Mass Spectrometry-Based Multiomics Identifies Metabolic Signatures of Sarcopenia in Rhesus Monkey Skeletal Muscle.

Sarcopenia is a progressive disorder characterized by age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Although significant progress has been made over the years to identify the molecular determinants of sarcopenia, the precise mechanisms underlying the age-related loss of contractile function remains unclear. Advances in "omics" technologies, including mass spectrometry-based proteomic and metabolomic analyses, offer great opportunities to better understand sarcopenia. Herein, we performed mass spectrometry-based analyses of the vastus lateralis from young, middle-aged, and older rhesus monkeys to identify molecular signatures of sarcopenia. In our proteomic analysis, we identified proteins that change with age, including those involved in adenosine triphosphate and adenosine monophosphate metabolism as well as fatty acid beta oxidation. In our untargeted metabolomic analysis, we identified metabolites that changed with age largely related to energy metabolism including fatty acid beta oxidation. Pathway analysis of age-responsive proteins and metabolites revealed changes in muscle structure and contraction as well as lipid, carbohydrate, and purine metabolism. Together, this study discovers new metabolic signatures and offers new insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying sarcopenia for the evaluation and monitoring of a therapeutic treatment of sarcopenia.

A Common Marmoset Model of Mother-Infant Intervention for Breastfeeding Disorders in the Presence of Paternal Inhibition and Maternal Neglect.

Parents' psychological stress during the perinatal and neonatal periods continues to increase in an environment of declining birthrates, aging populations, and shrinking family sizes. The increase in child abuse and neglect cases, most likely by inexperienced and insufficiently knowledgeable parents, necessitates education on childcare and intervention techniques in nursing and midwifery training. In particular, attachment formation early in life between mother and infant is crucial. To accurately teach sensitive and comprehensive information on intervention techniques for mother-child attachment formation, realistic videos, and educational materials are necessary. Although pseudoeducational materials are available, they might be limited in explaining complex realism, particularly to support breastfeeding that involves both parents and child and that encourages interaction between the two. In a previous study in a common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus) model, we experimentally controlled infant feeding and nurturing through 24 h of constant sensing and collected 1 month of quantitative data on psychological indices that possibly translated to psychological development. Age-dependent dynamic visualization of these data by multivariate analyses inferred causal relationships between early parental feeding and psychobiological rhythm formation. In the same primate model, we identified a spontaneous case of breastfeeding failure in which the father inhibited his neonatal infant's feeding and the mother appeared to abandon nurturing, leading to clinically significant weight loss in the infant. Thus, we explored intervention techniques to promote mother-infant interaction. The mother was trained to allow the infant to spontaneously explore her breast. Initially, the mother refused to display the feeding pose potentially due to pain associated with breast engorgement. Massage was used to soften the breast and feeding was reintroduced. We hypothesize that activation of instinctive attachment formation mechanisms by encouraging spontaneity in each parent and child is the key to successful feeding intervention.

Cognitive development from infancy to young adulthood in common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus): Effect of age, sex, and hormones on learning and affective state.

Studies looking at individual variability in cognition have increased in recent years. We followed 43 marmosets (21 males, 22 females) from infancy to young adulthood. At 3-months old, marmosets were trained to touch a rewarded stimulus. At 9-, 15-, and 21-months old, they were given visual discrimination and cognitive bias tests, and urine samples were collected to examine hormone levels. Marmosets were significantly more successful learners at 15 months than 9 months. Individuals who were more successful learners at 9 months were also more successful at 15 months, with more male learners than expected at 15 months. At 9 months, learning success was associated with higher cortisol levels. At 15 months, males with higher estradiol levels were more successful learners, whereas at 21 months, females with higher estradiol and cortisol levels tended to be less successful learners and more pessimistic. Nine months, therefore, appears to be an important developmental timepoint for acquiring cognitive control, which has developed by 15 months. Steroids may have differential effects on each sex, with complex interactions between gonadal and adrenal hormones having an influence on cognitive function over the lifespan. This longitudinal study offers new insight into cognition, including its development and biological underpinnings.

Behavioral and Cognitive Outcomes of Rhesus Macaques Following Neonatal Exposure to Antiseizure Medications.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure of neonatal macaques to the antiseizure medications phenobarbital and midazolam (PbM) causes widespread apoptotic death of neurons and oligodendrocytes. We studied behavior and neurocognitive performance in 12 to 24 month-old macaques treated as neonates with PbM. METHODS: A total of 14 monkeys received phenobarbital and midazolam over 24 hours under normothermia (n = 8) or mild hypothermia (n = 6). Controls (n = 8) received no treatment. Animals underwent testing in the human intruder paradigm at ages 12 and 18 months, and a 3-step stimulus discrimination task at ages 12, 18, and 24 months. RESULTS: Animals treated with PbM displayed lower scores for environmental exploration, and higher scores for locomotion and vocalizations compared with controls. Combined PbM and hypothermia resulted in lower scores for aggression and vigilance at 12 months compared with controls and normothermic PbM animals. A mixed-effects generalized linear model was used to test for differences in neurocognitive performance between the control and PbM groups in the first step of the stimulus discrimination task battery (shape center baited to shape center non-baited). The odds of passing this step differed by group (p = 0.044). At any given age, the odds of passing for a control animal were 9.53-fold (95% CI 1.06-85) the odds for a PbM animal. There was also evidence suggesting a higher learning rate in the shape center non-baited for the control relative to the PbM group (Cox model HR 2.13, 95% CI 1.02-4.43; p = 0.044). INTERPRETATION: These findings demonstrate that a 24-hour-long neonatal treatment with a clinically relevant combination of antiseizure medications can have long-lasting effects on behavior and cognition in nonhuman primates. ANN NEUROL 2023.

Mass spectrometry-based multi-omics identifies metabolic signatures of sarcopenia in rhesus monkey skeletal muscle.

Sarcopenia is a progressive disorder characterized by age-related loss of skeletal muscle mass and function. Although significant progress has been made over the years to identify the molecular determinants of sarcopenia, the precise mechanisms underlying the age-related loss of contractile function remains unclear. Advances in omics technologies, including mass spectrometry-based proteomic and metabolomic analyses, offer great opportunities to better understand sarcopenia. Herein, we performed mass spectrometry-based analyses of the vastus lateralis from young, middle-aged, and older rhesus monkeys to identify molecular signatures of sarcopenia. In our proteomic analysis, we identified numerous proteins that change with age, including those involved in adenosine triphosphate and adenosine monophosphate metabolism as well as fatty acid beta oxidation. In our untargeted metabolomic analysis, we identified multiple metabolites that changed with age largely related to energy metabolism including fatty acid beta oxidation. Pathway analysis of age-responsive proteins and metabolites revealed changes in muscle structure and contraction as well as lipid, carbohydrate, and purine metabolism. Together, this study discovers new metabolic signatures and offer new insights into the molecular mechanism underlying sarcopenia for the evaluation and monitoring of therapeutic treatment of sarcopenia.

Detrusor underactivity is associated with metabolic syndrome in aged primates.

Lower urinary tract (LUT) dysfunction is prevalent in the elderly population, and clinical manifestations include urinary retention, incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Age-associated LUT dysfunction is responsible for significant morbidity, compromised quality of life, and rising healthcare costs in older adults, but its pathophysiology is not well understood. We aimed to investigate the effects of aging on LUT function by urodynamic studies and metabolic markers in non-human primates. Adult (n = 27) and aged (n = 20) female rhesus macaques were evaluated by urodynamic and metabolic studies. Cystometry showed detrusor underactivity (DU) with increased bladder capacity and compliance in aged subjects. Metabolic syndrome indicators were present in the aged subjects, including increased weight, triglycerides, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), whereas aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was unaffected and the AST/ALT ratio reduced. Principal component analysis and paired correlations showed a strong association between DU and metabolic syndrome markers in aged primates with DU but not in aged primates without DU. The findings were unaffected by prior pregnancies, parity, and menopause. Our findings provide insights into possible mechanisms for age-associated DU and may guide new strategies to prevent and treat LUT dysfunction in older adults.

Four Temporary Waterslide Designs Adapted to Different Slope Conditions to Encourage Child Socialization in Playgrounds.

Increased urbanization has decreased children's access to various natural outdoor environments. To counteract this deficiency in early life experiences, we designed four temporary waterslides, each tailored to different city-side park conditions. The waterslides were simple to construct, with frames built from easy-to-attain resources such as bamboo rods from a local forest and simple pipes and joints overlaid by a tarp. Plywood boards, cardboard, and a tarp were used to create a pool at the foot of the slides, which were placed on existing slopes or stairs in each park. Water was continually released down the slide during each 1-2 h event. At each park event, children gathered spontaneously to use the slides and interact socially. No serious accidents occurred during the waterslide trials. To understand how the children used each waterslide, the activity at the waterslides was recorded by video. The minute of the highest activity level at the waterslide was quantitatively analyzed to determine the lines of flow surrounding the waterslide and the mean and maximum speeds attained while using the waterslide.

Simplified Attachable EEG Revealed Child Development Dependent Neurofeedback Brain Acute Activities in Comparison with Visual Numerical Discrimination Task and Resting.

The development of an easy-to-attach electroencephalograph (EEG) would enable its frequent use for the assessment of neurodevelopment and clinical monitoring. In this study, we designed a two-channel EEG headband measurement device that could be used safely and was easily attachable and removable without the need for restraint or electrode paste or gel. Next, we explored the use of this device for neurofeedback applications relevant to education or neurocognitive development. We developed a prototype visual neurofeedback game in which the size of a familiar local mascot changes in the PC display depending on the user's brain wave activity. We tested this application at a local children's play event. Children at the event were invited to experience the game and, upon agreement, were provided with an explanation of the game and support in attaching the EEG device. The game began with a consecutive number visual discrimination task which was followed by an open-eye resting condition and then a neurofeedback task. Preliminary linear regression analyses by the least-squares method of the acquired EEG and age data in 30 participants from 5 to 20 years old suggested an age-dependent left brain lateralization of beta waves at the neurofeedback stage (p = 0.052) and of alpha waves at the open-eye resting stage (p = 0.044) with potential involvement of other wave bands. These results require further validation.

Ceramides are early responders in metabolic syndrome development in rhesus monkeys.

Metabolic syndrome increases risk of complicating co-morbidities. Current clinical indicators reflect established metabolic impairment, preventing earlier intervention strategies. Here we show that circulating sphingolipids are altered in the very early stages of insulin resistance development. The study involved 16 paired overweight but healthy monkeys, one-half of which spontaneously developed metabolic syndrome over the course of 2 years. Importantly, animals did not differ in adiposity and were euglycemic throughout the study period. Using mass spectrometry, circulating sphingolipids, including ceramides and sphingomyelins, were detected and quantified for healthy and impaired animals at both time points. At time of diagnosis, several ceramides were significantly different between healthy and impaired animals. Correlation analysis revealed differences in the interactions among ceramides in impaired animals at diagnosis and pre-diagnosis when animals were clinically indistinguishable from controls. Furthermore, correlations between ceramides and early-stage markers of insulin resistance, diacylglycerols and non-esterified fatty acids, were distinct for healthy and impaired states. Regression analysis identifies coordinated changes in lipid handling across lipid classes as animals progress from healthy to insulin resistant. Correlations between ceramides and the adipose-derived adipokine adiponectin were apparent in healthy animals but not in the metabolically impaired animals, even in advance of loss in insulin sensitivity. These data suggest that circulating ceramides are clinically relevant in identifying disease risk independent of differences in adiposity, and may be important in devising preventative strategies.

Aromatase Inhibition Eliminates Sexual Receptivity Without Enhancing Weight Gain in Ovariectomized Marmoset Monkeys.

Context: Ovarian estradiol supports female sexual behavior and metabolic function. While ovariectomy (OVX) in rodents abolishes sexual behavior and enables obesity, OVX in nonhuman primates decreases, but does not abolish, sexual behavior, and inconsistently alters weight gain. Objective: We hypothesize that extra-ovarian estradiol provides key support for both functions, and to test this idea, we employed aromatase inhibition to eliminate extra-ovarian estradiol biosynthesis and diet-induced obesity to enhance weight gain. Methods: Thirteen adult female marmosets were OVX and received (1) estradiol-containing capsules and daily oral treatments of vehicle (E2; n = 5); empty capsules and daily oral treatments of either (2) vehicle (VEH, 1 mL/kg, n = 4), or (3) letrozole (LET, 1 mg/kg, n = 4). Results: After 7 months, we observed robust sexual receptivity in E2, intermediate frequencies in VEH, and virtually none in LET females (P = .04). By contrast, few rejections of male mounts were observed in E2, intermediate frequencies in VEH, and high frequencies in LET females (P = .04). Receptive head turns were consistently observed in E2, but not in VEH and LET females. LET females, alone, exhibited robust aggressive rejection of males. VEH and LET females demonstrated increased % body weight gain (P = .01). Relative estradiol levels in peripheral serum were E2 >>> VEH > LET, while those in hypothalamus ranked E2 = VEH > LET, confirming inhibition of local hypothalamic estradiol synthesis by letrozole. Conclusion: Our findings provide the first evidence for extra-ovarian estradiol contributing to female sexual behavior in a nonhuman primate, and prompt speculation that extra-ovarian estradiol, and in particular neuroestrogens, may similarly regulate sexual motivation in other primates, including humans.

Structural and functional variations in the prefrontal cortex are associated with learning in pre-adolescent common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

There is substantial evidence linking the prefrontal cortex (PFC) to a variety of cognitive abilities, with adolescence being a critical period in its development. In the current study, we investigated the neural basis of differences in learning in pre-adolescent common marmosets. At 8 months old, marmosets were given anatomical and resting state MRI scans (n = 24). At 9 months old, association learning and inhibitory control was tested using a 'go/no go' visual discrimination (VD) task. Marmosets were grouped into 'learners' (n = 12) and "non-learners" (n = 12), and associations between cognitive performance and sub-regional PFC volumes, as well as PFC connectivity patterns, were investigated. "Learners" had significantly (p < 0.05) larger volumes of areas 11, 25, 47 and 32 than 'non-learners', although 'non-learners' had significantly larger volumes of areas 24a and 8 v than "learners". There was also a significant correlation between average % correct responses to the 'punished' stimulus and volume of area 47. Further, 'non-learners' had significantly greater global PFC connections, as well as significantly greater numbers of connections between the PFC and basal ganglia, cerebellum and hippocampus, compared to 'learners'. These results suggest that larger sub-regions of the orbitofrontal cortex and ventromedial PFC, as well more refined PFC connectivity patterns to other brain regions associated with learning, may be important in successful response inhibition. This study therefore offers new information on the neurodevelopment of individual differences in cognition during pre-adolescence in non-human primates.

Motivational increase of androgens and behavior by infant distress calls in highly responsive common marmoset fathers, Callithrix jacchus.

Common marmoset fathers are highly involved in care of their infants. However, variability exists in their response to infant behavior even in paternally experienced fathers. Using infant distress cries as a motivation test, we investigated: 1. the differences in paternally experienced fathers' motivation to search for the infant vocalization stimuli; 2. the relationship between a father's motivation to search for the source of the infant cries and testosterone levels; and 3. if there is a rapid steroidogenesis pathway leading to increased testosterone and estradiol in the peripheral circulation. Only 44% of the paternally experienced fathers showed a high frequency of searching for the source of the infant distress cries. Through the use of multisteroid analysis, we found high responsive fathers had significantly higher levels of progesterone and testosterone in response to infant distress cries compared to a control stimulus with progesterone and androstenedione correlating with testosterone, while no differences were seen in low responders. The frequency to search for the infant stimuli was positively correlated with higher testosterone compared to control vocal levels. These results suggest that searching for the source of infant cries represents a motivation behavior for fathers that is activated by testosterone and reflects rapid circulating testosterone.

Development and validation of an LC-MS/MS based quantitative assay for marmoset insulin in serum.

Insulin is a peptide hormone that is secreted by the ß cells of the pancreas and is essential to the metabolism of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins in the body. The marmoset insulin peptide is not homologous with human insulin and therefore commonly available assays do not work for this species. Due to the increasing popularity of marmoset research, a simple, specific assay for the quantitation of marmoset insulin is needed. This study aimed to develop and validate a bottom-up proteomic workflow with trypsin digestion and analysis using LC coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Marmoset serum proteins were subjected to denaturation, reduction, and enzymatic cleavage to extract a unique, 7 amino acid peptide for quantitation of marmoset insulin. Resolution of the peptide was achieved by LC-MS/MS using electrospray ionization operating in positive mode. Calibration was achieved by aliquot dilution of fully synthetic marmoset insulin tryptic peptide into macaque serum. A stable-isotope labeled (13C, 15N) synthetic marmoset insulin tryptic peptide was used as internal standard. The assay was fully validated according to bioanalytical method validation guidelines for linearity, precision, and dilution linearity using purified marmoset insulin. The limit of detection was 15.49 pmol/L and the limit of quantitation was 140.78 pmol/L. Biological validation was achieved by comparison of samples previously run by radioimmunoassay and measurement of the marmoset insulin response to glucose via an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). The physiological range of marmoset insulin was shown to be 84.5 to 1222 pmol/L. In summary, this paper presents a simple, reproducible method to measure marmoset insulin in serum using LC-MS/MS.

Adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon improves skeletal muscle function in aged mice.

The loss of skeletal muscle function with age, known as sarcopenia, significantly reduces independence and quality of life and can have significant metabolic consequences. Although exercise is effective in treating sarcopenia it is not always a viable option clinically, and currently, there are no pharmacological therapeutic interventions for sarcopenia. Here, we show that chronic treatment with pan-adiponectin receptor agonist AdipoRon improved muscle function in male mice by a mechanism linked to skeletal muscle metabolism and tissue remodeling. In aged mice, 6 weeks of AdipoRon treatment improved skeletal muscle functional measures in vivo and ex vivo. Improvements were linked to changes in fiber type, including an enrichment of oxidative fibers, and an increase in mitochondrial activity. In young mice, 6 weeks of AdipoRon treatment improved contractile force and activated the energy-sensing kinase AMPK and the mitochondrial regulator PGC-1a (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator one alpha). In cultured cells, the AdipoRon induced stimulation of AMPK and PGC-1a was associated with increased mitochondrial membrane potential, reorganization of mitochondrial architecture, increased respiration, and increased ATP production. Furthermore, the ability of AdipoRon to stimulate AMPK and PGC1a was conserved in nonhuman primate cultured cells. These data show that AdipoRon is an effective agent for the prevention of sarcopenia in mice and indicate that its effects translate to primates, suggesting it may also be a suitable therapeutic for sarcopenia in clinical application.

Evaluating depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in non-human primates.

Depression and anxiety are some of the most prevalent and debilitating mental health conditions in humans. They can present on their own or as co-morbidities with other disorders. Like humans, non-human primates (NHPs) can develop depression- and anxiety-like signs. Here, we first define human depression and anxiety, examine equivalent species-specific behaviors in NHPs, and consider models and current methods to identify and evaluate these behaviors. We also discuss knowledge gaps, as well as the importance of evaluating the co-occurrence of depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in animal models of human disease. Lastly, we consider ethical challenges in depression and anxiety research on NHPs in order to ultimately advance the understanding and the personalized treatment of these disorders.

Improving rigor and reproducibility in nonhuman primate research.

Nonhuman primates (NHPs) are a critical component of translational/preclinical biomedical research due to the strong similarities between NHP and human physiology and disease pathology. In some cases, NHPs represent the most appropriate, or even the only, animal model for complex metabolic, neurological, and infectious diseases. The increased demand for and limited availability of these valuable research subjects requires that rigor and reproducibility be a prime consideration to ensure the maximal utility of this scarce resource. Here, we discuss a number of approaches that collectively can contribute to enhanced rigor and reproducibility in NHP research.

Fasting blood glucose as a predictor of mortality: Lost in translation.

Aging leads to profound changes in glucose homeostasis, weight, and adiposity, which are considered good predictors of health and survival in humans. Direct evidence that these age-associated metabolic alterations are recapitulated in animal models is lacking, impeding progress to develop and test interventions that delay the onset of metabolic dysfunction and promote healthy aging and longevity. We compared longitudinal trajectories, rates of change, and mortality risks of fasting blood glucose, body weight, and fat mass in mice, nonhuman primates, and humans throughout their lifespans and found similar trajectories of body weight and fat in the three species. In contrast, fasting blood glucose decreased late in life in mice but increased over the lifespan of nonhuman primates and humans. Higher glucose was associated with lower mortality in mice but higher mortality in nonhuman primates and humans, providing a cautionary tale for translating age-associated metabolic changes from mice to humans.

Rhesus monkeys as a translational model for late-onset Alzheimer's disease.

Age is a major risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD) but seldom features in laboratory models of the disease. Furthermore, heterogeneity in size and density of AD plaques observed in individuals are not recapitulated in transgenic mouse models, presenting an incomplete picture. We show that the amyloid plaque microenvironment is not equivalent between rodent and primate species, and that differences in the impact of AD pathology on local metabolism and inflammation might explain established differences in neurodegeneration and functional decline. Using brain tissue from transgenic APP/PSEN1 mice, rhesus monkeys with age-related amyloid plaques, and human subjects with confirmed AD, we report altered energetics in the plaque microenvironment. Metabolic features included changes in mitochondrial distribution and enzymatic activity, and changes in redox cofactors NAD(P)H that were shared among species. A greater burden of lipofuscin was detected in the brains from monkeys and humans of advanced age compared to transgenic mice. Local inflammatory signatures indexed by astrogliosis and microglial activation were detected in each species; however, the inflamed zone was considerably larger for monkeys and humans. These data demonstrate the advantage of nonhuman primates in modeling the plaque microenvironment, and provide a new framework to investigate how AD pathology might contribute to functional loss.

Current practices in nutrition management and disease incidence of common marmosets (Callithrix jacchus).

BACKGROUND: A survey was developed to characterize disease incidence, common pathology lesions, environmental characteristics, and nutrition programs within captive research marmoset colonies. METHODS: Seventeen research facilities completed the electronic survey. RESULTS: Nutritional management programs varied amongst research institutions housing marmosets; eight primary base diets were reported. The most common clinical syndromes reported were gastrointestinal disease (i.e. inflammatory bowel disease like disease, chronic lymphocytic enteritis, chronic malabsorption, chronic diarrhea), metabolic bone disease or fracture, infectious diarrhea, and oral disease (tooth root abscesses, gingivitis, tooth root resorption). The five most common pathology morphologic diagnoses were colitis, nephropathy/nephritis, enteritis, chronic lymphoplasmacytic enteritis, and cholecystitis. Obesity was more common (average 20% of a reporting institution's population) than thin body condition (average 5%). CONCLUSIONS: Through review of current practices, we aim to inspire development of evidence-based practices to standardize husbandry and nutrition practices for marmoset research colonies.

Inexpensive Home Infrared Living/Environment Sensor with Regional Thermal Information for Infant Physical and Psychological Development.

The use of home-based image sensors for biological and environmental monitoring provides novel insight into health and development but it is difficult to evaluate people during their normal activities in their home. Therefore, we developed a low-cost infrared (IR) technology-based motion, location, temperature and thermal environment detection system that can be used non-invasively for long-term studies in the home environment. We tested this technology along with the associated analysis algorithm to visualize the effects of parental care and thermal environment on developmental state change in a non-human primate model, the common marmoset (Callithrix jacchus). To validate this system, we first compared it to a manual analysis technique and we then assessed the development of circadian rhythms in common marmosets from postnatal day 15-45. The semi-automatically tracked biological indices of locomotion velocity (BV) and body surface temperature (BT) and the potential psychological index of place preference toward the door (BD), showed age-dependent shifts in circadian phase patterns. Although environmental variables appeared to affect circadian rhythm development, principal component analysis and signal superimposing imaging methods revealed a novel phasic pattern of BD-BT correlation day/night switching in animals older than postnatal day 38 (approximately equivalent to one year of age in humans). The origin of this switch was related to earlier development of body temperature (BT) rhythms and alteration of psychological behavior rhythms (BD) around earlier feeding times. We propose that this cost-effective, inclusive sensing and analytic technique has value for understanding developmental care conditions for which continual home non-invasive monitoring would be beneficial and further suggest the potential to adapt this technique for use in humans.