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Asakura S, Kaneko K, Kawano K, Shobako M, Xu C, Sato M, Kurabayashi A, Suzuki H, Ito A, Higuchi Y, Nakayama R, Takahashi H, Ohinata K. Characterization of rice endosperm-derived antidepressant-like peptide (REAP): An orally active novel tridecapeptide derived from rice protein. Peptides 2024; 177:171184. [PMID: 38432550 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2024.171184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
It is ideal to ingest bioactive substances from daily foods to stay healthy. Rice is the staple food for almost half of the human population. We found that an orally administered enzymatic digest of rice endosperm protein exhibits antidepressant-like effects in the tail suspension test (TST) using mice. A comprehensive peptide analysis of the digest using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry was performed, and a tridecapeptide QQFLPEGQSQSQK, detected in the digest, was chemosynthesized. Oral administration of the tridecapeptide exhibited antidepressant-like effects at a low dose comparable to classical antidepressant in the TST. This also exhibited anti-depressant-like effect in the forced swim test. We named it rice endosperm-derived antidepressant-like peptide (REAP). Intriguingly, intraperitoneal administration had no effect. Orally administered REAP(8-13) but not REAP(1-7) exhibited antidepressant-like activity, suggesting that the C-terminal structure is important for the antidepressant-like effect. We confirmed the presence of REAP, corresponding to rice glutelin type B4(130-142) and B5(130-142), in the digest. The effects of REAP were blocked by both dopamine D1 and D2 antagonists. These results suggest that it exerts its antidepressant-like activity through activation of the dopamine system. Taken together, oral administration of a novel tridecapeptide exhibited antidepressant-like effects via the dopamine system. This is the first report of a rice-derived peptide that exhibits antidepressant-like effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saho Asakura
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Kentaro Kaneko
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Kohei Kawano
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Maiko Shobako
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Chendong Xu
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan
| | - Masaru Sato
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-kamatari, Chiba, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kurabayashi
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-kamatari, Chiba, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Suzuki
- Department of Applied Genomics, Kazusa DNA Research Institute, 2-6-7 Kazusa-kamatari, Chiba, Kisarazu 292-0818, Japan
| | - Akira Ito
- Rice Research Institute, Kameda Seika CO., LTD., 3-1-1Kameda-kogyodanchi, Konan, Niigata 950-0198, Japan
| | - Yuki Higuchi
- Rice Research Institute, Kameda Seika CO., LTD., 3-1-1Kameda-kogyodanchi, Konan, Niigata 950-0198, Japan
| | - Ryoko Nakayama
- Rice Research Institute, Kameda Seika CO., LTD., 3-1-1Kameda-kogyodanchi, Konan, Niigata 950-0198, Japan
| | - Hajime Takahashi
- Rice Research Institute, Kameda Seika CO., LTD., 3-1-1Kameda-kogyodanchi, Konan, Niigata 950-0198, Japan
| | - Kousaku Ohinata
- Division of Food Science and Biotechnology, Graduate School of Agriculture, Kyoto University, Gokasho Uji, Kyoto 611-0011, Japan.
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Amini E, Shokrnejad-namin T, Zarrindast MR, Khakpai F. Synergistic effect between citalopram and muscimol upon induction of anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like effects in male mice: An isobologram analysis. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:353-360. [PMID: 38415182 PMCID: PMC10897807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2024.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background There is evidence that both the GABAergic system and serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as citalopram are involved in the modulation of anxiety and depression processes. In this research, we examined the effects of GABAA receptor agents and citalopram on anxiety- and depression-related behaviors and their interaction in male mice. Methods For intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) infusion, a guide cannula was implanted in the left lateral ventricle. Anxiety and depression behaviors were evaluated using the elevated plus-maze (EPM) and forced swimming test (FST). Results The results revealed that i.c.v. microinjection of muscimol (1 µg/mouse) enhanced % OAT (open arm time) and % OAE (open arm entries) in the EPM test and decreased immobility time in the FST without affecting locomotor activity, presenting anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like behaviors in the EPM and FST, respectively. On the other hand, i.c.v. microinjection of bicuculline (1 µg/mouse) reduced % OAT and % OAE without affecting locomotor activity and immobility time, presenting an anxiogenic-like effect. Moreover, i.p. administration of citalopram (8 mg/kg) increased %OAT and %OAE and reduced immobility time with no effect on locomotor activity, showing anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like responses in male mice. Furthermore, i.c.v. infusion of an ineffective dosage of muscimol potentiated the anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like responses induced by i.p. injection of citalopram in male mice. When citalopram and bicuculline were co-injected, a non-significant dose of bicuculline reversed the anxiolytic-like effect of citalopram in male mice. Also, the data revealed synergistic anxiolytic- and antidepressant-like behaviors between citalopram and muscimol in male mice. Conclusions The results suggested an interaction between citalopram and GABAergic agents on the modulation of anxiety and depression behaviors in male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Amini
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taha Shokrnejad-namin
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Khakpai
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
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Chen W, Zhang T, Zhang H. Genes related to neurotransmitter receptors as potential biomarkers for Alzheimer's disease. Neurosci Lett 2024; 832:137816. [PMID: 38729598 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2024.137816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a leading cause of dementia and is rapidly emerging as one of the costliest and most burdensome diseases. Neurotransmitter receptors play a vital role in many neuronal processes, primarily regulating signal inhibition within the brain to facilitate cell communication. OBJECTIVES Our research aims to identify potential biomarkers associated with AD and how these biomarkers impact immune infiltration. METHODS We extracted mRNA expression data from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis were employed to identify hub genes as biomarkers in AD. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Gene Ontology (GO), and Gene Set Variation Analysis (GSVA) were used for functional enrichment. Furthermore, we examined 22 immune cell types infiltration using "CIBERSORT". RESULTS In this study, we identified 70 neurotransmitter receptor genes showing differential expression in AD: 22 were up-regulated, and 48 were down-regulated. Functional analyses indicated these genes were involved in essential biochemical pathways, including G protein-coupled receptors, neurotransmitter receptor activity, and ion channel interactions. WGCNA generated three co-expression modules, with one demonstrating the strongest association with AD. Five key NRGs (HTR3C, HTR3E, ADRA2A, HTR3A, and ADRA1D) were identified using a combination of differential genes. These genes have better diagnostic value by ROC analysis. Immune infiltration analysis showed that these genes were closely associated with the levels of resting mast cells, activated natural killer (NK) cells, and plasma cells in AD compared to controls. CONCLUSION Our study identified five NRGs (ADRA1D, ADRA2A, HTR3A, HTR3C, and HTR3E) with significant associations with AD. These findings may offer promising sights for further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Chen
- Neurosurgery Department of Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital), Shaanxi 710100, China
| | - Taoyuan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Xi' an 710032, China
| | - Hui Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Xijing Hospital, Xi' an 710032, China.
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Zheng J, Zong X, Tang L, Guo H, Zhao P, Womer FY, Zhang X, Tang Y, Wang F. Characterizing the distinct imaging phenotypes, clinical behavior, and genetic vulnerability of brain maturational subtypes in mood disorders. Psychol Med 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38804091 DOI: 10.1017/s0033291724000886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mood disorders are characterized by great heterogeneity in clinical manifestation. Uncovering such heterogeneity using neuroimaging-based individual biomarkers, clinical behaviors, and genetic risks, might contribute to elucidating the etiology of these diseases and support precision medicine. METHODS We recruited 174 drug-naïve and drug-free patients with major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder, as well as 404 healthy controls. T1 MRI imaging data, clinical symptoms, and neurocognitive assessments, and genetics were obtained and analyzed. We applied regional gray matter volumes (GMV) and quantile normative modeling to create maturation curves, and then calculated individual deviations to identify subtypes within the patients using hierarchical clustering. We compared the between-subtype differences in GMV deviations, clinical behaviors, cell-specific transcriptomic associations, and polygenic risk scores. We also validated the GMV deviations based subtyping analysis in a replication cohort. RESULTS Two subtypes emerged: subtype 1, characterized by increased GMV deviations in the frontal cortex, cognitive impairment, a higher genetic risk for Alzheimer's disease, and transcriptionally associated with Alzheimer's disease pathways, oligodendrocytes, and endothelial cells; and subtype 2, displaying globally decreased GMV deviations, more severe depressive symptoms, increased genetic vulnerability to major depressive disorder and transcriptionally related to microglia and inhibitory neurons. The distinct patterns of GMV deviations in the frontal, cingulate, and primary motor cortices between subtypes were shown to be replicable. CONCLUSIONS Our current results provide vital links between MRI-derived phenotypes, spatial transcriptome, genetic vulnerability, and clinical manifestation, and uncover the heterogeneity of mood disorders in biological and behavioral terms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junjie Zheng
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaofen Zong
- Department of Psychiatry, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lili Tang
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Huiling Guo
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Pengfei Zhao
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fay Y Womer
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Xizhe Zhang
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Informatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanqing Tang
- Department of Psychiatry, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Brain Function Research Section, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Gerontology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Early Intervention Unit, Department of Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Functional Brain Imaging Institute of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Mental Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Bappi MH, Mia MN, Ansari SA, Ansari IA, Prottay AAS, Akbor MS, El-Nashar HAS, El-Shazly M, Mubarak MS, Torequl Islam M. Quercetin increases the antidepressant-like effects of sclareol and antagonizes diazepam in thiopental sodium-induced sleeping mice: A possible GABAergic transmission intervention. Phytother Res 2024; 38:2198-2214. [PMID: 38414297 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024]
Abstract
Quercetin is the most common polyphenolic flavonoid present in fruits and vegetables demonstrating versatile health-promoting effects. This study aimed to examine the effects of quercetin (QR) and sclareol (SCL) on the thiopental sodium (TS)-induced sleeping and forced swimming test (FST) mouse models. SCL (1, 5, and 10 mg/kg, p.o.) or QR (50 mg/kg, p.o.) and/or diazepam (DZP) (3 mg/kg, i.p.) were employed. After 30 min of TS induction, individual or combined effects on the animals were checked. In the FST test, the animals were subjected to forced swimming after 30 min of administration of the test and/or controls for 5 min. In this case, immobility time was measured. In silico studies were conducted to evaluate the involvement of GABA receptors. SCL (5 and 10 mg/kg) significantly increased the latency and decreased sleeping time compared to the control in the TS-induced sleeping time study. DZP (3 mg/kg) showed a sedative-like effect in animals in both sleeping and FST studies. QR (50 mg/kg) exhibited a similar pattern of activity as SCL. However, its effects were more prominent than those of SCL groups. SCL (10 mg/kg) altered the DZP-3-mediated effects. SCL-10 co-treated with QR-50 significantly (p < 0.05) increased the latency and decreased sleep time and immobility time, suggesting possible synergistic antidepressant-like effects. In silico studies revealed that SCL and QR demonstrated better binding affinities with GABAA receptor, especially α2, α3, and α5 subunits. Both compounds also exhibited good ADMET and drug-like properties. In animal studies, the both compounds worked synergistically to provide antidepressant-like effects in a slightly different fashion. As a conclusion, the combined administration of SCL and QR may be used in upcoming neurological clinical trials, according to in vivo and in silico findings. However, additional investigation is necessary to verify this behavior and clarify the potential mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehedi Hasan Bappi
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Md Nayem Mia
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Siddique Akber Ansari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Irfan Aamer Ansari
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Abdullah Al Shamsh Prottay
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Md Showkoth Akbor
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
| | - Heba A S El-Nashar
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed El-Shazly
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Muhammad Torequl Islam
- Department of Pharmacy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj, Bangladesh
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Robinson J, Ferreira A, Iacovou M, Kellow NJ. Effect of nutritional interventions on the psychological symptoms of premenstrual syndrome in women of reproductive age: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Nutr Rev 2024:nuae043. [PMID: 38684926 DOI: 10.1093/nutrit/nuae043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) affects approximately 48% of women of reproductive age worldwide. It can lead to functional impairment, lower quality of life, and decreased work productivity. Despite the availability of medical treatment options, women are seeking alternative interventions because of concerns of harmful side effects and limited evidence of efficacy associated with pharmacological treatments. To date, high-quality research investigating the effects of dietary and nutrient intervention on PMS is limited. OBJECTIVE This systematic review investigated the effect of nutritional interventions on the psychological symptoms of PMS. DATA SOURCES Five electronic databases were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published in English from inception to October 2022. Trials eligible for inclusion were nutritional intervention studies involving women of reproductive age that measured PMS-associated psychological outcomes. DATA EXTRACTION Articles were selected using prespecified inclusion criteria. Data screening and extraction and risk-of-bias assessments were conducted by 3 independent reviewers using article screening software and the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2 tool. DATA ANALYSIS Thirty-two articles reporting on 31 RCTs involving 3254 participants, ranging in age from 15 to 50 years were included and narratively reviewed. Only 1 of the included studies had a low risk of bias. Treatment with vitamin B6, calcium, and zinc consistently had significant positive effects on the psychological symptoms of PMS. There was insufficient evidence to support the effects of vitamin B1, vitamin D, whole-grain carbohydrates, soy isoflavones, dietary fatty acids, magnesium, multivitamin supplementation, or PMS-specific diets. CONCLUSIONS There is some evidence to support the use of nutritional interventions for improving psychological symptoms of PMS. However, more research using consistent protocols, procedures to minimize risk of bias, intention-to-treat analysis, and clearer reporting is required to provide conclusive nutritional recommendations for improving PMS-related psychological outcomes. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NO CRD42022369999.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jazz Robinson
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Amy Ferreira
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marina Iacovou
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre of Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
| | - Nicole J Kellow
- Department of Nutrition, Dietetics and Food, Monash University, Notting Hill, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Centre of Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Victoria, Australia
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Zhang Y, Huang K, Duan J, Zhao R, Yang L. Gut microbiota connects the brain and the heart: potential mechanisms and clinical implications. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:637-651. [PMID: 38407637 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-024-06552-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Nowadays, high morbidity and mortality of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) and high comorbidity rate of neuropsychiatric disorders contribute to global burden of health and economics. Consequently, a discipline concerning abnormal connections between the brain and the heart and the resulting disease states, known as psychocardiology, has garnered interest among researchers. However, identifying a common pathway that physicians can modulate remains a challenge. Gut microbiota, a constituent part of the human intestinal ecosystem, is likely involved in mutual mechanism CVDs and neuropsychiatric disorder share, which could be a potential target of interventions in psychocardiology. This review aimed to discuss complex interactions from the perspectives of microbial and intestinal dysfunction, behavioral factors, and pathophysiological changes and to present possible approaches to regulating gut microbiota, both of which are future directions in psychocardiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Jiahao Duan
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China
| | - Rong Zhao
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China.
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou, 213003, China.
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Sun J, Zhang C, Wang Y, Xiao S, Sun H, Bian Z, Shen Z, He X, Fang J, Shao X. Electroacupuncture Alleviates Hyperalgesia and Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Pain Memory Model Rats Through Activation of GABAergic Neurons and GABA Receptor in the Rostral Anterior Cingulate Cortex. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03986-z. [PMID: 38329679 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03986-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
Recent studies have confirmed that pain memory is often accompanied by negative emotions. Electroacupuncture (EA) can block the retrieval of painful memories, thereby alleviating the associated negative behaviors. However, the underlying mechanism is poorly understood. This study revealed that the effect of EA on pain memory-induced negative behaviors is related to the mediation of GABAergic neuron activity and GABA receptor expression in the rostral anterior cingulate cortex (rACC). Previous studies have shown that the rACC is a crucial area for regulating nociceptive behaviors and negative emotions in pain memory models. The GABAergic neurons and receptors in the rACC are largely involved in pain sensation and related effects. However, the relationships among pain memory, GABAergic neurons and receptors in the rACC have not been investigated. In this study, we established a pain memory model via secondary plantar cross-injection of carrageenan and EA treatment. Using chemogenetic methods and behavioral assessments of pain and negative emotion, we found that early excitation of GABAergic neurons in the rACC blocked the recall of pain memories and reduced anxiety-like behaviors in pain memory model rats. Furthermore, pharmacological methods revealed that excitation of GABAA and GABAB receptors in the rACC blocks hyperpathia associated with pain memory and pain-induced anxiety-like behaviors, while inhibition of GABAA and GABAB receptors reverses these effects. These results suggest that EA may alleviate pain and associated anxiety-like behaviors related to pain memories through the activation of GABAergic neurons and excitation of GABAA and GABAB receptors in the rACC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Sun
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yifang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Siqi Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Haiju Sun
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyuan Bian
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zui Shen
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xiaofen He
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiaomei Shao
- Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Neurology of Zhejiang Province, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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Tamés H, Sabater C, Royo F, Margolles A, Falcón JM, Ruas-Madiedo P, Ruiz L. Mouse intestinal microbiome modulation by oral administration of a GABA-producing Bifidobacterium adolescentis strain. Microbiol Spectr 2024; 12:e0258023. [PMID: 37991375 PMCID: PMC10783132 DOI: 10.1128/spectrum.02580-23] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
IMPORTANCE The gut microbiome-brain communication signaling has emerged in recent years as a novel target for intervention with the potential to ameliorate some conditions associated with the central nervous system. Hence, probiotics with capacity to produce neurotransmitters, for instance, have come up as appealing alternatives to treat disorders associated with disbalanced neurotransmitters. Herein, we further deep into the effects of administering a gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing Bifidobacterium strain, previously demonstrated to contribute to reduce serum glutamate levels, in the gut microbiome composition and metabolic activity in a mouse model. Our results demonstrate that the GABA-producing strain administration results in a specific pattern of gut microbiota modulation, different from the one observed in animals receiving non-GABA-producing strains. This opens new avenues to delineate the specific mechanisms by which IPLA60004 administration contributes to reducing serum glutamate levels and to ascertain whether this effect could exert health benefits in patients of diseases associated with high-glutamate serum concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Héctor Tamés
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
- Functionality and Ecology of Beneficial Microbes (MicroHealth) Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Carlos Sabater
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
- Functionality and Ecology of Beneficial Microbes (MicroHealth) Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Félix Royo
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Abelardo Margolles
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
- Functionality and Ecology of Beneficial Microbes (MicroHealth) Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Juan Manuel Falcón
- Exosomes Laboratory, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Derio, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas Y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Madrid, Spain
- IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
| | - Patricia Ruas-Madiedo
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
- Functionality and Ecology of Beneficial Microbes (MicroHealth) Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
| | - Lorena Ruiz
- Department of Microbiology and Biochemistry of Dairy Products, Instituto de Productos Lácteos de Asturias-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (IPLA-CSIC), Paseo Río Linares s/n, Villaviciosa, Asturias, Spain
- Functionality and Ecology of Beneficial Microbes (MicroHealth) Group, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria del Principado de Asturias (ISPA), Oviedo, Asturias, Spain
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10
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Lebovich M, Lora MA, Gracia-David J, Andrews LB. Genetic Circuits for Feedback Control of Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid Biosynthesis in Probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. Metabolites 2024; 14:44. [PMID: 38248847 PMCID: PMC10819706 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14010044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Engineered microorganisms such as the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) offer a strategy to sense and modulate the concentration of metabolites or therapeutics in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we present an approach to regulate the production of the depression-associated metabolite gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in EcN using genetic circuits that implement negative feedback. We engineered EcN to produce GABA by overexpressing glutamate decarboxylase and applied an intracellular GABA biosensor to identify growth conditions that improve GABA biosynthesis. We next employed characterized genetically encoded NOT gates to construct genetic circuits with layered feedback to control the rate of GABA biosynthesis and the concentration of GABA produced. Looking ahead, this approach may be utilized to design feedback control of microbial metabolite biosynthesis to achieve designable smart microbes that act as living therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lebovich
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Marcos A. Lora
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
| | - Jared Gracia-David
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Department of Biology, Amherst College, Amherst, MA 01002, USA
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 01003, USA
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11
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Silva-Almeida C, Muniz SCA, Jobim CMN, Laureano-Melo R, Lau RS, Costa CRM, Côrtes WS, Malvar DC, Reis LC, Mecawi AS, Rocha FF. Perinatal environmental enrichment changes anxiety-like behaviours in mice and produces similar intergenerational benefits in offspring. Behav Brain Res 2024; 456:114700. [PMID: 37802391 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enrichment implemented in early life is able to induce long-term changes in gene expression, synaptic function and behavioural responses. In this study, we evaluated the adult behavioural effects of perinatal environment enrichment in male and female mice (PEE), as well as the males and females of PEE male offspring (OPEE). For this purpose, animals were submitted to the following battery of behavioural analyses: elevated plus maze, open field test, light-dark box and novelty suppression feeding test. The frontal cortex and ventral hippocampus of PEE mice were collected for the evaluation of the expression of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-related genes. The PEE animals showed an increase in exploratory activity, associated with a reduction in anxiety-like behaviours on the elevated plus maze; this effect was mainly observed in males. Additionally, the male OPEE showed a reduction in anxiety-like behaviours on the elevated plus maze, mainly observed in a reduction of risk assessment-related behaviours. The PEE male mice also showed reduced expression of Gabra3 in the ventral hippocampus when compared to the control group. These results demonstrate that perinatal environmental enrichment promotes a reduction in anxiety-like behaviour that can be transferred intergenerationally.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Silva-Almeida
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil; Department of Veterinary Medicine of State University of Maringá, Umuarama, Brazil
| | - S C A Muniz
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - C M N Jobim
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - R Laureano-Melo
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil; Behavioral Physiopharmacology Laboratory, Barra Mansa Center University, Barra Mansa, Brazil
| | - R S Lau
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - C R M Costa
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - W S Côrtes
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil; Department of Physiological Sciences of Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - D C Malvar
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil; Department of Physiological Sciences of Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - L C Reis
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil; Department of Physiological Sciences of Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil
| | - A S Mecawi
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biophysics of Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - F F Rocha
- Multicenter Graduate Program in Physiological Sciences, Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro/Brazilian Society of Physiology, Seropédica, Brazil; Department of Physiological Sciences of Federal Rural University of Rio de Janeiro, Seropédica, Brazil.
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12
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Zaręba P, Łątka K, Mazur G, Gryzło B, Pasieka A, Godyń J, Panek D, Skrzypczak-Wiercioch A, Höfner GC, Latacz G, Maj M, Espargaró A, Sabaté R, Jóźwiak K, Wanner KT, Sałat K, Malawska B, Kulig K, Bajda M. Discovery of novel multifunctional ligands targeting GABA transporters, butyrylcholinesterase, β-secretase, and amyloid β aggregation as potential treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 261:115832. [PMID: 37837674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a global health problem in the medical sector that will increase over time. The limited treatment of AD leads to the search for a new clinical candidate. Considering the multifactorial nature of AD, a strategy targeting number of regulatory proteins involved in the development of the disease is an effective approach. Here, we present a discovery of new multi-target-directed ligands (MTDLs), purposely designed as GABA transporter (GAT) inhibitors, that successfully provide the inhibitory activity against butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE), β-secretase (BACE1), amyloid β aggregation and calcium channel blockade activity. The selected GAT inhibitors, 19c and 22a - N-benzylamide derivatives of 4-aminobutyric acid, displayed the most prominent multifunctional profile. Compound 19c (mGAT1 IC50 = 10 μM, mGAT4 IC50 = 12 μM and BuChE IC50 = 559 nM) possessed the highest hBACE1 and Aβ40 aggregation inhibitory activity (IC50 = 1.57 μM and 99 % at 10 μM, respectively). Additionally, it showed a decrease in both the elongation and nucleation constants of the amyloid aggregation process. In contrast compound 22a represented the highest activity and a mixed-type of eqBuChE inhibition (IC50 = 173 nM) with hBACE1 (IC50 = 9.42 μM), Aβ aggregation (79 % at 10 μM) and mGATs (mGAT1 IC50 = 30 μM, mGAT4 IC50 = 25 μM) inhibitory activity. Performed molecular docking studies described the mode of interactions with GATs and enzymatic targets. In ADMET in vitro studies both compounds showed acceptable metabolic stability and low neurotoxicity. Successfully, compounds 19c and 22a at the dose of 30 mg/kg possessed statistically significant antiamnesic properties in a mouse model of amnesia caused by scopolamine and assessed in the novel object recognition (NOR) task or the passive avoidance (PA) task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paula Zaręba
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Kamil Łątka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Gabriela Mazur
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Beata Gryzło
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Pasieka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Justyna Godyń
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Dawid Panek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Anna Skrzypczak-Wiercioch
- Department of Animal Anatomy and Preclinical Sciences, University Centre of Veterinary Medicine JU-UA, University of Agriculture in Kraków, Mickiewicz 24/28 St., 30-059, Kraków, Poland
| | - Georg C Höfner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Butenandtstr., 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Gniewomir Latacz
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Maciej Maj
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, W. Chodzki 4a St., 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Alba Espargaró
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Av Joan XXIII, S/N, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raimon Sabaté
- Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology and Physical-Chemistry, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, University of Barcelona, Av Joan XXIII 27-31, 08028, Barcelona, Spain; Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (IN2UB), Av Joan XXIII, S/N, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Krzysztof Jóźwiak
- Department of Biopharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, W. Chodzki 4a St., 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Klaus T Wanner
- Department of Pharmacy, Center for Drug Research, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München Butenandtstr., 5-13, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Kinga Sałat
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Barbara Malawska
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulig
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Marek Bajda
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland.
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13
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Cribb L, Sarris J, Savage KM, Byrne GJ, Metri NJ, Scholey A, Stough C, Bousman CA. Effect of kava (Piper methysticum) on peripheral gene expression among individuals with generalized anxiety disorder: A post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled trial. Phytother Res 2023; 37:5897-5903. [PMID: 37767766 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Kava is a South Pacific plant-based medicine with anxiolytic properties, but little is known about the impact kava has on gene expression or whether gene expression can serve as a marker of kava response. This study aimed to determine whether kava treatment alters the expression of genes with physiological relevance to anxiety pathophysiology and whether the baseline expression of these physiologically relevant genes modifies the efficacy of kava treatment. In this post hoc analysis, we examined the expression of 48 genes relevant to the pathophysiology of anxiety collected from a double-blind randomized controlled trial that assessed the efficacy of kava treatment in generalized anxiety disorder. Peripheral blood gene expression was measured in 71 (34 kava, 37 placebo) adults at baseline and in 40 (19 kava, 21 placebo) after 8 weeks of treatment by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results revealed that kava decreased the expression of a subunit of the GABAA -rho receptor gene (GABRR2) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), a gene related to catecholamine metabolism. Kava efficacy was not found to be modified by baseline (pretreatment) expression of relevant genes. Although these results did not withstand statistical correction for multiple comparisons and require external validation, they support the notion that kava's mechanism of action includes interaction with GABAergic and catecholaminergic systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lachlan Cribb
- Professorial Unit, The Melbourne Clinic, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jerome Sarris
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Karen M Savage
- Department of Psychiatry, ACT Health, Canberra, Australia
| | - Gerard J Byrne
- Department of Psychiatry, ACT Health, Canberra, Australia
- School of Clinical Medicine, Discipline of Psychiatry, The University of Queensland, Queensland, Australia
| | - Najwa-Joelle Metri
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew Scholey
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Hawthorn, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria, Australia
| | - Con Stough
- Centre for Human Psychopharmacology, Hawthorn, Swinburne University of Technology, Victoria, Australia
| | - Chad A Bousman
- Department of Medical Genetics, Psychiatry, Physiology & Pharmacology Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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14
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Sørensen HM, Rochfort KD, Maye S, MacLeod G, Loscher C, Brabazon D, Freeland B. Bioactive Ingredients from Dairy-Based Lactic Acid Bacterial Fermentations for Functional Food Production and Their Health Effects. Nutrients 2023; 15:4754. [PMID: 38004148 PMCID: PMC10675170 DOI: 10.3390/nu15224754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Lactic acid bacteria are traditionally applied in a variety of fermented food products, and they have the ability to produce a wide range of bioactive ingredients during fermentation, including vitamins, bacteriocins, bioactive peptides, and bioactive compounds. The bioactivity and health benefits associated with these ingredients have garnered interest in applications in the functional dairy market and have relevance both as components produced in situ and as functional additives. This review provides a brief description of the regulations regarding the functional food market in the European Union, as well as an overview of some of the functional dairy products currently available in the Irish and European markets. A better understanding of the production of these ingredients excreted by lactic acid bacteria can further drive the development and innovation of the continuously growing functional food market.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Mylise Sørensen
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 DX63 Dublin, Ireland; (C.L.); (B.F.)
- I-Form, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Dublin City University, D09 DX63 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Keith D. Rochfort
- School of Nursing, Psychotherapy and Community Health, Dublin City University, D09 DX63 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Susan Maye
- Dairygold Co-Operative Society Limited, Clonmel Road, Co. Cork, P67 DD36 Mitchelstown, Ireland; (S.M.); (G.M.)
| | - George MacLeod
- Dairygold Co-Operative Society Limited, Clonmel Road, Co. Cork, P67 DD36 Mitchelstown, Ireland; (S.M.); (G.M.)
| | - Christine Loscher
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 DX63 Dublin, Ireland; (C.L.); (B.F.)
| | - Dermot Brabazon
- I-Form, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Dublin City University, D09 DX63 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Brian Freeland
- School of Biotechnology, Dublin City University, D09 DX63 Dublin, Ireland; (C.L.); (B.F.)
- I-Form, Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre, Dublin City University, D09 DX63 Dublin, Ireland;
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15
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Liu Z, Mu C, Zhu W. Metagenomics-based inference of microbial metabolism towards neuroactive amino acids and the response to antibiotics in piglet colon. Amino Acids 2023; 55:1333-1347. [PMID: 37581868 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-023-03311-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Gut-derived neuroactive metabolites from amino acids perform a broad range of physiological roles in the body. However, the interaction between microbiota and epithelium in the metabolism of amino acids with neuroactive properties remains unclear in the colon of piglets. To investigate the microbial and epithelial metabolism, metagenomics and mucosal metabolomics were performed using colonic samples from 12 ileum-canulated piglets subjected to a 25-day infusion with saline or antibiotics. We categorized 23 metabolites derived from the metabolism of tryptophan, glutamate, and tyrosine, known as precursors of neuroactive metabolites. Microbial enzymes involved in the kynurenine synthesis via arylformamidase, 4-aminobutyric acid (GABA) synthesis via putrescine aminotransferase, and tyramine synthesis via tyrosine decarboxylase were identified in Clostridiales bacterium, uncultured Blautia sp., and Methanobrevibacter wolinii, respectively. Antibiotics significantly affected the microbiota involved in tryptophan-kynurenine and glutamate-GABA metabolism. An increase in the relative abundance of putrescine aminotransferase and Blautia sp. correlated positively with an increase in luminal GABA concentration. Overall, our findings provide new insights into the microbial ability to metabolize key amino acids that are precursors of neuroactive metabolites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziyu Liu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunlong Mu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada.
| | - Weiyun Zhu
- Laboratory of Gastrointestinal Microbiology, College of Animal Science and Technology, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
- National Center for International Research on Animal Gut Nutrition, National Experimental Teaching Demonstration Center of Animal Science, Nanjing Agricultural University, Nanjing, China
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16
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Lebovich M, Zeng M, Andrews LB. Algorithmic Programming of Sequential Logic and Genetic Circuits for Recording Biochemical Concentration in a Probiotic Bacterium. ACS Synth Biol 2023; 12:2632-2649. [PMID: 37581922 PMCID: PMC10510703 DOI: 10.1021/acssynbio.3c00232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Through the implementation of designable genetic circuits, engineered probiotic microorganisms could be used as noninvasive diagnostic tools for the gastrointestinal tract. For these living cells to report detected biomarkers or signals after exiting the gut, the genetic circuits must be able to record these signals by using genetically encoded memory. Complex memory register circuits could enable multiplex interrogation of biomarkers and signals. A theory-based approach to create genetic circuits containing memory, known as sequential logic circuits, was previously established for a model laboratory strain of Escherichia coli, yet how circuit component performance varies for nonmodel and clinically relevant bacterial strains is poorly understood. Here, we develop a scalable computational approach to design robust sequential logic circuits in probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN). In this work, we used TetR-family transcriptional repressors to build genetic logic gates that can be composed into sequential logic circuits, along with a set of engineered sensors relevant for use in the gut environment. Using standard methods, 16 genetic NOT gates and nine sensors were experimentally characterized in EcN. These data were used to design and predict the performance of circuit designs. We present a set of genetic circuits encoding both combinational logic and sequential logic and show that the circuit outputs are in close agreement with our quantitative predictions from the design algorithm. Furthermore, we demonstrate an analog-like concentration recording circuit that detects and reports three input concentration ranges of a biochemical signal using sequential logic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lebovich
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Biotechnology
Training Program, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Min Zeng
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- Department
of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Biotechnology
Training Program, University of Massachusetts
Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
- Molecular
and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University
of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, Massachusetts 01003, United States
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17
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Rodziewicz-Flis E, Juhas U, Kortas JA, Jaworska J, Bidzan-Bluma I, Babińska A, Micielska K, Żychowska M, Lombardi G, Antosiewicz J, Ziemann E. Nordic Walking training in BungyPump form improves cognitive functions and physical performance and induces changes in amino acids and kynurenine profiles in older adults. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2023; 14:1151184. [PMID: 37766686 PMCID: PMC10520281 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2023.1151184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although impacts of physical activity on cognitive functions have been intensively investigated, they are still far from being completely understood. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of 12 weeks of the Nordic Walking training with BungyPump resistance poles (NW-RSA) on the amino acid and kynurenine profiles as well as selected myokine/exerkine concentrations, which may modify the interface between physical and cognitive functions. Methods A group of 32 older adults participated in the study. Before and after the intervention, body composition, cognitive functions, and physical performance were assessed. Blood samples were taken before and 1 h after the first and last sessions of the NW-RSA training, to determine circulating levels of exercise-induced proteins, i.e., brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), irisin, kynurenine (KYN), metabolites, and amino acids. Results The NW-RSA training induced a significant improvement in cognitive functions and physical performance as well as a reduction in fat mass (p = 0.05). Changes were accompanied by a decline in resting serum BDNF (p = 0.02) and a slight reduction in irisin concentration (p = 0.08). Still, changes in irisin concentration immediately after the NW-RSA intervention depended on shifts in kynurenine-irisin dropped as kynurenine increased. The kynurenine-to-tryptophan and phenylalanine-to-tyrosine ratios decreased significantly, suggesting their possible involvement in the amelioration of cognitive functions. No changes of glucose homeostasis or lipid profile were found. Shifts in the concentrations of selected amino acids might have covered the increased energy demand in response to the NW-RSA training and contributed to an improvement of physical performance. Conclusion Regular Nordic Walking training with additional resistance (BungyPump) improved cognitive functions and physical performance. These positive effects were associated with a reduced BDNF concentration and kynurenine-to-tryptophan ratio as well as changes in the amino acid profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Rodziewicz-Flis
- Department of Physiotherapy, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ulana Juhas
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Jakub Antoni Kortas
- Department of Health and Natural Sciences, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Joanna Jaworska
- Department of Physiology, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ilona Bidzan-Bluma
- Department of Psychology, Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport, Gdansk, Poland
- Institute of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna Babińska
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Micielska
- Department of Physical Education and Lifelong Sports, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Żychowska
- Department of Biological Foundations of Physical Culture, Kazimierz Wielki University in Bydgoszcz, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Giovanni Lombardi
- Department of Athletics, Strength and Conditioning, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
- Laboratory of Experimental Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Istituto Ortopedico Galeazzi, Milano, Italy
| | - Jędrzej Antosiewicz
- Department of Bioenergetics and Physiology of Exercise, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ewa Ziemann
- Department of Athletics, Strength and Conditioning, Poznan University of Physical Education, Poznan, Poland
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18
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Komisarek D, Demirbas F, Haj Hassani Sohi T, Merz K, Schauerte C, Vasylyeva V. Polymorphism and Multi-Component Crystal Formation of GABA and Gabapentin. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2299. [PMID: 37765268 PMCID: PMC10536459 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15092299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
This study exploits the polymorphism and multi-component crystal formation of γ-amino butanoic acid (GABA) and its pharmaceutically active derivative, gabapentin. Two polymorphs of GABA and both polymorphs of gabapentin are structurally revisited, together with gabapentin monohydrate. Hereby, GABA form II is only accessible under special conditions using additives, whereas gabapentin converts to the monohydrate even in the presence of trace amounts of water. Different accessibilities and phase stabilities of these phases are still not fully clarified. Thus, indicators of phase stability are discussed involving intermolecular interactions, molecular conformations, and crystallization environment. Calculated lattice energy differences for polymorphs reveal their similar stability. Quantification of the hydrogen bond strengths with the atoms-in-molecules (AIM) model in conjunction with non-covalent interaction (NCI) plots also shows similar hydrogen bond binding energy values for all polymorphs. We demonstrate that differences in the interacting modes, in an interplay with the intermolecular repulsion, allow the formation of the desired phase under different crystallization environments. Salts and co-crystals of GABA and gabapentin with fumaric as well as succinic acid further serve as models to highlight how strongly HBs act as the motif-directing force in the solid-phase GABA-analogs. Six novel multi-component entities were synthesized, and structural and computational analysis was performed: GABA fumarate (2:1); two gabapentin fumarates (2:1) and (1:1); two GABA succinates (2:1) and (1:1); and a gabapentin:succinic acid co-crystal. Energetically highly attractive carboxyl/carboxylate interaction overcomes other factors and dominates the multi-component phase formation. Decisive commonalities in the crystallization behavior of zwitterionic GABA-derivatives are discussed, which show how they can and should be understood as a whole for possible related future products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Komisarek
- Laboratory for Crystal Engineering, Department of Inorganic and Structural Chemistry 1, Heinrich-Heine-University Dueseldorf, Universitaetsstraße 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (D.K.)
| | - Fulya Demirbas
- Laboratory for Crystal Engineering, Department of Inorganic and Structural Chemistry 1, Heinrich-Heine-University Dueseldorf, Universitaetsstraße 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (D.K.)
| | - Takin Haj Hassani Sohi
- Laboratory for Crystal Engineering, Department of Inorganic and Structural Chemistry 1, Heinrich-Heine-University Dueseldorf, Universitaetsstraße 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (D.K.)
| | - Klaus Merz
- Inorganic Chemistry 1, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitaetstrasse 150, 44801 Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Vera Vasylyeva
- Laboratory for Crystal Engineering, Department of Inorganic and Structural Chemistry 1, Heinrich-Heine-University Dueseldorf, Universitaetsstraße 1, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany; (D.K.)
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19
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Constable PA, Lim JKH, Thompson DA. Retinal electrophysiology in central nervous system disorders. A review of human and mouse studies. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1215097. [PMID: 37600004 PMCID: PMC10433210 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1215097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The retina and brain share similar neurochemistry and neurodevelopmental origins, with the retina, often viewed as a "window to the brain." With retinal measures of structure and function becoming easier to obtain in clinical populations there is a growing interest in using retinal findings as potential biomarkers for disorders affecting the central nervous system. Functional retinal biomarkers, such as the electroretinogram, show promise in neurological disorders, despite having limitations imposed by the existence of overlapping genetic markers, clinical traits or the effects of medications that may reduce their specificity in some conditions. This narrative review summarizes the principal functional retinal findings in central nervous system disorders and related mouse models and provides a background to the main excitatory and inhibitory retinal neurotransmitters that have been implicated to explain the visual electrophysiological findings. These changes in retinal neurochemistry may contribute to our understanding of these conditions based on the findings of retinal electrophysiological tests such as the flash, pattern, multifocal electroretinograms, and electro-oculogram. It is likely that future applications of signal analysis and machine learning algorithms will offer new insights into the pathophysiology, classification, and progression of these clinical disorders including autism, attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, depression, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's disease. New clinical applications of visual electrophysiology to this field may lead to earlier, more accurate diagnoses and better targeted therapeutic interventions benefiting individual patients and clinicians managing these individuals and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A. Constable
- College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Caring Futures Institute, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Jeremiah K. H. Lim
- Discipline of Optometry, School of Allied Health, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
| | - Dorothy A. Thompson
- The Tony Kriss Visual Electrophysiology Unit, Clinical and Academic Department of Ophthalmology, Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
- UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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20
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Herrmann L, Ade J, Kühnel A, Widmann A, Demenescu LR, Li M, Opel N, Speck O, Walter M, Colic L. Cross-sectional study of retrospective self-reported childhood emotional neglect and inhibitory neurometabolite levels in the pregenual anterior cingulate cortex in adult humans. Neurobiol Stress 2023; 25:100556. [PMID: 37521513 PMCID: PMC10371855 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2023.100556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High childhood emotional maltreatment (CM-EMO) is reported in mood and anxiety disorders. The associations with an increased risk for psychopathology are not fully understood. One potential factor may be through alterations in gamma-Aminobutyric acid (GABA). The pregenual anterior cingulate cortex (pgACC) is an important brain region for emotion processing and its' GABA levels were previously implicated in mood and anxiety disorders pathophysiology. We examined the association between the self-reported CM-EMO in adulthood and GABA + levels in the pgACC and in a control region, anterior mid cingulate cortex. GABA+ and total creatine (tCr) were measured in the pgACC and aMCC voxels in seventy-four healthy volunteers (32 (43%) women, ages 19-54, age [standard deviation] = 27.1 [6.5]) using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy at 7 T. Childhood Trauma Questionnaire was completed by adult participants to measure retrospective self-reported experience of emotional neglect (CM-EMO-NEG) and emotional abuse (CM-EMO-AB) during childhood. Linear mixed models tested the interaction between the region and the two subscales, and GABA+/tCr ratios, with an adjusted alpha = 0.025. Following, linear models, including with covariates were tested. There was an interaction effect between region and CM-EMO-NEG (B = -0.007, p = 0.009), driven by a negative relationship between CM-EMO-NEG and GABA+/tCr in the pgACC (B = -0.004, p = 0.013). Results for CM-EMO-NEG were robust to inclusion of different covariates (ps < 0.035). There was no interaction effect for the CM-EMO-AB (B = 0.007, p = 0.4). Limitations include cross-sectional measurement and retrospective nature of the CTQ. The findings indicate preliminary importance of inhibitory neurometabolite concentrations in the pgACC for retrospective reporting of CM-EMO-NEG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luisa Herrmann
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Johanna Ade
- Institute of Clinical Psychology, Center for Mental Health, Hospital Stuttgart, Stuttgart, Germany
| | - Anne Kühnel
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry and International Max Planck Research School for Translational Psychiatry (IMPRS-TP), Munich, Germany
- Section of Medical Psychology, Department of Psychiatry & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Annina Widmann
- Experimental and Molecular Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Meng Li
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Nils Opel
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Oliver Speck
- German Center for Mental Health, Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Department of Biomedical Magnetic Resonance, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Martin Walter
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- University Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, University Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
- Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, Magdeburg, Germany
- Center for Behavioral Brain Sciences, Magdeburg, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Biological Cybernetics, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Lejla Colic
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- Clinical Affective Neuroimaging Laboratory (CANLAB), Magdeburg, Germany
- German Center for Mental Health, Halle-Jena-Magdeburg, Germany
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21
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Lebovich M, Andrews LB. Genetic circuits for feedback control of gamma-aminobutyric acid biosynthesis in probiotic Escherichia coli Nissle 1917. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.09.544351. [PMID: 37333167 PMCID: PMC10274909 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.09.544351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Engineered microorganisms such as the probiotic strain Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) offer a strategy to sense and modulate the concentration of metabolites or therapeutics in the gastrointestinal tract. Here, we present an approach to regulate production of the depression-associated metabolite gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in EcN using genetic circuits that implement negative feedback. We engineered EcN to produce GABA by overexpressing glutamate decarboxylase (GadB) from E. coli and applied an intracellular GABA biosensor to identify growth conditions that improve GABA biosynthesis. We next employed characterized genetically-encoded NOT gates to construct genetic circuits with layered feedback to control the rate of GABA biosynthesis and the concentration of GABA produced. Looking ahead, this approach may be utilized to design feedback control of microbial metabolite biosynthesis to achieve designable smart microbes that act as living therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lebovich
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Chemical Engineering, Amherst, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Biotechnology Training Program, Amherst, MA
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Department of Chemical Engineering, Amherst, MA, USA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Biotechnology Training Program, Amherst, MA
- University of Massachusetts Amherst, Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, Amherst, MA
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22
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Chen WH, Chiu CH, Farn SS, Cheng KH, Huang YR, Lee SY, Fang YC, Lin YH, Chang KW. Identification of the Hepatic Metabolites of Flumazenil and their Kinetic Application in Neuroimaging. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16050764. [PMID: 37242547 DOI: 10.3390/ph16050764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies of the neurobiological causes of anxiety disorders have suggested that the γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) system increases synaptic concentrations and enhances the affinity of GABAA (type A) receptors for benzodiazepine ligands. Flumazenil antagonizes the benzodiazepine-binding site of the GABA/benzodiazepine receptor (BZR) complex in the central nervous system (CNS). The investigation of flumazenil metabolites using liquid chromatography (LC)-tandem mass spectrometry will provide a complete understanding of the in vivo metabolism of flumazenil and accelerate radiopharmaceutical inspection and registration. The main goal of this study was to investigate the use of reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography (PR-HPLC), coupled with electrospray ionization triple-quadrupole tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-QqQ MS), to identify flumazenil and its metabolites in the hepatic matrix. Carrier-free nucleophilic fluorination with an automatic synthesizer for [18F]flumazenil, combined with nano-positron emission tomography (NanoPET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging, was used to predict the biodistribution in normal rats. The study showed that 50% of the flumazenil was biotransformed by the rat liver homogenate in 60 min, whereas one metabolite (M1) was a methyl transesterification product of flumazenil. In the rat liver microsomal system, two metabolites were identified (M2 and M3), as their carboxylic acid and hydroxylated ethyl ester forms between 10 and 120 min, respectively. A total of 10-30 min post-injection of [18F]flumazenil showed an immediate decreased in the distribution ratio observed in the plasma. Nevertheless, a higher ratio of the complete [18F]flumazenil compound could be used for subsequent animal studies. [18F] According to in vivo nanoPET/CT imaging and ex vivo biodistribution assays, flumazenil also showed significant effects on GABAA receptor availability in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, cortex, and hippocampus in the rat brain, indicating the formation of metabolites. We reported the completion of the biotransformation of flumazenil by the hepatic system, as well as [18F]flumazenil's potential as an ideal ligand and PET agent for the determination of the GABAA/BZR complex for multiplex neurological syndromes at the clinical stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsi Chen
- Isotope Application Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City 325207, Taiwan
| | - Chuang-Hsin Chiu
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Tri-Service General Hospital, Taipei 114202, Taiwan
| | - Shiou-Shiow Farn
- Isotope Application Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City 325207, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Hung Cheng
- Isotope Application Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City 325207, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ruei Huang
- Isotope Application Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City 325207, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Ying Lee
- Isotope Application Division, Institute of Nuclear Energy Research, Taoyuan City 325207, Taiwan
| | - Yao-Ching Fang
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Hua Lin
- Laboratory Animal Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Wei Chang
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
- Laboratory Animal Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
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23
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Yang Q, Wang B, Zheng Q, Li H, Meng X, Zhou F, Zhang L. A Review of Gut Microbiota-Derived Metabolites in Tumor Progression and Cancer Therapy. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2207366. [PMID: 36951547 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202207366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiota-derived metabolites are key hubs connecting the gut microbiome and cancer progression, primarily by remodeling the tumor microenvironment and regulating key signaling pathways in cancer cells and multiple immune cells. The use of microbial metabolites in radiotherapy and chemotherapy mitigates the severe side effects from treatment and improves the efficacy of treatment. Immunotherapy combined with microbial metabolites effectively activates the immune system to kill tumors and overcomes drug resistance. Consequently, various novel strategies have been developed to modulate microbial metabolites. Manipulation of genes involved in microbial metabolism using synthetic biology approaches directly affects levels of microbial metabolites, while fecal microbial transplantation and phage strategies affect levels of microbial metabolites by altering the composition of the microbiome. However, some microbial metabolites harbor paradoxical functions depending on the context (e.g., type of cancer). Furthermore, the metabolic effects of microorganisms on certain anticancer drugs such as irinotecan and gemcitabine, render the drugs ineffective or exacerbate their adverse effects. Therefore, a personalized and comprehensive consideration of the patient's condition is required when employing microbial metabolites to treat cancer. The purpose of this review is to summarize the correlation between gut microbiota-derived metabolites and cancer, and to provide fresh ideas for future scientific research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiqing Yang
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310058, China
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Bin Wang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Qinghui Zheng
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Heyu Li
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Xuli Meng
- General Surgery, Cancer Center, Department of Breast Surgery, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, 310058, China
| | - Fangfang Zhou
- Institutes of Biology and Medical Science, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Long Zhang
- MOE Laboratory of Biosystems Homeostasis & Protection and Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Life Sciences Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- International Biomed-X Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
- Center for Infection & Immunity of International Institutes of Medicine The Fourth Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Yiwu, 322000, China
- Cancer Center, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310058, China
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24
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Spurny-Dworak B, Reed MB, Handschuh P, Vanicek T, Spies M, Bogner W, Lanzenberger R. The influence of season on glutamate and GABA levels in the healthy human brain investigated by magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:2654-2663. [PMID: 36840505 PMCID: PMC10028653 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Seasonal changes in neurotransmitter systems have been demonstrated in imaging studies and are especially noticeable in diseased states such as seasonal affective disorder (SAD). These modulatory neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, are influencing glutamatergic and GABAergic neurotransmission. Furthermore, central components of the circadian pacemaker are regulated by GABA (the suprachiasmatic nucleus) or glutamate (e.g., the retinohypothalamic tract). Therefore, we explored seasonal differences in the GABAergic and glutamatergic system in 159 healthy individuals using magnetic resonance spectroscopy imaging with a GABA-edited 3D-MEGA-LASER sequence at 3T. We quantified GABA+/tCr, GABA+/Glx, and Glx/tCr ratios (GABA+, GABA+ macromolecules; Glx, glutamate + glutamine; tCr, total creatine) in five different subcortical brain regions. Differences between time periods throughout the year, seasonal patterns, and stationarity were tested using ANCOVA models, curve fitting approaches, and unit root and stationarity tests, respectively. Finally, Spearman correlation analyses between neurotransmitter ratios within each brain region and cumulated daylight and global radiation were performed. No seasonal or monthly differences, seasonal patterns, nor significant correlations could be shown in any region or ratio. Unit root and stationarity tests showed stable patterns of GABA+/tCr, GABA+/Glx, and Glx/tCr levels throughout the year, except for hippocampal Glx/tCr. Our results indicate that neurotransmitter levels of glutamate and GABA in healthy individuals are stable throughout the year. Hence, despite the important correction for age and gender in the analyses of MRS derived GABA and glutamate, a correction for seasonality in future studies does not seem necessary. Future investigations in SAD and other psychiatric patients will be of high interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- B Spurny-Dworak
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M B Reed
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - P Handschuh
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Vanicek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Spies
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - W Bogner
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, High Field MR Centre, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Lanzenberger
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Comprehensive Center for Clinical Neurosciences and Mental Health (C3NMH), Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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25
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Sharvin BL, Aburto MR, Cryan JF. Decoding the neurocircuitry of gut feelings: Region-specific microbiome-mediated brain alterations. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 179:106033. [PMID: 36758820 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Research in the last decade has unveiled a crucial role for the trillions of microorganisms that reside in the gut in influencing host neurodevelopment across the lifespan via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Studies have linked alterations in the composition, complexity, and diversity of the gut microbiota to changes in behaviour including abnormal social interactions, cognitive deficits, and anxiety- and depressive-like phenotypes. Moreover, the microbiota has been linked with neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative disorders. Interestingly, there appears to be specific brain regions governing the neurocircuitry driving higher cognitive function that are susceptible to influence from manipulations to the host microbiome. This review will aim to elucidate the region-specific effects mediated by the gut microbiota, with a focus on translational animal models and some existing human neuroimaging data. Compelling preclinical evidence suggests disruption to normal microbiota-gut-brain signalling can have detrimental effects on the prefrontal cortex, amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and striatum. Furthermore, human neuroimaging studies have unveiled a role for the microbiota in mediating functional connectivity and structure of specific brain regions that can be traced back to neurocognition and behavioural output. Understanding these microbiota-mediated changes will aid in identifying unique therapeutic targets for treating neurological disorders associated with these regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan L Sharvin
- APC Microbiome, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria Rodriguez Aburto
- APC Microbiome, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.
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26
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Ding R, Su D, Zhao Q, Wang Y, Wang JY, Lv S, Ji X. The role of microRNAs in depression. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1129186. [PMID: 37063278 PMCID: PMC10090555 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1129186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric disorder with increasing prevalence worldwide. It is a leading cause of disability and suicide, severely affecting physical and mental health. However, the study of depression remains at an exploratory stage in terms of diagnostics and treatment due to the complexity of its pathogenesis. MicroRNAs are endogenous short-stranded non-coding RNAs capable of binding to the 3’untranslated region of mRNAs. Because of their ability to repress translation process of genes and are found at high levels in brain tissues, investigation of their role in depression has gradually increased recently. This article summarizes recent research progress on the relationship between microRNAs and depression. The microRNAs play a regulatory role in the pathophysiology of depression, involving dysregulation of monoamines, abnormalities in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, hyperactivity of the HPA axis, and dysregulation of inflammatory responses. These microRNAs might provide new clue for the diagnosis and treatment of MDD, and the development of antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruidong Ding
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Dingyuan Su
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Qian Zhao
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
| | - Jia-Yi Wang
- San-Quan College, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, Henan, China
| | - Shuangyu Lv
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangyu Lv, ; Xinying Ji,
| | - Xinying Ji
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Henan International Joint Laboratory for Nuclear Protein Regulation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, China
- Kaifeng Key Laboratory for Infectious Diseases and Biosafety, Kaifeng, Henan, China
- Faculty of Basic Medical Subjects, Shu-Qing Medical College of Zhengzhou, Zhengzhou, Henan, China
- *Correspondence: Shuangyu Lv, ; Xinying Ji,
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27
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Pesantes N, Barberá A, Pérez-Rocher B, Artacho A, Vargas SL, Moya A, Ruiz-Ruiz S. Influence of mental health medication on microbiota in the elderly population in the Valencian region. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1094071. [PMID: 37007475 PMCID: PMC10062206 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1094071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Spain has an aging population; 19.93% of the Spanish population is over 65. Aging is accompanied by several health issues, including mental health disorders and changes in the gut microbiota. The gut-brain axis is a bidirectional network linking the central nervous system with gastrointestinal tract functions, and therefore, the gut microbiota can influence an individual’s mental health. Furthermore, aging-related physiological changes affect the gut microbiota, with differences in taxa and their associated metabolic functions between younger and older people. Here, we took a case–control approach to study the interplay between gut microbiota and mental health of elderly people. Fecal and saliva samples from 101 healthy volunteers over 65 were collected, of which 28 (EE|MH group) reported using antidepressants or medication for anxiety or insomnia at the time of sampling. The rest of the volunteers (EE|NOMH group) were the control group. 16S rRNA gene sequencing and metagenomic sequencing were applied to determine the differences between intestinal and oral microbiota. Significant differences in genera were found, specifically eight in the gut microbiota, and five in the oral microbiota. Functional analysis of fecal samples showed differences in five orthologous genes related to tryptophan metabolism, the precursor of serotonin and melatonin, and in six categories related to serine metabolism, a precursor of tryptophan. Moreover, we found 29 metabolic pathways with significant inter-group differences, including pathways regulating longevity, the dopaminergic synapse, the serotoninergic synapse, and two amino acids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole Pesantes
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), València, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana Barberá
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), València, Spain
| | - Benjamí Pérez-Rocher
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (I2Sysbio), CSIC-Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Alejandro Artacho
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), València, Spain
| | - Sergio Luís Vargas
- Programa de Microbiología y Micología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrés Moya
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), València, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biología Integrativa de Sistemas (I2Sysbio), CSIC-Universitat de València, València, Spain
| | - Susana Ruiz-Ruiz
- Fundación para el Fomento de la Investigación Sanitaria y Biomédica de la Comunitat Valenciana (FISABIO), València, Spain
- Consorcio de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Epidemiología y Salud Pública (CIBEResp), Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Susana Ruiz-Ruiz,
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Damiani F, Cornuti S, Tognini P. The gut-brain connection: Exploring the influence of the gut microbiota on neuroplasticity and neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuropharmacology 2023; 231:109491. [PMID: 36924923 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023]
Abstract
Neuroplasticity refers to the ability of brain circuits to reorganize and change the properties of the network, resulting in alterations in brain function and behavior. It is traditionally believed that neuroplasticity is influenced by external stimuli, learning, and experience. Intriguingly, there is new evidence suggesting that endogenous signals from the body's periphery may play a role. The gut microbiota, a diverse community of microorganisms living in harmony with their host, may be able to influence plasticity through its modulation of the gut-brain axis. Interestingly, the maturation of the gut microbiota coincides with critical periods of neurodevelopment, during which neural circuits are highly plastic and potentially vulnerable. As such, dysbiosis (an imbalance in the gut microbiota composition) during early life may contribute to the disruption of normal developmental trajectories, leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. This review aims to examine the ways in which the gut microbiota can affect neuroplasticity. It will also discuss recent research linking gastrointestinal issues and bacterial dysbiosis to various neurodevelopmental disorders and their potential impact on neurological outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sara Cornuti
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy
| | - Paola Tognini
- Laboratory of Biology, Scuola Normale Superiore, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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Komisarek D, Taskiran E, Vasylyeva V. Maleic Acid as a Co-Former for Pharmaceutically Active GABA Derivatives: Mechanochemistry or Solvent Crystallization? MATERIALS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 16:2242. [PMID: 36984121 PMCID: PMC10054091 DOI: 10.3390/ma16062242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we compare the mechanochemical and classical solvent crystallization methods for forming maleates of GABA and its pharmaceutically active derivatives: Pregabalin, Gabapentin, Phenibut, and Baclofen. Common characterization techniques, like powder and single crystal X-ray diffraction, IR-spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analysis and 1H-NMR spectroscopy, are used for the evaluation of structural and physicochemical properties. Our work shows that maleate formation is possible with all investigated target compounds. Large increases in solubility can be achieved, especially for Pregabalin, where up to twentyfold higher solubility in its maleate compared to the pure form can be reached. We furthermore compare the mechanochemical and solvent crystallization regarding quickness, reliability of phase production, and overall product quality. A synthetic route is shown to have an impact on certain properties such as melting point or solubility of the same obtained products, e.g., for Gabapentin and Pregabalin, or lead to the formation of hydrates vs. anhydrous forms. For the GABA and Baclofen maleates, the method of crystallization is not important, and similarly, good results can be obtained by either route. In contrast, Phenibut maleate cannot be obtained pure and single-phase by either method. Our work aims to elucidate promising candidates for the multicomponent crystal formation of blockbuster GABA pharmaceuticals and highlight the usefulness of mechanochemical production routes.
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Automated Synthesis of [18F]Flumazenil Application in GABAA Receptor Neuroimaging Availability for Rat Model of Anxiety. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:ph16030417. [PMID: 36986516 PMCID: PMC10058208 DOI: 10.3390/ph16030417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical studies have demonstrated that the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor complex plays a central role in the modulation of anxiety. Conditioned fear and anxiety-like behaviors have many similarities at the neuroanatomical and pharmacological levels. The radioactive GABA/BZR receptor antagonist, fluorine-18-labeled flumazenil, [18F]flumazenil, behaves as a potential PET imaging agent for the evaluation of cortical damage of the brain in stroke, alcoholism, and for Alzheimer disease investigation. The main goal of our study was to investigate a fully automated nucleophilic fluorination system, with solid extraction purification, developed to replace traditional preparation methods, and to detect underlying expressions of contextual fear and characterize the distribution of GABAA receptors in fear-conditioned rats by [18F]flumazenil. A carrier-free nucleophilic fluorination method using an automatic synthesizer with direct labeling of a nitro-flumazenil precursor was implemented. The semi-preparative high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) purification method (RCY = 15–20%) was applied to obtain high purity [18F]flumazenil. Nano-positron emission tomography (NanoPET)/computed tomography (CT) imaging and ex vivo autoradiography were used to analyze the fear conditioning of rats trained with 1–10 tone-foot-shock pairings. The anxiety rats had a significantly lower cerebral accumulation (in the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, cortex, and hippocampus) of fear conditioning. Our rat autoradiography results also supported the findings of PET imaging. Key findings were obtained by developing straightforward labeling and purification procedures that can be easily adapted to commercially available modules for the high radiochemical purity of [18F]flumazenil. The use of an automatic synthesizer with semi-preparative HPLC purification would be a suitable reference method for new drug studies of GABAA/BZR receptors in the future.
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31
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Marques LS, Jung JT, Zborowski VA, Pinheiro RC, Nogueira CW, Zeni G. Emotional-Single Prolonged Stress: A promising model to illustrate the gut-brain interaction. Physiol Behav 2023; 260:114070. [PMID: 36574940 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Excessive stress can precipitate depression and anxiety diseases, and damage gastrointestinal functionality and microbiota changes, favoring the development of functional gastrointestinal disorders (FGIDs) - defined by dysregulation in the brain-gut interaction. Therefore, the present study investigated if Emotional-Single Prolonged Stress (E-SPS) induces depressive/anxiety-like phenotype and gut dysfunction in adult Swiss male mice. For this, mice of the E-SPS group were subjected to three stressors sequential exposure: immobilization, swimming, and odor of the predator for 7 days (incubation period). Next, animals performed behavior tests and 24 h later, samples of feces, blood, and colon tissue were collected. E-SPS increased the plasma corticosterone levels, immobility time in the tail suspension and forced swim test, decreased the grooming time in the splash test, OAT%, and OAE% in the elevated plus-maze test, as well as increased anxiety index. Mice of E-SPS had increased % of intestinal transit rate, % of fecal moisture content, and fecal pellets number, and decreased Claudin1 content in the colon. E-SPS decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes phylum, Bacteroidia class, Bacteroidales order, Muribaculaceae and Porphyromonadaceae family, Muribaculum, and Duncaniella genus. However, E-SPS increased Firmicutes and Actinobacteria phylum, Coriobacteriales order, and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes, and demonstrated Mucispirillum genus presence. The present study showed that E-SPS induced depressive/anxiety-like phenotype, predominant diarrhea gut dysfunction, and modulated the gut bacterial microbiota profile in male adult Swiss mice. E-SPS might be a promising model for future studies on the brain-gut interaction and the development of FGIDs with psychological comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza S Marques
- Laboratory of Synthesis, Reactivity, Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Organochalcogen Compounds, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Juliano Tk Jung
- Laboratory of Synthesis, Reactivity, Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Organochalcogen Compounds, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Vanessa A Zborowski
- Laboratory of Synthesis, Reactivity, Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Organochalcogen Compounds, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Roberto C Pinheiro
- Laboratory of Synthesis, Reactivity, Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Organochalcogen Compounds, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Cristina W Nogueira
- Laboratory of Synthesis, Reactivity, Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Organochalcogen Compounds, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil
| | - Gilson Zeni
- Laboratory of Synthesis, Reactivity, Pharmacological and Toxicological Evaluation of Organochalcogen Compounds, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Center of Natural and Exact Sciences, Federal University of Santa Maria, Santa Maria, RS 97105-900, Brazil.
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Li C, Huang S, Peng J, Hong T, Zhou C, Tang J. 14-3-3ζ Mediates GABA AR Activation by Interacting with BIG1. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1721-1732. [PMID: 36562883 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03172-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Most fast synaptic inhibitions in the mammalian brain are mediated by GABAA receptors (GABAARs). An appropriate level of GABAAR expression at the cell surface is essential for neurodevelopment and the efficacy of GABAergic synaptic transmission. We previously reported that brefeldin A-inhibited GDP/GTP exchange factor 1 (BIG1), a binding partner of GABAARs, plays an important role in trafficking GABAARs to the cell surface. However, its regulatory mechanisms remain unknown. In the present study, we identified a new cellular protein, 14-3-3ζ, which can interact with the β subunit of GABAARs and BIG1 both in vitro and in vivo and colocalizes in the soma, dendrites, and axons of hippocampal neurons. Overexpression of 14-3-3ζ-WT increased the surface expression of BIG1 in dendrites and axons, as well as the binding of BIG1 with GABAAR. Depleted 14-3-3ζ with efficacious siRNA attenuated the interaction between BIG1 and GABAARs and resulted in significant decreases in the surface expression levels of BIG1 and GABAAR. GABAAR agonist treatment increased the expression levels of BIG1 and 14-3-3ζ on the surface, indicating that 14-3-3ζ is involved in regulating BIG1-mediated GABAAR surface expression. Depletion of BIG1 or 14-3-3ζ significantly decreased GABAAR expression at the cell surface and suppressed the GABA-gated influx of chloride ions. These data indicate that the combination of 14-3-3ζ and BIG1 is required for GABAAR membrane expression. Our results provide a potential promising therapeutic target for neurological disorders involving GABAergic synaptic transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuixian Li
- Experiment Teaching & Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Shen Huang
- Experiment Teaching & Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Jin Peng
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Tianguo Hong
- Experiment Teaching & Administration Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chun Zhou
- Laboratory of Immunopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- SMU-KI United Medical Inflammatory Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Shock and Microcirculation, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| | - Jie Tang
- Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
- Department of Otolaryngology Head & Neck Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510282, China.
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Fermented Wheat Germ Alleviates Depression-like Behavior in Rats with Chronic and Unpredictable Mild Stress. Foods 2023; 12:foods12050920. [PMID: 36900437 PMCID: PMC10000856 DOI: 10.3390/foods12050920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a chronic mental illness with devastating effects on a person's physical and mental health. Studies have reported that food fermentation with probiotics can enrich the nutritional values of food and produce functional microorganisms that can alleviate depression and anxiety. Wheat germ is an inexpensive raw material that is rich in bioactive ingredients. For example, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is reported to have antidepressant effects. Several studies concluded that Lactobacillus plantarum is a GABA-producing bacteria and can alleviate depression. Herein, fermented wheat germs (FWGs) were used to treat stress-induced depression. FWG was prepared by fermenting wheat germs with Lactobacillus plantarum. The chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model was established in rats, and these rats were treated with FWG for four weeks to evaluate the effects of FWG in relieving depression. In addition, the study also analyzed the potential anti-depressive mechanism of FWG based on behavioral changes, physiological and biochemical index changes, and intestinal flora changes in depressed rats. The results demonstrated that FWG improved depression-like behaviors and increased neurotransmitter levels in the hippocampus of CUMS model rats. In addition, FWG effectively altered the gut microbiota structure and remodeled the gut microbiota in CUMS rats, restored neurotransmitter levels in depressed rats through the brain-gut axis, and restored amino acid metabolic functions. In conclusion, we suggest that FWG has antidepressant effects, and its potential mechanism may act by restoring the disordered brain-gut axis.
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Rodrigues Garcia T, Freire PDTC, da Silva AW, Ferreira MKA, Rebouças EDL, Mendes FRS, Marinho EM, Marinho MM, Teixeira AMR, Marinho ES, Bandeira PN, de Menezes JESA, Dos Santos HS. Anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effect of Ibuprofen derivative through GABAergic neuromodulation in adult Zebrafish. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2023; 41:12055-12062. [PMID: 36695084 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2023.2170915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and epilepsy affect millions of people worldwide, and the treatment of these pathologies involves the use of Benzodiazepines, drugs that have serious adverse effects such as dependence and sedation, so the discovery of new anxiolytic and antiepileptic drugs are necessary. Many routes for synthesizing ibuprofen derivatives have been developed, and these derivatives have shown promising pharmacological effects. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate its anxiolytic and anticonvulsant effect against the adult Zebrafish animal model of Ibuprofen (IBUACT) and its interaction with the GABAergic receptor through in silico studies. The light/dark preference test (Scototaxis test) was used to evaluate the anxiolytic behavior of adult Zebrafish acutely treated with IBUACT and Diazepam, and their anticonvulsant effects were investigated through the pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure model. Animals treated with IBUACT showed anxiolytic behavior similar to Diazepam, and pretreatment with flumazenil reversed this behavior. PTZ-induced seizures were delayed by IBUACT in all three stages and were shown to bind strongly in the Diazepam region of GABAA. In addition, this work presents evidence of new pharmacological applications of ibuprofen derivative in pathologies of the central nervous system (CNS), opening the horizon for new studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Antonio Wlisses da Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, RENORBIO, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Alexandre Magno Rodrigues Teixeira
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, RENORBIO, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | - Emmanuel Silva Marinho
- Department of Chemistry, State University of Ceara, Limoeiro do Norte, CE, Brazil
- State University of Ceara, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
| | | | | | - Helcio Silva Dos Santos
- Department of Biological Chemistry, Regional University of Cariri, Crato, CE, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, RENORBIO, State University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- State University of Vale do Acaraú, Chemistry Course, Sobral, CE, Brazil
- State University of Ceara, Graduate Program in Natural Sciences, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
- Department of Analytical Chemistry and Physical Chemistry, Federal University of Ceara, Fortaleza, CE, Brazil
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Parthasarathy G, Pattison MB, Midkiff CC. The FGF/FGFR system in the microglial neuroinflammation with Borrelia burgdorferi: likely intersectionality with other neurological conditions. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:10. [PMID: 36650549 PMCID: PMC9847051 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02681-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lyme neuroborreliosis, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi affects both the central and peripheral nervous systems (CNS, PNS). The CNS manifestations, especially at later stages, can mimic/cause many other neurological conditions including psychiatric disorders, dementia, and others, with a likely neuroinflammatory basis. The pathogenic mechanisms associated with Lyme neuroborreliosis, however, are not fully understood. METHODS In this study, using cultures of primary rhesus microglia, we explored the roles of several fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) and fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in neuroinflammation associated with live B. burgdorferi exposure. FGFR specific siRNA and inhibitors, custom antibody arrays, ELISAs, immunofluorescence and microscopy were used to comprehensively analyze the roles of these molecules in microglial neuroinflammation due to B. burgdorferi. RESULTS FGFR1-3 expressions were upregulated in microglia in response to B. burgdorferi. Inhibition of FGFR 1, 2 and 3 signaling using siRNA and three different inhibitors showed that FGFR signaling is proinflammatory in response to the Lyme disease bacterium. FGFR1 activation also contributed to non-viable B. burgdorferi mediated neuroinflammation. Analysis of the B. burgdorferi conditioned microglial medium by a custom antibody array showed that several FGFs are induced by the live bacterium including FGF6, FGF10 and FGF12, which in turn induce IL-6 and/or CXCL8, indicating a proinflammatory nature. To our knowledge, this is also the first-ever described role for FGF6 and FGF12 in CNS neuroinflammation. FGF23 upregulation, in addition, was observed in response to the Lyme disease bacterium. B. burgdorferi exposure also downregulated many FGFs including FGF 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, 16, 20 and 21. Some of the upregulated FGFs have been implicated in major depressive disorder (MDD) or dementia development, while the downregulated ones have been demonstrated to have protective roles in epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, spinal cord injury, blood-brain barrier stability, and others. CONCLUSIONS In this study we show that FGFRs and FGFs are novel inducers of inflammatory mediators in Lyme neuroborreliosis. It is likely that an unresolved, long-term (neuro)-Lyme infection can contribute to the development of other neurologic conditions in susceptible individuals either by augmenting pathogenic FGFs or by suppressing ameliorative FGFs or both.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geetha Parthasarathy
- Division of Immunology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, 18703, Three Rivers Road, Room 109, Covington, LA, 70433, USA.
| | - Melissa B Pattison
- Division of Microbiology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, 18703, Three Rivers Road, Covington, LA, 70433, USA
| | - Cecily C Midkiff
- Division of Comparative Pathology, Tulane National Primate Research Center, Tulane University, 18703, Three Rivers Road, Covington, LA, 70433, USA
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Tongta S, Daendee S, Kalandakanond-Thongsong S. Anxiety-like behavior and GABAergic system in ovariectomized rats exposed to chronic mild stress. Physiol Behav 2023; 258:114014. [PMID: 36328075 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2022.114014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2022] [Revised: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Stress or low level of estrogen could promote anxiety and depression; thus, it is of interest to investigate the combined effect of mild stress and the lack of estrogen on mental disorders by utilizing an animal model. This study was conducted to assess anxiety- and depressive- like behaviors in ovariectomized (Ovx) rats exposed to chronic mild stress (CMS) and determine the alteration in gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-related transmission. Ovx rats were randomly assigned into four groups: (1) estrogen replacement (E2-NoCMS), (2) estrogen replacement and exposure to CMS (E2-CMS), (3) vehicle (VEH-NoCMS), and (4) vehicle and exposure to CMS (VEH-CMS). Following 4-week CMS, VEH groups (VEH-NoCMS and VEH-CMS) showed a similar level of anxiety-like behavior in elevated T-maze, whereas E2-CMS, VEH-NoCMS and VEH-CMS showed anxiety-like behavior in open field. The depressive-like behavior in the force swimming test tended to be affected by estrogen deprivation than CMS. The alteration of the GABAergic system as determined from the GABA level and mRNA expression of GABA-related transmission (i.e., glutamic acid decarboxylase, GABA transporter and GABAA subunits) showed that the GABA level in the amygdala and frontal cortex was affected by CMS. For mRNA expression, the mRNA profile in the amygdala and hippocampus of VEH-NoCMS and E2-CMS was the same but different from those of VEH-NoCMS and E2-CMS. In addition, compared with E2-NoCMS, the mRNA profile in the frontal cortex was similar in VEH-NoCMS, E2-CMS, and VEH-CMS. These findings indicated that the underlying mechanism of the GABAergic system was differently modified, although VEH-NoCMS and VEH-CMS showed anxiety-like behavior. The findings of this study may provide a comprehensive understanding of the modulation of the GABAergic system during estrogen deprivation under CMS, as observed in menopausal women who were daily exposed to stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sushawadee Tongta
- Department of Veterinary Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Science, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
| | - Suwaporn Daendee
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Ubon Ratchathani University, Ubon Ratchathani 34190, Thailand
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Ding X, Wen Y, Ma X, Zhang Y, Cheng Y, Liu Z, Hu W, Xia Y. Pyridoxal 5'-phosphate alleviates prenatal pyridaben exposure-induced anxiety-like behaviors in offspring. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND ECOTECHNOLOGY 2023; 13:100224. [PMID: 36437888 PMCID: PMC9691908 DOI: 10.1016/j.ese.2022.100224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Pyridaben (PY) is a widely used organochlorine acaricide, which can be detected in the peripheral blood of pregnant women. Available evidence suggests that PY has reproductive toxicity. However, it remains uncertain whether prenatal PY exposure impacts neurobehavioral development in offspring. Here, we administered PY to pregnant mice at a dose of 0.5 and 5 mg kg-1 day-1 via gavage and observed anxiety-like behaviors in PY offspring aged five weeks. We then integrated the metabolome and transcriptome of the offspring's brain to explore the underlying mechanism. Metabolome data indicated that the vitamin B6 metabolism pathway was significantly affected, and the pyridoxal 5'-phosphate (PLP) concentration and the active form of vitamin B6 was significantly reduced. Moreover, the transcriptome data showed that both PLP generation-related Pdxk and anxiety-related Gad1 were significantly down-regulated. Meanwhile, there was a decreasing trend in the concentration of GABA in the hippocampal DG region. Next, we supplemented PLP at a dose of 20 mg kg-1 day-1 to the PY offspring via intraperitoneal injection at three weeks. We found up-regulated expression of Pdxk and Gad1 and restored anxiety-like behaviors. This study suggests that prenatal exposure to PY can disrupt vitamin B6 metabolism, reduce the concentration of PLP, down-regulate the expression levels of Pdxk and Gad1, inhibit the production of GABA, and ultimately lead to anxiety-like behaviors in offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingwang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Ya Wen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Department of Chronic Non-Communicable Disease Control, Wuxi Liangxi District Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Wuxi, 214011, China
| | - Xuan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuepei Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yuting Cheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Zhaofeng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Weiyue Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Department of Nutrition and Food Safety, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, 211166, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
- Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing, 211166, China
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Sun W, Kang X, Dong X, Zeng Z, Zou Q, Su M, Zhang K, Liu G, Yu G. Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation on postpartum depression: A study protocol for a randomized controlled trial. Front Psychol 2023; 14:990162. [PMID: 36874857 PMCID: PMC9976935 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.990162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a complex combination of physiological, emotional, and behavioral alterations associated with postpartum chemical, social, and psychological variations. It does harm to the relationship between family members that could potentially last for years. However, standard depression treatments are not ideal for PPD, and the outcomes of these treatments are debatable. Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) is an emerging technology that could provide patients with PPD with a safe and non-pharmacological treatment. tDCS can relieve depression by directly stimulating the prefrontal cortex through the excitatory effect of the anode. It may also ease depression indirectly by promoting the production and release of the neurotransmitter GABA. The mechanism of tDCS makes it an ideal therapeutic approach to treat PPD, although it has not been widely used, and its effect has not been evaluated systematically and effectively. A double-blind, randomized controlled trial will be conducted involving 240 tDCS-naive patients with PPD, who will be randomly divided into two groups. One group will receive routine clinical treatment and care with active tDCS, and the other group will receive routine clinical treatment and care with sham tDCS. Each group of patients will receive a 3-week intervention during which they will receive 20 min of active or sham tDCS 6 days per week. The Montgomery-Åsberg Depression Rating Scale will be administered before the intervention as a baseline and on each weekend throughout the intervention phase. Before and after the intervention, the Perceived Stress Scale and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule will be evaluated. Side effects and abnormal reactions will be recorded during each treatment. As antidepressants are banned in the study, the results will not be affected by drugs and will therefore be more accurate. Nonetheless, this experiment will be conducted in a single center as a small sample experiment. Therefore, future studies are required to confirm the effectiveness of tDCS in treating PPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiming Sun
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xizhen Kang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xiangli Dong
- Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Zijian Zeng
- The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Qing Zou
- The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Psychosomatic Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Meixiang Su
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Ke Zhang
- Nanchang Key Laboratory of Medical and Technology Research, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guanxiu Liu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Guohua Yu
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.,The First Clinical Medical School, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Gallo AT, Addis S, Martyn V, Ramanathan H, Wilkerson GK, Bennett KS, Hood SD, Stampfer H, Hulse GK. The role of flumazenil in generalised anxiety disorder: a pilot naturalistic open-label study with a focus on treatment resistance. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2023; 13:20451253231156400. [PMID: 36937113 PMCID: PMC10021101 DOI: 10.1177/20451253231156400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety disorders are highly prevalent and chronic disorders with treatment resistance to current pharmacotherapies occurring in approximately one in three patients. It has been postulated that flumazenil (FMZ) is efficacious in the management of anxiety disorders via the removal of α4β2δ gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptors. Objective To assess the safety and feasibility of continuous low-dose FMZ infusions for the management of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and collect preliminary efficacy data. Design Uncontrolled, open-label pilot study. Method Participants had a primary diagnosis of generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) and received two consecutive subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ infusions. Each infusion contained 16 mg of FMZ and was delivered over 96 ± 19.2 h. The total dose of FMZ delivered was 32 mg over approximately 8 days. Sodium valproate was given to participants at risk of seizure. The primary outcome was the change in stress and anxiety subscale scores on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 between baseline, day 8, and day 28. Results Nine participants with a primary diagnosis of GAD were treated with subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ infusions; seven participants met the criteria for treatment resistance. There was a significant decrease in anxiety and stress between baseline and day 8 and baseline and day 28. There was also a significant improvement in subjective sleep quality from baseline to day 28 measured by the Jenkins Sleep Scale. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusion This study presents preliminary results for subcutaneous continuous low-dose FMZ's effectiveness and safety in GAD. The findings suggest that it is a safe, well-tolerated, and feasible treatment option in this group of patients. Future randomised control trials are needed in this field to determine the efficacy of this treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stephen Addis
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
| | - Vlad Martyn
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
| | - Hishani Ramanathan
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Grace K Wilkerson
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Kellie S Bennett
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Sean D Hood
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Hans Stampfer
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
| | - Gary K Hulse
- Division of Psychiatry, Medical School, The
University of Western Australia, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- School of Medical and Health Sciences, Edith
Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
- Fresh Start Recovery Programme, Subiaco, WA,
Australia
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40
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Repova K, Baka T, Krajcirovicova K, Stanko P, Aziriova S, Reiter RJ, Simko F. Melatonin as a Potential Approach to Anxiety Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416187. [PMID: 36555831 PMCID: PMC9788115 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common mental diseases. Anxiety and the associated physical symptoms may disturb social and occupational life and increase the risk of somatic diseases. The pathophysiology of anxiety development is complex and involves alterations in stress hormone production, neurosignaling pathways or free radical production. The various manifestations of anxiety, its complex pathophysiological background and the side effects of available treatments underlie the quest for constantly seeking therapies for these conditions. Melatonin, an indolamine produced in the pineal gland and released into the blood on a nightly basis, has been demonstrated to exert anxiolytic action in animal experiments and different clinical conditions. This hormone influences a number of physiological actions either via specific melatonin receptors or by receptor-independent pleiotropic effects. The underlying pathomechanism of melatonin's benefit in anxiety may reside in its sympatholytic action, interaction with the renin-angiotensin and glucocorticoid systems, modulation of interneuronal signaling and its extraordinary antioxidant and radical scavenging nature. Of importance, the concentration of this indolamine is significantly higher in cerebrospinal fluid than in the blood. Thus, ensuring sufficient melatonin production by reducing light pollution, which suppresses melatonin levels, may represent an endogenous neuroprotective and anxiolytic treatment. Since melatonin is freely available, economically undemanding and has limited side effects, it may be considered an additional or alternative treatment for various conditions associated with anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristina Repova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tomas Baka
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Kristina Krajcirovicova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Stanko
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Aziriova
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health San Antonio, Long School of Medicine, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Fedor Simko
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 81108 Bratislava, Slovakia
- 3rd Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 83305 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +421-(0)2-59357276
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41
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Therapeutic Implications of microRNAs in Depressive Disorders: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113530. [PMID: 36362315 PMCID: PMC9658840 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs are hidden players in complex psychophysical phenomena such as depression and anxiety related disorders though the activation and deactivation of multiple proteins in signaling cascades. Depression is classified as a mood disorder and described as feelings of sadness, loss, or anger that interfere with a person’s everyday activities. In this review, we have focused on exploration of the significant role of miRNAs in depression by affecting associated target proteins (cellular and synaptic) and their signaling pathways which can be controlled by the attachment of miRNAs at transcriptional and translational levels. Moreover, miRNAs have potential role as biomarkers and may help to cure depression through involvement and interactions with multiple pharmacological and physiological therapies. Taken together, miRNAs might be considered as promising novel therapy targets themselves and may interfere with currently available antidepressant treatments.
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Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Botticelli L, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Romano A, Gaetani S, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV, Cifani C. Investigating the role of the central melanocortin system in stress and stress-related disorders. Pharmacol Res 2022; 185:106521. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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43
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Field DT, Cracknell RO, Eastwood JR, Scarfe P, Williams CM, Zheng Y, Tavassoli T. High-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation reduces anxiety and strengthens visual surround suppression. Hum Psychopharmacol 2022; 37:e2852. [PMID: 35851507 PMCID: PMC9787829 DOI: 10.1002/hup.2852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Vitamins B6 and B12 are involved in metabolic processes that decrease neural excitation and increase inhibition. This double-blind study investigated the effects of supplementation for 1 month with a high-dose of B6 or B12, compared to placebo, on a range of behavioural outcome measures connected to the balance between neural inhibition and excitation. METHODS 478 young adults were recruited over five linked phases. Self-reported anxiety (N = 265) and depression (N = 146) were assessed at baseline and after supplementation. Several sensory measures acted as assays of inhibitory function and were assessed post-supplementation only; these were surround suppression of visual contrast detection (N = 307), binocular rivalry reversal rate (N = 172), and a battery of tactile sensitivity tests (N = 180). RESULTS Vitamin B6 supplementation reduced self-reported anxiety and induced a trend towards reduced depression, as well as increased surround suppression of visual contrast detection, but did not reliably influence the other outcome measures. Vitamin B12 supplementation produced trends towards changes in anxiety and visual processing. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that high-dose Vitamin B6 supplementation increases inhibitory GABAergic neural influences, which is consistent with its known role in the synthesis of GABA.
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Affiliation(s)
- David T. Field
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Rebekah O. Cracknell
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Jessica R. Eastwood
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Peter Scarfe
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Claire M. Williams
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Ying Zheng
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
| | - Teresa Tavassoli
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language SciencesUniversity of ReadingReadingUK
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44
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INDA MDM, MARGARIT C, VARA A, CUTILLAS E, MATEU M, MARTÍNEZ E, COVES M, RODRÍGUEZ J, BALLESTER P, BARRACHINA J, MORALES D, PEIRÓ AM. Non-pharmacological therapy in chronic musculoskeletal pain. GAZZETTA MEDICA ITALIANA ARCHIVIO PER LE SCIENZE MEDICHE 2022. [DOI: 10.23736/s0393-3660.22.04702-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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45
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Lv S, Dai W, Zheng Y, Dong P, Yu Y, Zhao Y, Sun S, Bi D, Liu C, Han F, Wu J, Zhao T, Ma Y, Zheng F, Sun P. Anxiolytic effect of YangshenDingzhi granules: Integrated network pharmacology and hippocampal metabolomics. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:966218. [PMID: 36386232 PMCID: PMC9659911 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.966218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anxiety disorder is one of the most common mental diseases. It is mainly characterized by a sudden, recurring but indescribable panic, fear, tension and/or anxiety. Yangshendingzhi granules (YSDZ) are widely used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, but its active ingredients and underlying mechanisms are not yet clear. This study integrates network pharmacology and metabolomics to investigate the potential mechanism of action of YSDZ in a rat model of anxiety. First, potential active ingredients and targets were screened by network pharmacology. Then, predictions were verified by molecular docking, molecular dynamics and western blotting. Metabolomics was used to identify differential metabolites and metabolic pathways. All results were integrated for a comprehensive analysis. Network pharmacology analysis found that Carotene, β-sitosterol, quercetin, Stigmasterol, and kaempferol in YSDZ exert anxiolytic effects mainly by acting on IL1β, GABRA1, PTGS1, ESR1, and TNF targets. Molecular docking results showed that all the affinities were lower than -5 kcal/mol, and the average affinities were -7.7764 kcal/mol. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that RMSD was lower than 2.5 A, and the overall conformational changes of proteins were small, indicating that the small molecules formed stable complexes with proteins. The results of animal experiments showed that YSDZ exerts anxiolytic effects by regulating GABRA1 and TNF-α, ameliorating pathological damage in hippocampal CA1, and regulating metabolic pathways such as thiamine, cysteine and methionine metabolism, lysine biosynthesis and degradation. Altogether, we reveal multiple mechanisms through which YSDZ exerts its anti-anxiety effects, which may provide a reference for its clinical application and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shimeng Lv
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Weibo Dai
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhong Shan, China
| | - Yan Zheng
- Research Center of Translational Medicine, Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, China
| | - Ping Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yihong Yu
- School of Management, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yifan Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Shiguang Sun
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Dezhong Bi
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Chuanguo Liu
- Experimental Center, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Fabin Han
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Jibiao Wu
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Tingting Zhao
- School of Foreign Language, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Yuexiang Ma
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Peng Sun
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, China
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Inhibition of GABAAR or Application of Lactobacillus casei Zhang Alleviates Ulcerative Colitis in Mice: GABAAR as a Potential Target for Intestinal Epithelial Renewal and Repair. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911210. [PMID: 36232509 PMCID: PMC9570049 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Revised: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence indicates that the gamma−aminobutyric acid type A receptor (GABAAR) and Lactobacillus casei Zhang regulate colitis in a variety of ways, such as by participating in host immune and inflammatory responses, altering the gut microbiota, and influencing intestinal barrier function. However, not much is known about the mechanisms by which GABAAR and L. casei affect colon epithelial cell renewal and the interaction between GABAAR and L. casei during this process. To elucidate this, we established a dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)−induced model and measured the mouse body weights, colon length, the disease activity index (DAI), and histological scores. Our results indicated that inhibition of GABAAR alleviated the DSS−induced colitis symptoms, resulting in less weight loss and more intact colon tissue. Moreover, treatment with bicuculline (Bic, a GABAAR inhibitor) increased the levels of PCNA, β−catenin, and TCF4 in mice with colitis. Interestingly, open field test performances showed that inhibition of GABAAR also attenuated colitis−related anxiety−like behavior. By 16S RNA gene sequencing analysis, we showed that inhibition of GABAAR partially reversed the gut dysbacteriosis of DSS−induced mice and increased the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Additionally, L. casei Zhang supplementation inhibited the expression of GABAAR in mice with colitis, promoted the proliferation and renewal of colon epithelial cells, and alleviated anxiety−like behavior and intestinal microflora disorder in mice. Thus, GABAAR plays a key role in the beneficial effects of L. casei on DSS−induced colitis in mice.
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Lebovich M, Andrews LB. Surveying the Genetic Design Space for Transcription Factor-Based Metabolite Biosensors: Synthetic Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid and Propionate Biosensors in E. coli Nissle 1917. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2022; 10:938056. [PMID: 36091463 PMCID: PMC9452892 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2022.938056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Engineered probiotic bacteria have been proposed as a next-generation strategy for noninvasively detecting biomarkers in the gastrointestinal tract and interrogating the gut-brain axis. A major challenge impeding the implementation of this strategy has been the difficulty to engineer the necessary whole-cell biosensors. Creation of transcription factor-based biosensors in a clinically-relevant strain often requires significant tuning of the genetic parts and gene expression to achieve the dynamic range and sensitivity required. Here, we propose an approach to efficiently engineer transcription-factor based metabolite biosensors that uses a design prototyping construct to quickly assay the gene expression design space and identify an optimal genetic design. We demonstrate this approach using the probiotic bacterium Escherichia coli Nissle 1917 (EcN) and two neuroactive gut metabolites: the neurotransmitter gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and the short-chain fatty acid propionate. The EcN propionate sensor, utilizing the PrpR transcriptional activator from E. coli, has a large 59-fold dynamic range and >500-fold increased sensitivity that matches biologically-relevant concentrations. Our EcN GABA biosensor uses the GabR transcriptional repressor from Bacillus subtilis and a synthetic GabR-regulated promoter created in this study. This work reports the first known synthetic microbial whole-cell biosensor for GABA, which has an observed 138-fold activation in EcN at biologically-relevant concentrations. Using this rapid design prototyping approach, we engineer highly functional biosensors for specified in vivo metabolite concentrations that achieve a large dynamic range and high output promoter activity upon activation. This strategy may be broadly useful for accelerating the engineering of metabolite biosensors for living diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Lebovich
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
| | - Lauren B. Andrews
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Biotechnology Training Program, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate, Program University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA, United States
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Naraine AS, Aker R, Sweeney I, Kalvey M, Surtel A, Shanbhag V, Dawson-Scully K. Roundup and glyphosate's impact on GABA to elicit extended proconvulsant behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13655. [PMID: 35999230 PMCID: PMC9399239 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17537-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
As 3 billion pounds of herbicides are sprayed over farmlands every year, it is essential to advance our understanding how pesticides may influence neurological health and physiology of both humans and other animals. Studies are often one-dimensional as the majority examine glyphosate by itself. Farmers and the public use commercial products, like Roundup, containing a myriad of chemicals in addition to glyphosate. Currently, there are no neurological targets proposed for glyphosate and little comparison to Roundup. To investigate this, we compared how glyphosate and Roundup affect convulsant behavior in C.elegans and found that glyphosate and Roundup increased seizure-like behavior. Key to our initial hypothesis, we found that treatment with an antiepileptic drug rescued the prolonged convulsions. We also discovered over a third of nematodes exposed to Roundup did not recover from their convulsions, but drug treatment resulted in full recovery. Notably, these effects were found at concentrations that are 1,000-fold dilutions of previous findings of neurotoxicity, using over 300-fold less herbicide than the lowest concentration recommended for consumer use. Exploring mechanisms behind our observations, we found significant evidence that glyphosate targets GABA-A receptors. Pharmacological experiments which paired subeffective dosages of glyphosate and a GABA-A antagonist yielded a 24% increase in non-recovery compared to the antagonist alone. GABA mutant strain experiments showed no effect in a GABA-A depleted strain, but a significant, increased effect in a glutamic acid decarboxylase depleted strain. Our findings characterize glyphosate’s exacerbation of convulsions and propose the GABA-A receptor as a neurological target for the observed physiological changes. It also highlights glyphosate’s potential to dysregulate inhibitory neurological circuits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshay S Naraine
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA. .,IMPRS for Synapses and Circuits, Max Planck Florida Institute for Neuroscience, Jupiter, FL, USA.
| | - Rebecca Aker
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Isis Sweeney
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Meghan Kalvey
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Alexis Surtel
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Venkatesh Shanbhag
- Department of Chemistry and Physics, Halmos College of Arts and Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL, USA
| | - Ken Dawson-Scully
- Department of Biological Sciences, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA.,Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, College of Psychology, Nova Southeastern University, Davie, FL, USA
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Smith SN, Trujillo C, Connon SJ. Catalytic, asymmetric azidations at carbonyls: achiral and meso-anhydride desymmetrisation affords enantioenriched γ-lactams. Org Biomol Chem 2022; 20:6384-6393. [PMID: 35861618 DOI: 10.1039/d2ob01040b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
An unprecedented organocatalytic process involving the asymmetric addition of azide to meso-anhydrides has been developed, promoted by novel sulfamide-substituted Cinchona alkaloid-based catalysts. Readily available glutaric anhydrides can be smoothly converted to enantioenriched hemi-acyl azides and from there to either γ-amino acids or γ-lactams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon N Smith
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, The University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Cristina Trujillo
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, The University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Stephen J Connon
- Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, School of Chemistry, The University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin 2, Ireland.
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50
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Psychobiotics: the Influence of Gut Microbiota on the Gut-Brain Axis in Neurological Disorders. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1952-1964. [PMID: 35849305 PMCID: PMC9289355 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02053-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Nervous system disorders are one of the common problems that affect many people around the world every year. Regarding the beneficial effects of the probiotics on the gut and the gut-brain axis, their application along with current medications has been the subject of intense interest. Psychobiotics are a probiotic strain capable to affect the gut-brain axis. The effective role of Psychobiotics in several neurological disorders is documented. Consumption of the Psychobiotics containing nutrients has positive effects on the improvement of microbiota as well as alleviation of some symptoms of central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In the present study, the effects of probiotic strains on some CNS disorders in terms of controlling the disease symptoms were reviewed. Finding suggests that Psychobiotics can efficiently alleviate the symptoms of several CNS disorders such as autism spectrum disorders, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, insomnia, depression, diabetic neuropathy, and anorexia nervosa. It can be concluded that functional foods containing psychotropic strains can help to improve mental health.
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