Review
Parasitology
Samira Abdulai-Saiku, Wen Han Tong, Ajai Vyas
Summary: This article discusses the behavioral manipulation mechanism of Toxoplasma gondii on intermediate hosts, proposing the role of gonadal steroids in this process. The presence of tissue cysts in the host brain is considered merely a side effect of behavioral change, rather than a necessary or sufficient factor.
TRENDS IN PARASITOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Parasitology
Shuang Li, Zhu Ying, Yangfei Xue, Zhepeng Sun, Jing Liu, Qun Liu
Summary: This study reveals the role of TgGST2 in sterol treatment and its response to P4, which leads to deficient parasite motility. TgGST2 shows divergent effects in response to different drugs, suggesting it as a viable target for the development of drugs against Toxoplasma and related pathogenic parasites.
PARASITES & VECTORS
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yihan Wu, Xiao Zhang, Yong Fu, Jing Liu, Yangfei Xue, Qun Liu
Summary: Progesterone inhibits the invasion and proliferation of toxoplasma gondii, leading to abnormal cytoskeletal division and autophagy. The discovery of the progesterone membrane receptor protein (TgPGRMC) establishes a direct relationship between progesterone and T. gondii and provides a new direction for research on T. gondii infection during pregnancy.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Sathiya Priya Krishnamoorthy, Vignesh Kalimuthu, Swathi Chandran Manimegalai, Angel Mary Arulanandu, Ramesh Thiyagarajan, Kadalmani Balamuthu
Summary: Endometriosis is a gynaecological condition characterized by inflammation and abnormal development of endometrial stroma and glands. Researchers investigated the effectiveness of diethylstilbestrol (DES) in inducing endometriosis in rats, finding that DES caused an irregular estrus cycle and aberrant hormone levels.
BIOCHEMICAL AND BIOPHYSICAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Maria de la Luz Galvan Ramirez, Judith Marcela Duenas-Jimenez, Adrian Fernando Gutierrez-Maldonado, Laura Rocio Rodriguez Perez
Summary: The study evaluated the effects of 17β-estradiol, progesterone, and their agonists-antagonists on Toxoplasma infection in neurons in vitro. Results showed that 17β-estradiol alone or in combination with tamoxifen or progesterone could reduce the Toxoplasma infection in neurons. This suggests the essential participation of progesterone and estradiol and their classical receptors in regulating T. gondii neuron infection.
Article
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Xin Chen, Rongshuai Jin, Anqi Yang, Jiacheng Li, Ying Song, Bohao Zhao, Yang Chen, Xinsheng Wu
Summary: This study analyzed the behavior and physiological changes of female rabbits at different stages of the estrous cycle. The results showed that female rabbits exhibited different behaviors and hormone levels during estrus, and there were differences in follicular development. Through ovarian transcriptome analysis, genes related to the estrous cycle in female rabbits were identified. These findings provide recommendations for the appropriate management practices of postpartum re-estrus and breeding female rabbits.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Eben Gering, Zachary M. Laubach, Patty Sue D. Weber, Gisela Soboll Hussey, Kenna D. S. Lehmann, Tracy M. Montgomery, Julie W. Turner, Wei Perng, Malit O. Pioon, Kay E. Holekamp, Thomas Getty
Summary: Toxoplasma gondii infections in hyena cubs lead to them approaching lions more closely and experiencing higher rates of lion mortality, suggesting the possibility of parasite manipulation of host behavior for transmission to feline hosts. Both scenarios, where the behavior is an extended phenotype of the parasite or where the parasite has not undergone selection for behavior manipulation, have important implications for T. gondii's effects on host behavior and fitness in the wild.
NATURE COMMUNICATIONS
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel, Sergio Estrada-Martinez, Alma Rosa Perez-Alamos, Isabel Beristain-Garcia, Angel Osvaldo Alvarado-Felix, Gustavo Alexis Alvarado-Felix, Antonio Sifuentes-Alvarez
Summary: The study revealed an association between T. gondii infection and suicidal behavior in individuals with alcohol consumption, especially in women and those aged <= 30 years or >50 years. The presence of anti-T. gondii IgG antibodies was linked to suicidal ideation, but no association was found with suicide attempts.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Lance D. Erickson, Bruce L. Brown, Shawn D. Gale, Dawson W. Hedges
Summary: The study found that the parasite Toxoplasma gondii may be associated with decreased total gray-matter volume in middle-aged and older adults in a community sample from the United Kingdom. However, no associations were found between Toxoplasma gondii and prefrontal, hippocampal, and thalamic gray-matter volumes.
Review
Psychiatry
Teodor T. Postolache, Abhishek Wadhawan, Dan Rujescu, Andrew J. Hoisington, Aline Dagdag, Enrique Baca-Garcia, Christopher A. Lowry, Olaoluwa O. Okusaga, Lisa A. Brenner
Summary: There is a strong association between Toxoplasma gondii and suicidal behavior, with evidence showing a higher risk of suicide attempts in individuals with T. gondii IgG seropositivity. This infection may be linked to endophenotypes and state-dependent risk factors of suicidal behavior.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHIATRY
(2021)
Article
Microbiology
Cosme Alvarado-Esquivel, Sergio Estrada-Martinez, Agar Ramos-Nevarez, Alma Rosa Perez-Alamos, Isabel Beristain-Garcia, Angel Osvaldo Alvarado-Felix, Sandra Margarita Cerrillo-Soto, Gustavo Alexis Alvarado-Felix, Carlos Alberto Guido-Arreola, Leandro Saenz-Soto, Antonio Sifuentes-Alvarez
Summary: The study revealed an association between T. gondii seropositivity and promiscuous sexual behavior, particularly in men. The correlation between sexual promiscuity and T. gondii seropositivity was found across different age groups.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Steven C. Kyle
Summary: The study showed that Carolina chickadees and tufted titmice take fewer seeds when the eyes of a predator model are visible, compared to when the eyes are covered. Chickadees also give more introductory notes in their calls when the eyes of the predator model are uncovered, suggesting they use eyes of predators to determine predation risk.
Article
Physiology
Melanie G. Kimball, Courtney T. Harding, Kaitlin E. Couvillion, Keegan R. Stansberry, Tosha R. Kelly, Christine R. Lattin
Summary: The presence of predators can influence the behavior and brain activity of female house sparrows, but the interaction with hormonal state is not well understood.
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Claudia A. Pinto, Bruno M. Fonseca, Susana I. Sa
Summary: TAM may modulate the hypothalamus by affecting ER- and/or PR-dependent mechanisms, thus influencing female sexual behavior. By altering estrogen and progesterone levels, it changes rat behavior responses and receptor expressions.
Article
Integrative & Complementary Medicine
Neghin Gholizadeh, Abdolhossein Dalimi, Fatemeh Ghaffarifar, Mehryar Nader-Mohammadi, Parviz Molavi, Masoomeh Dadkhah, Soheila Molaei
Summary: The study found that berberine can improve memory impairment caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection and schizophrenia. Berberine was shown to enhance inhibitory avoidance memory in rats. Additionally, berberine increased the expression levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.
BMC COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE AND THERAPIES
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Umit Yilmaz, Kevser Tanbek
Summary: This study investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular administration of Spexin on the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid axis and energy expenditure in rats. The results showed that Spexin reduced food consumption and body weight, increased thyroid hormones, and enhanced energy metabolism.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Kuei-Yu Chien, Yun-Ju Chen, Kuo-Jen Hsu, Chiao-Nan Chen
Summary: This study investigated the effects of a high-protein diet and high-intensity interval training on appetite and weight loss in obese middle-aged individuals. The results showed that consuming a high-protein drink and following a high-protein diet after exercise can reduce post-exercise appetite and the frequency of late-night snacking.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Review
Psychology, Biological
Melissa Alves Braga Oliveira, Ana Carolina Odebrecht Vergne de Abreu, Debora Barroggi Constantino, Andre C. Tonon, Antoni Diez-Noguera, Fernanda Gaspar Amaral, Maria Paz Hidalgo
Summary: Biological processes in living organisms exhibit strong rhythmicity and are regulated by internal timing systems. Understanding the influence of biological rhythms is crucial for experimental design and reporting.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Yanqun Cao, Hao Chen, Yinna Tan, Xu-Dong Yu, Chuli Xiao, Yin Li, James Reilly, Zhiming He, Xinhua Shu
Summary: There is evidence to suggest that chronic stress impacts neurochemical homeostasis and contributes to mental disorders. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of p-coumaric acid (p-CA), a natural compound found in vegetables and fruits, against stress-associated mental disorders. The findings suggest that p-CA could alleviate cognitive deficits and depression-like behavior in mice exposed to chronic restraint stress (CRS) by regulating the PKA-CREB-BDNF signaling pathway.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Mai O. Spaulding, Jessica R. Hoffman, Grace C. Madu, Magen N. Lord, Caroline Soares Iizuka, Kevin P. Myers, Emily E. Noble
Summary: Food insecurity is associated with obesity and disordered eating behaviors. Studying a rodent model, researchers found that adolescent food insecurity may increase susceptibility to obesity and altered eating behaviors during adulthood.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
K. Oberman, B. L. van Leeuwen, M. Nabben, J. E. Villafranca, R. G. Schoemaker
Summary: The present study investigated the post-operative complications and therapeutic potential of J147 in male Zucker rats, and found that J147 treatment had positive effects on behavioral and metabolic parameters, but did not affect neuroinflammation. The results suggest that a combination of acute and chronic J147 treatment may be optimal for treatment.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Review
Psychology, Biological
Mathieu Cournoyer, Alice Maldera, Alexandre-Charles Gauthier, Fabien Dal Maso, Marie-Eve Mathieu
Summary: This article provides a comprehensive view of the literature on the effect of different odors on physical activity through a systematic review. It was found that pleasant odors have a positive impact on participants' physical activity. However, better methodological consistency is needed in studies to produce more meaningful results.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Gabriel R. Gilmore, Jeff Dyche
Summary: This study examined sleep, sleep/wake regularity, and cognition in college students diagnosed with depression and using serotonergic antidepressants, comparing them to those without a depression diagnosis. The results showed that students using antidepressants had slightly longer wake after sleep onset and lower sleep efficiency, but these differences were likely not noticed by the participants. There were no differences in sleep regularity or cognition between the two groups.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Erica A. Cross, Kim L. Huhman, H. Elliott Albers
Summary: Social stress plays a significant role in the development of neuropsychiatric disorders and can lead to behavioral deficits such as social withdrawal. This study investigates the impact of social stress on social reward in Syrian hamsters. The results show that subordinate and socially defeated males have reduced motivation for social interactions compared to dominant males. Additionally, winning males exhibit greater activation in the mesolimbic dopamine system compared to losers. In females, there were no differences in social entries between winners and losers, but winning females display more activation in the NAc shell.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Daniel A. R. Cabral, Maria L. M. Rego, Eduardo B. Fontes, Vagner D. O. Tavares
Summary: This study examined the association between body mass index (BMI) and negative emotional states (NES) in men with substance use disorders (SUD) undergoing treatment. The findings showed a positive correlation between BMI and stress, anxiety, and depression. These results suggest that reducing body fat accumulation may contribute to improving mental health in individuals with SUD during recovery.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Review
Psychology, Biological
Elizabeth Agbor Epse Muluh, Jessica C. McCormack, Yunfan Mo, Michael Garratt, Mei Peng
Summary: This PROSPERO pre-registered systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the olfactory and gustatory changes in pregnant individuals. The meta-analysis revealed that pregnant individuals performed poorer in odour identification, rated olfactory stimuli to be more intense during the second and third trimester, and had increased pleasantness for sweet taste in the first trimester. No major difference was observed in terms of gustatory functions between pregnant and non-pregnant subjects.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)
Article
Psychology, Biological
Renee Spiteri Douglas, Mackenzie R. Hartley, J. Renee Yang, Tamara B. Franklin
Summary: The expression of Hdac2 in the hippocampus is associated with social status, while the expression of closely related genes Hdac1 and HDAC2 protein is not associated with social rank in the hippocampus.
PHYSIOLOGY & BEHAVIOR
(2024)