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Fragkiadaki E, Katsanou L, Vartzoka F, Gravanis A, Pitsikas N. Effects of low doses of the novel dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) derivative BNN27 in rat models of anxiety. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2024; 241:341-350. [PMID: 37917180 PMCID: PMC10806005 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-023-06490-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Several lines of evidence indicate that the neurosteroid dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is involved in anxiety. BNN27 is a new DHEA derivative lacking steroidogenic effects. The beneficial effects exerted by BNN27 in preclinical models of schizophrenia and memory disorders have been recently reported. OBJECTIVES The present study was designed to investigate the effects of this DHEA novel analog on anxiety-like behavior in rats. METHODS To this end, the light/dark box, the open field, the contextual fear conditioning, and the excessive self-grooming induced by the serotonin 5-HT2c receptor agonist mCPP tests were utilized. RESULTS Animals treated acutely with BNN27 (1, 3, and 6 mg/kg) dose dependently spent more time in the bright compartment of the light/dark box and in the central zone of the open field with respect to their vehicle-treated cohorts. Further, BNN27 reduced freezing behavior and weakened the mCPP-induced excessive self-grooming. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that BNN27 is a highly potent anxiolytic agent, as in all studied paradigms it showed anxiolytic-like effects in male rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evangelia Fragkiadaki
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 415-00, Larissa, Greece
| | - Lamprini Katsanou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 415-00, Larissa, Greece
| | - Foteini Vartzoka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 415-00, Larissa, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 415-00, Larissa, Greece.
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Narducci D, Charou D, Rogdakis T, Zota I, Bafiti V, Zervou M, Katsila T, Gravanis A, Prousis KC, Charalampopoulos I, Calogeropoulou T. A quest for the stereo-electronic requirements for selective agonism for the neurotrophin receptors TrkA and TrkB in 17-spirocyclic-dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1244133. [PMID: 37840771 PMCID: PMC10568017 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1244133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The neurotrophin system plays a pivotal role in the development, morphology, and survival of the nervous system, and its dysregulation has been manifested in numerous neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases. Neurotrophins NGF and BDNF are major growth factors that prevent neuronal death and synaptic loss through binding with high affinity to their specific tropomyosin-related kinase receptors namely, TrkA and TrkB, respectively. The poor pharmacokinetic properties prohibit the use of neurotrophins as therapeutic agents. Our group has previously synthesized BNN27, a prototype small molecule based on dehydroepiandrosterone, mimicking NGF through the activation of the TrkA receptor. Methods To obtain a better understanding of the stereo-electronic requirements for selective activation of TrkA and TrkB receptors, 27 new dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives bearing a C17-spiro-dihydropyran or cyclobutyl moiety were synthesized. The new compounds were evaluated for their ability (a) to selectively activate the TrkA receptor and its downstream signaling kinases Akt and Erk1/2 in PC12 cells, protecting these cells from serum deprivation-induced cell death, and (b) to induce phosphorylation of TrkB and to promote cell survival under serum deprivation conditions in NIH3T3 cells stable transfected with the TrkB receptor and primary cortical astrocytes. In addition the metabolic stability and CYP-mediated reaction was assessed. Results Among the novel derivatives, six were able to selectively protect PC12 cells through interaction with the TrkA receptor and five more to selectively protect TrkB-expressing cells via interaction with the TrkB receptor. In particular, compound ENT-A025 strongly induces TrkA and Erk1/2 phosphorylation, comparable to NGF, and can protect PC12 cells against serum deprivation-induced cell death. Furthermore, ENT-A065, ENT-A066, ENT-A068, ENT-A069, and ENT-A070 showed promising pro-survival effects in the PC12 cell line. Concerning TrkB agonists, ENT-A009 and ENT-A055 were able to induce phosphorylation of TrkB and reduce cell death levels in NIH3T3-TrkB cells. In addition, ENT-A076, ENT-A087, and ENT-A088 possessed antiapoptotic activity in NIH-3T3-TrkB cells exclusively mediated through the TrkB receptor. The metabolic stability and CYP-mediated reaction phenotyping of the potent analogs did not reveal any major liabilities. Discussion We have identified small molecule selective agonists of TrkA and TrkB receptors as promising lead neurotrophin mimetics for the development of potential therapeutics against neurodegenerative conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Narducci
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Despoina Charou
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Thanasis Rogdakis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioanna Zota
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vivi Bafiti
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Zervou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Katsila
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Kyriakos C. Prousis
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Georgelou K, Saridaki EA, Karali K, Papagiannaki A, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Tzeranis DS. Microneurotrophin BNN27 Reduces Astrogliosis and Increases Density of Neurons and Implanted Neural Stem Cell-Derived Cells after Spinal Cord Injury. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11041170. [PMID: 37189788 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11041170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Microneurotrophins, small-molecule mimetics of endogenous neurotrophins, have demonstrated significant therapeutic effects on various animal models of neurological diseases. Nevertheless, their effects on central nervous system injuries remain unknown. Herein, we evaluate the effects of microneurotrophin BNN27, an NGF analog, in the mouse dorsal column crush spinal cord injury (SCI) model. BNN27 was delivered systemically either by itself or combined with neural stem cell (NSC)-seeded collagen-based scaffold grafts, demonstrated recently to improve locomotion performance in the same SCI model. Data validate the ability of NSC-seeded grafts to enhance locomotion recovery, neuronal cell integration with surrounding tissues, axonal elongation and angiogenesis. Our findings also show that systemic administration of BNN27 significantly reduced astrogliosis and increased neuron density in mice SCI lesion sites at 12 weeks post injury. Furthermore, when BNN27 administration was combined with NSC-seeded PCS grafts, BNN27 increased the density of survived implanted NSC-derived cells, possibly addressing a major challenge of NSC-based SCI treatments. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that small-molecule mimetics of endogenous neurotrophins can contribute to effective combinatorial treatments for SCI, by simultaneously regulating key events of SCI and supporting grafted cell therapies in the lesion site.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantina Georgelou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Argyri Papagiannaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Dimitrios S Tzeranis
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
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Kannavou M, Karali K, Katsila T, Siapi E, Marazioti A, Klepetsanis P, Calogeropoulou T, Charalampopoulos I, Antimisiaris SG. Development and Comparative In Vitro and In Vivo Study of BNN27 Mucoadhesive Liposomes and Nanoemulsions for Nose-to-Brain Delivery. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:pharmaceutics15020419. [PMID: 36839740 PMCID: PMC9967044 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15020419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Intranasal administration offers an alternative and promising approach for direct nose-to-brain delivery. Herein, we developed two chitosan (CHT)-coated (and uncoated) nanoformulations of BNN27 (a synthetic C-17-spiro-dehydroepiandrosterone analogue), liposomes (LIPs), and nanoemulsions (NEs), and compared their properties and brain disposition (in vitro and in vivo). LIPs were formulated by thin film hydration and coated with CHT by dropwise addition. BNN27-loaded NEs (BNEs) were developed by spontaneous emulsification and optimized for stability and mucoadhesive properties. Mucoadhesive properties were evaluated by mucin adherence. Negatively charged CHT-coated LIPs (with 0.1% CHT/lipid) demonstrated the highest coating efficiency and mucoadhesion. BNEs containing 10% w/w Capmul-MCM and 0.3% w/w CHT demonstrated the optimal properties. Transport of LIP or NE-associated rhodamine-lipid across the blood-brain barrier (in vitro) was significantly higher for NEs compared to LIPs, and the CHT coating demonstrated a negative effect on transport. However, the CHT-coated BNEs demonstrated higher and faster in vivo brain disposition following intranasal administration compared to CHT-LIPs. For both BNEs and LIPs, CHT-coating resulted in the increased (in vivo) brain disposition of BNN27. Current results prove that CHT-coated NEs consisting of compatible nasal administration ingredients succeeded in to delivering more BNN27 to the brain (and faster) compared to the CHT-coated LIPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kannavou
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26510 Rio, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, FORTH/ICE-HT, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Theodora Katsila
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Eleni Siapi
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Antonia Marazioti
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26510 Rio, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, FORTH/ICE-HT, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | - Pavlos Klepetsanis
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26510 Rio, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, FORTH/ICE-HT, 26504 Rio, Greece
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Avenue, 11635 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology (IMBB), Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH), 70013 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Sophia G. Antimisiaris
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, 26510 Rio, Greece
- Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, FORTH/ICE-HT, 26504 Rio, Greece
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +30-610962332
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Development and Biological Characterization of a Novel Selective TrkA Agonist with Neuroprotective Properties against Amyloid Toxicity. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030614. [PMID: 35327415 PMCID: PMC8945229 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophins are growth factors that exert important neuroprotective effects by preventing neuronal death and synaptic loss. Nerve Growth Factor (NGF) acts through the activation of its high-affinity, pro-survival TrkA and low-affinity, pro-apoptotic p75NTR receptors. NGF has been shown to slow or prevent neurodegenerative signals in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) progression. However, its low bioavailability and its blood–brain-barrier impermeability limit the use of NGF as a potential therapeutic agent against AD. Based on our previous findings on synthetic dehydroepiandrosterone derivatives, we identified a novel NGF mimetic, named ENT-A013, which selectively activates TrkA and exerts neuroprotective, anti-amyloid-β actions. We now report the chemical synthesis, in silico modelling, metabolic stability, CYP-mediated reaction phenotyping and biological characterization of ENT-A013 under physiological and neurodegenerative conditions. We show that ENT-A013 selectively activates the TrkA receptor and its downstream kinases Akt and Erk1/2 in PC12 cells, protecting these cells from serum deprivation-induced cell death. Moreover, ENT-A013 promotes survival of primary Dorsal Root Ganglion (DRG) neurons upon NGF withdrawal and protects hippocampal neurons against Amyloid β-induced apoptosis and synaptic loss. Furthermore, this neurotrophin mimetic partially restores LTP impairment. In conclusion, ENT-A013 represents a promising new lead molecule for developing therapeutics against neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, selectively targeting TrkA-mediated pro-survival signals.
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Tsika C, Tzatzarakis MN, Antimisiaris SG, Tsoka P, Efstathopoulos P, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Tsilimbaris MK. Quantification of BNN27, a novel neuroprotective 17-spiroepoxy dehydroepiandrosterone derivative in the blood and retina of rodents, after single intraperitoneal administration. Pharmacol Res Perspect 2021; 9:e00724. [PMID: 33638308 PMCID: PMC7911036 DOI: 10.1002/prp2.724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BNN27 is a novel 17‐spiroepoxy derivative of the neurosteroid Dehydroepiandrosterone with neuroprotective properties. The purpose of this study was the detection and quantification of BNN27 after single intraperitoneal administration, in the serum and retina of normal rodents. Forty‐two C57BL/6 mice and 48 Sprague–Dawley rats were used for the quantification of BNN27 in the blood serum and retina, respectively. BNN27 was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) at concentrations of 100 and 30 mg/kg of body weight (b.w.), respectively. The blood was collected with retro‐orbital bleeding and the retina was isolated after enucleation at various time points. The molecule concentrations were measured with Liquid chromatography‐mass spectrometry (LC‐MS). Non‐compartmental analysis was used to determine pharmacokinetic parameters. BNN27 was found to have an elimination constant kel = 0.465 h−1 and mean residence time (MRT) 2.154 h in the mouse serum. The maximum concentration (Cmax) in the retina was detected at 2 h (tCmax) after intraperitoneal administration and was equal to 1100 ng/g. BNN27 is rapidly eliminated from both blood and retina. In the retina specifically, it is undetectable 6 h after injection. BNN27 shows a rapid systemic elimination as anticipated by its small size and lipophilicity. It is measurable in small peripheral tissues such as the rat retina, after one single i.p. injection, using a simple method such as LC‐MS. Its detection in the retina corroborates the existing biological data that the molecule crosses the blood–retinal barrier, highlighting it as a potential neuroprotective agent for retinal disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chrysanthi Tsika
- Laboratory of Vision and Optics, Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Sophia G Antimisiaris
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Technology, Department of Pharmacy, University of Patras, Rio, Greece.,Foundation for Research and Technology Hellas, Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences, FORTH/ICE-HT, Rio, Greece
| | - Pavlina Tsoka
- Laboratory of Vision and Optics, Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
| | | | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Miltiadis K Tsilimbaris
- Laboratory of Vision and Optics, Ophthalmology, Medical School, University of Crete, Voutes, Heraklion, Greece
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Pitsikas N, Zoupa E, Gravanis A. The novel dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) derivative BNN27 counteracts cognitive deficits induced by the D1/D2 dopaminergic receptor agonist apomorphine in rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2021; 238:227-237. [PMID: 33005973 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05672-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Schizophrenia is a devastating mental disease that affects nearly 1% of the population worldwide. It is well documented that the dopaminergic (DAergic) system is compromised in schizophrenia. It is of note that the mixed dopamine (DA) D1/D2 receptor agonist apomorphine induces schizophrenia-like symptoms in rodents, including disruption of memory abilities. Neuroactive steroids, comprising dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS), were shown to affect brain DAergic system and to be involved in schizophrenia. BNN27 is a novel DHEA derivative, which is devoid of steroidogenic activity. It has recently been reported that BNN27 counteracted schizophrenia-like behavioural deficits produced by glutamate hypofunction in rats. OBJECTIVES The aim of the present study was to investigate the ability of BNN27 to attenuate non-spatial, spatial recognition and discrete memory deficits induced by apomorphine in rats. METHODS To this end, the object recognition task (ORT), the object location task (OLT) and the step-through passive avoidance test (STPAT) were used. RESULTS BNN27 (3 and 6 mg/kg, i.p.) attenuated apomorphine (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.)-induced non-spatial, spatial recognition and discrete memory deficits. Interestingly, the effects of compounds on memory cannot be ascribed to changes in locomotor activity. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that BNN27 is effective to DA dysfunction caused by apomorphine, attenuating cognitive impairments induced by this D1/D2 receptor agonist in rats. Additionally, our findings illustrate a functional interaction between BNN27 and the DAergic system that may be of relevance for schizophrenia-like behavioural symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 415-00, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Elli Zoupa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Biopolis, Panepistimiou 3, 415-00, Larissa, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, and Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece
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Kokras N, Dioli C, Paravatou R, Sotiropoulos MG, Delis F, Antoniou K, Calogeropoulou T, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Dalla C. Psychoactive properties of BNN27, a novel neurosteroid derivate, in male and female rats. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2020; 237:2435-2449. [PMID: 32506234 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-020-05545-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Νeurosteroids, like dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), play an important role in neurodegeneration and neural protection, but they are metabolized in androgens, estrogens, or other active metabolites. A newly developed synthetic DHEA analog, BNN27 ((20R)-3β,21-dihydroxy-17R,20-epoxy-5-pregnene), exerts neurotrophic and neuroprotective actions without estrogenic or androgenic effects. OBJECTIVES This study aimed to investigate potential anxiolytic or antidepressant properties of BNN27. METHODS Male and female adult Wistar rats were treated with BNN27 (10, 30, or 90 mg/kg, i.p.) and subjected to behavioral tests measuring locomotion, exploration, and "depressive-like" behavior (open field, light/dark box, hole-board, and forced swim tests). The hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were collected for glutamate and GABA measurements, and trunk blood was collected for gonadal hormone analysis. RESULTS Acute high-dose BNN27 reduced locomotion and exploratory behavior in both sexes. Intermediate acute doses (30 mg/kg) of BNN27 reduced exploration and testosterone levels only in males, and enhanced progesterone levels in both sexes. Notably, with the present design, BNN27 had neither anxiolytic nor antidepressant effects and did not affect estrogen levels. Interestingly, acute administration of a low BNN27 dose (10 mg/kg) increased glutamate turnover, GABA, and glutamine levels in the hippocampus. The same dose also enhanced glutamate levels in the prefrontal cortex of males only. Sex differences were apparent in the basal levels of behavioral, hormonal, and neurochemical parameters, as expected. CONCLUSIONS BNN27 affects locomotion, progesterone, and testosterone levels, as well as the glutamatergic and GABAergic systems of the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex in a sex-dependent way.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.,First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Chrysoula Dioli
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Rafaella Paravatou
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Marinos G Sotiropoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.,Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Hale ΒΤΜ 9002AA, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA, 02115, USA
| | - Foteini Delis
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Katerina Antoniou
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Ioannina, 45110, Ioannina, Greece
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Chemical Biology, National Hellenic Research Foundation, 48 Vassileos Constantinou Ave, 11635, Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71110, Heraklion, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias Street, 11527, Athens, Greece.
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Anti-neuroinflammatory, protective effects of the synthetic microneurotrophin BNN-20 in the advanced dopaminergic neurodegeneration of "weaver" mice. Neuropharmacology 2019; 165:107919. [PMID: 31877321 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BNN-20 is a synthetic microneurotrophin, long-term (P1-P21) administration of which exerts potent neuroprotective effect on the "weaver" mouse, a genetic model of progressive, nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration. The present study complements and expands our previous work, providing evidence that BNN-20 fully protects the dopaminergic neurons even when administration begins at a late stage of dopaminergic degeneration (>40%). Since neuroinflammation plays a critical role in Parkinson's disease, we investigated the possible anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms underlying the pharmacological action of BNN-20. The latter was shown to be microglia-mediated, at least in part. Indeed, BNN-20 induced a partial, but significant, reversal of microglia hyperactivation, observed in the untreated "weaver" mouse. Furthermore, it induced a shift in microglia polarization towards the neuroprotective M2 phenotype, suggesting a possible beneficial shifting of microglia activity. This observation was further supported by morphometric measurements. Moreover, BDNF levels, which were severely reduced in the "weaver" mouse midbrain, were restored to normal even after short-term BNN-20 administration. Experiments in "weaver"/NGL (dual GFP/luciferase-NF-κВ reporter) mice using bioluminescence after a short BNN-20 treatment (P60-P74), have shown that the increase of BDNF production was specifically mediated through the TrkB-PI3K-Akt-NF-κB signaling pathway. Interestingly, long-term BNN-20 treatment (P14-P60) significantly increased dopamine levels in the "weaver" striatum, which seems to be associated with the improved motor activity observed in the treated mutant animals. In conclusion, our findings suggest that BNN-20 may serve as a lead molecule for new therapeutic compounds for Parkinson's disease, combining strong anti-neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective properties, leading to elevated dopamine levels and improved motor activity.
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Ibán-Arias R, Lisa S, Poulaki S, Mastrodimou N, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Thermos K. Effect of topical administration of the microneurotrophin BNN27 in the diabetic rat retina. Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol 2019; 257:2429-2436. [PMID: 31512044 DOI: 10.1007/s00417-019-04460-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a complex eye disease associated with diabetes mellitus. It is characterized by three pathophysiological components, namely microangiopathy, neurodegeneration, and inflammation. We recently reported that intraperitoneal administration of BNN27, a novel neurosteroidal microneurotrophin, reversed the diabetes-induced neurodegeneration and inflammation in rats treated with streptozotocin (STZ), by activating the NGF TrkA and p75 receptors. The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of BNN27 to protect retinal neurons when applied topically as eye drops in the same model. METHODS The STZ rat model of DR was employed. BNN27 was administered as eye drops to diabetic Sprague-Dawley rats for 7 days, 4 weeks post-STZ (70 mg/kg) injection. Immunohistochemistry and western blot analyses were employed to examine the viability of retinal neurons in control, diabetic, and diabetic-treated animals and the involvement of the TrkA receptor and its downstream signaling ERK1/2 kinases, respectively. RESULTS BNN27 reversed the STZ-induced attenuation of the immunoreactive brain nitric oxide synthetase (bNOS)- and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH)-expressing amacrine cells and neurofilament (NFL)-expressing ganglion cell axons in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, BNN27 activated/phosphorylated the TrkA receptor and its downstream prosurvival signaling pathway, ERK1/2 kinases. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study provide solid evidence regarding the efficacy of BNN27 as a neuroprotectant to the diabetic retina when administered topically, and suggest that its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic profiles render it a putative therapeutic for diabetic retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ibán-Arias
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Psychiatry, Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetics of Neurodegeneration, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, 10029, USA
| | - Silvia Lisa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL) University of Salamanca & Institute of Biomedical Research, 37007, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Smaragda Poulaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Niki Mastrodimou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas (FORTH), Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 70013, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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11
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Yilmaz C, Karali K, Fodelianaki G, Gravanis A, Chavakis T, Charalampopoulos I, Alexaki VI. Neurosteroids as regulators of neuroinflammation. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100788. [PMID: 31513776 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 08/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a physiological protective response in the context of infection and injury. However, neuroinflammation, especially if chronic, may also drive neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI), display inflammatory activation of microglia and astrocytes. Intriguingly, the central nervous system (CNS) is a highly steroidogenic environment synthesizing steroids de novo, as well as metabolizing steroids deriving from the circulation. Neurosteroid synthesis can be substantially affected by neuroinflammation, while, in turn, several steroids, such as 17β-estradiol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and allopregnanolone, can regulate neuroinflammatory responses. Here, we review the role of neurosteroids in neuroinflammation in the context of MS, AD, PD and TBI and describe underlying molecular mechanisms. Moreover, we introduce the concept that synthetic neurosteroid analogues could be potentially utilized for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canelif Yilmaz
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Kanelina Karali
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgia Fodelianaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Chavakis
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; Centre for Cardiovascular Science, Queen's Medical Research Institute, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Ioannis Charalampopoulos
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of Crete, Heraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Vasileia Ismini Alexaki
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Clinic Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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12
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Zoupa E, Gravanis A, Pitsikas N. The novel dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) derivative BNN27 counteracts behavioural deficits induced by the NMDA receptor antagonist ketamine in rats. Neuropharmacology 2019; 151:74-83. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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13
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Bennett JP, Keeney PM, Brohawn DG. RNA Sequencing Reveals Small and Variable Contributions of Infectious Agents to Transcriptomes of Postmortem Nervous Tissues From Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Alzheimer's Disease and Parkinson's Disease Subjects, and Increased Expression of Genes From Disease-Activated Microglia. Front Neurosci 2019; 13:235. [PMID: 30983949 PMCID: PMC6447612 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2019.00235] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2018] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Nervous tissues from both humans with neurodegenerative diseases (NDD) and animals with genetic models of human NDD, such as rare monogenic causes of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD), show activated microglia, suggesting a potential causal role for inflammation in pathogenesis of NDD. We performed paired-end (PE) RNA sequencing (RNA seq) of total RNA's extracted from frozen sections of cervical spinal cords from ALS and CTL subjects, frontal cortical gray matter ribbons of AD and CTL subjects, and ventral midbrains of PD and CTL subjects. Trimmed PE reads were aligned against the hg38 human transcriptome using Tophat2/Bowtie2 (ALS) or HISAT2 (AD and PD) and quantitated with Cufflinks. PE reads were also aligned using Bowtie2 against genomes from representative species of Toxoplasma gondii and Trichinella sp. T6 (parasitic infectious agents), Babesia microti and Borrelia burgdorferi (tick-vector borne agents), and Treponema denticola and Porphyromonas gingivalis, agents causing chronic gingivitis. Primary aligned reads of each agent in each tissue sample were quantitated with SAMtools. We found small percentages (<0.1%) of transcriptomes aligned with B. microti, B. burgdorferi, T. denticola, and P. gingivalis genomes and larger percentages aligned with T. gondii (0.1-0.2%) and Trichinella sp. T6 (1.0-1.1%) genomes. In AD specimens, but in no others, primary aligned transcriptome percentages, although small, approached significance for being greater in AD compared to CTL samples for B. burgdorferi (p = 0.067) and P. gingivalis (p = 0.068). Genes' expressions in postmortem tissues of AD and ALS but not PD revealed significant changes among disease-associated microglial (DAM) genes. Infectious agents' transcripts can be detected in RNA seq reads of both NDD and CTL tissues and vary from agent to agent. Expressions of Stage 1 and Stage 2 DAM genes significantly changed, suggesting the presence of Stages 1 and 2 DAM in our NDD tissue samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- James P Bennett
- Neurodegeneration Therapeutics, Inc., Charlottesville, VA, United States.,Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Paula M Keeney
- Neurodegeneration Therapeutics, Inc., Charlottesville, VA, United States.,Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - David G Brohawn
- Parkinson's and Movement Disorders Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.,Department of Medical Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
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14
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Modeling Complex Neurological Diseases with Stem Cells: A Study of Bipolar Disorder. Results Probl Cell Differ 2018. [PMID: 30209664 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-93485-3_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register]
Abstract
The pathogenesis of bipolar disorder (BPD) is unknown. Using human-induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to unravel pathological mechanisms in polygenic diseases is challenging, with few successful studies to date. However, hiPSCs from BPD patients responsive to lithium have offered unique opportunities to discern lithium's mechanism of action and hence gain insight into BPD pathology. By profiling the proteomics of BPD-hiPSC-derived neurons, we found that lithium alters the phosphorylation state of collapsin response mediator protein-2 (CRMP2). The "set point" for the ratio of pCRMP2:CRMP2 is elevated uniquely in hiPSC-derived neurons from lithium responsive (Li-R) BPD patients, but not other psychiatric and neurological disorders. Utilizing neurons differentiated from human patient stem cells as an in vitro platform, we were able to elucidate the mechanism driving the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of lithium-responsive BPD, heretofore unknown. Importantly, the findings in culture were validated in human postmortem material as well as in animal models of BPD behavior. These data suggest that the "lithium response pathway" in BPD governs CRMP2's phosphorylation, which regulates cytoskeletal organization, particularly in dendritic spines, leading to modulated neural networks that may underlie Li-R BPD pathogenesis. This chapter reviews the methodology of leveraging a functional agent, lithium, to identify unknown pathophysiological pathways with hiPSCs and how to translate this disease modeling approach to other neurological disorders.
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15
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Tsoka P, Matsumoto H, Maidana DE, Kataoka K, Naoumidi I, Gravanis A, Vavvas DG, Tsilimbaris MK. Effects of BNN27, a novel C17-spiroepoxy steroid derivative, on experimental retinal detachment-induced photoreceptor cell death. Sci Rep 2018; 8:10661. [PMID: 30006508 PMCID: PMC6045604 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-28633-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Retinal detachment (RD) leads to photoreceptor cell death secondary to the physical separation of the retina from the underlying retinal pigment epithelium. Intensifying photoreceptor survival in the detached retina could be remarkably favorable for many retinopathies in which RD can be seen. BNN27, a blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable, C17-spiroepoxy derivative of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) has shown promising neuroprotective activity through interaction with nerve growth factor receptors, TrkA and p75NTR. Here, we administered BNN27 systemically in a murine model of RD. TUNEL+ photoreceptors were significantly decreased 24 hours post injury after a single administration of 200 mg/kg BNN27. Furthermore, BNN27 increased inflammatory cell infiltration, as well as, two markers of gliosis 24 hours post RD. However, single or multiple doses of BNN27 were not able to protect the overall survival of photoreceptors 7 days post injury. Additionally, BNN27 did not induce the activation/phosphorylation of TrkAY490 in the detached retina although the mRNA levels of the receptor were increased in the photoreceptors post injury. Together, these findings, do not demonstrate neuroprotective activity of BNN27 in experimentally-induced RD. Further studies are needed in order to elucidate the paradox/contradiction of these results and the mechanism of action of BNN27 in this model of photoreceptor cell damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Tsoka
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Hidetaka Matsumoto
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Daniel E Maidana
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Keiko Kataoka
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Irene Naoumidi
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.,Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Demetrios G Vavvas
- Angiogenesis Laboratory, Retina Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
| | - Miltiadis K Tsilimbaris
- Laboratory of Optics and Vision, University of Crete Medical School, Heraklion, Crete, Greece.
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16
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Ibán-Arias R, Lisa S, Mastrodimou N, Kokona D, Koulakis E, Iordanidou P, Kouvarakis A, Fothiadaki M, Papadogkonaki S, Sotiriou A, Katerinopoulos HE, Gravanis A, Charalampopoulos I, Thermos K. The Synthetic Microneurotrophin BNN27 Affects Retinal Function in Rats With Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes. Diabetes 2018; 67:321-333. [PMID: 29208634 DOI: 10.2337/db17-0391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/18/2017] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BNN27, a C17-spiroepoxy derivative of DHEA, was shown to have antiapoptotic properties via mechanisms involving the nerve growth factor receptors (tropomyosin-related kinase A [TrkA]/neurotrophin receptor p75 [p75NTR]). In this study, we examined the effects of BNN27 on neural/glial cell function, apoptosis, and inflammation in the experimental rat streptozotocin (STZ) model of diabetic retinopathy (DR). The ability of BNN27 to activate the TrkA receptor and regulate p75NTR expression was investigated. BNN27 (2,10, and 50 mg/kg i.p. for 7 days) administration 4 weeks post-STZ injection (paradigm A) reversed the diabetes-induced glial activation and loss of function of amacrine cells (brain nitric oxide synthetase/tyrosine hydroxylase expression) and ganglion cell axons via a TrkA receptor (TrkAR)-dependent mechanism. BNN27 activated/phosphorylated the TrkAY490 residue in the absence but not the presence of TrkAR inhibitor and abolished the diabetes-induced increase in p75NTR expression. However, it had no effect on retinal cell death (TUNEL+ cells). A similar result was observed when BNN27 (10 mg/kg i.p.) was administered at the onset of diabetes, every other day for 4 weeks (paradigm B). However, BNN27 decreased the activation of caspase-3 in both paradigms. Finally, BNN27 reduced the proinflammatory (TNFα and IL-1β) and increased the anti-inflammatory (IL-10 and IL-4) cytokine levels. These findings suggest that BNN27 has the pharmacological profile of a therapeutic for DR, since it targets both the neurodegenerative and inflammatory components of the disease.
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MESH Headings
- Amacrine Cells/drug effects
- Amacrine Cells/immunology
- Amacrine Cells/metabolism
- Amacrine Cells/pathology
- Animals
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage
- Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use
- Axons/drug effects
- Axons/immunology
- Axons/metabolism
- Axons/pathology
- Dehydroepiandrosterone/administration & dosage
- Dehydroepiandrosterone/therapeutic use
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/complications
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/drug therapy
- Diabetes Mellitus, Experimental/physiopathology
- Diabetic Retinopathy/immunology
- Diabetic Retinopathy/metabolism
- Diabetic Retinopathy/pathology
- Diabetic Retinopathy/prevention & control
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Eye Proteins/agonists
- Eye Proteins/metabolism
- Female
- Ganglia, Sensory/drug effects
- Ganglia, Sensory/immunology
- Ganglia, Sensory/metabolism
- Ganglia, Sensory/pathology
- Male
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/agonists
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Neuroglia/drug effects
- Neuroglia/immunology
- Neuroglia/metabolism
- Neuroglia/pathology
- Neuroprotective Agents/administration & dosage
- Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use
- Phosphorylation/drug effects
- Protein Processing, Post-Translational/drug effects
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/agonists
- Receptor, Nerve Growth Factor/metabolism
- Receptor, trkA/agonists
- Receptor, trkA/metabolism
- Retina/drug effects
- Retina/immunology
- Retina/pathology
- Retina/physiopathology
- Streptozocin
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruth Ibán-Arias
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Silvia Lisa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Niki Mastrodimou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Despina Kokona
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Emmanuil Koulakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Panagiota Iordanidou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Antonis Kouvarakis
- Laboratory of Environmental Chemical Processes, Department of Chemistry, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Myrto Fothiadaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Sofia Papadogkonaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | - Aggeliki Sotiriou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation for Research & Technology-Hellas, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Kyriaki Thermos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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17
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Bonetto G, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A, Karagogeos D. The novel synthetic microneurotrophin BNN27 protects mature oligodendrocytes against cuprizone-induced death, through the NGF receptor TrkA. Glia 2017; 65:1376-1394. [PMID: 28567989 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2016] [Revised: 04/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BNN27, a member of a chemical library of C17-spiroepoxy derivatives of the neurosteroid DHEA, has been shown to regulate neuronal survival through its selective interaction with NGF receptors (TrkA and p75NTR ), but its role on glial populations has not been studied. Here, we present evidence that BNN27 provides trophic action (rescue from apoptosis), in a TrkA-dependent manner, to mature oligodendrocytes when they are challenged with the cuprizone toxin in culture. BNN27 treatment also increases oligodendrocyte maturation and diminishes microglia activation in vitro. The effect of BNN27 in the cuprizone mouse model of demyelination in vivo has also been investigated. In this model, that does not directly involve the adaptive immune system, BNN27 can protect from demyelination without affecting the remyelinating process. BNN27 preserves mature oligodendrocyte during demyelination, while reducing microgliosis and astrogliosis. Our findings suggest that BNN27 may serve as a lead molecule to develop neurotrophin-like blood-brain barrier (BBB)-permeable protective agents of oligodendrocyte populations and myelin, with potential applications in the treatment of demyelinating disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Bonetto
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
| | | | - Achille Gravanis
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
| | - Domna Karagogeos
- Department of Basic Science, Faculty of Medicine, University of Crete, Crete, Greece
- Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology - FoRTH, Heraklion, Crete, Greece
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18
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Pitsikas N, Gravanis A. The novel dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) derivative BNN27 counteracts delay-dependent and scopolamine-induced recognition memory deficits in rats. Neurobiol Learn Mem 2017; 140:145-153. [PMID: 28274826 DOI: 10.1016/j.nlm.2017.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Revised: 02/28/2017] [Accepted: 03/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Experimental evidence indicates that the neurosteroids dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEAS) are involved in cognition. BNN27 is a novel 17C spiroepoxy-DHEA derivative, which devoid of steroidogenic activity. The neuroprotective effects of BNN27 have been recently reported. The present study was designed to investigate the effects of BNN27 on recognition memory in rats. For this purpose, the novel object task (NOT), a procedure assessing non-spatial recognition memory and the novel location task (NLT), a procedure evaluating spatial recognition memory were used. Intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of BNN27 (3 and 10mg/kg) antagonized delay-dependent deficits in the NOT in the normal rat, suggesting that this DHEA derivative affected acquisition, storage and retrieval of information. In addition, BNN27 (3 and 10mg/kg, i.p.) counteracted the scopolamine [0.2mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.)]-induced non-spatial and spatial recognition memory deficits. These findings suggest that BNN27 may modulate different aspects of recognition memory, potentially interacting with the cholinergic system, relevant to cognition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikolaos Pitsikas
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Thessaly, Larissa, Greece.
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, and Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Foundation of Research & Technology-Hellas, Heraklion, Greece
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19
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Pediaditakis I, Kourgiantaki A, Prousis KC, Potamitis C, Xanthopoulos KP, Zervou M, Calogeropoulou T, Charalampopoulos I, Gravanis A. BNN27, a 17-Spiroepoxy Steroid Derivative, Interacts With and Activates p75 Neurotrophin Receptor, Rescuing Cerebellar Granule Neurons from Apoptosis. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:512. [PMID: 28082899 PMCID: PMC5183592 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2016] [Accepted: 12/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurotrophin receptors mediate a plethora of signals affecting neuronal survival. The p75 pan-neurotrophin receptor controls neuronal cell fate after its selective activation by immature and mature isoforms of all neurotrophins. It also exerts pleiotropic effects interacting with a variety of ligands in different neuronal or non-neuronal cells. In the present study, we explored the biophysical and functional interactions of a blood-brain-barrier (BBB) permeable, C17-spiroepoxy steroid derivative, BNN27, with p75NTR receptor. BNN27 was recently shown to bind to NGF high-affinity receptor, TrkA. We now tested the p75NTR-mediated effects of BNN27 in mouse Cerebellar Granule Neurons (CGNs), expressing p75NTR, but not TrkA receptors. Our findings show that BNN27 physically interacts with p75NTR receptors in specific amino-residues of its extracellular domain, inducing the recruitment of p75NTR receptor to its effector protein RIP2 and the simultaneous release of RhoGDI in primary neuronal cells. Activation of the p75NTR receptor by BNN27 reverses serum deprivation-induced apoptosis of CGNs resulting in the decrease of the phosphorylation of pro-apoptotic JNK kinase and of the cleavage of Caspase-3, effects completely abolished in CGNs, isolated from p75NTR null mice. In conclusion, BNN27 represents a lead molecule for the development of novel p75NTR ligands, controlling specific p75NTR-mediated signaling of neuronal cell fate, with potential applications in therapeutics of neurodegenerative diseases and brain trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iosif Pediaditakis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of CreteHeraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology-HellasHeraklion, Greece
| | - Alexandra Kourgiantaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of CreteHeraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology-HellasHeraklion, Greece
| | - Kyriakos C Prousis
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation Athens, Greece
| | - Constantinos Potamitis
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation Athens, Greece
| | - Kleanthis P Xanthopoulos
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation Athens, Greece
| | - Maria Zervou
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation Athens, Greece
| | - Theodora Calogeropoulou
- Institute of Biology, Medicinal Chemistry and Biotechnology, National Hellenic Research Foundation Athens, Greece
| | | | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of CreteHeraklion, Greece; Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Foundation of Research and Technology-HellasHeraklion, Greece
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20
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Glajch KE, Ferraiuolo L, Mueller KA, Stopford MJ, Prabhkar V, Gravanis A, Shaw PJ, Sadri-Vakili G. MicroNeurotrophins Improve Survival in Motor Neuron-Astrocyte Co-Cultures but Do Not Improve Disease Phenotypes in a Mutant SOD1 Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0164103. [PMID: 27716798 PMCID: PMC5055348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0164103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by loss of motor neurons. ALS patients experience rapid deterioration in muscle function with an average lifespan of 3–5 years after diagnosis. Currently, the most effective therapeutic only extends lifespan by a few months, thus highlighting the need for new and improved therapies. Neurotrophic factors (NTFs) are important for neuronal development, maintenance, and survival. NTF treatment has previously shown efficacy in pre-clinical ALS models. However, clinical trials using NTFs produced no major improvements in ALS patients, due in part to the limited blood brain barrier (BBB) penetration. In this study we assessed the potential neuroprotective effects of a novel class of compounds known as MicroNeurotrophins (MNTs). MNTs are derivatives of Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), an endogenous neurosteroid that can cross the BBB and bind to tyrosine kinase receptors mimicking the pro-survival effects of NTFs. Here we sought to determine whether MNTs were neuroprotective in two different models of ALS. Our results demonstrate that BNN27 (10 μM) attenuated loss of motor neurons co-cultured with astrocytes derived from human ALS patients with SOD1 mutations via the reduction of oxidative stress. Additionally, in the G93A SOD1 mouse, BNN27 (10 mg/kg) treatment attenuated motor behavioral impairment in the paw grip endurance and rotarod tasks at postnatal day 95 in female but not male mice. In contrast, BNN27 (10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) treatment did not alter any other behavioral outcome or neuropathological marker in male or female mice. Lastly, BNN27 was not detected in post-mortem brain or spinal cord tissue of treated mice due to the rapid metabolism of BNN27 by mouse hepatocytes relative to human hepatocytes. Together, these findings demonstrate that BNN27 treatment failed to yield significant neuroprotective effects in the G93A SOD1 model likely due to its rapid rate of metabolism in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly E. Glajch
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129–4404, United States of America
| | - Laura Ferraiuolo
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Kaly A. Mueller
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129–4404, United States of America
| | - Matthew J. Stopford
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Varsha Prabhkar
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129–4404, United States of America
| | - Achille Gravanis
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, Institute of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology-FORTH, Heraklion 71003, Greece
| | - Pamela J. Shaw
- Sheffield Institute of Translational Neuroscience (SITraN), University of Sheffield, 385A Glossop Road, Sheffield S10 2HQ, United Kingdom
| | - Ghazaleh Sadri-Vakili
- NeuroEpigenetics Laboratory, MassGeneral Institute for Neurodegenerative Disease (MIND), Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, 02129–4404, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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