Biology subjects

Rosa, A. R.

Publications and source records attributed to Rosa, A. R..

3 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2024

Effects of transcranial photobiomodulation on peripheral biomarkers associated with oxidative stress and complex IV activity in the prefrontal cortex in rats subjected to chronic mild stress

BackgroundThis study addresses the urgent need for effective alternatives to treat major depressive disorder (MDD) in patients who do not respond to conventional therapies Transcranial photobiomodulation therapy (tPBM) shows promise by enhancing mitochondrial function and reducing oxidative stress, as demonstrated in the chronic mild stress (CMS) rat model. To analyze the impact of tPBM with two wavelengths (red and infrared) on behavioral and biological parameters related to MDD in a CMS model. MethodsMale Wistar rats were subjected to CMS for five weeks and categorized into resilient (CMS-R) and susceptible (CMS-S) groups using the sucrose consumption test (SCT). The CMS-S group received tPBM treatment (600nm and 840nm) for five weeks. Biological measures included lipid damage (TBARS), antioxidant defense (TEAC), mitochondrial complex IV activity (CCO), and nitric oxide (NO) concentration in the prefrontal cortex and blood were measured. ResultsAs expected, post-tPBM treatment (both red and infrared groups) exhibited increased sucrose consumption compared to the sham (Kruskal Wallis chi-squared=26.131; p<0.001). The red and infrared presented higher serum TEAC levels than the sham and control groups, but these effects did not reach statistical significance (p=0.306). In contrast, the red group showed lower peripheral TBARS levels (M = 9.50, SD = 2.87) than the sham group (M = 13.66, SD = 2.20) (p=0.0048); such effect was similar to the control non-stress group. The infrared group showed higher NO levels within the hippocampus than the sham group (Mean = 107.83; SD = 6.48, Dunn Test p = 0.0134) and higher prefrontal CCO activity levels than the red group (p=0.012), which was similar to the control non-stress group. ConclusionsOur study demonstrated that tPBM using both red and infrared wavelengths significantly improved behavioral and biological parameters in the chronic mild stress (CMS) rat model. In particular, tPBM may offer therapeutic benefits by ameliorating oxidative stress and enhancing mitochondrial function, thereby presenting a promising alternative for the management of MDD.

neuroscience↗

bioRxiv2022

Effects of taurine in mice and zebrafish behavioral assays with translational relevance to schizophrenia

BackgroundAltered redox state and developmental abnormalities in glutamatergic and GABAergic transmission during development are linked to the behavioral changes associated with schizophrenia. As an amino acid that exerts antioxidant and inhibitory actions in the brain, taurine is a potential candidate to modulate biological targets relevant to this disorder. Here, we investigated in mice and zebrafish assays whether taurine prevents the behavioral changes induced by acute administration of MK-801 (dizocilpine), a glutamate NMDA receptor antagonist. MethodsC57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally administered with saline or taurine (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) followed by MK-801 (0.15 mg/kg). Locomotor activity, social interaction and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle reflex were then assessed in different sets of animals. Zebrafish were exposed to tank water or taurine (42, 150 and 400 mg/L) followed by MK-801 (5 M); social interaction and locomotor activity were evaluated in the same test. ResultsMK-801 induced hyperlocomotion and disrupted sensorimotor gating in mice; in zebrafish, it reduced sociability while increased locomotion. Taurine was mostly devoid of effects and did not counteract NMDA antagonism in mice or zebrafish. DiscussionContradicting previous clinical and preclinical data, taurine did not show antipsychotic-like effects in the present study. However, it still warrants consideration as a preventive intervention in animal models of relevance to the prodromal phase of schizophrenia; further studies are thus necessary to evaluate whether and how taurine might benefit patients.

pharmacology and toxicology↗

bioRxiv2021

Anti-stress effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide in zebrafish

Stress-related disorders are extremely harmful and cause significant impacts on the individual and society. Despite the limited evidence regarding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and mental disorders, a few clinical and preclinical studies suggest that modulating this system could improve symptoms of stress-related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of liraglutide, a GLP-1R agonist, on neurobehavioral phenotypes and brain oxidative status in adult zebrafish. Acute liraglutide promoted anxiolytic-like effects in the light/dark test, while chronic treatment blocked the impact of unpredictable chronic stress on behavioral and physiological parameters. Taken together, our study demonstrates that liraglutide is active on zebrafish brain and may counteract some of the effects induced by stress. More studies are warranted to further elucidate the potential of GLP-1R agonists for the management of brain disorders.

pharmacology and toxicology↗