Social Isolation Stress Research Articles

The effect of acute restraint or social isolation stress exposure on B and T:B lymphocyte profiles

The effect of acute restraint or social isolation stress exposure on B and T:B lymphocyte profiles

Unraveling the Threads: A Comprehensive Exploration of the Interplay be-tween Social Isolation and Academic Stress Among Students

In the labyrinthine landscape of student experiences, this research endeavors to unravel the intricate relationship between social isolation and academic stress. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, our study amalgamates quantitative rigor with qualitative depth to paint a comprehensive portrait of the challenges faced by students navigating the confluence of social dynamics and educational pressures. The primary objective is to understand how social isolation influences the prevalence and intensity of academic stress among students. Through a dual lens of theory and practice, the research aims to contribute to both the theoretical frameworks shaping stress models and the practical interventions implemented within educational institutions. A diverse sample of students across various educational institutions participated in this study. Quantitative data were gathered through structured surveys, probing the prevalence of social isolation and its correlation with academic stress. Qualitative insights were obtained through in-depth interviews and focus group discussions, unraveling the nuanced experiences and coping mechanisms employed by students. The research affirms a significant positive correlation between social isolation and academic stress, establishing a quantifiable connection. Qualitative narratives unveil the emotional dimensions of social isolation, emphasizing loneliness, fear of failure, and a sense of disconnection as prevalent themes. Stressors such as performance expectations and a competitive academic environment emerge as catalysts that intensify stress levels among socially isolated students. Theoretical implications extend to the refinement of stress models by integrating emotional well-being and recognizing intersectionality. Practical implications advocate for tailored institutional support systems, mental health literacy initiatives, and the integration of social support into academic programs. Collaborative efforts between researchers and practitioners are essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice. As this research concludes, it beckons educators, institutions, and policymakers to heed the call for transformative change. By prioritizing the emotional and social well-being of students alongside academic success, we pave the way for educational environments that foster resilience, support, and holistic growth. This research stands as a catalyst for ongoing conversations and actions, recognizing that the journey to understanding and enhancing student experiences is an ever-evolving endeavor

Влияние разных видов стресса на биопсихологический возраст

<p style="text-align: justify;">The article presents an analysis of modern research on the problem of the impact of stress on the biopsychological age of a person. Understanding the reasons for the increase in biopsychological age is important in the search for ways to slow down premature aging. Various types of stress are considered: combat stress (“war stress”), professional (work), retirement, COVID-19-related stress, as well as social isolation stress (“loneliness stress”). It is revealed that the “Stress of war” accelerates the pace of psychological (subjective), biological, epigenetic aging, causes a mismatch of biological and psychological ages. The consequence of occupational stress is an increase in the number of biomarkers of aging. Retirement stress and “loneliness stress” increase the biological age relative to the calendar. The impact of psychological stress in old age, as well as stress associated with an infectious disease, increases the immunological age and enhances immunological aging. All types of stress reduce the quality of life, increase the risk of premature aging and premature death. Based on the results of the review, it was suggested that one of the most effective factors capable of minimizing the harmful effects of stress on a person's biopsychological age is the psychological security of the individual.</p>

Impact of prolonged chronic social isolation stress on behavior and multifractal complexity of metabolic rate in Octodon degus

Social interaction can improve animal performance through the prevention of stress-related events, the provision of security, and the enhancement of reproductive output and survival. We investigated the effects of prolonged chronic social isolation stress on behavioral, cognitive, and physiological performance in the social, long-lived rodent Octodon degus. Degu pups were separated into two social stress treatments: control (CTRL) and chronically isolated (CI) individuals from post-natal and post-weaning until adulthood. We quantified anxiety-like behavior and cognitive performance with a battery of behavioral tests. Additionally, we measured their basal metabolic rate (BMR) and analyzed the multifractal properties of the oxygen consumption time series using Multifractal Detrended Fluctuation Analysis, a well-known method for assessing the fractal characteristics of biological signals. Our results showed that CI induced a significant increase in anxiety-like behaviors and led to a reduction in social and working memory in male degus. In addition, CI-treated degus reduced the multifractal complexity of BMR compared to CTRL, which implies a decrease in the ability to respond to environmental stressors and, as a result, an unhealthy state. In contrast, we did not observe significant effects of social stress on BMR. Multivariate analyses showed a clear separation of behavior and physiological variables into two clusters, corresponding to CI and CTRL degus. This study provides novel insights into the effects of prolonged chronic social isolation stress on behavior, cognitive performance, and metabolic complexity in this rodent animal model. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first study to integrate cognitive-behavioral performance and multifractal dynamics of a physiological signal in response to prolonged social isolation. These findings highlight the importance of social interactions for the well-being and overall performance of social animals.

Effect of dietary vitamin D3 and ultraviolet-B light on the behaviour and growth of broilers challenged with social isolation stress

Within intensive poultry production systems, broilers are reared indoors, at fast growth rates in controlled environments with little access to natural light, which together impacts the expression of natural behaviours. Birds can see into the ultraviolet spectrum and the provision of ultraviolet-B (UVB) light may support the expression of natural behaviour and endogenous synthesis of vitamin D3 (vitD3). Commercially, chickens regularly encounter stressors, and both the environment and diet can influence their response to stressors. This study was designed to compare the impacts of providing dietary vitD3 at 4000 IU/kg (VitD) compared with provision via UVB light on the behaviour of broilers challenged with periodic social isolation stress. One-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 192) were randomly allocated to non-isolated (control) and periodically isolated groups and were provided with either, additional dietary vitD3, or UVB light, in a 2 × 2 factorial design. UVB lamps were provided in all pens (12% UVB D3 of 55 cm length, 24-Watt, 280–315 nm wavelength and 28.12 µW/cm2 intensity) but in the VitD treatment, there were filters to remove UVB. Behaviour was recorded from video footage using instantaneous scans measuring the number of birds engaged in each behaviour six times per day on 12 days spread across days 2–39, resulting in 72 scan samples per pen. Body weight was measured weekly and analysed to provide context for understanding the activity of broilers. Body weight was modelled using growth curves and poisson models were used to analyse behaviour, controlling for the number of birds visible in scans. Chickens performed less active behaviour when they had been periodically isolated. Chickens spent more time sitting inactive (and less sitting active) and sleeping when they received UVB light but were not isolated. Sunbathing was lower in isolation treatments compared to controls, but this effect was reduced when they received UVB lighting. The growth rate of chickens was highest in the isolation and VitD treatment and higher for VitD compared to UVB treatments. Higher activity on days 2 and 39 was associated with a lower growth rate. These results indicate some benefits of supplementation of UVB light in terms of observing natural behaviour when chickens are exposed to stressors. However, we did not observe large differences in behaviour in chickens receiving UVB light compared to those provided with VitD. Further research is needed to investigate the benefits and optimal level of UVB light to support the behaviour and welfare of broilers.

OR29-03 Social Isolation Stress Leads To Bone Loss In Adult Male, But Not Female, C57BL/6J Mice

Abstract Disclosure: R. Mountain: None. A. Langlais: None. D. Hu: None. R.E. Baron: None. C. Lary: None. K.J. Motyl: None. Social isolation is a potent form of psychosocial stress and is a growing public health concern, particularly among older adults. Even prior to the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has significantly increased the prevalence of isolation and loneliness, researchers have been concerned about a rising “Epidemic of Loneliness”. Social isolation is associated with increased risk for many health conditions, including mental health disorders, as well as higher overall morbidity and mortality. Previous clinical research has demonstrated that psychosocial stressors, and subsequent mental health disorders, are major risk factors for osteoporosis and fracture, which disproportionally affect older adults. The effects of social isolation on bone, however, have not been thoroughly investigated. The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that social isolation would lead to bone loss in male and female C57BL/6J mice. 16-week-old mice were randomized into social isolation (1 mouse/cage) or grouped housing (4 mice/cage) for four weeks (N=16/group). Social isolation significantly decreased trabecular bone parameters, including bone volume fraction (BV/TV) by 26% (Grouped: 21.9 ± 3.6%; Isolated: 16.2 ± 2.1%) (p < 0.0001), as well as BMD, Tb. N., and Tb. Th, in the femur of male, but not female, mice. Femoral cortical bone parameters were also significantly decreased in isolated male mice, including a 9% decrease in cortical thickness (Ct.Th.) (Grouped: 0.187 ± 0.011 mm; Isolated: 0.169 ± 0.009 mm) (p < 0.0001), as well as Ct.Ar., Ct.Ar./Tt.Ar., and pMOI. There were no significant differences in cortical measurements in females. Additionally, isolated male mice had signs of reduced bone remodeling represented by reduced osteoblast numbers and osteoblast-related gene expression, and osteoclast-related gene expression. However, isolated females had increased bone resorption-related gene expression, without any change in bone mass. The magnitude of bone loss in isolated males is as high as that seen in previous studies 4 weeks after orchiectomy or ovariectomy. Overall, our data suggest that social isolation has a dramatic negative effect on bone in males, but may operate through different mechanisms or in a different time frame in females. Future studies will focus on investigating potential mechanisms involving changes in endocrine signaling via glucocorticoid, sympathetic nervous system, and estrogen pathways. These results provide critical insight into the effects of isolation on bone and have key clinical implications as we grapple with the long-term health impacts of the rise in social isolation related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Presentation: Sunday, June 18, 2023

“We felt so proud by the president calling us my heroes.” An exploration of the nurse’s experiences in the management of COVID-19 patients in Uganda

IntroductionAdequate and intensive nursing care was a key characteristic of recovery of the COVID-19 patients globally and in Uganda. However, there is limited literature on the experiences of nurses who participated in the care of COVID-19 patients in Uganda, East Africa, and Africa at large, yet imperative in designing approaches to increase the efficiency of the health systems’ response to future pandemics. To address this gap, this study aimed to explore the experiences of the nurses who managed COVID-19 patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda.MethodsThis was an exploratory qualitative study that used purposive sampling to identify 21 nurses who treated COVID-19 patients at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Uganda. Focus Group Discussions were used to collect data. Thematic Analysis was used to analyze the data. Common codes were identified and grouped to create subthemes and major themes.ResultsSix themes were identified: 1) Motivation to work on COVID-19 patients, 2 ) Roles performed by nurses, 3) High workload and professional role strain, 4) Challenges with maintaining personal health and relationships, 5) Institutional and government support, 6) Acquired professional knowledge and skills to manage critical patients and epidemics. Most of the nurses faced work burnout, social isolation, stress, and psychological trauma. However, interprofessional collaboration, financial incentives, government recognition, and provision of personal protective equipment, were key motivators for the nurses. The majority reported to have gained new knowledge and skills in the management of pandemics and highly infectious diseases.ConclusionThe nurses experienced negative scenarios like work burnout due to high workload, social isolation, and psychological stress. Therefore, there is a need for health systems to develop approaches and policies that support nurses’ well-being. Nevertheless, key attributes like resilience, adaptability, and diligence to serve enabled them to persevere despite the hardships faced.

Long-term social isolation stress exacerbates sex-specific neurodegeneration markers in a natural model of Alzheimer's disease.

Social interactions have a significant impact on health in humans and animal models. Social isolation initiates a cascade of stress-related physiological disorders and stands as a significant risk factor for a wide spectrum of morbidity and mortality. Indeed, social isolation stress (SIS) is indicative of cognitive decline and risk to neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). This study aimed to evaluate the impact of chronic, long-term SIS on the propensity to develop hallmarks of AD in young degus (Octodon degus), a long-lived animal model that mimics sporadic AD naturally. We examined inflammatory factors, bioenergetic status, reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, antioxidants, abnormal proteins, tau protein, and amyloid-β (Aβ) levels in the hippocampus of female and male degus that were socially isolated from post-natal and post-weaning until adulthood. Additionally, we explored the effect of re-socialization following chronic isolation on these protein profiles. Our results showed that SIS promotes a pro-inflammatory scenario more severe in males, a response that was partially mitigated by a period of re-socialization. In addition, ATP levels, ROS, and markers of oxidative stress are severely affected in female degus, where a period of re-socialization fails to restore them as it does in males. In females, these effects might be linked to antioxidant enzymes like catalase, which experience a decline across all SIS treatments without recovery during re-socialization. Although in males, a previous enzyme in antioxidant pathway diminishes in all treatments, catalase rebounds during re-socialization. Notably, males have less mature neurons after chronic isolation, whereas phosphorylated tau and all detectable forms of Aβ increased in both sexes, persisting even post re-socialization. Collectively, these findings suggest that long-term SIS may render males more susceptible to inflammatory states, while females are predisposed to oxidative states. In both scenarios, the accumulation of tau and Aβ proteins increase the individual susceptibility to early-onset neurodegenerative conditions such as AD.

Psychosocial risk factors and cognitive decline in people living with HIV: results from the Malaysian HIV and aging (MHIVA) study

ABSTRACT HIV-associated mortality has improved with the advent of antiretroviral therapy, yet neurocognitive decline persists. We assessed the association between psychosocial risk factors and cognitive function among Malaysian PLWH. Data of virally suppressed PLWH (n = 331) on stable ART, from the Malaysian HIV and Aging study was assessed. Psychosocial factors were assessed using the Lubben Social Network Scale-6 (social isolation) and Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21). The Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) with normative standards for the Malaysian population was used to determine cognitive function. Linear and logistic regression were used to assess the associations between cognition, and psychosocial risk factors. Median age of participants was 43.8 years (IQR 37.7–51.0). Participants were predominantly male (82.8%), with secondary education or higher (85.2%). Participants were on ART for 5.7 years (IQR 3.0–9.7), with a mean MoCA score of 24.6 (±3.7). Social isolation was found in 34.6% of participants, and severe depression, severe stress, and severe anxiety in 10.6%, 15.4%, and 6.0% respectively. After adjusting for demographic, clinical, and HIV parameters, MoCA scores were significantly associated with severe stress (β = −0.11, p = 0.02) and having marginal friendship ties (β = −0.13, p = 0.03). Social isolation and severe stress are associated with neurocognitive impairment in PLWH.

In search of stress: analysis of stress-related markers in mice after hindlimb unloading and social isolation

ABSTRACT Objectives Hindlimb unloading (HU), widely used to simulate microgravity effects, is known to induce a stress response. However, as single-housed animals are usually used in such experiments, social isolation (SI) stress can affect experimental results. In the present study, we aimed to delineate stressful effects of 3-day HU and SI in mice. Methods Three animal groups, HU, SI, and group-housed (GH) control mice, were recruited. A comprehensive analysis of stress-related markers was performed using ELISA, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Results Our results showed that blood corticosterone and activity of glucocorticoid receptors and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) in the hippocampus of SI and HU animals did not differ from GH control. However, SI mice demonstrated upregulation of the hippocampal corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH), inducible NO synthase (iNOS), vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1), and glutamate decarboxylases 65/67 (GAD65/67) along with activation of Fos-related antigen 1 (Fra-1) in the amygdala confirming the expression of stress. In HU mice, the same increase in GAD65/67 and Fra-1 indicated the contribution of SI. The special HU effect was expressed only in neurogenesis attenuation. Discussion Thus, our data indicated that 3-day HU could not be characterized as physiological stress, but SI stress contributed to the negative effects of HU.

Effect of caffeine on hippocampal memory and levels of gene expression in social isolation stress.

Caffeine (Cf) antagonizes the adenosine receptors and has neuroprotective properties. The effect of Cf has been seen on stress-induced deficits of cognitive. In this study, we have investigated the effect of Cf on learning and memory functions induced by social isolation (SI) stress. In the present study, 21-day-old Wistar albino male rats (n = 28) were divided into four groups: the control (C), the SI, the Cf, and the social isolation + caffeine (SICf). Cf (0.3 g/L) was added to the drinking water of the experimental animals for 4weeks. The learning and memory functions were assessed using the Morris Water Maze Test (MWMT). Following, was performed histopathological evaluation and determined hippocampal gene expression levels by RT-qPCR. According to MWMT findings, the time spent in the quadrant where the platform removed was decreased in the SI group compared with the C (p < 0.05). Histological evaluation showed morphological changes in SI by irregular appearance, cellular edema, and dark pycnotic appearance of nuclei in some neurons. However, it was observed that the histological structure of most of the neurons in the SICf group was similar to the C and Cf groups. Hippocampal SNAP25 expression was decreased in the Cf and SICf groups than in the C group (p < 0.05). The GFAP expression was increased in the SICf group than in the C group (p < 0.05). NR2A increased in the SI and SICf groups compared with C and Cf groups (p < 0.05). NR2B expression decreased in the Cf group compared with C and SI groups (p < 0.05). SI impaired spatial memory and causes morphological changes in adolescent rats, but this effect of isolation was not seen in Cf-treated animals. The effects of SI on NR2A, Cf on NR2B, and SNAP25 are remarkable. Here, we propose that the impaired effect of SI on spatial memory may be mediated by NR2A, but further studies are needed to explain this effect.

Sex differences in ethanol consumption and drinking despite negative consequences following adolescent social isolation stress in male and female rats

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a debilitating psychiatric disorder characterized by drinking despite negative social and biological consequences. AUDs make up 71% of substance use disorders, with relapse rates as high as 80%. Current treatments stem from data conducted largely in males and fail to target the psychological distress motivating drinking in stress-vulnerable and at-risk populations. Here we employed a rat model and hypothesized that early life stress would reveal sex differences in ethanol intake and drinking despite negative consequences in adulthood. Rats were group housed or isolated postweaning to evaluate sex and stress effects on ethanol consumption in homecage drinking, self-administration (SA), and punished SA (drinking despite negative consequences) in adulthood. Stressed rats showed elevated homecage ethanol intake, an effect more pronounced in females. During SA, males were more sensitive to stress-induced elevations of drinking over time, but females drank more overall. Stressed rats, regardless of sex, responded more for ethanol than their non-stressed counterparts. Stressed females showed greater resistance to punishment-suppressed SA than stressed males, indicating a more stress-resistant drinking phenotype. Results support our hypothesis that adolescent social isolation stress enhances adult ethanol intake in a sex- and model-dependent manner with females being especially sensitive to early life stress-induced elevations in ethanol intake and punished SA in adulthood. Our findings echo the clinical literature which indicates that stress-vulnerable populations are more likely to ‘self-medicate’ with substances. Elucidating a potential mechanism that underlies why vulnerable populations ‘self-medicate’ with alcohol can lead towards developing catered pharmacotherapeutics that could reduce punishment-resistant drinking and relapse.

Role of Acorus calamus in preventing depression, anxiety, and oxidative stress in long-term socially isolated rats.

Social isolation stress (SIS) and individual housing have been shown to cause abnormal cognitive insufficiencies, altered anxiety levels, and signs of psychiatric diseases. Acorus calamus (AC), commonly known as Sweet Flag, has been widely used in India to treat neurological, metabolic, and respiratory disorders, indicating its potential therapeutic value. This study aimed to determine the antidepressant and antioxidative effects of AC on rats subjected to long-term, social isolation-induced stress. This study involved 2-month-old male rats (24) weighing approximately 180-200 g bred in-house. The rats were divided into four groups (n = 6): Group 1 received saline, Group 2 received SIS, Group 3 received only 50 mg/kg AC, and Group 4 received 50 mg/kg AC and SIS for 6 weeks. After this, behavioral, biochemical, and neuronal assays were conducted. Behavioral experiments showed significantly higher activity levels (p < 0.001) in AC-treated rats than in the SIS group. In addition, rats subjected to SIS with AC treatment exhibited enhanced total antioxidants, superoxide dismutase, and neuronal assays compared to rats subjected to SIS alone. Acorus calamus treatment improved the antidepressant and antioxidant potential against SIS in rat brain tissue. Moreover, we proved that AC can effectively reverse the neurotoxicity induced by SIS in animal models. As we battle against the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic and social isolation, AC could be considered a supplementary treatment to alleviate depressive-like symptoms in our present-day lifestyle.

Betaine prevents cognitive dysfunction by suppressing hippocampal microglial activation in chronic social isolated male mice.

Chronic social isolation (SI) stress, which became more prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic, contributes to abnormal behavior, including mood changes and cognitive impairment. Known as a functional nutrient, betaine has potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties in vivo. However, whether betaine can alleviate the abnormal behavior induced by chronic SI in mice remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of betaine in the treatment of behavioral changes and its underlying mechanism. Three-week-old male mice were randomly housed for 8 weeks in either group housing (GH) or SI. The animals were divided into normal saline-treated GH, normal saline-treated SI, and betaine-treated SI groups in the sixth week. The cognitive and depression-like behavior was determined in the eighth week. We found that long-term betaine administration improved cognitive behavior in SI mice but failed to prevent depression-like behavior. Moreover, long-term betaine administration inhibited hippocampal microglia over-activation and polarized microglia toward the M2 phenotype, which effectively inhibited the expression of inflammatory factors in SI mice. Finally, the protective effect of betaine treatment in SI mice might not be due to altered activity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Collectively, our findings reveal that betaine can improve SI-induced cognitive impairment, thus providing an alternative natural source for the prevention of memory loss caused by SI or loneliness.

ДЕМЕНЦИЯ. ИЗМЕНЕНИЕ МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ ТЕРМИНОЛОГИИ В ОБЛАСТИ КОГНИТИВНЫХ РАССТРОЙСТВ, КАК МЕТОД БОРЬБЫ СО СТИГМАТИЗАЦИЕЙ

Insufficient amount of public awareness and knowledge about dementia often leads to stigma, which has significant negative consequences for people with dementia, as well as for their caregivers. Stigma interferes with proper patient care, leads to worse prognosis for people with dementia, increases their social isolation and reduces patients’ access to rehabilitation resources. Also, people with mild cognitive disorder (MCD) may suffer from social isolation and internal stress even with mild cognitive decline. Thus, the option of moving away from medical terminology should be considered, in an attempt to reduce the negative impact on people’s consciousness.

Social isolation stress favors cardiometabolic comorbidities of sleep apnea

Sleep apnea (SA) is a multifactorial and sex-specific respiratory disorder characterized by repeated respiratory arrests during sleep. However, the origins of this disease are not clearly identified. Chronic stress increases risk for obesity, hypertension, and depression, which are common comorbidities of SA. With the increasing prevalence of obesity and about one-third of the world population reported feeling stressed, the study of the impact of stress on respiratory homeostasis has never been so relevant. Since chronic stress induces the main comorbidities of SA, we hypothesized that social isolation (SI) stress induces sex-specific cardiorespiratory and metabolic disorders in rats similar to patients with SA.80 Sprague Dawley male and female rats (8 weeks old) were kept in: 1) standard housing (2/cage; controls) or in 2) social isolation (1/cage). At the end of the three-week protocol, apneas were quantified by whole-body plethysmography during sleep; respiratory variability was assessed by Poincaré plot analysis. Cardiovascular measurements were obtained by tail cuff, body composition by preclinical magnetic resonance, and plasma leptin and corticosterone levels by multiplex immunoassay. The amount of food was weighed before and after the experiments to calculate the intake.By comparison with controls, SI elevated corticosterone levels in male but not females. SI increased the apnea index in intact rat by 21% and augmented respiratory instability. SI also increased blood pressure (+11mmHg) and food intake (+11g/day); however, females had lower increases than males. In males, SI increases weight gains, fat mass, and decreases plasma leptin levels; these effects were not observed in females.SI promotes the emergence of apnea and respiratory instability during sleep. Since the cardiorespiratory and metabolic disturbances are similar to clinical features of SA patient, we propose that stress plays an important role in the etiology of SA. SI offers a novel and unique opportunity to study the origins and pathophysiology of SA. This research is supported by operating grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIRH, RK and VJ). N.J.M. was supported by a Sentinel North Partnered Research Chair in Sleep Pharmacometabolism and a Fonds de Recherche du Quebec Sante (FRQS) Research Scholar J1 award. MG is the recipient of a doctoral scholarship from the FRQS. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2023 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Difference in endocrine and behavior between short-term single- and paired-housing mice in metabolic cage

Metabolic cage housing which is exposed to a number of environmental stressors is often used in pharmacokinetic studies. In this study, we compared the difference in stress response between single- and paired-housing in metabolic cages by evaluating the alteration of urinary stress hormones and behavior. Mice were randomly divided into single- or paired-housing groups and placed in a metabolic cage with wire mesh. Their urine was collected every 24 h for consecutive 4 days to determine excreted catecholamine and corticosterone. The change in body weight was significantly decreased at 3 and 4 days in the single-housing group compared with that before the experiment, but not paired-housing group. The level of urinary catecholamines, such as noradrenaline, adrenaline, and their metabolite vanillylmandelic acid, was significantly increased in the single-housing compared with paired housing group and urinary corticosterone increased as well. Next, for the two similarly housed groups, we observed spontaneous behavior on the fourth day and conducted an elevated plus-maze test on the fifth day. Spontaneous behavior was not different between experimental groups. In the elevated plus-maze test, the proportion of time spent in the open arms was significantly prolonged in the paired-housing group compared to that of the single-housing group. Short-term social isolation stress loading in metabolic cages was suggested to exhibit endocrinological and behavioral changes in mice. To reduce such interference due to stress exposure, it was suggested to keep two mice in a metabolic cage.

Ellagic acid through attenuation of neuro-inflammatory response exerted antidepressant-like effects in socially isolated mice

Recent studies have been demonstrated that neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology of depression. Therefore, anti-inflammatory medications could be regarded as a potentially effective treatments for depression. Ellagic acid (EA) is a natural polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to evaluate the antidepressant-like effect of EA in a mouse model of social isolation stress (SIS), considering its potential anti-neuroinflammatory properties. In this study, 48 male mice were divided into six groups (n = 8), including saline-treated control (socially conditioned (SC)) group and SIS (isolation conditioned (IC)) groups treated with saline or EA at doses of 12.5, 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively. Saline and EA were administrated intraperitoneally for 14 constant days. Immobility time in the forced swimming test (FST) and grooming activity time in the splash test were measured. The gene expression of inflammatory cytokines relevant to neuroinflammation was assessed in the hippocampus by real-time PCR. Results showed that SIS significantly increased immobility time in the FST and reduced grooming activity time in the splash test. In addition, the expression of inflammatory genes, including TNF-α, IL-1β, and TLR4 increased in IC mice's hippocampi. Findings showed that EA decreased immobility time in the FST and increased grooming activity time in the splash test. Moreover, EA attenuated neuroimmune-response in the hippocampus. In conclusion, finding determined that EA, through attenuation of neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, partially at least, exerted an antidepressant-like effect in the mouse model of SIS.

Effects of agonists of melanocortin receptors MC3Rand MC4R on components of sexual behavior of male rats reared in condition of chronic social isolation

BACKGROUND: Melanocortins, including -melanocyte stimulating hormone (MSH), MSH, MSH, and adrenocorticotropic hormone, are products of the polypeptide proopiomelanocortin. These products bind to five different melanocortin receptors (MC1R, MC2R, MC3R, MC4R, MC5R) with different affinities. Because MC3R and MC4R are the major types expressed in the brain, these two receptors can mediate the behavioral effects of melanocortins.&#x0D; AIM: To clear the role of MC4R in sexual behavior of male rats after social isolation from relatives.&#x0D; MATERIALS AND METHODS: In the present study, 40 naive male Wistar rats divided into 4 groups, 3 of which were grown in complete social and partial sensory isolation, received saline, PT-141 (MC3R/MC4R agonist) in a dose 0.3 g intraperitoneally, and THIQ (MC4R agonist) in a dose 0.1 g intranasally. Behavioral effects were registered in a cage with unreachable reinforcement in which the female in the estrus phase, separated by a transparent perforated barrier, was kept for 10 minutes under red light. Blood samples were taken 30 minutes after administration from the tail vein. Testosterone concentrations were measured by ELISA.&#x0D; RESULTS: Social isolation had no significant effect on latent time before trying to reach a female but decreased the time spent near the cage with a female. Isolated animals did not show genital grooming acts during the experiment. PT-141 decreased the latent time to approach the female, increased the time spent near the female cage, and stimulated genital grooming. THIQ decreased the latent time to reach a female and stimulated genital grooming. At the same time, THIQ had no effect on the time spent near the female cage. Social isolation reduced testosterone levels more than twice compared to controls. The administration of PT-141 and THIQ had no effect on testosterone concentration.&#x0D; CONCLUSIONS: The results confirm the depressing effect of chronic social isolation stress on the sexual motivation of male rats and demonstrate different roles of melanocortin MC3R/MC4R receptors in the realization of sexual behavior.

Caregiver burden and COVID-19: How epilepsy caregivers experienced the pandemic

IntroductionCaregivers of adults with epilepsy face unique challenges, yet most studies focus on the impact of epilepsy on those living with the condition, rather than the impact on caregivers. Our objective was to evaluate whether caregivers’ pandemic-related changes and experiences – namely those related to their health, healthcare access, and well-being – were associated with their caregiving burden. MethodsCaregivers of adults with epilepsy (n = 261) were recruited through Qualtrics Panels to participate in an online survey examining health, well-being, COVID-19 experiences, and caregiver burden from October-December, 2020. The burden was measured using the Zarit 12-item measure; the clinically significant burden was defined as a score greater than 16. Adjustments were made to account for burden scores related to exposures of interest. Chi-square tests, t-tests, and generalized linear regression models were used to compare cross-sectional associations between COVID-19 experiences and burden. ResultsOver half (57.9%) of caregivers had clinically significant caregiver burden. Most reported increased anxiety (65%), stress (64%), and sense of social isolation (58%) during the pandemic. Many caregivers reported that their sense of control over their life (44%) and their use of healthcare changed (88%) due to COVID-19. In adjusted models, caregivers who reported increased anger, increased anxiety, decreased sense of control, or changes in healthcare utilization during COVID-19 had about twice the odds of having clinically significant caregiver burden compared to caregivers who did not report changes. DiscussionChanges experienced by caregivers of adults with epilepsy during the pandemic were strongly associated with clinically significant levels of caregiver burden. These findings demonstrate the link between mass-level events, such as a pandemic, the burden caregivers of adults with epilepsy may carry, and subsequent psychological outcomes. ConclusionCaregivers of adults with epilepsy may need support to reduce the negative impact of COVID-19-related experiences and should be connected to healthcare and resources that can help alleviate their burden.