Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Hiba Hamdi, Yosra Ben Othmene, Aida Khlifi, Elhem Hallara, Zohra Houas, Mohamed Fadhel Najjar, Salwa Abid-Essefi
Summary: EPX exposure results in changes in cardiac biochemical parameters, oxidative stress generation, DNA fragmentation and histopathological alterations in the heart tissue.
PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Toxicology
Thomas W. Jackson, Andres R. Henriquez, Samantha J. Snow, Mette C. Schladweiler, Anna A. Fisher, Devin Alewel, John S. House, Urmila P. Kodavanti
Summary: Ozone-induced lung injury, inflammation, and gene expression changes in the lung and hypothalamus are reduced in adrenalectomized rats. Metabolic alterations and changes in hormone levels caused by ozone are absent in adrenalectomized rats. Adrenal hormones play a critical role in hepatic homeostasis and the development of environmentally driven diseases.
TOXICOLOGICAL SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ewa Florek, Marta Witkowska, Marta Szukalska, Magdalena Richter, Tomasz Trzeciak, Izabela Miechowicz, Andrzej Marszalek, Wojciech Piekoszewski, Zuzanna Wyrwa, Michael Giersig
Summary: Multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) can be toxic when in contact with the biological system due to their size, causing oxidative stress and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This study evaluated the oxidative stress of MWCNTs in male rats using various parameters. The results showed that higher concentrations of nanotubes led to decreased TEAC levels in the liver, increased NO levels in the kidneys, and lower GSH levels in the serum. Therefore, analyzing oxidative stress parameters can be a key indicator of the toxic potential of MWCNTs.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Kati L. Healey, Sandra Kibble, Kira Dubester, Amelia Bell, H. S. Swartzwelder
Summary: Binge patterns of alcohol use among adolescents are associated with a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorders and other psychiatric disorders, such as anxiety and depression. Adverse life events also strongly predict these disorders. Animal models have shown that both binge-like alcohol exposure and stress exposure can increase anxiety-like behaviors. This study investigated the interaction between adolescent intermittent ethanol (AIE) and adult stressors, and found that AIE increased vulnerability to stress-induced anxiety-like behavior in male rats. AIE also produced persistent hippocampal deficits that may contribute to increased anxiety-like behaviors when combined with adult stress.
PHARMACOLOGY BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIOR
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Diana F. Costa, Marta A. Moita, Cristina Marquez
Summary: Social hierarchy is established through overt agonistic interactions in animal groups and maintained through subtler interactions. A novel trial-based dominancy assay, the modified Food Competition test, was developed to identify established social hierarchies in non-food deprived pairs of male rats.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Psychiatry
V. E. M. Oliveira, Trynke R. de Jong, Inga D. Neumann
Summary: This study establishes a paradigm for studying sexual aggression in rats and identifies correlations between sexual aggression, sexual motivation, anxiety, and aggression. It also shows that central infusion of oxytocin can moderately inhibit aggressive behavior but increase forced mounting. The agranular insular cortex is found to be activated by sexual aggression, but its inhibition does not significantly alter behavior.
TRANSLATIONAL PSYCHIATRY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Anna Holubova-Kroupova, Romana Slamberova
Summary: Research showed that perinatal stressors and drug exposure do not affect anxiety-like behavior in adult male rats. Acute methamphetamine administration in adulthood reduces anxiety-like behavior, while postnatal stress increases time spent in the central area and mobility.
FRONTIERS IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Huanliang Liu, Susu Ding, Huipeng Nie, Yue Shi, Wenqing Lai, Xuan Liu, Kang Li, Lei Tian, Zhuge Xi, Bencheng Lin
Summary: This study elucidates the molecular mechanisms of PM2.5 exposure in the male reproductive system, identifying a possible relationship between endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), oxidative stress, and reproductive toxicity. It shows that PM2.5 triggers ERS pathway activation and induces DNA damage and apoptosis in testicular cells through oxidative stress. Moreover, high-concentration intermittent inhalation poses greater harm than low-concentration continuous inhalation.
ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY
(2022)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Solomon Owumi, Taofeek Bello, K. Adegboyega Oyelere
Summary: NAC has a protective effect on hepatorenal function toxicity induced by PFOA, reducing the increase of toxic biomarkers and restoring antioxidant status, while alleviating the increase of inflammatory mediators. NAC can effectively alleviate the severity of kidney and liver tissue damage caused by PFOA.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Food Science & Technology
Huitao Li, Ming Su, Hang Lin, Jingjing Li, Shaowei Wang, Lei Ye, Xingwang Li, Renshan Ge
Summary: This study investigates the effects of patulin on the development of Leydig cells in male rats. The results show that patulin leads to a decrease in serum testosterone and progesterone levels, and an increase in LH levels. Patulin also promotes cell proliferation and activates proteins involved in cell cycle regulation. Furthermore, patulin directly inhibits the adverse effects of glucocorticoids.
Article
Toxicology
Eduardo Merlo, Jeanini Zimerman, Flavia C. F. Dos Santos, Jordana F. Zanol, Charles S. da Costa, Pedro H. Carneiro, Leandro Miranda-Alves, Genoa R. Warner, Jones B. Graceli
Summary: This investigation evaluated the effect of subacute and low dose of tributyltin (TBT) exposure on the morphophysiology of brown adipose tissue (BAT) in adult male rats. The results showed that TBT exposure resulted in abnormal BAT function, including increased lipid accumulation, increased unilocular adipocyte number, and decreased multilocular adipocyte number. TBT exposure also caused inflammation, oxidative stress, collagen deposition, and changes in BAT metabolic gene expression.
TOXICOLOGY LETTERS
(2023)
Article
Environmental Sciences
Zhen Yan, Yu-mei Liu, Wei-dong Wu, Yuhan Jiang, Lai-Bao Zhuo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the role and potential mechanisms of ozone (O-3) in heat stress (HS)-induced cognitive impairment. The results showed that co-exposure to O-3 exacerbated the cognitive impairment induced by high temperature in rats, possibly through glial-mediated neuroinflammation and blood brain barrier disruption.
SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Hannah A. Nonoguchi, Timothy Wee Shang Kouo, Sandhya Kortagere, Joshua Hillman, David L. Boyle, Chitra D. Mandyam
Summary: Humans and rodents have sexually dimorphic immune responses. This study found that the inflammatory response to LPS and the associated BBB disruption differed between male and female adult rats. Sex differences were observed in plasma and brain levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, as well as expression of tight junction proteins. The findings highlight the importance of considering sex differences in immune responses when studying inflammatory conditions and BBB dysfunction.
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
Janet Olayemi Olugbodi, Bashir Lawal, Godiya Bako, Amos Sunday Onikanni, Sulama M. M. Abolenin, Soliman S. S. Mohammud, Farid S. S. Ataya, Gaber El-Saber Batiha
Summary: This study examines the adverse effects of the sub-dermal administered dose of AgNPs on the liver, kidney, and heart of male Wistar rats. The results show that subdermal administration of AgNPs induced oxidative stress and impaired the hepatic, renal, and cardiac functions in the rats.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2023)
Article
Endocrinology & Metabolism
Takahiro Nemoto, Hisae Ando, Mototsugu Nagao, Yoshihiko Kakinuma, Hitoshi Sugihara
Summary: Male rats subjected to prenatal nicotine exposure develop hyperinsulinemia when exposed to a high-fat diet after growth. Our findings suggest that decreased expression of insulin receptors in the liver may be involved in the mechanism underlying hyperinsulinemia in low-birthweight offspring.
FRONTIERS IN ENDOCRINOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Sarah Nicolas, Ciaran S. O. Leime, Alan E. Hoban, Cara M. Hueston, John F. Cryan, Yvonne M. Nolan
Summary: Adolescent consumption of a cafeteria diet affects metabolic and inflammatory states in rats, but does not have lasting effects on behavior in adulthood.
NUTRITIONAL NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Paige Marsland, Allissa Parrella, Maya Orlofsky, Dennis F. Lovelock, Andrew S. Vore, Elena I. Varlinskaya, Terrence Deak
Summary: The study found that central cytokine responses to stress were blunted in adolescent rats, with the most pronounced immaturity evident in the brain IL-1 signaling system.
EUROPEAN JOURNAL OF NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Sarah Nicolas, Andrew J. McGovern, Cara M. Hueston, Siobhain M. O'Mahony, John F. Cryan, Olivia F. O'Leary, Yvonne M. Nolan
Summary: The study found that maternal separation enhanced the effect of LPS on the pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1 beta in the vHi region of the hippocampus in juvenile female rats, while also reducing the dendritic complexity of new neurons. Additionally, both MS and LPS independently decreased the dendritic complexity of new neurons, with MS exacerbating the reduction in complexity caused by LPS in the vHi region.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Developmental Biology
Michael B. Hennessy, John A. Miller, Kendra A. Carter, Andrea L. Molina, Patricia A. Schiml, Terrence Deak
Summary: Childhood psychological trauma may sensitize stress-related neuroinflammatory systems, increasing the vulnerability to depression and other stress-related mental disorders later in life. Isolating guinea pig pups from the maternal attachment figure for a few hours in a threatening environment can lead to sensitization of inflammatory-mediated, depressive-like behavior and fever during subsequent isolations. Administering the non-selective COX inhibitor naproxen before the initial isolation was found to moderate depressive-like behavior and its sensitization. This study examined the effects of naproxen given after early isolation and found that both doses of naproxen attenuated depressive-like behavior during the third isolation, supporting the potential of anti-inflammatory treatments to mitigate the long-term consequences of early attachment disruption.
DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Andrew S. Vore, Thaddeus M. Barney, Molly M. Deak, Elena Varlinskaya, Terrence Deak
Summary: Binge drinking during adolescence can have long-lasting effects on neurobehavior, including changes in immune systems. This study found that adolescent intermittent ethanol exposure can disrupt blood-brain barrier integrity and affect pathology associated with disturbed BBB function.
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
(2022)
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Terrence Deak, Kaitlyn T. Kelliher, Hannah J. Wojcik, Anny Gano
Summary: Exposure to alcohol in early development can lead to long-lasting changes in immune function, potentially affecting the overall health of individuals. Alcohol can disrupt host immunity through both direct and indirect effects on neuroimmune processes. More research is needed to understand the long-term effects of early developmental exposure on immune function.
PHARMACOLOGY BIOCHEMISTRY AND BEHAVIOR
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Thaddeus M. Barney, Andrew S. Vore, Terrence Deak
Summary: Acute ethanol exposure leads to rapid changes in neuroimmune gene expression, with muted neuroimmune responses in adolescent rats. Growth factor responses to ethanol are similar in adults and adolescents, with decreased BDNF and increased FGF2 expression regardless of age. PDGF is unresponsive to ethanol in adults but shows heightened expression in adolescent males. Ethanol-induced changes in gene expression are independent of PDE4 signaling. Acute ethanol challenge also leads to the suppression of multiple miRNA species in the hippocampus. These findings provide insight into the molecular consequences of heavy drinking in humans.
FRONTIERS IN NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Microbiology
Andrey N. Shkoporov, Stephen R. Stockdale, Aonghus Lavelle, Ivanela Kondova, Cara Heuston, Aditya Upadrasta, Ekaterina Khokhlova, Imme van der Kamp, Boudewijn Ouwerling, Lorraine A. Draper, Jan A. M. Langermans, R. Paul Ross, Colin Hill
Summary: Metagenomic analysis of the gut virome along the mammalian gastrointestinal tract of two mammalian species reveals the biogeography of bacteriophage, including region- and species-specific variations in virome composition.
NATURE MICROBIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Substance Abuse
Paige Marsland, Andrew S. Vore, Evan DaPrano, Joanna M. Paluch, Ashley A. Blackwell, Elena I. Varlinskaya, Terrence Deak
Summary: This study aimed to determine whether alcohol consumption in later life would influence microglial clearance of A13(1-42). The results showed that aged female rats with a history of ethanol consumption had a higher number of iba1+ cells and marginally reduced expression of A13(1-42), suggesting greater phagocytic activity of A13(1-42) among females after chronic ethanol consumption later in life. In contrast, no significant effects of ethanol consumption were observed on any markers in males.
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Anny Gano, Terrence Deak, Ricardo Marcos Pautassi
Summary: In the past decade, neuroinflammatory processes have been found to play a crucial role in substance use disorders. Initially, it was believed that neuroinflammation resulting from prolonged substance misuse contributed to long-term neuropathological consequences. However, it is now understood that the interactions between neuroinflammatory processes and alcohol and drug intake are reciprocal, leading to a vicious cycle that exacerbates the neuropathological effects of drug misuse.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Jamie E. Mondello, Anny Gano, Andrew S. Vore, Terrence Deak
Summary: This study found that alcohol-associated cues can enhance the plasma corticosterone response to subthreshold alcohol dose and immune challenges, but not restraint challenges. These findings reveal that the impact of alcohol intoxication cues on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis may be context-specific.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE
(2023)
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Colin Buttimer, Ekaterina V. Khokhlova, Lisa Stein, Cara M. Hueston, Bianca Govi, Lorraine A. Draper, R. Paul Ross, Andrey N. Shkoporov, Colin Hill
Summary: This study isolates and characterizes six bacteriophages that can infect Ruminococcus gnavus, a gut microbe associated with inflammatory bowel disease. The phages have a temperate lifestyle and can coexist with the host bacterium without causing a significant reduction in its abundance. Analysis of gut virome data reveals a high abundance of these phages in individuals with IBD. This work provides insight into the interaction between phages and R. gnavus in the human gut microbiome.
Article
Microbiology
Emily C. Hoedt, Cara M. Hueston, Nora Cash, Roger S. Bongers, Jonathan M. Keane, Kees van Limpt, Kaouther Ben Amor, Jan Knol, John MacSharry, Douwe van Sinderen
Summary: This study found that in a mouse model with disrupted gastrointestinal microbiota caused by clindamycin, supplementation with a mixture of scGOS/lcFOS and 2'-FL along with a mixture of infant-type bifidobacterial strains can partially restore the microbiota.
Article
Cell Biology
Paige Marsland, Sarah Trapp, Andrew Vore, Ashley Lutzke, Elena I. Varlinskaya, Terrence Deak
Summary: Alcohol use during adolescence, specifically binge drinking and high-intensity drinking, has detrimental effects on the developing adolescent brain. This study aimed to characterize a different model of adolescent alcohol exposure and determine its impact on hormonal and neuroimmune responsiveness to various challenges. The findings suggest that intermittent adolescent exposure to alcohol enhances immune responsiveness, particularly in females.
Article
Gastroenterology & Hepatology
Jonathan M. Keane, Vanessa Las Heras, Jorge Pinheiro, Jamie A. FitzGerald, Maria A. Nunez-Sanchez, Cara M. Hueston, Liam O'Mahony, Paul D. Cotter, Colin Hill, Silvia Melgar, Cormac G. M. Gahan
Summary: A high-fat diet reduces resistance to Listeria monocytogenes, but short-term administration of Akkermansia muciniphila increases resistance to oral and systemic infection of L. monocytogenes in mice fed a high-fat diet. A. muciniphila reduces inflammation in the gut and liver, and normalizes the inflammatory cell infiltration in the ileum. It does not significantly affect the microbiota composition or microbial metabolites.