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Becegato M, Silva RH. Female rodents in behavioral neuroscience: Narrative review on the methodological pitfalls. Physiol Behav 2024; 284:114645. [PMID: 39047942 DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2024.114645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Since the NIH 'Sex as biological variable' policy, the percentage of studies including female subjects have increased largely. Nonetheless, many researchers fail to adequate their protocols to include females. In this narrative review, we aim to discuss the methodological pitfalls of the inclusion of female rodents in behavioral neuroscience. We address three points to consider in studies: the manipulations conducted only in female animals (such as estrous cycle monitoring, ovariectomy, and hormone replacement), the consideration of males as the standard, and biases related to interpretation and publication of the results. In addition, we suggest guidelines and perspectives for the inclusion of females in preclinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Becegato
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Regina H Silva
- Behavioral Neuroscience Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; MaternaCiência, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Wang Y, Cui Y, Liu J, Song Q, Cao M, Hou Y, Zhang X, Wang P. Krüppel-like factor 5 accelerates the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease via BACE1-mediated APP processing. Alzheimers Res Ther 2022; 14:103. [PMID: 35883144 PMCID: PMC9316766 DOI: 10.1186/s13195-022-01050-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Background The deposition of β-amyloid (Aβ) in the brain plays a major role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Aβ is generated via amyloid precursor protein (APP) cleavage through the amyloidogenic pathway. In this pathway, β-secretase (BACE1) is the first and rate-limiting enzyme. Its expression increases through an unknown mechanism in patients with AD. Thus, the key regulatory mechanism of BACE1 in the AD process should be revealed to understand the pathogenesis of AD and explore the key treatment targets of AD. Methods Here, APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) mice were employed to observe the Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) and BACE1 levels in the serum and brain tissues. HT22 cells were used to explore the relationship between KLF5 and BACE1. Results In this study, KLF5 was found to be a novel transcription factor that positively regulated BACE1 by binding to the BACE1 promoter. The KLF5 levels significantly increased not only in the CSF and serum of patients with AD but also in the brain tissue of APP/PS1 mice. They were closely related to cognitive capacity. KLF5 accelerated APP amyloidogenic metabolism and promoted Aβ synthesis through BACE1. Silencing BACE1 could block the KLF5-induced amyloidogenic process of APP. ML264 ameliorated the cognitive deficits and slowed down APP amyloidogenic cleavage in APP/PS1 mice. Conclusion The findings above suggest that upregulation of KLF5 might be a critical element in AD progression by accelerating BACE1-mediated APP amyloidogenic cleavage. The inhibition of KLF5 or the combined inhibitory effect of KLF5 and the BACE1 promoter might be a potential strategy to prevent AD pathogenesis. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13195-022-01050-3.
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Ban KY, Nam GY, Kim D, Oh YS, Jun HS. Prevention of LPS-Induced Acute Kidney Injury in Mice by Bavachin and Its Potential Mechanisms. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:2096. [PMID: 36358467 PMCID: PMC9686515 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11112096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a serious complication of sepsis with a rapid onset and high mortality rate. Bavachin, an active component of Psoralea corylifolia L., reportedly has antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects; however, its beneficial effects on AKI remain undetermined. We investigated the protective effect of bavachin on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced AKI in mice and elucidated the underlying mechanism in human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells. Increased serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were observed in LPS-injected mice; however, bavachin pretreatment significantly inhibited this increase. Bavachin improved the kidney injury score and decreased the expression level of tubular injury markers, such as neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), in both LPS-injected mice and LPS-treated HK-2 cells. LPS-induced oxidative stress via phosphorylated protein kinase C (PKC) β and upregulation of the NADPH oxidase (NOX) 4 pathway was also significantly decreased by treatment with bavachin. Moreover, bavachin treatment inhibited the phosphorylation of MAPKs (P38, ERK, and JNK) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB, as well as the increase in inflammatory cytokine levels in LPS-injected mice. Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) expression was upregulated in the LPS-treated HK-2 cells and kidneys of LPS-injected mice. However, RNAi-mediated silencing of KLF5 inhibited the phosphorylation of NF-kB, consequently reversing LPS-induced KIM-1 and NGAL expression in HK-2 cells. Therefore, bavachin may ameliorate LPS-induced AKI by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation via the downregulation of the PKCβ/MAPK/KLF5 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Yun Ban
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
| | - Ga-Young Nam
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
| | - Donghee Kim
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
| | - Yoon Sin Oh
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Eulji University, Seongnam 13135, Korea
| | - Hee-Sook Jun
- College of Pharmacy and Gachon Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Gachon University, Incheon 21936, Korea
- Lee Gil Ya Cancer and Diabetes Institute, Gachon University, Incheon 21999, Korea
- Gachon Medical Research Institute, Gil Hospital, Incheon 21565, Korea
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Intranasal administration of DHED protects against exhaustive exercise-induced brain injury in rats. Brain Res 2021; 1772:147665. [PMID: 34562473 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2021] [Revised: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
DHED (10β,17β-dihydroxyestra-1,4-dien-3-one) is a brain-selective prodrug of 17β-estradiol and has been reported to have a strong neuroprotective effect. In this study, the exhaustive swimming rat model was used to investigate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of intranasal DHED treatment. Male eight-week-old healthy Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group (Cont), exhaustive swimming (ES), and DHED + exhaustive swimming (DHED). The open-field test and beam-walking test were performed to measure exploratory behavior and general activity in rats. Immunofluorescence staining, western blotting, ELISA analysis and related assay kits were applied to measure brain damage, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis pathways. Behavioral data shows that DHED intranasal administration can prevent neurobehavioral impairment caused by exhaustive swimming. Using a series of bioanalytical assays, we demonstrated that DHED markedly abated neuronal injury compared to the exhaustive swimming group, as evidenced by the reduced expression of apoptosis-regulated proteins, the improvement of neural survival, and the prevention of myelin loss. In addition, mitochondrial fission was attenuated distinctly, and a dynamic equilibrium was restored. Intranasal administration of DHED likewise significantly suppressed reactive gliosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines in the rat cerebral motor cortex. Consistent with previous reports, DHED treatment ameliorated changes of excitatory neurotransmitters. These results provide strong support for the promising therapeutic effects of DHED on neuroprotection during exhaustive swimming. The underlying mechanisms may rely on mitochondrial dynamics, neuroinflammation, and the balance of neurotransmitters.
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miR-223 Enhances the Neuroprotection of Estradiol Against Oxidative Stress Injury by Inhibiting the FOXO3/TXNIP Axis. Neurochem Res 2021; 47:1865-1877. [PMID: 34843004 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-021-03490-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is an irreversible neurodegenerative disorder characterized by complex pathogenesis, of which oxidative stress has long been regarded as a major mechanism. Previously, the protective effects of estradiol on SH-SY5Y cells against Aβ42-induced injuries were demonstrated. In this study, the protection of SH-SY5Y cells by estradiol from H2O2-caused oxidative stress injury and Alzheimer's mice was further confirmed. H2O2 downregulated, whereas estradiol upregulated miR-223 expression. miR-223 overexpression promoted cell viability, inhibited cell apoptosis, reduced ROS levels, enhanced Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) activity, and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. However, miR-223 inhibition exerted opposite effects. miR-223 directly targeted forkhead box O3 (FOXO3) and inhibited FOXO3 expression. H2O2 increased, whereas estradiol decreased thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP) levels; FOXO3 positively regulated TXNIP protein levels. In SH-SY5Y cells, FOXO3 overexpression increased, whereas FOXO3 knockdown reduced the cell apoptosis and ROS levels. FOXO3 bound to TXNIP promoter region and activated TXNIP transcription, whereas the activation could be partially inhibited by estradiol. Collectively, the FOXO3/TXNIP axis is downstream of miR-223. miR-223 enhances the neuroprotection of estradiol against oxidative stress injury through the FOXO3/TXNIP axis.
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Gao H, Ni Y, Mo X, Li D, Teng S, Huang Q, Huang S, Liu G, Zhang S, Tang Y, Lu L, Liang H. Drug repositioning based on network-specific core genes identifies potential drugs for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder in children. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2021; 19:3908-3921. [PMID: 34306572 PMCID: PMC8280514 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2021.06.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Identification of exact causative genes is important for in silico drug repositioning based on drug-gene-disease relationships. However, the complex polygenic etiology of the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a challenge in the identification of etiological genes. The network-based core gene identification method can effectively use the interactions between genes and accurately identify the pathogenic genes of ASD. We developed a novel network-based drug repositioning framework that contains three steps: network-specific core gene (NCG) identification, potential therapeutic drug repositioning, and candidate drug validation. First, through the analysis of transcriptome data for 178 brain tissues, gene network analysis identified 365 NCGs in 18 coexpression modules that were significantly correlated with ASD. Second, we evaluated two proposed drug repositioning methods. In one novel approach (dtGSEA), we used the NCGs to probe drug-gene interaction data and identified 35 candidate drugs. In another approach, we compared NCG expression patterns with drug-induced transcriptome data from the Connectivity Map database and found 46 candidate drugs. Third, we validated the candidate drugs using an in-house mental diseases and compounds knowledge graph (MCKG) that contained 7509 compounds, 505 mental diseases, and 123,890 edges. We found a total of 42 candidate drugs that were associated with mental illness, among which 10 drugs (baclofen, sulpiride, estradiol, entinostat, everolimus, fluvoxamine, curcumin, calcitriol, metronidazole, and zinc) were postulated to be associated with ASD. This study proposes a powerful network-based drug repositioning framework and also provides candidate drugs as well as potential drug targets for the subsequent development of ASD therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan Gao
- Clinical Data Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuan Ni
- Ping An Technology, No. 20 Keji South 12 Road, Shen Zhen 518063, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueying Mo
- School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
| | - Dantong Li
- Clinical Data Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Shan Teng
- Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou,510515, China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Shuai Huang
- Clinical Data Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Guangjian Liu
- Clinical Data Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Ping An Technology, No. 20 Keji South 12 Road, Shen Zhen 518063, Guangdong, China
| | - Yaping Tang
- Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Long Lu
- School of Information Management, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, Hubei, China
- Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, No. 9 Jinsui Road, Guangzhou 510623, Guangdong, China
| | - Huiying Liang
- Clinical Data Center, Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital/Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou 510080, Guangdong, China
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Li J, Liu L, Zhou W, Cai L, Xu Z, Rane MJ. Roles of Krüppel-like factor 5 in kidney disease. J Cell Mol Med 2021; 25:2342-2355. [PMID: 33523554 PMCID: PMC7933973 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.16332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Transcription factor Krüppel-like factor 5 (KLF5) is a member of the Krüppel-like factors' (KLFs) family. KLF5 regulates a number of cellular functions, such as apoptosis, proliferation and differentiation. Therefore, KLF5 can play a role in many diseases, including, cancer, cardiovascular disease and gastrointestinal disorders. An important role for KLF5 in the kidney was recently reported, such that KLF5 regulated podocyte apoptosis, renal cell proliferation, tubulointerstitial inflammation and renal fibrosis. In this review, we have summarized the available information in the literature with a brief description on how transcriptional, post-transcriptional and post-translational modifications of KLF5 modulate its function in a variety of organs including the kidney with a focus of its importance on the pathogenesis of various kidney diseases. Furthermore, we also have outlined the current and possible mechanisms of KLF5 activation in kidney diseases. These studies suggest a need for more systemic investigations, particularly for generation of animal models with renal cell-specific deletion or overexpression of KLF5 gene to examine direct contributions of KLF5 to various kidney diseases. This will promote further experimentation in the development of therapies to prevent or treat various kidney diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Li
- Department of NephrologyThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
- Department of PediatricsPediatric Research InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKYUSA
| | - Liang Liu
- Department of RadiologyChina‐Japan Union Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Wen‐Qian Zhou
- Department of PediatricsPediatric Research InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKYUSA
- The Center of Cardiovascular DiseasesThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Lu Cai
- Department of PediatricsPediatric Research InstituteUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKYUSA
- Department of Pharmacology and ToxicologyUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKYUSA
| | - Zhong‐Gao Xu
- Department of NephrologyThe First Hospital of Jilin UniversityChangchunChina
| | - Madhavi J. Rane
- Department of MedicineDivision of NephrologyDepartment of Biochemistry and Molecular GeneticsUniversity of LouisvilleLouisvilleKYUSA
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Thadathil N, Xiao J, Hori R, Alway SE, Khan MM. Brain Selective Estrogen Treatment Protects Dopaminergic Neurons and Preserves Behavioral Function in MPTP-induced Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 16:667-678. [PMID: 33221984 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09972-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra and loss of both motor and non-motor features. Several clinical and preclinical studies have provided evidence that estrogen therapy reduces the risk of PD but have limitations in terms of adverse peripheral effects. Therefore, we examined the potential beneficial effects of the brain-selective estrogen prodrug, 10β, 17β-dihydroxyestra-1,4-dien-3-one (DHED) on nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurodegeneration and behavioral abnormalities in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) mouse model of PD. Wild-type mice were treated with daily subcutaneous injections of DHED (50 and 100 µg/kg) or vehicle for four weeks. To produce PD-like symptoms, mice were injected with MPTP (18 mg/kg in saline; intraperitoneally) four times at 2-hr intervals for one day. After behavioral examination, mice were sacrificed, and the brains were isolated for neurochemical and morphological examinations. MPTP injected mice exhibited loss of dopaminergic neurons and fibers in substantia nigra and striatum respectively, along with impaired motor function at day 7 post MPTP injection. These phenotypes were associated with significantly increased oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in the striatum regions. DHED treatments significantly mitigated behavioral impairments and dopaminergic neurodegeneration induced by MPTP. We further observed that DHED treatment suppressed oxidative stress and inflammation in the striatum of MPTP treated mice when compared to vehicle treated mice. In conclusions, our findings suggest that DHED protects dopaminergic neurons from MPTP toxicity in mouse model of PD and support a beneficial effect of brain-selective estrogen in attenuating neurodegeneration and motor symptoms in PD-related neurological disorders. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidheesh Thadathil
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Avenue, 415 Link Building, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Jianfeng Xiao
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Avenue, 415 Link Building, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA
| | - Roderick Hori
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Biochemistry, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Stephen E Alway
- Laboratory of Muscle Biology and Sarcopenia, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
- Center for Muscle, Metabolism and Neuropathology, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Mohammad Moshahid Khan
- Department of Neurology, College of Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 855 Monroe Avenue, 415 Link Building, Memphis, TN, 38163, USA.
- Center for Muscle, Metabolism and Neuropathology, Division of Rehabilitation Sciences, Department of Physical Therapy, College of Health Professions, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA.
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A Novel Prodrug Approach for Central Nervous System-Selective Estrogen Therapy. Molecules 2019; 24:molecules24224197. [PMID: 31752337 PMCID: PMC6891678 DOI: 10.3390/molecules24224197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2019] [Revised: 11/08/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Beneficial effects of estrogens in the central nervous system (CNS) results from the synergistic combination of their well-orchestrated genomic and non-genomic actions, making them potential broad-spectrum neurotherapeutic agents. However, owing to unwanted peripheral hormonal burdens by any currently known non-invasive drug administrations, the development of estrogens as safe pharmacotherapeutic modalities cannot be realized until they are confined specifically and selectively to the site of action. We have developed small-molecule bioprecursor prodrugs carrying the para-quinol scaffold on the steroidal A-ring that are preferentially metabolized in the CNS to the corresponding estrogens. Here, we give an overview of our discovery of these prodrugs. Selected examples are shown to illustrate that, independently of the route of administrations and duration of treatments, these agents produce high concentration of estrogens only in the CNS without peripheral hormonal liability. 10β,17β-Dihydroxyestra-1,4-dien-3-one (DHED) has been the best-studied representative of this novel type of prodrugs for brain and retina health. Specific applications in preclinical animal models of centrally-regulated and estrogen-responsive human diseases, including neurodegeneration, menopausal symptoms, cognitive decline and depression, are discussed to demonstrate the translational potential of our prodrug approach for CNS-selective and gender-independent estrogen therapy with inherent therapeutic safety.
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