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Abebe EC, Mengstie MA, Seid MA, Malik T, Dejenie TA. The evolving roles of alarin in physiological and disease conditions, and its future potential clinical implications. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:1028982. [PMID: 36246892 PMCID: PMC9556965 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.1028982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Alarin is a member of the galanin family of neuropeptides that is widely expressed in the central nervous system and peripheral tissues in humans and rodents. It was initially isolated fifteen years ago in ganglionic cells of human neuroblastoma. Subsequently, it was demonstrated to be broadly distributed in the blood vessels, skin, eyes, peripheral and central nervous systems, thymus, gastrointestinal tract, and endocrine organs of different species. Alarin is a 25 amino acid neuropeptide derived from the alternative splicing of the GALP gene, missing exon 3. It is found to be involved in several physiological functions that include feeding behavior, energy homeostasis, glucose homeostasis, body temperature, and reproduction. It has also vasoactive, anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and antimicrobial activities. However, the physiological effects of alarin have not been fully elucidated and the receptors that mediate these effects are not currently known. Unearthing the novel biological effects of alarin and its unidentified receptors will therefore be a task in future biomedical research. In addition, alarin is involved in various disease conditions, such as metabolic syndrome, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, hypertension, cardiac fibrosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and depression. Thus, alarin may serve as a promising tool for future pharmacological treatment and diagnosis. But further research is awaited to confirm whether alarin has a protective or pathological role in these diseases. This article provides a comprehensive review on the evolving implications of alarin in a variety of physiological and disease conditions, and its future perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endeshaw Chekol Abebe
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
- *Correspondence: Endeshaw Chekol Abebe,
| | - Misganaw Asmamaw Mengstie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Abdu Seid
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tabarak Malik
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Abebe EC, Mengstie MA, Seid MA, Dejenie TA. Regulatory effects and potential therapeutic implications of alarin in depression, and arguments on its receptor. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1051235. [PMID: 36506414 PMCID: PMC9732279 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1051235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Alarin is a pleiotropic peptide involved in a multitude of putative biological activities, notably, it has a regulatory effect on depression-like behaviors. Although further elucidating research is needed, animal-based cumulative evidence has shown the antidepressant-like effects of alarin. In light of its regulatory role in depression, alarin could be used as a promising antidepressant in future treatment for depression. Nevertheless, the available information is still insufficient and the therapeutic relevance of alarin in depression is still of concern. Moreover, a plethora of studies have reported that the actions of alarin, including antidepressant activities, are mediated by a separate yet unidentified receptor, highlighting the need for more extensive research. This review focuses on the current understanding of the regulatory effects and future therapeutic relevance of alarin on depression, and the arguments on its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Endeshaw Chekol Abebe
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Misganaw Asmamaw Mengstie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Mohammed Abdu Seid
- Department of Physiology, College of Health Sciences, Debre Tabor University, Debre Tabor, Ethiopia
| | - Tadesse Asmamaw Dejenie
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
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Welcome MO, Mastorakis NE. The taste of neuroinflammation: Molecular mechanisms linking taste sensing to neuroinflammatory responses. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105557. [PMID: 33737243 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates a critical role of neuroinflammatory response as an underlying pathophysiological process in several central nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms that trigger neuroinflammatory processes are not fully known. The discovery of bitter taste receptors in regions other than the oral cavity substantially increased research interests on their functional roles in extra-oral tissues. It is now widely accepted that bitter taste receptors, for instance, in the respiratory, intestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts, are crucial not only for sensing poisonous substances, but also, act as immune sentinels, mobilizing defense mechanisms against pathogenic aggression. The relatively recent discovery of bitter taste receptors in the brain has intensified research investigation on the functional implication of cerebral bitter taste receptor expression. Very recent data suggest that responses of bitter taste receptors to neurotoxins and microbial molecules, under normal condition, are necessary to prevent neuroinflammatory reactions. Furthermore, emerging data have revealed that downregulation of key components of the taste receptor signaling cascade leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammasome signaling in neurons that ultimately culminate in neuroinflammation. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that link taste receptor mediated surveillance of the extracellular milieu to neuroinflammatory responses are not completely understood. This review integrates new data on the molecular mechanisms that link bitter taste receptor sensing to neuroinflammatory responses. The role of bitter taste receptor-mediated sensing of toxigenic substances in brain disorders is also discussed. The therapeutic significance of targeting these receptors for potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
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Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Depression: Effects on the Neuroendocrine-Immune Network. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010065. [PMID: 33466877 PMCID: PMC7830381 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The neuroimmune and neuroendocrine systems are two critical biological systems in the pathogenesis of depression. Clinical and preclinical studies have demonstrated that the activation of the neuroinflammatory response of the immune system and hyperactivity of the hypothalamus–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis of the neuroendocrine system commonly coexist in patients with depression and that these two systems bidirectionally regulate one another through neural, immunological, and humoral intersystem interactions. The neuroendocrine-immune network poses difficulties associated with the development of antidepressant agents directed toward these biological systems for the effective treatment of depression. On the other hand, multidrug and multitarget Chinese Herbal Medicine (CHM) has great potential to assist in the development of novel medications for the systematic pharmacotherapy of depression. In this narrative essay, we conclusively analyze the mechanisms of action of CHM antidepressant constituents and formulas, specifically through the modulation of the neuroendocrine-immune network, by reviewing recent preclinical studies conducted using depressive animal models. Some CHM herbal constituents and formulas are highlighted as examples, and their mechanisms of action at both the molecular and systems levels are discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the crosstalk of these two biological systems and the systems pharmacology approach for understanding the system-wide mechanism of action of CHM on the neuroendocrine-immune network in depression treatment. The holistic, multidrug, and multitarget nature of CHM represents an excellent example of systems medicine in the effective treatment of depression.
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Ginsenoside Rb1 exerts antidepressant-like effects via suppression inflammation and activation of AKT pathway. Neurosci Lett 2020; 744:135561. [PMID: 33359924 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2020.135561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Depression-like behaviors caused by chronic stress are related to inflammation and microglia activation. Antidepressant therapy may contribute to inhibiting inflammation responses and microglia activation. Ginsenoside Rb1 (GRb1) is known to display antidepressant-like effect on chronic unpredictable mild stress-induced depressive rats. However, the antidepressant-like effects of GRb1 on chronic restraint stress (CRS) mice and the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms are unclear. Here, we focused on the molecular mechanisms related to inhibition of inflammation response and the protection on microglia. Our results showed that GRb1 had an antidepressant effects via relieving the depression-like behaviors in CRS model. Furthermore, GRb1 increased the protein expressions of brain-derived neurotrophic factor and phospho- protein kinase B/ protein kinase B (p-AKT/AKT), and decreased the protein expressions of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and ionized calcium binding adapter molecule 1 in hippocampus, reduced the levels IL-1β and TNF-α in serum. Finally, GRb1 lowered the protein expressions of IL-1β and TNF-α in BV-2 microglia induced by lipopolysaccharides. Taken together, the results indicate that GRb1 prevents CRS-induced depression-like behaviors in mice, which may be related to anti-inflammatory effects in hippocampus, serum and microglia and activation of AKT pathway.
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Zou W, Hu X, Jiang L. Advances in Regulating Tumorigenicity and Metastasis of Cancer Through TrkB Signaling. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2020; 20:779-788. [PMID: 32748747 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620999200730183631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The clinical pathology of various human malignancies is supported by tropomyosin receptor kinase (Trk) B TrkB which is a specific binding receptor of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). TrkB and TrkB fusion proteins have been observed to be over-expressed in many cancer patients. Moreover, these proteins have been observed in multiple types of cells. A few signaling pathways can be modulated by the abnormal activation of the BDNF/TrkB pathway. These signaling pathways include PI3K/Akt pathway, transactivation of EGFR, phospholipase C-gamma (PLCγ) pathway, Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway, Jak/STAT pathway, and nuclear factor kappalight- chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) pathway. The BDNF/TrkB pathway, when overexpressed in tumors, is correlated with reduced clinical prognosis and short survival time of patients. Targeting the BDNF/TrkB pathway and the use of Trk inhibitors, such as entrectinib, larotrectinib, etc. are promising methods for targeted therapy of tumors. The present review provides an overview of the role of the TrkB pathway in the pathogenesis of cancer and its value as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wujun Zou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Xiaoyan Hu
- Department of Pathogenic Biology, School of Basic Medicine, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Liang Jiang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province, China
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Antoniuk S, Bijata M, Ponimaskin E, Wlodarczyk J. Chronic unpredictable mild stress for modeling depression in rodents: Meta-analysis of model reliability. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2019; 99:101-116. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 185] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 12/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Wang JQ, Mao L. The ERK Pathway: Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment of Depression. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:6197-6205. [PMID: 30737641 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-1524-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a chronic debilitating mental illness. Its pathophysiology at cellular and molecular levels is incompletely understood. Increasing evidence supports a pivotal role of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), in particular the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) subclass of MAPKs, in the pathogenesis, symptomatology, and treatment of depression. In humans and various chronic animal models of depression, the ERK signaling was significantly downregulated in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, two core areas implicated in depression. Inhibiting the ERK pathway in these areas caused depression-like behavior. A variety of antidepressants produced their behavioral effects in part via normalizing the downregulated ERK activity. In addition to ERK, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), an immediate upstream regulator of ERK, the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), a transcription factor downstream to ERK, and the MAPK phosphatase (MKP) are equally vulnerable to depression. While BDNF and CREB were reduced in their activity in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of depressed animals, MKP activity was enhanced in parallel. Chronic antidepressant treatment readily reversed these neurochemical changes. Thus, ERK signaling in the depression-implicated brain regions was disrupted during the development of depression, which contributes to the long-lasting and transcription-dependent neuroadaptations critical for enduring depression-like behavior and the therapeutic effect of antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Q Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, 2411 Holmes Street, Rm. M3-213, Kansas City, MO, USA. .,Department of Anesthesiology, University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, 2411 Holmes Street, Kansas City, MO, USA.
| | - Limin Mao
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Missouri-Kansas City, School of Medicine, 2411 Holmes Street, Rm. M3-213, Kansas City, MO, USA
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Barfield ET, Gourley SL. Prefrontal cortical trkB, glucocorticoids, and their interactions in stress and developmental contexts. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 95:535-558. [PMID: 30477984 PMCID: PMC6392187 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2018] [Revised: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 10/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The tropomyosin/tyrosine receptor kinase B (trkB) and glucocorticoid receptor (GR) regulate neuron structure and function and the hormonal stress response. Meanwhile, disruption of trkB and GR activity (e.g., by chronic stress) can perturb neuronal morphology in cortico-limbic regions implicated in stressor-related illnesses like depression. Further, several of the short- and long-term neurobehavioral consequences of stress depend on the developmental timing and context of stressor exposure. We review how the levels and activities of trkB and GR in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) change during development, interact, are modulated by stress, and are implicated in depression. We review evidence that trkB- and GR-mediated signaling events impact the density and morphology of dendritic spines, the primary sites of excitatory synapses in the brain, highlighting effects in adolescents when possible. Finally, we review the role of neurotrophin and glucocorticoid systems in stress-related metaplasticity. We argue that better understanding the long-term effects of developmental stressors on PFC trkB, GR, and related factors may yield insights into risk for chronic, remitting depression and related neuropsychiatric illnesses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth T Barfield
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
| | - Shannon L Gourley
- Department of Pediatrics, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Graduate Program in Neuroscience, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA; Molecular and Systems Pharmacology Program, Emory University, 954 Gatewood Rd. NE, Atlanta, GA, 30329, USA.
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Sartim AG, Sales AJ, Guimarães FS, Joca SR. Hippocampal mammalian target of rapamycin is implicated in stress-coping behavior induced by cannabidiol in the forced swim test. J Psychopharmacol 2018; 32:922-931. [PMID: 29968502 DOI: 10.1177/0269881118784877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cannabidiol is a non-psychotomimetic compound with antidepressant-like effects. However, the mechanisms and brain regions involved in cannabidiol effects are not yet completely understood. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor/tropomyosin-receptor kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (BDNF-TrkB-mTOR) signaling, especially in limbic structures, seems to play a central role in mediating the effects of antidepressant drugs. AIM Since it is not yet known if BDNF-TrkB-mTOR signaling in the hippocampus is critical to the antidepressant-like effects of cannabidiol, we investigated the effects produced by cannabidiol (10/30/60 nmol/0.2 µL) micro-injection into the hippocampus of mice submitted to the forced swim test and to the open field test. METHODS Independent groups received intra-hippocampal injections of rapamycin (mTOR inhibitor, 0.2 nmol/0.2 µL) or K252 (Trk antagonist, 0.01 nmol/0.2 µL), before the systemic (10 mg/kg) or hippocampal (10 nmol/0.2µL) injection of cannabidiol, and were submitted to the same tests. BDNF levels were analyzed in the hippocampus of animals treated with cannabidiol (10 mg/kg). RESULTS Systemic cannabidiol administration induced antidepressant-like effects and increased BDNF levels in the dorsal hippocampus. Rapamycin, but not K252a, injection into the dorsal hippocampus prevented the antidepressant-like effect induced by systemic cannabidiol treatment (10 mg/kg). Differently, hippocampal administration of cannabidiol (10 nmol/0.2 µL) reduced immobility time, an effect that was blocked by both rapamycin and K252a local microinjection. CONCLUSION Altogether, our data suggest that the hippocampal BDNF-TrkB-mTOR pathway is vital for cannabidiol-induced antidepressant-like effect when the drug is locally administered. However, other brain regions may also be involved in cannabidiol-induced antidepressant effect upon systemic administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariandra G Sartim
- 1 Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Amanda J Sales
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- 2 Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,3 Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil.,5 National Institute of Science and Translational Medicine, (INCT), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Sâmia Rl Joca
- 1 Department of Physics and Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Brazil.,3 Center for Interdisciplinary Research on Applied Neurosciences (NAPNA), University of São Paulo, Brazil.,4 Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit (TNU), Aarhus University, Denmark.,5 National Institute of Science and Translational Medicine, (INCT), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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Grassi D, Franz H, Vezzali R, Bovio P, Heidrich S, Dehghanian F, Lagunas N, Belzung C, Krieglstein K, Vogel T. Neuronal Activity, TGFβ-Signaling and Unpredictable Chronic Stress Modulate Transcription of Gadd45 Family Members and DNA Methylation in the Hippocampus. Cereb Cortex 2018; 27:4166-4181. [PMID: 28444170 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhx095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2016] [Accepted: 04/04/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuronal activity is altered in several neurological and psychiatric diseases. Upon depolarization not only neurotransmitters are released but also cytokines and other activators of signaling cascades. Unraveling their complex implication in transcriptional control in receiving cells will contribute to understand specific central nervous system (CNS) pathologies and will be of therapeutically interest. In this study we depolarized mature hippocampal neurons in vitro using KCl and revealed increased release not only of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) but also of transforming growth factor beta (TGFB). Neuronal activity together with BDNF and TGFB controls transcription of DNA modifying enzymes specifically members of the DNA-damage-inducible (Gadd) family, Gadd45a, Gadd45b, and Gadd45g. MeDIP followed by massive parallel sequencing and transcriptome analyses revealed less DNA methylation upon KCl treatment. Psychiatric disorder-related genes, namely Tshz1, Foxn3, Jarid2, Per1, Map3k5, and Arc are transcriptionally activated and demethylated upon neuronal activation. To analyze whether misexpression of Gadd45 family members are associated with psychiatric diseases, we applied unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) as established model for depression to mice. UCMS led to reduced expression of Gadd45 family members. Taken together, our data demonstrate that Gadd45 family members are new putative targets for UCMS treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Grassi
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Department of Basic Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Biomedical Science and Health, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Henriette Franz
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Riccardo Vezzali
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Patrick Bovio
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Heidrich
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Fariba Dehghanian
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Natalia Lagunas
- Inserm U 930, Université François Rabelais, 37200 Tours, France
| | | | - Kerstin Krieglstein
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany.,BIOSS Centre for Biological Signalling Studies, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tanja Vogel
- Department of Molecular Embryology, Institute of Anatomy and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, 79104 Freiburg, Germany
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Wang D, Zhang G, Chen X, Wei T, Liu C, Chen C, Gong Y, Wei Q. Sitagliptin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy by blocking TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:2784-2792. [PMID: 29484381 PMCID: PMC5846674 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2018.3504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is the leading cause of end-stage failure of the kidney, but the efficacy of current strategies available for the prevention of DN remains unsatisfactory. The purpose of this study was to assess whether sitagliptin (SIT) has therapeutic potential for prevention of DN and to investigate its possible mechanism. The effects of SIT on DN were investigated in rats with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and rat mesangial cells (MCs) induced by high glucose. T2DM rats were administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg SIT. The kidney index, 24 h urinary protein, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (Cr), accumulation of glycogen and collagens were investigated by different methods. MCs were administered with SIT at doses of 0.1, 1 and 10 µmol/ml. The possible mechanism of SIT on protection of diabetic kidney injury was examined by expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway. The results showed that the SIT-treated diabetic rats significantly reduced diabetic kidney injury by inhibiting the kidney index and attenuating 24 h urinary protein, reducing BUN and serum creatinine, inhibiting progressive renal fibrosis and increassing extracellular matrix including collagen IV and fibronectin. Further studies showed that inhibition of renal fibrosis in SIT-treated diabetic rats and MCs were associated with rebalancing of TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Sitagliptin may be a potent agent for preventing the progression of DN through inhabiting TGF-β1/Smad-mediated renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongdong Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, P.R. China
| | - Guanying Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, P.R. China
| | - Xiao Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Jiangyin, Jiangyin, Jiangsu 214400, P.R. China
| | - Tong Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, P.R. China
| | - Chenxu Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, P.R. China
| | - Chun Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, P.R. China
| | - Yinhan Gong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, P.R. China
| | - Qunli Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, P.R. China
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Jiang L, Wang Z, Liu C, Gong Z, Yang Y, Kang H, Li Y, Hu G. TrkB promotes laryngeal cancer metastasis via activation PI3K/AKT pathway. Oncotarget 2017; 8:108726-108737. [PMID: 29312563 PMCID: PMC5752476 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to investigate the role of TrkB pathway in tumor occurrence and development for in order to provide theoretical basis to laryngeal cancer therapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Biological characteristics of the cells were studied by migration tests and colony forming assay. Gene and protein expression analysis was performed by RT-PCR or western blot. in vivo experiments were conducted in syngeneic BALB/c mice. RESULTS Significant changes in protein and gene expression, including higher expression level of TrkB, were found in cells and laryngeal cancer specimens. we demonstrated that TrkB activates AKT via c-Src, leading to increased proliferation. Also, TrkB induced EMT via increased expression of EMT related transcription factors such as Twist-1 and Twist-2. CONCLUSION Our data indicate TrkB are overexpressed in laryngeal cancer, and TrkB signaling is involved in tumorigenicity of laryngeal cancer. These observations suggest that TrkB is a promising target for future intervention strategies to prevent tumor metastasis, EMT program in laryngeal cancer.What is already known about this subject?• Cancer of the larynx is one of the most common types of head and neck cancer.• The survival rate of advanced laryngeal cancer is only 30 to 40%.• The tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor (TrkB), together with TrkA and TrkC, are neurotrophin receptors regulating the proliferation and differentiation of neuronal cells.What are the new findings?• TrkB are overexpressed in laryngeal cancer.• TrkB signaling is involved in tumorigenicity of laryngeal cancer.• TrkB acts as a key regulator of the PI3K/AKT signal pathway-mediated tumor metastasis.How might these results change the focus of research or clinical practice?• These observations suggest that TrkB is a promising target for future intervention strategies to prevent tumor metastasis, EMT program in laryngeal cancer. Our study provides molecular insight into the tumor metastasis and has important implications in elucidating oncogenic processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Jiang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000 China
| | - Zhihai Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Chuan Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Zhitao Gong
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Yucheng Yang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Houyong Kang
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Yanshi Li
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
| | - Guohua Hu
- Department of Otolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016 China
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Wang Y, Wang B, Lu J, Shi H, Gong S, Wang Y, Hamdy RC, Chua BHL, Yang L, Xu X. Fisetin provides antidepressant effects by activating the tropomyosin receptor kinase B signal pathway in mice. J Neurochem 2017; 143:561-568. [PMID: 28945929 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Depression has been associated with a low-grade chronic inflammatory state, suggesting a potential therapeutic role for anti-inflammatory agents. Fisetin is a naturally occurring flavonoid in strawberries that has anti-inflammatory activities, but whether fisetin has antidepressant effects is unknown. In this study, we exposed mice to spatial restraint for 2 weeks with or without treatment with fisetin. Immobility time in the forced swimming and tail suspension test after this restraint increased in the untreated group, but this increase did not occur in the fisetin group. We administered fisetin to Abelson helper integration site-1 (Ahi1) knockout mice, which have depressive phenotypes. We found that fisetin attenuated the depressive phenotype of these Ahi1 knockout mice. We further investigated the potential mechanism of fisetin's antidepressant effects. Because TrkB is a critical signaling pathway in the mechanisms of depression, we examined whether phosphorylated TrkB was involved in the antidepressant effects of fisetin. We found that fisetin increased phosphorylated TrkB level without altering total TrkB; this increase was attenuated by K252a, a specific TrkB inhibitor. Taken together, our results demonstrated that fisetin may have therapeutic potential for treating depression and that this antidepressant effect may be mediated by the activation of the TrkB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yamin Wang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiaqi Lu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haixia Shi
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siyi Gong
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yufan Wang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ronald C Hamdy
- Cecile Cox Quillen Laboratory of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Balvin H L Chua
- Cecile Cox Quillen Laboratory of Geriatrics, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA
| | - Lingli Yang
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China
| | - Xingshun Xu
- Department of Neurology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou City, China.,Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China
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15
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Mikó A, Füredi N, Tenk J, Rostás I, Soós S, Solymár M, Székely M, Balaskó M, Brunner SM, Kofler B, Pétervári E. Acute central effects of alarin on the regulation on energy homeostasis. Neuropeptides 2017; 64:117-122. [PMID: 27625299 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Hypothalamic neuropeptides influence the main components of energy balance: metabolic rate, food intake, body weight as well as body temperature, by exerting either an overall anabolic or catabolic effect. The contribution of alarin, the most recently discovered member of the galanin peptide family to the regulation of energy metabolism has been suggested. Our aim was to analyze the complex thermoregulatory and food intake-related effects of alarin in rats. Adult male Wistar rats received different doses of alarin (0.3; 1; 3 and 15μg corresponding approximately to 0.1, 0.33, 1, and 5 nmol, respectively) intracerebroventricularly. Regarding thermoregulatory analysis, oxygen consumption (indicating metabolic rate), core temperature and heat loss (assessed by tail skin temperature) were recorded in an Oxymax indirect calorimeter system complemented with thermocouples and Benchtop thermometer. In order to investigate potential prostaglandin-mediated mechanisms of the hyperthermic effect of alarin, effects of intraperitoneally applied non-selective (indomethacin, 2mg/kg) or selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor (COX-2 inhibitor meloxicam, 1; 2mg/kg) were tested. Effects of alarin on daytime and nighttime spontaneous food intake, as well as, 24-h fasting-induced re-feeding were recorded in an automated FeedScale system. Alarin increased oxygen consumption with simultaneous suppression of heat loss leading to a slow coordinated rise in core temperature. Both applied COX-inhibitors suppressed this action. Alarin failed to induce daytime food intake, but suppressed spontaneous nighttime and also fasting-induced re-feeding food intake. Alarin appears to elicit a slow anorexigenic and prostaglandin-mediated, fever-like hyperthermic response in rats. Such a combination would characterize a catabolic mediator. The potential involvement of alarin in sickness behavior may be assumed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Mikó
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Nóra Füredi
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Judit Tenk
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Rostás
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Szilvia Soós
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Margit Solymár
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Miklós Székely
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Márta Balaskó
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary
| | - Susanne M Brunner
- Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise - THERAPEP, Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Barbara Kofler
- Laura Bassi Centre of Expertise - THERAPEP, Research Program for Receptor Biochemistry and Tumor Metabolism, Department of Pediatrics, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
| | - Erika Pétervári
- Institute for Translational Medicine, Medical School, University of Pécs, Hungary.
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16
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Chronic mild stress augments MPTP induced neurotoxicity in a murine model of Parkinson's disease. Physiol Behav 2017; 173:132-143. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2017.01.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2016] [Revised: 01/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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17
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Pinto Brod LM, Fronza MG, Vargas JP, Lüdtke DS, Brüning CA, Savegnago L. Modulation of PKA, PKC, CAMKII, ERK 1/2 pathways is involved in the acute antidepressant-like effect of (octylseleno)-xylofuranoside (OSX) in mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2017; 234:717-725. [PMID: 27995278 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-016-4505-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE (Octylseleno)-xylofuranoside (OSX) is an organoselenium compound from the class of alkylseleno carbohydrates possessing a C8 alkyl chain. Members of this class of organoselenium compounds have promising pharmacological activities, among them are antioxidant and acute antidepressant-like activities with the involvement of monoaminergic system, as previously presented by our research group. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to investigate the possible involvement of cellular signalling pathways in the antidepressant-like effect caused by OSX (0.01 mg/kg, oral route (p.o.) by gavage) in the tail suspension test (TST) in mice. METHODS Mice were treated by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection either with vehicle or with H-89 (1 μg/site i.c.v., an inhibitor of protein kinase A-PKA), KN-62 (1 μg/site i.c.v., an inhibitor of Ca2+/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II-CAMKII), chelerythrine (1 μg/site i.c.v., an inhibitor of protein kinase C-PKC) or PD098059 (5 μg/site i.c.v., an inhibitor of extracellular-regulated protein kinase 1/2-ERK1/2). Fifteen minutes after, vehicle or OSX was injected, and 30 min later, the TST and open field tests (OFT) were carried out. RESULTS The antidepressant-like effect of orally administered OSX was blocked by treatment of the mice with H-89, KN-62, chelerythrine and PD098059; all inhibitors of signalling proteins involved with neurotrophic signalling pathways. The number of crossings in the OFT was not altered by treatment with OSX and/or signalling antagonists. CONCLUSIONS The results demonstrated that OSX showed an antidepressant-like effect in the TST in mice through the activation of protein kinases PKA, PKC, CAMKII and ERK1/2 that are involved in intracellular signalling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucimar M Pinto Brod
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia, PPGBiotec, Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia - GPN, CDTec, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Mariana G Fronza
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia, PPGBiotec, Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia - GPN, CDTec, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline Pinto Vargas
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - Diogo S Lüdtke
- Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, UFRGS, Av. Bento Gonçalves 9500, Porto Alegre, RS, 91501-970, Brazil
| | - César Augusto Brüning
- Núcleo de Síntese, Aplicação e Análise de Compostos Orgânicos e Inorgânicos, Universidade Federal da Fronteira Sul, Cerro Largo, RS, Brazil
| | - Lucielli Savegnago
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Biotecnologia, PPGBiotec, Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia - GPN, CDTec, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós Graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, PPGBBio, Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia - GPN, CCQFA, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, UFPel, Pelotas, RS, Brazil.
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18
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Zhang MW, Zhang SF, Li ZH, Han F. 7,8-Dihydroxyflavone reverses the depressive symptoms in mouse chronic mild stress. Neurosci Lett 2016; 635:33-38. [PMID: 27773794 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2016.10.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
7,8-Dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) is a naturally-occurring flavone which possesses good bioavailability. Due to its ability to cross the blood-brain barrier, previous studies have demonstrated that 7,8-DHF was a potent tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) agonist, and produced antidepressant-like effects in mouse forced swimming test and tail suspension test. However, it has not been evaluated in chronic mild stress (CMS), a classical depression model modulating the processes of major depression in human. In the present study, we not only evaluated the depressive-like behaviors, but also measured the key proteins of TrkB signaling in mice exposed to CMS. Our results firstly found that long term but not single injection of 7,8-DHF restored the depressive-like behaviors in sucrose preference test and novelty suppressed feeding test. In addition, 7,8-DHF not only increased TrkB phosphorylation and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels, but also activated the expression of TrkB downstream synaptic proteins such as PSD95 and synaptophysin. Furthermore, the TrkB antagonist K252a blocked the antidepressant-like effects of 7,8-DHF. In summary, the present results demonstrated that chronic 7,8-DHF treatment exerted significant antidepressant-like effects, which were likely attributed to regulating TrkB signaling and thus promoting synaptic protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Wang Zhang
- Department of Encephalopathy (II), Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Zhengzhou 450007, Henan province, PR China
| | - She-Feng Zhang
- Henan Province Chinese medicine research institute, Zhengzhou 450004, Henan province, PR China
| | - Zhen-Hua Li
- Department of Encephalopathy (II), Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Zhengzhou 450007, Henan province, PR China
| | - Fang Han
- Department of Encephalopathy (II), Zhengzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Zhengzhou 450007, Henan province, PR China.
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19
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Zhuang F, Li M, Gao X, Wang Y, Wang D, Ma X, Ma T, Gu S. The antidepressant-like effect of alarin is related to TrkB-mTOR signaling and synaptic plasticity. Behav Brain Res 2016; 313:158-171. [PMID: 27374162 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2016.06.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2016] [Revised: 06/27/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Alarin is a newly derived neuropeptide from a splice variant of the galanin-like peptide gene. We previously showed that alarin has an antidepressant-like effect by increasing the activity of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) pathways, mediated by the tropomyosin-related kinase B receptor in the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) mouse model. Administration of rapamycin, a mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor, prevents the rapid antidepressant-like effect induced by ketamine in animal models, indicating a vital role of mTOR in depression pathophysiology. mTOR is a target of the ERK and AKT pathways that regulates the initiation of protein translation via its downstream components: ribosomal protein S6 kinase (p70S6K) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1). Therefore, we hypothesized that the antidepressant-like effects of alarin were achieved by activating ERK/AKT pathways, increasing the activity of mTOR and its downstream signaling components that contribute to protein synthesis required for synaptic plasticity. Our results suggest that intracerebroventricular administration of alarin significantly ameliorates depression-like behaviors in the UCMS mouse model. Furthermore, alarin restored UCMS-induced reductions of p70S6K and post-synaptic density 95 (PSD-95) mRNA levels, and of phospho-mTOR and phospho-4EBP1 in the prefrontal cortex, hippocampus, hypothalamus, and olfactory bulb. Additionally, alarin reversed the UCMS-induced downregulation of PSD-95 and synapsin I protein expression in these brain regions. Thus, the antidepressant-like effects of alarin may be mediated by restoring decreased activity of the mTOR signaling pathway and expression of synaptic proteins. Our findings help advance the understanding of depression pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuzhi Zhuang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First People's Hospital of Wujiang, Suzhou 215200, China
| | - Mei Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Dongdong Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The People's Hospital of Jiangyin, Wuxi 214400, China
| | - Xing Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Tengfei Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Shuling Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China.
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Petschner P, Juhasz G, Tamasi V, Adori C, Tothfalusi L, Hökfelt T, Bagdy G. Chronic venlafaxine treatment fails to alter the levels of galanin system transcripts in normal rats. Neuropeptides 2016; 57:65-70. [PMID: 26891823 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2016.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2016] [Revised: 01/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
It is widely accepted that efficacy and speed of current antidepressants' therapeutic effect are far from optimal. Thus, there is a need for the development of antidepressants with new mechanisms of action. The neuropeptide galanin and its receptors (GalR1, GalR2 and GalR3) are among the promising targets. However, it is not clear whether or not the galanin system is involved in the antidepressant effect exerted by the currently much used inhibitors of the reuptake of serotonin and/or noradrenaline. To answer this question we administered the selective serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) venlafaxine (40mg/kg/day via osmotic minipumps) to normal rats and examined the levels of the transcripts for galanin and GalR1-3 after a 3-week venlafaxine treatment in the dorsal raphe, hippocampus and frontal cortex. These areas are known to be involved in the effects of antidepressants and in depression itself. Venlafaxine failed to alter the expression of any of the galanin system genes in these areas. Our results show that one of the most efficient, currently used SNRIs does not alter transcript levels of galanin or its three receptors in normal rats. These findings suggest that the pro- and antidepressive-like effects of galanin reported in animal experiments may employ a novel mechanism(s).
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Petschner
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology & Neurochemistry Research Group, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Juhasz
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology & Neurochemistry Research Group, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE-NAP B Genetic Brain Imaging Migraine Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Semmelweis University, Hungary
| | - Viola Tamasi
- Department of Genetics-, Cell and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Csaba Adori
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary; Retzius Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Retzius väg 8, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Laszlo Tothfalusi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tomas Hökfelt
- Retzius Laboratory, Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Retzius väg 8, 17177, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Gyorgy Bagdy
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary; MTA-SE Neuropsychopharmacology & Neurochemistry Research Group, H-1089, Nagyvarad ter 4., Budapest, Hungary.
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Resveratrol: A Potential Hippocampal Plasticity Enhancer. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2016; 2016:9651236. [PMID: 27313836 PMCID: PMC4897722 DOI: 10.1155/2016/9651236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2016] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The search for molecules capable of restoring altered hippocampal plasticity in psychiatric and neurological conditions is one of the most important tasks of modern neuroscience. It is well established that neural plasticity, such as the ability of the postnatal hippocampus to continuously generate newly functional neurons throughout life, a process called adult hippocampal neurogenesis (AHN), can be modulated not only by pharmacological agents, physical exercise, and environmental enrichment, but also by “nutraceutical” agents. In this review we focus on resveratrol, a phenol and phytoalexin found in the skin of grapes and red berries, as well as in nuts. Resveratrol has been reported to have antioxidant and antitumor properties, but its effects as a neural plasticity inducer are still debated. The current review examines recent evidence implicating resveratrol in regulating hippocampal neural plasticity and in mitigating the effects of various disorders and diseases on this important brain structure. Overall, findings show that resveratrol can improve cognition and mood and enhance hippocampal plasticity and AHN; however, some studies report opposite effects, with resveratrol inhibiting aspects of AHN. Therefore, further investigation is needed to resolve these controversies before resveratrol can be established as a safe coadjuvant in preventing and treating neuropsychiatric conditions.
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Zhuang F, Zhou X, Gao X, Lou D, Bi X, Qin S, Sun C, Ye P, Wang Y, Ma T, Li M, Gu S. Cytokines and glucocorticoid receptors are associated with the antidepressant-like effect of alarin. Peptides 2016; 76:115-29. [PMID: 26779986 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2016.01.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/08/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Little is known about the physiological or pharmacological properties of alarin, a new neuropeptide belonging to the galanin family. We previously showed that alarin has an antidepressant-like effect and is associated with a decrease in the hyperactivity of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that is observed in patients with depression using unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) mouse model of depression. However, the mechanisms underlying these effects have not been uncovered. Inflammatory cytokines are reportedly associated with depression. Animal studies and cytokine immune therapy in humans suggest that pro-inflammatory cytokines induce depressive symptomatology and potently activate the HPA axis, whereas anti-inflammatory cytokines may decrease activation. Thus, we first determined the levels of inflammatory cytokines in the blood and brain to evaluate whether the antidepressant-like effect of alarin in UCMS-treated mice is related to its regulation of these inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines disrupt the function and/or expression of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs), which mediate the negative feedback of glucocorticoids on the HPA axis to keep it from being overactivated. We next explored the expression level of GRs in the brains of mice subjected to UCMS and to the administration of alarin. We found that intracerebroventricular administration of alarin significantly ameliorated depression-like behaviors in the UCMS-treated mice. Alarin restored the UCMS-induced an increase in the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor α and a decrease in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 level in the blood, prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus. Alarin also reversed the UCMS-induced down-regulation of GR expression in these brain regions. Thus, the antidepressant-like effects of alarin may be mediated by restoring altered pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokine levels and GR expression to decrease HPA axis hyperactivity. Our findings provide additional knowledge to interpret the pathophysiology of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fuzhi Zhuang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xue Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xin Gao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Dan Lou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Xuesheng Bi
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Shoujun Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Chuxiao Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Peng Ye
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Yun Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Tengfei Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Mei Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China
| | - Shuling Gu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology, Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou 221004, China.
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