Article
Clinical Neurology
Fenghua Chen, Jibrin Danladi, Maryam Ardalan, Jens R. Nyengaard, Connie Sanchez, Gregers Wegener
Summary: Vortioxetine has early effects on hippocampal neurons and the vascular system in rats, increasing the number of astrocytes and microglia cells with elevated VEGF levels. Fluoxetine, on the other hand, did not have an impact on these measures after 7 days of treatment. These findings suggest that astrocytes and microglia may play a role in mediating the pharmacological effects of vortioxetine.
EUROPEAN NEUROPSYCHOPHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
S. J. Myers, V. Agapova, S. V. Patel, S. H. Hayes, L. A. Sposato, B. L. Allman, S. N. Whitehead
Summary: Ischemic stroke can lead to cognitive decline, and the role of microglia activation in this process is not well understood. This study showed that acute post-stroke minocycline treatment reduced chronic microglia activation, even in remote brain regions. However, the effects of minocycline treatment on cognitive function varied depending on the specific domain.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Raquel Sanchez-Varo, Marina Mejias-Ortega, Juan Jose Fernandez-Valenzuela, Cristina Nunez-Diaz, Laura Caceres-Palomo, Laura Vegas-Gomez, Elisabeth Sanchez-Mejias, Laura Trujillo-Estrada, Juan Antonio Garcia-Leon, Ines Moreno-Gonzalez, Marisa Vizuete, Javier Vitorica, David Baglietto-Vargas, Antonia Gutierrez
Summary: This review provides an overview of the major pathological elements of Alzheimer's disease and discusses the insights provided by mouse models in understanding the underlying mechanisms. It highlights the pros and cons of current models and explores the potential benefits of combining transgenic mice with omics technologies.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Marta Vicente-Rodriguez, Nisha Singh, Federico Turkheimer, Alba Peris-Yague, Karen Randall, Mattia Veronese, Camilla Simmons, Abdul Karim Haji-Dheere, Jayanta Bordoloi, Kerstin Sander, Ramla O. Awais, Erik Arstad, Nima Consortium, Diana Cash, Christine A. Parker
Summary: By utilizing TSPO PET imaging, we can detect peripherally-induced neuroinflammation in the central nervous system, primarily arising from a combination of microglia, astrocytes, and monocyte-derived macrophages.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Justyna Gargas, Justyna Janowska, Karolina Ziabska, Malgorzata Ziemka-Nalecz, Joanna Sypecka
Summary: This study aimed at developing a protocol for efficient culture of rat neonatal glial cells in oxygen concentrations relevant to the nervous tissue. The protocol allows for obtaining three major cell populations and can be used to model selected neuropathological conditions.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Keerthana Chithanathan, Kelli Somelar, Monika Jurgenson, Tamara Zarkovskaja, Kapilraj Periyasamy, Ling Yan, Nathaniel Magilnick, Mark P. Boldin, Ana Rebane, Li Tian, Alexander Zharkovsky
Summary: This study found that miR-146b is abundantly expressed in neuronal cells and miR-146a is mainly expressed in microglia and astroglia. miR-146b deficiency leads to anxiety-like behaviors and enhanced cognition, as well as an increase in the number of neurons and a decrease in the abundance of astroglia. Furthermore, it was discovered that the deficiency of miR-146b is associated with elevated expression of the gene Gdnf in the hippocampus.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yukari Suda, Toshihisa Nakashima, Hiroaki Matsumoto, Daisuke Sato, Satoshi Nagano, Haruka Mikata, Sara Yoshida, Kenichi Tanaka, Yusuke Hamada, Naoko Kuzumaki, Minoru Narita
Summary: The study found that aging in the hypothalamus contributes to increased anxiety, impaired motor coordination, and reduced muscle strength in mice. Aging leads to the production of PD-1-enriched exhausted microglia and neuroinflammatory A1-like reactive astrocytes in the hypothalamus.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Lamis Chamas, Isabelle Seugnet, Roseline Poirier, Marie-Stephanie Clerget-Froidevaux, Valerie Enderlin
Summary: This study investigated the protective mechanisms linking hypothyroidism and neuroinflammation. Hypothyroid WSB/EiJ mice showed no neuroinflammatory response and maintained hippocampal thyroid signaling despite low circulating thyroid hormone levels, while C57BL/6J mice exhibited disturbed thyroid signaling, accompanied by neuroinflammation and memory impairment. The results highlight the importance of the hippocampal thyroid regulatory system in glial reactivity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ting Xiao, Heyu Ji, Xuejuan Shangguan, Shuangquan Qu, Yulong Cui, Junmei Xu
Summary: Infection caused by gram-negative bacteria is a critical global health issue. Advances in techniques such as antibiotics and life-supporting modalities have reduced the mortality rate of infected patients in recent decades. However, infection-related complications, particularly cognitive dysfunction, still have a significant impact on patient mortality and quality of life. This study reveals a novel understanding of the pathogenesis of cognitive dysfunction induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) and suggests that the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia could be a promising target for the treatment of this syndrome.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Meghan Gage, Megan Gard, Thimmasettappa Thippeswamy
Summary: This study reports the development of glial scars in the piriform cortex in rodents with systemic chemoconvulsant-induced status epilepticus. Glial scars were characterized by reactive microglia and astrocytes, and showed differences in density between male and female animals. Further investigation is needed to understand the mechanisms of scar development and potential mitigation strategies.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Savina Apolloni, Martina Milani, Nadia D'Ambrosi
Summary: Friedreich's ataxia (FRDA) is a rare genetic disorder caused by mutations in the frataxin gene, leading to progressive nervous system damage. In addition to neurons, alterations in glial cells and neuroinflammatory-related mechanisms may contribute to the pathogenesis of FRDA.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Xiaoli Liao, Miao Chen, Yamin Li
Summary: The present study aimed to review evidence from postmortem brain and PET studies on the role of glia induced neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of ASD. The findings from postmortem studies showed increased microglial number and density, as well as increased GFAP protein and mRNA expression in ASD subjects. However, the outcomes of PET studies were inconsistent, with one reporting increased TSPO expression and two reporting decreased TSPO expression in ASD subjects.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2023)
Review
Neurosciences
Schuichi Koizumi
Summary: Emotion-related neural networks are regulated by glial cells, and glial dysfunction can be directly related to emotional diseases such as depression. This article discusses three different therapeutic strategies involving astrocytes that are effective for treating depression, specifically fluoxetine, electroconvulsive therapy, and sleep deprivation therapy. These treatments all involve the release of ATP from astrocytes, indicating the essential role of glial purinergic signals in the pathogenesis of depression.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Eric Eyolfson, Thomas Carr, Erik Fraunberger, Asher Khan, Isabel Clark, Richelle Mychasiuk, Alexander W. Lohman
Summary: This study directly quantified the effects of repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (RmTBI) on adolescent and adult, male and female mice. The results revealed age- and sex-specific neurobehavioural deficits, microglia responses, and changes in dendritic spine density in select brain regions. The findings shed new light on the heterogeneity of RmTBI-induced behavioural and neuronal architecture changes dependent on age and sex.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Cell Biology
Xinxin Yu, Shihao Wang, Wenzheng Wu, Hongyuan Chang, Pufan Shan, Lin Yang, Wenjie Zhang, Xiaoyu Wang
Summary: Depression is a prevalent neuropsychiatric disorder characterized by recurrent depressed mood, pain and despair, pessimism and anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies. It is often associated with the development of other diseases and is believed to be influenced by genetic, psychological, environmental, and biological factors. Recent evidence suggests that viral infections may play a role in the development of depression by affecting glial cells and leading to neuroinflammation.
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)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Fei-Yi Zhao, Qiang-Qiang Fu, Sarah J. Spencer, Gerard A. Kennedy, Russell Conduit, Wen-Jing Zhang, Zhen Zheng
Summary: Acupuncture has shown promising therapeutic effects on comorbid depression and insomnia during perimenopause, ameliorating symptoms and regulating hormone levels with minimal adverse events. However, high-quality trials are needed to further validate its effectiveness, as most studies have methodological flaws. Neuroendocrine modulation is likely a major mechanism mediating these effects.
NATURE AND SCIENCE OF SLEEP
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Gerwyn Morris, Luba Sominsky, Kenneth R. Walder, Michael Berk, Wolfgang Marx, Andre F. Carvalho, Chiara C. Bortolasci, Michael Maes, Basant K. Puri
Summary: This paper investigates the potential origins and mechanisms of endocannabinoid system (ECS) dysfunction in major neuropsychiatric disorders. It explores the effects of inflammation and oxidative stress on ECS and suggests that cannabidiol and dimethyl fumarate may have therapeutic potential for mental illnesses.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Simin Younesi, Alita Soch, Luba Sominsky, Sarah J. Spencer
Summary: In rats, transient ablation of microglia and monocytes at the start of the second week but not the third week postnatally has long-term effects on circulating luteinising hormone levels in adulthood and ovarian health.
JOURNAL OF ENDOCRINOLOGY
(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)
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
Immunology
Luba Sominsky, Martin O'Hely, Katherine Drummond, Sifan Cao, Fiona Collier, Poshmaal Dhar, Amy Loughman, Samantha Dawson, Mimi LK. Tang, Toby Mansell, Richard Saffery, David Burgner, Anne-Louise Ponsonby, Peter Vuillermin, Barwon Infant Study Investigator Group Barwon Infant Study Investigator Grp
Summary: In this study, the association between pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI) and perinatal depressive symptoms was investigated, as well as the potential mediation of circulating inflammatory markers during pregnancy. The findings suggest that pre-pregnancy obesity increases the risk of antenatal depressive symptoms and is associated with systemic inflammation. However, further research is needed to understand the role of specific inflammatory markers in mediating the effects of pre-pregnancy obesity on antenatal depression.
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)