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Journal of Medicine and Life Feb 2024Lactation relies on the secretion of two key hormones, prolactin and oxytocin. Studies have shown that yoga in the postpartum period can stimulate feelings of comfort... (Randomized Controlled Trial)
Randomized Controlled Trial
Lactation relies on the secretion of two key hormones, prolactin and oxytocin. Studies have shown that yoga in the postpartum period can stimulate feelings of comfort and relaxation, which increases oxytocin production. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of yoga training on postpartum prolactin and oxytocin levels in a group of primipara women. This quasi-experimental study included 60 healthy primigravida, primipara women in their third trimester who attended antepartum and postpartum care at four primary healthcare centers in Kediri Regency. The participants were randomly allocated to an intervention group ( = 30) and a control ( = 30) group. The intervention group received health education and participated at eight yoga sessions with a duration of 60 min, from week 32 of gestation until the postpartum period. The control group received standard antepartum and postpartum care. Prolactin and oxytocin levels were measured in weeks 1 and 6 postpartum. Mean prolactin increment was significantly higher in the intervention group (176.8 ± 66.6 ng/ml) than the control group (24.8 ± 39.5 ng/ml). Similarly, mean oxytocin increment was significantly higher in the intervention group (58.6 ± 31.59 pg/ml) than the control group (14.6 ± 36.06 pg/ml). Our results suggest that yoga training in the third trimester until the postpartum period increases prolactin and oxytocin levels among primipara postpartum women.
Topics: Humans; Female; Yoga; Prolactin; Oxytocin; Postpartum Period; Adult; Pregnancy; Young Adult
PubMed: 38813356
DOI: 10.25122/jml-2023-0390 -
Frontiers in Endocrinology 2024Vasopressin and oxytocin are well known and evolutionarily ancient modulators of social behavior. The distribution and relative densities of vasopressin and oxytocin... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
Vasopressin and oxytocin are well known and evolutionarily ancient modulators of social behavior. The distribution and relative densities of vasopressin and oxytocin receptors are known to modulate the sensitivity to these signaling molecules. Comparative work is needed to determine which neural networks have been conserved and modified over evolutionary time, and which social behaviors are commonly modulated by nonapeptide signaling. To this end, we used receptor autoradiography to determine the distribution of vasopressin 1a and oxytocin receptors in the Southern giant pouched rat () brain, and to assess the relative densities of these receptors in specific brain regions. We then compared the relative receptor pattern to 23 other species of rodents using a multivariate ANOVA. Pouched rat receptor patterns were strikingly similar to hamsters and voles overall, despite the variation in social organization among species. Uniquely, the pouched rat had dense vasopressin 1a receptor binding in the caudate-putamen (i.e., striatum), an area that might impact affiliative behavior in this species. In contrast, the pouched rat had relatively little oxytocin receptor binding in much of the anterior forebrain. Notably, however, oxytocin receptor binding demonstrated extremely dense binding in the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis, which is associated with the modulation of several social behaviors and a central hub of the social decision-making network. Examination of the nonapeptide system has the potential to reveal insights into species-specific behaviors and general themes in the modulation of social behavior.
Topics: Animals; Receptors, Oxytocin; Receptors, Vasopressin; Male; Brain; Rodentia; Rats; Species Specificity; Autoradiography; Arvicolinae; Oxytocin; Cricetinae; Social Behavior; Female
PubMed: 38803478
DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2024.1390203 -
Communications Biology May 2024Alterations in the experience-dependent and autonomous elaboration of neural circuits are assumed to underlie autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though it is unclear what...
Alterations in the experience-dependent and autonomous elaboration of neural circuits are assumed to underlie autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though it is unclear what synaptic traits are responsible. Here, utilizing a valproic acid-induced ASD marmoset model, which shares common molecular features with idiopathic ASD, we investigate changes in the structural dynamics of tuft dendrites of upper-layer pyramidal neurons and adjacent axons in the dorsomedial prefrontal cortex through two-photon microscopy. In model marmosets, dendritic spine turnover is upregulated, and spines are generated in clusters and survived more often than in control marmosets. Presynaptic boutons in local axons, but not in commissural long-range axons, demonstrate hyperdynamic turnover in model marmosets, suggesting alterations in projection-specific plasticity. Intriguingly, nasal oxytocin administration attenuates clustered spine emergence in model marmosets. Enhanced clustered spine generation, possibly unique to certain presynaptic partners, may be associated with ASD and be a potential therapeutic target.
Topics: Animals; Oxytocin; Callithrix; Disease Models, Animal; Neuronal Plasticity; Male; Synapses; Dendritic Spines; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Autistic Disorder; Prefrontal Cortex; Pyramidal Cells; Valproic Acid; Presynaptic Terminals; Female; Axons
PubMed: 38802535
DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06345-9 -
The International Journal of... Jul 2024Elevated levels of prostaglandin E have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases. Anti-inflammatory drugs that act through the inhibition of...
Elevated levels of prostaglandin E have been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases. Anti-inflammatory drugs that act through the inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymatic activity, thereby leading to the suppression of prostaglandin E, are often associated with several side effects due to their non-specific inhibition of cyclooxygenase enzymes. Consequently, the targeted suppression of prostaglandin E production with innovative molecules and/or mechanisms emerges as a compelling therapeutic strategy for the treatment of inflammatory-related diseases. Therefore, in this study, a systematic analysis of 28 pyrazole derivatives was conducted to explore their potential mechanisms for reducing prostaglandin E levels. In this context, the evaluation of these derivatives extended to examining their capacity to reduce prostaglandin Ein vitro in human whole blood, inhibit cyclooxygenase-1 and cyclooxygenase-2 enzymes, modulate cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and suppress oxidative burst in human leukocytes. The results enabled the establishment of significant structure-activity relationships, elucidating key determinants for their activities. In particular, the 4-styryl group on the pyrazole moiety and the presence of chloro substitutions were identified as key determinants. Pyrazole 8 demonstrated the capacity to reduce prostaglandin E levels by downregulating cyclooxygenase-2 expression, and pyrazole-1,2,3-triazole 18 emerged as a dual-acting agent, inhibiting human leukocytes' oxidative burst and cyclooxygenase-2 activity. Furthermore, pyrazole 26 demonstrated effective reduction of prostaglandin E levels through selective cyclooxygenase-1 inhibition. These results underscore the multifaceted anti-inflammatory potential of pyrazoles, providing new insights into the substitutions and structural frameworks that are beneficial for the studied activity.
Topics: Humans; Pyrazoles; Dinoprostone; Respiratory Burst; Leukocytes; Cyclooxygenase 2; Cyclooxygenase 1; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Structure-Activity Relationship; Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
PubMed: 38797495
DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106599 -
Translational Psychiatry May 2024In clinical settings, tumor compression, trauma, surgical injury, and other types of injury can cause hypothalamic damage, resulting in various types of hypothalamic...
In clinical settings, tumor compression, trauma, surgical injury, and other types of injury can cause hypothalamic damage, resulting in various types of hypothalamic dysfunction. Impaired release of oxytocin can lead to cognitive impairment and affect prognosis and long-term quality of life after hypothalamic injury. Hypothalamic injury-induced cognitive dysfunction was detected in male animals. Behavioral parameters were measured to assess the characteristics of cognitive dysfunction induced by hypothalamic-pituitary stalk lesions. Brains were collected for high-throughput RNA sequencing and immunostaining to identify pathophysiological changes in hippocampal regions highly associated with cognitive function after injury to corresponding hypothalamic areas. Through transcriptomic analysis, we confirmed the loss of oxytocin neurons after hypothalamic injury and the reversal of hypothalamic-induced cognitive dysfunction after oxytocin supplementation. Furthermore, overactivation of the ERK signaling pathway and β-amyloid deposition in the hippocampal region after hypothalamic injury were observed, and cognitive function was restored after inhibition of ERK signaling pathway overactivation. Our findings suggest that cognitive dysfunction after hypothalamic injury may be caused by ERK hyperphosphorylation in the hippocampal region resulting from a decrease in the number of oxytocin neurons, which in turn causes β-amyloid deposition.
Topics: Oxytocin; Animals; Hippocampus; Male; Cognitive Dysfunction; Hypothalamus; MAP Kinase Signaling System; Amyloid beta-Peptides; Neurons; Disease Models, Animal; Mice; Phosphorylation
PubMed: 38796566
DOI: 10.1038/s41398-024-02930-y -
Journal of Neurodevelopmental Disorders May 2024Synthetic oxytocin (sOT) is frequently administered during parturition. Studies have raised concerns that fetal exposure to sOT may be associated with altered brain...
BACKGROUND
Synthetic oxytocin (sOT) is frequently administered during parturition. Studies have raised concerns that fetal exposure to sOT may be associated with altered brain development and risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. In a large and diverse sample of children with data about intrapartum sOT exposure and subsequent diagnoses of two prevalent neurodevelopmental disorders, i.e., attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD), we tested the following hypotheses: (1) Intrapartum sOT exposure is associated with increased odds of child ADHD or ASD; (2) associations differ across sex; (3) associations between intrapartum sOT exposure and ADHD or ASD are accentuated in offspring of mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity.
METHODS
The study sample comprised 12,503 participants from 44 cohort sites included in the Environmental Influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) consortium. Mixed-effects logistic regression analyses were used to estimate the association between intrapartum sOT exposure and offspring ADHD or ASD (in separate models). Maternal obesity (pre-pregnancy BMI ≥ 30 kg/m) and child sex were evaluated for effect modification.
RESULTS
Intrapartum sOT exposure was present in 48% of participants. sOT exposure was not associated with increased odds of ASD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 0.86; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.71-1.03) or ADHD (aOR 0.89; 95% CI, 0.76-1.04). Associations did not differ by child sex. Among mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity, sOT exposure was associated with lower odds of offspring ADHD (aOR 0.72; 95% CI, 0.55-0.96). No association was found among mothers without obesity (aOR 0.97; 95% CI, 0.80-1.18).
CONCLUSIONS
In a large, diverse sample, we found no evidence of an association between intrapartum exposure to sOT and odds of ADHD or ASD in either male or female offspring. Contrary to our hypothesis, among mothers with pre-pregnancy obesity, sOT exposure was associated with lower odds of child ADHD diagnosis.
Topics: Humans; Female; Pregnancy; Oxytocin; Male; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Child; Body Mass Index; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects; Adult; Obesity, Maternal; Child, Preschool; Cohort Studies; Obesity
PubMed: 38796448
DOI: 10.1186/s11689-024-09540-1 -
Clinical Oral Investigations May 2024Mechano-sensitive odontoblast cells, which sense mechanical loading and various stresses in the tooth structure, synthesize early signaling molecules such as... (Comparative Study)
Comparative Study
The importance of mechanosensitive cell mediated prostaglandin and nitric oxide synthesis in the pathogenesis of apical periodontitis: comparative with chronic periodontitis.
OBJECTIVES
Mechano-sensitive odontoblast cells, which sense mechanical loading and various stresses in the tooth structure, synthesize early signaling molecules such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and nitric oxide (NO) as an adaptive response. It is thought that these synthesized molecules can be used for the diagnosis and treatment of periodontal and periapical diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the severity of apical periodontitis (AP) and chronic periodontitis (CP) and serum (s) TNF-α, IL-10, PGE2 and NO levels, as well as PGE2 and NO levels in gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples.
MATERIALS & METHODS
A total of 185 subjects were divided into three categories: AP group (n = 85), CP group (n = 50) and healthy control group (n = 50). The AP group was divided into 3 subgroups according to abscess scoring (AS-PAI 1, 2 and 3) based on the periapical index. The CP group was divided into 4 subgroups according to the periodontitis staging system (PSS1, 2,3 and 4). After recording the demographic and clinical characteristics of all participants, serum (s) and gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) samples were taken. TNF-α, IL-10, PGE2 and NO levels were measured in these samples.
RESULTS
Unlike serum measurements (sTNF-α, sIL-10, sNO and sPGE2), GCF-NO and GCF-PGE levels of the AP group were significantly higher than the control group in relation to abscess formation (54.4 ± 56.3 vs. 22.5 ± 12.6 µmol/mL, p < 0.001 and 100 ± 98 vs. 41 ± 28 ng/L, p < 0.001, respectively). Confirming this, the GCF-NO and GCF-PGE levels of the AS-PAI 1 group, in which abscesses have not yet formed, were found to be lower than those in AS-PAI 2 and 3, which are characterized by abscess formation [(16.7(3.7-117.8), 32.9(11.8-212.8) and 36.9(4.3-251.6) µmol/mL, p = 0,0131; 46.0(31.4-120.0), 69.6(40.3-424.2) and 74.4(32.1-471.0) ng/L, p = 0,0020, respectively]. Consistent with the increase in PSS, the levels of sTNF [29.8 (8.2-105.5) vs. 16.7(6.3-37.9) pg/mL, p < 0.001], sIL-10 [542(106-1326) vs. 190(69-411) pg/mL, p < 0.001], sNO [182.1(36.3-437) vs. 57.0(15.9-196) µmol/mL, p < 0.001], sPGE2 [344(82-1298) vs. 100(35-1178) ng/L, p < 0.001], GCF-NO [58.9 ± 33.6 vs. 22.5 ± 12.6 ng/L, p < 0.001] and GCF-PGE2 [ 99(37-365) vs. 30(13-119), p < 0.001] in the CP group were higher than the control group. Comparison ROC analysis revealed that the GCF-PGE2 test had the best diagnostic value for both AP and CP (sensitivity: 94.1 and 88.0; specificity: 64.0 and 78.0, respectively; p < 0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
GCF-PE2 and GCF-NO have high diagnostic value in the determination of AP and CP, and can be selected as targets to guide treatment. In addition, the measurements of PGE2 and NO in GCF can be used as an important predictor of pulpal necrosis leading to abscess in patients with AP.
CLINICAL RELEVANCE
In this article, it is reported that syntheses of early signaling molecules such as PGE2 and NO can be used for the diagnosis and treatment target of periapical and periodontal infections.
Topics: Humans; Periapical Periodontitis; Male; Female; Chronic Periodontitis; Nitric Oxide; Gingival Crevicular Fluid; Adult; Dinoprostone; Interleukin-10; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Middle Aged; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; Case-Control Studies
PubMed: 38795217
DOI: 10.1007/s00784-024-05721-3 -
Psychoneuroendocrinology Aug 2024In mammals, some physiological conditions are associated with the high brain oxytocin (OXT) system activity. These include lactation in females and mating in males and...
In mammals, some physiological conditions are associated with the high brain oxytocin (OXT) system activity. These include lactation in females and mating in males and females, both of which have been linked to reduced stress responsiveness and anxiolysis. Also, in a murine model of social fear conditioning (SFC), enhanced brain OXT signaling in lactating mice, specifically in the lateral septum (LS), was reported to underlie reduced social fear expression. Here, we studied the effects of mating in male mice on anxiety-related behaviour, social (and cued) fear expression and its extinction, and the activity of OXT neurons reflected by cFos expression and OXT release in the LS and amygdala. We further focused on the involvement of brain OXT in the mating-induced facilitation of social fear extinction. We could confirm the anxiolytic effect of mating in male mice irrespective of the occurrence of ejaculation. Further, we found that only successful mating resulting in ejaculation (Ej) facilitated social fear extinction, whereas mating without ejaculation (Ej) did not. In contrast, mating did not affect cues fear expression. Using the cellular activity markers cFos and pErk, we further identified the ventral LS (vLS) as a potential region participating in the effect of ejaculation on social fear extinction. In support, microdialysis experiments revealed a rise in OXT release within the LS, but not the amygdala, during mating. Finally, infusion of an OXT receptor antagonist into the LS before mating or into the lateral ventricle (icv) after mating demonstrated a significant role of brain OXT receptor-mediated signaling in the mating-induced facilitation of social fear extinction.
Topics: Animals; Fear; Oxytocin; Male; Extinction, Psychological; Mice; Female; Sexual Behavior, Animal; Amygdala; Social Behavior; Anxiety; Receptors, Oxytocin; Septal Nuclei; Ejaculation; Copulation; Septum of Brain; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Behavior, Animal
PubMed: 38788461
DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107083 -
Marine Drugs May 2024Utilizing plant-based resources, particularly their by-products, aligns with sustainability principles and circular bioeconomy, contributing to environmental...
Utilizing plant-based resources, particularly their by-products, aligns with sustainability principles and circular bioeconomy, contributing to environmental preservation. The therapeutic potential of plant extracts is garnering increasing interest, and this study aimed to demonstrate promising outcomes from an extract obtained from an underutilized plant waste. , an invasive macroalga found in the Orbetello Lagoon, thrives in eutrophic conditions, forming persistent mats covering approximately 400 hectares since 2005. The biomass of undergoes mechanical harvesting and is treated as waste, requiring significant human efforts and economic resources-A critical concern for municipalities. Despite posing challenges to local ecosystems, the study identified as a natural source of bioactive metabolites. Phytochemical characterization revealed lipids, amino acids, and other compounds with potential anti-inflammatory activity in extract. In vitro assays with LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 and TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated HaCaT cells showed the extract inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS), nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) productions, and reduced inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expressions via NF-κB nuclear translocation, in RAW 264.7 cells. It also reduced chemokines (TARC/CCL17, RANTES/CCL5, MCP-1/CCL2, and IL-8) and the cytokine IL-1β production in HaCaT cells, suggesting potential as a therapeutic candidate for chronic diseases like atopic dermatitis. Finally, in silico studies indicated palmitic acid as a significant contributor to the observed effect. This research not only uncovered the untapped potential of but also laid the foundation for its integration into the circular bioeconomy, promoting sustainable practices, and innovative applications across various industries.
Topics: Animals; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Mice; RAW 264.7 Cells; Humans; Phytochemicals; Plant Extracts; HaCaT Cells; Nitric Oxide; Reactive Oxygen Species; Cyclooxygenase 2; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; NF-kappa B; Dinoprostone; Chlorophyta; Seaweed
PubMed: 38786617
DOI: 10.3390/md22050226 -
Journal of Microbiology and... Jun 2024is a medicinal plant of the Ehretiaceae family used to treat inflammatory disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The anti-inflammatory...
is a medicinal plant of the Ehretiaceae family used to treat inflammatory disorders, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. The anti-inflammatory potential was determined based on enzyme cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibition, which showed that the 95% ethanol extract (95ECH) was most effective with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC) value of 34.09 μg/mL. The effects of 95ECH on phagocytosis, NO production, gene, and protein expression of the cyclooxygenase 2/prostaglandin E2 (COX-2/PGE2) and inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide (iNOS/NO) pathways in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 cells were examined using the neutral red uptake and Griess assays, reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reactions (RTPCR), and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). The results showed that 95ECH suppressed phagocytosis and the NO production in activated macrophage cells ( < 0.01). Conversely, 95ECH regulated the expression levels of mRNAs for cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) as well as the corresponding proteins. In addition, PGE2 production was inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by 95ECH, and the expression of iNOS and COX-2 mRNAs was decreased in activated macrophage cells, as expected. Therefore, 95ECH from leaves contains potentially valuable compounds for use in inflammation management.
Topics: Animals; Mice; Plant Extracts; RAW 264.7 Cells; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Lipopolysaccharides; Macrophages; Phagocytosis; Nitric Oxide; Cyclooxygenase 2; Dinoprostone; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type II; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; Cytokines; Interleukin-6; Interleukin-1beta
PubMed: 38783718
DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2403.03006