Behavioral Alterations Research Articles

Ecological consequences of hidden pathology by larval digeneans in South American mollusks

The study of digeneans and their association with mollusks commenced in Europe and South America during the mid-19th to early 20th centuries. Digenean infestation can severely degrade host tissue, leading to diminished energy resources and eventual host mortality. However, these parasites can also induce various non-lethal effects, including changes in growth rates, survival rates, and reproductive capabilities, alongside physiological and behavioral alterations. While numerous studies have explored the ecological effects of digeneans on hosts in Europe and North America, our understanding of these dynamics in South America, particularly in first intermediate hosts, remains limited. Therefore, this paper aims to provide an overview of ecological investigations into digenean-mollusk systems in South America, emphasizing the importance of robust sampling designs and statistical analyses to address key ecological inquiries. Although fascinating examples exist of parasitism influencing different hierarchical levels of digenean-mollusk systems, particularly at the individual, population, and community levels, documentation of their ecosystem-level impacts is comparatively sparse. As South American studies of digenean-mollusk systems from an ecological perspective are still in their early stages, there is immense potential for uncovering unique ecological patterns in this largely unexplored region, propelling us toward further developmental strides in the parasite ecology.

Rescuing impaired hippocampal-cortical interactions and spatial reorientation learning and memory during sleep in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease using hippocampal 40 Hz stimulation.

One of the earliest symptoms of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is getting lost in space or experiencing deficits in spatial navigation, which involve navigation computations as well as learning and memory. We investigated cross brain region interactions supporting memory formation as a potential causative factor of impaired spatial learning and memory in AD. To assess this relationship between AD pathophysiology, brain changes, and behavioral alterations, we used a targeted approach for clearing amyloid beta and tau to rescue functional interactions in the brain. This research strongly connects brain activity patterns during sleep to tau and amyloid accumulation, and will aid in understanding the mechanisms underlying cognitive dysfunction in AD. Furthermore, the results offer insight for improving early identification and treatment strategies.

Antibiotic-induced gut microbe dysbiosis alters neurobehavior in mice through modulation of BDNF and gut integrity

Gut microbiota is essential for intestinal integrity and brain functions. Herein we aimed to investigate the effects of alteration of gut microbiome using broad-spectrum antibiotics on CD 1 male mice (germ-modified group (GM). Moreover, we co-administrated probiotics with or without antibiotics for four weeks and evaluated if probiotics could reverse these behavioral and intestinal effects. GM, co-administered antibiotics and probiotics, and probiotics-only groups were compared to control mice of the same sex, age, and weight that did not receive either drug (n=12 in all groups). Cultivation of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria was evaluated by fecal culture of all groups. We tested exploratory behavior, anxiety, memory, depression-like behavior, and hippocampal and frontal lobe BDNF protein level alterations in response to antibiotics and its downstream effect on the PI3K/Akt1/Bcl2 pathway. Intestinal integrity was evaluated using gene expression analysis of ZO-1, claudin, and occludin genes. Additionally, the inflammatory TLR4 and p-p38 MAPK pathways in the intestines were investigated. Twice-daily administration of oral antibiotics for four weeks significantly reduced total bacterial count and upregulated TLR4 and p-p38.GM mice showed a significant reduction in BDNF(P =0.04), impaired spatial memory, and long-term memory as evidenced by decreased T maze correct alternation trails and shortened retention time in the passive avoidance test in GM(P =0.01). Passive avoidance showed significantly increased latency after probiotics intake. Depressive-like behavior was more pronounced in GM mice as assessed by the tail suspension test (P =0.01). GM showed significant upregulation(p<0.001) of the TLR4 and p-p38 MAPK pathway. Co-administration of probiotics with antibiotics showed an increase in BDNF levels, and upregulation of the cell survival PI3K/Akt1/Bcl2 pathway, significantly higher relative abundance in the firmucutes members, a significant decrease in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio and downregulation of TLR4 and p-p38 MAPK. The tight junction proteins ZO-1, claudin and occludin were downregulated by antibiotic administration for four weeks and restored by probiotics. Collectively, the data suggest that long-term use of antibiotics appears to disrupt the intestinal epithelial barrier and alter neurobehavioral qualities specifically, long-term memory and exploratory drive, possibly through the reduction of BDNF, and probiotics partially reverse these effects.Our study emphasizes the effect of prolonged intake of antibiotics on production of dysbiosis as well as the impact of the antibiotic induced intestinal inflammation on neurobehavioral aspects in mice as the memory and anxiety-like behavior. We also reveal that co-administration of probiotics can reverse these changes

Regrettable Substitutes and the Brain: What Animal Models and Human Studies Tell Us about the Neurodevelopmental Effects of Bisphenol, Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances, and Phthalate Replacements.

In recent decades, emerging evidence has identified endocrine and neurologic health concerns related to exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA), certain per- and polyfluoroalkyl compounds (PFASs), and phthalates. This has resulted in consumer pressure to remove these chemicals from the market, especially in food-contact materials and personal care products, driving their replacement with structurally or functionally similar substitutes. However, these "new-generation" chemicals may be just as or more harmful than their predecessors and some have not received adequate testing. This review discusses the research on early-life exposures to new-generation bisphenols, PFASs, and phthalates and their links to neurodevelopmental and behavioral alterations in zebrafish, rodents, and humans. As a whole, the evidence suggests that BPA alternatives, especially BPAF, and newer PFASs, such as GenX, can have significant effects on neurodevelopment. The need for further research, especially regarding phthalate replacements and bio-based alternatives, is briefly discussed.

Never Overlook Security Awareness on Deployment

Since preliminary evidence supports the association between security culture and information security awareness (ISA), more research is needed to determine how it interacts with organizational culture. Beyond variations in respondent nation or gender, the study's findings also demonstrate an association between stronger cyber expertise and level of cyber awareness. Additionally, awareness is linked to defense mechanisms but not the information they were willing to divulge. People play an even more important role in the collaboration between those teams and the security team when security is incorporated into DevOps practices. Furthermore, security is crucial when creating essential systems since it allows us to control objectives, risks, and evidence. Labor only starts after implementing security into the DevOps toolchain. To establish a security culture, we are additionally required to start with behavioral alterations. One of the largest Sharia banks in Indonesia anticipated cyberattacks in 2023, demonstrating to us how crucial security is in the modern world. Although no one could claim that using one of the security solutions would guarantee absolute safety, information security technology is quite dynamic. Future studies could improve on the current findings by taking into account national culture. This study has the aim of proving that we are never satisfied by current security maturity even if you or your company is implementing the best security tools, because the vulnerability can come from that deployment and wherever the environment itself.

Differential effects of antidepressant sertraline in glochidia-fish interactions involving drug transfer from parasite to host

This study examined the impact of sertraline, an antidepressant common in treated wastewater, on the host-parasite dynamics between parasitic freshwater mussel (Unio tumidus, Unionidae) larvae (glochidia) and their host fish (Squalius cephalus, Cyprinidae). Employing a full-factorial design, both fish and glochidia were subjected to sertraline at the combinations of 0 µg L−1 (control), 0.2 µg L−1 (environmentally relevant concentration), and 4 µg L−1 (elevated concentration, short-term exposure of the parasite). The results showed that long-term host exposure (involving intensive sertraline accumulation in the fish brain) marginally increased subsequent glochidia attachment success by 2 %, while parasite exposure at the same environmentally relevant concentrations had no detectable effect. There was also no effect of exposure of glochidia to 0.2 µg L−1 of sertraline on their viability and encapsulation success during the initial parasitic stage. However, a significant alteration in attachment behavior, marked by a 3.3 % increase in attachment success and changes in the glochidia spatial distribution on the host body, was noted after 24 h of glochidia exposure to 4 µg L−1 of sertraline. Importantly, this study provides the first evidence of sertraline transfer from exposed glochidia to nonexposed host fish, as indicated by elevated levels of sertraline (12.8 ng g−1) in the brain tissue of nonexposed hosts. These findings highlight the subtle yet significant effects of pharmaceutical pollutants on freshwater ecosystems but also underscore the importance of understanding the unexpected dynamics of such contamination to predict and address future ecological changes.

Sub-acute toxicity, antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of Mucuna pruriens L. leaves in experimental rodents

Ethnopharmacological relevanceMucuna pruriens L is a wild and cultivated leguminous plant which have been used as an aphrodisiac, diuretic, nerve tonic, and antiarthritic agent. AimTo evaluate the toxicity, antinociceptive, and anti-inflammatory activities of M. pruriens (EEMP) ethanol extract in experimental models. MethodsM. pruriens dried leaves were extracted using aqueous ethanol (30:70). Tests for acute and subacute toxicity were conducted on rats and mice. Mice were used in hotplate, acetic acid, and formalin models to test the antinociceptive activity of EEMP. The anti-inflammatory properties of EEMP (25, 100, and 400 mg/kg) were assessed egg albumin, carrageenan, and formalin-induced oedema models. The study examined the anti-inflammatory mechanism of EEMP (25–400 mg/kg) in rats with an air pouch caused by carrageenan. Air pouch exudates were tested for total leucocytes and differential cell counts, TNF-α, IL-6, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde, nitrites, and reduced glutathione (GSH). ResultsThe acute oral toxic dose of EEMP is greater than 2000 mg/kg. There were no significant behavioral, hematological or biochemical alterations seen after 14-days repeated administration of EEMP (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) in mice. The EEMP demonstrated significant antinociceptive activity in hotplate, acetic acid and formalin-induced nociception in mice. The EEMP significantly and dose dependently reduced paw oedema at 2, 4 and 96 h in the egg-albumin, carrageenan- and formalin-induced paw oedema, respectively. Exudates volume, inflammatory cell counts, TNF-α, IL-6, myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde and nitrites were significantly reduced, while GSH increased in carrageenan-air pouch of EEMP-treated rats. ConclusionMucuna pruriens leaves ethanol extract demonstrated good safety profile as well as antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory activity through mechanisms related to inhibition of oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as lysosomal membrane stability.

Comparison of the acute toxicity and behavioural effects of two pyrethroids on African catfish Clarias gariepinus fingerlings

Two of the most-commonly used pyrethroid insecticides were subjected to static bioassays to determine their acute toxicity to Clarias gariepinus fingerlings, followed by comparisons of their impact on mortality and behavioural changes in the fish. The LC50 values for deltamethrin (DMT) at exposure durations of 24, 48 and 96 h were 12, 9 and 8 µg l−1, respectively; the LC50 values for cypermethrin (CYP) at the same exposure durations were 55, 44 and 26 µg l−1, respectively. The estimated safe limits ranged from 8×10−1 to 8×10−5 µg l−1 for DMT, and 26×10−1 to 26×10−5 µg l-1 for CYP. The tested substances had an acute toxicity effect on fish development as they caused death, and chronic toxicity effects as they changed fish behaviour. Fish exposed to either one of these pesticides showed behavioural alterations, such as loss of static balance, excessive mucous secretion, irregular swimming, gulping of air and skin discolouration. The results reveal that CYP was less toxic (96-h LC50 = 26 µg l−1) than DMT (96-h LC50 = 8 µg l−1) based on the greater LC50 value and a lower percentage of mortality. To avoid potential ecotoxicological risks to aquatic life, use of these pyrethroids in both terrestrial and freshwater ecosystems must be treated with caution.

Predator presence influences survival and behavior of translocated stream fish in ponds

Abstract Small artificial impoundments such as farm ponds have recently been recognized as potential habitat for threatened native fish species. However, factors influencing translocation or colonization success into these environments, including connectivity to stream networks and interactions with existing fish community, are largely unknown. In this study we conducted a controlled experiment to quantify the influence of piscivorous Largemouth Bass Micropterus salmoides on the survival of a translocated native minnow species that we used as a surrogate for federally endangered Topeka Shiner Notropis topeka. We translocated or released 100 Bluntnose Minnow Pimephales notatus into each replicate treatment ponds with and without Largemouth Bass in the summers of 2020 and 2021. Each minnow was implanted with a passive integrated transponder (PIT) tag. Translocated populations were monitored using stationary and mobile passive integrated transponder antennas and estimates of apparent survival and probability of detection for each pond were derived from open population mark-recapture models. Apparent survival was nearly two times higher in ponds without bass suggesting predation by bass leads to higher mortality. Additionally, probability of detection was nearly 10 times higher in ponds without bass, suggesting reduced movement of translocated minnows when bass were present. While the direct effect of mortality impacts translocated populations, the indirect effect of altered behavior may also be impactful on translocation success. These results confirm that Largemouth Bass can limit the success of translocated minnow species.

Progesterone attenuate autism-like-phenotype through modulation of cerebral inflammation and oxidative stress

Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder that characterises repetitive behaviour and impairment in social communication as well as interaction. The complex aetiology of ASD involves multiple genes, epigenetic mechanisms and environmental factors. Propionic acid (PPA) is observed to be well associated with behavioural and biochemical phenotypes akin to ASD. This study evaluates the potential effect of progesterone in PPA-induced ASD phenotype. Materials and Methods: PPA (250 mg/kg, po) was administered to induce ASD-like behavioural and neurobiochemical alterations in Albino Wistar rats from post-natal day 21st to 23rd. Rats were observed for locomotor activity (open filed apparatus), exploratory behaviour (hole board apparatus- no. of rearing, latency to first poke and hole poking), stereotypy behaviour (self-grooming) and biochemical parameters (interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha, glutathione and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance). Results: Post-natal PPA administration resulted in hyperlocomotion, repetitive behaviour and a decrease in exploratory activity. Furthermore, an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress markers was observed in the brain regions of PPA-administered rats. Progesterone (4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg) administration was observed to attenuate postnatal PPA-induced impairments in experimental animals. Conclusion: Progesterone (4 mg/kg and 8 mg/kg) administration may protect against behavioural and biochemical alterations that are associated with ASD.

Electrochemical and Theoretical Investigations on the Binding of Anticancer Drug Olaparib to Human Serum Albumin

Abstract This article explores the interaction between Olaparib (OLA), an anticancer drug, and human serum albumin (HSA) on a glassy carbon electrode using cyclic voltammetry and differential pulse voltammetry methods. The study investigates the alterations in the electrochemical behavior of [Fe(CN)6]3–/4– redox pairs in a physiological pH buffer solution due to the OLA-HSA interaction. The electrochemical and kinetic parameters of the redox probe were calculated in the presence of both the drug and protein. Notable variations in these parameters were observed, which can be attributed to the formation of an electro-inactive complex between the protein and drug. The study determined the parameters describing the OLA-HSA complex, including the binding constant and complex stoichiometry. The results revealed the formation of a strong singular drug-albumin complex with a binding constant of 1.12 × 105 M–1. Molecular docking studies supported the experimental findings and provided insights into the binding interactions of OLA with HSA. This study provides valuable insights for future research aimed at enhancing drug delivery systems.

Pollen products collected from honey bee hives experiencing minor stress have altered fungal communities and reduced antimicrobial properties.

Fungi are increasingly recognised to play diverse roles within honey bee hives, acting as pathogens, mutualists, and commensals. Pollen products, essential for hive nutrition, host significant fungal communities with potential protective and nutritional benefits. In this study, we profile the fungal communities and antifungal properties of three pollen products from healthy and stressed hives: fresh pollen collected by forager bees from local plants; stored pollen packed into the comb inside the hive; and bee bread, which is stored pollen following anaerobic fermentation used for bee and larval nutrition. Using amplicon sequencing, we found significant differences in fungal community composition, with hive health and sample type accounting for 8.8% and 19.3% of variation in beta diversity, respectively. Pollen and bee bread extracts had species-specific antimicrobial activity and inhibited the fungal hive pathogens Ascosphaera apis, Aspergillus flavus, and Aspergillus fumigatus, and the bacterial hive pathogen Paenibacillus larvae. Activity was positively correlated with phenolic and antioxidant content and was diminished in stressed hives. The plant source of pollen determined by amplicon sequencing differed in stressed hives, suggesting altered foraging behaviour. These findings illustrate the complex interplay between honey bees, fungal communities, and hive products, which should be considered in hive management and conservation.

Assessment of in vitro antioxidant potential of Bambusa balcooa crude extracts and their safety evaluation based on biochemical alteration in C57bL/6 mice

Bamboo is an ancient therapeutic plant, having shoots and leaves with high nutritional as well as medicinal value. Owing to their indigenous therapeutic uses, the bamboo-based pharmaceutical and nutraceutical products are in great demand among the masses. However, anti-nutritional factors present in the shoots have toxic effects, which makes their processing and safety evaluation an essential step prior to consumed as food or for possible medicinal effects. Present study evaluated the phytochemicals, in vitro antioxidant potential and toxicity profile of crude extracts of Bambusa balcooa leaf and fresh as well as processed shoots. Total phenol and flavonoid content were found highest in the leaf extract (BLE) whereas among shoots highest content was in the fermented shoot extract (FMSE). Ferric ion reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrazyl free radical scavenging activities of BLE and FMSE were also high, corresponding to the presence of various phytochemicals including rich flavonoid and phenol content. The safety profile of bamboo extracts was evaluated by their oral administration to C57BL/6 male mice with the dose of 200 mg/kg body weight for 10 weeks. Results revealed no significant alteration in body weight and general behaviour in all plant extract treated groups in comparison to control. There was slight decrease in the serum lactate dehydrogenase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase level of BLE and FMSE treated groups while serum protein, alkaline phosphatase, urea and blood urea nitrogen of all treatment groups remain similar to the control group. The study revealed that all the extracts of Bambusa balcooa are considered safe as no toxicity was observed, and fermented shoots and leaf extract having highest in vitro antioxidant activity need to be further analysed for their associated health benefits.

Assessment of toxicity of pyriproxyfen, Bacillus thuringiensis, and malathion and their mixtures used for mosquito control on embryo-larval development and behavior of zebrafish.

Pyriproxyfen (PPF), Bacillus thuringiensis israelensis (BTI), and malathion (MLT) are widely used worldwide to control the population of mosquitos that transmit arboviruses. The current work aimed to evaluate the toxicity of these single pesticides and their binary mixtures of PPF + BTI, PPF + MLT, and MLT + BTI on the embryo-larval stage of zebrafish (Danio rerio) as an animal model. Epiboly, mortality, apical endpoints, affected animals, heart rate, morphometric, thigmotaxis, touch sensitivity, and optomotor response tests were evaluated. PPF and MLT and all mixtures reduced the epiboly percentage. Mortality increased significantly in all exposed groups, except BTI, with MLT being the most toxic. The observed apical endpoints were pericardial and yolk sac edemas, and tail and spine deformation. Exposure to MLT showed a higher percentage of affected animals. A reduction in heart rate was also observed in MLT- and PPF + MLT-exposed groups. The PPF + MLT mixture decreased head measurements. Behavioral alterations were observed, with a decrease in thigmotaxis and touch sensitivity responses in PPF + MLT and MLT + BTI groups. Finally, optomotor responses were affected in all groups. The above data obtained suggest that the MLT + PFF mixture has the greatest toxicity effects. This mixture affected embryo-larval development and behavior and is close to the reality in several cities that use both pesticides for mosquito control rather than single pesticides, leading to a reevaluation of the strategy for mosquito control.

The effect of graphene oxide administration on the brains of male mice: Behavioral study and assessment of oxidative stress

Graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticles are attracting growing interest in various fields, not least because of their distinct characteristics and possible uses. However, concerns about their impact on neurological health are emerging, underlining the need for in-depth studies to assess their neurotoxicity. This study examines GO exposure's neurobehavioral and biochemical effects on the central nervous system (CNS). To this end, we administered two doses of GO (2 and 5 mg/kg GO) to mice over a 46-day treatment period. We performed a battery of behavioral tests on the mice, including the open field to assess locomotor activity, the maze plus to measure anxiety, the pole test to assess balance and the rotarod to measure motor coordination. In parallel, we analyzed malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and catalase activity in the brains of mice exposed to GO nanoparticles. In addition, X-ray energy dispersive (EDX) analysis was performed to determine the molecular composition of the brain. Our observations reveal brain alterations in mice exposed to GO by intraperitoneal injection, demonstrating a dose-dependent relationship. We identified behavioral alterations in mice exposed to GO, such as increased anxiety, decreased motor coordination, reduced locomotor activity and balance disorders. These changes were dose-dependent, suggesting a correlation between the amount of GO administered and the extent of behavioral alterations. At the same time, a dose-dependent increase in malondialdehyde and catalase activity was observed, reinforcing the correlation between exposure intensity and associated biochemical responses.

Exercise-induced inflammation alters the perception and visual exploration of emotional interactions

IntroductionThe study aimed to investigate whether an exercise-induced pro-inflammatory response alters the perception as well as visual exploration of emotional body language in social interactions. MethodsIn a within-subject design, 19 male, healthy adults aged between 19 and 33 years performed a downhill run for 45 min at 70% of their VO2max on a treadmill to induce maximal myokine blood elevations, leading to a pro-inflammatory status. Two control conditions were selected: a control run with no decline and a rest condition without physical exercise. Blood samples were taken before (T0), directly after (T1), 3 h after (T3), and 24 h after (T24) each exercise for analyzing the inflammatory response. 3 h after exercise, participants observed point-light displays (PLDs) of human interactions portraying four emotions (happiness, affection, sadness, and anger). Participants categorized the emotional content, assessed the emotional intensity of the stimuli, and indicated their confidence in their ratings. Eye movements during the entire paradigm and self-reported current mood were also recorded. ResultsThe downhill exercise condition resulted in significant elevations of measured cytokines (IL6, CRP, MCP-1) and markers for muscle damage (Myoglobin) compared to the control running condition, indicating a pro-inflammatory state after the downhill run. Emotion recognition rates decreased significantly after the downhill run, whereas no such effect was observed after control running. Participants' sensitivity to emotion-specific cues also declined. However, the downhill run had no effect on the perceived emotional intensity or the subjective confidence in the given ratings. Visual scanning behavior was affected after the downhill run, with participants fixating more on sad stimuli, in contrast to the control conditions, where participants exhibited more fixations while observing happy stimuli. ConclusionOur study demonstrates that inflammation, induced through a downhill running model, impairs perception and emotional recognition abilities. Specifically, inflammation leads to decreased recognition rates of emotional content of social interactions, attributable to diminished discrimination capabilities across all emotional categories. Additionally, we observed alterations in visual exploration behavior. This confirms that inflammation significantly affects an individual's responsiveness to social and affective stimuli.

Social fear extinction susceptibility is associated with Microbiota-Gut-Brain axis alterations

Social anxiety disorder is a common psychiatric condition that severely affects quality of life of individuals and is a significant societal burden. Although many risk factors for social anxiety exist, it is currently unknown how social fear sensitivity manifests biologically. Furthermore, since some individuals are resilient and others are susceptible to social fear, it is important to interrogate the mechanisms underpinning individual response to social fear situations. The microbiota-gut-brain axis has been associated with social behaviour, has recently been linked with social anxiety disorder, and may serve as a therapeutic target for modulation. Here, we assess the potential of this axis to be linked with social fear extinction processes in a murine model of social anxiety disorder. To this end, we correlated differential social fear responses with microbiota composition, central gene expression, and immune responses. Our data provide evidence that microbiota variability is strongly correlated with alterations in social fear behaviour. Moreover, we identified altered gene candidates by amygdalar transcriptomics that are linked with social fear sensitivity. These include genes associated with social behaviour (Armcx1, Fam69b, Kcnj9, Maoa, Serinc5, Slc6a17, Spata2, and Syngr1), inflammation and immunity (Cars, Ckmt1, Klf5, Maoa, Map3k12, Pex5, Serinc5, Sidt1, Spata2), and microbe-host interaction (Klf5, Map3k12, Serinc5, Sidt1). Together, these data provide further evidence for a role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in social fear responses.

Pre-clinical studies comparing the anti-inflammatory potential of artemisinic compounds by targeting NFκB/TNF-α/NLRP3 and Nrf2/TRX pathways in Balb/C mice.

Artemisinin, artemether, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin are renowned for their antimalarial potential. The current study aims to repurpose the above-mentioned artemisinic compounds (ACs) by conducting an intercomparison to evaluate their antiinflammatory potential (AIP). In order to develop potential candidates for the evaluation of AIP of ACs (50 and 100 mg/kg BW), carbon tetrachloride (1ml/kg body weight (BW)) was administered intraperitoneally to BALB/c mice. Alterations in animal behavior were assessed weekly through tail suspension test, force swim test, open field test, Y-maze test, inverted screen analysis, and weight lifting test. Aberrations in hematological, serological, endogenous antioxidants, and oxidative stress marker profiles were assessed in all twelve groups. Histological alterations were read using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of inflammatory markers including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), were determined using immunohistochemical analysis (IHCA). Antioxidant markers i.e., nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf-2) and thioredoxin (TRX) were also quantified through IHCA. Comet assay was performed to quantify DNA damage. Oral administration of ACs to mice significantly alleviated the carbon tetrachloride induced inflammation in comparison with silymarin. Reduced levels of several inflammatory markers including nitric oxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, interleukin-1 beta, NF-κB, TNF-α, and NLRP3, underscore the substantial AIP of ACs. IHCA depicted the revitalized percent relative expression of Nrf-2 and TRX in groups treated with ACs. Behavioral analysis revealed that ACs-treated groups significantly (p<0.05) attenuated the memory deficit, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior. Moreover, histopathological, hematological, serological, and endogenous antioxidant profiles indicated substantial AIP of ACs. Findings of comet assay further bolstered the compelling evidence as DNA damage was significantly (p<0.05) curbed down after ACs (100 mg/kg) treatment. All these outcomes implied that ACs exhibited AIP in a dose-dependent manner with maximal AIP imparted by artemisinin (100 mg/kg). This pre-clinical investigation avers the tremendous AIP of ACs targeting key molecular pathways. The current study divulges artemisinin as the most potent antiinflammatory agent among the tested compounds.

Hormonal Changes During Acute Stress Response

In today’s environment, people constantly find themselves confronted with a wide range of upsetting situations. It is possible for stress to cause changes in the levels of a wide variety of hormones that are found in the serum, including glucocorticoids, catecholamines, growth hormone, and thyroid hormones. The “fight or flight” response requires certain adjustments to be made in order to ensure the individual’s safety. There is a possibility that certain stress-related responses can lead to endocrine illnesses such as Graves’ disease, gonadal dysfunction, psychosexual dwarfism, and obesity. Furthermore, stress has the potential to alter the clinical status of a wide variety of preexisting endocrine illnesses, such as contributing to the onset of adrenal crisis and thyroid storm. Significant consequences of stress include changes in behavior and systemic alterations, as well as changes in cellular mechanisms, hormonal , and brain stimulation. These changes can be observed at all levels, including cellular mechanisms, hormonal changes, and brain stimulation. An entirely new field of research has lately revealed the impacts of stress on human behavior, social cognition, and health. This is in spite of the fact that the influence of stress on health has been the subject of substantial research for a considerable amount of time

NARP-related alterations in the excitatory and inhibitory circuitry of socially isolated mice: developmental insights and implications for autism spectrum disorder.

Social isolation during critical periods of development is associated with alterations in behavior and neuronal circuitry. This study aimed to investigate the immediate and developmental effects of social isolation on firing properties, neuronal activity-regulated pentraxin (NARP) and parvalbumin (PV) expression in the prefrontal cortex (PFC), social behavior in juvenile socially isolated mice, and the biological relevance of NARP expression in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Mice were subjected to social isolation during postnatal days 21-35 (P21-P35) and were compared with group-housed control mice. Firing properties in the PFC pyramidal neurons were altered in P35 socially isolated mice, which might be associated with alterations in NARP and PV expression. In adulthood, mice that underwent juvenile social isolation exhibited difficulty distinguishing between novel and familiar mice during a social memory task, while maintaining similar levels of social interaction as the control mice. Furthermore, a marked decrease in NARP expression in lymphoblastoid cell lines derived from adolescent humans with ASD as compared to typically developing (TD) humans was found. Our study highlights the role of electrophysiological properties, as well as NARP and PV expression in the PFC in mediating the developmental consequences of social isolation on behavior.