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Nakhleh-Francis Y, Awad-Igbaria Y, Sakas R, Bang S, Abu-Ata S, Palzur E, Lowenstein L, Bornstein J. Exploring Localized Provoked Vulvodynia: Insights from Animal Model Research. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4261. [PMID: 38673846 PMCID: PMC11050705 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Provoked vulvodynia represents a challenging chronic pain condition, characterized by its multifactorial origins. The inherent complexities of human-based studies have necessitated the use of animal models to enrich our understanding of vulvodynia's pathophysiology. This review aims to provide an exhaustive examination of the various animal models employed in this research domain. A comprehensive search was conducted on PubMed, utilizing keywords such as "vulvodynia", "chronic vulvar pain", "vulvodynia induction", and "animal models of vulvodynia" to identify pertinent studies. The search yielded three primary animal models for vulvodynia: inflammation-induced, allergy-induced, and hormone-induced. Additionally, six agents capable of triggering the condition through diverse pathways were identified, including factors contributing to hyperinnervation, mast cell proliferation, involvement of other immune cells, inflammatory cytokines, and neurotransmitters. This review systematically outlines the various animal models developed to study the pathogenesis of provoked vulvodynia. Understanding these models is crucial for the exploration of preventative measures, the development of novel treatments, and the overall advancement of research within the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara Nakhleh-Francis
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (S.B.); (L.L.); (J.B.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (Y.A.-I.); (R.S.); (S.A.-A.); (E.P.)
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Yaseen Awad-Igbaria
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (Y.A.-I.); (R.S.); (S.A.-A.); (E.P.)
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Reem Sakas
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (Y.A.-I.); (R.S.); (S.A.-A.); (E.P.)
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Sarina Bang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (S.B.); (L.L.); (J.B.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (Y.A.-I.); (R.S.); (S.A.-A.); (E.P.)
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Saher Abu-Ata
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (Y.A.-I.); (R.S.); (S.A.-A.); (E.P.)
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (Y.A.-I.); (R.S.); (S.A.-A.); (E.P.)
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Lior Lowenstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (S.B.); (L.L.); (J.B.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (Y.A.-I.); (R.S.); (S.A.-A.); (E.P.)
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
| | - Jacob Bornstein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (S.B.); (L.L.); (J.B.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (Y.A.-I.); (R.S.); (S.A.-A.); (E.P.)
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel
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Awad-Igbaria Y, Abu-Ata S, Nakhleh-Francis Y, Lowenstein L, Ginat K, Bornstein J, Palzur E, Shamir A. Exploring venlafaxine effects on chronic vulvar pain: Changes in mood and pain regulation networks. Neuropharmacology 2024; 243:109788. [PMID: 37984764 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of idiopathic pain conditions, such as Provoked vulvodynia (PV), is multifactorial. The efficiency of venlafaxine, serotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRIs) in modulating vulvar pain led to the hypothesis that PV might involve central mechanisms. Here, we investigate whether vulvar pain is associated with gene-expression changes in mood, stress and pain systems, including amygdala (Amg), medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and periaqueductal gray matter (PAG). Additionally, we examined the analgesic and anxiolytic effects of venlafaxine. We found that the development of chronic vulvar pain in an animal model of PV is associated by overexpression of genes related to neuronal-activity and neuroinflammation in the Amg, mPFC, and PAG. Additionally, changes in the expression of GABA and serotonin synthesis, and reuptake were noted in the Amg and mPFC. Unsurprisingly, anxiety-like behavior and emotional-disorder were observed in rats with chronic vulvar pain. Nevertheless, treatment with venlafaxine (37.5 mg/kg) for one month significantly improves the vulvar hypersensitivity, as well as reduces the anxiety level. More critically, the long-term gene expression adaptation in serotonin receptor and synthesis, GABA synthesis, neuroplasticity, and neuroinflammation in the Amg, mPFC, and PAG, were modulated by venlafaxine in rats with vulvar pain. Our findings suggest that vulvar hypersensitivity induced by inflammation might associated with gene expression changes in brain areas that are involved in mood, stress and pain regulation. These changes probably play a role in central sensitization, and anxiety. Strikingly, enhancing the activity of serotonin and noradrenaline via venlafaxine treatment in rats with vulvar pain induces analgesic and anxiolytic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaseen Awad-Igbaria
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel; Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.
| | - Saher Abu-Ata
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel; Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Yara Nakhleh-Francis
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Lior Lowenstein
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel; Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Karen Ginat
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel
| | - Jacob Bornstein
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel; Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Alon Shamir
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel; Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Sacinti KG, Razeghian H, Awad-Igbaria Y, Lima-Silva J, Palzur E, Vieira-Baptista P, Verstraelen H, Bornstein J. Is Vulvodynia Associated With an Altered Vaginal Microbiota?: A Systematic Review. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2024; 28:64-72. [PMID: 37963335 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Vulvodynia is defined as vulvar pain of at least 3 months' duration, without clear identifiable cause, which may have potential associated factors. It can have a significant impact on women's quality of life due to a combination of physical pain, emotional distress, and limited treatment options. Despite affecting a considerable number of women worldwide, the causes and underlying mechanisms of vulvodynia remain poorly understood. Given the recognized association of the vaginal microbiota with various gynecologic disorders, there has been growing interest in exploring the potential role of the vaginal microbiota in the etiology of vulvodynia. This systematic review aims to evaluate the current literature on the association between the vaginal microbiota and vulvodynia. MATERIAL AND METHODS A systematic search of multiple databases, including PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Ovid MEDLINE, was conducted to identify relevant peer-reviewed studies up to May 12, 2023. The following search terms were used across these databases: "vulvodynia," "vestibulodynia," "vulvar vestibulitis," "microbiome," "microbiota," and "flora." RESULTS A total of 8 case-control studies were included, the quality of which was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Data extraction and synthesis were performed using a standardized protocol. In most studies, no major differences were found between the vaginal bacterial composition of women with vulvodynia and that of controls. No specific bacterial taxa were consistently associated with vulvodynia. The relationship between vaginal microbiota diversity and vulvodynia remains to be fully understood. CONCLUSIONS The role of vaginal microbiota in vulvodynia, if any, remains unclear. Because of the cross-sectional nature of the included studies, it is not possible to make any causal inferences. Further research, using larger and more diverse study populations and advanced sequencing techniques, is necessary to gain a better understanding of the potential relationship between the vaginal microbiota and vulvodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Joana Lima-Silva
- Lower Genital Tract Unit, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal
| | - Eilam Palzur
- The Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
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Sakas R, Dan K, Edelman D, Abu-Ata S, Ben-Menashe A, Awad-Igbaria Y, Francois-Soustiel J, Palzur E. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy Alleviates Memory and Motor Impairments Following Traumatic Brain Injury via the Modulation of Mitochondrial-Dysfunction-Induced Neuronal Apoptosis in Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:2034. [PMID: 38136154 PMCID: PMC10740762 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12122034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in young adults, characterized by primary and secondary injury. Primary injury is the immediate mechanical damage, while secondary injury results from delayed neuronal death, often linked to mitochondrial damage accumulation. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been proposed as a potential treatment for modulating secondary post-traumatic neuronal death. However, the specific molecular mechanism by which HBOT modulates secondary brain damage through mitochondrial protection remains unclear. Spatial learning, reference memory, and motor performance were measured in rats before and after Controlled Cortical Impact (CCI) injury. The HBOT (2.5 ATA) was performed 4 h following the CCI and twice daily (12 h intervals) for four consecutive days. Mitochondrial functions were assessed via high-resolution respirometry on day 5 following CCI. Moreover, IHC was performed at the end of the experiment to evaluate cortical apoptosis, neuronal survival, and glial activation. The current result indicates that HBOT exhibits a multi-level neuroprotective effect. Thus, we found that HBOT prevents cortical neuronal loss, reduces the apoptosis marker (cleaved-Caspase3), and modulates glial cell proliferation. Furthermore, HBO treatment prevents the reduction in mitochondrial respiration, including non-phosphorylation state, oxidative phosphorylation, and electron transfer capacity. Additionally, a superior motor and spatial learning performance level was observed in the CCI group treated with HBO compared to the CCI group. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that HBOT during the critical period following the TBI improves cognitive and motor damage via regulating glial proliferation apoptosis and protecting mitochondrial function, consequently preventing cortex neuronal loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reem Sakas
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (R.S.); (K.D.); (S.A.-A.); (A.B.-M.); (J.F.-S.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 221001, Israel
| | - Katya Dan
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (R.S.); (K.D.); (S.A.-A.); (A.B.-M.); (J.F.-S.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 221001, Israel
| | - Doron Edelman
- Neurosurgery Department, Tel-Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel-Aviv 6423906, Israel;
| | - Saher Abu-Ata
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (R.S.); (K.D.); (S.A.-A.); (A.B.-M.); (J.F.-S.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 221001, Israel
| | - Aviv Ben-Menashe
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (R.S.); (K.D.); (S.A.-A.); (A.B.-M.); (J.F.-S.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 221001, Israel
| | - Yaseen Awad-Igbaria
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (R.S.); (K.D.); (S.A.-A.); (A.B.-M.); (J.F.-S.)
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 221001, Israel
| | - Jean Francois-Soustiel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed 1311502, Israel; (R.S.); (K.D.); (S.A.-A.); (A.B.-M.); (J.F.-S.)
- Neurosurgery Department, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 221001, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 221001, Israel
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Mansour E, Saliba W, Broza YY, Frankfurt O, Zuri L, Ginat K, Palzur E, Shamir A, Haick H. Continuous Monitoring of Psychosocial Stress by Non-Invasive Volatilomics. ACS Sens 2023; 8:3215-3224. [PMID: 37494456 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/28/2023]
Abstract
Stress is becoming increasingly commonplace in modern times, making it important to have accurate and effective detection methods. Currently, detection methods such as self-evaluation and clinical questionnaires are subjective and unsuitable for long-term monitoring. There have been significant studies into biomarkers such as HRV, cortisol, electrocardiography, and blood biomarkers, but the use of multiple electrodes for electrocardiography or blood tests is impractical for real-time stress monitoring. To this end, there is a need for non-invasive sensors to monitor stress in real time. This study looks at the possibility of using breath and skin VOC fingerprinting as stress biomarkers. The Trier social stress test (TSST) was used to induce acute stress and HRV, cortisol, and anxiety levels were measured before, during, and after the test. GC-MS and sensor array were used to collect and measure VOCs. A prediction model found eight different stress-related VOCs with an accuracy of up to 78%, and a molecularly capped gold nanoparticle-based sensor revealed a significant difference in breath VOC fingerprints between the two groups. These stress-related VOCs either changed or returned to baseline after the stress induction, suggesting different metabolic pathways at different times. A correlation analysis revealed an association between VOCs and cortisol levels and a weak correlation with either HRV or anxiety levels, suggesting that VOCs may include complementary information in stress detection. This study shows the potential of VOCs as stress biomarkers, paving the way into developing a real-time, objective, non-invasive stress detection tool for well-being and early detection of stress-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Mansour
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Walaa Saliba
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Yoav Y Broza
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Ora Frankfurt
- Maale Hacarmel Mental Health Center, Tirat Carmel 3911917, Israel
| | - Liat Zuri
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Karen Ginat
- Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko 2423314, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 2210001, Israel
| | - Alon Shamir
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko 2423314, Israel
| | - Hossam Haick
- The Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- The Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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Awad-Igbaria Y, Ferreira N, Keadan A, Sakas R, Edelman D, Shamir A, Francous-Soustiel J, Palzur E. HBO treatment enhances motor function and modulates pain development after sciatic nerve injury via protection the mitochondrial function. J Transl Med 2023; 21:545. [PMID: 37582750 PMCID: PMC10428612 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04414-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peripheral nerve injury can cause neuroinflammation and neuromodulation that lead to mitochondrial dysfunction and neuronal apoptosis in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) and spinal cord, contributing to neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) has been suggested as a potential therapeutic tool for neuropathic pain and nerve injury. However, the specific cellular and molecular mechanism by which HBOT modulates the development of neuropathic pain and motor dysfunction through mitochondrial protection is still unclear. METHODS Mechanical and thermal allodynia and motor function were measured in rats following sciatic nerve crush (SNC). The HBO treatment (2.5 ATA) was performed 4 h after SNC and twice daily (12 h intervals) for seven consecutive days. To assess mitochondrial function in the spinal cord (L2-L6), high-resolution respirometry was measured on day 7 using the OROBOROS-O2k. In addition, RT-PCR and Immunohistochemistry were performed at the end of the experiment to assess neuroinflammation, neuromodulation, and apoptosis in the DRG (L3-L6) and spinal cord (L2-L6). RESULTS HBOT during the early phase of the SNC alleviates mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity and motor dysfunction. Moreover, HBOT modulates neuroinflammation, neuromodulation, mitochondrial stress, and apoptosis in the DRG and spinal cord. Thus, we found a significant reduction in the presence of macrophages/microglia and MMP-9 expression, as well as the transcription of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNFa, IL-6, IL-1b) in the DRG and (IL6) in the spinal cord of the SNC group that was treated with HBOT compared to the untreated group. Notable, the overexpression of the TRPV1 channel, which has a high Ca2+ permeability, was reduced along with the apoptosis marker (cleaved-Caspase3) and mitochondrial stress marker (TSPO) in the DRG and spinal cord of the HBOT group. Additionally, HBOT prevents the reduction in mitochondrial respiration, including non-phosphorylation state, ATP-linked respiration, and maximal mitochondrial respiration in the spinal cord after SNC. CONCLUSION Mitochondrial dysfunction in peripheral neuropathic pain was found to be mediated by neuroinflammation and neuromodulation. Strikingly, our findings indicate that HBOT during the critical period of the nerve injury modulates the transition from acute to chronic pain via reducing neuroinflammation and protecting mitochondrial function, consequently preventing neuronal apoptosis in the DRG and spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaseen Awad-Igbaria
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Zefat, Israel.
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, P.O.B 21, 22100, Nahariya, Israel.
| | - Nadine Ferreira
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel
| | - Ali Keadan
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, P.O.B 21, 22100, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Reem Sakas
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Zefat, Israel
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, P.O.B 21, 22100, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Doron Edelman
- UHN-Neurosurgery Spine Program, Toronto Western Hospital, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Alon Shamir
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel
- Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jean Francous-Soustiel
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Zefat, Israel
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, P.O.B 21, 22100, Nahariya, Israel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, P.O.B 21, 22100, Nahariya, Israel
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Mansour E, Palzur E, Broza YY, Saliba W, Kaisari S, Goldstein P, Shamir A, Haick H. Noninvasive Detection of Stress by Biochemical Profiles from the Skin. ACS Sens 2023; 8:1339-1347. [PMID: 36848629 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.3c00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/01/2023]
Abstract
Stress is a leading cause of several disease types, yet it is underdiagnosed as current diagnostic methods are mainly based on self-reporting and interviews that are highly subjective, inaccurate, and unsuitable for monitoring. Although some physiological measurements exist (e.g., heart rate variability and cortisol), there are no reliable biological tests that quantify the amount of stress and monitor it in real time. In this article, we report a novel way to measure stress quickly, noninvasively, and accurately. The overall detection approach is based on measuring volatile organic compounds (VOCs) emitted from the skin in response to stress. Sprague Dawley male rats (n = 16) were exposed to underwater trauma. Sixteen naive rats served as a control group (n = 16). VOCs were measured before, during, and after induction of the traumatic event, by gas chromatography linked with mass spectrometry determination and quantification, and an artificially intelligent nanoarray for easy, inexpensive, and portable sensing of the VOCs. An elevated plus maze during and after the induction of stress was used to evaluate the stress response of the rats, and machine learning was used for the development and validation of a computational stress model at each time point. A logistic model classifier with stepwise selection yielded a 66-88% accuracy in detecting stress with a single VOC (2-hydroxy-2-methyl-propanoic acid), and an SVM (support vector machine) model showed a 66-72% accuracy in detecting stress with the artificially intelligent nanoarray. The current study highlights the potential of VOCs as a noninvasive, automatic, and real-time stress predictor for mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elias Mansour
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 2210001, Israel
| | - Yoav Y Broza
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Walaa Saliba
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
| | - Sharon Kaisari
- Integrative Pain Laboratory (iPainLab), School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa 2611001, Israel
| | - Pavel Goldstein
- Integrative Pain Laboratory (iPainLab), School of Public Health, University of Haifa, Haifa 2611001, Israel
| | - Alon Shamir
- Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko 2423314, Israel
| | - Hossam Haick
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
- Russell Berrie Nanotechnology Institute, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa 3200003, Israel
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Dabbah-Assadi F, Rashid S, Golani I, Rubinstein A, Doron R, Alon D, Palzur E, Beloosesky R, Shamir A. Long-term effects of prophylactic MgSO 4 in maternal immune activation rodent model at adolescence and adulthood. J Neurosci Res 2023; 101:316-326. [PMID: 36434794 PMCID: PMC10100175 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
The effects of MgSO4 as an anti-inflammatory agent in pregnant women have been investigated in the last few years. Infections can cause an inflammatory reaction involving the placenta membranes and amniotic cavity. They may have short-term effects on the mother and her fetuses, like preterm birth, cerebral palsy, and developmental delay. Despite the alleged advantages of MgSO4 as a neuroprotective agent in the preterm brain, the long-term molecular and behavioral function of MgSO4 has not been fully elucidated. Here, we investigated the long-term effect of antenatal MgSO4 , during late gestation, on offspring's behavior focusing on cognitive function, motor activity, and social cognition in adolescence and adulthood, and explored its influence on brain gene expression (e.g., ErbB signaling, pro-inflammatory, and dopaminergic markers) in adulthood. A significant abnormal exploratory behavior of offspring of MgSO4 -treated dams was found compared to the control group in both adolescence and adulthood. Furthermore, we found that adult females exposed to MgSO4 under inflammation displayed working and recognition memory impairment. A reduction in IL-6 expression was detected in the prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus specimens derived from LPS-Mg-treated group. In contrast, an imbalanced expression of dopamine 1 and 2 receptors was detected only in prefrontal cortex specimens. Besides, we found that MgSO4 ameliorated the overexpression of the Nrg1 and Erbb4 receptors induced by LPS in the hippocampus. Thus, MgSO4 treatment for preventing brain injuries can adversely affect offspring cognition behavior later in life, depending on the sex and age of the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fadwa Dabbah-Assadi
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel.,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Sally Rashid
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude College, Karmiel, Israel
| | - Idit Golani
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, ORT Braude College, Karmiel, Israel
| | - Alon Rubinstein
- Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Zefat, Israel
| | - Ravid Doron
- Department of Education and Psychology, the Open University, Raanana, Israel
| | - David Alon
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- The Neuroscience Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center Research Institute, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Ron Beloosesky
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alon Shamir
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel.,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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Ben-Shabat M, Awad-Igbaria Y, Sela S, Gross B, Yagil Y, Yagil C, Palzur E. Predisposition to cortical neurodegenerative changes in brains of hypertension prone rats. J Transl Med 2023; 21:51. [PMID: 36707861 PMCID: PMC9881299 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-03916-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Substantial evidence suggests that hypertension is a significant risk factor for cognitive decline. However, it is unclear whether the genetic predisposition to hypertension is also associated with cellular dysfunction that promotes neurodegeneration. METHODS Changes in blood pressure were evaluated following dietary salt-loading or administration of a regular diet in Sabra Normotensive (SBN/y) and Sabra Hypertension-prone rats (SBH/y). We performed quantitative RT-PCR and immunofluorescence staining in brain cortical tissues before salt loading and 6 and 9 months after salt loading. To examine the expression of brain cortical proteins involved in the gene regulation (Histone Deacetylase-HDAC2; Histone Acetyltransferase 1-HAT1), stress response (Activating Transcription Factor 4-ATF4; Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 2- eIF2α), autophagy (Autophagy related 4A cysteine peptidase- Atg4a; light-chain 3-LC3A/B; mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1- mTORC1) and apoptosis (caspase-3). RESULTS Prior to salt loading, SBH/y compared to SBN/y expressed a significantly higher level of cortical HAT1 (protein), Caspase-3 (mRNA/protein), LC3A, and ATF4 (mRNA), lower levels of ATG4A (mRNA/protein), LC3A/B, HDAC2 (protein), as well as a lower density of cortical neurons. Following dietary salt loading, SBH/y but not SBN/y developed high blood pressure. In hypertensive SBH/y, there was significant upregulation of cortical HAT1 (protein), Caspase-3 (protein), and eIF2α ~ P (protein) and downregulation of HDAC2 (protein) and mTORC1 (mRNA), and cortical neuronal loss. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that genetic predisposition to hypertension is associated in the brain cortex with disruption in autophagy, gene regulation, an abnormal response to cellular stress, and a high level of cortical apoptosis, and could therefore exacerbate cellular dysfunction and thereby promote neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moti Ben-Shabat
- grid.415839.2Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel ,grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel ,grid.415839.2Neurology Department, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Yaseen Awad-Igbaria
- grid.415839.2Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel ,grid.22098.310000 0004 1937 0503Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Shifra Sela
- grid.415839.2Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel ,grid.415839.2Neurology Department, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Bella Gross
- grid.415839.2Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel ,grid.415839.2Neurology Department, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Yoram Yagil
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel ,grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheba, Israel
| | - Chana Yagil
- Laboratory for Molecular Medicine, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel ,grid.7489.20000 0004 1937 0511Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheba, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- grid.415839.2Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
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10
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Abu-Ata S, Shukha ON, Awad-Igbaria Y, Ginat K, Palzur E, Golani I, Shamir A. Blocking the ErbB pathway during adolescence affects the induction of anxiety-like behavior in young adult maternal immune activation offspring. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2023; 222:173497. [PMID: 36460130 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2022.173497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological and experimental evidence demonstrates that maternal exposure to infection during gestation increases the offspring's risk of developing schizophrenia and other neurodevelopmental disorders. In addition, the NRG-ErbB4 signaling pathway is involved in brain development and neuropsychiatric disorders. Specifically, this pathway modulates the dopaminergic and GABAergic systems and is expressed in the early stages of prenatal development. We recently demonstrated that maternal immune activation (MIA) at late gestation altered the expression of NRG1, its receptor ErbB4, and the dopamine D2 receptor four hours post-injection of viral or LPS in the fetal brain. We also reported that blocking the ErbB pathway during adolescence resulted in increased striatal DA content and reduced preference for sweetness and alcohol that persists into adulthood. However, the combined effects of MIA, re-activation of the immune system, and disruption of the ErbB signaling during adolescence would affect young adult mice's behavioral phenotype is unknown. Here, we report that the expression levels of the NRG1, ErbB4, GAD67, and BDNF were changed as responses to MIA and blocked the ErbB signaling in the frontal cortex of adolescent mice. MIA-Offspring during late gestation and immune system re-activation during adolescence spent less time in the open arms of the elevated plus-maze in adulthood. At the same time, MIA-offspring administrated with the pan-ErbB inhibitor during adolescence spent the same amount of time in the opened arm as the control mice. Combining the ErbB signaling disruption during adolescence leads to a social interaction impairment in female offspring, but not male, without affecting the offspring's motor activity, long-term recognition, and working memory. These results imply that blocking the ErbB signaling during adolescence prevents the development of anxiety-like behavior of the MIA offspring later in life and suggest that this interaction does not reduce the risk of female MIA offspring developing impaired social behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saher Abu-Ata
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel; The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Orya Noa Shukha
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel; The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Yaseen Awad-Igbaria
- Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel; The Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Karen Ginat
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- The Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Idit Golani
- Department of Biotechnology Engineering, Braude - College of Engineering, Karmiel, Israel
| | - Alon Shamir
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel; The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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11
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Awad-Igbaria Y, Palzur E, Nasser M, Vieira-Baptista P, Bornstein J. Changes in the Vaginal Microbiota of Women With Secondary Localized Provoked Vulvodynia. J Low Genit Tract Dis 2022; 26:339-344. [PMID: 35943448 DOI: 10.1097/lgt.0000000000000689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The etiology of localized provoked vulvodynia (LPV) remains unknown, but observations suggest the involvement of the vaginal microbiota. We examined the vaginal microbiota of women with LPV and healthy controls, upon after a low-oxalate diet (LOD). MATERIALS AND METHODS A total of 9 women diagnosed with secondary LPV and 21 healthy controls were recruited from the Galilee Medical Center in Israel and subjected to prospective evaluations of their vaginal microbiota. Total DNA was extracted from vaginal discharge samples provided before and after following LOD for 3 weeks and was then subjected to 16S sequencing. Data obtained were then used to evaluate α and β diversity, identify differentially abundant bacterial taxa in LPV, and determine their impact on the metabolism. RESULTS These evaluations revealed decreased diversity in the vaginal microbiota of women with LPV and identified the Ochrobactrum genus and Pseudomonadaceae family as indicators for LPV. In addition, we identified 23 differentially expressed bacterial metabolic pathways between the LPV and control samples and revealed that LOD could induce changes in the β diversity of LPV vaginal microbiomes, which was further supported by some degree of pain reduction in patients. CONCLUSIONS Localized provoked vulvodynia and LOD were associated with shifts in the vaginal microbiota. However, the impact of these changes on the development of LPV requires additional studies with a larger cohort.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Eilam Palzur
- The Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Manal Nasser
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
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12
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Awad-Igbaria Y, Dadon S, Shamir A, Livoff A, Shlapobersky M, Bornstein J, Palzur E. Characterization of Early Inflammatory Events Leading to Provoked Vulvodynia Development in Rats. J Inflamm Res 2022; 15:3901-3923. [PMID: 35845089 PMCID: PMC9286136 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s367193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Provoked vulvodynia (PV) is the main cause of vulvar pain and dyspareunia. The etiology of PV has not yet been elucidated. However, PV is associated with a history of recurrent inflammation, and its often accompanied by increases in the numbers of mast cells (MCs) and sensory hyperinnervation in the vulva. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the role of MCs and the early inflammatory events in the development of chronic vulvar pain in a rat model of PV. Methods Mechanical and thermal vulvar sensitivity was measured for 5 months following zymosan vulvar challenges. Vulvar changes in glutamate and nerve growth factor (NGF) were analyzed using ELISA. Immunofluorescence (IF) staining of the vulvar section after 20, 81, and 160 days of the zymosan challenge were performed to test MCs accumulation, hyperinnervation, and expression of pain channels (transient receptor potential vanilloid/ankyrin-1-TRPV1 & TRPA1) in vulvar neurons. Changes in the development of vulvar pain were evaluated following the administration of the MCs stabilizer ketotifen fumarate (KF) during zymosan vulvar challenges. Results Zymosan-challenged rats developed significant mechanical and thermal vulvar sensitivity that persisted for over 160 days after the zymosan challenge. During inflammation, increased local concentrations of NGF and glutamate and a robust increase in MCs degranulation were observed in zymosan-challenged rats. In addition, zymosan-challenged rats displayed sensory hyperinnervation and an increase in the expression of TRPV1 and TRPA1. Treatment with KF attenuated the upregulated level of NGF during inflammation, modulated the neuronal modifications, reduced MCs accumulation, and enhanced mechanical hypersensitivity after repeated inflammation challenges. Conclusion The present findings suggest that vulvar hypersensitivity is mediated by MCs accumulation, nerve growth, and neuromodulation of TRPV1 and TRPA1. Hence, KF treatment during the critical period of inflammation contributes to preventing chronic vulvar pain development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaseen Awad-Igbaria
- Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.,The Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Shilo Dadon
- Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.,The Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Alon Shamir
- Psychobiology Research Laboratory, Mazor Mental Health Center, Akko, Israel.,The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Alejandro Livoff
- Pathology Department, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Mark Shlapobersky
- Pathology Department, Barzilai University Medical Center, Ashkelon, Israel
| | - Jacob Bornstein
- Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.,The Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- The Research Institute of Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
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13
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Beloosesky R, Rashid S, Golani I, Rubinstein A, doron R, Khatib N, Ginsberg Y, alon D, Palzur E, Shamir A. Long-Term Effects of prophylactic MgSO4 in Maternal Immune Activation Rodent Model at Adolescence and Adulthood. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2021.11.523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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14
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Palzur E, Edelman D, Sakas R, Soustiel JF. Etifoxine Restores Mitochondrial Oxidative Phosphorylation and Improves Cognitive Recovery Following Traumatic Brain Injury. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12881. [PMID: 34884686 PMCID: PMC8657969 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The opening of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) has emerged as a pivotal event following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Evidence showing the impact of the translocator protein (TSPO) over mPTP activity has prompted several studies exploring the effect of TSPO ligands, including etifoxine, on the outcome of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Mitochondrial respiration was assessed by respirometry in isolated rat brain mitochondria (RBM) by measurements of oxidative phosphorylation capacity (OXPHOS). The addition of calcium to RBM was used to induce mitochondrial injury and resulted in significant OXPHOS reduction that could be reversed by preincubation of RBM with etifoxine. Sensorimotor and cognitive functions were assessed following controlled cortical impact and compared in vehicle and etifoxine-treated animals. There was no difference between the vehicle and etifoxine groups for sensorimotor functions as assessed by rotarod. In contrast, etifoxine resulted in a significant improvement of cognitive functions expressed by faster recovery in Morris water maze testing. The present findings show a significant neuroprotective effect of etifoxine in TBI through restoration of oxidative phosphorylation capacity associated with improved behavioral and cognitive outcomes. Since etifoxine is a registered drug used in common clinical practice, implementation in a phase II study may represent a reasonable step forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilam Palzur
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (E.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Doron Edelman
- Galilee Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Nahariya 2210001, Israel;
| | - Reem Sakas
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (E.P.); (R.S.)
| | - Jean Francois Soustiel
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya 2210001, Israel; (E.P.); (R.S.)
- Galilee Medical Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Nahariya 2210001, Israel;
- Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, University of Bar Ilan, Zafed 1311502, Israel
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15
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Bickel A, Khatib S, Kakiashvilli E, Palzur E. Reappraisal of ischemia-reperfusion injury in a short duration laparoscopic surgery, a pilot study. BMC Surg 2021; 21:346. [PMID: 34544418 PMCID: PMC8451121 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-021-01339-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Serum biochemical changes during laparoscopic surgery and positive pressure pneumoperitoneum (PP) may reflect mild oxidative stress due to the ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) mechanism. However, there is still a controversy regarding the exact mechanism of PP in creating oxidative stress and whether the induction of PP causes I/R effects at all. To elucidate this debated issue, we studied, for the first time, the changes of I/R parameters in the serum, in a pilot study, during laparoscopic cholecystectomy using a reliable, independent exogenous oxidative biomarker, together with common intrinsic biomarkers of oxidative stress. Patients and methods Our study included 20 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic cholecystectomy. We evaluated the levels of the extrinsic and endogenous markers for oxidative stress during awareness, under anesthesia, the end of surgery (abdominal CO2 evacuation), and 2 h afterward. Results After an initial increase in oxidative stress following anesthesia, we did not notice any further significant rise in the levels of the synthetic exogenous and the endogenous biomarkers at the end of the surgery and 2 h later on. However, a positive correlation was noted between the levels of both the intrinsic and extrinsic markers. Conclusions In our study, the capability of the extrinsic biomarker to detect mild oxidative stress was not validated. Our study stresses the heterogeneous nature of the oxidative reactions and the diversity of the endogenous and exogenous biomarkers while detecting various biochemical patterns under mild oxidative stress, during the short period of laparoscopic surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amitai Bickel
- Department of Surgery A, Galilee Medical Center, P.O.Box 21, 22100, Nahariya, Israel. .,Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.
| | - Soliman Khatib
- Department of Biochemistry, MIGAL Galilee Research Institute, Kiryat Shmona, Israel
| | - Eli Kakiashvilli
- Department of Surgery A, Galilee Medical Center, P.O.Box 21, 22100, Nahariya, Israel.,Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Eliachar Research Laboratories, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
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16
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Khoury S, Haj Khalil T, Palzur E, Srouji S. A Multichamber Gas System to Examine the Effect of Multiple Oxygen Conditions on Cell Culture. Tissue Eng Part C Methods 2021; 27:24-34. [PMID: 33353455 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tec.2020.0288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The classic bone tissue engineering model for bone regeneration combines three elements: scaffolds, biomaterials, and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Incorporation of MSCs and growth factors into a scaffold implanted into the area of bone injury is a proven strategy to achieve successful bone regeneration as demonstrated in the literature. However, a major limitation of using bone grafts or scaffolds is oxygen (O2) deprivation in the inner sections of the construct, due to lack of adequate vascularization. To address this limitation, we proposed two treatment strategies for MSC-seeded constructs or adipose tissue scaffolds before implantation: (1) O2 enrichment and (2) acclimation to hypoxia. Based on previous studies, the significance of the different O2 concentrations on MSC biological characteristics remains controversial. Therefore, the optimal O2 condition for engineered bone tissues should be determined. Thus, we designed an innovative multichamber gas system aimed to simultaneously assess the effects of different O2 levels on cell culture. This system was assembled using three isolated chambers integrated into a single incubator. To explore the efficacy of our method, we investigated the effect of hyperoxia, normoxia, and hypoxia, (50-60%, 21%, and 5-7.5% O2, respectively) on the biological characteristics of human adipose-derived MSCs: immunophenotyping, adhesion, proliferation, and osteogenic, and angiogenic differentiation. Our findings demonstrated that hypoxic adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) conditions exhibited significantly lower levels of CD34 (p = 0.014), with significantly higher osteogenic and angiogenic differentiation capacities (p = 0.023 and p = 0.0042, respectively) than normoxia. Conversely, hyperoxia-cultured ASCs demonstrated significantly higher levels of CD73 and CD90 expression than both normoxic ASCs (p = 0.006 and p = 0.025, respectively) and hypoxic ASCs (p = 0.003 and p = 0.003, respectively). In addition, hyperoxic ASCs showed significantly reduced proliferation capacity by day 11 (p = 0.032) and significantly enhanced migration rates after 48 h (p = 0.044). The newly developed controllable multichamber gas system was cost-effective and easy to use. Different assays can be performed concurrently while preserving all other conditions identical, and the use of other ranges of O2 concentrations is feasible and also necessary to determine the ideal O2 concentration. Furthermore, the multichamber gas system has the potential for wide application, including other cell cultures, grafts, or scaffolds for in vitro and in vivo experimentation. This study was approved by the Galilee Medical Center Helsinki Committee (No. 0009-19-NHR). Impact statement The introduced multichamber gas system provides a custom-made setup for simultaneous control of three oxygen (O2) levels in a single incubator. The use of our innovative multichamber gas system is essential to determine the ideal O2 levels for engineered tissues by examining multiple O2 concentrations on cells in vitro. The determined ideal O2 concentration will then be used through this system to investigate the engrafted cell survival ex vivo, to ensure successful integration of the engineered tissues and tissue regeneration in vivo. Use of this method may promote a therapeutic tool for a major limitation in tissue engineering due to the problematic O2 insufficiency in tissue scaffolds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samira Khoury
- The Institute for Medical Research, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel.,The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel
| | - Tharwat Haj Khalil
- The Institute for Medical Research, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- The Institute for Medical Research, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
| | - Samer Srouji
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine, Bar-Ilan University, Safed, Israel.,Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Oral Medicine Institute, Galilee Medical Center, Nahariya, Israel
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17
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Shehadeh M, Palzur E, Apel L, Soustiel JF. Reduction of Traumatic Brain Damage by Tspo Ligand Etifoxine. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112639. [PMID: 31146356 PMCID: PMC6600152 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Experimental studies have shown that ligands of the 18 kDa translocator protein can reduce neuronal damage induced by traumatic brain injury by protecting mitochondria and preventing metabolic crisis. Etifoxine, an anxiolytic drug and 18 kDa translocator protein ligand, has shown beneficial effects in the models of peripheral nerve neuropathy. The present study investigates the potential effect of etifoxine as a neuroprotective agent in traumatic brain injury (TBI). For this purpose, the effect of etifoxine on lesion volume and modified neurological severity score at 4 weeks was tested in Sprague-Dawley adult male rats submitted to cortical impact contusion. Effects of etifoxine treatment on neuronal survival and apoptosis were also assessed by immune stains in the perilesional area. Etifoxine induced a significant reduction in the lesion volume compared to nontreated animals in a dose-dependent fashion with a similar effect on neurological outcome at four weeks that correlated with enhanced neuron survival and reduced apoptotic activity. These results are consistent with the neuroprotective effect of etifoxine in TBI that may justify further translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Shehadeh
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 2210001, Israel.
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 2210001, Israel.
| | - Liat Apel
- Institute of Pathology, Galilee Medical Center, P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 2210001, Israel.
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel.
| | - Jean Francois Soustiel
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 2210001, Israel.
- The Azrieli Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar Ilan University, Safed 13100, Israel.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Galilee Medical Center, P.O. Box 21, Nahariya 2210001, Israel.
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18
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Shehadeh M, Ben-Shabat M, Livshits J, Palzur E. [INVOLVEMENT OF EPIGENETIC REGULATION IN CEREBRAL CELL DEATH FOLLOWING TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY IN A RAT MODEL]. Harefuah 2017; 156:280-284. [PMID: 28551908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are a major cause of mortality and disability among young adults. TBI are characterized by primary injury, the result of a mechanical impact to the cranium and a secondary injury, a series of molecular mechanism processes developing thereafter. Cerebral cells modify their gene and protein expression as a result of the injury. Epigenetic modifications have a key role as regulators of gene transcription and may simultaneously be involved in the regulation of the molecular pathways following TBI. However, the mechanisms are unknown. OBJECTIVES To clarify whether modification in the expression of Histone Acetyl Transferase1 (HAT1) and Histone deacetylase2 (HDAC 2) occurs during secondary brain damage. METHODS Rat diffused head injury model was used; 72 hours post injury animals were sacrificed and the brains were removed for immunohistochemistry staining with Caspase 3, HAT1 and HDAC2 antibodies. We compared these stains in the perilesional versus the contralateral cortex. RESULTS An increase of Caspase 3 stained cells were observed in the perilesional cortex. HAT1 expression was elevated and HDAC2 expression reduced in the injured cortex. CONCLUSIONS TBI induced modifications in the expression of epigenetic factors were concomitant with increases in apoptotic cell death. The mitochondria involved in the apoptotic processes is a target for epigenetic regulation and also influences it at the same time. DISCUSSION This study contributes to the understanding of epigenetic modification following TBI. Further study on the relationship between mitochondrial activity and epigenetic regulation has to be performed in order to develop novel drugs and therapies for TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Shehadeh
- Eliachar Research Laboratory,Medical Center of the Galilee, Nahariya
- The Ruth and Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa
| | - Moti Ben-Shabat
- Eliachar Research Laboratory,Medical Center of the Galilee, Nahariya
- The Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, Bar-Ilan University, Safed
| | - Jana Livshits
- Eliachar Research Laboratory,Medical Center of the Galilee, Nahariya
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Department of Pathology, Medical Center of the Galilee, Nahariya
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19
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Vlodavsky E, Palzur E, Shehadeh M, Soustiel JF. Post-traumatic cytotoxic edema is directly related to mitochondrial function. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2017; 37:166-177. [PMID: 26672111 PMCID: PMC5363733 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x15621068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [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: 09/03/2015] [Revised: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 11/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cerebral edema represents a major threat following traumatic brain injury. However, therapeutic measures for control of intracranial pressure alone have failed to restore cerebral metabolism and improve neurological outcome. Since mitochondrial damage results in ATP depletion and deactivation of membrane ionic pumps, we hypothesized that modulation of ATP bioavailability may directly affect cytotoxic edema. Intracranial pressure measurements were performed in Sprague-Dawley rats treated by intraperitoneal injection of dimethylsulfoxide (vehicle), cyclosporine A (CsA), or Oligomycin B (OligB) following cortical contusion and further correlated with water content, mitochondrial damage, and electron microscopic assessment of neuronal and axonal edema. As hypothesized, ultra-structural figures of edema closely correlated with intracranial pressure elevation, increased water content and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization expressed by loss of transmembrane mitochondrial potential. Further, mitochondrial damage evidenced ultra-structurally by figures of swollen mitochondria with severely distorted cristae correlated with both cytotoxic edema and mitochondrial dysfunction. Importantly, cerebral edema and mitochondrial impairment were significantly worsened by treatment with OligB, whereas a noticeable improvement could be observed in animals that received injections of CsA. Since OligB and CsA are responsible for symmetrical and opposite effects on oxidative metabolism, these findings support the hypothesis of a causative relationship between edema and mitochondrial function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Vlodavsky
- Institute of Pathology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa, Israel.,The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Eilam Palzur
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, University of Bar Ilan, Naharia, Israel
| | - Mona Shehadeh
- The Ruth & Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion - Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
| | - Jean F Soustiel
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Galilee Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, University of Bar Ilan, Naharia, Israel .,Department of Neurosurgery, Galilee Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, University of Bar Ilan, Naharia, Israel
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Palzur E, Sharon A, Shehadeh M, Soustiel JF. Investigation of the mechanisms of neuroprotection mediated by Ro5-4864 in brain injury. Neuroscience 2016; 329:162-70. [PMID: 27223627 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2016.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2015] [Revised: 05/07/2016] [Accepted: 05/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has established the involvement of the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO) in the process of mitochondrial membrane permeabilization and subsequent apoptosis through modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore. Recent studies have shown that treatment with Ro5-4864, a TSPO ligand, resulted in a neuroprotective effect in traumatic brain injury. Yet, the nature of this effect remained uncertain as mature neurons are considered to be lacking the TSPO protein. In order to investigate the mechanism of Ro5-4864-mediated neuroprotection, the neuro-inflammatory and neurosteroid response to cortical injury was tested in sham-operated, vehicle, cyclosporine A (CsA) and Ro5-4864-treated rats. As anticipated, the levels of interleukin 1β and tumor necrosis factor α, as well as the astrocyte and microglia cellular density in the injured area were all decreased by CsA in comparison with the vehicle group. By contrast, no visible effect could be observed in Ro5-4864-treated animals. None of the groups showed any significant difference with any other in respect with the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Double immunofluorescence staining with NeuN and TSPO confirmed the absence of TSPO in native neurons though showed clear evidence of co-localization of TSPO in the cytoplasm of NeuN-stained injured neurons. Altogether, this study shows that the neuronal protection mediated by Ro5-4864 in brain injury cannot be solely attributed to an indirect effect of the ligand on glial TSPO but may also represent the consequence of the modulation of upregulated TSPO in injured neurons. This observation may be of importance for future pharmacological research in neurotrauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilam Palzur
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Medical Center of the Galilee, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, University of Bar Ilan, Naharia 22100, Israel
| | - Aviram Sharon
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center of the Galilee, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, University of Bar Ilan, Naharia 22100, Israel
| | - Mona Shehadeh
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Medical Center of the Galilee, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, University of Bar Ilan, Naharia 22100, Israel
| | - Jean Francois Soustiel
- Eliachar Research Laboratory, Medical Center of the Galilee, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, University of Bar Ilan, Naharia 22100, Israel; Department of Neurosurgery, Medical Center of the Galilee, Faculty of Medicine in the Galilee, University of Bar Ilan, Naharia 22100, Israel.
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Vlodavsky E, Palzur E, Soustiel JF. Involvement of the mitochondrial benzodiazepine receptor in traumatic brain injury: therapeutic implications. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets 2013; 13:620-9. [PMID: 24168365 DOI: 10.2174/187152731304140702114630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2012] [Revised: 01/23/2013] [Accepted: 02/15/2013] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injuries represent the leading cause of death and morbidity in young adults in western countries, and are responsible for a major social and economical burden. For decades, the mainstay of neurotrauma management has been represented by control of post-traumatic edema. With the emergence of a better understanding of the underlying cellular mechanisms responsible for the generation of secondary brain damage, the hope for the "magic bullet" has prompted the development of novel drugs that have repeatedly failed to significantly improve outcome of head-injured patients. During the past decade, mitochondrial functional and structural impairment has emerged as a pivotal event in the pathway of cell to secondary death. Extensive research has identified a vast range of deleterious signals that are generated and integrated at the mitochondrial level resulting in impairment of major mitochondrial functions such as calcium homeostasis, free radicals generation and detoxification, energy production and neurosteroidogenesis. Mitochondria have therefore emerged as a potential therapeutic target. Within the spectrum of major mitochondrial structural components, the 18 kDa translocator protein (TSPO) has shown important and relevant functions such as steroid synthesis and modulation of the mitochondrial permeability transition that may substantially affect the fate of injured cells. This review summarizes the potential therapeutic implications of TSPO modulation in traumatic brain injury in the view of the current knowledge on this intriguing mitochondrial complex.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jean F Soustiel
- Department of Neurosurgery, Western Galilee Hospital, Galilee Faculty of Medicine, Bar Ilan University, P.O.B. 21 Naharia 2210001, Israel.
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Palzur E, Zaaroor M, Vlodavsky E, Milman F, Soustiel JF. Neuroprotective effect of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in brain injury is mediated by preservation of mitochondrial membrane properties. Brain Res 2008; 1221:126-33. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2008.04.078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2008] [Revised: 04/25/2008] [Accepted: 04/28/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Soustiel JF, Palzur E, Vlodavsky E, Veenman L, Gavish M. The effect of oxygenation level on cerebral post-traumatic apoptotsis is modulated by the 18-kDa translocator protein (also known as peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor) in a rat model of cortical contusion. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2007; 34:412-23. [PMID: 17973904 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2007.00906.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Hyperbaric hyperoxia has been shown to reduce apoptosis in brain injury. As the 18-kDa translocator protein (TSPO), also known as peripheral-type benzodiazepine receptor, is closely associated with the mitochondrial transition pore and because of its role in mitochondrial respiration and apoptosis, we hypothesized that reduction of apoptosis by hyperoxia may involve the TSPO. METHODS TSPO and transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labelling (TUNEL) immunopositivity was first assessed in cortical contusion, created by dynamic cortical deformation, by immunohistochemistry in rats exposed to normoxia [(dynamic cortical deformation (DCD)], normobaric hyperoxia or hyperbaric hyperoxia [hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO)]. In a second step, transmembrane mitochondrial potential (Deltapsi(M)) and caspase 9 activity were assessed in the injured area in comparison with the noninjured hemisphere. Measurements were performed in DCD and HBO groups. A third group receiving both HBO and the TSPO ligand PK11195 was investigated as well. RESULTS TSPO correlated quantitatively and regionally with TUNEL immunopositivity in the perilesional area. Hyperoxia reduced both the number of TSPO expressing and TUNEL positive cells in the perilesional area, and this effect proved to be pressure dependent. After contusion, we demonstrated a dissipation of Deltapsi(M) in isolated mitochondria and an elevation of caspase 9 activity in tissue homogenates from the contused area, both of which could be substantially reversed by hyperbaric hyperoxia. This protective effect of hyperoxia was reversed by PK11195. CONCLUSIONS The present findings suggest that the protective effect of hyperoxia may be due to a negative regulation of the proapoptotic function of mitochondrial TSPO, including conservation of the mitochondrial membrane potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- J F Soustiel
- Acute Brain Injury Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.
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Vlodavsky E, Palzur E, Soustiel JF. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy reduces neuroinflammation and expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the rat model of traumatic brain injury. Neuropathol Appl Neurobiol 2006; 32:40-50. [PMID: 16409552 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2990.2005.00698.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The acute inflammatory response plays an important role in secondary brain damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Neutrophils provide the main source of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) which also play a deleterious role in TBI. Numerous preclinical studies have suggested that hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) may by beneficial in various noncerebral and cerebral inflammatory diseases. The goal of this study was to evaluate the effects of HBOT on inflammatory infiltration and the expression of MMPs in correlation with secondary cell death in the rat model of dynamic cortical deformation (DCD). Twenty animals underwent DCD with subsequent HBOT (2.8 ATA, two sessions of 45 min each); 10 animals: DCD and normobaric oxygenation (1 ATA), 10 animals: not treated after DCD. Cell death was evaluated by TUNEL. Neutrophils were revealed by myeloperoxidase staining. Immunohistochemical staining for MMP-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitors of MMP-1 (TIMP-1) and -2 was also performed and the results were quantitatively evaluated by image analysis. In the animals treated by HBOT, a significant decrease in the number of TUNEL-positive cells and neutrophilic inflammatory infiltration was seen in comparison with nontreated animals and those treated by normobaric oxygen. The expression of MMP-9 was also significantly lower in the treated group. Staining for MMP-2 and TIMP-2 did not change significantly. Our results demonstrate that HBOT decreased the extent of secondary cell death and reactive neuroinflammation in the TBI model. The decline of MMP-9 expression after HBOT may also contribute to protection of brain tissue in the perilesional area. Further research should be centred on the evaluation of long-term functional and morphological results of HBOT.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Vlodavsky
- Institute of Pathology, Rambam Medical Center, Haifa 31096, Israel.
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Vlodavsky E, Palzur E, Feinsod M, Soustiel JF. Evaluation of the apoptosis-related proteins of the BCL-2 family in the traumatic penumbra area of the rat model of cerebral contusion, treated by hyperbaric oxygen therapy: a quantitative immunohistochemical study. Acta Neuropathol 2005; 110:120-6. [PMID: 16001273 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-004-0946-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2004] [Revised: 10/14/2004] [Accepted: 10/14/2004] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
The growth and progression of traumatic brain injury (TBI) lesions depend significantly on developments in the traumatic penumbra area, perilesional region, where delayed neuronal death occurs. Recent data supports the important role of apoptosis in delayed cell death in TBI. Previously we demonstrated a significant reduction of apoptosis in traumatic penumbra in animals treated by hyperbaric oxygen (HBO). In this study we evaluate the expression of apoptosis-related proteins of the Bcl-2 family (Bcl-2, Bax and Bcl-xL) in the traumatic penumbra area in correlation with the extent of apoptosis in the rat model of focal cerebral contusion, treated by HBO. Sprague-Dawley rats underwent cortical dynamic deformation, some with subsequent hypoxemia. A group of both hypoxemic and non-hypoxemic animals was treated by HBO. The pathological study was based on immunohistochemical staining of the brain sections for Bcl-2, Bax and Bcl-xL with quantitative evaluation of staining by image analysis. The expression of Bcl-2 in hypoxemic animals was lower than in non-hypoxemic animals, but a significant increase in Bcl-2 expression was seen in both groups after HBO treatment. Bcl-xL also demonstrated an increase after HBO treatment but less significant. Staining for Bax protein did not demonstrate significant change after treatment. These data correlate well with the reduction of TUNEL-positive cells in traumatic penumbra after HBO treatment. We concluded that the apoptotic mechanisms are important in delayed cell death in TBI and that post-traumatic hypoxemia increases the intensity of apoptosis, probably through a decrease in Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL expression which normally repress apoptosis. The beneficial effect of HBO treatment in our model of brain contusion correlates well with the increased expression of anti-apoptotic proteins (Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL) following treatment and the appropriate decrease in the extent of apoptosis. In light of these results, the usage of HBO is justified as neuroprotective treatment in TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eugene Vlodavsky
- Institute of Pathology, Rambam Medical Center and Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, POB 9602, 31096, Haifa, Israel.
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Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and functional disability in western countries, affecting mostly young patients. Despite intense and sustained efforts deployed for the development of new therapeutic strategies, no clinical benefit has been shown by any of the investigated compounds. Increasing attention has been drawn during the past two decades to the neuroprotective effects of estrogens, although most of the available data relate to ischemic brain injury. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the potential neuroprotective value of estrogens in TBI as a therapeutic modality. For this purpose, a contusion was created in the parietal cortex by dynamic cortical deformation in two groups of 10 Sprague-Dawley male rats. Following the injury, treated animals received conjugated estrogens for 3 days, using a subcutaneously implanted osmotic pump. Animals were then sacrificed, and TUNEL, anti-active Caspase 3, bcl-2, and bax labeling were performed in paraffin-embedded brain sections, allowing for comparative and quantitative analysis. In estrogen-treated animals, there was a marked and significant reduction of apoptosis in comparison with non-treated animals. The reduction in TUNEL and active Caspase 3 staining was similar and close to 50%. Optical analysis of histological slides prepared by bcl-2 labeling showed a significant increase in bcl-2 expression in estrogen-treated animals compared to non-treated animals. On the contrary, bax expression was not influenced by hormonal treatment, and no difference could be noticed between the two groups. These results support the potential therapeutic value of estrogens in TBI and further clarify their mode of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean F Soustiel
- Acute Brain Injury Research Laboratory, Department of Physiology, Bruce Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Israel.
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Palzur E, Vlodavsky E, Mulla H, Arieli R, Feinsod M, Soustiel JF. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for reduction of secondary brain damage in head injury: an animal model of brain contusion. J Neurotrauma 2004; 21:41-8. [PMID: 14987464 DOI: 10.1089/089771504772695931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebral contusions are one the most frequent traumatic lesions and the most common indication for secondary surgical decompression. The purpose of this study was to investigate the physiology of perilesional secondary brain damage and evaluate the value of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) in the treatment of these lesions. Five groups of five Sprague-Dawley rats each were submitted to dynamic cortical deformation (DCD) induced by negative pressure applied to the cortex. Cerebral lesions produced by DCD at the vacuum site proved to be reproducible. The study protocol entailed the following: (1) DCD alone, (2) DCD and HBOT, (3) DCD and post-operative hypoxia and HBOT, (4) DCD, post-operative hypoxia and HBOT, and (5) DCD and normobaric hyperoxia. Animals were sacrificed after 4 days. Histological sections showed localized gross tissue loss in the cortex at injury site, along with hemorrhage. In all cases, the severity of secondary brain damage was assessed by counting the number of terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) and caspase 3-positive cells in successive perilesional layers, each 0.5 mm thick. Perilesional TUNEL positive cells suggested the involvement of apoptosis in group 1 (12.24% of positive cells in layer 1). These findings were significantly enhanced by post-operative hypoxia (31.75%, p < 0.001). HBOT significantly reduced the severity and extent of secondary brain damage expressed by the number of TUNEL positive cells in each layer and the volume of the lesion (4.7% and 9% of TUNEL positive cells in layer 1 in groups 2 and 4 respectively, p < 0.0001 and p < 0.003). Normobaric hyperoxia also proved to be beneficial although in a lesser extent. This study demonstrates that the vacuum model of brain injury is a reproducible model of cerebral contusion. The current findings also suggest that HBOT may limit the growth of cerebral contusions and justify further experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eilam Palzur
- Division of Neurosurgery and Acute Brain Research Laboratory, Rambam Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, The Technion, Haifa, Israel
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