scholarly journals Sex-Dependent Effects of Perinatal Inflammation on the Brain: Implication for Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (9) ◽  
pp. 2270 ◽  
Author(s):  
Maryam Ardalan ◽  
Tetyana Chumak ◽  
Zinaida Vexler ◽  
Carina Mallard
Keyword(s):  
Developmental Trajectories ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Inflammatory Reactions ◽  
Glia Cells ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Early Life Programming ◽  
Brain Transcriptome ◽  
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders ◽  
The Brain

Individuals born preterm have higher rates of neurodevelopmental disorders such as schizophrenia, autistic spectrum, and attention deficit/hyperactivity disorders. These conditions are often sexually dimorphic and with different developmental trajectories. The etiology is likely multifactorial, however, infections both during pregnancy and in childhood have emerged as important risk factors. The association between sex- and age-dependent vulnerability to neuropsychiatric disorders has been suggested to relate to immune activation in the brain, including complex interactions between sex hormones, brain transcriptome, activation of glia cells, and cytokine production. Here, we will review sex-dependent effects on brain development, including glia cells, both under normal physiological conditions and following perinatal inflammation. Emphasis will be given to sex-dependent effects on brain regions which play a role in neuropsychiatric disorders and inflammatory reactions that may underlie early-life programming of neurobehavioral disturbances later in life.

scholarly journals Studies of Altered Social Cognition in Neuropsychiatric Disorders Using Functional Neuroimaging

2002 ◽  
Vol 47 (4) ◽  
pp. 327-336 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cheryl L Grady ◽  
Michelle L Keightley
Keyword(s):  
Social Cognition ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
The Past ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Social Abilities ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Self Reference

In this paper, we review studies using functional neuroimaging to examine cognition in neuropsychiatric disorders. The focus is on social cognition, which is a topic that has received increasing attention over the past few years. A network of brain regions is proposed for social cognition that includes regions involved in processes relevant to social functioning (for example, self reference and emotion). We discuss the alterations of activity in these areas in patients with autism, depression, schizophrenia, and posttraumatic stress disorder in relation to deficits in social behaviour and symptoms. The evidence to date suggests that there may be some specificity of the brain regions involved in these 4 disorders, but all are associated with dysfunction in the amygdala and dorsal cingulate gyrus. Although there is much work remaining in this area, we are beginning to understand the complex interactions of brain function and behaviour that lead to disruptions of social abilities.

scholarly journals A review of the new minimally invasive brain stimulation techniques in psychiatry

2001 ◽  
Vol 23 (2) ◽  
pp. 100-109 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeong-Ho Chae ◽  
Xingbao Li ◽  
Ziad Nahas ◽  
F. Andrew Kozel ◽  
Mark S. George
Keyword(s):  
Minimally Invasive ◽  
Brain Stimulation ◽  
Functional Neuroimaging ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Therapeutic Tools ◽  
Invasive Techniques ◽  
The Brain ◽  
Neuroimaging Techniques ◽  
Deep Brain

New knowledge about the specific brain regions involved in neuropsychiatric disorders is rapidly evolving due to recent advances in functional neuroimaging techniques. The ability to stimulate the brain in awake alert adults without neurosurgery is a real advance that neuroscientists have long dreamed for. Several novel and minimally invasive techniques to stimulate the brain have recently developed. Among these newer somatic interventions, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) show promise as therapeutic tools in the treatment of neuropsychiatric disorders. This article reviews the history, methodology, and the future of these minimally invasive brain stimulation (MIBS) techniques and their emerging research and therapeutic applications in psychiatry

scholarly journals The Hidden Brain: Uncovering Previously Overlooked Brain Regions by Employing Novel Preclinical Unbiased Network Approaches

2021 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sierra Simpson ◽  
Yueyi Chen ◽  
Emma Wellmeyer ◽  
Lauren C. Smith ◽  
Brianna Aragon Montes ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neurodegenerative Diseases ◽  
Computational Neuroscience ◽  
Brain Function ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Whole Brain ◽  
Model Studies ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
Network Approaches ◽  
The Brain

A large focus of modern neuroscience has revolved around preselected brain regions of interest based on prior studies. While there are reasons to focus on brain regions implicated in prior work, the result has been a biased assessment of brain function. Thus, many brain regions that may prove crucial in a wide range of neurobiological problems, including neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders, have been neglected. Advances in neuroimaging and computational neuroscience have made it possible to make unbiased assessments of whole-brain function and identify previously overlooked regions of the brain. This review will discuss the tools that have been developed to advance neuroscience and network-based computational approaches used to further analyze the interconnectivity of the brain. Furthermore, it will survey examples of neural network approaches that assess connectivity in clinical (i.e., human) and preclinical (i.e., animal model) studies and discuss how preclinical studies of neurodegenerative diseases and neuropsychiatric disorders can greatly benefit from the unbiased nature of whole-brain imaging and network neuroscience.

scholarly journals Dynamic RNA Regulation in the Brain Underlies Physiological Plasticity in a Hibernating Mammal

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rui Fu ◽  
Austin E. Gillen ◽  
Katharine R. Grabek ◽  
Kent A. Riemondy ◽  
L. Elaine Epperson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Group Dynamics ◽  
Rna Binding ◽  
Rna Binding Proteins ◽  
Software Tool ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Physiological Status ◽  
Temperature Dependent ◽  
Cluster Group ◽  
Brain Transcriptome ◽  
The Brain

Hibernation is a physiological and behavioral phenotype that minimizes energy expenditure. Hibernators cycle between profound depression and rapid hyperactivation of multiple physiological processes, challenging our concept of mammalian homeostasis. How the hibernator orchestrates and survives these extremes while maintaining cell to organismal viability is unknown. Here, we enhance the genome integrity and annotation of a model hibernator, the 13-lined ground squirrel. Our new assembly brings this genome to near chromosome-level contiguity and adds thousands of previously unannotated genes. These new genomic resources were used to identify 6,505 hibernation-related, differentially-expressed and processed transcripts using RNA-seq data from three brain regions in animals whose physiological status was precisely defined using body temperature telemetry. A software tool, squirrelBox, was developed to foster further data analyses and visualization. SquirrelBox includes a comprehensive toolset for rapid visualization of gene level and cluster group dynamics, sequence scanning of k-mer and domains, and interactive exploration of gene lists. Using these new tools and data, we deconvolute seasonal from temperature-dependent effects on the brain transcriptome during hibernation for the first time, highlighting the importance of carefully timed samples for studies of differential gene expression in hibernation. The identified genes include a regulatory network of RNA binding proteins that are dynamic in hibernation along with the composition of the RNA pool. In addition to passive effects of temperature, we provide evidence for regulated transcription and RNA turnover during hibernation. Significant alternative splicing, largely temperature dependent, also occurs during hibernation. These findings form a crucial first step and provide a roadmap for future work toward defining novel mechanisms of tissue protection and metabolic depression that may 1 day be applied toward improving human health.

Making Connections

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jack M. Gorman
Keyword(s):  
Prefrontal Cortex ◽  
Anxiety Disorders ◽  
Lived Experiences ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Imaging Studies ◽  
Complex Interactions ◽  
Complex Emotions ◽  
And Behaviors ◽  
Fear And Anxiety ◽  
The Brain

Although some functions, like speech and vision, can be linked to single, specific locations in the brain, complex emotions and behaviors usually involve complex interactions among brain regions. As our brains mature, these connections are shaped by our lived experiences. Scientists in basic neuroscience laboratories have traced the pathways and networks necessary for the acquisition, expression, and extinction of one emotion: fear. Brain imaging studies have shown that these same connected brain regions are activated by fear and anxiety in humans. The “fear network” includes the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex. Abnormalities in activity and strength of connections in the fear network are present in children and adults with anxiety disorders and depression. Brain networks that are necessary for other emotions and behaviors have been identified, so that today we look to how our brains are connected to understand our actions and emotions.

Stress in the brain: implications for treatment of depression

2002 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 155-166 ◽  
Author(s):  
Er de Kloet
Keyword(s):  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Stress System ◽  
Stress Hormone ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Early Life Programming ◽  
Treatment Of Depression ◽  
High Doses ◽  
New Generation ◽  
The Brain

A fundamental question in stress research is when the glucocorticoid stress hormone (cortisol in man) stops being neuroprotective and becomes harmful to the brain with negative consequences for cognition and mood. To address this question Section 1 focuses on the action mechanism of glucocorticoids. These hormones act via high and low affinity nuclear receptors, which regulate gene transcription in a coordinate manner. The receptors are expressed abundantly in hippocampus, amygdala and frontal cortex involved in cognitive processes. In Section 2 hypercortisolism is considered a potential disease factor for about 50% of the patients suffering from major depression. Recent data show that these patients recover within a few days when excess cortisol action is blocked with high doses of an antiglucocorticoid. Section 3 concerns animal models with ‘depression-like’ features of hypercorticism generated by manipulation of gene X environment inputs. Using gene expression profiling technology in the hippocampal transcriptome of these animals we identified about 700 potential targets for antidepressants out of 30 000 detectable gene products. One of our models is based on early life programming of the stress system. Rats exposed as pups to maternal deprivation display at senescence an enhanced individual difference in cognitive performance. The maternally deprived senescent animals age either successfully or become senile, at the expense of the average performance of non-deprived controls. The essay is concluded with the notion that the new generation of antidepressants ameliorates specific psychic dysfunctions (e.g. cognitive performance) linked to aberrant stress hormone action in discrete brain regions.

scholarly journals Incomplete annotation of disease-associated genes is limiting our understanding of Mendelian and complex neurogenetic disorders

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Zhang ◽  
Sebastian Guelfi ◽  
Sonia Garcia Ruiz ◽  
Beatrice Costa ◽  
Regina H. Reynolds ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gene Annotation ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Sequencing Data ◽  
Protein Coding ◽  
Brain Transcriptome ◽  
Genomics Research ◽  
Neurological Phenotype ◽  
Neurogenetic Disorders ◽  
Disease Associated Genes ◽  
The Brain

AbstractThere is growing evidence to suggest that human gene annotation remains incomplete, with a disproportionate impact on the brain transcriptome. We used RNA-sequencing data from GTEx to detect novel transcription in an annotation-agnostic manner across 13 human brain regions and 28 human tissues. We found that genes highly expressed in brain are significantly more likely to be re-annotated, as are genes associated with Mendelian and complex neurodegenerative disorders. We improved the annotation of 63% of known OMIM-morbid genes and 65% of those with a neurological phenotype. We determined that novel transcribed regions, particularly those identified in brain, tend to be poorly conserved across mammals but are significantly depleted for genetic variation within humans. As exemplified by SNCA, we explored the implications of re-annotation for Mendelian and complex Parkinson’s disease. We validated in silico and experimentally a novel, brain-specific, potentially protein-coding exon of SNCA. We release our findings as tissue-specific transcriptomes in BED format and via vizER: http://rytenlab.com/browser/app/vizER. Together these resources will facilitate basic genomics research with the greatest impact on neurogenetics.

RAS in the Central Nervous System: Potential Role in Neuropsychiatric Disorders

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (28) ◽  
pp. 3333-3352 ◽  
Author(s):  
Natalia Pessoa Rocha ◽  
Ana Cristina Simoes e Silva ◽  
Thiago Ruiz Rodrigues Prestes ◽  
Victor Feracin ◽  
Caroline Amaral Machado ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blood Pressure ◽  
Central Nervous System ◽  
Nervous System ◽  
Therapeutic Potential ◽  
Neuropsychiatric Disorders ◽  
Extensive Literature ◽  
Ang Ii ◽  
Mas Receptor ◽  
The Central Nervous System ◽  
The Brain

Background: The Renin-Angiotensin System (RAS) is a key regulator of cardiovascular and renal homeostasis, but also plays important roles in mediating physiological functions in the central nervous system (CNS). The effects of the RAS were classically described as mediated by angiotensin (Ang) II via angiotensin type 1 (AT1) receptors. However, another arm of the RAS formed by the angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), Ang-(1-7) and the Mas receptor has been a matter of investigation due to its important physiological roles, usually counterbalancing the classical effects exerted by Ang II. Objective: We aim to provide an overview of effects elicited by the RAS, especially Ang-(1-7), in the brain. We also aim to discuss the therapeutic potential for neuropsychiatric disorders for the modulation of RAS. Method: We carried out an extensive literature search in PubMed central. Results: Within the brain, Ang-(1-7) contributes to the regulation of blood pressure by acting at regions that control cardiovascular functions. In contrast with Ang II, Ang-(1-7) improves baroreflex sensitivity and plays an inhibitory role in hypothalamic noradrenergic neurotransmission. Ang-(1-7) not only exerts effects related to blood pressure regulation, but also acts as a neuroprotective component of the RAS, for instance, by reducing cerebral infarct size, inflammation, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis. Conclusion: Pre-clinical evidence supports a relevant role for ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis in several neuropsychiatric conditions, including stress-related and mood disorders, cerebrovascular ischemic and hemorrhagic lesions and neurodegenerative diseases. However, very few data are available regarding the ACE2/Ang-(1-7)/Mas receptor axis in human CNS.

Management of Glioblastoma Multiforme by Phytochemicals: Applications of Nanoparticle Based Targeted Drug Delivery System

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sayed Md Mumtaz ◽  
Gautam Bhardwaj ◽  
Shikha Goswami ◽  
Rajiv Kumar Tonk ◽  
Ramesh K. Goyal ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drug Delivery ◽  
Glioblastoma Multiforme ◽  
Drug Delivery System ◽  
Delivery System ◽  
Genetic Disorder ◽  
Drug Regimen ◽  
Brain Regions ◽  
Radio Therapy ◽  
Novel Drug ◽  
The Brain

: The Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM; grade IV astrocytoma) exhort tumor of star-shaped glial cell in the brain. It is a fast-growing tumor that spreads to nearby brain regions specifically to cerebral hemispheres in frontal and temporal lobes. The etiology of GBM is unknown, but major risk factors are genetic disorder like neurofibromatosis and schwanomatosis which develop the tumor in the nervous system. The management of GBM with chemo-radio therapy leads to resistance and current drug regimen like Temozolomide (TMZ) is less efficacious. The reasons behind failure of drugs are due to DNA alkylation in cell cycle by enzyme DNA guanidase and mitochondrial dysfunction. Naturally occurring bio-active compounds from plants known as phytochemicals, serve as vital sources for anti-cancer drugs. Some typical examples include taxol analogs, vinca alkaloids such as vincristine, vinblastine, podophyllotoxin analogs, camptothecin, curcumin, aloe emodin, quercetin, berberine e.t.c. These phytochemicals often act via regulating molecular pathways which are implicated in growth and progression of cancers. However the challenges posed by the presence of BBB/BBTB to restrict passage of these phytochemicals, culminates in their low bioavailability and relative toxicity. In this review we integrated nanotech as novel drug delivery system to deliver phytochemicals from traditional medicine to the specific site within the brain for the management of GBM.

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