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Dileepan KN, Raveendran VV, Sharma R, Abraham H, Barua R, Singh V, Sharma R, Sharma M. Mast cell-mediated immune regulation in health and disease. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1213320. [PMID: 37663654 PMCID: PMC10470157 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1213320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells are important components of the immune system, and they perform pro-inflammatory as well as anti-inflammatory roles in the complex process of immune regulation in health and disease. Because of their strategic perivascular localization, sensitivity and adaptability to the microenvironment, and ability to release a variety of preformed and newly synthesized effector molecules, mast cells perform unique functions in almost all organs. Additionally, Mast cells express a wide range of surface and cytoplasmic receptors which enable them to respond to a variety of cytokines, chemicals, and pathogens. The mast cell's role as a cellular interface between external and internal environments as well as between vasculature and tissues is critical for protection and repair. Mast cell interactions with different immune and nonimmune cells through secreted inflammatory mediators may also turn in favor of disease promoting agents. First and forefront, mast cells are well recognized for their multifaceted functions in allergic diseases. Reciprocal communication between mast cells and endothelial cells in the presence of bacterial toxins in chronic/sub-clinical infections induce persistent vascular inflammation. We have shown that mast cell proteases and histamine induce endothelial inflammatory responses that are synergistically amplified by bacterial toxins. Mast cells have been shown to exacerbate vascular changes in normal states as well as in chronic or subclinical infections, particularly among cigarette smokers. Furthermore, a potential role of mast cells in SARS-CoV-2-induced dysfunction of the capillary-alveolar interface adds to the growing understanding of mast cells in viral infections. The interaction between mast cells and microglial cells in the brain further highlights their significance in neuroinflammation. This review highlights the significant role of mast cells as the interface that acts as sensor and early responder through interactions with cells in systemic organs and the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kottarappat N. Dileepan
- Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Vineesh V. Raveendran
- Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Rishi Sharma
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Harita Abraham
- Division of Allergy, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, The University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
| | - Rajat Barua
- Cardiology Section, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Vikas Singh
- Neurology Section, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Ram Sharma
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO, United States
- Midwest Veterans’ Biomedical Research Foundation (MVBRF), Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas, MO, United States
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Evaluation of emotional, Behavioral, and clinical characteristics of children aged 1-5 with a history of food-related anaphylaxis. Pediatr Neonatol 2022; 64:154-159. [PMID: 36210301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedneo.2022.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our study aimed to investigate emotional, behavioral, and social characteristics assessed with internationally validated psychometric scales and their relationship with demographic, clinical, and laboratory data in children with a history of food-related anaphylaxis. METHOD The study included patients aged 1-5 who were followed up in the pediatric allergy outpatient clinic with a diagnosis of food-related anaphylaxis. All participants were evaluated during admission to the clinic using a study questionnaire, which was prepared by the authors, consisting of three parts: a sociodemographic information form, a clinical evaluation form, and the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) for psychiatric evaluation. Parents answered the questionnaires regarding the patients' emotional and behavioral health. RESULTS Thirty patients aged between 12 and 62 months were included in the study. The data were compared with 30 healthy controls with similar age and gender distribution. The total ABC score (p = 0.015), and the stereotypic behavior (p = 0.003) and hyperactivity (p = 0.002) subscale scores were significantly higher in patients with anaphylaxis history compared to the controls. CONCLUSION Emotional and behavioral status assessments and the clinical follow-up of food allergies of patients who experienced anaphylaxis in early childhood are useful for the holistic management and early recognition of possible pathologies.
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Golding MA, Batac ALR, Gunnarsson NV, Ahlstedt S, Middelveld R, Protudjer JLP. The burden of food allergy on children and teens: A systematic review. Pediatr Allergy Immunol 2022; 33:e13743. [PMID: 35338731 DOI: 10.1111/pai.13743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Over the last two decades, researchers have placed increasing attention on understanding how food allergy affects the health-related quality of life (HRQL) and psychosocial well-being of children and teens. In response, a number of reviews have been published that aim at synthesizing the literature. However, many of these papers focus narrowly on HRQL or suffer from methodological limitations. METHOD The current review aims to fill this gap by providing a comprehensive overview of the burden of pediatric food allergy by synthesizing the quantitative and qualitative literature. RESULTS Findings from the present review provide evidence of reduced HRQL among children and teens with food allergy, particularly older children and those with more severe manifestations of the condition. In comparison to HRQL, the link between food allergy and psychosocial functioning is less clear; however, some evidence can be cited linking food allergy to greater levels of psychological distress. Qualitative evidence suggests that the burden of pediatric food allergy largely stems from worries surrounding exposures outside of the home and the social consequences of the condition. The current review also highlights several gaps in the literature, including a paucity of longitudinal research, research focused on predictors of psychological distress among children and teens with food allergy as well as a dearth of studies comparing rates of bullying in food-allergic and non-food-allergic samples. CONCLUSION More emphasis should be placed on not only alleviating the social and psychological consequences of food allergy, but also on identifying and assisting those most acutely burdened by the condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A Golding
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ayel L R Batac
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nina V Gunnarsson
- Department of Social Work, School of Health and Welfare, Jönköping University, Jönköping, Sweden
| | - Staffan Ahlstedt
- Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Roelinde Middelveld
- Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jennifer L P Protudjer
- Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Centre for Allergy Research, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,George and Fay Yee Centre for Healthcare Innovation, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.,Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
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Germundson DL, Nagamoto-Combs K. Potential Role of Intracranial Mast Cells in Neuroinflammation and Neuropathology Associated with Food Allergy. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040738. [PMID: 35203387 PMCID: PMC8870724 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are the major effector cells of allergic responses and reside throughout the body, including in the brain and meninges. Previously, we showed in a mouse model of subclinical cow's milk allergy that brain MC numbers were elevated in sensitized mice. However, the neurophysiological consequences of intracranial MC accumulation and activation are unclear. We hypothesized that centrally recruited MCs in sensitized mice could be activated by the allergen via the IgE/FcεRI mechanism and increase the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability to promote neuroinflammation. Furthermore, we suspected that repeated allergen exposure could sustain MC activation. To investigate our hypothesis, we sensitized C57BL6/J mice to a bovine whey allergen, β-lactoglobulin (BLG), and subsequently placed them on a whey-containing diet for two weeks. MC activity and associated changes in the brain were examined. BLG-sensitized mice showed mobility changes and depression-like behavior with significantly increased MC numbers and histamine levels in select brain regions. IgG extravasation and perivascular astrogliosis were also evident. Importantly, myelin staining revealed cortical demyelination in the BLG-sensitized mice, suggesting a potential neural substrate for their behavioral changes. Our findings support the ability of brain MCs to release histamine and other mediators to increase BBB permeability and facilitate neuroinflammatory responses in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L. Germundson
- Clinical and Translational Sciences Graduate Program, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037, USA;
| | - Kumi Nagamoto-Combs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND 58202-9037, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-701-777-2559
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Smith NA, Germundson DL, Gao P, Hur J, Floden AM, Nagamoto-Combs K. Anxiety-like behavior and intestinal microbiota changes as strain-and sex-dependent sequelae of mild food allergy in mouse models of cow's milk allergy. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 95:122-141. [PMID: 33705867 PMCID: PMC8525516 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A number of studies have reported comorbidity of food allergies with various neuropsychiatric disorders, such as anxiety, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder, and autism. However, inconsistent results across clinical studies have left the association between food allergy and behavioral disorders inconclusive. We postulated that the heterogeneities in genetic background among allergic cohorts affect symptom presentation and severity of food allergy, introducing bias in patient selection criteria toward individuals with overt physical reactions. To understand the influence of genetic background on food allergy symptoms and behavioral changes beyond anaphylaxis, we generated mouse models with mild cow's milk allergy by sensitizing male and female C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice to a bovine whey protein, β-lactoglobulin (BLG; Bos d 5). We compared strain- and sex-dependent differences in their immediate physical reactions to BLG challenge as well as anxiety-like behavior one day after the challenge. While reactions to the allergen challenge were either absent or mild for all groups, a greater number of BLG-sensitized BALB/cJ mice presented visible symptoms and hypothermia compared to C57BL/6J mice. Interestingly, male mice of both strains displayed anxiety-like behavior on an elevated zero maze without exhibiting cognitive impairment with the cross maze test. Further characterization of plasma cytokines/chemokines and fecal microbiota also differentiated strain- and sex-dependent effects of BLG sensitization on immune-mediator levels and bacterial populations, respectively. These results demonstrated that the genetic variables in mouse models of milk allergy influenced immediate physical reactions to the allergen, manifestation of anxiety-like behavior, levels of immune responses, and population shift in gut microbiota. Thus, stratification of allergic cohorts by their symptom presentations and severity may strengthen the link between food allergy and behavioral disorders and identify a population(s) with specific genetic background that have increased susceptibility to allergy-associated behavioral disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
| | - Danielle L Germundson
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
| | - Pan Gao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
| | - Junguk Hur
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
| | - Angela M Floden
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
| | - Kumi Nagamoto-Combs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine & Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, USA.
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Germundson DL, Vendsel LP, Nagamoto-Combs K. Region-specific regulation of central histaminergic H3 receptor expression in a mouse model of cow's milk allergy. Brain Res 2020; 1749:147148. [PMID: 33035498 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2020.147148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Central histaminergic H3 receptor (H3R) has been extensively investigated as a potential therapeutic target for various neurological and neurodegenerative disorders. Despite promising results in preclinical rodent models, clinical trials have not provided conclusive evidence for the benefit of H3R antagonists to alleviate cognitive and behavioral symptoms of these disorders. Inconsistent pharmacological efficacies may arise from aberrant changes in H3R over time during disease development. Because H3R is involved in feedback inhibition of histamine synthesis and secretion, the expression of the autoreceptor may also be reciprocally regulated by altered histamine levels in a pathological condition. Thus, we investigated H3R expression in a mouse model of cow's milk allergy, a condition associated with increased histamine levels. Mice were sensitized to bovine whey proteins (WP) over 5 weeks and H3R protein and transcript levels were examined in the brain. Substantially increased H3R immunoreactivity was observed in various brain regions of WP-sensitized mice compared to sham mice. Elevated H3R expression was also found in the thalamic/hypothalamic region. The expression of histaminergic H1, but not H2, receptor subtype was also increased in this and the midbrain regions. Unlike the brain, all three histaminergic receptors were increased in the small intestine. These results indicated that the central histaminergic receptors were altered in WP-sensitized mice in a subtype- and region-specific manner, which likely contributed to behavioral changes we observed in these mice. Our study also suggests that altered levels of H3R could be considered during a pharmacological intervention of a neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Germundson
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 N. Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Lane P Vendsel
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 N. Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Kumi Nagamoto-Combs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 N. Columbia Rd, Grand Forks, ND, United States.
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Smith NA, Germundson DL, Combs CK, Vendsel LP, Nagamoto-Combs K. Astrogliosis Associated With Behavioral Abnormality in a Non-anaphylactic Mouse Model of Cow's Milk Allergy. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:320. [PMID: 31379506 PMCID: PMC6646667 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Etiology of neuropsychiatric disorders is complex, involving multiple factors that can affect the type and severity of symptoms. Although precise causes are far from being identified, allergy or other forms of hypersensitivity to dietary ingredients have been implicated in triggering or worsening of behavioral and emotional symptoms, especially in patients suffering from depression, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity, and/or autism. Among such ingredients, cow's milk, along with wheat gluten, is commonly suspected. However, the contributory role of cow's milk in these disorders has not been elucidated due to insufficient pathophysiological evidence. In the present study, we therefore investigated neuroinflammatory changes that are associated with behavioral abnormality using a non-anaphylactic mouse model of cow's milk allergy (CMA). Male and female C57BL/6J mice were subjected to a 5-week oral sensitization procedure without or with a major milk allergen, beta-lactoglobulin (BLG). All mice were then later challenged with BLG, and their anxiety- and depression-associated behaviors were subsequently assessed during the 6th and 7th weeks. We found that BLG-sensitized male mice exhibited significantly increased anxiety- and depression-like behavior, although they did not display anaphylactic reactions when challenged with BLG. Female behavior was not noticeably affected by BLG sensitization. Upon examination of the small intestines, reduced immunoreactivity to occludin was detected in the ileal mucosa of BLG-sensitized mice although the transcriptional expression of this tight-junction protein was not significantly altered when measured by quantitative RT-PCR. On the other hand, the expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) in the ileal mucosa was significantly elevated in BLG-sensitized mice, suggesting the sensitization had resulted in intestinal inflammation. Inflammatory responses were also detected in the brain of BLG-sensitized mice, determined by the hypertrophic morphology of GFAP-immunoreactive astrocytes. These reactive astrocytes were particularly evident near the blood vessels in the midbrain region, resembling the perivascular barrier previously reported by others in experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) mouse models. Interestingly, increased levels of COX-2 and TNFα were also found in this region. Taken together, our results demonstrated that BLG sensitization elicits inflammatory responses in the intestine and brain without overt anaphylactic signs of milk allergy, signifying food allergy as a potential pathogenic factor of neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas A Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Danielle L Germundson
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Colin K Combs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Lane P Vendsel
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States
| | - Kumi Nagamoto-Combs
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Grand Forks, ND, United States
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Berni Canani R, Paparo L, Nocerino R, Di Scala C, Della Gatta G, Maddalena Y, Buono A, Bruno C, Voto L, Ercolini D. Gut Microbiome as Target for Innovative Strategies Against Food Allergy. Front Immunol 2019; 10:191. [PMID: 30828329 PMCID: PMC6384262 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The dramatic increase in food allergy prevalence and severity globally requires effective strategies. Food allergy derives from a defect in immune tolerance mechanisms. Immune tolerance is modulated by gut microbiota function and structure, and microbiome alterations (dysbiosis) have a pivotal role in the development of food allergy. Environmental factors, including a low-fiber/high-fat diet, cesarean delivery, antiseptic agents, lack of breastfeeding, and drugs can induce gut microbiome dysbiosis, and have been associated with food allergy. New experimental tools and technologies have provided information regarding the role of metabolites generated from dietary nutrients and selected probiotic strains that could act on immune tolerance mechanisms. The mechanisms are multiple and still not completely defined. Increasing evidence has provided useful information on optimal bacterial species/strains, dosage, and timing for intervention. The increased knowledge of the crucial role played by nutrients and gut microbiota-derived metabolites is opening the way to a post-biotic approach in the stimulation of immune tolerance through epigenetic regulation. This review focused on the potential role of gut microbiome as the target for innovative strategies against food allergy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Berni Canani
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- European Laboratory for the Investigation of Food-Induced Diseases, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Lorella Paparo
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Rita Nocerino
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Di Scala
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Giusy Della Gatta
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Ylenia Maddalena
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Aniello Buono
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Cristina Bruno
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- ImmunoNutritionLab at CEINGE-Advanced Biotechnologies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Luana Voto
- Department of Translational Medical Science – Pediatric Section, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Ercolini
- Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples “Federico II”, Naples, Italy
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Germundson DL, Smith NA, Vendsel LP, Kelsch AV, Combs CK, Nagamoto-Combs K. Oral sensitization to whey proteins induces age- and sex-dependent behavioral abnormality and neuroinflammatory responses in a mouse model of food allergy: a potential role of mast cells. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:120. [PMID: 29685134 PMCID: PMC5913881 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1146-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Growing evidence has strengthened the association of food allergy with neuropsychiatric symptoms such as depression, anxiety, and autism. However, underlying mechanisms by which peripheral allergic responses lead to behavioral dysfunction are yet to be determined. Allergen-activated mast cells may serve as mediators by releasing histamine and other inflammatory factors that could adversely affect brain function. We hypothesized that eliciting food allergy in experimental animals would result in behavioral changes accompanied by mast cell accumulation in the brain. Our hypothesis was tested in a mouse model of milk allergy using bovine milk whey proteins (WP) as the allergen. METHODS Male and female C57BL/6 mice at 4 weeks (young) and 10 months (old) of age underwent 5-week WP sensitization with weekly intragastric administration of 20 mg WP and 10 μg cholera toxin as an adjuvant. Age-matched sham animals were given the vehicle containing only the adjuvant. All animals were orally challenged with 50 mg WP in week 6 and their intrinsic digging behavior was assessed the next day. Animals were sacrificed 3 days after the challenge, and WP-specific serum IgE, intestinal and brain mast cells, glial activation, and epigenetic DNA modification in the brain were examined. RESULTS WP-sensitized males showed significantly less digging activity than the sham males in both age groups while no apparent difference was observed in females. Mast cells and their activities were evident in the intestines in an age- and sex-dependent manner. Brain mast cells were predominantly located in the region between the lateral midbrain and medial hippocampus, and their number increased in the WP-sensitized young, but not old, male brains. Noticeable differences in for 5-hydroxymethylcytosine immunoreactivity were observed in WP mice of both age groups in the amygdala, suggesting epigenetic regulation. Increased microglial Iba1 immunoreactivity and perivascular astrocytes hypertrophy were also observed in the WP-sensitized old male mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results demonstrated that food allergy induced behavioral abnormality, increases in the number of mast cells, epigenetic DNA modification in the brain, microgliosis, and astrocyte hypertrophy in a sex- and age-dependent manner, providing a potential mechanism by which peripheral allergic responses evoke behavioral dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danielle L Germundson
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND, 58202-9037, USA
| | - Nicholas A Smith
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND, 58202-9037, USA
| | - Lane P Vendsel
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND, 58202-9037, USA
| | - Andrea V Kelsch
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND, 58202-9037, USA
| | - Colin K Combs
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of North Dakota, 1301 North Columbia Road, Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND, 58202-9037, USA
| | - Kumi Nagamoto-Combs
- Department of Pathology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 1301 North Columbia Road, Stop 9037, Grand Forks, ND, 58202-9037, USA.
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Butler A, Van Lieshout RJ, Lipman EL, MacMillan HL, Gonzalez A, Gorter JW, Georgiades K, Speechley KN, Boyle MH, Ferro MA. Mental disorder in children with physical conditions: a pilot study. BMJ Open 2018; 8:e019011. [PMID: 29301763 PMCID: PMC5781020 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2017-019011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Methodologically, to assess the feasibility of participant recruitment and retention, as well as missing data in studying mental disorder among children newly diagnosed with chronic physical conditions (ie, multimorbidity). Substantively, to examine the prevalence of multimorbidity, identify sociodemographic correlates and model the influence of multimorbidity on changes in child quality of life and parental psychosocial outcomes over a 6-month follow-up. DESIGN Prospective pilot study. SETTING Two children's tertiary-care hospitals. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 6-16 years diagnosed in the past 6 months with one of the following: asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, food allergy or juvenile arthritis, and their parents. OUTCOME MEASURES Response, participation and retention rates. Child mental disorder using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview at baseline and 6 months. Child quality of life, parental symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression, and family functioning. All outcomes were parent reported. RESULTS Response, participation and retention rates were 90%, 83% and 88%, respectively. Of the 50 children enrolled in the study, the prevalence of multimorbidity was 58% at baseline and 42% at 6 months. No sociodemographic characteristics were associated with multimorbidity. Multimorbidity at baseline was associated with declines over 6 months in the following quality of life domains: physical well-being, β=-4.82 (-8.47, -1.17); psychological well-being, β=-4.10 (-7.62, -0.58) and school environment, β=-4.17 (-8.18, -0.16). There was no association with parental psychosocial outcomes over time. CONCLUSIONS Preliminary evidence suggests that mental disorder in children with a physical condition is very common and has a negative impact on quality of life over time. Based on the strong response rate and minimal attrition, our approach to study child multimorbidity appears feasible and suggests that multimorbidity is an important concern for families. Methodological and substantive findings from this pilot study have been used to implement a larger, more definitive study of child multimorbidity, which should lead to important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Butler
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ryan J Van Lieshout
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ellen Louise Lipman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harriet L MacMillan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jan Willem Gorter
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy Georgiades
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kathy N Speechley
- Department of Paediatrics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Western University, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael H Boyle
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mark A Ferro
- School of Public Health and Health Systems, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
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