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Shiadeh SMJ, Goretta F, Svedin P, Jansson T, Mallard C, Ardalan M. Long-term impact of maternal obesity on the gliovascular unit and ephrin signaling in the hippocampus of adult offspring. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:39. [PMID: 38308309 PMCID: PMC10837922 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03030-w] [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: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Children born to obese mothers are at increased risk of developing mood disorders and cognitive impairment. Experimental studies have reported structural changes in the brain such as the gliovascular unit as well as activation of neuroinflammatory cells as a part of neuroinflammation processing in aged offspring of obese mothers. However, the molecular mechanisms linking maternal obesity to poor neurodevelopmental outcomes are not well established. The ephrin system plays a major role in a variety of cellular processes including cell-cell interaction, synaptic plasticity, and long-term potentiation. Therefore, in this study we determined the impact of maternal obesity in pregnancy on cortical, hippocampal development, vasculature and ephrin-A3/EphA4-signaling, in the adult offspring in mice. METHODS Maternal obesity was induced in mice by a high fat/high sugar Western type of diet (HF/HS). We collected brain tissue (prefrontal cortex and hippocampus) from 6-month-old offspring of obese and lean (control) dams. Hippocampal volume, cortical thickness, myelination of white matter, density of astrocytes and microglia in relation to their activity were analyzed using 3-D stereological quantification. mRNA expression of ephrin-A3, EphA4 and synaptic markers were measured by qPCR in the brain tissue. Moreover, expression of gap junction protein connexin-43, lipocalin-2, and vascular CD31/Aquaporin 4 were determined in the hippocampus by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Volume of hippocampus and cortical thickness were significantly smaller, and myelination impaired, while mRNA levels of hippocampal EphA4 and post-synaptic density (PSD) 95 were significantly lower in the hippocampus in the offspring of obese dams as compared to offspring of controls. Further analysis of the hippocampal gliovascular unit indicated higher coverage of capillaries by astrocytic end-feet, expression of connexin-43 and lipocalin-2 in endothelial cells in the offspring of obese dams. In addition, offspring of obese dams demonstrated activation of microglia together with higher density of cells, while astrocyte cell density was lower. CONCLUSION Maternal obesity affects brain size, impairs myelination, disrupts the hippocampal gliovascular unit and decreases the mRNA expression of EphA4 and PSD-95 in the hippocampus of adult offspring. These results indicate that the vasculature-glia cross-talk may be an important mediator of altered synaptic plasticity, which could be a link between maternal obesity and neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders in the offspring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seyedeh Marziyeh Jabbari Shiadeh
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Fanny Goretta
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Svedin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Jansson
- Division of Reproductive Sciences, Department of OB/GYN, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Carina Mallard
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maryam Ardalan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark.
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Gomez-Soler M, Olson EJ, de la Torre ER, Zhao C, Lamberto I, Flood DT, Danho W, Lechtenberg BC, Riedl SJ, Dawson PE, Pasquale EB. Lipidation and PEGylation Strategies to Prolong the in Vivo Half-Life of a Nanomolar EphA4 Receptor Antagonist. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 262:115876. [PMID: 38523699 PMCID: PMC10959496 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115876] [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] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
The EphA4 receptor tyrosine kinase plays a role in neurodegenerative diseases, inhibition of nerve regeneration, cancer progression and other diseases. Therefore, EphA4 inhibition has potential therapeutic value. Selective EphA4 kinase inhibitors are not available, but we identified peptide antagonists that inhibit ephrin ligand binding to EphA4 with high specificity. One of these peptides is the cyclic APY-d3 (βAPYCVYRβASWSC-NH2), which inhibits ephrin-A5 ligand binding to EphA4 with low nanomolar binding affinity and is highly protease resistant. Here we describe modifications of APY-d3 that yield two different key derivatives with greatly increased half-lives in the mouse circulation, the lipidated APY-d3-laur8 and the PEGylated APY-d3-PEG4. These two derivatives inhibit ligand induced EphA4 activation in cells with sub-micromolar potency. Since they retain high potency and specificity for EphA4, lipidated and PEGylated APY-d3 derivatives represent new tools for discriminating EphA4 activities in vivo and for preclinical testing of EphA4 inhibition in animal disease models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maricel Gomez-Soler
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Erika J. Olson
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Elena Rubio de la Torre
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Chunxia Zhao
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Ilaria Lamberto
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Dillon T. Flood
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Waleed Danho
- Del Mar, California 92014, United States
- Deceased
| | - Bernhard C. Lechtenberg
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Stefan J. Riedl
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Philip E. Dawson
- Departments of Chemistry and Cell and Molecular Biology, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Elena B. Pasquale
- Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
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Wei HX, Guan YN, Chen PP, Rao ZZ, Yang JS. Upregulation of EphA4 deteriorate brain damage by shifting microglia M1-polarization via NF-κB signaling after focal cerebral ischemia in rats. Heliyon 2023; 9:e18429. [PMID: 37519758 PMCID: PMC10375859 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e18429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is the main reason of disability and mortality in many countries, and currently has limited treatments. The post-stroke inflammation characterized with microglia activation and polarization has been regarded as a promising therapeutic target for ischemic stroke. After ischemia, the activated microglia polarize to classical (M1) phenotype or alternative (M2) phenotype and exhibit biphasic function. Promoting microglia phenotype shift from deleterious M1 phenotype to neuroprotective M2 phenotype will be promising in stroke treatment. Increasing evidence indicates that the erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular (Eph) receptor A4 (EphA4), a kind of abundant Eph receptor, distributes mainly in neuron and participates in multiple links of pathological changes after ischemia. This paper discussed the hypothesis that EphA4 receptor could affect ischemic brain injury through EphA4/ephrin bidirectional signaling between neuron and microglia, and then explored its underlying mechanisms. We manipulated EphA4/ephrin signaling with either EphA4 overexpression lentiviral vectors or the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) to upregulate or knock down neuronal EphA4 expression. NF-κB inhibitor pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate ammonium salt (PDTC) was applied to block NF-κB pathway. According to the experimental results, upregulated neuronal EphA4 induced by ischemia deteriorated neurological function as well as brain damage by shifting microglia M1-polarization via promoting NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Xing Wei
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, PR China
| | - Yun-Ni Guan
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
| | - Ping-Ping Chen
- Department of Neurology, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, PR China
| | - Zhao-Zeng Rao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Department of Neurology, Longyan People's Hospital, Longyan, PR China
| | - Jin-Shan Yang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Fujian Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurology, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, PR China
- Department of Neurology, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital, PR China
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Bryniarska-Kubiak N, Kubiak A, Trojan E, Wesołowska J, Lekka M, Basta-Kaim A. Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation in Organotypic Hippocampal Cultures Leads to Cytoskeleton Rearrangement and Immune Activation: Link to the Potential Pathomechanism of Ischaemic Stroke. Cells 2023; 12:1465. [PMID: 37296586 PMCID: PMC10252361 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke is characterized by a sudden loss of blood circulation to an area of the brain, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurologic function. As a result of this process, neurons in the ischaemic core are deprived of oxygen and trophic substances and are consequently destroyed. Tissue damage in brain ischaemia results from a complex pathophysiological cascade comprising various distinct pathological events. Ischaemia leads to brain damage by stimulating many processes, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, acidotoxicity, and apoptosis. Nevertheless, less attention has been given to biophysical factors, including the organization of the cytoskeleton and the mechanical properties of cells. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to evaluate whether the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) procedure, which is a commonly accepted experimental model of ischaemia, could affect cytoskeleton organization and the paracrine immune response. The abovementioned aspects were examined ex vivo in organotypic hippocampal cultures (OHCs) subjected to the OGD procedure. We measured cell death/viability, nitric oxide (NO) release, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) levels. Next, the impact of the OGD procedure on cytoskeletal organization was evaluated using combined confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Concurrently, to find whether there is a correlation between biophysical properties and the immune response, we examined the impact of OGD on the levels of crucial ischaemia cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL5, CXCL10) in OHCs and calculated Pearsons' and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. The results of the current study demonstrated that the OGD procedure intensified cell death and nitric oxide release and led to the potentiation of HIF-1α release in OHCs. Moreover, we presented significant disturbances in the organization of the cytoskeleton (actin fibers, microtubular network) and cytoskeleton-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), which is a neuronal marker. Simultaneously, our study provided new evidence that the OGD procedure leads to the stiffening of OHCs and a malfunction in immune homeostasis. A negative linear correlation between tissue stiffness and branched IBA1 positive cells after the OGD procedure suggests the pro-inflammatory polarization of microglia. Moreover, the negative correlation of pro- and positive anti-inflammatory factors with actin fibers density indicates an opposing effect of the immune mediators on the rearrangement of cytoskeleton induced by OGD procedure in OHCs. Our study constitutes a basis for further research and provides a rationale for integrating biomechanical and biochemical methods in studying the pathomechanism of stroke-related brain damage. Furthermore, presented data pointed out the interesting direction of proof-of-concept studies, in which follow-up may establish new targets for brain ischemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Bryniarska-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kubiak
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 152 Radzikowskiego St., 31-342 Kraków, Poland
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Trojan
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Julita Wesołowska
- Laboratory for In Vivo and In Vitro Imaging, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 152 Radzikowskiego St., 31-342 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Shi CS, Hu Q, Fang SL, Sun CX, Shao DH. MicroRNA-204-5p Ameliorates Neurological Injury via the EphA4/PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway in Ischemic Stroke. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023. [PMID: 37196241 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.3c00047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke has extremely high mortality and disability rates worldwide. miR-204-5p has been reported to be associated with neurological diseases. However, the relationship linking miR-204-5p to ischemic stroke and its molecular mechanism remain unclear. Herein, we found that expression of miR-204-5p was significantly decreased while EphA4 increased in vivo and vitro, which reached the peak at 24 h after cerebral ischemia/reperfusion. Then, we altered miR-204-5p expression in rats by cerebroventricular injection. Our study showed that miR-204-5p overexpression obviously reduced the brain infarction area and neurological score. We successfully cultured neurons to investigate the downstream mechanism. Upregulation of miR-204-5p increased cell viability and suppressed the release of LDH. Moreover, the proportion of apoptotic cells tested by TUNEL and flow cytometry and protein expression of Cleaved Caspase3 and Bax were inhibited. The relative expression of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β was repressed. In contrary, knockdown of miR-204-5p showed the opposite results. Bioinformatics and a dual luciferase assay illustrated that EphA4 was a target gene. Further research studies demonstrated that the neuroprotective effects of miR-204-5p could be partially mitigated by upregulating EphA4. Next, we proved that the miR-204-5p/EphA4 axis furtherly activated the PI3K/AKT pathway. We thoroughly illustrated the role of neuroinflammation and apoptosis. However, whether there are other mechanisms associated with the EphA4/PI3K/AKT pathway needs further investigation. Altogether, the miR-204-5p axis ameliorates neurological injury via the EphA4/PI3K/AKT pathway, which is expected to serve as an effective treatment for ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang-Sheng Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
- Department of Medicine, The University of Jiangsu, No.301 Xue Fu Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Qi Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Shi-Lei Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Cai-Xia Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Dong-Hua Shao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, No.8 Dian Li Road, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212000, China
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Huang Z. A Function of Amyloid-β in Mediating Activity-Dependent Axon/Synapse Competition May Unify Its Roles in Brain Physiology and Pathology. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 92:29-57. [PMID: 36710681 PMCID: PMC10023438 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
Amyloid-β protein precursor (AβPP) gives rise to amyloid-β (Aβ), a peptide at the center of Alzheimer's disease (AD). AβPP, however, is also an ancient molecule dating back in evolution to some of the earliest forms of metazoans. This suggests a possible ancestral function that may have been obscured by those that evolve later. Based on literature from the functions of Aβ/AβPP in nervous system development, plasticity, and disease, to those of anti-microbial peptides (AMPs) in bacterial competition as well as mechanisms of cell competition uncovered first by Drosophila genetics, I propose that Aβ/AβPP may be part of an ancient mechanism employed in cell competition, which is subsequently co-opted during evolution for the regulation of activity-dependent neural circuit development and plasticity. This hypothesis is supported by foremost the high similarities of Aβ to AMPs, both of which possess unique, opposite (i.e., trophic versus toxic) activities as monomers and oligomers. A large body of data further suggests that the different Aβ oligomeric isoforms may serve as the protective and punishment signals long predicted to mediate activity-dependent axonal/synaptic competition in the developing nervous system and that the imbalance in their opposite regulation of innate immune and glial cells in the brain may ultimately underpin AD pathogenesis. This hypothesis can not only explain the diverse roles observed of Aβ and AβPP family molecules, but also provide a conceptual framework that can unify current hypotheses on AD. Furthermore, it may explain major clinical observations not accounted for and identify approaches for overcoming shortfalls in AD animal modeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Huang
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
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Resveratrol Inhibits Oxidative Stress and Regulates M1/M2-Type Polarization of Microglia via Mediation of the Nrf2/Shh Signaling Cascade after OGD/R Injury In Vitro. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12122087. [PMID: 36556306 PMCID: PMC9782981 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12122087] [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: 11/06/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Microglia are closely related to the occurrence and development of oxidative stress. Cerebral ischemia leads to abnormal activation of microglia. Resveratrol can regulate M1/M2-type microglia polarization, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood, although the Nrf2 and Shh signaling pathways may be involved. Given that resveratrol activates Shh, the present study examined whether this is mediated by Nrf2 signaling. METHODS N9 microglia were pretreated with drugs before oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R). HT22 neurons were also used for conditional co-culture with microglia. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. MDA levels and SOD activity in the supernatant were detected by TBA and WST-1, respectively. Immunofluorescence detected Nrf2 and Gli1 nuclear translocation. The levels of CD206, Arg1, iNOS, TNF-α, Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1, Shh, Ptc, Smo, Gli1 protein and mRNA were measured by Western blotting or RT-qPCR. Annexin V-FITC Flow Cytometric Analysis detected apoptosis. RESULTS Resveratrol and Nrf2 activator RTA-408 enhanced the viability of microglia, reduced oxidative stress, promoted M2-type microglia polarization and activated Nrf2 and Shh signaling. ML385, a selective inhibitor of Nrf2, decreased the viability of microglia, aggravated oxidative stress, promoted M1-type microglia polarization and inhibited Nrf2 and Shh signaling. Moreover, resveratrol and RTA-408-treated microglia can reduce the apoptosis and increase the viability of HT22 neurons, while ML385-treated microglia aggravated the apoptosis and weakened the viability of HT22 neurons. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrated that resveratrol may inhibit oxidative stress, regulate M1/M2-type polarization of microglia and decrease neuronal injury in conditional co-culture of neurons and microglia via the mediation of the Nrf2/Shh signaling cascade after OGD/R injury in vitro.
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Zhang X, Yao W, Zhao W, Sun Y, Wu Z, He W, Ji Y, Gao Y, Niu X, Li L, Wang H. The construction of neurogenesis-related ceRNA network of ischemic stroke treated by oxymatrine. Neuroreport 2022; 33:641-648. [PMID: 36126261 PMCID: PMC9477865 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Known as a disease associated with high mortality, disability and a significant financial burden, ischemic stroke ranks as one of the three diseases threatening human health. Recent advances in omics technology created opportunities to uncover the mechanism in ischemic stroke occurrence and treatment. In this study, we aimed to construct the competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks of ischemic stroke treated by oxymatrine intervention. METHOD The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model of ischemic stroke was constructed, and oxymatrine was administered. Then RNA-Sequencing was performed and integrated analysis of mRNAs, lncRNAs and circRNAs was conducted to reveal the pharmacology of oxymatrine. Functional enrichment analysis was performed to explore the underlying mechanism of differentially expressed (DE) mRNAs. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of neurogenesis-related genes and long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs)/circular RNAs (circRNAs) based ceRNA networks were constructed. RESULTS First, this study revealed the DE-mRNAs, DE-lncRNAs and DE-circRNAs between Oxymatrine treated group and the MCAO group. Then, the common 1231 DE-mRNAs, 32 DE-lncRNAs and 31 DE-circRNAs with opposite trends were identified. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to identify the functional enrichment of 1231 DE-mRNAs were enriched in neurogenesis-related biological processes. Based on neurogenesis-related DE-mRNAs, the PPI network was constructed, and hub genes were identified based on centrality. Finally, both the lncRNA-based and circRNAs-based ceRNA networks were constructed. CONCLUSION In summary, this study identified novel coding and noncoding ischemic stroke targets of oxymatrine-treated MCAO. Most importantly, we identified lncRNAs and circRNAs candidates as potential oxymatrine targets and constructed the neurogenesis-related ceRNA networks.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wentao Yao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Wannian Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
- The Graduate School of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Medical University, ZhongShanDong Road, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Yingru Sun
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Zongkai Wu
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Weiliang He
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Yingxiao Ji
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Yaran Gao
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Xiaoli Niu
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Litao Li
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
| | - Hebo Wang
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital
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Liu C, Han S, Zheng J, Wang H, Li S, Li J. EphA4 regulates white matter remyelination after ischemic stroke through Ephexin-1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Glia 2022; 70:1971-1991. [PMID: 35762396 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke, which accounts for nearly 80% of all strokes, leads to white matter injury and neurobehavioral dysfunction, but relevant therapies to inhibit demyelination or promote remyelination after white matter injury are still unavailable. In this study, the middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R) in vivo and oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in vitro were used to establish the ischemic models. We found that Eph receptor A4 (EphA4) had no effect on the apoptosis of oligodendrocytes using TUNEL staining. In contrast, EphA4 promoted proliferation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs), but reduced the numbers of mature oligodendrocytes and the levels of myelin-associated proteins (MAG, MOG, and MBP) in the process of remyelination in ischemic models in vivo and in vitro as determined using PDGFRα-EphA4-shRNA and LV-EphA4 treatments. Notably, conditional knockout of EphA4 in OPCs (EphA4fl/fl + AAV-PDGFRα-Cre) improved the levels of myelin-associated proteins and functional recovery following ischemic stroke. In addition, regulation of remyelination by EphA4 was mediated by the Ephexin-1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Therefore, EphA4 did not affect oligodendrocyte (OL) apoptosis but regulated white matter remyelination after ischemic stroke through the Ephexin-1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. EphA4 may provide a novel and effective therapeutic target in clinical practice of ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cui Liu
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Song Han
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayin Zheng
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Wang
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shujuan Li
- The Neurological Department, Fu Wai Hospital, National Center for Cardiovascular Diseases, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Junfa Li
- Department of Neurobiology and Center of Stroke, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, School of Basic Medical Science, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Jiang PP, Peng SS, Pankratova S, Luo P, Zhou P, Chen Y. Proteins Involved in Synaptic Plasticity Are Downregulated in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Infants With Clinical Sepsis Complicated by Neuroinflammation. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:887212. [PMID: 35634471 PMCID: PMC9130476 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.887212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Newborn infants are prone to sepsis and related inflammation of different organs. Neuroinflammation has been associated with long-term adverse neuronal (neuropsychiatric/neurodegenerative) outcomes, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or even Alzheimer's disease. Despite a vast number of findings on sepsis-induced inflammatory responses in the central nervous system (CNS), how neuroinflammation affects brain development remains largely elusive. In this study, neonates with clinical sepsis and screened for meningitis were included and classified by the neuroinflammation status based on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) parameters (INF vs. NOINF). CSF samples collected from clinical screening were subjected to proteomics analysis. Proteins with differential abundance were subjected to enrichment analysis to reveal affected biological pathways. INF and NOINF infants had similar demographic data and hematological and biochemical parameters in blood and CSF. The CSF proteomes were essentially different between the two groups. All 65 proteins with differential abundance showed lower abundance in the INF group and functionally covered pivotal developmental processes, including axonal and synaptic function and extracellular homeostasis. CSF proteins, PTPRZ1 and IGFBP4, were correlated with C-reactive protein (CRP) and ratios of immature/total neutrophils in blood. In general, a substantial change in the CSF protein profile was found under neuroinflammation, and these changes are related to systemic conditions. The results suggest that changes in CSF proteins may be involved in sepsis-affected neurodevelopment, such as disturbances in circuit formation, which has the potential to predispose neonates to long-term adverse outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Ping Jiang
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shan-Shan Peng
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Stanislava Pankratova
- Department of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ping Luo
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ping Zhou
- Department of Neonatology, Bao'an Women and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
| | - You Chen
- Department of Neonatology, Bao'an Women and Children's Hospital, Jinan University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: You Chen
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11
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Fu WY, Hung KW, Lau SF, Butt B, Yuen VWH, Fu G, Chan IC, Ip FCF, Fu AKY, Ip NY. Rhynchophylline Administration Ameliorates Amyloid-β Pathology and Inflammation in an Alzheimer's Disease Transgenic Mouse Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:4249-4256. [PMID: 34738783 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common neurodegenerative disease, has limited treatment options. As such, extensive studies have been conducted to identify novel therapeutic approaches. We previously reported that rhynchophylline (Rhy), a small molecule EphA4 inhibitor, rescues impaired hippocampal synaptic plasticity and cognitive dysfunctions in APP/PS1 mice, an AD transgenic mouse model. To assess whether Rhy can be developed as an alternative treatment for AD, it is important to examine its pharmacokinetics and effects on other disease-associated pathologies. Here, we show that Rhy ameliorates amyloid plaque burden and reduces inflammation in APP/PS1 mice. Transcriptome analysis revealed that Rhy regulates various molecular pathways in APP/PS1 mouse brains associated with amyloid metabolism and inflammation, specifically the ubiquitin proteasome system, angiogenesis, and microglial functional states. These results show that Rhy, which is blood-brain barrier permeable, is beneficial to amyloid pathology and regulates multiple molecular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wing-Yu Fu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong 999077China
| | - Kwok-Wang Hung
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Shun-Fat Lau
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong 999077China
| | - Busma Butt
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Vincent Wai-Hin Yuen
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Guangmiao Fu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Ivy C. Chan
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
| | - Fanny C. F. Ip
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong 999077China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen−Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
| | - Amy K. Y. Fu
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong 999077China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen−Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
| | - Nancy Y. Ip
- Division of Life Science, State Key Laboratory of Molecular Neuroscience and Molecular Neuroscience Center, The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Clear Water Bay, Hong Kong 999077, China
- Hong Kong Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Hong Kong Science Park, Hong Kong 999077China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Science, Disease and Drug Development, HKUST Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen−Hong Kong Institute of Brain Science, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518057, China
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12
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Soliman E, Mills J, Ju J, Kaloss AM, Basso EKG, Groot N, Kelly C, Kowalski EA, Elhassanny M, Chen M, Wang X, Theus MH. Conditional Deletion of EphA4 on Cx3cr1-Expressing Microglia Fails to Influence Histopathological Outcome and Blood Brain Barrier Disruption Following Brain Injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:747770. [PMID: 34630039 PMCID: PMC8497746 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.747770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular receptors play a major role in central nervous system injury. Preclinical and clinical studies revealed the upregulation of erythropoietin-producing human hepatocellular A4 (EphA4) receptors in the brain after acute traumatic brain injury. We have previously reported that Cx3cr1-expressing cells in the peri-lesion show high levels of EphA4 after the induction of controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury in mice. Cx3cr1 is a fractalkine receptor expressed on both resident microglia and peripheral-derived macrophages. The current study aimed to determine the role of microglial-specific EphA4 in CCI-induced damage. We used Cx3cr1 CreER/+ knock-in/knock-out mice, which express EYFP in Cx3cr1-positive cells to establish microglia, EphA4-deficient mice following 1-month tamoxifen injection. Consistent with our previous findings, induction of CCI in wild-type (WT) Cx3cr1 CreER/+ EphA4 +/+ mice increased EphA4 expression on EYFP-positive cells in the peri-lesion. To distinguish between peripheral-derived macrophages and resident microglia, we exploited GFP bone marrow-chimeric mice and found that CCI injury increased EphA4 expression in microglia (TMEM119+GFP-) using immunohistochemistry. Using Cx3cr1 CreER/+ EphA4 f/f (KO) mice, we observed that the EphA4 mRNA transcript was undetected in microglia but remained present in whole blood when compared to WT. Finally, we found no difference in lesion volume or blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption between WT and KO mice at 3 dpi. Our data demonstrate a nonessential role of microglial EphA4 in the acute histopathological outcome in response to CCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Soliman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Jatia Mills
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Jing Ju
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Alexandra M Kaloss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | | | - Nathalie Groot
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Colin Kelly
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Elizabeth A Kowalski
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Mohamed Elhassanny
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Michael Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Xia Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Michelle H Theus
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Pathobiology, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States.,School of Neuroscience, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States.,Center for Engineered Health, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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13
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Pan W, Xu X, Zhang M, Song X. Human urine-derived stem cell-derived exosomal miR-21-5p promotes neurogenesis to attenuate Rett syndrome via the EPha4/TEK axis. J Transl Med 2021; 101:824-836. [PMID: 33976355 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-021-00574-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Rett syndrome (RTT) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that results in multiple disabilities. Exosomal microRNA (miRs) from urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have been shown to induce neurogenesis and aid in functional recovery from brain ischemia. In the present study, we sought to determine whether that exosomal miR-21-5p from USCs could promote early neural formation in a model of RTT. USCs were isolated and evaluated by flow cytometry. Exosomes were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, tunable resistive pulse sensing (TRPS), and western blotting. PKH26 fluorescent dyes were used to observe intake of exosomes in vivo and in vitro. An RTT mouse model was treated with exosomes for behavioral studies. Dual-luciferase report gene assays were conducted to evaluate the relationship between miR-21-5p and Eph receptor A4 (EphA4). In vitro, treatment with exosomes from human urine-derived stem cells (USC-Exos) increased the percentage of neuron-specific class III beta-tubulin (Tuj1)+ nerve cells as well as the transcription levels of β-III tubulin and doublecortin (DCX). A higher level of miR-21-5p was observed in USC-Exos, which promoted differentiation in NSCs by targeting the EPha4/TEK axis. In vivo, exosomal miR-21-5p improved the behavior, motor coordination, and cognitive ability of mice, facilitated the differentiation of NSCs in the subventricular zone of the lateral ventricle and promoted a marked rise in the number of DCX+ cells. Our data provide evidence that exosomal miR-21-5p from human USCs facilitate early nerve formation by regulating the EPha4/TEK axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoheng Xu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Meng Zhang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China
| | - Xingyu Song
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, People's Republic of China.
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14
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Zhu X, Li H, Tian M, Zhou S, He Y, Zhou M. miR-455-3p alleviates propofol-induced neurotoxicity by reducing EphA4 expression in developing neurons. Biomarkers 2020; 25:685-692. [PMID: 33032457 DOI: 10.1080/1354750x.2020.1832147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Propofol, an aesthetic agent in paediatric patients, results in neurotoxicity in the developing neurons. To reduce side effects of propofol, the protective role of miR-455-3p (microRNA-455-3p) in developing rat brain was investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS Primary hippocampal neurons were isolated from postnatal day 1 or 2 SD (Sprague-Dawley) rats. The neurons were exposed to various concentrations of propofol (0, 10, 30, or 50 μM) for 6 h. Propofol-induced cell viability was assessed by MTT assay, expression levels of miR-455-3p and EphA4 (erythropoietin-producing hepatocellular A4) in propofol-induced neurons were determined using qRT-PCR and western blot, respectively. Binding ability between miR-455-3p and EphA4 was predicted, and then validated by luciferase reporter assay. Neurons expressing miR-455-3p mimics, were treated with 50 μM propofol for 6 h, and apoptosis status was evaluated by flow cytometry. RESULTS Exposure to propofol significantly decreased cell viability of developing neurons isolated from neonatal rats. Propofol decreased miR-455-3p expression, while increased EphA4 level in the neurons. miR-455-3p mimics increased propofol-induced reduce in cell viability, and attenuated propofol-induced cell apoptosis of neurons. MiR-455-3p could target EphA4, and decreased expression of EphA4 in neurons exposure to propofol. EphA4 knockdown counteracted with the promotive effects of propofol on cell viability and apoptosis of neurons. CONCLUSION Propofol treatment induces neurotoxicity and suppresses miR-455-3p levels in the developing hippocampal neurons. However, miR-455-3p could alleviate such neurotoxicity by reducing EphA4 expression, provided new insights into miR-455-3p as novel therapeutic target to prevent propofol-induced damages from bench to clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojuan Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Kashi, Kashgar City, China
| | - Huifang Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Kashi, Kashgar City, China
| | - Ming Tian
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Kashi, Kashgar City, China
| | - Shuqin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou City, China
| | - Yuqin He
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Kashi, Kashgar City, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First People's Hospital of Kashi, Kashgar City, China
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15
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Mohammadi M, Manaheji H, Maghsoudi N, Danyali S, Baniasadi M, Zaringhalam J. Microglia dependent BDNF and proBDNF can impair spatial memory performance during persistent inflammatory pain. Behav Brain Res 2020; 390:112683. [PMID: 32442548 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2020.112683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory pain is commonly associated with cognitive impairment. However, its molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Thus, this study was conducted to investigate the molecular mechanisms of behavioral changes associated with inflammatory pain. Briefly, 36 Wistar rats were randomly divided into two main groups: CFA group treated with 100 μL of Complete Freunds' Adjuvant (CFA) and CFA + Minocycline group treated with 100 μL of CFA+40 mg/kg/day of minocycline). After that, each group was divided into three subgroups based on different time points of the study. The pain was induced using CFA and subsequent behavioral changes (i.e., hyperalgesia and learning and spatial memory) were analyzed by the Morris Water Maze (MWM) task and Radiant Heat. Then, the cellular and molecular changes were assessed using Western Blotting, Immunohistochemistry, and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) techniques. Results of the study indicated that CFA-induced pain impaired spatial learning and memory functions. Studying the cellular changes showed that persistent inflammatory pain increased the microglial activity in CA1 and Dentate Gyrus (DG) regions. Furthermore, an increase was observed in the percentage of TUNEL-positive cells. Also, pro-Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF)/BDNF ratio, Caspase3, and Receptor-Interacting Protein kinase 3 (RIP3) levels increased in the rats' hippocampus following induction of persistent inflammatory pain. These changes were reversed following the cessation of pain as well as the injection of minocycline. Taking together, the results of the current study for the first time revealed that an increase in the microglia dependent proBDNF/BDNF ratio following persistent inflammatory pain leads to cell death of the CA1 and DG neurons that subsequently causes a cognitive deficit in the learning and spatial memory functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mola Mohammadi
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Homa Manaheji
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nader Maghsoudi
- Department of Biology, Queens College and Graduate Center of the City University of New York, Flushing, NY, USA; Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Samira Danyali
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoureh Baniasadi
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalal Zaringhalam
- Physiology Department, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Neurophysiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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