID: PMC8886719 DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2022.816607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, sport-related concussion diagnosis and management is primarily based on subjective clinical tests in the absence of validated biomarkers. A major obstacle to clinical validation and application is a lack of studies exploring potential biomarkers in non-injured populations. This cross-sectional study examined the associations between saliva telomere length (TL) and multiple confounding variables in a healthy university athlete population. One hundred eighty-three (108 male and 75 female) uninjured varsity athletes were recruited to the study and provided saliva samples at either pre- or mid-season, for TL analysis. Multiple linear regression was used to determine the associations between saliva TL and history of concussion, sport contact type, time in season (pre vs. mid-season collection), age, and sex. Results showed no significant associations between TL and history of concussion, age, or sport contact type. However, TL from samples collected mid-season were longer than those collected pre-season [β = 231.4, 95% CI (61.9, 401.0), p = 0.008], and males had longer TL than females [β = 284.8, 95% CI (111.5, 458.2), p = 0.001] when adjusting for all other variables in the model. These findings population suggest that multiple variables may influence TL. Future studies should consider these confounders when evaluating saliva TL as a plausible fluid biomarker for SRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Machan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jason B. Tabor
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Bonnie Sutter
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - J. Preston Wiley
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- University of Calgary Sport Medicine Centre, Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Chantel T. Debert
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- Faculty of Kinesiology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
- *Correspondence: Chantel T. Debert
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Chu E, Mychasiuk R, Hibbs ML, Semple BD. Dysregulated phosphoinositide 3-kinase signaling in microglia: shaping chronic neuroinflammation. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:276. [PMID: 34838047 PMCID: PMC8627624 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02325-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia are integral mediators of innate immunity within the mammalian central nervous system. Typical microglial responses are transient, intending to restore homeostasis by orchestrating the removal of pathogens and debris and the regeneration of damaged neurons. However, prolonged and persistent microglial activation can drive chronic neuroinflammation and is associated with neurodegenerative disease. Recent evidence has revealed that abnormalities in microglial signaling pathways involving phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and protein kinase B (AKT) may contribute to altered microglial activity and exacerbated neuroimmune responses. In this scoping review, the known and suspected roles of PI3K-AKT signaling in microglia, both during health and pathological states, will be examined, and the key microglial receptors that induce PI3K-AKT signaling in microglia will be described. Since aberrant signaling is correlated with neurodegenerative disease onset, the relationship between maladapted PI3K-AKT signaling and the development of neurodegenerative disease will also be explored. Finally, studies in which microglial PI3K-AKT signaling has been modulated will be highlighted, as this may prove to be a promising therapeutic approach for the future treatment of a range of neuroinflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erskine Chu
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Level 6, 89 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Level 6, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Level 6, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, VIC, 3181, Australia
| | - Margaret L Hibbs
- Department of Immunology and Pathology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Level 6, 89 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
| | - Bridgette D Semple
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Level 6, 99 Commercial Road, Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia.
- Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Prahran, VIC, 3181, Australia.
- Department of Medicine (Royal Melbourne Hospital), The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3050, Australia.
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Beveridge JK, Yeates KO, Madigan S, Stone AL, Wilson AC, Sumpton JE, Salberg S, Mychasiuk R, Noel M. Examining Parent Adverse Childhood Experiences as a Distal Risk Factor in Pediatric Chronic Pain. Clin J Pain 2021; 38:95-107. [PMID: 34743137 PMCID: PMC8719510 DOI: 10.1097/ajp.0000000000001002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs; ie, exposure to abuse, neglect, household dysfunction in childhood) are associated with poor mental and physical health outcomes across the lifespan. Emerging research suggests parent ACEs also confer risk for poor child outcomes. The relation between parent ACEs and child pain in youth with chronic pain has not yet been examined. The aim of the current longitudinal study was to examine the associations among parent ACEs, parent health, and child pain, in a clinical sample of youth with chronic pain. METHODS In total, 192 youth (75.5% female, 10 to 18 y old) and one of their parents (92.2% female) were recruited from tertiary pediatric chronic pain clinics in Canada. At baseline, parents completed self-report measures of ACEs, chronic pain status, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. At a 3-month follow-up, youth completed self-report measures of pain intensity and pain interference. RESULTS Regression and mediation analyses revealed that parent ACEs significantly predicted parent chronic pain status and depressive symptoms, but not parent anxiety or posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms. Moreover, parent ACEs were not significantly related to youth pain, either directly or indirectly through parent health variables. DISCUSSION Findings suggest that an intergenerational cascade from parent ACEs to parent health to child pain was not present in the current sample. Further research that examines the role of parent ACEs in the development of child chronic pain, as well as other risk and resiliency factors that may mediate or moderate the association between parent ACEs and child chronic pain, is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Keith O. Yeates
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB
| | - Sheri Madigan
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
| | - Amanda L. Stone
- Department of Anesthesiology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN
| | - Anna C. Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
| | | | - Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB
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Wong KR, O'Brien WT, Sun M, Yamakawa G, O'Brien TJ, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR, McDonald SJ, Brady RD. Serum Neurofilament Light as a Biomarker of Traumatic Brain Injury in the Presence of Concomitant Peripheral Injury. Biomark Insights 2021; 16:11772719211053449. [PMID: 34720579 PMCID: PMC8554541 DOI: 10.1177/11772719211053449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Serum neurofilament light (NfL) is an emerging biomarker of traumatic brain injury (TBI). However, the effect of peripheral injuries such as long bone fracture and skeletal muscle injury on serum NfL levels is unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine whether serum NfL levels can be used as a biomarker of TBI in the presence of concomitant peripheral injuries. Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to one of four injury groups: polytrauma (muscle crush + fracture + TBI; n = 11); peripheral injuries (muscle crush + fracture + sham-TBI; n = 12); TBI-only (sham-muscle crush + sham-fracture + TBI; n = 13); and triple-sham (n = 7). At 2-days post-injury, serum levels of NfL were quantified using a Simoa HD-X Analyzer. Results: Compared to triple-sham rats, serum NfL concentrations were higher in rats with peripheral injuries-only, TBI-only, and polytrauma. When compared to peripheral injury-only rats, serum NfL levels were higher in TBI-only and polytrauma rats. No differences were found between TBI-only and polytrauma rats. Conclusion: Serum NfL levels did not differ between TBI-only and polytrauma rats, indicating that significant peripheral injuries did not affect the sensitivity and specificity of serum NfL as a biomarker of moderate TBI. However, the finding of elevated serum NfL levels in rats with peripheral injuries in the absence of a TBI suggests that the presence of such injuries may limit the utility of NfL as a biomarker of less severe TBI (eg, concussion).
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Affiliation(s)
- Ker Rui Wong
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - William T O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Glenn Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, School of Life Sciences, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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Symons GF, Clough M, Mutimer S, Major BP, O'Brien WT, Costello D, McDonald SJ, Chen Z, White O, Mychasiuk R, Law M, Wright DK, O'Brien TJ, Fielding J, Kolbe SC, Shultz SR. Cognitive ocular motor deficits and white matter damage chronically after sports-related concussion. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab213. [PMID: 34595476 PMCID: PMC8477916 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A history of concussion has been linked to long-term cognitive deficits; however, the neural underpinnings of these abnormalities are poorly understood. This study recruited 26 asymptomatic male Australian footballers with a remote history of concussion (i.e. at least six months since last concussion), and 23 non-collision sport athlete controls with no history of concussion. Participants completed three ocular motor tasks (prosaccade, antisaccade and a cognitively complex switch task) to assess processing speed, inhibitory control and cognitive flexibility, respectively. Diffusion tensor imaging data were acquired using a 3 T MRI scanner, and analysed using tract-based spatial statistics, to investigate white matter abnormalities and how they relate to ocular motor performance. Australian footballers had significantly slower adjusted antisaccade latencies compared to controls (P = 0.035). A significant switch cost (i.e. switch trial error > repeat trial error) was also found on the switch task, with Australian footballers performing increased magnitude of errors on prosaccade switch trials relative to prosaccade repeat trials (P = 0.023). Diffusion tensor imaging analysis found decreased fractional anisotropy, a marker of white matter damage, in major white matter tracts (i.e. corpus callosum, corticospinal tract) in Australian footballers relative to controls. Notably, a larger prosaccade switch cost was significantly related to reduced fractional anisotropy in anterior white matter regions found to connect to the prefrontal cortex (i.e. a key cortical ocular motor centre involved in executive functioning and task switching). Taken together, Australian footballers with a history of concussion have ocular motor deficits indicative of poorer cognitive processing speed and cognitive flexibility, which are related to reduce white matter integrity in regions projecting to important cognitive ocular motor structures. These findings provide novel insights into the neural mechanisms that may underly chronic cognitive impairments in individuals with a history of concussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgia F Symons
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meaghan Clough
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Steven Mutimer
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Brendan P Major
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - William T O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Daniel Costello
- Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Owen White
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Meng Law
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Joanne Fielding
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - Scott C Kolbe
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.,Department of Medicine, Royal Melbourne Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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40
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Nelson S, Beveridge JK, Mychasiuk R, Noel M. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Internalizing Mental Health, Pain, and Quality of Life in Youth With Chronic Pain: A Longitudinal Examination. J Pain 2021; 22:1210-1220. [PMID: 33798732 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2021.03.143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The aims of this longitudinal study were to 1) identify categories of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) (ie, neglect, abuse, household dysfunction in childhood) that increase risk for internalizing mental health problems, pain-related impairment, and poorer quality of life and 2) examine the moderating role of posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in these associations, in a clinical sample of youth with chronic pain. At 2 timepoints, youth (N = 155; aged 10-18 years) completed measures of exposure to ACEs, PTSS, depressive and anxiety symptoms, pain intensity, pain interference, and quality of life. Multivariate analyses of variance, linear mixed modeling, and moderation analyses were conducted. Results from cross-sectional and longitudinal analyses were similar; youth with a history of 3+ ACEs reported significantly higher PTSS, depressive and anxiety symptoms, and poorer quality of life than youth with no ACE history. Results also revealed differences in functioning between youth exposed to different types of ACEs (ie, maltreatment only, household dysfunction only, both, none). Finally, PTSS was found to moderate the association between ACEs and anxiety and depressive symptoms. Findings underscore the influence that ACEs can have on the long-term functioning of youth with chronic pain as well as the important role of current PTSS in this association. PERSPECTIVE: This study found that the risk of poorer outcomes imposed by ACEs at baseline remains longitudinally and that posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) moderate the relationship between ACEs and anxiety and depressive symptoms in youth with chronic pain. These results underscore the importance of assessing for ACEs and PTSS alongside chronic pain in youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Nelson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts; Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jaimie K Beveridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada; Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada.
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41
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Brady RD, Bird S, Sun M, Yamakawa GR, Major BP, Mychasiuk R, O'Brien TJ, McDonald SJ, Shultz SR. Activation of the Protein Kinase R-Like Endoplasmic Reticulum Kinase (PERK) Pathway of the Unfolded Protein Response after Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury and Treatment with a PERK Inhibitor. Neurotrauma Rep 2021; 2:330-342. [PMID: 34318301 PMCID: PMC8310749 DOI: 10.1089/neur.2021.0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration after traumatic brain injury (TBI) is increasingly recognized as a key factor contributing to poor chronic outcomes. Activation (i.e., phosphorylation) of the protein kinase R-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK) pathway has been implicated in neurodegenerative conditions with pathological similarities to TBI and may be a potential target to improve TBI outcomes. Here, we aimed to determine whether a moderate TBI would induce activation of the PERK pathway and whether treatment with the PERK inhibitor, GSK2606414, would improve TBI recovery. Male mice were administered a lateral fluid percussion injury (FPI) or sham injury and were euthanized at either 2 h, 24 h, or 1 week post-injury (n = 5 per injury group and time point) to assess changes in the PERK pathway. In the injured cortex, there was increased phosphorylated-PERK at 2 h post-FPI and increased phosphorylation of eukaryotic translation initiation factor α at 24 h post-FPI. We next examined the effect of acute treatment with GSK2606414 on pathological and behavioral outcomes at 4 weeks post-injury. Thus, there were a total of four groups: sham + VEH (n = 9); sham + GSK4606414 (n = 10); FPI + VEH (n = 9); and FPI + GSK2606414 (n = 9). GSK2606414 (50 mg/kg) or vehicle treatment was delivered by oral gavage beginning at 30 min post-injury, followed by two further treatments at 12-h increments. There were no significant effects of GSK2606414 on any of the outcomes assessed, which could be attributable to several reasons. For example, activation of PERK may not be a significant contributor to the neurological consequences 4 weeks post-FPI in mice. Further research is required to elucidate the role of the PERK pathway in TBI and whether interventions that target this pathway are beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stefanie Bird
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan P Major
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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42
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Major B, Symons GF, Sinclair B, O'Brien WT, Costello D, Wright DK, Clough M, Mutimer S, Sun M, Yamakawa GR, Brady RD, O'Sullivan MJ, Mychasiuk R, McDonald SJ, O'Brien TJ, Law M, Kolbe S, Shultz SR. White and Gray Matter Abnormalities in Australian Footballers With a History of Sports-Related Concussion: An MRI Study. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:5331-5338. [PMID: 34148076 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/13/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a form of mild traumatic brain injury that has been linked to long-term neurological abnormalities. Australian rules football is a collision sport with wide national participation and is growing in popularity worldwide. However, the chronic neurological consequences of SRC in Australian footballers remain poorly understood. This study investigated the presence of brain abnormalities in Australian footballers with a history of sports-related concussion (HoC) using multimodal MRI. Male Australian footballers with HoC (n = 26), as well as noncollision sport athletes with no HoC (n = 27), were recruited to the study. None of the footballers had sustained a concussion in the preceding 6 months, and all players were asymptomatic. Data were acquired using a 3T MRI scanner. White matter integrity was assessed using diffusion tensor imaging. Cortical thickness, subcortical volumes, and cavum septum pellucidum (CSP) were analyzed using structural MRI. Australian footballers had evidence of widespread microstructural white matter damage and cortical thinning. No significant differences were found regarding subcortical volumes or CSP. These novel findings provide evidence of persisting white and gray matter abnormalities in Australian footballers with HoC, and raise concerns related to the long-term neurological health of these athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan Major
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Georgia F Symons
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Ben Sinclair
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - William T O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Daniel Costello
- Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Meaghan Clough
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Steven Mutimer
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Michael J O'Sullivan
- Department of Faculty of Medicine, UQ Centre for Clinical Research and Institute of Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
| | - Meng Law
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Radiology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Scott Kolbe
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3050, Australia
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43
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Baker TL, Agoston DV, Brady RD, Major B, McDonald SJ, Mychasiuk R, Wright DK, Yamakawa GR, Sun M, Shultz SR. Targeting the Cerebrovascular System: Next-Generation Biomarkers and Treatment for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury. Neuroscientist 2021; 28:594-612. [PMID: 33966527 DOI: 10.1177/10738584211012264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBIs), such as concussions, are significant unmet medical issues. The kinetic forces that occur in mTBI adversely affect the cerebral vasculature, making cerebrovascular injury (CVI) a pathophysiological hallmark of mTBI. Given the importance of a healthy cerebrovascular system in overall brain function, CVI is likely to contribute to neurological dysfunction after mTBI. As such, CVI and related pathomechanisms may provide objective biomarkers and therapeutic targets to improve the clinical management and outcomes of mTBI. Despite this potential, until recently, few studies have focused on the cerebral vasculature in this context. This article will begin by providing a brief overview of the cerebrovascular system followed by a review of the literature regarding how mTBI can affect the integrity and function of the cerebrovascular system, and how this may ultimately contribute to neurological dysfunction and neurodegenerative conditions. We then discuss promising avenues of research related to mTBI biomarkers and interventions that target CVI, and conclude that a clinical approach that takes CVI into account could result in substantial improvements in the care and outcomes of patients with mTBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara L Baker
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Denes V Agoston
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Genetics, Uniformed Services University, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan Major
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Eyolfson E, Bhatt D, Wang M, Lohman AW, Mychasiuk R. Paternal exposure to exercise and/or caffeine and alcohol modify offspring behavioral and pathophysiological recovery from repetitive mild traumatic brain injury in adolescence. Genes Brain Behav 2021; 20:egbb12736. [PMID: 33876557 DOI: 10.1111/gbb.12736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Only recently has the scope of parental research expanded to include the paternal sphere with epidemiological studies implicating stress, nutrition and alcohol consumption in the neurobiological and behavioral characteristics of offspring. This study was designed to determine if paternal exposure to caffeine, alcohol and exercise prior to conception would improve or exacerbate offspring recovery from adolescent repetitive mild traumatic brain injury (RmTBI). Sires received 7 weeks of standard drinking water, or caffeine and ethanol and were housed in regular cages or cages with running wheels, prior to being mated to control females. At postnatal day 40, offspring were administered RmTBI or sham injuries and were assessed for post concussive symptomology. Post-mortem quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to assess gene expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAc) and changes in telomere length. Additionally, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA's) were run on serum to detect levels of cytokines, chemokines and sex hormones. Paternal experience did not improve or exacerbate RmTBI behavioral outcomes. However, female and male offspring displayed unique responses to RmTBI and paternal experience, resulting in changes in physical, behavioral and molecular outcomes. Injury and paternal exercise modified changes in female offspring, whereas male offspring were affected by paternal exercise, caffeine and alcohol treatment. Additionally, paternal experience and RmTBI modified expression of many genes in the PFC, NAc, telomere length and levels of sex hormones. Although further exploration is required to understand the heterogeneity that exists in disease risk and resiliency, this study provides corroborating evidence that paternal experiences prior to conception influences offspring development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Eyolfson
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Dhyey Bhatt
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Melinda Wang
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Alexander W Lohman
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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45
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Christensen J, Beveridge JK, Wang M, Orr SL, Noel M, Mychasiuk R. A Pilot Study Investigating the Role of Gender in the Intergenerational Relationships between Gene Expression, Chronic Pain, and Adverse Childhood Experiences in a Clinical Sample of Youth with Chronic Pain. Epigenomes 2021; 5:epigenomes5020009. [PMID: 34968296 PMCID: PMC8594698 DOI: 10.3390/epigenomes5020009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a highly prevalent and costly issue that often emerges during childhood or adolescence and persists into adulthood. Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase risk for several adverse health conditions, including chronic pain. Recent evidence suggests that parental trauma (ACEs, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms) confers risk of poor health outcomes in their children. Intergenerational relationships between parental trauma and child chronic pain may be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms. A clinical sample of youth with chronic pain and their parents completed psychometrically sound questionnaires assessing ACEs, PTSD symptoms, and chronic pain, and provided a saliva sample. These were used to investigate the intergenerational relationships between four epigenetic biomarkers (COMT, DRD2, GR, and SERT), trauma, and chronic pain. The results indicated that the significant biomarkers were dependent upon the gender of the child, wherein parental ACEs significantly correlated with changes in DRD2 expression in female children and altered COMT expression in the parents of male children. Additionally, the nature of the ACE (maltreatment vs. household dysfunction) was associated with the specific epigenetic changes. There may be different pathways through which parental ACEs confer risk for poor outcomes for males and females, highlighting the importance of child gender in future investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennaya Christensen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Jaimie K. Beveridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.K.B.); (M.N.)
| | - Melinda Wang
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Serena L. Orr
- Department of Pediatrics, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.K.B.); (M.N.)
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB T2N 1N4, Canada; (J.K.B.); (M.N.)
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada;
- Alberta Children’s Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB T2N 4N1, Canada
- Correspondence:
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46
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Wright DK, Symons GF, O'Brien WT, McDonald SJ, Zamani A, Major B, Chen Z, Costello D, Brady RD, Sun M, Law M, O'Brien TJ, Mychasiuk R, Shultz SR. Diffusion Imaging Reveals Sex Differences in the White Matter Following Sports-Related Concussion. Cereb Cortex 2021; 31:4411-4419. [PMID: 33860291 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhab095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sports-related concussion (SRC) is a serious health concern. However, the temporal profile of neuropathophysiological changes after SRC and how these relate to biological sex are still poorly understood. This preliminary study investigated whether diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) was sensitive to neuropathophysiological changes following SRC; whether these changes were sex-specific; and whether they persisted beyond the resolution of self-reported symptoms. Recently concussed athletes (n = 14), and age- and education-matched nonconcussed control athletes (n = 16), underwent MRI 24-48-h postinjury and again at 2-week postinjury (i.e., when cleared to return-to-play). Male athletes reported more symptoms and greater symptom severity compared with females. dMRI revealed white matter differences between athletes with SRC and their nonconcussed counterparts at 48-h postinjury. These differences were still present at 2-week postinjury, despite SRC athletes being cleared to return to play and may indicate increased cerebral vulnerability beyond the resolution of subjective symptoms. Furthermore, we identified sex-specific differences, with male SRC athletes having significantly greater white matter disruption compared with female SRC athletes. These results have important implications for the management of concussion, including guiding return-to-play decisions, and further improve our understanding regarding the role of sex in SRC outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Georgia F Symons
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - William T O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Akram Zamani
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Brendan Major
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia.,Clinical Epidemiology, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Daniel Costello
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Meng Law
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia.,Departments of Neurological Surgery and Biomedical Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia.,Department of Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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47
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Gom RC, Bhatt D, Villa BR, George AG, Lohman AW, Mychasiuk R, Rho JM, Teskey GC. The ketogenic diet raises brain oxygen levels, attenuates postictal hypoxia, and protects against learning impairments. Neurobiol Dis 2021; 154:105335. [PMID: 33741453 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2021.105335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A prolonged vasoconstriction/hypoperfusion/hypoxic event follows self-terminating focal seizures. The ketogenic diet (KD) has demonstrated efficacy as a metabolic treatment for intractable epilepsy and other disorders but its effect on local brain oxygen levels is completely unknown. This study investigated the effects of the KD on tissue oxygenation in the hippocampus before and after electrically elicited (kindled) seizures and whether it could protect against a seizure-induced learning impairment. We also examined the effects of the ketone β-hydroxybutyrate (BHB) as a potential underlying mechanism. METHODS Male and female rats were given access to one of three diet protocols 2 weeks prior to the initiation of seizures: KD, caloric restricted standard chow, and ad libitum standard chow. Dorsal hippocampal oxygen levels were measured prior to initiation of diets as well as before and after a 10-day kindling paradigm. Male rats were then tested on a novel object recognition task to assess postictal learning impairments. In a separate cohort, BHB was administered 30 min prior to seizure elicitation to determine whether it influenced oxygen dynamics. RESULTS The KD increased dorsal hippocampal oxygen levels, ameliorated postictal hypoxia, and prevented postictal learning impairments. Acute BHB administration did not alter oxygen levels before or after seizures. INTERPRETATION The ketogenic diet raised brain oxygen levels and attenuated severe postictal hypoxia likely through a mechanism independent of ketosis and shows promise as a non-pharmacological treatment to prevent the postictal state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renaud C Gom
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CA, Canada.
| | - Dhyey Bhatt
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CA, Canada
| | - Bianca R Villa
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CA, Canada
| | - Antis G George
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CA, Canada
| | - Alexander W Lohman
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CA, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jong M Rho
- Department of Pediatrics, Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine University of Calgary, Calgary, CA, Canada; Departments of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital San Diego, California, USA
| | - G Campbell Teskey
- Department of Cell Biology and Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute, and Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, CA, Canada
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48
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O'Brien WT, Pham L, Brady RD, Bain J, Yamakawa GR, Sun M, Mychasiuk R, O'Brien TJ, Monif M, Shultz SR, McDonald SJ. Temporal profile and utility of serum neurofilament light in a rat model of mild traumatic brain injury. Exp Neurol 2021; 341:113698. [PMID: 33727100 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2021.113698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
There is a widely recognized need for blood biomarkers to assist clinical decisions surrounding mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI). Serum neurofilament light (NfL), an indicator of neuroaxonal damage, is one such candidate, with early mTBI clinical investigations demonstrating significant promise. To facilitate the translation of pre-clinical mTBI findings, clinically relevant outcomes should be integrated into animal studies wherever possible. Despite this, the temporal profile and potential utility of NfL as a blood biomarker in pre-clinical mTBI is poorly understood. Here, we quantified serum NfL at 2-h, 1-, 3-, 7- and 14-days following mTBI in rats and compared these to pre-injury levels. We also investigated cumulative effects of repeat-mTBI by delivering 0, 1 or 5 mTBIs separated by 24 h. Sensorimotor performance was evaluated with the beam task at 1- and 4-h after mTBI, and serum was collected 1-day after the final procedure. We found that serum NfL levels were substantially elevated at all acute and sub-acute time-points after a single-mTBI, peaked at 1-day, and remained elevated 14-days post-injury. An mTBI dose-dependent effect on serum NfL levels was also observed, with substantially higher NfL levels found at 1-day post repeat-mTBI when compared to single-mTBI and sham-injured rats. Furthermore, NfL levels were found to be greatest in rats with the highest degree of sensorimotor impairment. In conclusion, these findings have described the temporal profile of serum NfL elevations following a single-mTBI in rats, and indicate a profile with some similarities and differences to that seen in the clinical condition. Moreover, we found that serum NfL levels were potentiated by repeat-mTBI, and that this biomarker may have utility as an indicator of injury severity. As such, future pre-clinical TBI studies may benefit from incorporating measures of serum NfL as an objective injury outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Louise Pham
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Science Drive, Bundoora 3086, Australia.
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 4(th) Floor Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Parade, Parkville 3050, Australia.
| | - Jesse Bain
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Australia.
| | - Mastura Monif
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia; Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, 300 Grattan Street, Parkville 3050, Australia; Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, 55 Commercial Rd, Melbourne 3004, Australia; Department of Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Level 8 North Wing, Medical Building, Parkville 3050, Australia.
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, The University of Melbourne, 4(th) Floor Clinical Sciences Building, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Royal Parade, Parkville 3050, Australia.
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Level 6 Alfred Centre, 99 Commercial Rd, 3004 Melbourne, Australia; Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Science Drive, Bundoora 3086, Australia.
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49
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O'Brien WT, Symons GF, Bain J, Major BP, Costello DM, Sun M, Kimpton JS, Chen Z, Brady RD, Mychasiuk R, O'Brien TJ, Monif M, Shultz SR, McDonald SJ. Elevated Serum Interleukin-1β Levels in Male, but not Female, Collision Sport Athletes with a Concussion History. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:1350-1357. [PMID: 33308001 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
It is increasingly reported that a history of concussion may be associated with chronic deleterious consequences. While the pathophysiology that contributes to these consequences is not well understood, neuroinflammation is postulated to be critical. Activation of multi-protein complexes termed inflammasomes, a key component of this inflammatory response, has been reported in more severe TBIs; however, it has not been investigated in milder TBIs, such as concussion. This study investigated serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 (key proteins activated downstream of these inflammasomes) at acute, sub-acute, and chronic time-points post-concussion. We recruited 105 Australian footballers (65 male, 40 female) during the pre-season, then prospectively followed these players for the occurrence of concussion during the season. At baseline, 58 footballers reported a previous concussion history, and 47 reported no previous concussion history. Additionally, 25 players sustained a mid-season concussion and were sampled at 2, 6, and 13 days post-concussion. Serum levels of IL-1β and IL-18 were quantified using highly sensitive Simoa HD-X Analyzer assays. At baseline, IL-1β levels were higher in male, but not female, footballers with a previous concussion history compared with footballers with no concussion history. There was also a positive correlation between years of collision sport participation and IL-18 levels in males. No evidence was found in males or females to indicate that IL-1β or IL-18 levels differed at 2, 6, or 13 days post-concussion. These findings provide novel insights into potential sex-specific physiological consequences of concussion, and suggest that neuroinflammation may be persistent chronically following concussion in male athletes.
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Affiliation(s)
- William T O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Georgia F Symons
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jesse Bain
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Brendan P Major
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Daniel M Costello
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Joshua S Kimpton
- Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Zhibin Chen
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Terence J O'Brien
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mastura Monif
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Melbourne Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Neurology, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Medicine, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy, and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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50
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Salberg S, Yamakawa GR, Griep Y, Bain J, Beveridge JK, Sun M, McDonald SJ, Shultz SR, Brady RD, Wright DK, Noel M, Mychasiuk R. Pain in the Developing Brain: Early Life Factors Alter Nociception and Neurobiological Function in Adolescent Rats. Cereb Cortex Commun 2021; 2:tgab014. [PMID: 34296160 PMCID: PMC8152853 DOI: 10.1093/texcom/tgab014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Although adverse early experiences prime individuals to be at increased risk for chronic pain, little research has examined the trauma–pain relationship in early life or the underlying mechanisms that drive pathology over time. Given that early experiences can potentiate the nociceptive response, this study aimed to examine the effects of a high-fat, high-sugar (HFHS) diet and early life stress (maternal separation [MS]) on pain outcomes in male and female adolescent rats. Half of the rats also underwent a plantar-incision surgery to investigate how the pain system responded to a mildly painful stimuli in adolescence. Compared with controls, animals that were on the HFHS diet, experienced MS, or had exposure to both, exhibited increased anxiety-like behavior and altered thermal and mechanical nociception at baseline and following the surgery. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated that the HFHS diet and MS altered the maturation of the brain, leading to changes in brain volume and diffusivity within the anterior cingulate, amygdala, corpus callosum, nucleus accumbens, and thalamus, while also modifying the integrity of the corticospinal tracts. The effects of MS and HFHS diet were often cumulative, producing exacerbated pain sensitivity and increased neurobiological change. As early experiences are modifiable, understanding their role in pain may provide targets for early intervention/prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Salberg
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Glenn R Yamakawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Yannick Griep
- Behavioural Science Institute, Radboud University, Nijmegen 6525 GD, the Netherlands.,Division of Epidemiology, Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm 114 19, Sweden
| | - Jesse Bain
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Jaimie K Beveridge
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Mujun Sun
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Stuart J McDonald
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Microbiology, La Trobe University, Melbourne 3086, Australia
| | - Sandy R Shultz
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Rhys D Brady
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - David K Wright
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia
| | - Melanie Noel
- Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Monash University, Melbourne 3004, Australia.,Department of Psychology, University of Calgary, Calgary T2N 1N4, Canada
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