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Hasanabadi AJ, Beirami E, Kamaei M, Esfahani DE. Effect of imipramine on memory, adult neurogenesis, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial biogenesis in a rat model of alzheimer's disease. Exp Gerontol 2024; 194:112517. [PMID: 38986856 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2024.112517] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by cognitive decline and memory loss. Imipramine, a tricyclic antidepressant, has potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties in the central nervous system. The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of imipramine on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced memory impairment. Male Wistar rats received an intracerebroventricular injection of STZ (3 mg/kg, 3 μl/ventricle) using the stereotaxic apparatus. The Morris water maze and passive avoidance tests were used to evaluate cognitive functions. 24 h after the STZ injection, imipramine was administered intraperitoneally at doses of 10 or 20 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days. The mRNA and protein levels of neurotrophic factors (BDNF and GDNF) and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α) were measured in the hippocampus using real-time PCR and ELISA techniques, respectively. In addition, real-time PCR was used to evaluate the mRNA levels of markers associated with neurogenesis (Nestin, DCX, and Ki67) and mitochondrial biogenesis (PGC-1α, NRF-1, and TFAM). The results showed that imipramine, especially at a dose of 20 mg/kg, effectively improved STZ-induced memory impairment. This improvement was associated with an increase in neurogenesis and neurotrophic factors and a decrease in neuroinflammation and mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction. Based on these results, imipramine appears to be a promising therapeutic option for improving cognitive functions in neurodegenerative diseases such as AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elmira Beirami
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mehdi Kamaei
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Delaram Eslimi Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
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2
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Mohammadi T. Effect of quercetin and mirtazapine on spermatogenesis and testis structure in phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia mice: An experimental study. Food Chem Toxicol 2024; 189:114732. [PMID: 38740240 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2024.114732] [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] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/30/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/16/2024]
Abstract
Anemia poses a significant healthcare challenge across different socioeconomic groups and can result in reproductive system damage through the generation of free radicals and lipid peroxidation. This study examines the protective effects of quercetin (QUE) and mirtazapine (MIR) against the reproductive damage caused by phenylhydrazine (PHZ) in mice. Fifty NMRI mice, aged 8-10 weeks with an average weight of 27.0 ± 2.0 g, were randomly divided into five groups. The control group (Group 1) received oral administration of 10 mL/kg/day of normal saline. Group 2 (PHZ group) received an initial intraperitoneal dose of 8 mg/100 g body weight of PHZ, followed by subsequent doses of 6 mg/100 g every 48 h. Group 3 received PHZ along with oral QUE at a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day. Group 4 received PHZ along with oral MIR at a dosage of 30 mg/kg/day. Group 5 received PHZ along with oral QUE at a dosage of 50 mg/kg/day and MIR at a dosage of 30 mg/kg/day. The treatment duration was 35 days. Sperm samples were collected from the caudal region of the epididymis post-euthanasia to assess the total mean sperm count, sperm viability, motility, DNA damage, and morphology. Testicular tissue was employed to quantify total antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations, while serum levels of testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) were analyzed. Additionally, various aspects, including testicular histopathology, oxidative enzyme levels, gene expression related to apoptosis and antiapoptotic pathways, and in vivo fertility index, were evaluated after 35 days. The QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR groups showed less abnormal morphology and DNA damage, as well as better total and progressive sperm motility, motility characteristics, viability, and plasma membrane function compared to the PHZ group. QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR administration increased TAC, SOD, and GPx activities in testicular tissue, while reducing MDA levels compared to the PHZ group. Furthermore, QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR significantly reduced Bax, and caspase-3 expression levels, and increased Bcl-2 expression levels, compared to the PHZ group. Mice treated with QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR exhibited an increased in vivo fertility index and plasma sex hormone levels compared to the PHZ group. These results show that QUE, MIR, and QUE + MIR might be able to improve the fertility index, boost the testicular antioxidant defense system, and control the death of germ cells. This could mean that they could be used to treat mice with PHZ-induced testicular damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tohid Mohammadi
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Urmia Branch, Islamic Azad University, Urmia, Iran.
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3
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Hassanein EHM, Althagafy HS, Baraka MA, Abd-Alhameed EK, Ibrahim IM. Pharmacological update of mirtazapine: a narrative literature review. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024; 397:2603-2619. [PMID: 37943296 PMCID: PMC11074035 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02818-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Mirtazapine (MTZ) is an antidepressant drug with an exceptional pharmacological profile. It also has an excellent safety and tolerability profile. The present review provides a pharmacological update on MTZ and summarizes the research findings of MTZ's effects on different diseases. MTZ is hypothesized to have antidepressant effects because of the synergy between noradrenergic and serotonergic actions and is effective in treating major depressive disorder and depression associated with epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease, stroke, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. In cancer patients, MTZ significantly reduced sadness, nausea, sleep disruption, and pain and improved quality of life. Also, it has promising effects on Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, dysthymia, social anxiety disorder, alcohol dependency, posttraumatic stress disorder, panic disorder, pain syndromes, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and sleep disorders. Additionally, MTZ is potentially therapeutic in different situations associated with depression, such as liver, kidney, cardiovascular, respiratory, infertility, heavy metal-induced neurotoxicity, and pruritus. Potent antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic bioactivities mediate these promising effects. These positive outcomes of the scientific investigations motivate more and more clinical trials for a golden exceptional antidepressant in different conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt.
| | - Hanan S Althagafy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Jeddah, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad A Baraka
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Esraa K Abd-Alhameed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Islam M Ibrahim
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Hanna DA, Messiha BAS, Abo-Saif AA, Ali FEM, Azouz AA. Lysosomal membrane stabilization by imipramine attenuates gentamicin-induced renal injury: Enhanced LAMP2 expression, down-regulation of cytoplasmic cathepsin D and tBid/cytochrome c/cleaved caspase-3 apoptotic signaling. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 126:111179. [PMID: 37995569 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111179] [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] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Nephrotoxicity is a serious complication commonly encountered with gentamicin (GTM) treatment. Permeabilization of lysosomes with subsequent cytoplasmic release of GTM and cathepsins is considered a crucial issue in progression of GTM toxicity. This study was designed to evaluate the prospective defensive effect of lysosomal membrane stabilization by imipramine (IMP) against GTM nephrotoxicity in rats. GTM (30 mg/kg/h) was intraperitoneally administered over 4 h daily (120 mg/kg/day) for 7 days. IMP (30 mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 14 days; starting 7 days before and then concurrently with GTM. On 15th day, samples (urine, blood, kidney) were collected to estimate biomarkers of kidney function, lysosomal stability, apoptosis, and inflammation. IMP administration to GTM-treated rats ameliorated the disruption in lysosomal membrane stability induced by GTM. That was evidenced by enhanced renal protein expressions of LAMP2 and PI3K, but reduced cathepsin D cytoplasmic expression in kidney sections. Besides, IMP guarded against apoptosis in GTM-treated rats by down-regulation of the pro-apoptotic (tBid, Bax, cytochrome c) and the effector cleaved caspase-3 expressions, while the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression was enhanced. Additionally, the inflammatory cascade p38 MAPK/NF-κB/TNF-α was attenuated in GTM + IMP group along with marked improvement in kidney function biomarkers, compared to GTM group. These findings were supported by the obvious improvement in histological architecture. Furthermore, in vitro enhancement of the antibacterial activity of GTM by IMP confers an additional benefit to their combination. Conclusively, lysosomal membrane stabilization by IMP with subsequent suppression of tBid/cytochrome c/cleaved caspase-3 apoptotic signaling could be a promising protective strategy against GTM nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dina A Hanna
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Basim A S Messiha
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt
| | - Ali A Abo-Saif
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut 71524, Egypt
| | - Amany A Azouz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62514, Egypt.
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Correia AS, Cardoso A, Vale N. BDNF Unveiled: Exploring Its Role in Major Depression Disorder Serotonergic Imbalance and Associated Stress Conditions. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2081. [PMID: 37631295 PMCID: PMC10457827 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082081] [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: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a neurotrophin that plays a significant role in the survival and development of neurons, being involved in several diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and major depression disorder. The association between BDNF and major depressive disorder is the subject of extensive research. Indeed, numerous studies indicate that decreased levels of BDNF are linked to an increased occurrence of depressive symptoms, neuronal loss, and cortical atrophy. Moreover, it has been observed that antidepressive therapy can help restore BDNF levels. In this review, we will focus on the role of BDNF in major depression disorder serotonergic imbalance and associated stress conditions, particularly hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and oxidative stress. All of these features are highly connected to BDNF signaling pathways in the context of this disease, and exploring this topic will aim to advance our understanding of the disorder, improve diagnostic and treatment approaches, and potentially identify new therapeutic targets to alleviate the heavy burden of depression on society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Salomé Correia
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Armando Cardoso
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
- NeuroGen Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
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Correia AS, Silva I, Reguengo H, Oliveira JC, Vasques-Nóvoa F, Cardoso A, Vale N. The Effect of the Stress Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide and Corticosterone on Tryptophan Metabolism, Using Human Neuroblastoma Cell Line (SH-SY5Y). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24054389. [PMID: 36901819 PMCID: PMC10001894 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24054389] [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] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 02/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
L-tryptophan (L-Trp) is an important amino acid in several physiological mechanisms, being metabolized into two important pathways: the kynurenine and the serotonin (5-HT) pathways. It is important in processes such as mood and stress response, the 5-HT pathway begins with the conversion of L-Trp to 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), that is metabolized into 5-HT, converted to melatonin or to 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). Disturbances in this pathway are reported to be connected with oxidative stress and glucocorticoid-induced stress, are important to explore. Thus, our study aimed to understand the role of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and corticosterone (CORT)-induced stress on the serotonergic pathway of L-Trp metabolism, and on SH-SY5Y cells, focusing on the study of L-Trp, 5-HTP, 5-HT, and 5-HIAA in combination with H2O2 or CORT. We evaluated the effect of these combinations on cellular viability, morphology, and on the extracellular levels of the metabolites. The data obtained highlighted the different ways that stress induction led to different extracellular medium concentration of the studied metabolites. These distinct chemical transformations did not lead to differences in cell morphology/viability. Additionally, serotonin may be the most sensitive metabolite to the exposure to the different stress inducers, being more promissory to study conditions associated with cellular stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Salomé Correia
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Silva
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Hospital Center of the University of Porto (CHUP), Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Reguengo
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Hospital Center of the University of Porto (CHUP), Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Carlos Oliveira
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Hospital Center of the University of Porto (CHUP), Largo Prof. Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Francisco Vasques-Nóvoa
- Cardiovascular R and D Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, s/n, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Surgery and Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
| | - Armando Cardoso
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- NeuroGen Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Unit of Anatomy, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220-426-537
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Correia AS, Silva I, Oliveira JC, Reguengo H, Vale N. Serotonin Type 3 Receptor Is Potentially Involved in Cellular Stress Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12101645. [PMID: 36295079 PMCID: PMC9605598 DOI: 10.3390/life12101645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is a disease with several molecular mechanisms involved, such as problems in the serotonergic pathway. This disease is very complex and prevalent, and thus important to deeply study and aim to overcome high rates of relapse and therapeutic failure. In this study, two cellular lines were used (HT-22 and SH-SY5Y cells) to gain insight about the role of the serotonin type 3 (5-HT3) receptor in cellular stress induced by hydrogen peroxide and/or corticosterone. In research, these compounds are known to mimic the high levels of oxidative stress and dysfunction of the hypothalamus–hypophysis–adrenal axis by the action of glucocorticoids, usually present in depressed individuals. The receptor 5-HT3 is also known to be involved in depression, previously demonstrated in studies that highlight the role of these receptors as promising targets for antidepressant therapy. Indeed, the drugs used in this work (mirtazapine, scopolamine, and lamotrigine) interact with this serotonergic receptor. Thus, by using cell morphology, cell viability (neutral red and MTT), and HPLC assays, this work aimed to understand the role of these drugs in the stress induced by H2O2/corticosterone to HT-22 and SH-SY5Y cell lines. We concluded that the antagonism of the 5-HT3 receptor by these drugs may be important in the attenuation of H2O2-induced oxidative stress to the cells, but not in the corticosterone-induced stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Salomé Correia
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
| | - Isabel Silva
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Hospital Center of the University of Porto (CHUP), Largo Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - José Carlos Oliveira
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Hospital Center of the University of Porto (CHUP), Largo Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Henrique Reguengo
- Clinical Chemistry, Department of Laboratory Pathology, Hospital Center of the University of Porto (CHUP), Largo Professor Abel Salazar, 4099-313 Porto, Portugal
- Unit for Multidisciplinary Research in Biomedicine (UMIB), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- CINTESIS@RISE, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Alameda Professor Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Community Medicine, Health Information and Decision (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Rua Doutor Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +351-220426537
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Asensi-Cantó A, López-Abellán MD, Castillo-Guardiola V, Hurtado AM, Martínez-Penella M, Luengo-Gil G, Conesa-Zamora P. Antitumoral Effects of Tricyclic Antidepressants: Beyond Neuropathic Pain Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133248. [PMID: 35805019 PMCID: PMC9265090 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) are old and known therapeutic agents whose good safety profile makes them good candidates for drug repurposing. As the relevance of nerves in cancer development and progression is being unveiled, attention now turns to the use of nerve-targeting drugs, such as TCAs, as an interesting approach to combat cancer. In this review, we discuss current evidence about the safety of TCAs, their application to treat neuropathic pain in cancer patients, and in vitro and in vivo demonstrations of the antitumoral effects of TCAs. Finally, the results of ongoing clinical trials and future directions are discussed. Abstract Growing evidence shows that nerves play an active role in cancer development and progression by altering crucial molecular pathways and cell functions. Conversely, the use of neurotropic drugs, such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), may modulate these molecular signals with a therapeutic purpose based on a direct antitumoral effect and beyond the TCA use to treat neuropathic pain in oncology patients. In this review, we discuss the TCAs’ safety and their central effects against neuropathic pain in cancer, and the antitumoral effects of TCAs in in vitro and preclinical studies, as well as in the clinical setting. The current evidence points out that TCAs are safe and beneficial to treat neuropathic pain associated with cancer and chemotherapy, and they block different molecular pathways used by cancer cells from different locations for tumor growth and promotion. Likewise, ongoing clinical trials evaluating the antineoplastic effects of TCAs are discussed. TCAs are very biologically active compounds, and their repurposing as antitumoral drugs is a promising and straightforward approach to treat specific cancer subtypes and to further define their molecular targets, as well as an interesting starting point to design analogues with increased antitumoral activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Asensi-Cantó
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), 30107 Guadalupe, Spain; (A.A.-C.); (M.D.L.-A.); (M.M.-P.)
- Servicio de Farmacia Hospitalaria, Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
- Grupo de Investigación en Patología Molecular y Farmacogenética, Servicios de Anatomía Patológica y Análisis Clínicos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (V.C.-G.); (A.M.H.)
| | - María Dolores López-Abellán
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), 30107 Guadalupe, Spain; (A.A.-C.); (M.D.L.-A.); (M.M.-P.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Patología Molecular y Farmacogenética, Servicios de Anatomía Patológica y Análisis Clínicos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (V.C.-G.); (A.M.H.)
| | - Verónica Castillo-Guardiola
- Grupo de Investigación en Patología Molecular y Farmacogenética, Servicios de Anatomía Patológica y Análisis Clínicos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (V.C.-G.); (A.M.H.)
| | - Ana María Hurtado
- Grupo de Investigación en Patología Molecular y Farmacogenética, Servicios de Anatomía Patológica y Análisis Clínicos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (V.C.-G.); (A.M.H.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Inmunobiología para la Acuicultura, Departamento de Biología Celular e Histología, Facultad de Biología, Universidad de Murcia, 30100 Murcia, Spain
| | - Mónica Martínez-Penella
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), 30107 Guadalupe, Spain; (A.A.-C.); (M.D.L.-A.); (M.M.-P.)
- Servicio de Farmacia Hospitalaria, Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, 30202 Cartagena, Spain
| | - Ginés Luengo-Gil
- Grupo de Investigación en Patología Molecular y Farmacogenética, Servicios de Anatomía Patológica y Análisis Clínicos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (V.C.-G.); (A.M.H.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.-G.); (P.C.-Z.); Tel.: +34-968-128-600 (ext. 951615) (G.L.-G. & P.C.-Z.)
| | - Pablo Conesa-Zamora
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), 30107 Guadalupe, Spain; (A.A.-C.); (M.D.L.-A.); (M.M.-P.)
- Grupo de Investigación en Patología Molecular y Farmacogenética, Servicios de Anatomía Patológica y Análisis Clínicos, Instituto Murciano de Investigación Biosanitaria (IMIB), Hospital Universitario Santa Lucía, 30202 Cartagena, Spain; (V.C.-G.); (A.M.H.)
- Correspondence: (G.L.-G.); (P.C.-Z.); Tel.: +34-968-128-600 (ext. 951615) (G.L.-G. & P.C.-Z.)
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9
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Correia AS, Fraga S, Teixeira JP, Vale N. Cell Model of Depression: Reduction of Cell Stress with Mirtazapine. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23094942. [PMID: 35563333 PMCID: PMC9099543 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Depression is a very prevalent and complex disease. This condition is associated with a high rate of relapse, making its treatment a challenge. Thus, an intensive investigation of this disease and its treatment is necessary. In this work, through cell viability assays (MTT and neutral red assays) and alkaline comet assays, we aimed to test the induction of stress in human SH-SY5Y cells through the application of hydrocortisone and hydrogen peroxide and to test the reversal or attenuation of this stress through the application of mirtazapine to the cells. Our results demonstrated that hydrogen peroxide, and not hydrocortisone, can induce cellular stress, as evidenced by DNA damage and a global cellular viability reduction, which were alleviated by the antidepressant mirtazapine. The establishment of a cellular model of depression through stress induction is important to study new possibilities of treatment of this disease using cell cultures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Salomé Correia
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
| | - Sónia Fraga
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 4000-053 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (J.P.T.)
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - João Paulo Teixeira
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Health Dr. Ricardo Jorge, 4000-053 Porto, Portugal; (S.F.); (J.P.T.)
- EPIUnit-Instituto de Saúde Pública, University of Porto, 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
- Laboratório para a Investigação Integrativa e Translacional em Saúde Populacional (ITR), 4050-600 Porto, Portugal
| | - Nuno Vale
- OncoPharma Research Group, Center for Health Technology and Services Research (CINTESIS), Rua Dr. Plácido da Costa, 4200-450 Porto, Portugal;
- Department of Community Medicine, Information and Health Decision Sciences (MEDCIDS), Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Associate Laboratory RISE—Health Research Network, Faculty of Medicine, University of Porto, Al. Prof. Hernâni Monteiro, 4200-319 Porto, Portugal
- Correspondence:
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Brodnanova M, Hatokova Z, Evinova A, Cibulka M, Racay P. Differential impact of imipramine on thapsigargin- and tunicamycin-induced endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 902:174073. [PMID: 33798597 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
The aim of our work was to study effect of antidepressant imipramine on both thapsigargin- and tunicamycin-induced ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells. ER stress in SH-SY5Y cells was induced by either tunicamycin or thapsigargin in the presence or absence of imipramine. Cell viability was tested by the MTT assay. Splicing of XBP1 mRNA was studied by RT-PCR. Finally, expression of Hrd1 and Hsp60 was determined by Western blot analysis. Our findings provide evidence that at high concentrations imipramine potentiates ER stress-induced death of SH-SY5Y cells. The effect of imipramine on ER stress-induced death of SH-SY5Y cells was stronger in combination of imipramine with thapsigargin. In addition, we have found that treatment of SH-SY5Y cells with imipramine in combination of either thapsigargin or tunicamycin is associated with the alteration of ER stress-induced IRE1α-XBP1 signalling. Despite potentiation of ER stress-induced XBP1 splicing, imipramine suppresses both thapsigargin- and tunicamycin-induced expression of Hrd1. Finally, imipramine in combination with thapsigargin, but not tunicamycin, aggravates ER stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction without significant impact on intracellular mitochondrial content as indicated by the unaltered expression of Hsp60. Our results indicate the possibility that chronic treatment with imipramine might be associated with a higher risk of development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders, in particular those allied with ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Brodnanova
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFM CU), Mala Hora 4D, SK-03601 Martin, Slovakia
| | | | | | | | - Peter Racay
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Comenius University in Bratislava, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine in Martin (JFM CU), Mala Hora 4D, SK-03601 Martin, Slovakia.
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Colla ARS, Pazini FL, Lieberknecht V, Camargo A, Rodrigues ALS. Ursolic acid abrogates depressive-like behavior and hippocampal pro-apoptotic imbalance induced by chronic unpredictable stress. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:437-446. [PMID: 33394285 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-020-00658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Emerging evidence has shown that ursolic acid exerts antidepressant-like effects, however, its ability to elicit an antidepressant-like response in rodents subjected to stress model that mimics behavioral and neurochemical alterations found in depression remains to be determined. Thus, this study investigated the possible antidepressant-like effect of ursolic acid in mice subjected to chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) for 14 days, and whether this effect could be associated with the modulation of serum corticosterone levels and hippocampal Bcl-2/Bax mRNA expression. Our results indicated that CUS induced a depressive-like behavior, as demonstrated by an increase in the immobility time and latency to first grooming in the tail suspension test and splash test, respectively. Conversely, the repeated administration of ursolic acid (0.1 mg/kg, p.o.) or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, p.o.) in the last 7 days of CUS completely prevented CUS-induced behavioral alterations, suggesting an antidepressant-like effect. Additionally, CUS significantly increased the mRNA expression of Bax (pro-apoptosis marker), but not Bcl-2 (anti-apoptosis marker) in the hippocampus. Moreover, reduced hippocampal mRNA expression of Bcl-2/Bax ratio was detected in CUS-exposed mice. Ursolic acid, but not fluoxetine, prevented CUS-induced increase in the expression of Bax, but both ursolic acid and fluoxetine prevented CUS-induced reduction on Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Furthermore, neither CUS nor treatments with ursolic acid or fluoxetine altered serum corticosterone levels. Our study unveils the ability of ursolic acid to prevent the depressive-like behavior induced by stress and the modulation of Bcl-2/Bax expression could be associated with this response.
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Affiliation(s)
- André R S Colla
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Francis L Pazini
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Vicente Lieberknecht
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Anderson Camargo
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, 88040-900, SC, Brazil.
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