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Caioni G, Merola C, Perugini M, Angelozzi G, Amorena M, Benedetti E, Lucon-Xiccato T, Bertolucci C. Sodium valproate effects on the morphological and neurobehavioral phenotype of zebrafish. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 110:104500. [PMID: 38977114 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2024.104500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The anticonvulsant sodium valproate (SV) is frequently administered as a medicament but bears several negative effects in case of exposure during development. We analyzed extensively these early development effects of using the zebrafish model. Zebrafish embryos were exposed as eggs to two sublethal concentrations of SV, 10 and 25 mg/L. A general embryo toxicity analysis revealed extended anomalies in the cardiovascular system, and in the craniofacial and the spinal skeleton, as well as high mortality, in the embryos exposed to SV. The teratogenic potential of SV was confirmed in hacthed larvae by morphometric and cartilage profile analysis. Last, neurobehavioral impairments due to SV were highlighted in subjects' activity, anxiety, response to stimulations, habituation learning, and daily synchronization of locomotor activity, overall mirroring typical phenotypes associated with autistic spectrum disorders. In conclusion, our results confirmed the presence of extended and multifaced impacts of exposure to SV during development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Caioni
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, Italy; Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Carmine Merola
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Monia Perugini
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy.
| | - Giovanni Angelozzi
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Michele Amorena
- Department of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila 67100, Italy
| | - Tyrone Lucon-Xiccato
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Cristiano Bertolucci
- Department of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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2
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Chitolina R, Gallas-Lopes M, Reis CG, Benvenutti R, Stahlhofer-Buss T, Calcagnotto ME, Herrmann AP, Piato A. Chemically-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish: A systematic review. Epilepsy Res 2023; 197:107236. [PMID: 37801749 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107236] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of zebrafish as a model organism is gaining evidence in the field of epilepsy as it may help to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures. As zebrafish assays became popular, the heterogeneity between protocols increased, making it hard to choose a standard protocol to conduct research while also impairing the comparison of results between studies. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively profile the chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, followed by a two-step screening process based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Qualitative data were extracted, and a sample of 100 studies was randomly selected for risk of bias assessment. Out of the 1058 studies identified after removing duplicates, 201 met the inclusion criteria. We found that the most common chemoconvulsants used in the reviewed studies were pentylenetetrazole (n = 180), kainic acid (n = 11), and pilocarpine (n = 10), which increase seizure severity in a dose-dependent manner. The main outcomes assessed were seizure scores and locomotion. Significant variability between the protocols was observed for administration route, duration of exposure, and dose/concentration. Of the studies subjected to risk of bias assessment, most were rated as low risk of bias for selective reporting (94%), baseline characteristics of the animals (67%), and blinded outcome assessment (54%). Randomization procedures and incomplete data were rated unclear in 81% and 68% of the studies, respectively. None of the studies reported the sample size calculation. Overall, these findings underscore the need for improved methodological and reporting practices to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of zebrafish models for studying epilepsy. Our study offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish, highlighting the common chemoconvulsants used and the variability in protocol parameters. This may be particularly valuable to researchers interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of epileptic seizures and screening potential drug candidates in zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Chitolina
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus Gallas-Lopes
- Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative in Preclinical Systematic Review and meta-Analysis (BRISA) Collaboration, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Reis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Radharani Benvenutti
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thailana Stahlhofer-Buss
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Neuroquímica da Excitabilidade Neuronal e Plasticidade Sináptica (NNNESP Lab), Departamento de bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana P Herrmann
- Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative in Preclinical Systematic Review and meta-Analysis (BRISA) Collaboration, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angelo Piato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Kollipara R, Langille E, Tobin C, French CR. Phytocannabinoids Reduce Seizures in Larval Zebrafish and Affect Endocannabinoid Gene Expression. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1398. [PMID: 37759798 PMCID: PMC10526363 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091398] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cannabis has demonstrated anticonvulsant properties, and about thirty percent of epileptic patients do not have satisfactory seizure management with standard treatment and could potentially benefit from cannabis-based intervention. Here, we report the use of cannabinoids to treat pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced convulsions in a zebrafish model, their effect on gene expression, and a simple assay for assessing their uptake in zebrafish tissues. Using an optimized behavioral assay, we show that cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabinol (CBN) are effective at reducing seizures at low doses, with little evidence of sedation, and our novel HPLC assay indicates that CBC is effective with the lowest accumulation in larval tissues. All cannabinoids tested were effective at higher concentrations. Pharmacological manipulation of potential receptors demonstrates that Gpr55 partially mediates the anticonvulsant effects of CBD. Treatment of zebrafish larvae with endocannabinoids, such as 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) and anandamide (AEA), altered larvae movement, and the expression of genes that regulate their metabolism was affected by phytocannabinoid treatment, highlighting the possibility that changes to endocannabinoid levels may represent one facet of the anticonvulsant effect of phytocannabinoids.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roshni Kollipara
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6, Canada; (R.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Evan Langille
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3X7, Canada;
| | - Cameron Tobin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6, Canada; (R.K.); (C.T.)
| | - Curtis R. French
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL A1B 3V6, Canada; (R.K.); (C.T.)
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Reina C, Cardella C, Lo Pinto M, Pucci G, Acuto S, Maggio A, Cavalieri V. Antioxidant, Pro-Survival and Pro-Regenerative Effects of Conditioned Medium from Wharton's Jelly Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Developing Zebrafish Embryos. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13191. [PMID: 37685998 PMCID: PMC10488285 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Conditioned media harvested from stem cell culturing have the potential to be innovative therapeutic tools against various diseases, due to their high content of growth, trophic and protective factors. The evaluation in vivo of the effects and biosafety of these products is essential, and zebrafish provides an ideal platform for high-throughput toxicological analysis, concurrently allowing the minimization of the use of mammalian models without losing reliability. In this study, we assessed the biological effects elicited by the exposure of zebrafish embryos to a conditioned medium derived from Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem cells. By a multiparametric investigation combining molecular, embryological, behavioural and in vivo imaging techniques, we found that exposure to a conditioned medium at a non-toxic/non-lethal dosage triggers antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and pro-regenerative effects, by upregulation of a set of genes involved in antioxidant defence (nrf2, brg1, sirt1, sirt6, foxO3a, sod2 and cat), glycolysis (ldha) and cell survival (bcl2l1, mcl1a and bim), coupled to downregulation of pro-apoptotic markers (baxa, caspase-3a and caspase-8). To our knowledge, this is the first study comprehensively addressing the effects of a conditioned medium on a whole organism from a developmental, molecular and behavioural perspective, and we are fairly confident that it will pave the way for future therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Reina
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Clara Cardella
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Margot Lo Pinto
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Gaia Pucci
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
| | - Santina Acuto
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Aurelio Maggio
- Campus of Haematology Franco e Piera Cutino, Villa Sofia-Cervello Hospital, 90146 Palermo, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Cavalieri
- Department of Biological, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies (STeBiCeF), University of Palermo, Viale Delle Scienze Ed. 16, 90128 Palermo, Italy
- Zebrafish Laboratory, Advanced Technologies Network (ATeN) Center, University of Palermo, 90128 Palermo, Italy
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Wang B, Chen J, Sheng Z, Lian W, Wu Y, Liu M. Embryonic exposure to fentanyl induces behavioral changes and neurotoxicity in zebrafish larvae. PeerJ 2022; 10:e14524. [PMID: 36540796 PMCID: PMC9760023 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of fentanyl during pregnancy, whether by prescription or illicit use, may result in high blood levels that pose an early risk to fetal development. However, little is known regarding the neurotoxicity that might arise from excessive fentanyl exposure in growing organisms, particularly drug-related withdrawal symptoms. In this study, zebrafish embryos were exposed to fentanyl solutions (0.1, 1, and 5 mg/L) for 5 days post fertilization (dpf), followed by a 5-day recovery period, and then the larvae were evaluated for photomotor response, anxiety behavior, shoaling behavior, aggression, social preference, and sensitization behavior. Fentanyl solutions at 1 and 5 mg/L induced elevated anxiety, decreased social preference and aggressiveness, and behavioral sensitization in zebrafish larvae. The expression of genes revealed that embryonic exposure to fentanyl caused substantial alterations in neural activity (bdnf, c-fos) and neuronal development and plasticity (npas4a, egr1, btg2, ier2a, vgf). These results suggest that fentanyl exposure during embryonic development is neurotoxic, highlighting the importance of zebrafish as an aquatic species in research on the neurobehavioral effects of opioids in vertebrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binjie Wang
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiale Chen
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhong Sheng
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wanting Lian
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanzhao Wu
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Meng Liu
- The Department of Criminal Science and Technology, Zhejiang Police College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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6
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Seizurogenic effect of perfluorooctane sulfonate in zebrafish larvae. Neurotoxicology 2022; 93:257-264. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2022.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Shaw PAG, Panda SK, Stanca A, Luyten W. Optimization of a locomotion-based zebrafish seizure model. J Neurosci Methods 2022; 375:109594. [PMID: 35421798 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2022.109594] [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: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Locomotor assays in zebrafish have emerged as a screening test in early drug discovery for antiseizure compounds. However, parameters differ considerably between published studies, which may explain some discrepant results with (candidate) antiseizure medications. NEW METHOD We optimized a locomotor-based seizure assay in zebrafish with pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) as the pharmacological proconvulsant to generate a therapeutic window in which proconvulsant-treated zebrafish larvae could be discriminated from a non-treated control. To generate a reliable control, exposure time and concentration of valproate (VPA, anticonvulsant) was optimized. RESULTS Wells with one or three larvae show a similar PTZ dose-dependent increase in locomotion with less variability in motility for the latter. Zebrafish immersed in 10 mM PTZ showed a significant increase in movement with a sustained effect, without any indication of toxicity. Animals treated with 3 mM VPA showed the strongest reduction of PTZ-induced movement without toxicity. The decrease in PTZ-induced locomotion was greater after 18 h versus 2 h. COMPARISON WITH EXISTING METHOD(S) For the larval zebrafish PTZ-induced seizure model, varying experimental parameters have been reported in literature. Our results show that PTZ is often used at toxic concentrations, and we provide instead reliable conditions to quantify convulsant behaviour using an infrared-beam motility assay. CONCLUSIONS We recommend using three zebrafish larvae per well to quantify locomotion in 96-multiwell plates. Larvae should preferably be exposed to 10 mM PTZ for 1 h, consisting of 30 min acclimation and 30 min subsequent recording. As positive control for anticonvulsant activity, we recommend exposure to 3 mM VPA for 18 h before administration of PTZ.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujogya Kumar Panda
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium; Center of Environment Climate Change and Public Health, Utkal University, Vani Vihar, Bhubaneswar 751004, Odisha, India.
| | - Alexandru Stanca
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
| | - Walter Luyten
- Department of Biology, KU Leuven, Naamsestraat 59, 3000 Leuven, Belgium.
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Reinwald H, Alvincz J, Salinas G, Schäfers C, Hollert H, Eilebrecht S. Toxicogenomic profiling after sublethal exposure to nerve- and muscle-targeting insecticides reveals cardiac and neuronal developmental effects in zebrafish embryos. CHEMOSPHERE 2022; 291:132746. [PMID: 34748799 DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2021.132746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
For specific primary modes of action (MoA) in environmental non-target organisms, EU legislation restricts the usage of active substances of pesticides or biocides. Corresponding regulatory hazard assessments are costly, time consuming and require large numbers of non-human animal studies. Currently, predictive toxicology of development compounds relies on their chemical structure and provides little insights into toxicity mechanisms that precede adverse effects. Using the zebrafish embryo model, we characterized transcriptomic responses to a range of sublethal concentrations of six nerve- and muscle-targeting insecticides with different MoA (abamectin, carbaryl, chlorpyrifos, fipronil, imidacloprid & methoxychlor). Our aim was to identify affected biological processes and suitable biomarker candidates for MoA-specific signatures. Abamectin showed the most divergent signature among the tested insecticides, linked to lipid metabolic processes. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) after imidacloprid exposure were primarily associated with immune system and inflammation. In total, 222 early responsive genes to either MoA were identified, many related to three major processes: (1) cardiac muscle cell development and functioning (tcap, desma, bag3, hspb1, hspb8, flnca, myoz3a, mybpc2b, actc2, tnnt2c), (2) oxygen transport and hypoxic stress (alas2, hbbe1.1, hbbe1.3, hbbe2, hbae3, igfbp1a, hif1al) and (3) neuronal development and plasticity (npas4a, egr1, btg2, ier2a, vgf). The thyroidal function related gene dio3b was upregulated by chlorpyrifos and downregulated by higher abamectin concentrations. Important regulatory genes for cardiac muscle (tcap) and forebrain development (npas4a) were the most frequently ifferentially expressed across all insecticide treatments. We consider the identified gene sets as useful early warning biomarker candidates, i.e. for developmental toxicity targeting heart and brain in aquatic vertebrates. Our findings provide a better understanding about early molecular events in response to the analyzed MoA. Perceptively, this promotes the development for sensitive and informative biomarker-based in vitro assays for toxicological MoA prediction and AOP refinement, without the suffering of adult fish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Reinwald
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany; Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Julia Alvincz
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Gabriela Salinas
- NGS-Services for Integrative Genomics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Schäfers
- Department of Ecotoxicology, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany
| | - Henner Hollert
- Department Evolutionary Ecology and Environmental Toxicology, Faculty Biological Sciences, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sebastian Eilebrecht
- Fraunhofer Attract Eco'n'OMICs, Fraunhofer Institute for Molecular Biology and Applied Ecology, Schmallenberg, Germany.
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Wang X, Liao Q, Chen H, Gong G, Siu SWI, Chen Q, Kam H, Ung COL, Cheung KK, Rádis-Baptista G, Wong CTT, Lee SMY. Toxic Peptide From Palythoa caribaeorum Acting on the TRPV1 Channel Prevents Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Epilepsy in Zebrafish Larvae. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:763089. [PMID: 34925021 PMCID: PMC8672801 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.763089] [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: 08/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
PcActx peptide, identified from the transcriptome of zoantharian Palythoa caribaeorum, was clustered into the phylogeny of analgesic polypeptides from sea anemone Heteractis crispa (known as APHC peptides). APHC peptides were considered as inhibitors of transient receptor potential cation channel subfamily V member 1 (TRPV1). TRPV1 is a calcium-permeable channel expressed in epileptic brain areas, serving as a potential target for preventing epileptic seizures. Through in silico and in vitro analysis, PcActx peptide was shown to be a potential TRPV1 channel blocker. In vivo studies showed that the linear and oxidized PcActx peptides caused concentration-dependent increases in mortality of zebrafish larvae. However, monotreatment with PcActx peptides below the maximum tolerated doses (MTD) did not affect locomotor behavior. Moreover, PcActx peptides (both linear and oxidized forms) could effectively reverse pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced seizure-related behavior in zebrafish larvae and prevent overexpression of c-fos and npas4a at the mRNA level. The excessive production of ROS induced by PTZ was markedly attenuated by both linear and oxidized PcActx peptides. It was also verified that the oxidized PcActx peptide was more effective than the linear one. In particular, oxidized PcActx peptide notably modulated the mRNA expression of genes involved in calcium signaling and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic-glutamatergic signaling, including calb1, calb2, gabra1, grm1, gria1b, grin2b, gat1, slc1a2b, gad1b, and glsa. Taken together, PcActx peptide, as a novel neuroactive peptide, exhibits prominent anti-epileptic activity, probably through modulating calcium signaling and GABAergic-glutamatergic signaling, and is a promising candidate for epilepsy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiufen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Qiwen Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China.,School of Life and Health Sciences, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Guiyi Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Shirley Weng In Siu
- Department of Computer and Information Science, Faculty of Science and Technology, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Qian Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Hiotong Kam
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Carolina Oi Lam Ung
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Kwok-Kuen Cheung
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Gandhi Rádis-Baptista
- Laboratory of Biochemistry and Biotechnology, Institute for Marine Sciences, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - Clarence Tsun Ting Wong
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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Félix L, Lobato-Freitas C, Monteiro SM, Venâncio C. 24-Epibrassinolide modulates the neurodevelopmental outcomes of high caffeine exposure in zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2021; 249:109143. [PMID: 34284067 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2021.109143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Previous embryonic fish data have shown caffeine to induce potential teratogenic and long-term neurodevelopmental outcomes through oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis. In this context, antioxidants may have the potential to counteract the caffeine-induced effects. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of 24-epibrassinolide (24-EPI), a natural brassinosteroid with proven antioxidant properties, against caffeine-induced teratogenic effects during early zebrafish development. Embryos (~2 h post-fertilization - hpf) were exposed to 0.5 mM caffeine, co-exposed to 24-EPI (0.01, 0.1 and 1 μM) and to 24-EPI alone (1 μM) for 96 h. During exposure, lethal and sublethal developmental parameters were evaluated. At the end of the exposure, biochemical evaluations were made, and 24 h after, different behavioural paradigms were assessed. An increased number of animals showing oedema and malformations were observed after caffeine exposure, while these were reduced after co-exposure to 24-EPI concentration, namely the tail curvature. The results showed oxidative stress and related parameters similar among treatments. Yet, caffeine exposure resulted in locomotor deficits (decreased speed and distance) and disrupted anxiety-like and avoidance responses. The co-exposure to caffeine and to the highest 24-EPI concentrations resulted in less pronounced behavioural deficits. Overall, there was an absence of effects in the embryo/larvae exposed solely to 24-EPI, while caffeine caused developmental and neurotoxic effects. Although further studies are needed, the results showed promising protective effects of the highest 24-EPI concentration tested against the toxicity induced by caffeine in zebrafish.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luís Félix
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production. University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Institute for Research and Innovation in Health (i3s), Laboratory Animal Science (LAS), Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology (IBMC), University of Porto (UP), Porto, Portugal.
| | - Carolina Lobato-Freitas
- Life Sciences and Environment School (ECVA), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Sandra M Monteiro
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production. University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Life Sciences and Environment School (ECVA), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
| | - Carlos Venâncio
- Centre for the Research and Technology of Agro-Environmental and Biological Sciences (CITAB), Inov4Agro- Institute for Innovation, Capacity Building and Sustainability of Agri-food Production. University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal; Veterinary and Animal Science Research Center (CECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, 5000-801 Vila Real, Portugal; Department of Animal Science, School of Agrarian and Veterinary Sciences (ECAV), University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro (UTAD), Vila Real, Portugal
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11
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Plant Species of Sub-Family Valerianaceae-A Review on Its Effect on the Central Nervous System. PLANTS 2021; 10:plants10050846. [PMID: 33922184 PMCID: PMC8144999 DOI: 10.3390/plants10050846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Valerianaceae, the sub-family of Caprifoliaceae, contains more than 300 species of annual and perennial herbs, worldwide distributed. Several species are used for their biological properties while some are used as food. Species from the genus Valeriana have been used for their antispasmodic, relaxing, and sedative properties, which have been mainly attributed to the presence of valepotriates, borneol derivatives, and isovalerenic acid. Among this genus, the most common and employed species is Valerianaofficinalis. Although valerian has been traditionally used as a mild sedative, research results are still controversial regarding the role of the different active compounds, the herbal preparations, and the dosage used. The present review is designed to summarize and critically describe the current knowledge on the different plant species belonging to Valerianaceae, their phytochemicals, their uses in the treatment of different diseases with particular emphasis on the effects on the central nervous system. The available information on this sub-family was collected from scientific databases up until year 2020. The following electronic databases were used: PubMed, Scopus, Sci Finder, Web of Science, Science Direct, NCBI, and Google Scholar. The search terms used for this review included Valerianaceae, Valeriana, Centranthus, Fedia, Patrinia, Nardostachys, Plectritis, and Valerianella, phytochemical composition, in vivo studies, Central Nervous System, neuroprotective, antidepressant, antinociceptive, anxiolytic, anxiety, preclinical and clinical studies.
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12
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Zhang J, Qi B, Liu M, Zhao T, Tan L. Influence of swimming exercise on the expression of apoptotic gene caspase-3 in chondrocytes in osteoarthritis. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:2511-2517. [PMID: 34017409 PMCID: PMC8129308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study swimming exercise's effect on caspase-3 expression in chondrocytes in osteoarthritis (OA). METHODS 36 SD rats were randomly separated into normal group (n = 12), OA model group (n = 12) and swimming exercise group (n = 12). After modeling, rats received no intervention in model group and swimming exercise once a day (15 min/time) for 4 consecutive weeks in swimming exercise group. After intervention for 4 weeks, specimens were taken to analyze tissue morphology by H&E staining, caspase-3 expression by Western blot and qPCR, chondrocytes apoptosis by TUNEL assay. RESULTS HE staining revealed abnormal bone tissue morphology in model group and swimming exercise group with improved morphology after swimming exercise. Model group and swimming exercise group all showed significantly higher Caspase-3 protein level than normal group with lower level after swimming exercise (P < 0.05). Consistently, qPCR showed similar expression profile of caspase-3 mRNA level to the protein level. CONCLUSION Swimming exercise can inhibit caspase-3 level and chondrocytes apoptosis in OA, thus improving the joint morphology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiting Zhang
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Baochang Qi
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Mingxi Liu
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Tianhao Zhao
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Lei Tan
- Department of Traumatic Orthopedics, The First Hospital of Jilin University Changchun, Jilin, China
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13
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Alachkar A, Lotfy M, Adeghate E, Łażewska D, Kieć-Kononowicz K, Sadek B. Ameliorating effects of histamine H3 receptor antagonist E177 on acute pentylenetetrazole-induced memory impairments in rats. Behav Brain Res 2021; 405:113193. [PMID: 33626390 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Histamine H3 receptors (H3Rs) are involved in several neuropsychiatric diseases including epilepsy. Therefore, the effects of H3R antagonist E177 (5 and 10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (i.p.)) were evaluated on acute pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced memory impairments, oxidative stress levels (glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD)), various brain neurotransmitters (histamine (HA), acetylcholine (ACh), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)), and glutamate (Glu), acetylcholine esterase (AChE) activity, and c-fos protein expression in rats. E177 (5 and 10 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prolonged step-through latency (STL) time in single-trial passive avoidance paradigm (STPAP), and shortened transfer latency time (TLT) in elevated plus maze paradigm (EPMP) (all P < 0.05). Moreover, and in the hippocampus of PTZ-treated animals, E177 mitigated abnormal levels of AChE activity, ACh and HA (all P < 0.05), but failed to modify brain levels of GABA and Glu. Furthermore, E177 alleviated hippocampal oxidative stress by significantly decreasing the elevated levels of MDA, and increasing the abnormally decreased level of GSH (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, E177 reduced elevated levels of hippocampal c-fos protein expression in hippocampal tissues of PTZ-treated animals (all P < 0.05). The observed results propose the potential of H3R antagonist E177 with an added advantage of avoiding cognitive impairment, emphasizing the H3Rs as a prospective target for future pharmacological management of epilepsy with associated memory impairments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alaa Alachkar
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 17666, United Arab Emirates; Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, P.O. Box 17666, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Lotfy
- Department of Biology, College of Science, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ernest Adeghate
- Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, P.O. Box 17666, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates; Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 17666, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dorota Łażewska
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kieć-Kononowicz
- Jagiellonian University Medical College, Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Technology and Biotechnology of Drugs, Medyczna 9 St., 30-688, Kraków, Poland
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, 17666, United Arab Emirates; Zayed Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, P.O. Box 17666, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
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14
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Gong G, Chen H, Kam H, Chan G, Tang YX, Wu M, Tan H, Tse YC, Xu HX, Lee SMY. In Vivo Screening of Xanthones from Garcinia oligantha Identified Oliganthin H as a Novel Natural Inhibitor of Convulsions. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2020; 83:3706-3716. [PMID: 33296199 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.0c00963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder, characterized by recurrent, spontaneous, and transient seizures, and affects more than 70 million people worldwide. Although two dozen antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are approved and available in the market, seizures remain poorly controlled in one-third of epileptic patients who are suffering from drug resistance or various adverse effects. Recently, the xanthone skeleton has been regarded as an attractive scaffold for the discovery and development of emerging anticonvulsants. We had isolated several dihydroxanthone derivatives previously, including oliganthin H, oliganthin I, and oliganthin N, whose structures were similar and delicately elucidated by spectrum analysis or X-ray crystallographic data, from extracts of leaves of Garcinia oligantha. These xanthone analogues were evaluated for anticonvulsant activity, and a novel xanthone, oliganthin H, has been identified as a sound and effective natural inhibitor of convulsions in zebrafish in vivo. A preliminary structure-activity relationship analysis on the relationship between structures of the xanthone analogues and their activities was also conducted. Oliganthin H significantly suppressed convulsant behavior and reduced to about 25% and 50% of PTZ-induced activity, in 12.5 and 25 μM treatment groups (P < 0.01 and 0.001), respectively. Meanwhile, it reduced seizure activity, velocity, seizure duration, and number of bursts in zebrafish larvae (P < 0.05). Pretreatment of oliganthin H significantly restored aberrant induction of gene expressions including npas4a, c-fos, pyya, and bdnf, as well as gabra1, gad1, glsa, and glula, upon PTZ treatment. In addition, in silico analysis revealed the stability of the oliganthin H-GABAA receptor complex and their detailed binding pattern. Therefore, direct interactions with the GABAA receptor and involvement of downstream GABA-glutamate pathways were possible mechanisms of the anticonvulsant action of oliganthin H. Our findings present the anticonvulsant activity of oliganthin H, provide a novel scaffold for further modifications, and highlight the xanthone skeleton as an attractive and reliable resource for the development of emerging AEDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiyi Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hanbin Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Hiotong Kam
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Ging Chan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
| | - Yue-Xun Tang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Man Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hongsheng Tan
- Clinical Research Center, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200240, China
| | - Yu-Chung Tse
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Cell Microenvironment and Disease Research, Department of Biology, Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech), Shenzhen, 518055, China
| | - Hong-Xi Xu
- Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Simon Ming-Yuen Lee
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine and Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Macau, China
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15
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Maphanga VB, Skalicka-Woźniak K, Budzynska B, Enslin GM, Viljoen AM. Screening selected medicinal plants for potential anxiolytic activity using an in vivo zebrafish model. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:3641-3652. [PMID: 32840669 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05642-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Medicinal plants are used extensively in many countries to treat conditions related to the central nervous system (CNS), and there is renewed interest to explore natural products, which may exhibit CNS activity. OBJECTIVE In this study, seven plants were selected based on literature reports of their ethnopharmacological use in treating anxiety-related conditions and assayed in a zebrafish model. METHODS Crude extracts were prepared with solvents of different polarities, and the maximum tolerated concentration (MTC) of these crude extracts was established. The anxiolytic activity of the crude extracts was determined using 5-day post-fertilization (dpf) zebrafish larvae. General locomotor activity and reverse-thigmotaxis behavior (indicative of anxiolytic activity) were analyzed under continuous illumination and alternating light-dark challenges, which induced anxiety in the zebrafish larvae. RESULTS Of the 28 extracts tested, 13 were toxic according to the MTC values obtained. Larvae were subsequently treated with the 15 non-toxic extracts, at a dose determined in the MTC assay or with 1% DMSO as control. The anxiolytic activity (reverse-thigmotaxis) was demonstrated by an increase in the percentage time spent by the larvae in the central arena of the well. Of the 15 non-toxic extracts tested, the Sceletium tortuosum water extract exhibited the most promising anxiolytic activity. CONCLUSIONS The zebrafish model was effective in studying anxiety-related behavior. Thus, the study confirmed that S. tortuosum mitigates anxiety in zebrafish larvae, a step towards the full in vivo validation of the traditional use of the plant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica B Maphanga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Krystyna Skalicka-Woźniak
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plant Unit, Medical University of Lublin, 1 Chodzki Street, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Barbara Budzynska
- Independent Laboratory of Behavioral Studies, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 4, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Gill M Enslin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
| | - Alvaro M Viljoen
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tshwane University of Technology, Private Bag X680, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa. .,SAMRC Herbal Drugs Research Unit, Tshwane University of Technology, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa.
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16
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24-Epibrassinolide protects against ethanol-induced behavioural teratogenesis in zebrafish embryo. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 328:109193. [PMID: 32668205 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.109193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2020] [Revised: 06/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic studies have demonstrated the neurotoxic, teratogenic, and neurobehavioral toxicity of ethanol (EtOH). Although multiple mechanisms may contribute to these effects, oxidative stress has been described as the major damage pathway. In this regard, natural antioxidants have the potential to counteract oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of 24-epibrassinolide (24-EPI), a natural brassinosteroid with proved antioxidant properties, in EtOH-induced teratogenic effects during early zebrafish development. Embryos (~2 h post-fertilization - hpf) were exposed to 1 % EtOH, co-exposed to 24-EPI (0.01, 0.1 and 1 μM) and to 24-EPI alone (1 μM) for 24 h. Following exposure, biochemical evaluations were made at 26 hpf, developmental analysis was made throughout the embryo-larval period, and behavioural responses were evaluated at 120 hpf. Exposure to 1 % EtOH caused an increase in the number of malformations, which were diminished by 24-EPI. In addition, EtOH induced an accumulation of GSSG and consequent reduction of GSH:GSSG ratio, indicating the involvement of oxidative mechanisms in the EtOH-induced effects. These were reverted by 24-EPI as proved by the GSSG levels and GSH:GSSG ratio that returned to control values. Furthermore, exposure to EtOH resulted in behavioural deficits at 120 hpf as observed by the disrupted response to an aversive stimulus, suggesting the involvement of neurotoxic mechanisms. 24-EPI restored the behavioural deficits observed in a dose-dependent manner. The absence of effects in the embryos exposed solely to 24-EPI showed its safety during the exposure period. In conclusion, EtOH caused developmental teratogenicity and behavioural toxicity by inducing glutathione changes, which were prevented by 24-EPI.
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17
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Expression patterns of activating transcription factor 5 (atf5a and atf5b) in zebrafish. Gene Expr Patterns 2020; 37:119126. [PMID: 32663618 DOI: 10.1016/j.gep.2020.119126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2019] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The Activating Transcription Factor 5 (ATF5) is a basic leucine-zipper (bZIP) transcription factor (TF) with proposed stress-protective, anti-apoptotic and oncogenic roles which were all established in cell systems. In whole animals, Atf5 function seems highly context dependent. Atf5 is strongly expressed in the rodent nose and mice knockout (KO) pups have defective olfactory sensory neurons (OSNs), smaller olfactory bulbs (OB), while adults are smell deficient. It was therefore proposed that Atf5 plays an important role in maturation and maintenance of OSNs. Atf5 expression was also described in murine liver and bones where it appears to promote differentiation of progenitor cells. By contrast in the rodent brain, Atf5 was first described as uniquely expressed in neuroprogenitors and thus, proposed to drive their proliferation and inhibit their differentiation. However, it was later also found in mature neurons stressing the need for additional work in whole animals. ATF5 is well conserved with two paralogs, atf5a and atf5b in zebrafish. Here, we present the expression patterns for both from 6 h (hpf) to 5day post-fertilization (dpf). We found early expression for both genes, and from 1dpf onwards overlapping expression patterns in the inner ear and the developing liver. In the brain, at 24hpf both atf5a and atf5b were expressed in the forebrain, midbrain, and hindbrain. However, from 2dpf and onwards we only detected atf5a expression namely in the olfactory bulbs, the mesencephalon, and the metencephalon. We further evidenced additional differential expression for atf5a in the sensory neurons of the olfactory organs, and for atf5b in the neuromasts, that form the superficial sensory organ called the lateral line (LL). Our results establish the basis for future functional analyses in this lower vertebrate.
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18
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Gawel K, Kukula-Koch W, Nieoczym D, Stepnik K, van der Ent W, Banono NS, Tarabasz D, Turski WA, Esguerra CV. The Influence of Palmatine Isolated from Berberis sibirica Radix on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizures in Zebrafish. Cells 2020; 9:cells9051233. [PMID: 32429356 PMCID: PMC7290958 DOI: 10.3390/cells9051233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Palmatine (PALM) and berberine (BERB) are widely identified isoquinoline alkaloids among the representatives of the Berberidaceae botanical family. The antiseizure activity of BERB was shown previously in experimental epilepsy models. We assessed the effect of PALM in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure assay in zebrafish, with BERB as an active reference compound. Both alkaloids were isolated from the methanolic root extract of Berberis sibirica by counter-current chromatography, and their ability to cross the blood–brain barrier was determined via quantitative structure–activity relationship assay. PALM exerted antiseizure activity, as confirmed by electroencephalographic analysis, and decreased c-fos and bdnf levels in PTZ-treated larvae. In a behavioral assay, PALM dose-dependently decreased PTZ-induced hyperlocomotion. The combination of PALM and BERB in ED16 doses revealed hyperadditive activity towards PTZ-induced hyperlocomotion. Notably, we have indicated that both alkaloids may exert their anticonvulsant activity through different mechanisms of action. Additionally, the combination of both alkaloids in a 1:2.17 ratio (PALM: BERB) mimicked the activity of the pure extract, which indicates that these two active compounds are responsible for its anticonvulsive activity. In conclusion, our study reveals for the first time the anticonvulsant activity of PALM and suggests the combination of PALM and BERB may have higher therapeutic value than separate usage of these compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (W.v.d.E.); (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-81448-6454
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Chair and Department of Pharmacognosy, Medical University of Lublin, 1, Chodzki Str. 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (W.K.-K.); (D.T.)
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka Str. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Stepnik
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Institute of Chemical Sciences, Faculty of Chemistry, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Pl. M. Curie-Skłodowskiej 3/243, 20-031 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Wietske van der Ent
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (W.v.d.E.); (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
| | - Nancy Saana Banono
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (W.v.d.E.); (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
| | - Dominik Tarabasz
- Chair and Department of Pharmacognosy, Medical University of Lublin, 1, Chodzki Str. 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (W.K.-K.); (D.T.)
| | - Waldemar A. Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Camila V. Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Faculty of Medicine, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (W.v.d.E.); (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
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Acevedo-Canabal A, Colón-Cruz L, Rodriguez-Morales R, Varshney GK, Burgess S, González-Sepúlveda L, Yudowski G, Behra M. Altered Swimming Behaviors in Zebrafish Larvae Lacking Cannabinoid Receptor 2. Cannabis Cannabinoid Res 2019; 4:88-101. [PMID: 31236475 PMCID: PMC6590727 DOI: 10.1089/can.2018.0025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives: The cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) was previously implicated in brain functions, including complex behaviors. Here, we assessed the role of CB2 in selected swimming behaviors in zebrafish larvae and developed an in vivo upscalable whole-organism approach for CB2 ligand screening. Experimental Approach: Using CRISPR-Cas9 technology, we generated a novel null allele (cnr2upr1) and a stable homozygote-viable loss-of-function (CB2-KO) line. We measured in untreated wild-type and cnr2upr1/upr1 larvae, photo-dependent (swimming) responses (PDR) and center occupancy (CO) to establish quantifiable anxiety-like parameters. Next, we measured PDR alteration and CO variation while exposing wild-type and mutant animals to an anxiolytic drug (valproic acid [VPA]) or to an anxiogenic drug (pentylenetetrazol [PTZ]). Finally, we treated wild-type and mutant larvae with two CB2-specific agonists (JWH-133 and HU-308) and two CB2-specific antagonists, inverse agonists (AM-630 and SR-144528). Results: Untreated CB2-KO showed a different PDR than wild-type larvae as well as a decreased CO. VPA treatments diminished swimming activity in all animals but to a lesser extend in mutants. CO was strongly diminished and even more in mutants. PTZ-induced inverted PDR was significantly stronger in light and weaker in dark periods and the CO lower in PTZ-treated mutants. Finally, two of four tested CB2 ligands had a detectable activity in the assay. Conclusions: We showed that larvae lacking CB2 behave differently in complex behaviors that can be assimilated to anxiety-like behaviors. Mutant larvae responded differently to VPA and PTZ treatments, providing in vivo evidence of CB2 modulating complex behaviors. We also established an upscalable combined genetic/behavioral approach in a whole organism that could be further developed for high-throughput drug discovery platforms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Acevedo-Canabal
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico (MSC-UPR), San Juan, Puerto Rico.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Luis Colón-Cruz
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico (MSC-UPR), San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Roberto Rodriguez-Morales
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico (MSC-UPR), San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | | | - Shawn Burgess
- National Human Genome Research Institute, NHGRI/NIH, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Lorena González-Sepúlveda
- Puerto Rico Clinical and Translational Research Consortium, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico (MSC-UPR), San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Guillermo Yudowski
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico (MSC-UPR), San Juan, Puerto Rico.,Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, Puerto Rico
| | - Martine Behra
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus, University of Puerto Rico (MSC-UPR), San Juan, Puerto Rico
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Muniandy Y. The Use of Larval Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Model for Identifying New Anxiolytic Drugs from Herbal Medicine. Zebrafish 2018; 15:321-339. [PMID: 29851363 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2018.1562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Anxiety is a widespread psychiatric disorder. The search for a cure is still continuing since many of the synthetic drugs were inefficient in completely treating anxiety, yet caused some dangerous side effects until many of the drugs were withdrawn from the market. One promising source of new anxiolytics could be herbal medicines. The challenge is to screen plant extracts. Rodent models can be used for this purpose but are expensive. Moreover, rodent tests are costly and consume relatively large quantities of sample. For this reason, alternative animal models may be useful. Zebrafish larvae have many advantages for screening natural products. The main advantage is that they can be produced cheaply and in large numbers. Several studies have shown that the zebrafish is a good model for studying drugs that affect anxiety. This review focuses on the use of animal models, including zebrafish larvae, for studying anxiety and screening for herbal medicines that modulate anxiety. Finally, future prospects of the zebrafish larva as an alternative model in this field are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuvendran Muniandy
- 1 Animal Sciences and Health, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden, Netherlands .,2 Plant Sciences and Natural Products, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Institute of Biology Leiden , Leiden, Netherlands
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Shams S, Rihel J, Ortiz JG, Gerlai R. The zebrafish as a promising tool for modeling human brain disorders: A review based upon an IBNS Symposium. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 85:176-190. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2017.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Colón-Cruz L, Kristofco L, Crooke-Rosado J, Acevedo A, Torrado A, Brooks BW, Sosa MA, Behra M. Alterations of larval photo-dependent swimming responses (PDR): New endpoints for rapid and diagnostic screening of aquatic contamination. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2018; 147:670-680. [PMID: 28934711 PMCID: PMC5681395 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2017.09.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Revised: 08/29/2017] [Accepted: 09/09/2017] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Detection and toxicity assessment of waterborne contaminants are crucial for protecting human health and the environment. Development of easy-to-implement, rapid and cost-effective tools to measure anthropogenic effects on watersheds are critical for responsible management, particularly in times of increasing development and urbanization. Traditionally, environmental toxicology has focused on limited endpoints, such as lethality and fertility, which are directly affecting population levels. However, more sensitive readings are needed to assess sub-lethal effects. Monitoring of contaminant-induced behavior alterations was proposed before, but is difficult to implement in the wild and performing it in aquatic laboratory models seem more suited. For this purpose, we adapted a photo-dependent swimming response (PDR) that was previously described in zebrafish larva. We first asked if PDR was present in other aquatic animals. We measured PDR in larvae from two freshwater prawn species (Macrobrachium rosenbergii, MR, and Macrobrachium carcinus, MC) and from another fish the fathead minnow (FHM, Pimephales promelas). In all, we found a strong and reproducible species-specific PDR, which is arguing that this behavior is important, therefore an environmental relevant endpoint. Next, we measured PDR in fish larvae after acute exposure to copper, a common waterborne contaminant. FHM larvae were hyperactive at all tested concentrations in contrast to ZF larvae, which exhibited a concentration-dependent hyperactivity. In addition to this well-accepted anxiety-like behavior, we examined two more: photo-stimulated startle response (PSSR) and center avoidance (CA). Both were significantly increased. Therefore, PDR measures after acute exposure to this waterborne contaminant provided as sensitive readout for its detection and toxicity assessment. This approach represents an opportunity to diagnostically examine any substance, even when present in complex mixtures like ambient surface waters. Mechanistic studies of toxicity using the extensive molecular tool kit of ZF could be a direct extension of such approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Colón-Cruz
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Lauren Kristofco
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - Jonathan Crooke-Rosado
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Agnes Acevedo
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Aranza Torrado
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Bryan W Brooks
- Department of Environmental Science, Center for Reservoir and Aquatic Systems Research, Institute of Biomedical Studies, Baylor University, Waco, TX, USA.
| | - María A Sosa
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
| | - Martine Behra
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico (UPR-MSC), San Juan, PR, USA; Puerto Rico Center for Environmental Neuroscience, Institute of Neurobiology, Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, San Juan, PR, USA.
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