scholarly journals Expression of Stress-Mediating Genes Is Increased in Term Placentas of Women with Chronic Self-Perceived Anxiety and Depression

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cristina A. Martinez ◽  
Ina Marteinsdottir ◽  
Ann Josefsson ◽  
Gunilla Sydsjo ◽  
Elvar Theodorsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Index Group ◽  
Pregnancy And Delivery ◽  
Glcnac Transferase ◽  
Offspring Gender ◽  
Cutoff Threshold

Anxiety, chronical stress and depression during pregnancy are considered to affect the offspring, presumably through placental dysregulation. We have studied the term placentae of pregnancies clinically monitored with the Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A cutoff threshold for BAI/EPDS of 10 classed patients into an Index group (>10, n=23) and a Control group (<10, n=23). Cortisol concentrations in hair (HCC) were periodically monitored throughout pregnancy and delivery. Expression differences of main glucocorticoid pathway genes: i.e. corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B2), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), as well as other key stress biomarkers (Arginine Vasopressin, AVP and O-GlcNAc transferase, OGT) were explored in medial placentae using real-time qPCR and western blotting. Moreover, gene expression changes were considered for their association with HCC, offspring, gender and birthweight. A significant dysregulation of gene expression for CRH, AVP and HSD11B2 genes was seen in the Index group, compared to controls, while OGT and NR3C1 expression remained similar between groups. Placental gene expression of the stress-modulating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B2) was related to both hair cortisol levels (Rho= 0.54; p<0.01) and the sex of the newborn in pregnancies perceived as stressful (Index, p<0.05). Gene expression of CRH correlated with both AVP (Rho= 0.79; p<0.001) and HSD11B2 (Rho= 0.45; p<0.03), and also between AVP with both HSD11B2 (Rho= 0.6; p<0.005) and NR3C1 (Rho= 0.56; p<0.03) in the Control group but not in the Index group; suggesting a possible loss of interaction in the mechanisms of action of these genes under stress circumstances during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Expression of Stress-Mediating Genes is Increased in Term Placentas of Women with Chronic Self-Perceived Anxiety and Depression

Genes ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 869
Author(s):  
Cristina A. Martinez ◽  
Ina Marteinsdottir ◽  
Ann Josefsson ◽  
Gunilla Sydsjö ◽  
Elvar Theodorsson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Hydroxysteroid Dehydrogenase ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Index Group ◽  
Pregnancy And Delivery ◽  
Glcnac Transferase ◽  
Offspring Gender ◽  
Cutoff Threshold

Anxiety, chronical stress, and depression during pregnancy are considered to affect the offspring, presumably through placental dysregulation. We have studied the term placentae of pregnancies clinically monitored with the Beck’s Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). A cutoff threshold for BAI/EPDS of 10 classed patients into an Index group (>10, n = 23) and a Control group (<10, n = 23). Cortisol concentrations in hair (HCC) were periodically monitored throughout pregnancy and delivery. Expression differences of main glucocorticoid pathway genes, i.e., corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B2), glucocorticoid receptor (NR3C1), as well as other key stress biomarkers (Arginine Vasopressin, AVP and O-GlcNAc transferase, OGT) were explored in medial placentae using real-time qPCR and Western blotting. Moreover, gene expression changes were considered for their association with HCC, offspring, gender, and birthweight. A significant dysregulation of gene expression for CRH, AVP, and HSD11B2 genes was seen in the Index group, compared to controls, while OGT and NR3C1 expression remained similar between groups. Placental gene expression of the stress-modulating enzyme 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (HSD11B2) was related to both hair cortisol levels (Rho = 0.54; p < 0.01) and the sex of the newborn in pregnancies perceived as stressful (Index, p < 0.05). Gene expression of CRH correlated with both AVP (Rho = 0.79; p < 0.001) and HSD11B2 (Rho = 0.45; p < 0.03), and also between AVP with both HSD11B2 (Rho = 0.6; p < 0.005) and NR3C1 (Rho = 0.56; p < 0.03) in the Control group but not in the Index group; suggesting a possible loss of interaction in the mechanisms of action of these genes under stress circumstances during pregnancy.

scholarly journals Is NRXN1 Gene Expression an Important Marker of Treatment of Depressive Disorders? A Pilot Study

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (7) ◽  
pp. 637
Author(s):  
Aleksandra Skiba ◽  
Monika Talarowska ◽  
Janusz Szemraj ◽  
Piotr Gałecki
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Protein Level ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Healthy People ◽  
Expression Level ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Depression Symptoms ◽  
Hamilton Depression Scale ◽  
Experimental Group

Aim: Due to the fact that NRXN1 is associated with neurodevelopmental disorders, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of the NRXN1 gene in the etiology and epigenetics of depression by comparison of NRXN1 mRNA expression and NRXN1 protein level expression in patients suffering from depression versus healthy controls, as well as to search for clinical variables related to expression of the analyzed gene. Material and Methods: A total of 180 people aged 19–64 qualified for the study. The experimental group consisted of 97 people who were psychiatrically hospitalized, diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorders (F33) or who met the diagnostic criteria of a depressive episode (F32) according to ICD-10. The control group included 83 healthy people who volunteered to participate in the study. A sample of peripheral blood was obtained from people who were positively qualified to participate in the study—twice in the experimental group and once in the control group for genetic testing. Sociodemographic variables and data on the course of the disorder were also gathered. Patients were examined on study entry and at the end of the hospitalization with the Hamilton Depression Scale. Obtained data were analyzed statistically. The study was approved by the University’s Bioethics Committee. Results: The gene expression of NRXN1 at both mRNA and protein level significantly differs and it is lower in the experimental group compared to expression in healthy people. The difference in gene expression of NRXN1 at both the mRNA and protein levels between the first and second measurement in the experimental group is also significant. The result demonstrates a higher expression level in the first measurement and lower expression level in the second measurement when reported depression symptoms are less severe. Conclusions: Results concerning expression of NRXN1 may play an important role in further researches about the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders such as looking for depression biomarkers and identifying evidence which may be relevant to personalize treatment for depression.

scholarly journals Inflammatory versus Anti-Inflammatory Profiles in Major Depressive Disorders—The Role of IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, IL-35 and Foxp3

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 66
Author(s):  
Małgorzata Gałecka ◽  
Katarzyna Bliźniewska-Kowalska ◽  
Agata Orzechowska ◽  
Janusz Szemraj ◽  
Michael Maes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Mrna Expression ◽  
Depressive Disorders ◽  
Inflammatory Diseases ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Hamilton Depression Scale ◽  
Major Depressive Disorders ◽  
Severity Of Depression

Background: The authors of this research study intended to verify whether there are any changes in gene expression in depressed patients without coexisting inflammatory diseases for selected immune-inflammatory factors that are particularly important in autoimmune disease pathogenesis (IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, IL-35, Foxp3). Methods: The study was carried out on a group of 190 patients with depression and 100 healthy volunteers. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale. RT-PCR was used to evaluate mRNA expression and ELISA was used to measure protein expression of these genes. Results: The level of gene expression for IL-17, IL-21, IL-23, and IL-35 was substantially higher in the group of patients with depression compared to the control group. The mean mRNA expression of Foxp3 was considerably reduced in patients suffering from depressive disorders. There was a statistically significant correlation between the number of hospitalizations and the expression of specific inflammatory factors. Conclusions: Expression of specific inflammatory genes may be a factor in the etiopathogenesis of depressive disorders. The duration of the disease seems to be more important for the expression of the genes in question than the severity of depression. These cytokines may affect the metabolism of neurotransmitters and neuroendocrine functions in the brain as well as be a marker and a new potential therapeutic target for recurrent depressive disorders.

Beneficial consequences of probiotic on mitochondrial hippocampus in Alzheimer’s disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Doha M. Beltagy ◽  
Nagat F. Nawar ◽  
Tarek M. Mohamed ◽  
Ehab Tousson ◽  
Mai M. El-Keey
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Antioxidant Properties ◽  
Treated Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Associated Injuries ◽  
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Atpase Subunit ◽  
Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Immunohistochemical Studies ◽  
Cells Death

Abstract Background Alzheimer’s (AD) is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases, causing dementia and brain cells death. Objectives This study aimed to assess the ameliorating effect of Acidophilus probiotic against AD induced in rats by d-galactose and AlCl3 injection via evaluating mitochondrial parameter changes in hippocampus. Methods This study was carried out on rats were classified into five groups; G1 (control group), G2 (probiotic group), G3 (AD group), G4 (co-treated group) and G5 (post-treated group). By the end of the experiment, some different neurotransmitters, oxidative stress biomarkers, zinc, blood glucose, Na+K−ATPase subunit alpha 1 (ATP1A1), and gene expression of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured. Results Significant changes in neurotransmitters, antioxidants levels and decreased ATP1A1 activity and gene expression of MMP in the hippocampus in G3 were detected if compared to control. Best improvement in G5 than G4 group was observed. These results were confirmed by histological and immunohistochemical studies in hippocampus. Conclusions Acidophilus probiotic was able to alleviate learning and memory associated injuries in AD by reducing mitochondrial dysfunction induced by d-galactose and AlCl3. This may be associated with its antioxidant properties.

Protective effect of green tea extract against cadmium-induced testicular damage in rats in respect of oxidant/antioxidant equilibrium and androgen production

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (1) ◽  
pp. 31-35
Author(s):  
Basma El-Desoky ◽  
Shaimaa El-Sayed ◽  
El-Said El-Said
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Single Dose ◽  
Green Tea ◽  
Serum Testosterone ◽  
Green Tea Extract ◽  
Male Rats ◽  
Controlled Study ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Testicular Damage ◽  
Tea Extract

Objective: Investigating the effect of green tea extract (GTE) on the testicular damage induced by cadmium chloride CdCl2 in male rats. Design: Randomized controlled study. Animals: 40 male Wistar rats. Procedures: Rats were randomly divided into four groups: A) control group (each rat daily received pellet diet); B) GTE group each rat daily received pellet diet as well as 3 ml of 1.5 % w/v GTE, C) CdCl2 group each rat was I/P injected a single dose of 1 mg/kg CdCl2, then daily received pellet diet, and D) CdCl2+GTE group each rat was I/P injected a single dose of 1 mg/kg CdCl2 then daily received pellet diet as well as 3 ml of 1.5 % w/v GTE. After 30 days, blood samples were collected for hormonal assays (testosterone, FSH, and LH). In addition, both testes were collected; one of them was used for quantification of 17-beta hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase III (17β-HSDIII) gene expression using a real-time PCR. The other testis was used for determination of catalase and reduced glutathione; GSH, Nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Results: CdCl2 decreased serum testosterone levels and its synthesis pathway (17β-HSDIII testicular gene expression). While antioxidants catalase and GSH were reduced, oxidants MDA were enriched in the testes of CdCl2-poisoned rats. This CdCl2-promoted testicular dysfunction was corrected via the administration of GTE to male rats. Conclusion and clinical relevance: GTE could be used as a remedy for protecting against CdCl2-induced testicular damage in male rats.

Risk of Depression in Adolescents and Young Adults with Rheumatic Diseases

2020 ◽  
Vol 62 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-42
Author(s):  
Anna Kostiukow ◽  
Wojciech Strzelecki ◽  
Mateusz W. Romanowski ◽  
Marta Rosołek ◽  
Ewa Mojs ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Young Adults ◽  
Young People ◽  
Rheumatic Diseases ◽  
Disease Risk ◽  
Statistical Significance ◽  
Energy Levels ◽  
Young Patients ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Adolescents And Young Adults ◽  
Control Group

Introduction: The study is aimed at drawing the attention of the medical environment to the mental health aspects of young patients as a factor that significantly influences the efficiency of their rheumatic disease treatment. Aim: This paper is to check the risk of depression among a group of adolescents and young adults with rheumatic diseases. Material and Methods: The study was conducted among a group of 68 late adolescents and young adults (18-22 years old) with rheumatic diseases. The control group consisted of 102 young people (18-22 years old) without a diagnosed chronic disease. Risk of depression was measured using a screening tool – the Kutcher Adolescent Depression Scale (KADS). Results: The analysis showed that the probability of depression in the study group was 35.3%. In the control group, this rate was 19.6%. The results were statistical significance (p=0.028). Conclusions: The results of this study prove that the risk of depression among adolescents and young adults with rheumatic diseases is significantly higher than in healthy young people. The highest risk of depression is related to feeling tired, fatigue, low energy levels and lack of motivation as well as feeling worried, nervous, panicky, tense, keyed-up and anxious.

Chemoprotective Effects of Propolis on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Oxidative Damage and Hepatotoxicity by Modulating TP53, Oxidative Stress

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 191-199
Author(s):  
Seval Yilmaz ◽  
Fatih Mehmet Kandemir ◽  
Emre Kaya ◽  
Mustafa Ozkaraca
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Gene Expression ◽  
Oxidative Damage ◽  
Aflatoxin B1 ◽  
Tp53 Gene ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Glutathione S Transferase ◽  
Gene Expressions ◽  
Cat Gene ◽  
Gst Activity

Objective: This study aimed to detect hepatic oxidative damage caused by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), as well as to examine how propolis protects against hepatotoxic effects of AFB1. Method: Rats were split into four groups as control group, AFB1 group, propolis group, AFB1+ propolis group. Results: There was significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and tumor suppressor protein (TP53) gene expression, Glutathione (GSH) level, Catalase (CAT) activity, CAT gene expression decreased in AFB1 group in blood. MDA level and Glutathione-S-Transferase (GST) activity, GST and TP53 gene expressions increased in AFB1 group, whereas GSH level and CAT activity alongside CAT gene expression decreased in liver. AFB1+propolis group showed significant decrease in MDA level, GST activity, TP53 and GST gene expressions, GSH level and CAT activity and CAT gene expression increased in liver compared to AFB1 group. Conclusion: These results suggest that propolis may potentially be natural agent that prevents AFB1- induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity.

scholarly journals Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Urine of Metal Carpentry Workers Can Be Diagnostic for Occupational Exposure to Low Level of Welding Fumes from Associated Metals

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 3167
Author(s):  
Flavia Buonaurio ◽  
Maria Luisa Astolfi ◽  
Daniela Pigini ◽  
Giovanna Tranfo ◽  
Silvia Canepari ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Occupational Exposure ◽  
Oxidation Products ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Welding Fumes ◽  
Oxidative Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Limit Values ◽  
Stress Biomarkers ◽  
Specificity And Sensitivity ◽  
The Impact

Urinary concentrations of 16 different exposure biomarkers to metals were determined at the beginning and at the end of a working shift on a group of workers in the metal carpentry industry. Five different oxidative stress biomarkers were also measured, such as the oxidation products of RNA and DNA metabolized and excreted in the urine. The results of workers exposed to metals were compared to those of a control group. The metal concentrations found in these workers were well below the occupational exposure limit values and exceeded the mean concentrations of the same metals in the urine of the control group by a factor of four at maximum. Barium (Ba), mercury (Hg), lead (Pb) and strontium (Sr) were correlated with the RNA oxidative stress biomarker, 8-oxo-7, 8-dihydroguanosine (8-oxoGuo), which was found able to discriminate exposed workers from controls with a high level of specificity and sensitivity. The power of this early diagnostic technique was assessed by means of the ROC curve. Ba, rubidium (Rb), Sr, tellurium (Te), and vanadium (V) were correlated with the level of the protein oxidation biomarker 3-Nitrotyrosine (3-NO2Tyr), and Ba, beryllium (Be), copper (Cu), and Rb with 5-methylcytidine (5-MeCyt), an epigenetic marker of RNA damage. These effect biomarkers can help in identifying those workers that can be defined as “occupationally exposed” even at low exposure levels, and they can provide information about the impact that such doses have on their health.

The Effect of Lavender Oil on Perioperative Pain, Anxiety, Depression, and Sleep after Microvascular Breast Reconstruction: A Prospective, Single-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ronnie L. Shammas ◽  
Caitlin E. Marks ◽  
Gloria Broadwater ◽  
Elliot Le ◽  
Adam D. Glener ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Randomized Controlled Trial ◽  
Adverse Events ◽  
Breast Reconstruction ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Depression Scale ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Lavender Oil ◽  
Entire Cohort ◽  
Randomized Controlled ◽  
Anxiety Depression

Abstract Background Psychosocial distress, depression, or anxiety can occur in up to 50% of women after a breast cancer diagnosis and mastectomy. The purpose of this study was to assess the potential benefit of lavender oil as a perioperative adjunct to improve anxiety, depression, pain, and sleep in women undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction. Methods This was a prospective, single-blinded, randomized, controlled trial of 49 patients undergoing microvascular breast reconstruction. Patients were randomized to receive lavender oil or placebo (coconut oil) throughout their hospitalization. The effect of lavender oil on perioperative stress, anxiety, depression, sleep, and pain was measured using the hospital anxiety and depression scale, Richards–Campbell Sleep Questionnaire, and the visual analogue scale. Results Twenty-seven patients were assigned to the lavender group and 22 patients were assigned to the control group. No significant differences were seen in the perioperative setting between the groups with regard to anxiety (p = 0.82), depression (p = 0.21), sleep (p = 0.86), or pain (p = 0.30) scores. No adverse events (i.e., allergic reaction) were captured, and no significant differences in surgery-related complications were observed. When evaluating the entire cohort, postoperative anxiety scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores (p < 0.001), while depression scores were significantly higher postoperatively as compared with preoperatively (p = 0.005). Conclusion In the setting of microvascular breast reconstruction, lavender oil and aromatherapy had no significant adverse events or complications; however, there were no measurable advantages pertaining to metrics of depression, anxiety, sleep, or pain as compared with the control group.

scholarly journals Dopamine adjusts the circadian gene expression of Per2 and Per3 in human dermal fibroblasts from ADHD patients

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Frank Faltraco ◽  
Denise Palm ◽  
Adriana Uzoni ◽  
Lena Borchert ◽  
Frederick Simon ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Expression ◽  
Dermal Fibroblast ◽  
Sleep Onset ◽  
Dermal Fibroblasts ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Adhd Group ◽  
Healthy Controls ◽  
Circadian Gene ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Circadian Preference

AbstractA link between dopamine levels, circadian gene expression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has already been demonstrated. The aim of this study was to investigate the extent of these relationships by measuring circadian gene expression in primary human-derived dermal fibroblast cultures (HDF) after dopamine exposure. We analyzed circadian preference, behavioral circadian and sleep parameters as well as the circadian gene expression in a cohort of healthy controls and participants with ADHD. Circadian preference was evaluated with German Morningness-Eveningness-Questionnaire (D-MEQ) and rhythms of sleep/wake behavior were assessed via actigraphy. After ex vivo exposure to different dopamine concentrations in human dermal fibroblast (HDF) cultures, the rhythmicity of circadian gene expression (Clock, Bmal1, Per1-3, Cry1) was analyzed via qRT-PCR. We found no statistical significant effect in the actigraphy of both groups (healthy controls, ADHD group) for mid-sleep on weekend days, mid-sleep on weekdays, social jetlag, wake after sleep onset, and total number of wake bouts. D-MEQ scores indicated that healthy controls had no evening preference, whereas subjects with ADHD displayed both definitive and moderate evening preferences. Dopamine has no effect on Per3 expression in healthy controls, but produces a significant difference in the ADHD group at ZT24 and ZT28. In the ADHD group, incubation with dopamine, either 1 µM or 10 µM, resulted in an adjustment of Per3 expression to control levels. A similar effect also was found in the expression of Per2. Statistical significant differences in the expression of Per2 (ZT4) in the control group compared to the ADHD group were found, following incubation with dopamine. The present study illustrates that dopamine impacts on circadian function. The results lead to the suggestion that dopamine may improve the sleep quality as well as ADHD symptoms by adjustment of the circadian gene expression, especially for Per2 and Per3.

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