Cognitive and Emotional Alterations Are Related to Hippocampal Inflammation in a Mouse Model of Metabolic Syndrome Neuroinflammation Parallels Behavioral Deficits
2011

Cognitive and Emotional Changes Linked to Brain Inflammation in Mice with Metabolic Syndrome

Sample size: 40 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Dinel Anne-Laure, André Caroline, Aubert Agnès, Ferreira Guillaume, Layé Sophie, Castanon Nathalie

Primary Institution: Nutrition et Neurobiologie Intégrée, INRA UMR 1286, Bordeaux, France

Hypothesis

The behavioral deficits of db/db mice would be specifically associated with activation of cytokine pathways in the hippocampus.

Conclusion

Increased anxiety-like behaviors and impaired spatial memory in db/db mice are linked to inflammation in the hippocampus.

Supporting Evidence

  • db/db mice displayed increased anxiety-like behaviors in the open-field and elevated plus-maze.
  • db/db mice showed impaired spatial recognition memory but unaltered object recognition memory.
  • Increased inflammatory cytokines were found in the hippocampus of db/db mice.

Takeaway

Mice with metabolic syndrome showed more anxiety and memory problems because of inflammation in their brains.

Methodology

The study used a mouse model of metabolic syndrome to assess emotional behaviors and memory performances alongside inflammatory cytokine levels.

Limitations

The study is correlative and conducted in mice, which may not fully represent human conditions.

Participant Demographics

Male db/db and db/+ mice aged 8 to 10 weeks.

Statistical Information

P-Value

p<0.0001

Statistical Significance

p<0.05

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1371/journal.pone.0024325

Want to read the original?

Access the complete publication on the publisher's website

View Original Publication