Early Life Stress and Brain Plasticity: From Alterations of Brain Morphology to Development of Psychopathology

Oginga, Fredrick Otieno; Magwai, Thabo; Shangase, Khanyiso Bright; Xulu, Khethelo Richman; Mpofana, Thabisile

doi:10.3390/neurosci3010008

Cited by 6 publications

(5 citation statements)

References 38 publications

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“…ELS alters the proliferation, differentiation and survival of neuronal stem cells (NSCs), culminating in disruptions to synaptogenesis, synaptic pruning, and neurotransmission (72,164). Extensive synaptic remodeling also occurs during adolescence, and CAS is known to disrupt synaptic plasticity and myelination with long-term implications for psychology, cognition and behavior (73,279). These neurophysiological differences have largely been attributed to signaling between the HPA axis, GCs and neurogenic factors (e.g., Brain-derived neurotrophic factor and Wnt) (233,234).…”

Section: Mitochondrialmentioning

confidence: 99%

A molecular framework for autistic experiences: Mitochondrial allostatic load as a mediator between autism and psychopathology

Mahony

O’Ryan

2022

Front. Psychiatry

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Molecular autism research is evolving toward a biopsychosocial framework that is more informed by autistic experiences. In this context, research aims are moving away from correcting external autistic behaviors and toward alleviating internal distress. Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASCs) are associated with high rates of depression, suicidality and other comorbid psychopathologies, but this relationship is poorly understood. Here, we integrate emerging characterizations of internal autistic experiences within a molecular framework to yield insight into the prevalence of psychopathology in ASC. We demonstrate that descriptions of social camouflaging and autistic burnout resonate closely with the accepted definitions for early life stress (ELS) and chronic adolescent stress (CAS). We propose that social camouflaging could be considered a distinct form of CAS that contributes to allostatic overload, culminating in a pathophysiological state that is experienced as autistic burnout. Autistic burnout is thought to contribute to psychopathology via psychological and physiological mechanisms, but these remain largely unexplored by molecular researchers. Building on converging fields in molecular neuroscience, we discuss the substantial evidence implicating mitochondrial dysfunction in ASC to propose a novel role for mitochondrial allostatic load in the relationship between autism and psychopathology. An interplay between mitochondrial, neuroimmune and neuroendocrine signaling is increasingly implicated in stress-related psychopathologies, and these molecular players are also associated with neurodevelopmental, neurophysiological and neurochemical aspects of ASC. Together, this suggests an increased exposure and underlying molecular susceptibility to ELS that increases the risk of psychopathology in ASC. This article describes an integrative framework shaped by autistic experiences that highlights novel avenues for molecular research into mechanisms that directly affect the quality of life and wellbeing of autistic individuals. Moreover, this framework emphasizes the need for increased access to diagnoses, accommodations, and resources to improve mental health outcomes in autism.

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Section: Mitochondrialmentioning

confidence: 99%

A molecular framework for autistic experiences: Mitochondrial allostatic load as a mediator between autism and psychopathology

Mahony

O’Ryan

2022

Front. Psychiatry

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“…There is considerable evidence in the research suggesting that CA has a complex and non-specific effect on body systems that are associated with multiple health complications on an individual's physiology, behaviors and neural functions [7]. These effects are predisposing factors to chronic diseases such as hypertension, diabetes mellitus and cancer, or can be associated with mental disorders [8], deviant behavior [9] and psychopathology [7]. Previous studies have also suggested that the adverse effects of CA present at any time during the lifespan, even later in adulthood, with long-lasting and permanent effects [10].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Prolonged Maternal Separation Reduces Anxiety State and Increases Compulsive Burying Activity in the Offspring of BALB/c Mice

Jarrar

Ayoub

Alhussine

et al. 2022

JPM

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Background: The elevated plus maze (EPM) and the marble burying (MB) tests are common behavioral tests used for behavioral phenotyping in mouse models for neurodevelopmental disorders. However, the behavioral effects of maternal separation (MS), a standard paradigm for early life stress in animals, in both the EPM and MB tests remain incompletely known. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the behavioral effects of prolonged MS in the offspring of mice using the EPM and MB tests. Methods: Male BALB/c mice were isolated from their mothers for 4 h each day during the first 30 days after birth. On day 50 postnatal, groups of separated and non-separated mice (n = 18/each group) were subjected to the EPM and MB tests for comparative behavioral evaluations. In addition, the locomotor activity of mice was evaluated using the actophotometer test. Results: The findings of the EPM test revealed that separated mice exhibited anxiolytic-like behaviors, as evidenced by a significant increase in the latency to closed arms and the time spent in the open arms compared with non-separated mice. Separated mice also showed compulsive burying activity in the MB test, as determined by a significant increase in the number of buried marbles. The results of the actophotometer test did not show any significant change in locomotor activity. Conclusions: Prolonged MS caused the adult offspring of mice to exhibit a decrease in anxiety state and increased compulsive burying activity, which were not associated with a change in locomotor activity. Further investigations with validated tests are needed to support these findings.

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“…'Technostress' and the telomere theory of aging Stress experienced during this crucial period in human development is important to consider from two angles: i) the immediate effects of stress on the still-maturing adolescent brain and its function, and ii) the long-term neurological, physiological, and psychological manifestation of stress experienced in adolescent life. Research data has implicated early-life stressors as significant influencers of neurodevelopment, and in the onset of psychological and physiological morbidities in adulthood (Oginga et al, 2022;Smith & Pollak, 2020). However, studies examining the long-term effects of SM usage on adolescent development are scarce, and no studies have aimed to look at the impacts of SM-induced stress on markers of cellular aging in adolescents.…”

Section: Effects On Sleep Qualitymentioning

confidence: 99%

Physiological impacts of social media platforms on adolescent health: a review of key studies and possible directions for future research

Tasawar

2022

SURG

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There has been rapid growth in the literature surrounding the psychological implications of social media (SM) platforms on adolescent well-being. The physiological effects, however, have not been adequately explored. This review examines the implications of SM on i) neural responses, ii) sleep quality, iii) cellular aging, and iv) the adoption of risky health behaviors, with the overall goal of highlighting novel findings within these domains, identifying gaps in current literature, and providing possible directions for future research. The review was conducted using articles extracted from Google Scholar, PubMed, and NCBI searches. In terms of neural responses, the results demonstrate a decreased activation in the cognitive-control region of the adolescent brain while viewing risky images on SM, however, longitudinal data is required to form causal relationships between SM usage and long-term neurodevelopment. In terms of sleep quality, better insight could be gained if pre-sleep arousal in relation to specific content consumed is analyzed. Increased instances of stress induced due to SM call for the inclusion of this factor when examining markers of cellular aging, as there is no study thus far that has aimed to do so. Lastly, the most direct way in which SM can impact adolescents is through the adoption of risky behaviors being broadcast on these platforms. Analysis of these results suggests that SM platforms hold considerable potential to harm the physiological development of adolescents and warrant further investigation to better understand their full ramifications. Awareness of related issues is important for healthcare professionals and public health organizations.

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Early Life Stress and Brain Plasticity: From Alterations of Brain Morphology to Development of Psychopathology

Cited by 6 publications

References 38 publications

A molecular framework for autistic experiences: Mitochondrial allostatic load as a mediator between autism and psychopathology

A molecular framework for autistic experiences: Mitochondrial allostatic load as a mediator between autism and psychopathology

Prolonged Maternal Separation Reduces Anxiety State and Increases Compulsive Burying Activity in the Offspring of BALB/c Mice

Physiological impacts of social media platforms on adolescent health: a review of key studies and possible directions for future research

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