-
Acta Histochemica Jan 2023At present, there is an increased interest in the vaginal microbiome. It is believed that microbes play equally important roles in the vagina, including the modulation... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
At present, there is an increased interest in the vaginal microbiome. It is believed that microbes play equally important roles in the vagina, including the modulation of neuronal pathways, as in the gut. However, in man as well as in animals, the vagina is the least well-studied part of the female reproductive system. The vagina, a fibromuscular tract, having two main functions, i.e., childbirth and sexual intercourse, is mainly innervated by the pudendal nerve and the pelvic splanchnic nerves (the uterovaginal nerve plexus) containing sympathetic, parasympathetic and nociceptive nerve fibers. Innervation density in the vaginal wall undergoes significant remodeling due to hormonally mediated physiological activity. Knowledge about expression and function of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters in the vaginal fibers is incomplete or not established. Most research concerning the neuroregulation of the vagina and the function and expression of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters, is performed in several vertebrate species, including large farm animals, rodents, domestic fowl and lizards.
METHODS
This review summarizes, on a bibliographic basis, the current knowledge on vaginal innervation and function of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters expressed in vaginal nerve fibers in several vertebrate species, including humans. The presence and role played by the local microbioma is also explored.
CONCLUSION
A thorough knowledge of the vaginal innervation is necessary to unravel the putative communication of the vaginal microbiome and vaginal nerve fibers, but also to understand the effects of vaginal pathologies and of administered drugs on the neuroregulation of the vagina.
Topics: Animals; Female; Humans; Neurons; Neuropeptides; Neurotransmitter Agents; Vagina; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Vertebrates; Microbiota
PubMed: 36566584
DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2022.151988 -
Indian Journal of Pediatrics May 2022To determine the threshold of the inotropic score (IS) and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) for predicting mortality in pediatric septic shock.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the threshold of the inotropic score (IS) and vasoactive-inotropic score (VIS) for predicting mortality in pediatric septic shock.
METHOD
This retrospective cohort study included children aged 1 mo to 13 y with septic shock, requiring vasoactive medication. The area under curve receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) was calculated using mean IS and mean VIS to predict PICU mortality, and Youden index cut points were generated. Sensitivity, specificity, and binary regression analysis were performed.
RESULTS
A total of 176 patients were enrolled (survivor, n = 72, 41% and nonsurvivor, n = 104, 59%). For predicting the PICU mortality, AUROC (95% CI) of IS was 0.80 (0.74-0.86) [sensitivity of 88.5 (80.7-94) and specificity of 58.3 (46.1-69.8)] and AUROC of VIS was 0.88 (0.82-0.92) [sensitivity of 83.7 (75.1-90.2) and specificity of 80.6 (69.5-89)]. The respective cutoff scores of IS and VIS were 28 and 42.5. On regression analysis (adjusted odds ratio, 95% CI), illness severity (PRISM-III) (1.12, 1.05-1.12), worst lactate value (1.31, 1.08-1.58), IS (> 28) (3.98, 1.24-12.80), and VIS (> 42.5) (4.66, 1.57-13.87) independently predicted the PICU mortality (r = 0.625).
CONCLUSION
Threshold of inotropic score (> 28) and vasoactive-inotropic score (> 42.5) were independently associated with PICU mortality. In addition to IS and VIS, severity and worst lactate value independently predicted septic shock mortality in PICU.
Topics: Child; Humans; Intensive Care Units, Pediatric; Lactic Acid; Retrospective Studies; Severity of Illness Index; Shock, Septic
PubMed: 34318405
DOI: 10.1007/s12098-021-03846-x -
Birth Defects Research Aug 2020Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) includes limb deficiencies accompanied by fibrous strands originating from the amniotic lining. Terminal transverse limb deficiencies (TTLD)...
INTRODUCTION
Amniotic band syndrome (ABS) includes limb deficiencies accompanied by fibrous strands originating from the amniotic lining. Terminal transverse limb deficiencies (TTLD) appear to be similar but lack fibrous strands. Both are hypothesized to result from vascular disruption. For ABS, limb deficiencies are considered secondary to amnion rupture. We explored an alternative possibility-that TTLD is the primary defect and ABS is secondary.
METHODS
Using data from the National Birth Defects Prevention Study, we expanded on a previous study. We examined smoking, alcohol, and medications categorized by indicated vasoactivity as markers of vascular disruption. Logistic regression models with Firth's penalized likelihood were used to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).
RESULTS
Use of bronchodilators and aspirin appeared to increase the risk of ABS, while decongestants and nonaspirin NSAIDs increased the risk of TTLD. The risk of ABS was markedly increased in cases reporting combinations of vasoactive exposures, particularly alcohol and aspirin (aOR 3.7, 95% CI 1.6, 7.8), and alcohol and bronchodilators (aOR 3.4, 95% CI 1.4, 7.5). Increased risk of TTLD due to combinations of vasoactive exposures was only observed for smoking and decongestants (aOR 2.3, 95% CI 1.4, 3.6).
CONCLUSIONS
Exposures associated with increased risk of ABS had no apparent association with TTLD, supporting previous evidence that these may be distinct phenotypes. ABS appears to be associated with combined exposures with vasodilation properties, such as alcohol and bronchodilators, while increased risk of TTLD may be associated with smoking and decongestants, both vasoconstrictive exposures.
Topics: Amniotic Band Syndrome; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Odds Ratio; Smoking
PubMed: 32573119
DOI: 10.1002/bdr2.1740 -
Trends in Neurosciences Aug 2021The concept of a dynamic excitation/inhibition balance tuned by circuit disinhibition, which can shape information flow during complex behavioral tasks, has arisen as an... (Review)
Review
The concept of a dynamic excitation/inhibition balance tuned by circuit disinhibition, which can shape information flow during complex behavioral tasks, has arisen as an important and conserved information-processing motif. In cortical circuits, different subtypes of GABAergic inhibitory interneurons are connected to each other, offering an anatomical foundation for disinhibitory processes. Moreover, a subpopulation of GABAergic cells that express vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP) preferentially innervates inhibitory interneurons, highlighting their central role in disinhibitory modulation. We discuss inhibitory neuron subtypes involved in disinhibition, with a focus on local circuits and long-range synaptic connections that drive disinhibitory function. We highlight multiple layers of disinhibition across cortical circuits that regulate behavior and serve to maintain an excitation/inhibition balance.
Topics: Humans; Interneurons; Neurons; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
PubMed: 34006387
DOI: 10.1016/j.tins.2021.04.009 -
Kidney360 Jan 2021
Topics: Arteriovenous Fistula; Arteriovenous Shunt, Surgical; Humans; Kidney Diseases; Renal Dialysis
PubMed: 35368825
DOI: 10.34067/KID.0006262020 -
American Journal of Reproductive... Oct 2022A tight immune and metabolic regulation underlies the early maternal-placental interaction to assist the energetic dynamic demands of the fetus throughout pregnancy. The... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
A tight immune and metabolic regulation underlies the early maternal-placental interaction to assist the energetic dynamic demands of the fetus throughout pregnancy. The vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) holds biochemical, metabolic and immune properties consistent with a regulatory role during pregnancy.
AIM
Here we overview critical aspects of embryo implantation and placental development with special focus on the immune and metabolic effects of VIP expressed by decidual and trophoblast cells.
CONTENT
During decidualization, endometrial stromal cells undergo reticular stress and trigger unfolded protein response (UPR) that enable expansion of their endoplasmic reticulum and immunomodulatory factor synthesis. These processes appear differentially affected in recurrent abortion and in vitro fertilization failure suggesting their relevance in reproductive pathologies. Similarly, defective placentation associates with altered immune, vascular and trophoblast interaction resulting in complicated pregnancies that threaten maternal and neonatal health and underlie metabolic programming of adult life. We discuss the most recent research on decidual, trophoblast and immune cell interaction on the light of VIP regulation. Its role in decidualization and UPR associated with a sterile inflammatory response and angiogenesis is discussed. Evidence on VIP modulation of cytotrophoblast cell function, metabolism and immune profile is revised as well as the shaping of decidual leukocyte phenotype and function from decidualization to term.
IMPLICATIONS
The broad spectrum of effects of VIP from implantation to term in normal and pathological conditions summarized here might contribute to the identification of novel biomarkers for diagnosis and pharmacological targeting.
Topics: Biomarkers; Decidua; Embryo Implantation; Female; Humans; Placenta; Placentation; Pregnancy; Stromal Cells; Trophoblasts; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
PubMed: 35810353
DOI: 10.1111/aji.13601 -
Frontiers in Medicine 2022This study was conducted in order to test the expression of vasoactive substances within rat lamina cribrosa (LC) and optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes, so as to...
PURPOSE
This study was conducted in order to test the expression of vasoactive substances within rat lamina cribrosa (LC) and optic nerve head (ONH) astrocytes, so as to investigate the role and potential mechanism of ONH astrocytes in vascular associated effects.
METHODS
LC tissue sections and primary cultured ONH astrocytes were obtained from adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Immunofluorescent staining was then used to detect the expression of vasoactive substances. Hyperoxia exposure was carried out both and , after which nitric oxide (NO) levels in LC tissue and cell supernatant were detected. The variations of protein and gene expression associated with vasoactive substances were subsequently tested. ONH astrocytes and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) were then incubated in a direct co-culture manner. Morphological parameters of VSMCs were finally analyzed in order to evaluate cell contraction.
RESULTS
Endothelin-1 (ET-1), nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and renin-angiotensin system (RAS) were detected in both LC tissue and ONH astrocytes. Retinal vessel diameter was found obviously decreased following hyperoxia exposure. Moreover, hyperoxia inhibited NO production both and . ET-1 and RAS elements were observed to be upregulated, whereas NOS was downregulated. In ONH astrocytes and VSMCs co-culture system, the length-to-width ratio of VSMCs was shown to significantly increase on days 3 and 7 in hyperoxia compared with normoxia.
CONCLUSIONS
There is an abundance of expression of vasoactive substances within LC tissue and ONH astrocytes. The contractile response of VSMCs in the co-culture system provided direct evidence for the involvement of ONH astrocytes in vascular associated effects, which may signify a potentially novel direction for future research.
PubMed: 35957853
DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2022.943986 -
Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine... Aug 2022To investigate the influence of Qihuang decoction on enteric nervous system after gastrectomy in rats.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the influence of Qihuang decoction on enteric nervous system after gastrectomy in rats.
METHODS
The morphology, distribution and number of intestinal neurons in enteric nervous system (ENS) were observed by immunofluorescence labeling and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of intestinal neurotransmitters and corresponding receptors in ENS.
RESULTS
The morphology and distribution of enteric neurons in ENS were changed after gastrectomy, and these neurons in Qihuang decoction group were similar with that of sham operation group. The number of ACh and SP positive neurons, mRNA and protein expression of excitatory neurotransmitters (AChE, SP) and receptors (M3R, NK1R) were decreased after gastrectomy. And the intervention of Qihuang decoction could increase the number of ACh and SP positive neurons and promote the expression of their mRNA and protein. For vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and nitric oxide synthase (NOS), the number of neurons and mRNA and protein expression of inhibitory neurotransmitters (VIP and NOS) and receptors (VIP2R) were increased after gastrectomy. And these rising indexes fall back after the intervention of Qihuang decoction. Besides, the intestinal propulsion rate in QH group was significantly increased than that in SEN and IEN group.
CONCLUSIONS
These experimental results showed that after gastrectomy, early intervention with Qihuang decoction in small intestine will contribute to the postoperative recovery of enteric nervous system and intestinal propulsion rate, and consequently enhance gastrointestinal motility.
Topics: Animals; Enteric Nervous System; Gastrectomy; Neurotransmitter Agents; RNA, Messenger; Rats; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
PubMed: 35848972
DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20220519.004 -
Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular and... Jul 2023
PubMed: 37449899
DOI: 10.1093/icvts/ivad118 -
Peptides May 2022Neuropeptides are bioactive molecules, made up of small chains of amino acids, with many neuromodulatory properties. Several lines of evidence suggest that... (Review)
Review
Neuropeptides are bioactive molecules, made up of small chains of amino acids, with many neuromodulatory properties. Several lines of evidence suggest that neuropeptides, mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS), play an important role in the onset of Parkinson's Disease (PD) pathology. The wide spread disruption of neuropeptides has been excessively demonstrated to be related to the pathophysiological symptoms in PD where impairment in motor function per example was correlated with neuropeptides dysregulation in the substantia niagra (SN). Moreover, the levels of different neuropeptides have been found modified in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood of PD patients, indicating their potential role in the manifestation of PD symptoms and dysfunctions. In this review, we outlined the neuroprotective effects of neuropeptides on dopaminergic neuronal loss, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation in several models and tissues of PD. Our main focus was to elaborate the role of orexin, pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP), vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP), opioids, angiotensin, carnosine and many others in the protection and/or involvement in the neurodegeneration of striatal dopaminergic cells. Further studies are required to better assess the mode of action and cellular mechanisms of neuropeptides in order to shift the focus from the in vitro and in vivo testing to applicable clinical testing. This review, allows a support for future use of neuropeptides as therapeutic solution for PA pathophysiology.
Topics: Central Nervous System; Humans; Parkinson Disease; Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide; Receptors, Pituitary Adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide, Type I; Receptors, Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide; Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide
PubMed: 34929264
DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2021.170713