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Luo J. TGF-β as a Key Modulator of Astrocyte Reactivity: Disease Relevance and Therapeutic Implications. Biomedicines 2022; 10:1206. [PMID: 35625943 PMCID: PMC9138510 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are essential for normal brain development and functioning. They respond to brain injury and disease through a process referred to as reactive astrogliosis, where the reactivity is highly heterogenous and context-dependent. Reactive astrocytes are active contributors to brain pathology and can exert beneficial, detrimental, or mixed effects following brain insults. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) has been identified as one of the key factors regulating astrocyte reactivity. The genetic and pharmacological manipulation of the TGF-β signaling pathway in animal models of central nervous system (CNS) injury and disease alters pathological and functional outcomes. This review aims to provide recent understanding regarding astrocyte reactivity and TGF-β signaling in brain injury, aging, and neurodegeneration. Further, it explores how TGF-β signaling modulates astrocyte reactivity and function in the context of CNS disease and injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Luo
- Palo Alto Veterans Institute for Research, VAPAHCS, Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA
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Ahmed MA, Kamel EO. Involvement of H 2 S, NO and BDNF-TrkB signalling pathway in the protective effects of simvastatin against pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling and cognitive impairments in mice. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 127:461-476. [PMID: 32562563 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2020] [Revised: 06/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cognitive dysfunction was observed in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-kindled mice. The potential effectiveness of simvastatin (SIM) on PTZ-induced kindling and cognitive impairments in mice was evaluated. The influence of SIM on hydrogen sulphide (H2 S), nitric oxide (NO), reactive aldehydes and brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tyrosine receptor kinase B (BDNF-TrkB) signalling was also investigated. Kindling and cognitive impairments in mice were induced by 12 ip injections of PTZ (35 mg/kg) once every alternate day. The levels of reactive aldehydes and nitrite were increased while H2 S was decreased in PTZ-treated mice. These results were accompanied by a reduction in the gene expression of aldehyde dehydrogenase 2, cystathionine β-synthase, BDNF and TrkB. In PTZ-kindled mice, a rise in brain inducible nitric oxide synthase protein expression associated with histopathological changes was observed. SIM administration (1, 5 and 10 mg/kg, daily orally) along with alternate day of PTZ (35 mg/kg) resulted in a decrease in PTZ-induced kindling with a dose-dependent improvement in cognitive function. SIM (10 mg/kg) prevented, to variable extent, the disturbances associated with PTZ-kindled mice with cortical, cerebellar and hippocampal structural improvement. These results suggested that SIM triggers multiple mechanisms that improve cognitive function in PTZ-kindled mice through modulation of oxidative stress, H2 S, NO and BDNF-TrkB signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Esam O Kamel
- Department of Medical Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, Egypt
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Pirfenidone alleviates lung ischemia-reperfusion injury in a rat model. J Thorac Cardiovasc Surg 2018; 158:289-296. [PMID: 30385019 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2018.08.098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Lung ischemia-reperfusion injury is among the complications seen after lung transplantation, resulting in morbidity and mortality. Pirfenidone, an antifibrotic agent for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, is reported to have cytoprotective properties in various disease models. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of pirfenidone on lung ischemia-reperfusion injury. METHODS Male Lewis rats (260-290 g) were divided into 3 groups: sham group (n = 5), warm ischemia (WI) group (n = 10), and WI plus pirfenidone (WI+PFD) group (n = 10). The sham group underwent 210 minutes of perfusion without ischemia. The WI and WI+PFD groups underwent 90 minutes of warm ischemia and 120 minutes of reperfusion. In the WI+PFD group, pirfenidone (300 mg/kg) was administered orally by gavage 30 minutes before ischemia. After reperfusion, arterial blood gas analysis, lung mechanics, lung wet-to-dry weight ratio, and histologic findings were obtained. The gene expressions of proinflammatory cytokines in lung tissue were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Compared with the WI group, the WI+PFD group had significantly better dynamic pulmonary compliance (P < .01) and oxygenation levels (P < .05). The wet-to-dry ratio was lower in the WI+PFD group (P < .05). Histologic analysis showed that the WI+PFD group had reduced perivascular edema and neutrophil infiltration. The expression of tumor necrosis factor-α messenger RNA was decreased in the WI+PFD group (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that in a rat hilar clamp model, pirfenidone alleviated lung ischemia-reperfusion through anti-inflammatory effects.
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Effect of pirfenidone on gastric emptying in a rat model. Pulm Pharmacol Ther 2018; 51:41-47. [PMID: 29944949 DOI: 10.1016/j.pupt.2018.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Revised: 04/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events (AEs) are commonly reported in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who are treated with pirfenidone. Taking pirfenidone with a substantial amount of food or dividing the dose over the course of a meal has been reported to reduce the frequency of GI AEs in clinical practice. In humans, the maximum plasma concentration (Cmax) of pirfenidone was reduced when the drug was taken with food compared with the fasting state, and the lower Cmax was associated with a reduction in GI AE rates. In this study, the effects of the divided-dose approach and timing of pirfenidone administration relative to meal intake on gastric emptying were assessed using a rat model. The aim of this study was to investigate whether modification of dosing regimens could minimize pirfenidone's effect on inhibition of gastric emptying. METHODS Gastric emptying was assessed in male Sprague-Dawley rats after administration of a test meal by weighing stomach contents at various time points up to 120 min after the meal. Pirfenidone was administered via oral gavage either as a single-bolus dose of 30 mg/kg or as divided doses of 3 × 10 mg/kg at intervals ranging from 10 to 30 min for a total duration of 30 to 90 min. In addition, the test meal was given either at 30 min before, coincident with, or 30 min following pirfenidone oral administration. RESULTS Administration of an oral 30-mg/kg single-bolus dose of pirfenidone with a meal resulted in a statistically significant decrease in gastric emptying in a rat model. The effect of pirfenidone on decreasing gastric emptying was lessened when the same total dose (i.e., 30 mg/kg) was administered as 3 divided doses (i.e., 3 × 10 mg/kg) over intervals up to 30 min in between each divided dose. Pharmacokinetic simulation suggested that a divided-dosing regimen would decrease pirfenidone Cmax relative to single-bolus administration. When the same single-bolus dose of 30 mg/kg was administered 30 min following a meal rather than coincident with a meal, pirfenidone's effect on decreasing gastric emptying was reduced to the same extent as when the dose was divided as 3 × 10 mg/kg over a 90-min period. CONCLUSIONS Administration of pirfenidone 30 min after a meal as a single-bolus dose or a divided dose over a 90-min period blunted pirfenidone's effect on inhibition of gastric emptying in rats compared with pirfenidone administration as a single-bolus dose coincident with a meal. Decreased gastric emptying, which is associated with pirfenidone administration, may be one of the contributing factors leading to GI tolerability issues associated with pirfenidone use in humans. Modification of the dosing regimen diminished this impact and may provide insight into possible mitigation strategies to minimize GI-related toxicities in the clinic.
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Reynoso-Moreno I, Chicca A, Flores-Soto ME, Viveros-Paredes JM, Gertsch J. The Endocannabinoid Reuptake Inhibitor WOBE437 Is Orally Bioavailable and Exerts Indirect Polypharmacological Effects via Different Endocannabinoid Receptors. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:180. [PMID: 29910713 PMCID: PMC5992379 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Accepted: 05/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Different anandamide (AEA) transport inhibitors show antinociceptive and antiinflammatory effects in vivo, but due to their concomitant inhibition of fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) and overall poor bioavailability, they cannot be used unequivocally to study the particular role of endocannabinoid (EC) transport in pathophysiological conditions in vivo. Here, the potent and selective endocannabinoid reuptake inhibitor WOBE437, which inhibits AEA and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) transport, was tested for its oral bioavailability to the brain. WOBE437 is assumed to locally increase EC levels in tissues in which facilitated EC reuptake intermediates subsequent hydrolysis. Given the marked polypharmacology of ECs, we hypothesized to see differential effects on distinct EC receptors in animal models of acute and chronic pain/inflammation. In C57BL6/J male mice, WOBE437 was orally bioavailable with an estimated tmax value of ≤20 min in plasma (Cmax ∼ 2000 pmol/mL after 50 mg/kg, p.o.) and brain (Cmax ∼ 500 pmol/g after 50 mg/kg, p.o.). WOBE437 was cleared from the brain after approximately 180 min. In addition, in BALB/c male mice, acute oral administration of WOBE437 (50 mg/kg) exhibited similar brain concentrations after 60 min and inhibited analgesia in the hot plate test in a cannabinoid CB1 receptor-dependent manner, without inducing catalepsy or affecting locomotion. WOBE437 significantly elevated AEA in the somatosensory cortex, while showing dose-dependent biphasic effects on 2-AG levels in plasma but no significant changes in N-acylethanolamines other than AEA in any of the tissues. In order to explore the presumed polypharmacology mediated via elevated EC levels, we tested this EC reuptake inhibitor in complete Freud's adjuvant induced monoarthritis in BALB/c mice as a model of chronic inflammation. Repetitive doses of WOBE437 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated allodynia and edema via cannabinoid CB2, CB1, and PPARγ receptors. The allodynia inhibition of WOBE437 treatment for 3 days was fully reversed by antagonists of any of the receptors. In the single dose treatment the CB2 and TRPV1 antagonists significantly blocked the effect of WOBE437. Overall, our results show the broad utility of WOBE437 for animal experimentation for both p.o. and i.p. administrations. Furthermore, the data indicate the possible involvement of EC reuptake/transport in pathophysiological processes related to pain and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Reynoso-Moreno
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Centre of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.,Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo Farmacéutico, Departamento de Farmacología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Andrea Chicca
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Centre of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Mario E Flores-Soto
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, División de Neurociencias, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Segura Social, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Juan M Viveros-Paredes
- Laboratorio de Investigación y Desarrollo Farmacéutico, Departamento de Farmacología, Centro Universitario de Ciencias Exactas e Ingenierías, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Jürg Gertsch
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, National Centre of Competence in Research TransCure, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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Guo X, Yang Y, Liu L, Liu X, Xu J, Wu K, Yu M. Pirfenidone Induces G1 Arrest in Human Tenon's Fibroblasts In Vitro Involving AKT and MAPK Signaling Pathways. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2017; 33:366-374. [PMID: 28537766 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2016.0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the underlying mechanism by which pirfenidone blocks the transition from the G1 to S phase in primary human Tenon's fibroblasts. METHODS Primary human Tenon's fibroblasts were characterized by immunocytofluorescence staining with vimentin, fibroblast surface protein, and cytokeratin. After treating Tenon's fibroblasts with pirfenidone under proliferation conditions (10% fetal bovine serum), cell proliferation was measured using a WST-1 assay. Progression through the cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry. The expression of CDK2, CDK6, cyclinD1, cyclinD3, and cyclinE and the phosphorylation of AKT, ERK1/2/MAPK, JNK/MAPK, and p38 MAPK were estimated using western blot analysis. RESULTS Under proliferative conditions, pirfenidone inhibited Tenon's fibroblasts proliferation and arrested the cell cycle at the G1 phase; decreased the phosphorylation of AKT, GSK3β, ERK1/2/MAPK, and JNK/MAPK; increased the phosphorylation of p38 MAPK; and inhibited CDK2, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and cyclin E in a dose-dependent manner. Inhibitors of AKT (LY294002), ERK1/2 (U0126), and JNK (SP600125) arrested the G1/S transition, similar to the effect of pirfenidone. The p38 inhibitor (SB202190) decreased the G1-blocking effect of pirfenidone. The expression of CDK2, CDK6, cyclin D1, and cyclin D3 were inhibited by LY294002, U0126, and SP600125. SB202190 attenuated the pirfenidone-induced reduction of CDK2, CDK6, cyclin D1, cyclin D3, and cyclin E. CONCLUSIONS Pirfenidone inhibited HTFs proliferation and induced G1 arrest by downregulating CDKs and cyclins involving the AKT/GSK3β and MAPK signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiujuan Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Yangfan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Liling Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiangang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Kaili Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
| | - Minbin Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University , Guangzhou, China
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Abdel-Zaher AO, Farghaly HS, Farrag MM, Abdel-Rahman MS, Abdel-Wahab BA. A potential mechanism for the ameliorative effect of thymoquinone on pentylenetetrazole-induced kindling and cognitive impairments in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 88:553-561. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2016] [Revised: 12/28/2016] [Accepted: 01/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
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Pak ME, Kim YR, Kim HN, Ahn SM, Shin HK, Baek JU, Choi BT. Studies on medicinal herbs for cognitive enhancement based on the text mining of Dongeuibogam and preliminary evaluation of its effects. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2016; 179:383-390. [PMID: 26773844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2016.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2015] [Revised: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE In literature on Korean medicine, Dongeuibogam (Treasured Mirror of Eastern Medicine), published in 1613, represents the overall results of the traditional medicines of North-East Asia based on prior medicinal literature of this region. We utilized this medicinal literature by text mining to establish a list of candidate herbs for cognitive enhancement in the elderly and then performed an evaluation of their effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Text mining was performed for selection of candidate herbs. Cell viability was determined in HT22 hippocampal cells and immunohistochemistry and behavioral analysis was performed in a kainic acid (KA) mice model in order to observe alterations of hippocampal cells and cognition. RESULTS Twenty four herbs for cognitive enhancement in the elderly were selected by text mining of Dongeuibogam. In HT22 cells, pretreatment with 3 candidate herbs resulted in significantly reduced glutamate-induced cell death. Panax ginseng was the most neuroprotective herb against glutamate-induced cell death. In the hippocampus of a KA mice model, pretreatment with 11 candidate herbs resulted in suppression of caspase-3 expression. Treatment with 7 candidate herbs resulted in significantly enhanced expression levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding protein. Number of proliferated cells indicated by BrdU labeling was increased by treatment with 10 candidate herbs. Schisandra chinensis was the most effective herb against cell death and proliferation of progenitor cells and Rehmannia glutinosa in neuroprotection in the hippocampus of a KA mice model. In a KA mice model, we confirmed improved spatial and short memory by treatment with the 3 most effective candidate herbs and these recovered functions were involved in a higher number of newly formed neurons from progenitor cells in the hippocampus. CONCLUSIONS These established herbs and their combinations identified by text-mining technique and evaluation for effectiveness may have value in further experimental and clinical applications for cognitive enhancement in the elderly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Malk Eun Pak
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Yu Ri Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha Neui Kim
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Min Ahn
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Hwa Kyoung Shin
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Ung Baek
- Division of Humanities and Social Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea.
| | - Byung Tae Choi
- Department of Korean Medical Science, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; Korean Medical Science Research Center for Healthy-Aging, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea; Division of Meridian and Structural Medicine, School of Korean Medicine, Pusan National University, Yangsan 626-870, Republic of Korea.
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