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de Souza Oliveira VH, Amorim MA, de Oliveira JRJM, Soley BS, Rocha FG, de Mello Bandenburg M, Lejeune VBP, de Lima Silva AHB, Witherden DA, Havran WL, Zanoveli JM, Cabrini DA, Calixto JB, Otuki MF, André E. Anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects of the application of baclofen cream, a GABA B receptor agonist, on skin inflammation in mice. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 955:175910. [PMID: 37479017 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/23/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated the role of γ-aminobutyric acid type B (GABAB) receptors in skin-related conditions and pain. However, most studies have focused on the main effects of GABAB on the central nervous system. Therefore, this study has aimed to determine the potential topical anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative effects of baclofen cream in an inflammatory skin disease model. The effects of the baclofen cream were evaluated using acute and chronic models of 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced skin inflammation in mouse ears. Histological and immunohistochemical evaluations were performed using an ear oedema assay. The effect of baclofen on keratinocyte proliferation was assessed in PAM212, the murine keratinocyte cell line. The results demonstrate that a single topical application of 5% baclofen, 7.5% baclofen, and 1% dexamethasone each inhibited acute TPA-induced ear oedema (58.94 ± 6.14%, 47.73 ± 11.26%, and 87.33 ± 4.59%, respectively). These results were confirmed by histological analysis. In the chronic model, baclofen (5%) and dexamethasone (1%) each inhibited ear oedema and the maximum inhibitory effect was reached at the end of the experiment (9th day of TPA application) with a percentage inhibition of 54.60 ± 6.15% for baclofen and 71.68 ± 3.45% for dexamethasone, when compared to the vehicle. These results were confirmed by histological analysis. Baclofen and dexamethasone also reduced proliferating cell nuclear antigen expression by 62.01 ± 6.65% and 70.42 ± 6.11%, respectively. However, baclofen did not inhibit keratinocyte proliferation in PAM212 cells. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that baclofen exhibits notable topical antiproliferative and anti-inflammatory properties and could be a potential therapeutic alternative for treating inflammatory and proliferative skin diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mayara Alves Amorim
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Bruna Silva Soley
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | - Deborah A Witherden
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Wendy L Havran
- Immunology and Microbiology, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Michel Fleith Otuki
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil
| | - Eunice André
- Department of Pharmacology, Universidade Federal Do Paraná, Curitiba, PR, Brazil.
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The GABA and GABA-Receptor System in Inflammation, Anti-Tumor Immune Responses, and COVID-19. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020254. [PMID: 36830790 PMCID: PMC9953446 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
GABA and GABAA-receptors (GABAA-Rs) play major roles in neurodevelopment and neurotransmission in the central nervous system (CNS). There has been a growing appreciation that GABAA-Rs are also present on most immune cells. Studies in the fields of autoimmune disease, cancer, parasitology, and virology have observed that GABA-R ligands have anti-inflammatory actions on T cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs), while also enhancing regulatory T cell (Treg) responses and shifting APCs toward anti-inflammatory phenotypes. These actions have enabled GABAA-R ligands to ameliorate autoimmune diseases, such as type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis (MS), and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as type 2 diabetes (T2D)-associated inflammation in preclinical models. Conversely, antagonism of GABAA-R activity promotes the pro-inflammatory responses of T cells and APCs, enhancing anti-tumor responses and reducing tumor burden in models of solid tumors. Lung epithelial cells also express GABA-Rs, whose activation helps maintain fluid homeostasis and promote recovery from injury. The ability of GABAA-R agonists to limit both excessive immune responses and lung epithelial cell injury may underlie recent findings that GABAA-R agonists reduce the severity of disease in mice infected with highly lethal coronaviruses (SARS-CoV-2 and MHV-1). These observations suggest that GABAA-R agonists may provide off-the-shelf therapies for COVID-19 caused by new SARS-CoV-2 variants, as well as novel beta-coronaviruses, which evade vaccine-induced immune responses and antiviral medications. We review these findings and further advance the notions that (1) immune cells possess GABAA-Rs to limit inflammation in the CNS, and (2) this natural "braking system" on inflammatory responses may be pharmacologically engaged to slow the progression of autoimmune diseases, reduce the severity of COVID-19, and perhaps limit neuroinflammation associated with long COVID.
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Bekić M, Vasiljević M, Stojanović D, Kokol V, Mihajlović D, Vučević D, Uskoković P, Čolić M, Tomić S. Phosphonate-Modified Cellulose Nanocrystals Potentiate the Th1 Polarising Capacity of Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells via GABA-B Receptor. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:3191-3216. [PMID: 35909813 PMCID: PMC9329576 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s362038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Phosphonates, like 3-AminoPropylphosphonic Acid (ApA), possess a great potential for the therapy of bone tumours, and their delivery via cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs) seems a promising approach for their increased efficacy in target tissues. However, the immunological effects of CNC-phosphonates have not been investigated thoroughly. The main aim was to examine how the modification of CNCs with phosphonate affects their immunomodulatory properties in human cells. Methods Wood-based native (n) CNCs were modified via oxidation (ox-CNCs) and subsequent conjugation with ApA (ApA-CNCs). CNCs were characterised by atomic force microscopy (AFM) and nanoindentation. Cytotoxicity and immunomodulatory potential of CNCs were investigated in cultures of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MoDCs)/T cells co-cultures by monitoring phenotype, cytokines production, allostimulatory and Th/Treg polarisation capacity. Results AFM showed an increase in CNCs' thickens, elasticity modulus and hardness during the modification with ApA. When applied at non-toxic doses, nCNCs showed a tolerogenic potential upon internalisation by MoDCs, as judged by their increased capacity to up-regulate tolerogenic markers and induce regulatory T cells (Treg), especially when present during the differentiation of MoDCs. In contrast, ox- and ApA-CNCs induced oxidative stress and autophagy in MoDCs, which correlated with their stimulatory effect on the maturation of MoDCs, but also inhibition of MoDCs differentiation. ApA-CNC-treated MoDCs displayed the highest allostimulatory and Th1/CTL polarising activity in co-cultures with T cells. These effects of ApA-CNCs were mediated via GABA-B receptor-induced lowering of cAMP levels in MoDCs, and they could be blocked by GABA-B receptor inhibitor. Moreover, the Th1 polarising and allostimulatory capacity of MoDCs differentiated with ApA-CNC were largely preserved upon the maturation of MoDCs, whereas nCNC- and ox-CNC-differentiated MoDCs displayed an increased tolerogenic potential. Conclusion The delivery of ApA via CNCs induces potent DC-mediated Th1 polarisation, which could be beneficial in their potential application in tumour therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Bekić
- Department for Immunology and Immunoparasitology, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miloš Vasiljević
- Center for Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty Foča, University of East Sarajevo, Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dušica Stojanović
- Department for Construction and Special Materials, Faculty for Technology and Metallurgy, University in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Vanja Kokol
- Department of Textile Materials and Design, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Maribor, Maribor, Slovenia
| | - Dušan Mihajlović
- Center for Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty Foča, University of East Sarajevo, Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Dragana Vučević
- Center for Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty Foča, University of East Sarajevo, Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina
| | - Petar Uskoković
- Department for Construction and Special Materials, Faculty for Technology and Metallurgy, University in Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Miodrag Čolić
- Department for Immunology and Immunoparasitology, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia.,Center for Biomedical Sciences, Medical Faculty Foča, University of East Sarajevo, Foča, Bosnia and Herzegovina.,Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Sergej Tomić
- Department for Immunology and Immunoparasitology, Institute for the Application of Nuclear Energy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
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Song M, Tian J, Middleton B, Nguyen CQ, Kaufman DL. GABA Administration Ameliorates Sjogren’s Syndrome in Two Different Mouse Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10010129. [PMID: 35052808 PMCID: PMC8773584 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sjögren’s syndrome (SS) is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by lymphocytic infiltrates in the salivary and lachrymal glands resulting in oral and ocular dryness. There are no clinically approved therapies to slow the progression of SS. Immune cells possess receptors for the neurotransmitter GABA (GABA-Rs) and their activation has immunoregulatory actions. We tested whether GABA administration has potential for amelioration of SS in NOD.B10-H2b and C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice, two spontaneous SS models. Oral GABA treatment was initiated (1) after the development of sialadenitis but before the onset of overt symptoms, or (2) after the appearance of overt symptoms. When assessed weeks later, GABA-treated mice had greater saliva and tear production, as well as quicker times to salvia flow, in both SS mouse models. This was especially evident when GABA treatment was initiated after the onset of overt disease. This preservation of exocrine function was not accompanied by significant changes in the number or area of lymphocytic foci in the salivary or lachrymal glands of GABA-treated mice and we discuss the possible reasons for these observations. Given that GABA-treatment preserved saliva and tear production which are the most salient symptoms of SS and is safe for consumption, it may provide a new approach to help ameliorate SS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Song
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.S.); (J.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Jide Tian
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.S.); (J.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Blake Middleton
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.S.); (J.T.); (B.M.)
| | - Cuong Q. Nguyen
- Department of Oral Biology, College of Dentistry, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA;
| | - Daniel L. Kaufman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA; (M.S.); (J.T.); (B.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-310-794-9664
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Analysis of Serum Metabolomics in Rats with Osteoarthritis by Mass Spectrometry. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26237181. [PMID: 34885759 PMCID: PMC8658788 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26237181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteoarthritis is a common multifactorial chronic disease that occurs in articular cartilage, subchondral bone, and periarticular tissue. The pathogenesis of OA is still unclear. To investigate the differences in serum metabolites between OA and the control group, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS)-based metabolomics was used. To reveal the pathogenesis of OA, 12 SD male rats were randomly divided into control and OA groups using collagenase to induce OA for modeling, and serum was collected 7 days after modeling for testing. The OA group was distinguished from the control group by principal component analysis and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis, and six biomarkers were finally identified. These biomarkers were metabolized through tryptophan metabolism, glutamate metabolism, nitrogen metabolism, spermidine metabolism, and fatty acid metabolism pathways. The study identified metabolites that may be altered in OA, suggesting a role in OA through relevant metabolic pathways. Metabolomics, as an important tool for studying disease mechanisms, provides useful information for studying the metabolic mechanisms of OA.
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Reinmuth L, Hsiao CC, Hamann J, Rosenkilde M, Mackrill J. Multiple Targets for Oxysterols in Their Regulation of the Immune System. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082078. [PMID: 34440846 PMCID: PMC8391951 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2021] [Revised: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxysterols, or cholesterol oxidation products, are naturally occurring lipids which regulate the physiology of cells, including those of the immune system. In contrast to effects that are mediated through nuclear receptors or by epigenetic mechanism, which take tens of minutes to occur, changes in the activities of cell-surface receptors caused by oxysterols can be extremely rapid, often taking place within subsecond timescales. Such cell-surface receptor effects of oxysterols allow for the regulation of fast cellular processes, such as motility, secretion and endocytosis. These cellular processes play critical roles in both the innate and adaptive immune systems. This review will survey the two broad classes of cell-surface receptors for oxysterols (G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) and ion channels), the mechanisms by which cholesterol oxidation products act on them, and their presence and functions in the different cell types of the immune system. Overall, this review will highlight the potential of oxysterols, synthetic derivatives and their receptors for physiological and therapeutic modulation of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Reinmuth
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Cheng-Chih Hsiao
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.-C.H.); (J.H.)
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jörg Hamann
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Meibergdreef 9, 1105AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (C.-C.H.); (J.H.)
- Neuroimmunology Research Group, The Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, 1105BA Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mette Rosenkilde
- Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (J.M.); Tel.: +353-(0)21-490-1400 (J.M.)
| | - John Mackrill
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, BioSciences Institute, University College Cork, College Road, Cork T12 YT20, Ireland
- Correspondence: (M.R.); (J.M.); Tel.: +353-(0)21-490-1400 (J.M.)
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GABA A-Receptor Agonists Limit Pneumonitis and Death in Murine Coronavirus-Infected Mice. Viruses 2021; 13:v13060966. [PMID: 34071034 PMCID: PMC8224554 DOI: 10.3390/v13060966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 05/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
There is an urgent need for new approaches to limit the severity of coronavirus infections. Many cells of the immune system express receptors for the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and GABA-receptor (GABA-R) agonists have anti-inflammatory effects. Lung epithelial cells also express GABA-Rs, and GABA-R modulators have been shown to limit acute lung injuries. There is currently, however, no information on whether GABA-R agonists might impact the course of a viral infection. Here, we assessed whether clinically applicable GABA-R agonists could be repurposed for the treatment of a lethal coronavirus (murine hepatitis virus 1, MHV-1) infection in mice. We found that oral GABA administration before, or after the appearance of symptoms, very effectively limited MHV-1-induced pneumonitis, severe illness, and death. GABA treatment also reduced viral load in the lungs, suggesting that GABA-Rs may provide a new druggable target to limit coronavirus replication. Treatment with the GABAA-R-specific agonist homotaurine, but not the GABAB-R-specific agonist baclofen, significantly reduced the severity of pneumonitis and death rates in MHV-1-infected mice, indicating that the therapeutic effects were mediated primarily through GABAA-Rs. Since GABA and homotaurine are safe for human consumption, they are promising candidates to help treat coronavirus infections.
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Tian J, Song M, Kaufman DL. Homotaurine limits the spreading of T cell autoreactivity within the CNS and ameliorates disease in a model of multiple sclerosis. Sci Rep 2021; 11:5402. [PMID: 33686135 PMCID: PMC7940650 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-84751-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Most multiple sclerosis (MS) patients given currently available disease-modifying drugs (DMDs) experience progressive disability. Accordingly, there is a need for new treatments that can limit the generation of new waves T cell autoreactivity that drive disease progression. Notably, immune cells express GABAA-receptors (GABAA-Rs) whose activation has anti-inflammatory effects such that GABA administration can ameliorate disease in models of type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and COVID-19. Here, we show that oral GABA, which cannot cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB), does not affect the course of murine experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). In contrast, oral administration of the BBB-permeable GABAA-R-specific agonist homotaurine ameliorates monophasic EAE, as well as advanced-stage relapsing-remitting EAE (RR-EAE). Homotaurine treatment beginning after the first peak of paralysis reduced the spreading of Th17 and Th1 responses from the priming immunogen to a new myelin T cell epitope within the CNS. Antigen-presenting cells (APC) isolated from homotaurine-treated mice displayed an attenuated ability to promote autoantigen-specific T cell proliferation. The ability of homotaurine treatment to limit epitope spreading within the CNS, along with its safety record, makes it an excellent candidate to help treat MS and other inflammatory disorders of the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jide Tian
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1735, USA.
| | - Min Song
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1735, USA
| | - Daniel L Kaufman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, David Geffen School of Medicine, UCLA School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095-1735, USA.
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GABA B-Receptor Agonist-Based Immunotherapy for Type 1 Diabetes in NOD Mice. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9010043. [PMID: 33418884 PMCID: PMC7825043 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9010043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 12/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Some immune system cells express type A and/or type B γ-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA-Rs and/or GABAB-Rs). Treatment with GABA, which activates both GABAA-Rs and GABAB-Rs), and/or a GABAA-R-specific agonist inhibits disease progression in mouse models of type 1 diabetes (T1D), multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and COVID-19. Little is known about the clinical potential of specifically modulating GABAB-Rs. Here, we tested lesogaberan, a peripherally restricted GABAB-R agonist, as an interventive therapy in diabetic NOD mice. Lesogaberan treatment temporarily restored normoglycemia in most newly diabetic NOD mice. Combined treatment with a suboptimal dose of lesogaberan and proinsulin/alum immunization in newly diabetic NOD mice or a low-dose anti-CD3 in severely hyperglycemic NOD mice greatly increased T1D remission rates relative to each monotherapy. Mice receiving combined lesogaberan and anti-CD3 displayed improved glucose tolerance and, unlike mice that received anti-CD3 alone, had some islets with many insulin+ cells, suggesting that lesogaberan helped to rapidly inhibit β-cell destruction. Hence, GABAB-R-specific agonists may provide adjunct therapies for T1D. Finally, the analysis of microarray and RNA-Seq databases suggested that the expression of GABAB-Rs and GABAA-Rs, as well as GABA production/secretion-related genes, may be a more common feature of immune cells than currently recognized.
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Tian J, Dang H, Karashchuk N, Xu I, Kaufman DL. A Clinically Applicable Positive Allosteric Modulator of GABA Receptors Promotes Human β-Cell Replication and Survival as well as GABA's Ability to Inhibit Inflammatory T Cells. J Diabetes Res 2019; 2019:5783545. [PMID: 30937314 PMCID: PMC6413367 DOI: 10.1155/2019/5783545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 01/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
A major goal of T1D research is to develop new approaches to increase β-cell mass and control autoreactive T cell responses. GABAA-receptors (GABAA-Rs) are promising drug targets in both those regards due to their abilities to promote β-cell replication and survival, as well as inhibit autoreactive T cell responses. We previously showed that positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of GABAA-Rs could promote rat β-cell line INS-1 and human islet cell replication in vitro. Here, we assessed whether treatment with alprazolam, a widely prescribed GABAA-R PAM, could promote β-cell survival and replication in human islets after implantation into NOD/scid mice. We observed that alprazolam treatment significantly reduced human islet cell apoptosis following transplantation and increased β-cell replication in the xenografts. Evidently, the GABAA-R PAM works in conjunction with GABA secreted from β-cells to increase β-cell survival and replication. Treatment with both the PAM and GABA further enhanced human β-cell replication. Alprazolam also augmented the ability of suboptimal doses of GABA to inhibit antigen-specific T cell responses in vitro. Thus, combined GABAA-R agonist and PAM treatment may help control inflammatory immune responses using reduced drug dosages. Together, these findings suggest that GABAA-R PAMs represent a promising drug class for safely modulating islet cells toward beneficial outcomes to help prevent or reverse T1D and, together with a GABAA-R agonist, may have broader applications for ameliorating other disorders in which inflammation contributes to the disease process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jide Tian
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hoa Dang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Nataliya Karashchuk
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Irvin Xu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel L. Kaufman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Tian J, Dang H, Hu A, Xu W, Kaufman DL. Repurposing Lesogaberan to Promote Human Islet Cell Survival and β-Cell Replication. J Diabetes Res 2017; 2017:6403539. [PMID: 29018828 PMCID: PMC5605788 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6403539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The activation of β-cell's A- and B-type gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABAA-Rs and GABAB-Rs) can promote their survival and replication, and the activation of α-cell GABAA-Rs promotes their conversion into β-cells. However, GABA and the most clinically applicable GABA-R ligands may be suboptimal for the long-term treatment of diabetes due to their pharmacological properties or potential side-effects on the central nervous system (CNS). Lesogaberan (AZD3355) is a peripherally restricted high-affinity GABAB-R-specific agonist, originally developed for the treatment of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) that appears to be safe for human use. This study tested the hypothesis that lesogaberan could be repurposed to promote human islet cell survival and β-cell replication. Treatment with lesogaberan significantly enhanced replication of human islet cells in vitro, which was abrogated by a GABAB-R antagonist. Immunohistochemical analysis of human islets that were grafted into immune-deficient mice revealed that oral treatment with lesogaberan promoted human β-cell replication and islet cell survival in vivo as effectively as GABA (which activates both GABAA-Rs and GABAB-Rs), perhaps because of its more favorable pharmacokinetics. Lesogaberan may be a promising drug candidate for clinical studies of diabetes intervention and islet transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jide Tian
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Hoa Dang
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Angela Hu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Willem Xu
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Daniel L. Kaufman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Alterations of amino acid metabolism in osteoarthritis: its implications for nutrition and health. Amino Acids 2016; 48:907-914. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-2168-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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13
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Prud'homme GJ, Glinka Y, Wang Q. Immunological GABAergic interactions and therapeutic applications in autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2015; 14:1048-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2015.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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