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Sadath A, Troya MI, Nicholson S, Cully G, Leahy D, Ramos Costa AP, Benson R, Corcoran P, Griffin E, Phillip E, Cassidy E, Jeffers A, Shiely F, Alberdi-Páramo Í, Kavalidou K, Arensman E. Physical and mental illness comorbidity among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes: A mixed-methods study. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1121313. [PMID: 36970268 PMCID: PMC10033892 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1121313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BackgroundResearch has indicated an increased risk of self-harm repetition and suicide among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes. Co-occurring physical and mental illness further increases the risk of self-harm and suicide. However, the association between this co-occurrence and frequent self-harm episodes is not well understood. The objectives of the study were (a) to examine the sociodemographic and clinical profile of individuals with frequent self-harm (regardless of suicidal intent) episodes and, (b) the association between physical and mental illness comorbidity, self-harm repetition, highly lethal self-harm methods, and suicide intent.MethodsThe study included consecutive patients with five or more self-harm presentations to Emergency Departments across three general hospitals in the Republic of Ireland. The study included file reviews (n = 183) and semi-structured interviews (n = 36). Multivariate logistic regression models and independent samples t-tests were used to test the association between the sociodemographic and physical and mental disorders comorbidity on highly lethal self-harm methods and suicidal intent, respectively. Thematic analysis was applied to identify themes related to physical and mental illness comorbidity and frequent self-harm repetition.FindingsThe majority of individuals with frequent self-harm episodes were female (59.6%), single (56.1%), and unemployed (57.4%). The predominant current self-harm method was drug overdose (60%). Almost 90% of the participants had history of a mental or behavioral disorder, and 56.8% had recent physical illness. The most common psychiatric diagnoses were alcohol use disorders (51.1%), borderline personality disorder (44.0%), and major depressive disorder (37.8%). Male gender (OR = 2.89) and alcohol abuse (OR = 2.64) predicted the risk of a highly lethal self-harm method. Suicide intent was significantly higher among those with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder (t = 2.43; p = 0.020). Major qualitative themes were (a) the functional meaning of self-harm (b) self-harm comorbidity (c) family psychiatric history and (d) contacts with mental health services. Participants described experiencing an uncontrollable self-harm urge, and self-harm was referred to as a way to get relief from emotional pain or self-punishment to cope with anger and stressors.ConclusionPhysical and mental illness comorbidity was high among individuals with frequent self-harm episodes. Male gender and alcohol abuse were associated with highly lethal self-harm methods. The mental and physical illness comorbidity of individuals with frequent self-harm episodes should be addressed via a biopsychosocial assessment and subsequent indicated treatment interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anvar Sadath
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- *Correspondence: Anvar Sadath,
| | - M. Isabela Troya
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah Nicholson
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Grace Cully
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Dorothy Leahy
- Kerry Primary Care Child, Adolescent and Family Psychology Service, Cork Kerry Community Healthcare, Health Service Executive, Kerry, Ireland
| | - Ana Paula Ramos Costa
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ruth Benson
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul Corcoran
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eve Griffin
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eunice Phillip
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eugene Cassidy
- Liaison Psychiatry Services, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Frances Shiely
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Health Research Board (HRB), Clinical Research Facility, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | | | - Katerina Kavalidou
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Clinical Programme for Self-Harm and Suicide-Related Ideation (NCPSHI), Health Service Executive, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- School of Applied Psychology, Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, Griffith University, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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Morais LH, Golubeva AV, Casey S, Scott KA, Ramos Costa AP, Moloney GM, Dinan TG, Cryan JF. Early-life oxytocin attenuates the social deficits induced by caesarean-section delivery in the mouse. Neuropsychopharmacology 2021; 46:1958-1968. [PMID: 34040156 PMCID: PMC8429532 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-021-01040-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The oxytocin (OXT) system has been strongly implicated in the regulation of social behaviour and anxiety, potentially contributing to the aetiology of a wide range of neuropathologies. Birth by Caesarean-section (C-section) results in alterations in microbiota diversity in early-life, alterations in brain development and has recently been associated with long-term social and anxiety-like behaviour deficits. In this study, we assessed whether OXT intervention in the early postnatal period could reverse C-section-mediated effects on behaviour, and physiology in early life and adulthood. Following C-section or per vaginum birth, pups were administered with OXT (0.2 or 2 μg/20 μl; s.c.) or saline daily from postnatal days 1-5. We demonstrate that early postnatal OXT treatment has long-lasting effects reversing many of the effects of C-section on mouse behaviour and physiology. In early-life, high-dose OXT administration attenuated C-section-mediated maternal attachment impairments. In adulthood, low-dose OXT restored social memory deficits, some aspects of anxiety-like behaviour, and improved gastrointestinal transit. Furthermore, as a consequence of OXT intervention in early life, OXT plasma levels were increased in adulthood, and dysregulation of the immune response in C-section animals was attenuated by both doses of OXT treatment. These findings indicate that there is an early developmental window sensitive to manipulations of the OXT system that can prevent lifelong behavioural and physiological impairments associated with mode of birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia H. Morais
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.20861.3d0000000107068890Present Address: Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA USA
| | - Anna V. Golubeva
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sophie Casey
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,Present Address: Irish Centre for Foetal and Neonatal Translational Research, INFANT, Cork, Ireland
| | - Karen A. Scott
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.15276.370000 0004 1936 8091Present Address: Department of Pharmacodynamics, McKnight Brain Institute, College of Pharmacy, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL USA
| | - Ana Paula Ramos Costa
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.411237.20000 0001 2188 7235Departamento de Farmacologia, CCB, UFSC, Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Gerard M. Moloney
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Timothy G. Dinan
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioural Science, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John F. Cryan
- grid.7872.a0000000123318773APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland ,grid.7872.a0000000123318773Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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Troya MI, Cully G, Leahy D, Cassidy E, Sadath A, Nicholson S, Ramos Costa AP, Alberdi-Páramo Í, Jeffers A, Shiely F, Arensman E. Investigating the relationship between childhood sexual abuse, self-harm repetition and suicidal intent: mixed-methods study. BJPsych Open 2021; 7:e125. [PMID: 34236021 PMCID: PMC8281309 DOI: 10.1192/bjo.2021.962] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research into the association between childhood sexual abuse (CSA) and self-harm repetition is limited. AIMS We aimed to examine the association between self-harm repetition, mental health conditions, suicidal intent and CSA experiences among people who frequently self-harm. METHOD A mixed-methods study was conducted including consecutive patients aged ≥18 years, with five or more self-harm presentations, in three Irish hospitals. Information was extracted from psychiatric records and patients were invited to participate in a semi-structured interview. Data was collected and analysed with a mixed-methods, convergent parallel design. In tandem, the association between CSA and self-harm repetition, suicidal intent and mental health conditions was examined with logistic regression models and independent sample t-test, with psychiatric records data. Thematic analysis was conducted with interview data, to explore CSA experiences and self-harm repetition. RESULTS Between March 2016 and July 2019, information was obtained on 188 consecutive participants, with 36 participants completing an interview. CSA was recorded in 42% of the total sample and 72.2% of those interviewed. CSA was positively associated with self-harm repetition (odds ratio 6.26, 95% CI 3.94-9.94, P = 0.00). Three themes emerged when exploring participants' CSA experiences: CSA as a precipitating factor for self-harm, secrecy of CSA accentuating shame, and loss experiences linked to CSA and self-harm. CONCLUSIONS CSA was frequently reported among people who frequently self-harm, and associated with self-harm repetition. Identification of patients at risk of repetition is key for suicide prevention. This is an at-risk group with particular characteristics that must be considered; comprehensive patient histories can help inform and tailor treatment pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Isabela Troya
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Grace Cully
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Dorothy Leahy
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Eugene Cassidy
- Cork University Hospital Group, Liaison Psychiatry Service, Ireland
| | - Anvar Sadath
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah Nicholson
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Ana Paula Ramos Costa
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; and National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Íñigo Alberdi-Páramo
- Instituto de Psiquiatría y Salud Mental, Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Spain; and Departamento de Medicina Legal, Psiquiatría y Patología, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Spain
| | - Anne Jeffers
- National Clinical Programme for the Assessment and Management of Patients presenting to the Emergency Department following Self-Harm, Office of the National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead - Mental Health, Dr. Steeven's Hospital, Ireland
| | - Frances Shiely
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Ireland; National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, Ireland; and Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Australia
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Arensman E, Troya MI, Nicholson S, Sadath A, Cully G, Ramos Costa AP, Benson R, Corcoran P, Griffin E, Williamson E, Eustace J, Shiely F, Browne J, Rigby J, Jeffers A, Cassidy E. Study protocol for the implementation and evaluation of the Self-harm Assessment and Management for General Hospitals programme in Ireland (SAMAGH). BMC Health Serv Res 2020; 20:590. [PMID: 32600390 PMCID: PMC7322837 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-020-05254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous self-harm is one of the strongest predictors of future self-harm and suicide. Increased risk of repeated self-harm and suicide exists amongst patients presenting to hospital with high-risk self-harm and major self-harm repeaters. However, so far evidence-based training in the management of self-harm for mental health professionals is limited. Within this context, we aim to develop, implement and evaluate a training programme, SAMAGH, Self-harm Assessment and Management Programme for General Hospitals in Ireland. SAMAGH aims to (a) reduce hospital-based self-harm repetition rates and (b) increase rates of mental health assessments being conducted with self-harm patients. We also aim to evaluate the training on self-harm knowledge, attitudes, and skills related outcomes of healthcare professionals involved in the training. METHODS/DESIGN The study will be conducted in three phases. First, the SAMAGH Training Programme has been developed, which comprises two parts: 1) E-learning Programme and 2) Simulation Training. Second, SAMAGH will be delivered to healthcare professionals from general hospitals in Ireland. Third, an outcome and process evaluation will be conducted using a pre-post design. The outcome evaluation will be conducted using aggregated data from the National Self-Harm Registry Ireland (NSHRI) on self-harm repetition rates from all 27 public hospitals in Ireland. Aggregated data based on the 3-year average (2016, 2017, 2018) self-harm repetition rates prior to the implementation of the SAMAGH will be used as baseline data, and NSHRI data from 6 and 12 months after the implementation of SAMAGH will be used as follow-up. For the process evaluation, questionnaires and focus groups will be administered and conducted with healthcare professionals who completed the training. DISCUSSION This study will contribute to the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of an evidence informed training programme that aims to reduce repeated hospital self-harm presentations and to improve compliance with self-harm assessment and management. This study is also expected to contribute to self-harm and suicide training with the possibility of being translated to other settings. Its feasibility will be evaluated through a process evaluation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ella Arensman
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland.
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland.
- Australian Institute for Suicide Research and Prevention, School of Applied Psychology, Griffith University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
| | - M Isabela Troya
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sarah Nicholson
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Anvar Sadath
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Grace Cully
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ana Paula Ramos Costa
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ruth Benson
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul Corcoran
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eve Griffin
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Eileen Williamson
- National Suicide Research Foundation, University College Cork, 4.28 Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Joe Eustace
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Cork, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Frances Shiely
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
- Health Research Board Clinical Research Facility-Cork, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - John Browne
- School of Public Health, College of Medicine and Health, University College Cork, Western Gateway Building, Cork, Ireland
| | - Jan Rigby
- Centre for Health Geoinformatics & Department of Geography, Maynooth University, Maynooth, Ireland
| | - Anne Jeffers
- National Clinical Programme for the Assessment and Management of Patients presenting to the Emergency Department following Self-Harm, Office of the National Clinical Advisor and Group Lead, Dr. Steeven's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Eugene Cassidy
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurobehavioral Science, University College Cork, Acute Mental Health Unit, Cork University Hospital, Wilton, Ireland
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Ramos Costa AP, Levone BR, Gururajan A, Moloney G, Hoeller AA, Lino-de-Oliveira C, Dinan TG, O'Leary OF, Monteiro de Lima TC, Cryan JF. Enduring effects of muscarinic receptor activation on adult hippocampal neurogenesis, microRNA expression and behaviour. Behav Brain Res 2019; 362:188-198. [PMID: 30650342 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.12.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 12/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic system is one of the most important neurotransmitter systems in the brain with key roles in autonomic control and the regulation of cognitive and emotional responses. However, the precise mechanism by which the cholinergic system influences behaviour is unclear. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) is a potential mediator in this context based on evidence, which has identified this process as putative mechanism of antidepressant action. More recently, post-transcriptional regulation by microRNAs is another candidate mechanism based on its involvement in the regulation of AHN and neurotransmission. Taking into account this background, we evaluated the behavioural effects of a non-convulsant dose of pilocarpine - a non-selective muscarinic receptor (mAChR) agonist - in adult Wistar rats. Furthermore, we quantified the expression of different microRNAs implicated in the regulation of AHN. Our results suggests that pilocarpine treatment increases AHN in the granular cell layer but also induced ectopic neurogenesis. Pilocarpine treatment reduced immobility time in forced swimming test but did not affect fear conditioning response, sucrose preference or novelty supressed feeding behaviour. In addition, treatment with pilocarpine down-regulated the expression of 6 microRNAs implicated in the regulation of neurotrophin signalling and axon guidance pathways. Therefore, we suggest that the low-dose stimulation of the cholinergic system is sufficient to alter AHN of rats through post-transcriptional mechanisms, which might contribute to long-lasting behavioural effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Paula Ramos Costa
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | - Anand Gururajan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Gerard Moloney
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | - Alexandre A Hoeller
- Graduate Program in Medical Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | | | | | - Olivia F O'Leary
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland
| | | | - John F Cryan
- APC Microbiome Ireland, University College Cork, Ireland; Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, University College Cork, Ireland.
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Lach G, Bicca MA, Hoeller AA, Santos ECDS, Costa APR, de Lima TCM. Short-term enriched environment exposure facilitates fear extinction in adult rats: The NPY-Y1 receptor modulation. Neuropeptides 2016; 55:73-8. [PMID: 26490304 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2015.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2015] [Revised: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 10/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides have an important role in several psychiatric conditions. Among them, neuropeptide Y (NPY) seems to be essential to modulate some features of stress-related disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), characterized by inappropriate fear generalization to safe situations may be modulated by NPY manipulation since this neuropeptide is involved in the promotion of coping with stress. Experimentally, coping strategies have been obtained after exposure in enriched environment (EE) rather than standard one. Thus, in the present study we aimed to assess whether short-term EE situation and NPY-Y1 receptor (Y1r) modulation may affect the extinction of contextual fear conditioning, an experimental approach to PTSD. Here we show that EE-rats have the contextual fear extinction facilitated, and this facilitation was reverted by central infusion of BIBO3304, a nonpeptide Y1r antagonist. In addition, protein analysis revealed an upregulation of hippocampal Y1r in conditioned EE-rats, but no changes were observed in EE-rats that were not conditioned. Our results demonstrated that protective properties of EE on fear extinction can be regulated, at least in part, by activation of NPY-signaling through Y1r within hippocampus, an area that plays a major role in contextual memories. Overall, the activation of Y1r is important to promote better and faster perception of self-location (context), and to reduce fear generalization in rats exposed to EE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gilliard Lach
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88049-900, Brazil.
| | - Maira Assunção Bicca
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88049-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre Ademar Hoeller
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88049-900, Brazil; Postgraduate Program in Medical Science, Center of Health Sciences, University Hospital, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88040-970, Brazil
| | - Evelyn Cristina da Silva Santos
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88049-900, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Ramos Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, Center of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC 88049-900, Brazil
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Santos ECS, Bicca MA, Blum-Silva CH, Costa APR, Dos Santos AA, Schenkel EP, Farina M, Reginatto FH, de Lima TCM. Anxiolytic-like, stimulant and neuroprotective effects of Ilex paraguariensis extracts in mice. Neuroscience 2015; 292:13-21. [PMID: 25681522 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2014] [Revised: 01/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Yerba-mate (Ilex paraguariensis St. Hil.) is the most used beverage in Latin America with approximately 426 thousand of tons consumed per year. Considering the broad use of this plant, we aimed to investigate the anxiety-like and stimulant activity of both the hydroethanolic (HE) and aqueous (AE) extracts from leaves of I. paraguariensis. Swiss mice were treated with I. paraguariensis HE or AE chronically or acutely, respectively, followed by evaluation in the elevated plus-maze (EPM; anxiety-like paradigm), open field (OF; locomotor activity) or the step-down avoidance task (memory assessment). Following behavioral protocols the brains were collected for evaluation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity ex vivo. Chronic treatment with HE induced an anxiolytic-like effect and increased motor activity besides augmented AChE activity. Additionally, acute treatment with AE prevented the scopolamine-induced memory deficit in the step-down avoidance task. Overall, our results indicate the importance of the I. paraguariensis-induced CNS effects, since it is a widely used nutraceutical. We have reported anxiolytic, stimulant and neuroprotective effects for this plant species. These effects are potentially modulated by the cholinergic system as well as by caffeine.
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Affiliation(s)
- E C S Santos
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - M A Bicca
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - C H Blum-Silva
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - A P R Costa
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - A A Dos Santos
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - E P Schenkel
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - M Farina
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - F H Reginatto
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Centro de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - T C M de Lima
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88049-970 Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Costa AS, Junior AS, Viana GEN, Muratori MCS, Reis AM, Costa APR. Inhibition of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Increases Oestradiol Production in Ewes Submitted to Oestrous Synchronization Protocol. Reprod Domest Anim 2014; 49:E53-5. [DOI: 10.1111/rda.12384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 06/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- AS Costa
- Postgraduate in Animal Science; Federal University of Piauí; Teresina Brazil
| | - AS Junior
- Postgraduate in Animal Science; Federal University of Piauí; Teresina Brazil
| | - GEN Viana
- Department Morphophysiology; Center Agricultural Sciences; Federal University of Piauí; Teresina Brazil
| | - MCS Muratori
- Department Morphophysiology; Center Agricultural Sciences; Federal University of Piauí; Teresina Brazil
| | - AM Reis
- Departament de Physiology; Institute of Biological Sciences; Federal University of Minas Gerais; Belo Horizonte Brazil
| | - APR Costa
- Department Morphophysiology; Center Agricultural Sciences; Federal University of Piauí; Teresina Brazil
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Hoeller AA, Duzzioni M, Duarte FS, Leme LR, Costa APR, Santos ECDS, de Pieri CH, dos Santos AA, Naime AA, Farina M, de Lima TCM. GABA-A receptor modulators alter emotionality and hippocampal theta rhythm in an animal model of long-lasting anxiety. Brain Res 2013; 1532:21-31. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2013.07.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 07/08/2013] [Accepted: 07/25/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Costa APR, Vieira C, Bohner LOL, Silva CF, Santos ECDS, De Lima TCM, Lino-de-Oliveira C. A proposal for refining the forced swim test in Swiss mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2013; 45:150-5. [PMID: 23665107 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2013.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2013] [Revised: 04/18/2013] [Accepted: 05/01/2013] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The forced swim test (FST) is a preclinical test to the screening of antidepressants based on rats or mice behaviours, which is also sensitive to stimulants of motor activity. This work standardised and validated a method to register the active and passive behaviours of Swiss mice during the FST in order to strength the specificity of the test. Adult male Swiss mice were subjected to the FST for 6 min without any treatment or after intraperitoneal injection of saline (0.1 ml/10 g), antidepressants (imipramine, desipramine, or fluoxetine, 30 mg/kg) or stimulants (caffeine, 30 mg/kg or apomorphine, 10mg/kg). The latency, frequency and duration of behaviours (immobility, swimming, and climbing) were scored and summarised in bins of 6, 4, 2 or 1 min. Parameters were first analysed using Principal Components Analysis generating components putatively related to antidepressant (first and second) or to stimulant effects (third). Antidepressants and stimulants affected similarly the parameters grouped into all components. Effects of stimulants on climbing were better distinguished of antidepressants when analysed during the last 4 min of the FST. Surprisingly, the effects of antidepressants on immobility were better distinguished from saline when parameters were scored in the first 2 min. The method proposed here is able to distinguish antidepressants from stimulants of motor activity using Swiss mice in the FST. This refinement should reduce the number of mice used in preclinical evaluation of antidepressants.
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Cariri FAMO, Costa APR, Melo CC, Theophilo GND, Hofer E, de Melo Neto OP, Leal NC. Characterization of potentially virulent non-O1/non-O139 Vibrio cholerae strains isolated from human patients. Clin Microbiol Infect 2010; 16:62-7. [PMID: 19456828 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-0691.2009.02763.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Traditional methods of typing Vibrio cholerae define virulent strains according to their recognition by sera directed against the known epidemic serogroups O1 and O139, overlooking potentially virulent non-O1/non-O139 strains. Here, we have undertaken the characterization of eight clinical isolates of non-O1/non-O139 V. cholerae, collected during cholera outbreaks in Brazil. Seven of these were typed as O26 and one, 17155, was defined as non-typable. A PCR-based approach has previously detected in these strains several virulence genes derived from the CTXvarphi prophage and generally associated with pathogenic strains. Here, the presence of the O1-specific wbeN gene was investigated through PCR and found to be restricted to strain 17155, as well as one of the O26 strains, 4756, although neither strain was recognized by O1-specific antisera. The same two isolates were the only strains able to express the cholera toxin in culture, assayed by western blotting. They also possessed four repeats of the heptanucleotide TTTTGAT upstream of the ctxAB genes encoding the cholera toxin. The remaining strains possessed only two intact repeats, whereas pathogenic O1 possessed four to six repeats. To define their evolutionary relationships, selected 16S-23S intergenic rRNA spacer regions were sequenced from the various strains and the resulting sequences used to build phylogenetic trees. Strains 4756 and 17155 always clustered with control O1 strains, whereas the remaining O26 strains clustered separately. These results confirm that, despite their serological phenotype, these two strains are genotypically related to O1 strains and potentially able to produce epidemic cholera.
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Affiliation(s)
- F A M O Cariri
- Departamento de Microbiologia, Centro de Pesquisas Aggeu Magalhães/Fiocruz, Av. Moraes Rego s/n, Campus UFPE, Recife, PE, Brazil
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