Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pilar Marcos, Rafael Covenas
Summary: Understanding the dysregulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides is crucial in studying feeding behavior and obesity. Current pharmacological strategies for obesity treatment are ineffective, highlighting the need for new therapeutic approaches. This review focuses on the involvement of the orexinergic system in feeding behavior, discussing animal models, human studies, and the connection to other substances. Promising research on orexinergic signaling pathways, heterogeneity of hypothalamic orexinergic neurons, receptor-receptor interaction, and sex differences are highlighted. The development of combination therapies and more specific orexin receptor antagonists is important for successful anti-obesity treatments.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Sarah E. Sizer, Michaela E. Price, Brian C. Parrish, Samuel H. Barth, Chelcie F. Heaney, Kimberly F. Raab-Graham, Brian A. McCool
Summary: This study found that both ethanol exposure and withdrawal enhance the excitability of NBM cholinergic neurons and promote glutamate release through activation of presynaptic nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Additionally, ethanol withdrawal increases the modulatory effect of NBM terminal activity on BLA pyramidal neurons.
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Geffen Lass, Xiao Feng Li, Margaritis Voliotis, Ellen Wall, Ross A. de Burgh, Deyana Ivanova, Caitlin McIntyre, Xian-Hua Lin, William H. Colledge, Stafford L. Lightman, Krasimira Tsaneva-Atanasova, Kevin T. O'Byrne
Summary: Research has shown that kisspeptin neurons in certain brain regions can significantly modulate the kisspeptin population in the hypothalamus, increasing luteinising hormone pulse frequency. Experimental studies have demonstrated that neurotransmission of both GABA and glutamate is crucial for this regulatory function.
JOURNAL OF NEUROENDOCRINOLOGY
(2022)
Review
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Raoni Conceicao dos-Santos, Brook L. W. Sweeten, Claire E. Stelly, Jeffrey G. Tasker
Summary: Stress has effects on the nervous system at different signaling levels and time scales. Glucocorticoids, the main effectors of stress plasticity, act on multiple receptor subtypes in different cellular compartments, leading to changes in synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. This review focuses on the rapid actions of acute stress-induced glucocorticoids in modulating synaptic and intrinsic neuronal properties. The stress-related brain structures, such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, amygdala, and prefrontal cortex, exhibit synaptic plasticity in response to single or short-term stress exposure.
Article
Neurosciences
Muhammad Asim, Huajie Wang, Xi Chen, Jufang He
Summary: This study investigates the role of basolateral amygdala (BLA) neurons in mediating the behavior associated with depression. The results suggest that increased activity of excitatory BLA neurons can lead to depressive-like behavior, while inhibition of these neurons can alleviate such behavior. Additionally, inhibiting GABAergic neurons in the BLA can increase the firing frequency of excitatory neurons and mediate depressive-like phenotypes. Furthermore, activating inhibitory neurons can inhibit the activity of excitatory neurons and alleviate depressive-like behavior.
CNS NEUROSCIENCE & THERAPEUTICS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Muhammad Asim, Huajie Wang, Abdul Waris
Summary: Depression is a major cause of disability worldwide, and current pharmacological therapies have limited efficacy and adverse effects. The amygdala has been shown to be critically involved in depressive disorders, although the underlying mechanisms still need to be investigated.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Dana Marafi, Jawid M. Fatih, Rauan Kaiyrzhanov, Matteo P. Ferla, Charul Gijavanekar, Aljazi Al-Maraghi, Ning Liu, Emily Sites, Hessa S. Alsaif, Mohammad Al-Owain, Mohamed Zakkariah, Ehab El-Anany, Ulviyya Guliyeva, Sughra Guliyeva, Colette Gaba, Ateeq Haseeb, Amal M. Alhashem, Enam Danish, Vasiliki Karageorgou, Christian Beetz, Alaa A. Subhi, Sureni Mullegama, Erin Torti, Monisha Sebastin, Margo Sheck Breilyn, Susan Duberstein, Mohamed S. Abdel-Hamid, Tadahiro Mitani, Haowei Du, Jill A. Rosenfeld, Shalini N. Jhangiani, Zeynep Coban Akdemir, Richard A. Gibbs, Jenny C. Taylor, Khalid A. Fakhro, Jill Hunter, Davut Pehlivan, Maha S. Zaki, Joseph G. Gleeson, Reza Maroofian, Henry Houlden, Jennifer E. Posey, V. Reid Sutton, Fowzan S. Alkuraya, Sarah H. Elsea, James R. Lupski
Summary: SLC38A3 is a novel disease gene for developmental and epileptic encephalopathy, and the likely pathophysiology of the disease is perturbations in glutamine homeostasis.
Article
Neurosciences
Dillon J. McGovern, Abigail M. Polter, David H. Root
Summary: Glutamate and GABA are the main excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters of the nervous system, with distinct inputs to VTA glutamate neurons participating in reward and aversion-based behaviors. Through the use of genetically-encoded fluorescent indicators, the study identified differential and dynamic signaling of glutamate and GABA inputs to VTA glutamate neurons in response to reward and aversion cues and outcomes, shedding light on the neurochemical mechanisms underlying motivated behaviors. The research provides foundational evidence linking specific neurotransmitters to the regulation of motivated behaviors by VTA glutamate neurons.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Sina Hafizi, Tarek K. Rajji
Summary: This review proposes a conceptual model that links 12 potentially modifiable risk factors for dementia with Excitation-Inhibition (E -I) imbalance. The model aims to address the current knowledge gap and provides a framework for future studies in dementia prevention, discovery of new biomarkers, and development of new interventions.
AGEING RESEARCH REVIEWS
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Marc Ten-Blanco, Africa Flores, Inmaculada Pereda-Perez, Fabiana Piscitelli, Cristina Izquierdo-Luengo, Luigia Cristino, Julian Romero, Cecilia J. Hillard, Rafael Maldonado, Vincenzo Di Marzo, Fernando Berrendero
Summary: Anxiety and stress disorders often involve an inability to extinguish learned fear responses. This study suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system is involved in this impairment and that dysregulation of the orexin system may contribute to anxiety disorders characterized by pathological fear.
BIOMEDICINE & PHARMACOTHERAPY
(2022)
Review
Behavioral Sciences
Terence Y. Pang, Jazmine D. W. Yaeger, Cliff H. Summers, Rupshi Mitra
Summary: The stress response in rodents and humans is dependent on the environmental context, with studies showing that environmental variation at earlier time points can modify the relationship between stressors and stress responses. Environmental factors play a powerful role in determining the diversity of stress responses across various endpoints, suggesting that stress resilience can be promoted through purposeful modification of the environment.
NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL REVIEWS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
B. Spurny-Dworak, M. B. Reed, P. Handschuh, T. Vanicek, M. Spies, W. Bogner, R. Lanzenberger
Summary: Seasonal changes in neurotransmitter systems were explored in 159 healthy individuals, and the results indicated that glutamate and GABA levels remain stable throughout the year in healthy individuals, without the need for seasonal correction.
HUMAN BRAIN MAPPING
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Luke Ziolkowski, Isaac Mordukhovich, Daniel M. Chen, Mariangela Chisari, Hong-Jin Shu, Peter M. Lambert, Mingxing Qian, Charles F. Zorumski, Douglas F. Covey, Steven Mennerick
Summary: Neuroactive steroids are emerging as a new class of drugs for treating neuropsychiatric disorders, with effects on ligand-gated neurotransmitter receptors being a major mechanism of action. MQ-221, a sulfated, 3 beta-hydroxy neurosteroid analogue, inhibits NMDAR function while potentiating GABA(A)R function, showing potentially unique and clinically desirable effects. It may represent a new class of compound with unique psychoactive effects and beneficial prospects for treating neuropsychiatric disorders.
Review
Medicine, General & Internal
Beatriz Sousa, Joao Martins, Miguel Castelo-Branco, Joana Goncalves
Summary: Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) has been proposed as a promising therapy for neurodevelopmental disorders by modulating excitatory and/or inhibitory activity to restore the balance disrupted in these disorders. Clinical studies show positive effects of tDCS treatment on behavior and cognition, but further research and optimization of treatment protocols are needed.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Kayla M. Shumate, Sadik T. Tas, Ege T. Kavalali, Ronald B. Emeson
Summary: Caps editing plays a crucial role in modulating neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity, particularly at inhibitory synapses. The edited Cadps transcripts increase the proportion of synapses containing CAPS1, and editing is regulated by neuronal activity.
JOURNAL OF NEUROCHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Raffaella Alo, Gilda Fazzari, Merylin Zizza, Ennio Avolio, Anna Di Vito, Rosalinda Bruno, Giovanni Cuda, Tullio Barni, Marcello Canonaco, Rosa Maria Facciolo
Summary: The study shows that treating high-fat diet hamsters with daidzein results in anxiolytic-like behaviors and neuroprotective effects, improving feeding and cognitive performance.
NEUROTOXICITY RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Raffaella Alo, Ilaria Olivito, Gilda Fazzari, Merylin Zizza, Anna Di Vito, Ennio Avolio, Maurizio Mandala, Rosalinda Bruno, Tullio Barni, Marcello Canonaco, Rosa Maria Facciolo
Summary: This study found that rats exposed to VPA during pregnancy showed significantly decreased performance in light-dark chamber tests and greatly increased climbing intervals in novel cage tests. On the other hand, rats treated with PPA postnatally displayed less pronounced anxiety-like behaviors. The different changes in protein expression in brain regions were associated with variations in behavioral performances.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Peripheral Vascular Disease
Wei Ying, Kechun Tang, Ennio Avolio, Jan M. Schilling, Teresa Pasqua, Matthew A. Liu, Hongqiang Cheng, Hong Gao, Jing Zhang, Sumana Mahata, Myung S. Ko, Gautam Bandyopadhyay, Soumita Das, David M. Roth, Debashis Sahoo, Nicholas J. G. Webster, Farah Sheikh, Gourisankar Ghosh, Hemal H. Patel, Pradipta Ghosh, Geert van den Bogaart, Sushil K. Mahata
Summary: The study demonstrates that CST plays a key role in attenuating cardiac inflammation in hypertension by reducing macrophage inflammation to alleviate disease symptoms.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Giuseppina Augimeri, Angelo Galluccio, Giovanna Caparello, Ennio Avolio, Daniele La Russa, Daniela De Rose, Catia Morelli, Ines Barone, Stefania Catalano, Sebastiano Ando, Cinzia Giordano, Diego Sisci, Daniela Bonofiglio
Summary: This study examined the adherence of healthy adolescents to the Mediterranean Diet (MD), finding an average adherence and higher nutrient intake in those with optimal adherence. It also observed a correlation between dietary factors and inflammatory markers, as well as lower levels of reactive oxygen metabolites in the serum of optimal adherers. Ultimately, the study highlights the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of a healthy diet in adolescence, which may have long-term benefits for chronic disease prevention in adulthood.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Fabrizio Ceraudo, Giovanna Caparello, Angelo Galluccio, Ennio Avolio, Giuseppina Augimeri, Daniela De Rose, Adele Vivacqua, Catia Morelli, Ines Barone, Stefania Catalano, Cinzia Giordano, Diego Sisci, Daniela Bonofiglio
Summary: The study evaluated the impact of Mediterranean food choices on lipid and glycemic metabolic profile in adolescents. The results indicated that adopting a Mediterranean diet could significantly reduce glucose and lipid profile in healthy adolescents.
Article
Neurosciences
Ennio Avolio, Ilaria Olivito, Eleonora Rosina, Lorenzo Romano, Tommaso Angelone, Anna De Bartolo, Manuel Scimeca, Dina Bellizzi, Patrizia D'Aquila, Giuseppe Passarino, Raffaella Alo, Rosa Maria Facciolo, Claudia Bagni, Antonino De Lorenzo, Marcello Canonaco
Summary: In this study, fecal microbiota transplant (FMT) from autistic children donors to mice resulted in the colonization of ASD-like microbiota and autistic behaviors. The changes were associated with altered gut microbiota composition, increased inflammatory factors, and decreased methylation status.
Article
Neurosciences
Merylin Zizza, Gilda Fazzari, Mariana Di Lorenzo, Raffaella Al, Rosalinda Bruno, Vincenza Laforgia, Marcello Canonaco, Rosa Maria Facciolo
Summary: Excessive fat and sugar intake increases the risk of obesity and diabetes. This study found that exposure to high-energy diets can negatively affect neurobehavioral and social memory activities. The downregulation of pCREB can be seen as a key indicator of neurobehavioral deficits caused by obesogenic diets.
NEUROTOXICOLOGY AND TERATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Giovanna Caparello, Angelo Galluccio, Fabrizio Ceraudo, Claudio Pecorella, Fabio Buzzanca, Francesco Cuccomarino, Daniela Bonofiglio, Ennio Avolio
Summary: An optimal body composition in volleyball players can be achieved by monitoring training plans and nutritional habits, and the Mediterranean Diet (MD) is a good choice to meet the nutritional needs of athletes. This study used bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) to monitor body composition changes in volleyball players following MD recommendations. The results showed that athletes maintained an optimal MD adherence and experienced significant changes in BIVA parameters, indicating improved body cell mass and skeletal muscle mass. These findings support the use of BIVA as a tool to monitor athlete's body adaptations and highlight the importance of the MD in sports settings.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ilaria Olivito, Ennio Avolio, Damiana Minervini, Teresa Soda, Carmine Rocca, Tommaso Angelone, Francesco Salvatore Iaquinta, Dina Bellizzi, Francesco De Rango, Rosalinda Bruno, Loredana De Bartolo, Raffaella Alo, Marcello Canonaco, Rosa Maria Facciolo
Summary: Recent studies have shown that a ketogenic diet can reduce abnormal behaviors and improve psychological and sociological status in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). In a mouse study, it was found that a ketogenic diet reduced social deficits, repetitive behaviors, and memory impairments in mice with ASD-like conditions. The effects of the diet were related to a reduction in inflammation and oxidative stress in the brain.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Raffaella Alo, Gilda Fazzari, Merylin Zizza, Ennio Avolio, Anna Di Vito, Ilaria Olvito, Rosalinda Bruno, Marcello Canonaco, Rosa Maria Facciolo
Summary: This study investigates the effects of phytoestrogens on motor and anxiety behaviors as well as neuroprotective effects in hamsters with high-fat diet-induced obesity. The results show that daidzein treatment leads to improved locomotor activities, reduced anxiety behaviors, and increased levels of the neurotrophin receptor TrkB in the cerebellum. These findings suggest that phytoestrogens may have potential neuroprotective effects in obesity-related conditions.
Article
Health Care Sciences & Services
Angelo Galluccio, Giovanna Caparello, Ennio Avolio, Emanuele Manes, Simona Ferraro, Cinzia Giordano, Diego Sisci, Daniela Bonofiglio
Summary: The study found that during the COVID-19 lockdown, most adolescents reported no changes in their eating habits and physical activity, with significant differences between active and sedentary groups showing higher adherence to the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle habits in the active group.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Radwa H. Lutfy, Sherine Abdel Salam, Haitham S. Mohammed, Marwa M. Shakweer, Amina E. Essawy
Summary: Insufficient sleep is associated with impaired hypothalamic activity and declined attentional performance. This study found that near-infrared (NIR) laser therapy can alleviate the effects of sleep deprivation on the hypothalamus, enhance antioxidant status, suppress neuroinflammation, and regulate cellular activity.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Durmus Ali Aslanlar, Emin Fatih Visneci, Mehmet Oz, K. Esra Nurullahoglu Atalik
Summary: Mood disorders caused by chemotherapy have become more important as cancer patients' survival increases. This study used methotrexate to induce mood disorders in rats and found that treatment with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) can alleviate anxiety and depression-like behaviors, increase antioxidant capacity, reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and regulate brain chemistry. The findings suggest that NAC treatment could be an effective strategy in revising the treatment for individuals suffering from chemotherapy-induced mood disorders.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Yunfan Zhang, Yunbin Zhang, Zhuangfei Chen, Ping Ren, Yu Fu
Summary: This study systematically investigated the effects of extremely low intensity HF-rTMS on cognition in mice and found that 40 Hz rTMS significantly impaired exploratory behavior and spatial memory at both 10 mT and 1 mT conditions. Additionally, 40 Hz stimulation had remarkably different effects on exploratory behavior depending on intensity, compared to 10 Hz stimulation.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Xuan Xuan, Guangling Zheng, Wenjia Zhu, Qionghua Sun, Yawei Zeng, Juan Du, Xusheng Huang
Summary: This study examines the functional characteristics of the cerebellum in individuals with sALS and their correlation with clinical data. The results show changes in both local and global functional connectivity in the cerebellum of sALS patients, suggesting a pathophysiological role of the cerebellum in sALS.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Mehdi Rezaei, Mohammad Mahdi Shariat Bagheri
Summary: This study examined the efficacy of tDCS for PTSD and related symptoms, as well as the factors that may predict response to tDCS. The results showed that tDCS had a positive effect in reducing symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and anhedonia. The severity of symptoms at baseline may also predict the response to tDCS.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Huimin Wu, Yiqun Guo, Yaoyao Zhang, Le Zhao, Cheng Guo
Summary: Aggression can have serious consequences, but little is known about its personality and neurological origins in children. This study investigated the relationship between self-esteem, aggression, and brain structure in healthy children, and found that self-esteem was negatively associated with aggression. The study also revealed that increased cortical thickness in certain brain areas may be a potential mechanism linking low self-esteem to aggression in children.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Xinmei Deng, Kexin Chen, Xiaoming Chen, Lin Zhang, Mingping Lin, Xiaoqing Li, Qiufeng Gao
Summary: Parental involvement affects the relationship and communication between parents and adolescents. This study found that high parental involvement is associated with stronger brain-to-brain synchrony during shared positive emotional experiences, while low parental involvement is associated with stronger synchrony during shared negative emotional experiences.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Xin Deng, I. -Shuo Huang, Kourtlin Williams, Marcy L. Wainwright, Paul Zimba, Riccardo Mozzachiodi
Summary: Food deprivation can lead to neurological dysfunctions, including memory impairment. This study used Aplysia as an animal model to investigate the memory deficits caused by prolonged food deprivation. The results showed that 14 days of food deprivation decreased the level of 5-HT in the hemolymph, which contributed to the lack of sensitization and its cellular correlates. However, exogenous application of 5-HT partially induced sensitization in the food deprived animals.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Ihori Kobayashi, Patrick A. Forcelli
Summary: The study found that intervention with the dual orexin receptor antagonist suvorexant did not have the expected effects on extinction memory and sleep. Higher percentages of REM sleep were associated with poorer extinction memory recall and stronger fear responses. Additionally, the fear extinction training protocol used in this study did not lead to complete fear extinction.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Jiyan Xu, Xinlu Chen, Shuai Liu, Ziqi Wei, Minhui Xu, Linhao Jiang, Xue Han, Liangyu Peng, Xiaoping Gu, Tianjiao Xia
Summary: This study investigated the effects of nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN) on oxidative stress and cognitive function in postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) mice. The results showed that NMN pretreatment reduced oxidative stress damage and alleviated cognitive impairment in POCD mice.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Song Liu, Qiang Wu, Liyue Wang, Cong Xing, Junrui Guo, Baicao Li, Hongpeng Ma, Hao Zhong, Mi Zhou, Shibo Zhu, Rusen Zhu, Guangzhi Ning
Summary: In this study, a systematic assessment indicator was developed to objectively evaluate hindlimb motor function recovery in rats after thoracic contusion SCI. By screening CatWalk XT gait parameters and using exploratory factor analysis, 38 suitable parameters for assessing motor function were identified. A reliable Coordinated Function Index (CFI) was proposed based on these parameters and simplified for improved assessment efficacy.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kyosuke Shiga, Shota Miyaguchi, Yasuto Inukai, Naofumi Otsuru, Hideaki Onishi
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the effects of transcranial alternating current stimulation (tACS) on microscale learning in implicit motor tasks. Contrary to expectations, the results showed that the stimulation protocol had no significant effects on microscale learning, revealing a novel aspect of microscale learning in implicit motor tasks.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Cahide Aslan, Rahime Aslankoc, Ozlem Ozmen, Buse Nur Suluk, Oguzhan Kavrik, Nurhan Gumral
Summary: This study examined the negative effects of high fructose corn syrup on prefrontal cortex damage in adolescent rats, as well as the protective role of vitamin D.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Matin Baghani, Arad Bolouri-Roudsari, Reyhaneh Askari, Abbas Haghparast
Summary: The study suggests that the orexinergic system in the dentate gyrus region of the brain may act as an endogenous pain control system and a potential target for treating stress-related disorders.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sen Zhou, Yang Liu, Binbin Xue, Peigen Yuan
Summary: This study confirmed that low-dose Esketamine alleviates LPS-induced depressive symptoms by regulating the GSK-3 beta/NLRP3 pathway. Appropriate doses of Esketamine are essential for the treatment of depression in the clinical setting.
BEHAVIOURAL BRAIN RESEARCH
(2024)