Podoplanin influences the inflammatory phenotypes and mobility of microglia in traumatic brain injury

Podoplanin Positive Cell-derived Extracellular Vesicles Contribute to Cardiac Amyloidosis After Myocardial Infarction

Background

Amyloidosis is a major long-term complication of chronic disease; however, whether it represents one of the complications of post-myocardial infarction (MI) is yet to be fully understood.

Methods

Using wild-type and knocked-out MI mouse models and characterizing in vitro the exosomal communication between bone marrow-derived macrophages and activated mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) isolated after MI, we investigated the mechanism behind Serum Amyloid A 3 (SAA3) protein overproduction in injured hearts.

Results

Here, we show that amyloidosis occurs after MI and that amyloid fibers are composed of macrophage-derived SAA3 monomers. SAA3 overproduction in macrophages is triggered by exosomal communication from a subset of activated MSC, which, in response to MI, acquire the expression of a platelet aggregation-inducing type I transmembrane glycoprotein named Podoplanin (PDPN). Cardiac MSC PDPN+ communicate with and activate macrophages through their extracellular vesicles or exosomes. Specifically, MSC PDPN+ derived exosomes (MSC PDPN+ Exosomes) are enriched in SAA3 and exosomal SAA3 protein engages with Toll-like receptor 2 (TRL2) on macrophages, triggering an overproduction and impaired clearance of SAA3 proteins, resulting in aggregation of SAA3 monomers as rigid amyloid deposits in the extracellular space. The onset of amyloid fibers deposition alongside extra-cellular-matrix (ECM) proteins in the ischemic heart exacerbates the rigidity and stiffness of the scar, hindering the contractility of viable myocardium and overall impairing organ function. Using SAA3 and TLR2 deficient mouse models, we show that SAA3 delivered by MSC PDPN+ exosomes promotes post-MI amyloidosis. Inhibition of SAA3 aggregation via administration of a retro-inverso D-peptide, specifically designed to bind SAA3 monomers, prevents the deposition of SAA3 amyloid fibrils, positively modulates the scar formation, and improves heart function post-MI.

Conclusion

Overall, our findings provide mechanistic insights into post-MI amyloidosis and suggest that SAA3 may be an attractive target for effective scar reversal after ischemic injury and a potential target in multiple diseases characterized by a similar pattern of inflammation and amyloid deposition.

NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCE

What is known? Accumulation of rigid amyloid structures in the left ventricular wall impairs ventricle contractility.After myocardial infarction cardiac Mesenchymal Stromal Cells (MSC) acquire Podoplanin (PDPN) to better interact with immune cells.Amyloid structures can accumulate in the heart after chronic inflammatory conditions. What information does this article contribute? Whether accumulation of cumbersome amyloid structures in the ischemic scar impairs left ventricle contractility, and scar reversal after myocardial infarction (MI) has never been investigated.The pathophysiological relevance of PDPN acquirement by MSC and the functional role of their secreted exosomes in the context of post-MI cardiac remodeling has not been investigated.Amyloid structures are present in the scar after ischemia and are composed of macrophage-derived Serum Amyloid A (SAA) 3 monomers, although mechanisms of SAA3 overproduction is not established.

SUMMARY OF NOVELTY AND SIGNIFICANCE

Here, we report that amyloidosis, a secondary phenomenon of an already preexisting and prolonged chronic inflammatory condition, occurs after MI and that amyloid structures are composed of macrophage-derived SAA3 monomers. Frequently studied cardiac amyloidosis are caused by aggregation of immunoglobulin light chains, transthyretin, fibrinogen, and apolipoprotein in a healthy heart as a consequence of systemic chronic inflammation leading to congestive heart failure with various types of arrhythmias and tissue stiffness. Although chronic MI is considered a systemic inflammatory condition, studies regarding the possible accumulation of amyloidogenic proteins after MI and the mechanisms involved in that process are yet to be reported. Here, we show that SAA3 overproduction in macrophages is triggered in a Toll-like Receptor 2 (TLR2)-p38MAP Kinase-dependent manner by exosomal communication from a subset of activated MSC, which, in response to MI, express a platelet aggregation-inducing type I transmembrane glycoprotein named Podoplanin. We provide the full mechanism of this phenomenon in murine models and confirm SAA3 amyloidosis in failing human heart samples. Moreover, we developed a retro-inverso D-peptide therapeutic approach, "DRI-R5S," specifically designed to bind SAA3 monomers and prevent post-MI aggregation and deposition of SAA3 amyloid fibrils without interfering with the innate immune response.

TYROBP/DAP12 knockout in Huntington's disease Q175 mice cell-autonomously decreases microglial expression of disease-associated genes and non-cell-autonomously mitigates astrogliosis and motor deterioration

INTRODUCTION

Huntington's disease (HD) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder caused by an expansion of the CAG trinucleotide repeat in the Huntingtin gene (HTT). Immune activation is abundant in the striatum of HD patients. Detection of active microglia at presymptomatic stages suggests that microgliosis is a key early driver of neuronal dysfunction and degeneration. Recent studies showed that deletion of Tyrobp, a microglial protein, ameliorates neuronal dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease amyloidopathy and tauopathy mouse models while decreasing components of the complement subnetwork.

OBJECTIVE

While TYROBP/DAP12-mediated microglial activation is detrimental for some diseases such as peripheral nerve injury, it is beneficial for other diseases. We sought to determine whether the TYROBP network is implicated in HD and whether Tyrobp deletion impacts HD striatal function and transcriptomics.

METHODS

To test the hypothesis that Tyrobp deficiency would be beneficial in an HD model, we placed the Q175 HD mouse model on a Tyrobp-null background. We characterized these mice with a combination of behavioral testing, immunohistochemistry, transcriptomic and proteomic profiling. Further, we evaluated the gene signature in isolated Q175 striatal microglia, with and without Tyrobp.

RESULTS

Comprehensive analysis of publicly available human HD transcriptomic data revealed that the TYROBP network is overactivated in the HD putamen. The Q175 mice showed morphologic microglial activation, reduced levels of post-synaptic density-95 protein and motor deficits at 6 and 9 months of age, all of which were ameliorated on the Tyrobp-null background. Gene expression analysis revealed that lack of Tyrobp in the Q175 model does not prevent the decrease in the expression of striatal neuronal genes but reduces pro-inflammatory pathways that are specifically active in HD human brain, including genes identified as detrimental in neurodegenerative diseases, e.g. C1q and members of the Ccr5 signaling pathway. Integration of transcriptomic and proteomic data revealed that astrogliosis and complement system pathway were reduced after Tyrobp deletion, which was further validated by immunofluorescence analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data provide molecular and functional support demonstrating that Tyrobp deletion prevents many of the abnormalities in the HD Q175 mouse model, suggesting that the Tyrobp pathway is a potential therapeutic candidate for Huntington's disease.

Alzheimer's disease transcriptional landscape in ex-vivo human microglia

Microglia are resident immune cells of the brain and are implicated in the etiology of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and other diseases. Yet the cellular and molecular processes regulating their function throughout the course of the disease are poorly understood. Here, we present the transcriptional landscape of primary microglia from 189 human postmortem brains, including 58 healthy aging individuals and 131 with a range of disease phenotypes, including 63 patients representing the full spectrum of clinical and pathological severity of AD. We identified transcriptional changes associated with multiple AD phenotypes, capturing the severity of dementia and neuropathological lesions. Transcript-level analyses identified additional genes with heterogeneous isoform usage and AD phenotypes. We identified changes in gene-gene coordination in AD, dysregulation of co-expression modules, and disease subtypes with distinct gene expression. Taken together, these data further our understanding of the key role of microglia in AD biology and nominate candidates for therapeutic intervention.

Heterogeneity of perivascular astrocyte endfeet depending on vascular regions in the mouse brain

Astrocytes interact with not only synapses but also brain blood vessels through perivascular astrocyte endfeet (PV-AEF) to form the neurovascular unit (NVU). However, PV-AEF components have not been fully identified. Here, we biochemically isolated blood vessels from mouse brain homogenates and purified PV-AEF. The purified PV-AEF were observed in different sizes, similar to PV-AEF on brain blood vessels. Mass spectrometry analysis identified 9,762 proteins in the purified PV-AEF, including cell adhesion molecules, nectin-2δ, Kirrel2, and podoplanin. Immunofluorescence microscopic analysis revealed that nectin-2δ and podoplanin were concentrated mainly in arteries/arterioles and veins/venules of the mouse brain, whereas Kirrel2 was mainly in arteries/arterioles. Nectin-2α/δ, Kirrel2, and podoplanin were preferentially observed in large sizes of the purified PV-AEF. Furthermore, Kirrel2 potentially has cell adhesion activity of cultured astrocytes. Collectively, these results indicate that PV-AEF have heterogeneity in sizes and molecular components, implying different roles of PV-AEF in NVU function depending on vascular regions.

The Rehabilitation Potential of Neurostimulation for Mild Traumatic Brain Injury in Animal and Human Studies

Neurostimulation carries high therapeutic potential, accompanied by an excellent safety profile. In this review, we argue that an arena in which these tools could provide breakthrough benefits is traumatic brain injury (TBI). TBI is a major health problem worldwide, with the majority of cases identified as mild TBI (mTBI). MTBI is of concern because it is a modifiable risk factor for dementia. A major challenge in studying mTBI is its inherent heterogeneity across a large feature space (e.g., etiology, age of injury, sex, treatment, initial health status, etc.). Parallel lines of research in human and rodent mTBI can be collated to take advantage of the full suite of neuroscience tools, from neuroimaging (electroencephalography: EEG; functional magnetic resonance imaging: fMRI; diffusion tensor imaging: DTI) to biochemical assays. Despite these attractive components and the need for effective treatments, there are at least two major challenges to implementation. First, there is insufficient understanding of how neurostimulation alters neural mechanisms. Second, there is insufficient understanding of how mTBI alters neural function. The goal of this review is to assemble interrelated but disparate areas of research to identify important gaps in knowledge impeding the implementation of neurostimulation.

Loureirin B protects against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through modulating M1/M2 microglial polarization via STAT6 / NF-kappaB signaling pathway

The latest research indicates that modulating microglial polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype may be a coping therapy for ischemic stroke. The present study thereby evaluated the effects of loureirin B (LB), a monomer compound extracted from Sanguis Draconis flavones (SDF), on cerebral ischemic injury and the potential mechanisms. The middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in male Sprague-Dawley rats to induce cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in vivo, and BV2 cells were exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation and reintroduction (OGD/R) to mimic cerebral I/R injury in vitro. The results showed that LB significantly reduced infarct volume, neurological deficits and neurobehavioral deficits, apparently improved histopathological changes and neuronal loss in cortex and hippocampus of MCAO/R rats, markedly decreased the proportion of M1 microglia cells and the level of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and increased the proportion of M2 microglia and the level of anti-inflammatory cytokines both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, LB evidently improved the p-STAT6 expression and reduced the NF-κB (p-p65) expression after cerebral I/R injury in vivo and in vitro. IL-4 (a STAT6 agonist) exhibited a similar impact to that of LB, while AS1517499 (a STAT6 inhibitor) significantly reversed the effect of LB on BV-2 cells after OGD/R. These findings point to the protection of LB against cerebral I/R injury by modulating M1/M2 polarization of microglia via the STAT6/NF-κB signaling pathway, hence LB may be a viable treatment option for ischemic stroke.

The role of microRNAs in depression

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric disorder with increasing prevalence worldwide. It is a leading cause of disability and suicide, severely affecting physical and mental health. However, the study of depression remains at an exploratory stage in terms of diagnostics and treatment due to the complexity of its pathogenesis. MicroRNAs are endogenous short-stranded non-coding RNAs capable of binding to the 3’untranslated region of mRNAs. Because of their ability to repress translation process of genes and are found at high levels in brain tissues, investigation of their role in depression has gradually increased recently. This article summarizes recent research progress on the relationship between microRNAs and depression. The microRNAs play a regulatory role in the pathophysiology of depression, involving dysregulation of monoamines, abnormalities in neuroplasticity and neurogenesis, hyperactivity of the HPA axis, and dysregulation of inflammatory responses. These microRNAs might provide new clue for the diagnosis and treatment of MDD, and the development of antidepressant drugs.

Neuroprotective mechanisms of OXCT1 via the SIRT3-SOD2 pathway after traumatic brain injury

BACKGROUND

Ketones are not only utilized to produce energy but also play a neuroprotective role in many neurodegenerative diseases. However, whether this process has an impact on secondary brain damage after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains unknown. OXCT1 (3-Oxoacid CoA-Transferase 1) is the rate-limiting enzyme in the intra-neuronal utilization of ketones. In this study, we investigated whether reduced expression of OXCT1 after TBI could impact neuroprotective mechanisms and exacerbate neurological dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Experimental TBI was induced by a modified version of the weight drop model, it is a model of severe head trauma. Expression of OXCT1 in the injured hippocampus of mice was measured at different time points using immunoblotting assays. The release of abnormal mitochondrial cytochrome c from neurons of the mouse injured lateral hippocampus was measured 1 week after TBI using immunoblotting assays. Neuronal death was assessed by Nissl staining and the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) within the neurons of the injured lateral hippocampus was assessed by Dihydroethidium staining. Results OXCT1 was overexpressed in hippocampal neurons by injection of adeno-associated virus into the lateral ventricle. OXCT1 expression levels decreased significantly 1 week post-TBI. After comparing the data obtained from different groups of mice, OXCT1 was found to significantly increase the expression of SIRT3 and reduce the proportion of acetylated SOD2, thus decreasing the production of ROS in the injured hippocampal neurons, reducing neuronal death, and improving cognitive function. Conclusions OXCT1 has a critical previously unappreciated protective role in neurological impairment following TBI via the SIR3-SOD2 pathway. These findings highlight the potential of OXCT1 as a simple treatment for patients with TBI.

Podoplanin: A potential therapeutic target for thrombotic diseases

As a specific lymphatic marker and a key ligand of C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2), podoplanin (Pdpn) is involved in various physiological and pathological processes such as growth and development, respiration, blood coagulation, lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis, and inflammation. Thrombotic diseases constitute a major cause of disability and mortality in adults, in which thrombosis and inflammation play a crucial role. Recently, increasing evidence demonstrates the distribution and function of this glycoprotein in thrombotic diseases such as atherosclerosis, ischemic stroke, venous thrombosis, ischemic-reperfusion injury (IRI) of kidney and liver, and myocardial infarction. Evidence showed that after ischemia, Pdpn can be acquired over time by a heterogeneous cell population, which may not express Pdpn in normal conditions. In this review, the research progresses in understanding the roles and mechanisms of podoplanin in thromobotic diseases are summarized. The challenges of podoplanin-targeted approaches for disease prognosis and preventions are also discussed.

Podoplanin: Its roles and functions in neurological diseases and brain cancers

Podoplanin is a small mucin-like glycoprotein involved in several physiological and pathological processes in the brain including development, angiogenesis, tumors, ischemic stroke and other neurological disorders. Podoplanin expression is upregulated in different cell types including choroid plexus epithelial cells, glial cells, as well as periphery infiltrated immune cells during brain development and neurological disorders. As a transmembrane protein, podoplanin interacts with other molecules in the same or neighboring cells. In the past, a lot of studies reported a pleiotropic role of podoplanin in the modulation of thrombosis, inflammation, lymphangiogenesis, angiogenesis, immune surveillance, epithelial mesenchymal transition, as well as extracellular matrix remodeling in periphery, which have been well summarized and discussed. Recently, mounting evidence demonstrates the distribution and function of this molecule in brain development and neurological disorders. In this review, we summarize the research progresses in understanding the roles and mechanisms of podoplanin in the development and disorders of the nervous system. The challenges of podoplanin-targeted approaches for disease prognosis and preventions are also discussed.

The Role of Podoplanin in the Immune System and Inflammation

Podoplanin is a small cell-surface mucin-like glycoprotein that participates in multiple physiological and pathological processes. Podoplanin exerts an important function in the immune response and is upregulated in fibroblasts, macrophages, T helper cells, and epithelial cells during inflammation. Herein, we summarize the latest knowledge on the functional expression of podoplanin in the immune system and review the contribution of podoplanin to several inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, we discuss podoplanin as a novel therapeutic target for various inflammatory diseases.

Histone methyltransferase enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit exacerbates inflammation in depression rats by modulating microglia polarization

Depression is a major cause of emotional agony and degraded living quality. Enhancer of zeste 2 polycomb repressive complex 2 subunit (EZH2) is involved in histone methylation in human diseases. This experiment was designed to investigate the mechanism of EZH2 on depression. Depression rat model was established via the treatment of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) to identify rat depression-like behaviors. EZH2 expression was determined and then silenced to assess its effect on depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammation. Microglia were isolated, cultured, identified and activated to assess EZH2 expression. Effect of EZH2 on microglia polarization was evaluated. Next, the binding relation between microRNA (miR)-29b-3p and EZH2 or matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2) was analyzed. Levels of miR-29b-3p expression and MMP2 transcription were examined. Additionally, the role of miR-29b-3p in microglia polarization was tested. Depression-like behaviors were exhibited after CUMS induction. EZH2 was overexpressed in CUMS-treated rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced microglia. EZH2 silencing reversed depression-like behaviors. EZH2 silencing mitigated inflammation in depression by manipulating microglia M2-type polarization. EZH2 targeted miR-29b-3p expression to promote MMP2 transcription. Inhibition of miR-29b-3p reversed the role of EZH2 silencing in microglia M2-type polarization and promoted inflammation. EZH2 inhibited miR-29b-3p expression by combining with miR-29b-3p promoter and trimethylation of histone H3-lysine 27-trimethylated upregulation, and then elevated MMP2 transcription and triggered microglia M1-type polarization, thus exacerbating depression-like behaviors and neuroinflammation of depression.

Revisiting Excitotoxicity in Traumatic Brain Injury: From Bench to Bedside

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality. Consequences vary from mild cognitive impairment to death and, no matter the severity of subsequent sequelae, it represents a high burden for affected patients and for the health care system. Brain trauma can cause neuronal death through mechanical forces that disrupt cell architecture, and other secondary consequences through mechanisms such as inflammation, oxidative stress, programmed cell death, and, most importantly, excitotoxicity. This review aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the many classical and novel pathways implicated in tissue damage following TBI. We summarize the preclinical evidence of potential therapeutic interventions and describe the available clinical evaluation of novel drug targets such as vitamin B12 and ifenprodil, among others.

Podoplanin Drives Motility of Active Macrophage via Regulating Filamin C During Helicobacter pylori Infection

Podoplanin (Pdpn) is a mucin-type transmembrane protein that has been implicated in multiple physiological settings including lymphangiogenesis, platelet aggregation, and cancer metastasis. Here, we reported an absence of Pdpn transcript expression in the resting mouse monocytic macrophages, RAW264.7 cells; intriguingly, a substantial upregulation of Pdpn was observed in activated macrophages following Helicobacter pylori or lipopolysaccharide stimulation. Pdpn-knockout macrophages demonstrated intact phagocytic and intracellular bactericidal activities comparable to wild type but exhibited impaired migration due to attenuated filopodia formation. In contrast, an ectopic expression of Pdpn augmented filopodia protrusion in activated macrophages. NanoString analysis uncovered a close dependency of Filamin C gene on the presence of Pdpn, highlighting an involvement of Filamin C in modulation of actin polymerization activity, which controls cell filopodia formation and migration. In addition, interleukin-1β production was significantly declined in the absence of Pdpn, suggesting a role of Pdpn in orchestrating inflammation during H. pylori infection besides cellular migration. Together, our findings unravel the Pdpn network that modulates movement of active macrophages.

Naringenin attenuates endoplasmic reticulum stress, reduces apoptosis, and improves functional recovery in experimental traumatic brain injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of disability and death worldwide. Accumulating evidence suggests that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress would be an important component in the pathogenesis of TBI. Although the neuroprotective effects of naringenin, a natural flavonoid isolated from citrus plants, have been confirmed in several neurological diseases, its mechanism of action in TBI needs further investigation. In ICR mice, we found that TBI induced elevated expression of ER stress marker proteins, including 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) in the perilesional cortex, which peaked at 7 days and 3 days after TBI, respectively. The induction of ER stress-related proteins partly coincided with ER architectural changes at 3 days post-TBI, indicating ER stress activation in our TBI model. Our results also revealed that continuous naringenin administration ameliorated neurological dysfunction, cerebral edema, plasmalemma permeability, and neuron cell loss at day 3 after TBI. Further, Naringenin suppressed TBI-induced activation of the ER stress pathway (p-eIF2α, ATF4, and CHOP), oxidative stress and apoptosis on day 3 after TBI. In summary, our data suggest that naringenin could ameliorate TBI-induced secondary brain injury by pleiotropic effects, including ER stress attenuation.

The Role of CLEC-2 and Its Ligands in Thromboinflammation

C-type lectin-like receptor 2 (CLEC-2, also known as CLEC-1b) is expressed on platelets, Kupffer cells and other immune cells, and binds to various ligands including the mucin-like protein podoplanin (PDPN). The role of CLEC-2 in infection and immunity has become increasingly evident in recent years. CLEC-2 is involved in platelet activation, tumor cell metastasis, separation of blood/lymphatic vessels, and cerebrovascular patterning during embryonic development. In this review, we have discussed the role of CLEC-2 in thromboinflammation, and focused on the recent research.

Waning efficacy in a long-term AAV-mediated gene therapy study in the murine model of Krabbe disease

Neonatal AAV9-gene therapy of the lysosomal enzyme galactosylceramidase (GALC) significantly ameliorates central and peripheral neuropathology, prolongs survival, and largely normalizes motor deficits in Twitcher mice. Despite these therapeutic milestones, new observations identified the presence of multiple small focal demyelinating areas in the brain after 6-8 months. These lesions are in stark contrast to the diffuse, global demyelination that affects the brain of naive Twitcher mice. Late-onset lesions exhibited lysosomal alterations with reduced expression of GALC and increased psychosine levels. Furthermore, we found that lesions were closely associated with the extravasation of plasma fibrinogen and activation of the fibrinogen-BMP-SMAD-GFAP gliotic response. Extravasation of fibrinogen correlated with tight junction disruptions of the vasculature within the lesioned areas. The lesions were surrounded by normal appearing white matter. Our study shows that the dysregulation of therapeutic GALC was likely driven by the exhaustion of therapeutic AAV episomal DNA within the lesions, paralleling the presence of proliferating oligodendrocyte progenitors and glia. We believe that this is the first demonstration of diminishing expression in vivo from an AAV gene therapy vector with detrimental effects in the brain of a lysosomal storage disease animal model. The development of this phenotype linking localized loss of GALC activity with relapsing neuropathology in the adult brain of neonatally AAV-gene therapy-treated Twitcher mice identifies and alerts to possible late-onset reductions of AAV efficacy, with implications to other genetic leukodystrophies.

Multi-walled carbon nanotube polysaccharide modified Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide as an adjuvant to extend immune responses

In recent years, the utilization of CS-MWCNT as targeted drug carriers has attracted considerable attention. Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) has been reported as an immunostimulant to improve immune responses. This study was focussed on developing CS-MWCNT encapsulating HEP (CS-MWCNT-HEP). Using in mice peritoneal macrophages, we found the immune response could be effectively regulated by CS-MWCNT-HEP, promoted the expression of the MHCII, CD86, F4/80 and gp38. Moreover, the mice immunized with CS-MWCNT-HEP nanoparticles significantly extended PCV₂-specific IgG immune response and the levels of cytokines. The results demonstrated that CS-MWCNT-HEP may be a promising drug delivery system for immuno-enhancement.

FTY720 Reduces Endothelial Cell Apoptosis and Remodels Neurovascular Unit after Experimental Traumatic Brain Injury

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of death and disability worldwide. A sequence of pathological processes occurred when there is TBI. Previous studies showed that sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 1 (S1PR1) played a critical role in inflammatory response in the brain after TBI. Thus, the present study was designed to evaluate the effects of the S1PR1 modulator FTY720 on neurovascular unit (NVU) after experimental TBI in mice. The weight-drop TBI method was used to induce TBI. Western blot (WB) was performed to determine the levels of SIPR1, claudin-5 and occludin at different time points. FTY720 was intraperitoneally administered to mice after TBI was induced. The terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay was used to assess endothelial cell apoptosis. Immunofluorescence and WB were performed to measure the expression of tight junction proteins: claudin-5 and occludin. Evans blue (EB) permeability assay and brain water content were applied to evaluate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and brain edema. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the activation of astrocytes and microglia. The results showed that FTY720 administration reduced endothelial cell apoptosis and improved BBB permeability. FTY720 also attenuated astrocytes and microglia activation. Furthermore, treatment with FTY720 not only improved neurological function, but also increased the survival rate of mice significantly. These findings suggest that FTY720 administration restored the structure of the NVU after experimental TBI by decreasing endothelial cell apoptosis and attenuating the activation of astrocytes. Moreover, FTY720 might reduce inflammation in the brain by reducing the activation of microglia in TBI mice.

Structural characterization of enzymatic modification of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide and its immune-enhancement activity

In this study, the enzyme degradation of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide (HEP) was successfully modified with endo-rhamnosidase to obtain the enzymatic hydrolysis of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharide product (EHEP). The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC), Fourier transformed infrared spectrometry (FT-IR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), atomic particle microscopy (AFM), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) and particle size distribution were used to characterize polysaccharides. In vitro, EHEP significantly enhanced the phagocytosis, NO, CD40 and CD86 by macrophage than HEP. In vivo, female Balb/c mice were injected respectively with EHEP and HEP after administrated with cyclophosphamide, once a day for 7 days. On days 11, the morphology and structure of jejunal sections, immunofluorescence of spleen and peritoneal macrophages were determined. These results indicated that the enzymatic hydrolysis product could enhance the activation of peritoneal macrophages, and enhance the immunomodulation function of HEP. This study demonstrated that enzymatic modification was an effective method to improve the activities of HEP, and could be developed as a potential technology for use in pharmaceutical and cosmeceutical industry.

JNK/c-Jun-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia contributed to retinal ganglion cells degeneration induced by indirect traumatic optic neuropathy

BACKGROUND

Indirect traumatic optic neuropathy (ITON) is a major cause of permanent loss of vision after blunt head trauma. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in neurodegenerative diseases. The present study concentrated on JNK/c-Jun-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia during the degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) in ITON.

METHODS

An impact acceleration (IA) model was employed to induce ITON, which could produce significant neurodegeneration in the visual system. Pharmacological approaches were employed to disrupt JNK and to explore whether JNK and the microglial response contribute to RGC death and axonal degeneration.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that the ITON model induced significant RGC death and axonal degeneration and activated JNK/c-Jun signaling, which could further induce the microglial response and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Moreover, JNK disruption is sufficient to suppress NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia and to prevent RGC death and axonal degeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

ITON could promote JNK/c-Jun signaling, which further activates the NLRP3 inflammasome in microglia and contributes to the degeneration of axons and death of RGCs. JNK inhibition is able to suppress the inflammatory reaction and improve RGC survival. Although further work is needed to determine whether pharmacological inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome can prevent ITON, our findings indicated that such intervention could be promising for translational work.