1
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Bruzzone SEP, Ozenne B, Fisher PM, Ortega G, Jensen PS, Dam VH, Svarer C, Knudsen GM, Lesch KP, Frokjaer VG. No association between peripheral serotonin-gene-related DNA methylation and brain serotonin neurotransmission in the healthy and depressed state. Clin Epigenetics 2024; 16:71. [PMID: 38802956 PMCID: PMC11131311 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-024-01678-y] [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: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/06/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Methylation of serotonin-related genes has been proposed as a plausible gene-by-environment link which may mediate environmental stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms. DNA methylation is often measured in blood cells, but little is known about the association between this peripheral epigenetic modification and brain serotonergic architecture. Here, we evaluated the association between whole-blood-derived methylation of four CpG sites in the serotonin transporter (SLC6A4) and six CpG sites of the tryptophan hydroxylase 2 (TPH2) gene and in-vivo brain levels of serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and serotonin 4 receptor (5-HT4) in a cohort of healthy individuals (N = 254) and, for 5-HT4, in a cohort of unmedicated patients with depression (N = 90). To do so, we quantified SLC6A4/TPH2 methylation using bisulfite pyrosequencing and estimated brain 5-HT4 and 5-HTT levels using positron emission tomography. In addition, we explored the association between SLC6A4 and TPH2 methylation and measures of early life and recent stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms on 297 healthy individuals. RESULTS We found no statistically significant association between peripheral DNA methylation and brain markers of serotonergic neurotransmission in patients with depression or in healthy individuals. In addition, although SLC6A4 CpG2 (chr17:30,236,083) methylation was marginally associated with the parental bonding inventory overprotection score in the healthy cohort, statistical significance did not remain after accounting for blood cell heterogeneity. CONCLUSIONS We suggest that findings on peripheral DNA methylation in the context of brain serotonin-related features should be interpreted with caution. More studies are needed to rule out a role of SLC6A4 and TPH2 methylation as biomarkers for environmental stress, depressive or anxiety symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- S E P Bruzzone
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - B Ozenne
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Section of Biostatistics, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - P M Fisher
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Ortega
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - P S Jensen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - V H Dam
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - C Svarer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G M Knudsen
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - K P Lesch
- Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNs), Maastricht University, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - V G Frokjaer
- Neurobiology Research Unit, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
- Psychiatric Centre Copenhagen, Mental Health Services, Frederiksberg, Capital Region of Denmark, Denmark.
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2
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Varghese SM, Patel S, Nandan A, Jose A, Ghosh S, Sah RK, Menon B, K V A, Chakravarty S. Unraveling the Role of the Blood-Brain Barrier in the Pathophysiology of Depression: Recent Advances and Future Perspectives. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04205-5. [PMID: 38730081 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04205-5] [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: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a highly prevalent psychological disorder characterized by persistent dysphoria, psychomotor retardation, insomnia, anhedonia, suicidal ideation, and a remarkable decrease in overall well-being. Despite the prevalence of accessible antidepressant therapies, many individuals do not achieve substantial improvement. Understanding the multifactorial pathophysiology and the heterogeneous nature of the disorder could lead the way toward better outcomes. Recent findings have elucidated the substantial impact of compromised blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity on the manifestation of depression. BBB functions as an indispensable defense mechanism, tightly overseeing the transport of molecules from the periphery to preserve the integrity of the brain parenchyma. The dysfunction of the BBB has been implicated in a multitude of neurological disorders, and its disruption and consequent brain alterations could potentially serve as important factors in the pathogenesis and progression of depression. In this review, we extensively examine the pathophysiological relevance of the BBB and delve into the specific modifications of its components that underlie the complexities of depression. A particular focus has been placed on examining the effects of peripheral inflammation on the BBB in depression and elucidating the intricate interactions between the gut, BBB, and brain. Furthermore, this review encompasses significant updates on the assessment of BBB integrity and permeability, providing a comprehensive overview of the topic. Finally, we outline the therapeutic relevance and strategies based on BBB in depression, including COVID-19-associated BBB disruption and neuropsychiatric implications. Understanding the comprehensive pathogenic cascade of depression is crucial for shaping the trajectory of future research endeavors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shamili Mariya Varghese
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, Kerala, 682 041, India
| | - Shashikant Patel
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Amritasree Nandan
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, Kerala, 682 041, India
| | - Anju Jose
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, Kerala, 682 041, India
| | - Soumya Ghosh
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India
| | - Ranjay Kumar Sah
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, Kerala, 682 041, India
| | - Bindu Menon
- Department of Psychiatry, Amrita School of Medicine, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, Kerala, 682 041, India
| | - Athira K V
- Department of Pharmacology, Amrita School of Pharmacy, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, AIMS Health Sciences Campus, Kochi, Kerala, 682 041, India.
| | - Sumana Chakravarty
- Applied Biology Division, CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology, Tarnaka, Uppal Road, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500007, India.
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, India.
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3
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Westropp JL, Stella JL, Buffington CAT. Interstitial cystitis-an imbalance of risk and protective factors? FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH 2024; 5:1405488. [PMID: 38784787 PMCID: PMC11112028 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2024.1405488] [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: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Interstitial cystitis (IC) presents as a chronic pain condition with variable combinations of symptoms depending on the species and individual patient. It is diagnosed by the presence of lower urinary tract signs and symptoms in combination with a variety of comorbid health problems, a history of life adversities, and the absence of other conditions that could cause the lower urinary tract signs. IC occurs naturally in humans and cats as a dimensional condition, with patients presenting with mild, moderate, and severe symptoms. Most patients appear to recover without specific treatment. A number of rodent models of IC have been used to study its causes and treatments. Unfortunately, current therapies generally fail to ameliorate IC symptoms long-term. The recent classification of IC as a chronic primary pain disorder calls for a rethinking of current clinical and research approaches to it. Beginning when a patient encounters a clinician, precipitating, perpetuating, and palliating risk factors can be addressed until a cause or reliably effective therapy is identified, and identifying predisposing and preventive factors can inform epidemiological studies and health promotion interventions. Predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating risk factors, including environmental, psychological, and biological, increase the activity of the central threat response system (CTRS), which plays a clinically important role in IC symptoms. Studies in cats and rodent models have revealed that environmental enrichment (EE), in the absence of bladder-directed therapies, leads to amelioration of IC symptoms, implying a central role for the CTRS in symptom precipitation and perpetuation. Conceptually moving the source of IC pain to the brain as a motivational state rather than one resulting from peripheral nociceptive input offers both clinicians and researchers novel opportunities to improve care for patients with IC and for researchers to use more ecologically valid rodent models. It may even be that IC results from an excess of risk to protective factors, making this imbalance a targetable cause rather than a consequence of IC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jodi L. Westropp
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Judith L. Stella
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine, W. Lafayette, IN, United States
| | - C. A. Tony Buffington
- Department of Medicine and Epidemiology, UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, United States
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4
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Georgiou AN, Voskarides K, Zanos P, Chatzittofis A. Investigating the shared genetic basis and causal relationships between mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue inflammation and psychiatric disorders. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1379922. [PMID: 38742127 PMCID: PMC11089192 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1379922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic and acute inflammation of the mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue have been positively linked to the development of psychiatric disorders in observational studies. However, it remains unclear whether this association is causal. In the present study, we investigated this association, using as proxies genetically predicted tonsillectomy, appendectomy and appendicitis on psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD), schizophrenia (SCZ), bipolar depression (BD) and anxiety (ANX) via a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis. Methods Genetic association summary statistics for tonsillectomy, appendectomy and appendicitis were sourced from FinnGen Consortium, comprising data from 342,000 participants. Genetic correlations between all exposures and outcome were calculated with Linkage Disequilibrium Score (LDSC) Regression analysis. MR estimates were then calculated to assess their impact on the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Sensitivity analysis was employed to test for any directional pleiotropy. Results Our results suggest that there is no direct causal association between tonsillectomy, appendectomy or appendicitis with a heightened risk for development of psychiatric disorders. The robustness of the results of the main MR analysis was further confirmed with additional sensitivity analyses. However, a moderate inverse genetic correlation was observed between tonsillectomy and MDD traits (rg=-0.39, p-value (P)=7.5x10-5). Conclusion Our findings provide, for the first time, evidence that there is no causal association between tonsillectomy or appendectomy on subsequent vulnerability of developing psychiatric disorders. Future studies using larger sample size GWAS should focus on unraveling the confounding factors and mediators to investigate this relationship further.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Konstantinos Voskarides
- Department of Basic and Clinical Sciences, University of Nicosia Medical School, Nicosia, Cyprus
- School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Nicosia, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panos Zanos
- Department of Psychology, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Chatzittofis
- Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Clinical Sciences/Psychiatry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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5
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Behrens LMP, Gasparotto J, Rampelotto PH, Escalona MAR, da Silva LDS, Carazza-Kessler FG, Barbosa CP, Campos MS, Dorn M, Gelain DP, Moreira JCF. Sodium propionate oral supplementation ameliorates depressive-like behavior through gut microbiome and histone 3 epigenetic regulation. J Nutr Biochem 2024; 130:109660. [PMID: 38685283 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2024.109660] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a global health concern, affecting over 250 million individuals worldwide. In recent years, the gut-brain axis has emerged as a promising field for understanding the pathophysiology of MDD. Microbial metabolites, such as short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-acetate, butyrate, and propionate-, have gained attention for their potential to influence epigenetic modifications within the host brain. However, the precise mechanisms through which these metabolites participate in MDD pathophysiology remain elusive. This study was designed to investigate the effects of oral SCFA supplementation in adult male Wistar rats subjected to chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS). A subset of control and CUMS-exposed rats received different supplementations: sodium acetate (NaOAc) at a concentration of 60 mM, sodium butyrate (NaB) at 40 mM, sodium propionate (NaP) at 50 mM, or a mixture of these SCFAs. The gut microbiome was assessed through 16S rRNA sequencing, and epigenetic profiling was performed using Western blot analysis. Results demonstrated that NaP supplementation significantly alleviated anhedonia in stressed animals, as evidenced by improved performance in the sucrose consumption test. This ameliorative effect was potentially associated with the modulation of gut bacterial communities, accompanied by the attenuation of the region-specific epigenetic dysregulation in the brain of the animals exposed to chronic stress. These findings suggest a potential association between gut dysbiosis and stress response, and NaP could be a promising target for future MDD interventions. However, further studies are needed to fully elucidate the underlying mechanisms of these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Marques Prates Behrens
- Center of Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil.
| | - Juciano Gasparotto
- Center of Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Pabulo Henrique Rampelotto
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics Core Facility, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-907, Brazil
| | - Manuel Adrian Riveros Escalona
- Graduate Program in Veterinary Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91540-000, Brazil
| | - Lucas Dos Santos da Silva
- Center of Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil; Graduate Program in Cellular and Molecular Biology, Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Flávio Gabriel Carazza-Kessler
- Center of Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Camila Pocharski Barbosa
- Center of Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Marlene Soares Campos
- Center of Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Márcio Dorn
- Department of Theoretical Informatics, Institute of Informatics, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil; Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Daniel Pens Gelain
- Center of Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - José Cláudio Fonseca Moreira
- Center of Oxidative Stress Studies, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul - UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
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6
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Wang J, Yu H, Li X, Li F, Chen H, Zhang X, Wang Y, Xu R, Gao F, Wang J, Liu P, Shi Y, Qin D, Li Y, Liu S, Ding S, Gao XY, Wang ZH. A TrkB cleavage fragment in hippocampus promotes Depressive-Like behavior in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:56-83. [PMID: 38555992 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.048] [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: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Decreased hippocampal tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) level is implicated in the pathophysiology of stress-induced mood disorder and cognitive decline. However, how TrkB is modified and mediates behavioral responses to chronic stress remains largely unknown. Here the effects and mechanisms of TrkB cleavage by asparagine endopeptidase (AEP) were examined on a preclinical murine model of chronic restraint stress (CRS)-induced depression. CRS activated IL-1β-C/EBPβ-AEP pathway in mice hippocampus, accompanied by elevated TrkB 1-486 fragment generated by AEP. Specifi.c overexpression or suppression of AEP-TrkB axis in hippocampal CaMKIIα-positive cells aggravated or relieved depressive-like behaviors, respectively. Mechanistically, in addition to facilitating AMPARs internalization, TrkB 1-486 interacted with peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-δ (PPAR-δ) and sequestered it in cytoplasm, repressing PPAR-δ-mediated transactivation and mitochondrial function. Moreover, co-administration of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone and a peptide disrupting the binding of TrkB 1-486 with PPAR-δ attenuated depression-like symptoms not only in CRS animals, but also in Alzheimer's disease and aged mice. These findings reveal a novel role for TrkB cleavage in promoting depressive-like phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Hang Yu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Hongyu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yamei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Ruifeng Xu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100006, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Jiabei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Pai Liu
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA 30322 USA
| | - Yuke Shi
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Dongdong Qin
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yiyi Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Songyan Liu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Shuai Ding
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xin-Ya Gao
- Department of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Laboratory of Neurology, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Zhi-Hao Wang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China; Center for Neurodegenerative Disease Research, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China.
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Tan H, Cao K, Zhao Y, Zhong J, Deng D, Pan B, Zhang J, Zhang R, Wang Z, Chen T, Shi Y. Brain-Targeted Black Phosphorus-Based Nanotherapeutic Platform for Enhanced Hypericin Delivery in Depression. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2310608. [PMID: 38461532 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/12/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a significant global health concern that remains inadequately treated due to the limited effectiveness of conventional drug therapies. One potential therapeutic agent, hypericin (HYP), is identified as an effective natural antidepressant. However, its poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and limited ability to penetrate the brain parenchyma have hindered its clinical application. To address these shortcomings and enhance the therapeutic efficacy of HYP, it is loaded onto black phosphorus nanosheets (BP) modified with the neural cell-targeting peptide RVG29 to synthesize a nanoplatform named BP-RVG29@HYP (BRH). This platform served as a nanocarrier for HYP and integrated the advantages of BP with advanced delivery methods and precise targeting strategies. Under the influence of 808 nm near-infrared irradiation (NIR), BRH effectively traversed an in vitro BBB model. In vivo experiments validated these findings, demonstrating that treatment with BRH significantly alleviated depressive-like behaviors and oxidative stress in mice. Importantly, BRH exhibited an excellent safety profile, causing minimal adverse effects, which highlighted its potential as a promising therapeutic agent. In brief, this novel nanocarrier holds great promise in the development of antidepressant drugs and can create new avenues for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxu Tan
- School of Fundamental Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Kerun Cao
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Yuying Zhao
- Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, The Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Jialong Zhong
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Di Deng
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Bo Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Juping Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, Joint International Research Laboratory of Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicines, International Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Zhiyu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Tongkai Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Yafei Shi
- School of Fundamental Medical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
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8
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Wang R, Huang K, Feng Y, Duan J, Ying H, Shi Q, Zhang Y, Jiang R, Yang L. Exo-miR-144-3p as a promising diagnostic biomarker for depressive symptoms in heart failure. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 192:106415. [PMID: 38266934 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106415] [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: 11/24/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 01/26/2024] Open
Abstract
AIMS The prevalence of depression is higher in heart failure (HF) patients. Early screening of depressive symptoms in HF patients and timely intervention can help to improve patients' quality of life and prognosis. This study aims to explore diagnostic biomarkers by examining the expression profile of serum exosomal miRNAs in HF patients with depressive symptoms. METHODS Serum exosomal RNA was isolated and extracted from 6 HF patients with depressive symptoms (HF-DS) and 6 HF patients without depressive symptoms (HF-NDS). High-throughput sequencing was performed to obtain miRNA expression profiles and target genes were predicted for the screened differentially expressed miRNAs. Biological functions of the target genes were analyzed through Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Subsequently, we collected serum exosomal RNAs from HF-DS (n = 20) and HF-NDS (n = 20). The differentially expressed miRNAs selected from the sequencing results were validated using reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Finally, the diagnostic efficacy of the differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs for HF-DS was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. RESULTS A total of 19 significantly differentially expressed exosomal miRNAs were screened by high-throughput sequencing, consisting of 12 up-regulated and 7 down-regulated exosomal miRNAs. RT-qPCR validation demonstrated that the expression level of exo-miR-144-3p was significantly down-regulated in the HF-DS group, and the expression levels of exo-miR-625-3p and exo-miR-7856-5p were significantly up-regulated. In addition, the expression level of exo-miR-144-3p was negatively correlated with the severity of depressive symptoms in HF patients, and that the area under the curve (AUC) of exo-miR-144-3p for diagnosing HF-DS was 0.763. CONCLUSIONS In this study, we examined the serum exosomal miRNA expression profiles of HF patients with depressive symptoms and found that lower level of exo-miR-144-3p was associated with more severe depressive symptoms. Exo-miR-144-3p is a potential biomarker for the diagnosis of HF-DS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruting Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Kai Huang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Yuehua Feng
- Clinical Medical Research Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Jiahao Duan
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Hangfeng Ying
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Qianyuan Shi
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Riyue Jiang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China.
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9
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Zhang S, Yuan M, He D, Dang W, Zhang W. Long-term follow-up of brain regional changes and the association with cognitive impairment in quarantined COVID-19 survivors. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2024:10.1007/s00406-023-01741-4. [PMID: 38319396 DOI: 10.1007/s00406-023-01741-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the neuropsychiatric symptoms of quarantined COVID-19 survivors 15 months after discharge and explore its potential association with structural and functional brain changes and inflammation. METHODS A total of 51 quarantined COVID-19 survivors and 74 healthy controls were included in this study. Cognitive function was assessed using the THINC-integrated tool. Structural brain changes were examined through both surface- and volume-based analyses, and functional changes were assessed using resting-state amplitude low-frequency fluctuation (ALFF). Serum inflammatory markers were measured by a multiplexed flow cytometric assay. RESULTS COVID-19 survivors exhibited subjective cognitive decline compared to healthy controls, despite no significant differences in objective cognitive tasks. Structural analysis revealed significantly increased gray matter volume and cortical surface area in the left transverse temporal gyrus (Heschl's gyrus) in quarantined COVID-19 survivors. This enlargement was negatively correlated with cognitive impairment. The ALFF analysis showed decreased neural activity in multiple brain regions. Elevated levels of serum inflammatory markers were also found in COVID-19 survivors, including MIP-1a, MIP-1b, TNF-a, and IL-8, which correlated with functional abnormalities. CONCLUSIONS Our findings indicate a subjective cognitive decline in quarantined COVID-19 survivors 15 months after discharge, which is associated with brain structural alterations in the left Heschl's gyrus. The observed elevation of inflammatory markers suggests a potential mechanism involving inflammation-induced neurogenesis. These results contribute to our understanding of the possible mechanisms underlying long-term neuropsychiatric consequences of COVID-19 and highlight the need for further research to develop targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simai Zhang
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Street, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Minlan Yuan
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Danmei He
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wen Dang
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, No. 37 Guoxue Street, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Mental Health Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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10
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Bertollo AG, Galvan ACL, Dallagnol C, Cortez AD, Ignácio ZM. Early Life Stress and Major Depressive Disorder-An Update on Molecular Mechanisms and Synaptic Impairments. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-03983-2. [PMID: 38307968 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-03983-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Early life stress (ELS), characterized as abuse, neglect, and abandonment, can cause several adverse consequences in the lives of affected individuals. ELS experiences can affect an individual's development in variable ways, persisting in the long term and promoting lasting impacts, considering that early exposure to stressors can be biologically incorporated, as prolonged stimulation of stress response systems affects the development of the brain structure and other body systems, increasing the risk of diseases associated with stress and cognitive impairment. This type of stress increases the risk of developing major depressive disorder (MDD) in a severe form that does not respond adequately to traditional antidepressant treatments. Several alterations are studied as mechanisms that relate ELS with MDD, such as epigenetic alterations, neurotransmitters, and neuronal signaling. This review discusses research that brings evidence about the ELS mechanisms involved in synaptic impairments and MDD. The processes involved in epigenetic changes and the HPA axis are highlighted, as well as changes in neurotransmitters and neuronal signaling mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Gollo Bertollo
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil
| | - Agatha Carina Leite Galvan
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil
| | - Claudia Dallagnol
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil
| | - Arthur Dellazeri Cortez
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil
| | - Zuleide Maria Ignácio
- Laboratory of Physiology Pharmacology and Psychopathology, Graduate Program in Biomedical Sciences, Federal University of Fronteira Sul, Chapecó, SC, 89815-899, Brazil.
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11
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Wang Y, Hu J, Wu S, Fleishman JS, Li Y, Xu Y, Zou W, Wang J, Feng Y, Chen J, Wang H. Targeting epigenetic and posttranslational modifications regulating ferroptosis for the treatment of diseases. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:449. [PMID: 38072908 PMCID: PMC10711040 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01720-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis, a unique modality of cell death with mechanistic and morphological differences from other cell death modes, plays a pivotal role in regulating tumorigenesis and offers a new opportunity for modulating anticancer drug resistance. Aberrant epigenetic modifications and posttranslational modifications (PTMs) promote anticancer drug resistance, cancer progression, and metastasis. Accumulating studies indicate that epigenetic modifications can transcriptionally and translationally determine cancer cell vulnerability to ferroptosis and that ferroptosis functions as a driver in nervous system diseases (NSDs), cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases. In this review, we first summarize the core molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis. Then, the roles of epigenetic processes, including histone PTMs, DNA methylation, and noncoding RNA regulation and PTMs, such as phosphorylation, ubiquitination, SUMOylation, acetylation, methylation, and ADP-ribosylation, are concisely discussed. The roles of epigenetic modifications and PTMs in ferroptosis regulation in the genesis of diseases, including cancers, NSD, CVDs, liver diseases, lung diseases, and kidney diseases, as well as the application of epigenetic and PTM modulators in the therapy of these diseases, are then discussed in detail. Elucidating the mechanisms of ferroptosis regulation mediated by epigenetic modifications and PTMs in cancer and other diseases will facilitate the development of promising combination therapeutic regimens containing epigenetic or PTM-targeting agents and ferroptosis inducers that can be used to overcome chemotherapeutic resistance in cancer and could be used to prevent other diseases. In addition, these mechanisms highlight potential therapeutic approaches to overcome chemoresistance in cancer or halt the genesis of other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumin Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jing Hu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300060, PR China
| | - Shuang Wu
- Department of Neurology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430000, PR China
| | - Joshua S Fleishman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, St. John's University, Queens, NY, 11439, USA
| | - Yulin Li
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Yinshi Xu
- Department of Outpatient, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Wailong Zou
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100049, PR China
| | - Jinhua Wang
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Drug Target and Screening Research, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, PR China.
| | - Yukuan Feng
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
| | - Jichao Chen
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aerospace Center Hospital, Peking University Aerospace School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, 100049, PR China.
| | - Hongquan Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Cancer, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy, Tianjin, 300060, PR China.
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