Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Delcio E. Paula, Fabiana C. Vilela, Alexandre Giusti-Paiva
Summary: The study found that a ghrelin receptor antagonist can alleviate sickness syndrome induced by LPS, including social withdrawal, anhedonia, depressive-like behavior, and anorexia, but has no effect on LPS-induced fever.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ghallab Hamoud Sinhat Alotaibi, Thippeswamy Boreddy Shivanandappa, Maheswari Chinnadhurai, Sudharshan Reddy Dachani, Mahmad Dabeer Ahmad, Khalid Abdullah Aldaajanii
Summary: This review summarizes the protective benefits and mechanisms of action of herbal bioactive compounds (HBACs) in reducing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behavior. A total of 41 articles were reviewed, including studies conducted in mice and rats. The effects of 34 HBACs on LPS-induced changes in behavior and biochemistry were investigated.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Emily M. Leishman, Maria Franke, Jill Marvin, Dylan McCart, Carol Bradford, Zoltan S. Gyimesi, Anne Nichols, Marie-Pierre Lessard, David Page, C-Jae Breiter, Laura H. Graham
Summary: This study investigated the cortisol response of polar bears to increasing temperatures and found that temperatures above 20 degrees C resulted in an increase in cortisol levels, which was surprisingly high for a species adapted to the Arctic. While zoos can prevent overheating in polar bears, the results are concerning for wild populations. The increasing number of days with temperatures above 20 degrees C in the Arctic adds to the physiological burden of wild polar bears already facing the loss of sea ice hunting opportunities. Therefore, management strategies for both zoo and wild polar bears should consider the increased cortisol concentrations associated with thermoregulatory challenges in warmer temperatures.
Article
Environmental Sciences
Simon Quilty, Norman Frank Jupurrurla, Aparna Lal, Veronica Matthews, Antonio Gasparrini, Pandora Hope, Matt Brearley, Kris L. Ebi
Summary: This study compares the adaptability of the non-Indigenous and Indigenous populations in the hot climate of Northern Territory, Australia, and explores the relative importance of physiological, sociocultural, and technological and infrastructural adaptations to heat. The study finds that despite improvements in infrastructure and technology, there has been no apparent reduction in heat susceptibility in the non-Indigenous population over the past 40 years. Despite socioeconomic inequity, Aboriginal people are not more susceptible to heat mortality than non-Indigenous people, suggesting that social and cultural adaptations play a crucial role in protecting human health.
LANCET PLANETARY HEALTH
(2023)
Article
Dermatology
Minghan Chen, Jie Cai, Xiaofeng Zhang, Zixian Liao, Min Zhong, Jing Shang, Yunyun Yue
Summary: This study demonstrates that the release of SP under chronic psychological stress interferes with melanogenesis through keratinocytes, leading to skin depigmentation disorders such as vitiligo. The study also reveals the important role of the HPA axis in mediating the effects of SP on melanogenesis.
JOURNAL OF DERMATOLOGICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Katherine R. VanValin, Remy N. Carmichael-Wyatt, Erin L. Deters, Elizabeth M. Messersmith, Katie J. Heiderscheit, Katherine G. Hochmuth, Trey D. Jackson, Joshua M. Peschel, Anna K. Johnson, Stephanie L. Hansen
Summary: Increased supplemental Zn may alter the rate of recovery of Zn status from an acute inflammatory event. Ear-tag-based accelerometers are effective at detecting sickness behavior in feedlot steers, with rumination being potentially more sensitive than other variables.
JOURNAL OF ANIMAL SCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Yannuo Li, Ioannis P. Androulakis
Summary: The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) synchronizes physiological rhythms and adapts to changes in photoperiod, affecting the phase distribution of neuron activities. Elevated glucocorticoid levels in short photoperiods are associated with peak disease incidence. Topological changes in the SCN network may influence seasonal variations in disease incidence.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Bin Pan, Minjie Chen, Xuan Zhang, Shuai Liang, Xiaobo Qin, Lianglin Qiu, Qi Cao, Renzhen Peng, Shimin Tao, Zhouzhou Li, Yaning Zhu, Haidong Kan, Yanyi Xu, Zhekang Ying
Summary: This study found that ambient PM2.5 exposure can activate the HPA axis and mediate PM2.5-induced pulmonary inflammation, providing insights into the contribution of central neurohormonal mechanisms in modulating adverse health effects caused by exposure to PM2.5.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Min Xiao, Kaiyong Xie, Li Yuan, Jun Wang, Xing Liu, Zhonghua Chen
Summary: This study explored the antidepressive effect and mechanism of Huolisu oral solution (HLS) using a rat model of depression. HLS was found to alleviate depression-like behavior by regulating neurotransmitters, the HPA axis, and beta-EP. These findings suggest that HLS may be a potentially effective agent for treating depression.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Pauline S. Effenberger, Tabea S. Send, Maria Gilles, Josef Frank, Stephan Bongard, Robert Kumsta, Stephanie H. Witt, Marcella Rietschel, Michael Deuschle, Fabian Streit, Isabell A. C. Wolf
Summary: There is no strong association between urbanicity and behavior problems or HPA axis regulation in preschool age, and urinary cortisol and salivary cortisol response after stress exposure are not identified as mediators of this relationship.
PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Lin Zhou, Tian Wang, Yawen Yu, Mingan Li, Xiaohui Sun, Wenhao Song, Yunjie Wang, Ce Zhang, Fenghua Fu
Summary: Approximately one in three ischemic stroke survivors suffer from post-stroke depression (PSD), which affects functional rehabilitation and quality of life. This study focuses on the stroke-induced hyperactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and its role in PSD. The review summarizes possible etiologies of PSD, including stress and proinflammatory cytokines release, and discusses the effects of HPA axis hyperactivity on specific brain structures, enzymes expression, excitotoxicity, intestinal permeability, microglial activation, neuroendocrine regulation, inflammation, and therapy options.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Microbiology
Ousman Bajinka, Lucette Simbilyabo, Yurong Tan, John Jabang, Shakeel Ahmed Saleem
Summary: The appreciation of human microbiome is gaining strong grounds in biomedical research, focusing on the lung-brain axis in addition to the gut-brain axis. Interdisciplinary approaches based on emerging studies are recommended to develop effective treatments for lung induced neurodegenerative diseases. In-depth understanding of the bi-directional communication between host and microbiome in the lung could confer treatment to respiratory infections, alleviate stress, anxiety, and enhance neurological effects.
CRITICAL REVIEWS IN MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Editorial Material
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Hongkui Zeng, Saskia E. J. de Vries
Summary: Using functional imaging and gene-expression profiling, researchers have measured the activity of transcriptomically defined neurons in live mice. They have identified 35 subtypes of neurons and revealed a gene-expression axis that governs the activity of each subtype.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Brenna M. G. Gormally, Kaelyn Bridgette, Aubrey Emmi, Delilah Schuerman, Patricia C. Lopes
Summary: Infections can significantly alter animal behavior, and the role of testosterone in modulating sickness behaviors under reproductive contexts needs further investigation. By studying the Japanese quail, researchers found that even at very low levels, testosterone may not be key in modulating sickness behaviors, as males exposed to females showed reduced sickness behaviors.
ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
C. Veit, S. Foister, A. Valros, C. Munsterhjelm, D. A. Sandercock, A. M. Janczak, B. Ranheim, J. Nordgreen
Summary: The study showed that controlled immune activation can influence social behavior in group-housed pigs, with lipopolysaccharide-injected pigs receiving fewer interactions but showing a stronger cortisol response.
Editorial Material
Immunology
Alana K. Ribarovska, Mark R. Hutchinson, Quentin J. Pittman, Carmine Pariante, Sarah J. Spencer
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luba Sominsky, Tamara Dangel, Sajida Malik, Simone N. De Luca, Nicolas Singewald, Sarah J. Spencer
Summary: Microglia play essential roles not only in immune defense but also in regulating satiety, memory, and pain responses. These functions are significantly influenced by circadian rhythmicity, impacting various physiological processes throughout the day.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Soniya Xavier, Jasmine Gili, Peter McGowan, Simin Younesi, Paul F. A. Wright, David W. Walker, Sarah J. Spencer, Luba Sominsky
Summary: The study findings indicate that a maternal diet high in fat and sugar had minimal negative effects on newborn pups, while consuming a diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids during pregnancy may be detrimental for some metabolic developmental outcomes in the offspring.
Article
Reproductive Biology
Luba Sominsky, Simin Younesi, Simone N. De Luca, Sophie M. Loone, Kylie M. Quinn, Sarah J. Spencer
Summary: The study reveals that ovarian follicles are resilient against short-term disturbances in circulating and ovarian monocytes, making them able to withstand acute changes in immune balance.
BIOLOGY OF REPRODUCTION
(2021)
Correction
Nutrition & Dietetics
Soniya Xavier, Jasmine Gili, Peter McGowan, Simin Younesi, Paul F. A. Wright, David W. Walker, Sarah J. Spencer, Luba Sominsky
Review
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jackson L. K. Yip, Gayathri K. Balasuriya, Sarah J. Spencer, Elisa L. Hill-Yardin
Summary: Intestinal macrophages play a crucial role in the gut immune system and gastrointestinal physiology, but their heterogeneity hinders the understanding of their specific functions; subsets of intestinal macrophages play diverse roles in various gastrointestinal diseases, with a complex interplay between cytokine production and enteric nervous system activation.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR GASTROENTEROLOGY AND HEPATOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Soniya Xavier, Alita Soch, Simin Younesi, Sajida Malik, Sarah J. Spencer, Luba Sominsky
Summary: Maternal obesity and poor diet have been found to increase the risk of postpartum mood disorders. Experimental studies using a high-fat-high-sugar diet showed that it can lead to elevated levels of circulating cytokines, activated microglia, and altered neurogenesis, while a diet high in omega-3 PUFAs can mitigate these effects.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Simin Younesi, Sarah J. Spencer, Luba Sominsky
Summary: Acute depletion of monocytes does not have sustained effects on ovarian follicle health, but it may exacerbate the impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and transiently suppress ovulatory capacity, which is likely to be restored with resolution of the inflammatory environment.
MOLECULAR AND CELLULAR ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Aleksandar Dobric, Simone N. De Luca, Sarah J. Spencer, Steven Bozinovski, Michael M. Saling, Christine F. McDonald, Ross Vlahos
Summary: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major incurable global health burden and a leading cause of death worldwide. Cognitive dysfunction is highly prevalent in COPD and has significant impacts on quality of life and survival. Understanding the mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in COPD could lead to novel therapeutic opportunities.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Fernando A. Vicentini, Jake C. Szamosi, Laura Rossi, Lateece Griffin, Kristoff Nieves, Dominique Bihan, Ian A. Lewis, Quentin J. Pittman, Mark G. Swain, Michael G. Surette, Simon A. Hirota, Keith A. Sharkey
Summary: Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are associated with cognitive and emotional comorbidities. This study found that alterations in the gut microbiota, which are influenced by intestinal inflammation, may contribute to the development of behavioral abnormalities in colitis.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Sajida Malik, Hao Wang, Soniya Xavier, Mary Slayo, Steve Bozinovski, Luba Sominsky, Sarah J. Spencer
Summary: The study shows that immune response can still occur in the absence of microglia and monocytes, but it is exacerbated and prolonged due to excessive neutrophil response in peripheral organs.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Roberto Colangeli, Maria Morena, Allison Werner, Roger J. Thompson, Mario van der Stelt, Quentin J. Pittman, Matthew N. Hill, Campbell Teskey
Summary: Repeated seizures result in persistent alteration of endocannabinoid (eCB) signaling, particularly a deficiency in anandamide signaling in the basolateral amygdala (BLA), leading to abnormal synaptic function and emotional behavior. This study found that repeated seizures reduced tonic and phasic eCB-mediated retrograde signaling in GABA transmission. These effects were not due to changes in CB1 receptor sensitivity or altered baseline 2-AG signaling, but rather impaired stimulus-dependent 2-AG synthesis/release.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Editorial Material
Immunology
Elisa L. Hill-Yardin, Mark R. Hutchinson, Robin Laycock, Sarah J. Spencer
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
R. A. Ankeny, A. L. Whittaker, M. Ryan, J. Boer, M. Plebanski, J. Tuke, S. J. Spencer
Summary: One advantage of using highly standardised biological models, such as model organisms, is the ability to control multiple variables precisely, making it easier to study the variable of interest. However, this approach often hides effects in sub-populations due to natural population heterogeneity. Efforts to understand these sub-populations are underway, but require fundamental modifications to traditional study designs in BBI research.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2023)
Article
Zoology
Danielle L. Eastick, Amy M. Edwards, Stephen R. Griffiths, Sarah J. Spencer, Kylie A. Robert
Summary: The study validated quantitative magnetic resonance (QMR) as a non-invasive measure of body composition by comparing it with chemical carcass analysis (CCA). It also found that the body condition index could accurately predict lean and water mass but was a poor predictor of fat mass in Gould's wattled bats. Using accurate, non-invasive, repeatable measures of body composition may have important implications for ecological research in changing environments.
AUSTRALIAN MAMMALOGY
(2021)