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Bergamasco MI, Vanyai HK, Garnham AL, Geoghegan ND, Vogel AP, Eccles S, Rogers KL, Smyth GK, Blewitt ME, Hannan AJ, Thomas T, Voss AK. Increasing histone acetylation improves sociability and restores learning and memory in KAT6B-haploinsufficient mice. J Clin Invest 2024; 134:e167672. [PMID: 38557491 PMCID: PMC10977983 DOI: 10.1172/jci167672] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Mutations in genes encoding chromatin modifiers are enriched among mutations causing intellectual disability. The continuing development of the brain postnatally, coupled with the inherent reversibility of chromatin modifications, may afford an opportunity for therapeutic intervention following a genetic diagnosis. Development of treatments requires an understanding of protein function and models of the disease. Here, we provide a mouse model of Say-Barber-Biesecker-Young-Simpson syndrome (SBBYSS) (OMIM 603736) and demonstrate proof-of-principle efficacy of postnatal treatment. SBBYSS results from heterozygous mutations in the KAT6B (MYST4/MORF/QFK) gene and is characterized by intellectual disability and autism-like behaviors. Using human cells carrying SBBYSS-specific KAT6B mutations and Kat6b heterozygous mice (Kat6b+/-), we showed that KAT6B deficiency caused a reduction in histone H3 lysine 9 acetylation. Kat6b+/- mice displayed learning, memory, and social deficits, mirroring SBBYSS individuals. Treatment with a histone deacetylase inhibitor, valproic acid, or an acetyl donor, acetyl-carnitine (ALCAR), elevated histone acetylation levels in the human cells with SBBYSS mutations and in brain and blood cells of Kat6b+/- mice and partially reversed gene expression changes in Kat6b+/- cortical neurons. Both compounds improved sociability in Kat6b+/- mice, and ALCAR treatment restored learning and memory. These data suggest that a subset of SBBYSS individuals may benefit from postnatal therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria I. Bergamasco
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
| | - Hannah K. Vanyai
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
| | - Alexandra L. Garnham
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
| | - Niall D. Geoghegan
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
| | - Adam P. Vogel
- Centre for Neurosciences of Speech, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Redenlab Inc., Melbourne, Australia
| | - Samantha Eccles
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
| | - Kelly L. Rogers
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
| | - Gordon K. Smyth
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Marnie E. Blewitt
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
| | - Anthony J. Hannan
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Tim Thomas
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
| | - Anne K. Voss
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology and
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Burenkova OV, Grigorenko EL. The role of epigenetic mechanisms in the long-term effects of early-life adversity and mother-infant relationship on physiology and behavior of offspring in laboratory rats and mice. Dev Psychobiol 2024; 66:e22479. [PMID: 38470450 PMCID: PMC10959231 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Maternal care during the early postnatal period of altricial mammals is a key factor in the survival and adaptation of offspring to environmental conditions. Natural variations in maternal care and experimental manipulations with maternal-child relationships modeling early-life adversity (ELA) in laboratory rats and mice have a strong long-term influence on the physiology and behavior of offspring in rats and mice. This literature review is devoted to the latest research on the role of epigenetic mechanisms in these effects of ELA and mother-infant relationship, with a focus on the regulation of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and brain-derived neurotrophic factor. An important part of this review is dedicated to pharmacological interventions and epigenetic editing as tools for studying the causal role of epigenetic mechanisms in the development of physiological and behavioral profiles. A special section of the manuscript will discuss the translational potential of the discussed research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V. Burenkova
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Department of Integrative Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, Ontario, Canada
| | - Elena L. Grigorenko
- Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Texas Institute for Measurement, Evaluation, and Statistics, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, USA
- Center for Cognitive Sciences, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, Russia
- Departments of Molecular and Human Genetics and Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas, USA
- Child Study Center, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Research Administration, Moscow State University for Psychology and Education, Moscow, Russia
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Lau KA, Yang X, Rioult-Pedotti MS, Tang S, Appleman M, Zhang J, Tian Y, Marino C, Yao M, Jiang Q, Tsuda AC, Huang YWA, Cao C, Marshall J. A PSD-95 peptidomimetic mitigates neurological deficits in a mouse model of Angelman syndrome. Prog Neurobiol 2023; 230:102513. [PMID: 37536482 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2023.102513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a severe cognitive disorder caused by loss of neuronal expression of the E3 ubiquitin ligase UBE3A. In an AS mouse model, we previously reported a deficit in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) signaling, and set out to develop a therapeutic that would restore normal signaling. We demonstrate that CN2097, a peptidomimetic compound that binds postsynaptic density protein-95 (PSD-95), a TrkB associated scaffolding protein, mitigates deficits in PLC-CaMKII and PI3K/mTOR pathways to restore synaptic plasticity and learning. Administration of CN2097 facilitated long-term potentiation (LTP) and corrected paired-pulse ratio. As the BDNF-mTORC1 pathway is critical for inhibition of autophagy, we investigated whether autophagy was disrupted in AS mice. We found aberrantly high autophagic activity attributable to a concomitant decrease in mTORC1 signaling, resulting in decreased levels of synaptic proteins, including Synapsin-1 and Shank3. CN2097 increased mTORC1 activity to normalize autophagy and restore hippocampal synaptic protein levels. Importantly, treatment mitigated cognitive and motor dysfunction. These findings support the use of neurotrophic therapeutics as a valuable approach for treating AS pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kara A Lau
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Mengia S Rioult-Pedotti
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Stephen Tang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Mark Appleman
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Jianan Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China.
| | - Yuyang Tian
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Caitlin Marino
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Mudi Yao
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Qin Jiang
- The Fourth School of Clinical Medicine, The Affiliated Eye Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Ayumi C Tsuda
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Yu-Wen Alvin Huang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
| | - Cong Cao
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou 215000, China.
| | - John Marshall
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology and Biochemistry, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, United States.
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Elgamal MA, Khodeer DM, Abdel-Wahab BA, Ibrahim IAA, Alzahrani AR, Moustafa YM, Ali AA, El-Sayed NM. Canagliflozin alleviates valproic acid-induced autism in rat pups: Role of PTEN/PDK/PPAR-γ signaling pathways. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1113966. [PMID: 36909191 PMCID: PMC9992196 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1113966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism is complex and multifactorial, and is one of the fastest growing neurodevelopmental disorders. Canagliflozin (Cana) is an antidiabetic drug that exhibits neuroprotective properties in various neurodegenerative syndromes. This study investigated the possible protective effect of Cana against the valproic acid (VPA)-induced model of autism. VPA was injected subcutaneously (SC) into rat pups at a dose of 300 mg/kg, twice daily on postnatal day-2 (PD-2) and PD-3, and once on PD-4 to induce an autism-like syndrome. Graded doses of Cana were administered (5 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg, P.O.) starting from the first day of VPA injections and continued for 21 days. At the end of the experiment, behavioral tests and histopathological alterations were assessed. In addition, the gene expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPAR γ), lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA), pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDK), cellular myeloctomatosis (c-Myc) with protein expression of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT-1), phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), and level of acetylcholine (ACh) were determined. Treatment with Cana significantly counteracted histopathological changes in the cerebellum tissues of the brain induced by VPA. Cana (5 mg/kg, 7.5 mg/kg, and 10 mg/kg) improved sociability and social preference, enhanced stereotypic behaviors, and decreased hyperlocomotion activity, in addition to its significant effect on the canonical Wnt/β-catenin pathway via the downregulation of gene expression of LDHA (22%, 64%, and 73% in cerebellum tissues with 51%, 60%, and 75% in cerebrum tissues), PDK (27%, 50%, and 67% in cerebellum tissues with 34%, 66%, and 77% in cerebrum tissues), c-Myc (35%, 44%, and 72% in cerebellum tissues with 19%, 58%, and 79% in cerebrum tissues), protein expression of GLUT-1 (32%, 48%, and 49% in cerebellum tissues with 30%, 50%, and 54% in cerebrum tissues), and elevating gene expression of PPAR-γ (2, 3, and 4 folds in cerebellum tissues with 1.5, 3, and 9 folds in cerebrum tissues), protein expression of PTEN (2, 5, and 6 folds in cerebellum tissues with 6, 6, and 10 folds in cerebrum tissues), and increasing the ACh levels (4, 5, and 7 folds) in brain tissues. The current study confirmed the ameliorating effect of Cana against neurochemical and behavioral alterations in the VPA-induced model of autism in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariam A Elgamal
- Egypt Healthcare Authority, Comprehensive Health Insurance, Port-Said, Egypt
| | - Dina M Khodeer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Basel A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Najran University, Najran, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Abdel Aziz Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah R Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Umm Al-Qura University, Makkah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yasser M Moustafa
- Dean of Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo, Badr City, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Azza A Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Norhan M El-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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5
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The Effect of Coenzyme Q10 on Liver Injury Induced by Valproic Acid and Its Antiepileptic Activity in Rats. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010168. [PMID: 35052847 PMCID: PMC8773341 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) has toxic metabolites that can elevate oxidative stress markers, and the hepatotoxicity of VPA has been reported. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one of the most widely used antioxidants. The effect of CoQ10 on epileptogenesis and VPA hepatotoxicity were examined. Rats were randomly divided into five groups: the control group received 0.5% methylcellulose by oral gavages daily and saline by intraperitoneal injection three times weekly. The PTZ group received 1% methylcellulose by gavages daily and 30 mg/kg PTZ by intraperitoneal injection three times weekly. The valproic acid group received 500 mg/kg valproic acid by gavage and 30 mg/kg PTZ, as above. The CoQ10 group received 200 mg/kg CoQ10 by gavages daily and 30 mg/kg PTZ, as above. The Valproic acid + CoQ10 group received valproic acid and CoQ10, as above. Results: CoQ10 exhibited anticonvulsant activity and potentiated the anticonvulsant effect of VPA. CoQ10 combined with VPA induced a more significant reduction in oxidative stress and improved the histopathological changes in the brain and liver compared to VPA treatment. In addition, CoQ10 reduced the level of toxic VPA metabolites. These findings suggest that the co-administration of CoQ10 with VPA in epilepsy might have therapeutic potential by increasing antiepileptic activity and reducing the hepatotoxicity of VPA.
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Shpak AA, Guekht AB, Druzhkova TA, Rider FK, Gulyaeva NV. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor in blood serum and lacrimal fluid of patients with focal epilepsy. Epilepsy Res 2021; 176:106707. [PMID: 34225232 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2021.106707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) level in blood serum (BS) and lacrimal fluid (LF) of people with epilepsy (PWE). METHODS It was a case-control study of 72 consecutive patients with focal epilepsy (cases, Epilepsy group) and 60 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (controls). Based on comorbid depression, two subgroups of PWE were formed. BDNF level was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) in BS and LF. RESULTS Compared to controls, BDNF level (pg/mL) in PWE was lower both in BS (22,520 ± 3810 vs. 26,360 ± 3090, P < 0.000) and in LF (100.8 ± 23.3 vs. 113.4 ± 19.3, P = 0.001). However, no significant correlation was found between BDNF level in BS and LF either in the Epilepsy group or in controls. No impact of comorbid depression on BDNF level was found either in BS or LF of PWE. We revealed a higher BDNF level in LF of men as compared to women in controls and a similar non-significant trend in PWE. Higher BDNF level in BS of PWE receiving valproates versus other AEDs was found, however, a relatively small number of observations and use of polytherapy in most cases should be taken into account. SIGNIFICANCE In patients with focal epilepsy, BDNF level is decreased both in BS and LF, though with no correlation between them. No association of BDNF levels with age and epilepsy characteristics, as well as the occurrence of depression, was found. Low BDNF level in LF could be considered as a non-invasive biomarker of focal epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander A Shpak
- The S. Fyodorov Eye Microsurgery Federal State Institution, Moscow, Russian Federation.
| | - Alla B Guekht
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation; Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Tatiana A Druzhkova
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Flora K Rider
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation
| | - Natalia V Gulyaeva
- Moscow Research and Clinical Center for Neuropsychiatry, Moscow Healthcare Department, Moscow, Russian Federation; Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russian Federation
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Paparella G, Angelini L, De Biase A, Cannavacciuolo A, Colella D, Di Bonaventura C, Giallonardo AT, Berardelli A, Bologna M. Clinical and Kinematic Features of Valproate-Induced Tremor and Differences with Essential Tremor. CEREBELLUM (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2021; 20:374-383. [PMID: 33200286 PMCID: PMC8213593 DOI: 10.1007/s12311-020-01216-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Tremor is a common movement disorder that can be induced by medications, including valproate, which is used for the treatment of epilepsy. However, the clinical and neurophysiological features of valproate-induced tremor are still under-investigated. We performed a clinical and kinematic assessment of valproate-induced tremor by considering tremor body distribution and activation conditions. We investigated possible correlations between demographic and clinical data and kinematic features. Valproate-induced tremor results were also compared with those collected in a large sample of patients with essential tremor. Sixteen valproate-induced tremor patients and 93 essential tremor patients were enrolled. All participants underwent a standardised neurological examination and video recording. Patients also underwent an objective assessment of postural, kinetic and rest tremor of the upper limbs and head tremor through kinematic analysis. Nonparametric tests were used for statistical comparisons between the two groups. Clinical evaluation showed a higher occurrence of rest tremor as well as head or voice, and lower limb involvement in patients with valproate-induced tremor. Kinematic analysis showed a substantial variability in the tremor features of patients with valproate-induced tremor. Compared to essential tremor, we found a higher occurrence of rest tremor of the upper limbs and the involvement of more body segments in valproate-induced tremor patients. Valproate-induced tremor has distinctive clinical and kinematic features, which may suggest that valproate interferes with the cerebellar functions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luca Angelini
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Biase
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Cannavacciuolo
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Donato Colella
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Carlo Di Bonaventura
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Teresa Giallonardo
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Alfredo Berardelli
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy.
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Matteo Bologna
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
- Department of Human Neurosciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Viale dell'Università, 30, 00185, Rome, Italy
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8
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Ito M, Kinjo T, Seki T, Horie J, Suzuki T. The long-term prognosis of hippocampal neurogenesis and behavioral changes of offspring from rats exposed to valproic acid during pregnancy. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2021; 41:260-264. [PMID: 33949804 PMCID: PMC8340817 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12181] [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: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim In pregnant women with epilepsy, it is essential to balance maternal safety and the potential teratogenicity of anticonvulsants. Recently, growing evidence has indicated that valproic acid (VPA) can produce postnatal congenital malformations and impair cognitive function. However, the mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in long‐term prognoses remain unclear. Methods Pregnant Wistar rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of VPA (200 mg/kg/day) from embryonic day 12.5 until birth. On postnatal day (PD) 149, the rats received an injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). On PD 150, the rats were subjected to the open field (OF), elevated plus‐maze (EPM), and Y‐maze tests. After behavioral testing, perfusion fixation was performed and the brain was dissected for immunohistochemistry. Results A significant marked decrease was seen in the number of BrdU‐positive cells in the dentate gyrus of offspring of VPA‐treated dams compared to those of control. However, no significant differences in hyperactivity were found based on the results of the OF test among the offspring on PD 150 of 200 VPA‐treated dams. In addition, no significant differences were seen in the EPM test. Conclusion The behavioral abnormality observed in young offspring of VPA‐treated dams was not significantly different from that of controls in adult offspring on PD 150. However, compared with controls, the number of BrdU‐positive cells in VPA‐treated rats was halved. The findings suggest that the behavioral abnormality seems to improve as they grow, even if some structural abnormalities may remain in the central nervous system. Pregnant Wistar rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of VPA (200 mg/kg/d) from embryonic day 12.5 until birth. On postnatal day (PD) 149, the rats received an injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). A significant marked decrease was seen in the number of BrdU‐positive cells in the dentate gyrus of offspring of VPA‐treated dams compared to those of control.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Masanobu Ito
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tomoya Kinjo
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tatsunori Seki
- Department of Histology and Neuroanatomy, Tokyo Medical University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Junko Horie
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Science, Graduate School of Medicine, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toshihito Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo Koshigaya Hospital, Saitama, Japan
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Quezada NT, Salas-Ortíz SF, Peralta FA, Aguayo FI, Morgado-Gallardo KP, Mac-Rae CA, Fiedler JL, Aliaga EE. Loss of Social/Non-social Context Discrimination by Movement Acceleration in the Valproate Model of Autism. Front Behav Neurosci 2021; 14:555610. [PMID: 33505254 PMCID: PMC7829965 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2020.555610] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental alteration characterized by social/communicative deficits, repetitive/stereotyped movements, and restricted/obsessive interests. However, there is not much information about whether movement alterations in ASD comprise modifications at the basic kinematic level, such as trajectory and velocity, which may contribute to the higher level of processing that allows the perception and interpretation of actions performed by others, and hence, impact social interaction. In order to further explore possible motor alterations in ASD, we analyzed movement parameters in the Valproate (VPA) animal model of autism. We found that VPA-treated rats displayed greater movement acceleration, reduced distance between stops, spent more time in the corner of the open-field arena, and executed a number of particular behaviors; for example, supported rearing and circling, with no major changes in distance and velocity. However, in the social interaction test, we found other alterations in the movement parameters. In addition to increased acceleration, VPA-rats displayed reduced velocity, increased stops, reduced distance/stop and lost the social/non-social area discrimination that is characteristic of control rats in acceleration and stops variables. Hence, even if prenatal VPA-treatment could have a minor effect in motor variables in a non-social context, it has a crucial effect in the capacity of the animals to adjust their kinematic variables when social/non-social context alternation is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nelva T Quezada
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Sebastiana F Salas-Ortíz
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Francisco A Peralta
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Felipe I Aguayo
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | | | - Catherine A Mac-Rae
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
| | - Jenny L Fiedler
- Laboratory of Neuroplasticity and Neurogenetics, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Esteban E Aliaga
- Department of Kinesiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile.,Faculty of Health Sciences, The Neuropsychology and Cognitive Neurosciences Research Center (CINPSI-Neurocog), Universidad Católica del Maule, Talca, Chile
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10
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Yao H, Peterson AL, Li J, Xu H, Dennery PA. Heme Oxygenase 1 and 2 Differentially Regulate Glucose Metabolism and Adipose Tissue Mitochondrial Respiration: Implications for Metabolic Dysregulation. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21197123. [PMID: 32992485 PMCID: PMC7582259 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [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: 09/02/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Heme oxygenase (HO) consists of inducible (HO-1) and constitutive (HO-2) isoforms that are encoded by Hmox1 and Hmox2 genes, respectively. As an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant molecule, HO participates in the development of metabolic diseases. Whether Hmox deficiency causes metabolic abnormalities under basal conditions remains unclear. We hypothesized that HO-1 and HO-2 differentially affect global and adipose tissue metabolism. To test this hypothesis, we determined insulin sensitivity, glucose tolerance, energy expenditure, and respiratory exchange ratio in global Hmox1-/- and Hmox2-/- mice. Body weight was reduced in female but not male Hmox1-/- and Hmox2-/- mice. Reduced insulin sensitivity and physical activity were observed in Hmox1-/- but not Hmox2-/- mice. Deletion of either Hmox1 or Hmox2 had no effects on glucose tolerance, energy expenditure or respiratory exchange ratio. Mitochondrial respiration was unchanged in gonadal fat pads (white adipose tissue, WAT) of Hmox1-/- mice. Hmox2 deletion increased proton leak and glycolysis in gonadal, but not interscapular fat tissues (brown adipose tissue, BAT). Uncoupling protein and Hmox1 genes were unchanged in gonadal fat pads of Hmox2-/- mice. Conclusively, HO-1 maintains insulin sensitivity, while HO-2 represses glycolysis and proton leak in the WAT under basal condition. This suggests that HO-1 and HO-2 differentially modulate metabolism, which may impact the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongwei Yao
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (H.Y.); (A.L.P.)
| | - Abigail L. Peterson
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (H.Y.); (A.L.P.)
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (J.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Haiyan Xu
- Department of Epidemiology, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (J.L.); (H.X.)
| | - Phyllis A. Dennery
- Department of Molecular Biology, Cell Biology & Biochemistry, Division of Biology and Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA; (H.Y.); (A.L.P.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, Providence, RI 02860, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-401-444-5648
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11
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Romoli M, Mazzocchetti P, D'Alonzo R, Siliquini S, Rinaldi VE, Verrotti A, Calabresi P, Costa C. Valproic Acid and Epilepsy: From Molecular Mechanisms to Clinical Evidences. Curr Neuropharmacol 2020; 17:926-946. [PMID: 30592252 PMCID: PMC7052829 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x17666181227165722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
After more than a century from its discovery, valproic acid (VPA) still represents one of the most efficient antiepi-leptic drugs (AEDs). Pre and post-synaptic effects of VPA depend on a very broad spectrum of actions, including the regu-lation of ionic currents and the facilitation of GABAergic over glutamatergic transmission. As a result, VPA indirectly mod-ulates neurotransmitter release and strengthens the threshold for seizure activity. However, even though participating to the anticonvulsant action, such mechanisms seem to have minor impact on epileptogenesis. Nonetheless, VPA has been reported to exert anti-epileptogenic effects. Epigenetic mechanisms, including histone deacetylases (HDACs), BDNF and GDNF modulation are pivotal to orientate neurons toward a neuroprotective status and promote dendritic spines organization. From such broad spectrum of actions comes constantly enlarging indications for VPA. It represents a drug of choice in child and adult with epilepsy, with either general or focal seizures, and is a consistent and safe IV option in generalized convulsive sta-tus epilepticus. Moreover, since VPA modulates DNA transcription through HDACs, recent evidences point to its use as an anti-nociceptive in migraine prophylaxis, and, even more interestingly, as a positive modulator of chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Furthermore, VPA-induced neuroprotection is under investigation for benefit in stroke and traumatic brain injury. Hence, VPA has still got its place in epilepsy, and yet deserves attention for its use far beyond neurological diseases. In this review, we aim to highlight, with a translational intent, the molecular basis and the clinical indications of VPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Romoli
- Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia - S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Petra Mazzocchetti
- Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia - S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Renato D'Alonzo
- Pediatric Clinic, University of Perugia - S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Victoria Elisa Rinaldi
- Pediatric Clinic, University of Perugia - S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
| | - Alberto Verrotti
- Department of Pediatrics, University of L'Aquila - San Salvatore Hospital, L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Paolo Calabresi
- Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia - S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy.,IRCCS "Santa Lucia", Rome, Italy
| | - Cinzia Costa
- Neurology Clinic, University of Perugia - S. Maria della Misericordia Hospital, Perugia, Italy
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12
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Zhou L, Chen L, Zeng X, Liao J, Ouyang D. Ginsenoside compound K alleviates sodium valproate-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via antioxidant effect, regulation of peroxisome pathway and iron homeostasis. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 386:114829. [PMID: 31734319 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114829] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 11/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Sodium valproate (SVP) is a first-line treatment for various forms of epilepsy; however, it can cause severe liver injury. Ginsenoside compound K (G-CK) is the main active ingredient of the traditional herbal medicine ginseng. According to our previous research, SVP-induced elevation of ALT and AST levels, as well as pathological changes of liver tissue, was believed to be significantly reversed by G-CK in LiCl-pilocarpine induced epileptic rats. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of G-CK on hepatotoxicity caused by SVP. The rats treated with SVP showed liver injury with evident increases in hepatic index, transaminases activity, alkaline phosphatase level, hepatic triglyceride and lipid peroxidation; significant decreases in plasma albumin level and antioxidant capacity; and obvious changes in histopathological and subcellular structures. All of these changes could be mitigated by co-administration with G-CK. Proteomic analysis indicated that hepcidin, soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH, UniProt ID P80299), and the peroxisome pathway were involved in the hepatoprotective effect of G-CK. Changes in protein expression of hepcidin and sEH were verified by ELISA and Western blot analysis, respectively. In addition, we observed that the hepatic iron rose in SVP group and decreased in the combination group. In summary, our findings demonstrate the clear hepatoprotective effect of G-CK against SVP-induced hepatotoxicity through the antioxidant effect, regulation of peroxisome pathway relying on sEH (P80299) downregulation, as well as regulation of iron homeostasis dependent on hepcidin upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luping Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, P.R. China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Lulu Chen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, P.R. China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China; Hunan Key Laboratory for Bioanalysis of Complex Matrix Samples, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China
| | - Xiangchang Zeng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, P.R. China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Jianwei Liao
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, P.R. China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - Dongsheng Ouyang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, P.R. China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; Engineering Research Center of Applied Technology of Pharmacogenomics, Ministry of Education, 110 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410078, P.R. China; National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, 87 Xiangya Road, Changsha 410008, Hunan, P.R. China; Hunan Key Laboratory for Bioanalysis of Complex Matrix Samples, Changsha, Hunan 410000, P.R. China.
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13
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Kinjo T, Ito M, Seki T, Fukuhara T, Bolati K, Arai H, Suzuki T. Prenatal exposure to valproic acid is associated with altered neurocognitive function and neurogenesis in the dentate gyrus of male offspring rats. Brain Res 2019; 1723:146403. [PMID: 31446017 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.146403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 07/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
In pregnant women with epilepsy, it is imperative to balance the safety of the mother and the potential teratogenicity of anticonvulsants, which could cause impairments such as intellectual disability and cleft lip. In this study, we examined behavioral and hippocampal neurogenesis alterations in male offspring of rats exposed to valproic acid (VPA) during pregnancy. Pregnant Wistar rats received daily intraperitoneal injections of VPA (100 mg/kg/day or 200 mg/kg/day) from embryonic day 12.5 until birth. At postnatal day 29, animals received an injection of bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). At postnatal day 30, animals underwent the open field (OF), elevated plus-maze, and Y-maze tests. After behavioral testing, animals were decapitated, and their brains were dissected for immunohistochemistry. Of the offspring of the VPA200 mothers, 66.6% showed a malformation. In the OF test, these animals showed locomotor hyperactivity. In the elevated plus-maze, offspring of VPA-treated mothers spent significantly more time in the open arms, irrespective of the treatment dose. The number of BrdU-positive cells in the dentate gyrus of the offspring of VPA-treated mothers increased significantly in a dose-dependent manner compared with the control. A significant positive correlation between spontaneous locomotor activity in the OF and BrdU-positive cell counts was observed across groups. In conclusion, VPA administration during pregnancy results in malformations and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder-like behavioral abnormalities in the offspring. An increase in cell proliferation in the hippocampus may underlie the behavioral changes observed. Repeated use of high doses of VPA during pregnancy may increase the risk of neurodevelopmental abnormalities dose dependently and should be carefully considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Kinjo
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 1138431, Japan.
| | - Masanobu Ito
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 1138431, Japan.
| | - Tatsunori Seki
- Department of Histology and Neuroanatomy, Tokyo Medical University, 6-1-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 1608421, Japan.
| | - Takeshi Fukuhara
- Department of Neurology, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 1138431, Japan.
| | - Kuerban Bolati
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education and Ministry of Public Health, Health Science Center, Peking University, Xueyuan Road, Haidian District, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Heii Arai
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 1138431, Japan.
| | - Toshihito Suzuki
- Department of Psychiatry, Juntendo University, Faculty of Medicine, 2-1-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 1138431, Japan.
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Fan Y, Ma Y, Huang W, Cheng X, Gao N, Li G, Tian S. Up-regulation of TREM2 accelerates the reduction of amyloid deposits and promotes neuronal regeneration in the hippocampus of amyloid beta1-42 injected mice. J Chem Neuroanat 2019; 97:71-79. [PMID: 30790627 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2019.02.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 02/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/17/2019] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is characterized by a robust inflammatory response elicited by the accumulation and subsequently deposition of amyloid beta (Aβ) within the brain. The immune cells of brain migrate to and invest their processes within Aβ plaques and clear plaques from the brain. Previous studies have shown that treatment of myeloid cell with nuclear factor inhibitor increases expression of phagocytesis-related genes, such as triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2). In myeloid cells, TREM2 has been involved in the regulation of phagocytosis, cell proliferation as well as inflammatory response in vitro. The purpose of this study was to further investigate microglial proliferation, phagocytosis and the expression of brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) induced by up-regulation of TREM2 in Aβ1-42 injected mice. We first singly injected Aβ1-42 into the hippocampus of mice to build the model of AD-like symptoms. Subsequently, ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate (PDTC) was injected into the lateral ventricle of mice. Various immunohistochemical techniques and Western blot analyses were applied to examine expressions of TREM2, microglia, Aβ, Neuronal migration protein doublecortin (DCX) and BDNF in the hippocampus of mice. In the present study, we found the plaques-associated microglia lowly expressed TREM2 and BDNF in Aβ1-42 intra-hippocampal injected mice. Treatment of the models with a nuclear factor inhibitor, PDTC, further induced the expression of TREM2 and enhanced microglial phagocytosis, coincident with the rapid reduction in plaque burden. The expression of BDNF was up-regulated and the expression of DCX was partly restored. This means that up-regulation of TREM2 might induce the microglia to express the BDNF. These findings further indicate that the level of TREM2 may affect the microglia response to pathological process induced by Aβ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yubao Fan
- Department of Anatomy, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuxin Ma
- Department of Anatomy, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Weiling Huang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Xiaohui Cheng
- Department of Anatomy, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Ningxin Gao
- Department of Anatomy, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Guoying Li
- Department of Anatomy, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Sumin Tian
- Department of Physiology, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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15
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Zucker I. Psychoactive drug exposure during breastfeeding: a critical need for preclinical behavioral testing. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2018; 235:1335-1346. [PMID: 29549392 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-018-4873-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Breastfeeding women are excluded from clinical trials of psychoactive drugs because of ethical concerns. Animal testing, which often is predictive of adverse effects in humans, represents the only avenue available for assessing drug safety for human offspring exposed to drugs during lactation. I determined whether behavioral outcomes for children exposed during breastfeeding to antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, anti-seizure medications, analgesics, sedatives, and marijuana can be predicted by rodent studies of offspring exposed to drugs during lactation. Animal data were available for only 10 of 80 CNS-active drugs canvassed. Behavioral deficits in adolescence or adulthood in rats and mice after various drug exposures during lactation included reductions in sexual behavior, increased anxiety, hyperactivity, and impaired learning and memory. Whether similar adverse effects will emerge in adulthood in children exposed to drugs during breastfeeding is unknown. Rodent research has the potential to forecast impairments in breastfed children long before information emerges from post-marketing reports and should be prioritized during preclinical drug evaluation by the FDA for new drugs and for drugs currently prescribed off-label for lactating women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irving Zucker
- Departments of Psychology and Integrative Biology, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA. .,Psychology Department, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, USA.
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