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Ninan K, Gojic A, Wang Y, Asztalos EV, Beltempo M, Murphy KE, McDonald SD. The proportions of term or late preterm births after exposure to early antenatal corticosteroids, and outcomes: systematic review and meta-analysis of 1.6 million infants. BMJ 2023; 382:e076035. [PMID: 37532269 PMCID: PMC10394681 DOI: 10.1136/bmj-2023-076035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To systematically review the proportions of infants with early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids but born at term or late preterm, and short term and long term outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analyses. DATA SOURCES Eight databases searched from 1 January 2000 to 1 February 2023, reflecting recent perinatal care, and references of screened articles. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES Randomised controlled trials and population based cohort studies with data on infants with early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids (<34 weeks) but born at term (≥37 weeks), late preterm (34-36 weeks), or term/late preterm combined. DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS Two reviewers independently screened titles, abstracts, and full text articles and assessed risk of bias (Cochrane risk of bias tool for randomised controlled trials and Newcastle-Ottawa scale for population based studies). Reviewers extracted data on populations, exposure to antenatal corticosteroids, and outcomes. The authors analysed randomised and cohort data separately, using random effects meta-analyses. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The primary outcome was the proportion of infants with early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids but born at term. Secondary outcomes included the proportions of infants born late preterm or term/late preterm combined after early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids and short term and long term outcomes versus non-exposure for the three gestational time points (term, late preterm, term/late preterm combined). RESULTS Of 14 799 records, the reviewers screened 8815 non-duplicate titles and abstracts and assessed 713 full text articles. Seven randomised controlled trials and 10 population based cohort studies (1.6 million infants total) were included. In randomised controlled trials and population based data, ∼40% of infants with early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids were born at term (low or very low certainty). Among children born at term, early exposure to antenatal corticosteroids versus no exposure was associated with increased risks of admission to neonatal intensive care (adjusted odds ratio 1.49, 95% confidence interval 1.19 to 1.86, one study, 5330 infants, very low certainty; unadjusted relative risk 1.69, 95% confidence interval 1.51 to 1.89, three studies, 1 176 022 infants, I2=58%, τ2=0.01, low certainty), intubation (unadjusted relative risk 2.59, 1.39 to 4.81, absolute effect 7 more per 1000, 95% confidence interval from 2 more to 16 more, one study, 8076 infants, very low certainty, one study, 8076 infants, very low certainty), reduced head circumference (adjusted mean difference -0.21, 95% confidence interval -0.29 to -0.13, one study, 183 325 infants, low certainty), and any long term neurodevelopmental or behavioural disorder in population based studies (eg, any neurodevelopmental or behavioural disorder in children born at term, adjusted hazard ratio 1.47, 95% confidence interval 1.36 to 1.60, one study, 641 487 children, low certainty). CONCLUSIONS About 40% of infants exposed to early antenatal corticosteroids were born at term, with associated adverse short term and long term outcomes (low or very low certainty), highlighting the need for caution when considering antenatal corticosteroids. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022360079.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran Ninan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Anja Gojic
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Yanchen Wang
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Marc Beltempo
- Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sarah D McDonald
- Department of Health Research Methods, Evidence, and Impact, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Radiology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Division of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, L8S 4K1, Canada
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Bablok M, Gellisch M, Scharf M, Brand-Saberi B, Morosan-Puopolo G. Spatiotemporal expression pattern of the chicken glucocorticoid receptor during early embryonic development. Ann Anat 2023; 247:152056. [PMID: 36696929 DOI: 10.1016/j.aanat.2023.152056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids - commonly known as stress hormones - belong to the family of steroid hormones and regulate numerous life essential physiological processes. As lipophilic molecules, glucocorticoids are known to cross the placental barrier in mammals, which - applied for therapeutic reasons or arising from environmental influences - illustrates the role of prenatal stress during embryonic developmental processes. The hormones employ their functions by binding to the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) and thus are involved in regulating the transcription of thousands of genes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the spatiotemporal expression pattern of the GR during early embryonic vertebrate development, using the chicken embryo as a model organism. The results should contribute to enhance and expand the current understanding of glucocorticoid signaling. By performing in-situ hybridization on whole mount chicken embryos from stage HH10 to HH29 and analyzing vibratome sections of hybridized embryos, we described the spatiotemporal expression pattern of the GR during early embryogenesis. Moreover, we compared the expression pattern of the GR with other developmental markers such as Pax7, Desmin, MyoD and HNK-1 using double in-situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. We were able to determine the first emergence of GR expression in stage HH13 of chicken development in the cranial area, especially in the muscle anlagen of the branchial arches and of non-somitic neck muscles. Furthermore, we monitored the extension of GR expression pattern throughout later stages and found transcripts of GR during somitogenesis, limb development, myogenesis, neurulation and neural differentiation and moreover during organogenesis of the gastrointestinal organs, the heart, the kidneys and the lungs. Toward later stages, GR expression transitioned from more distinct areas of expression to an increasingly ubiquitous expression pattern. Our results support the notion of an enormous relevance of glucocorticoid signaling during vertebrate embryonic development and contribute to a better understanding of the consequences of prenatal stress and the clinical administration of prenatal glucocorticoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Bablok
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Morris Gellisch
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Marion Scharf
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Beate Brand-Saberi
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Gabriela Morosan-Puopolo
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.
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Bablok M, Gellisch M, Brand-Saberi B, Morosan-Puopolo G. Local Glucocorticoid Administration Impairs Embryonic Wound Healing. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10123125. [PMID: 36551881 PMCID: PMC9775299 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10123125] [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: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the complex processes of fetal wound healing and skin regeneration can help to improve fetal surgery. As part of the integumentary system, the skin protects the newborn organism against environmental factors and serves various functions. Glucocorticoids can enter the fetal circulatory system by either elevated maternal stress perception or through therapeutic administration and are known to affect adult skin composition and wound regeneration. In the present study, we aimed at investigating the effects of local glucocorticoid administration on the process of embryonic wound healing. We performed in-ovo bead implantation of dexamethasone beads into skin incisional wounds of avian embryos and observed the local effects of the glucocorticoid on the process of skin regeneration through histology, immunohistochemistry and in-situ hybridization, using vimentin, fibronectin, E-cadherin, Dermo-1 and phospho-Histone H3 as investigational markers. Local glucocorticoid administration decelerated the healing of the skin incisional wounds by impairing mesenchymal contraction and re-epithelialization resulting in morphological changes, such as increased epithelialization and disorganized matrix formation. The results contribute to a better understanding of scarless embryonic wound healing and how glucocorticoids might interfere with the underlying molecular processes, possibly indicating that glucocorticoid therapies in prenatal clinical practice should be carefully evaluated.
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van der Merwe J, van der Veeken L, Inversetti A, Galgano A, Valenzuela I, Salaets T, Ferraris S, Vercauteren T, Toelen J, Deprest J. Neurocognitive sequelae of antenatal corticosteroids in a late preterm rabbit model. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 226:850.e1-850.e21. [PMID: 34875248 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.1370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Late preterm birth is associated with short-term respiratory and adaptive problems. Although antenatal corticosteroids seem to reduce the respiratory burden, this may come at the cost of adverse neuropsychological outcomes later in life. This impact has not been investigated. OBJECTIVE Herein, we investigate what the short- and long-term neurodevelopmental effects of a single course of betamethasone in simulated late preterm birth. STUDY DESIGN Time-mated pregnant does received 0.1 mg/kg betamethasone (n=8) or 1 mL saline intramuscular (n=6) at the postconceptional ages of 28 and 29 days. The antenatal corticosteroid dose and scheme were based on previous studies and were comparable with routine clinical use. Cesarean delivery was done on postconceptional age 30 days (term=31 days), and new-born rabbits were foster-cared for 28 days and were thereafter cared for in group housing. Neonatal lung function testing and short-term neurobehavioral testing was done. Open field, spontaneous alternation, and novel object recognition tests were subsequently performed at 4 and 8 weeks of age. On postnatal day 1 and at 8 weeks, a subgroup was euthanized and transcardially perfuse fixated. Ex vivo high-resolution Magnetic Resonance Imaging was used to calculate the Diffusion Tensor Imaging-derived fractional anisotropy and mean diffusivity. Fixated brains underwent processing and were serial sectioned, and a set of 3 coronal sections underwent anti-NeuN, Ki67, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. RESULTS Antenatal corticosteroid exposure was associated with improved neonatal lung function, yet resulted in a long-term growth deficit that coincided with a persistent neurobehavioral deficit. We demonstrated lower neonatal motor scores; a persistent anxious behavior in the open field test with more displacements, running, and self-grooming episodes; persistent lower alternation scores in the T-Maze test; and lower discriminatory indexes in the novel object recognition. On neuropathological assessment, antenatal corticosteroid exposure was observed to result in a persistent lower neuron density and fewer Ki67+ cells, particularly in the hippocampus and the corpus callosum. This coincided with lower diffusion tensor imaging-derived fractional anisotropy scores in the same key regions. CONCLUSION Clinical equivalent antenatal corticosteroid exposure in this late preterm rabbit model resulted in improved neonatal lung function. However, it compromised neonatal and long-term neurocognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes van der Merwe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Lennart van der Veeken
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annalisa Inversetti
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Angela Galgano
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Ignacio Valenzuela
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium
| | - Thomas Salaets
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sebastiano Ferraris
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tom Vercauteren
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Group Biomedical Sciences, KU Leuven University of Leuven, Belgium; Division Woman and Child, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Di Cosmo C, De Marco G, Agretti P, Ferrarini E, Dimida A, Falcetta P, Benvenga S, Vitti P, Tonacchera M. Screening for drugs potentially interfering with MCT8-mediated T 3 transport in vitro identifies dexamethasone and some commonly used drugs as inhibitors of MCT8 activity. J Endocrinol Invest 2022; 45:803-814. [PMID: 34850364 DOI: 10.1007/s40618-021-01711-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Monocarboxylate transporter 8 (MCT8) is the first thyroid hormone transporter that has been linked to a human disease. Besides genetic alterations other factors might impair MCT8 activity. AIM This study aimed at investigating whether some common drugs having a structural similarity with TH and/or whose treatment is associated with thyroid function test abnormalities, or which behave as antagonists of TH action can inhibit MCT8-mediated T3 transport. METHODS [125I]T3 uptake and efflux were measured in COS-7 cells transiently transfected with hMCT8 before and after exposure to increasing concentrations of hydrocortisone, dexamethasone, prednisone, prednisolone, amiodarone, desethylamiodarone, dronedarone, buspirone, carbamazepine, valproic acid, and L-carnitine. The mode of inhibition was also determined. RESULTS Dexamethasone significantly inhibited T3 uptake at 10 μM; hydrocortisone reduced T3 uptake only at high concentrations, i.e. at 500 and 1000 μM; prednisone and prednisolone were devoid of inhibitory potential. Amiodarone caused a reduction of T3 uptake by MCT8 only at the highest concentrations used (44% at 50 μM and 68% at 100 μM), and this effect was weaker than that produced by desethylamiodarone and dronedarone; buspirone resulted a potent inhibitor, reducing T3 uptake at 0.1-10 μM. L-Carnitine inhibited T3 uptake only at 500 mM and 1 M. Kinetic experiments revealed a noncompetitive mode of inhibition for all compounds. All drugs inhibiting T3 uptake did not affect T3 release. CONCLUSION This study shows a novel effect of some common drugs, which is inhibition of T3 transport mediated by MCT8. Specifically, dexamethasone, buspirone, desethylamiodarone, and dronedarone behave as potent inhibitors of MCT8.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Di Cosmo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy.
| | - G De Marco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Agretti
- Laboratory of Chemistry and Endocrinology, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - E Ferrarini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Dimida
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Falcetta
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - S Benvenga
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - P Vitti
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
| | - M Tonacchera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Endocrinology Unit, University of Pisa, via Paradisa 2, 56124, Pisa, Italy
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Asztalos EV, Murphy KE, Matthews SG. A Growing Dilemma: Antenatal Corticosteroids and Long-Term Consequences. Am J Perinatol 2022; 39:592-600. [PMID: 33053595 DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1718573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE A single course of synthetic antenatal corticosteroids is standard care for women considered to be at risk for preterm birth before 34 weeks of gestation. While the intended target is the fetal lung, the fetal brain contains remarkably high levels of glucocorticoid receptors in structures critical in the regulation of behavior and endocrine function. Negative programming signals may occur which can lead to permanent maladaptive changes and predispose the infant/child to an increased risk in physical, mental, and developmental disorders. METHODS Framed around these areas of concerns for physical, mental, and developmental disorders, this narrative review drew on studies (animal and clinical), evaluating the long-term effects of antenatal corticosteroids to present the case that a more targeted approach to the use of antenatal corticosteroids for the betterment of the fetus urgently needed. RESULTS Studies raised concerns about the potential negative long-term consequences, especially for the exposed fetus who was born beyond the period of the greatest benefit from antenatal corticosteroids. The long-term consequences are more subtle in nature and usually manifest later in life, often beyond the scope of most clinical trials. CONCLUSION Continued research is needed to identify sufficient safety data, both short term and long term. Caution in the use of antenatal corticosteroids should be exercised while additional work is undertaken to optimize dosing strategies and better identify women at risk of preterm birth prior to administration of antenatal corticosteroids. KEY POINTS · A single-course ACS is a remarkable therapy with substantial benefits.. · There is a potential of long-term neurodevelopmental consequences in the ACS-exposed fetus.. · There is a need to improve dosing strategies and identification of appropriate at risk women..
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth V Asztalos
- Department of Newborn and Developmental Paediatrics, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kellie E Murphy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Sinai Health Systems, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Kassotaki I, Valsamakis G, Mastorakos G, Grammatopoulos DK. Placental CRH as a Signal of Pregnancy Adversity and Impact on Fetal Neurodevelopment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:714214. [PMID: 34408727 PMCID: PMC8366286 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.714214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life is a period of considerable plasticity and vulnerability and insults during that period can disrupt the homeostatic equilibrium of the developing organism, resulting in adverse developmental programming and enhanced susceptibility to disease. Fetal exposure to prenatal stress can impede optimum brain development and deranged mother's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) stress responses can alter the neurodevelopmental trajectories of the offspring. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoids, regulate fetal neurogenesis and while CRH exerts neuroprotective actions, increased levels of stress hormones have been associated with fetal brain structural alterations such as reduced cortical volume, impoverishment of neuronal density in the limbic brain areas and alterations in neuronal circuitry, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling. Emerging evidence highlight the role of epigenetic changes in fetal brain programming, as stress-induced methylation of genes encoding molecules that are implicated in HPA axis and major neurodevelopmental processes. These serve as molecular memories and have been associated with long term modifications of the offspring's stress regulatory system and increased susceptibility to psychosomatic disorders later in life. This review summarises our current understanding on the roles of CRH and other mediators of stress responses on fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifigeneia Kassotaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic, Venizeleio Pananeio General Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgios Valsamakis
- Second University Department of Obs and Gynae, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris K. Grammatopoulos
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Institute of Precision Diagnostics and Translational Medicine, Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Zheng Y, Zhang YM, Tang ZS, Du JK, Guo DW, Xu YJ, Sheng H, Lu JQ, Ni X. Spatial learning and memory deficits induced by prenatal glucocorticoid exposure depend on hippocampal CRHR1 and CXCL5 signaling in rats. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:85. [PMID: 33810797 PMCID: PMC8019183 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02129-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prenatal synthetic glucocorticoid (sGC) exposure increases the susceptibility to cognitive and affective disorders in postnatal life. We previously demonstrated that prenatal sGC exposure results in an increase in corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) receptor type 1 (CRHR1) expression in the hippocampus of rats, and CRHR1 is involved in synapse formation via regulation of C-X-C chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5) in hippocampus. We sought to investigate that the roles of CRHR1 and CXCL5 in learning and memory impairment caused by prenatal sGC exposure. Methods Pregnant rats were administered with saline or dexamethasone (DEX) from gestational day (GD) 14 to GD21. DEX offspring at 2-day old were treated with saline and CRHR1 antagonists (antalarmin and CP154526) for 7 days. Some DEX offspring received intra-hippocampal injection of AAV9 carrying CXCL5 gene. Spatial learning and memory was assessed by Morris water maze test. Immunofluorescence analysis was applied to show synapsin I and PSD95 signals in hippocampus. Synapsin I and PSD95 protein level and CXCL5 concentration were determined by western blotting and ELISA, respectively. Organotypic hippocampal slice cultures were used to investigate the effect of DEX on CXCL5 production in vitro. Results Both male and female DEX offspring displayed impairment of spatial learning and memory in adulthood. Synapsin I and PSD95 signals and CXCL5 levels were decreased in DEX offspring. DEX offspring with antalarmin and CP154526 treatment showed improved spatial learning and memory. Antalarmin and CP154526 treatment increased synapsin I and PSD95 signals and CXCL5 concentration in hippocampus. Bilaterally hippocampal injection of AAV9 carrying CXCL5 gene improved the spatial learning and memory and increased CXCL5 concentration and synapsin I and PSD95 levels in hippocampus. DEX dose-dependently suppressed CXCL5 production in cultured hippocammpal slices, which was prevented by antalarmin treatment. Conclusion CRHR1 and CXCL5 signaling in the hippocampus are involved in spatial learning and memory deficits caused by prenatal DEX exposure. CRHR1 activation contributes to decreased CXCL5 production in hippocampus induced by prenatal DEX treatment. Our study provides a molecular basis of prenatal GC exposure programming spatial learning and memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- You Zheng
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.,Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.,Laboratory of Cell Engineering, Institute of Biotechnology, Beijing, 100071, China
| | - Yan-Min Zhang
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China.,School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zheng-Shan Tang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jian-Kui Du
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - De-Wei Guo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yong-Jun Xu
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Hui Sheng
- Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China
| | - Jian-Qiang Lu
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Xin Ni
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics and Research Center for Molecular Metabolomics, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China. .,Department of Physiology, Navy Medical University, Shanghai, 200433, China. .,National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
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Antenatal Dexamethasone Treatment Induces Sex-dependent Upregulation of NTPDase1/CD39 and Ecto-5'-nucleotidase/CD73 in the Rat Fetal Brain. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 42:1965-1981. [PMID: 33761054 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-021-01081-8] [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: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 03/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Dexamethasone (DEX) is frequently used to treat women at risk of preterm delivery, but although indispensable for the completion of organ maturation in the fetus, antenatal DEX treatment may exert adverse sex-dimorphic neurodevelopmental effects. Literature findings implicated oxidative stress in adverse effects of DEX treatment. Purinergic signaling is involved in neurodevelopment and controlled by ectonucleotidases, among which in the brain the most abundant are ectonucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolase 1 (NTPDase1/CD39) and ecto-5'-nucleotidase (e5'NT/CD73), which jointly dephosphorylate ATP to adenosine. They are also involved in cell adhesion and migration, processes integral to brain development. Upregulation of CD39 and CD73 after DEX treatment was reported in adult rat hippocampus. We investigated the effects of maternal DEX treatment on CD39 and CD73 expression and enzymatic activity in the rat fetal brain of both sexes, in the context of oxidative status of the brain tissue. Fetuses were obtained at embryonic day (ED) 21, from Wistar rat dams treated with 0.5 mg DEX/kg/day, at ED 16, 17, and 18, and brains were processed and used for further analysis. Sex-specific increase in CD39 and CD73 expression and in the corresponding enzyme activities was induced in the brain of antenatally DEX-treated fetuses, more prominently in males. The oxidative stress induction after antenatal DEX treatment was confirmed in both sexes, although showing a slight bias in males. Due to the involvement of purinergic system in crucial neurodevelopmental processes, future investigations are needed to determine the role of these observed changes in the adverse effects of antenatal DEX treatment.
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van der Merwe JL, Sacco A, Toelen J, Deprest J. Long-term neuropathological and/or neurobehavioral effects of antenatal corticosteroid therapy in animal models: a systematic review. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:1157-1170. [PMID: 31822018 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0712-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids (ACSs) are recommended to all women at risk for preterm delivery; currently, there is controversy about the subsequent long-term neurocognitive sequelae. This systematic review summarizes the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after ACS therapy in animal models. METHODS An electronic search strategy incorporating MeSH and keywords was performed using all known literature databases and in accordance with PRISMA guidance (PROSPERO CRD42019119663). RESULTS Of the 669 studies identified, eventually 64 were included. The majority of studies utilized dexamethasone at relative high dosages and primarily involved rodents. There was a high risk of bias, mostly due to lack of randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding. The main outcomes reported on was neuropathological, particularly glucocorticoid receptor expression and neuron densities, and neurobehavior. Overall there was an upregulation of glucocorticoid receptors with lower neuron densities and a dysregulation of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. This coincided with various adverse neurobehavioral outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In animal models, ACSs consistently lead to deleterious long-term neurocognitive effects. This may be due to the specific agents, i.e., dexamethasone, or the repetitive/higher total dosing used. ACS administration varied significantly between studies and there was a high risk of bias. Future research should be standardized in well-characterized models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes L van der Merwe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Adalina Sacco
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Division Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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11
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Benson MJ, Lauková M, Borges K, Velíšková J, Velíšek L. Prenatal betamethasone exposure increases corticotropin-releasing hormone expression along with increased hippocampal slice excitability in the developing hippocampus. Epilepsy Res 2020; 160:106276. [PMID: 31954921 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/31/2019] [Accepted: 01/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine whether prenatal exposure to betamethasone alters hippocampal expression of corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and resultant hippocampal circuit excitability. METHODS Real time (RT)-PCR and western blots were used to determine CRH mRNA and protein expression levels, respectively, in hippocampal extracts of two-week old rat pups prenatally primed with betamethasone or saline on gestational day 15. The data were compared to changes in epileptiform activity induced by kainic acid (KA) or depletion of [Mg2+]0 in combined hippocampus-entorhinal cortex slices. RESULTS RT-PCR analysis showed 3-fold increased levels of CRH mRNA in hippocampal extracts from prenatally betamethasone-primed pups compared to saline controls (p < 0.05), but no changes in mRNA expression of CRH receptors (1 and 2). Changes in CRH protein isoform ratio in hippocampal extracts suggest 30 % increase in mature CRH levels in betamethasone-primed hippocampi (p < 0.05). No changes in mRNA expression in CRH feedback loop associated genes, GR and FKBP51, were found. Compared to saline-exposed pups, slices from betamethasone-primed pups had faster onset of epileptiform-like activity (inter-ictal discharges and seizure-like-events) after bath application of 4 μM KA (p < 0.05) suggesting a "more hyperexcitable" state. The epileptiform-like activity after KA application was significantly reduced following bath application of a CRH R2 antagonist (p < 0.05) but CRH R1 antagonist had no effect (p > 0.05). Also in the low-Mg2+-induced epileptiform activity, there was increased excitability, in the form of enhanced inter-ictal discharges, in slices from betamethasone primed compared to saline exposed rat pups (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Our study suggests a possible mechanistic link to prenatal betamethasone priming-induced increase in postnatal hippocampal excitability that involves enhanced expression of CRH acting at CRH R2. This is important in regards to the links between prenatal stress/corticosteroid-exposure and syndromes, such as epilepsy, autism spectrum disorders and other psychiatric disorders associated with neuronal hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa J Benson
- Departments of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Valhalla, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Marcela Lauková
- Department of Environmental Health Science, School of Health Sciences and Practice, Institute of Public Health, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA; Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Karin Borges
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Jana Velíšková
- Departments of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Valhalla, NY, USA; Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Valhalla, NY, USA; Departments of Neurology, Valhalla, NY, USA
| | - Libor Velíšek
- Departments of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Valhalla, NY, USA; Departments of Obstetrics & Gynecology, Valhalla, NY, USA; Departments of Pediatrics, New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY, USA.
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12
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Holm SK, Madsen KS, Vestergaard M, Born AP, Paulson OB, Siebner HR, Uldall P, Baaré WFC. Previous glucocorticoid treatment in childhood and adolescence is associated with long-term differences in subcortical grey matter volume and microstructure. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2019; 23:101825. [PMID: 31004915 PMCID: PMC6475768 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2019.101825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2019] [Revised: 03/24/2019] [Accepted: 04/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucocorticoids are widely used in the treatment of several pediatric diseases with undisputed disease-related benefits. Perinatal exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids can have long-term adverse cerebral effects. In adults, glucocorticoid treatment has been associated with smaller volumes of subcortical grey matter structures. Recently, we observed smaller total brain volumes in children and adolescents treated with glucocorticoid during childhood compared to healthy controls. The possible long-term effects of glucocorticoid treatment during childhood on subcortical brain volume and microstructure remain unknown. METHOD We examined 30 children and adolescents, who had previously been treated with glucocorticoids for nephrotic syndrome or rheumatic disease, and 30 healthy volunteers. Patients and healthy control groups were matched by age, gender, and level of parent education. Participants underwent 3 T magnetic resonance (MR) brain imaging. T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted images were acquired. Volume and mean diffusivity (MD) measures were extracted for hippocampus, amygdala, nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus and putamen. Multiple linear regression analyses were used to assess differences between patients and controls, and to evaluate possible dose-response relationships. A priori, we expected patients to display lower hippocampal and amygdala volumes. RESULTS While children previously treated with glucocorticoids displayed smaller right hippocampal volumes than controls, this difference did not survive correction for multiple comparisons. Furthermore, patients as compared to controls showed lower right hippocampal MD, which remained when correcting for global changes in MD. The longer the time between the glucocorticoid treatment termination and MR-scan, the more right hippocampal MD values resembled that of healthy controls. Patient and controls did not differ in amygdala volume or MD. Analyses of the nucleus accumbens, caudate nucleus and putamen only revealed smaller putamen volumes in patients compared to controls, which remained significant when controlling for total brain volume. CONCLUSION The results suggest that extra-cerebral diseases during childhood treated with glucocorticoids may be associated with reduced subcortical grey matter volumes and lower right hippocampal mean diffusivity later in life. Our findings warrant replication and elaboration in larger, preferably prospective and longitudinal studies. Such studies may also allow disentangling disease-specific effects from possible glucocorticoid treatment effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Krøis Holm
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Neuropaediatric Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kathrine Skak Madsen
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark; Radiography, Department of Technology, University College Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Martin Vestergaard
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark
| | - Alfred Peter Born
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Neuropaediatric Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Olaf B Paulson
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark; Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hartwig Roman Siebner
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark; Department of Neurology, Copenhagen University Hospital Bispebjerg, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Peter Uldall
- Department of Paediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Neuropaediatric Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - William F C Baaré
- Danish Research Centre for Magnetic Resonance, Centre for Functional and Diagnostic Imaging and Research, Copenhagen University Hospital, Hvidovre, Denmark.
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13
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Abul M, Al-Bader MD, Mouihate A. Exposure to synthetic glucocorticoids during pregnancy alters the expression of p73 gene variants in fetal brains in a sex-specific manner. Brain Res 2018; 1707:117-123. [PMID: 30476470 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fetal exposure to dexamethasone (DEX) alters brain plasticity and cognitive functions during adulthood in a sex-dependent manner. The mechanisms underlying such long-lasting sex-dependent change of prenatal DEX is not well understood. The p73 gene plays an important role in brain development. It encodes for two protein variants; the neural cell death protein (TAp73) and the anti-neural cell death protein (ΔNp73). Therefore, we sought to determine how prenatal exposure to DEX alters the expression of these p73 gene variants in the brain of male and female fetuses. Pregnant dams received daily injections of either DEX (0.4 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline from gestation day (GD) 14 until GD21. On GD21, body and brain weights were monitored and mRNA and protein levels of TAp73 and ΔNp73 were measured in male and female fetal brains using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry. Prenatal exposure to DEX significantly reduced the body and brain weights of both male and female fetuses, although reduction in brain weight was less severe than that of the body weight. Administration of DEX to pregnant dams led to enhanced expression of both TAp73 and ΔNp73 gene/protein variants in the brain of male but not in that of female fetuses. Dexamethasone induced a sex-dependent effect on the expression of p73 gene variants. DEX-induced growth restriction in the brain of female fetuses is independent of p73 gene. This study strongly suggests that survival/death programs operate differently during the development of male and female brains.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai Abul
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Maie D Al-Bader
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Abdeslam Mouihate
- Department of Physiology, Health Sciences Centre, Faculty of Medicine, Kuwait University, P.O. Box 24923, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
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14
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Abstract
Neurogenesis is currently an area of great interest in neuroscience. It is closely linked to brain diseases, including mental disorders and neurodevelopmental disease. Both embryonic and adult neurogeneses are influenced by glucocorticoids secreted from the adrenal glands in response to a variety of stressors. Moreover, proliferation/differentiation of the neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) is affected by glucocorticoids through intracellular signaling pathways such as phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, hedgehog, and Wnt. Our review presents recent evidence of the impact of glucocorticoids on NSPC behaviors and the underlying molecular mechanisms; this provides important information for understanding the pathological role of glucocorticoids on neurogenesis-associated brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haruki Odaka
- Department of Life Science and Medical Bioscience, School of Advanced Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
- Department of Cell Modulation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Naoki Adachi
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, Hyogo, Japan
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tadahiro Numakawa
- Department of Cell Modulation, Institute of Molecular Embryology and Genetics, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
- Department of Mental Disorder Research, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry (NCNP), Tokyo, Japan
- Correspondence to: Tadahiro Numakawa, .
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15
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Schlegel RN, Spiers JG, Moritz KM, Cullen CL, Björkman ST, Paravicini TM. Maternal hypomagnesemia alters hippocampal NMDAR subunit expression and programs anxiety-like behaviour in adult offspring. Behav Brain Res 2017; 328:39-47. [PMID: 28389335 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.04.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
It is well established that maternal undernutrition and micronutrient deficiencies can lead to altered development and behaviour in offspring. However, few studies have explored the implications of maternal Mg deficiency and programmed behavioural and neurological outcomes in offspring. We used a model of Mg deficiency (prior to and during pregnancy and lactation) in CD1 mice to investigate if maternal Mg deficiency programmed changes in behaviour and NMDAR subunit expression in offspring. Hippocampal tissue was collected at postnatal day 2 (PN2), PN8, PN21 and 6 months, and protein expression of NMDAR subunits GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B was determined. At 6 months of age, offspring were subject to behavioural tasks testing aspects of anxiety-like behaviour, memory, and neophobia. Maternal hypomagnesemia was associated with increased GluN1, GluN2A and GluN2B subunit expression in female offspring at 6 months, but decreased GluN1 and GluN2A expression in males. The GluN2B:GluN2A expression ratio was increased in both sexes. Male (but not female) offspring from Mg-deficient dams showed anxiety-like behaviour, with reduced head dips (Suok test), and reduced exploration of open arms (elevated plus maze). Both male and female offspring from Mg-deficient dams also showed impaired recognition memory (novel object test). These findings suggest that maternal Mg deficiency can result in behavioural deficits in adult life, and that these changes may be related to alterations in hippocampal NMDA receptor expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- R N Schlegel
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - J G Spiers
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - K M Moritz
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - C L Cullen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; Menzies Institute for Medical Research, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Australia
| | - S T Björkman
- University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Brisbane, Australia
| | - T M Paravicini
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia; School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, Australia.
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16
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İşcan B, Tuzun F, Cilaker Micili S, Tugyan K, Duman N, Ozkan H, Kumral A. The effects of perinatal steroid therapy on growth factor levels during different stages of the developing brain. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2017; 30:1820-1828. [PMID: 28052712 DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1228051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Excess glucocorticoid (GC) exposure on the fetal brain during critical stages of development has considerable effects on the development of the central nervous system (CNS). This study thus aimed to evaluate the differential effects of GC exposure on critical growth factor levels during different stages of brain maturation. METHODS For this purpose, forty-two rat pups were divided into six groups based on the timing of betamethasone administration. Rats in the treatment groups were exposed to intraperitoneal betamethasone injections beginning at different time points (postnatal days 1, 2, and 3). Rats in the placebo group received the same volume of 0.9% saline via the same fashion. Pups were sacrificed at 24 h following the final injection for determining the neuronal density and immunohistochemical evaluation of critical growth factors. RESULTS In the groups treated with betamethasone on postnatal day 1 (P1) and P2, which correspond to 22-24 and 24-28 gestational weeks in humans, the neuronal count in the hippocampal regions was significantly lower than their control groups. However, if steroid therapy was administered on P3, corresponding to 28-32 weeks in humans, no difference was observed between the two groups. Growth factors were affected in different ways depending on the steroid administration time and evaluated region. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the modulating effect of steroids on neuron count and growth factor response depends on the stage of brain development at the time of exposure. Therefore, this may be one of the key determinants affecting the deleterious and beneficial effects of GCs on the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Burçin İşcan
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Funda Tuzun
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Serap Cilaker Micili
- b Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine , Dokuz Eylül University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Kazim Tugyan
- b Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine , Dokuz Eylül University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Nuray Duman
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Hasan Ozkan
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
| | - Abdullah Kumral
- a Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics , School of Medicine, Dokuz Eylul University , Izmir , Turkey
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Abstract
Lactoferrin (Lf) is the major whey protein in milk, with multiple beneficial health effects including direct antimicrobial activities, anti-inflammatory effects, and iron homeostasis. Oral Lf supplementation in human preterm infants has been shown to reduce the incidence of sepsis and necrotizing enterocolitis. In preclinical models of antenatal stress and perinatal brain injury, bovine Lf protected the developing brain from neuronal loss, improved connectivity, increased neurotrophic factors, and decreased inflammation. It also supported brain development and cognition. Further, Lf can prevent preterm delivery by reducing proinflammatory factors and inhibiting premature cervix maturation. We review here the latest research on Lf in the field of neonatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa J Ochoa
- a Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia, Lima, Peru.,b Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Stéphane V Sizonenko
- c Division of Child Development and Growth, Department of Child and Adolescent, Geneva University Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
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18
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Wallensteen L, Zimmermann M, Thomsen Sandberg M, Gezelius A, Nordenström A, Hirvikoski T, Lajic S. Sex-Dimorphic Effects of Prenatal Treatment With Dexamethasone. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2016; 101:3838-3846. [PMID: 27482827 DOI: 10.1210/jc.2016-1543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Dexamethasone (DEX) is used to prevent virilization in female fetuses at risk of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Given that treatment has to be started before the genotype is known, 7 out of 8 fetuses will be exposed to DEX without benefit. OBJECTIVE To evaluate long-term cognitive effects of prenatal DEX therapy in healthy (non-CAH) DEX-treated children. DESIGN AND SETTING Observational study with patient and control groups from a single research institute. PARTICIPANTS Healthy (non-CAH) DEX-treated subjects (n = 34) and untreated population controls (n = 66) from Sweden, aged 7-17 years. INTERVENTION DEX-treatment used in unborn children at risk of CAH, during first trimester of fetal life. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Standardized neuropsychological tests and questionnaires were used. RESULTS DEX treatment has widespread negative effects in girls. In Wechsler Intelligence Scales for Children-III scale subtests, we observed significant interactions between DEX and GENDER (coding, P = .044; block design, P = .013; vocabulary, P = .025) and a trend for the subtest digit span (P = .074). All interactions were driven by DEX effects in girls, but not boys, with DEX-treated females showing lower scores than female untreated controls (coding, P = .068, d = 0.66; block design, P = .021, d = 0.81; vocabulary, P = .014, d = 0.84; digit span, P = .001, d = 1.0). Likewise, DEX-treated girls tend to have poorer visual spatial working memory performance than controls (span board test forward: P = .065, d = .80). We observed no effects on long-term memory, handedness, speed of processing, nor self-perceived or parentally reported scholastic performance. CONCLUSIONS Early prenatal DEX exposure affects cognitive functions in healthy girls, ie, children who do not benefit from the treatment. It can therefore not be considered safe to use this therapy in the context of CAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Wallensteen
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (L.W., M.Z., M.T.S., A.G., A.N., S.L.), Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Women's and Children's Health (T.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marius Zimmermann
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (L.W., M.Z., M.T.S., A.G., A.N., S.L.), Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Women's and Children's Health (T.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Malin Thomsen Sandberg
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (L.W., M.Z., M.T.S., A.G., A.N., S.L.), Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Women's and Children's Health (T.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anton Gezelius
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (L.W., M.Z., M.T.S., A.G., A.N., S.L.), Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Women's and Children's Health (T.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Nordenström
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (L.W., M.Z., M.T.S., A.G., A.N., S.L.), Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Women's and Children's Health (T.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tatja Hirvikoski
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (L.W., M.Z., M.T.S., A.G., A.N., S.L.), Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Women's and Children's Health (T.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Svetlana Lajic
- Department of Women's and Children's Health (L.W., M.Z., M.T.S., A.G., A.N., S.L.), Karolinska Institutet, Pediatric Endocrinology Unit (Q2:08), Karolinska University Hospital, and Department of Women's and Children's Health (T.H.), Karolinska Institutet, Center of Neurodevelopmental Disorders at Karolinska Institutet (KIND), Karolinska University Hospital, SE-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden
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Homberg JR, Kyzar EJ, Scattoni ML, Norton WH, Pittman J, Gaikwad S, Nguyen M, Poudel MK, Ullmann JFP, Diamond DM, Kaluyeva AA, Parker MO, Brown RE, Song C, Gainetdinov RR, Gottesman II, Kalueff AV. Genetic and environmental modulation of neurodevelopmental disorders: Translational insights from labs to beds. Brain Res Bull 2016; 125:79-91. [PMID: 27113433 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2016.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 03/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a heterogeneous group of prevalent neuropsychiatric illnesses with various degrees of social, cognitive, motor, language and affective deficits. NDDs are caused by aberrant brain development due to genetic and environmental perturbations. Common NDDs include autism spectrum disorder (ASD), intellectual disability, communication/speech disorders, motor/tic disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. Genetic and epigenetic/environmental factors play a key role in these NDDs with significant societal impact. Given the lack of their efficient therapies, it is important to gain further translational insights into the pathobiology of NDDs. To address these challenges, the International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS) has established the Strategic Task Force on NDDs. Summarizing the Panel's findings, here we discuss the neurobiological mechanisms of selected common NDDs and a wider NDD+ spectrum of associated neuropsychiatric disorders with developmental trajectories. We also outline the utility of existing preclinical (animal) models for building translational and cross-diagnostic bridges to improve our understanding of various NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Judith R Homberg
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition, and Behaviour, Radboud University Medical Centre, Nijmegen, Netherlands
| | - Evan J Kyzar
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA; The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS) and ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Maria Luisa Scattoni
- Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences, Istituto Superiore di Sanita, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Julian Pittman
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences, Troy University, Troy, AL, USA
| | - Siddharth Gaikwad
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS) and ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Michael Nguyen
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS) and ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, USA; New York University School of Medicine, NY, NY, USA
| | - Manoj K Poudel
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS) and ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Jeremy F P Ullmann
- Centre for Advanced Imaging, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia; Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - David M Diamond
- Department of Psychology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA; J.A. Haley Veterans Hospital, Research and Development Service, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Aleksandra A Kaluyeva
- The International Stress and Behavior Society (ISBS) and ZENEREI Research Center, Slidell, LA, USA
| | - Matthew O Parker
- School of Health Sciences and Social Work, University of Portsmouth, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Richard E Brown
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Cai Song
- Research Institute of Marine Drugs and Nutrition, College of Food Science and Technology, Guangdong Ocean University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, China; Graduate Institute of Neural and Cognitive Sciences, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Raul R Gainetdinov
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia; Skolkovo Institute of Science and Technology, Skolkovo, Moscow Region, Russia
| | | | - Allan V Kalueff
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia.
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Klengel T, Dias BG, Ressler KJ. Models of Intergenerational and Transgenerational Transmission of Risk for Psychopathology in Mice. Neuropsychopharmacology 2016; 41:219-31. [PMID: 26283147 PMCID: PMC4677139 DOI: 10.1038/npp.2015.249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2015] [Revised: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Trajectories toward risk or resilience in psychiatric disorders are influenced by acquired and inherited factors. More recently, evidence from rodent studies suggest that acquired risk factors can be transmitted through non-genomic, epigenetic mechanisms to subsequent generations, potentially contributing to a cycle of disease and disease risk. Here, we review examples of transmission of environmental factors across generations and illustrate the difference between behavioral transmission and epigenetic inheritance. We highlight essential definitions of intergenerational and transgenerational transmission of disease risk with corresponding examples. We then explore how these phenomena may influence our understanding of psychiatric disorders leading toward new prevention and therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Torsten Klengel
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Brian G Dias
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences and Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD, USA,Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, McLean Hospital, 115 Mill Street, Belmont, MA 02478, USA, Tel: +1 404 727 7739, Fax: +1 404 727 8070, E-mail:
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Peffer ME, Zhang JY, Umfrey L, Rudine AC, Monaghan AP, DeFranco DB. Minireview: the impact of antenatal therapeutic synthetic glucocorticoids on the developing fetal brain. Mol Endocrinol 2015; 29:658-66. [PMID: 25763611 DOI: 10.1210/me.2015-1042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The life-threatening, emotional, and economic burdens of premature birth have been greatly alleviated by antenatal glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. Antenatal GCs accelerate tissue development reducing respiratory distress syndrome and intraventricular hemorrhage in premature infants. However, they can also alter developmental processes in the brain and trigger adverse behavioral and metabolic outcomes later in life. This review summarizes animal model and clinical studies that examined the impact of antenatal GCs on the developing brain. In addition, we describe studies that assess glucocorticoid receptor (GR) action in neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in vivo and in vitro. We highlight recent work from our group on two GR pathways that impact NSPC proliferation, ie, a nongenomic GR pathway that regulates gap junction intercellular communication between coupled NSPCs through site-specific phosphorylation of connexin 43 and a genomic pathway driven by differential promoter recruitment of a specific GR phosphoisoform.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie E Peffer
- Program in Integrative Molecular Biology (M.E.P., D.B.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology (M.E.P., J.Y.Z., L.U., D.B.D.), and Newborn Medicine Program (A.C.R.), Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, and Department of Neurobiology (A.P.M.), University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15260
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22
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Psychological or physical prenatal stress differentially affects cognition behaviors. Physiol Behav 2015; 142:155-60. [PMID: 25668515 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2014] [Revised: 01/21/2015] [Accepted: 02/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Prenatal stress is proposed as a major risk factor in the development of cognitive impairments in the offspring. The objective of the current study was to evaluate the effect of prenatal physical or psychological stress on the motor and cognitive functions of male and female offspring. METHODS Adult female rats were stressed during their conception using a novel method to induced whether physical or psychological stress. Animal offspring were then kept until adulthood. Elevated plus maze (EPM) was used to evaluate their anxiety-like behavior. Rotarod and wire grip were used to evaluate muscle strength and balance function. Morris water maze (MWM) and passive avoidance (PA) learning and memory paradigm were used to evaluate the cognitive function of the offspring. RESULTS Female offspring of both physical and psychological stress had an increased anxiety-like behavior in the EPM test in comparison to female control rats. Balance function was impaired in physical stressed female offspring in comparison to the control and male offspring. Muscle strength was reduced in physical male and female offspring. Both male and female offspring groups that underwent prenatal physical and psychological stress had an impaired spatial learning and memory. PA learning and memory were impaired in both male and female offspring except for the psychological stress female offspring in PA learning. CONCLUSION Results of our study revealed that prenatal physical or psychological stress have different effects on motor and cognitive functions of the offspring. Male and female offspring were differentially affected by prenatal stress. We suggest more studies to evaluate the role of sex hormones on the effects of prenatal physical or psychological stress on cognitive and motor functions of the offspring.
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Boersma GJ, Tamashiro KL. Individual differences in the effects of prenatal stress exposure in rodents. Neurobiol Stress 2015; 1:100-8. [PMID: 27589662 PMCID: PMC4721332 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 10/24/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Exposure to prenatal stress alters the phenotype of the offspring in adulthood. When the prenatal and adult environments do not match, these alterations may induce pathology risk. There are, however, large individual differences in the effects of prenatal stress. While some individuals seem vulnerable, others appear to be relatively resistant to its effects. In this review we discuss potential mechanisms underlying these individual differences with a focus on animal models. Differences between rodent models selected for stress coping traits are discussed. In addition, the role of circulating factors, like glucocorticoids and cytokines, factors involved in brain development and influences of epigenetic and genetic factors in prenatal stress induced phenotype are covered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretha J. Boersma
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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Abstract
Fetal development is a critical period for shaping the lifelong health of an individual. However, the fetus is susceptible to internal and external stimuli that can lead to adverse long-term health consequences. Glucocorticoids are an important developmental switch, driving changes in gene regulation that are necessary for normal growth and maturation. The fetal hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is particularly susceptible to long-term programming by glucocorticoids; these effects can persist throughout the life of an organism. Dysfunction of the HPA axis as a result of fetal programming has been associated with impaired brain growth, altered behaviour and increased susceptibility to chronic disease (such as metabolic and cardiovascular disease). Moreover, the effects of glucocorticoid-mediated programming are evident in subsequent generations, and transmission of these changes can occur through both maternal and paternal lineages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasilis G Moisiadis
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Departments of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Medicine and Physiology, University of Toronto, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 1A8, Canada
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Noorlander CW, Tijsseling D, Hessel EVS, de Vries WB, Derks JB, Visser GHA, de Graan PNE. Antenatal glucocorticoid treatment affects hippocampal development in mice. PLoS One 2014; 9:e85671. [PMID: 24465645 PMCID: PMC3899077 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0085671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids are administered to pregnant women at risk for preterm delivery, to enhance fetal lung maturation. The benefit of this treatment is well established, however caution is necessary because of possible unwanted side effects on development of different organ systems, including the brain. Actions of glucocorticoids are mediated by corticosteroid receptors, which are highly expressed in the hippocampus, a brain structure involved in cognitive functions. Therefore, we analyzed the effects of a single antenatal dexamethasone treatment on the development of the mouse hippocampus. A clinically relevant dose of dexamethasone (0.4 mg/kg) was administered to pregnant mice at embryonic day 15.5 and the hippocampus was analyzed from embryonic day 16 until adulthood. We investigated the effects of dexamethasone treatment on anatomical changes, apoptosis and proliferation in the hippocampus, hippocampal volume and on total body weight. Our results show that dexamethasone treatment reduced body weight and hippocampal volume transiently during development, but these effects were no longer detected at adulthood. Dexamethasone treatment increased the number of apoptotic cells in the hippocampus until birth, but postnatally no effects of dexamethasone treatment on apoptosis were found. During the phase with increased apoptosis, dexamethasone treatment reduced the number of proliferating cells in the subgranular zone of the dentate gyrus. The number of proliferative cells was increased at postnatal day 5 and 10, but was decreased again at the adult stage. This latter long-term and negative effect of antenatal dexamethasone treatment on the number of proliferative cells in the hippocampus may have important implications for hippocampal network function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cornelle W. Noorlander
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Deodata Tijsseling
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Ellen V. S. Hessel
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Willem B. de Vries
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Jan B. Derks
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard H. A. Visser
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Pierre N. E. de Graan
- Brain Center Rudolf Magnus, Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Protective effects of maternal nutritional supplementation with lactoferrin on growth and brain metabolism. Pediatr Res 2014; 75:51-61. [PMID: 24213624 DOI: 10.1038/pr.2013.199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is a major risk factor for both perinatal and long-term morbidity. Bovine lactoferrin (bLf) is a major milk glycoprotein considered as a pleiotropic functional nutrient. The impact of maternal supplementation with bLf on IUGR-induced sequelae, including inadequate growth and altered cerebral development, remains unknown. METHODS IUGR was induced through maternal dexamethasone infusion (100 μg/kg during last gestational week) in rats. Maternal supplementation with bLf (0.85% in food pellet) was provided during both gestation and lactation. Pup growth was monitored, and Pup brain metabolism and gene expression were studied using in vivo (1)H NMR spectroscopy, quantitative PCR, and microarray in the hippocampus at postnatal day (PND)7. RESULTS Maternal bLf supplementation did not change gestational weight but increased the birth body weight of control pups (4%) with no effect on the IUGR pups. Maternal bLf supplementation allowed IUGR pups to recover a normalized weight at PND21 (weaning) improving catch-up growth. Significantly altered levels of brain metabolites (γ-aminobutyric acid, glutamate, N-acetylaspartate, and N-acetylaspartylglutamate) and transcripts (brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT-1), and glutamate receptors) in IUGR pups were normalized with maternal bLf supplementation. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that maternal bLf supplementation is a beneficial nutritional intervention able to revert some of the IUGR-induced sequelae, including brain hippocampal changes.
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Kuypers E, Jellema RK, Ophelders DRMG, Dudink J, Nikiforou M, Wolfs TGAM, Nitsos I, Pillow JJ, Polglase GR, Kemp MW, Saito M, Newnham JP, Jobe AH, Kallapur SG, Kramer BW. Effects of intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide and maternal betamethasone on brain inflammation in fetal sheep. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81644. [PMID: 24358119 PMCID: PMC3866104 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Rationale Chorioamnionitis and antenatal glucocorticoids are common exposures for preterm infants and can affect the fetal brain, contributing to cognitive and motor deficits in preterm infants. The effects of antenatal glucocorticoids on the brain in the setting of chorioamnionitis are unknown. We hypothesized that antenatal glucocorticoids would modulate inflammation in the brain and prevent hippocampal and white matter injury after intra-amniotic lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. Methods Time-mated ewes received saline (control), an intra-amniotic injection of 10 mg LPS at 106d GA or 113d GA, maternal intra-muscular betamethasone (0.5 mg/kg maternal weight) alone at 113d GA, betamethasone at 106d GA before LPS or betamethasone at 113d GA after LPS. Animals were delivered at 120d GA (term=150d). Brain structure volumes were measured on T2-weighted MRI images. The subcortical white matter (SCWM), periventricular white matter (PVWM) and hippocampus were analyzed for microglia, astrocytes, apoptosis, proliferation, myelin and pre-synaptic vesicles. Results LPS and/or betamethasone exposure at different time-points during gestation did not alter brain structure volumes on MRI. Betamethasone alone did not alter any of the measurements. Intra-amniotic LPS at 106d or 113d GA induced inflammation as indicated by increased microglial and astrocyte recruitment which was paralleled by increased apoptosis and hypomyelination in the SCWM and decreased synaptophysin density in the hippocampus. Betamethasone before the LPS exposure at 113d GA prevented microglial activation and the decrease in synaptophysin. Betamethasone after LPS exposure increased microglial infiltration and apoptosis. Conclusion Intra-uterine LPS exposure for 7d or 14d before delivery induced inflammation and injury in the fetal white matter and hippocampus. Antenatal glucocorticoids aggravated the inflammatory changes in the brain caused by pre-existing intra-amniotic inflammation. Antenatal glucocorticoids prior to LPS reduced the effects of intra-uterine inflammation on the brain. The timing of glucocorticoid administration in the setting of chorioamnionitis can alter outcomes for the fetal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elke Kuypers
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Reint K. Jellema
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Daan R. M. G. Ophelders
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen Dudink
- Department of Pediatrics, Erasmus Medical Center-Sophia, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Maria Nikiforou
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Tim G. A. M. Wolfs
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Ilias Nitsos
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J. Jane Pillow
- School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Graeme R. Polglase
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- The Ritchie Centre, Monash Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Matthew W. Kemp
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Masatoshi Saito
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - John P. Newnham
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alan H. Jobe
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Suhas G. Kallapur
- School of Women’s and Infants’ Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
- Division of Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Boris W. Kramer
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
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Khalife N, Glover V, Taanila A, Ebeling H, Järvelin MR, Rodriguez A. Prenatal glucocorticoid treatment and later mental health in children and adolescents. PLoS One 2013; 8:e81394. [PMID: 24278432 PMCID: PMC3838350 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0081394] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Animal studies demonstrate a clear link between prenatal exposure to glucocorticoids (GC) and altered offspring brain development. We aim to examine whether prenatal GC exposure programs long-term mental health in humans. Methods Using propensity-score-matching, children prenatally exposed to synthetic glucocorticoids (sGC), n=37, and controls, n=185, were balanced on important confounders related to sGC treatment - gestational age and pre-pregnancy BMI. We also used mixed-effects modeling to analyse the entire cohort – matching each sGC case, n=37, to all possible controls, n=6079, on gestational age and sex. We obtained data from the Northern Finland Birth Cohort 1986 at four waves – pregnancy, birth, 8 and 16 years. Data on pregnancy and birth outcomes came from medical records. Mental health was assessed at 8 years by teachers with the Rutter B2 scale, and at 16 years by parents with the Strengths and Weaknesses of ADHD symptoms and Normal behavior (SWAN) scale and adolescents by the Youth Self-Report (YSR) scale. Results Prenatal sGC treatment was consistently associated with adverse mental health in childhood and adolescence, as shown by both the propensity-score method and mixed-effects model. Using the propensity-score-matched subsample, linear multiple regression showed prenatal sGC was significantly linked with general psychiatric disturbance (B=8.34 [95% CI: .23-16.45]) and inattention (B= .97 [95% CI: .16-1.80]) at 8 years after control for relevant confounders. Similar findings were obtained at 16 years, but did not reach statistical significance. Mediation by birthweight/placental weight was not detected. Conclusions This study is the first to prospectively investigate the long-term associations between prenatal exposure to sGC treatment and mental health in children and adolescents. We report an association between prenatal exposure to sGC and child mental health, supportive of the idea that sGC has a programming effect on the fetal brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Khalife
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Vivette Glover
- Institute of Reproductive and Developmental Biology, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anja Taanila
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Unit of General Practice, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Hanna Ebeling
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Clinic of Child Psychiatry, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Clinic of Child Psychiatry, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
| | - Marjo-Riitta Järvelin
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Unit of Primary Care, Oulu University Hospital, Oulu, Finland
- MRC Health Protection Agency (HPA) Centre for Environment and Health, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Children and Young People and Families, National Institute for Health and Welfare, Oulu, Finland
- Biocenter Oulu, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
| | - Alina Rodriguez
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Psychology, Mid Sweden University, Östersund, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Zuloaga DG, Siegel JA, Acevedo SF, Agam M, Raber J. Developmental methamphetamine exposure results in short- and long-term alterations in hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal-axis-associated proteins. Dev Neurosci 2013; 35:338-46. [PMID: 23860125 DOI: 10.1159/000351278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental exposure to methamphetamine (MA) causes long-term behavioral and cognitive deficits. One pathway through which MA might induce these deficits is by elevating glucocorticoid levels. Glucocorticoid overexposure during brain development can lead to long-term disruptions in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. These disruptions affect the regulation of stress responses and may contribute to behavioral and cognitive deficits reported following developmental MA exposure. Furthermore, alterations in proteins associated with the HPA axis, including vasopressin, oxytocin, and glucocorticoid receptors (GR), are correlated with disruptions in mood and cognition. We therefore hypothesized that early MA exposure will result in short- and long-term alterations in the expression of HPA axis-associated proteins. Male mice were treated with MA (5 mg/kg daily) or saline from postnatal day (P) 11 to P20. At P20 and P90, mice were perfused and their brains processed for vasopressin, oxytocin, and GR immunoreactivity within HPA axis-associated regions. At P20, there was a significant decrease in the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive cells and the area occupied by vasopressin immunoreactivity in the paraventricular nucleus (PVN) of MA-treated mice, but no difference in oxytocin immunoreactivity in the PVN, or GR immunoreactivity in the hippocampus or PVN. In the central nucleus of the amygdala, the area occupied by GR immunoreactivity was decreased by MA. At P90, the number of vasopressin-immunoreactive cells was still decreased, but the area occupied by vasopressin immunoreactivity no longer differed from saline controls. No effects of MA were found on oxytocin or GR immunoreactivity at P90. Thus developmental MA exposure has short- and long-term effects on vasopressin immunoreactivity and short-term effects on GR immunoreactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health and Science University Portland, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
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Everds NE, Snyder PW, Bailey KL, Bolon B, Creasy DM, Foley GL, Rosol TJ, Sellers T. Interpreting Stress Responses during Routine Toxicity Studies. Toxicol Pathol 2013; 41:560-614. [DOI: 10.1177/0192623312466452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stress often occurs during toxicity studies. The perception of sensory stimuli as stressful primarily results in catecholamine release and activation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis to increase serum glucocorticoid concentrations. Downstream effects of these neuroendocrine signals may include decreased total body weights or body weight gain; food consumption and activity; altered organ weights (e.g., thymus, spleen, adrenal); lymphocyte depletion in thymus and spleen; altered circulating leukocyte counts (e.g., increased neutrophils with decreased lymphocytes and eosinophils); and altered reproductive functions. Typically, only some of these findings occur in a given study. Stress responses should be interpreted as secondary (indirect) rather than primary (direct) test article–related findings. Determining whether effects are the result of stress requires a weight-of-evidence approach. The evaluation and interpretation of routinely collected data (standard in-life, clinical pathology, and anatomic pathology endpoints) are appropriate and generally sufficient to assess whether or not changes are secondary to stress. The impact of possible stress-induced effects on data interpretation can partially be mitigated by toxicity study designs that use appropriate control groups (e.g., cohorts treated with vehicle and subjected to the same procedures as those dosed with test article), housing that minimizes isolation and offers environmental enrichment, and experimental procedures that minimize stress and sampling and analytical bias. This article is a comprehensive overview of the biological aspects of the stress response, beginning with a Summary (Section 1) and an Introduction (Section 2) that describes the historical and conventional methods used to characterize acute and chronic stress responses. These sections are followed by reviews of the primary systems and parameters that regulate and/or are influenced by stress, with an emphasis on parameters evaluated in toxicity studies: In-life Procedures (Section 3), Nervous System (Section 4), Endocrine System (Section 5), Reproductive System (Section 6), Clinical Pathology (Section 7), and Immune System (Section 8). The paper concludes (Section 9) with a brief discussion on Minimizing Stress-Related Effects (9.1.), and a final section explaining why Parameters routinely measured are appropriate for assessing the role of stress in toxicology studies (9.2.).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Keith L. Bailey
- Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Brad Bolon
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences and the Comparative Pathology and Mouse Phenotyping Shared Resource, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | | | | | - Thomas J. Rosol
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Claessens SE, Belanoff JK, Kanatsou S, Lucassen PJ, Champagne DL, Ronald de Kloet E. Acute effects of neonatal dexamethasone treatment on proliferation and astrocyte immunoreactivity in hippocampus and corpus callosum: Towards a rescue strategy. Brain Res 2012; 1482:1-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2012.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2012] [Revised: 07/31/2012] [Accepted: 08/10/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Joëls M, Sarabdjitsingh RA, Karst H. Unraveling the Time Domains of Corticosteroid Hormone Influences on Brain Activity: Rapid, Slow, and Chronic Modes. Pharmacol Rev 2012; 64:901-38. [DOI: 10.1124/pr.112.005892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 305] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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Glucocorticoids and preterm hypoxic-ischemic brain injury: the good and the bad. J Pregnancy 2012; 2012:751694. [PMID: 22970371 PMCID: PMC3431094 DOI: 10.1155/2012/751694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2012] [Accepted: 07/13/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetuses at risk of premature delivery are now routinely exposed to maternal treatment with synthetic glucocorticoids. In randomized clinical trials, these substantially reduce acute neonatal systemic morbidity, and mortality, after premature birth and reduce intraventricular hemorrhage. However, the overall neurodevelopmental impact is surprisingly unclear; worryingly, postnatal glucocorticoids are consistently associated with impaired brain development. We review the clinical and experimental evidence on how glucocorticoids may affect the developing brain and highlight the need for systematic research.
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Zuloaga DG, Carbone DL, Handa RJ. Prenatal dexamethasone selectively decreases calretinin expression in the adult female lateral amygdala. Neurosci Lett 2012; 521:109-14. [PMID: 22668856 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2012] [Revised: 04/06/2012] [Accepted: 05/18/2012] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to high levels of glucocorticoids (GCs) during early development results in lasting disturbances in emotional behavior in rodents. Inhibitory GABAergic neurons, classified by their expression of calcium binding proteins (CBPs), also contribute to stress-related behaviors and may be GC sensitive during development. Therefore, in the present study we investigated the effects of prenatal treatment with the glucocorticoid receptor agonist dexamethasone (DEX) on expression of calbindin and calretinin in brain areas critical to emotional regulation (basolateral/lateral amygdala and hippocampal CA1 and CA3 regions). Late gestational treatment with DEX (gestational days 18-22) significantly decreased the density of calretinin immunoreactive cells in the lateral amygdala of adult female offspring with no differences in the basolateral amygdala, hippocampal CA1, or CA3 regions. Moreover, there were no effects of gestational DEX treatment on calretinin expression in males. Calbindin expression in adulthood was unaltered within either amygdala or hippocampal subregion of either sex following prenatal DEX treatment. Together these findings indicate that late gestational DEX treatment causes a targeted reduction of calretinin within the lateral amygdala of females and this may be one mechanism through which developmental glucocorticoid exposure contributes to lasting alterations in emotional behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damian G Zuloaga
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States.
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Tijsseling D, Wijnberger LDE, Derks JB, van Velthoven CTJ, de Vries WB, van Bel F, Nikkels PGJ, Visser GHA. Effects of antenatal glucocorticoid therapy on hippocampal histology of preterm infants. PLoS One 2012; 7:e33369. [PMID: 22457757 PMCID: PMC3311632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0033369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2010] [Accepted: 02/13/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate if antenatal glucocorticoid treatment has an effect on hippocampal histology of the human preterm newborn. PATIENTS AND METHODS Included were consecutive neonates with a gestational age between 24 and 32 weeks, who were born between 1991 to 2009, who had died within 4 days after delivery and underwent brain autopsy. Excluded were neonates with congenital malformations and neonates treated postnatally with glucocorticoids. The brains were routinely fixed, samples of the hippocampus were stained with haematoxylin and eosin and sections were examined for presence or absence of large and small neurons in regions of the hippocampus. Additional staining with GFAP, neurofilament and vimentin was performed to evaluate gliosis and myelination. The proliferation marker Ki67 was used to evaluate neuronal proliferation. Staining with acid fuchsin-thionin was performed to evaluate ischemic damage. RESULTS The hippocampi of ten neonates who had been treated with antenatal glucocorticoids showed a lower density of large neurons (p = 0.01) and neurons irrespective of size (p = 0.02) as compared to eleven neonates who had not been treated with glucocorticoids. No difference was found in density of small neurons, in myelination, gliosis, proliferation or ischemic damage. CONCLUSION We found a significantly lower density of neurons in the hippocampus of neonates after antenatal glucocorticoid treatment. Although the pathophysiological and clinical interpretations of these findings are not clear, they are consistent with those from experiments in mice and rhesus monkeys.
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Damsted SK, Born AP, Paulson OB, Uldall P. Exogenous glucocorticoids and adverse cerebral effects in children. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2011; 15:465-77. [PMID: 21632268 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2011.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2010] [Revised: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 05/06/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are commonly used in treatment of paediatric diseases, but evidence of associated adverse cerebral effects is accumulating. The various pharmacokinetic profiles of the exogenous glucocorticoids and the changes in pharmacodynamics during childhood, result in different exposure of nervous tissue to exogenous glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids activate two types of intracellular receptors, the mineralocorticoid receptor and the glucocorticoid receptor. The two receptors differ in cerebral distribution, affinity and effects. Exogenous glucocorticoids favor activation of the glucocorticoid receptor, which is associated with unfavorable cellular outcomes. Prenatal treatment with glucocorticoids can compromise brain growth and is associated with periventricular leukomalacia, attentions deficits and poorer cognitive performance. In the neonatal period exposure to glucocorticoids reduces neurogenesis and cerebral volume, impairs memory and increases the incidence of cerebral palsy. Cerebral effects of glucocorticoids in later childhood have been less thoroughly studied, but apparent brain atrophy, reduced size of limbic structures and neuropsychiatric symptoms have been reported. Glucocortioids affect several cellular structures and functions, which may explain the observed adverse effects. Glucocorticoids can impair neuronal glucose uptake, decrease excitability, cause atrophy of dendrites, compromise development of myelin-producing oligodendrocytes and disturb important cellular structures involved in axonal transport, long-term potentiation and neuronal plasticity. Significant maturation of the brain continues throughout childhood and we hypothesize that exposure to exogenous glucocorticoids during preschool and school age causes adverse cerebral effects. It is our opinion that studies of associations between exposure to glucocorticoids during childhood and impaired neurodevelopment are highly relevant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara K Damsted
- Department of Paediatrics, Copenhagen University Hospital, Rigshospitalet, Juliane Marie Center, Blegdamsvej 9, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Dexamethasone induces apoptosis in the developing rat amygdala in an age-, region-, and sex-specific manner. Neuroscience 2011; 199:535-47. [PMID: 22008524 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2011.09.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2011] [Revised: 09/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to glucocorticoids (GCs) in early development can lead to long-term changes in brain function and behavior, although little is known about the underlying neural mechanisms. Perinatal exposure to GCs alters adult anxiety and neuroendocrine responses to stress. Therefore, we investigated the effects of either late gestational or neonatal exposure to the GC receptor agonist dexamethasone (DEX), on apoptosis within the amygdala, a region critical for emotional regulation. DEX was administered to timed-pregnant rat dams from gestational day 18 until parturition, or postnatal day 4-6. Offspring were sacrificed the day following the last DEX treatment, and tissue was processed for immunohistochemical detection of cleaved caspase-3, a marker for apoptotic cells. Prenatal DEX treatment significantly increased the number of cleaved caspase-3-positive cells in the amygdala of both sexes, largely due to increases within the medial and basomedial subregions. Postnatal DEX treatment also increased cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactivity within the amygdala, although effects reached significance only in the central nucleus of females. Overall, DEX induction of cleaved caspase-3 in the amygdala was greater following prenatal compared with postnatal treatment, yet in both instances, elevations in cleaved caspase-3 correlated with an increase in pro-apoptotic Bax mRNA expression. Dual-label immunohistochemistry of cleaved caspase-3 and the neuronal marker NeuN confirmed that virtually all cleaved caspase-3-positive cells in the amygdala were neurons, and a subset of these cells (primarily following postnatal treatment) expressed a GABAergic calcium-binding protein phenotype (calbindin or calretinin). Together these results indicate that early developmental GC exposure induces neuronal apoptosis within the amygdala in an age-, sex-, and region-dependent manner.
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Visser GHA, Mulder EJH, Tessa Ververs FF. Fetal behavioral teratology. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2011; 23 Suppl 3:14-6. [PMID: 20873979 DOI: 10.3109/14767058.2010.517717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Ultrasound studies of fetal motor behavior provide direct – in vivo – insight in the functioning of the motor component of the fetal central nervous system. In this article, studies are reviewed showing changes in the first timetable of appearance of fetal movements, changes in quality and/or quantity of movements and disturbances in the development of fetal behavioral states in case of endogenous malfunctions, maternal diseases and exogenous behavioral teratogens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerard H A Visser
- Department of Obstetrics, University Medical Center, Lundlaan 6, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
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Chou IC, Lien HC, Lin HC, Fu JJC, Kao CH, Tsai CH, Lin PH, Tsai FJ. The relationship of salivary and cord blood cortisol in preterm infants. J Pediatr Endocrinol Metab 2011; 24:85-8. [PMID: 21528822 DOI: 10.1515/jpem.2011.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Recent studies reveal that salivary cortisol measurements accurately reflect blood cortisol levels in older children and adults; yet, the relationship between the two values in premature infants has not been established. This study explores the use of salivary cortisol as an accurate measure of adrenal steroid concentrations in premature infants to provide a reliable and less invasive tool for investigating hormonal stress response. Premature infants (n=51) were recruited, with saliva and blood collected immediately after birth, and cortisol levels measured by radioimmunoassay. A linear relationship emerged between cord plasma and salivary cortisol values in the 102 paired samples [(salivary cortisol) = 0.546 +/- 0.192 x (plasma cortisol), r = 0.481 and p = 0.0003]. Findings demonstrated that salivary and plasma cortisol levels were correlated in premature infants. This information will be useful in future studies that assess use of salivary cortisol to evaluate neonatal stress axis function.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Ching Chou
- Children Medical Center, China Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
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Meyer U, Feldon J. Epidemiology-driven neurodevelopmental animal models of schizophrenia. Prog Neurobiol 2010; 90:285-326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2009.10.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 261] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2009] [Revised: 09/30/2009] [Accepted: 10/14/2009] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
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Petraglia F, Visser GHA. Prevention and management of preterm labour. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2009; 22 Suppl 2:24-30. [DOI: 10.1080/14767050902860708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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He WB, Zhao M, Machida T, Chen NH. Effect of corticosterone on developing hippocampus: Short-term and long-term outcomes. Hippocampus 2009; 19:338-49. [DOI: 10.1002/hipo.20523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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