1
|
Wang L, Lu D, Wang X, Wang Z, Li W, Chen G. The effects of nitric oxide in Alzheimer's disease. Med Gas Res 2024; 14:186-191. [PMID: 39073326 DOI: 10.4103/2045-9912.385939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most prevalent cause of dementia, is a progressive neurodegenerative condition that commences subtly and inexorably worsens over time. Despite considerable research, a specific drug that can fully cure or effectively halt the progression of AD remains elusive. Nitric oxide (NO), a crucial signaling molecule in the nervous system, is intimately associated with hallmark pathological changes in AD, such as amyloid-beta deposition and tau phosphorylation. Several therapeutic strategies for AD operate through the nitric oxide synthase/NO system. However, the potential neurotoxicity of NO introduces an element of controversy regarding its therapeutic utility in AD. This review focuses on research findings concerning NO's role in experimental AD and its underlying mechanisms. Furthermore, we have proposed directions for future research based on our current comprehension of this critical area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dengfeng Lu
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zongqi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen Li
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery & Brain and Nerve Research Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
- Institute of Stroke Research, Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Kaur S, K M, Sharma A, Giridharan VV, Dandekar MP. Brain resident microglia in Alzheimer's disease: foe or friends. Inflammopharmacology 2024:10.1007/s10787-024-01550-8. [PMID: 39167311 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01550-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/31/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
The neurobiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is unclear due to its multifactorial nature. Although a wide range of studies revealed several pathomechanisms of AD, dementia is yet unmanageable with current pharmacotherapies. The recent growing literature illustrates the role of microglia-mediated neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of AD. Indeed, microglia serve as predominant sentinels of the brain, which diligently monitor the neuroimmune axis by phagocytosis and releasing soluble factors. In the case of AD, microglial cells are involved in synaptic pruning and remodeling by producing inflammatory mediators. The conditional inter-transformation of classical activation (proinflammatory) or alternative activation (anti-inflammatory) microglia is responsible for most brain disorders. In this review, we discussed the role of microglia in neuroinflammatory processes in AD following the accumulation of amyloid-β and tau proteins. We also described the prominent phenotypes of microglia, such as disease-associated microglia (DAM), dark microglia, interferon-responsive microglia (IRMs), human AD microglia (HAMs), and microglial neurodegenerative phenotype (MGnD), which are closely associated with AD incidence. Considering the key role of microglia in AD progression, microglial-based therapeutics may hold promise in mitigating cognitive deficits by addressing the neuroinflammatory responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simranjit Kaur
- Department of Biological Sciences (Pharmacology and Toxicology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Malleshwari K
- Department of Biological Sciences (Pharmacology and Toxicology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Anamika Sharma
- Department of Biological Sciences (Pharmacology and Toxicology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Vijayasree V Giridharan
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences, McGovern Medical School, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth), Houston, TX, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, The University of Texas Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences at Houston, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Manoj P Dandekar
- Department of Biological Sciences (Pharmacology and Toxicology), National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhao Y, Li T, Zhang L, Yang J, Zhao F, Wang Y, Ouyang Y, Liu J. TRAF6 promotes spinal microglial M1 polarization to aggravate neuropathic pain by activating the c-JUN/NF-kB signaling pathway. Cell Biol Toxicol 2024; 40:54. [PMID: 38995476 PMCID: PMC11245438 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-024-09900-6] [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: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The neuropathic pain with complex networks of neuroinflammatory activation severely limits clinical therapeutic research. TNF receptor-associated factor 6 (TRAF6) is associated with multiple inflammatory diseases. However, there remains confusion about the effects and mechanisms of TRAF6 in neuropathic pain. METHODS A chronic constriction injury (CCI) model was developed to simulate neuralgia in vivo. We overexpressed or knocked down TRAF6 in CCI mice, respectively. Activation of microglia by TRAF6, the inflammatory response, and disease progression were inspected using WB, qRT-PCR, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and ELISA assays. Moreover, the mechanism of M1/M2 polarization activation of microglia by TRAF6 was elaborated in BV-2 cells. RESULTS TRAF6 was enhanced in the spinal neurons and microglia of the CCI mice model compared with the sham operation group.. Down-regulation of TRAF6 rescued the expression of Iba-1. In response to mechanical and thermal stimulation, PWT and PWL were improved after the knockdown of TRAF6. Decreased levels of pro-inflammatory factors were observed in TRAF6 knockdown groups. Meanwhile, increased microglial M1 markers induced by CCI were limited in mice with TRAF6 knockdown. In addition, TRAF6 overexpression has the precise opposite effect on CCI mice or microglia polarization. We also identifed that TRAF6 activated the c-JUN/NF-kB pathway signaling; the inhibitor of c-JUN/NF-kB could effectively alleviate the neuropathic pain induced by upregulated TRAF6 in the CCI mice model. CONCLUSION In summary, this study indicated that TRAF6 was concerned with neuropathic pain, and targeting the TRAF6/c-JUN/NF-kB pathway may be a prospective target for treating neuropathic pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zhao
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110136, People's Republic of China
| | - Tiegang Li
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110136, People's Republic of China
| | - Lichun Zhang
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110136, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhao
- Department of Emergency, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110136, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Ouyang
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Department of Neurology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, No. 155 Nanjing North Street, Heping District, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, 110001, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ikeda Y, Fujii J. The Emerging Roles of γ-Glutamyl Peptides Produced by γ-Glutamyltransferase and the Glutathione Synthesis System. Cells 2023; 12:2831. [PMID: 38132151 PMCID: PMC10741565 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
L-γ-Glutamyl-L-cysteinyl-glycine is commonly referred to as glutathione (GSH); this ubiquitous thiol plays essential roles in animal life. Conjugation and electron donation to enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPX) are prominent functions of GSH. Cellular glutathione balance is robustly maintained via regulated synthesis, which is catalyzed via the coordination of γ-glutamyl-cysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) and glutathione synthetase, as well as by reductive recycling by glutathione reductase. A prevailing short supply of L-cysteine (Cys) tends to limit glutathione synthesis, which leads to the production of various other γ-glutamyl peptides due to the unique enzymatic properties of γ-GCS. Extracellular degradation of glutathione by γ-glutamyltransferase (GGT) is a dominant source of Cys for some cells. GGT catalyzes the hydrolytic removal of the γ-glutamyl group of glutathione or transfers it to amino acids or to dipeptides outside cells. Such processes depend on an abundance of acceptor substrates. However, the physiological roles of extracellularly preserved γ-glutamyl peptides have long been unclear. The identification of γ-glutamyl peptides, such as glutathione, as allosteric modulators of calcium-sensing receptors (CaSRs) could provide insights into the significance of the preservation of γ-glutamyl peptides. It is conceivable that GGT could generate a new class of intercellular messaging molecules in response to extracellular microenvironments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yoshitaka Ikeda
- Division of Molecular Cell Biology, Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Saga University, 5-1-1 Nabeshima, Saga 849-8501, Japan
| | - Junichi Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, 2-2-2 Iidanishi, Yamagata City 990-9585, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Liu J, Hui A, Wang J, Hu Q, Li S, Chen Y, Wu Z, Zhang W. Discovery of acylated isoquercitrin derivatives as potent anti-neuroinflammatory agents in vitro and in vivo. Chem Biol Interact 2023; 383:110675. [PMID: 37579935 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2023.110675] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is considered as an important pathological mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases. The natural isoquercitrin (IQ) was reported to have potential anti-neuroinflammatory activity. The acylation of glycoside in IQ enhanced its hydrophobicity, which was expected to enhance the protective effect against inflammation. In this study, three carboxylic acids with anti-neuroinflammatory effects including cinnamic acid, ibuprofen (IBU) and acetylsalicylic acid were introduced into the 6''-OH of IQ through the corresponding vinyl esters intermediates (8a-8c). Ultimately, the acylated IQ derivatives (Compound 9a-9c) were obtained with 35-42% yields using immobilized lipase Novozym 435 as catalyst. Subsequently, their anti-neuroinflammatory activities were evaluated in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced BV2 cells. Compound 9b improved cell viability in the range of ≤50 μM and significantly decreased NO, PGE2 production and TNF-α, IL-1β release and oxidative stress level with a concentration-dependent manner. Also, it could downregulate iNOS, COX-2, TNF-α and IL-1β expression levels, approximately 40% reduction were achieved when 15μM compound 9b was employed. In addition, compound 9b resisted phosphorylation and degradation of IkBαs, suppressing the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway, exhibiting excellent neuroinflammatory inhibition. Moreover, the administration of compound 9b (30, 60 mg/kg) alleviated behavioral disorders and neuronal damages in LPS-induced neuroinflammatory mice. Meanwhile, the decreased TNF-α, IL-1β release, expression and the inhibited glial cells activation were obtained in compound 9b-treated group, which was superior to that of IQ or IBU. Overall, these findings demonstrated that compound 9b, formed by the introduction of ibuprofen into IQ, can serve as a novel promising therapeutic agent for anti-neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Liu
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China
| | - Ailing Hui
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China.
| | - Jinghe Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China
| | - Qingfeng Hu
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China
| | - Shengnan Li
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China
| | - Yuanli Chen
- Key Laboratory of Metabolism and Regulation for Major Diseases of Anhui Higher Education Institutes, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China
| | - Zeyu Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China
| | - Wencheng Zhang
- Engineering Research Center of Bio-Process of Ministry of Education, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China; School of Food and Biological Engineering, Hefei University of Technology, Hefei, Anhui, 230601, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Moghimi-Khorasgani A, Homayouni Moghadam F, Nasr-Esfahani MH. Ferulic Acid reduces amyloid beta mediated neuroinflammation through modulation of Nurr1 expression in microglial cells. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290249. [PMID: 37590236 PMCID: PMC10434858 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells (MGCs) serve as the resident macrophages in the brain and spinal cord, acting as the first line of immune defense against pathological changes. With various phenotypes, they can shift from a homeostatic state to a reactive state or transit from a reactive to a non-inflammatory reactive state (alternative homeostatic). A well-timed transit is crucial in limiting excessive microglial reaction and promoting the healing process. Studies indicate that increased Nurr1 expression promotes anti-neuroinflammatory responses in the brain. In this study, we investigated the possible role of ferulic acid (FA) in facilitating microglia transition due to its anti-inflammatory and Nurr1-inducing effects. MGCs were extracted from the brains of male NMRI mice at postnatal day 2 (P2) and cultured with or without FA and beta-amyloid (Aβ). Real-time qRT-PCR was conducted to measure the expressions of Nurr1, IL-1β, and IL-10 genes. Immunostaining was performed to determine the number of NURR1-positive cells, and the ramification index (RI) of MGCs was calculated using Image J software. Treating MGCs with FA (50 μg/ml) induced Nurr1 and IL-10 expressions, while reducing the level of IL-1β in the absence of Aβ-stress. Further assessments on cells under Aβ-stress showed that FA treatment restored the IL-10 and Nurr1 levels, increased the RI of cells, and the number of NURR1-positive cells. Morphological assessments and measurements of the RI revealed that FA treatment reversed amoeboid and rod-like cells to a ramified state, which is specific morphology for non-inflammatory reactive microglia. To conclude, FA can provide potential alternative homeostatic transition in Aβ-reactive microglia by recruiting the NURR1 dependent anti-inflammatory responses. This makes it a promising therapeutic candidate for suppressing Aβ-induced neuroinflammatory responses in MGCs. Furthermore, given that FA has the ability to increase NURR1 levels in homeostatic microglia, it could be utilized as a preventative medication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ali Moghimi-Khorasgani
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, ACECR Institute of Higher Education (Isfahan Branch), Isfahan, Iran
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Farshad Homayouni Moghadam
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Mohammad Hossein Nasr-Esfahani
- Department of Animal Biotechnology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Biotechnology, ACECR, Isfahan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fujii J, Osaki T, Soma Y, Matsuda Y. Critical Roles of the Cysteine-Glutathione Axis in the Production of γ-Glutamyl Peptides in the Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098044. [PMID: 37175751 PMCID: PMC10179188 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
γ-Glutamyl moiety that is attached to the cysteine (Cys) residue in glutathione (GSH) protects it from peptidase-mediated degradation. The sulfhydryl group of the Cys residue represents most of the functions of GSH, which include electron donation to peroxidases, protection of reactive sulfhydryl in proteins via glutaredoxin, and glutathione conjugation of xenobiotics, whereas Cys-derived sulfur is also a pivotal component of some redox-responsive molecules. The amount of Cys that is available tends to restrict the capacity of GSH synthesis. In in vitro systems, cystine is the major form in the extracellular milieu, and a specific cystine transporter, xCT, is essential for survival in most lines of cells and in many primary cultivated cells as well. A reduction in the supply of Cys causes GPX4 to be inhibited due to insufficient GSH synthesis, which leads to iron-dependent necrotic cell death, ferroptosis. Cells generally cannot take up GSH without the removal of γ-glutamyl moiety by γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) on the cell surface. Meanwhile, the Cys-GSH axis is essentially common to certain types of cells; primarily, neuronal cells that contain a unique metabolic system for intercellular communication concerning γ-glutamyl peptides. After a general description of metabolic processes concerning the Cys-GSH axis, we provide an overview and discuss the significance of GSH-related compounds in the nervous system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junichi Fujii
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Osaki
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Graduate School of Medical Science, Yamagata University, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Yuya Soma
- Graduate School of Nursing, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| | - Yumi Matsuda
- Graduate School of Nursing, Yamagata University Faculty of Medicine, Yamagata 990-9585, Japan
| |
Collapse
|