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Gharighnia S, Omidi A, Ragerdi Kashani I, Sepand MR, Pour Beiranvand S. Ameliorative effects of acetyl-L-carnitine on corpus callosum and functional recovery in demyelinated mouse model. Int J Neurosci 2024; 134:409-419. [PMID: 35912879 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2022.2107515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
AIM Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system. Oxidative stress via distinct pathobiological pathways plays a pivotal role in the formation and persistence of MS lesions. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) facilitates the uptake of acetyl coenzyme-A into the mitochondria by a fatty acid oxidation process. ALC could be a therapeutic antioxidant in the myelin repair process. This study explored the potential neuroprotective effects of ALC in cuprizone (CPZ) intoxicated mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups. The control animals received a normal diet. The CPZ and CPZ + ALC groups were fed with a 0.2% cuprizone diet for 12 weeks. In the CPZ + ALC group, animals received ALC (300 mg/kg/day) from the 10th -12th weeks. Animals were evaluated functionally by beam walking test (BWT) weekly. Eventually, the corpus callosum (CC) was extracted for histological, biochemical, and molecular studies. RESULTS BWT data showed ALC significantly improves balance and gait in the demyelinating mouse model. Histological staining represented ALC effectively increased remyelination in the CC. Biochemical evaluations demonstrated ALC decreased the malondialdehyde level with a parallel increase in the reduced glutathione and catalase activity levels in the CC. Molecular analysis revealed that ALC significantly increased the expression of oligodendrocyte transcription-2 (Olig-2) and Poly lipoproteins (Plp) genes in the CC. CONCLUSIONS ALC improved balance and motor coordination in the demyelinated mouse model. It may be by reducing the levels of free radicals and increasing the expression of Olig-2 and Plp as myelin-related genes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaz Gharighnia
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Omidi
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Iraj Ragerdi Kashani
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Sepand
- Toxicology and Poisoning Research Centre, Department of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Pour Beiranvand
- Department of Anatomical Sciences, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
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Safwat SM, Aboonq MS, El Tohamy M, Mojaddidi M, Al-Qahtani SAM, Zakari MO, ElGendy AA, Hussein AM. New Insight into the Possible Roles of L-Carnitine in a Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2023; 14:23. [PMID: 38248238 PMCID: PMC10813446 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14010023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 12/10/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE We investigated the effect of L-carnitine (LC) on cuprizone (Cup) demyelinating rat model and its possible underlying mechanisms. METHODS Thirty male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly allocated to three groups: the normal control group; the Cup group, in which Cup was administrated at a dose of 450 mg/kg per day orally via gastric gavage for 5 weeks; and the Cup + LC group, which received the same dose of Cup as the Cup group, except that the rats were treated additionally with LC 100 mg/kg/day orally for 5 weeks. The nerve conduction (NCV) in isolated sciatic nerves was measured; then, the sciatic nerves were isolated for H&E staining and electron microscope examination. The expression of myelin basic protein (MBP), IL-1β, p53, iNOS, and NF-KB by immunohistochemistry was detected in the isolated nerves. A PCR assay was also performed to detect the expression of antioxidant genes Nrf2 and HO-1. In addition, the level of IL-17 was measured by ELISA. RESULTS There was a significant reduction in NCV in the Cup group compared to normal rats (p < 0.001), which was significantly improved in the LC group (p < 0.001). EM and histopathological examination revealed significant demyelination and deterioration of the sciatic nerve fibers, with significant improvement in the LC group. The level of IL-17 as well as the expression of IL-1β, p53, iNOS, and NF-KB were significantly increased, with significant reduction expression of MBP in the sciatic nerves (p < 0.01), and LC treatment significantly improved the studied parameters (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION The current study demonstrates a neuroprotective effect of LC in a Cup-induced demyelinating rat model. This effect might be due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sally M. Safwat
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; (S.M.S.); (M.E.T.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Moutasem Salih Aboonq
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, KSA, Medina 42353, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (M.M.); (S.A.M.A.-Q.); (M.O.Z.)
| | - Mahmoud El Tohamy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; (S.M.S.); (M.E.T.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Moaz Mojaddidi
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, KSA, Medina 42353, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (M.M.); (S.A.M.A.-Q.); (M.O.Z.)
| | - Saeed Awad M. Al-Qahtani
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, KSA, Medina 42353, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (M.M.); (S.A.M.A.-Q.); (M.O.Z.)
| | - Madaniah Omar Zakari
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, KSA, Medina 42353, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (M.M.); (S.A.M.A.-Q.); (M.O.Z.)
| | - Ahmed A. ElGendy
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; (S.M.S.); (M.E.T.); (A.A.E.)
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Taibah University, KSA, Medina 42353, Saudi Arabia; (M.S.A.); (M.M.); (S.A.M.A.-Q.); (M.O.Z.)
| | - Abdelaziz M. Hussein
- Department of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt; (S.M.S.); (M.E.T.); (A.A.E.)
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Conte C, Baldi E, Bucherelli C, di Vito R, Petri D, Traina G. Modulation of synapse-related gene expression in the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex of rats subjected to the contextual fear conditioning paradigm. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2023:107776. [PMID: 37236300 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2023.107776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
The contextual fear conditioning (CFC) paradigm is the most productive approach for understanding the neurobiology of learning and memory as it allows to follow the evolution of memory traces of a conditioned stimulus and a specific context. The formation of long-term memory involves alterations in synaptic efficacy and neural transmission. It is known that the prefrontal cortex (PFC) exerts top-down control over subcortical structures to regulate behavioural responses. Moreover, cerebellar structures are involved in storing conditioned responses. The purpose of this research was to determine if the response to conditioning and stressful challenge is associated with alterations in synapse-related genes mRNA levels in the PFC, cerebellar vermis (V), and hemispheres (H) of young adult male rats. Four groups of Wistar rats were examined: naïve, CFC, shock only (SO), and exploration (EXPL). The behavioural response was evaluated by measuring the total freezing duration. Real-Time PCR was employed to quantify mRNA levels of some genes involved in synaptic plasticity. The results obtained from this study showed alterations in gene expression in different synapse-related genes after exposure to stressful stimuli and positioning to new environment. In conclusion, conditioning behavioural stimuli change the expression profile of molecules involved in neural transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmela Conte
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via Romana, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Baldi
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 63, 50134, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Corrado Bucherelli
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Clinica, Università di Firenze, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 63, 50134, Firenze, Italy.
| | - Raffaella di Vito
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via Romana, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Davide Petri
- Dipartimento di Ricerca Traslazionale e delle Nuove Tecnologie in Medicina e Chirurgia, via San Zeno 37, 56123 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Giovanna Traina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Via Romana, 06126, Perugia, Italy.
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Bajaj S, Gupta S. Nutraceuticals: A Promising Approach Towards Diabetic Neuropathy. Endocr Metab Immune Disord Drug Targets 2023; 23:581-595. [PMID: 36263482 DOI: 10.2174/1871530323666221018090024] [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: 02/05/2022] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Various nutraceuticals from different sources have various beneficial actions and have been reported for many years. The important findings from the research conducted using various nutraceuticals exhibiting significant physiological and pharmacological activities have been summarized. METHODS An extensive investigation of literature was done using several worldwide electronic scientific databases like PUBMED, SCOPUS, Science Direct, Google Scholar, etc. The entire manuscript is available in the English language that is used for our various compounds of interest. These databases were thoroughly reviewed and summarized. RESULTS Nutraceuticals obtained from various sources play a vital role in the management of peripheral neuropathy associated with diabetes. Treatment with nutraceuticals has been beneficial as an alternative in preventing the progression. In particular, in vitro and in vivo studies have revealed that a variety of nutraceuticals have significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that may inhibit the early diabetes-driven molecular mechanisms that induce DPN. CONCLUSION Nutraceuticals obtained from different sources like a plant, an animal, and marine have been properly utilized for the safety of health. In our opinion, this review could be of great interest to clinicians, as it offers a complementary perspective on the management of DPN. Trials with a well-defined patient and symptom selection have shown robust pharmacological design as pivotal points to let these promising compounds become better accepted by the medical community.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sakshi Bajaj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana-133207, India
| | - Sumeet Gupta
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, M.M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana, Ambala, Haryana-133207, India
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Vantaggiato L, Shaba E, Carleo A, Bezzini D, Pannuzzo G, Luddi A, Piomboni P, Bini L, Bianchi L. Neurodegenerative Disorder Risk in Krabbe Disease Carriers. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232113537. [PMID: 36362324 PMCID: PMC9654610 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113537] [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: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 10/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Krabbe disease (KD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder caused by mutations in the galactocerebrosidase gene (GALC). Defective GALC causes aberrant metabolism of galactolipids present almost exclusively in myelin, with consequent demyelinization and neurodegeneration of the central and peripheral nervous system (NS). KD shares some similar features with other neuropathies and heterozygous carriers of GALC mutations are emerging with an increased risk in developing NS disorders. In this work, we set out to identify possible variations in the proteomic profile of KD-carrier brain to identify altered pathways that may imbalance its homeostasis and that may be associated with neurological disorders. The differential analysis performed on whole brains from 33-day-old twitcher (galc −/−), heterozygous (galc +/−), and wild-type mice highlighted the dysregulation of several multifunctional factors in both heterozygous and twitcher mice. Notably, the KD-carrier mouse, despite its normal phenotype, presents the deregulation of vimentin, receptor of activated protein C kinase 1 (RACK1), myelin basic protein (MBP), 2′,3′-cyclic-nucleotide 3′-phosphodiesterase (CNP), transitional endoplasmic reticulum ATPase (VCP), and N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 protein (NDRG1) as well as changes in the ubiquitinated-protein pattern. Our findings suggest the carrier may be affected by dysfunctions classically associated with neurodegeneration: (i) alteration of (mechano) signaling and intracellular trafficking, (ii) a generalized affection of proteostasis and lipid metabolism, with possible defects in myelin composition and turnover, and (iii) mitochondrion and energy supply dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenza Vantaggiato
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Enxhi Shaba
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Alfonso Carleo
- Department of Pulmonology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Straße 1, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Daiana Bezzini
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Giovanna Pannuzzo
- Department of Biochemical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Physiology, University of Catania, 95121 Catania, Italy
| | - Alice Luddi
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Paola Piomboni
- Department of Molecular and Developmental Medicine, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Luca Bini
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0577-234938
| | - Laura Bianchi
- Functional Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Statsenko ME, Turkina SV. [Antiastenic effect of sequential levocarnitine and acetylcarnitine therapy in patients with cardiovascular diseases]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2022; 122:95-100. [PMID: 36537638 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202212212195] [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] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Evaluation of the antiasthenic effect of sequential therapy with levocarnitine (LC) and acetylcarnitine (ALC) in patients with arterial hypertension and/or ischemic heart disease (CHD) with asthenic syndrome (AS). MATERIAL AND METHODS An open comparative study included 120 patients aged 54-67 years in patients with arterial hypertension and/or coronary artery disease with AS. Patients of group1 (n=60), in addition to basic therapy for the underlying disease, received LC (Elcar solution for intravenous and intramuscular injection of 100 mg/ml, the company PIQ-PHARMA) intravenously for 10 days at a dose of 1000 mg/day, followed by a transition to oral administration of ALC (Carnicetine, the company PIQ-PHARMA) 500 mg (2 capsules) 2 times a day for 2 months. Group2 patients (n=60) received only basic therapy for major diseases. The duration of observation was 70 days. The severity of AS was assessed using the MFI-20 questionnaire (MultidiMensional Fatigue Inventory) and the visual analog scale VAS-A (Visual Analog Scale Measuring fatigue). RESULTS In patients of group1, a statistically significant decrease in various manifestations of AS was noted. The differences were significant both in comparison with the baseline level and in comparison with the 2nd group. The endothelium-protective effect of LC and ALC has been established. CONCLUSION The results obtained indicate that in such comorbid patients, the use of LC and ALC reduces the severity of AS manifestations, and the established endotheliotropic properties of the drugs allow them to be recommended as part of the complex personalized therapy of patients with cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- M E Statsenko
- Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russia
| | - S V Turkina
- Volgograd State Medical University, Volgograd, Russia
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Application of Q-TOF-MS based metabonomics techniques to analyze the plasma metabolic profile changes on rats following death due to acute intoxication of phorate. Int J Legal Med 2021; 135:1437-1447. [PMID: 33987742 DOI: 10.1007/s00414-021-02532-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Organophosphorus pesticides (OPS) are widely used in the world, and many poisoning cases were caused by them. Phorate intoxication is especially common in China. However, there are currently few methods for discriminating phorate poisoning death from phorate exposure after death and interpretation of false-positive results due to the lack of effective biomarkers. In this study, we investigated the metabonomics of rat plasma at different dose levels of acute phorate intoxication using ultra-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) analysis. A total of 11 endogenous metabolites were significantly changed in the groups exposed to phorate at LD50 level and three times of LD50 (3LD50) level compared with the control group, which could be potential biomarkers of acute phorate intoxication. Plasma metabonomics analysis showed that diethylthiophosphate (DETP) could be a useful biomarker of acute phorate intoxication. The levels of uric acid, acylcarnitine, succinate, gluconic acid, and phosphatidylcholine (PC) (36:2) were increased, while pyruvate level was decreased in all groups exposed to phorate. The levels of ceramides (Cer) (d 18:0/16:0), palmitic acid, and lysophosphatidylcholine (lysoPC) (18:1) were only changed after 3LD50 dosage. The results of this study indicate that the dose-dependent relationship exists between metabolomic profile change and toxicities associated with apoptosis, fatty acid metabolism disorder, energy metabolism disorder especially tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle, as well as liver, kidney, and nervous system functions after acute exposure of phorate. This study shows that metabonomics is a useful tool in identifying biomarkers for the forensic toxicology study of phorate poisoning.
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Didangelos T, Karlafti E, Kotzakioulafi E, Kontoninas Z, Margaritidis C, Giannoulaki P, Kantartzis K. Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Superoxide Dismutase, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Vitamin B12, and Carnitine for 12 Months in Patients with Diabetic Neuropathy. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12113254. [PMID: 33114210 PMCID: PMC7690794 DOI: 10.3390/nu12113254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 10/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aim: To investigate the efficacy of Superoxide Dismutase, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Acetyl L-Carnitine, and Vitamin B12 (B12) in one tablet in Diabetic Neuropathy (DN). Patients–methods: In this prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 85 patients with Diabetes Mellitus Type 2 (DMT2) were randomly assigned, either to receive the combination of four elements (active group, n = 43), or placebo (n = 42) for 12 months. We used the Michigan Neuropathy Screening Instrument Questionnaire and Examination (MNSIQ and MNSIE), measured the vibration perception threshold (BIO), and Cardiovascular Autonomic Reflex Tests (CARTs). Nerve function was assessed by DPN Check [sural nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) and amplitude (SNAP)]. Pain (PS) and quality of life (QL) questionnaires were administered. Results: At follow-up, BIO, MNSIQ, QL, PAIN, and SNCV, SNAP, and B12 levels had significantly improved inactive group (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.027, p = 0.031, and p < 0.001 respectively), whereas the inplacebo group MCR (mean circular resultant) and PAIN deteriorated (p < 0.001, p < 0.001). The changes in MNSIQ, QL, SNCV, BIO, and PAIN differed significantly between groups (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.031, p < 0.001, and p < 0.001 respectively). Conclusions: The combination of the four elements in one tablet for 12 months in patients with DMT2 improved all indices of peripheral neuropathy, including SNAP and SNCV, pain, and Quality of Life perception, except CARTs and MNSIE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Triantafyllos Didangelos
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (Z.K.); (C.M.)
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +30-6944863803
| | - Eleni Karlafti
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (Z.K.); (C.M.)
| | - Evangelia Kotzakioulafi
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (Z.K.); (C.M.)
| | - Zisis Kontoninas
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (Z.K.); (C.M.)
| | - Charalampos Margaritidis
- Diabetes Center, 1st Propaedeutic Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece; (E.K.); (E.K.); (Z.K.); (C.M.)
| | - Parthena Giannoulaki
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, University General Hospital of Thessaloniki AHEPA, 54636 Thessaloniki, Greece;
| | - Konstantinos Kantartzis
- Department of Internal Medicine IV, Division of Endocrinology, Diabetology and Nephrology, University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany;
- Institute for Diabetes Research and Metabolic Diseases (IDM) of the Helmholtz Centre Munich at the University of Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), 72076 Tübingen, Germany
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Sergi G, Pizzato S, Piovesan F, Trevisan C, Veronese N, Manzato E. Effects of acetyl-L-carnitine in diabetic neuropathy and other geriatric disorders. Aging Clin Exp Res 2018; 30:133-138. [PMID: 28534301 DOI: 10.1007/s40520-017-0770-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2017] [Accepted: 05/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
A long history of diabetes mellitus and increasing age are associated with the onset of diabetic neuropathy, a painful and highly disabling complication with a prevalence peaking at 50% among elderly diabetic patients. Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a molecule derived from the acetylation of carnitine in the mitochondria that has an essential role in energy production. It has recently been proposed as a therapy to improve the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy. ALC is widely distributed in mammalian tissues, including the brain, blood-brain barrier, brain neurons, and astrocytes. Aside from its metabolic activity, ALC has demonstrated cytoprotective, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic effects in the nervous system. It exerts an analgesic action by reducing the concentration of glutamate in the synapses. It facilitates nerve regeneration and damage repair after primary trauma: its positive effects on metabolism promote the synthesis, fluidity, and functionality of neuronal membranes, increase protein synthesis, and improve the axonal transport of neurofilament proteins and tubulin. It also amplifies nerve growth factor responsiveness, an effect that is believed to enhance overall neurite growth. ALC has been proposed for the treatment of various neurological and psychiatric diseases, such as mood disorders and depression, dementias, Alzheimer's disease, and Parkinson's disease, because synaptic energy states and mitochondrial dysfunction are core factors in their pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Sergi
- Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - S Pizzato
- Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy.
| | - F Piovesan
- Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - C Trevisan
- Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - N Veronese
- Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - E Manzato
- Department of Medicine - DIMED, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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10
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Tomassoni D, Di Cesare Mannelli L, Bramanti V, Ghelardini C, Amenta F, Pacini A. Treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine exerts a neuroprotective effect in the sciatic nerve following loose ligation: a functional and microanatomical study. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:692-698. [PMID: 29722322 PMCID: PMC5950680 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.230297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Peripheral neuropathies are chronic painful syndromes characterized by allodynia, hyperalgesia and altered nerve functionality. Nerve tissue degeneration represents the microanatomical correlate of peripheral neuropathies. Aimed to improve the therapeutic possibilities, this study investigated the hypersensitivity and the neuromorphological alterations related to the loose ligation of the sciatic nerve in rats. Effects elicited by treatment with acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) in comparison to gabapentin were assessed. Axonal injury, reduction of myelin deposition and accumulation of inflammatory cells were detected in damaged nerve. A decrease of phosphorylated 200-kDa neurofilament (NFP) immunoreactivity and a redistribution in small clusters of myelin basic like-protein (MBP) were observed in ipsilateral nerves. Treatment with ALCAR (100 mg/kg intraperitoneally - i.p.) and gabapentin (70 mg/kg i.p.) administered bis in die for 14 days induced a significant pain relieving effect. ALCAR, but not gabapentin, significantly countered neuromorphological changes and increased axonal NFP immunoreactivity. These findings indicate that both ALCAR and gabapentin significantly decreased the hypersensitivity related to neuropathic lesions. The observation of the positive ALCAR effect on axonal and myelin sheath alterations in damaged nerve supports its use as neurorestorative agent against neuropathies through mechanism(s) consistent to those focused in this study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Tomassoni
- School of Bioscience and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, Via Gentile III da Varano, Camerino, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - Neurofarba - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Firenze, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bramanti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 87, Catania, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - Neurofarba - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Amenta
- Section of Human Anatomy, School of Medicinal and Health Products Sciences, University of Camerino, Via Madonna delle Carceri 9, Camerino, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pacini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - DMSC - Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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Albi E, Cataldi S, Ferri I, Sidoni A, Traina G, Fettucciari K, Ambesi-Impiombato FS, Lazzarini A, Curcio F, Ceccarini MR, Beccari T, Codini M. VDR independent induction of acid-sphingomyelinase by 1,23(OH) 2 D 3 in gastric cancer cells: Impact on apoptosis and cell morphology. Biochimie 2017; 146:35-42. [PMID: 29158006 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
1 alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,23(OH)2 D3) is known to play a dual role in cancer, by promoting or inhibiting carcinogenesis via 1,23(OH)2 D3 receptor (VDR) and phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN). Fok I polymorphism of VDR may indirectly influence the receptor levels through autoregulation. The involvement of neutral sphingomyelinase in the non-classic VDR-mediated genomic pathway response to 1,23(OH)2 D3 treatment has been reported. Until now no information were reported about Fok I polymorphism of VDR in NCI-N87 human gastric cancer cells and the relation between acid sphingomyelinase and 1,23(OH)2 D3. Herein, we showed that NCI-N87 human gastric cancer cells are homozygous for the Fok I 'C' allele; resulting in a three amino acid-truncated protein form of the VDR. Surprisingly 1,23(OH)2 D3 treatments strongly down-regulated the expression of VDR whereas acid sphingomyelinase and PTEN expression were upregulated. No changes of neutral sphingomyelinase expression were observed after 1,23(OH)2 D3 treatment, whereas acid sphingomyelinase activity increased. Furthermore 1,23(OH)2 D3 induced over-expression of caspase 8, CDKN2B, MAP3K5, cytochrome C apoptotic genes. Morphological analysis highlighted some very large round or oval cells and small cells with angular or fusiform extensions, confirmed by MIB-1 immunodetection and Hercep test. Taken together our results indicated that the action of 1,23(OH)2 D3 in gastric cancer cells was independent on 1,23(OH)2 D3 receptor and suggested the acid sphingomyelinase as a possible target to induce molecular events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Albi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Samuela Cataldi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Ivana Ferri
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy and Histology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Angelo Sidoni
- Institute of Pathologic Anatomy and Histology, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Giovanna Traina
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | | | | | - Andrea Lazzarini
- Laboratory of Nuclear Lipid BioPathology, CRABiON, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Curcio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Udine, Italy
| | | | - Tommaso Beccari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Italy
| | - Michela Codini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science, University of Perugia, Italy.
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Veronese N, Sergi G, Stubbs B, Bourdel-Marchasson I, Tessier D, Sieber C, Strandberg T, Gillain S, Barbagallo M, Crepaldi G, Maggi S, Manzato E. Effect of acetyl-l-carnitine in the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Eur Geriatr Med 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.eurger.2017.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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13
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Traina G, Scuri R. Transcription and protein synthesis inhibitors influence long-term effects of acetyl-l-carnitine on non-associative learning in the leech. Neurochem Int 2015; 80:72-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2014.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2014] [Revised: 11/13/2014] [Accepted: 11/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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14
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Traina G, Ristori C, Brunelli M, Scuri R. Acetyl-l-carnitine prevents serotonin-induced behavioural sensitization and dishabituation in Hirudo medicinalis. Behav Brain Res 2013; 253:323-8. [PMID: 23906768 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2013] [Revised: 07/15/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Several studies suggest that acetyl-l-carnitine (ALC) might influence learning processes. Along this line of investigation, we have previously shown that ALC impaired sensitization and dishabituation induced by nociceptive stimulation of the dorsal skin of the leech Hirudo medicinalis, in the behavioural paradigm of the swim induction (SI). In previous works we showed that 5HT was involved in both sensitization and dishabituation of SI acting through the second messenger cAMP. In this work, we have reported that for given doses and temporal ranges ALC was able to block sensitization and to impair dishabituation mimicked by the injection of 5-HT or 8Br-cAMP, a membrane permeable analogue of cAMP. Our results show that a single treatment with 2mM ALC was the most effective concentration to block the onset of sensitization induced by 5-HT injection and its major effects occurred 11 days after ALC treatment. 2mM ALC also blocked sensitization induced by 8Br-cAMP injection, whereas, ALC did not completely abolish dishabituation induced by 5-HT or 8Br-cAMP injection at the tested concentrations and at every time point.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Traina
- Dipartimento di Scienze Economico-Estimative e degli Alimenti, Sezione di Chimica Bromatologica, Biochimica, Fisiologia e Nutrizione, Università degli Studi di Perugia, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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15
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Differentially expressed genes in Hirudo medicinalis ganglia after acetyl-L-carnitine treatment. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53605. [PMID: 23308261 PMCID: PMC3537667 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/30/2012] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALC) is a naturally occurring substance that, when administered at supra-physiological concentration, is neuroprotective. It is involved in membrane stabilization and in enhancement of mitochondrial functions. It is a molecule of considerable interest for its clinical application in various neural disorders, including Alzheimer's disease and painful neuropathies. ALC is known to improve the cognitive capability of aged animals chronically treated with the drug and, recently, it has been reported that it impairs forms of non-associative learning in the leech. In the present study the effects of ALC on gene expression have been analyzed in the leech Hirudo medicinalis. The suppression subtractive hybridisation methodology was used for the generation of subtracted cDNA libraries and the subsequent identification of differentially expressed transcripts in the leech nervous system after ALC treatment. The method detects differentially but also little expressed transcripts of genes whose sequence or identity is still unknown. We report that a single administration of ALC is able to modulate positively the expression of genes coding for functions that reveal a lasting effect of ALC on the invertebrate, and confirm the neuroprotective and neuromodulative role of the substance. In addition an important finding is the modulation of genes of vegetal origin. This might be considered an instance of ectosymbiotic mutualism.
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Traina G, Bigini P, Federighi G, Sitia L, Paroni G, Fiordaliso F, Salio M, Bendotti C, Brunelli M. Lipofuscin accumulation and gene expression in different tissues of mnd mice. Mol Neurobiol 2012; 45:247-57. [PMID: 22399241 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8248-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 02/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCLs) are a group of lysosomal storage diseases characterized by neurological impairment and blindness. NCLs are almost always due to single mutations in different genes (CLN1-CLN8). Ubiquitous accumulation of undigested material and of a hydrophobic inner mitochondrial membrane protein, the subunit c of mitochondrial ATP synthase, has been described. Although protein mutation(s) in the endoplasmic reticulum-lysosomes axis can modify the trafficking and the recycling of different molecules, one of the upstream targets in these diseases may be represented by the balance of gene expression. To understand if and how neurons modify the levels of important genes during the first phases of the disease, it is important to characterize the mechanisms of neurodegeneration. Due to the impossibility of performing this analysis in humans, alternative models of investigation are required. In this study, a mouse model of human NCL8, the mnd mouse has been employed. The mnd mice recapitulate many clinical and histopathological features described in NCL8 patients. In this study, we found an altered expression of different genes in both central and peripheral organs associated with lipopigment accumulation. This is a preliminary approach, which could also be of interest in providing new diagnostic tools for NCLs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Traina
- Department of Economics and Food Sciences, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo, 06126 Perugia, Italy.
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Calabrese V, Cornelius C, Cuzzocrea S, Iavicoli I, Rizzarelli E, Calabrese EJ. Hormesis, cellular stress response and vitagenes as critical determinants in aging and longevity. Mol Aspects Med 2011; 32:279-304. [PMID: 22020114 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2011.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 163] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2011] [Accepted: 10/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Understanding mechanisms of aging and determinants of life span will help to reduce age-related morbidity and facilitate healthy aging. Average lifespan has increased over the last centuries, as a consequence of medical and environmental factors, but maximal life span remains unchanged. Extension of maximal life span is currently possible in animal models with measures such as genetic manipulations and caloric restriction (CR). CR appears to prolong life by reducing reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage. But ROS formation, which is positively implicated in cellular stress response mechanisms, is a highly regulated process controlled by a complex network of intracellular signaling pathways. By sensing the intracellular nutrient and energy status, the functional state of mitochondria, and the concentration of ROS produced in mitochondria, the longevity network regulates life span across species by co-ordinating information flow along its convergent, divergent and multiply branched signaling pathways, including vitagenes which are genes involved in preserving cellular homeostasis during stressful conditions. Vitagenes encode for heat shock proteins (Hsp) Hsp32, Hsp70, the thioredoxin and the sirtuin protein systems. Dietary antioxidants, such as carnosine, carnitines or polyphenols, have recently been demonstrated to be neuroprotective through the activation of hormetic pathways, including vitagenes. The hormetic dose-response, challenges long-standing beliefs about the nature of the dose-response in a lowdose zone, having the potential to affect significantly the design of pre-clinical studies and clinical trials as well as strategies for optimal patient dosing in the treatment of numerous diseases. Given the broad cytoprotective properties of the heat shock response there is now strong interest in discovering and developing pharmacological agents capable of inducing stress responses. In this review we discuss the most current and up to date understanding of the possible signaling mechanisms by which caloric restriction, as well hormetic caloric restriction-mimetics compounds by activating vitagenes can enhance defensive systems involved in bioenergetic and stress resistance homeostasis with consequent impact on longevity processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vittorio Calabrese
- Department of Chemistry, University of Catania, Viale Andrea Doria, 95100 Catania, Italy.
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