1
|
Zhang X, Chen Z, Xiong Y, Zhou Q, Zhu LQ, Liu D. The emerging role of nitric oxide in the synaptic dysfunction of vascular dementia. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:402-415. [PMID: 38819044 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
With an increase in global aging, the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing, and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic rate. However, few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients. Similarly in Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline. Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system. Recently, nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia. Additionally, we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Center for Cognitive Science and Transdisciplinary Studies, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yinyi Xiong
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Gusev E, Sarapultsev A. Interplay of G-proteins and Serotonin in the Neuroimmunoinflammatory Model of Chronic Stress and Depression: A Narrative Review. Curr Pharm Des 2024; 30:180-214. [PMID: 38151838 DOI: 10.2174/0113816128285578231218102020] [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: 10/04/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION This narrative review addresses the clinical challenges in stress-related disorders such as depression, focusing on the interplay between neuron-specific and pro-inflammatory mechanisms at the cellular, cerebral, and systemic levels. OBJECTIVE We aim to elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking chronic psychological stress with low-grade neuroinflammation in key brain regions, particularly focusing on the roles of G proteins and serotonin (5-HT) receptors. METHODS This comprehensive review of the literature employs systematic, narrative, and scoping review methodologies, combined with systemic approaches to general pathology. It synthesizes current research on shared signaling pathways involved in stress responses and neuroinflammation, including calcium-dependent mechanisms, mitogen-activated protein kinases, and key transcription factors like NF-κB and p53. The review also focuses on the role of G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors (GPCRs) in immune and pro-inflammatory responses, with a detailed analysis of how 13 of 14 types of human 5-HT receptors contribute to depression and neuroinflammation. RESULTS The review reveals a complex interaction between neurotransmitter signals and immunoinflammatory responses in stress-related pathologies. It highlights the role of GPCRs and canonical inflammatory mediators in influencing both pathological and physiological processes in nervous tissue. CONCLUSION The proposed Neuroimmunoinflammatory Stress Model (NIIS Model) suggests that proinflammatory signaling pathways, mediated by metabotropic and ionotropic neurotransmitter receptors, are crucial for maintaining neuronal homeostasis. Chronic mental stress can disrupt this balance, leading to increased pro-inflammatory states in the brain and contributing to neuropsychiatric and psychosomatic disorders, including depression. This model integrates traditional theories on depression pathogenesis, offering a comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of the condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evgenii Gusev
- Laboratory of Inflammation Immunology, Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg 620049, Russia
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
| | - Alexey Sarapultsev
- Russian-Chinese Education and Research Center of System Pathology, South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk 454080, Russia
- Laboratory of Immunopathophysiology, Institute of Immunology and Physiology, Ural Branch of the Russian Academy of Science, Ekaterinburg 620049, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Nelissen E, Schepers M, Ponsaerts L, Foulquier S, Bronckaers A, Vanmierlo T, Sandner P, Prickaerts J. Soluble guanylyl cyclase: A novel target for the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment? Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106970. [PMID: 37884069 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106970] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) describes neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a vascular component. Pathologically, it involves decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF), white matter lesions, endothelial dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairments. Molecularly, oxidative stress and inflammation are two of the major underlying mechanisms. Nitric oxide (NO) physiologically stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to induce cGMP production. However, under pathological conditions, NO seems to be at the basis of oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a decrease in sGC activity and expression. The native form of sGC needs a ferrous heme group bound in order to be sensitive to NO (Fe(II)sGC). Oxidation of sGC leads to the conversion of ferrous to ferric heme (Fe(III)sGC) and even heme-loss (apo-sGC). Both Fe(III)sGC and apo-sGC are insensitive to NO, and the enzyme is therefore inactive. sGC activity can be enhanced either by targeting the NO-sensitive native sGC (Fe(II)sGC), or the inactive, oxidized sGC (Fe(III)sGC) and the heme-free apo-sGC. For this purpose, sGC stimulators acting on Fe(II)sGC and sGC activators acting on Fe(III)sGC/apo-sGC have been developed. These sGC agonists have shown their efficacy in cardiovascular diseases by restoring the physiological and protective functions of the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway, including the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and improvement of vascular functioning. Yet, only very little research has been performed within the cerebrovascular system and VCI pathology when focusing on sGC modulation and its potential protective mechanisms on vascular and neural function. Therefore, within this review, the potential of sGC as a target for treating VCI is highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Laura Ponsaerts
- Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Rojas DB, Vizuete AFK, de Andrade VS, de Andrade RB, Gemelli T, Kim TDH, Gonçalves CA, Leipnitz G, Wannmacher CMD. Lipopolysaccharide impairs neurodevelopment and induces changes in astroglial reactivity, antioxidant defenses and bioenergetics in the cerebral cortex of neonatal rats. Int J Dev Neurosci 2023; 83:600-614. [PMID: 37477051 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10288] [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: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 07/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Neonates have an immature immune system, which increases their vulnerability to infectious agents and inflammatory insults. The administration of the immunostimulatory agent lipopolysaccharide (LPS) has been shown to induce the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and cause behavior alterations in rodents at different ages. However, the effects of LPS administration during the neonatal period and its consequences during immune system maturation remain to be elucidated. We showed here that a single intraperitoneal administration of LPS in rats on postnatal day (PND) 7 caused early and variable alterations in TNF-α, S100B and GFAP levels in the cerebral cortex, CSF and serum of the animals, indicating long-term induction of neuroinflammation and astroglial reactivity. However, on PND 21, only GFAP levels were increased by LPS. Additionally, LPS induced oxidative stress and altered energy metabolism enzymes in the cerebral cortex on PND 21, and caused neurodevelopment impairment over time. These data suggest that neuroinflammation induction during the neonatal period induces glial reactivity, oxidative stress and bioenergetic disruption that may lead to neurodevelopment impairment and cognitive deficit in adult life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denise Bertin Rojas
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Adriana Fernanda K Vizuete
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratory of Calcium-Binding Proteins in the CNS, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Vivian Strassburger de Andrade
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | | | - Tanise Gemelli
- Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos, São Leopoldo, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Tomas Duk Hwa Kim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alberto Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Laboratory of Calcium-Binding Proteins in the CNS, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Clovis Milton Duval Wannmacher
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
- Departmento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
da Silva TG, Ribeiro RS, Mencalha AL, de Souza Fonseca A. Photobiomodulation at molecular, cellular, and systemic levels. Lasers Med Sci 2023; 38:136. [PMID: 37310556 DOI: 10.1007/s10103-023-03801-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Since the reporting of Endre Mester's results, researchers have investigated the biological effects induced by non-ionizing radiation emitted from low-power lasers. Recently, owing to the use of light-emitting diodes (LEDs), the term photobiomodulation (PBM) has been used. However, the molecular, cellular, and systemic effects involved in PBM are still under investigation, and a better understanding of these effects could improve clinical safety and efficacy. Our aim was to review the molecular, cellular, and systemic effects involved in PBM to elucidate the levels of biological complexity. PBM occurs as a consequence of photon-photoacceptor interactions, which lead to the production of trigger molecules capable of inducing signaling, effector molecules, and transcription factors, which feature it at the molecular level. These molecules and factors are responsible for cellular effects, such as cell proliferation, migration, differentiation, and apoptosis, which feature PBM at the cellular level. Finally, molecular and cellular effects are responsible for systemic effects, such as modulation of the inflammatory process, promotion of tissue repair and wound healing, reduction of edema and pain, and improvement of muscle performance, which features PBM at the systemic level.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thayssa Gomes da Silva
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Boulevard 28 de Setembro, 87, Rio de Janeiro, 20551030, Brazil.
| | - Rickson Souza Ribeiro
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Boulevard 28 de Setembro, 87, Rio de Janeiro, 20551030, Brazil
| | - Andre Luiz Mencalha
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Boulevard 28 de Setembro, 87, Rio de Janeiro, 20551030, Brazil
| | - Adenilson de Souza Fonseca
- Departamento de Biofísica e Biometria, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcantara Gomes, Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Vila Isabel, Boulevard 28 de Setembro, 87, Rio de Janeiro, 20551030, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Fisiológicas, Instituto Biomédico, Universidade Federal do Estado do Rio de Janeiro, Rua Frei Caneca, 94, Rio de Janeiro, 20211040, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li GZ, Hu YH, Lu YN, Yang QY, Fu D, Chen F, Li YM. CaMKII and Ca V3.2 T-type calcium channel mediate Connexin-43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:679-702. [PMID: 34286406 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vincristine (VCR), an alkaloid isolated from vinca, is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. However, VCR therapy can lead to dose-dependent peripheral neurotoxicity, mainly manifesting as neuropathic pain, which is one of the dominant reasons for limiting its utility. Experimentally, we discovered that VCR-induced neuropathic pain (VINP) was accompanied by astrocyte activation; the upregulation of phospho-CaMKII (p-CaMKII), CaV3.2, and Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression; and the production and release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spinal cord. Similar situations were also observed in astrocyte cultures. Interestingly, these alterations were all reversed by intrathecal injection of KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) or L-Ascorbic acid (a CaV3.2 inhibitor). In addition, KN-93 and L-Ascorbic acid inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i associated with astrocyte activation. We also verified that knocking down or inhibiting Cx43 level via intrathecal injection of Cx43 siRNA or Gap27 (a Cx43 mimetic peptide) relieved pain hypersensitivity and reduced the release of inflammatory factors; however, they did not affect astrocyte activation or p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expression. Besides, the overexpression of Cx43 through the transfection of the Cx43 plasmid did not affect p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expressions in vitro. Therefore, CaMKII and CaV3.2 may activate astrocytes by increasing [Ca2+]i, thereby mediating Cx43-dependent inflammation in VINP. Moreover, we demonstrated that the CaMKII signalling pathway was involved in VCR-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage. Collectively, our findings show a novel mechanism by which CaMKII and CaV3.2 mediate Cx43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in neuropathic pain induced by VCR.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Zhou Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ya-Hui Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Yi-Ni Lu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing-Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Di Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yun-Man Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Sola E, Moyano P, Flores A, García JM, García J, Anadon MJ, Frejo MT, Pelayo A, de la Cabeza Fernandez M, Del Pino J. Cadmium-promoted thyroid hormones disruption mediates ROS, inflammation, Aβ and Tau proteins production, gliosis, spongiosis and neurodegeneration in rat basal forebrain. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 375:110428. [PMID: 36868496 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) produces cognition decline following single and repeated treatment, although the complete mechanisms are still unrevealed. Basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons innervate the cortex and hippocampus, regulating cognition. Cd single and repeated exposure induced BF cholinergic neuronal loss, partly through thyroid hormones (THs) disruption, which may cause the cognition decline observed following Cd exposure. However, the mechanisms through which THs disruption mediate this effect remain unknown. To research the possible mechanisms through which Cd-induced THs deficiency may mediate BF neurodegeneration, Wistar male rats were treated with Cd for 1- (1 mg/kg) or 28-days (0.1 mg/kg) with or without triiodothyronine (T3, 40 μg/kg/day). Cd exposure promoted neurodegeneration, spongiosis, gliosis and several mechanisms related to these alterations (increased H202, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, BACE1, Aβ and phosphorylated-Tau levels, and decreased phosphorylated-AKT and phosphorylated-GSK-3β levels). T3 supplementation partially reversed the effects observed. Our results show that Cd induces several mechanisms that may be responsible for the neurodegeneration, spongiosis and gliosis observed in the rats' BF, which are partially mediated by a reduction in THs levels. These data may help to explain the mechanisms through which Cd induces BF neurodegeneration, possibly leading to the cognitive decline observed, providing new therapeutic tools to prevent and treat these damages.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sola
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Moyano
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Andrea Flores
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - José Manuel García
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jimena García
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - María José Anadon
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Teresa Frejo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain
| | - Adela Pelayo
- Department of Legal Medicine, Psychiatry and Pathology, Medicine School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Maria de la Cabeza Fernandez
- Department of Chemistry in Pharmaceutical Sciences, Pharmacy School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Del Pino
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Veterinary School, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Haider AA, Rex TS, Wareham LK. cGMP Signaling in the Neurovascular Unit—Implications for Retinal Ganglion Cell Survival in Glaucoma. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12111671. [PMID: 36421684 PMCID: PMC9687235 DOI: 10.3390/biom12111671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive age-related disease of the visual system and the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. Currently, intraocular pressure (IOP) is the only modifiable risk factor for the disease, but even as IOP is lowered, the pathology of the disease often progresses. Hence, effective clinical targets for the treatment of glaucoma remain elusive. Glaucoma shares comorbidities with a multitude of vascular diseases, and evidence in humans and animal models demonstrates an association between vascular dysfunction of the retina and glaucoma pathology. Integral to the survival of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is functional neurovascular coupling (NVC), providing RGCs with metabolic support in response to neuronal activity. NVC is mediated by cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU), which include vascular cells, glial cells, and neurons. Nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO-cGMP) signaling is a prime mediator of NVC between endothelial cells and neurons, but emerging evidence suggests that cGMP signaling is also important in the physiology of other cells of the NVU. NO-cGMP signaling has been implicated in glaucomatous neurodegeneration in humans and mice. In this review, we explore the role of cGMP signaling in the different cell types of the NVU and investigate the potential links between cGMP signaling, breakdown of neurovascular function, and glaucoma pathology.
Collapse
|
9
|
Brenner M, Messing A. Regulation of GFAP Expression. ASN Neuro 2021; 13:1759091420981206. [PMID: 33601918 PMCID: PMC7897836 DOI: 10.1177/1759091420981206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of the GFAP gene has attracted considerable attention because its onset is a marker for astrocyte development, its upregulation is a marker for reactive gliosis, and its predominance in astrocytes provides a tool for their genetic manipulation. The literature on GFAP regulation is voluminous, as almost any perturbation of development or homeostasis in the CNS will lead to changes in its expression. In this review, we limit our discussion to mechanisms proposed to regulate GFAP synthesis through a direct interaction with its gene or mRNA. Strengths and weaknesses of the supportive experimental findings are described, and suggestions made for additional studies. This review covers 15 transcription factors, DNA and histone methylation, and microRNAs. The complexity involved in regulating the expression of this intermediate filament protein suggests that GFAP function may vary among both astrocyte subtypes and other GFAP-expressing cells, as well as during development and in response to perturbations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brenner
- Department of Neurobiology, University of Alabama-Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Albee Messing
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| |
Collapse
|