Edaravone, a free radical scavenger, is effective on neuropathic pain in rats

SIRT3 Activation a Promise in Drug Development? New Insights into SIRT3 Biology and Its Implications on the Drug Discovery Process

Sirtuins catalyze deacetylation of lysine residues with a NAD+-dependent mechanism. In mammals, the sirtuin family is composed of seven members, divided into four subclasses that differ in substrate specificity, subcellular localization, regulation, as well as interactions with other proteins, both within and outside the epigenetic field. Recently, much interest has been growing in SIRT3, which is mainly involved in regulating mitochondrial metabolism. Moreover, SIRT3 seems to be protective in diseases such as age-related, neurodegenerative, liver, kidney, heart, and metabolic ones, as well as in cancer. In most cases, activating SIRT3 could be a promising strategy to tackle these health problems. Here, we summarize the main biological functions, substrates, and interactors of SIRT3, as well as several molecules reported in the literature that are able to modulate SIRT3 activity. Among the activators, some derive from natural products, others from library screening, and others from the classical medicinal chemistry approach.

Turmeric Bioactive Compounds Alleviate Spinal Nerve Ligation-Induced Neuropathic Pain by Suppressing Glial Activation and Improving Mitochondrial Function in Spinal Cord and Amygdala

This study examined the effects of turmeric bioactive compounds, curcumin C3 complex® (CUR) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), on mechanical hypersensitivity and the gene expression of markers for glial activation, mitochondrial function, and oxidative stress in the spinal cord and amygdala of rats with neuropathic pain (NP). Twenty-four animals were randomly assigned to four groups: sham, spinal nerve ligation (SNL, an NP model), SNL+100 mg CUR/kg BW p.o., and SNL+50 mg BDMC/kg BW p.o. for 4 weeks. Mechanical hypersensitivity was assessed by the von Frey test (VFT) weekly. The lumbosacral section of the spinal cord and the right amygdala (central nucleus) were collected to determine the mRNA expression of genes (IBA-1, CD11b, GFAP, MFN1, DRP1, FIS1, PGC1α, PINK, Complex I, TLR4, and SOD1) utilizing qRT-PCR. Increased mechanical hypersensitivity and increased gene expression of markers for microglial activation (IBA-1 in the amygdala and CD11b in the spinal cord), astrocyte activation (GFAP in the spinal cord), mitochondrial dysfunction (PGC1α in the amygdala), and oxidative stress (TLR4 in the spinal cord and amygdala) were found in untreated SNL rats. Oral administration of CUR and BDMC significantly decreased mechanical hypersensitivity. CUR decreased CD11b and GFAP gene expression in the spinal cord. BDMC decreased IBA-1 in the spinal cord and amygdala as well as CD11b and GFAP in the spinal cord. Both CUR and BDMC reduced PGC1α gene expression in the amygdala, PINK1 gene expression in the spinal cord, and TLR4 in the spinal cord and amygdala, while they increased Complex I and SOD1 gene expression in the spinal cord. CUR and BDMC administration decreased mechanical hypersensitivity in NP by mitigating glial activation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Exploring the Solubility Limits of Edaravone in Neat Solvents and Binary Mixtures: Experimental and Machine Learning Study

This study explores the edaravone solubility space encompassing both neat and binary dissolution media. Efforts were made to reveal the inherent concentration limits of common pure and mixed solvents. For this purpose, the published solubility data of the title drug were scrupulously inspected and cured, which made the dataset consistent and coherent. However, the lack of some important types of solvents in the collection called for an extension of the available pool of edaravone solubility data. Hence, new measurements were performed to collect edaravone solubility values in polar non-protic and diprotic media. Such an extended set of data was used in the machine learning process for tuning the parameters of regressor models and formulating the ensemble for predicting new data. In both phases, namely the model training and ensemble formulation, close attention was paid not only to minimizing the deviation of computed values from the experimental ones but also to ensuring high predictive power and accurate solubility computations for new systems. Furthermore, the environmental friendliness characteristics determined based on the common green solvent selection criteria, were included in the analysis. Our applied protocol led to the conclusion that the solubility space defined by ordinary solvents is limited, and it is unlikely to find solvents that are better suited for edaravone dissolution than those described in this manuscript. The theoretical framework presented in this study provides a precise guideline for conducting experiments, as well as saving time and resources in the pursuit of new findings.

Ferroptosis: a new regulatory mechanism in neuropathic pain

Neuropathic pain (NP) is pain caused by damage to the somatosensory system. It is a common progressive neurodegenerative disease that usually presents with clinical features such as spontaneous pain, touch-evoked pain, nociceptive hyperalgesia, and sensory abnormalities. Due to the complexity of the mechanism, NP often persists. In addition to the traditionally recognized mechanisms of peripheral nerve damage and central sensitization, excessive iron accumulation, oxidative stress, neuronal inflammation, and lipid peroxidation damage are distinctive features of NP in pathophysiology. However, the mechanisms linking these pathological features to NP are not fully understood. The complexity of the pathogenesis of NP greatly limits the development of therapeutic approaches for NP. Ferroptosis is a novel form of cell death discovered in recent years, in which cell death is usually accompanied by massive iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation. Ferroptosis-inducing factors can affect glutathione peroxidase directly or indirectly through different pathways, leading to decreased antioxidant capacity and accumulation of lipid reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cells, ultimately leading to oxidative cell death. It has been shown that ferroptosis is closely related to the pathophysiological process of many neurological disorders such as NP. Possible mechanisms involved are changes in intracellular iron ion levels, alteration of glutamate excitability, and the onset of oxidative stress. However, the functional changes and specific molecular mechanisms of ferroptosis during this process still need to be further explored. How to intervene in the development of NP by regulating cellular ferroptosis has become a hot issue in etiological research and treatment. In this review, we systematically summarize the recent progress of ferroptosis research in NP, to provide a reference for further understanding of its pathogenesis and propose new targets for treatment.

Intermolecular Interactions of Edaravone in Aqueous Solutions of Ethaline and Glyceline Inferred from Experiments and Quantum Chemistry Computations

Edaravone, acting as a cerebral protective agent, is administered to treat acute brain infarction. Its poor solubility is addressed here by means of optimizing the composition of the aqueous choline chloride (ChCl)-based eutectic solvents prepared with ethylene glycol (EG) or glycerol (GL) in the three different designed solvents compositions. The slurry method was used for spectroscopic solubility determination in temperatures between 298.15 K and 313.15 K. Measurements confirmed that ethaline (ETA = ChCl:EG = 1:2) and glyceline (GLE = ChCl:GL = 1:2) are very effective solvents for edaravone. The solubility at 298.15 K in the optimal compositions was found to be equal x_E = 0.158 (c_E = 302.96 mg/mL) and x_E = 0.105 (c_E = 191.06 mg/mL) for glyceline and ethaline, respectively. In addition, it was documented that wetting of neat eutectic mixtures increases edaravone solubility which is a fortunate circumstance not only from the perspective of a solubility advantage but also addresses high hygroscopicity of eutectic mixtures. The aqueous mixture with 0.6 mole fraction of the optimal composition yielded solubility values at 298.15 K equal to x_E = 0.193 (c_E = 459.69 mg/mL) and x_E = 0.145 (c_E = 344.22 mg/mL) for glyceline and ethaline, respectively. Since GLE is a pharmaceutically acceptable solvent, it is possible to consider this as a potential new liquid form of this drug with a tunable dosage. In fact, the recommended amount of edaravone administered to patients can be easily achieved using the studied systems. The observed high solubility is interpreted in terms of intermolecular interactions computed using the Conductor-like Screening Model for Real Solvents (COSMO-RS) approach and corrected for accounting of electron correlation, zero-point vibrational energy and basis set superposition errors. Extensive conformational search allowed for identifying the most probable contacts, the thermodynamic and geometric features of which were collected and discussed. It was documented that edaravone can form stable dimers stabilized via stacking interactions between five-membered heterocyclic rings. In addition, edaravone can act as a hydrogen bond acceptor with all components of the studied systems with the highest affinities to ion pairs of ETA and GLE. Finally, the linear regression model was formulated, which can accurately estimate edaravone solubility utilizing molecular descriptors obtained from COSMO-RS computations. This enables the screening of new eutectic solvents for finding greener replacers of designed solvents. The theoretical analysis of tautomeric equilibria confirmed that keto-isomer edaravone is predominant in the bulk liquid phase of all considered deep eutectic solvents (DES).

Non-Invasive Transcutaneous Spinal DC Stimulation as a Neurorehabilitation ALS Therapy in Awake G93A Mice: The First Step to Clinical Translation

Spinal direct current stimulation (sDCS) modulates motoneuron (MN) excitability beyond the stimulation period, making it a potential neurorehabilitation therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a MN degenerative disease in which MN excitability dysfunction plays a critical and complex role. Recent evidence confirms induced changes in MN excitability via measured MN electrophysiological properties in the SOD1 ALS mouse during and following invasive subcutaneous sDCS (ssDCS). The first aim of our pilot study was to determine the clinical potential of these excitability changes at symptom onset (P90-P105) in ALS via a novel non-invasive transcutaneous sDCS (tsDCS) treatment paradigm on un-anesthetized SOD1-G93A mice. The primary outcomes were motor function and survival. Unfortunately, skin damage avoidance limited the strength of applied stimulation intensity, likewise limiting measurable primary effects. The second aim of this study was to determine which orientation of stimulation (anodal vs cathodal, which are expected to have opposing effects) is beneficial vs harmful in ALS. Despite the lack of measured primary effects, strong trends in survival of the anodal stimulation group, combined with an analysis of survival variance and correlations among symptoms, suggest anodal stimulation is harmful at symptom onset. Therefore, cathodal stimulation may be beneficial at symptom onset if a higher stimulation intensity can be safely achieved via subcutaneously implanted electrodes or alternative methods. Importantly, the many logistical, physical, and stimulation parameters explored in developing this novel non-invasive treatment paradigm on unanesthetized mice provide insight into an appropriate and feasible methodology for future tsDCS study designs and potential clinical translation.

SIRT3-Mediated CypD-K166 Deacetylation Alleviates Neuropathic Pain by Improving Mitochondrial Dysfunction and Inhibiting Oxidative Stress

Numerous studies have shown that mitochondrial dysfunction manifested by increased mitochondrial permeability transition pore (mPTP) opening and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) plays an important role in the development of neuropathic pain. Sirtuin3 (SIRT3), a nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺)-dependent histone deacetylase, has been shown to inhibit mitochondrial oxidative stress. However, the role of SIRT3 in neuropathic pain is unclear. In this study, we found that the protein and mRNA levels of SIRT3 were significantly downregulated in the spinal cords of spared nerve injury- (SNI-) induced neuropathic pain mice, while overexpression of spinal SIRT3 reversed SNI-induced pain hypersensitivity. Further study showed that SIRT3 overexpression reduced the acetylation level of lysine 166 (K166) on cyclophilin D (CypD), the regulatory component of the mPTP, inhibited the mPTP opening, decreased ROS and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and increased MMP and manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) in SNI mice. Point mutation of K166 to arginine on CypD (CypD-K166R) abrogated SNI-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and neuropathic pain in mice. Moreover, inhibiting mPTP opening by cyclosporin A (CsA) improved mitochondrial function and neuropathic pain in SNI mice. Together, these data show that SIRT3 is necessary to prevent neuropathic pain by deacetylating CypD-K166 and further improving mitochondrial dysfunction. This study may shed light on a potential drug target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.

Identification of the NRF2 transcriptional network as a therapeutic target for trigeminal neuropathic pain

Trigeminal neuralgia, historically dubbed the "suicide disease," is an exceedingly painful neurologic condition characterized by sudden episodes of intense facial pain. Unfortunately, the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved medication for trigeminal neuralgia carries substantial side effects, with many patients requiring surgery. Here, we identify the NRF2 transcriptional network as a potential therapeutic target. We report that cerebrospinal fluid from patients with trigeminal neuralgia accumulates reactive oxygen species, several of which directly activate the pain-transducing channel TRPA1. Similar to our patient cohort, a mouse model of trigeminal neuropathic pain also exhibits notable oxidative stress. We discover that stimulating the NRF2 antioxidant transcriptional network is as analgesic as inhibiting TRPA1, in part by reversing the underlying oxidative stress. Using a transcriptome-guided drug discovery strategy, we identify two NRF2 network modulators as potential treatments. One of these candidates, exemestane, is already FDA-approved and may thus be a promising alternative treatment for trigeminal neuropathic pain.

The Interplay Between Neuroinfections, the Immune System and Neurological Disorders: A Focus on Africa

Neurological disorders related to neuroinfections are highly prevalent in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), constituting a major cause of disability and economic burden for patients and society. These include epilepsy, dementia, motor neuron diseases, headache disorders, sleep disorders, and peripheral neuropathy. The highest prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is in SSA. Consequently, there is a high prevalence of neurological disorders associated with HIV infection such as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders, motor disorders, chronic headaches, and peripheral neuropathy in the region. The pathogenesis of these neurological disorders involves the direct role of the virus, some antiretroviral treatments, and the dysregulated immune system. Furthermore, the high prevalence of epilepsy in SSA (mainly due to perinatal causes) is exacerbated by infections such as toxoplasmosis, neurocysticercosis, onchocerciasis, malaria, bacterial meningitis, tuberculosis, and the immune reactions they elicit. Sleep disorders are another common problem in the region and have been associated with infectious diseases such as human African trypanosomiasis and HIV and involve the activation of the immune system. While most headache disorders are due to benign primary headaches, some secondary headaches are caused by infections (meningitis, encephalitis, brain abscess). HIV and neurosyphilis, both common in SSA, can trigger long-standing immune activation in the central nervous system (CNS) potentially resulting in dementia. Despite the progress achieved in preventing diseases from the poliovirus and retroviruses, these microbes may cause motor neuron diseases in SSA. The immune mechanisms involved in these neurological disorders include increased cytokine levels, immune cells infiltration into the CNS, and autoantibodies. This review focuses on the major neurological disorders relevant to Africa and neuroinfections highly prevalent in SSA, describes the interplay between neuroinfections, immune system, neuroinflammation, and neurological disorders, and how understanding this can be exploited for the development of novel diagnostics and therapeutics for improved patient care.

Dexmedetomidine alleviated neuropathic pain in dorsal root ganglion neurons by inhibition of anaerobic glycolysis activity and enhancement of ROS tolerance

Neuropathic pain is a kind of chronic pain that is triggered or caused primarily by damage to the nervous system and neurological dysfunction. It’s known that dexmedetomidine is a new type of highly selective alpha2-adrenoceptor agonist with sedation, anti-anxiety, analgesic and other effects. However, the function and mechanism of dexmedetomidine on neuropathic pain are not clear. Rat DRG neurons were isolated and identified using immunofluorescence assay. Following treatment with H₂O₂, dexmedetomidine or ROS inhibitor (NAC), the apoptosis and ROS levels were examined by flow cytometery; apoptosis- and anaerobic glycolysis-related proteins were determined by Western blot assay; glucose consumption, pyruvic acid, lactic acid and ATP/ADP ratios were also measured. The results revealed that dexmedetomidine inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in rat DRG neurons and in addition, dexmedetomidine down-regulated the expression levels of anaerobic glycolysis-related proteins, significantly reduced glucose, pyruvic acid and lactic acid levels. It also increased the ATP/ADP ratio in H₂O₂-treated rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. Moreover, we also demonstrated that ROS inhibitor (NAC) also inhibited H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and anaerobic glycolysis in rat DRG neurons. In conclusion, dexmedetomidine suppressed H₂O₂-induced apoptosis and anaerobic glycolysis activity by inhibiting ROS, in rat DRG neurons. Therefore, dexmedetomidine might play a pivotal role in neuropathic pain by the inhibition of ROS.

SIRT3 alleviates neuropathic pain by deacetylating FoxO3a in the spinal dorsal horn of diabetic model rats

BACKGROUND

The underlying mechanisms of neuropathic pain remain unclear. This work aimed to investigate the role of Sirtuin3 (SIRT3), an nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide+-dependent histone deacetylase, in the development of neuropathic pain induced by type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and to explore the associated mechanisms.

METHODS

Diabetic neuropathic pain (DNP) in rats was induced by high-fat diet/low-dose streptozotocin. The pain behaviors were examined using the von Frey and Hargreaves tests. The levels of SIRT3, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and catalase (CAT) were determined using Western blot and RT-qPCR. The acetylation, phosphorylation and ubiquitination of forkhead box class O3a (FoxO3a) were analyzed by immunoprecipitation and Western blot.

RESULTS

SIRT3 expression and activity were significantly reduced in the spinal dorsal horn of DNP model rats. Overexpression of spinal SIRT3 reversed the pain hypersensitivity in the DNP model rats, but knockdown of spinal SIRT3 mimicked the pain effect, eliciting pain hypersensitivity in normal rats. Moreover, overexpression of spinal SIRT3 in DNP model rats increased the FoxO3a level and upregulated the antioxidant genes MnSOD and CAT by deacetylating FoxO3a and inhibiting FoxO3a phosphorylation and ubiquitination. Knockdown of spinal SIRT3 in normal rats decreased the FoxO3a level and downregulated MnSOD and CAT by inhibiting the deacetylation of FoxO3a and further increasing FoxO3a phosphorylation and ubiquitination.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that, by deacetylating FoxO3a and further reducing its phosphorylation, ubiquitination and degradation in the spinal dorsal horn, SIRT3 stabilizes FoxO3a protein and inhibits oxidative stress, resulting in pain alleviation in T2DM model rats.

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Polyfluoroalkylated Antipyrines and their Isomeric O-Methylpyrazoles

Background:

Formally belonging to the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug class pyrazolones have long been used in medical practices.

Objective:

Our goal is to synthesize N-methylated 1-aryl-3-polyfluoroalkylpyrazolones as fluorinated analogs of antipyrine, their isomeric O-methylated derivatives resembling celecoxib structure and evaluate biological activities of obtained compounds.

Methods:

In vitro (permeability) and in vivo (anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities, acute toxicity, hyperalgesia, antipyretic activity, “open field” test) experiments. To suggest the mechanism of biological activity, molecular docking of the synthesized compounds was carried out into the tyrosine site of COX-1/2.

Conclusion:

The trifluoromethyl antipyrine represents a valuable starting point in design of the lead series for discovery new antipyretic analgesics with anti-inflammatory properties.

The Role of Endothelial Dysfunction in Peripheral Blood Nerve Barrier: Molecular Mechanisms and Pathophysiological Implications

The exchange of solutes between the blood and the nerve tissue is mediated by specific and high selective barriers in order to ensure the integrity of the different compartments of the nervous system. At peripheral level, this function is maintained by the Blood Nerve Barrier (BNB) that, in the presence, of specific stressor stimuli can be damaged causing the onset of neurodegenerative processes. An essential component of BNB is represented by the endothelial cells surrounding the sub-structures of peripheral nerves and increasing evidence suggests that endothelial dysfunction can be considered a leading cause of the nerve degeneration. The purpose of this review is to highlight the main mechanisms involved in the impairment of endothelial cells in specific diseases associated with peripheral nerve damage, such as diabetic neuropathy, erectile dysfunction and inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Effect of mito-TEMPO, a mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, in rats with neuropathic pain

The therapeutic effects of mitochondria-targeted antioxidants have been demonstrated in many pathological conditions, but their effect on neuropathic pain remains unclear. The objective was to study the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of mito-TEMPO (MT), as a nitroxide conjugated with a triphenylphosphonium moiety, on neuropathic pain in rats. Rats were randomly assigned to sham control (sham), chronic constrictive injury (CCI) or MT treatment groups (sham+MT and CCI+MT). All animals received CCI of the left sciatic nerve except those in the sham group. Overall, 0.7 mg/kg of MT was intraperitoneally injected once daily for 14 consecutive days starting from day 7 after surgery. Mechanical paw withdrawal threshold and thermal paw withdrawal latency were detected to assess pain behavior. Malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione content and total superoxide dismutase activity of serum and spinal cord tissues were estimated to assess oxidative stress levels. Mitochondrial morphology and dynamin-related proteins were used to evaluate mitochondrial function, such as fusion [Mitofusin (Mfn) and optic atrophy 1 gene protein (OPA1)] and fission [dynamin-related protein (DRP1) and Fis1]. Paw withdrawal threshold and thermal paw withdrawal latency were significantly increased in the CCI+MT group compared with the CCI group. The malondialdehyde content was decreased whereas glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity were increased in the serum of CCI+MT rats. Furthermore, MT substantially attenuated the elevated number and decreased size of mitochondria induced by CCI. Finally, MT significantly increased expressions of Mfn1 and OPA1 and significantly decreased expression of DRP1 and Fis1. The mitochondria-targeted antioxidant MT relieved neuropathic pain induced by CCI by protecting mitochondria against oxidative stress injury.

Reactive oxygen species scavengers ameliorate mechanical allodynia in a rat model of cancer-induced bone pain

Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is a frequent complication in patients suffering from bone metastases. Previous studies have demonstrated a pivotal role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in inflammatory and neuropathic pain, and ROS scavengers exhibited potent antinociceptive effect. However, the role of spinal ROS remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the analgesic effect of two ROS scavengers in a well-established CIBP model. Our results found that intraperitoneal injection of N-tert-Butyl-α-phenylnitrone (PBN, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and 4-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl (Tempol, 100 and 200 mg/kg) significantly suppressed the established mechanical allodynia in CIBP rats. Moreover, repeated injection of PBN and Tempol showed cumulative analgesic effect without tolerance. However, early treatment with PBN and Tempol failed to prevent the development of CIBP. Naive rats received repetitive injection of PBN and Tempol showed no significant change regarding the nociceptive responses. Finally, PBN and Tempol treatment notably suppressed the activation of spinal microglia in CIBP rats. In conclusion, ROS scavengers attenuated established CIBP by suppressing the activation of microglia in the spinal cord.

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PBN and Tempol could suppress established mechanical allodynia in CIBP rats.

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Repeated injection of PBN and Tempol showed cumulative analgesic effect.

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PBN and Tempol failed to prevent the development of CIBP.

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PBN and Tempol could suppress the microglia activation in CIBP rats.

Spinal CPEB-mtROS-CBP signaling pathway contributes to perineural HIV gp120 with ddC-related neuropathic pain in rats

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients treated with nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), have been known to develop neuropathic pain. While there has been a major shift away from some neurotoxic NRTIs in current antiretroviral therapy, a large number of HIV patients alive today have previously received them, and many have developed painful peripheral neuropathy. The exact mechanisms by which HIV with NRTIs contribute to the development of neuropathic pain are not known. Previous studies suggest that cytoplasmic polyadenylation element-binding protein (CPEB), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and cAMP-response element-binding protein (CREB)-binding protein (CBP), are involved in the neuroimmunological diseases including inflammatory/neuropathic pain. In this study, we investigated the role of CPEB, mitochondrial ROS (mtROS), or CBP in neuropathic pain induced by HIV envelope protein gp120 combined with antiretroviral drug. The application of recombinant gp120 into the sciatic nerve plus systemic ddC (one of NRTIs) induced mechanical allodynia. Knockdown of CPEB or CBP using intrathecal antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (AS-ODN) reduced mechanical allodynia. Intrathecal mitochondrial superoxide scavenger mito-tempol (Mito-T) increased mechanical withdrawal threshold. Knockdown of CPEB using intrathecal AS-ODN, reduced the up-regulated mitochondrial superoxide in the spinal dorsal horn in rats with gp120 combined with ddC. Intrathecal Mito-T lowered the increased expression of CBP in the spinal dorsal horn. Immunostaining studies showed that neuronal CPEB positive cells were co-localized with MitoSox positive profiles, and that MitoSox positive profiles were co-localized with neuronal CBP. Our studies suggest that neuronal CPEB-mtROS-CBP pathway in the spinal dorsal horn, plays an important role in the gp120/ddC-induced neuropathic pain in rats.

Hydrogen-rich saline attenuated neuropathic pain by reducing oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are often associated with persistent pains such as neuropathic and inflammatory pain. Hydrogen gas can reduce ROS and alleviate cerebral, myocardial, and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injuries. In the present study, we aim to investigate whether hydrogen-rich saline can reduce neuropathic pain in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI).

METHODS

Thirty SD rats were randomly divided into three groups: sham group was administered sodium chloride by intrathecal injection (n=10); control groups underwent CCI surgery and were administered sodium chloride by intrathecal injection (n=10); vehicle group underwent CCI surgery and was administered hydrogen-rich saline by intrathecal injection (n=10). Drugs were administered in the dose of 100 ul/kg once a day at 0.5 hours before and 1-7 day after CCI surgery. The mechanical thresholds were tested at one day before and 3-14 day after CCI surgery.

RESULTS

We found that hydrogen-rich saline significantly elevated the mechanical thresholds of neuropathic pain compared to vehicle (physiologic saline) control in CCI rats (p<0.05); it also decreased the levels of myeloperoxidase, maleic dialdehyde, and protein carbonyl in spinal cord by 7 days post-chronic constriction injury(p<0.05). In addition, hydrogen-rich saline also suppressed the expression of p38-mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the spinal cord by 7 days post-chronic constriction injury (p<0.01, p<0.01, respectively), but had no effect on P2X4R (p>0.05), an ATP receptor.

CONCLUSION

Intrathecal injection of hydrogen-rich saline can decrease oxidative stress and the expression of p38MAPK and BDNF that may contribute to the elevated threshold of neuropathic pain in rat CCI model.

Le salin riche en hydrogène atténue la douleur névropathique en réduisant le stress oxydatif.

Inhibition of Mitochondrial Fission Protein Reduced Mechanical Allodynia and Suppressed Spinal Mitochondrial Superoxide Induced by Perineural Human Immunodeficiency Virus gp120 in Rats

BACKGROUND

Mitochondria play an important role in many cellular and physiologic functions. Mitochondria are dynamic organelles, and their fusion and fission regulate cellular signaling, development, and mitochondrial homeostasis. The most common complaint of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-sensory neuropathy is pain on the soles in patients with HIV, but the exact molecular mechanisms of HIV neuropathic pain are not clear. In the present study, we investigated the role of mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1, a GTPase that mediates mitochondrial fission) in the perineural HIV coat glycoprotein gp120-induced neuropathic pain state.

METHODS

Neuropathic pain was induced by the application of recombinant HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 into the sciatic nerve. Mechanical threshold was tested using von Frey filaments. The mechanical threshold response was assessed over time using the area under curves. Intrathecal administration of antisense oligodeoxynucleotide (ODN) against Drp1, mitochondrial division inhibitor-1 (mdivi-1), or phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone (a reactive oxygen species scavenger) was given. The expression of spinal Drp1 was examined using western blots. The expression of mitochondrial superoxide in the spinal dorsal horn was examined using MitoSox imaging.

RESULTS

Intrathecal administration of either antisense ODN against Drp1 or mdivi-1 decreased mechanical allodynia (a sensation of pain evoked by nonpainful stimuli) in the gp120 model. Intrathecal ODN or mdivi-1 did not change basic mechanical threshold in sham surgery rats. Intrathecal Drp1 antisense ODN decreased the spinal expression of increased Drp1 protein induced by peripheral gp120 application. Intrathecal phenyl-N-tert-butylnitrone reduced mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, both intrathecal Drp1 antisense ODN and mdivi-1 reversed the upregulation of mitochondrial superoxide in the spinal dorsal horn in the gp120 neuropathic pain state.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that mitochondrial division plays a substantial role in the HIV gp120-related neuropathic pain state through mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and provides evidence for a novel approach to treating chronic pain in patients with HIV.

TRPA1 mediates trigeminal neuropathic pain in mice downstream of monocytes/macrophages and oxidative stress

Despite intense investigation, the mechanisms of the different forms of trigeminal neuropathic pain remain substantially unidentified. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 channel (encoded by TRPA1) has been reported to contribute to allodynia or hyperalgesia in some neuropathic pain models, including those produced by sciatic nerve constriction. However, the role of TRPA1 and the processes that cause trigeminal pain-like behaviours from nerve insult are poorly understood. The role of TRPA1, monocytes and macrophages, and oxidative stress in pain-like behaviour evoked by the constriction of the infraorbital nerve in mice were explored. C57BL/6 and wild-type (Trpa1(+/+)) mice that underwent constriction of the infraorbital nerve exhibited prolonged (20 days) non-evoked nociceptive behaviour and mechanical, cold and chemical hypersensitivity in comparison to sham-operated mice (P < 0.05-P < 0.001). Both genetic deletion of Trpa1 (Trpa1(-/-)) and pharmacological blockade (HC-030031 and A-967079) abrogated pain-like behaviours (both P < 0.001), which were abated by the antioxidant, α-lipoic acid, and the nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase inhibitor, apocynin (both P < 0.001). Nociception and hypersensitivity evoked by constriction of the infraorbital nerve was associated with intra- and perineural monocytic and macrophagic invasion and increased levels of oxidative stress by-products (hydrogen peroxide and 4-hydroxynonenal). Attenuation of monocyte/macrophage increase by systemic treatment with an antibody against the monocyte chemoattractant chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) or the macrophage-depleting agent, clodronate (both P < 0.05), was associated with reduced hydrogen peroxide and 4-hydroxynonenal perineural levels and pain-like behaviours (all P < 0.01), which were abated by perineural administration of HC-030031, α-lipoic acid or the anti-CCL2 antibody (all P < 0.001). The present findings propose that, in the constriction of the infraorbital nerve model of trigeminal neuropathic pain, pain-like behaviours are entirely mediated by the TRPA1 channel, targeted by increased oxidative stress by-products released from monocytes and macrophages clumping at the site of nerve injury.

Gene Transfer of Glutamic Acid Decarboxylase 67 by Herpes Simplex Virus Vectors Suppresses Neuropathic Pain Induced by Human Immunodeficiency Virus gp120 Combined with ddC in Rats

BACKGROUND

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-related painful sensory neuropathies primarily consist of the HIV infection-related distal sensory polyneuropathy and antiretroviral toxic neuropathies. Pharmacotherapy provides only partial relief of pain in patients with HIV/acquired immune deficiency syndrome because little is known about the exact neuropathological mechanisms for HIV-associated neuropathic pain (NP). Hypofunction of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) GABAergic inhibitory mechanisms has been reported after peripheral nerve injury. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that HIV gp120 combined with antiretroviral therapy reduces spinal GABAergic inhibitory tone and that restoration of GABAergic inhibitory tone will reduce HIV-related NP in a rat model.

METHODS

The application of recombinant HIV-1 envelope protein gp120 into the sciatic nerve plus systemic ddC (one antiretroviral drug) induced mechanical allodynia. The hind paws of rats were inoculated with replication-defective herpes simplex virus (HSV) vectors genetically encoding gad1 gene to express glutamic acid decarboxylase 67 (GAD67), an enzyme that catalyzes the decarboxylation of glutamate to GABA. Mechanical threshold was tested using von Frey filaments before and after treatments with the vectors. The expression of GAD67 in both the lumbar spinal cord and the L4-5 dorsal root ganglia was examined using western blots. The expression of mitochondrial superoxide in the spinal dorsal horn was examined using MitoSox imaging. The immunoreactivity of spinal GABA, pCREB, and pC/EBPβ was tested using immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

In the gp120 with ddC-induced neuropathic pain model, GAD67 expression mediated by the HSV vector caused an elevation of mechanical threshold that was apparent on day 3 after vector inoculation. The antiallodynic effect of the single HSV vector inoculation expressing GAD67 lasted >28 days. The area under the time-effect curves in the HSV vector expressing GAD67 was increased compared with that in the control vectors (P = 0.0005). Intrathecal GABA-A/B agonists elevated mechanical threshold in the pain model. The HSV vectors expressing GAD67 reversed the lowered GABA immunoreactivity in the spinal dorsal horn in the neuropathic rats. HSV vectors expressing GAD67 in the neuropathic rats reversed the increased signals of mitochondrial superoxide in the spinal dorsal horn. The vectors expressing GAD67 reversed the upregulated immunoreactivity expression of pCREB and pC/EBPβ in the spinal dorsal horn in rats exhibiting NP.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on our results, we suggest that GAD67 mediated by HSV vectors acting through the suppression of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and transcriptional factors in the spinal cord decreases pain in the HIV-related neuropathic pain model, providing preclinical evidence for gene therapy applications in patients with HIV-related pain states.

The TRPA1 channel mediates the analgesic action of dipyrone and pyrazolone derivatives

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Although still used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide, the mechanism of the analgesic action of the pyrazolone derivatives (PDs), dipyrone, propyphenazone and antipyrine remains unknown. The transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel, expressed by nociceptors, is emerging as a major pain transduction pathway. We hypothesized that PDs target the TRPA1 channel and by this mechanism produce their analgesic effect.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Calcium responses and currents were studied in cultured TRPA1-expressing rodent dorsal root ganglion neurons and human cells. Acute nociception and mechanical hypersensitivity were investigated in naïve and genetically manipulated mice.

KEY RESULTS

Pyrazolone and PDs selectively inhibited calcium responses and currents in TRPA1-expressing cells and acute nocifensor responses in mice evoked by reactive channel agonists (allyl isothiocyanate, acrolein and H2 O2 ). In line with recent results obtained with TRPA1 antagonists and TRPA1 gene deletion, the two most largely used PDs, dipyrone and propyphenazone, attenuated TRPA1-mediated nociception and mechanical allodynia in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain (formalin, carrageenan, partial sciatic nerve ligation and the chemotherapeutic drug, bortezomib). Notably, dipyrone and propyphenazone attenuated carrageenan-evoked mechanical allodynia, without affecting PGE2 levels. The main metabolites of PDs did not target TRPA1 and did not affect TRPA1-dependent nociception and allodynia.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS

Evidence that in rodents the nociceptive/hyperalgesic effect produced by TRPA1 activation is blocked by PDs suggests that a similar pathway is attenuated by PDs in humans and that TRPA1 antagonists could be novel analgesics, devoid of the adverse haematological effects of PDs.

Muscle characterization of reactive oxygen species in oral diseases

IMPORTANCE AND OBJECTIVE

Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) are oxygen-derived molecules that are unstable and highly reactive. They are important signaling mediators of biological processes. In contrast, excessive ROS generation, defective oxidant scavenging or both have been implicated in the pathogenesis of several conditions. This biological paradox of ROS function contributes to the integrity of cells and tissues. So, the aim of this review was examined for published literature related to 'reactive oxygen species and dentistry and muscle'.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A PubMed search was performed by using the following key words: 'reactive oxygen species and dentistry and muscle'.

RESULTS

Involvement of ROS in pathologic conditions can be highlighted in oral diseases like periodontitis, orofacial pain, temporomandibular disorders and oral cancer. Also, several studies have correlated the increase in ROS production with the initiation of the muscle fatigue process and the process of muscle injury. However, studies evaluating the relation of ROS and orofacial muscles, which can prove very important to understand the fatigue muscle in this region during oral movements, have not yet been conducted.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that the data on skeletal muscles, especially those of mastication, are not commonly published in this data source; therefore, further studies in this field are strongly recommended.

Antiallodynic effect of intrathecal epigallocatechin-3-gallate due to suppression of reactive oxygen species

Background

Green tea modulates neuropathic pain. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are suggested as a key molecule in the underlying mechanism of neuropathic pain in the spinal cord. We examined the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), the major catechin in green tea, in neuropathic pain and clarified the involvement of ROS on the activity of EGCG.

Methods

Neuropathic pain was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by spinal nerve ligation (SNL). A polyethylene tube was intrathecally located. Nociceptive degree was estimated by a von Frey filament and expressed as a paw withdrawal threshold (PWT). To determine the role of ROS on the effect of EGCG, a free radical donor (tert-BuOOH) was pretreated before administration of EGCG. ROS activity was assayed by xanthine oxidase (XO) and malondialdehyde (MDA).

Results

SNL decreased the PWT compared to sham rats. The decrease remained during the entire observation period. Intrathecal EGCG increased the PWT at the SNL site. Intrathecal tert-BuOOH significantly decreased the effect of EGCG. The levels of both XO and MDA in the spinal cord were increased in SNL rats compared to sham. Intrathecal EGCG decreased the level of XO and MDA.

Conclusions

EGCG may reduce neuropathic pain by SNL due to the suppression of ROS in the spinal cord.

Nox2-dependent signaling between macrophages and sensory neurons contributes to neuropathic pain hypersensitivity

Emerging lines of evidence indicate that production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at distinct sites of the nociceptive system contributes to the processing of neuropathic pain. However, the mechanisms underlying ROS production during neuropathic pain processing are not fully understood. We here detected the ROS-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase isoform Nox2 in macrophages of dorsal root ganglia (DRG) in mice. In response to peripheral nerve injury, Nox2-positive macrophages were recruited to DRG, and ROS production was increased in a Nox2-dependent manner. Nox2-deficient mice displayed reduced neuropathic pain behavior after peripheral nerve injury, whereas their immediate responses to noxious stimuli were normal. Moreover, injury-induced upregulation of tumor necrosis factor α was absent, and activating transcription factor 3 induction was reduced in DRG of Nox2-deficient mice, suggesting an attenuated macrophage-neuron signaling. These data suggest that Nox2-dependent ROS production in macrophages recruited to DRG contributes to neuropathic pain hypersensitivity, underlining the observation that Nox-derived ROS exert specific functions during the processing of pain.

New insights into antioxidant strategies against paraquat toxicity

Paraquat (PQ, 1,1'-dimethyl-4-4'-bipyridinium dichloride) is a highly toxic quaternary ammonium herbicide widely used in agriculture, it exerts its toxic effects mainly because of its redox cycle through the production of superoxide anions in organisms, leading to an imbalance in the redox state of the cell causing oxidative damage and finally cell death. The contribution of mitochondrial dysfunction including increased production of reactive oxygen species besides the reduction in oxygen consumption as well as in the activity of some respiratory complexes has emerged as a key component in the mechanisms through which PQ induces cell death. Although several aspects of PQ-mitochondria interaction remain to be clarified, recent advances have been conducted with reproducible results. Currently, there is no treatment for PQ poisoning; however, several studies taking into account oxidative stress as the main mechanism of PQ-induced toxicity suggest an antioxidant therapy as a viable alternative. In fact, it has been shown that the antioxidants naringin, sylimarin, edaravone, Bathysa cuspidata extracts, alpha-lipoic acid, pirfenidone, lysine acetylsalicylate, selenium, quercetin, C-phycocyanin, bacosides, and vitamin C may be useful in the treatment against PQ toxicity. The main mechanisms involved in the protective effect of these antioxidants include the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation and the induction of antioxidant defenses. Interestingly, recent findings suggest that the induction of nuclear factor erythroid like-2 (Nrf2), a major regulator of the antioxidant response, by some of the above-mentioned antioxidants, has been involved in the protective effect against PQ-induced toxicity.

The Molecular and Pharmacological Mechanisms of HIV-Related Neuropathic Pain

Infection of the nervous system with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) can lead to cognitive, motor and sensory disorders. HIV-related sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN) mainly contains the HIV infection-related distal sensory polyneuropathy (DSP) and antiretroviral toxic neuropathies (ATN). The main pathological features that characterize DSP and ATN include retrograde ("dying back") axonal degeneration of long axons in distal regions of legs or arms, loss of unmyelinated fibers, and variable degree of macrophage infiltration in peripheral nerves and dorsal root ganglia (DRG). One of the most common complaints of HIV-DSP is pain. Unfortunately, many conventional agents utilized as pharmacologic therapy for neuropathic pain are not effective for providing satisfactory analgesia in painful HIV-related distal sensory polyneuropathy, because the molecular mechanisms of the painful HIV-SDP are not clear in detail. The HIV envelope glycoprotein, gp120, appears to contribute to this painful neuropathy. Recently, preclinical studies have shown that glia activation in the spinal cord and DRG has become an attractive target for attenuating chronic pain. Cytokines/chemokines have been implicated in a variety of painful neurological diseases and in animal models of HIV-related neuropathic pain. Mitochondria injured by ATN and/or gp120 may be also involved in the development of HIV-neuropathic pain. This review discusses the neurochemical and pharmacological mechanisms of HIV-related neuropathic pain based on the recent advance in the preclinical studies, providing insights into novel pharmacological targets for future therapy.

Antioxidant activity of sestrin 2 controls neuropathic pain after peripheral nerve injury

AIMS

Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating disease that is often unresponsive to currently available treatments. Emerging lines of evidence indicate that reactive oxygen species (ROS) are required for the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain. However, little is known about endogenous mechanisms that neutralize the pain-relevant effects of ROS. In the present study, we tested whether the stress-responsive antioxidant protein Sestrin 2 (Sesn2) blocks the ROS-induced neuropathic pain processing in vivo.

RESULTS

We observed that Sesn2 mRNA and protein expression was up-regulated in peripheral nerves after spared nerve injury, a well-characterized model of neuropathic pain. Sesn2 knockout (Sesn2(-/-)) mice exhibited considerably increased late-phase neuropathic pain behavior, while their behavior in acute nociceptive and in inflammatory pain models remained unaffected. The exacerbated neuropathic pain behavior of Sesn2(-/-) mice was associated with elevated ROS levels and an enhanced activating transcription factor 3 up-regulation in sensory neurons, and it was reversed by the ROS scavenger N-tert-Butyl-α-phenylnitrone. In contrast, administration of the ROS donor tert-butyl hydroperoxide induced a prolonged pain behavior in naive Sesn2(-/-) mice.

INNOVATION

We show that the antioxidant function of Sesn2 limits neuropathic pain processing in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Sesn2 controls ROS-dependent neuropathic pain signaling after peripheral nerve injury and may, thus, provide a potential new target for the clinical management of chronic neuropathic pain conditions.

Differential cellular localization of antioxidant enzymes in the trigeminal ganglion

Because of its high oxygen demands, neural tissue is predisposed to oxidative stress. Here, our aim was to clarify the cellular localization of antioxidant enzymes in the trigeminal ganglion. We found that the transcriptional factor Sox10 is localized exclusively in satellite glial cells (SGCs) in the adult trigeminal ganglion. The use of transgenic mice that express the fluorescent protein Venus under the Sox10 promoter enabled us to distinguish between neurons and SGCs. Although both superoxide dismutases 1 and 2 were present in the neurons, only superoxide dismutase 1 was identified in SGCs. The enzymes relevant to hydrogen peroxide degradation displayed differential cellular localization, such that neurons were endowed with glutathione peroxidase 1 and thioredoxin 2, and catalase and thioredoxin 2 were present in SGCs. Our immunohistochemical finding showed that only SGCs were labeled by the oxidative damage marker 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine, which indicates that the antioxidant systems of SGCs were less potent. The transient receptor potential vanilloid subfamily member 1 (TRPV1), the capsaicin receptor, is implicated in inflammatory hyperalgesia, and we demonstrated that topical capsaicin application causes short-lasting mechanical hyperalgesia in the face. Our cell-based assay revealed that TRPV1 agonist stimulation in the presence of TRPV1 overexpression caused reactive oxygen species-mediated caspase-3 activation. Moreover, capsaicin induced the cellular demise of primary TRPV1-positive trigeminal ganglion neurons in a dose-dependent manner, and this effect was inhibited by a free radical scavenger and a pancaspase inhibitor. This study delineates the localization of antioxidative stress-related enzymes in the trigeminal ganglion and reveals the importance of the pivotal role of reactive oxygen species in the TRPV1-mediated caspase-dependent cell death of trigeminal ganglion neurons. Therapeutic measures for antioxidative stress should be taken to prevent damage to trigeminal primary sensory neurons in inflammatory pain disorders.

Reactive oxygen species enhance excitatory synaptic transmission in rat spinal dorsal horn neurons by activating TRPA1 and TRPV1 channels

Central neuropathic pain (CNP) in the spinal cord, such as chronic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI), is an incurable ailment. However, little is known about the spinal cord mechanisms underlying CNP. Recently, reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been recognized to play an important role in CNP of the spinal cord. However, it is unclear how ROS affect synaptic transmission in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. To clarify how ROS impact on synaptic transmission, we investigated the effects of ROS on synaptic transmission in rat spinal cord substantia gelatinosa (SG) neurons using whole-cell patch-clamp recordings. Administration of tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BOOH), an ROS donor, into the spinal cord markedly increased the frequency and amplitude of spontaneous excitatory postsynaptic currents (sEPSCs) in SG neurons. This t-BOOH-induced enhancement was not suppressed by the Na(+) channel blocker tetrodotoxin. However, in the presence of a non-N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamate receptor antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione, t-BOOH did not generate any sEPSCs. Furthermore, in the presence of a transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel antagonist (HC-030031) or a transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) channel antagonist (capsazepine or AMG9810), the t-BOOH-induced increase in the frequency of sEPSCs was inhibited. These results indicate that ROS enhance the spontaneous release of glutamate from presynaptic terminals onto SG neurons through TRPA1 and TRPV1 channel activation. Excessive activation of these ion channels by ROS may induce central sensitization in the spinal cord and result in chronic pain such as that following SCI.

Effects of edaravone on amyloid-β precursor protein processing in SY5Y-APP695 cells

Previous reports have revealed that reactive oxygen species (ROS) is involved in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and recent studies indicate that free radical-generating systems can regulate amyloid-β precursor protein (APP) processing. Edaravone is a novel free radical scavenger currently used to reduce cerebral damages after acute cerebral infarction. In the present study, we used SH-SY5Y cells stably transfected with the human "Swedish" APP mutation APP695 (SY5Y-APP695swe) as an in vitro model to investigate the effect of edaravone on APP processing. The result showed that edaravone treatment for 24 h down-regulated β-amyloid (Aβ) production in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, edaravone modulated APP processing by increasing α-secretase-derived APP fragments and decreasing β-secretase-derived APP fragments. In addition, the mRNA and protein levels of insulin degrading enzyme (IDE) and neprilysin (NEP), two key Aβ degrading enzymes, were not changed after edaravone administration. Taken together, our data suggested that edaravone played an important role in regulating Aβ production by enhancing the non-amyloidogenic pathway and inhibiting the amyloidogenic pathway. Thus, edaravone may be potentially useful for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Phase I clinical study of edaravone in healthy Chinese volunteers: safety and pharmacokinetics of single or multiple intravenous infusions

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate the safety and pharmacokinetics of edaravone administered by single or successive intravenous infusions in healthy Chinese volunteers.

Methods

A total of 30 subjects (15 males and 15 females) were recruited and randomly assigned to three groups receiving edaravone doses of 20, 30, and 60 mg. All subjects received a single dose of edaravone during a 30-minute period, and only the 30 mg dose group continued to receive the same dose successively by intravenous infusion twice daily for the next 5 days. Plasma concentrations of edaravone were monitored by high-performance liquid chromatography at the following times: 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 105, 165, 225, 300, 390, 480, 600, and 720 minutes after edaravone administration.

Results

The area under the plasma concentration-time curve during a dosage interval (AUC_τ) values of the single dose in the 20, 30, and 60 mg dose groups were 3.64±1.37, 5.17 ± 0.93, and 11.25 ± 3.42 mg · h/L, respectively, while in the group receiving repeated dosing of 30 mg, the mean AUC_τ value was 5.06 ± 0.89mg · h/L. The corresponding maximum plasma drug concentration (C_max) values were 1599.0 ± 382.6, 2378.7 ± 316.7, and 4540.1 ± 901.1 ng/mL, respectively, in the single-dose groups, and 2479.1 ± 477.9 ng/mL in the 30 mg repeated-dose group. The mean AUC_τ and C_max ratios between the repeated-dose group and the single-dose groups were 0.98 and 1.04. All laboratory test abnormalities (including increased alanine transaminase and triacylglycerol levels, and decreased white blood cell counts and creatinine levels) were mild and tolerable. All abnormal blood biochemical indices returned to normal levels after 7 days.

Conclusion

Edaravone was safe and well tolerated in the volunteers and displayed linear increases in the C_max and AUC_τ values.

Pharmacokinetic interaction between puerarin and edaravone, and effect of borneol on the brain distribution kinetics of puerarin in rats

Objectives

The aim was to investigate the pharmacokinetic interaction between puerarin and edaravone, and the effect of borneol on the brain distribution kinetics of puerarin in rats.

Methods

A reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography method was developed and validated for the simultaneous determination of puerarin and edaravone in rat plasma. The detection method was successfully applied to compare the pharmacokinetic interaction and brain distribution kinetics of puerarin and edaravone using in-situ microdialysis sampling in rats after intravenous administration and co-administration with a single dose.

Key findings

The method gave good linearity and no endogenous material interfered with the two target compounds and internal standard peaks. The limit of detection of puerarin and edaravone was 0.03 and 0.05 μg/ml, respectively. The average recovery of the two compounds from rat plasma was &gt;94%. The precision of the test was determined to be within 10%. The combination of puerarin and edaravone reduced drug elimination rates, gave a wider distribution, and the disposition of both drugs in rats was optimized. The distribution of puerarin in brain tissues was significantly increased and its elimination was noticeably slower with borneol pretreatment.

Conclusions

The results provide important information for the improved combined use of puerarin and edaravone with borneol pretreatment in clinical practice.

Potential use of melatonergic drugs in analgesia: mechanisms of action

Melatonin is a remarkable molecule with diverse physiological functions. Some of its effects are mediated by receptors while other, like cytoprotection, seem to depend on direct and indirect scavenging of free radicals not involving receptors. Among melatonin's many effects, its antinociceptive actions have attracted attention. When given orally, intraperitoneally, locally, intrathecally or through intracerebroventricular routes, melatonin exerts antinociceptive and antiallodynic actions in a variety of animal models. These effects have been demonstrated in animal models of acute pain like the tail-flick test, formalin test or endotoxin-induced hyperalgesia as well as in models of neuropathic pain like nerve ligation. Glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, and particularly, opioid neurotransmission have been demonstrated to be involved in melatonin's analgesia. Results using melatonin receptor antagonists support the participation of melatonin receptors in melatonin's analgesia. However, discrepancies between the affinity of the receptors and the very high doses of melatonin needed to cause effects in vivo raise doubts about the uniqueness of that physiopathological interpretation. Indeed, melatonin could play a role in pain through several alternative mechanisms including free radicals scavenging or nitric oxide synthase inhibition. The use of melatonin analogs like the MT(1)/MT(2) agonist ramelteon, which lacks free radical scavenging activity, could be useful to unravel the mechanism of action of melatonin in analgesia. Melatonin has a promising role as an analgesic drug that could be used for alleviating pain associated with cancer, headache or surgical procedures.