Down-regulation of the brain-specific cell-adhesion molecule contactin-3 in tuberous sclerosis complex during the early postnatal period

Background The genetic disorder tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is frequently accompanied by the development of neuropsychiatric disorders, including autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, with varying degrees of impairment. These co-morbidities in TSC have been linked to the structural brain abnormalities, such as cortical tubers, and recurrent epileptic seizures (in 70–80% cases). Previous transcriptomic analysis of cortical tubers revealed dysregulation of genes involved in cell adhesion in the brain, which may be associated with the neurodevelopmental deficits in TSC. In this study we aimed to investigate the expression of one of these genes – cell-adhesion molecule contactin-3. Methods Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction for the contactin-3 gene (CNTN3) was performed in resected cortical tubers from TSC patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 35, age range: 1–48 years) and compared to autopsy-derived cortical control tissue (n = 27, age range: 0–44 years), as well as by western blot analysis of contactin-3 (n = 7 vs n = 7, age range: 0–3 years for both TSC and controls) and immunohistochemistry (n = 5 TSC vs n = 4 controls). The expression of contactin-3 was further analyzed in fetal and postnatal control tissue by western blotting and in-situ hybridization, as well as in the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line differentiation model in vitro. Results CNTN3 gene expression was lower in cortical tubers from patients across a wide range of ages (fold change = − 0.5, p < 0.001) as compared to controls. Contactin-3 protein expression was lower in the age range of 0–3 years old (fold change = − 3.8, p < 0.001) as compared to the age-matched controls. In control brain tissue, contactin-3 gene and protein expression could be detected during fetal development, peaked around birth and during infancy and declined in the adult brain. CNTN3 expression was induced in the differentiated SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells in vitro (fold change = 6.2, p < 0.01). Conclusions Our data show a lower expression of contactin-3 in cortical tubers of TSC patients during early postnatal period as compared to controls, which may affect normal brain development and might contribute to neuropsychiatric co-morbidities observed in patients with TSC.

Myelinating Schwann cells and Netrin-1 control intra-nervous vascularization of the developing mouse sciatic nerve

Peripheral nerves are vascularized by a dense network of blood vessels to guarantee their complex function. Despite the crucial role of vascularization to ensure nerve homeostasis and regeneration, the mechanisms governing nerve invasion by blood vessels remain poorly understood. We found, in mice, that the sciatic nerve invasion by blood vessels begins around embryonic day 16 and continues until birth. Interestingly, intra-nervous blood vessel density significantly decreases during post-natal period, starting from P10. We show that, while the axon guidance molecule Netrin-1 promotes nerve invasion by blood vessels via the endothelial receptor UNC5B during embryogenesis, myelinated Schwann cells negatively control intra-nervous vascularization during postnatal period.

Dysregulation of GABAergic Signaling in Neurodevelomental Disorders: Targeting Cation-Chloride Co-transporters to Re-establish a Proper E/I Balance

The construction of the brain relies on a series of well-defined genetically and experience- or activity -dependent mechanisms which allow to adapt to the external environment. Disruption of these processes leads to neurological and psychiatric disorders, which in many cases are manifest already early in postnatal life. GABA, the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the adult brain is one of the major players in the early assembly and formation of neuronal circuits. In the prenatal and immediate postnatal period GABA, acting on GABAA receptors, depolarizes and excites targeted cells via an outwardly directed flux of chloride. In this way it activates NMDA receptors and voltage-dependent calcium channels contributing, through intracellular calcium rise, to shape neuronal activity and to establish, through the formation of new synapses and elimination of others, adult neuronal circuits. The direction of GABAA-mediated neurotransmission (depolarizing or hyperpolarizing) depends on the intracellular levels of chloride [Cl−]i, which in turn are maintained by the activity of the cation-chloride importer and exporter KCC2 and NKCC1, respectively. Thus, the premature hyperpolarizing action of GABA or its persistent depolarizing effect beyond the postnatal period, leads to behavioral deficits associated with morphological alterations and an excitatory (E)/inhibitory (I) imbalance in selective brain areas. The aim of this review is to summarize recent data concerning the functional role of GABAergic transmission in building up and refining neuronal circuits early in development and its dysfunction in neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs), schizophrenia and epilepsy. In particular, we focus on novel information concerning the mechanisms by which alterations in cation-chloride co-transporters (CCC) generate behavioral and cognitive impairment in these diseases. We discuss also the possibility to re-establish a proper GABAA-mediated neurotransmission and excitatory (E)/inhibitory (I) balance within selective brain areas acting on CCC.

Pathomorphological changes in the early postnatal period in a calf with abomasum rupture

The main cause of the disease and death of calves in the early postembryonic period of development is a feeding disorder. The aim of the work was to analyze macro-and micromorphological changes in the digestive system of a calf with a rennet rupture. To achieve this goal, standard macro-and microscopic research methods were used. Macroscopic examination revealed thickening, erosion of the mucous membrane of the esophageal gutter rollers, accumulation of contents in the scar, mesh and book, hyperemia of the mucous membranes; thinning and rupture of the rennet wall; pronounced hyperemia of the mucous membrane of the small intestine, thickening of the mucous membrane of the thick section; an increase in mesenteric lymph nodes and a change in their consistency. Microscopically, the thickness of the epithelium, submucosal and muscle layer is most developed in the abomasum and was, respectively, 0.68-0.72 mm, 0.23-0.32 mm and 0.98-1.05 mm. Villi were found in the folds of the scar, numerous well – developed longitudinally oriented protrusions were found in the book, lymphocellular clusters and bottom glands were found in the rennet; folds with well – developed crypts were found in the colon. Thus, as a result of feeding coarse feed, the deceased calf has catarrhal erosive lesions of the esophageal trough; serous-catarrhal abomasitis with signs of hemorrhagic with dilation and perforation in the cardiac part; hemorrhagic omasitis against the background of a book blockage; catarrhal reticulitis; catarrhal ruminitis and catarrhal enterocolitis.

Fetal Ovarian Cysts: Prenatal Diagnosis Using Ultrasound and MRI, Management and Postnatal Outcome—Our Centers Experience

The present study provides our clinical experience regarding the imaging diagnosis, management and postnatal outcome of neonates prenatally suspected of having developed ovarian cysts. This multicenter observational study included patients diagnosed prenatally with fetal ovarian cysts and follow-up in the postnatal period. Descriptive statistics were used to render the information regarding the prenatal imaging aspect of the fetal pelvic masses using ultrasound and/or MRI, prenatal surveillance and postnatal neonate’s immediate outcome, indications leading to surgery and pathologic aspect. The inclusion criteria were fulfilled by 21 patients. The mean gestational age at the time of initial diagnosis was 31.28 weeks of gestation (WG). Only five out of 21 cysts regressed completely during pregnancy without postnatal complications. In addition, 11 out of 21 infant’s required surgical treatment in the first two weeks after birth, mainly for ovarian torsion. Five out of 21 neonates were referred to postnatal follow-up clinically and by ultrasound, but three out of five cases required emergency surgical treatment for acute complications. Ultrasound plays a major role in the diagnostic of fetal ovarian cyst. From our experience, MRI does not bring supplementary data or change the management. Spontaneous resolution of fetal ovarian cysts is to be expected but the ovarian mass could lead to serious complications, if resolution does not occur in due time.

The Role of Dietary Fats in the Development and Prevention of Necrotizing Enterocolitis

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in preterm infants. The pathogenesis of NEC is not completely understood; however, intestinal immaturity and excessive immunoreactivity of intestinal mucosa to intraluminal microbes and nutrients appear to have critical roles. Dietary fats are not only the main source of energy for preterm infants, but also exert potent effects on intestinal development, intestinal microbial colonization, immune function, and inflammatory response. Preterm infants have a relatively low capacity to digest and absorb triglyceride fat. Fat may thereby accumulate in the ileum and contribute to the development of NEC by inducing oxidative stress and inflammation. Some fat components, such as long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids (LC-PUFAs), also exert immunomodulatory roles during the early postnatal period when the immune system is rapidly developing. LC-PUFAs may have the ability to modulate the inflammatory process of NEC, particularly when the balance between n3 and n6 LC-PUFAs derivatives is maintained. Supplementation with n3 LC-PUFAs alone may have limited effect on NEC prevention. In this review, we describe how various fatty acids play different roles in the pathogenesis of NEC in preterm infants.

Neonatal action of the dipeptidyl peptidase iv inhibitor diprotin A leads to a hyperactive phenotype formation and a prolonged increase in aggressiveness in rats

Введение. Ингибиторы пролинспецифической сериновой протеазы дипептидилпептидазы IV (ДПП-IV, CD26, EC 3.4.14.5), способные модулировать широкий спектр физиологических процессов, находят применение в клинике. В наших работах получены свидетельства влияния ингибиторов ДПП-IV при их введении в раннем постнатальном периоде на эмоционально-мотивационное поведение взрослых крыс. Более сильные изменения в поведении отмечались у крыс при действии ингибитора ДПП-IV дипротина А. Однако не ясно, как долго сохраняются такие изменения. Цель работы - изучение отсроченных эффектов ингибитора ДПП-IV дипротина А на выраженность эмоционально-мотивационных расстройств, индуцированных действием ингибитора в раннем постнатальном периоде, в динамике взросления крыс от 2 до 7 мес. Методика. Дипротин А вводили крысятам ежедневно в 5-18-й постнатальные дни внутрибрюшинно (2 мг/кг), в объеме 0.1 мл на 10 г массы тела. Крысята контрольной группы получали инъекции физиологического раствора. Поведение взрослых крыс оценивали в возрасте 2 и 7 мес в тестах автоматизированного «открытого поля», «Приподнятый крестообразный лабиринт» (ПКЛ), принудительного плавания и социального взаимодействия. Уровень кортикостерона в сыворотке крови определяли методом твердофазного иммуноферментного анализа ELISA. Для статистической обработки результатов использовали двухфакторный дисперсионный анализ Two Way ANOVA и непараметрический U-критерий Манна-Уитни с поправкой на множественность сравнений. Результаты. У крыс опытной группы по сравнению с контрольной группой в возрасте 2 и 7 мес была повышена двигательная активность и скорость перемещения в тесте ПКЛ. В возрасте 7 мес у них также была увеличена вертикальная исследовательская активность. Признаков повышения тревожности не выявлено. У крыс опытной группы выявлены признаки депрессивно-подобного поведения по нарушению биоритмологической структуры плавания, более выраженные в возрасте 7 мес. Неагрессивное социальное взаимодействие у крыс, получавших неонатально дипротин А, было снижено по сравнению с контролем в возрасте 2 мес, а в возрасте 7 мес, напротив, увеличено. У этих животных число и длительность агрессивных социальных контактов были увеличены по сравнению с контролем как в возрасте 2, так и в возрасте 7 мес. Уровень кортикостерона в сыворотке крови у крыс опытной группы в возрасте 7.5 мес был выше, чем в контроле. Заключение. Данные настоящего исследования свидетельствуют о развитии гиперактивного фенотипа и длительных психоэмоциональных нарушений в виде повышенной агрессивности наряду с активацией гипоталамо-гипофизарно-адреналовой оси у взрослых крыс, подвергнутых действию дипротина А в 5-18-й постнатальные дни, и поддерживают представления об участии дипептидилпептидазы-IV в генезе психоэмоциональных расстройств. Background. Inhibitors of the proline-specific serine protease dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV, CD26, EC 3.4.14.5) may modulate a wide range of physiological processes and are used in the clinic. In our studies, we obtained evidence for the impact of DPP-IV inhibitors on adult rats’ emotional and motivational behavior when administered in the early postnatal period. Diprotin A exhibited the most significant impact on the animals’ behaviors. However, it is not clear how long the changes persist. Aim. To study the delayed effects of the DPP-IV inhibitor diprotin A on the severity of emotional and motivational disorders induced by the inhibitor action in the early postnatal period, in the dynamics of rats maturation from 2 to 7 months. Methods. Diprotin A was administered to rat pups daily on postnatal days 5-18, intraperitoneally, at a dose of 2 mg/kg, in a volume of 0.1 ml per 10 g of body weight. The rat pups of the control group received saline. The behavior of adult rats was assessed at the age of 2 and 7 months in the automated “open field,” “Elevated Plus Maze” (EPM), forced swimming, and social interaction tests. Serum corticosterone levels were determined by ELISA. The results were statistically processed using Two Way ANOVA and nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-test adjusted for multiple comparisons. Results. Experimental rats increased motor activity and travel speed in the EPM test compared with the control group at 2 and 7 months of age. At the age of 7 months, experimental rats also increased vertical (rearing) activity. There were no signs of increased anxiety. Experimental rats demonstrated depression-like behavior judged by the biorhythmologic structure of swimming, more pronounced at 7 months. Non-aggressive social interaction in rats treated neonatally with diprotin A was reduced compared with controls at the age of 2 months and, on the contrary, increased at the age of 7 months. In these animals, the number and duration of aggressive social contacts were increased compared with controls at the ages of 2 and 7 months. Serum corticosterone levels in experimental rats at the age of 7.5 months were higher than in control. Conclusion. The present study results testify to the development of a hyperactive phenotype and prolonged psychoemotional disorders as increased aggressiveness along with hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis activation in adult rats exposed to the action of diprotin A on postnatal days 5-18. The data support the dipeptidyl peptidase IV involvement in the genesis of psychoemotional disorders.

Two sides of a coin: women’s experiences and providers’ perceptions of assisted conception in urban India

Background: The uptake of assisted reproductive treatments has increased radically in urban India. We aimed to understand women’s lived experiences of assisted conception, and ART providers’ perception of their patients’ experiences.Methods: This study was cross-sectional and we used a qualitative approach and key informant interviews to understand the experiences of women and the treatment providers. Participants were ten women who had conceived through assisted reproductive treatment and ten ART providers. The data was analyzed using Braun and Clarke’s thematic analysis method.Results: During the treatment process, women felt consumed by their need to conceive. They reported that it was difficult for them to focus on other equally important aspects of their life. Stress, depression and anxiety associated with the uncertainty of their treatment outcome were prevalent. Women were also worried about miscarriage, safety and health of their baby, and forming an attachment with their fetus during the pregnancy. Providers’ concurred that women experience significant mood fluctuations in the form of stress, anxiety and depression which impacts treatment adherence and outcome. Women who have adequate spousal and family support are able to navigate the ART process better than women who lack social support.Conclusions: Findings imply the need for screening and brief psychological interventions at different stages of fertility treatment and during the antenatal and postnatal period to enhance women’s emotional well-being.

SOX2 Regulates Neuronal Differentiation of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus

In mammals, the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) functions as the central circadian pacemaker, orchestrating behavioral and physiological rhythms in alignment to the environmental light/dark cycle. The neurons that comprise the SCN are anatomically and functionally heterogeneous, but despite their physiological importance, little is known about the pathways that guide their specification and differentiation. Here, we report that the stem/progenitor cell transcription factor, Sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2), is required in the embryonic SCN to control the expression of SCN-enriched neuropeptides and transcription factors. Ablation of Sox2 in the developing SCN leads to downregulation of circadian neuropeptides as early as embryonic day (E) 15.5, followed by a decrease in the expression of two transcription factors involved in SCN development, Lhx1 and Six6, in neonates. Thymidine analog-retention assays revealed that Sox2 deficiency contributed to reduced survival of SCN neurons during the postnatal period of cell clearance, but did not affect progenitor cell proliferation or SCN specification. Our results identify SOX2 as an essential transcription factor for the proper differentiation and survival of neurons within the developing SCN.