1
|
Truong TTT, Liu ZSJ, Panizzutti B, Dean OM, Berk M, Kim JH, Walder K. Use of gene regulatory network analysis to repurpose drugs to treat bipolar disorder. J Affect Disord 2024; 350:230-239. [PMID: 38190860 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2024.01.034] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bipolar disorder (BD) presents significant challenges in drug discovery, necessitating alternative approaches. Drug repurposing, leveraging computational techniques and expanding biomedical data, holds promise for identifying novel treatment strategies. METHODS This study utilized gene regulatory networks (GRNs) to identify significant regulatory changes in BD, using network-based signatures for drug repurposing. Employing the PANDA algorithm, we investigated the variations in transcription factor-GRNs between individuals with BD and unaffected individuals, incorporating binding motifs, protein interactions, and gene co-expression data. The differences in edge weights between BD and controls were then used as differential network signatures to identify drugs potentially targeting the disease-associated gene signature, employing the CLUEreg tool in the GRAND database. RESULTS Using a large RNA-seq dataset of 216 post-mortem brain samples from the CommonMind consortium, we constructed GRNs based on co-expression for individuals with BD and unaffected controls, involving 15,271 genes and 405 TFs. Our analysis highlighted significant influences of these TFs on immune response, energy metabolism, cell signalling, and cell adhesion pathways in the disorder. By employing drug repurposing, we identified 10 promising candidates potentially repurposed as BD treatments. LIMITATIONS Non-drug-naïve transcriptomics data, bulk analysis of BD samples, potential bias of GRNs towards well-studied genes. CONCLUSIONS Further investigation into repurposing candidates, especially those with preclinical evidence supporting their efficacy, like kaempferol and pramocaine, is warranted to understand their mechanisms of action and effectiveness in treating BD. Additionally, novel targets such as PARP1 and A2b offer opportunities for future research on their relevance to the disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Trang T T Truong
- Deakin University, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Zoe S J Liu
- Deakin University, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Bruna Panizzutti
- Deakin University, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia
| | - Olivia M Dean
- Deakin University, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- Deakin University, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Centre for Youth Mental Health, The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health and the Department of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne, Parkville 3010, Australia
| | - Jee Hyun Kim
- Deakin University, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia; Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- Deakin University, IMPACT, The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation, School of Medicine, Geelong, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kang JB, Son HK, Shah MA, Koh PO. Retinoic acid attenuates ischemic injury-induced activation of glial cells and inflammatory factors in a rat stroke model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300072. [PMID: 38527023 PMCID: PMC10962821 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability which can cause oxidative damage and inflammation of the neuronal cells. Retinoic acid is an active metabolite of vitamin A that has various beneficial effects including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we investigated whether retinoic acid modulates oxidative stress and inflammatory factors in a stroke animal model. A middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was performed on adult male rats to induce focal cerebral ischemia. Retinoic acid (5 mg/kg) or vehicle was injected into the peritoneal cavity for four days before MCAO surgery. The neurobehavioral tests were carried out 24 h after MCAO and cerebral cortex tissues were collected. The cortical damage was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin staining and reactive oxygen species assay. In addition, Western blot and immunohistochemical staining were performed to investigate the activation of glial cells and inflammatory cytokines in MCAO animals. Ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule-1 (Iba-1) and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were used as markers of microglial and astrocyte activation, respectively. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) were used as representative pro-inflammatory cytokines. Results showed that MCAO damage caused neurobehavioral defects and histopathological changes in the ischemic region and increased oxidative stress. Retinoic acid treatment reduced these changes caused by MCAO damage. We detected increases in Iba-1 and GFAP in MCAO animals treated with vehicle. However, retinoic acid alleviated increases in Iba-1 and GFAP caused by MCAO damage. Moreover, MCAO increased levels of nuclear factor-κB and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β. Retinoic acid alleviated the expression of these inflammatory proteins. These findings elucidate that retinoic acid regulates microglia and astrocyte activation and modulates pro-inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, this study suggests that retinoic acid exhibits strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by reducing oxidative stress, inhibiting neuroglia cell activation, and preventing the increase of pro-inflammatory cytokines in a cerebral ischemia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ju-Bin Kang
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Kyoung Son
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Murad-Ali Shah
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| | - Phil-Ok Koh
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Research Institute of Life Science, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Buizza C, Enström A, Carlsson R, Paul G. The Transcriptional Landscape of Pericytes in Acute Ischemic Stroke. Transl Stroke Res 2023:10.1007/s12975-023-01169-x. [PMID: 37378751 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-023-01169-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
The current treatment options for ischemic stroke aim to achieve reperfusion but are time critical. Novel therapeutic approaches that can be given beyond the limited time window of 3-4.5 h are still an unmet need to be addressed to improve stroke outcomes. The lack of oxygen and glucose in the area of ischemic injury initiates a pathological cascade leading to blood-brain barrier (BBB) breakdown, inflammation, and neuronal cell death, a process that may be intercepted to limit stroke progression. Pericytes located at the blood/brain interface are one of the first responders to hypoxia in stroke and therefore a potential target cell for early stroke interventions. Using single-cell RNA sequencing in a mouse model of permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion, we investigated the temporal differences in transcriptomic signatures in pericytes at 1, 12, and 24 h after stroke. Our results reveal a stroke-specific subcluster of pericytes that is present at 12 and 24 h and characterized by the upregulation of genes mainly related to cytokine signaling and immune response. This study identifies temporal transcriptional changes in the acute phase of ischemic stroke that reflect the early response of pericytes to the ischemic insult and its secondary consequences and may constitute potential future therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Buizza
- Translational Neurology Group, Department of Clinical Science, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Andreas Enström
- Translational Neurology Group, Department of Clinical Science, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Robert Carlsson
- Translational Neurology Group, Department of Clinical Science, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden
| | - Gesine Paul
- Translational Neurology Group, Department of Clinical Science, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
- Department of Neurology, Scania University Hospital, 22185, Lund, Sweden.
- Wallenberg Centre for Molecular Medicine, Lund University, 22184, Lund, Sweden.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Luo L, Li T, Wu Q, Yuan B, Hu C, Yang T, Wei H, Chen J. Retinoic acid administration normalizes aberrant microglial activation via regulating TREM2 transcription in the PFC of valproic acid induced autism rat. Neurosci Lett 2023; 803:137193. [PMID: 36924930 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137193] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disease with an unclear underlying pathogenesis. Disruption of retinoic acid (RA)-retinoic acid receptor α (RARα) signaling and aberrant microglial activation were reported to be involved in the pathogenesis of ASD. However, the effect of RA-RARα signaling on microglial activation in ASD and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Herein, we found inhibited RA-RARα signaling and increased microglial activation in valproic acid (VPA)-induced autism rats. Furthermore, we administered RA to VPA rats and found that RA ameliorated autism-like behaviors, inhibited microglial activation and normalized microglial polarization in VPA rats. Additionally, the expression levels of RARα and triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) were increased in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) of VPA rats given RA. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that RARα can regulate the transcriptional activity of the TREM2 gene by binding to its promoter. We conclude that RA administration ameliorates autism-like behaviors in VPA rats by inhibiting microglial activation and normalizing microglial polarization through the regulation of TREM2 transcription by RARα.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Luo
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qionghui Wu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Binlin Yuan
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Chaoqun Hu
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Hua Wei
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China; Department of Child Health Care, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Jie Chen
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Nutrition and Health, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Chongqing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Otto LR, Clemens V, Üsekes B, Cosma NC, Regen F, Hellmann-Regen J. Retinoid homeostasis in major depressive disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:67. [PMID: 36813763 PMCID: PMC9947135 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02362-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The small, hormone-like molecule retinoic acid (RA) is a vital regulator in several neurobiological processes that are affected in depression. Next to its involvement in dopaminergic signal transduction, neuroinflammation, and neuroendocrine regulation, recent studies highlight the role of RA in homeostatic synaptic plasticity and its link to neuropsychiatric disorders. Furthermore, experimental studies and epidemiological evidence point to the dysregulation of retinoid homeostasis in depression. Based on this evidence, the present study investigated the putative link between retinoid homeostasis and depression in a cohort of 109 patients with major depressive disorder (MDD) and healthy controls. Retinoid homeostasis was defined by several parameters. Serum concentrations of the biologically most active Vitamin A metabolite, all-trans RA (at-RA), and its precursor retinol (ROL) were quantified and the individual in vitro at-RA synthesis and degradation activity was assessed in microsomes of peripheral blood-derived mononuclear cells (PBMC). Additionally, the mRNA expression of enzymes relevant to retinoid signaling, transport, and metabolism were assessed. Patients with MDD had significantly higher ROL serum levels and greater at-RA synthesis activity than healthy controls providing evidence of altered retinoid homeostasis in MDD. Furthermore, MDD-associated alterations in retinoid homeostasis differed between men and women. This study is the first to investigate peripheral retinoid homeostasis in a well-matched cohort of MDD patients and healthy controls, complementing a wealth of preclinical and epidemiological findings that point to a central role of the retinoid system in depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Rebecca Otto
- Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany.
| | - Vera Clemens
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Berk Üsekes
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nicoleta Carmen Cosma
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Francesca Regen
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Julian Hellmann-Regen
- grid.6363.00000 0001 2218 4662Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
All-trans retinoic acid reduces mammalian target of rapamycin via a Sirtuin1-dependent mechanism in neurons. Neuroreport 2021; 32:975-982. [PMID: 34050114 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001672] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation has emerged as a key contributor in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of metabolism, cell growth and protein synthesis. And an elevated mTOR activity has been detected in AD-affected brain areas. Previous studies have suggested that all-trans retinoic acid (atRA) and rapamycin (RAPA), an mTOR inhibitor, protect lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuronal inflammation through inhibiting nuclear import of NFκB. The aim of this study was to test the effects of atRA on mTOR expression. Here we discovered that mTOR and p-mTOR expression are elevated in LPS-treated mice or primary rat neurons, while atRA blocks the mTOR gene upregulation via a SIRT1-dependent mechanism. The results of this study demonstrated that atRA may protect LPS-induced neuronal inflammation through suppressing mTOR signaling.
Collapse
|
7
|
Ruschil C, Dubois E, Stefanou MI, Kowarik MC, Ziemann U, Schittenhelm M, Krumbholz M, Bischof F. Treatment of progressive multiple sclerosis with high-dose all-trans retinoic acid - no clear evidence of positive disease modifying effects. Neurol Res Pract 2021; 3:25. [PMID: 33966627 PMCID: PMC8108354 DOI: 10.1186/s42466-021-00121-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is an acid derivative of vitamin A which is discussed as a promising candidate to ameliorate the disease course of multiple sclerosis (MS) by immunomodulation or even by promoting regeneration in progressive MS. Here we report a patient who significantly improved for MS related disability following administration of chemotherapy including ATRA for mitoxantrone-related acute promyelocytic leukemia and assess the effect of high-dose ATRA in three additional patients with progressive MS. METHODS Patients with progressive MS who had failed previous therapies were treated with high-dose ATRA. Patients underwent clinical and routine laboratory monitoring. Additionally, PBMCs were analyzed by flow cytometry for lymphocyte subsets. RESULTS ATRA was well tolerated and no pathological laboratory abnormalities were observed. After initial mild (not statistically significant) improvement of EDSS and mean MSFC z-score, ongoing disease progression was observed. One patient subacutely experienced severe cognitive and motor worsening. Cerebral MRI revealed persistent gadolinium-enhancing lesions. Flow cytometric alterations of peripheral blood naïve, central memory and effector memory CD4 and CD8 T cells, B lymphocytes, plasma cells, memory B cells, plasmablasts and natural killer (NK) cells did not reach statistical significance. CONCLUSIONS Stand-alone therapy with ATRA did not ameliorate progressive MS in our limited cohort and we did not observe consistent alterations of T and B cell subsets. Intriguingly, application of ATRA may have caused marked disease exacerbation in one patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Ruschil
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany.
| | - Evelyn Dubois
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Maria-Ioanna Stefanou
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Markus Christian Kowarik
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Ulf Ziemann
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Marcus Schittenhelm
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Department of Oncology/Hematology, Kantonsspital St Gallen, St Gallen, Switzerland
| | - Markus Krumbholz
- Department of Neurology & Stroke, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Felix Bischof
- Hertie Institute for Clinical Brain Research, Eberhard-Karls University, Tübingen, Germany
- Nervenärztliche Gemeinschaftspraxis, Konrad-Zuse-Str. 14, Böblingen, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Repurposing of FDA approved ring systems through bi-directional target-ring system dual screening. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21133. [PMID: 33273509 PMCID: PMC7713353 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78077-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In drug repurposing approaches, the chemically diverse and potentially safe molecules can be explored as therapeutic potential beyond those originally targeted indications. However, accessible information on a limited number of drug pipelines can lead to competitive over-heating issues, and intellectual property rights also restrict the free investigation in chemical space. As a complementary approach to the drawbacks, ring systems of approved drugs (instead of clinical drugs) can be optimized and used for repurposing purposes. In this study, bi-directional target (T) and ring system (R) dual screening (TR screening) was developed for the repurposing of their rarely used ring systems from FDA approved drugs. The TR screening suggested RAR β and cyproheptadine as the best pair of target and ring system to escape a saddle point. The selected ring system was virtually grown and elaborated with the defined criteria: synthesizability, drug-likeness, and docking pose showing the top scores. The achieved compounds were synthesized and biologically tested with an acceptable ADME/T profile.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hummel R, Ulbrich S, Appel D, Li S, Hirnet T, Zander S, Bobkiewicz W, Gölz C, Schäfer MK. Administration of all-trans retinoic acid after experimental traumatic brain injury is brain protective. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:5208-5223. [PMID: 32964418 PMCID: PMC7588818 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) is a vitamin A metabolite, important in the developing and mature brain. Pre-injury ATRA administration ameliorates ischaemic brain insults in rodents. This study examined the effects of post-traumatic ATRA treatment in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male adult mice were subjected to the controlled cortical impact model of TBI or sham procedure and killed at 7 or 30 days post-injury (dpi). ATRA (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) was given immediately after the injury and 1, 2 and 3 dpi. Neurological function and sensorimotor coordination were evaluated. Brains were processed for (immuno-) histological, mRNA and protein analyses (qPCR and western blot). KEY RESULTS ATRA treatment reduced brain lesion size, reactive astrogliosis and axonal injury at 7 dpi, and hippocampal granule cell layer (GCL) integrity was protected at 7 and 30 dpi, independent of cell proliferation in neurogenic niches and blood-brain barrier damage. Neurological and motor deficits over time and the brain tissue loss at 30 dpi were not affected by ATRA treatment. ATRA decreased gene expression of markers for damage-associated molecular pattern (HMGB1), apoptosis (caspase-3 and Bax), activated microglia (TSPO), and reactive astrogliosis (GFAP, SerpinA3N) at 7 dpi and a subset of markers at 30 dpi (TSPO, GFAP). CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS In experimental TBI, post-traumatic ATRA administration exerted brain protective effects, including long-term protection of GCL integrity, but did not affect neurological and motor deficits. Further investigations are required to optimize treatment regimens to enhance ATRA's brain protective effects and improve outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hummel
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Sebastian Ulbrich
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Dominik Appel
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Shuailong Li
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Tobias Hirnet
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Sonja Zander
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Wieslawa Bobkiewicz
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Christina Gölz
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| | - Michael K.E. Schäfer
- Department of AnesthesiologyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN)Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
- Research Center for ImmunotherapyUniversity Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg‐University MainzMainzGermany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Rosuvastatin and retinoic acid may act as 'pleiotropic agents' against β-adrenergic agonist-induced acute myocardial injury through modulation of multiple signalling pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2020; 318:108970. [PMID: 32007421 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2020.108970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular disorders constitute the principal cause of deaths worldwide and will continue as the major disease-burden by the year 2060. A significant proportion of heart failures occur because of use and misuse of drugs and most of the investigational agents fail to achieve any clinical relevance. Here, we investigated rosuvastatin and retinoic acid for their "pharmacological pleiotropy" against high dose β-adrenergic agonist (isoproterenol)-induced acute myocardial insult. Rats were pretreated with rosuvastatin and/or retinoic acid for seven days and the myocardial injury was induced by administering isoproterenol on the seventh and eighth day. After induction, rats were anaesthetized for electrocardiography, then sacrificed and different samples were collected/stored for various downstream assays. Myocardial injury with isoproterenol resulted in increased cardiac mass, decreased R-wave amplitude, increased QRS and QT durations; elevated levels of cardiac markers like cTnI, CK-MB, ALT and AST; increased lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation and tissue nitric oxide levels; decreased endogenous antioxidants like SOD, CAT, GR, GST, GPx and total antioxidant activity; increased inflammatory markers like TNF-α and IL-6; decreased the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and Bcl-2; increased the mRNA expression of Bax, eNOS and iNOS genes. Pretreatment with rosuvastatin and/or retinoic acid mitigated many of the above biochemical and pathological alterations. Our results demonstrate that rosuvastatin and retinoic acid exert cardioprotective effects and may act as potential agents in the prevention of β-adrenergic agonist-induced acute myocardial injury in rats. Cardioprotective potential of rosuvastatin and retinoic acid could be attributed to their influence on the redox pathways, immunomodulation, membrane stability, Nrf2 preservation, iNOS and Bax expression levels. Thus, they may act directly or indirectly at various steps, the breakpoints, in the pathophysiological cascade responsible for cardiac injury. Our study gives insights about the pharmacological pleiotropism of rosuvastatin and retinoic acid.
Collapse
|
11
|
Duan Z, Shan W, Du H, Xu M, Feng J, Qiu C, Ling Y. Association between serum retinoic acid levels and risk of post-stroke depression in patients with ischemic stroke. Asian J Psychiatr 2019; 46:87-91. [PMID: 31639555 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2019.09.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2019] [Revised: 09/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that retinoic acid (RA) can exert neuroprotective function in ischemic stroke. However, its role in post-stroke depression (PSD) has still been unclear. We sought to investigate the relationship between circulating RA levels and PSD in patients with ischemic stroke. From September 2018 to March 2019, we prospectively screened patients with ischemic stroke who were hospitalized within 7 days of symptoms onset. RA levels were measured after admission. All patients were followed up at 3 months after stroke. Diagnosis of PSD was made in line with the Chinese version of Structured Clinical Interview of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th edition criteria. PSD risk was estimated using multivariable regression models. In total, 352 ischemic stroke patients were enrolled for the final analysis. Up to 3 months after symptoms onset, 102 subjects experienced PSD. PSD patients showed significantly lower RA levels at baseline as compared to non-PSD patients. In univariate logistic analysis, reduced levels of RA was a significant predictor of PSD. These results were further confirmed in multivariate regression additionally controlled for possible relevant confounders. Our study shows that decreased serum RA levels at admission might be associated with 3-month PSD in ischemic stroke patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhipei Duan
- Department of Oncology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wanying Shan
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huaping Du
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengshi Xu
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Feng
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunfang Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunao Ling
- Department of Neurology, Suzhou Ninth People's Hospital, Suzhou 215200, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Hou L, Ding C, Chen Z, Liu Y, Shi H, Zou C, Zhang H, Lu Z, Zheng D. Serum Retinoic Acid Level and The Risk of Poststroke Cognitive Impairment in Ischemic Stroke Patients. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 28:104352. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.104352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
|
13
|
Tu WJ, Qiu HC, Zhang Y, Cao JL, Wang H, Zhao JZ, Liu Q, Zeng X. Lower serum retinoic acid level for prediction of higher risk of mortality in ischemic stroke. Neurology 2019; 92:e1678-e1687. [PMID: 30850446 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0000000000007261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the association between serum retinoic acid (RA) level in patients with acute ischemic stroke (AIS) and mortality risk in the 6 months after admission. METHODS From January 2015 through December 2016, patients admitted to 3 stroke centers in China for first-ever AIS were screened. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality or cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality in the 6 months after admission. The significance of serum RA level, NIH Stroke Scale score, and established risk factors in predicting mortality were determined. The integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and net reclassification improvement (NRI) statistics were applied in statistical analysis. RESULTS Of the 1,530 patients enrolled, 325 died within 6 months of admission, with an all-cause mortality of 21.2% and CVD-related mortality of 13.1%. In multivariable analysis, RA levels were expressed as quartiles with the clinical variables. The results of the second to fourth quartiles (Q2-Q4) were compared with the first quartile (Q1); RA levels showed prognostic significance, with decreased all-cause and CVD mortality of 55% and 63%, respectively. After RA was added to the existing risk factors, all-cause mortality could be better reclassified, in association with only the NRI statistic (p = 0.005); CVD mortality could be better reclassified with significance, in association with both the IDI and NRI statistics (p < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Low circulating levels of RA were associated with increased risk of all-cause and CVD mortality in a cohort of patients with first-incidence AIS, indicating that RA level could be a predictor independent of established conventional risk factors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jun Tu
- From the Institute of Radiation Medicine (W.-J.T., H.W., Q.L.), China Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., H.-C.Q., J.-Z.Z.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., X.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province; Department of Vascular Neurosurgery (H.-C.Q., Y.Z.), New Era Stroke Care and Research Institute, the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing; and Department of Cardiology (J.l.-C.), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Han-Cheng Qiu
- From the Institute of Radiation Medicine (W.-J.T., H.W., Q.L.), China Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., H.-C.Q., J.-Z.Z.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., X.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province; Department of Vascular Neurosurgery (H.-C.Q., Y.Z.), New Era Stroke Care and Research Institute, the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing; and Department of Cardiology (J.l.-C.), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yiqun Zhang
- From the Institute of Radiation Medicine (W.-J.T., H.W., Q.L.), China Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., H.-C.Q., J.-Z.Z.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., X.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province; Department of Vascular Neurosurgery (H.-C.Q., Y.Z.), New Era Stroke Care and Research Institute, the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing; and Department of Cardiology (J.l.-C.), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jian-Lei Cao
- From the Institute of Radiation Medicine (W.-J.T., H.W., Q.L.), China Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., H.-C.Q., J.-Z.Z.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., X.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province; Department of Vascular Neurosurgery (H.-C.Q., Y.Z.), New Era Stroke Care and Research Institute, the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing; and Department of Cardiology (J.l.-C.), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hong Wang
- From the Institute of Radiation Medicine (W.-J.T., H.W., Q.L.), China Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., H.-C.Q., J.-Z.Z.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., X.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province; Department of Vascular Neurosurgery (H.-C.Q., Y.Z.), New Era Stroke Care and Research Institute, the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing; and Department of Cardiology (J.l.-C.), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Ji-Zong Zhao
- From the Institute of Radiation Medicine (W.-J.T., H.W., Q.L.), China Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., H.-C.Q., J.-Z.Z.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., X.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province; Department of Vascular Neurosurgery (H.-C.Q., Y.Z.), New Era Stroke Care and Research Institute, the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing; and Department of Cardiology (J.l.-C.), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Qiang Liu
- From the Institute of Radiation Medicine (W.-J.T., H.W., Q.L.), China Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., H.-C.Q., J.-Z.Z.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., X.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province; Department of Vascular Neurosurgery (H.-C.Q., Y.Z.), New Era Stroke Care and Research Institute, the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing; and Department of Cardiology (J.l.-C.), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| | - Xianwei Zeng
- From the Institute of Radiation Medicine (W.-J.T., H.W., Q.L.), China Academy of Medical Science & Peking Union Medical College, Tianjin; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., H.-C.Q., J.-Z.Z.), Beijing Tiantan Hospital of Capital Medical University, Beijing; Department of Neurosurgery (W.-J.T., X.Z.), Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong Province; Department of Vascular Neurosurgery (H.-C.Q., Y.Z.), New Era Stroke Care and Research Institute, the General Hospital of the PLA Rocket Force, Beijing; and Department of Cardiology (J.l.-C.), Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
All-Trans Retinoic Acid Ameliorates the Early Experimental Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rats by Inhibiting the Loss of the Blood-Brain Barrier via the JNK/P38MAPK Signaling Pathway. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:1283-1296. [PMID: 29802528 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2545-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2018] [Revised: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) influences the outcomes of cerebral ischemic reperfusion (CIR) injury, but the mechanism remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of ATRA on loss of the blood brain barrier (BBB) following CIR and to explore the possible mechanisms. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion was performed on male SD rats to construct an in vivo CIR model. Neurological deficits, BBB permeability, brain edema, MRI and JNK/P38 MAPK proteins were detected at 24 h following CIR. We demonstrated that ATRA pretreatment could alleviate CIR-induced neurological deficits, increase of BBB permeability, infarct volume, degradation of tight junction proteins, inhibit MMP-9 protein expression and activity. ATRA treatment also reduced the p-P38 and p-JNK protein level. However the protective effect of ATRA on CIR could be reversed by administration of retinoic acid alpha receptor antagonist Ro41-5253. SP600125 and SB203580, which is the JNK/P38 pathway inhibitors has the same protective effect as ATRA. These results indicated that ATRA may inhibit the JNK/P38 MAPK pathway to alleviate BBB disruption and improve CIR outcomes.
Collapse
|
15
|
Machado-Pereira M, Santos T, Ferreira L, Bernardino L, Ferreira R. Intravenous administration of retinoic acid-loaded polymeric nanoparticles prevents ischemic injury in the immature brain. Neurosci Lett 2018. [PMID: 29518539 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.02.066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Perinatal stroke is often difficult to diagnose and an established treatment has not yet been validated, except for symptomatic measures. Herein, we propose to test the neuroprotective potential of the intravenous injection of retinoic acid-loaded nanoparticles (RA-NP) upon ischemic injury to the immature brain. The role of RA-NP on endothelial cells and organotypic slice cultures exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation was assessed by evaluating markers pertaining to survival, proliferation, oxidative stress (NO, ROS), neuronal damage (enolase), vascular oxidation (p47phox) and microglia activation (CD68). Data showed that RA-NP (3 μg/ml) increased endothelial proliferation and survival, and normalized NO and ROS levels. The intravenous administration of RA-NP (10 μg/g) prevented ischemic injury in the hippocampus of 2-day-old mice by inhibiting cell death and normalizing markers of neurovascular function and inflammation. In sum, systemic administration of RA-NP protected neurovascular integrity and the inflammatory milieu from ischemia in the immature brain, highlighting its therapeutic value for perinatal stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Machado-Pereira
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Tiago Santos
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Lino Ferreira
- CNC - Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra (IIIUC), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Liliana Bernardino
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Raquel Ferreira
- Health Sciences Research Centre (CICS-UBI), University of Beira Interior, Rua Marquês d'Ávila e Bolama, 6201-001, Covilhã, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
All-trans-retinoic acid ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity: in vivo potential involvement of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via caspase-3 and p53 down-expression. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 391:59-70. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-017-1437-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
|
17
|
Stoney PN, Rodrigues D, Helfer G, Khatib T, Ashton A, Hay EA, Starr R, Kociszewska D, Morgan P, McCaffery P. A seasonal switch in histone deacetylase gene expression in the hypothalamus and their capacity to modulate nuclear signaling pathways. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 61:340-352. [PMID: 27993690 PMCID: PMC5325119 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.12.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Seasonal animals undergo changes in physiology and behavior between summer and winter conditions. These changes are in part driven by a switch in a series of hypothalamic genes under transcriptional control by hormones and, of recent interest, inflammatory factors. Crucial to the control of transcription are histone deacetylases (HDACs), generally acting to repress transcription by local histone modification. Seasonal changes in hypothalamic HDAC transcripts were investigated in photoperiod-sensitive F344 rats by altering the day-length (photoperiod). HDAC4, 6 and 9 were found to change in expression. The potential influence of HDACs on two hypothalamic signaling pathways that regulate transcription, inflammatory and nuclear receptor signaling, was investigated. For inflammatory signaling the focus was on NF-κB because of the novel finding made that its expression is seasonally regulated in the rat hypothalamus. For nuclear receptor signaling it was discovered that expression of retinoic acid receptor beta was regulated seasonally. HDAC modulation of NF-κB-induced pathways was examined in a hypothalamic neuronal cell line and primary hypothalamic tanycytes. HDAC4/5/6 inhibition altered the control of gene expression (Fos, Prkca, Prkcd and Ptp1b) by inducers of NF-κB that activate inflammation. These inhibitors also modified the action of nuclear receptor ligands thyroid hormone and retinoic acid. Thus seasonal changes in HDAC4 and 6 have the potential to epigenetically modify multiple gene regulatory pathways in the hypothalamus that could act to limit inflammatory pathways in the hypothalamus during long-day summer-like conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick N. Stoney
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Diana Rodrigues
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Gisela Helfer
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK,Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Richmond Road, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - Thabat Khatib
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Anna Ashton
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Elizabeth A. Hay
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Robert Starr
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Dagmara Kociszewska
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK
| | - Peter Morgan
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Greenburn Road, Bucksburn, Aberdeen AB21 9SB, Scotland, UK
| | - Peter McCaffery
- Institute of Medical Sciences, University of Aberdeen, Foresterhill, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, Scotland, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Regen F, Le Bret N, Hildebrand M, Herzog I, Heuser I, Hellmann-Regen J. Inhibition of brain retinoic acid catabolism: a mechanism for minocycline's pleiotropic actions? World J Biol Psychiatry 2016; 17:634-640. [PMID: 26047390 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2015.1036116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Minocycline is a tetracycline antibiotic increasingly recognized in psychiatry for its pleiotropic anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective potential. While underlying mechanisms are still incompletely understood, several lines of evidence suggest a relevant functional overlap with retinoic acid (RA), a highly potent small molecule exhibiting a great variety of anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in the adult central nervous system (CNS). RA homeostasis in the adult CNS is tightly controlled through local RA synthesis and cytochrome P450 (CYP450)-mediated inactivation of RA. Here, we hypothesized that minocycline may directly affect RA homeostasis in the CNS via altering local RA degradation. METHODS We used in vitro RA metabolism assays with metabolically competent synaptosomal preparations from murine brain and human SH-SY5Y neuronal cells as well as viable human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell cultures. RESULTS We revealed that minocycline potently blocks RA degradation as measured by reversed-phase high-performance liquid chromatography and in a viable RA reporter cell line, even at low micromolar levels of minocycline. CONCLUSIONS Our findings provide evidence for enhanced RA signalling to be involved in minocycline's pleiotropic mode of action in the CNS. This novel mode of action of minocycline may help in developing more specific and effective strategies in the treatment of neuroinflammatory or neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Regen
- a Department of Psychiatry , Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité,University Medicine Berlin , Germany
| | - N Le Bret
- a Department of Psychiatry , Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité,University Medicine Berlin , Germany
| | - M Hildebrand
- a Department of Psychiatry , Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité,University Medicine Berlin , Germany
| | - I Herzog
- a Department of Psychiatry , Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité,University Medicine Berlin , Germany
| | - I Heuser
- a Department of Psychiatry , Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité,University Medicine Berlin , Germany
| | - J Hellmann-Regen
- a Department of Psychiatry , Section Clinical Neurobiology, Campus Benjamin Franklin, Charité,University Medicine Berlin , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Jeong JH, Yu KS, Bak DH, Lee JH, Lee NS, Jeong YG, Kim DK, Kim JJ, Han SY. Intermittent fasting is neuroprotective in focal cerebral ischemia by minimizing autophagic flux disturbance and inhibiting apoptosis. Exp Ther Med 2016; 12:3021-3028. [PMID: 27882110 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2016.3852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have demonstrated that autophagy induced by caloric restriction (CR) is neuroprotective against cerebral ischemia. However, it has not been determined whether intermittent fasting (IF), a variation of CR, can exert autophagy-related neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia. Therefore, the neuroprotective effect of IF was evaluated over the course of two weeks in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia, which was induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion and reperfusion (MCAO/R). Specifically, the role of autophagy modulation as a potential underlying mechanism for this phenomenon was investigated. It was demonstrated that IF reduced infarct volume and brain edema, improved neurobehavioral deficits, and rescued neuronal loss after MCAO/R. Furthermore, neuronal apoptosis was decreased by IF in the rat cortex. An increase in the number of autophagosomes (APs) was demonstrated in the cortices of IF-treated rats, using immunofluorescence staining and transmission electron microscopy. Using immunoblots, an IF-induced increase was detected in microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3)-II, Rab7, and cathepsin D protein levels, which corroborated previous morphological studies. Notably, IF reduced the accumulation of APs and p62, demonstrating that IF attenuated the MCAO/R-induced disturbance of autophagic flux in neurons. The findings of the present study suggest that IF-induced neuroprotection in focal cerebral ischemia is due, at least in part, to the minimization of autophagic flux disturbance and inhibition of apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ji Heun Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Yu
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Ho Bak
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Je Hun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Seob Lee
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Young Gil Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Kwan Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-718, Republic of Korea
| | - Jwa-Jin Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Brain Research Institute, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Jung-gu, Daejeon 301-747, Republic of Korea; LES Corporation Inc., Yuseong-gu, Daejeon 305-335, Republic of Korea
| | - Seung-Yun Han
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Konyang University, Seo-gu, Daejeon 302-718, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Gil MN, Choi DR, Yu KS, Jeong JH, Bak DH, Kim DK, Lee NS, Lee JH, Jeong YG, Na CS, Na DS, Ryu KH, Han SY. Rhus verniciflua Stokes attenuates cholestatic liver cirrhosis-induced interstitial fibrosis via Smad3 down-regulation and Smad7 up-regulation. Anat Cell Biol 2016; 49:189-198. [PMID: 27722012 PMCID: PMC5052228 DOI: 10.5115/acb.2016.49.3.189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver cirrhosis (CLC) eventually proceeds to end-stage liver failure by mediating overwhelming deposition of collagen, which is produced by activated interstitial myofibroblasts. Although the beneficial effects of Rhus verniciflua Stokes (RVS) on various diseases are well-known, its therapeutic effect and possible underlying mechanism on interstitial fibrosis associated with CLC are not elucidated. This study was designed to assess the protective effects of RVS and its possible underlying mechanisms in rat models of CLC established by bile duct ligation (BDL). We demonstrated that BDL markedly elevated the serological parameters such as aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transaminase, total bilirubin, and direct bilirubin, all of which were significantly attenuated by the daily uptake of RVS (2 mg/kg/day) for 28 days (14 days before and after operation) via intragastric route. We observed that BDL drastically induced the deterioration of liver histoarchitecture and excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM), both of which were significantly attenuated by RVS. In addition, we revealed that RVS inhibited BDL-induced proliferation and activation of interstitial myofibroblasts, a highly suggestive cell type for ECM production, as shown by immunohistochemical and semi-quantitative detection of α-smooth muscle actin and vimentin. Finally, we demonstrated that the anti-fibrotic effect of RVS was associated with the inactivation of Smad3, the key downstream target of a major fibrogenic cytokine, i.e., transforming growth factor β (TGF-β). Simultaneously, we also found that RVS reciprocally increased the expression of Smad7, a negative regulatory protein of the TGF-β/Smad3 pathway. Taken together, these results suggested that RVS has a therapeutic effect on CLC, and these effects are, at least partly, due to the inhibition of liver fibrosis by the downregulation of Smad3 and upregulation of Smad7.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mi Na Gil
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Du Ri Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Kwang Sik Yu
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Ji Heun Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong-Ho Bak
- Department of Dermatology, Chung-Ang University R&D Center, Seoul, Korea
| | - Do-Kyung Kim
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Nam-Seob Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Je-Hun Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Young-Gil Jeong
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| | | | | | - Ki-Hyun Ryu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Konyang University Hospital, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seung Yun Han
- Department of Anatomy, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.; Myunggok Research Institute, Konyang University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Kelly KK, MacPherson AM, Grewal H, Strnad F, Jones JW, Yu J, Pierzchalski K, Kane MA, Herson PS, Siegenthaler JA. Col1a1+ perivascular cells in the brain are a source of retinoic acid following stroke. BMC Neurosci 2016; 17:49. [PMID: 27422020 PMCID: PMC4947279 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-016-0284-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Perivascular stromal cells (PSCs) are a recently identified cell type that comprises a small percentage of the platelet derived growth factor receptor-β+ cells within the CNS perivascular space. PSCs are activated following injury to the brain or spinal cord, expand in number and contribute to fibrotic scar formation within the injury site. Beyond fibrosis, their high density in the lesion core makes them a potential significant source of signals that act on neural cells adjacent to the lesion site. Results Our developmental analysis of PSCs, defined by expression of Collagen1a1 in the maturing brain, revealed that PSCs first appear postnatally and may originate from the meninges. PSCs express many of the same markers as meningeal fibroblasts, including expression of the retinoic acid (RA) synthesis proteins Raldh1 and Raldh2. Using a focal brain ischemia injury model to induce PSC activation and expansion, we show a substantial increase in Raldh1+/Raldh2+ PSCs and Raldh1+ activated macrophages in the lesion core. We find that RA levels are significantly elevated in the ischemic hemisphere and induce signaling in astrocytes and neurons in the peri-infarct region. Conclusions This study highlights a dual role for activated, non-neural cells where PSCs deposit fibrotic ECM proteins and, along with macrophages, act as a potentially important source of RA, a potent signaling molecule that could influence recovery events in a neuroprotective fashion following brain injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen K Kelly
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave MS-8313, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Amber M MacPherson
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave MS-8313, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Himmat Grewal
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Frank Strnad
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Jace W Jones
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Jianshi Yu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Keely Pierzchalski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Maureen A Kane
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Paco S Herson
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Department of Pharmacology, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.,Neuronal Injury Program, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, USA
| | - Julie A Siegenthaler
- Department of Pediatrics, Section of Developmental Biology, University of Colorado Denver-Anschutz Medical Campus, 12800 E. 19th Ave MS-8313, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yang L, Luo C, Chen C, Wang X, Shi W, Liu J. All-trans retinoic acid protects against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity by activating the ERK2 signalling pathway. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:357-71. [PMID: 26507774 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 10/12/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Doxorubicin is a powerful antineoplastic agent for treating a wide range of cancers. However, doxorubicin cardiotoxicity of the heart has largely limited its clinical use. All-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) plays an important role in many cardiac biological processes, but its protective effects on doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity remain unknown. Here, we studied the effect of ATRA on doxorubicin cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACHES Cellular viability assays, Western blotting and mitochondrial respiration analyses were employed to evaluate the cellular response to ATRA in H9c2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes. Quantitative PCR and gene knockdown were performed to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of ATRA's effects on doxorubicin cardiotoxicity. KEY RESULTS ATRA significantly inhibited doxorubicin-induced apoptosis in H9c2 cells and primary cardiomyocytes. ATRA was more effective against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity than resveratrol and dexrazoxane. ATRA also suppressed reactive oxygen species generation and restored expression levels of mRNA and proteins in the phase II detoxifying enzyme system: nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2, manganese superoxide dismutase, haem oxygenase-1, and mitochondrial function (mitochondrial membrane integrity, mitochondrial DNA copy numbers and mitochondrial respiration capacity, biogenesis and dynamics). Both a ERK1/2 inhibitor (U0126) and ERK2 siRNA, but not ERK1 siRNA, abolished the protective effect of ATRA against doxorubicin-induced toxicity in H9c2 cells. Remarkably, ATRA did not compromise the anticancer efficacy of doxorubicin in gastric carcinoma cells. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS ATRA protected cardiomyocytes against doxorubicin-induced toxicity, by activating the ERK2 pathway, without compromising its anticancer efficacy. Therefore, ATRA is a promising candidate as a cardioprotective agent against doxorubicin cardiotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Yang
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology and Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Cheng Luo
- School of Medicine, Yichun University, Yichun, Jiangxi, China
| | - Cong Chen
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology and Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Xun Wang
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology and Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Wen Shi
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology and Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jiankang Liu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology and Frontier Institute of Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Furube E, Morita M, Miyata S. Characterization of neural stem cells and their progeny in the sensory circumventricular organs of adult mouse. Cell Tissue Res 2015; 362:347-65. [PMID: 25994374 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-015-2201-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2015] [Accepted: 04/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Although evidence has accumulated that neurogenesis and gliogenesis occur in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and subgranular zone (SGZ) of adult mammalian brains, recent studies indicate the presence of neural stem cells (NSCs) in adult brains, particularly the circumventricular regions. In the present study, we aimed to determine characterization of NSCs and their progenitor cells in the sensory circumventricular organs (CVOs), including organum vasculosum of the lamina terminalis, subfornical organ, and area postrema of adult mouse. There were two types of NSCs: tanycyte-like ependymal cells and astrocyte-like cells. Astrocyte-like NSCs proliferated slowly and oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) and neural progenitor cells (NPCs) actively divided. Molecular marker protein expression of NSCs and their progenitor cells were similar to those reported in the SVZ and SGZ, except that astrocyte-like NSCs expressed S100β. These circumventricular NSCs possessed the capacity to give rise to oligodendrocytes and sparse numbers of neurons and astrocytes in the sensory CVOs and adjacent brain regions. The inhibition of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) signaling by using a VEGF receptor-associated tyrosine kinase inhibitor AZD2171 largely suppressed basal proliferation of OPCs. A single systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide attenuated proliferation of OPCs and induced remarkable proliferation of microglia. The present study indicates that sensory circumventricular NSCs provide new neurons and glial cells in the sensory CVOs and adjacent brain regions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eriko Furube
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan
| | - Mitsuhiro Morita
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Kobe University, Kobe, Japan
| | - Seiji Miyata
- Department of Applied Biology, Kyoto Institute of Technology, Kyoto, 606-8585, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Mizee MR, Nijland PG, van der Pol SMA, Drexhage JAR, van het Hof B, Mebius R, van der Valk P, van Horssen J, Reijerkerk A, de Vries HE. Astrocyte-derived retinoic acid: a novel regulator of blood-brain barrier function in multiple sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2014; 128:691-703. [PMID: 25149081 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-014-1335-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2014] [Revised: 08/11/2014] [Accepted: 08/15/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) lesions are characterized by the presence of activated astrocytes, which are thought to actively take part in propagating lesion progression by secreting pro-inflammatory mediators. Conversely, reactive astrocytes may exert disease-dampening effects through the production of trophic factors and anti-inflammatory mediators. Astrocytic control of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is crucial for normal brain homeostasis and BBB disruption is a well-established early event in MS lesion development. Here, we set out to unravel potential protective effects of reactive astrocytes on BBB function under neuroinflammatory conditions as seen in MS, where we focus on the role of the brain morphogen retinoic acid (RA). Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2), a key enzyme for RA synthesis, is highly expressed by reactive astrocytes throughout white matter lesions compared to control and normal appearing white matter. In vitro modeling of reactive astrocytes resulted in increased expression of RALDH2, enhanced RA synthesis, and a protective role for astrocyte-derived RA on BBB function during inflammation-induced barrier loss. Furthermore, RA induces endothelial immune quiescence and decreases monocyte adhesion under inflammatory conditions. Finally, we demonstrated that RA attenuated oxidative stress in inflamed endothelial cells, through activation of the antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor E2 related factor 2. In summary, RA synthesis by reactive astrocytes represents an endogenous protective response to neuroinflammation, possibly aimed at protecting the BBB against inflammatory insult. A better understanding of RA signaling in MS pathophysiology may lead to the discovery of novel targets to halt disease progression.
Collapse
|