Development of EQ-6, a Novel Analogue of Ethoxyquin to Prevent Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Label-Free Visualization and Morphological Profiling of Neuronal Differentiation and Axonal Degeneration through Quantitative Phase Imaging

Understanding the intricate processes of neuronal growth, degeneration, and neurotoxicity is paramount for unraveling nervous system function and holds significant promise in improving patient outcomes, especially in the context of chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). These processes are influenced by a broad range of entwined events facilitated by chemical, electrical, and mechanical signals. The progress of each process is inherently linked to phenotypic changes in cells. Currently, the primary means of demonstrating morphological changes rely on measurements of neurite outgrowth and axon length. However, conventional techniques for monitoring these processes often require extensive preparation to enable manual or semi-automated measurements. Here, a label-free and non-invasive approach is employed for monitoring neuronal differentiation and degeneration using quantitative phase imaging (QPI). Operating on unlabeled specimens and offering little to no phototoxicity and photobleaching, QPI delivers quantitative maps of optical path length delays that provide an objective measure of cellular morphology and dynamics. This approach enables the visualization and quantification of axon length and other physical properties of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neuronal cells, allowing greater understanding of neuronal responses to stimuli simulating CIPN conditions. This research paves new avenues for the development of more effective strategies in the clinical management of neurotoxicity.

PGC1α: an emerging therapeutic target for chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN)-mediated paresthesias are a common complication in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. There are currently no treatments available to prevent or reverse CIPN. Therefore, new therapeutic targets are urgently needed to develop more effective analgesics. However, the pathogenesis of CIPN remains unclear, and the prevention and treatment strategies of CIPN are still unresolved issues in medicine. More and more studies have demonstrated that mitochondrial dysfunction has become a major factor in promoting the development and maintenance of CIPN, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) coactivator 1α (PGC1α) plays a significant role in maintaining the mitochondrial function, protecting peripheral nerves, and alleviating CIPN. In this review, we highlight the core role of PGC1α in regulating oxidative stress and maintaining normal mitochondrial function and summarize recent advances in its therapeutic effects and mechanisms in CIPN and other forms of peripheral neuropathy. Emerging studies suggest that PGC1α activation may positively impact CIPN mitigation by modulating oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and inflammation. Therefore, novel therapeutic strategies targeting PGC1α could be a potential therapeutic target in CIPN.

1-benzoyl-6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline exerts a neuroprotective effect and normalises redox homeostasis in a rat model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion

Ischemia is one of the main etiological factors of stroke and is associated with the development of energy deficiency, oxidative stress, and inflammation. An abrupt restoration of blood flow, called reperfusion, can worsen the effects of ischemia. In our study, we assessed the neuroprotective potential of 1-benzoyl-6-hydroxy-2,2,4-trimethyl-1,2-dihydroquinoline (BHDQ) in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (CIR) in rats. Wistar rats, divided into 4 groups were used in the study: sham-operated animals; animals with CIR caused by occlusion of the common carotid arteries and subsequent removal of the occlusions; rats treated with BHDQ at a dose of 50 mg/kg in the presence of pathology; sham-operated animals treated with BHDQ. The analysis of the state of energy metabolism in the brain, the level of the S100B protein and the histological assessment of the brain tissue were carried out. The antioxidant potential of BHDQ was assessed by measuring biochemiluminescence parameters, analysing the level of 8-isoprostane, products of lipid and protein oxidation, concentration of α-tocopherol and citrate, and aconitate hydratase activity during CIR in rats. A study of the effect of BHDQ on the regulation of the enzymatic antioxidant system and the inflammatory processes was performed. We demonstrated that BHDQ has a neuroprotective effect in CIR, reducing histopathological changes in the brain, normalizing pyruvate and lactate concentrations, and the transcripts level of Hif-1α gene. The positive effect of BHDQ was probably due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity, manifested in a decrease in the parameters of the oxidative stress, decreased mRNA of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB factor genes. In addition, BHDQ reduced the load on antioxidant protection enzymes, contributing to a change in their activities, decreased the level of antioxidant gene transcripts and expression of Nrf2 and Foxo1 factors toward control. Thus, BHDQ exhibited a neuroprotective effect due to a decrease in the level of oxidative stress and inflammation and the normalization of redox homeostasis on CIR in rats.