Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Manuela Jorg, Emma T. van der Westhuizen, Yao Lu, K. H. Christopher Choy, David M. Shackleford, Elham Khajehali, Andrew B. Tobin, David M. Thal, Ben Capuano, Arthur Christopoulos, Celine Valant, Peter J. Scammells
Summary: The synthesis and comprehensive pharmacological evaluation of M4 mAChR PAMs structurally related to 1e, Me-C-c, [11C]MK-6884 and [18F]12 were reported. Small structural changes to the PAMs resulted in significant differences in baseline, potency, and maximum effect measures in cAMP assays compared to the endogenous ligand acetylcholine (ACh). The discovery of novel PAMs with improved allosteric properties, 6k and 6l, and their ability to cross the blood-brain barrier make them more suitable for future preclinical assessment.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ibukun Elizabeth Osadare, Ling Xiong, Ignacio Rubio, Ute Neugebauer, Adrian T. Press, Anuradha Ramoji, Juergen Popp
Summary: Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an excessive and disproportionate immune response to an infection. This study used Raman spectroscopy to analyze the changes in splenic T-lymphocyte profiles during bacterial sepsis and hyperinflammatory endotoxemia. The results showed significant changes in DNA region of splenocytes during sepsis, indicating notable transcriptomic activity. Additionally, splenocytes exposed to high-dose lipopolysaccharide injection displayed significant protein and lipid profile changes, with variations in inflammation severity.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ririka Horikawa, Yuzuki Oe, Rena Fujii, Rika Kasuga, Ryoichi Yoshimura, Seiji Miyata
Summary: TRPM8 was found to attenuate chronic sickness responses in endotoxin-induced sepsis.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Jun-ying Wang, Yue Zhang, Yu Chen, Yu Wang, Shao-yuan Li, Yi-fei Wang, Zi-xuan Zhang, Jinling Zhang, Peijing Rong
Summary: The anti-inflammatory signal of the vagus nerve mediated by alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (alpha 7nAchR) plays a critical role in the antidepressant effect of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (taVNS). The hippocampus region regulates emotions and has the most distribution of alpha 7nAchR, indicating its involvement in the taVNS antidepressant effect.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Hiroshi Giga, Bin Ji, Kazuya Kikutani, Shuji Fukuda, Takashi Kitajima, Seishi Katsumata, Miho Matsumata, Tetsuya Suhara, Shigeto Yamawaki, Nobuaki Shime, Koji Hosokawa, Hidenori Aizawa
Summary: The study found that TSPO plays a critical role in sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) in mice, and inhibition of TSPO can suppress the inflammatory response and improve behavioral inhibition. This discovery deepens our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of SAE.
Article
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Yumo Li, Binbin Wu, Cong Hu, Jie Hu, Qingquan Lian, Jun Li, Daqing Ma
Summary: This study found that Dexmedetomidine plays a role in protecting the lungs by increasing vagal nerve tone. The indirect anti-inflammatory effects and direct cytoprotective effects of Dexmedetomidine are likely achieved through increased vagal nerve tone and activation of alpha 2-adrenoceptors, respectively.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Nutrition & Dietetics
Maarten F. J. Seesing, Henricus J. B. Janssen, Tessa C. M. Geraedts, Teus J. Weijs, Ingrid van Ark, Thea Leusink-Muis, Gert Folkerts, Johan Garssen, Jelle P. Ruurda, Grard A. P. Nieuwenhuijzen, Richard van Hillegersberg, Misha D. P. Luyer
Summary: During esophagectomy, transecting the vagus nerve can lead to postoperative complications. The vagus nerve is involved in inflammation regulation and can be activated by high-fat nutrition, which releases acetylcholine that binds to a7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. This study investigates the impact of the vagus nerve and high-fat nutrition on LPS-induced lung injury in rats.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Cristian Aragon-Benedi, Pablo Oliver-Fornies, Felice Galluccio, Ece Yamak Altinpulluk, Tolga Ergonenc, Abdallah El Sayed Allam, Carlos Salazar, Mario Fajardo-Perez
Summary: The analysis demonstrates that low autonomic nervous system activity and a predominance of the parasympathetic system in COVID-19 patients are associated with a worse prognosis, higher mortality, and higher IL-6 levels.
Article
Immunology
David M. Sokal, Alex McSloy, Matteo Donega, Joseph Kirk, Romain A. Colas, Nikola Dolezalova, Esteban A. Gomez, Isha Gupta, Cathrine T. Fjordbakk, Sebastien Ouchouche, Paul B. Matteucci, Kristina Schlegel, Rizwan Bashirullah, Dirk Werling, Kim Harman, Alison Rowles, Refet Firat Yazicioglu, Jesmond Dalli, Daniel J. Chew, Justin D. Perkins
Summary: Chronic neuromodulation of the splenic nerve using implanted electronics and refined stimulation parameters was well tolerated in pigs. It significantly reduced levels of circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha and pro-inflammatory monocytes while increasing the concentration of pro-resolving mediators. The integrity of the splenic nerves remained intact up to 70 days post implantation.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Yoshihiko Kakinuma
Summary: The discovery of non-neuronal acetylcholine has attracted scientific interest in various fields such as cardiology, immunology, and pharmacology. This system not only affects the heart but may also influence other organs, including brain function and blood brain barrier function. This novel characteristic presents a new avenue for research and potential therapeutic applications for central nervous system diseases.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Linlin Zhang, Sangsu Bang, Qianru He, Megumi Matsuda, Xin Luo, Yong-Hui Jiang, Ru-Rong Ji
Summary: Excessive inflammation is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and mutations of the synaptic scaffolding protein SHANK3 are involved in ASD. In this study, it was found that Shank3 deficiency aggravates hypothermia, systemic inflammation, and sepsis mortality induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in mice. Shank3 regulates body temperature, inflammation, and sepsis in vagal sensory neurons.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Carlo Matera, Michael Kauk, Davide Cirillo, Marco Maspero, Claudio Papotto, Daniela Volpato, Ulrike Holzgrabe, Marco De Amici, Carsten Hoffmann, Clelia Dallanoce
Summary: In recent years, fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) receptor sensors have played a significant role in studying GPCR ligand binding and activation. Researchers have synthesized two series of bitopic ligands, known as 12-Cn and 13-Cn, and examined their pharmacological effects on M-1, M-2, M-4, and M-5 FRET-based receptor sensors. The results showed selective activation of M-1 mAChRs with tertiary amine compounds 12-C5, 12-C7, and 12-C9, while methyl tetrahydropyridinium salts 13-C5, 13-C7, and 13-C9 exhibited some selectivity for M-1 and M-4 mAChRs. These findings provide insights into ligand-receptor interactions at a molecular level and offer new tools for studying them.
Article
Neurosciences
Maria E. Rivera-Castro, Cesar F. Pastelin, Juan Bravo-Benitez, Carolina Moran
Summary: Communication between the ovaries and the central nervous system is mediated by peripheral innervation from the celiac plexus, superior ovarian nerve, and ovarian plexus nerve. The role of the vagus nerve in regulating the ovaries and the neural pathway connecting them are not well understood. This study on adult female rats reveals the anatomical and biochemical characteristics of the right and left vagus nerves, including the presence of a right vagal plexus (RVP) mainly composed of catecholaminergic terminals and cholinergic neurons. These findings provide valuable insights for future research on the communication between the vagus nerve and the ovaries.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Dane A. Thompson, Tea Tsaava, Arvind Rishi, Sam J. George, Tyler D. Hepler, Daniel Hyde, Valentin A. Pavlov, Michael Brines, Sangeeta S. Chavan, Kevin J. Tracey
Summary: Galantamine improves acute pancreatitis through a mechanism that is independent of previously established physiological and molecular components of the CAP. As galantamine is an approved drug in widespread clinical use with an excellent safety record, our findings are of interest for further evaluating the potential benefits of this drug in patients with acute pancreatitis.
MOLECULAR MEDICINE
(2023)
Review
Immunology
Mark R. Zielinski, Allison J. Gibbons
Summary: Molecules involved in innate immunity and sleep regulation have a bidirectional relationship. Sleep disorders and pathological conditions that alter inflammatory molecules are associated with disturbed sleep. However, further research is needed to understand the interactions between sleep regulatory inflammatory molecules and circadian clocks.
FRONTIERS IN CELLULAR AND INFECTION MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Anaclara Michel-Chavez, Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Oswaldo Alan Chavez-Martinez, Carlos Cantu-Brito, Griselda Teresa Romero-Sanchez, Fernando Daniel Flores-Silva, Francisco Javier Merayo-Chalico, Francisco Manuel Martinez-Carrillo, Ana Barrera-Vargas, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer
Summary: During the recovery phase of COVID-19, patients may develop posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES), as seen in the first reported case of PRES in a COVID-19 recovered patient. The persistent proinflammatory/prothrombotic state triggered by SARS-CoV-2 infection may lead to long-standing endothelial dysfunction, resulting in delayed PRES. Clinicians should be aware of delayed neurological damage, including PRES, in survivors of COVID-19.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Rheumatology
Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Diego Ruben Posadas-Pinto, Amado Jimenez-Ruiz, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer, Arturo Cadena-Fernandez, Jose Jiram Torres-Ruiz, Jose Domingo Barrientos-Guerra, Margarita Amancha-Gabela, Erwin Chiquete, Fernando Daniel Flores-Silva, Carlos Cantu-Brito
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the spectrum of acute cerebrovascular disease among patients with APS, their differences between stroke subtypes, and long-term functional outcomes. The findings showed no differences between stroke subtypes and APS types. Antiphospholipid antibody (aPL) profiles were not associated with any of the acute cerebrovascular diseases described. Cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) may be an initial thrombotic manifestation of APS with low mortality and good long-term functional outcome.
Article
Clinical Neurology
Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Amanda Chirino-Perez, Fernando Daniel Flores-Silva, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer, Maria De Los Angeles Vargas-Martinez, Ana Itiel Jimenez-Avila, Oswaldo Alan Chavez-Martinez, Enrique Manuel Ramos-Galicia, Osvaldo Alexis Marche-Fernandez, Martha Fernanda Ramirez-Carrillo, Samara Lissete Grajeda-Gonzalez, Marco Eduardo Ramirez-Jimenez, Emma Adriana Chavez-Manzanera, Maria Teresa Tusie-Luna, Ana Ochoa-Guzman, Carlos Cantu-Brito, Juan Fernandez-Ruiz, Erwin Chiquete
Summary: This prospective study evaluated the drivers for cognitive impairment development in severe COVID-19 patients. The results showed that COVID-19-associated inflammation and hypoxemia had a negative effect on cognitive performance 6 months after hospital discharge.
NEUROLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Editorial Material
Infectious Diseases
Isaac Nunez, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer, Adrian Soto-Mota
CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY AND INFECTION
(2022)
Review
Clinical Neurology
Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Roman Sankowski, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer
Summary: COVID-19 survivors are more likely to experience fatigue, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and cognitive dysfunction compared to those who have not been infected. At least one in five individuals will continue to have persistent cognitive and neuropsychiatric manifestations one year after recovering from COVID-19.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Clinical Neurology
Diego Lopez-Mena, Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Sergio Saldivar-Davila, Laura Elena Hernandez-Vanegas, Maria del Mar Saniger-Alba, Alonso Gutierrez-Romero, Roger Carrillo-Mezo, Hector Eduardo Valdez-Ruvalcaba, Vanessa Cano-Nigenda, Fernando Daniel Flores-Silva, Carlos Cantu-Brito, Ana Maria Santibanez-Copado, Jose-Luis Diaz-Ortega, Santa Elizabeth Ceballos-Liceaga, Luis Manuel Murillo-Bonilla, Ana Isabel Sepulveda-Nunez, Veronica Garcia-Talavera, Eduardo Gonzalez-Guerra, Ricardo Cortes-Alcala, Hugo Lopez-Gatell, Guillermo Carbajal-Sandoval, Gustavo Reyes-Teran, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer, Antonio Arauz
Summary: This study reports on the incidence of stroke among recipients of different SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Mexico. The study found that stroke is an exceedingly rare adverse event following immunization, and most patients had preexisting risk factors for stroke.
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer, Antonio Arauz
Letter
Clinical Neurology
Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer, Antonio Arauz
Article
Infectious Diseases
Omar Yaxmehen Bello-Chavolla, Neftali Eduardo Antonio-Villa, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer, Carlos A. Fermin-Martinez, Luisa Fernandez-Chirino, Arsenio Vargas-Vazquez, Daniel Ramirez-Garcia, Javier Mancilla-Galindo, Ashuin Kammar-Garcia, Jose Alberto Avila-Funes, Clemente Humberto Zuniga-Gil, Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Santa Elizabeth Ceballos-Liceaga, Guillermo Carbajal-Sandoval, Jose Antonio Montes-Gonzalez, Christian Arturo Zaragoza-Jimenez, Gabriel Garcia-Rodriguez, Ricardo Cortes-Alcala, Gustavo Reyes-Teran, Hugo Lopez-Gatell, Luis Miguel Gutierrez-Robledo
Summary: This study reports the vaccine effectiveness (VE) of the nationally available COVID-19 vaccines in Mexico. The VE against SARS-CoV-2 infection was highest for mRNA-12732 and Ad26.COV2.S vaccines, for COVID-19 hospitalization BNT162b2 and Gam-COVID-Vac vaccines, and for mortality BNT162b2 and mRNA-12732 vaccines.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF INFECTIOUS DISEASES
(2023)
Article
Engineering, Biomedical
Tomas S. Huerta, Bilal Haider, Richard Adamovich-Zeitlin, Adrian C. Chen, Saher Chaudhry, Theodoros P. Zanos, Sangeeta S. Chavan, Kevin J. Tracey, Eric H. Chang
Summary: This study aims to investigate how sensory nerves of the peripheral nervous system (PNS) transmit sensory signals from the body to the brain. By performing micro-endoscopic calcium imaging and analysis on vagal sensory neurons in mice, we found that these neurons have different responses to various chemical stimuli.
JOURNAL OF NEURAL ENGINEERING
(2023)
Article
Hematology
Elia Apodaca-Chavez, Roberta Demichelis-Gomez, Adriana Rosas-Lopez, Nancy R. Mejia-Dominguez, Isabela Galvan-Lopez, Meghan Addorosio, Kevin J. Tracey, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer
Summary: This study found that circulating HMGB1 is increased in patients with MDS. HMGB1 may be involved in MDS and could serve as a druggable target for reducing inflammation in MDS.
THERAPEUTIC ADVANCES IN HEMATOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Dorien Feyaerts, Julien Hedou, Joshua Gillard, Han Chen, Eileen S. Tsai, Laura S. Peterson, Kazuo Ando, Monali Manohar, Evan Do, Gopal K. R. Dhondalay, Jessica Fitzpatrick, Maja Artandi, Iris Chang, Theo T. Snow, R. Sharon Chinthrajah, Christopher M. Warren, Rich Wittman, Justin G. Meyerowitz, Edward A. Ganio, Ina A. Stelzer, Xiaoyuan Han, Franck Verdonk, Dyani K. Gaudilliere, Nilanjan Mukherjee, Amy S. Tsai, Kristen K. Rumer, Danielle R. Jacobsen, Zachary B. Bjornson-Hooper, Sizun Jiang, Sergio Fragoso Saavedra, Sergio Ivan Valdes Ferrer, J. Daniel Kelly, David Furman, Nima Aghaeepour, Martin S. Angst, Scott D. Boyd, Benjamin A. Pinsky, Garry P. Nolan, Kari C. Nadeau, Brice Gaudilliere, David R. McIlwain
Summary: In this study, the biological determinants of COVID-19 severity were investigated using plasma proteins and single-cell immune features data. An integrated computational approach identified and validated a multi-variate model that classifies COVID-19 severity. The study revealed biological signatures of COVID-19 severity, which may provide potential therapeutic targets for preventing and treating COVID-19 progression.
CELL REPORTS MEDICINE
(2022)
Article
Urology & Nephrology
Christine B. Sethna, Kumail Merchant, Stavros Zanos, Clifford S. Deutschman, Timir Datta-Chaudhuri, Sangeeta Chavan, Kevin J. Tracey
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF NEPHROLOGY
(2022)
Review
Immunology
Aidan Falvey, Christine N. Metz, Kevin J. Tracey, Valentin A. Pavlov
Summary: This article outlines the important advances in pre-clinical and clinical research on the regulation of immunity and treatment of inflammatory disorders through the vagus nerve stimulation. It highlights the symbiotic relationship between these research areas and explores new neural pathways in controlling inflammation. The article also provides an overview of the expanding opportunities for bioelectronic neuromodulation in the treatment of inflammatory disorders.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychiatry
Miguel Garcia-Grimshaw, Erwin Chiquete, Amado Jimenez-Ruiz, Jose de Jesus Vidal-Mayo, Samara Lissete Grajeda-Gonzalez, Maria de los Angeles Vargas-Martinez, Liz Nicole Toapanta-Yanchapaxi, Sergio Ivan Valdes-Ferrer, Oswaldo Alan Chavez-Martinez, Osvaldo Alexis Marche-Fernandez, Ana Itiel Jimenez-Avila, Carlos Cantu-Brito, Fernando Daniel Flores-Silva
Summary: Delirium is a common complication in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 pneumonia, associated with age, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and requirement of invasive mechanical ventilation.
JOURNAL OF THE ACADEMY OF CONSULTATION-LIAISON PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Letter
Immunology
Wan-Ju Cheng, Hong-Mo Shih, Kuan-Pin Su, Po-Ren Hsueh
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Felipe Kenji Sudo, Talita P. Pinto, Fernanda G. Q. Barros-Aragao, Ivanei Bramati, Theo F. Marins, Marina Monteiro, Fernanda Meireles, Rejane Soares, Pilar Erthal, Victor Calil, Naima Assuncao, Natalia Oliveira, Joana Bondarovsky, Camila Lima, Beatriz Chagas, Alana Batista, Julia Lins, Thais L. Pinheiro, Felippe Mendonca, Andrea Silveira de Souza, Fernanda C. Rodrigues, Gabriel R. de Freitas, Pedro Kurtz, Paulo Mattos, Erika C. Rodrigues, Fernanda G. De Felice, Fernanda Tovar-Moll
Summary: Post-COVID-19 Condition (PCC) is a multisystemic syndrome that persists for months after SARS-CoV-2 infection, affecting cognitive function and neuropsychiatric features. A study on COVID-19 survivors in Brazil found that these patients experienced significant difficulties in overall cognition, memory, working memory, and inhibitory control, as well as fatigue, anxiety, and depressive symptoms. In addition, elevated levels of inflammatory markers in the blood were associated with brain microstructural damage and cognitive impairments.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Letter
Immunology
Tieh-Cheng Fu, Juei-Chao Chen, Ching-Mao Chang
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Aastha Dheer, Dale B. Bosco, Jiaying Zheng, Lingxiao Wang, Shunyi Zhao, Koichiro Haruwaka, Min-Hee Yi, Abhijeet Barath, Dai-Shi Tian, Long-Jun Wu
Summary: Microglial activation plays a crucial role in the pathology of epilepsy, with both acute and prolonged activation affecting seizure severity and neuronal loss.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Julie B. Rosenberg, Jens Richardt Mollegaard Jepsen, Parisa Mohammadzadeh, Astrid Sevelsted, Rebecca Vinding, Mikkel E. Sorensen, David Horner, Kristina Aagaard, Birgitte Fagerlund, Susanne Brix, Nilofar Folsgaard, Ann -Marie M. Schoos, Jakob Stokholm, Bo Chawes, Christos Pantelis, Soren Dalsgaard, Birte Y. Glenthoj, Niels Bilenberg, Klaus Bonnelykke, Bjorn H. Ebdrup
Summary: Clinical data demonstrates a strong association between prenatal maternal inflammation assessed by hs-CRP and a diagnosis of ADHD by age 10. Maternal inflammation is also associated with ADHD symptom load in the entire cohort.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Suzanne M. Green-Fulgham, Michael J. Lacagnina, Kendal F. Willcox, Jiahe Li, Michael E. Harland, Adriano Polican Ciena, Igor R. Correia Rocha, Jayson B. Ball, Renee A. Dreher, Younus A. Zuberi, Joseph M. Dragavon, Marucia Chacur, Steven F. Maier, Linda R. Watkins, Peter M. Grace
Summary: Regular aerobic activity, specifically voluntary wheel running, can reduce the risk of chronic pain by inhibiting MAC and preserving myelin integrity at the site of peripheral nerve injury.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
India Boyton, Stella M. Valenzuela, Lyndsey E. Collins-Praino, Andrew Care
Summary: Neuronanomedicine is a multidisciplinary field that aims to develop innovative nanotechnologies for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Nanoparticles are an important component of neuronanomedicine, as they can improve drug properties and enhance safety and delivery across the blood-brain barrier. However, a major challenge for neuronanomedicine translation is the poor understanding of bio-nano interactions, partly due to inconsistent reporting in published works. This review provides specific recommendations to guide researchers in harnessing the unique properties of nanoparticles for breakthrough treatments of Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Celine De Looze, Cathal McCrory, Aisling O'Halloran, Silvia Polidoro, Rose Anne Kenny, Joanne Feeney
Summary: Our study found that subjective measures of stress and biological metrics may be independently associated with cognitive function over time in older adults, hinting at potential different underlying mechanisms.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Beatrice Bravi, Elisa Maria Teresa Melloni, Marco Paolini, Mariagrazia Palladini, Federico Calesella, Laura Servidio, Elena Agnoletto, Sara Poletti, Cristina Lorenzi, Cristina Colombo, Francesco Benedetti
Summary: Depressed patients show changes in immune-inflammatory markers in their blood and cerebrospinal fluid. The Choroid Plexus, located at the base of the brain ventricles, plays a key role in regulating the exchange of substances between the brain and immune cells. Patients with bipolar disorder or major depressive disorder have larger Choroid Plexus volumes compared to healthy controls. Age and levels of circulating cytokines are associated with Choroid Plexus volumes in the clinical groups.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Mingxuan Zheng, Huaiyu Ye, Xiaoying Yang, Lijun Shen, Xuemei Dang, Xiaoli Liu, Yuying Gong, Qingyuan Wu, Li Wang, Xing Ge, Xiaoli Fang, Benchi Hou, Peng Zhang, Renxian Tang, Kuiyang Zheng, Xu-Feng Huang, Yinghua Yu
Summary: Obesity is linked to cognitive dysfunction and neurodegenerative disease. The connection between the gut microbiota and the brain is altered in obesity. The probiotic Clostridium butyricum can improve cognitive impairment caused by obesity and prevent gut microbiota dysbiosis and inflammation.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Edward Drydale, Phalguni Rath, Katie Holden, Gregory Holt, Laurissa Havins, Thomas Johnson, James Bancroft, Lahiru Handunnetthi
Summary: This study created a novel three-dimensional neurosphere assay using induced pluripotent stem cell differentiation and live cell imaging techniques to investigate the effect of a simulated viral infection on cortical development. The findings demonstrated that the infection led to reduced radial glial growth and neural migration.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Yuancheng Weng, Ningting Chen, Rui Zhang, Jian He, Xukai Ding, Guo Cheng, Qianqian Bi, Ying-mei Lu, Xiao Z. Shen, Shu Wan, Peng Shi
Summary: This study reveals that microglia is the primary cellular source of PDGFB in adults, and microglial PDGFB is crucial for maintaining BBB integrity in adult mice.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Evan A. Bordt, Haley A. Moya, Young Chan Jo, Caitlin T. Ravichandran, Izabella M. Bankowski, Alexis M. Ceasrine, Christopher J. Mcdougle, William A. Carlezon Jr, Staci D. Bilbo
Summary: There is a strong male bias in many neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism spectrum disorder, but the mechanisms behind this bias are unknown. Infection during the perinatal period increases the risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Using a mouse model, researchers found that early-life immune activation only induced deficits in social behaviors in male mice. These behavioral changes were associated with alterations in microglial immune signaling, mitochondrial morphology, gene expression, and function specifically in microglia, the brain's innate immune cells. Furthermore, the vulnerability to early-life immune activation and its effects on behavior and microglial mitochondria were programmed by the male-typical perinatal gonadal hormone surge. These findings highlight the role of microglia-specific mechanisms shaped by early developmental events in regulating male social behavior throughout lifespan.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Maria Amalia Di Castro, Stefano Garofalo, Alessandro Mormino, Laura Carbonari, Erika Di Pietro, Eleonora De Felice, Myriam Catalano, Laura Maggi, Cristina Limatola
Summary: Cytokines, such as interleukin-15 (IL-15), play important roles in modulating the central nervous system (CNS). In this study, the authors found that exposure to IL-15 enhances GABA release and reduces glutamatergic currents in hippocampal slices. Chronic treatment with IL-15 has negative effects on memory formation. Serotonin is involved in mediating these effects, as a selective 5-HT3A receptor antagonist prevents the effects on inhibitory neurotransmission and improves performance in a memory test.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)
Article
Immunology
Nikhitha Sreenivas, Michael Maes, Hansashree Padmanabha, Apoorva Dharmendra, Priyanka Chakkera, Saptamita Paul Choudhury, Fazal Abdul, Thrinath Mullapudi, Vykuntaraju K. Gowda, Michael Berk, John Vijay Sagar Kommu, Monojit Debnath
Summary: Neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) are a spectrum of conditions with both common and differing characteristics in terms of phenome, symptomatome, neuropathology, risk factors and underlying mechanisms. This study investigates the possibility of a shared immune etiology among three early-onset NDDs, namely Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and Intellectual Disability Disorder (IDD).
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2024)