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Christmann U, Díaz JL, Pascual R, Bordas M, Álvarez I, Monroy X, Porras M, Yeste S, Reinoso RF, Merlos M, Vela JM, Almansa C. Discovery of WLB-89462, a New Drug-like and Highly Selective σ 2 Receptor Ligand with Neuroprotective Properties. J Med Chem 2023; 66:12499-12519. [PMID: 37607512 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.3c01060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
The synthesis and pharmacological activity of a new series of isoxazolylpyrimidines as sigma-2 receptor (σ2R) ligands are reported. Modification of a new hit retrieved in an HTS campaign allowed the identification of the compound WLB-89462 (20c) with good σ2R affinity (Ki = 13 nM) and high selectivity vs both the σ1R (Ki = 1777 nM) and a general panel of 180 targets. It represents one of the first σ2R ligands with drug-like properties, linked to a good physicochemical and ADMET profile (good solubility, no CYP inhibition, good metabolic stability, high permeability, brain penetration, and high oral exposure in rodents). Compound 20c shows neuroprotective activity in vitro and improves short-term memory impairment induced by hippocampal injection of amyloid β peptide in rats. Together with the promising effects in the chronic models where 20c is currently being evaluated, these results pave the way toward its clinical development as a neuroprotective agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ute Christmann
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Luis Díaz
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Rosalia Pascual
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Magda Bordas
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Inés Álvarez
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier Monroy
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mónica Porras
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sandra Yeste
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel F Reinoso
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Manuel Merlos
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - José Miguel Vela
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen Almansa
- Welab Barcelona, Parc Científic Barcelona, C/Baldiri Reixac 4-8,08028 Barcelona, Spain
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Hu Z, Shi S, Ou Y, Hu F, Long D. Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes: A promising toxicity regulation target. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152000. [PMID: 36696877 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membranes (MAMs) are dynamic suborganelle membranes that physically couple endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and mitochondria to provide a platform for exchange of intracellular molecules and crosstalk between the two organelles. Dysfunctions of mitochondria and ER and imbalance of intracellular homeostasis have been discovered in the research of toxics. Cellular activities such as oxidative stress, ER stress, Ca2+ transport, autophagy, mitochondrial fusion and fission, and apoptosis mediated by MAMs are closely related to the toxicological effects of various toxicants. These cellular activities mediated by MAMs crosstalk with each other. Regulating the structure and function of MAMs can alleviate the damage caused by toxicants to some extent. In this review, we discuss the relationships between MAMs and the mechanisms of toxicological effects, and highlight MAMs as a potential target for protection against toxicants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zehui Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Shengyuan Shi
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Yiquan Ou
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Fangyan Hu
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China
| | - Dingxin Long
- Hunan Province Key Laboratory of Typical Environmental Pollution and Health Hazards, School of Public Health, Hengyang Medical School, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, PR China.
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Cottilli P, Gaja-Capdevila N, Navarro X. Effects of Sigma-1 Receptor Ligands on Peripheral Nerve Regeneration. Cells 2022; 11:1083. [PMID: 35406646 PMCID: PMC8998141 DOI: 10.3390/cells11071083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral nerve injuries lead to the loss of motor, sensory and autonomic functions in the territories supplied by the injured nerve. Currently, nerve injuries are managed by surgical repair procedures, and there are no effective drugs in the clinic for improving the capacity of axonal regeneration. Sigma-1 receptor (Sig-1R) is an endoplasmic reticulum chaperon protein involved in many functions, including neuroprotection and neuroplasticity. A few previous studies using Sig-1R ligands reported results that suggest this receptor as a putative target to enhance regeneration. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible effects of Sig-1R ligands on axonal regeneration in a sciatic nerve section and repair model in mice. To this end, mice were treated either with the Sig-1R agonist PRE-084 or the antagonist BD1063, and a Sig-1R knock-out (KO) mice group was also studied. The electrophysiological and histological data showed that treatment with Sig-1R ligands, or the lack of this protein, did not markedly modify the process of axonal regeneration and target reinnervation after sciatic nerve injury. Nevertheless, the nociceptive tests provided results indicating a role of Sig-1R in sensory perception after nerve injury, and immunohistochemical labeling indicated a regulatory role in inflammatory cell infiltration in the injured nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Cottilli
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 01893 Bellaterra, Spain; (P.C.); (N.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Núria Gaja-Capdevila
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 01893 Bellaterra, Spain; (P.C.); (N.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
| | - Xavier Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Institute of Neurosciences, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 01893 Bellaterra, Spain; (P.C.); (N.G.-C.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), 28031 Madrid, Spain
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Borbély E, Varga V, Szögi T, Schuster I, Bozsó Z, Penke B, Fülöp L. Impact of Two Neuronal Sigma-1 Receptor Modulators, PRE084 and DMT, on Neurogenesis and Neuroinflammation in an Aβ 1-42-Injected, Wild-Type Mouse Model of AD. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:2514. [PMID: 35269657 PMCID: PMC8910266 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia characterized by cognitive dysfunctions. Pharmacological interventions to slow the progression of AD are intensively studied. A potential direction targets neuronal sigma-1 receptors (S1Rs). S1R ligands are recognized as promising therapeutic agents that may alleviate symptom severity of AD, possibly via preventing amyloid-β-(Aβ-) induced neurotoxicity on the endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated pathways. Furthermore, S1Rs may also modulate adult neurogenesis, and the impairment of this process is reported to be associated with AD. We aimed to investigate the effects of two S1R agonists, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and PRE084, in an Aβ-induced in vivo mouse model characterizing neurogenic and anti-neuroinflammatory symptoms of AD, and the modulatory effects of S1R agonists were analyzed by immunohistochemical methods and western blotting. DMT, binding moderately to S1R but with high affinity to 5-HT receptors, negatively influenced neurogenesis, possibly as a result of activating both receptors differently. In contrast, the highly selective S1R agonist PRE084 stimulated hippocampal cell proliferation and differentiation. Regarding neuroinflammation, DMT and PRE084 significantly reduced Aβ1-42-induced astrogliosis, but neither had remarkable effects on microglial activation. In summary, the highly selective S1R agonist PRE084 may be a promising therapeutic agent for AD. Further studies are required to clarify the multifaceted neurogenic and anti-neuroinflammatory roles of these agonists.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lívia Fülöp
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Dóm Tér 8, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary; (E.B.); (V.V.); (T.S.); (I.S.); (Z.B.); (B.P.)
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Shin SM, Wang F, Qiu C, Itson-Zoske B, Hogan QH, Yu H. Sigma-1 receptor activity in primary sensory neurons is a critical driver of neuropathic pain. Gene Ther 2022; 29:1-15. [PMID: 32424233 PMCID: PMC7671947 DOI: 10.1038/s41434-020-0157-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The Sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) is highly expressed in the primary sensory neurons (PSNs) that are the critical site of initiation and maintenance of pain following peripheral nerve injury. By immunoblot and immunohistochemistry, we observed increased expression of both σ1R and σ1R-binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP) in the lumbar (L) dorsal root ganglia (DRG) ipsilateral to painful neuropathy induced by spared nerve injury (SNI). To evaluate the therapeutic potential of PSN-targeted σ1R inhibition at a selected segmental level, we designed a recombinant adeno-associated viral (AAV) vector expressing a small hairpin RNA (shRNA) against rat σ1R. Injection of this vector into the L4/L5 DRGs induced downregulation of σ1R in DRG neurons of all size groups, while expression of BiP was not affected. This was accompanied by attenuation of SNI-induced cutaneous mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity. Whole-cell current-clamp recordings of dissociated neurons showed that knockdown of σ1R suppressed neuronal excitability, suggesting that σ1R silencing attenuates pain by reversal of injury-induced neuronal hyperexcitability. These findings support a critical role of σ1R in modulating PSN nociceptive functions, and that the nerve injury-induced elevated σ1R activity in the PSNs can be a significant driver of neuropathic pain. Further understanding the role of PSN-σ1R in pain pathology may open routes to exploit this system for DRG-targeted pain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung Min Shin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Medical Experiment Center, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, 712046, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Chensheng Qiu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266000, PR China
| | - Brandon Itson-Zoske
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
| | - Quinn H Hogan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA
- Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA
| | - Hongwei Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, 53226, USA.
- Zablocki Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Milwaukee, WI, 53295, USA.
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Martin P, Reeder T, Sourbron J, de Witte PAM, Gammaitoni AR, Galer BS. An Emerging Role for Sigma-1 Receptors in the Treatment of Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:8416. [PMID: 34445144 PMCID: PMC8395113 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Developmental and epileptic encephalopathies (DEEs) are complex conditions characterized primarily by seizures associated with neurodevelopmental and motor deficits. Recent evidence supports sigma-1 receptor modulation in both neuroprotection and antiseizure activity, suggesting that sigma-1 receptors may play a role in the pathogenesis of DEEs, and that targeting this receptor has the potential to positively impact both seizures and non-seizure outcomes in these disorders. Recent studies have demonstrated that the antiseizure medication fenfluramine, a serotonin-releasing drug that also acts as a positive modulator of sigma-1 receptors, reduces seizures and improves everyday executive functions (behavior, emotions, cognition) in patients with Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Here, we review the evidence for sigma-1 activity in reducing seizure frequency and promoting neuroprotection in the context of DEE pathophysiology and clinical presentation, using fenfluramine as a case example. Challenges and opportunities for future research include developing appropriate models for evaluating sigma-1 receptors in these syndromic epileptic conditions with multisystem involvement and complex clinical presentation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Parthena Martin
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Thadd Reeder
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
| | - Jo Sourbron
- University Hospital KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | - Peter A. M. de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences at KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium;
| | | | - Bradley S. Galer
- Zogenix, Inc., Emeryville, CA 94608, USA; (P.M.); (T.R.); (A.R.G.)
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Abate C, Niso M, Abatematteo FS, Contino M, Colabufo NA, Berardi F. PB28, the Sigma-1 and Sigma-2 Receptors Modulator With Potent Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Activity: A Review About Its Pharmacological Properties and Structure Affinity Relationships. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:589810. [PMID: 33364961 PMCID: PMC7750835 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.589810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
These unprecedented times have forced the scientific community to gather to face the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts in diverse directions have been made. A multi-university team has focused on the identification of the host (human) proteins interacting with SARS-CoV-2 viral proteins, with the aim of hampering these interactions that may cause severe COVID-19 symptoms. Sigma-1 and sigma-2 receptors surprisingly belong to the “druggable” host proteins found, with the pan-sigma receptor modulator PB28 displaying the most potent anti–SARS-CoV-2 activity in in vitro assays. Being 20-fold more active than hydroxychloroquine, without cardiac side effects, PB28 is a promising antiviral candidate worthy of further investigation. Our research group developed PB28 in 1996 and have thoroughly characterized its biological properties since then. Structure–affinity relationship (SAfiR) studies at the sigma receptor subtypes were also undertaken with PB28 as the lead compound. We herein report our knowledge of PB28 to share information that may help to gain insight into the antiviral action of this compound and sigma receptors, while providing structural hints that may speed up the translation into therapeutics of this class of ligands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Abate
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Bari, Italy
| | - Mauro Niso
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Bari, Italy
| | | | - Marialessandra Contino
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Bari, Italy
| | - Nicola Antonio Colabufo
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Bari, Italy
| | - Francesco Berardi
- Dipartimento di Farmacia-Scienze del Farmaco, Università degli Studi di Bari ALDO MORO, Bari, Italy
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da Silva MG, Daros GC, de Bitencourt RM. Anti-inflammatory activity of ayahuasca: therapeutical implications in neurological and psychiatric diseases. Behav Brain Res 2020; 400:113003. [PMID: 33166569 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.113003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 08/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a decoction with psychoactive properties, used for millennia for therapeutic and religious purposes by indigenous groups and the population of amazonian countries. As described in this narrative review, it is essentially constituted by β-carbolines and tryptamines, and it has therapeutic effects on behavioral disorders due to the inhibition of the monoamine oxidase enzyme and the activation of 5-hydroxytryptamine receptors, demonstrated through preclinical and clinical studies. It was recently observed that the pharmacological response presented by ayahuasca is linked to its anti-inflammatory action, attributed mainly to dimethyltryptamines (N, N-dimethyltryptamine and 5-methoxy-N, N-dimethyltryptamine), which act as endogenous systemic regulators of inflammation and immune homeostasis, also through sigma-1 receptors. Therefore, since neuroinflammation is among the main pathophysiological mechanisms related to the development of neurological and psychiatric diseases, we suggest, based on the available evidence, that ayahuasca is a promising and very safe therapeutic strategy since extremely high doses are required to reach toxicity. However, even so, additional studies are needed to confirm such evidence, as well as the complete elucidation of the mechanisms involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Goulart da Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Av. José Acácio Moreira, 787, Dehon, 88704-900, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Guilherme Cabreira Daros
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Av. José Acácio Moreira, 787, Dehon, 88704-900, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
| | - Rafael Mariano de Bitencourt
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Postgraduate Program in Health Sciences, University of South Santa Catarina, Av. José Acácio Moreira, 787, Dehon, 88704-900, Tubarão, Santa Catarina, Brazil.
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Haram K, Mortensen JH, Myking O, Magann EF, Morrison JC. The Role of Oxidative Stress, Adhesion Molecules and Antioxidants in Preeclampsia. Curr Hypertens Rev 2020; 15:105-112. [PMID: 30663572 DOI: 10.2174/1573402115666190119163942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a consequence of reduction in the antioxidant capacity and excessive production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS). Oxidative agents, which are overproduced due to ischemic-reperfusion injury in the placenta, may overwhelm the normal antioxidant activity. This imbalance is a key feature in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia. A decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activity is associated with the synthesis of vasoconstrictive eicosanoids such as F2-isoprostanes and thromboxane, which are known to be upregulated in preeclampsia. Biochemical markers of lipid peroxidation, such as malondialdehyde and F2-isoprostane in the placenta, are also increased. Adhesion molecules participate in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia by contributing to a reduced invasion by the trophoblast and increased vascular endothelial damage. Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and GPX play important roles counteracting oxidative stress. Other antioxidant factors participate in the etiology of preeclampsia. Levels of antioxidants such as Lycopene, Coenzyme 10, as well as some vitamins, are reduced in preeclamptic gestations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kjell Haram
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
| | - Jan Helge Mortensen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Public Health and Primary Health Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Ole Myking
- Department of Internal Medicine, Section of Endocrinology, Haukeland University Hospital, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Everett F Magann
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, United States
| | - John C Morrison
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi, MS, United States
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Abstract
Adrenarche, the post-natal rise of DHEA and DHEAS, is unique to humans and the African Apes. Recent findings have linked DHEA in humans to the development of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (LDPFC) between the ages of 4-8 years and the right temporoparietal junction (rTPJ) from 7 to 12 years of age. Given the association of the LDLPFC with the 5-to-8 transition and the rTPJ with mentalizing during middle childhood DHEA may have played an important role in the evolution of the human brain. I argue that increasing protein in the diet over the course of human evolution not only increased levels of DHEAS, but linked meat consumption with brain development during the important 5- to-8 transition. Consumption of animal protein has been associated with IGF-1, implicated in the development of the adrenal zona reticularis (ZR), the site of DHEAS production. In humans and chimps, the zona reticularis emerges at 3-4 years, along with the onset of DHEA/S production. For chimps this coincides with weaning and peak synaptogenesis. Among humans, weaning is completed around 2 ½ years, while synaptogenesis peaks around 5 years. Thus, in chimpanzees, early cortical maturation is tied to the mother; in humans it may be associated with post-weaning provisioning by others. I call for further research on adrenarche among the African apes as a critical comparison to humans. I also suggest research in subsistence populations to establish the role of nutrition and energetics in the timing of adrenarche and the onset of middle childhood.
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de Almeida RN, Galvão ACDM, da Silva FS, Silva EADS, Palhano-Fontes F, Maia-de-Oliveira JP, de Araújo LSB, Lobão-Soares B, Galvão-Coelho NL. Modulation of Serum Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor by a Single Dose of Ayahuasca: Observation From a Randomized Controlled Trial. Front Psychol 2019; 10:1234. [PMID: 31231276 PMCID: PMC6558429 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.01234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Serotonergic psychedelics are emerging as potential antidepressant therapeutic tools, as suggested in a recent randomized controlled trial with ayahuasca for treatment-resistant depression. Preclinical and clinical studies have suggested that serum brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels increase after treatment with serotoninergic antidepressants, but the exact role of BDNF as a biomarker for diagnostic and treatment of major depression is still poorly understood. Here we investigated serum BDNF levels in healthy controls (N = 45) and patients with treatment-resistant depression (N = 28) before (baseline) and 48 h after (D2) a single dose of ayahuasca or placebo. In our sample, baseline serum BDNF levels did not predict major depression and the clinical characteristics of the patients did not predict their BDNF levels. However, at baseline, serum cortisol was a predictor of serum BDNF levels, where lower levels of serum BDNF were detected in a subgroup of subjects with hypocortisolemia. Moreover, at baseline we found a negative correlation between BDNF and serum cortisol in volunteers with eucortisolemia. After treatment (D2) we observed higher BDNF levels in both patients and controls that ingested ayahuasca (N = 35) when compared to placebo (N = 34). Furthermore, at D2 just patients treated with ayahuasca (N = 14), and not with placebo (N = 14), presented a significant negative correlation between serum BDNF levels and depressive symptoms. This is the first double-blind randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial that explored the modulation of BDNF in response to a psychedelic in patients with depression. The results suggest a potential link between the observed antidepressant effects of ayahuasca and changes in serum BDNF, which contributes to the emerging view of using psychedelics as an antidepressant. This trial is registered at http://clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02914769).
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Affiliation(s)
- Raíssa Nóbrega de Almeida
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Ana Cecília de Menezes Galvão
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Flávia Santos da Silva
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Erick Allan dos Santos Silva
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Palhano-Fontes
- Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - João Paulo Maia-de-Oliveira
- Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Natal, Brazil
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Lobão-Soares Barros de Araújo
- Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Brain Institute, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Bruno Lobão-Soares
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Natal, Brazil
- Department of Biophysics and Pharmacology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
| | - Nicole Leite Galvão-Coelho
- Laboratory of Hormone Measurement, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Psychobiology, Department of Physiology and Behavior, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, Brazil
- National Science and Technology Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), Natal, Brazil
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Christ MG, Huesmann H, Nagel H, Kern A, Behl C. Sigma-1 Receptor Activation Induces Autophagy and Increases Proteostasis Capacity In Vitro and In Vivo. Cells 2019; 8:E211. [PMID: 30832324 PMCID: PMC6468724 DOI: 10.3390/cells8030211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2019] [Revised: 02/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of autophagy and disturbed protein homeostasis are linked to the pathogenesis of human neurodegenerative diseases and the modulation of autophagy as the protein clearance process has become one key pharmacological target. Due to the role of sigma-1 receptors (Sig-1R) in learning and memory, and the described pleiotropic neuroprotective effects in various experimental paradigms, Sig-1R activation is recognized as one potential approach for prevention and therapy of neurodegeneration and, interestingly, in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis associated with mutated Sig-1R, autophagy is disturbed. Here we analyzed the effects of tetrahydro-N,N-dimethyl-2,2-diphenyl-3-furanmethanamine hydrochloride (ANAVEX2-73), a muscarinic receptor ligand and Sig-1R agonist, on autophagy and proteostasis. We describe, at the molecular level, for the first time, that pharmacological Sig-1R activation a) enhances the autophagic flux in human cells and in Caenorhabditis elegans and b) increases proteostasis capacity, ultimately ameliorating paralysis caused by protein aggregation in C. elegans. ANAVEX2-73 is already in clinical investigation for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, and the novel activities of this compound on autophagy and proteostasis described here may have consequences for the use and further development of the Sig-1R as a drug target in the future. Moreover, our study defines the Sig-1R as an upstream modulator of canonical autophagy, which may have further implications for various conditions with dysfunctional autophagy, besides neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian G Christ
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Heike Huesmann
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Heike Nagel
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Andreas Kern
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
| | - Christian Behl
- Institute of Pathobiochemistry, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University, Duesbergweg 6, 55128 Mainz, Germany.
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