1
|
Hu Q, Zhang R, Dong X, Yang D, Yu W, Du Q. Huperzine A ameliorates neurological deficits after spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage through endothelial cell pyroptosis inhibition. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2024; 56:645-656. [PMID: 38529553 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2024037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Spontaneous subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) is a kind of hemorrhagic stroke which causes neurological deficits in survivors. Huperzine A has a neuroprotective effect, but its role in SAH is unclear. Therefore, we explore the effect of Huperzine A on neurological deficits induced by SAH and the related mechanism. In this study, Evans blue assay, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence, western blot analysis, and ELISA are conducted. We find that Huperzine A can improve neurological deficits and inhibit the apoptosis of nerve cells in SAH rats. Huperzine A treatment can improve the upregulation of brain water content, damage of blood-brain barrier, fibrinogen and matrix metalloprotein 9 expressions and the downregulation of ZO-1 and occludin expressions induced by SAH. Huperzine A inhibit the expressions of proteins involved in pyroptosis in endothelial cells in SAH rats. The increase in MDA content and decrease in SOD activity in SAH rats can be partly reversed by Huperzine A. The ROS inducer H 2O 2 can induce pyroptosis and inhibit the expressions of ZO-1 and occludin in endothelial cells, which can be blocked by Huperzine A. In addition, the increase in the entry of p65 into the nucleus in endothelial cells can be partly reversed by Huperzine A. Huperzine A may delay the damage of blood-brain barrier in SAH rats by inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated pyroptosis and tight junction protein expression downregulation through the NF-κB pathway. Overall, Huperzine A may have clinical value for treating SAH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Rong Zhang
- Medical Examination Center, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Xiaoqiao Dong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Dingbo Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Wenhua Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Quan Du
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Westlake University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Hangzhou Hospital, Hangzhou First People's Hospital, Hangzhou 310000, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Challal S, Skiba A, Langlois M, Esguerra CV, Wolfender JL, Crawford AD, Skalicka-Woźniak K. Natural product-derived therapies for treating drug-resistant epilepsies: From ethnopharmacology to evidence-based medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116740. [PMID: 37315641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological human diseases, affecting 1% of the population in all age groups. Despite the availability of over 25 anti-seizure medications (ASMs), which are approved in most industrialized countries, approximately 30% of epilepsy patients still experience seizures that are resistant to these drugs. Since ASMs target only limited number of neurochemical mechanisms, drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is not only an unmet medical need, but also a formidable challenge in drug discovery. AIM In this review, we examine recently approved epilepsy drugs based on natural product (NP) such as cannabidiol (CBD) and rapamycin, as well as NP-based epilepsy drug candidates still in clinical development, such as huperzine A. We also critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of botanical drugs as polytherapy or adjunct therapy specifically for DRE. METHODS Articles related to ethnopharmacological anti-epileptic medicines and NPs in treating all forms of epilepsy were collected from PubMed and Scopus using keywords related to epilepsy, DRE, herbal medicines, and NPs. The database clinicaltrials.gov was used to find ongoing, terminated and planned clinical trials using herbal medicines or NPs in epilepsy treatment. RESULTS A comprehensive review on anti-epileptic herbal drugs and natural products from the ethnomedical literature is provided. We discuss the ethnomedical context of recently approved drugs and drug candidates derived from NPs, including CBD, rapamycin, and huperzine A. Recently published studies on natural products with preclinical efficacy in animal models of DRE are summarized. Moreover, we highlight that natural products capable of pharmacologically activating the vagus nerve (VN), such as CBD, may be therapeutically useful to treat DRE. CONCLUSIONS The review highlights that herbal drugs utilized in traditional medicine offer a valuable source of potential anti-epileptic drug candidates with novel mechanisms of action, and with clinical promise for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Moreover, recently developed NP-based anti-seizure medications (ASMs) indicate the translational potential of metabolites of plant, microbial, fungal and animal origin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soura Challal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adrianna Skiba
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Mélanie Langlois
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexander D Crawford
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway; Institute for Orphan Drug Discovery, Bremerhavener Innovations- und Gründerzentum (BRIG), Bremerhaven, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cui Y, Chen X, Shi J, Jin Q, Zhang R, Shi T, Wang C, Li L. Study of Huperzine A derivatives with extended protection against soman intoxication. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 475:116646. [PMID: 37517785 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Pre-administration of huperzine A (Hup A) was validated to prevent poisoning from exposure to nerve agents (NAs) by reversibly inhibiting acetylcholinesterase (AChE). However, like the currently commonly used reversible inhibitors, Hup A has a short half-life and is unable to produce a long-term preventative effect. To extend the protective time of Hup A against NAs, 42 derivatives with a CN bond were designed based on the structure of Hup A in this study. All designed derivatives showed good binding capability with AChE via molecular docking. Six compounds (H3, H4, H11, H14, H16, and H25) with representative structures were selected for synthesis by Schiff base reaction, and their structures were stable. The modified Ellman's method showed the six compounds concentration-dependently inhibited AChE, and the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) were higher than that of Hup A. Pretreatment of AChE with the derivatives significantly increased the IC50 of soman. In vivo experiments demonstrated H3, H4, H14, H16, and H25 had longer protective capacities against 1 × LD95 soman-induced death in mice than Hup A. The 12 h protective index showed that the protective ratios of H3, H4, H14 and H16 were 2.31, 1.85, 2.23 and 1.99 respectively, better than that of Hup A. The extended protection of the derivatives against soman may be explained by their transformation to Hup A in vivo. Furthermore, all six compounds showed lower acute oral toxicity than Hup A. Overall, our study provided an optional strategy to acquire pretreatment agents for NAs with extended action and low toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, PR China
| | - Xuejun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, PR China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, PR China
| | - Qian Jin
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, PR China
| | - Ruihua Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, PR China
| | - Tong Shi
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, PR China
| | - Chen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, PR China.
| | - Liqin Li
- State Key Laboratory of NBC Protection for Civilian, Beijing 102205, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
A Synopsis of Multitarget Potential Therapeutic Effects of Huperzine A in Diverse Pathologies-Emphasis on Alzheimer's Disease Pathogenesis. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:1166-1182. [PMID: 35122609 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03530-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/15/2022] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Numerous challenges are confronted when it comes to the recognition of therapeutic agents for treating complex neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's disease (AD). The perplexing pathogenicity of AD embodies cholinergic dysfunction, amyloid beta (Aβ) aggregation, neurofibrillary tangle formation, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial disruption along with vicious production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generating oxidative stress. In this frame of reference, drugs with multi target components could prove more advantageous to counter complex pathological mechanisms that are responsible for AD progression. For as much as, medicinal plant based pharmaco-therapies are emerging as potential candidates for AD treatment keeping the efficacy and safety parameters in terms of toxicity and side effects into consideration. Huperzine A (Hup A) is a purified alkaloid compound extracted from a club moss called Huperzia serrata. Several studies have reported both cholinergic and non-cholinergic effects of this compound on AD with significant neuroprotective properties. The present review convenes cumulative demonstrations of neuroprotection provided by Hup A in in vitro, in vivo, and human studies in various pathologies. The underlying molecular mechanisms of its actions have also been discussed. However, more profound evidence would certainly promote the therapeutic implementation of this drug thus furnishing decisive insights into AD therapeutics and various other pathologies along with preventive and curative management.
Collapse
|
5
|
Wen-Xia H, Zhong-Wen H, Min J, Han Z, Wei-Ze L, Li-Bin Y, Fei L, Lu H, Ning Z, Xiao-Feng L. Five novel and highly efficient endophytic fungi isolated from Huperzia serrata expressing huperzine A for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2020; 104:9159-9177. [PMID: 32970179 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-020-10894-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 08/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/05/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Huperzine A (Hup A) is an important drug for treating Alzheimer's disease (AD) and mainly extracted from the Huperzia serrata (Thunb.) Trevis. (Lycopodiaceae) (HS). Nevertheless, the content of Hup A in HS is very low of 0.007% with growing circle of 8 to 10 years, and the chemical synthesis of Hup A still has some insurmountable limitations in the industrialized production. So, the available resources of Hup A for clinical treatment of AD are scarce. The purpose of this work was to construct a biosynthesis platform based on the endophytic fungi from HS. In this work, five endophytic fungi Mucor racemosus NSH-D, Mucor fragilis NSY-1, Fusarium verticillioides NSH-5, Fusarium oxysporum NSG-1, and Trichoderma harzianum NSW-V were firstly found and isolated from the Chinese folk medicine HS, which were identified according to their morphological characteristics and nuclear ribosomal DNA ITS sequences. The highest efficient fungus could effectively biosynthesize Hup A in a liquid culture of 319.8 ± 0.17 mg/L which were 112 times higher than that of other reported conventional endophytic fungi. Moreover, these fungi with higher hereditary stability could possess the initial expressing ability of Hup A after 40 generations, and the expressed Hup A from these biosynthesis systems has prior physicochemical properties, a better inhibition activity of acetylcholinesterase and a lower cytotoxicity compared with the listed active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) of Hup A. These results provide promising alternative resources for producing Hup A at an industrial scale by biosynthesis, and it may also shed light on millions of AD patients. KEY POINTS: • Five novel endophytic fungi with high stability could highly express prior Hup A Graphical abstract.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Han Wen-Xia
- College of Medical Technology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Zhong-Wen
- Department of Oncology, Fushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Tumor, Shijiazhuang, 050200, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Min
- Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Ischemic Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Basic and Translational Medicine, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhang Han
- College of Pharmacy, Xi'an Medical University, Xinwang road 1, Weiyang Zone, Xi'an, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Wei-Ze
- College of Pharmacy, Xi'an Medical University, Xinwang road 1, Weiyang Zone, Xi'an, 710021, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yang Li-Bin
- College of Pharmacy, Xi'an Medical University, Xinwang road 1, Weiyang Zone, Xi'an, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Fei
- College of Pharmacy, Xi'an Medical University, Xinwang road 1, Weiyang Zone, Xi'an, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Han Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Xi'an Medical University, Xinwang road 1, Weiyang Zone, Xi'an, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhao Ning
- College of Pharmacy, Xi'an Medical University, Xinwang road 1, Weiyang Zone, Xi'an, 710021, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xiao-Feng
- College of Medical Technology, Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710021, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lushchekina SV, Masson P. Slow-binding inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase of medical interest. Neuropharmacology 2020; 177:108236. [PMID: 32712274 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2020.108236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Certain ligands slowly bind to acetylcholinesterase. As a result, there is a slow establishment of enzyme-inhibitor equilibrium characterized by a slow onset of inhibition prior reaching steady state. Three mechanisms account for slow-binding inhibition: a) slow binding rate constant kon, b) slow ligand induced-fit following a fast binding step, c) slow conformational selection of an enzyme form. The slow equilibrium may be followed by a chemical step. This later that can be irreversible has been observed with certain alkylating agents and substrate transition state analogs. Slow-binding inhibitors present long residence times on target. This results in prolonged pharmacological or toxicological action. Through several well-known molecules (e.g. huperzine) and new examples (tocopherol, trifluoroacetophenone and a 6-methyluracil alkylammonium derivative), we show that slow-binding inhibitors of acetylcholinesterase are promising drugs for treatment of neurological diseases such as Alzheimer disease and myasthenia gravis. Moreover, they may be of interest for neuroprotection (prophylaxis) against organophosphorus poisoning. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitors: From Bench to Bedside to Battlefield'.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sofya V Lushchekina
- Laboratory of Computer Modeling of Biomolecular Systems and Nanomaterials, Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics of RAS, 4 Kosygina St., Moscow, 119334, Russia.
| | - Patrick Masson
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Kazan Federal University, 18 Kremlyovskaya St., Kazan, 420008, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bajgar J, Kassa J, Kucera T, Musilek K, Jun D, Kuca K. Some Possibilities to Study New Prophylactics against Nerve Agents. Mini Rev Med Chem 2019; 19:970-979. [PMID: 30827238 DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666190301112530] [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: 01/21/2017] [Revised: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Nerve agents belong to the most dangerous chemical warfare agents and can be/were misused by terrorists. Effective prophylaxis and treatment is necessary to diminish their effect. General principles of prophylaxis are summarized (protection against acetylcholinesterase inhibition, detoxification, treatment "in advance" and use of different drugs). They are based on the knowledge of mechanism of action of nerve agents. Among different examinations, it is necessary to test prophylactic effectivity in vivo and compare the results with protection in vitro. Chemical and biological approaches to the development of new prophylactics would be applied simultaneously during this research. Though the number of possible prophylactics is relatively high, the only four drugs were introduced into military medical practice. At present, pyridostigmine seems to be common prophylactic antidote; prophylactics panpal (tablets with pyridostigmine, trihexyphenidyl and benactyzine), transant (transdermal patch containing HI-6) are other means introduced into different armies as prophylactics. Scavenger commercionally available is Protexia®. Future development will be focused on scavengers, and on other drugs either reversible cholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., huperzine A, gallantamine, physostigmine, acridine derivatives) or other compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J Bajgar
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - J Kassa
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - T Kucera
- Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - K Musilek
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - D Jun
- Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Department of Toxicology and Military Pharmacy, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, University of Defence, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - K Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.,Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Masson P, Nachon F. Cholinesterase reactivators and bioscavengers for pre- and post-exposure treatments of organophosphorus poisoning. J Neurochem 2017; 142 Suppl 2:26-40. [PMID: 28542985 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2016] [Revised: 03/02/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Organophosphorus agents (OPs) irreversibly inhibit acetylcholinesterase (AChE) causing a major cholinergic syndrome. The medical counter-measures of OP poisoning have not evolved for the last 30 years with carbamates for pretreatment, pyridinium oximes-based AChE reactivators, antimuscarinic drugs and neuroprotective benzodiazepines for post-exposure treatment. These drugs ensure protection of peripheral nervous system and mitigate acute effects of OP lethal doses. However, they have significant limitations. Pyridostigmine and oximes do not protect/reactivate central AChE. Oximes poorly reactivate AChE inhibited by phosphoramidates. In addition, current neuroprotectants do not protect the central nervous system shortly after the onset of seizures when brain damage becomes irreversible. New therapeutic approaches for pre- and post-exposure treatments involve detoxification of OP molecules before they reach their molecular targets by administrating catalytic bioscavengers, among them phosphotriesterases are the most promising. Novel generation of broad spectrum reactivators are designed for crossing the blood-brain barrier and reactivate central AChE. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Masson
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
| | - Florian Nachon
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, Brétigny-sur-Orge, Cédex, France
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Wong JC, Dutton SBB, Collins SD, Schachter S, Escayg A. Huperzine A Provides Robust and Sustained Protection against Induced Seizures in Scn1a Mutant Mice. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:357. [PMID: 27799911 PMCID: PMC5065986 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Accepted: 09/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
De novo loss-of-function mutations in the voltage-gated sodium channel (VGSC) SCN1A (encoding Nav1.1) are the main cause of Dravet syndrome (DS), a catastrophic early-life encephalopathy associated with prolonged and recurrent early-life febrile seizures (FSs), refractory afebrile epilepsy, cognitive and behavioral deficits, and a 15–20% mortality rate. SCN1A mutations also lead to genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus (GEFS+), which is an inherited disorder characterized by early-life FSs and the development of a range of adult epilepsy subtypes. Current antiepileptic drugs often fail to protect against the severe seizures and behavioral and cognitive deficits found in patients with SCN1A mutations. To address the need for more efficacious treatments for SCN1A-derived epilepsies, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of Huperzine A, a naturally occurring reversible acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. In CF1 mice, Hup A (0.56 or 1 mg/kg) was found to confer protection against 6 Hz-, pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-, and maximal electroshock (MES)-induced seizures. Robust protection against 6 Hz-, MES-, and hyperthermia-induced seizures was also achieved following Hup A administration in mouse models of DS (Scn1a+/−) and GEFS+ (Scn1aRH/+). Furthermore, Hup A-mediated seizure protection was sustained during 3 weeks of daily injections in Scn1aRH/+ mutants. Finally, we determined that muscarinic and GABAA receptors play a role in Hup A-mediated seizure protection. These findings indicate that Hup A might provide a novel therapeutic strategy for increasing seizure resistance in DS and GEFS+, and more broadly, in other forms of refractory epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Wong
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Stacey B B Dutton
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory UniversityAtlanta, GA, USA; Department of Biology, Agnes Scott CollegeAtlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Steven Schachter
- Department of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, MA, USA
| | - Andrew Escayg
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Masson P. Novel approaches in prophylaxis/pretreatment and treatment of organophosphorus poisoning. PHOSPHORUS SULFUR 2016. [DOI: 10.1080/10426507.2016.1211652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Masson
- Neuropharmacology Laboratory, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Damar U, Gersner R, Johnstone JT, Schachter S, Rotenberg A. Huperzine A as a neuroprotective and antiepileptic drug: a review of preclinical research. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 16:671-80. [PMID: 27086593 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2016.1175303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Huperzine A (HupA) is an acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor extracted from Huperzia Serrata, a firmoss, which has been used for various diseases in traditional Chinese medicine for fever and inflammation. More recently, it has been used in Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia with a presumed mechanism of action via central nicotinic and muscarinic receptors. HupA is marketed as a dietary supplement in the U.S. This article reviews newly proposed neuroprotective and anticonvulsant HupA properties based on animal studies. HupA exerts its effects mainly via α7nAChRs and α4β2nAChRs, thereby producing a potent anti-inflammatory response by decreasing IL-1β, TNF-α protein expression, and suppressing transcriptional activation of NF-κB signaling. Thus, it provides protection from excitotoxicity and neuronal death as well as increase in GABAergic transmission associated with anticonvulsant activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- U Damar
- a F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - R Gersner
- a F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - J T Johnstone
- b Research and Development - Neurology , Biscayne Pharmaceuticals, Inc ., Miami , FL , USA
| | - S Schachter
- c Departments of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Massachusetts General Hospital , Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| | - A Rotenberg
- a F.M. Kirby Neurobiology Center, Department of Neurology , Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston , MA , USA
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Slow-binding inhibition of cholinesterases, pharmacological and toxicological relevance. Arch Biochem Biophys 2016; 593:60-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2016.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2015] [Revised: 01/20/2016] [Accepted: 02/05/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
|
13
|
Chen J, Pan H, Chen C, Wu W, Iskandar K, He J, Piermartiri T, Jacobowitz DM, Yu QS, McDonough JH, Greig NH, Marini AM. (-)-Phenserine attenuates soman-induced neuropathology. PLoS One 2014; 9:e99818. [PMID: 24955574 PMCID: PMC4067273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0099818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Organophosphorus (OP) nerve agents are deadly chemical weapons that pose an alarming threat to military and civilian populations. The irreversible inhibition of the critical cholinergic degradative enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by OP nerve agents leads to cholinergic crisis. Resulting excessive synaptic acetylcholine levels leads to status epilepticus that, in turn, results in brain damage. Current countermeasures are only modestly effective in protecting against OP-induced brain damage, supporting interest for evaluation of new ones. (-)-Phenserine is a reversible AChE inhibitor possessing neuroprotective and amyloid precursor protein lowering actions that reached Phase III clinical trials for Alzheimer's Disease where it exhibited a wide safety margin. This compound preferentially enters the CNS and has potential to impede soman binding to the active site of AChE to, thereby, serve in a protective capacity. Herein, we demonstrate that (-)-phenserine protects neurons against soman-induced neuronal cell death in rats when administered either as a pretreatment or post-treatment paradigm, improves motoric movement in soman-exposed animals and reduces mortality when given as a pretreatment. Gene expression analysis, undertaken to elucidate mechanism, showed that (-)-phenserine pretreatment increased select neuroprotective genes and reversed a Homer1 expression elevation induced by soman exposure. These studies suggest that (-)-phenserine warrants further evaluation as an OP nerve agent protective strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jun Chen
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Hongna Pan
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Cynthia Chen
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Wei Wu
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Kevin Iskandar
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Jeffrey He
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Tetsade Piermartiri
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - David M. Jacobowitz
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Genetics, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Qian-Sheng Yu
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - John H. McDonough
- Pharmacology Branch, Research Division, US Army Medical Research Institute of Chemical Defense, Aberdeen Proving Ground, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, United States of America
| | - Ann M. Marini
- Neurology Department, Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences, Bethesda, Maryland, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kliachyna M, Santoni G, Nussbaum V, Renou J, Sanson B, Colletier JP, Arboléas M, Loiodice M, Weik M, Jean L, Renard PY, Nachon F, Baati R. Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel tetrahydroacridine pyridine- aldoxime and -amidoxime hybrids as efficient uncharged reactivators of nerve agent-inhibited human acetylcholinesterase. Eur J Med Chem 2014; 78:455-67. [PMID: 24704618 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2014.03.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Revised: 03/03/2014] [Accepted: 03/14/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
A series of new uncharged functional acetylcholinesterase (AChE) reactivators including heterodimers of tetrahydroacridine with 3-hydroxy-2-pyridine aldoximes and amidoximes has been synthesized. These novel molecules display in vitro reactivation potencies towards VX-, tabun- and paraoxon-inhibited human AChE that are superior to those of the mono- and bis-pyridinium aldoximes currently used against nerve agent and pesticide poisoning. Furthermore, these uncharged compounds exhibit a broader reactivity spectrum compared to currently approved remediation drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kliachyna
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, CNRS/ UMR 7199 BP 24, 74 route du rhin 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Gianluca Santoni
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38054 Grenoble; CNRS, UMR5075, F-38027 Grenoble; Université Joseph Fourier, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Valentin Nussbaum
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, CNRS/ UMR 7199 BP 24, 74 route du rhin 67401 Illkirch, France
| | - Julien Renou
- Normandie University, COBRA, UMR 6014 and FR 3038; University of Rouen; INSA of Rouen; CNRS, 1 rue Tesniere 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, Cedex, France
| | - Benoit Sanson
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38054 Grenoble; CNRS, UMR5075, F-38027 Grenoble; Université Joseph Fourier, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Jacques-Philippe Colletier
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38054 Grenoble; CNRS, UMR5075, F-38027 Grenoble; Université Joseph Fourier, F-38000, Grenoble, France
| | - Mélanie Arboléas
- Département de Toxicologie, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées BP7391993 Brétigny/s/Orge, France
| | - Mélanie Loiodice
- Département de Toxicologie, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées BP7391993 Brétigny/s/Orge, France
| | - Martin Weik
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38054 Grenoble; CNRS, UMR5075, F-38027 Grenoble; Université Joseph Fourier, F-38000, Grenoble, France.
| | - Ludovic Jean
- Normandie University, COBRA, UMR 6014 and FR 3038; University of Rouen; INSA of Rouen; CNRS, 1 rue Tesniere 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, Cedex, France
| | - Pierre-Yves Renard
- Normandie University, COBRA, UMR 6014 and FR 3038; University of Rouen; INSA of Rouen; CNRS, 1 rue Tesniere 76821 Mont-Saint-Aignan, Cedex, France.
| | - Florian Nachon
- Commissariat à l'Energie Atomique, Institut de Biologie Structurale, F-38054 Grenoble; CNRS, UMR5075, F-38027 Grenoble; Université Joseph Fourier, F-38000, Grenoble, France; Département de Toxicologie, Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées BP7391993 Brétigny/s/Orge, France.
| | - Rachid Baati
- Université de Strasbourg, Faculté de Pharmacie, CNRS/ UMR 7199 BP 24, 74 route du rhin 67401 Illkirch, France.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nachon F, Brazzolotto X, Trovaslet M, Masson P. Progress in the development of enzyme-based nerve agent bioscavengers. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 206:536-44. [PMID: 23811386 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 123] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 06/15/2013] [Accepted: 06/18/2013] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Acetylcholinesterase is the physiological target for acute toxicity of nerve agents. Attempts to protect acetylcholinesterase from phosphylation by nerve agents, is currently achieved by reversible inhibitors that transiently mask the enzyme active site. This approach either protects only peripheral acetylcholinesterase or may cause side effects. Thus, an alternative strategy consists in scavenging nerve agents in the bloodstream before they can reach acetylcholinesterase. Pre- or post-exposure administration of bioscavengers, enzymes that neutralize and detoxify organophosphorus molecules, is one of the major developments of new medical counter-measures. These enzymes act either as stoichiometric or catalytic bioscavengers. Human butyrylcholinesterase is the leading stoichiometric bioscavenger. Current efforts are devoted to its mass production with care to pharmacokinetic properties of the final product for extended lifetime. Development of specific reactivators of phosphylated butyrylcholinesterase, or variants with spontaneous reactivation activity is also envisioned for rapid in situ regeneration of the scavenger. Human paraoxonase 1 is the leading catalytic bioscavenger under development. Research efforts focus on improving its catalytic efficiency toward the most toxic isomers of nerve agents, by means of directed evolution-based strategies. Human prolidase appears to be another promising human enzyme. Other non-human efficient enzymes like bacterial phosphotriesterases or squid diisopropylfluorophosphatase are also considered though their intrinsic immunogenic properties remain challenging for use in humans. Encapsulation, PEGylation and other modifications are possible solutions to address this problem as well as that of their limited lifetime. Finally, gene therapy for in situ generation and delivery of bioscavengers is for the far future, but its proof of concept has been established.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florian Nachon
- Institut de Recherche Biomédicale des Armées, BP87, 38702 La Tronche Cédex, France.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Alleviation of chronic pain following rat spinal cord compression injury with multimodal actions of huperzine A. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2013; 110:E746-55. [PMID: 23386718 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1300083110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse mechanisms including activation of NMDA receptors, microglial activation, reactive astrogliosis, loss of descending inhibition, and spasticity are responsible for ∼40% of cases of intractable neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI). Because conventional treatments blocking individual mechanisms elicit only short-term effectiveness, a multimodal approach with simultaneous actions against major pain-related pathways may have value for clinical management of chronic pain. We hypothesize that [-]-huperzine A (HUP-A), an alkaloid isolated from the club moss Huperzia serrata, that is a potent reversible inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase and NMDA receptors, could mitigate pain without invoking drug tolerance or dependence by stimulating cholinergic interneurons to impede pain signaling, inhibiting inflammation via microglial cholinergic activation, and blocking NMDA-mediated central hypersensitization. We tested our hypothesis by administering HUP-A i.p. or intrathecally to female Sprague-Dawley rats (200-235 g body weight) after moderate static compression (35 g for 5 min) of T10 spinal cord. Compared with controls, HUP-A treatment demonstrates significant analgesic effects in both regimens. SCI rats manifested no drug tolerance following repeated bolus i.p. or chronic intrathecal HUP-A dosing. The pain-ameliorating effect of HUP-A is cholinergic dependent. Relative to vehicle treatment, HUP-A administration also reduced neural inflammation, retained higher numbers of calcium-impermeable GluR2-containing AMPA receptors, and prevented Homer1a up-regulation in dorsal horn sensory neurons. Therefore, HUP-A may provide safe and effective management for chronic postneurotrauma pain by reestablishing homeostasis of sensory circuits.
Collapse
|