Biology subjects

Barateiro, A.

Publications and source records attributed to Barateiro, A..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and adenosine A2A receptor interaction modulates oligodendrogenesis derived from postnatal SVZ neural stem cells

Oligodendrocytes (OLs) are vital for myelin formation in the Central Nervous System. OLs can be produced by the maturation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) present throughout the brain parenchyma or from the differentiation of subventricular zone-derived neural stem cells (SVZ-NSCs). Importantly, efficient differentiation from SVZ-NSCs remains a significant area of research due to its potential for remyelination in demyelinating disorders. In this work, we studied the role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and adenosine A2A receptors (A2ARs), as well as the putative crosstalk between these two modulatory mechanisms, in regulating oligodendrogenesis from SVZ-NSCs. Using a neurosphere culture system, we observed that BDNF significantly increased the mRNA expression levels of OPC cell markers after 2 days in vitro (DIV), an effect blocked by the A2AR antagonist ZM 241385. This early transcriptional regulation by BDNF was followed by changes in the percentage of both OPCs and mature OLs in culture at DIV 7 and 14. Interestingly, blocking A2ARs prevented the potentiating effect of BDNF on the percentage of OLs at DIV 14. Concerning the morphology of mature OLs, BDNF influenced their maturation by reducing branching near the soma at DIV 7, an effect that was not observed at 14 DIV, when all treatments resulted in similar OL morphology. Overall, our results establish BDNF as a regulator of OL formation from SVZ-NSCs, with A2AR-BDNF interaction modulating the differentiation process.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2023

Cannabinoid type 2 receptor inhibition enhances the antidepressant and proneurogenic effects of physical exercise after chronic stress

Chronic stress is a major risk factor of neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression. Adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN) has emerged as a promising target to counteract stress-related disorders given the ability of newborn neurons to facilitate endogenous plasticity. Recent data sheds light on the interaction between cannabinoids and neurotrophic factors underlying the regulation of AHN, with important effects upon cognitive plasticity and emotional flexibility. Since physical exercise (PE) is known to enhance neurotrophin levels, we hypothesized that PE could engage with cannabinoids to influence AHN and that this would result in beneficial effects under stressful conditions. We therefore investigated the actions of modulating cannabinoid type 2 receptors (CB2R), which are devoid of psychotropic effects, in combination with PE in chronically stressed animals. We found that CB2R inhibition, but not CB2R activation, in combination with PE significantly ameliorated stress-evoked emotional changes and cognitive deficits. Importantly, this combined strategy critically shaped stress-induced changes in AHN dynamics, leading to a significant increase in the rates of cell proliferation and differentiation of newborn neurons, and an overall reduction in neuroinflammation. Together, these results show that CB2Rs are crucial regulators of the beneficial effects of PE in countering the effects of chronic stress. Our work emphasizes the importance of understanding the mechanisms behind the actions of cannabinoids and PE and provides a framework for future therapeutic strategies to treat stress-related disorders that capitalize on lifestyle interventions complemented with endocannabinoid pharmacomodulation.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2018

Malaria during pregnancy and newborns outcome in an unstable transmission area in Brazil: a population-based record linkage study

BackgroundMalaria during pregnancy is one of the major causes of mortality in tropical regions, causing maternal anemia, intrauterine growth retardation, preterm birth, and low birth weight (LBW). The integration of the information systems is crucial to assess the dimension of gestational malaria in a wide and useful way, to improve decision making and maternal-child health.\n\nMethods and FindingsAn observational population-based study acquired information retrospectively from all live births that occurred between 2006 and 2014 in Cruzeiro do Sul (Acre, Brazil). Social and clinical data of the mother and newborn was extracted from the Information System of Live Births. Malaria episodes information was obtained from the Brazilian Epidemiological Surveillance Information System Malaria. A deterministic record linkage was performed to assess malaria impact on pregnancy. The studied population presented a malaria incidence of 8.9%, of which 63.9% infected by Plasmodium (P.) vivax. Reduction of newborns birth weight at term (small for gestational age (SGA) and LBW) has been found associated with P. vivax infection during pregnancy (SGA - OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.02-1.52, p=0.035; term LBW - OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.03-1.88, p=0.033). Additionally, P. falciparum infection during pregnancy has been found to be associated with preterm births (OR 1.54, 95% CI 1.09-2.18, p=0.016), which is related with late preterm births (OR 1.59, 95% CI 1.11-2.27, p=0.011).\n\nConclusionsDespite the decrease of malaria cases during the evaluated period, we present evidence of the deleterious effects of gestational malaria in a low transmission area in the Amazonian region. Regardless of Plasmodium species, malaria during pregnancy poses a risk for newborns birth weight reduction, highlighting the impact that P. vivax has on the fetus.\n\nFundingSao Paulo Research Foundation - FAPESP/Brazil.

epidemiology↗