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Natarajan C, Le LHD, Gunasekaran M, Tracey KJ, Chernoff D, Levine YA. Electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve ameliorates inflammation and disease activity in a rat EAE model of multiple sclerosis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2322577121. [PMID: 38968104 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2322577121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 07/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating central nervous system (CNS) disorder that is associated with functional impairment and accruing disability. There are multiple U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs that effectively dampen inflammation and slow disability progression. However, these agents do not work well for all patients and are associated with side effects that may limit their use. The vagus nerve (VN) provides a direct communication conduit between the CNS and the periphery, and modulation of the inflammatory reflex via electrical stimulation of the VN (VNS) shows efficacy in ameliorating pathology in several CNS and autoimmune disorders. We therefore investigated the impact of VNS in a rat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model of MS. In this study, VNS-mediated neuroimmune modulation is demonstrated to effectively decrease EAE disease severity and duration, infiltration of neutrophils and pathogenic lymphocytes, myelin damage, blood-brain barrier disruption, fibrinogen deposition, and proinflammatory microglial activation. VNS modulates expression of genes that are implicated in MS pathogenesis, as well as those encoding myelin proteins and transcription factors regulating new myelin synthesis. Together, these data indicate that neuroimmune modulation via VNS may be a promising approach to treat MS, that not only ameliorates symptoms but potentially also promotes myelin repair (remyelination).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
- Department of Neurosurgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549
| | | | - Yaakov A Levine
- SetPoint Medical, Valencia, CA 91355
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY 11549
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm 171 76, Sweden
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Hammer M, Krzyzaniak C, Bahramnejad E, Smelser K, Hack J, Watkins J, Ronaldson P. Sex differences in physiological response to increased neuronal excitability in a knockin mouse model of pediatric epilepsy. Clin Sci (Lond) 2024; 138:205-223. [PMID: 38348743 PMCID: PMC10881277 DOI: 10.1042/cs20231572] [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: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epilepsy is a common neurological disease; however, few if any of the currently marketed antiseizure medications prevent or cure epilepsy. Discovery of pathological processes in the early stages of epileptogenesis has been challenging given the common use of preclinical models that induce seizures in physiologically normal animals. Moreover, despite known sex dimorphism in neurological diseases, females are rarely included in preclinical epilepsy models. METHODS We characterized sex differences in mice carrying a pathogenic knockin variant (p.N1768D) in the Scn8a gene that causes spontaneous tonic-clonic seizures (TCs) at ∼3 months of age and found that heterozygous females are more resilient than males in mortality and morbidity. To investigate the cellular mechanisms that underlie female resilience, we utilized blood-brain barrier (BBB) and hippocampal transcriptomic analyses in heterozygous mice before seizure onset (pre-TC) and in mice that experienced ∼20 TCs (post-TC). RESULTS In the pre-TC latent phase, both sexes exhibited leaky BBB; however, patterns of gene expression were sexually dimorphic. Females exhibited enhanced oxidative phosphorylation and protein biogenesis, while males activated gliosis and CREB signaling. After seizure onset (chronic phase), females exhibited a metabolic switch to lipid metabolism, while males exhibited increased gliosis and BBB dysfunction and a strong activation of neuroinflammatory pathways. CONCLUSION The results underscore the central role of oxidative stress and BBB permeability in the early stages of epileptogenesis, as well as sex dimorphism in response to increasing neuronal hyperexcitability. Our results also highlight the need to include both sexes in preclinical studies to effectively translate results of drug efficacy studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael F. Hammer
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
- Department of Neurology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | | | - Erfan Bahramnejad
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | | | - Joshua B. Hack
- BIO5 Institute, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
| | - Joseph C. Watkins
- Department of Mathematics, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona, U.S.A
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Baena-Caldas GP, Li J, Pedraza L, Ghosh S, Kalmes A, Barone FC, Moreno H, Hernández AI. Neuroprotective effect of the RNS60 in a mouse model of transient focal cerebral ischemia. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0295504. [PMID: 38166102 PMCID: PMC10760892 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0295504] [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: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stroke is a major cause of death, disability, and public health problems. Its intervention is limited to early treatment with thrombolytics and/or endovascular clot removal with mechanical thrombectomy without any available subacute or chronic neuroprotective treatments. RNS60 has reduced neuroinflammation and increased neuronal survival in several animal models of neurodegeneration and trauma. The aim here was to evaluate whether RNS60 protects the brain and cognitive function in a mouse stroke model. METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were subjected to sham or ischemic stroke surgery using 60-minute transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAo). In each group, mice received blinded daily administrations of RNS60 or control fluids (PNS60 or normal saline [NS]), beginning 2 hours after surgery over 13 days. Multiple neurobehavioral tests were conducted (Neurological Severity Score [mNSS], Novel Object Recognition [NOR], Active Place Avoidance [APA], and the Conflict Variant of APA [APAc]). On day 14, cortical microvascular perfusion (MVP) was measured, then brains were removed and infarct volume, immunofluorescence of amyloid beta (Aβ), neuronal density, microglial activation, and white matter damage/myelination were measured. SPSS was used for analysis (e.g., ANOVA for parametric data; Kruskal Wallis for non-parametric data; with post-hoc analysis). RESULTS Thirteen days of treatment with RNS60 reduced brain infarction, amyloid pathology, neuronal death, microglial activation, white matter damage, and increased MVP. RNS60 reduced brain pathology and resulted in behavioral improvements in stroke compared to sham surgery mice (increased memory-learning in NOR and APA, improved cognitive flexibility in APAc). CONCLUSION RNS60-treated mice exhibit significant protection of brain tissue and improved neurobehavioral functioning after tMCAo-stroke. Additional work is required to determine mechanisms, time-window of dosing, and multiple dosing volumes durations to support clinical stroke research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gloria Patricia Baena-Caldas
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
- Health Sciences Division, Department of Morphology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Universidad del Valle, Cali, Colombia
| | - Jie Li
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Lina Pedraza
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Supurna Ghosh
- Revalesio Corporation, Tacoma, WA, United States of America
| | - Andreas Kalmes
- Revalesio Corporation, Tacoma, WA, United States of America
| | - Frank C. Barone
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
- The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - Herman Moreno
- Departments of Neurology and Physiology & Pharmacology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
- The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
| | - A. Iván Hernández
- Department of Pathology, SUNY Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
- The Robert F. Furchgott Center for Neural and Behavioral Science, Downstate Medical Center, State University of New York, Brooklyn, NY, United States of America
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Jana M, Dasarathy S, Ghosh S, Pahan K. Upregulation of DJ-1 in Dopaminergic Neurons by a Physically-Modified Saline: Implications for Parkinson's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054652. [PMID: 36902085 PMCID: PMC10002578 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054652] [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: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder in human and loss-of-functions DJ-1 mutations are associated with a familial form of early onset PD. Functionally, DJ-1 (PARK7), a neuroprotective protein, is known to support mitochondria and protect cells from oxidative stress. Mechanisms and agents by which the level of DJ-1 could be increased in the CNS are poorly described. RNS60 is a bioactive aqueous solution created by exposing normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow under high oxygen pressure. Recently we have described neuroprotective, immunomodulatory and promyelinogenic properties of RNS60. Here we delineate that RNS60 is also capable of increasing the level of DJ-1 in mouse MN9D neuronal cells and primary dopaminergic neurons, highlighting another new neuroprotective effect of RNS60. While investigating the mechanism we found the presence of cAMP response element (CRE) in DJ-1 gene promoter and stimulation of CREB activation in neuronal cells by RNS60. Accordingly, RNS60 treatment increased the recruitment of CREB to the DJ-1 gene promoter in neuronal cells. Interestingly, RNS60 treatment also induced the enrollment of CREB-binding protein (CBP), but not the other histone acetyl transferase p300, to the promoter of DJ-1 gene. Moreover, knockdown of CREB by siRNA led to the inhibition of RNS60-mediated DJ-1 upregulation, indicating an important role of CREB in DJ-1 upregulation by RNS60. Together, these results indicate that RNS60 upregulates DJ-1 in neuronal cells via CREB-CBP pathway. It may be of benefit for PD and other neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malabendu Jana
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | - Sridevi Dasarathy
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
| | | | - Kalipada Pahan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Division of Research and Development, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
- Correspondence:
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Ping J, Fu H, Xiong YJ, Soomro S, Huang ZH, Yu PP. Poly-L-ornithine blocks the inhibitory effects of fibronectin on oligodendrocyte differentiation and promotes myelin repair. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:832-839. [DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.353493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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Raffaele S, Boccazzi M, Fumagalli M. Oligodendrocyte Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2021; 10:cells10030565. [PMID: 33807572 PMCID: PMC8000560 DOI: 10.3390/cells10030565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Myelin is the lipid-rich structure formed by oligodendrocytes (OLs) that wraps the axons in multilayered sheaths, assuring protection, efficient saltatory signal conduction and metabolic support to neurons. In the last few years, the impact of OL dysfunction and myelin damage has progressively received more attention and is now considered to be a major contributing factor to neurodegeneration in several neurological diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Upon OL injury, oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) of adult nervous tissue sustain the generation of new OLs for myelin reconstitution, but this spontaneous regeneration process fails to successfully counteract myelin damage. Of note, the functions of OPCs exceed the formation and repair of myelin, and also involve the trophic support to axons and the capability to exert an immunomodulatory role, which are particularly relevant in the context of neurodegeneration. In this review, we deeply analyze the impact of dysfunctional OLs in ALS pathogenesis. The possible mechanisms underlying OL degeneration, defective OPC maturation, and impairment in energy supply to motor neurons (MNs) have also been examined to provide insights on future therapeutic interventions. On this basis, we discuss the potential therapeutic utility in ALS of several molecules, based on their remyelinating potential or capability to enhance energy metabolism.
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Antontseva E, Bondar N, Reshetnikov V, Merkulova T. The Effects of Chronic Stress on Brain Myelination in Humans and in Various Rodent Models. Neuroscience 2020; 441:226-238. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
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Rangasamy SB, Ghosh S, Pahan K. RNS60, a physically-modified saline, inhibits glial activation, suppresses neuronal apoptosis and protects memory in a mouse model of traumatic brain injury. Exp Neurol 2020; 328:113279. [PMID: 32151546 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a serious health issue that causes long-term neurological disability, particularly in young adults, athletes and war veterans. Despite the use of different medications or surgical procedures, no effective therapy is currently available to halt its pathogenesis. Here, we have undertaken a novel approach to reduce neuroinflammation and improve cognitive, social and locomotor behaviors in a mouse model of TBI. RNS60 is a physiologic saline solution containing oxygen nanobubbles that is generated by subjecting normal saline to Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille (TCP) flow under elevated oxygen pressure. Recently we have delineated that RNS60 inhibits the expression of proinflammatory molecules in glial cells via type 1A phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase (PI3K)-mediated upregulation of IκBα. In this study, we found that TBI decreased the level of IκBα and increased the activation of NF-κB in hippocampus and cortex as monitored by the upregulation of p-p65. However, intraperitoneal administration of RNS60 increased and/or restored the level of IκBα and inhibited the activation of NF-κB in hippocampus and cortex of TBI mice. Accordingly, RNS60 treatment decreased the activation of astrocytes and microglia and reduced neuronal apoptosis in the brain of TBI mice. RNS60 treatment also reduced vascular damage, attenuated blood-brain barrier leakage and decreased the size of lesion in the brain of TBI mice. Importantly, RNS60 treated mice showed significant improvements in memory, social behavior and locomotor activities while displaying reduction in depression-like behaviors. These results delineate a novel neuroprotective property of RNS60 and suggest its possible therapeutic use in TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suresh B Rangasamy
- Division of Research and Development, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America
| | - Supurna Ghosh
- Revalesio Corporation, 1202 East D Street, Tacoma, WA 98421, United States of America
| | - Kalipada Pahan
- Division of Research and Development, Jesse Brown Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America; Department of Neurological Sciences, Rush University Medical Center, Chicago, IL 60612, United States of America.
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Li G, Han Q, Lu P, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Chen S, Zhang P, Zhang L, Cui W, Wang H, Zhang H. Construction of Dual-Biofunctionalized Chitosan/Collagen Scaffolds for Simultaneous Neovascularization and Nerve Regeneration. RESEARCH (WASHINGTON, D.C.) 2020; 2020:2603048. [PMID: 32851386 PMCID: PMC7436332 DOI: 10.34133/2020/2603048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Biofunctionalization of artificial nerve implants by incorporation of specific bioactive factors has greatly enhanced the success of grafting procedures for peripheral nerve regeneration. However, most studies on novel biofunctionalized implants have emphasized the promotion of neuronal and axonal repair over vascularization, a process critical for long-term functional restoration. We constructed a dual-biofunctionalized chitosan/collagen composite scaffold with Ile-Lys-Val-Ala-Val (IKVAV) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by combining solution blending, in situ lyophilization, and surface biomodification. Immobilization of VEGF and IKVAV on the scaffolds was confirmed both qualitatively by staining and quantitatively by ELISA. Various single- and dual-biofunctionalized scaffolds were compared for the promotion of endothelial cell (EC) and Schwann cell (SC) proliferation as well as the induction of angiogenic and neuroregeneration-associated genes by these cells in culture. The efficacy of these scaffolds for vascularization was evaluated by implantation in chicken embryos, while functional repair capacity in vivo was assessed in rats subjected to a 10 mm sciatic nerve injury. Dual-biofunctionalized scaffolds supported robust EC and SC proliferation and upregulated the expression levels of multiple genes and proteins related to neuroregeneration and vascularization. Dual-biofunctionalized scaffolds demonstrated superior vascularization induction in embryos and greater promotion of vascularization, myelination, and functional recovery in rats. These findings support the clinical potential of VEGF/IKVAV dual-biofunctionalized chitosan/collagen composite scaffolds for facilitating peripheral nerve regeneration, making it an attractive candidate for repairing critical nerve defect. The study may provide a critical experimental and theoretical basis for the development and design of new artificial nerve implants with excellent biological performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guicai Li
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Qi Han
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Panjian Lu
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Liling Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Yuezhou Zhang
- Frontiers Science Center for Flexible Electronics, Xi'an Institute of Flexible Electronics (IFE) & Xi'an Institute of Biomedical Materials and Engineering (IBME), Northwestern Polytechnical University, 127 West Youyi Road, Xi'an 710072, China
| | - Shiyu Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Luzhong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Wenguo Cui
- Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hongkui Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
- Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, 226001 Nantong, China
| | - Hongbo Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Shanghai Key Laboratory for Prevention and Treatment of Bone and Joint Diseases, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 197 Ruijin 2nd Road, Shanghai 200025, China
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Laboratory and Turku Bioscience Centre, Åbo Akademi University, 20520 Turku, Finland
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Zheng Q, Liu L, Liu H, Zheng H, Sun H, Ji J, Sun Y, Yang T, Zhao H, Qi F, Li K, Li J, Zhang N, Fan Y, Wang L. The Bu Shen Yi Sui Formula Promotes Axonal Regeneration via Regulating the Neurotrophic Factor BDNF/TrkB and the Downstream PI3K/Akt Signaling Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:796. [PMID: 31379571 PMCID: PMC6650751 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Axonal damage is recognized as an important pathological feature in the chronic progressive neurological disorder multiple sclerosis (MS). Promoting axonal regeneration is a critical strategy for the treatment of MS. Our clinical and experimental studies have shown that the Bu Shen Yi Sui formula (BSYS) promotes axonal regeneration in MS and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS, but the exact mechanism has not been thoroughly elucidated to date. In this study, we investigated the effects of BSYS and its two decomposed formulas-the Bu Shen formula (BS) and the Hua Tan Huo Xue formula (HTHX)-on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/TrkB and related signaling pathways to explore the mechanism by which axonal regeneration is promoted in vitro and in vivo. Damaged SH-SY5Y cells incubated with low serum were treated with BSYS-, BS-, and HTHX-containing serum, and EAE mice induced by the myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)35-55 peptide were treated with BSYS. The results showed that the BSYS-containing serum markedly increased cell viability and increased the levels of growth associated protein (GAP)-43, phosphorylated (p)-cAMP-response element binding protein (CREB), BDNF, TrkB, and p-PI3K. The BS and HTHX treatments also induced the protein expression of GAP-43 and p-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) in the cells. Furthermore, the effects of BSYS on cell viability, GAP-43, p-CREB, and neurite outgrowth were clearly inhibited by LY294002, a specific antagonist of the PI3K signaling pathways. The addition of U0126 and U73122, antagonists of the ERK and PLCγ pathway, respectively, significantly inhibited cell viability and GAP-43 protein expression. Moreover, BSYS treatment significantly increased the expression of the 68-, 160-, and 200-kDa neurofilaments (NFs) of proteins and the BDNF, TrkB, PI3K, and Akt mRNA and proteins in the brain or spinal cord of mice at different stages. These results indicated that BSYS promotes nerve regeneration, and its mechanism is mainly related to the upregulation of the BDNF/TrkB and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. BS and HTHX also promoted nerve regeneration, and this effect involved the ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Oncology Department, Guang An Men Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Physical Examination Department, The Chinese Medicine Hospital of Sanmenxia City, Henan, China
| | - Haolong Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Zheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Ji
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yaqin Sun
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hui Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fang Qi
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Kangning Li
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Junling Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Nan Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yongping Fan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Tian Tan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Lei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing Key Lab of TCM Collateral Disease Theory Research, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Thamizhoviya G, Vanisree AJ. Enriched environment modulates behavior, myelination and augments molecules governing the plasticity in the forebrain region of rats exposed to chronic immobilization stress. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:875-887. [PMID: 30604029 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0370-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2018] [Accepted: 12/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Recently, several reports on chronic stress have shown that prolonged exposure to stress contributes to psychological and neurological complications. However, the impact of stress-induced alterations in myelination remains to be unexplored. Therefore, in the current study, the rats were subjected to immobilization stress (IS) followed by enriched environment (EE) and the behavioral, neurochemical changes pertaining to neuronal survival pathway, in addition, to the ultrastructural changes in myelin in forebrain (FB) region of rats were analyzed. Immobilization stress-exposed rats (4 h/day IS, for 28 days) exhibited increased anhedonia, anxiety, immobility, and reduced social interaction, which could be reflected in increased levels of corticosterone. In contrast, exposure to EE (4 h IS+2 h EE/day, for 28 days) was found to minimize anhedonic state, supress the depressive-like features, enhance social interaction and also reduce the levels of corticosterone. The ultrastructural changes in the FB region of the brain revealed that IS group showed enhanced g-ratio indicating decreased myelin thickness, while EE group exhibited reduced g-ratio manifesting increased myelination. Further, the study revealed that IS exposed group showed decreased levels of NGF, TrkA, PI3K, AKT, ERK, CREB, and MBP in FB regions whereas EE group could preserve normal protein and mRNA levels of these neuronal survival molecules. The results from this study suggest that EE exerts a positive impact by improving myelination in rats exposed to chronic immobilization stress.
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Abstract
Myelin sheaths are crucial for the survival and maintenance of the axons and the rapid propagation of the action potential. The glial cells involved are Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and oligodendrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). One oligodendrocyte may myelinate over 40 axons. In the CNS, myelin is composed of several layers of cytoplasmic membrane from oligodendrocytes stabilized by structural myelin-specific proteins such as proteolipid protein (PLP) and myelin basic protein (MBP). Those genes are expressed during myelination and then silenced. They can be re-expressed after demyelinating episodes, where they contribute to remyelination. Demyelination occurs after injuries of the CNS such as traumatic brain injury or during acute episodes of neurodegeneration observed in demyelinating and neurodegenerative diseases. Remyelination process is achieved by oligodendrocytes newly generated following the recruitment and differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs). Failure of remyelination process leads to irreversible axonal loss, functional impairment, and finally decreased cognitive performances. Several techniques have been described to study myelination and remyelination in culture systems. In this chapter, we explain how we can study myelin genes' expression in oligodendrocytes by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using specific primers for plp and mbp. This technique can be crucial and prompt to determine the effect of specific chemicals (such as pesticides) on the myelination process in oligodendrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diala El Khoury
- Department of Biology Louaize Lebanon, NDU Natural and Applied Sciences, Notre Dame University, Zouk Mosbeh, Lebanon.
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13
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Paganoni S, Alshikho MJ, Luppino S, Chan J, Pothier L, Schoenfeld D, Andres PL, Babu S, Zürcher NR, Loggia ML, Barry RL, Luotti S, Nardo G, Trolese MC, Pantalone S, Bendotti C, Bonetto V, De Marchi F, Rosen B, Hooker J, Cudkowicz M, Atassi N. A pilot trial of RNS60 in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Muscle Nerve 2018; 59:303-308. [PMID: 30458059 DOI: 10.1002/mus.26385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2018] [Revised: 11/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION RNS60 is a novel immune-modulatory agent that has shown neuroprotective effects in amytrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) preclinical models. RNS60 is administered by weekly intravenous infusion and daily nebulization. The objective of this pilot open-label trial was to test the feasibility, safety, and tolerability of long-term RNS60 administration in ALS patients. METHODS The planned treatment duration was 23 weeks and the primary outcomes were safety and tolerability. Secondary outcomes included PBR28 positron emission tomography (PET) imaging and plasma biomarkers of inflammation. RESULTS Sixteen participants with ALS received RNS60 and 13 (81%) completed 23 weeks of RNS60 treatment. There were no serious adverse events and no participants withdrew from the trial due to drug-related adverse events. There were no significant changes in the biomarkers. DISCUSSION Long-term RNS60 administration was safe and well-tolerated. A large, multicenter, phase II trial of RNS60 is currently enrolling participants to test the effects of RNS60 on ALS biomarkers and disease progression. Muscle Nerve 59:303-308, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabrina Paganoni
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Mohamad J Alshikho
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA.,Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sarah Luppino
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - James Chan
- Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Lindsay Pothier
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - David Schoenfeld
- Massachusetts General Hospital Biostatistics Center, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Patricia L Andres
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Suma Babu
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Nicole R Zürcher
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Marco L Loggia
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Robert L Barry
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Silvia Luotti
- IRCCS Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Giovanni Nardo
- IRCCS Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Serena Pantalone
- IRCCS Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- IRCCS Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Bonetto
- IRCCS Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabiola De Marchi
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Bruce Rosen
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Jacob Hooker
- Athinoula A. Martinos Center for Biomedical Imaging, Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Merit Cudkowicz
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
| | - Nazem Atassi
- Neurological Clinical Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, 165 Cambridge Street, Suite 600, Boston, Massachusetts, 02114, USA
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14
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Low-Dose Aspirin Upregulates Tyrosine Hydroxylase and Increases Dopamine Production in Dopaminergic Neurons: Implications for Parkinson's Disease. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2018; 14:173-187. [PMID: 30187283 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-018-9808-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2018] [Accepted: 08/30/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Increasing the function of residual dopaminergic neurons in the nigra of PD patients is an important area of research as it may eventually compensate the loss. Although tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the dopamine (DA) biosynthesis pathway, there are no effective drugs/molecules to upregulate TH and increase the production of DA in nigral dopaminergic neurons. This study underlines the importance of aspirin in stimulating the expression of TH and increasing the level of DA in dopaminergic neurons. At low doses, aspirin increased the expression of TH and the production of DA in mouse MN9D dopaminergic neuronal cells. Accordingly, oral administration of aspirin increased the expression of TH in the nigra and upregulated the level of DA in striatum of normal C57/BL6 mice and aged A53T α-syn transgenic mice. Oral aspirin also improved locomotor activities of normal mice and A53T transgenic mice. While investigating mechanisms, we found the presence of cAMP response element (CRE) in the promoter of TH gene and the rapid induction of cAMP response element binding (CREB) activation by aspirin in dopaminergic neuronal cells. Aspirin treatment also increased the level of phospho-CREB in the nigra of C57/BL6 mice. The abrogation of aspirin-induced expression of TH by siRNA knockdown of CREB and the recruitment of CREB to the TH gene promoter by aspirin suggest that aspirin stimulates the transcription of TH in dopaminergic neurons via CREB. These results highlight a new property of aspirin in stimulating the TH-DA pathway, which may be beneficial in PD patients. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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Vallarola A, Sironi F, Tortarolo M, Gatto N, De Gioia R, Pasetto L, De Paola M, Mariani A, Ghosh S, Watson R, Kalmes A, Bonetto V, Bendotti C. RNS60 exerts therapeutic effects in the SOD1 ALS mouse model through protective glia and peripheral nerve rescue. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:65. [PMID: 29495962 PMCID: PMC5833072 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1101-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects the motor neuromuscular system leading to complete paralysis and premature death. The multifactorial nature of ALS that involves both cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous processes contributes to the lack of effective therapies, usually targeted to a single pathogenic mechanism. RNS60, an experimental drug containing oxygenated nanobubbles generated by modified Taylor-Couette-Poiseuille flow with elevated oxygen pressure, has shown anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in different experimental paradigms. Since RNS60 interferes with multiple cellular mechanisms known to be involved in ALS pathology, we evaluated its effect in in vitro and in vivo models of ALS. METHODS Co-cultures of primary microglia/spinal neurons exposed to LPS and astrocytes/spinal neurons from SOD1G93A mice were used to examine the effect of RNS60 or normal saline (NS) on the selective motor neuron degeneration. Transgenic SOD1G93A mice were treated with RNS60 or NS (300 μl/mouse intraperitoneally every other day) starting at the disease onset and examined for disease progression as well as pathological and biochemical alterations. RESULTS RNS60 protected motor neurons in in vitro paradigms and slowed the disease progression of C57BL/6-SOD1G93A mice through a significant protection of spinal motor neurons and neuromuscular junctions. This was mediated by the (i) activation of an antioxidant response and generation of an anti-inflammatory environment in the spinal cord; (ii) activation of the PI3K-Akt pro-survival pathway in the spinal cord and sciatic nerves; (iii) reduced demyelination of the sciatic nerves; and (iv) elevation of peripheral CD4+/Foxp3+ T regulatory cell numbers. RNS60 did not show the same effects in 129Sv-SOD1G93A mice, which are unable to activate a protective immune response. CONCLUSION RNS60 demonstrated significant therapeutic efficacy in C57BL/6-SOD1G93A mice by virtue of its effects on multiple disease mechanisms in motor neurons, glial cells, and peripheral immune cells. These findings, together with the excellent clinical safety profile, make RNS60 a promising candidate for ALS therapy and support further studies to unravel its molecular mechanism of action. In addition, the differences in efficacy of RNS60 in SOD1G93A mice of different strains may be relevant for identifying potential markers to predict efficacy in clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Vallarola
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca Sironi
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimo Tortarolo
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Noemi Gatto
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Roberta De Gioia
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Pasetto
- Translational Biomarkers Lab, Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, IRCCS - Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano De Paola
- Analytical Biochemistry Lab, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, IRCCS- Mario Negri Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mariani
- Analytical Biochemistry Lab, Department of Environmental Health Sciences, IRCCS- Mario Negri Institute, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Valentina Bonetto
- Translational Biomarkers Lab, Department of Molecular Biochemistry and Pharmacology, IRCCS - Mario Negri, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Bendotti
- Molecular Neurobiology Lab, Department of Neuroscience, IRCCS - Mario Negri Institute, Via La Masa, 19, 20156, Milan, Italy.
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