1
|
Zhang G, Zhu X, Yang F, Li J, Leng X, Mo C, Li L, Wang Y. Pseudolycorine chloride ameliorates Th17 cell-mediated central nervous system autoimmunity by restraining myeloid-derived suppressor cell expansion. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:899-908. [PMID: 36082828 PMCID: PMC9467541 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2063344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The alkaloids of Narcissus tazetta L. var. Chinensis Roem (Amaryllidaceae) have antitumor and antiviral activities. However, the immunopharmacological effects of one of its constituents, pseudolycorine chloride (PLY), have not been reported yet. OBJECTIVE We evaluated the effect of PLY on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) expansion and differentiation into monocyte-like MDSCs (M-MDSCs) and examined whether PLY alleviates Th17 cell-mediated experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a murine model of multiple sclerosis (MS). MATERIALS AND METHODS In vitro, MDSCs were treated with PLY (0.67, 2 and 6 μM) or solcitinib (10 μM, positive control) for 48 or 96 h, and their proliferation, expansion, and differentiation into M-MDSCs were examined by flow cytometry. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) was used to induce EAE in female C57BL/6 mice, and the mice were treated with 40 mg/kg/d PLY or 1 mg/kg/d FK-506 (tacrolimus, positive control) for 21 days. Inflammatory infiltration, spinal cord demyelination, and MDSCs and Th17 cells infiltration into the spinal cord were examined using haematoxylin and eosin staining, Luxol fast blue staining, and immunofluorescence, respectively. RESULTS In vitro, PLY (IC50/24 h = 6.18 μM) significantly inhibited IL-6 and GM-CSF-induced MDSCs proliferation, expansion and differentiation into M-MDSCs at all concentrations used. However, these concentrations did not show cytotoxicity. In mice, PLY (40 mg/kg) treatment alleviated EAE and inhibited inflammatory infiltration, demyelination, and MDSCs and Th17 cells infiltration into the spinal cord. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS PLY may be an excellent candidate for the treatment of MS and other autoimmune diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gan Zhang
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xinying Zhu
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Leng
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Chunfen Mo
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| | - Limei Li
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yantang Wang
- Clinical Laboratory, Clinical Medical College and The First Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dai X, Wang Y, Li Y, Zhong Y, Pei M, Long J, Dong X, Chen YL, Wang Q, Wang G, Gold BG, Vandenbark AA, Neve KA, Offner H, Wang C. Tyrphostin A9 protects axons in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through activation of ERKs. Life Sci 2022; 294:120383. [PMID: 35143827 PMCID: PMC8920308 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Small molecule compound tyrphostin A9 (A9), an inhibitor of platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) receptor, was previously reported by our group to stimulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 (ERK1) and 2 (ERK2) in neuronal cells in a PDGF receptor-irrelevant manner. The study aimed to investigate whether A9 could protect axons in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through activation of ERKs. MAIN METHODS A9 treatment on the protection on neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and primary substantia nigra neuron cultures from the neurotoxin MPP+ were analyzed. Then, clinical symptoms as well as ERK1/2 activation, axonal protection induction, and the abundance increases of the regeneration biomarker GAP-43 in the CNS in the relapsing-remitting experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model were verified. KEY FINDINGS A9 treatment could stimulate neurite outgrowth in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells and protect primary substantia nigra neuron cultures from the neurotoxin MPP+. In the relapsing-remitting EAE model, oral administration of A9 successfully ameliorated clinical symptoms, activated ERK1/2, induced axonal protection, and increased the abundance of the regeneration biomarker GAP-43 in the CNS. Interestingly, gene deficiency of ERK1 or ERK2 disrupted the beneficial effects of A9 in MOG-35-55-induced EAE. SIGNIFICANCE These results demonstrated that small molecule compounds that stimulate persistent ERK activation in vitro and in vivo may be useful in protective or restorative treatment for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Axons/drug effects
- Disease Models, Animal
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/etiology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/prevention & control
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/genetics
- Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism
- Female
- Gene Expression Regulation/drug effects
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Neuroblastoma/drug therapy
- Neuroblastoma/metabolism
- Neuroblastoma/pathology
- Rats
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Tyrphostins/pharmacology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Dai
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yongmei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yuexin Li
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America
| | - Yongping Zhong
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America
| | - Min Pei
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Jing Long
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Xingchen Dong
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Yi-Li Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Qi Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China
| | - Guifeng Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China.
| | - Bruce G Gold
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America
| | - Arthur A Vandenbark
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Department of Molecular Microbiology & Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America
| | - Kim A Neve
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America
| | - Halina Offner
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America
| | - Chunhe Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200126, PR China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, PR China; Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; Research Service, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR 97239, United States of America.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mizuma A, Kim JY, Kacimi R, Stauderman K, Dunn M, Hebbar S, Yenari MA. Microglial Calcium Release-Activated Calcium Channel Inhibition Improves Outcome from Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury and Microglia-Induced Neuronal Death. J Neurotrauma 2018; 36:996-1007. [PMID: 30351197 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2018.5856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) mediated by calcium release-activated calcium (CRAC) channels contributes to calcium signaling. The resulting intracellular calcium increases activate calcineurin, which in turn activates immune transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Microglia contain CRAC channels, but little is known whether these channels play a role in acute brain insults. We studied a novel CRAC channel inhibitor to explore the therapeutic potential of this compound in microglia-mediated injury. Cultured microglial BV2 cells were activated by Toll-like receptor agonists or IFNγ. Some cultures were treated with a novel CRAC channel inhibitor (CM-EX-137). Western blots revealed the presence of CRAC channel proteins STIM1 and Orai1 in BV2 cells. CM-EX-137 decreased nitric oxide (NO) release and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression in activated microglia and reduced agonist-induced intracellular calcium accumulation in microglia, while suppressing inflammatory transcription factors nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). Male C57/BL6 mice exposed to experimental brain trauma and treated with CM-EX-137 had decreased lesion size, brain hemorrhage, and improved neurological deficits with decreased microglial activation, iNOS and Orai1 and STIM1 levels. We suggest a novel anti-inflammatory approach for managing acute brain injury. Our observations also shed light on new calcium signaling pathways not described previously in brain injury models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Mizuma
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; the San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California.,2 Department of Neurology, Tokai University School of Medicine, Isehara, Japan
| | - Jong Youl Kim
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; the San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California.,3 Department of Anatomy, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Rachid Kacimi
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; the San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | | | | | | | - Midori A Yenari
- 1 Department of Neurology, University of California, San Francisco; the San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
van der Merwe Y, Faust AE, Conner I, Gu X, Feturi F, Zhao W, Leonard B, Roy S, Gorantla VS, Venkataramanan R, Washington KM, Wagner WR, Steketee MB. An Elastomeric Polymer Matrix, PEUU-Tac, Delivers Bioactive Tacrolimus Transdurally to the CNS in Rat. EBioMedicine 2017; 26:47-59. [PMID: 29208469 PMCID: PMC5832622 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2017.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2017] [Revised: 11/10/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Central nervous system (CNS) neurons fail to regrow injured axons, often resulting in permanently lost neurologic function. Tacrolimus is an FDA-approved immunosuppressive drug with known neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties in the CNS. However, tacrolimus is typically administered systemically and blood levels required to effectively treat CNS injuries can lead to lethal, off-target organ toxicity. Thus, delivering tacrolimus locally to CNS tissues may provide therapeutic control over tacrolimus levels in CNS tissues while minimizing off-target toxicity. Herein we show an electrospun poly(ester urethane) urea and tacrolimus elastomeric matrix (PEUU-Tac) can deliver tacrolimus trans-durally to CNS tissues. In an acute CNS ischemia model in rat, the optic nerve (ON) was clamped for 10s and then PEUU-Tac was used as an ON wrap and sutured around the injury site. Tacrolimus was detected in PEUU-Tac wrapped ONs at 24 h and 14 days, without significant increases in tacrolimus blood levels. Similar to systemically administered tacrolimus, PEUU-Tac locally decreased glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) at the injury site and increased growth associated protein-43 (GAP-43) expression in ischemic ONs from the globe to the chiasm, consistent with decreased astrogliosis and increased retinal ganglion cell (RGC) axon growth signaling pathways. These initial results suggest PEUU-Tac is a biocompatible elastic matrix that delivers bioactive tacrolimus trans-durally to CNS tissues without significantly increasing tacrolimus blood levels and off-target toxicity. PEUU-Tac locally delivers tacrolimus to CNS tissues PEUU-Tac positively modulates CNS tissue remodeling PEUU-Tac minimizes off-target tacrolimus toxicity
Central nervous system (CNS) injury typically results in permanently lost neurological function. Tacrolimus is an FDA-approved drug used during organ transplantation that also has CNS neuroprotective and neuroregenerative properties. However, tacrolimus is typically delivered systemically in the blood and delivering effective concentrations to CNS tissues requires tacrolimus blood levels that can lead to adverse side effects in multiple organs. Herein we show that PEUU-Tac, a tacrolimus-eluting matrix, can locally deliver tacrolimus to injured CNS tissues without increasing blood levels, suggesting PEUU-Tac can be used to treat CNS injuries locally while minimizing adverse side effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yolandi van der Merwe
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Anne E Faust
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ian Conner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Xinzhu Gu
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Firuz Feturi
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Wenchen Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bianca Leonard
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Souvik Roy
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Vijay S Gorantla
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Departments of Surgery, Ophthalmology and Bioengineering, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Wake Forest Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Winston Salem, NC, United States
| | - Raman Venkataramanan
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Kia M Washington
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Plastic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - William R Wagner
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Michael B Steketee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kim MJ, Sung JJ, Kim SH, Kim JM, Jeon GS, Mun SK, Ahn SW. The Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Oral-Formulated Tacrolimus in Mice with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. J Korean Med Sci 2017; 32:1502-1507. [PMID: 28776347 PMCID: PMC5546971 DOI: 10.3346/jkms.2017.32.9.1502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/28/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a T-lymphocyte-mediated autoimmune disease that is characterized by inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS). Although many disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) are presumed effective in patients with MS, studies on the efficacy and safety of DMTs for preventing MS relapse are limited. Therefore, we tested the immunosuppressive anti-inflammatory effects of oral-formulated tacrolimus (FK506) on MS in a mouse model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The mice were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups: an untreated EAE group, a low-dose tacrolimus-treated EAE group, and a high-dose tacrolimus-treated EAE group. After autoimmunization of the EAE mice with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, symptom severity scores, immunohistochemistry of the myelination of the spinal cord, and western blotting were used to evaluate the EAE mice. After the autoimmunization, the symptom scores of each EAE group significantly differed at times. The group treated with the larger tacrolimus dose had the lowest symptom scores. The tacrolimus-treated EAE groups exhibited less demyelination and inflammation and weak immunoreactivity for all of the immunization biomarkers. Our results revealed that oral-formulated tacrolimus inhibited the autoimmunization in MS pathogenesis by inactivating inflammatory cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myung Jin Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jung Joon Sung
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seung Hyun Kim
- Department of Neurology, Hanyang University Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jeong Min Kim
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Gye Sun Jeon
- Department of Neurology, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Seog Kyun Mun
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Suk Won Ahn
- Department of Neurology, Chung-Ang University Hospital, Chung-Ang University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hasselmann JPC, Karim H, Khalaj AJ, Ghosh S, Tiwari-Woodruff SK. Consistent induction of chronic experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in C57BL/6 mice for the longitudinal study of pathology and repair. J Neurosci Methods 2017; 284:71-84. [PMID: 28396177 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2017.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2016] [Revised: 03/15/2017] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While many groups use experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) as a model to uncover therapeutic targets and understand the pathology underlying multiple sclerosis (MS), EAE protocol variability introduces discrepancies in central nervous system (CNS) pathogenesis and clinical disease, limiting the comparability between studies and slowing much-needed translational research. OPTIMIZED METHOD Here we describe a detailed, reliable protocol for chronic EAE induction in C57BL/6 mice utilizing two injections of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (35-55) peptide mixed with complete Freund's adjuvant and paired with pertussis toxin. RESULTS The active MOG35-55-EAE protocol presented here induces ascending paralysis in 80-100% of immunized mice. We observe: (1) consistent T cell immune activation, (2) robust CNS infiltration by peripheral immune cells, and (3) perivascular demyelinating lesions concurrent with axon damage in the spinal cord and various brain regions, including the optic nerve, cortex, hippocampus, internal capsule, and cerebellum. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) Lack of detailed protocols, combined with variability between laboratories, make EAE results difficult to compare and hinder the use of this model for therapeutic development. We provide the most detailed active MOG35-55-EAE protocol to date. With this protocol, we observe high disease incidence and a consistent, reliable disease course. The resulting pathology is MS-like and includes optic neuritis, perivascular mononuclear infiltration, CNS axon demyelination, and axon damage in both infiltrating lesions and otherwise normal-appearing white matter. CONCLUSIONS By providing a detailed active MOG35-55-EAE protocol that yields consistent and robust pathology, we aim to foster comparability between pre-clinical studies and facilitate the discovery of MS therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Hawra Karim
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, UCR School of Medicine, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Anna J Khalaj
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, UCR School of Medicine, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Subir Ghosh
- Department of Statistics, UCR-CNAS, Riverside, CA 92521, USA
| | - Seema K Tiwari-Woodruff
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, UCR School of Medicine, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Department of Neuroscience, UCR School of Medicine, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, UCR School of Medicine, CA 92506, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Abstract
Isoflurane, a commonly used volatile anesthetic, causes widespread neuronal apoptosis in the developing brain of rodents. Signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) signaling is crucial for cell survival during the neural network establishment period. The aim of this study was to determine whether isoflurane would target STAT3 to deliver its neurotoxicity. Mice at postnatal day 7 and primary cortical neurons cultured for 5 days were treated with isoflurane. Our data showed that isoflurane exposure downregulated the STAT3 survival pathway in the brain of mice and in primary neurons, whereas the mRNA levels of STAT3 remained unchanged after isoflurane exposure. We found that inhibiting the activity of calcineurin, which specifically promotes STAT3 degradation, alleviated isoflurane-induced neural apoptosis. Further studies showed that isoflurane increased calcineurin activity and that the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate-sensitive Ca(2+) channel was involved in these isoflurane-induced molecular cascades. These findings suggest that isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity may stem from STAT3 degradation, partially through the activation of calcineurin.
Collapse
|
8
|
Timcodar (VX-853) Is a Non-FKBP12 Binding Macrolide Derivative That Inhibits PPARγ and Suppresses Adipogenesis. PPAR Res 2016; 2016:6218637. [PMID: 27190501 PMCID: PMC4848453 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6218637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/27/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutrient overload and genetic factors have led to a worldwide epidemic of obesity that is the underlying cause of diabetes, atherosclerosis, and cardiovascular disease. In this study, we used macrolide drugs such as FK506, rapamycin, and macrolide derived, timcodar (VX-853), to determine their effects on lipid accumulation during adipogenesis. Rapamycin and FK506 bind to FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs), such as FKBP12, which causes suppression of the immune system and inhibition of mTOR. Rapamycin has been previously reported to inhibit the adipogenic process and lipid accumulation. However, rapamycin treatment in rodents caused immune suppression and glucose resistance, even though the mice lost weight. Here we show that timcodar (1 μM), a non-FKBP12-binding drug, significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited lipid accumulation during adipogenesis. A comparison of the same concentration of timcodar (1 μM) and rapamycin (1 μM) showed that both are inhibitors of lipid accumulation during adipogenesis. Importantly, timcodar potently (p < 0.01) suppressed transcriptional regulators of adipogenesis, PPARγ and C/EBPα, resulting in the inhibition of genes involved in lipid accumulation. These studies set the stage for timcodar as a possible antiobesity therapy, which is rapidly emerging as a pandemic.
Collapse
|
9
|
Kozielewicz D, Pawłowska M. Acute liver failure and liver transplantation in a patient with multiple sclerosis treated with interferon beta. Neurol Neurochir Pol 2015; 49:451-5. [PMID: 26652882 DOI: 10.1016/j.pjnns.2015.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2015] [Revised: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
In the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), interferon beta (IFNβ) applies. It rarely can lead to acute liver failure (ALF). A 42-year-old female with MS was admitted to the Department because of jaundice, general weakness, drowsiness and nausea. Four weeks earlier, she had started therapy with IFNβ-1a. Liver tests made prior to initiation of IFNβ-1a were normal but on admission to the Department exceed several times the upper limit. ALF was recognized and IFNβ-1a was immediately stopped. In the fourth day of hospitalization, symptoms of hepatic encephalopathy have progressed. The patient was transferred to the Department of Transplantation, where hepatic coma developed and three days later the orthotopic liver transplantation was performed. In histopathological picture of the removed liver extensive necrosis and fibrosis dominated. Immunosuppressive therapy consisted of tacrolimus, mycophenolate mofetil and tapering prednisone. Within five years after surgery, there was no recurrence of symptoms of MS and the transplanted organ is functioning properly. ALF is a rare complication of IFNβ therapy but it can occur. The appearance of symptoms suggestive of liver injury should prompt extension of diagnosis and, if necessary, discontinuation of therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dorota Kozielewicz
- Department of Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Małgorzata Pawłowska
- Department of Children Infectious Diseases and Hepatology, Faculty of Medicine, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Bydgoszcz, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Roberts WK, Blachère NE, Frank MO, Dousmanis A, Ransohoff RM, Darnell RB. A destructive feedback loop mediated by CXCL10 in central nervous system inflammatory disease. Ann Neurol 2015. [PMID: 26224283 PMCID: PMC4583819 DOI: 10.1002/ana.24494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Objective Paraneoplastic neurologic disorders (PND) are autoimmune diseases associated with cancer and ectopic expression of a neuronal antigen in a peripheral tumor. Patients with PND harbor high‐titer antibodies and T cells in their serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that are specific to the tumor antigen, and treatment with the immunosuppressant FK506 (tacrolimus) decreases CSF white blood cell counts. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of FK506 on CSF chemokine levels in PND patients. Methods CSF samples before and after FK506 treatment were tested by multiplex assay for the presence of 27 cytokines. Follow‐up in vitro experiments aimed to determine whether T cells secrete CXCL10 in response to cognate antigen. Results Here we report that PND patients harbor high levels of the chemokine CXCL10 in their CSF. CXCL10 is a cytokine that recruits CXCR3+ cells such as activated T cells, and we found that FK506 treatment specifically decreased CSF CXCL10 from among 27 cytokines tested. In vitro, CXCL10 was only produced during antigen‐specific cognate interactions between T cells and antigen‐presenting cells (APCs) when interferon‐γ (IFNγ) receptors were present on the T cell. Interpretation These results support a model in which antigen‐specific T cell stimulation by PND APCs triggers IFNγ, followed by CXCL10 production and further lymphocyte recruitment, suggesting that treatments targeting T cells or CXCL10 in the central nervous system (CNS) may interrupt a destructive positive feedback loop present in CNS inflammation. Ann Neurol 2015;78:619–629
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wendy K Roberts
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Nathalie E Blachère
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | - Mayu O Frank
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY
| | | | | | - Robert B Darnell
- Laboratory of Molecular Neuro-oncology, Rockefeller University, New York, NY.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Rockefeller University, New York, NY.,New York Genome Center, New York, NY
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu S, Zwinger P, Black J, Waxman S. Tapered withdrawal of phenytoin removes protective effect in EAE without inflammatory rebound and mortality. J Neurol Sci 2014; 341:8-12. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.03.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2014] [Accepted: 03/13/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
12
|
Effects of FK506 on long-term potentiation observed by optical imaging in organotypic hippocampal slice culture. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2014. [DOI: 10.1007/s13770-013-1110-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
|
13
|
Lo A. Advancement of therapies for neuroprotection in multiple sclerosis. Expert Rev Neurother 2014; 8:1355-66. [DOI: 10.1586/14737175.8.9.1355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
|
14
|
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating disease of the central nervous system that is pathologically characterized by inflammatory demyelination and neurodegeneration. Axonal damage, along with neuronal loss, occurs from disease onset and may lead to progressive and permanent disability. In contrast with the inflammatory pathways, the molecular mechanisms leading to MS neurodegeneration remain largely elusive. With improved understanding of these mechanisms, new potential therapeutic targets for neuroprotection have emerged. We review the current understanding of neurodegenerative processes at play in MS and discuss potential outcome measures and targets for neuroprotection trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir-Hadi Maghzi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, Department of Neurology, University of California San Francisco (UCSF), 675 Nelson Rising Lane, 2nd floor, Room 221F, Box 3206, 94158, San Francisco, CA, USA,
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Arora RB, Kumar K, Deshmukh RR. FK506 attenuates intracerebroventricular streptozotocin-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Behav Pharmacol 2013; 24:580-9. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0b013e32836546db] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
|
16
|
Hsp90-binding immunophilins as a potential new platform for drug treatment. Future Med Chem 2013; 5:591-607. [PMID: 23573975 DOI: 10.4155/fmc.13.7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunophilins are proteins that contain a PPIase domain as a family signature. Low-molecular-weight immunophilins were first described associated to immunosuppressive action and protein folding. Recent studies of other members of the family have led to the identification of their participation in basic processes such as protein-protein interactions, signal transduction cascades, cell differentiation, cell cycle progression, metabolic activity, apoptosis mechanisms, microorganisms infection, cancer, neurotrophism and neuroprotection, among several other physiological and pathophysiological processes. Due to all these emerging features, the development of specific ligands for immunophilins appears to have promising perspectives, in particular in the fields of cancer biology and neuroregeneration fields. We review the emerging role of immunophilins in protein transport, transcription regulation, malignancies development and neurotrophic action, in addition to a number of biological properties that transform these proteins in potential targets for novel therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
|
17
|
Molecular Dissection of Cyclosporin A's Neuroprotective Effect Reveals Potential Therapeutics for Ischemic Brain Injury. Brain Sci 2013; 3:1325-56. [PMID: 24961531 PMCID: PMC4061870 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci3031325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2013] [Revised: 07/30/2013] [Accepted: 08/14/2013] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
After the onset of brain ischemia, a series of events leads ultimately to the death of neurons. Many molecules can be pharmacologically targeted to protect neurons during these events, which include glutamate release, glutamate receptor activation, excitotoxicity, Ca2+ influx into cells, mitochondrial dysfunction, activation of intracellular enzymes, free radical production, nitric oxide production, and inflammation. There have been a number of attempts to develop neuroprotectants for brain ischemia, but many of these attempts have failed. It was reported that cyclosporin A (CsA) dramatically ameliorates neuronal cell damage during ischemia. Some researchers consider ischemic cell death as a unique process that is distinct from both apoptosis and necrosis, and suggested that mitochondrial dysfunction and Δψ collapse are key steps for ischemic cell death. It was also suggested that CsA has a unique neuroprotective effect that is related to mitochondrial dysfunction. Here, I will exhibit examples of neuroprotectants that are now being developed or in clinical trials, and will discuss previous researches about the mechanism underlying the unique CsA action. I will then introduce the results of our cDNA subtraction experiment with or without CsA administration in the rat brain, along with our hypothesis about the mechanism underlying CsA’s effect on transcriptional regulation.
Collapse
|
18
|
Aminian A, Noorbakhsh F, Ghazi-Khansari M, Kafami L, Javadi S, Hassanzadeh G, Rahimian R, Dehpour A, Mehr S. Tropisetron diminishes demyelination and disease severity in an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Neuroscience 2013; 248:299-306. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2013] [Revised: 05/30/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
|
19
|
Combination therapy of interferon Beta-1b and tacrolimus: a pilot safety study. Mult Scler Int 2012; 2012:935921. [PMID: 22966460 PMCID: PMC3431088 DOI: 10.1155/2012/935921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 06/10/2012] [Accepted: 07/03/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tacrolimus is a calcineurin inhibitor which works to induce immune suppression by preventing cytokine transcription and lymphocyte activation. Combining the immunomodulator interferon beta-1b (Betaseron) with the immunosuppressant tacrolimus (Prograf) may have the potential of additive therapeutic benefit through the complementary mechanisms of action of these two therapeutics. In this randomized, open-label, multicenter, two-arm pilot study, the authors examined the safety and tolerability of the combination of interferon beta-1b and tacrolimus in relapsing remitting (RRMS) and secondary progressive (SPMS) multiple sclerosis patients who have failed one or more immunomodulatory therapies. Patients (n = 25) received a combination of interferon beta-1b subcutaneously every other day and oral tacrolimus (low blood level tacrolimus, 1-5 ng/mL, or high blood level tacrolimus, 5-10 ng/mL) for a period of 38 weeks. The combination therapy of interferon beta-1b and tacrolimus over the 10-month period of the study was shown to be safe and relatively well tolerated. There were no unexpected adverse events occurring as the result of the combination therapy. Further study of this combination therapy in patients with multiple sclerosis unresponsive to conventional therapy is warranted.
Collapse
|
20
|
Bizzarri M, Marsili S, Procacci P. Intraligand Hydrophobic Interactions Rationalize Drug Affinities for Peptidyl−Prolyl Cis−Trans Isomerase Protein. J Phys Chem B 2011; 115:6193-201. [DOI: 10.1021/jp110585p] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Bizzarri
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Simone Marsili
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Piero Procacci
- Dipartimento di Chimica, Università di Firenze, Via della Lastruccia 3, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
- Centro Interdipartimentale per lo Studio delle Dinamiche Complesse (CSDC), Via Sansone 1, I-50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Miljković D, Timotijević G, Stojković MM. Astrocytes in the tempest of multiple sclerosis. FEBS Lett 2011; 585:3781-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.03.047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2011] [Revised: 03/21/2011] [Accepted: 03/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
|
22
|
Baker D, Gerritsen W, Rundle J, Amor S. Critical appraisal of animal models of multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler 2011; 17:647-57. [PMID: 21372117 DOI: 10.1177/1352458511398885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a spectrum of neurological disorders in laboratory animals that is used to model multiple sclerosis (MS). However, few agents have translated from efficacy in EAE to the treatment of human disease. Although this may reflect species differences in pathological disease mechanisms, importantly it may also relate to the practice of how drugs and models are currently used. This often bears very little resemblance to the clinical scenarios where treatments are investigated, such that lack of appreciation of the biology of disease may doom drugs to failure. The use of EAE is critically appraised with the aim of provoking thought, improving laboratory practise and aiding researchers and reviewers to address quality issues when undertaking, reporting and interpreting animal studies related to MS research. This is important as many researchers using EAE could and should do more to improve the quality of the studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Baker
- Neuroscience and Trauma Centre, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, UK.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Unlocking the Door to Neuronal Woes in Alzheimer's Disease: Aβ and Mitochondrial Permeability Transition Pore. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:1936-1948. [PMID: 27713335 PMCID: PMC4033960 DOI: 10.3390/ph3061936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2010] [Revised: 06/10/2010] [Accepted: 06/14/2010] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction occurs early in the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid-β peptide has deleterious effects on mitochondrial function and contributes to energy failure, respiratory chain impairment, neuronal apoptosis, and generation of reactive oxygen species in Alzheimer’s disease. The mechanisms underlying amyloid-β induced mitochondrial stress remain unclear. Emerging evidence indicates that mitochondrial permeability transition pore is important for maintenance of mitochondrial and neuronal function in aging and neurodegenerative disease. Cyclophilin D (Cyp D) plays a central role in opening mitochondrial permeability transition pore, ultimately leading to cell death. Interaction of amyloid-β with cyclophilin D triggers or enhances the formation of mitochondrial permeability transition pores, consequently exacerbating mitochondrial and neuronal dysfunction, as shown by decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, impaired mitochondrial respiration function, and increased oxidative stress and cytochrome c release. Blockade of cyclophilin D by genetic abrogation or pharmacologic inhibition protects mitochondria and neurons from amyloid-β induced toxicity, suggesting that cyclophilin D dependent mitochondrial transition pore is a therapeutic target for Alzheimer’s disease.
Collapse
|
24
|
Du H, Yan SS. Mitochondrial medicine for neurodegenerative diseases. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2010; 42:560-72. [PMID: 20067840 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2010.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2009] [Revised: 12/30/2009] [Accepted: 01/05/2010] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in a wide array of neurological disorders ranging from neuromuscular to neurodegenerative diseases. Recent studies on neurodegenerative diseases have revealed that mitochondrial pathology is generally found in inherited or sporadic neurodegenerative diseases and is believed to be involved in the pathophysiological process of these diseases. Commonly seen types of mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases include excessive free radical generation, lowered ATP production, mitochondrial permeability transition, mitochondrial DNA lesions, perturbed mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis. Mitochondrial medicine as an emerging therapeutic strategy targeted to mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative diseases has been proven to be of value, though this area of research is still at in its early stage. In this article, we report on recent progress in the development of several mitochondrial therapies including antioxidants, blockade of mitochondrial permeability transition, and mitochondrial gene therapy as evidence that mitochondrial medicine has promise in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heng Du
- Department of Surgery, Physicians & Surgeons College of Columbia University, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
25
|
Takae Y, Nishikawa T, Amagai M. Pemphigus mouse model as a tool to evaluate various immunosuppressive therapies. Exp Dermatol 2009; 18:252-60. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0625.2008.00776.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
26
|
Sjogren's syndrome-associated meningoencephalomyelitis: cerebrospinal fluid cytokine levels and therapeutic utility of tacrolimus. J Neurol Sci 2007; 267:182-6. [PMID: 17996906 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2007.10.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2007] [Revised: 10/05/2007] [Accepted: 10/08/2007] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Serial changes in the circulating and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cytokine levels were assessed in a patient with Sjogren's syndrome (SS)-associated meningoencephalomyelitis. A 16-yr-old girl diagnosed as having primary SS at 8 yr of age presented headache and vomiting. CSF studies revealed lymphocyte-dominant pleocytosis and high IgM index, but no evidence of infection. Disturbed consciousness and diffuse slow waves on electroencephalogram led to the diagnosis of SS-meningoencephalitis. The clinical condition subsided after a cycle of dexamethasone therapy, however, 2 months later urinary retention and paresthesia of the lower body developed. Craniospinal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed extensive intraparenchymal lesions with high T2-weighted signal intensity adjacent to the posterior left horn of lateral ventricle of the brain and the longitudinal lesion from C5 to T10 of the spinal cord. High-dose methyl-prednisolone and subsequent tacrolimus therapy has effectively controlled the activity of SS-meningoencephalomyelitis. Monitoring of systemic and CSF cytokine levels during the course of illness revealed that CSF interleukin-6, but not interferon-gamma or tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels were the sensitive indicator of disease activity. The unique cytokine profile, differing from those of infectious meningitis may be useful for predicting the central nervous system involvement in autoimmune disease.
Collapse
|
27
|
Schott E, Paul F, Wuerfel JT, Zipp F, Rudolph B, Wiedenmann B, Baumgart DC. Development of ulcerative colitis in a patient with multiple sclerosis following treatment with interferonβ 1a. World J Gastroenterol 2007; 13:3638-40. [PMID: 17659718 PMCID: PMC4146807 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v13.i26.3638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
To alert clinicians to a potential novel adverse drug effect of interferonβ 1a, we herein report a patient with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis who developed ulcerative colitis following treatment with interferonβ 1a. Ulcerative colitis persisted despite discontinuation of interferonβ 1a treatment and switching the patient to glatiramer acetate. Tacrolimus (FK506), 6-mercaptopurine, and prednisolone were required to induce remission. Both ulcerative colitis and multiple sclerosis were eventually well controlled using this regimen. Our report underscores that caution should be exercised when prescribing immunostimulatory agents in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and challenges current efforts to stimulate innate immunity as a novel therapeutic concept for IBD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eckart Schott
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Charité Medical School, Humboldt-University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Chitnis T, Imitola J, Wang Y, Elyaman W, Chawla P, Sharuk M, Raddassi K, Bronson RT, Khoury SJ. Elevated neuronal expression of CD200 protects Wlds mice from inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:1695-712. [PMID: 17456775 PMCID: PMC1854964 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/16/2007] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Axonal damage secondary to inflammation is likely the substrate of chronic disability in multiple sclerosis and is found in the animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Wld(s) mice have a triplication of the fusion gene Ube4b/Nmnat and a phenotype of axon protection. Wld(s) mice develop an attenuated disease course of EAE, with decreased demyelination, reduced axonal pathology, and decreased central nervous system (CNS) macrophage and microglial accumulation. We show that attenuated disease in Wld(s) mice was associated with robust constitutive expression of the nonsignaling CD200 molecule on neurons in the CNS compared with control mice. CD200 interacts with its signaling receptor CD200R, which we found to be expressed on microglia, astrocytes, and oligodendrocytes at similar levels in control and Wld(s) mice. Administration of blocking anti-CD200 antibody to Wld(s) mice abrogated disease attenuation and was associated with increased CNS inflammation and neurodegeneration. In vitro, Wld(s) neuronal cultures were protected from microglial-induced neurotoxicity compared with control cultures, but protection was abrogated by anti-CD200 antibody. The CD200-CD200R pathway plays a critical role in attenuating EAE and reducing inflammation-mediated damage in the CNS. Strategies that up-regulate the expression of CD200 in the CNS or molecules that ligate the CD200R may be relevant as neuroprotective strategies in multiple sclerosis.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/biosynthesis
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Proliferation
- Demyelinating Diseases/metabolism
- Demyelinating Diseases/pathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/metabolism
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Immunoprecipitation
- Inflammation/immunology
- Inflammation/metabolism
- Inflammation/pathology
- Interleukin-6/metabolism
- Interleukins/metabolism
- Macrophage Activation/immunology
- Membrane Glycoproteins/metabolism
- Mice
- Microscopy, Confocal
- Microscopy, Electron, Transmission
- Nerve Degeneration/immunology
- Nerve Degeneration/physiopathology
- Neuroglia/metabolism
- Neurons/metabolism
- Neurons/pathology
- Spinal Cord/pathology
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanuja Chitnis
- Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Forte M, Gold BG, Marracci G, Chaudhary P, Basso E, Johnsen D, Yu X, Fowlkes J, Rahder M, Stem K, Bernardi P, Bourdette D. Cyclophilin D inactivation protects axons in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, an animal model of multiple sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2007; 104:7558-63. [PMID: 17463082 PMCID: PMC1857227 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0702228104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the leading cause of neurological disability in young adults, affecting some two million people worldwide. Traditionally, MS has been considered a chronic, inflammatory disorder of the central white matter in which ensuing demyelination results in physical disability [Frohman EM, Racke MK, Raine CS (2006) N Engl J Med 354:942-955]. More recently, MS has become increasingly viewed as a neurodegenerative disorder in which neuronal loss, axonal injury, and atrophy of the CNS lead to permanent neurological and clinical disability. Although axonal pathology and loss in MS has been recognized for >100 years, very little is known about the underlying molecular mechanisms. Progressive axonal loss in MS may stem from a cascade of ionic imbalances initiated by inflammation, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and energetic deficits that result in mitochondrial and cellular Ca2+ overload. In a murine disease model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mice lacking cyclophilin D (CyPD), a key regulator of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore (PTP), developed EAE, but unlike WT mice, they partially recovered. Examination of the spinal cords of CyPD-knockout mice revealed a striking preservation of axons, despite a similar extent of inflammation. Furthermore, neurons prepared from CyPD-knockout animals were resistant to reactive oxygen and nitrogen species thought to mediate axonal damage in EAE and MS, and brain mitochondria lacking CyPD sequestered substantially higher levels of Ca2+. Our results directly implicate pathological activation of the mitochondrial PTP in the axonal damage occurring during MS and identify CyPD, as well as the PTP, as a potential target for MS neuroprotective therapies.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Axons/enzymology
- Axons/pathology
- Brain/metabolism
- Cells, Cultured
- Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase F
- Cyclophilins/deficiency
- Cyclophilins/genetics
- Cyclophilins/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/enzymology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/genetics
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Enzyme Activation
- Inflammation/enzymology
- Inflammation/genetics
- Inflammation/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Mitochondria/genetics
- Mitochondria/metabolism
- Multiple Sclerosis/enzymology
- Multiple Sclerosis/genetics
- Multiple Sclerosis/pathology
- Nitrogen/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- Reactive Oxygen Species/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruce G. Gold
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Gail Marracci
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
- Department of Veterans Affairs, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Priya Chaudhary
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Emy Basso
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, I-35121 Padova, Italy; and
| | | | - Xiaolin Yu
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | | | - Micha Rahder
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Katie Stem
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| | - Paolo Bernardi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, I-35121 Padova, Italy; and
| | - Dennis Bourdette
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR 97239
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Liu D, McIlvain HB, Fennell M, Dunlop J, Wood A, Zaleska MM, Graziani EI, Pong K. Screening of immunophilin ligands by quantitative analysis of neurofilament expression and neurite outgrowth in cultured neurons and cells. J Neurosci Methods 2007; 163:310-20. [PMID: 17490751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2007.03.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2007] [Revised: 03/22/2007] [Accepted: 03/22/2007] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Immunophilins are protein receptors for the immunosuppressant drugs FK506, cyclosporin A (CsA), and rapamycin. Two categories of immunophilins are the FK506-binding proteins (FKBPs), which bind to FK506, rapamycin, and CCI-779 and the cyclophilins, which bind to CsA. Reports have shown that immunophilins are expressed in the brain and spinal cord, are 10-100-fold higher in CNS tissue than immune tissue, and their expression is increased following nerve injury, suggesting that their chemical ligands may have therapeutic utility in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. In this study, we report the development and utility of a rapid neurofilament (NF) enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to quantify neuronal survival and the Cellomics ArrayScan platform to quantify neurite outgrowth following treatment with immunophilin ligands. Cultured neurons or F-11 cells were treated with various immunophilin ligands for 72 or 96h and their promotion of neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth were determined. The results showed that all immunophilin ligands, in a concentration-dependent manner, significantly increased neuronal survival and neurite outgrowth, when compared to control cultures. Taken together, these results demonstrate the potential utility of the neurofilament ELISA and Cellomics ArrayScan platform to efficiently quantify neurotrophic effects of immunophilin ligands on cultured neurons and cell lines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danni Liu
- Neuroscience Discovery Research, Wyeth Research, Princeton, NJ 08543, United States
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
31
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Degeneration of axons and their cell bodies is thought to occur progressively from the onset of multiple sclerosis and to be a significant cause of increasing disability. The mechanisms of neurodegeneration are becoming clearer and this work has already indicated potential molecular targets for therapeutic intervention to prevent neuronal injury. Attention is being directed at the appropriate design of clinical trials to test neuroprotection as a major strategy for the management of multiple sclerosis. The subtype of multiple sclerosis, the primary outcome measure and other detailed design issues remain controversial. This review considers the rationale for different therapeutic strategies for neuroprotection and discusses the controversies of trial design. RECENT FINDINGS The experimental work on neuroprotection in animal models of inflammatory axonal degeneration and consideration of outcome measurement in multiple sclerosis have developed sufficiently to enable trials of neuroprotection to be planned, powered and implemented. Trials assessing neuroprotection with tetrahydrocannabinol and lamotrigine are imminent; both will involve subjects with progressive forms of multiple sclerosis. SUMMARY These advances mean that neuroprotection is emerging as a potentially important strategy for preventing disability in multiple sclerosis. It is likely that a range of neuroprotective strategies will be tested alone and in combination in future trials, and that trial design will be refined as experience accumulates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raju Kapoor
- National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Neuroprotective and antiretroviral effects of the immunophilin ligand GPI 1046. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2007; 2:49-57. [PMID: 18040826 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-006-9060-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2006] [Accepted: 12/06/2006] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
HIV infection results in a neurodegenerative disorder for which currently there is no effective therapy available. Currently, available antiretroviral therapy has no impact on the production of early regulatory HIV proteins once the virus is integrated. Of these proteins, Tat was shown to be toxic to neurons. We, thus, used an in vitro neuronal culture system to determine if immunophilin ligands could protect against Tat-induced neurotoxicity. We found that GPI 1046 had potent neuroprotective effects in this model. The compound was able to protect the neurons even though it only partially obliterated Tat-induced oxidative stress in neurons, suggesting that other mechanisms may be important in mediating its neuroprotective effect. Furthermore, GPI 1046 showed inhibition of HIV replication and Tat-mediated long terminal repeat (LTR) activation suggesting that this class of compounds may be worthy of further exploration as a potential treatment for HIV dementia.
Collapse
|
33
|
Wang C, Gold BG, Kaler LJ, Yu X, Afentoulis ME, Burrows GG, Vandenbark AA, Bourdette DN, Offner H. Antigen-specific therapy promotes repair of myelin and axonal damage in established EAE. J Neurochem 2006; 98:1817-27. [PMID: 16899071 PMCID: PMC2175524 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2006.04081.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Inflammation results in CNS damage in multiple sclerosis (MS) and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. It is uncertain how much repair of injured myelin and axons can occur following highly selective anti-inflammatory therapy in EAE and MS. In this study, SJL/J mice with established EAE were treated successfully with an antigen-specific recombinant T cell receptor ligand (RTL), RTL401, a mouse I-A(s)/PLP-139-151 construct, after the peak of EAE. To define the mechanisms by which late application of RTL401 inhibits EAE, we evaluated mice at different time points to assess the levels of neuroinflammation and myelin and axon damage in their spinal cords. Our results showed that RTL401 administered after the peak of acute EAE induced a marked reduction in inflammation in the CNS, associated with a significant reduction of demyelination, axonal loss and ongoing damage. Electron microscopy showed that RTL-treated mice had reduced pathology compared with mice treated with vehicle and mice at the peak of disease, as demonstrated by a decrease in continued degeneration, increase in remyelinating axons and the presence of an increased number of small, presumably regenerative axonal sprouts. These findings indicate that RTL therapy targeting encephalitogenic T cells may promote CNS neuroregenerative processes.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Axons/ultrastructure
- Drug Administration Schedule
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/immunology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/pathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/physiopathology
- Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental/therapy
- Epitopes
- Female
- Immunotherapy
- Ligands
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred Strains
- Microscopy, Electron
- Myelin Sheath/ultrastructure
- Nerve Regeneration/drug effects
- Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell/metabolism
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/administration & dosage
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/immunology
- Recombinant Fusion Proteins/therapeutic use
- Recombinant Proteins/therapeutic use
- Spinal Cord/ultrastructure
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunhe Wang
- Neuroimmunology Research, Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Portland, Oregon, USA.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
34
|
Voda J, Yamaji T, Gold BG. Neuroimmunophilin ligands improve functional recovery and increase axonal growth after spinal cord hemisection in rats. J Neurotrauma 2006; 22:1150-61. [PMID: 16238491 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2005.22.1150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
We have previously shown that FK506 accelerates the rate of nerve regeneration in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and increases regeneration of central nervous system (CNS) axons into a peripheral nerve graft. In the present study, we examined whether FK506 and a nonimmunosuppressive derivative (FK1706) improve functional recovery and long distance regeneration following a hemisection lesion of spinal cord at T10/T11. Rats were given daily subcutaneous injections of either FK506 (2 mg/kg/day), FK1706 (2 mg/kg/day), an equivalent volume of saline or 30% DMSO as vehicle, respectively. Functional recovery was assessed using a modified Tarlov/Klinger scale, walking along progressively narrower wooden beams (7.7-1.7 cm widths), and analysis of footprints obtained during walking. Compared to both control groups, FK506 and FK1706-treated animals demonstrated significant functional recovery 4 days (beam walking), 2 weeks (footprints), and 4 weeks (Tarlov/Klinger scale). By 11 weeks, FK506-treated and FK1706-treated animals were able to walk, albeit poorly, along even the narrowest (1.7 cm) beam. At 11 weeks, the spinal cords were re-exposed and a small piece of gel foam-soaked Fluoro-Gold was placed on the injured side 2-cm caudal to the first injury. Five days later, the animals were perfused and tissues prepared for fluorescence microscopy. FK506-treated and FK1706-treated rats demonstrate a significantly greater number of retrogradely labeled neurons in the red nucleus. The results implicate a nonimmunosuppressant mechanism in FK506's action and suggest that FK506 or a nonimmunosuppressant derivative may be useful for treatment of spinal cord injuries.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jan Voda
- Center for Research on Occupational & Environmental Toxicology, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, OR 97201-3098, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Edlich F, Fischer G. Pharmacological targeting of catalyzed protein folding: the example of peptide bond cis/trans isomerases. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2005:359-404. [PMID: 16610367 DOI: 10.1007/3-540-29717-0_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Peptide bond isomerases are involved in important physiological processes that can be targeted in order to treat neurodegenerative disease, cancer, diseases of the immune system, allergies, and many others. The folding helper enzyme class of Peptidyl-Prolyl-cis/trans Isomerases (PPIases) contains the three enzyme families of cyclophilins (Cyps), FK506 binding proteins (FKBPs), and parvulins (Pars). Although they are structurally unrelated, all PPIases catalyze the cis/trans isomerization of the peptide bond preceding the proline in a polypeptide chain. This process not only plays an important role in de novo protein folding, but also in isomerization of native proteins. The native state isomerization plays a role in physiological processes by influencing receptor ligand recognition or isomer-specific enzyme reaction or by regulating protein function by catalyzing the switch between native isomers differing in their activity, e.g., ion channel regulation. Therefore elucidating PPIase involvement in physiological processes and development of specific inhibitors will be a suitable attempt to design therapies for fatal and deadly diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Edlich
- Max-Planck Research Unit for Enzymology of Protein Folding, Halle/Saale, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Fleming KK, Bovaird JA, Mosier MC, Emerson MR, LeVine SM, Marquis JG. Statistical analysis of data from studies on experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Neuroimmunol 2005; 170:71-84. [PMID: 16198426 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2005.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2005] [Accepted: 08/26/2005] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Research in multiple sclerosis often employs animal models of the disease, especially experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in rodents. The statistical analysis procedures chosen for these studies are often suboptimal, either because of violations of the assumptions of the procedure or because the analysis selected is inappropriate for the research question. In this paper, we discuss the types of research questions frequently asked in EAE studies and suggest appropriate and useful research designs and statistical methods that will optimize the information contained within the data. We also discuss other troublesome issues such as missing data, atypical disease profiles, and power analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kandace K Fleming
- Research Design and Analysis Unit, Life Span Institute, 1052 Dole Building, University of Kansas, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Despite recent progress in treating the inflammatory component of multiple sclerosis, current therapies have no clear impact on progression of disability, which closely relates to tissue (myelin and axon) injury. Many scientists now focus their efforts on elucidating the mechanisms that lead to tissue injury, and on developing new strategies for tissue repair. We review recent breakthroughs in this field and discuss their putative applications to therapy. RECENT FINDINGS Several hypotheses have been raised to explain the failure of remyelination, including depletion of remyelinating cells, quiescence of oligodendrocyte precursor cells and axonal inhibitory signals. Success in remyelination therapy may be achieved either by enhancing endogenous repair or by grafting exogenous remyelinating cells. Several neurotrophic factors have been shown to enhance endogenous remyelination, and many immature cells have been shown to induce efficient exogenous remyelination in animal models. Although effective remyelination probably represents the best way to prevent neurodegeneration, several alternative neuroprotective strategies are emerging. Statins, cyclins and immunophilin ligands are orally available immunomodulatory agents that may protect neurones. Other promising possibilities include the modulation of excitotoxicity, nitric oxide synthesis, or cationic channels. SUMMARY Despite the increasing number of putative therapeutic targets, no treatment to achieve remyelination or neuroprotection has yielded positive clinical results in humans. Forging a link between basic biology and treatment of patients will require us to overcome several challenges, including assessment of efficacy of repair, improving tolerance to and delivery of neurotrophic factors, and better defining the indications for and limitations of transplantation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Lubetzki
- Fédération de Neurologie, Hôpital de la Salpêtrière, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Paris, France.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Babine RE, Villafranca JE, Gold BG. FKBP immunophilin patents for neurological disorders. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2005. [DOI: 10.1517/13543776.15.5.555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
|