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Wei M, Gao Q, Liu J, Yang Y, Yang J, Fan J, Lv S, Yang S. Development programming: Stress during gestation alters offspring development in sheep. Reprod Domest Anim 2023; 58:1497-1511. [PMID: 37697713 DOI: 10.1111/rda.14465] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Inappropriate management practices of domestic animals during pregnancy can be potential stressors, resulting in complex behavioural, physiological and neurological consequences in the developing offspring. Some of these consequences can last into adulthood or propagate to subsequent generations. We systematically summarized the results of different experimental patterns using artificially increased maternal glucocorticoid levels or prenatal maternal physiological stress paradigms, mediators between prenatal maternal stress (PMS) and programming effects in the offspring and the effects of PMS on offspring phenotypes in sheep. PMS can impair birthweight, regulate the development of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, modify behavioural patterns and cognitive abilities and alter gene expression and brain morphology in offspring. Further research should focus on the effects of programming on gene expression, immune function, gut microbiome, sex-specific effects and maternal behaviour of offspring, especially comparative studies of gestational periods when PMS is applied, continual studies of programming effects on offspring and treatment strategies that effectively reverse the detrimental programming effects of prenatal stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingji Wei
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Qian Gao
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Junjun Liu
- Hebei Agriculture University, Baoding, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Linyi Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Linyi, China
| | - Jinyan Yang
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Jingchang Fan
- Jiaxiang County Sheep Breeding Farm, Jiaxiang, China
| | - Shenjin Lv
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Linyi, China
| | - Shengmei Yang
- College of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
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Luo M, Yi Y, Huang S, Dai S, Xie L, Liu K, Zhang S, Jiang T, Wang T, Yao B, Wang H, Xu D. Gestational dexamethasone exposure impacts hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission and learning and memory function with transgenerational effects. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:3708-3727. [PMID: 37719378 PMCID: PMC10501875 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of learning and memory is regulated by synaptic plasticity in hippocampal neurons. Here we explored how gestational exposure to dexamethasone, a synthetic glucocorticoid commonly used in clinical practice, has lasting effects on offspring's learning and memory. Adult offspring rats of prenatal dexamethasone exposure (PDE) displayed significant impairments in novelty recognition and spatial learning memory, with some phenotypes maintained transgenerationally. PDE impaired synaptic transmission of hippocampal excitatory neurons in offspring of F1 to F3 generations, and abnormalities of neurotransmitters and receptors would impair synaptic plasticity and lead to impaired learning and memory, but these changes failed to carry over to offspring of F5 and F7 generations. Mechanistically, altered hippocampal miR-133a-3p-SIRT1-CDK5-NR2B signaling axis in PDE multigeneration caused inhibition of excitatory synaptic transmission, which might be related to oocyte-specific high expression and transmission of miR-133a-3p. Together, PDE affects hippocampal excitatory synaptic transmission, with lasting consequences across generations, and CDK5 in offspring's peripheral blood might be used as an early-warning marker for fetal-originated learning and memory impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingcui Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yiwen Yi
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Songqiang Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shiyun Dai
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lulu Xie
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Kexin Liu
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Shuai Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Tingting Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Baozhen Yao
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
- Department of Pediatrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Taikang Medical School (School of Basic Medical Sciences), Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Dan Xu
- Department of Obstetrics, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
- Hubei Provincial Key Laboratory of Developmentally Originated Disease, Wuhan 430071, China
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Tao S, Du J, Chi X, Zhu Y, Wang X, Meng Q, Ling X, Diao F, Song C, Jiang Y, Lv H, Lu Q, Qin R, Huang L, Xu X, Liu C, Ding Y, Jiang T, Ma H, Xia Y, Liu J, Lin Y, Jin G, Hu Z. Associations between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and neurodevelopment in infants. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022; 227:759.e1-759.e15. [PMID: 35667419 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2022.05.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND It has been well recognized that antenatal administration of dexamethasone to pregnant women at risk of preterm delivery may markedly accelerate fetal maturation and reduce the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes in their preterm infants, particularly for births before 34 weeks of gestation. Since 2015, antenatal corticosteroid administration has been extended beyond 34 weeks of gestation by clinical guidelines, as it might have beneficial effects on fetal maturation and perinatal outcomes. However, concerns regarding the potential influence of antenatal corticosteroid treatment on offspring neurodevelopment have been raised. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate whether maternal antenatal corticosteroid administration was associated with neurodevelopment in infants at 1 year of age. STUDY DESIGN In this prospective and longitudinal birth cohort study, women were followed up throughout gestation, and their infants underwent a Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, Third Edition, screening test at 1 year of age between December 2018 and September 2020. Finally, 1609 pregnant women and 1759 infants were included in the current study. Using a generalized linear mixed model, we examined the association between antenatal corticosteroid exposure and infant neurodevelopment in cognitive, receptive communication, expressive communication, fine motor, and gross motor functions. RESULTS Of the 1759 infants eligible for this study, 1453 (82.6%) were singletons. A total of 710 infants were exposed to antenatal corticosteroids, among whom 415 were dexamethasone exposed and 483 were prednisone exposed. Dexamethasone was prescribed most often in late pregnancy, whereas prednisone was often used before 8 weeks of gestation among women who conceived through assisted reproductive technology. Compared with those who had no exposure, antenatal corticosteroid exposure was associated with an increased risk of infants being noncompetent in the cognitive development domain after adjusting for conventional risk factors (adjusted risk ratio, 1.53; 95% confidence interval, 1.08-2.18; P=.017). For medication-specific exposure, those exposed vs not exposed to antenatal dexamethasone were 1.62-fold (95% confidence interval, 1.10-2.38; P=.014) more likely to be noncompetent in the cognitive development domain at 1 year. The association did not vary markedly between preterm and term infants, singletons and twins, or assisted reproductive technology-conceived and spontaneously conceived infants (all P>.05 for heterogeneity). In contrast, a null association was observed for the risk of being noncompetent in any domain of neurodevelopment with antenatal prednisone exposure at early pregnancy. CONCLUSION Here, antenatal corticosteroid, particularly dexamethasone exposure, was markedly associated with an increased risk of infants being noncompetent in the cognitive development domain at 1 year of age. These findings may provide new information when weighing the benefits and potential risks of maternal antenatal corticosteroid administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyao Tao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiangbo Du
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xia Chi
- Department of Child Health Care, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yeyi Zhu
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA
| | - Xiaoyan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qingxia Meng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Reproductive Genetic Center, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiufeng Ling
- Department of Reproduction, Women's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Feiyang Diao
- Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ci Song
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yangqian Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qun Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rui Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xin Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Cong Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuqing Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongxia Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yankai Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Modern Toxicology of Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiayin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Clinical Center of Reproductive Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China; Department of Maternal, Child, and Adolescent Health, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangfu Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhibin Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; Department of Epidemiology, Center for Global Health, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine (Suzhou Centre), Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Suzhou Hospital, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
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Prenatal Activation of Glucocorticoid Receptors Induces Memory Impairment in a Sex-Dependent Manner: Role of Cyclooxygenase-2. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:3767-3777. [PMID: 35396693 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02820-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to dexamethasone (DEX) results in long-lasting effects on cognitive functions such as learning and memory impairment. However, the mechanisms underlying these DEX-induced deleterious effects are not well known. Here, we assessed whether cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) is involved in the impact of prenatal exposure to DEX on learning and memory during adulthood. Pregnant Sprague-Dawley rats received daily injections of either DEX (0.2 mg/kg; i.p.) or saline from gestation day (GD) 14 until GD21. Gene and protein expression of COX-2, as well as presynaptic (synaptophysin) and postsynaptic (postsynaptic density protein-95) proteins, were monitored in the dorsal and ventral hippocampi of adult male and female offspring. A different cohort of adult male and female rat offspring was given daily injections of either vehicle or a specific COX-2 inhibitor (celecoxib 10 mg/kg, i.p.) for 5 consecutive days and was subsequently subjected to Morris water maze memory test. Prenatal DEX enhanced the expression of COX-2 protein and cox-2 mRNA in the dorsal hippocampus of adult female but not male rats. This enhanced COX-2 expression was associated with reduced expression in pre- and postsynaptic proteins and altered memory acquisition and retention. Administration of COX-2-specific inhibitor alleviated prenatal DEX-induced memory impairment in adult female rats. This study suggests that prenatal activation of glucocorticoid receptors stimulates COX-2 gene and protein expression and impairs hippocampal-dependent spatial memory in female but not male rat offspring. Furthermore, COX-2 selective inhibitors can be used to alleviate the long-lasting deleterious effects of corticosteroid medication during pregnancy.
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Ortega VA, Mercer EM, Giesbrecht GF, Arrieta MC. Evolutionary Significance of the Neuroendocrine Stress Axis on Vertebrate Immunity and the Influence of the Microbiome on Early-Life Stress Regulation and Health Outcomes. Front Microbiol 2021; 12:634539. [PMID: 33897639 PMCID: PMC8058197 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2021.634539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Stress is broadly defined as the non-specific biological response to changes in homeostatic demands and is mediated by the evolutionarily conserved neuroendocrine networks of the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the sympathetic nervous system. Activation of these networks results in transient release of glucocorticoids (cortisol) and catecholamines (epinephrine) into circulation, as well as activation of sympathetic fibers innervating end organs. These interventions thus regulate numerous physiological processes, including energy metabolism, cardiovascular physiology, and immunity, thereby adapting to cope with the perceived stressors. The developmental trajectory of the stress-axis is influenced by a number of factors, including the gut microbiome, which is the community of microbes that colonizes the gastrointestinal tract immediately following birth. The gut microbiome communicates with the brain through the production of metabolites and microbially derived signals, which are essential to human stress response network development. Ecological perturbations to the gut microbiome during early life may result in the alteration of signals implicated in developmental programming during this critical window, predisposing individuals to numerous diseases later in life. The vulnerability of stress response networks to maladaptive development has been exemplified through animal models determining a causal role for gut microbial ecosystems in HPA axis activity, stress reactivity, and brain development. In this review, we explore the evolutionary significance of the stress-axis system for health maintenance and review recent findings that connect early-life microbiome disturbances to alterations in the development of stress response networks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Van A Ortega
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,International Microbiome Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Emily M Mercer
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,International Microbiome Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Gerald F Giesbrecht
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Owerko Centre, The Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Marie-Claire Arrieta
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,International Microbiome Centre, Cumming School of Medicine, Health Sciences Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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Lalonde C, Grandbois J, Khurana S, Murray A, Tharmalingam S, Tai TC. Late gestational exposure to dexamethasone and fetal programming of abnormal behavior in Wistar Kyoto rats. Brain Behav 2021; 11:e02049. [PMID: 33528889 PMCID: PMC8035474 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Fetal programming was characterized a few decades ago, explaining the correlation of physiological phenotypes of offspring exposed to early-life stress. High acute or chronic prenatal stress can overwhelm the enzymatic placental barrier, inducing transcriptional changes in the fetus that can result in different adverse behavioral and physiological phenotypes. The current study investigates the impact of exposure to the synthetic glucocorticoid, dexamethasone, during late gestation on behavioral outcomes. METHODS Pregnant Wistar Kyoto rats were given daily subcutaneous injections from gestational days 15-21 of either dexamethasone (0.9% NaCl, 4% EtOH, 100 µg kg-1 day-1 ) or were physically manipulated as naïve controls. Pups were raised normally until 17 weeks of age and underwent the Porsolt swim task and elevated plus maze for depressive and anxiety-like behaviors, respectively. Neural tissue was preserved for genetic analysis using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Statistical analyses show significant disruption of behavior and genetic profiles of offspring exposed to dexamethasone in-utero. Exposed animals spent more time immobile on the swim task and entered open arms of the elevated plus maze more often than their naïve counterparts. In the prefrontal cortex, there was a sex by treatment interaction on gene expression relevant to neural transmission in ryanodine receptor 2, as well as increased gene expression in SNAP25, COMT, and LSAMP in males prenatally exposed to dexamethasone compared with controls. Both dysregulated genes and behavior are linked to decreased anxiety and fear inhibition. CONCLUSION Our results indicate adult offspring exposed to dexamethasone in-utero have a tendency toward passive stress-coping strategies and an inhibition of anxiety on behavioral tasks. Methyltransferase activity, synaptic activity, and cellular processes were disrupted in the prefrontal cortices of these animals. Specifically, genes involved in emotional response pathways were overexpressed, supporting the link between the behavioral and genetic profiles. Combined, we determine that dexamethasone offspring have adaptive predispositions when faced with novel situations, with increased immobility in the swim task and increased exploration on the elevated plus maze.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Lalonde
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Julie Grandbois
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Sandhya Khurana
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Alyssa Murray
- Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - Sujeenthar Tharmalingam
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Chem/Biochem, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
| | - T C Tai
- Biomolecular Sciences, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Division of Medical Sciences, Northern Ontario School of Medicine, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Biology, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada.,Department of Chem/Biochem, Laurentian University, Sudbury, ON, Canada
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7
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van der Merwe JL, Sacco A, Toelen J, Deprest J. Long-term neuropathological and/or neurobehavioral effects of antenatal corticosteroid therapy in animal models: a systematic review. Pediatr Res 2020; 87:1157-1170. [PMID: 31822018 DOI: 10.1038/s41390-019-0712-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 11/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Antenatal corticosteroids (ACSs) are recommended to all women at risk for preterm delivery; currently, there is controversy about the subsequent long-term neurocognitive sequelae. This systematic review summarizes the long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes after ACS therapy in animal models. METHODS An electronic search strategy incorporating MeSH and keywords was performed using all known literature databases and in accordance with PRISMA guidance (PROSPERO CRD42019119663). RESULTS Of the 669 studies identified, eventually 64 were included. The majority of studies utilized dexamethasone at relative high dosages and primarily involved rodents. There was a high risk of bias, mostly due to lack of randomization, allocation concealment, and blinding. The main outcomes reported on was neuropathological, particularly glucocorticoid receptor expression and neuron densities, and neurobehavior. Overall there was an upregulation of glucocorticoid receptors with lower neuron densities and a dysregulation of the dopaminergic and serotonergic systems. This coincided with various adverse neurobehavioral outcomes. CONCLUSIONS In animal models, ACSs consistently lead to deleterious long-term neurocognitive effects. This may be due to the specific agents, i.e., dexamethasone, or the repetitive/higher total dosing used. ACS administration varied significantly between studies and there was a high risk of bias. Future research should be standardized in well-characterized models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes L van der Merwe
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Adalina Sacco
- Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Jaan Toelen
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Pediatrics, Division Woman and Child, University Hospitals Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Jan Deprest
- Department of Development and Regeneration, Cluster Woman and Child, Faculty of Medicine, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Fetal Medicine Unit, UZ Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.,Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
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8
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Constantinof A, Boureau L, Moisiadis VG, Kostaki A, Szyf M, Matthews SG. Prenatal Glucocorticoid Exposure Results in Changes in Gene Transcription and DNA Methylation in the Female Juvenile Guinea Pig Hippocampus Across Three Generations. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18211. [PMID: 31796763 PMCID: PMC6890750 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54456-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 11/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic glucocorticoids (sGC) are administered to women at risk for pre-term delivery, to mature the fetal lung and decrease neonatal morbidity. sGC also profoundly affect the fetal brain. The hippocampus expresses high levels of glucocorticoid (GR) and mineralocorticoid receptor (MR), and its development is affected by elevated fetal glucocorticoid levels. Antenatal sGC results in neuroendocrine and behavioral changes that persist in three generations of female guinea pig offspring of the paternal lineage. We hypothesized that antenatal sGC results in transgenerational changes in gene expression that correlate with changes in DNA methylation. We used RNASeq and capture probe bisulfite sequencing to investigate the transcriptomic and epigenomic effects of antenatal sGC exposure in the hippocampus of three generations of juvenile female offspring from the paternal lineage. Antenatal sGC exposure (F0 pregnancy) resulted in generation-specific changes in hippocampal gene transcription and DNA methylation. Significant changes in individual CpG methylation occurred in RNApol II binding regions of small non-coding RNA (snRNA) genes, which implicates alternative splicing as a mechanism involved in transgenerational transmission of the effects of antenatal sGC. This study provides novel perspectives on the mechanisms involved in transgenerational transmission and highlights the importance of human studies to determine the longer-term effects of antenatal sGC on hippocampal-related function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Constantinof
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Lisa Boureau
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Vasilis G Moisiadis
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Alisa Kostaki
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada
| | - Moshe Szyf
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Sackler Program for Epigenetics & Psychobiology, McGill University, Montreal, QC, H3G1Y6, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Toronto, Canada. .,Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, M5S1A8, Canada. .,Lunenfeld-Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, ON, M5G1X5, Canada.
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9
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Ding YX, Cui H. The brain development of infants with intrauterine growth restriction: role of glucocorticoids. Horm Mol Biol Clin Investig 2019; 39:hmbci-2019-0016. [PMID: 31348758 DOI: 10.1515/hmbci-2019-0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Brain injury is a serious complication of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR), but the exact mechanism remains unclear. While glucocorticoids (GCs) play an important role in intrauterine growth and development, GCs also have a damaging effect on microvascular endothelial cells. Moreover, intrauterine adverse environments lead to fetal growth restriction and the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis resetting. In addition, chronic stress can cause a decrease in the number and volume of astrocytes in the hippocampus and glial cells play an important role in neuronal differentiation. Therefore, it is speculated that the effect of GCs on cerebral neurovascular units under chronic intrauterine stimulation is an important mechanism leading to brain injury in infants with growth restrictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Xue Ding
- Department of Pediatric, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China, Phone: +86-10-13146645219
| | - Hong Cui
- Department of Pediatric, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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10
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Cattaneo A, Begni V, Malpighi C, Cattane N, Luoni A, Pariante C, Riva MA. Transcriptional Signatures of Cognitive Impairment in Rat Exposed to Prenatal Stress. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6251-6260. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1523-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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11
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Balise VD, Cornelius-Green JN, Parmenter B, Baxter S, Kassotis CD, Rector RS, Thyfault JP, Paterlini S, Palanza P, Ruiz D, Sargis R, Nagel SC. Developmental Exposure to a Mixture of Unconventional Oil and Gas Chemicals Increased Risk-Taking Behavior, Activity and Energy Expenditure in Aged Female Mice After a Metabolic Challenge. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:460. [PMID: 31402896 PMCID: PMC6669236 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chemicals used in unconventional oil and gas (UOG) operations can act as endocrine disrupting chemicals and metabolic disruptors. Our lab has reported altered energy expenditure and activity in C57BL/6J mice that were preconceptionally, gestationally, and lactationally exposed via maternal drinking water to a laboratory-created mixture of 23 UOG chemicals from gestational day 1 to postnatal day 21 in 7-month-old female mice with no change in body composition. We hypothesized that allowing the mice to age and exposing them to a high fat, high sugar diet might reveal underlying changes in energy balance. To investigate whether aging and metabolic challenge would exacerbate this phenotype, these mice were aged to 12 months and given a high fat, high sugar diet (HFHSD) challenge. The short 3-day HFHSD challenge increased body weight and fasting blood glucose in all mice. Developmental exposure to the 23 UOG mixture was associated with increased activity and non-resting energy expenditure in the light cycle, increased exploratory behavior in the elevated plus maze test, and decreased sleep in 12 month female mice. Each of these effects was seen in the light cycle when mice are normally less active. Further studies are needed to better understand the behavioral changes observed after developmental exposure to UOG chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria D. Balise
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Jennifer N. Cornelius-Green
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Brittany Parmenter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Sierra Baxter
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | | | - R. Scott Rector
- Department of Nutrition and Health Exercise Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, School of Medicine, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Research Service, Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans Medical Center, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - John P. Thyfault
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, United States
- Kansas City VA Medical Center, Research Service, Kansas City, MO, United States
| | - Silvia Paterlini
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paola Palanza
- Unit of Neuroscience, Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Daniel Ruiz
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Robert Sargis
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Susan C. Nagel
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Women's Health, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
- *Correspondence: Susan C. Nagel
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12
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McGowan PO, Matthews SG. Prenatal Stress, Glucocorticoids, and Developmental Programming of the Stress Response. Endocrinology 2018; 159:69-82. [PMID: 29136116 DOI: 10.1210/en.2017-00896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The early environment has a major impact on the developing embryo, fetus, and infant. Parental adversity (maternal and paternal) and glucocorticoid exposure before conception and during pregnancy have profound effects on the development and subsequent function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and related behaviors. These effects are species-, sex-, and age-specific and depend on the timing and duration of exposure. The impact of these early exposures can extend across multiple generations, via both the maternal and paternal lineage, and recent studies have begun to determine the mechanisms by which this occurs. Improved knowledge of the mechanisms by which adversity and glucocorticoids program stress systems will allow development of strategies to ameliorate and/or reverse these long-term effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick O McGowan
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Center for Environmental Epigenetics and Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Stephen G Matthews
- Department of Physiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health System, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Claflin DI, Schmidt KD, Vallandingham ZD, Kraszpulski M, Hennessy MB. Influence of postnatal glucocorticoids on hippocampal-dependent learning varies with elevation patterns and administration methods. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 143:77-87. [PMID: 28545908 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Recent interest in the lasting effects of early-life stress has expanded to include effects on cognitive performance. An increase in circulating glucocorticoids is induced by stress exposure and glucocorticoid effects on the hippocampus likely underlie many of the cognitive consequences. Here we review studies showing that corticosterone administered to young rats at the conclusion of the stress-hyporesponsiveness period affects later performance in hippocampally-mediated trace eyeblink conditioning. The nature and even direction of these effects varies with the elevation patterns (level, duration, temporal fluctuation) achieved by different administration methods. We present new time course data indicating that constant glucocorticoid elevations generally corresponded with hippocampus-mediated learning deficits, whereas acute, cyclical elevations corresponded with improved initial acquisition. Sensitivity was greater for males than for females. Further, changes in hippocampal neurogenesis paralleled some but not all effects. The findings demonstrate that specific patterns of glucocorticoid elevation produced by different drug administration procedures can have markedly different, sex-specific consequences on basic cognitive performance and underlying hippocampal physiology. Implications of these findings for glucocorticoid medications prescribed in childhood are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dragana I Claflin
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.
| | - Kevin D Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA; Applied Neuroscience Branch, Air Force Research Laboratory, 2510 Fifth St., Wright-Patterson AFB, OH 45433, USA.
| | - Zachary D Vallandingham
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.
| | - Michal Kraszpulski
- Department of Neuroscience, Cell Biology and Physiology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.
| | - Michael B Hennessy
- Department of Psychology, Wright State University, 3640 Colonel Glenn Hwy, Dayton, OH 45435, USA.
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14
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Pascuan CG, Di Rosso ME, Pivoz-Avedikian JE, Wald MR, Zorrilla Zubilete MA, Genaro AM. Alteration of neurotrophin and cytokine expression in lymphocytes as novel peripheral markers of spatial memory deficits induced by prenatal stress. Physiol Behav 2017; 173:144-155. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.01.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2016] [Revised: 01/30/2017] [Accepted: 01/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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15
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Badache S, Bouslama S, Brahmia O, Baïri AM, Tahraoui AK, Ladjama A. Prenatal noise and restraint stress interact to alter exploratory behavior and balance in juvenile rats, and mixed stress reverses these effects. Stress 2017; 20:320-328. [PMID: 28316272 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1307962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
We aimed to investigate in adolescent rats the individual and combined effects of prenatal noise and restraint stress on balance control, exploration, locomotion and anxiety behavior. Three groups of pregnant rats were exposed to daily repeated stress from day 11 to day 19 of pregnancy: 3 min noise (Noise Stress, NS); 10 min restraint (restraint stress, RS); or 3 min noise followed by 10 min restraint (mixed stress, MS). On postnatal days (PND) 44, 45 and 46, four groups of male rats (Control, NS, RS:, MS; 16 rats each), were tested as follows: (1) beam walking (BW), (2) open field (OF) and (3) elevated plus maze (EPM). Our results show that the NS group had significantly impaired balance control, locomotion and both horizontal and vertical exploration (p < .01 for all measures). The RS group showed only a decrease in vertical exploration (p < .05). In contrast, locomotion and balance were not affected in the MS group (OF: crossed squares: p = .34, missteps: p = .18). However, MS rats exhibited significantly higher anxiety levels (less time in EPM open arms: p < .05), and took more time to complete BW: p < .05). Hence, combined prenatal stressors exert non-additive effects on locomotion, exploration and balance control, but induce greater anxiety through additive effects. Terminal plasma ACTH concentration was increased by prenatal stress, especially noise, which group had the largest adrenal glands. Overall, contrary to expectation, combined prenatal stressors can interact to increase anxiety level, but diminish alteration of exploration, locomotion and impaired balance control, which were strongly induced by noise stress. Lay summary: Experience of stress in pregnancy can have negative effects on the offspring that are long-lasting. Here, we used laboratory rats to see whether repeated episodes of exposure to loud noise or preventing free movement, alone or together, during pregnancy had different effects on behaviors of the adolescent offspring. Using standard tests, we found the prenatal stresses caused the offspring to be anxious, and not to balance when moving around as well as normal offspring; the degree of impairment depended on the type of stress - loud noise exposure had the greatest effects, but if the stresses were combined the effects were not worse. The results point to the need to aim to avoid stress in pregnant women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumeya Badache
- a Laboratory of Biochemistry and Applied Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science , University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba , Algeria
| | - Slim Bouslama
- b Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science , University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba , Algeria
| | - Oualid Brahmia
- c Department of Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences , University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba , Algeria
| | - Abdel Madjid Baïri
- d Laboratory of Applied Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science , University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba , Algeria
| | - Abdel Krim Tahraoui
- d Laboratory of Applied Neuroendocrinology, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science , University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba , Algeria
| | - Ali Ladjama
- a Laboratory of Biochemistry and Applied Microbiology, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science , University Badji Mokhtar-Annaba , Algeria
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16
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Nakhjiri E, Saboory E, Roshan-Milani S, Rasmi Y, Khalafkhani D. Effect of prenatal restraint stress and morphine co-administration on plasma vasopressin concentration and anxiety behaviors in adult rat offspring. Stress 2017; 20:205-211. [PMID: 28287019 DOI: 10.1080/10253890.2017.1306053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Stressful events and exposure to opiates during gestation have important effects on the later mental health of the offspring. Anxiety is among the most common mental disorders. The present study aimed to identify effects of prenatal restraint stress and morphine co-administration on plasma vasopressin concentration (PVC) and anxiety behaviors in rats. Pregnant rats were divided into four groups (n = 6, each): saline, morphine, stress + saline and stress + morphine treatment. The stress procedure consisted of restraint twice per day, two hours per session, for three consecutive days starting on day 15 of pregnancy. Rats in the saline and morphine groups received either 0.9% saline or morphine intraperitoneally on the same days. In the morphine/saline + stress groups, rats were exposed to restraint stress and received either morphine or saline intraperitoneally. All offspring were tested in an elevated plus maze (EPM) on postnatal day 90 (n = 6, each sex), and anxiety behaviors of each rat were recorded. Finally, blood samples were collected to determine PVC. Prenatal morphine exposure reduced anxiety-like behaviors. Co-administration of prenatal stress and morphine increased locomotor activity (LA) and PVC. PVC was significantly lower in female offspring of the morphine and morphine + stress groups compared with males in the same group, but the opposite was seen in the saline + stress group. These data emphasize the impact of prenatal stress and morphine on fetal neuroendocrine development, with long-term changes in anxiety-like behaviors and vasopressin secretion. These changes are sex specific, indicating differential impact of prenatal stress and morphine on fetal neuroendocrine system development. Lay Summary Pregnant women are sometimes exposed to stressful and painful conditions which may lead to poor outcomes for offspring. Opiates may provide pain and stress relief to these mothers. In this study, we used an experimental model of maternal exposure to stress and morphine in pregnant rats. The findings indicated that maternal stress increased anxiety in offspring while morphine decreased such effects, but had negative effects on the levels of a hormone controlling blood pressure, and activity of offspring. Hence morphine should not be used in pregnancy for pain and stress relief.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elnaz Nakhjiri
- a Studental Research Committee , Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran
| | - Ehsan Saboory
- b Neurophysiology Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran
| | - Shiva Roshan-Milani
- c Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine , Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran
| | - Yousef Rasmi
- d Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran
| | - Davod Khalafkhani
- d Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Urmia University of Medical Sciences , Urmia , Iran
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17
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Bengoetxea X, Paternain L, Martisova E, Milagro FI, Martínez JA, Campión J, Ramírez MJ. Effects of perinatal diet and prenatal stress on the behavioural profile of aged male and female rats. J Psychopharmacol 2017; 31:356-364. [PMID: 28114845 DOI: 10.1177/0269881116686881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The present work studies whether chronic prenatal stress (PS) influences the long-term sex-dependent neuropsychological status of offspring and the effects of an early dietary intervention in the dam. In addition, dams were fed with either a high-fat sugar diet (HFSD) or methyl donor supplemented diet (MDSD). PS procedure did not affect body weight of the offspring. MDSD induced decreases in body weight both in male and female offspring (1 month) that were still present in aged rats. HFSD induced an increase in body weight both in male and female offspring that did not persist in aged rats. In the Porsolt forced swimming test, only young males showed increases in immobility time that were reversed by MDSD. In old female rats (20 months), PS-induced cognitive impairment in both the novel object recognition test (NORT) and in the Morris water maze that was reversed by MDSD, whereas in old males, cognitive impairments and reversion by MDSD was evident only in the Morris water maze. HFSD induced cognitive impairment in both control and PS old rats, but there was no additive effect of PS and HFSD. It is proposed here that the diversity of symptoms following PS could arise from programming effects in early brain development and that these effects could be modified by dietary intake of the dam.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xabier Bengoetxea
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Laura Paternain
- 2 Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Centre for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Eva Martisova
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Fermin I Milagro
- 2 Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Centre for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,3 CIBERobn, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - J Alfredo Martínez
- 2 Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Centre for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,3 CIBERobn, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain.,4 IDISNA, Navarra's Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Javier Campión
- 2 Department of Nutrition, Food Science and Physiology, Centre for Nutrition Research, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,3 CIBERobn, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de la Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición, Carlos III Health Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - María J Ramírez
- 1 Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain.,4 IDISNA, Navarra's Health Research Institute, Pamplona, Spain
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18
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Anxiety modulates cognitive deficits in a perinatal glutathione deficit animal model of schizophrenia. Brain Res 2016; 1648:459-468. [PMID: 27485658 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2016.07.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated long-term repercussion of early glutathione deficit by l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) injections as a rat model of schizophrenia. BSO rats were tested through various behavioral tasks requiring animals to take into account previously delivered information. We showed that relative to controls, BSO rats (1) were less active and more anxious in an Elevated Plus Maze test, allowing us to split them into two subgroups with high and low anxiety levels; (2) demonstrated normal abilities of behavioral flexibility tested with a rat-adapted version of the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), with even higher abilities in anxious BSO rats suggesting reduced interference of previously acquired rules; (3) did not forage normally in radial arm mazes and mainly used clockwise strategies; (4) exhibited a lack of habituation during a startle response task; and (5) showed a normal prepulse inhibition of the startle response (PPI) and a normal conditioned taste aversion (CTA). All these results indicate that early glutathione deficit provokes persistent changes in adulthood and improves the validity of this animal model of schizophrenia. They further suggest difficulties binding temporally separated events (WCST), except when the salience of this information is very strong (CTA). We propose that the transient glutathione deficit during cerebral development could alter a "cognitive binding" process in interaction with the emotional state that could possibly account for the disruption of integrative function that characterizes schizophrenia.
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19
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Gerosa M, Schioppo T, Meroni PL. Challenges and treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis during pregnancy. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2016; 17:1539-47. [DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2016.1197204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
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20
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Lebowitz ER, Leckman JF, Silverman WK, Feldman R. Cross-generational influences on childhood anxiety disorders: pathways and mechanisms. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2016; 123:1053-67. [PMID: 27145763 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-016-1565-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are common across the lifespan, cause severe distress and impairment, and usually have their onset in childhood. Substantial clinical and epidemiological research has demonstrated the existence of links between anxiety and its disorders in children and parents. Research on the pathways and mechanisms underlying these links has pointed to both behavioral and biological systems. This review synthesizes and summarizes several major aspects of this research. Behavioral systems include vicarious learning, social referencing, and modeling of parental anxiety; overly protective or critical parenting styles; and aspects of parental responses to child anxiety including family accommodation of the child's symptoms. Biological systems include aspects of the prenatal environment affected by maternal anxiety, development and functioning of the oxytocinergic system, and genetic and epigenetic transmission. Implications for the prevention and treatment of child anxiety disorders are discussed, including the potential to enhance child anxiety treatment outcomes through biologically informed parent-based interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli R Lebowitz
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06515, USA.
| | - James F Leckman
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06515, USA
| | - Wendy K Silverman
- Yale Child Study Center, 230 S. Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06515, USA
| | - Ruth Feldman
- Gonda Brain Research, Bar Ilan University, Ramat Gan, Israel
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21
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Cartier J, Zeng Y, Drake AJ. Glucocorticoids and the prenatal programming of neurodevelopmental disorders. Curr Opin Behav Sci 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cobeha.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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