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Qiu X, Su Z, Gao J, Cui Y, Dong K, Chen K, Zhao RJ, Wang S, Wu T, Shi Y. Sex-specific impacts of thimerosal on the behaviors and brain monoaminergic systems in zebrafish (Danio rerio). AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2024; 271:106921. [PMID: 38615580 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2024.106921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Thimerosal (THI) is the most widely used form of organic mercury in pharmaceutical and personal care products, and has become a major source of ethylmercury pollution in aquatic ecosystems. However, knowledge about its potential risk to aquatic species is limited. In this study, zebrafish were exposed to THI for 7 days, and variations in their behavioral traits, brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter contents, and related gene expression were investigated. After the 7-day exposure, THI reduced locomotor activity and thigmotaxis in males but not females. Exposure to THI increased the social interaction between females but decreased that between males. The THI exposure also significantly reduced the serotonin (5-HT), 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid, dopamine (DA), and 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid contents in the brain of males, but only significantly decreased the DA content in females. Correlation analysis revealed that the neurochemical alterations in the brain of zebrafish play critical roles in the behavioral abnormalities induced by THI exposure. Moreover, THI also significantly altered the expression of some genes associated with the synthesis, metabolism, and receptor binding of 5-HT and DA in the brain of zebrafish. The differences in these gene expressions between female and male zebrafish exposed to THI seem to be an important mechanism underlying their sex-specific responses to this chemical. This is the first report on the sex-specific effects of THI on behaviors and brain monoaminergic neurotransmitter contents in zebrafish, which can further improve our understanding of its toxic effects on teleost.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuchun Qiu
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Technology and Material of Water Treatment, Suzhou University of Science and Technology, Suzhou 215009, China.
| | - Zhen Su
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Jiarui Gao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Yiming Cui
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Kejun Dong
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Ru-Jin Zhao
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Songmei Wang
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Department of Environmental Science and Engineering, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yanhong Shi
- Institute of Environmental Health and Ecological Security, College of Environment and Safety Engineering, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212013, China.
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Khattab NA, El-Kadem AH, Elblehi SS, Ahmed El-Mahdy N, El-Shitany NA. The emerging role of α7nAChRs/caspase-3/Nrf-2 signaling pathway in citicoline improved autistic behavior induced by thimerosal in mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 130:111736. [PMID: 38401462 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.111736] [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: 01/13/2024] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/26/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a global concern,affecting around 75 million individuals.Various factors contribute to ASD,including mercury-containing preservatives like thimerosal (Thim) found in some vaccines.This study explored whether citicoline could be a therapeutic option for Thim-induced neuronal damage in a mouse model of ASD.Additionally,the study investigated the effects of citicoline on the α7nAChRs/Akt/Nrf2/caspase-3 pathway,which may be involved in the development of ASD. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study separated newborn mice into four groups.The control group received saline injections,while the Thim group received intramuscular injections of 3000 μg Hg/kg Thim on days 7,9,11,and 15 after birth.The two citicoline groups were administered Thim followed by intraperitoneal injections of 250 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg citicoline for three weeks.Afterward,various parameters were assessed, including growth,behavior,brain histopathology,oxidative stress,apoptotic,and inflammatory markers. KEY FINDINGS Untreated Thim-exposed mice exhibited significant brain damage,which was substantially alleviated by citicoline treatment.This beneficial effect was associated with increased expressions and concentrations of brain α7nAChRs and Akt, increased brain content of Nrf2, and the hippocampus contents of acetylcholine. Citicoline treatment decreased the brain levels of oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO),the apoptotic marker caspase-3,and pro-inflammatory markers (NF-κB,TNF-α,and IL-1β). The drug also increased the brain GPx activity. SIGNIFICANCE Based on the results of this study,the α7nAChRs pathway appears to be essential for the therapeutic effectiveness of citicoline in treating Thim-induced ASD in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nourhan A Khattab
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt.
| | - Aya H El-Kadem
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Samar S Elblehi
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria 22758, Egypt
| | - Nageh Ahmed El-Mahdy
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
| | - Nagla A El-Shitany
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tanta University, Tanta 31527, Egypt
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Yui K, Imataka G, Shiohama T. Lipid Peroxidation via Regulating the Metabolism of Docosahexaenoic Acid and Arachidonic Acid in Autistic Behavioral Symptoms. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:9149-9164. [PMID: 37998751 PMCID: PMC10670603 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110574] [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: 09/20/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The association between the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde (MDA)-modified low-density lipoprotein (MDA-LDL) and the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is unclear. This association was studied in 17 children with ASD and seven age-matched controls regarding autistic behaviors. Behavioral symptoms were assessed using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). To compensate for the small sample size, adaptive Lasso was used to increase the likelihood of accurate prediction, and a coefficient of variation was calculated for suitable variable selection. Plasma MDA-LDL levels were significantly increased, and plasma SOD levels were significantly decreased in addition to significantly increased plasma docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) levels and significantly decreased plasma arachidonic acid (ARA) levels in the 17 subjects with ASD as compared with those of the seven healthy controls. The total ABC scores were significantly higher in the ASD group than in the control group. The results of multiple linear regression and adaptive Lasso analyses revealed an association between increased plasma DHA levels and decreased plasma ARA levels, which were significantly associated with total ABC score and increased plasma MDA-LDL levels. Therefore, an imbalance between plasma DHA and ARA levels induces ferroptosis via lipid peroxidation. Decreased levels of α-linolenic acid and γ-linolenic acid may be connected to the total ABC scores with regard to lipid peroxidation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunio Yui
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
- Department of Urology, Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Toyoake 470-1192, Japan
| | - George Imataka
- Department of Pediatrics, Dokkyo Medical University, Tochigi 321-0293, Japan
| | - Tadashi Shiohama
- Department of Pediatrics, Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University, Chiba 260-8677, Japan
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Khakpai F, Rezaei N, Issazadeh Y, Zarrindast MR. Modulation of social and depression behaviors in cholestatic and drug-dependent mice: possible role of opioid receptors. J Diabetes Metab Disord 2023; 22:275-285. [PMID: 37255824 PMCID: PMC10225439 DOI: 10.1007/s40200-022-01129-6] [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: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Social behavior, a set of motivating activities critical for survival, is disturbed in cholestasis conditions and many substance abusers as well as psychiatric disorders. The documented loss of social interest in cholestatic patients may be associated with depressive symptoms. Interestingly, the endogenous opioid system is involved in the modulation of depression. Methods in this research , we assessed the effect of cholestasis and drug dependence on social and depression behaviors using the Three-Chamber Paradigm Test, Forced Swim Test (FST), and Tail Suspension Test (TST) as well as Open Field Test (OFT) in male NMRI mice. Results The results indicated that alone administration of morphine and tramadol, as well as co-administration of them, increased social motivation and novelty but decreased depression in bile duct ligated mice. Whereas, alone administration of naloxone (a µ-opioid receptor antagonist) and co-administration of it along with morphine and tramadol decreased social motivation and novelty while enhanced depression in the sham-operated and bile duct ligated mice. These administrations of drugs did not change locomotor activity compared to the control group. Conclusion In conclusion, it appears that (i) both cholestasis and drug dependence impaired social motivation behavior, as well as induced depression-like behavior in the bile duct, ligated mice, (ii) alone administration of morphine and tramadol as well as co-treatment of them may protect against cholestasis and drug dependence induced abnormal behaviors, (iii) µ-opioid receptors play an important role in modulation of social motivation and depression behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Khakpai
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Niloofar Rezaei
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O.Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yasaman Issazadeh
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O.Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, P.O.Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
- Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of neuroendocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Clinical Sciences Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Neuwirth LS, Verrengia MT, Harikinish-Murrary ZI, Orens JE, Lopez OE. Under or Absent Reporting of Light Stimuli in Testing of Anxiety-Like Behaviors in Rodents: The Need for Standardization. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:912146. [PMID: 36061362 PMCID: PMC9428565 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.912146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Behavioral neuroscience tests such as the Light/Dark Test, the Open Field Test, the Elevated Plus Maze Test, and the Three Chamber Social Interaction Test have become both essential and widely used behavioral tests for transgenic and pre-clinical models for drug screening and testing. However, as fast as the field has evolved and the contemporaneous involvement of technology, little assessment of the literature has been done to ensure that these behavioral neuroscience tests that are crucial to pre-clinical testing have well-controlled ethological motivation by the use of lighting (i.e., Lux). In the present review paper, N = 420 manuscripts were examined from 2015 to 2019 as a sample set (i.e., n = ~20–22 publications per year) and it was found that only a meager n = 50 publications (i.e., 11.9% of the publications sampled) met the criteria for proper anxiogenic and anxiolytic Lux reported. These findings illustrate a serious concern that behavioral neuroscience papers are not being vetted properly at the journal review level and are being released into the literature and public domain making it difficult to assess the quality of the science being reported. This creates a real need for standardizing the use of Lux in all publications on behavioral neuroscience techniques within the field to ensure that contributions are meaningful, avoid unnecessary duplication, and ultimately would serve to create a more efficient process within the pre-clinical screening/testing for drugs that serve as anxiolytic compounds that would prove more useful than what prior decades of work have produced. It is suggested that improving the standardization of the use and reporting of Lux in behavioral neuroscience tests and the standardization of peer-review processes overseeing the proper documentation of these methodological approaches in manuscripts could serve to advance pre-clinical testing for effective anxiolytic drugs. This report serves to highlight this concern and proposes strategies to proactively remedy them as the field moves forward for decades to come.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz S. Neuwirth
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- *Correspondence: Lorenz S. Neuwirth
| | - Michael T. Verrengia
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
| | - Zachary I. Harikinish-Murrary
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
| | - Jessica E. Orens
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
| | - Oscar E. Lopez
- Department of Psychology, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
- SUNY Neuroscience Research Institute, SUNY Old Westbury, Old Westbury, NY, United States
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Effects of Treadmill Exercise on Social Behavior in Rats Exposed to Thimerosal with Respect to the Hippocampal Level of GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B. J Mol Neurosci 2022; 72:1345-1357. [PMID: 35597884 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-022-02027-5] [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: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Thimerosal (THIM) kills brain neurons via induction of apoptosis and necrosis and induces the pathological features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in rats. THIM also affects the function of glutamatergic receptors. On the other hand, exercise induces both improvement and impairment effects on memory, depending on intensity, type, and duration. Treadmill exercise can also alter the expression of glutamatergic receptors. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of THIM and three protocols of treadmill exercise on social interaction memory and hippocampal expression of GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B in rats. THIM was injected intramuscularly at the dose of 300 µg/kg. The three-chamber apparatus was used to evaluate social interaction memory, and western blotting was used to assess protein expression. The results showed that THIM impaired social memory. Exercise 1 impaired social affiliation in controls. Social memory was impaired in all exercise groups of controls. Exercise 1 + 2 impaired social affiliation in THIM rats. Social memory was impaired in all groups of THIM rats. Exercises 2 and 1 + 2 decreased the expression of GluN1, and exercise 1 increased the expression of GluN2A and GluN2B in controls. THIM increased the expression of GluN2B, while exercise 1 reversed this effect. All exercise protocols increased the expression of GluN2A, and exercises 2 and 1 + 2 increased the expression of GluN1 in THIM rats. In conclusion, both THIM and exercise impaired social memory. Of note, the results did not show a separate and influential role for glutamatergic subunits in modulating memory processes following THIM injection or exercise.
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α-Lipoic acid ameliorates inflammation state and oxidative stress by reducing the content of bioactive lipid derivatives in the left ventricle of rats fed a high-fat diet. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2022; 1868:166440. [PMID: 35569738 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2022.166440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Lipid mediators derived from arachidonic acid (AA) are implicated with the occurrence of inflammation and oxidative stress. The current knowledge of AA metabolism focuses on searching for the therapeutic strategy to subvert affected AA metabolism. The aim of our study was to evaluate the potential protective effect of chronic α-lipoic acid (α-LA) supplementation on myocardial inflammation state and oxidative stress in obesity-related cardiovascular dysfunction. The experiment was carried out on male Wistar rats receiving a standard or a high-fat diets with intragastric α-LA administration for 8 weeks. Plasma and myocardial AA concentration was determined using gas-liquid chromatography (GLC). The Western blot technique was used to examine the expression of proteins from the inflammatory pathway. The content of selected cytokines, inflammatory mediators, and oxidative stress indicators was detected by ELISA, colorimetric, and multiplex assay kits. Our results revealed that α-LA caused a notable reduction in AA content, mainly in the phospholipid fraction with a simultaneous diminishment in the synthesis of pro-inflammatory mediators, i.e., prostaglandin E2, leukotrienes B4 and C4 by decreasing the expression of COX-2 and 5-LOX. α-LA also augmented the level of antioxidative SOD2 and GSH and decreased the level of lipid peroxidation products, which improved oxidative system impairment in the left ventricle tissue. The data clearly showed that α-lipoic acid has a significant role in inflammation and oxidative stress development ameliorating the risk of cardiac obesity induced by high-fat feeding.
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Alpha lipoic acid ameliorates detrimental effects of maternal lipopolysaccharides exposure on prefrontal white matter in adult male offspring rats. J Chem Neuroanat 2021; 118:102038. [PMID: 34610418 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2021.102038] [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: 08/07/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the maternal immune system by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) increases the production of proinflammatory cytokines, free radicals, and reactive oxygen species (ROS), all of which play a significant role in the pathogenesis of many offspring neurodevelopmental disorders. Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA) is a natural compound that has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This study was performed to assess the effect of prenatal exposure to LPS on the prefrontal white matter of rat offspring and evaluate the potential protective effects of ALA co-administration during pregnancy. METHODS Pregnant Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6 each group): (1) control, (2) received LPS (100 μg/kg, intraperitoneally (IP) on gestational day 9.5 (GD 9.5), (3) received ALA (20 mg/kg) from GD1 to GD11, (4) LPS+ALA received LPS on GD9.5 and ALA from GD1 to GD11, (5 and 6) received LPS and ALA vehicle respectively. In each group, 21-day old male offspring (2 male pups from each mother) was harvested, and then their prefrontal white matter was separated and prepared for the ultrastructural, stereological, and molecular assays. RESULTS In utero exposure to LPS led to a significant decrease in nerve cell counts, ultrastructural alterations in myelinated axons, and abnormal changes in genes expression of Sox10,Olig1,yrf,Wnt in the prefrontal of the rat offspring. Co-administration of ALA resulted in amelioration of those abnormal changes in the LPS rat offspring. CONCLUSION The findings of our preclinical study, explore that prenatal ALA treatment efficiently protects the nervous system against LPS induced abnormal changes in the offspring.
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Antioxidants Supplementation Reduces Ceramide Synthesis Improving the Cardiac Insulin Transduction Pathway in a Rodent Model of Obesity. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13103413. [PMID: 34684414 PMCID: PMC8541644 DOI: 10.3390/nu13103413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity-related disruption in lipid metabolism contributes to cardiovascular dysfunction. Despite numerous studies on lipid metabolism in the left ventricle, there is no data describing the influence of n-acetylcysteine (NAC) and α-lipoic acid (ALA), as glutathione precursors, on sphingolipid metabolism, and insulin resistance (IR) occurrence. The aim of our experiment was to evaluate the influence of chronic antioxidants administration on myocardial sphingolipid state and intracellular insulin signaling as a potential therapeutic strategy for obesity-related cardiovascular IR. The experiment was conducted on male Wistar rats fed a standard rodent chow or a high-fat diet with intragastric administration of NAC or ALA for eight weeks. Cardiac and plasma sphingolipid species were assessed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The proteins expressed from sphingolipid and insulin signaling pathways were determined by Western blot. Antioxidant supplementation markedly reduced ceramide accumulation by lowering the expression of selected proteins from the sphingolipid pathway and simultaneously increased the myocardial sphingosine-1-phosphate level. Moreover, NAC and ALA augmented the expression of GLUT4 and the phosphorylation state of Akt (Ser473) and GSK3β (Ser9), which improved the intracellular insulin transduction pathway. Based on our results, we may postulate that NAC and ALA have a beneficial influence on the cardiac ceramidose under IR conditions.
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Navazani P, Vaseghi S, Hashemi M, Shafaati MR, Nasehi M. Effects of Treadmill Exercise on the Expression Level of BAX, BAD, BCL-2, BCL-XL, TFAM, and PGC-1α in the Hippocampus of Thimerosal-Treated Rats. Neurotox Res 2021; 39:1274-1284. [PMID: 33939098 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-021-00370-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 04/10/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Thimerosal (THIM) induces neurotoxic changes including neuronal death and releases apoptosis inducing factors from mitochondria to cytosol. THIM alters the expression level of factors involved in apoptosis. On the other hand, the anti-apoptotic effects of exercise have been reported. In this study, we aimed to discover the effect of three protocols of treadmill exercise on the expression level of mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), BCL-2-associated death (BAD), BCL-2-associated X (BAX), BCL-XL, and BCL-2 (a pro-survival BCL-2 protein) in the hippocampus of control and THIM-exposed rats. Male Wistar rats were used in this research. Real-time PCR was applied to assess genes expression. The results showed that THIM increased the expression of pro-apoptotic factors (BAD and BAX), decreased the expression of anti-apoptotic factors (BCL-2 and BCL-XL), and decreased the expression of factors involved in mitochondrial biogenesis (TFAM and PGC-1α). Treadmill exercise protocols reversed the effect of THIM on all genes. In addition, treadmill exercise protocols decreased the expression of BAD and BAX, increased the expression of BCL-2, and increased the expression of TFAM and PGC-1α in control rats. In conclusion, THIM induced a pro-apoptotic effect and disturbed mitochondrial biogenesis and stability, whereas treadmill exercise reversed these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouria Navazani
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Shafaati
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, Hamadan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Hamadan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Indika NLR, Deutz NEP, Engelen MPKJ, Peiris H, Wijetunge S, Perera R. Sulfur amino acid metabolism and related metabotypes of autism spectrum disorder: A review of biochemical evidence for a hypothesis. Biochimie 2021; 184:143-157. [PMID: 33675854 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2021.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
There are multiple lines of evidence for an impaired sulfur amino acid (SAA) metabolism in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). For instance, the concentrations of methionine, cysteine and S-adenosylmethionine (SAM) in body fluids of individuals with ASD is significantly lower while the concentration of S-adenosylhomocysteine (SAH) is significantly higher as compared to healthy individuals. Reduced methionine and SAM may reflect impaired remethylation pathway whereas increased SAH may reflect reduced S-adenosylhomocysteine hydrolase activity in the catabolic direction. Reduced SAM/SAH ratio reflects an impaired methylation capacity. We hypothesize multiple mechanisms to explain how the interplay of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, mercury exposure, maternal use of valproate, altered gut microbiome and certain genetic variants may lead to these SAA metabotypes. Furthermore, we also propose a number of mechanisms to explain the metabolic consequences of abnormal SAA metabotypes. For instance in the brain, reduced SAM/SAH ratio will result in melatonin deficiency and hypomethylation of a number of biomolecules such as DNA, RNA and histones. In addition to previously proposed mechanisms, we propose that impaired activity of "radical SAM" enzymes will result in reduced endogenous lipoic acid synthesis, reduced molybdenum cofactor synthesis and impaired porphyrin metabolism leading to mitochondrial dysfunction, porphyrinuria and impaired sulfation capacity. Furthermore depletion of SAM may also lead to the disturbed mTOR signaling pathway in a subgroup of ASD. The proposed "SAM-depletion hypothesis" is an inclusive model to explain the relationship between heterogeneous risk factors and metabotypes observed in a subset of children with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neluwa-Liyanage R Indika
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka.
| | - Nicolaas E P Deutz
- Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity, Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Marielle P K J Engelen
- Center for Translational Research in Aging & Longevity, Department of Health & Kinesiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Hemantha Peiris
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
| | - Swarna Wijetunge
- Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service, Lady Ridgeway Hospital for Children, Colombo 8, Sri Lanka
| | - Rasika Perera
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Sri Jayewardenepura, Nugegoda, Sri Lanka
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Amini A, Namvarpour Z, Namvarpour M, Raoofi A. Risperidone accelerates bone loss in rats with autistic-like deficits induced by maternal lipopolysaccharides exposure. Life Sci 2020; 258:118197. [PMID: 32781059 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 07/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Patients with neurodevelopmental disorders, usually suffer from bone diseases. Many studies have revealed a higher risk of fracture after atypical antipsychotic drug Risperidone (RIS) treatment, which is usually used to treat such disorders. It remains debatable whether neurodevelopmental disorders by itself are the cause of bone diseases or pharmacotherapy may be the reason. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study attempts to evaluate the biomechanical, histological, stereological, and molecular properties of bones in the offspring of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and saline-treated mothers that received saline, drug vehicle or the atypical antipsychotic drug risperidone (RIS) at different days of postnatal development. After postnatal drug treatment, animals were assessed for autistic-like behaviors. Then their bones were taken for evaluations. RESULTS Maternal LPS exposure resulted in deficits in all behavioral tests and RIS ameliorated these behaviors (p < 0.01& p < 0.05). The administration of LPS and RIS individually led to a significant decrease in the biomechanical parameters such as bone stiffness, strength and the energy used to fracture of bone. The numerical density of osteocalcin-positive cells were significantly decreased in these groups. These rats also had decreased RUNX2 and osteocalcin gene expression. When LPS rats were treated with RIS, these conditions were accelerated (p < 0.001). DISCUSSIONS The results of our preclinical study, consistent with previous studies in animals, explore that autistic-like deficits induced by prenatal exposure to LPS, can reduce bone stability and bone mass similar to those observed in neurodevelopmental disorders, and, for the first time, reveal that this condition worsened when these animals were treated with RIS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdollah Amini
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Namvarpour
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mozhdeh Namvarpour
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir Raoofi
- Leishmaniasis Research Center, Department of Anatomy, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
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13
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Rezaie M, Nasehi M, Vaseghi S, Mohammadi-Mahdiabadi-Hasani MH, Zarrindast MR, Nasiri Khalili MA. The protective effect of alpha lipoic acid (ALA) on social interaction memory, but not passive avoidance in sleep-deprived rats. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2020; 393:2081-2091. [PMID: 32583046 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01916-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 06/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sleep is involved in maintaining energy, regulating heat, and recovering tissues. Furthermore, proper cognitive functions need sufficient sleep. Many studies have revealed the impairment effect of sleep deprivation (SD) on cognitive functions including learning and memory. Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is a potent free radical scavenger, biological antioxidant, and neuroprotective agent. Furthermore, ALA improves learning and memory performance, decreases oxidative stress, and enhances antioxidant biomarkers. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of ALA on social interaction and passive avoidance memories in sleep-deprived rats. Total sleep deprivation (TSD) apparatus was used to induce SD (for 24 h). Three-chamber paradigm test and shuttle box apparatus were used to evaluate social interaction and passive avoidance memory, respectively. Rats' locomotor apparatus was used to assess locomotion. ALA was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 17 and 35 mg/kg for 3 consecutive days. The results showed SD impaired both types of memories. ALA at the dose of 35 mg/kg restored social interaction memory in sleep-deprived rats; while, at the dose of 17 mg/kg attenuated impairment effect of SD. Moreover, ALA at the dose of 35 mg/kg impaired passive avoidance memory in sham-SD rats and at both doses did not rescue passive avoidance memory in sleep-deprived rats. In conclusion, ALA showed impairment effect on passive avoidance memory, while improved social interaction memory in sleep-deprived rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maede Rezaie
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Neuroendocrinology, Endocrinology and Metabolism Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Ali Nasiri Khalili
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Malek Ashtar University of Technology, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Almaspour MB, Nasehi M, Khalifeh S, Zarrindast MR. The effect of fish oil on social interaction memory in total sleep-deprived rats with respect to the hippocampal level of stathmin, TFEB, synaptophysin and LAMP-1 proteins. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2020; 157:102097. [PMID: 32388317 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2020.102097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 03/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Fish oil (FO) is one of the richest natural sources of docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). DHA is essential for brain functions and EPA has been approved for brain health. On the other hand, stathmin, TFEB, synaptophysin and LAMP-1 proteins are involved in synaptic plasticity, lysosome biogenesis and synaptic vesicles biogenesis. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of FO on social interaction memory in sleep-deprived rats with respect to level of stathmin, TFEB, synaptophysin and LAMP-1 in the hippocampus of rats. All rats received FO through oral gavage at the doses of 0.5, 0.75 and 1 mg/kg. The water box was used to induce total sleep deprivation (TSD) and the three-chamber paradigm test was used to assess social behavior. Hippocampal level of proteins was assessed using Western blot. The results showed, FO impaired social memory at the dose of 1 mg/kg in normal and sham groups. SD impaired social memory and FO did not restore this effect. Furthermore, FO at the dose of 0.75 mg/kg decreased social affiliation and social memory in all groups of normal rats, compared with related saline groups, and at the dose of 1 mg/kg impaired social memory for stranger 2 compared with saline group. In sham groups, FO at the dose of 1 mg/kg impaired social memory for stranger 2 compared with saline group. SD decreased hippocampal level of all proteins (except stathmin), and FO (1 mg/kg) restored these effects. In conclusion, FO negatively affects social interaction memory in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Iran.
| | - Solmaz Khalifeh
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, P.O. Box: 13145-784, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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15
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Abdelzaher LA, Hussein OA, Ashry IEM. The Novel Potential Therapeutic Utility of Montelukast in Alleviating Autistic Behavior Induced by Early Postnatal Administration of Thimerosal in Mice. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 41:129-150. [PMID: 32303879 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00841-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM: Thimerosal (THIM) is a mercury-containing preservative widely used in many biological and medical products including many vaccines. It has been accused of being a possible etiological factor for some neurodevelopmental disorders such as autistic spectrum disorders (ASDs). In our study, the potential therapeutic effect of montelukast, a leukotriene receptor antagonist used to treat seasonal allergies and asthma, on THIM mice model (ASDs model) was examined. METHODOLOGY Newborn mice were randomly distributed into three groups: (Group 1) Control (Cont.) group received saline injections. (Group 2) THIM-treated (THIM) group received THIM intramuscular (IM) at a dose of 3000 μg Hg/kg on postnatal days 7, 9, 11, and 15. (Group 3) Montelukast-treated (Monte) group received THIM followed by montelukast sodium (10 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneal (IP) for 3 weeks. Mice were evaluated for growth development, social interactions, anxiety, locomotor activity, and cognitive function. Brain histopathology, alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs), nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), apoptotic factor (Bax), and brain injury markers were evaluated as well. RESULTS THIIM significantly impaired social activity and growth development. Montelukast mitigated THIM-induced social deficit probably through α7nAChRs upregulation, NF-κB p65, Bax, and brain injury markers downregulation, thus suppressing THIM-induced neuronal toxicity and inflammation. CONCLUSION Neonatal exposure to THIM can induce growth retardation and abnormal social interactions similar to those observed in ASDs. Some of these abnormalities could be ameliorated by montelukast via upregulation of α7nAChRs that inhibited NF-κB activation and significant suppression of neuronal injury and the associated apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lobna A Abdelzaher
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | - Ola A Hussein
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - I E M Ashry
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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16
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Noshadian M, Namvarpour Z, Amini A, Raoofi A, Atabati H, Sadeghi Y, Aliaghaei A, Abdollahifar MA. Alpha lipoic acid ameliorates THIM-induced prefrontal cell loss and abnormal enzymatically contents in the developing rat. J Chem Neuroanat 2019; 103:101727. [PMID: 31740419 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.101727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Thimerosal (THIM) is a common preservative used in many pharmaceutical drugs, vaccines, cosmetics and many other products. Today, it was somewhat clear that Thimerosal (THIM) is a neurotoxicant preservative. We aimed to use of a suitable agent for preventing of THIM side effects on brain. Therefore, in this research, the protective effects of Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA), against THIM-induced brain cell loss, changes in neuroimmune cell and enzymatically contents were examined. Male Wistar rats (n = 60) were randomly distributed into five groups: 1- THIM group; this group received THIM at dose of 300 μg /kg on 7, 9, 11, 15 days after birth 2- ALA group; received ALA (20 mg/kg) in the same order. 3- THIM & ALA group; this group received ALA in the same dose, 30 min before THIM administration.4& 5; Saline and ALA vehicle groups were also included. At 56th postnatal day, samples of the prefrontal cortex were collected and prepared for stereological, immune-histochemical, and enzymatic evaluations. The result showed that ALA, prevents the adverse effects of THIM on brain cell loss, abnormal changes in neuroimmune cells (p < 0.05), prefrontal cortex volume (p < 0.05), and the glutathione content of prefrontal cortex (p < 0.05). In conclusion, neonatal exposure to THIM can induce abnormal alterations in neuroimmune cells and brain cell density as well as prefrontal cortex volume & glutathione content, and ALA can ameliorate these abnormalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehrazin Noshadian
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Abdollah Amini
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Amir Raoofi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center,Department of Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Sabzevar University of Medical Sciences, Sabzevar, Iran
| | - Hadi Atabati
- Department of Immunology and Biology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Sadeghi
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abass Aliaghaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Modammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomical Sciences, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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17
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Afsordeh K, Sadeghi Y, Amini A, Namvarpour Z, Abdollahifar MA, Abbaszadeh HA, Aliaghaei A. Alterations of neuroimmune cell density and pro-inflammatory cytokines in response to thimerosal in prefrontal lobe of male rats. Drug Chem Toxicol 2018; 42:176-186. [DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2018.1465949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Kobra Afsordeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Yousef Sadeghi
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdollah Amini
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad-Amin Abdollahifar
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hojjat-Allah Abbaszadeh
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Hearing Disorders Research Center, Loghman Hakim Medical Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abass Aliaghaei
- Department of Biology and Anatomy, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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