Repurposing of Secukinumab as Neuroprotective in Cuprizone-Induced Multiple Sclerosis Experimental Model via Inhibition of Oxidative, Inflammatory, and Neurodegenerative Signaling

Neuroprotective effects of rutin against cuprizone-induced multiple sclerosis in mice

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that injures the myelin sheath, provoking progressive axonal degeneration and functional impairments. No efficient therapy is available at present to combat such insults, and hence, novel safe and effective alternatives for MS therapy are extremely required. Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid that exhibits antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects in several brain injuries. The present study evaluated the potential beneficial effects of two doses of RUT in a model of pattern-III lesion of MS, in comparison to the conventional standard drug; dimethyl fumarate (DMF). Demyelination was induced in in male adult C57BL/6 mice by dietary 0.2% (w/w) cuprizone (CPZ) feeding for 6 consecutive weeks. Treated groups received either oral RUT (50 or 100 mg/kg) or DMF (15 mg/kg), along with CPZ feeding, for 6 consecutive weeks. Mice were then tested for behavioral changes, followed by biochemical analyses and histological examinations of the corpus callosum (CC). Results revealed that CPZ caused motor dysfunction, demyelination, and glial activation in demyelinated lesions, as well as significant oxidative stress, and proinflammatory cytokine elevation. Six weeks of RUT treatment significantly improved locomotor activity and motor coordination. Moreover, RUT considerably improved remyelination in the CC of CPZ + RUT-treated mice, as revealed by luxol fast blue staining and transmission electron microscopy. Rutin also significantly attenuated CPZ-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the CC of tested animals. The effect of RUT100 was obviously more marked than either that of DMF, regarding most of the tested parameters, or even its smaller tested dose. In silico docking revealed that RUT binds tightly within NF-κB at the binding site of the protein-DNA complex, with a good negative score of -6.79 kcal/mol. Also, RUT-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) model clarifies the possible inhibition of Keap1-Nrf2 protein-protein interaction. Findings of the current study provide evidence for the protective effect of RUT in CPZ-induced demyelination and behavioral dysfunction in mice, possibly by modulating NF-κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways. The present study may be one of the first to indicate a pro-remyelinating effect for RUT, which might represent a potential additive benefit in treating MS.

New Insight into the Possible Roles of L-Carnitine in a Rat Model of Multiple Sclerosis

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.

Vanillic Acid Ameliorates Demyelination in a Cuprizone-Induced Multiple Sclerosis Rat Model: Possible Underlying Mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of vanillic acid (VA) on a Cuprizone (Cup) demyelinating rat model and the mechanisms behind such effect.

METHODS

Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, Cuprizone, and VA groups. Cuprizone was administrated at a dose of 450 mg/kg per day orally via gastric gavage for 5 weeks. The nerve conduction velocity (NCV) was studied in an isolated sciatic nerve, and then the sciatic nerve was isolated for histopathological examination, electron microscope examination, immunohistochemical staining, and biochemical and PCR assay. The level of IL17 was detected using ELISA, while the antioxidant genes Nrf2, HO-1 expression at the level of mRNA, expression of the myelin basic protein (MBP), interferon-gamma factor (INF)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and apoptotic marker (caspase-3) were measured using immunohistochemistry in the sciatic nerve.

RESULTS

There was a significant reduction in NCV in Cup compared to normal rats (p < 0.001), which was markedly improved in the VA group (p < 0.001). EM and histopathological examination revealed significant demyelination and deterioration of the sciatic nerve fibers with significant improvement in the VA group. The level of IL17 as well as the expression of INF-γ and caspase-3 were significantly increased with a significant reduction in the expression of MBP, Nrf2, and HO-1 in the sciatic nerve (p < 0.01), and VA treatment significantly improved the studied parameters (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrated a neuroprotective effect for VA against the Cup-induced demyelinating rat model. This effect might be precipitated by the inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Sunitinib displays pulmonary fibrosis in experimental rats: Role of IL-17A dependent pathway

Sunitinib (SUN) is an FDA approved first line drug for management of metastatic renal cancers and advanced cancerous states of gastrointestinal tract, however, side effects including fibrosis has been reported. Secukinumab (Secu) is an immunoglobulin G1 monoclonal antibody that exhibits anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting several cellular signaling molecules. This study aimed to examine pulmonary protective potential of Secu in SUN-induced pulmonary fibrosis mediated through inhibition of inflammation via targeting IL-17A associated signaling pathway and using pirfenidone (PFD), an antifibrotic drug approved in 2014 for treatment of pulmonary fibrosis with IL-17A as one of its targets, as a reference drug. Wistar rats (160-200 g) were divided randomly into 4 groups (n = 6); Group 1 served as normal control; Group 2 served as disease control where it was exposed to SUN (25 mg/kg; 3 times weekly orally for 28 days); Group 3 was administered SUN and Secu (3 mg/kg subcutaneous at 0,14 and 28 days) and Group 4 was administered SUN and PFD (100 mg/kg/day orally for 28 days). Pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were measured in addition to components of IL-17A signaling pathway (TGF-β, collagen, hydroxyproline). Results revealed that IL-17A-associated signaling pathway was activated in fibrotic lung tissue induced by SUN. Relative to normal control, SUN administration significantly elevated lung organ coefficient, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-17A, TGF-β, hydroxyproline and collagen expression. Secu or PFD treatment restored the altered levels to nearly normal values. Our study indicates that IL-17A participates in the development and progression of pulmonary fibrosis in a TGF-β dependent manner. Hence, components of IL-17A signaling pathway represent potential therapeutic targets for protection and treatment of fibro-proliferative lung disease.

Secukinumab attenuates neuroinflammation and neurobehavior defect via PKCβ/ERK/NF-κB pathway in a rat model of GMH

AIMS

Germinal matrix hemorrhage (GMH) is a disastrous clinical event for newborns. Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the development of neurological deficits after GMH. The purpose of this study is to investigate the anti-inflammatory role of secukinumab after GMH and its underlying mechanisms involving PKCβ/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway.

METHODS

A total of 154 Sprague-Dawley P7 rat pups were used. GMH was induced by intraparenchymal injection of bacterial collagenase. Secukinumab was administered intranasally post-GMH. PKCβ activator PMA and p-ERK activator Ceramide C6 were administered intracerebroventricularly at 24 h prior to GMH induction, respectively. Neurobehavioral tests, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to evaluate the efficacy of Secukinumab in both short-term and long-term studies.

RESULTS

Endogenous IL-17A, IL-17RA, PKCβ and p-ERK were increased after GMH. Secukinumab treatment improved short- and long-term neurological outcomes, reduced the synthesis of MPO and Iba-1 in the perihematoma area, and inhibited the synthesis of proinflammatory factors, such as NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6. Additionally, PMA and ceramide C6 abolished the beneficial effects of Secukinumab.

CONCLUSION

Secukinumab treatment suppressed neuroinflammation and attenuated neurological deficits after GMH, which was mediated through the downregulation of the PKCβ/ERK/NF-κB pathway. Secukinumab treatment may provide a promising therapeutic strategy for GMH patients.

Biologic and Small-Molecule Therapies for Moderate-to-Severe Psoriasis: Focus on Psoriasis Comorbidities

Psoriasis is a systemic immune-mediated disease associated with an increased risk of comorbidities, such as psoriatic arthritis, cardiovascular disease, metabolic syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, psychiatric disorders, and malignancy. In recent years, with the advent of biological agents, the efficacy and safety of psoriasis treatments have dramatically improved. Presently, tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors, interleukin-17 inhibitors, interleukin-12/23 inhibitors, and interleukin-23 inhibitors are approved to treat moderate-to-severe psoriasis. Small-molecule inhibitors, such as apremilast and deucravacitinib, are also approved for the treatment of psoriasis. Although it is still unclear, systemic agents used to treat psoriasis also have a significant impact on its comorbidities by altering the systemic inflammatory state. Data from clinical trials and studies on the safety and efficacy of biologics and small-molecule inhibitors provide important information for the personalized care and treatment for patients with psoriasis. Notably, treatment with interleukin-17 inhibitors is associated with new-onset or exacerbations of inflammatory bowel disease. In addition, great caution needs to be taken when using tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors in patients with psoriasis with concomitant congestive heart failure, multiple sclerosis, and malignancy. Apremilast may induce weight loss as an adverse effect, presenting also with some beneficial metabolic actions. A better understanding of the characteristics of biologics and small-molecule inhibitors in the treatment of psoriasis comorbidities can provide more definitive guidance for patients with distinct comorbidities.

Secukinumab alleviates cognitive impairment by attenuating oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis via the IL-17RA/AKT/ERK1/2 pathway in a rat model of sepsis

BACKGROUND

Septic-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a critical manifestation of sepsis that leads to long-term cognitive impairment. Interleukin (IL)-17A has been shown to mediate neuronal apoptosis in central nervous system diseases, while oxidative stress has been found to have a detrimental effect in SAE. However, the relationship between IL-17A and oxidative stress in SAE remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects of secukinumab on alleviating cognitive impairment in a rat model of sepsis, as well as examine its underlying molecular mechanism of action.

METHODS

A total of 282 male 8-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) or sham treatment followed by volume resuscitation immediately after surgery. Secukinumab was administered intranasally 1 h post-CLP. Rats were given the p-ERK activator ceramide C6 intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v) 24 h before CLP surgery. Recombinant rIL-17A was administered i.c.v. at 0 h in naive rats, followed by intraperitoneal injection of the AKT inhibitor GDC0068 1 h post-rIL-17A injection. Clinical scores, body weight, and survival rate were assessed. In addition, immunofluorescence staining, neurobehavioral tests, Nissl staining, and western blotting were performed. Cognitive function was assessed 15-20 days post-CLP using the Morris water maze test.

RESULTS

IL-17A and IL-17RA protein expression levels in the rat hippocampus increased and peaked 24 h post-CLP. Furthermore, IL-17RA was found to be expressed in neurons. The survival rate after CLP was 50%. Following CLP, an increased clinical score and significant decrease in body weight were observed. However, treatment with secukinumab led to a decrease in the clinical score of rats 24 h post-CLP. CLP resulted in spatial and memory impairment and anxiety-like behaviors in rats, while secukinumab treatment significantly alleviated cognitive impairment compared to the CLP group (p < 0.05). In addition, oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis were found to be increased in the CLP group, while secukinumab significantly reduced oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampus following CLP. Furthermore, secukinumab treatment led to a significant decrease in the protein expression levels of p-AKT, p-ERK1/2, Romo1, and Bax, together with increased Bcl-2 protein expression. Finally, treatment with ceramide C6 and GDC0068 abolished the neuroprotective effects of secukinumab post-CLP.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that secukinumab attenuated oxidative stress and neuronal apoptosis and partially ameliorated cognitive impairment via the IL-17RA/AKT/ERK1/2 pathway in a rat model of sepsis. Thus, secukinumab may be a potential therapeutic strategy for septic patients.

Neuroprotective effect of secukinumab against rotenone induced Parkinson's disease in rat model: Involvement of IL-17, HMGB-1/TLR4 axis and BDNF/TrKB cascade

Neuroinflammatory status produced via activation of toll like receptor-4 (TLR-4) and interleukin-17 receptor (IL-17R) is one of the principal mechanisms involved in dopaminergic neuronal loss in Parkinson's disease (PD). Activation of TLR-4 and IL-17R stimulates reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokines (IL-17, IL-1β, TNFα, IL-6) production that augments neurodegeneration and reduces neuro-survival axis (TrKB/Akt/CREB/BDNF). So, reducing IL-17-driven neuroinflammation via secukinumab, monoclonal antibody against IL-17A, may be one of therapeutic approach for PD. Moreover, the aim was extended to delineate the possible neuroprotective mechanism involved against neuronal loss in rotenone induced PD in rats. Rats received 11 subcutaneous injection of rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) every other day for 21 consecutive days and treated with 2 subcutaneous injections of secukinumab (15 mg/kg) on day 9 and 15, one hour after rotenone administration. Treatment with secukinumab improved motor impairment and muscle incoordination induced by rotenone, as verified by open field and rotarod tests. Moreover, secukinumab attenuated neuronal loss and improve histopathological profile. Noteworthy, secukinumab reduces neuro-inflammatory status by hindering the interaction between IL and 17A and IL-17RA together with inhibiting the activation of TLR-4 and its downstream cascade including pS536-NFκB p65, IL-1β and HMGB-1. Additionally, secukinumab stimulated neuro-survival signalling cascade via activation pY515-TrKB receptor and triggered upsurge in its downstream targets (pS473-Akt/pS133-CREB/BDNF). Furthermore, secukinumab increased striatal tyrosine hydroxylase immunoexpression, the rate limiting step in dopamine biosynthesis, to guard against dopaminergic neuronal loss. In conclusion, secukinumab exerts a neuroprotective effect against rotenone induced neuronal loss via inhibition IL17A/IL17RA interaction and HMGB-1/TLR-4/NF-κBp65/IL1β signalling cascade, together with activation of TrKB/ Akt/CREB/BDNF axis.

Neuroprotective repositioning and anti-tau effect of carvedilol on rotenone induced neurotoxicity in rats: Insights from an insilico& in vivo anti-Parkinson's disease study

Current treatments for Parkinson's Disease (PD) only provide symptomatic relief; however, they don't delay the disease progression, hence new treatment options should be considered. Carvedilol is a nonselective β & α1 blocker with additional effects as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuro protective properties. In this research, an insilico study was conducted to primarily evaluate carvedilol as an anti-parkinsonian and anti-tau protein target. PASS prediction was performed followed by a docking study of carvedilol. Carvedilol yielded promising results and forward guided this study onto its in vivo evaluation. The in vivo study aimed to assess the neuro-protective effects of carvedilol in rotenone-induced rat model of PD and investigate the potential underlying mechanisms. The effects of carvedilol (2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg) on the measured parameters of open field, catalepsy, Y-maze tests as well as brain histology, and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) were evaluated. The effective doses (5 and 10 mg/kg) were further tested for their potential anti-tau protein effects. Carvedilol (5 and 10 mg/kg) prevented rotenone-induced motor deficits, spatial memory dysfunction, and histological damage. Additionally, carvedilol significantly inhibited rotenone-induced decrease in TH expression in the striata of the rats. These effects were associated with reduction of rotenone-induced neuro-inflammation, microglial activation and release of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), along with reduction in N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors activation, alpha-synculein and phospho-Tau (P-Tau) protein expression. Carvedilol also reduced tau protein hyper-phosphosrylation by Glycogen synthase 3β (GSK 3β) inhibition and Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) stimulation. Collectively, these results suggest that carvedilol might be a possible candidate for management of PD.

Nebivolol elicits a neuroprotective effect in the cuprizone model of multiple sclerosis in mice: emphasis on M1/M2 polarization and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurodegenerative inflammatory disease affecting mainly young adults. Microgliosis-derived neuroinflammation represents a key hallmark in MS pathology and progression. Nebivolol (Neb) demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in several brain pathologies. This study was conducted to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of Neb in the cuprizone (Cup) model of MS.

METHODS

C57Bl/6 mice were fed 0.2% Cup mixed into rodent chow for 5 weeks. Neb (5 and 10 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage during the last 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Neb prevented Cup-induced weight loss and motor deficits as evidenced by increased latency to fall in the rotarod test and enhanced locomotor activity as compared to Cup-intoxicated mice. Neb reversed Cup-induced demyelination as confirmed by Luxol fast blue staining and myelin basic protein western blotting. Administration of Neb modulated microglial activation status by suppressing M1 markers (Iba-1, CD86, iNOS, NO and TNF-α) and increasing M2 markers (Arg-1 and IL-10) as compared to Cup-fed mice. Furthermore, Neb hindered NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-18 inflammatory cascade and alleviated oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation, as well as increasing catalase and superoxide dismutase activities.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest the potential neuroprotective effect of Neb in the Cup-induced model of MS in mice, at least partially by virtue of shifting microglia towards M2 phenotype, mitigation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviation of oxidative stress.

Effects of Tacrolimus and Other Immune Targeting Compounds on Binge-Like Ethanol Drinking in High Drinking in the Dark Mice

High Drinking in the Dark (HDID-1) mice represent a unique genetic risk model of binge-like drinking and a novel means of screening potential pharmacotherapies to treat alcohol use disorders (AUDs). We tested the effects of tacrolimus (0, 0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg), sirolimus (0, 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA; 0, 75, 150, and 225 mg/kg), and secukinumab (0, 5, 20, and 60 mg/kg) on binge-like ethanol intake (2-day, "Drinking in the Dark" [DID]) and blood alcohol levels (BALs) in HDID-1 mice. Tacrolimus reduced ethanol intake and BALs. Tacrolimus had no effect on water intake, but reduced saccharin intake. There was no effect of sirolimus, PEA, or secukinumab on ethanol intake or BALs. These results compare and contrast with previous work addressing these compounds or their targeted mechanisms of action on ethanol drinking, highlighting the importance of screening a wide range of models and genotypes to inform the role of neuroimmune signaling in AUDs.