Abstract
Increasing evidence show a role of oxidative stress in suicidality and in other-directed aggressivity. However, few studies have been performed on the sources of ROS in these behavioural alterations. We first investigated possible NOX2 elevations in post-mortem brain samples of subjects who committed suicide compared to controls. NOX2 expression was significantly elevated in the cortex of suicidal subjects and its immunostaining was mainly detected in GABAergic neurons. A sustained increase in 8-hydroxy-2’–deoxyguanosine (8OhDG) expression and interleukin-6 immunoreactivity was also detected in the cortex of suicidal subjects. We then investigated the role of NOX2 in an unusual fatal case of cocaine-induced Excited Delirium Syndrome, characterized by extreme agitation, delirium and very aggressive behavior. A strong NOX2 immunoreactivity was found mainly in GABAergic neurons and astrocytes, as well as a significant expression of other markers of oxidative stress (8OhDG, HSP70, HSP90 and NF-kB) and apoptotic phenomena. Our results suggest NOX2-derived oxidative stress increase in the brain is involved in the neuropathological pathways leading to suicidal behaviour and, although through preliminary observations, other-directed aggressivity. These results might open innovative insights in the identification of new biomarkers considered predictive for aggressive behaviour and for its prevention.
Published Version
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