Article
Neurosciences
Hao-Hua Wei, Xiang-Shan Yuan, Ze-Ka Chen, Pei-Pei Chen, Zhe Xiang, Wei-Min Qu, Rui-Xi Li, Guo-Min Zhou, Zhi-Li Huang
Summary: The AVP neurons in SON and PVN receive similar input patterns from multiple brain regions, with PVNAVP neurons having broader and denser inputs compared to SONAVP neurons. Additionally, differentiated input sources were found, with SONAVP neurons receiving more projections from thermoregulatory nuclei and PVNAVP neurons receiving more afferent inputs from circadian rhythm-regulating nuclei. The study provides insights into the distinct afferent framework of AVP neurons in SON and PVN, laying the foundation for further research on their diverse roles.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biology
Chang-Rui Chen, Yu-Heng Zhong, Shan Jiang, Wei Xu, Lei Xiao, Zan Wang, Wei-Min Qu, Zhi-Li Huang
Summary: Hypersomnolence disorder is characterized by excessive sleep following stroke, infection, or tumorigenesis, and is traditionally associated with lesions of wake-promoting nuclei. The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) with glutamatergic neurons was found to be critical for arousal promotion and maintenance, as activating PVHvglut2 neurons induced wakefulness and driving transitions from sleep to wakefulness.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
D. S. Engelke, X. O. Zhang, J. J. O'Malley, J. A. Fernandez-Leon, S. Li, G. J. Kirouac, M. Beierlein, F. H. Do-Monte
Summary: The study reveals that specific CRF-positive neurons in the paraventricular thalamus of rats are crucial in mediating defensive behaviors during conflicts between seeking rewards and avoiding threats. These neurons project to the nucleus accumbens, impacting food seeking and avoidance behaviors. Furthermore, the interaction between the ventromedial hypothalamus and aPVT neurons plays a key role in the modulation of defensive responses during conflicts.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Physiology
Caitlin R. Coker, Melissa White, Aneesh Singal, Sarah S. Bingaman, Anirban Paul, Amy C. Arnold, Yuval Silberman
Summary: Obesity is associated with metabolic dysregulation and inflammation in the brain. This study demonstrates that minocycline, an anti-inflammatory drug, can alleviate the adverse metabolic consequences of high-fat diet-induced obesity in mice by reducing hypothalamic microglia activity.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Xin Wang, Joan B. Escobar, David Mendelowitz
Summary: This study explores the potential involvement of atypical activity in the locus coeruleus in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and investigates the neurotransmission from hypothalamic paraventricular (PVN) oxytocin (OXT) neurons to LC NA neurons. The research demonstrates the release of oxytocin from PVN OXT fibers in the LC and shows that optogenetic excitation of PVN OXT fibers excites LC NA neurons through co-release of oxytocin and glutamate, with a greater effect observed in males. Additionally, chemogenetic activation of PVN OXT neurons increases attention to novel objects specifically in male animals.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiao-Jing Yu, Tong Xiao, Xiao-Jing Liu, Ying Li, Jie Qi, Nianping Zhang, Li-Yan Fu, Kai-Li Liu, Yanjun Li, Yu-Ming Kang
Summary: Knocking down Nrf1 suppresses sympathoexcitation in hypertension by reducing PVN transcription of NMDAR subunits (GluN1, GluN2A, and GluN2B), rebalancing PVN excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters, inhibiting PVN neuronal activity and oxidative stress, and attenuating sympathetic activity.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Chenyu Li, Hongzhao Sun, Yuan Shi, Yan Yu, Xiaofeng Ji, Enguang Li, Xiaofan Zhou, Xiaomeng Liu, Xikang Xue, Haiji Sun
Summary: Neurons co-expressing CBS and c-Fos were found in the PVN, and injection of NaHS into the PVN can inhibit gastric motility and promote gastric acid secretion in rats. This effect may be mediated by NMDA receptors and the NF-kappa B signalling pathway.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Amelia M. Douglass, Jon M. Resch, Joseph C. Madara, Hakan Kucukdereli, Ofer Yizhar, Abhinav Grama, Masahito Yamagata, Zongfang Yang, Bradford B. Lowell
Summary: Fasting activates the HPA axis through the inhibition of GABAergic afferents by AgRP neurons in the PVH. This study reveals the neural basis for fasting-induced HPA axis activation and provides insights into the mechanisms underlying stress-induced HPA axis activation.
Article
Biology
Panjiao Lin, Benjamin T. Gillard, Audrys G. Pauza, Fernando A. Iraizoz, Mahmoud A. Ali, Andre S. Mecawi, Fatma Z. Djazouli Alim, Elena Romanova, Pamela A. Burger, Michael P. Greenwood, Abdu Adem, David Murphy
Summary: This study focuses on the mechanisms of adaptive response to osmotic stress in the camel supraoptic nucleus, aiming to reveal the central control of water homeostasis in camels. By building three-dimensional models and comparing transcriptomic data, we identified unique adaptive genes in camels and common elements in the water deprivation transcriptomic response network.
COMMUNICATIONS BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Ying Liu, Bo Rao, Shuang Li, Ning Zheng, Jie Wang, Linlin Bi, Haibo Xu
Summary: In this study, the researchers have identified the paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus (PVN) as a key brain area involved in regulating anxiety and arousal. They used various techniques to demonstrate that different neural circuits downstream of PVN control anxiety-like behaviors and wakefulness. This research provides insights into the neural mechanisms underlying anxiety disorders and insomnia, potentially guiding new treatment approaches.
FRONTIERS IN PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Teresa A. Milner, Natalina H. Contoreggi, Fangmin Yu, Megan A. Johnson, Gang Wang, Clara Woods, Sanoara Mazid, Tracey A. Van Kempen, Elizabeth M. Waters, Bruce S. McEwen, Kenneth S. Korach, Michael J. Glass
Summary: The study found that administering ER beta agonists in peri-AOF female mice can suppress neurogenic hypertension, but it has no effect on age-matched male mice. Additionally, ER beta signaling in the PVN of female mice plays an important role in blood pressure regulation and contributes to hypertension susceptibility in females at an early stage of ovarian failure.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Bahar Rostami, Ali Nasimi, Masoumeh Hatam
Summary: This study in anesthetized rats found that AngII does not provide tonic activity in the parvocellular part of the paraventricular nucleus (PVNp) under normal conditions. However, drugs microinjected into the PVNp attenuated the frequency component of baroreflex, and AngII attenuated the heart rate response of baroreflex through AT1 and AT2 receptors.
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Jie Qi, Rui-Juan Li, Li-Yan Fu, Kai-Li Liu, Jin-An Qiao, Yu Yang, Xiao-Jing Yu, Jia-Yue Yu, Ying Li, Hong Tan, Yu-Ming Kang
Summary: The study indicated that aerobic exercise training may decrease blood pressure in hypertensive rats by down-regulating the AT-1R in the PVN through the ROS/MAPK/NF-kappa B pathway, ultimately ameliorating 2K1C-induced hypertension.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Xiao-Jing Yu, Yan-Mei Chen, Xiao-Jing Liu, Xiao-Jie Bai, Kai-Li Liu, Li-Yan Fu, Hong-Li Gao, Tian-Ze Sun, Xiao-Lian Shi, Jie Qi, Ying Li, Yu-Ming Kang
Summary: The study found that supplementation of MET can reduce blood glucose, suppress renal sympathetic nerve activity, decrease pro-inflammatory cytokines in the PVN and ARC, attenuate oxidative stress and activation of astrocytes, and restore the balance of neurotransmitter synthetase in T2D diabetic rats.
TOXICOLOGY AND APPLIED PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Pedro Castillo, Mariona Palou, Zhi Xin Yau-Qiu, Ana M. Rodriguez, Andreu Palou, Catalina Pico
Summary: It was found in this study that myo-inositol supplementation during lactation can reverse the effects of fetal malnutrition on hypothalamic structure and metabolic health biomarkers in PBMC in rats, partially due to increased leptin sensitivity.
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Felix-Martin Werner, Rafael Covenas
Summary: This review highlights the potential of combination therapy with novel antipsychotic drugs in improving treatment-resistant forms of psychotic disorders. It emphasizes the importance of add-on therapy with cognition-enhancing drugs in improving negative schizophrenic symptoms and cognitive functions. Furthermore, the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotic drugs as maintenance therapy in schizophrenia is considered safe and tolerable.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2021)
Review
Oncology
Francisco D. Rodriguez, Rafael Covenas
Summary: This article discusses the impact of ethanol on cancer development, including its interference with cell biochemistry and its effects on stem cells and cancer stem cells. It highlights the importance of understanding potential targets more sensitive to ethanol, as well as specific metabolic routes and realms that can be corrected to restore metabolic homeostasis.
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
Anatomy & Morphology
Ewing Duque-Diaz, Rafael Covenas
Summary: The neuroanatomical distribution of folic acid and retinoic acid in the brainstem of children was studied for the first time, revealing different patterns of distribution in humans and monkeys. Folic acid's restricted distribution suggests its involvement in specific physiological mechanisms, with cell body numbers decreasing with age.
ANATOMY & CELL BIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Biotechnology & Applied Microbiology
Mario F. Munoz, Sandro Arguelles, Marisa Rosso, Rafael Medina, Rafael Covenas, Antonio Ayala, Miguel Munoz
Summary: The study aimed to increase the knowledge about the involvement of the substance P (SP)/NK-1R system in human glioma. The results showed that NK-1R is essential for the viability of GAMG and U-87 MG glioma cells, suggesting that NK-1R could be a promising and specific therapeutic target for glioma treatment.
BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Prema Robinson, Rafael Covenas, Miguel Munoz
Summary: Background: Chemotherapy has limitations in cancer treatment due to its ineffectiveness and severe side effects. The substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R) system has been identified as a potential target for cancer treatment. Aprepitant combined with major chemotherapeutic agents has shown the potential to enhance antitumor activity and reduce side effects. Objective: This review aims to provide an update on combination therapy studies involving chemotherapy/radiotherapy and NK-1R antagonist in cancer treatment. Conclusion: This combination strategy may revolutionize chemotherapy and radiotherapy by improving antitumor activity and reducing side effects, leading to higher cure rates and better quality of life for cancer patients.
CURRENT MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Review
Oncology
Manuel Lisardo Sanchez, Rafael Covenas
Summary: Peptidergic systems, specifically the galaninergic system, play a crucial role in cancer progression and can be used as therapeutic targets and diagnostic markers.
Editorial Material
Oncology
Rafael Covenas, Miguel Munoz
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Felix-Martin Werner, Rafael Covenas
Summary: In animal experiments, scintigraphic imaging using radioimmunodetection with (125)J anti-tissue polypeptide antigen monoclonal antibodies and implanted HELA cell carcinomas yielded satisfactory results. Administration of excess unlabeled anti-mouse antibodies (AMAB) in ratios of 40:1, 200:1, and 4000:1 compared to the radioactive antibody resulted in liver accumulation of radioactivity and worsened tumor imaging. Improved immunoscintigraphic imaging can be achieved through re-performing radioimmunodetection after the formation of human anti-mouse antibodies (AMAB) and when the ratio of primary to secondary antibody is nearly equivalent, accelerating the formation of immune complexes. A second performance of radioimmunodetection four to eight weeks after the initial one can lead to better tumor imaging by utilizing the formation of human anti-mouse antibodies (AMAB) to concentrate radioactivity in the tumor.
CURRENT PHARMACEUTICAL DESIGN
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel Lisardo Sanchez, Francisco D. Rodriguez, Rafael Covenas
Summary: This study updates the current knowledge on the involvement of neuropeptide Y (NPY), peptide YY (PYY), and pancreatic polypeptide (PP) and their receptors (YRs) in cancer. The roles played by these peptides in different cancer types are reviewed, and their potential as diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets is discussed. NPY promotes tumor growth and metastasis in some tumors, while exerting an antitumor effect in others. PYY or its fragments can block tumor cell growth, migration, and invasion in several cancer types.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Francisco D. Rodriguez, Manuel Lisardo Sanchez, Rafael Covenas
Summary: Harmful alcohol use, known as alcohol use disorders (AUDs) in the DSM-5 classification, has various negative effects on individuals and their social and familial environments. Alcohol addiction is characterized by compulsive drinking and negative emotional states during withdrawal, often leading to relapses. The complexity of AUD involves multiple factors, including the use of other psychoactive substances. Ethanol and its metabolites directly impact tissues and may disrupt brain neurotransmission, immunity, and cell repair pathways. The review focuses on the role of neurotensin (NT) in alcohol addiction and the potential use of nonpeptide ligands to modulate the NT system in animal models of harmful drinking behavior.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Rafael Covenas, Francisco D. Rodriguez, Prema Robinson, Miguel Munoz
Summary: The substance P/neurokinin-1 receptor system plays a role in cancer progression, and Aprepitant, as a broad-spectrum anticancer drug, can inhibit tumor cell proliferation and migration, enhance the effectiveness of radiotherapy or chemotherapy, and improve the quality of life for patients.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Review
Chemistry, Multidisciplinary
Pilar Marcos, Rafael Covenas
Summary: Peptides play a role in tumor cell mitogenesis and migration, with overexpression of peptide receptors in cancer cells. This review discusses the involvement of the orexinergic system in thirteen cancer types, showing its upregulation in many tumors and its dual effect on apoptosis and proliferation. OXR antagonists or agonists have potential as antitumor agents. The review also explores the complexities of the orexigenic system and its potential therapeutic applications, including dimerization/oligomerization of OXRs, epigenetic mechanisms, biomarkers, combination therapy, and anti-inflammatory effects mediated by orexins.
APPLIED SCIENCES-BASEL
(2023)
Editorial Material
Oncology
Francisco D. Rodriguez, Rafael Covenas
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Manuel Lisardo Sanchez, Francisco D. D. Rodriguez, Rafael Covenas
Summary: Peptides play a crucial role in cancer progression, promoting mitogenesis, migration, invasion, metastasis, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Peptide receptors are overexpressed in tumor cells, making them potential targets for specific cancer treatments and apoptosis induction. Opioids have both anti-tumoral and pro-tumoral effects, and their involvement in cancer development is still not well understood.
Article
Neurosciences
Song Xue, Feng Kong, Yiying Song, Jia Liu
Summary: This study used resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging to explore the relationship between individual's spontaneous neural activity and social interaction anxiety in a nonclinical population. The results showed that social interaction anxiety was correlated with the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations in several brain regions, and that emotional intelligence partially mediated this relationship. This study provides evidence for the neural basis of social interaction anxiety in the normal population and highlights the role of emotional intelligence in this anxiety.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Katsuyuki Yamaguchi, Takuya Yazawa
Summary: This study provides morphometric data on the development of the human medullary arcuate nucleus (AN) by examining the brains of preterm and perinatal infants. The results show that AN morphology demonstrates asymmetry and individual variability during the fetal period. The volume and neuronal number of AN increase exponentially with age, while neuronal density decreases exponentially. The AN may undergo neuron death and neuroblasts production after mid-gestation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zhan Zhou, Weixin Dai, Tianxiao Liu, Min Shi, Yi Wei, Lifei Chen, Yubo Xie
Summary: Studies have shown that propofol-induced neurotoxicity is caused by disruption of mitochondrial fission and fusion, leading to an energy supply imbalance for developing neurons. Healthy mitochondria released by astrocytes can migrate to compromised neurons to mitigate propofol-induced neurotoxicity, but the exact mechanisms involved still need further clarification.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
An Chen, Song Hao, Yongpeng Han, Yang Fang, Yibei Miao
Summary: This study explores the efficacy of two forms of BCI attention training games and finds that physical games may be more effective than video games. The research also offers valuable insights for future game design from a neuroscience perspective.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lina Liu, Luran Liu, Yunting Lu, Tianyuan Zhang, Wenting Zhao
Summary: This study reveals that GDI1 serves as a potential diagnostic biomarker for AD and inhibition of GDI1 can attenuate Aβ-induced neurotoxicity. The findings offer new insights for the treatment of AD.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Zahra Gholami, Ava Soltani Hekmat, Ali Abbasi, Kazem Javanmardi
Summary: This study investigated the effects of alamandine on allodynia in a rat model and found the presence of MrgD receptors in the vlPAG and RVM regions. Microinjection of alamandine resulted in a significant increase in paw withdrawal threshold and could be blocked by an MrgD receptor antagonist. Upregulation of MrgD receptor expression following allodynia induction suggests a potential compensatory mechanism in response to pain.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Mingliang Xu, Lei Xia, Junjie Li, Yehong Du, Zhifang Dong
Summary: This study found that DHF effectively alleviates sevoflurane-induced cognitive impairment in developing mice by restoring the balance between tau O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation. Therefore, DHF has the potential to be a therapeutic agent for treating cognitive impairment associated with anesthetics, such as sevoflurane.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Tsubasa Mitsutake, Hisato Nakazono, Takanori Taniguchi, Hisayoshi Yoshizuka, Maiko Sakamoto
Summary: The posterior parietal cortex plays a crucial role in postural stability, and transcranial electrical stimulation of this region can modulate physical control responses. This study found that cathodal stimulation significantly decreased joint angular velocity in multiple directions, while there were no significant differences with transcranial random noise stimulation.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xishuai Yang, Wei Zhang, Xueli Chang, Zuopeng Li, Runquan Du, Junhong Guo
Summary: This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of low-dose rituximab (RTX) in patients with muscle-specific kinase antibody positive myasthenia gravis (MuSK-MG). The results showed that low-dose RTX treatment led to significant improvements in clinical symptoms and quality of life for patients with MuSK-MG.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Jian Zhang, Shunyuan Guo, Rong Tao, Fan Wang, Yihong Xie, Huizi Wang, Lan Ding, Yuejian Shen, Xiaoli Zhou, Junli Feng, Qing Shen
Summary: This study established an Alzheimer's disease (AD) model of zebrafish induced by AlCl3 and found that marine-derived plasmalogens (Pls) could alleviate cognitive impairments of AD zebrafish by reversing athletic impairment and altering the expression levels of genes related to oxidative stress, ferroptosis, synaptic dysfunction, and apoptosis.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Lu Li, Jiaqi Ren, Qi Fang, Liqiang Yu, Jintao Wang
Summary: ICU-AW is a common and severe neuromuscular complication in critically ill patients. Electrophysiological examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and early prediction of the disease. This study aimed to establish and validate an ICU-AW predictive model in SIRS patients, providing a practical tool for early clinical prediction.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Ahmad Alipour, Roghayeh Mohammadi
Summary: The present study aimed to investigate the separate and combined effects of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) over the primary motor cortex (M1) and left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (F3) regions on pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from neuropathic pain (NP). The results showed that tDCS had the potential to induce pain relief in patients with type-2 diabetes suffering from NP. The mean perceived pain intensity in the posttest was lower in the M1 stimulation group than in the F3 stimulation group. However, more trials with larger sample sizes are necessary to define clinically relevant effects.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Eduardo J. Fusse, Franciele F. Scarante, Maria A. Vicente, Mariana M. Marrubia, Flavia Turcato, Davi S. Scomparin, Melissa A. Ribeiro, Maria J. Figueiredo, Tamires A. V. Brigante, Francisco S. Guimaraes, Alline C. Campos
Summary: Repeated exposure to psychosocial stress alters the endocannabinoid system and affects brain regions associated with emotional distress. Enhancing the effects of endocannabinoids through pharmacological inhibition induces an anti-stress behavioral effect, possibly mediated by the mTOR signaling pathway.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Giulia Agostoni, Luca Bischetti, Federica Repaci, Margherita Bechi, Marco Spangaro, Irene Ceccato, Elena Cavallini, Luca Fiorentino, Francesca Martini, Jacopo Sapienza, Mariachiara Buonocore, Michele Francesco D'Incalci, Federica Cocchi, Carmelo Guglielmino, Roberto Cavallaro, Marta Bosia, Valentina Bambini
Summary: This study found a general impairment in humor comprehension in individuals with schizophrenia, with mental jokes being more difficult for both patients and controls. Humor comprehension was closely associated with the patients' overall pragmatic and linguistic profile, while the association with Theory of Mind (ToM) was minimal. Another notable finding was the increased appreciation of humor in individuals with schizophrenia, who rated jokes as funnier than controls did, regardless of whether they were correctly or incorrectly completed. The funniness ratings were not predicted by any measure, suggesting a dimension of humor untied to cognition or psychopathology.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiuping Gong, Qi Li, Yang Liu
Summary: This study demonstrates that Sev targets CREBBP to inhibit ALG13 transcription, leading to hippocampal damage and cognitive impairment.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2024)
