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Zota I, Chanoumidou K, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A. Dynamics of myelin deficits in the 5xFAD mouse model for Alzheimer's disease and the protective role of BDNF. Glia 2024; 72:809-827. [PMID: 38205694 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Recent findings highlight myelin breakdown as a decisive early event in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) acting as aggravating factor of its progression. However, it is still unclear whether myelin loss is attributed to increased oligodendrocyte vulnerability, reduced repairing capacity or toxic stimuli. In the present study, we sought to clarify the starting point of myelin disruption accompanied with Oligodendrocyte Progenitor Cell (OPC) elimination in the brain of the 5xFAD mouse model of AD at 6 months of age in Dentate Gyrus of the hippocampus in relation to neurotrophin system. Prominent inflammation presence was detected since the age of 6 months playing a key role in myelin disturbance and AD progression. Expression analysis of neurotrophin receptors in OPCs was performed to identify new targets that could increase myelination in health and disease. OPCs in both control and 5xFAD mice express TrkB, TrkC and p75 receptors but not TrkA. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) that binds to TrkB receptor is well-known about its pro-myelination effect, promoting oligodendrocytes proliferation and differentiation, so we focused our investigation on its effects in OPCs under neurodegenerative conditions. Our in vitro results showed that BDNF rescues OPCs from death and promotes their proliferation and differentiation in presence of the toxic Amyloid-β 1-42. Collectively, our results indicate that BDNF possess an additional neuroprotective role through its actions on oligodendrocytic component and its use could be proposed as a drug-based myelin-enhancing strategy, complementary to amyloid and tau centered therapies in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Zota
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Konstantina Chanoumidou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (IMBB-FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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Terracina S, Ferraguti G, Tarani L, Fanfarillo F, Tirassa P, Ralli M, Iannella G, Polimeni A, Lucarelli M, Greco A, Fiore M. Nerve Growth Factor and Autoimmune Diseases. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:8950-8973. [PMID: 37998739 PMCID: PMC10670231 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45110562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023] Open
Abstract
NGF plays a crucial immunomodulatory role and increased levels are found in numerous tissues during autoimmune states. NGF directly modulates innate and adaptive immune responses of B and T cells and causes the release of neuropeptides and neurotransmitters controlling the immune system activation in inflamed tissues. Evidence suggests that NGF is involved in the pathogenesis of numerous immune diseases including autoimmune thyroiditis, chronic arthritis, multiple sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, mastocytosis, and chronic granulomatous disease. Furthermore, as NGF levels have been linked to disease severity, it could be considered an optimal early biomarker to identify therapeutic approach efficacy. In conclusion, by gaining insights into how these molecules function and which cells they interact with, future studies can devise targeted therapies to address various neurological, immunological, and other disorders more effectively. This knowledge may pave the way for innovative treatments based on NGF manipulation aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals affected by diseases involving neurotrophins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Terracina
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Giampiero Ferraguti
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Luigi Tarani
- Department of Maternal Infantile and Urological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Fanfarillo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Tirassa
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Ralli
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Giannicola Iannella
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Antonella Polimeni
- Department of Odontostomatological and Maxillofacial Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Marco Lucarelli
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Pasteur Institute, Cenci Bolognetti Foundation, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Greco
- Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Marco Fiore
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology (IBBC-CNR), Department of Sensory Organs, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
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3
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Narducci D, Charou D, Rogdakis T, Zota I, Bafiti V, Zervou M, Katsila T, Gravanis A, Prousis KC, Charalampopoulos I, Calogeropoulou T. A quest for the stereo-electronic requirements for selective agonism for the neurotrophin receptors TrkA and TrkB in 17-spirocyclic-dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1244133. [PMID: 37840771 PMCID: PMC10568017 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1244133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The neurotrophin system plays a pivotal role in the development, morphology, and survival of the nervous system, and its dysregulation has been manifested in numerous neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Neurotrophins NGF and BDNF are major growth factors that prevent neuronal death and synaptic loss through binding with high affinity to their specific tropomyosin-related kinase receptors namely, TrkA and TrkB, respectively. The poor pharmacokinetic properties prohibit the use of neurotrophins as therapeutic agents. Our group has previously synthesized BNN27, a prototype small molecule based on dehydroepiandrosterone, mimicking NGF through the activation of the TrkA receptor. Methods To obtain a better understanding of the stereo-electronic requirements for selective activation of TrkA and TrkB receptors, 27 new dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives bearing a C17-spiro-dihydropyran or cyclobutyl moiety were synthesized. The new compounds were evaluated for their ability (a) to selectively activate the TrkA receptor and its downstream signaling kinases Akt and Erk1/2 in PC12 cells, protecting these cells from serum deprivation-induced cell death, and (b) to induce phosphorylation of TrkB and to promote cell survival under serum deprivation conditions in NIH3T3 cells stable transfected with the TrkB receptor and primary cortical astrocytes. In addition the metabolic stability and CYP-mediated reaction was assessed. Results Among the novel derivatives, six were able to selectively protect PC12 cells through interaction with the TrkA receptor and five more to selectively protect TrkB-expressing cells via interaction with the TrkB receptor. In particular, compound ENT-A025 strongly induces TrkA and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, comparable to NGF, and can protect PC12 cells against serum deprivation-induced cell death. Furthermore, ENT-A065, ENT-A066, ENT-A068, ENT-A069, and ENT-A070 showed promising pro-survival effects in the PC12 cell line. Concerning TrkB agonists, ENT-A009 and ENT-A055 were able to induce phosphorylation of TrkB and reduce cell death levels in NIH3T3-TrkB cells. In addition, ENT-A076, ENT-A087, and ENT-A088 possessed antiapoptotic activity in NIH-3T3-TrkB cells exclusively mediated through the TrkB receptor. The metabolic stability and CYP-mediated reaction phenotyping of the potent analogs did not reveal any major liabilities. Discussion We have identified small molecule selective agonists of TrkA and TrkB receptors as promising lead neurotrophin mimetics for the development of potential therapeutics against neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Narducci
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Charou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Thanasis Rogdakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Zota
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vivi Bafiti
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Zervou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Katsila
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Kyriakos C. Prousis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Georgelou K, Saridaki EA, Karali K, Papagiannaki A, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Tzeranis DS. Microneurotrophin BNN27 Reduces Astrogliosis and Increases Density of Neurons and Implanted Neural Stem Cell-Derived Cells after Spinal Cord Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041170. [PMID: 37189788 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microneurotrophins, small-molecule mimetics of endogenous neurotrophins, have demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on various animal models of neurological diseases. Nevertheless, their effects on central nervous system injuries remain unknown. Herein, we evaluate the effects of microneurotrophin BNN27, an NGF analog, in the mouse dorsal column crush spinal cord injury (SCI) model. BNN27 was delivered systemically either by itself or combined with neural stem cell (NSC)-seeded collagen-based scaffold grafts, demonstrated recently to improve locomotion performance in the same SCI model. Data validate the ability of NSC-seeded grafts to enhance locomotion recovery, neuronal cell integration with surrounding tissues, axonal elongation and angiogenesis. Our findings also show that systemic administration of BNN27 significantly reduced astrogliosis and increased neuron density in mice SCI lesion sites at 12 weeks post injury. Furthermore, when BNN27 administration was combined with NSC-seeded PCS grafts, BNN27 increased the density of survived implanted NSC-derived cells, possibly addressing a major challenge of NSC-based SCI treatments. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that small-molecule mimetics of endogenous neurotrophins can contribute to effective combinatorial treatments for SCI, by simultaneously regulating key events of SCI and supporting grafted cell therapies in the lesion site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Georgelou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Argyri Papagiannaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios S Tzeranis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
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5
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Molinari YA, Byrne AJ, Pérez MJ, Silvestroff L, Franco PG. The Effects of Cuprizone on Murine Subventricular Zone-Derived Neural Stem Cells and Progenitor Cells Grown as Neurospheres. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1195-1213. [PMID: 36424468 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03096-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Despite the extensive use of the cuprizone (CPZ) demyelination animal model, there is little evidence regarding the effects of CPZ on a cellular level. Initial studies have suggested that oligodendrocytes (OL) are the main cell targets for CPZ toxicity. However, recent data have revealed additional effects on neural stem cells and progenitor cells (NSC/NPC), which constitute a reservoir for OL regeneration during brain remyelination. We cultured NSC/NPC as neurospheres to investigate CPZ effects on cell mechanisms which are thought to be involved in demyelination and remyelination processes in vivo. Proliferating NSC/NPC cultures exposed to CPZ showed overproduction of intracellular reactive oxygen species and increased progenitor migration at the expense of a significant inhibition of cell proliferation. Although NSC/NPC survival was not affected by CPZ in proliferative conditions, we found that CPZ-treated cultures undergoing cell differentiation were more prone to cell death than controls. The commitment and cell differentiation towards neural lineages did not seem to be affected by CPZ, as shown by the conserved proportions of OL, astrocytes, and neurons. Nevertheless, when CPZ treatment was performed after cell differentiation, we detected a significant reduction in the number and the morphological complexity of OL, astrogliosis, and neuronal damage. We conclude that, in addition to damaging mature OL, CPZ also reduces NSC/NPC proliferation and activates progenitor migration. These results shed light on CPZ direct effects on NSC proliferation and the progression of in vitro differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamila Azul Molinari
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica, Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Agustín Jesús Byrne
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica, Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - María Julia Pérez
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica, Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lucas Silvestroff
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica, Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Paula Gabriela Franco
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Departamento de Química Biológica, Cátedra de Química Biológica Patológica, Buenos Aires, Argentina. .,CONICET- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Química y Fisicoquímica Biológicas (IQUIFIB), Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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ENT-A010, a Novel Steroid Derivative, Displays Neuroprotective Functions and Modulates Microglial Responses. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12030424. [PMID: 35327616 PMCID: PMC8946810 DOI: 10.3390/biom12030424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tackling neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation is particularly challenging due to the complexity of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, as well as the limited drug accessibility to the brain. The activation of tropomyosin-related kinase A (TRKA) receptor signaling by the nerve growth factor (NGF) or the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) may combat neurodegeneration and regulate microglial function. In the present study, we synthesized a C-17-spiro-cyclopropyl DHEA derivative (ENT-A010), which was capable of activating TRKA. ENT-A010 protected PC12 cells against serum starvation-induced cell death, dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons against NGF deprivation-induced apoptosis and hippocampal neurons against Aβ-induced apoptosis. In addition, ENT-A010 pretreatment partially restored homeostatic features of microglia in the hippocampus of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated mice, enhanced Aβ phagocytosis, and increased Ngf expression in microglia in vitro. In conclusion, the small molecule ENT-A010 elicited neuroprotective effects and modulated microglial function, thereby emerging as an interesting compound, which merits further study in the treatment of CNS disorders.
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7
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Poulaki S, Rassouli O, Liapakis G, Gravanis A, Venihaki M. Analgesic and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of the Synthetic Neurosteroid Analogue BNN27 during CFA-Induced Hyperalgesia. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9091185. [PMID: 34572370 PMCID: PMC8469064 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9091185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 09/01/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an adrenal and neurosteroid hormone with strong neuroprotective and immunomodulatory properties, and ligand for all high-affinity neurotrophin tyrosine kinase receptors (Trk), also exerts important effects on hyperalgesia. Its synthetic, 17-spiro-epoxy analogue, BNN27, cannot be converted to estrogen or androgen as DHEA; it is a specific agonist of TrkA, the receptor of pain regulator Nerve Growth Factor (NGF), and it conserves the immunomodulatory properties of DHEA. Our study aimed to evaluate the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties of BNN27 during Complete Freund’s Adjuvant (CFA)-induced inflammatory hyperalgesia in mice. Hyperalgesia was evaluated using the Hargreaves test. Inflammatory markers such as cytokines, NGF and opioids were measured, additionally to corticosterone and the protein kinase B (AKT) signaling pathway. We showed for the first time that treatment with BNN27 reversed hyperalgesia produced by CFA. The effect of BNN27 involved the inhibition of NGF in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the increased synthesis of opioid peptides and their receptors in the inflamed paw. We also found alterations in the cytokine levels as well as in the phosphorylation of AKT2. Our findings strongly support that BNN27 represents a lead molecule for the development of analgesic and anti-inflammatory compounds with potential therapeutic applications in inflammatory hyperalgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Smaragda Poulaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Greece; (S.P.); (O.R.)
| | - Olga Rassouli
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Greece; (S.P.); (O.R.)
| | - George Liapakis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Greece; (G.L.); (A.G.)
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Greece; (G.L.); (A.G.)
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, 71110 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Maria Venihaki
- Department of Clinical Chemistry, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, 71110 Heraklion, Greece; (S.P.); (O.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-2810-394583
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8
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Tsika C, Tzatzarakis MN, Antimisiaris SG, Tsoka P, Efstathopoulos P, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Tsilimbaris MK. Quantification of BNN27, a novel neuroprotective 17-spiroepoxy dehydroepiandrosterone derivative in the blood and retina of rodents, after single intraperitoneal administration. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00724. [PMID: 33638308 PMCID: PMC7911036 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BNN27 is a novel 17‐spiroepoxy derivative of the neurosteroid Dehydroepiandrosterone with neuroprotective properties. The purpose of this study was the detection and quantification of BNN27 after single intraperitoneal administration, in the serum and retina of normal rodents. Forty‐two C57BL/6 mice and 48 Sprague–Dawley rats were used for the quantification of BNN27 in the blood serum and retina, respectively. BNN27 was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at concentrations of 100 and 30 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.), respectively. The blood was collected with retro‐orbital bleeding and the retina was isolated after enucleation at various time points. The molecule concentrations were measured with Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Non‐compartmental analysis was used to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. BNN27 was found to have an elimination constant kel = 0.465 h−1 and mean residence time (MRT) 2.154 h in the mouse serum. The maximum concentration (Cmax) in the retina was detected at 2 h (tCmax) after intraperitoneal administration and was equal to 1100 ng/g. BNN27 is rapidly eliminated from both blood and retina. In the retina specifically, it is undetectable 6 h after injection. BNN27 shows a rapid systemic elimination as anticipated by its small size and lipophilicity. It is measurable in small peripheral tissues such as the rat retina, after one single i.p. injection, using a simple method such as LC‐MS. Its detection in the retina corroborates the existing biological data that the molecule crosses the blood–retinal barrier, highlighting it as a potential neuroprotective agent for retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysanthi Tsika
- Laboratory of Vision and Optics, Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Sophia G Antimisiaris
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio, Greece.,Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, FORTH/ICE-HT, Rio, Greece
| | - Pavlina Tsoka
- Laboratory of Vision and Optics, Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Miltiadis K Tsilimbaris
- Laboratory of Vision and Optics, Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
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9
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Kalafatakis I, Patellis A, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Karagogeos D. The beneficial role of the synthetic microneurotrophin BNN20 in a focal demyelination model. J Neurosci Res 2021; 99:1474-1495. [PMID: 33583101 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BNN20, a C17-spiroepoxy derivative of the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone, has been shown to exhibit strong neuroprotective properties but its role in glial populations has not been assessed. Our aim was to investigate the effect of BNN20 on glial populations by using in vitro and in vivo approaches, taking advantage of the well-established lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC)-induced focal demyelination mouse model. Our in vivo studies, performed in male mice, showed that BNN20 treatment leads to an increased number of mature oligodendrocytes (OLs) in this model. It diminishes astrocytic accumulation during the demyelination phase leading to a faster remyelination process, while it does not affect oligodendrocyte precursor cell recruitment or microglia/macrophage accumulation. Additionally, our in vitro studies showed that BNN20 acts directly to OLs and enhances their maturation even after they were treated with LPC. This beneficial effect of BNN20 is mediated, primarily, through the neurotrophin receptor TrkA. In addition, BNN20 reduces microglial activation and their transition to their pro-inflammatory state upon lipopolysaccharides stimulation in vitro. Taken together our results suggest that BNN20 could serve as an important molecule to develop blood-brain barrier-permeable synthetic agonists of neurotrophin receptors that could reduce inflammation, protect and increase the number of functional OLs by promoting their differentiation/maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Kalafatakis
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Domna Karagogeos
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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10
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Vaes JEG, Brandt MJV, Wanders N, Benders MJNL, de Theije CGM, Gressens P, Nijboer CH. The impact of trophic and immunomodulatory factors on oligodendrocyte maturation: Potential treatments for encephalopathy of prematurity. Glia 2020; 69:1311-1340. [PMID: 33595855 PMCID: PMC8246971 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Encephalopathy of prematurity (EoP) is a major cause of morbidity in preterm neonates, causing neurodevelopmental adversities that can lead to lifelong impairments. Preterm birth-related insults, such as cerebral oxygen fluctuations and perinatal inflammation, are believed to negatively impact brain development, leading to a range of brain abnormalities. Diffuse white matter injury is a major hallmark of EoP and characterized by widespread hypomyelination, the result of disturbances in oligodendrocyte lineage development. At present, there are no treatment options available, despite the enormous burden of EoP on patients, their families, and society. Over the years, research in the field of neonatal brain injury and other white matter pathologies has led to the identification of several promising trophic factors and cytokines that contribute to the survival and maturation of oligodendrocytes, and/or dampening neuroinflammation. In this review, we discuss the current literature on selected factors and their therapeutic potential to combat EoP, covering a wide range of in vitro, preclinical and clinical studies. Furthermore, we offer a future perspective on the translatability of these factors into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josine E G Vaes
- Department for Developmental Origins of Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands.,Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Myrna J V Brandt
- Department for Developmental Origins of Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Nikki Wanders
- Department for Developmental Origins of Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Manon J N L Benders
- Department of Neonatology, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Caroline G M de Theije
- Department for Developmental Origins of Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Cora H Nijboer
- Department for Developmental Origins of Disease, University Medical Center Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's Hospital, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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11
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Kokras N, Dioli C, Paravatou R, Sotiropoulos MG, Delis F, Antoniou K, Calogeropoulou T, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Dalla C. Psychoactive properties of BNN27, a novel neurosteroid derivate, in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2435-2449. [PMID: 32506234 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Νeurosteroids, like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), play an important role in neurodegeneration and neural protection, but they are metabolized in androgens, estrogens, or other active metabolites. A newly developed synthetic DHEA analog, BNN27 ((20R)-3β,21-dihydroxy-17R,20-epoxy-5-pregnene), exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions without estrogenic or androgenic effects. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate potential anxiolytic or antidepressant properties of BNN27. METHODS Male and female adult Wistar rats were treated with BNN27 (10, 30, or 90 mg/kg, i.p.) and subjected to behavioral tests measuring locomotion, exploration, and "depressive-like" behavior (open field, light/dark box, hole-board, and forced swim tests). The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were collected for glutamate and GABA measurements, and trunk blood was collected for gonadal hormone analysis. RESULTS Acute high-dose BNN27 reduced locomotion and exploratory behavior in both sexes. Intermediate acute doses (30 mg/kg) of BNN27 reduced exploration and testosterone levels only in males, and enhanced progesterone levels in both sexes. Notably, with the present design, BNN27 had neither anxiolytic nor antidepressant effects and did not affect estrogen levels. Interestingly, acute administration of a low BNN27 dose (10 mg/kg) increased glutamate turnover, GABA, and glutamine levels in the hippocampus. The same dose also enhanced glutamate levels in the prefrontal cortex of males only. Sex differences were apparent in the basal levels of behavioral, hormonal, and neurochemical parameters, as expected. CONCLUSIONS BNN27 affects locomotion, progesterone, and testosterone levels, as well as the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in a sex-dependent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Dioli
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Rafaella Paravatou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Marinos G Sotiropoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Hale ΒΤΜ 9002AA, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave, 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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12
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Youssef MI, Zhou Y, Eissa IH, Wang Y, Zhang J, Jiang L, Hu W, Qi J, Chen Z. Tetradecyl 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate alleviates oligodendrocyte damage following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion through IGF-1 receptor. Neurochem Int 2020; 138:104749. [PMID: 32387468 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 04/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there is no effective therapy for chronic cerebral hypoperfusion-induced subcortical ischemic vascular dementia (SIVD), which displays cognitive deficits and progressive white matter damage. Tetradecyl 2,3-dihydroxybenzoate (ABG-001) is a lead compound derived from gentisides with neuritogenic activity. In this report, we intended to investigate the effect of ABG-001 on the SIVD experimental model through right unilateral common carotid arteries occlusion (rUCCAO) in mice. We found that ABG-001 remarkably alleviated white matter damage and cognitive deficits after cerebral hypoperfusion induced by rUCCAO. The protection of ABG-001 on the white matter was related to an amelioration of the oligodendrocyte apoptosis and demyelination rather than promoting remyelination. Molecular docking study showed that ABG-001 possesses a high affinity for insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), but not for tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA). The protection of ABG-001 against oligodendrocyte damage was abrogated by IGF-1R antagonist or knockdown of IGF-1R through shRNA, but not TrkA antagonist. Moreover, ABG-001 did not induce hematological, renal or hepatic toxicity after chronic treatment. The present study indicates that ABG-001 protects oligodendrocytes through IGF-1R to relieve demyelination following chronic cerebral hypoperfusion, which could be represented as an encouraging treatment for SIVD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahmoud I Youssef
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Yiting Zhou
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, East Qingchun Road 3, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China
| | - Ibrahim H Eissa
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, 11884, Egypt
| | - Yanhui Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, East Qingchun Road 3, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310016, PR China
| | - Lei Jiang
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Weiwei Hu
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China.
| | - Jianhua Qi
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China
| | - Zhong Chen
- Institute of Pharmacology & Toxicology, NHC and CAMS Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310058, PR China.
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13
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Almuslehi MSM, Sen MK, Shortland PJ, Mahns DA, Coorssen JR. CD8 T-cell Recruitment Into the Central Nervous System of Cuprizone-Fed Mice: Relevance to Modeling the Etiology of Multiple Sclerosis. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:43. [PMID: 32210765 PMCID: PMC7076139 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2020] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cuprizone (CPZ)-feeding in mice induces atrophy of peripheral immune organs (thymus and spleen) and suppresses T-cell levels, thereby limiting its use as a model for studying the effects of the immune system in demyelinating diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS). To investigate whether castration (Cx) can protect the peripheral immune organs from CPZ-induced atrophy and enable T-cell recruitment into the central nervous system (CNS) following a breach of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), three related studies were carried out. In Study 1, Cx prevented the dose-dependent reductions (0.1% < 0.2% CPZ) in thymic and splenic weight, size of the thymic medulla and splenic white pulp, and CD4 and CD8 (CD4/8) levels remained comparable to gonadally intact (Gi) control males. Importantly, 0.1% and 0.2% CPZ were equipotent at inducing central demyelination and glial activation. In Study 2, combining Cx with 0.1% CPZ-feeding and BBB disruption with pertussis toxin (PT) enhanced CD8+ T-cell recruitment into the CNS. The increased CD8+ T-cell level observed in the parenchyma of the cerebrum, cerebellum, brainstem and spinal cord were confirmed by flow cytometry and western blot analyses of CNS tissue. In Study 3, PT+0.1% CPZ-feeding to Gi female mice resulted in similar effects on the peripheral immune organs, CNS demyelination, and gliosis comparable to Gi males, indicating that testosterone levels alone were not responsible for the immune response seen in Study 2. The combination of Cx+0.1% CPZ-feeding+PT indicates that CPZ-induced demyelination can trigger an “inside-out” immune response when the peripheral immune system is spared and may provide a better model to study the initiating events in demyelinating conditions such as MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S M Almuslehi
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia.,Department of Physiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Diyala University, Diyala, Iraq
| | - Monokesh K Sen
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter J Shortland
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - David A Mahns
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Jens R Coorssen
- Department of Health Sciences, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences, St. Catharines, ON, Canada.,Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Brock University, St. Catharines, ON, Canada
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14
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Delivanoglou N, Boziki M, Theotokis P, Kesidou E, Touloumi O, Dafi N, Nousiopoulou E, Lagoudaki R, Grigoriadis N, Charalampopoulos I, Simeonidou C. Spatio-temporal expression profile of NGF and the two-receptor system, TrkA and p75NTR, in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:41. [PMID: 31996225 PMCID: PMC6990493 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-1708-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptors, tropomyosin receptor kinase A (TrkA) and pan-neurotrophin receptor p75 (p75NTR), are known to play bidirectional roles between the immune and nervous system. There are only few studies with inconclusive results concerning the expression pattern and role of NGF, TrkA, and p75NTR (NGF system) under the neuroinflammatory conditions in multiple sclerosis (MS) and its mouse model, the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The aim of this study is to investigate the temporal expression in different cell types of NGF system in the central nervous system (CNS) during the EAE course. METHODS EAE was induced in C57BL/6 mice 6-8 weeks old. CNS tissue samples were collected on specific time points: day 10 (D10), days 20-22 (acute phase), and day 50 (chronic phase), compared to controls. Real-time PCR, Western Blot, histochemistry, and immunofluorescence were performed throughout the disease course for the detection of the spatio-temporal expression of the NGF system. RESULTS Our findings suggest that both NGF and its receptors, TrkA and p75NTR, are upregulated during acute and chronic phase of the EAE model in the inflammatory lesions in the spinal cord. NGF and its receptors were co-localized with NeuN+ cells, GAP-43+ axons, GFAP+ cells, Arginase1+ cells, and Mac3+ cells. Furthermore, TrkA and p75NTR were sparsely detected on CNPase+ cells within the inflammatory lesion. Of high importance is our observation that despite EAE being a T-mediated disease, only NGF and p75NTR were shown to be expressed by B lymphocytes (B220+ cells) and no expression on T lymphocytes was noticed. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that the components of the NGF system are subjected to differential regulation during the EAE disease course. The expression pattern of NGF, TrkA, and p75NTR is described in detail, suggesting possible functional roles in neuroprotection, neuroregeneration, and remyelination by direct and indirect effects on the components of the immune system.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- B-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Brain/pathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/genetics
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/genetics
- Immunohistochemistry
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Nerve Growth Factor/biosynthesis
- Nerve Growth Factor/genetics
- Receptor, trkA/biosynthesis
- Receptor, trkA/genetics
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/biosynthesis
- Receptors, Nerve Growth Factor/genetics
- Spinal Cord/metabolism
- Spinal Cord/pathology
- T-Lymphocytes/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Nickoleta Delivanoglou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Marina Boziki
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Paschalis Theotokis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Kesidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Olga Touloumi
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolina Dafi
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Evangelia Nousiopoulou
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Roza Lagoudaki
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Grigoriadis
- Laboratory of Experimental Neurology and Neuroimmunology, B' Department of Neurology, AHEPA University Hospital, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Constantina Simeonidou
- Laboratory of Experimental Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece.
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15
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Anti-neuroinflammatory, protective effects of the synthetic microneurotrophin BNN-20 in the advanced dopaminergic neurodegeneration of "weaver" mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 165:107919. [PMID: 31877321 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BNN-20 is a synthetic microneurotrophin, long-term (P1-P21) administration of which exerts potent neuroprotective effect on the "weaver" mouse, a genetic model of progressive, nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration. The present study complements and expands our previous work, providing evidence that BNN-20 fully protects the dopaminergic neurons even when administration begins at a late stage of dopaminergic degeneration (>40%). Since neuroinflammation plays a critical role in Parkinson's disease, we investigated the possible anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying the pharmacological action of BNN-20. The latter was shown to be microglia-mediated, at least in part. Indeed, BNN-20 induced a partial, but significant, reversal of microglia hyperactivation, observed in the untreated "weaver" mouse. Furthermore, it induced a shift in microglia polarization towards the neuroprotective M2 phenotype, suggesting a possible beneficial shifting of microglia activity. This observation was further supported by morphometric measurements. Moreover, BDNF levels, which were severely reduced in the "weaver" mouse midbrain, were restored to normal even after short-term BNN-20 administration. Experiments in "weaver"/NGL (dual GFP/luciferase-NF-κВ reporter) mice using bioluminescence after a short BNN-20 treatment (P60-P74), have shown that the increase of BDNF production was specifically mediated through the TrkB-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway. Interestingly, long-term BNN-20 treatment (P14-P60) significantly increased dopamine levels in the "weaver" striatum, which seems to be associated with the improved motor activity observed in the treated mutant animals. In conclusion, our findings suggest that BNN-20 may serve as a lead molecule for new therapeutic compounds for Parkinson's disease, combining strong anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties, leading to elevated dopamine levels and improved motor activity.
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16
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Ibán-Arias R, Lisa S, Poulaki S, Mastrodimou N, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Thermos K. Effect of topical administration of the microneurotrophin BNN27 in the diabetic rat retina. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257:2429-2436. [PMID: 31512044 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complex eye disease associated with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by three pathophysiological components, namely microangiopathy, neurodegeneration, and inflammation. We recently reported that intraperitoneal administration of BNN27, a novel neurosteroidal microneurotrophin, reversed the diabetes-induced neurodegeneration and inflammation in rats treated with streptozotocin (STZ), by activating the NGF TrkA and p75 receptors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of BNN27 to protect retinal neurons when applied topically as eye drops in the same model. METHODS The STZ rat model of DR was employed. BNN27 was administered as eye drops to diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats for 7 days, 4 weeks post-STZ (70 mg/kg) injection. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses were employed to examine the viability of retinal neurons in control, diabetic, and diabetic-treated animals and the involvement of the TrkA receptor and its downstream signaling ERK1/2 kinases, respectively. RESULTS BNN27 reversed the STZ-induced attenuation of the immunoreactive brain nitric oxide synthetase (bNOS)- and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing amacrine cells and neurofilament (NFL)-expressing ganglion cell axons in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, BNN27 activated/phosphorylated the TrkA receptor and its downstream prosurvival signaling pathway, ERK1/2 kinases. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide solid evidence regarding the efficacy of BNN27 as a neuroprotectant to the diabetic retina when administered topically, and suggest that its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles render it a putative therapeutic for diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ibán-Arias
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics of Neurodegeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Silvia Lisa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL) University of Salamanca & Institute of Biomedical Research, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Smaragda Poulaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Niki Mastrodimou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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17
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Yilmaz C, Karali K, Fodelianaki G, Gravanis A, Chavakis T, Charalampopoulos I, Alexaki VI. Neurosteroids as regulators of neuroinflammation. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100788. [PMID: 31513776 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a physiological protective response in the context of infection and injury. However, neuroinflammation, especially if chronic, may also drive neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), display inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocytes. Intriguingly, the central nervous system (CNS) is a highly steroidogenic environment synthesizing steroids de novo, as well as metabolizing steroids deriving from the circulation. Neurosteroid synthesis can be substantially affected by neuroinflammation, while, in turn, several steroids, such as 17β-estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and allopregnanolone, can regulate neuroinflammatory responses. Here, we review the role of neurosteroids in neuroinflammation in the context of MS, AD, PD and TBI and describe underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, we introduce the concept that synthetic neurosteroid analogues could be potentially utilized for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canelif Yilmaz
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgia Fodelianaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasileia Ismini Alexaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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18
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Wang Q, Wang J, Yang Z, Sui R, Miao Q, Li Y, Yu J, Liu C, Zhang G, Xiao B, Ma C. Therapeutic effect of oligomeric proanthocyanidin in cuprizone-induced demyelination. Exp Physiol 2019; 104:876-886. [PMID: 30811744 DOI: 10.1113/ep087480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
NEW FINDINGS What is the central question of this study? Oligomeric proanthocyanidin has the capacity to alleviate abnormalities in neurological functioning. However, whether oligomeric proanthocyanidin can reduce the progression of demyelination or promote remyelination in demyelinating diseases remains unknown. What is the main finding and its importance? Oligomeric proanthocyanidin can improve cuprizone-induced demyelination by inhibiting immune cell infiltration, reversing overactivated microglia, decreasing the inflammatory cytokines secreted by inflammatory cells and decreasing the production of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein35-55 -specific antibody in the brain. ABSTRACT Demyelinating diseases of the CNS, including multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica and acute disseminated encephalomylitis, are characterized by recurrent primary demyelination-remyelination and progressive neurodegeneration. In the present study, we investigated the therapeutic effect of oligomeric proanthocyanidin (OPC), the most effective component of grape seed extract, in cuprizone-fed C57BL/6 mice, a classic demyelination-remyelination model. Our results showed that OPC attenuated abnormal behaviour, reduced demyelination and increased expression of myelin basic protein and expression of O4+ oligodendrocytes in the corpus callosum. Oligomeric proanthocyanidin also reduced the numbers of B and T cells, activated microglia in the corpus callosum and inhibited secretion of inflammatory factors. Furthermore, concentrations of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-specific antibodies were significantly reduced in serum and brain homogenates after OPC treatment. Together, these results demonstrate a potent therapeutic effect for OPC in cuprizone-mediated demyelination and clearly highlight multiple effects of this natural product in attenuating myelin-specific autoantibodies and the inflammatory microenvironment in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Wang
- The Key Research Laboratory Study of Beneficial Qi as a Blood Circulation Stimulator in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China
| | - Zhichao Yang
- The Key Research Laboratory Study of Beneficial Qi as a Blood Circulation Stimulator in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Ruoxuan Sui
- The Key Research Laboratory Study of Beneficial Qi as a Blood Circulation Stimulator in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Qiang Miao
- The Key Research Laboratory Study of Beneficial Qi as a Blood Circulation Stimulator in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University,, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Jiezhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University,, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Chunyun Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University,, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Guangxian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, 19107, USA
| | - Baoguo Xiao
- Insitute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University,, Shanghai, 200040, China
| | - Cungen Ma
- The Key Research Laboratory Study of Beneficial Qi as a Blood Circulation Stimulator in the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China.,Department of Neurology, First Affiliated Hospital, Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, 030001, China.,Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Shanxi Datong University,, Datong, 037009, China
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19
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Tsoka P, Matsumoto H, Maidana DE, Kataoka K, Naoumidi I, Gravanis A, Vavvas DG, Tsilimbaris MK. Effects of BNN27, a novel C17-spiroepoxy steroid derivative, on experimental retinal detachment-induced photoreceptor cell death. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10661. [PMID: 30006508 PMCID: PMC6045604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal detachment (RD) leads to photoreceptor cell death secondary to the physical separation of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. Intensifying photoreceptor survival in the detached retina could be remarkably favorable for many retinopathies in which RD can be seen. BNN27, a blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable, C17-spiroepoxy derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has shown promising neuroprotective activity through interaction with nerve growth factor receptors, TrkA and p75NTR. Here, we administered BNN27 systemically in a murine model of RD. TUNEL+ photoreceptors were significantly decreased 24 hours post injury after a single administration of 200 mg/kg BNN27. Furthermore, BNN27 increased inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as, two markers of gliosis 24 hours post RD. However, single or multiple doses of BNN27 were not able to protect the overall survival of photoreceptors 7 days post injury. Additionally, BNN27 did not induce the activation/phosphorylation of TrkAY490 in the detached retina although the mRNA levels of the receptor were increased in the photoreceptors post injury. Together, these findings, do not demonstrate neuroprotective activity of BNN27 in experimentally-induced RD. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the paradox/contradiction of these results and the mechanism of action of BNN27 in this model of photoreceptor cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Tsoka
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hidetaka Matsumoto
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel E Maidana
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keiko Kataoka
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Irene Naoumidi
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Demetrios G Vavvas
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Miltiadis K Tsilimbaris
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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