Article
Neurosciences
Cooper A. Brett, Julianne B. Carroll, Mark L. Gabriele
Summary: Microglial cells are recruited to modular compartments within the lateral cortex of the inferior colliculus during early postnatal development, with this recruitment being dependent on fractalkine signaling. This process is crucial in sculpting multisensory maps in the LCIC during the critical period.
Article
Immunology
Anqi Kong, Tianyao Liu, Shilong Deng, Shiyao Xu, Yi Luo, Jianghui Li, Zhulin Du, Liuyongwei Wang, Xingshun Xu, Xiaotang Fan
Summary: Depression is a common mental disease and is highly prevalent in populations. Dysregulated neuroinflammation and concomitant-activated microglia are involved in the pathogenesis of depression. Experimental evidence has indicated that fullerenol exerts anti-neuroinflammation and protective effects against neurological diseases. Here, we evaluated fullerenol's effects against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced mouse depressive-like behaviors.
INTERNATIONAL IMMUNOPHARMACOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Immunology
Huanhuan Li, Anni Guo, Magdiel Salgado, Juan C. Saez, Chunyue Geoffrey Lau
Summary: In this study, the researchers found that using a selective Cx hemichannel inhibitor called D4 can reduce neuroinflammation and alleviate depressive-like behaviors by normalizing neuronal activity. The results suggest that glial Cx hemichannels may be potential therapeutic targets for depression.
JOURNAL OF NEUROINFLAMMATION
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Ilias Kalafatakis, Alexandros Patellis, Ioannis Charalampopoulos, Achille Gravanis, Domna Karagogeos
Summary: BNN20 treatment leads to an increase in mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) and decreases astrocytic accumulation. It acts directly on OLs and enhances their maturation through the neurotrophin receptor TrkA. Additionally, BNN20 reduces microglial activation and their transition to a pro-inflammatory state.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Valerio Castoldi, Silvia Marenna, Su-Chun Huang, Raffaele d'Isa, Linda Chaabane, Giancarlo Comi, Letizia Leocani
Summary: In this study, female Dark Agouti rats were immunized with increasing doses of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) to develop experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a preclinical model of multiple sclerosis. The results showed that increasing MOG dosage augmented visual function impairment in EAE, which could be monitored with noninvasive visual evoked potentials (VEPs) to assess demyelination and axonal loss along optic nerves (ONs).
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Natali N. Guerrero-Vargas, Carmen Zarate-Mozo, Mara A. Guzman-Ruiz, Alfredo Cardenas-Rivera, Carolina Escobar
Summary: Research shows that shift-work can have detrimental effects on health, leading to mood disorders and neuroinflammation, but time-restricted feeding can prevent these effects.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Immunology
Zuotian Wu, Lin Zhou, Limin Sun, Yumeng Xie, Ling Xiao, Huiling Wang, Gaohua Wang
Summary: The study showed that brief maternal separation from offspring can enhance resilience to immune challenge-induced behavioral deficits in mothers and inhibit neuroinflammation. This demonstrates the complex interplay between mothers and offspring in response to stressors.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Ankita Bhardwaj, Rishi Bhardwaj, Shweta Sharma, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Devinder Kumar Dhawan, Tanzeer Kaur
Summary: Glutamate excitotoxicity and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) are crucial in the pathogenesis of various neurodegenerative diseases. The use of chemical chaperone PBA can inhibit ER stress, improve behavioral alterations in AMPA excitotoxic animals, and regulate the expression of glutamate and ER stress intermediates.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Malte Bieler, Suleman Hussain, Elise S. B. Daaland, Martine M. Mirrione, Fritz A. Henn, Svend Davanger
Summary: This study identified significant concentration differences in synaptic proteins such as NMDAR, Arc and syntaxin-1 in a congenital rat learned helplessness model of depression. These protein changes suggest pathways by which synaptic plasticity may be increased in dorsal hippocampal Schaffer collateral synapses during depression, corresponding to decreased synaptic stability.
JOURNAL OF COMPARATIVE NEUROLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Cynthia J. M. Kane, James C. Douglas, Tonya Rafferty, Jennifer W. Johnson, Victoria M. Niedzwiedz-Massey, Kevin D. Phelan, Ania Katarzyna Majewska, Paul D. Drew
Summary: Fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) are common and lack effective treatment. Cerebellar neuropathology is a significant aspect of FASD, with ethanol-induced neuroinflammation being a contributing factor. The study demonstrates the persistent neuroinflammation in the cerebellum following ethanol treatment cessation, highlighting potential therapeutic targets for FASD therapy.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Olga Bakina, Helmut Kettenmann, Christiane Nolte
Summary: This study analyzed the distribution of satellite microglia in different areas of the central nervous system of adult male mice. It was found that microglia form satellites with various neuronal subtypes without a preference for a specific subtype. The occurrence and frequency of satellite microglia depend on the histo-architectural organization of the brain area and the densities of neuronal somata therein.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Hao Li, Jingluan Tian, Yin Yin, Shanshan Diao, Ximeng Zhang, Tao Zuo, Zhigang Miao, Yi Yang
Summary: In this study, it was found that IL-18 expression increased after ICH and exogenous IL-18 exacerbated cerebral hematoma and neurological deficits. In contrast, IL-18 knockout reduced the size of hematoma and neurological functions after ICH. IL-18 may regulate the inflammatory response after ICH through the activation of microglia.
JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE RESEARCH
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Mojtaba Ehsanifar, Zeinab Montazeri, Mahmoud Salami Zavareh, Mehravar Rafati, Jie Wang
Summary: Long-term exposure to diesel exhaust particles (DEPs) can impair emotional and cognitive responses, increase the expression of hippocampal inflammatory cytokines, and lead to the activation of microglia.
ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Xiao Ke, Manfei Deng, Zhuoze Wu, Hongyan Yu, Dian Yu, Hao Li, Youming Lu, Kai Shu, Lei Pei
Summary: In this study, a mouse model of PSD was established through photothrombosis-induced focal ischemia. The hippocampus of PSD mice showed lower metabolic levels and a reduction of miR34b-3p was observed. Silencing eIF4E inhibited neuroinflammation and alleviated depression-like behaviors in PSD mice.
NEUROSCIENCE BULLETIN
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Di Qu, Zichen Ye, Wenli Zhang, Bing Dai, Guo Chen, Li Wang, Xiaolong Shao, An Xiang, Zifan Lu, Juan Shi
Summary: Depression is a global disease that has a significant impact on human health. Neuroinflammation and disturbance of glutamate metabolism in brain regions, such as the hippocampus, are important factors in the development of depression. The study found that cyanidin chloride has antidepressant effects in an LPS-induced depression model by reducing hippocampal inflammation, improving function, and attenuating induced damage.
ACS CHEMICAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Susannah C. Walker, Antonia Cavieres, Valentin Penaloza-Sancho, Wael El-Deredy, Francis P. McGlone, Alexies Dagnino-Subiabre
Summary: Affiliative tactile interactions can mitigate the neurobiological and behavioral effects of stress in social mammals. Specific tactile stimulation can reduce stress hormone levels and anxiety-like behaviors. However, the impact of tactile stimulation on depressive-like behaviors is also influenced by social interaction.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Review
Pharmacology & Pharmacy
Claudia Garcia-Rodriguez, Ivan D. Bravo-Tobar, Yorley Duarte, Luis C. Barrio, Juan C. Saez
Summary: Overcoming refractory epilepsy's resistance to medication, reducing side effects, and preventing sudden unexpected death are crucial therapeutic goals. This review emphasizes the involvement of non-selective membrane channels and receptors in epilepsy, highlighting their activation and contribution to seizure intensity.
PHARMACOLOGY & THERAPEUTICS
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Juan Guiza, Anibal Garcia, Javiera Arriagada, Camila Gutierrez, Jorge Gonzalez, Valeria Marquez-Miranda, Melissa Alegria-Arcos, Yorley Duarte, Maximiliano Rojas, Fernando Gonzalez-Nilo, Juan C. Saez, Jose L. Vega
Summary: The study identified innexin protein homologs in unicellular organisms, which may serve as protein subunits of novel large-pore channels in single-celled organisms. These proteins were found to have key structural features and potential functional roles similar to those in parasitic diseases like Chagas.
JOURNAL OF CELLULAR PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Alexies Dagnino-Subiabre
Summary: This article discusses the importance of improving stress resilience, with a focus on the key role of social behavior, particularly social touch, in this process. It also highlights future directions in modulating stress resilience through the stimulation of specific neural receptors to prevent stress-related neuropsychiatric disorders.
CURRENT OPINION IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Arlek Gonzalez-Jamett, Walter Vasquez, Gabriela Cifuentes-Riveros, Rafaela Martinez-Pando, Juan C. Saez, Ana M. Cardenas
Summary: Muscular dystrophies are a heterogeneous group of neuromuscular disorders characterized by muscle pain, weakness, and atrophy. These diseases are caused by gene mutations that affect the structure and function of skeletal muscles, leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and muscle degeneration. Dysregulation of connexin hemichannels plays a crucial role in these processes.
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia M. Lucero, Lucas Marambio-Ruiz, Javiera Balmazabal, Juan Prieto-Villalobos, Marcelo Leon, Paola Fernandez, Juan A. Orellana, Victoria Velarde, Juan C. Saez, Gonzalo Gomez
Summary: This study found that the activation of Cx43 hemichannels and inhibition of cell-cell coupling during inflammation may contribute to oxidative stress and damage of mesangial cells through the RhoA/ROCK pathway.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Anni Guo, Huiqi Zhang, Huanhuan Li, Arthur Chiu, Claudia Garcia-Rodriguez, Carlos F. Lagos, Juan C. Saez, Chunyue Geoffrey Lau
Summary: Temporal lobe epilepsy is a common type of epilepsy, but many patients are resistant to current drugs. Dysfunction of astrocytes and microglia is related to neuroinflammation and hyperexcitability. This study introduces a new compound, D4, that targets glial hemichannels, leading to improved symptoms and survival rates in a mouse model of epilepsy.
PROCEEDINGS OF THE NATIONAL ACADEMY OF SCIENCES OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
(2022)
Editorial Material
Physiology
Adriana L. Burgueno, Mariana Astiz, Alexies Dagnino-Subiabre
FRONTIERS IN PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Cell Biology
Ana C. Abbott, Isaac E. Garcia, Felipe Villanelo, Carolina Flores-Munoz, Ricardo Ceriani, Jaime Maripillan, Joel Novoa-Molina, Cindel Figueroa-Cares, Tomas Perez-Acle, Juan C. Saez, Helmuth A. Sanchez, Agustin D. Martinez
Summary: It has been demonstrated that a genetic mutation in the gap junction protein Connexin 26 (Cx26) can lead to hyperactivity and damage of hearing cells in the cochlea, resulting in syndromic deafness. The specific mutation Cx26S17F, when co-expressed with wild-type connexins like Cx30, forms hyperactive hemichannels in supporting cells of the organ of Corti. These hyperactive hemichannels are insensitive to blockers and ions, leading to abnormal calcium influx and cellular damage.
FRONTIERS IN CELL AND DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Caren Alvarado-Aravena, Karem Arriaza, Matias Castillo-Aguilar, Karen Flores, Alexies Dagnino-Subiabre, Claudia Estrada-Goic, Cristian Nunez-Espinosa
Summary: The study found that confinement measures during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected anxiety symptoms and sleep quality in people living in extreme southern latitudes, with women and young adults being more vulnerable to these effects.
BEHAVIORAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Angelica P. Escobar, Christian Bonansco, Gonzalo Cruz, Alexies Dagnino-Subiabre, Marco Fuenzalida, Ignacio Negron, Ramon Sotomayor-Zarate, Jonathan Martinez-Pinto, Gonzalo Jorquera
Summary: Many diseases and degenerative processes activate inflammatory cascades in the nervous system and peripheral organs. Various risk factors, such as addiction, stress, and aging, can trigger inflammation. Evidence shows that the modern lifestyle and recent confinement due to the COVID-19 pandemic have contributed to the increase in addictive disorders, neuropsychiatric disorders, and cardiometabolic diseases. This article gathers evidence on how these risk factors activate central and peripheral inflammation, leading to neuropathologies and behaviors associated with poor health. It discusses the cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in inflammation generation, as well as how pathology-associated and addictive behaviors worsen these mechanisms, promoting disease progression. Additionally, it lists drugs targeting inflammation-related pathways that may have beneficial effects on addictive, mental, and cardiometabolic illnesses.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Luis A. Cea, Walter Vasquez, Romina Hernandez-Salinas, Alejandra Z. Vielma, Mario Castillo-Ruiz, Victoria Velarde, Magdiel Salgado, Juan C. Saez
Summary: Individuals with diabetes mellitus experience skeletal muscle myopathy characterized by atrophy. The mechanism behind this muscular alteration is unclear, making it difficult to design effective treatments. In this study, it was found that boldine, a compound that inhibits non-selective channels, prevented skeletal muscle fiber atrophy in diabetic rats. This was attributed to the blocking of connexin hemichannels and P2X(7) receptors. Additionally, boldine prevented high glucose-induced increase in sarcolemma permeability and expression of NLRP3, suggesting that it could potentially be used as a therapeutic agent for muscular complications in diabetes.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Claudia Garcia-Rodriguez, Paula Mujica, Javiera Illanes-Gonzalez, Araceli Lopez, Camilo Vargas, Juan C. Saez, Arlek Gonzalez-Jamett, Alvaro O. Ardiles
Summary: Probenecid, an old uricosuric agent, has been used to treat gout and reduce renal excretion of antibiotics. Recent studies have shown that Probenecid has the ability to interact with membrane proteins, indicating potential therapeutic applications in medicine. It has been found to have neuroprotective, antiepileptic, and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful in the treatment of neurological and neurodegenerative diseases. Despite its declining clinical use, Probenecid shows promise in preclinical research as a strategy to enhance drug bioavailability in the central nervous system.
Article
Neurosciences
F. Rojas-Thomas, C. Artigas, G. Wainstein, Juan-Pablo Morales, M. Arriagada, D. Soto, A. Dagnino-Subiabre, J. Silva, V. Lopez
Summary: Psychosocial stress has a significant impact on global mental health, particularly on attentional control. This study aims to investigate the effect of psychosocial stress on attentional processing and brain signatures. The findings suggest that chronic psychosocial stress can lead to attentional changes and have implications for understanding related pathologies.
NEUROBIOLOGY OF STRESS
(2023)