Search Results (145)

Background: Robust evidence supports the role of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) metabolism in sustaining inflammation; however, the mechanisms underlying the persistent upregulation of the BH4 pathway remain incompletely understood. This study investigated the epigenetic regulation of BH4 metabolism following a single injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in the mouse hippocampus. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice received either saline or LPS (0.33 mg/kg, i.p.) and were sacrificed at 4 h or 24 h post injection. Behavioral assessments and analyses of hippocampal neurotransmitter metabolism, DNA methylation profile, oxidative stress, and inflammasome activation were performed. Neopterin levels, a marker of immune system activation, were measured in both the plasma and hippocampus. Results: LPS-treated mice exhibited sickness behavior, including reduced locomotor and exploratory activity at both 4 and 24 h. While exploratory behavior showed partial recovery by 24 h, locomotor activity remained impaired. Neopterin levels increased in both the plasma and hippocampus following LPS administration but returned to baseline in the hippocampus by 24 h. Despite the normalization of neopterin, a persistent pro-inflammatory state in the hippocampus was evident at 24 h, as shown by increased expression of Ikbkb and components of the NLRP3 inflammasome, along with elevated oxidative stress markers. Upregulation of Nrf-2 and Hmox1 suggested activation of a protective antioxidant response. Dopaminergic metabolism was disrupted, indicating impaired BH4-dependent dopamine turnover. Epigenetic analysis revealed increased expression of DNA methyltransferases (Dnmt1, Dnmt3a, Dnmt3b) and Tet2, along with reduced expression of Tet1 and Tet3. Promoter hypomethylation of Gch1 and Ptps was observed, correlating with increased hippocampal expression and potentially elevated BH4 levels. Conclusions: Together, these findings show that a single LPS challenge was sufficient to induce the activation of the BH4 synthesis pathway during the late acute inflammatory phase, both systemically and in the hippocampus, potentially driven by epigenetic modifications such as promoter hypomethylation. This may contribute to the perpetuation of neuroinflammation. Full article

Knowing the superior biochemical defense mechanisms of sessile organisms, it is not hard to believe the cure for any human sickness might be hidden in nature—we “just” have to identify it and make it safely available in the right dose to our organs and cells that are in need. For decades, green tea catechins (GTCs) have been a case in point. Because of their low redox potential and favorable positioning of hydroxyl groups, these flavonoid representatives (namely, catechin—C, epicatechin—EC, epicatechin gallate—ECG, epigallocatechin—EGC, epigallocatechin gallate—EGCG) are among the most potent plant-derived (and not only) antioxidants. The proven anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antimicrobial, and anticarcinogenic properties of these phytochemicals further contribute to their favorable pharmacological profile. Doubtlessly, GTCs hold the potential to “cope” with the majority of today‘s socially significant diseases, yet their mass use in clinical practice is still limited. Several factors related to the compounds’ membrane penetrability, chemical stability, and solubility overall determine their low bioavailability. Moreover, the antioxidant-to-pro-oxidant transitioning behavior of GTCs is highly conditional and, to a certain degree, unpredictable. The nanoparticulate delivery systems represent a logical approach to overcoming one or more of these therapeutic challenges. This review particularly focuses on the lipid-based nanotechnologies known to be a leading choice when it comes to drug permeation enhancement and not drug release modification nor drug stabilization solely. It is our goal to present the privileges of encapsulating green tea catechins in either vesicular or particulate lipid carriers with respect to the increasingly popular trends of advanced phytotherapy and functional nutrition. Full article

Hypoxia can adversely affect multiple organ systems. This study investigated the impact of intermittent hypoxia on serotonin levels and depression-like behaviors across distinct neuroanatomical regions. Sixteen adult female Wistar albino rats were divided into two groups: control (n = 8) and hypoxia (n = 8). The hypoxia group was exposed to a simulated altitude of 3000 for 5 h daily over 14 days. Behavioral assessments included locomotor activity (open field test) and depression-like behaviors (forced swimming test). Serotonin levels were quantified via ELISA in the prefrontal cortex, striatum, thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus, and serum. Intermittent hypoxia did not alter locomotor activity (p > 0.05) but significantly increased depression-like behavior (p < 0.05), accompanied by a pronounced reduction in swimming behavior (p < 0.0001), a marker associated with serotonergic function. Serotonin levels were significantly reduced in the prefrontal cortex (p < 0.005) and striatum (p < 0.05), while no changes were observed in other regions or serum (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that intermittent hypoxia induces depression-like behaviors and region-specific serotonin depletion, particularly in the prefrontal cortex and striatum. This underscores the need to evaluate hypoxia-related brain health implications in conditions such as sleep apnea and acute mountain sickness. Full article

Dysregulated inflammatory processes contribute to depression, and gene–environment interactions may influence an individual’s risk and resilience. Reduced brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression increases susceptibility for developing depressive symptoms, and the Val66Met (rs6265) single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) on the BDNF gene is linked to mood disorders. However, whether Val66Met confers increased vulnerability to inflammation-induced depressive tendencies is unknown. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the Val66Met SNP increases vulnerability to inflammation-induced depressive symptoms in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced depression-like behavior. Behavior and neuroinflammation, following a 24 h LPS challenge, were measured in mice expressing the human BDNF Val66Met gene variant or Val66Val littermates (control). The Val66Met genotype did not affect the peripheral inflammatory response, acute neuroinflammation, or the acute sickness behavior response. Val66Met mice exhibited anhedonia-like behavioral responses following LPS challenge, and we found increased mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNFα in the cerebrum compared to controls. The mRNA expression of IL-1β and TNFα in the hippocampus and the nucleus accumbens of Val66Met mice was increased following LPS, and a significant genotype × LPS interaction was detected for CD68 expression in the nucleus accumbens. In summary, these data suggest that immune activation in Val66Met mice increased susceptibility to anhedonic behavior and dysregulated negative regulation of inflammation. Full article

Depressive and anxiety symptoms are associated with a greater likelihood of disordered eating behaviors (DEBs), but the role of sex in these associations is unclear. Objectives: The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between depression, anxiety, and DEBs in a sample of Spanish university students. Methods: Depression was assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II), anxiety with the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) instrument, and DEBs with the Sick, Control, One stone, Fat, Food (SCOFF) questionnaire. Statistical analyses included generalized linear regression models adjusted for sociodemographic, body composition, and lifestyle covariates as the main confounders. Results: Among the 453 students analyzed (71.5% female), the frequencies of mild-to-severe depression, mild-to-severe anxiety, and of DEBs were higher in the females (42.0%, 77.5%, and 32.7%, respectively) than in the males (24.0%, 52.7%, and 20.2%, respectively). The results of the adjusted GLMs were similar for both the sexes, indicating higher estimated marginal means of the SCOFF total score and greater odds of DEBs among those with mild-to-severe depression or anxiety than among those without these conditions. Conclusions: Depression and anxiety symptoms are cross-sectionally associated with DEBs in Spanish university students of both sexes. Future prospective studies are needed to examine the direction of these associations separately for females and males. Full article

Chinese local governments mandate public buildings to maintain a cooling set point temperature (SPT ≥ 26 °C). To explore how thermal history and air conditioner use behavior under different cooling SPT modes influence health, an experimental study and field investigation was carried out in split air-conditioned office buildings in China’s cold climate regions. Two categories were established based on energy policy: the H group (SPT ≥ 26 °C) and the L group (SPT < 26 °C). The results showed that L group subjects experienced longer, colder, and higher CO₂/formaldehyde exceedance rate exposures in air-conditioned environments, demonstrating greater reliance on air conditioners, although indoor air quality satisfaction showed no significant difference between groups. Air quality perception demonstrates long-term adaptation to indoor air temperature and CO₂. Compared with the high SPT mode, the adverse influences and mechanisms of the low SPT mode on health are as follows: making people adapt to cold environments due to colder thermal history and inducing pathological adaptation cycles, thus promoting strong reliance on the air-conditioned environment. This leads to a substantial increase in air conditioner use time, thereby increasing the severity of sick building syndrome (SBS), indoor pollutants, formaldehyde carcinogenic risk, and desensitized air quality perception. China’s government should systematically enhance the enforcement of SPT-related policies. Full article

Objective: The development of a normal sleep–wake rhythm in the first weeks of life depends on the physiological sensory needs of the newborn as well as the environment surrounding them. This includes, for example, avoiding pain, exposure to bright light at night and high noise levels. In high-risk newborns, this process can be influenced by immaturity of the central and peripheral nervous systems, therapeutic strategies and the work organization of an intensive care unit. Methods: This study used a narrative review to examine the literature on the interrelationship of sensory modalities on sleep–wake behavior in the context of neonatal intensive care. The current Cochrane reviews on cycled lighting’s effect on premature infants’ circadian rhythm development and noise or sound management in the neonatal intensive care unit, as well as the World Health Organization (WHO) global position paper on kangaroo mother care, were included. Results: An extensive body of literature relates to fetal and neonatal development of the five sensory modalities: touch, taste, smell, hearing and sight. In contrast, there is a lack of evidence regarding the choice of optimal lighting and suitable measures for noise reduction. Since 2023, the WHO has recommended that, from the moment of birth, every “small and sick” newborn should remain in skin-to-skin contact (SSC) with their mother. Developmental support pursues a multimodal approach with the goal of fostering early parent–child bonding, including the child’s needs and environmental conditions. Discussion: The implementation of early SSC and attention to the sleep–wake cycle require systemic changes in both the obstetric and neonatal settings to ensure seamless perinatal management and subsequent neonatal intensive care. Since there is a lack of evidence on the optimal sensory environment, well-designed, well-conducted and fully reported randomized controlled trials are needed that analyze short-term effects and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes. Full article

Affinin (spilanthol) is the main bioactive alkylamide present in Heliopsis longipes roots, exerting antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects that involve the activation of TRP channels. Previous studies indicated that affinin reduces the LPS-induced increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine production in murine macrophages. However, no studies have evaluated whether affinin produces antinociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and behavioral effects in experimental animals treated with LPS, nor has the mechanism of action involved in these pharmacological effects been established. The present study evaluated whether affinin induces hypothermia, catalepsy, hypolocomotion, and analgesia and, moreover, whether the analgesia involves the activation of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor and TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels. Subsequently, the anti-inflammatory activity and behavioral effects induced by affinin (20 mg/kg) in mice were evaluated via LPS (2.5 mg/kg)-induced hypothermia. The results of the experiments indicate that the analgesic effect of affinin involves the activation of the CB1 cannabinoid receptors and the TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels. Additionally, affinin reduced the severity of LPS-induced hypothermia and attenuated the increase in TNF-α and IL-6 levels in serum. The results obtained demonstrate that affinin induces antinociceptive, anti-hypothermic, and anti-inflammatory activities, which involve the CB1 receptor and the TRPV1 and TRPA1 channels and the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Full article

Folk medicine in Thailand has long made use of Pterocarpus indicus Willd. for treating inflammation-related disorders. However, scientific exploration of isolated compounds from P. indicus for improving inflammation-associated sickness conditions and their impact on central nervous system (CNS) safety remain unexplored. The present study initially screened the anti-neuroinflammatory effects of angolensin, a compound isolated from P. indicus heartwood in vitro. Following substantial findings, the efficacy of angolensin was further evaluated in a mouse model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sickness behaviors, alongside an assessment of its CNS safety profiles. The anti-neuroinflammatory effects of angolensin were evaluated in LPS-induced BV-2 microglial cells. The effects of angolensin on sickness behaviors were examined in LPS-induced mice using the Laboratory Animal Behaviors Observation, Registration and Analysis System (LABORAS). Proinflammatory cytokine expression in plasma samples of mice was also determined. LABORAS and rotarod tests were conducted to investigate its impact on the CNS. In vitro assessment of the anti-inflammatory activity of angolensin on BV-2 microglial cells revealed a concentration-dependent reduction in the release of LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) and proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). At a concentration of 20 µM, angolensin showed comparable results to the positive control, 20 µM minocycline. In mice, angolensin significantly improved LPS-induced sickness behaviors, as indicated by improved home-cage behaviors. Consistent with the in vitro findings, angolensin attenuated the release of proinflammatory cytokines in the plasma of LPS-induced mice. Importantly, angolensin did not induce any adverse effects on locomotion, motor coordination, or general well-being, indicating a favorable CNS safety profile. Overall, these results highlight the anti-inflammatory potential of angolensin in mitigating sickness behaviors in mice, while demonstrating its CNS safety. Full article

Humans evolved a behavioral immune system to avoid infectious disease, including the ability to detect sickness in faces. However, it is unclear whether the ability to recognize and avoid facial cues of disease is malleable, flexibly calibrated by experience. Thus, we experimentally tested whether we can improve adults’ (N = 133) lassitude (sick) face perception, measuring their recognition, avoidance, and visual attention to naturally sick and healthy faces. Participants randomly assigned to a training about disease, but not a control group, were better at avoiding sick people. The disease-trained group also looked more equally between sick and healthy faces when identifying who was sick compared to the control group who looked longer at the sick faces than the healthy faces. Though we detected no group differences in time looking at the eyes and at the mouths, the disease-trained group used these features more to decide who was sick, reflecting key features of the lassitude expression. Our findings suggest that facial sickness perception may be flexible, influenced by experience, and underscore the need for future studies to test how to further strengthen this skill. Ultimately, developing interventions that use this sick face plasticity may reduce disease transmission. Full article

Background: Medical anthropology is a subfield that examines the various factors influencing health, disease, illness, and sickness. Cardiovascular disease (CVD) encompasses a range of disorders affecting the heart, arteries, and veins. Patients with CVD face significant, unique health challenges, including functional decline, repeated hospitalizations, and psychological and social issues, which contribute to a global decline in health and escalate health system costs. Medical anthropologists have explored this extensive category of diseases in numerous ways, including cross-cultural studies that enhance our understanding of these conditions. Therefore, building on these preliminary insights, this article posed the following research question: How does medical anthropology enhance our understanding, prevention, and management of cardiovascular diseases through cultural, social, and behavioral lenses? Methods: This study examined the research question through a narrative literature review. Results: The literature analysis revealed connections between medical anthropology and specific CVDs: heart disease, hypertension, arterial disease, venous disease, and wound care. Conclusions: The findings from the literature analysis indicate what could be described as the cultural “blood ties” between medical anthropology and cardiovascular disease. In this manner, in the spirit of integration, inter-, and transdisciplinarity, it is increasingly necessary to incorporate mixed-method approaches drawing from both the anthropological and medical fields to better deliver tailored care. Full article

Background and Objectives: Obesity in youth is a growing public health concern, placing them at higher risk for adverse physical and psychological outcomes. Understanding the predictors that affect weight management, particularly the role of internalized weight stigma, psychosocial factors, and eating behaviors, is essential for developing an effective intervention at longitudinal follow-up. Materials and Methods: We enrolled 102 youths with obesity aged 10 to 18 years old from clinical settings. Baseline demographic data, psychosocial measures, including the Weight Self-Stigma Questionnaire (WSSQ) and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and eating behavior scales, such as the Three-Factor Eating Questionnaire (TFEQ-R21) and eating disorder as Sick, Control, One, Fat, Food questionnaire (SCOFF), were collected in the first visit. We conducted a study with both cross-sectional and longitudinal components. Correlational bivariate analysis was conducted to explore relationships between key variables. The factors affecting BMI changes were investigated using generalized estimating equations (GEEs) as part of a longitudinal analysis. Results: The mean age of participants was 13.22 years and 63.7% were male. Bivariate correlation analysis revealed positive relationships between initial BMI Z-scores and WSSQ scores (r = 0.196, p < 0.05). In bivariate analysis, a negative correlation was found between the difference in BMI Z-scores and visit number (r = −0.428, p < 0.01). GEE analysis demonstrated that initial BMI Z-scores (coefficient = 1.342, p < 0.001) and anxiety (coefficient = 0.050, p < 0.001) were significant positive predictors of BMI Z-scores, while depression was negatively associated (coefficient = −0.081, p < 0.001). Excluding the TFEQ subscales, SCOFF improved the model’s QIC and highlighted WSSQ as a significant, albeit weak, predictor (p = 0.615 in the full model versus p < 0.05 in the reduced model). Conclusions: Psychosocial factors, particularly anxiety and weight stigma, are associated with elevated BMI Z-scores in youth affected by obesity in this study. The baseline age, BMI Z-score, internalized weight stigma, and psychological stress influenced the body weight trajectory over time. Frequent clinical follow-ups contribute to improved BMI outcomes. Future research may examine the efficacy of weight management by reducing weight stigma and psychological distress along with the outpatient care of obesity. Full article

Background/Objectives: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), defined by social, behavioral, and cognitive anomalies, is also associated with dysregulated appetite. ASD individuals, often described as “picky eaters”, exhibit restricted dietary preferences and a pronounced avoidance of novel foods. This suggests that the perceived safety of specific tastants may be a crucial determinant of dietary acceptance in ASD. Here, we explore the hypothesis that conditioned taste aversion (CTA), a learned avoidance of foods whose intake promotes sickness, is exacerbated in ASD. Methods: We assessed the magnitude of a lithium chloride (LiCl)-induced CTA in the valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism versus in healthy control rats. We also examined the effect of a standard 3 mEq LiCl dose on transcript and neuronal activation changes in brain circuits mediating feeding behavior and associative learning. Results: Surprisingly, we found that while 3 mEq LiCl induced CTA in healthy controls, even the 6 mEq dose was ineffective in generating aversion in VPA rats. LiCl at 3 mEq affected c-Fos immunoreactivity in the hypothalamus and amygdala in controls, whereas in VPA rats it did not produce any c-Fos changes. Gene expression analysis of feeding-related genes (AgRP, NPY, OXT) and those involved in regulating stress and anxiety (DOR and MC3R) were differentially regulated in the VPA rats. Interestingly, transcripts for COMT1, AgRP, OXT, and MC3R were downregulated in saline-treated VPA rats compared to saline-treated controls. Conclusions: We conclude that VPA rats show blunted CTA responsiveness, which is reflected by a differential impact of LiCl on circuits that promote the acquisition of CTA in healthy versus autistic individuals. Full article

Background: Aedes species transmit arboviral diseases, such as dengue, chikungunya, yellow fever, and Zika. The diseases cause severe sickness, mortality, and economic losses. This study describes the biting hour and host-seeking behavior of Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus in three towns. Recently, chikungunya and dengue infections were reported in the study sites. Methods: Biting hour and host-seeking behaviors of Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus were studied from June to September 2023, in Genda-Wuha, Kokit, and Metema-Yohannes towns, Metema district, Northwest Ethiopia. CDC-LT traps were set running indoors and outdoors for 24 h closer to humans sleeping inside unimpregnated mosquito nets. At the same time, CDC-LT traps were set running overnight closer to domestic animals’ shelters located within a 50-m radius of the main residence. Mosquitoes trapped in CDC-LT were collected every hour. The study was conducted four times in each town during the wet season. A chi-square test was employed to examine biting hour and host-seeking behavior. Results: Aedes aegypti was observed to be highly exophilic and active during the daylight hours. Aedes aegypti exhibited a peak biting rate between 07:00 and 08:00 with the biting rate of 4.5/person/hour followed by from 17:00 pm to 18:00 pm with the biting rate of 3.75/person/hour. The hourly biting rate of Ae. aegypti differed significantly. Its peak indoor biting rate was from 19:00 to 20:00 with the rate of 2.00 bites/person/hour followed by from 08:00 to 09:00 with the rate of 1.50 bites/person/hour and the biting rates differed significantly across the hours (F = 240.046; p = 0.001). Aedes vittatus also exhibited a biting rate similar to that of Ae. aegypti. Both Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus were abundantly collected from nearby human sleeping arrangements than from the shelters of cattle, sheep, goats, and donkeys. The highest proportions of Ae. aegypti (91.21%) and Ae. vittatus (89.87%) were unfed. Conclusions: Aedes aegypti and Ae. vittatus exhibited peak biting rates during morning and early night hours that aligned with the active daily routine practices of the local community. This could potentially expose the inhabitants to viral diseases transmitted by Ae. aegypti and Ae. vittatus. Full article

Work anxiety is a specific mental health problem that is often associated with sick leave and negative work perception. Until now, there has been hardly any evidence on the more general psychological characteristics of work-anxious people, i.e., in terms of life values, life satisfaction, work coping, and activity level. Learning more about these cognitive and behavioral characteristics is, however, of interest for preventive action. This present study investigates these characteristics in people with and without mental health problems and with and without work anxiety comparatively. A representative sample of 2131 persons from the German general population of working age (18–70 years old, considering that many people wish to continue work after official retirement at age 67) were investigated via an interview and self-rating questionnaire. People with work anxiety have more work participation problems in terms of unemployment (8–20% of work-anxious were presently unemployed vs. 3–10% of those without work anxiety) and sick leave (1.6–7.0 weeks in the past 12 months vs. 1.2–4.8 weeks) compared with people without work anxiety. People with work anxiety show specific patterns of negative ratings of work-associated life satisfaction (work and colleagues) and place increased value on power and the need for control. In non-work-related life domains (neighbors, friends, and environment), there are smaller satisfaction differences between people with and without work anxiety. In conclusion, work anxiety is a specific mental health problem that is associated with specific work-related participation and life satisfaction problems (partly different from people with general mental health problems). Work anxiety must be specifically assessed in order to enable preventive or interventive action. Full article