Balasubramide derivative 3C modulates microglia activation via CaMKKβ-dependent AMPK/PGC-1α pathway in neuroinflammatory conditions

The activation of AMPK/PGC-1α/GLUT4 signaling pathway through early exercise improves mitochondrial function and mitigates ischemic brain damage

Mitochondria play a crucial role in maintaining cellular energy supply and serve as a source of energy for repairing nerve damage following a stroke. Given that exercise has the potential to enhance energy metabolism, investigating the impact of exercise on mitochondrial function provides a plausible mechanism for stroke treatment. In our study, we established the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model in Sprague-Dawley rats and implemented early exercise intervention. Neurological severity scores, beam-walking test score, and weight were used to evaluate neurological function. The volume of cerebral infarction was measured by MRI. Nerve cell apoptosis was detected by TUNEL staining. Mitochondrial morphology and structure were detected by mitochondrial electron microscopy. Mitochondrial function was assessed using membrane potential and ATP measurements. Western blotting was used to detect the protein expression of AMPK/PGC-1α/GLUT4. Through the above experiments, we found that early exercise improved neurological function in rats after MCAO, reduced cerebral infarction volume and neuronal apoptosis, promoted the recovery of mitochondrial morphology and function. We further examined the protein expression of AMPK/PGC-1α/GLUT4 signaling pathway and confirmed that early exercise was able to increase its expression. Therefore, we suggest that early exercise initiated the AMPK/PGC-1α/GLUT4 signaling pathway, restoring mitochondrial function and augmenting energy supply. This, in turn, effectively improved both nerve and body function in rats following ischemic stroke.

A Neutrophil Hijacking Nanoplatform Reprograming NETosis for Targeted Microglia Polarizing Mediated Ischemic Stroke Treatment

Precise and efficient regulation of microglia is vital for ischemic stroke therapy and prognosis. The infiltration of neutrophils into the brain provides opportunities for regulatory drugs across the blood-brain barrier, while hindered by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) and targeted delivery of intracerebral drugs to microglia. This study reports an efficient neutrophil hijacking nanoplatform (referred to as APTS) for targeted A151 (a telomerase repeat sequence) delivery to microglia without the generation of NETs. In the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) mouse model, the delivery efficiency to ischemic stroke tissues increases by fourfold. APTS dramatically reduces the formation of NETs by 2.2-fold via reprogramming NETosis to apoptosis in neutrophils via a reactive oxygen species scavenging-mediated citrullinated histone 3 inhibition pathway. Noteworthy, A151 within neutrophils is repackaged into apoptotic bodies following the death pattern reprogramming, which, when engulfed by microglia, polarizes microglia to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype. After four times treatment, the cerebral infarction area in the APTS group decreases by 5.1-fold. Thus, APTS provides a feasible, efficient, and practical drug delivery approach for reshaping the immune microenvironment and treating brain disorders in the central nervous system.

Activation of G-protein-coupled receptor 39 reduces neuropathic pain in a rat model

Activated G-protein-coupled receptor 39 (GPR39) has been shown to attenuate inflammation by interacting with sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator 1α (PGC-1α). However, whether GPR39 attenuates neuropathic pain remains unclear. In this study, we established a Sprague-Dawley rat model of spared nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain and found that GPR39 expression was significantly decreased in neurons and microglia in the spinal dorsal horn compared with sham-operated rats. Intrathecal injection of TC-G 1008, a specific agonist of GPR39, significantly alleviated mechanical allodynia in the rats with spared nerve injury, improved spinal cord mitochondrial biogenesis, and alleviated neuroinflammation. These changes were abolished by GPR39 small interfering RNA (siRNA), Ex-527 (SIRT1 inhibitor), and PGC-1α siRNA. Taken together, these findings show that GPR39 activation ameliorates mechanical allodynia by activating the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway in rats with spared nerve injury.

A Novel Hybrid of Telmisartan and Borneol Ameliorates Neuroinflammation and White Matter Injury in Ischemic Stroke Through ATF3/CH25H Axis

Cerebral ischemic stroke causes substantial white matter injury, which is further aggravated by neuroinflammation mediated by microglia/astrocytes. Given the anti-neuroinflammatory action of telmisartan and the enhancing blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability potential of resuscitation-inducing aromatic herbs, 13 hybrids (3a-m) of telmisartan (or its simplified analogues) with resuscitation-inducing aromatic agents were designed, synthesized, and biologically evaluated. Among them, the optimal compound 3a (the ester hybrid of telmisartan and (+)-borneol) potently inhibited neuroinflammation mediated by microglia/astrocytes and ameliorated ischemic stroke. Particularly, 3a significantly conferred protection for white matter integrity after cerebral ischemic stroke via decreasing abnormally dephosphorylated neurofilament protein, upregulating myelin basic protein, and attenuating oligodendrocyte damage. Further RNA-sequencing data revealed that 3a upregulated expression of transcriptional regulator ATF3 to reduce the expression of CH25H, prevented proinflammatory state of lipid-droplet-accumulating microglia/astrocytes to limit excessive inflammation, and eventually protected neighboring oligodendrocytes to prevent white matter injury. Taken with the desirable pharmacokinetics behavior and improved brain distribution, 3a may be a feasible therapeutic agent for ischemic stroke and other neurological disorders with white matter injury.

Exploring Chinese herbal medicine for ischemic stroke: insights into microglia and signaling pathways

Ischemic stroke is a prevalent clinical condition affecting the central nervous system, characterized by a high mortality and disability rate. Its incidence is progressively rising, particularly among younger individuals, posing a significant threat to human well-being. The activation and polarization of microglia, leading to pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory responses, are widely recognized as pivotal factors in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischemia and reperfusion injury. Traditional Chinese herbal medicines (TCHMs) boasts a rich historical background, notable efficacy, and minimal adverse effects. It exerts its effects by modulating microglia activation and polarization, suppressing inflammatory responses, and ameliorating nerve injury through the mediation of microglia and various associated pathways (such as NF-κB signaling pathway, Toll-like signaling pathway, Notch signaling pathway, AMPK signaling pathway, MAPK signaling pathway, among others). Consequently, this article focuses on microglia as a therapeutic target, reviewing relevant pathway of literature on TCHMs to mitigate neuroinflammation and mediate IS injury, while also exploring research on drug delivery of TCHMs. The ultimate goal is to provide new insights that can contribute to the clinical management of IS using TCHMs.

Homer1 Protects against Retinal Ganglion Cell Pyroptosis by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Associated TXNIP/NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation after Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion-Induced Retinal Ischemia

Retinal ischemia, after cerebral ischemia, is an easily overlooked pathophysiological problem in which inflammation is considered to play an important role. Pyroptosis is a kind of cell death pattern accompanied by inflammation. Homer scaffold protein 1 (Homer1) has anti-inflammation properties and protects against ischemic injury. However, little is known about pyroptosis following middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced retinal ischemia and the regulatory mechanisms involved by Homer1 for the development of pyroptosis. In the present study, retinal ischemic injury was induced in mice by permanent MCAO in vivo, and retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) were subjected to Oxygen and Glucose Deprivation (OGD) to establish an in vitro model. It was shown that TXNIP/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis was located predominantly in RGCs, which gradually increased after retinal ischemia and peaked at 24 h after retinal ischemia. Interestingly, the RGCs pyroptosis occurred not only in the cell body but also in the axon. Notably, the occurrence of pyroptosis coincided with the change of Homer1 expression in the retina after retinal ischemia and Homer1 also co-localized with RGCs. It was demonstrated that overexpression of Homer1 not only alleviated RGCs pyroptosis and inhibited the release of pro-inflammatory factors but also led to the increase in phosphorylation of AMPK, inhibition of ER stress, and preservation of visual function after retinal ischemia. In conclusion, it was suggested that Homer1 may protect against MCAO-induced retinal ischemia and RGCs pyroptosis by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation after MCAO-induced retinal ischemia.

Mitochondrial dysfunction: A fatal blow in depression

Mitochondria maintain the normal physiological function of nerve cells by producing sufficient cellular energy and performing crucial roles in maintaining the metabolic balance through intracellular Ca2+ homeostasis, oxidative stress, and axonal development. Depression is a prevalent psychiatric disorder with an unclear pathophysiology. Damage to the hippocampal neurons is a key component of the plasticity regulation of synapses and plays a critical role in the mechanism of depression. There is evidence suggesting that mitochondrial dysfunction is associated with synaptic impairment. The maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis includes quantitative maintenance and quality control of mitochondria. Mitochondrial biogenesis produces new and healthy mitochondria, and mitochondrial dynamics cooperates with mitophagy to remove damaged mitochondria. These processes maintain mitochondrial population stability and exert neuroprotective effects against early depression. In contrast, mitochondrial dysfunction is observed in various brain regions of patients with major depressive disorders. The accumulation of defective mitochondria accelerates cellular nerve dysfunction. In addition, impaired mitochondria aggravate alterations in the brain microenvironment, promoting neuroinflammation and energy depletion, thereby exacerbating the development of depression. This review summarizes the influence of mitochondrial dysfunction and the underlying molecular pathways on the pathogenesis of depression. Additionally, we discuss the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis as a potential therapeutic strategy for depression.

PGC-1α-siRNA suppresses inflammation in substantia nigra of PD mice by inhibiting microglia

Background and purpose: Parkinson's disease is a common degenerative disease of the central nervous system with complex pathogenesis. More and more studies have found that inflammatory response promotes the occurrence and development of the disease, in which the activation of microglia plays an important role. PGC-1α (peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α) is the main factor in mitochondrial biogenetic, and is closely related to the inflammatory response. Our immunofluorescence test results showed that PGC-1α and microglia (Iba1) have double-labeled phenomenon. The expression of microglia in the MPTP (1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine) group increased, and PGC-1α/Iba1 double label increased. To test whether lowering the expression of PGC-1α can reduce the activation of microglia and protect the substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons, we constructed PGC-1α interference lentivirus.Methods: Immunofluorescence, western blot, and ELISA were used to detect microglial phenotype.Results: The results showed that PGC-1α interfering with lentivirus can transfect microglial cells in substantia nigra, and the PGC-1α protein level decreased in substantia nigra accordingly; TH protein expression had no statistical difference compared with MPTP group; PGC-1α interfering lentivirus reduced microglia number and activation, and at the same time the expression of iNOS and Arg1 significantly reduced compared with MPTP group. The IL-6 expression in blood detected using ELISA was significantly reduced compared with MPTP group.Conclusion: PGC-1α downregulation inhibited microglia activity, and both M1 and M2 microglial activities are reduced.

Intermittent fasting attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute lung injury in mice by modulating macrophage polarization

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a spectrum of acute and life-threatening pulmonary inflammatory conditions. Treatment of ALI remains a clinical challenge. Recently, intermittent fasting (IF) has been shown to improve health and alleviate many diseases. In this study, we tested whether IF attenuated ALI and investigated the mechanism underlying this process. In vivo, the effects of IF on ALI were evaluated in a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced murine ALI model. We found that two times of 24-h fasting in a week before ALI efficiently ameliorated LPS-induced lung injury in mice, characterized by alleviated lung lesions, wet-to-dry weight ratio, myeloperoxidase activity, malondialdehyde content, and lower levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1β. In vitro, functional assays were conducted to assess IF on the inflammatory response and macrophage polarization of bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) treated with LPS or IL-4. And PPARγ antagonist GW9662 and AMPK siRNA were used to test the role of PPARγ and AMPK in the IF-mediated improvement of ALI. The results showed that IF (serum deprivation) suppressed macrophage M1 activation and promoted M2 activation in LPS-treated BMDMs. While, IF also augmented macrophage M2 polarization in IL-4-treated BMDMs. Further mechanistic studies showed that the promotive effect of IF on M2 polarization was related to the activation of the PPARγ and AMPK pathways. In conclusion, this study suggests that IF enhances M2 polarization by activating the AMPK and PPARγ pathways, thus facilitating anti-inflammatory response and ameliorating ALI.

Upregulation of PGC-1α Attenuates Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation-Induced Hippocampal Neuronal Injury

Hippocampal neuronal damage likely underlies cognitive impairment in vascular dementia (VaD). PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) is a master regulator of mitochondrial biogenesis. However, the role and the precise mechanism of how PGC-1α alleviates hippocampal neuronal injury remain unknown. To address this question, HT-22 cells, an immortalized hippocampal neuron cell line, with or without PGC-1α overexpression were subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), which mimics the circumstance of chronic cerebral hypoperfusion in VaD. After OGD, cell viability was assessed using the MTS assay. The mitochondrial function and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were both detected. ChIP-Seq analysis was employed to discover the underlying molecular mechanism of PGC-1α-mediated neuroprotective effects. Our results showed that mitochondrial membrane potentials were increased and ROS production was decreased in PGC-1α overexpressing cells, which increased cell viability. The further bioinformatics analysis from ChIP-Seq data indicated that PGC-1α may participate in the regulation of apoptosis, autophagy, and mitophagy pathways in HT-22 cells. We found that PGC-1α promoted the LC3-II formation and reduced the neuronal apoptosis determined by TUNEL staining. In addition, PGC-1α upregulated the expressions of mitochondrial antioxidants, including SOD2, Trx2, and Prx3. In summary, our findings indicate that PGC-1α may attenuate OGD-induced hippocampal neuronal damage by regulating multiple mechanisms, like autophagy and mitochondrial function. Thus, PGC-1α may be a potential therapeutic target for hippocampal damage associated with cognitive impairment.

Balasubramide derivative 3C attenuates atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice: role of AMPK-STAT1-STING signaling pathway

We previously reported the neuroprotective effects of (+)-balasubramide derived compound 3C, but its action on atherosclerosis in vivo remains unknown. The study was designed to investigate the potential effects of 3C on atherogenesis and explore the possible underlying mechanisms. 3C ameliorated high-fat diet-induced body weight gain, hyperlipidemia, and atherosclerotic plaque burden in apolipoprotein E-deficient (ApoE^-/-) mice after 10 weeks of treatment. 3C suppressed the expression of genes involved in triglyceride synthesis in liver. 3C prevented aortic inflammation as evidenced by reduction of adhesive molecule levels and macrophage infiltration. Mechanistic studies revealed that activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is central to the athero-protective effects of 3C. Increased AMPK activity by 3C resulted in suppressing interferon-γ (IFN-γ) induced activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1) and stimulator of interferon genes (STING) signaling pathways and downstream pro-inflammatory markers. Moreover, 3C inhibited ox-LDL triggered lipid accumulation and IFN-γ induced phenotypic switch toward M1 macrophage in RAW 264.7 cells. Our present data suggest that 3C prevents atherosclerosis via pleiotropic effects, including amelioration of lipid profiles, vascular inflammation and macrophage pro-inflammatory phenotype. 3C has the potential to be developed as a promising drug for atherosclerosis and related cardiovascular disease.

Kellerin from Ferula sinkiangensis exerts neuroprotective effects after focal cerebral ischemia in rats by inhibiting microglia-mediated inflammatory responses

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ferula sinkiangensis K. M. Shen is a traditional Chinese medicine that has a variety of pharmacological properties relevant to neurological disorders and inflammations. Kellerin, a novel compound extracted from Ferula sinkiangensis, exerts a strong anti-neuroinflammatory effect by inhibiting microglial activation. Microglial activation plays a vital role in ischemia-induced brain injury. However, the potential therapeutic effect of kellerin on focal cerebral ischemia is still unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the effect of kellerin on cerebral ischemia and clarify its possible mechanisms, we applied the middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model and the LPS-activated microglia model in our study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Neurological outcome was examined according to a 4-tiered grading system. Brain infarct size was measured using TTC staining. Brain edema was calculated using the wet weight minus dry weight method. Neuron damage and microglial activation were observed by immunofluorescence in MCAO model in rats. In in vitro studies, microglial activation was examined by flow cytometry and the viability of neuronal cells cultured in microglia-conditioned medium was measured using MTT assay. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines were measured by qRT-PCR and ELISA. The proteins involved in NF-κB signaling pathway were determined by western blot. Intracellular ROS was examined using DCFH-DA method and NADPH oxidase activity was measured using the NBT assay.

RESULTS

We found that kellerin improved neurological outcome, reduced brain infarct size and decreased brain edema in MCAO model in rats. Under the pathologic conditions of focal cerebral ischemia, kellerin alleviated neuron damage and inhibited microglial activation. Moreover, in in vitro studies of LPS-stimulated BV2 cells kellerin protected neuronal cells from being damaged by inhibiting microglial activation. Kellerin also reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suppressed the NF-κB signaling pathway, and decreased ROS generation and NADPH oxidase activity.

CONCLUSIONS

Our discoveries reveal that the neuroprotective effects of kellerin may largely depend on its inhibitory effect on microglial activation. This suggests that kellerin could serve as a novel anti-inflammatory agent which may have therapeutic effects in ischemic stroke.

Microglial PGC-1α protects against ischemic brain injury by suppressing neuroinflammation

BACKGROUND

Neuroinflammation and immune responses occurring minutes to hours after stroke are associated with brain injury after acute ischemic stroke (AIS). PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), as a master coregulator of gene expression in mitochondrial biogenesis, was found to be transiently upregulated in microglia after AIS. However, the role of microglial PGC-1α in poststroke immune modulation remains unknown.

METHODS

PGC-1α expression in microglia from human and mouse brain samples following ischemic stroke was first determined. Subsequently, we employed transgenic mice with microglia-specific overexpression of PGC-1α for middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). The morphology and gene expression profile of microglia with PGC-1α overexpression were evaluated. Downstream inflammatory cytokine production and NLRP3 activation were also determined. ChIP-Seq analysis was performed to detect PGC-1α-binding sites in microglia. Autophagic and mitophagic activity was further monitored by immunofluorescence staining. Unc-51-like autophagy activating kinase 1 (ULK1) expression was evaluated under the PGC-1α interaction with ERRα. Finally, pharmacological inhibition and genomic knockdown of ULK1 were performed to estimate the role of ULK1 in mediating mitophagic activity after ischemic stroke.

RESULTS

PGC-1α expression was shortly increased after ischemic stroke, not only in human brain samples but also in mouse brain samples. Microglia-specific PGC-1α overexpressing mice exhibited significantly decreased neurologic deficits after ischemic injury, with reduced NLRP3 activation and proinflammatory cytokine production. ChIP-Seq analysis and KEGG pathway analysis revealed that mitophagy was significantly enhanced. PGC-1α significantly promoted autophagic flux and induced autolysosome formation. More specifically, the autophagic clearance of mitochondria was enhanced by PGC-1α regulation, indicating the important role of mitophagy. Pharmacological inhibition or knockdown of ULK1 expression impaired autophagic/mitophagic activity, thus abolishing the neuroprotective effects of PGC-1α.

CONCLUSIONS

Mechanistically, in AIS, PGC-1α promotes autophagy and mitophagy through ULK1 and reduces NLRP3 activation. Our findings indicate that microglial PGC-1α may be a promising therapeutic target for AIS.

A New Perspective on Ameliorating Depression-Like Behaviors: Suppressing Neuroinflammation by Upregulating PGC-1α

Inflammation plays an important role in depression pathology, making it a promising target for ameliorating depression-like behaviors. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) is a transcriptional coactivator being able to constrain inflammatory events through NF-κB signaling. However, the role of PGC-1α in depression is not yet clear. This study was designed to investigate the role of PGC-1α in depression and explore the underlying mechanisms. Mice modeled with chronic unpredictable mild stimulation (CUMS) were explored for the relationship between depression-like behaviors and PGC-1α. Baicalin was used to evaluate the effect regulating PGC-1α. Furthermore, the anti-neuroinflammatory effect of baicalin was investigated both in BV2-SH-SY5Y co-culture system and in mice by LPS challenge. The role of PGC-1α in neuroinflammation was explored in cell co-culture systems under gene silencing conditions targeting NF-κB signaling. We found that the expression of PGC-1α was inhibited in the hippocampus of mice exposed to CUMS or LPS, while baicalin could increase the expression of PGC-1α and alleviate the depression-like behaviors. Furthermore, baicalin attenuated neuroinflammation in the hippocampus of mice and BV2-SH-SY5Y co-culture system by LPS challenge via regulating NF-κB signaling; however, knockdown of the PGC-1α could reverse the effect of baicalin on neuroinflammation and NF-κB signaling. Our results revealed a vital role for PGC-1α in attenuating neuroinflammation in depression, indicating that PGC-1α might be a therapeutic target for depression.

Neuroprotective and neuro-survival properties of safinamide against methamphetamine-induced neurodegeneration: Hypothetic possible role of BDNF/TrkB/PGC-1α signaling pathway and mitochondrial uncoupling protein -2(UCP-2)

Methamphetamine is a behavioral psychostimulant that has a high potential for misuse and induction of neurotoxicity. Safinamide is a novel inhibitor of monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) with neuroprotective properties. Methamphetamine abuse causes dysfunction in the respiratory chain of the mitochondria, but the specific signaling mechanism and role of the uncoupling protein-2(UCP-2) remain unclear. As we know, some indirect evidence indicates that neurodegeneration can be caused by inhibition of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) receptor, TrkB and its downstream signaling pathway, such as the PGC-1α protein. Neuroprotective strategies and approaches to the management, treatment or prevention of methamphetamine-induced neurodegeneration by modulating BDNF / TrkB / PGC-1α-UCP-2 can be considered as novel therapeutic approaches to these psychostimulant neurochemical and neurobehavioral approaches. Previous studies have shown that safinamide, a monoamine oxidase-B (MAOB) inhibitor, can function as a neuroprotective agent and inhibit the neurodegenerative process especially in Parkinson's disease but its impact on other neurodegenerative processes and drug-induced neurotoxicity remain unclear. Although there is some evidence that BDNF / TrkB / PGC-1α-UCP-2 signaling pathway and mitochondrial UCP-2 mediated safinamide induced neuroprotection but it's exact and precise mechanism of action and neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative disorder and the protective properties against methamphetamine induced neurodegeneration and the role of BDNF / TrkB / PGC-1α signaling pathway and role of mitochondrial UCP-2 in this process have not yet been clarified. Therefore, in subjects addicted to methamphetamine, we hypothesized that safinamide will provide neuroprotection against methamphetamine-prompted neurodegeneration, and it appears that BDNF / TrkB / PGC-1α signaling pathway and mitochondrial UCP-2 are likely to play a critical role.

Astragalus membranaceus Injection Suppresses Production of Interleukin-6 by Activating Autophagy through the AMPK-mTOR Pathway in Lipopolysaccharide-Stimulated Macrophages

Astragalus membranaceus (AM), used in traditional Chinese medicine, has been shown to enhance immune functions, and recently, its anti-inflammatory effects were identified. However, the mechanisms of action remain unclear. Most studies have shown that autophagy might be involved in the immune response of the body, including inflammation. Here, we developed an inflammatory model by stimulating macrophages with lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to explore the anti-inflammatory effect and mechanisms of AM injection from the perspective of the regulation of autophagy. Immunoblot, immunofluorescence, and ELISA were used to determine the effects of AM injection on the production of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and alterations of autophagy markers. It was found that AM injection reduced the expression of IL-6 in LPS-stimulated macrophages and reversed the LPS-induced inhibition of cellular autophagy. After treatment with inhibitors of signaling pathways, it was shown that LPS downregulated autophagy and upregulated the production of IL-6 in macrophages via the protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. AM injection reversed the effects of LPS by activating the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) instead of inhibiting Akt. These results were further confirmed by testing activators and siRNA silencing of AMPK. Hence, these 2 distinct signaling molecules appear to exert opposite effects on mTOR, which integrates information from multiple upstream signaling pathways, negatively regulating autophagy. In addition, we demonstrated that autophagy might play a key role in regulating the production of IL-6 by testing activators and inhibitors of autophagy and siRNA silencing of ATG5. These findings showed that AM injection might enhance autophagy by activating AMPK and might further play a repressive effect on the LPS-stimulated expression of IL-6. This study explored the relationship between autophagy, signaling pathways, and the production of inflammatory factors in a model of endotoxin infection and treatment with AM injection.

Acute Nicotine Treatment Alleviates LPS-Induced Impairment of Fear Memory Reconsolidation Through AMPK Activation and CRTC1 Upregulation in Hippocampus

BACKGROUND

Fear memory is a fundamental capability for animals and humans to survive. Its impairment results in the disability to avoid danger. When memory is reactivated, a reconsolidation process, which can be disrupted by various stimuli, including inflammation, is required to become permanent. Nicotine has been shown to improve cognitive deficits induced by inflammation and other stimuli. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated the effect of nicotine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced impairment of fear memory reconsolidation and the underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Step-through inhibitory avoidance task was recruited to study fear memory of rat, i.p. LPS (0.5 mg/kg) treatment was used to induce inflammation, and western blot and immunostaining were applied to detect protein expression and distribution in medial prefrontal cortex and hippocampus.

RESULTS

Our data showed that LPS induced fear memory reconsolidation impairment without affecting retrieval. In addition, LPS significantly increased inflammation factors tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 beta and decreased CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) expression and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activation in hippocampus. More importantly, LPS significantly decreased CRTC1 expression and AMPK activation in neurons by activating microglia cells. Of note, either nicotine treatment or activation of AMPK by intracerebroventricular infusion of metformin reduced LPS-induced impairment of fear memory reconsolidation and ameliorated inflammation factor tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1 beta as well as the expression of CRTC1.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results showed that acute nicotine treatment alleviates LPS-induced impairment of fear memory reconsolidation through activation of AMPK and upregulation of CRTC1 in hippocampus.

Upregulation of neuronal PGC-1α ameliorates cognitive impairment induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion

Rationale: Mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress occur in vascular dementia (VaD), but the specific molecular mechanism regulating these events remains unclear. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co-activator-1α (PGC-1α) is a master regulator for mitochondrial function. This study aims to investigate whether PGC-1α is involved in the pathophysiology of VaD. Methods: We firstly generated PGC-1α ^f/f Eno2-Cre mice to induce neuron-specific overexpression of PGC-1α by crossbreeding PGC-1α ^f/f mice with Eno2-cre mice. Then, the mice were subjected to bilateral common carotid artery stenosis to induce chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. Neurological function and hippocampal PGC-1α expression was evaluated. Next, RNA-Seq analysis and Seahorse assay were performed on the hippocampal neurons. In addition, mitochondrial antioxidants, uncoupling proteins, ROS production and the activation of glial cells were also measured. Results: Our results showed that hippocampal PGC-1α expression is down-regulated in the mouse VaD model induced by chronic cerebral hypoperfusion. In contrast, neuronal PGC-1α overexpression significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits. RNA-Seq analysis indicated that PGC-1α improved energy metabolism of neurons under hypoxic condition, and Seahorse assay confirmed that PGC-1α increases the metabolic activity of neurons. Further study demonstrated that PGC-1α boosted the expressions of mitochondrial antioxidants and uncoupling proteins (UCPs), including SOD2, Prx3, GPx1, UCP2, UCP4 and UCP5, which in turn reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. Moreover, the activation of microglia and astrocytes was also found to decrease in the hippocampus. All of these changes greatly contributed to protect hippocampal neurons against ischemic insults. Conclusions: PGC-1α could suppress the excessive ROS and neuroinflammation in the hippocampus, opening up a potential therapeutic target for cognitive impairment.

Broussonin E suppresses LPS-induced inflammatory response in macrophages via inhibiting MAPK pathway and enhancing JAK2-STAT3 pathway

Macrophages play an important role in inflammation, and excessive and chronic activation of macrophages leads to systemic inflammatory diseases, such as atherosclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. In this paper, we explored the anti-inflammatory effect of broussonin E, a novel phenolic compound isolated from the barks ofBroussonetia kanzinoki, and its underlying molecular mechanisms. We discovered that Broussonin E could suppress the LPS-induced pro-inflammatory production in RAW264.7 cells, involving TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2 and iNOS. And broussonin E enhanced the expressions of anti-inflammatory mediators such as IL-10, CD206 and arginase-1 (Arg-1) in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Further, we demonstrated that broussonin E inhibited the LPS-stimulated phosphorylation of ERK and p38 MAPK. Moreover, we found that broussonin E could activate janus kinase (JAK) 2, signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) 3. Downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines and upregulated anti-inflammatory factors by broussonin E were abolished by using the inhibitor of JAK2-STAT3 pathway, WP1066. Taken together, our results showed that broussonin E could suppress inflammation by modulating macrophages activation statevia inhibiting the ERK and p38 MAPK and enhancing JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway, and can be further developed as a promising drug for the treatment of inflammation-related diseases such as atherosclerosis.

Apelin-13/APJ system attenuates early brain injury via suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated TXNIP/NLRP3 inflammasome activation and oxidative stress in a AMPK-dependent manner after subarachnoid hemorrhage in rats

Background

Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress play important roles in early brain injury following subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). This study is the first to show that activation of apelin receptor (APJ) by apelin-13 could reduce endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-stress-associated inflammation and oxidative stress after SAH.

Methods

Apelin-13, apelin siRNA, APJ siRNA, and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor-dorsomorphin were used to investigate if the activation of APJ could provide neuroprotective effects after SAH. Brain water content, neurological functions, blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, and inflammatory molecules were evaluated at 24 h after SAH. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining were applied to assess the expression of target proteins.

Results

The results showed that endogenous apelin, APJ, and p-AMPK levels were significantly increased and peaked in the brain 24 h after SAH. In addition, administration of exogenous apelin-13 significantly alleviated neurological functions, attenuated brain edema, preserved BBB integrity, and also improved long-term spatial learning and memory abilities after SAH. The underlying mechanism of the neuroprotective effects of apelin-13 is that it suppresses microglia activation, prevents ER stress from overactivation, and reduces the levels of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP), NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing 3 protein (NLRP3), Bip, cleaved caspase-1, IL-1β, TNFα, myeloperoxidase (MPO), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the use of APJ siRNA and dorsomorphin abolished the neuroprotective effects of apelin-13 on neuroinflammation and oxidative stress.

Conclusions

Exogenous apelin-13 binding to APJ attenuates early brain injury by reducing ER stress-mediated oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, which is at least partly mediated by the AMPK/TXNIP/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Celastrol exerts anti-inflammatory effect in liver fibrosis via activation of AMPK-SIRT3 signalling

Celastrol, a pentacyclic tritepene extracted from Tripterygium Wilfordi plant, showing potent liver protection effects on several liver-related diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory potential of celastrol in liver fibrosis and the detailed mechanisms remain uncovered. This study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effect of celastrol in liver fibrosis and to further reveal mechanisms of celastrol-induced anti-inflammatory effects with a focus on AMPK-SIRT3 signalling. Celastrol showed potent ameliorative effects on liver fibrosis both in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and in fibrotic liver. Celastrol remarkably suppressed inflammation in vivo and inhibited the secretion of inflammatory factors in vitro. Interestingly, celastrol increased SIRT3 promoter activity and SIRT3 expression both in fibrotic liver and in activated HSCs. Furthermore, SIRT3 silencing evidently ameliorated the anti-inflammatory potential of celastrol. Besides, we found that celastrol could increase the AMPK phosphorylation. Further investigation showed that SIRT3 siRNA decreased SIRT3 expression but had no obvious effect on phosphorylation of AMPK. In addition, inhibition of AMPK by employing compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) or AMPK1α siRNA significantly suppressed SIRT3 expression, suggesting that AMPK was an up-stream protein of SIRT3 in liver fibrosis. We further found that depletion of AMPK significantly attenuated the inhibitory effect of celastrol on inflammation. Collectively, celastrol attenuated liver fibrosis mainly through inhibition of inflammation by activating AMPK-SIRT3 signalling, which makes celastrol be a potential candidate compound in treating or protecting against liver fibrosis.

Isovitexin-Mediated Regulation of Microglial Polarization in Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Neuroinflammation via Activation of the CaMKKβ/AMPK-PGC-1α Signaling Axis

Microglia are the brain's immune cells and play an important role in regulating the microenvironment in the central nervous system. Activated microglia are capable of acquiring the pro-inflammatory (M1) phenotype and anti-inflammatory (M2) phenotype. Overactivation of microglia is neurotoxic and may lead to neuroinflammatory brain disorders. Neuroinflammation in the brain plays a crucial role part in the pathophysiology of many psychiatric and neurological diseases. The inhibition of M1 microglia and promotion of M2 microglia was demonstrated to treat and prevent these diseases through reduced neuroinflammation. Isovitexin (IVX) has anti-inflammatory properties and passes through the blood-brain barrier; however, the molecular mechanism that modulates IVX-mediated microglial polarization remains unclear. In BV-2 cells and mouse primary microglia, IVX suppressed the expression of M1 microglial markers, enhanced the expression of M2 microglial markers, and enhanced the release of interleukin 10 (IL-10). IVX promoted the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) and PPARγ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) in LPS-induced microglial activation. The inhibition of PPARγ and PGC-1α attenuated the regulatory effect of IVX in LPS-induced microglial polarization. IVX increased the expression of p-CaMKKβ, p-AMPK, and PGC-1α in BV-2 cells. Inhibition of CaMKKβ with STO-609 or knockdown of CaMKKβ with CaMKKβ siRNA attenuated IVX-mediated M2 microglial polarization in LPS-treated cells. In LPS-treated mice, the inhibition of CaMKKβ and PGC-1α attenuated the IVX-mediated prevention of sickness behavior and enhanction of IVX-mediated M2 microglial polarization. IVX promoted M2 microglial polarization which exerted anti-inflammatory effects on LPS-induced neuroinflammation via the activation of the CaMKKβ/AMPK-PGC-1α signaling axis.

Cerebrolysin Ameliorates Focal Cerebral Ischemia Injury Through Neuroinflammatory Inhibition via CREB/PGC-1α Pathway

Neuroinflammation is one of the important factors aggravating brain injury after ischemic stroke. We aimed to investigate the effects of cerebrolysin (CBL) on neuroinflammation in vivo and in vitro and the underlying mechanisms. The gene expressions of pro-inflammatory factors and anti-inflammatory factors were analyzed by real time PCR in rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model, lipopolysaccharides-induced neuroinflammatory mice model and LPS-treated mouse primary microglia cells. The neuroprotective effects of CBL were evaluated by infarct size, Longa test and Rotarod test for long-term functional recovery in rats subjected to ischemia. The role of CREB/PGC-1α pathway in anti-neuroinflammatory effect of CBL was also determined by real time PCR and Western blotting. In the tMCAO model, administration of CBL at 3 h post-ischemia reduced infarct volume, promoted long-term functional recovery, decreased the gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors and increased the gene expression of anti-inflammatory factors. Correspondingly, in LPS-induced neuroinflammatory mice model, CBL treatment attenuated sickness behavior, decreased the gene expression of pro-inflammatory factors, and increased the gene expression of anti-inflammatory factors. In in vitro and in vivo experiments, CBL increased the protein expression levels of PGC-1α and phosphorylated CREB to play anti-inflammatory effect. Additionally, the application of the specific CREB inhibitor, 666-15 compound could effectively reverse the anti-inflammatory effect of CBL in primary mouse microglia cells and anti-ischemic brain injury of CBL in rats subjected to tMCAO. In conclusion, CBL ameliorated cerebral ischemia injury through reducing neuroinflammation partly via the activation of CREB/PGC-1α pathway and may play a therapeutic role as anti-neuroinflammatory agents in the brain disorders associated with neuroinflammation.

Neuroprotection of Andrographolide Against Microglia-Mediated Inflammatory Injury and Oxidative Damage in PC12 Neurons

Andrographolide from leaves of Andrographis paniculata has been known to possess various bioactivities. In the present study, we aimed to explore the neuroprotection of andrographolide against inflammation-mediated injury and oxidative damage. In initial studies, our findings showed that pretreatment with andrographolide could effectively reduce neuronal cell death caused by LPS-induced conditioned supernatants. The further results indicated that this neuroprotective effect may be mainly due to the inhibition on the production of NO, TNF-α, IL-6, ROS, iNOS and enhancement of expression of anti-inflammatory marker CD206. Moreover, mechanism study revealed that the anti-inflammatory activity of andrographolide may be related to the suppression of nuclear translocation of NF-κB as well as the activation of Nrf2 and HO-1. Our study also showed that andrographolide could scavenge ROS and protect PC12 cells against H₂O₂- and 6-OHDA-mediated oxidative damage. In addition, several derivatives of andrographolide were prepared for evaluating the role of 3, 14, 19-hydroxy group on anti-inflammatory effect and cytoprotection of andrographolide. In conclusion, andrographolide protected neurons against inflammation-mediated injury via NF-κB inhibition and Nrf2/HO-1 activation and resisted oxidative damage via inhibiting ROS production. Our results will contribute to further exploration of the therapeutic potential of andrographolide in relation to neuroinflammation and neurodegenerative diseases.

Chemerin reverses neurological impairments and ameliorates neuronal apoptosis through ChemR23/CAMKK2/AMPK pathway in neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is a devastating neurological event that contributes to the prolonged neurodevelopmental consequences in infants. Therapeutic strategies focused on attenuating neuronal apoptosis in the penumbra appears to be promising. Given the increasingly recognized neuroprotective roles of adipokines in HIE, we investigated the potential anti-apoptotic roles of a novel member of adipokines, Chemerin, in an experimental model of HIE. In the present study, 10-day-old rat pups underwent right common carotid artery ligation followed by 2.5 h hypoxia. At 1 h post hypoxia, pups were intranasally administered with human recombinant chemerin (rh-chemerin). Here, we showed that rh-chemerin prevented the neuronal apoptosis and degeneration as evidenced by the decreased expression of the pro-apoptotic markers, cleaved caspase 3 and Bax, as well as the numbers of Fluoro-Jade C and TUNEL-positive neurons. Furthermore, rh-Chemerin reversed neurological and morphological impairments induced by hypoxia-ischemia in neonatal rats at 24 h and 4 weeks after HIE. In addition, chemerin-mediated neuronal survival correlated with the elevation of chemerin receptor 23 (chemR23), phosphorylated calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase 2 (CAMKK2), as well as phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Specific inhibition of chemR23, CAMKK2, and AMPK abolished the anti-apoptotic effects of rh-chemerin at 24 h after HIE, demonstrating that rh-chemerin ameliorated neuronal apoptosis partially via activating chemR23/CAMKK2/AMPK signaling pathway. Neuronal apoptosis is a well-established contributing factor of pathological changes and the neurological impairment after HIE. These results revealed mechanisms of neuroprotection by rh-chemerin, and indicated that activation of chemR23 might be harnessed to protect from neuronal apoptosis in HIE.

Involvement of AMP-activated protein kinase in neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration in the adult and developing brain

Microglial activation followed by neuroinflammation is a defense mechanism of the brain to eliminate harmful endogenous and exogenous materials including pathogens and damaged tissues, while excessive or chronic neuroinflammation may cause or exacerbate neurodegeneration observed in brain injuries and neurodegenerative diseases. Depending on conditions/environments during activation, microglia acquire distinct phenotypes, such as pro-inflammatory, anti-inflammatory, and disease-associated phenotypes, and show their ability to phagocytose various objects and produce pro-and anti-inflammatory mediators. Prevention of excessive inflammation by regulating the microglia's pro/anti-inflammatory balance is important for alleviating progression of brain injuries and diseases. Among many factors involved in the regulation of microglial phenotypes, cellular energy status plays an important role. Adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), which serves as a master sensor and regulator of energy balance, is considered a candidate molecule. Accumulating evidence from adult rodent studies indicates that AMPK activation promotes anti-inflammatory responses in microglia exposed to danger signals or various stressors mainly through inhibition of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling and activation of the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) pathway. However, AMPK activation in neurons exposed to stressors/insults may exacerbate neuronal damage if AMPK activation is excessive or prolonged. While AMPK affects microglial activation states and neuronal cell survival rates in both the adult and the developing brain, studies in the developing brain are still scarce, even though activated AMPK is highly expressed especially in the neonatal brain. More in depth studies in the developing brain are important, because neuroinflammation/neurodegeneration occurred during development can result in long-lasting brain damage.

MALAT1 Up-Regulator Polydatin Protects Brain Microvascular Integrity and Ameliorates Stroke Through C/EBPβ/MALAT1/CREB/PGC-1α/PPARγ Pathway

Metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1) is a long non-coding RNA contributing to protect the blood-brain barrier (BBB) after stroke. We searched for small molecules that may up-regulate MALAT1 and focused on polydatin (PD), a natural product, as a possible candidate. PD enhanced MALAT1 gene expression in rat brain microvascular endothelial cells, reducing cell toxicity and apoptosis after oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD). These effects correlated with reduction of inflammatory factors and enhancement of expression of BBB markers. We found opposite changes after MALAT1 silencing. We determined that C/EBPβ is a key transcription factor for PD-mediated MALAT1 expression. PPARγ activity is involved in MALAT1 protective effects through its coactivator PGC-1α and the transcription factor CREB. This suggests that PD activates the MALAT1/CREB/PGC-1α/PPARγ signaling pathway to protect endothelial cells against ischemia. PD administration to rats subjected to brain ischemia by transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) reduced cerebral infarct volume and brain inflammation, protected cerebrovascular endothelial cells and BBB integrity. These effects correlated with increased expression of MALAT1, C/EBPβ, and PGC-1α. Our results strongly suggest that the beneficial effects of PD involve the C/EBPβ/MALAT1/CREB/PGC-1α/PPARγ pathway, which may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for brain ischemic stroke.

Smiglaside A ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury by modulating macrophage polarization via AMPK-PPARγ pathway

Macrophages, which have various phenotypes and diverse functions, are becoming the target cells in inflammatory diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects of the natural product smiglaside A, a phenylpropanoid glycoside isolated from the traditional Chinese medicinal herb Smilax riparia, on macrophage polarization and investigated the underlying mechanisms. We found that smiglaside A promoted M2 polarization and reduced M1 polarization in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells and primary mouse peritoneal macrophages. Further mechanistic studies showed that the promoting effect of smiglaside A on M2 polarization was attenuated by pharmacological inhibition or gene silencing of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) or peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ). Moreover, smiglaside A-enhanced PPARγ activity was prevented by the AMPK inhibitor compound C and by an siRNA. These findings indicate that the AMPK-PPARγ pathway is involved in promotion of M2 macrophages by smiglaside A. In a mouse model of LPS-induced acute lung injury, smiglaside A significantly increased the survival rate of LPS-injected mice and ameliorated the LPS-induced inflammatory response and lung damage. In addition, smiglaside A enhanced the protein expression levels of phosphorylated AMPK and PPARγ in the lung and promoted alveolar macrophages to the M2 phenotype in this mouse model. Taken together, our results indicate that smiglaside A can promote macrophage polarization to an anti-inflammatory M2 phenotype via stimulating the AMPK-PPARγ signaling pathway. Our study may provide novel approaches and/or targets for drug development to treat inflammatory diseases such as acute lung injury and sepsis.