Effects of pair-housing pubertal and adult male and female mice on LPS-induced age-dependent immune responses: A potential role for the gut microbiota.

Puberty is a critical period of development that is marked by the maturation of the stress and immune systems. There are marked age and sex differences in peripheral and central inflammatory responses to an immune challenge between pubertal and adult mice. Given the strong link between the gut microbiome and immune system, it is possible that the age and sex differences in immune responses are mediated by age and sex differences in gut microbial composition.

Single cell force spectroscopy of erythrocytes at physiological and febrile temperatures reveals mechano-modulatory effects of atorvastatin.

RBCs are mechanically active cells and constantly deform as they circulate through vasculature. Their mechanical properties can be significantly altered by various pathophysiological conditions, and the alterations in RBC mechanics can, in turn, have functional consequences. Although numerous mechanical studies have been conducted on RBCs, surprisingly, strain-rate and temperature dependent mechanics of RBCs have not been systematically examined, and current data is primarily based on measurements at room temperature.

Probiotic consumption during puberty mitigates LPS-induced immune responses and protects against stress-induced depression- and anxiety-like behaviors in adulthood in a sex-specific manner.

Puberty/adolescence is a significant period of development and a time with a high emergence of psychiatric disorders. During this period, there is increased neuroplasticity and heightened vulnerability to stress and inflammation. The gut microbiome regulates stress and inflammatory responses and can alter brain chemistry and behaviour.