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Pietrzak-Wawrzyńska BA, Wnuk A, Przepiórska-Drońska K, Łach A, Kajta M. Posttreatment with PaPE-1 Protects from Aβ-Induced Neurodegeneration Through Inhibiting the Expression of Alzheimer's Disease-Related Genes and Apoptosis Process That Involves Enhanced DNA Methylation of Specific Genes. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:4130-4145. [PMID: 38064105 PMCID: PMC11236864 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03819-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeting the non-nuclear estrogen receptor (ER) signaling has been postulated as novel therapeutic strategy for central nervous system pathologies. Recently, we showed that newly designed PaPE-1 (Pathway Preferential Estrogen-1), which selectively activates ER non-nuclear signaling pathways, elicited neuroprotection in a cellular model of Alzheimer's disease (AD) when it was applied at the same time as amyloid-β (Aβ). Since delayed treatment reflects clinical settings better than cotreatment does, current basic study proposes a novel therapeutic approach for AD that relies on a posttreatment with PaPE-1. In this study, mouse neuronal cell cultures treated with preaggregated Aβ1-42 (10 µM) showed the presence of extracellular Aβ1-42, confirming the adequacy of the AD model used. We are the first to demonstrate that a 24-h delayed posttreatment with PaPE-1 decreased the degree of Aβ-induced neurodegeneration, restored neurite outgrowth, and inhibited the expression of AD-related genes, i.e., Rbfox, Apoe, Bace2, App, and Ngrn, except for Chat, which was stimulated. In addition, PaPE-1 elicited anti-apoptotic effects by inhibiting Aβ-induced caspase activities as well as attenuating apoptotic chromatin condensation, and in these ways, PaPE-1 prevented neuronal cell death. Posttreatment with PaPE-1 also downregulated the Aβ-affected mRNA expression of apoptosis-specific factors, such as Bax, Gsk3b, Fas, and Fasl, except for Bcl2, which was upregulated by PaPE-1. In parallel, PaPE-1 decreased the protein levels of BAX, FAS, and FASL, which were elevated in response to Aβ. PaPE-1 elicited a decrease in the BAX/BCL2 ratio that corresponds to increased methylation of the Bax gene. However, the PaPE-1-evoked Bcl2 gene hypermethylation suggests other PaPE-1-dependent mechanisms to control Aβ-induced apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadeta A Pietrzak-Wawrzyńska
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wnuk
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Karolina Przepiórska-Drońska
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Łach
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kajta
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland.
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Przepiórska-Drońska K, Wnuk A, Pietrzak-Wawrzyńska BA, Łach A, Biernat W, Wójtowicz AK, Kajta M. Amorfrutin B Compromises Hypoxia/Ischemia-induced Activation of Human Microglia in a PPARγ-dependent Manner: Effects on Inflammation, Proliferation Potential, and Mitochondrial Status. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2024; 19:34. [PMID: 38949694 PMCID: PMC11217078 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-024-10135-9] [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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Amorfrutin B is a selective PPARγ modulator that we demonstrated to be a promising neuroprotective compound in cellular models of stroke and perinatal asphyxia. Although neuronal mechanisms of amorfrutin B-evoked neuroprotection have been identified, none of them reflects the actions of the compound on microglia, which play a pivotal role in brain response to hypoxia/ischemia. Here, we provide evidence for amorfrutin B-induced effects on human microglia subjected to hypoxia/ischemia; the compound counteracts inflammation, and influences mitochondrial status and proliferation potential in a PPARγ-dependent manner. Post-treatment with amorfrutin B decreased the IBA1 fluorescence intensity, reduced caspase-1 activity, and downregulated IL1B/IL-1β and TNFA but not IL10/IL-10 expression, which was upregulated. Amorfrutin B also stimulated PPARγ signaling, as evidenced by increased mRNA and/or protein levels of PPARγ and PGC1α. In addition, amorfrutin B reversed the hypoxia/ischemia-evoked effects on mitochondria-related parameters, such as mitochondrial membrane potential, BCL2/BCL2 expression and metabolic activity, which were correlated with diminished proliferation potential of microglia. Interestingly, the inhibitory effect of amorfrutin B on the proliferation potential and mitochondrial function of microglia is opposite to the stimulatory effect of amorfrutin B on mouse neuronal survival, as evidenced by increased neuronal viability and reduced neurodegeneration. In summary, this study showed for the first time that amorfrutin B compromises hypoxia/ischemia-induced activation of human microglia in a PPARγ-dependent manner, which involves inhibiting inflammation, normalizing mitochondrial status, and controlling proliferation potential. These data extend the protective potential of amorfrutin B in the pharmacotherapy of hypoxic/ischemic brain injury, targeting not only neurons but also activated microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Przepiórska-Drońska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wnuk
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Bernadeta Angelika Pietrzak-Wawrzyńska
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Andrzej Łach
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland
| | - Weronika Biernat
- Faculty of Animal Sciences, Department of Nutrition, Animal Biotechnology and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Adama Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - Anna Katarzyna Wójtowicz
- Faculty of Animal Sciences, Department of Nutrition, Animal Biotechnology and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Adama Mickiewicza 24/28, 30-059, Krakow, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kajta
- Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Department of Pharmacology, Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Smetna Street 12, 31-343, Krakow, Poland.
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Pietrzak BA, Wnuk A, Przepiórska K, Łach A, Kajta M. Posttreatment with Ospemifene Attenuates Hypoxia- and Ischemia-Induced Apoptosis in Primary Neuronal Cells via Selective Modulation of Estrogen Receptors. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:362-379. [PMID: 37129835 PMCID: PMC10354152 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00644-5] [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: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Stroke and perinatal asphyxia have detrimental effects on neuronal cells, causing millions of deaths worldwide each year. Since currently available therapies are insufficient, there is an urgent need for novel neuroprotective strategies to address the effects of cerebrovascular accidents. One such recent approach is based on the neuroprotective properties of estrogen receptors (ERs). However, activation of ERs by estrogens may contribute to the development of endometriosis or hormone-dependent cancers. Therefore, in this study, we utilized ospemifene, a novel selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) already used in dyspareunia treatment. Here, we demonstrated that posttreatment with ospemifene in primary neocortical cell cultures subjected to 18 h of hypoxia and/or ischemia followed by 6 h of reoxygenation has robust neuroprotective potential. Ospemifene partially reverses hypoxia- and ischemia-induced changes in LDH release, the degree of neurodegeneration, and metabolic activity. The mechanism of the neuroprotective actions of ospemifene involves the inhibition of apoptosis since the compound decreases caspase-3 overactivity during hypoxia and enhances mitochondrial membrane potential during ischemia. Moreover, in both models, ospemifene decreased the levels of the proapoptotic proteins BAX, FAS, FASL, and GSK3β while increasing the level of the antiapoptotic protein BCL2. Silencing of specific ERs showed that the neuroprotective actions of ospemifene are mediated mainly via ESR1 (during hypoxia and ischemia) and GPER1 (during hypoxia), which is supported by ospemifene-evoked increases in ESR1 protein levels in hypoxic and ischemic neurons. The results identify ospemifene as a promising neuroprotectant, which in the future may be used to treat injuries due to brain hypoxia/ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadeta A Pietrzak
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, Krakow, 31-343, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Wnuk
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, Krakow, 31-343, Poland
| | - Karolina Przepiórska
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, Krakow, 31-343, Poland
| | - Andrzej Łach
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, Krakow, 31-343, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Kajta
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology and Epigenetics, Department of Pharmacology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Smetna Street 12, Krakow, 31-343, Poland.
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Wnuk A, Przepiórska K, Pietrzak BA, Kajta M. Emerging Evidence on Membrane Estrogen Receptors as Novel Therapeutic Targets for Central Nervous System Pathologies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044043. [PMID: 36835454 PMCID: PMC9968034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear- and membrane-initiated estrogen signaling cooperate to orchestrate the pleiotropic effects of estrogens. Classical estrogen receptors (ERs) act transcriptionally and govern the vast majority of hormonal effects, whereas membrane ERs (mERs) enable acute modulation of estrogenic signaling and have recently been shown to exert strong neuroprotective capacity without the negative side effects associated with nuclear ER activity. In recent years, GPER1 was the most extensively characterized mER. Despite triggering neuroprotective effects, cognitive improvements, and vascular protective effects and maintaining metabolic homeostasis, GPER1 has become the subject of controversy, particularly due to its participation in tumorigenesis. This is why interest has recently turned toward non-GPER-dependent mERs, namely, mERα and mERβ. According to available data, non-GPER-dependent mERs elicit protective effects against brain damage, synaptic plasticity impairment, memory and cognitive dysfunctions, metabolic imbalance, and vascular insufficiency. We postulate that these properties are emerging platforms for designing new therapeutics that may be used in the treatment of stroke and neurodegenerative diseases. Since mERs have the ability to interfere with noncoding RNAs and to regulate the translational status of brain tissue by affecting histones, non-GPER-dependent mERs appear to be attractive targets for modern pharmacotherapy for nervous system diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Wnuk
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (M.K.); Tel.: +48-12-662-3339 (A.W.); +48-12-662-3235 (M.K.); Fax: +48-12-637-4500 (A.W. & M.K.)
| | | | | | - Małgorzata Kajta
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (M.K.); Tel.: +48-12-662-3339 (A.W.); +48-12-662-3235 (M.K.); Fax: +48-12-637-4500 (A.W. & M.K.)
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Amorfrutin B Protects Mouse Brain Neurons from Hypoxia/Ischemia by Inhibiting Apoptosis and Autophagy Processes Through Gene Methylation- and miRNA-Dependent Regulation. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:576-595. [PMID: 36324052 PMCID: PMC9849175 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03087-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Amorfrutin B is a selective modulator of the PPARγ receptor, which has recently been identified as an effective neuroprotective compound that protects brain neurons from hypoxic and ischemic damage. Our study demonstrated for the first time that a 6-h delayed post-treatment with amorfrutin B prevented hypoxia/ischemia-induced neuronal apoptosis in terms of the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential, heterochromatin foci formation, and expression of specific genes and proteins. The expression of all studied apoptosis-related factors was decreased in response to amorfrutin B, both during hypoxia and ischemia, except for the expression of anti-apoptotic BCL2, which was increased. After post-treatment with amorfrutin B, the methylation rate of the pro-apoptotic Bax gene was inversely correlated with the protein level, which explained the decrease in the BAX/BCL2 ratio as a result of Bax hypermethylation. The mechanisms of the protective action of amorfrutin B also involved the inhibition of autophagy, as evidenced by diminished autophagolysosome formation and the loss of neuroprotective properties of amorfrutin B after the silencing of Becn1 and/or Atg7. Although post-treatment with amorfrutin B reduced the expression levels of Becn1, Nup62, and Ambra1 during hypoxia, it stimulated Atg5 and the protein levels of MAP1LC3B and AMBRA1 during ischemia, supporting the ambiguous role of autophagy in the development of brain pathologies. Furthermore, amorfrutin B affected the expression levels of apoptosis-focused and autophagy-related miRNAs, and many of these miRNAs were oppositely regulated by amorfrutin B and hypoxia/ischemia. The results strongly support the position of amorfrutin B among the most promising anti-stroke and wide-window therapeutics.
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Koszegi Z, Cheong RY. Targeting the non-classical estrogen pathway in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury disorders. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:999236. [PMID: 36187099 PMCID: PMC9521328 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.999236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogens can alter the biology of various tissues and organs, including the brain, and thus play an essential role in modulating homeostasis. Despite its traditional role in reproduction, it is now accepted that estrogen and its analogues can exert neuroprotective effects. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of estrogen in ameliorating and delaying the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease and various forms of brain injury disorders. While the classical effects of estrogen through intracellular receptors are more established, the impact of the non-classical pathway through receptors located at the plasma membrane as well as the rapid stimulation of intracellular signaling cascades are still under active research. Moreover, it has been suggested that the non-classical estrogen pathway plays a crucial role in neuroprotection in various brain areas. In this mini-review, we will discuss the use of compounds targeting the non-classical estrogen pathway in their potential use as treatment in neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsombor Koszegi
- Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Y. Cheong
- Timeline Bioresearch AB, Medicon Village, Lund, Sweden
- *Correspondence: Rachel Y. Cheong,
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