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The Influence of Early-Life Stress on Resilience in Adulthood and Aging
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Nayere Askari   , Manijeh Dogani , Iran Pouraboli , Hanieh Khaksar , Reyhaneh Rezaei , Shabnam Mohtasham , Asma Hatami , Roya Hosseini , Alireza Pishbin , Fatemeh Ashrafganjoie , Kiana Bahramnejad |
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Abstract: (251 Views) |
Introduction: This study aims to investigate the impact of stress experienced during early life on the behavior of adult animals when facing stressful events. Additionally, the study explores potential mechanisms underlying the development of stress responses.
Methods and Materials: Intrauterine stress and maternal deprivation stress were induced to apply early-life stress. After reaching puberty, animals were subjected to various stressors, including food inequality, food deprivation, social instability, and unpredictable chronic stress. Behavioral assessments included tests for anxiety and depression-like behaviors, spatial memory, learning capabilities, and pain responses. Hormone levels were measured using the ELISA method, and blood biochemical factors were examined using enzyme kits and an autoanalyzer. Gene expression was analyzed via real-time PCR. Histological methods were used to study aging in the cardiovascular and renal systems, alongside the measurement of oxidative stress factors, telomere length, and the expression of Klotho, P16, and IGF1 genes.
Results: The study demonstrated that exposure to different stressors caused anxiety-like behaviors, impaired spatial memory formation, and reduced pain threshold. Significant changes were observed in the serum levels of cortisol and oxytocin hormones, as well as alterations in gene expression (BDNF/TRKB, GR/MR, TLR2/4, NF-κB, D1/D2, OX/OXR). According to the results of this study, exposure to chronic stress, and as a result of the activation of the neurobiological response cascade, causes an increase in biological age. Also, exposure to stress in animals that have experienced early life stress has accelerated the aging process in vital organs, heart and kidney.
Conclusion: Animals exposed to stress during early life exhibited more intense stress responses and an increased susceptibility to stress-related disorders during adulthood. The analysis of gene expression revealed stress-induced changes, which were often more pronounced in animals with a history of maternal stress, leading to distinctive patterns of change. Furthermore, early-life stress was found to accelerate the aging process in the cardiovascular and renal systems. Understanding the mechanisms underlying resilience and stress management could facilitate the identification of more effective therapeutic targets for stress-related disorders. |
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| Keywords: Early life stress, resilience, aging |
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Full-Text [PDF 347 kb]
(36 Downloads)
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Type of Study: Research |
Subject:
General
Received: 2024/02/12 | Accepted: 2023/08/23 | Published: 2023/08/23
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