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Dai HC, Ji RL, Tao YX. SHU9119 and MBP10 are biased ligands at the human melanocortin-4 receptor. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 228:116325. [PMID: 38815629 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116325] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
The melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R), a G protein-coupled receptor, is critically involved in regulating energy homeostasis as well as modulation of reproduction and sexual function. Two peptide antagonists (SHU9119 and MBP10) were derived from the endogenous agonist α-melanocyte stimulating hormone. But their pharmacology at human MC4R is not fully understood. Herein, we performed detailed pharmacological studies of SHU9119 and MBP10 on wild-type (WT) and six naturally occurring constitutively active MC4Rs. Both ligands had no or negligible agonist activity in Gαs-cAMP signaling on WT MC4R, but stimulated extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) activation on WT and mutant MC4Rs. Mechanistic studies revealed that SHU9119 and MBP10 stimulated ERK1/2 signaling of MC4R by different mechanisms, with SHU9119-stimulated ERK1/2 signaling mediated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and MBP10-initiated ERK1/2 activation through PI3K and β-arrestin. In summary, our studies demonstrated that SHU9119 and MBP10 were biased ligands for MC4R, preferentially activating ERK1/2 signaling through different mechanisms. SHU9119 acted as a biased ligand and MBP10 behaved as a biased allosteric modulator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Chuan Dai
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States; College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei 430070, China.
| | - Ren-Lei Ji
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, United States.
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2
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Gebrie A. The melanocortin receptor signaling system and its role in neuroprotection against neurodegeneration: Therapeutic insights. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2023; 1527:30-41. [PMID: 37526975 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.15048] [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: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin signaling system consists of the melanocortin peptides, their distinctive receptors, accessory proteins, and endogenous antagonists. Melanocortin peptides are small peptide hormones that have been studied in a variety of physiological and pathological conditions. There are five types of melanocortin receptors, and they are distributed within the central nervous system and in several tissues of the periphery. The G protein-coupled melanocortin receptors typically signal through adenylyl cyclase and other downstream signaling pathways. Depending on the ligand, surface expression of melanocortin receptor, receptor occupancy period, related proteins, the type of cell, and other parameters, the signaling pathways are complicated and pleiotropic. While it is known that all five melanocortin receptors are coupled to Gs, they can also occasionally couple to Gq or Gi. Both direct and indirect neuroprotection are induced by the melanocortin signaling system. Targeting several of the components of the melanocortin signaling system (ligands, receptors, accessory proteins, signaling effectors, and regulators) may provide therapeutic opportunities. Activation of the melanocortin system improves different functional traits in neurodegenerative diseases. There is a potential for additional melanocortin system interventions by interfering with dimerization or dissociation. This review aims to discuss the melanocortin receptor signaling system and its role in neuroprotection, as well as its therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alemu Gebrie
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Debre Markos University, Debre Markos, Ethiopia
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3
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Yuan XC, Tao YX. Ligands for Melanocortin Receptors: Beyond Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormones and Adrenocorticotropin. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101407. [PMID: 36291616 PMCID: PMC9599618 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The discovery of melanocortins in 1916 has resulted in more than 100 years of research focused on these peptides. Extensive studies have elucidated well-established functions of melanocortins mediated by cell surface receptors, including MSHR (melanocyte-stimulating hormone receptor) and ACTHR (adrenocorticotropin receptor). Subsequently, three additional melanocortin receptors (MCRs) were identified. Among these five MCRs, MC3R and MC4R are expressed primarily in the central nervous system, and are therefore referred to as the neural MCRs. Since the central melanocortin system plays important roles in regulating energy homeostasis, targeting neural MCRs is emerging as a therapeutic approach for treating metabolic conditions such as obesity and cachexia. Early efforts modifying endogenous ligands resulted in the development of many potent and selective ligands. This review focuses on the ligands for neural MCRs, including classical ligands (MSH and agouti-related peptide), nonclassical ligands (lipocalin 2, β-defensin, small molecules, and pharmacoperones), and clinically approved ligands (ACTH, setmelanotide, bremelanotide, and several repurposed drugs).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei 230061, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL 36849, USA
- Correspondence:
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4
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Brabec JL, Ouardouz M, Mahoney JM, Scott RC, Hernan AE. Differential regulation of gene expression pathways with dexamethasone and ACTH after early life seizures. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105873. [PMID: 36152945 PMCID: PMC10048589 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105873] [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: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/20/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Early-life seizures (ELS) are associated with persistent cognitive deficits such as ADHD and memory impairment. These co-morbidities have a dramatic negative impact on the quality of life of patients. Therapies that improve cognitive outcomes have enormous potential to improve patients' quality of life. Our previous work in a rat flurothyl-induction model showed that administration of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) at time of seizure induction led to improved learning and memory in the animals despite no effect on seizure latency or duration. Administration of dexamethasone (Dex), a corticosteroid, did not have the same positive effect on learning and memory and has even been shown to exacerbate injury in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. We hypothesized that ACTH exerted positive effects on cognitive outcomes through beneficial changes to gene expression and proposed that administration of ACTH at seizure induction would return gene-expression in the brain towards the normal pattern of expression in the Control animals whereas Dex would not. Twenty-six Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into vehicle- Control, and ACTH-, Dex-, and vehicle- ELS. Rat pups were subjected to 60 flurothyl seizures from P5 to P14. After seizure induction, brains were removed and the hippocampus and PFC were dissected, RNA was extracted and sequenced, and differential expression analysis was performed using generalized estimating equations. Differential expression analysis showed that ACTH pushes gene expression in the brain back to a more normal state of expression through enrichment of pathways involved in supporting homeostatic balance and down-regulating pathways that might contribute to excitotoxic cell-damage post-ELS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Brabec
- University of Vermont, Department of Neurological Sciences, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401, USA.
| | - Mohamed Ouardouz
- Nemours Children's Health, Division of Neuroscience, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
| | - J Matthew Mahoney
- University of Vermont, Department of Neurological Sciences, 149 Beaumont Avenue, Burlington, VT 05401, USA; The Jackson Laboratory, 600 Main Street, Bar Harbor, ME 04609, USA
| | - Rod C Scott
- Nemours Children's Health, Division of Neuroscience, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; Neurosciences Unit University College London, Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK; University of Delaware, Psychological and Brain Sciences, South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716, USA
| | - Amanda E Hernan
- Nemours Children's Health, Division of Neuroscience, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA; University of Delaware, Psychological and Brain Sciences, South College Avenue, Newark, DE 19716, USA
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5
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Mucke HAM. Drug Repurposing Patent Applications July-September 2021. Assay Drug Dev Technol 2021. [PMID: 34936476 DOI: 10.1089/adt.2021.126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
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6
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Jurcau A, Simion A. Neuroinflammation in Cerebral Ischemia and Ischemia/Reperfusion Injuries: From Pathophysiology to Therapeutic Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:14. [PMID: 35008440 PMCID: PMC8744548 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 54.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2021] [Revised: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Its increasing incidence has led stroke to be the second leading cause of death worldwide. Despite significant advances in recanalization strategies, patients are still at risk for ischemia/reperfusion injuries in this pathophysiology, in which neuroinflammation is significantly involved. Research has shown that in the acute phase, neuroinflammatory cascades lead to apoptosis, disruption of the blood-brain barrier, cerebral edema, and hemorrhagic transformation, while in later stages, these pathways support tissue repair and functional recovery. The present review discusses the various cell types and the mechanisms through which neuroinflammation contributes to parenchymal injury and tissue repair, as well as therapeutic attempts made in vitro, in animal experiments, and in clinical trials which target neuroinflammation, highlighting future therapeutic perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anamaria Jurcau
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania;
- Neurology Ward, Clinical Municipal Hospital “dr. G. Curteanu” Oradea, 410154 Oradea, Romania
| | - Aurel Simion
- Department of Psycho-Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania;
- Neurorehabilitation Ward, Clinical Municipal Hospital “dr. G. Curteanu” Oradea, 410154 Oradea, Romania
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Ulya T, Ardianto C, Anggreini P, Budiatin AS, Setyawan D, Khotib J. Quercetin promotes behavioral recovery and biomolecular changes of melanocortin-4 receptor in mice with ischemic stroke. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2021; 32:349-355. [PMID: 34214302 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Ischemic stroke is known as a common causes of disability, lower psychological well-being as well as preventable death. The pathogenesis of ischemic stroke process becomes worse immediately after oxidative stress occurs. One of the flavonoids with antioxidant abilities is quercetin. This study was aimed to investigate quercetin administration on the behavioral functions (motor and sensory) and expression of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in mice with ischemic stroke. METHODS Male ICR mice were divided into sham, stroke, stroke with quercetin 100, 150, and 200 mg/kg. The stroke model was performed by blocking the left common carotid artery for 2 h. Quercetin was intraperitoneally administered daily for seven days. Evaluation was conducted during two weeks after induction using ladder rung walking test and narrow beam test for motoric function and adhesive removal tape test for sensory function. On day-14 mice were sacrificed, MC4R expression in the dorsal striatum was determined using RT-PCR. RESULTS Stroke decreased the motor, sensory function and MC4R mRNA expression in dorsal striatum. Quercetin improved motor and sensory function, and upregulated expression of MC4R. CONCLUSIONS Quercetin administration after ischemic stroke improves behavioral function, possibly through the upregulation of MC4R in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tuhfatul Ulya
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Putri Anggreini
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | | | - Dwi Setyawan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
| | - Junaidi Khotib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Airlangga University, Surabaya, Indonesia
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8
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Brain Protein Expression Profile Confirms the Protective Effect of the ACTH (4-7)PGP Peptide (Semax) in a Rat Model of Cerebral Ischemia-Reperfusion. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126179. [PMID: 34201112 PMCID: PMC8226508 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The Semax (Met-Glu-His-Phe-Pro-Gly-Pro) peptide is a synthetic melanocortin derivative that is used in the treatment of ischemic stroke. Previously, studies of the molecular mechanisms underlying the actions of Semax using models of cerebral ischemia in rats showed that the peptide enhanced the transcription of neurotrophins and their receptors and modulated the expression of genes involved in the immune response. A genome-wide RNA-Seq analysis revealed that, in the rat transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) model, Semax suppressed the expression of inflammatory genes and activated the expression of neurotransmitter genes. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of Semax in this model via the brain expression profiling of key proteins involved in inflammation and cell death processes (MMP-9, c-Fos, and JNK), as well as neuroprotection and recovery (CREB) in stroke. At 24 h after tMCAO, we observed the upregulation of active CREB in subcortical structures, including the focus of the ischemic damage; downregulation of MMP-9 and c-Fos in the adjacent frontoparietal cortex; and downregulation of active JNK in both tissues under the action of Semax. Moreover, a regulatory network was constructed. In conclusion, the suppression of inflammatory and cell death processes and the activation of recovery may contribute to the neuroprotective action of Semax at both the transcriptome and protein levels.
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Siebold L, Krueger AC, Abdala JA, Figueroa JD, Bartnik-Olson B, Holshouser B, Wilson CG, Ashwal S. Cosyntropin Attenuates Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:109. [PMID: 32670020 PMCID: PMC7332854 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality/morbidity and is associated with chronic neuroinflammation. Melanocortin receptor agonists including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ameliorate inflammation and provide a novel therapeutic approach. We examined the effect of long-acting cosyntropin (CoSyn), a synthetic ACTH analog, on the early inflammatory response and functional outcome following experimental TBI. Methods: The controlled cortical impact model was used to induce TBI in mice. Mice were assigned to injury and treatment protocols resulting in four experimental groups including sham + saline, sham + CoSyn, TBI + saline, and TBI + CoSyn. Treatment was administered subcutaneously 3 h post-injury and daily injections were given for up to 7 days post-injury. The early inflammatory response was evaluated at 3 days post-injury through the evaluation of cytokine expression (IL1β and TNFα) and immune cell response. Quantification of immune cell response included cell counts of microglia/macrophages (Iba1+ cells) and neutrophils (MPO+ cells) in the cortex and hippocampus. Behavioral testing (n = 10–14 animals/group) included open field (OF) and novel object recognition (NOR) during the first week following injury and Morris water maze (MWM) at 10–15 days post-injury. Results: Immune cell quantification showed decreased accumulation of Iba1+ cells in the perilesional cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampus for CoSyn-treated TBI animals compared to saline-treated. Reduced numbers of MPO+ cells were also found in the perilesional cortex and hippocampus in CoSyn treated TBI mice compared to their saline-treated counterparts. Furthermore, CoSyn treatment reduced IL1β expression in the cortex of TBI mice. Behavioral testing showed a treatment effect of CoSyn for NOR with CoSyn increasing the discrimination ratio in both TBI and Sham groups, indicating increased memory performance. CoSyn also decreased latency to find platform during the early training period of the MWM when comparing CoSyn to saline-treated TBI mice suggesting moderate improvements in spatial memory following CoSyn treatment. Conclusion: Reduced microglia/macrophage accumulation and neutrophil infiltration in conjunction with moderate improvements in spatial learning in our CoSyn treated TBI mice suggests a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect of CoSyn following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Siebold
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,The Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Amy C Krueger
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan A Abdala
- The Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Johnny D Figueroa
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Brenda Bartnik-Olson
- Department of Radiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Barbara Holshouser
- Department of Radiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,The Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Stephen Ashwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
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10
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Flores-Bastías O, Gómez GI, Orellana JA, Karahanian E. Activation of Melanocortin-4 Receptor by a Synthetic Agonist Inhibits Ethanolinduced Neuroinflammation in Rats. Curr Pharm Des 2020; 25:4799-4805. [PMID: 31840601 DOI: 10.2174/1381612825666191216145153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High ethanol intake induces a neuroinflammatory response resulting in the subsequent maintenance of chronic alcohol consumption. The melanocortin system plays a pivotal role in the modulation of alcohol consumption. Interestingly, it has been shown that the activation of melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) in the brain decreases the neuroinflammatory response in models of brain damage other than alcohol consumption, such as LPS-induced neuroinflammation, cerebral ischemia, glutamate excitotoxicity, and spinal cord injury. OBJECTIVES In this work, we aimed to study whether MC4R activation by a synthetic MC4R-agonist peptide prevents ethanol-induced neuroinflammation, and if alcohol consumption produces changes in MC4R expression in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. METHODS Ethanol-preferring Sprague Dawley rats were selected offering access to 20% ethanol on alternate days for 4 weeks (intermittent access protocol). After this time, animals were i.p. administered an MC4R agonist peptide in the last 2 days of the protocol. Then, the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured in the hippocampus, hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex. It was also evaluated if ethanol intake produces alterations in the expression of MC4R in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus. RESULTS Alcohol consumption increased the expression of MC4R in the hippocampus and the hypothalamus. The administration of the MC4R agonist reduced IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α levels in hippocampus, hypothalamus and prefrontal cortex, to those observed in control rats that did not drink alcohol. CONCLUSION High ethanol consumption produces an increase in the expression of MC4R in the hippocampus and hypothalamus. The administration of a synthetic MC4R-agonist peptide prevents neuroinflammation induced by alcohol consumption in the hippocampus, hypothalamus, and prefrontal cortex. These results could explain the effect of α-MSH and other synthetic MC4R agonists in decreasing alcohol intake through the reduction of the ethanol-induced inflammatory response in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Flores-Bastías
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile.,Research Center for the Study of Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Adolescents, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gonzalo I Gómez
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile.,Research Center for the Study of Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Adolescents, Santiago, Chile
| | - Juan A Orellana
- Research Center for the Study of Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Adolescents, Santiago, Chile.,Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina and Centro Interdisciplinario de Neurociencias, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Karahanian
- Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Chile.,Research Center for the Study of Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Adolescents, Santiago, Chile
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Quintanilla RA, Pérez MJ, Aranguiz A, Tapia-Monsalves C, Mendez G. Activation of the Melanocortin-4 Receptor Prevents Oxidative Damage and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Cultured Hippocampal Neurons Exposed to Ethanol. Neurotox Res 2020; 38:421-433. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-020-00204-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
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12
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Zhang Y, Wang J, Zhang D, Lu Z, Man J. Effects of RO27-3225 on neurogenesis, PDGFRβ + cells and neuroinflammation after cerebral infarction. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 81:106281. [PMID: 32058930 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.106281] [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: 10/21/2019] [Revised: 01/01/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Cerebral infarction causes severe social and economic burdens to patients due to its high morbidity and mortality rates, and the available treatments are limited. RO27-3225 is a highly selective melanocortin receptor 4 agonist that alleviates damage in many nervous system diseases, such as cerebral hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury and chronic neurodegenerative diseases. However, the effect of RO27-3225 on cerebral infarction remains unclear. In this study, we used a mouse model of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and administered RO27-3225 or saline to the mice through intraperitoneal injection. RO27-3225 increased the number of Nestin+/BrdU+ cells and doublecortin (DCX)+/BrdU+ cells in the subventricular zone (SVZ) and the number of DCX+/BrdU+ cells in the peri-infarct area on day 7 after tMCAO. Furthermore, RO27-3225 decreased the number of activated microglia (Iba1+ cells with a specific morphology) and the expression levels of Iba1, TNFα, IL6, and iNOS proteins and increased the number of PDGFRβ+ cells in the peri-infarct region on day 3 after tMCAO. Finally, RO27-3225-treated mice exhibited significantly decreased infarct volumes, brain water contents, and neurological deficits after cerebral infarction. Thus, RO27-3225 can improve the outcomes following cerebral infarction, partially by regulating neurogenesis in the SVZ, PDGFRβ+ cell survival and neuroinflammation in the peri-infarct zone. Our research reveals that RO27-3225 is a potential new treatment for cerebral infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongxin Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jianping Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Zhengfang Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Jiang Man
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
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13
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Flores-Bastías O, Adriasola-Carrasco A, Karahanian E. Activation of Melanocortin-4 Receptor Inhibits Both Neuroinflammation Induced by Early Exposure to Ethanol and Subsequent Voluntary Alcohol Intake in Adulthood in Animal Models: Is BDNF the Key Mediator? Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:5. [PMID: 32063838 PMCID: PMC6997842 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The concept that neuroinflammation induced by excessive alcohol intake in adolescence triggers brain mechanisms that perpetuate consumption has strengthened in recent years. The melanocortin system, composed of the melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) and its ligand α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH), has been implicated both in modulation of alcohol consumption and in ethanol-induced neuroinflammation decrease. Chronic alcohol consumption in adolescent rats causes a decrease in an α-MSH release by the hypothalamus, while the administration of synthetic agonists of MC4R causes a decrease in neuroinflammation and a decrease in voluntary alcohol consumption. However, the mechanism that connects the activation of MC4R with the decrease of both neuroinflammation and voluntary alcohol consumption has not been elucidated. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has been implicated in alcohol drinking motivation, dependence and withdrawal, and its levels are reduced in alcoholics. Deficiencies in BDNF levels increased ethanol self-administration in rats. Further, BDNF triggers important anti-inflammatory effects in the brain, and this could be one of the mechanisms by which BDNF reduces chronic alcohol intake. Interestingly, MC4R signaling induces BDNF expression through the activation of the cAMP-responsive element-binding protein (CREB). We hypothesize that ethanol exposure during adolescence decreases the expression of α-MSH and hence MC4R signaling in the hippocampus, leading to a lower BDNF activity that causes dramatic changes in the brain (e.g., neuroinflammation and decreased neurogenesis) that predispose to maintain alcohol abuse until adulthood. The activation of MC4R either by α-MSH or by synthetic agonist peptides can induce the expression of BDNF, which would trigger several processes that lead to lower alcohol consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Osvaldo Flores-Bastías
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Research Center for the Study of Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Adolescents, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Alfredo Adriasola-Carrasco
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Karahanian
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile.,Research Center for the Study of Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Adolescents, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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14
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Zheng Y, McTavish J, Smith PF. Pharmacological Evaluation of Drugs in Animal Models of Tinnitus. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2020; 51:51-82. [PMID: 33590458 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2020_212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Despite the pressing need for effective drug treatments for tinnitus, currently, there is no single drug that is approved by the FDA for this purpose. Instead, a wide range of unproven over-the-counter tinnitus remedies are available on the market with little or no benefit for tinnitus but with potential harm and adverse effects. Animal models of tinnitus have played a critical role in exploring the pathophysiology of tinnitus, identifying therapeutic targets and evaluating novel and existing drugs for tinnitus treatment. This review summarises and compares the studies on pharmacological evaluation of tinnitus treatment in different animal models based on the pharmacological properties of the drug and provides insights into future directions for tinnitus drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. .,Brain Research New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand. .,Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. .,Eisdell Moore Centre for Hearing and Balance Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand.
| | - Jessica McTavish
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Research New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Eisdell Moore Centre for Hearing and Balance Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Brain Research New Zealand, Auckland, New Zealand.,Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.,Eisdell Moore Centre for Hearing and Balance Research, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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15
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Chen S, Zuo Y, Huang L, Sherchan P, Zhang J, Yu Z, Peng J, Zhang J, Zhao L, Doycheva D, Liu F, Zhang JH, Xia Y, Tang J. The MC 4 receptor agonist RO27-3225 inhibits NLRP1-dependent neuronal pyroptosis via the ASK1/JNK/p38 MAPK pathway in a mouse model of intracerebral haemorrhage. Br J Pharmacol 2019; 176:1341-1356. [PMID: 30811584 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Revised: 01/07/2019] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis is an important neuronal cell death mechanism. Previous studies reported that activation of melanocortin MC4 receptor exerted neuroprotection in several neurological diseases. Here, we have investigated the role of MC4 receptor activation with RO27-3225 in suppressing neuronal pyroptosis after experimental intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) and the underlying mechanism. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH One hundred and sixty-nine male CD1 mice were used. ICH was induced by injection of bacterial collagenase into the right-side basal ganglia. RO27-3225, a selective agonist of MC4 receptor, was injected intraperitoneally at 1 hr after ICH. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, we used the specific MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 and NQDI-1, a specific inhibitor of the apoptosis signalling-regulating kinase 1 (ASK1). Neurological tests, Western blot, Fluoro-Jade C, TUNEL, and immunofluorescence staining were conducted. KEY RESULTS Expression of MC4 receptor and the NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 1 (NLRP1) inflammasome in brain were increased after ICH. RO27-3225 treatment decreased neuronal pyroptosis and neurobehavioural deficits at 24 and 72 hr after ICH. RO27-3225 reduced the expression of p-ASK1, p-JNK, p-p38 MAPK, NLRP1 inflammasome, cleaved caspase-1, and IL-1β after ICH. HS024 pretreatment prevented the effects of RO27-3225. Similar to RO27-3225, NQDI-1 alone improved neurological functions and down-regulated ASK1/JNK/p38MAPK expression after ICH. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS RO27-3225 suppressed NLRP1-dependent neuronal pyroptosis and improved neurological function, possibly mediated by activation of MC4 receptor and inhibition of ASK1/JNK/p38 MAPK signalling pathways, after experimental ICH in mice. The MC4 receptor may be a promising therapeutic target for the management of ICH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Haikou, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Yuchun Zuo
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lei Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Prativa Sherchan
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zhengtao Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Jianhua Peng
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Junyi Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Lianhua Zhao
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Desislava Doycheva
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Fei Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, USA
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Haikou, China
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, USA
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16
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Yuan XC, Tao YX. Fenoprofen-An Old Drug Rediscovered as a Biased Allosteric Enhancer for Melanocortin Receptors. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:1066-1074. [PMID: 30168706 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is time-consuming and costly to bring new drugs to market, making it necessary and urgent to exploit existing drugs for new uses. Recently, fenoprofen was demonstrated as an allosteric modulator at melanocortin receptors (MCRs), although the exact mode of action has not been clarified. MCRs regulate multiple functions, including pigmentation, adrenal steroidogenesis, inflammation, energy homeostasis, and exocrine gland secretion. In this study, we showed that fenoprofen failed to displace the orthosteric agonist Nle4-d-Phe7-α-melanocyte stimulating hormone from binding to MC3-5R while possessing positive allosteric modulator activities at these receptors. In addition, fenoprofen induced biased signaling at MC3-5R, as it selectively activated ERK1/2 cascade but not the canonical cAMP signaling. Notably, fenoprofen stimulated biased signaling at MC3-5R, but not at MC1R, hence acting selectively among this highly conserved family of receptors. Moreover, PAM activity and biased signaling induced by fenoprofen were observed not only at wild-type but also at naturally occurring mutant MC3Rs, suggesting that this biased allosteric enhancer action might constitute as novel therapeutic opportunity for obese patients harboring these mutations. Our study might guide novel therapeutic applications for repurposing current drugs or designing new drugs combining allosteric and biased properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Yuan
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, 230036 Anhui, China
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama 36849, United States
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17
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Wang W, Guo DY, Lin YJ, Tao YX. Melanocortin Regulation of Inflammation. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:683. [PMID: 31649620 PMCID: PMC6794349 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH), and α-, β-, and γ-melanocyte-stimulating hormones (α-, β-, γ-MSH), collectively known as melanocortins, together with their receptors (melanocortin receptors), are components of an ancient modulatory system. The clinical use of ACTH in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis started in 1949, originally thought that the anti-inflammatory action was through hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis and glucocorticoid-dependent. Subsequent decades have witnessed extensive attempts in unraveling the physiology and pharmacology of the melanocortin system. It is now known that ACTH, together with α-, β-, and γ-MSHs, also possess glucocorticoid-independent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects by activating the melanocortin receptors expressed in the brain or peripheral immune cells. This review will briefly introduce the melanocortin system and highlight the action of melanocortins in the regulation of immune functions from in vitro, in vivo, preclinical, and clinical studies. The potential therapeutic use of melanocortins are also summarized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Dong-Yu Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
- *Correspondence: Dong-Yu Guo
| | - Yue-Jun Lin
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Xiamen Huli Guoyu Clinic, Co., Ltd., Xiamen, China
| | - Ya-Xiong Tao
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
- Ya-Xiong Tao
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18
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Fang M, Zhong L, Jin X, Cui R, Yang W, Gao S, Lv J, Li B, Liu T. Effect of Inflammation on the Process of Stroke Rehabilitation and Poststroke Depression. Front Psychiatry 2019; 10:184. [PMID: 31031649 PMCID: PMC6470379 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2019.00184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A considerable body of evidence has shown that inflammation plays an important role in the process of stroke rehabilitation and development of poststroke depression (PSD). However, the specific molecular and cellular mechanisms involved remain unclear. In this review, we summarize how neuroinflammation affects stroke rehabilitation and PSD. We mainly focus on the immune/inflammatory response, involving astrocytes, microglia, monocyte-derived macrophages, cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1), and microRNAs (microRNA-124, microRNA 133b). This review provides new insights into the effect of inflammation on the process of stroke rehabilitation and PSD and potentially offer new therapeutic targets of stroke and PSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meidan Fang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Lili Zhong
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xin Jin
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Shuohui Gao
- Department of Gastrointestinal Colorectal Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jing Lv
- Chang Chun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tongjun Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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19
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Chen S, Zhao L, Sherchan P, Ding Y, Yu J, Nowrangi D, Tang J, Xia Y, Zhang JH. Activation of melanocortin receptor 4 with RO27-3225 attenuates neuroinflammation through AMPK/JNK/p38 MAPK pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2018; 15:106. [PMID: 29642894 PMCID: PMC5896146 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-018-1140-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH)-induced secondary brain injury. Activation of melanocortin receptor 4 (MC4R) has been shown to elicit anti-inflammatory effects in many diseases. The objective of this study was to explore the role of MC4R activation on neuroinflammation in a mouse ICH model and to investigate the contribution of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) pathway in MC4R-mediated protection. Methods Adult male CD1 mice (n = 189) were subjected to intrastriatal injection of bacterial collagenase or sham surgery. The selective MC4R agonist RO27-3225 was administered by intraperitoneal injection at 1 h after collagenase injection. The specific MC4R antagonist HS024 and selective AMPK inhibitor dorsomorphin were administered prior to RO27-3225 treatment to elucidate potential mechanism. Short- and long-term neurobehavioral assessments, brain water content, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot were performed. Results The expression of MC4R and p-AMPK increased after ICH with a peak at 24 h. MC4R was expressed by microglia, neurons, and astrocytes. Activation of MC4R with RO27-3225 improved the neurobehavioral functions, decreased brain edema, and suppressed microglia/macrophage activation and neutrophil infiltration after ICH. RO27-3225 administration increased the expression of MC4R and p-AMPK while decreasing p-JNK, p-p38 MAPK, TNF-α, and IL-1β expression, which was reversed with inhibition of MC4R and AMPK. Conclusions Our study demonstrated that activation of MC4R with RO27-3225 attenuated neuroinflammation through AMPK-dependent inhibition of JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathway, thereby reducing brain edema and improving neurobehavioral functions after experimental ICH in mice. Therefore, the activation of MC4R with RO27-3225 may be a potential therapeutic approach for ICH management. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12974-018-1140-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shengpan Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Haikou, 570208, China.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Lianhua Zhao
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.,Department of Neurology, Tianjin TEDA Hospital, Tianjin, 300457, China
| | - Prativa Sherchan
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Jing Yu
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Derek Nowrangi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Jiping Tang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA
| | - Ying Xia
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Haikou Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Haikou, 570208, China.
| | - John H Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA. .,Department of Neurosurgery and Anesthesiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, 92354, USA.
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20
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Flores-Bastías O, Karahanian E. Neuroinflammation produced by heavy alcohol intake is due to loops of interactions between Toll-like 4 and TNF receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors and the central melanocortin system: A novel hypothesis and new therapeutic avenues. Neuropharmacology 2018; 128:401-407. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 11/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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21
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Melanocortins, Melanocortin Receptors and Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7080104. [PMID: 28805746 PMCID: PMC5575624 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7080104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortins and their receptors have been extensively investigated for their roles in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, but to a lesser extent in immune cells and in the nervous system outside the hypothalamic axis. This review discusses corticosteroid dependent and independent effects of melanocortins on the peripheral immune system, central nervous system (CNS) effects mediated through neuronal regulation of immune system function, and direct effects on endogenous cells in the CNS. We have focused on the expression and function of melanocortin receptors in oligodendroglia (OL), the myelin producing cells of the CNS, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic approaches to decrease CNS damage in multiple sclerosis as well as to promote repair. It is clear that melanocortin signaling through their receptors in the CNS has potential for neuroprotection and repair in diseases like MS. Effects of melanocortins on the immune system by direct effects on the circulating cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) and by signaling through CNS cells in regions lacking a mature blood brain barrier are clear. However, additional studies are needed to develop highly effective MCR targeted therapies that directly affect endogenous cells of the CNS, particularly OL, their progenitors and neurons.
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22
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Orellana JA, Cerpa W, Carvajal MF, Lerma-Cabrera JM, Karahanian E, Osorio-Fuentealba C, Quintanilla RA. New Implications for the Melanocortin System in Alcohol Drinking Behavior in Adolescents: The Glial Dysfunction Hypothesis. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:90. [PMID: 28424592 PMCID: PMC5380733 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alcohol dependence causes physical, social, and moral harms and currently represents an important public health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), alcoholism is the third leading cause of death worldwide, after tobacco consumption and hypertension. Recent epidemiologic studies have shown a growing trend in alcohol abuse among adolescents, characterized by the consumption of large doses of alcohol over a short time period. Since brain development is an ongoing process during adolescence, short- and long-term brain damage associated with drinking behavior could lead to serious consequences for health and wellbeing. Accumulating evidence indicates that alcohol impairs the function of different components of the melanocortin system, a major player involved in the consolidation of addictive behaviors during adolescence and adulthood. Here, we hypothesize the possible implications of melanocortins and glial cells in the onset and progression of alcohol addiction. In particular, we propose that alcohol-induced decrease in α-MSH levels may trigger a cascade of glial inflammatory pathways that culminate in altered gliotransmission in the ventral tegmental area and nucleus accumbens (NAc). The latter might potentiate dopaminergic drive in the NAc, contributing to increase the vulnerability to alcohol dependence and addiction in the adolescence and adulthood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan A Orellana
- Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en AdolescentesSantiago, Chile.,Laboratorio de Neurociencias, Departamento de Neurología, Escuela de Medicina, Facultad de Medicina, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Waldo Cerpa
- Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en AdolescentesSantiago, Chile.,Laboratorio de Función y Patología Neuronal, Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Maria F Carvajal
- Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en AdolescentesSantiago, Chile.,Unidad de Neurociencia, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - José M Lerma-Cabrera
- Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en AdolescentesSantiago, Chile.,Unidad de Neurociencia, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Eduardo Karahanian
- Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en AdolescentesSantiago, Chile.,Unidad de Neurociencia, Centro de Investigación Biomédica, Universidad Autónoma de ChileSantiago, Chile
| | - Cesar Osorio-Fuentealba
- Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en AdolescentesSantiago, Chile.,Facultad de Kinesiología, Artes y Educación Física, Universidad Metropolitana de Ciencias de la EducaciónSantiago, Chile
| | - Rodrigo A Quintanilla
- Centro de Investigación y Estudio del Consumo de Alcohol en AdolescentesSantiago, Chile.,Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Universidad Autónoma de ChileSantiago, Chile
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23
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Multiple beneficial effects of melanocortin MC 4 receptor agonists in experimental neurodegenerative disorders: Therapeutic perspectives. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 148:40-56. [PMID: 27916623 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides induce neuroprotection in acute and chronic experimental neurodegenerative conditions. Melanocortins likewise counteract systemic responses to brain injuries. Furthermore, they promote neurogenesis by activating critical signaling pathways. Melanocortin-induced long-lasting improvement in synaptic activity and neurological performance, including learning and memory, sensory-motor orientation and coordinated limb use, has been consistently observed in experimental models of acute and chronic neurodegeneration. Evidence indicates that the neuroprotective and neurogenic effects of melanocortins, as well as the protection against systemic responses to a brain injury, are mediated by brain melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptors, through an involvement of the vagus nerve. Here we discuss the targets and mechanisms underlying the multiple beneficial effects recently observed in animal models of neurodegeneration. We comment on the potential clinical usefulness of melanocortin MC4 receptor agonists as neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agents in ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and Alzheimer's disease.
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24
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Montero-Melendez T, Forfar RAE, Cook JM, Jerman JC, Taylor DL, Perretti M. Old drugs with new skills: fenoprofen as an allosteric enhancer at melanocortin receptor 3. Cell Mol Life Sci 2016; 74:1335-1345. [PMID: 27853832 PMCID: PMC5346439 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-016-2419-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2016] [Revised: 11/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The efficiency of drug research and development has paradoxically declined over the last decades despite major scientific and technological advances, promoting new cost-effective strategies such as drug repositioning by systematic screening for new actions of known drugs. Here, we performed a screening for positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) at melanocortin (MC) receptors. The non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug fenoprofen, but not the similar compound ibuprofen, presented PAM activity at MC3, MC4, and MC5 receptors. In a model of inflammatory arthritis, fenoprofen afforded potent inhibition while ibuprofen was nearly inactive. Fenoprofen presented anti-arthritic actions on cartilage integrity and synovitis, effects markedly attenuated in Mc3r−/− mice. Fenoprofen displayed pro-resolving properties promoting macrophage phagocytosis and efferocytosis, independently of cyclooxygenase inhibition. In conclusion, combining repositioning with advances in G-protein coupled receptor biology (allosterism) may lead to potential new therapeutics. In addition, MC3 PAMs emerged as a viable approach to the development of innovative therapeutics for joint diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trinidad Montero-Melendez
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK.
| | - Rachel A E Forfar
- Medical Research Council Technology, Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, 1-3 Burtonhole Lane, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AD, UK
| | - Jennifer M Cook
- Medical Research Council Technology, Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, 1-3 Burtonhole Lane, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AD, UK
| | - Jeffrey C Jerman
- Medical Research Council Technology, Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, 1-3 Burtonhole Lane, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AD, UK
| | - Debra L Taylor
- Medical Research Council Technology, Centre for Therapeutics Discovery, 1-3 Burtonhole Lane, Mill Hill, London, NW7 1AD, UK
| | - Mauro Perretti
- The William Harvey Research Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine, Queen Mary University of London, Charterhouse Square, London, EC1M 6BQ, UK
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25
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Xu M, Alwahsh SM, Ramadori G, Kollmar O, Slotta JE. Upregulation of hepatic melanocortin 4 receptor during rat liver regeneration. J Surg Res 2016; 203:222-30. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2013.12.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2013] [Revised: 11/10/2013] [Accepted: 12/20/2013] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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26
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Massey AT, Lerner DK, Holmes GL, Scott RC, Hernan AE. ACTH Prevents Deficits in Fear Extinction Associated with Early Life Seizures. Front Neurol 2016; 7:65. [PMID: 27199888 PMCID: PMC4852169 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Early life seizures (ELS) are often associated with cognitive and psychiatric comorbidities that are detrimental to quality of life. In a rat model of ELS, we explored long-term cognitive outcomes in adult rats. Using ACTH, an endogeneous HPA-axis hormone given to children with severe epilepsy, we sought to prevent cognitive deficits. Through comparisons with dexamethasone, we sought to dissociate the corticosteroid effects of ACTH from other potential mechanisms of action. Results Although rats with a history of ELS were able to acquire a conditioned fear learning paradigm and controls, these rats had significant deficits in their ability to extinguish fearful memories. ACTH treatment did not alter any seizure parameters but nevertheless was able to significantly improve this fear extinction, while dexamethasone treatment during the same period did not. This ACTH effect was specific for fear extinction deficits and not for spatial learning deficits in a water maze. Additionally, ACTH did not alter seizure latency or duration suggesting that cognitive and seizure outcomes may be dissociable. Expression levels of melanocortin receptors, which bind ACTH, were found to be significantly lower in animals that had experienced ELS than in control animals, potentially implicating central melanocortin receptor dysregulation in the effects of ELS, and suggesting a mechanism of action for ACTH. Interpretation Taken together, these data suggest that early treatment with ACTH can have significant long-term consequences for cognition in animals with a history of ELS independently of seizure cessation and may act in part through a CNS melanocortin receptor pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Massey
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK
| | - David K Lerner
- College of Arts and Sciences, Dartmouth College , Hanover, NH , USA
| | - Gregory L Holmes
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine , Burlington, VT , USA
| | - Rod C Scott
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine, Burlington, VT, USA; Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Amanda E Hernan
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Vermont College of Medicine , Burlington, VT , USA
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Dwarkasing JT, Marks DL, Witkamp RF, van Norren K. Hypothalamic inflammation and food intake regulation during chronic illness. Peptides 2016; 77:60-6. [PMID: 26158772 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.06.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 05/14/2015] [Accepted: 06/22/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Anorexia is a common symptom in chronic illness. It contributes to malnutrition and strongly affects survival and quality of life. A common denominator of many chronic diseases is an elevated inflammatory status, which is considered to play a pivotal role in the failure of food-intake regulating systems in the hypothalamus. In this review, we summarize findings on the role of hypothalamic inflammation on food intake regulation involving hypothalamic neuropeptide Y (NPY) and pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC). Furthermore, we outline the role of serotonin in the inability of these peptide based food-intake regulating systems to respond and adapt to changes in energy metabolism during chronic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- J T Dwarkasing
- Nutrition and Pharmacology Group, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
| | - D L Marks
- Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Oregon Health & Sciences University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - R F Witkamp
- Nutrition and Pharmacology Group, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - K van Norren
- Nutrition and Pharmacology Group, Division of Human Nutrition, Wageningen University, Wageningen, The Netherlands; Nutricia Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone prevents glutamate excitotoxicity in developing chicken retina via MC4R-mediated down-regulation of microRNA-194. Sci Rep 2015; 5:15812. [PMID: 26507936 PMCID: PMC4623527 DOI: 10.1038/srep15812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2015] [Accepted: 09/30/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glutamate excitotoxicity is a common pathology to blinding ischemic retinopathies, such as diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, and central retinal vein or artery occlusion. The development of an effective interventional modality to glutamate excitotoxicity is hence important to preventing blindness. Herein we showed that α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) time-dependently protected against glutamate-induced cell death and tissue damage in an improved embryonic chicken retinal explant culture system. α-MSH down-regulated microRNA-194 (miR-194) expression during the glutamate excitotoxicity in the retinal explants. Furthermore, pharmacological antagonists to melanocortin 4 receptor (MC4R) and lentivirus-mediated overexpression of pre-miR-194 abrogated the suppressing effects of α-MSH on glutamate-induced activities of caspase 3 or 7, the ultimate enzymes for glutamate-induced cell death. These results suggest that the protective effects of α-MSH may be due to the MC4R mediated-down-regulation of miR-194 during the glutamate-induced excitotoxicity. Finally, α-MSH attenuated cell death and recovered visual functions in glutamate-stimulated post-hatch chick retinas. These results demonstrate the previously undescribed protective effects of α-MSH against glutamate-induced excitotoxic cell death in the cone-dominated retina both in vitro and in vivo, and indicate a novel molecular mechanism linking MC4R-mediated signaling to miR-194.
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Peng T, Wang J, Lu J, Lu H, Teng J, Jia Y. Neuroprotective effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone against the neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium. IUBMB Life 2015; 69:315-320. [PMID: 26136377 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2014] [Revised: 03/02/2015] [Accepted: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in humans. The hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) has been reported to be neuroprotective in previous studies. The aim of this study is to investigate the neuroprotective effects of α-MSH against the neurotoxicity of 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium (MPP+). Our results indicated that treatment with α-MSH in M17 cells attenuated MPP+-induced oxidative stress, embodied by exacerbated reactive oxygen species and protein carbonyls. In addition, we found that α-MSH could improve mitochondrial function in M17 cells through increasing the level of adenosine triphosphate and mitochondrial membrane potential. Furthermore, treatment with α-MSH restored the reduction of cell viability and the induction of lactate dehydrogenase release induced by α-MSH. Importantly, Hoechst staining results indicated that α-MSH treatment significantly reduces the number of apoptotic cells after treatment with MPP+. Mechanically, we found that α-MSH prevented apoptosis signals through reducing the level of cleaved caspase-3 and attenuating cytochrome c release. All these data imply that α-MSH produces a protective effect in PD. © 2015 IUBMB Life, 69(5):315-320, 2017.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Peng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jingtao Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Jingjing Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Hong Lu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Junfang Teng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
| | - Yanjie Jia
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, China
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NDP-α-MSH induces intense neurogenesis and cognitive recovery in Alzheimer transgenic mice through activation of melanocortin MC4 receptors. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 67:13-21. [PMID: 26003413 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanocortins exert neuroprotection in a variety of experimental neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further, in previous research we showed that these endogenous peptides stimulate neurogenesis in an acute neurodegenerative disorder such as ischemic stroke. In the present research, we investigated the potential neurogenic effect of melanocortins in AD using APPSwe transgenic mice (Tg2576). To this purpose, 24week-old animals were prepared for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling of proliferating cells on days 1-11 of the study. Treatment of Tg2576 mice with nanomolar doses of the melanocortin analog [Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH), administered once daily from day 1 to 50, improved brain histology and cognitive functions relative to saline-treated Tg2576 animals. No signs of toxicity were observed. Immunohistochemical examination of the hippocampus at the end of the study (day 50) showed that NDP-α-MSH-treated Tg2576 mice had a greater number of BrdU immunoreactive cells colocalized with NeuN (an indicator of mature neurons) and Zif268 (an indicator of functionally integrated neurons) in the dentate gyrus, relative to saline-treated Tg2576 animals; no newly formed astrocytes were found. Animal pretreatment with the selective melanocortin MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 before each NDP-α-MSH administration prevented all the beneficial effects of the peptide. The present data indicate that MC4 receptor stimulation by a melanocortin prevents cognitive decline in experimental AD, this effect being associated not only with neuroprotection but also with an intense neurogenesis. MC4 receptor agonists could be innovative and safe candidates to counteract AD progression in humans.
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Zheng Y, McPherson K, Reid P, Smith PF. The anti-inflammatory selective melanocortin receptor subtype 4 agonist, RO27-3225, fails to prevent acoustic trauma-induced tinnitus in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 761:206-10. [PMID: 25977231 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.05.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2015] [Revised: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 05/11/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
In preliminary studies we have observed a massive microglial activation in the cochlear nucleus following acoustic trauma-induced tinnitus in rats, which suggests that inflammatory responses within the central auditory system may be involved in the development and maintenance of tinnitus. Recently, the anti-inflammatory properties of melanocortins (MCs), have gained increasing interest in pharmacology due to their promising therapeutic potential in the treatment of inflammatory-mediated diseases. Among the five subtypes of the MC receptor, MC3 and MC4 receptors are the predominant brain receptors and are thought to play an important role in brain inflammation and neuroprotection. Importantly, MC4 receptors have been found in the mouse and rat central auditory systems. In this study we investigated whether the MC4 receptor agonist, RO27-3225, injected s.c at a dose of 90 or 180µg/kg, 30min before acoustic trauma and then every 12h for 10 days, could prevent the development of acoustic trauma-induced tinnitus in rats, using a conditioned behavioural suppression model. Although evidence of tinnitus developed in the exposed-vehicle group compared to the sham-vehicle group (P≤0.03), in response to a 32kHz tone, there were no significant drug effects from treatment with RO27-3225, indicating that it did not confer any protection against the development of tinnitus in this animal model. This result suggests that the anti-inflammatory effects of MC4 receptor agonists may not be sufficient to prevent tinnitus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Zheng
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, and the Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
| | - Kate McPherson
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, and the Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Peter Reid
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, and the Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Paul F Smith
- Dept. of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medical Sciences, and the Brain Health Research Centre, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
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Machado I, Gonzalez PV, Vilcaes A, Carniglia L, Schiöth HB, Lasaga M, Scimonelli TN. Interleukin-1β-induced memory reconsolidation impairment is mediated by a reduction in glutamate release and zif268 expression and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone prevented these effects. Brain Behav Immun 2015; 46:137-46. [PMID: 25637483 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2015.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2014] [Revised: 12/26/2014] [Accepted: 01/17/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The immune system is an important modulator of learning, memory and neural plasticity. Interleukin 1β (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory cytokine, significantly affects several cognitive processes. Previous studies by our group have demonstrated that intrahippocampal administration of IL-1β impairs reconsolidation of contextual fear memory. This effect was reversed by the melanocortin alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The mechanisms underlying the effect of IL-1β on memory reconsolidation have not yet been established. Therefore, we examined the effect of IL-1β on glutamate release, ERK phosphorylation and the activation of the transcription factor zinc finger- 268 (zif268) during reconsolidation. Our results demonstrated that IL-1β induced a significant decrease of glutamate release after reactivation of the fear memory and this effect was related to calcium concentration in hippocampal synaptosomes. IL-1β also reduced ERK phosphorylation and zif268 expression in the hippocampus. Central administration of α-MSH prevented the decrease in glutamate release, ERK phosphorylation and zif268 expression induced by IL-1β. Our results establish possible mechanisms involved in the detrimental effect of IL-1β on memory reconsolidation and also indicate that α-MSH may exert a beneficial modulatory role in preventing IL-1β effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Machado
- IFEC-CONICET, Depto. Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Patricia V Gonzalez
- IFEC-CONICET, Depto. Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Alejandro Vilcaes
- CIQUIBIC-CONICET, Departamento de Química Biológica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Lila Carniglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas INBIOMED UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas INBIOMED UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Teresa N Scimonelli
- IFEC-CONICET, Depto. Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Argentina.
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Liu D, Zhang HG, Zhao ZA, Chang MT, Li Y, Yu J, Zhang Y, Zhang LY. Melanocortin MC4 receptor agonists alleviate brain damage in abdominal compartment syndrome in the rat. Neuropeptides 2015; 49:55-61. [PMID: 25616531 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2014.12.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2014] [Revised: 12/17/2014] [Accepted: 12/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is accompanied by high morbidity and mortality in surgical departments and ICUs. However, its specific pathophysiology is unclear. IAH not only leads to intra-abdominal tissue damage but also causes dysfunction in distal organs, such as the brain. In this study, we explore the protective effects of melanocortin 4 receptor agonists in IAH-induced brain injury. The IAH rat models were induced by hemorrhagic shock/resuscitation (with the mean arterial pressure (MAP) maintained at 30 mm Hg for 90 min followed by the reinfusion of the withdrawn blood with lactated Ringer's solution). Then, air was injected into the peritoneal cavity of the rats to maintain an intra-abdominal pressure of 20 mm Hg for 4 h. The effects of the melanocortin 4 receptor agonist RO27-3225 in alleviating the rats' IAH brain injuries were observed, which indicated that RO27-3225 could reduce brain edema, the expressions of the IL-1β and TNF-α inflammatory cytokines, the blood-brain barrier's permeability and the aquaporin4 (AQP4) and matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) levels. Moreover, the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist chlorisondamine and the selective melanocortin 4 receptor antagonist HS024 can negate the protective effects of the RO27-3225. The MC4R agonist can effectively reduce the intracerebral proinflammatory cytokine gene expression and alleviate the brain injury caused by blood-brain barrier damage following IAH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Liu
- Trauma Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Hong-Guang Zhang
- Trauma Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Zi-Ai Zhao
- Molecular Biology Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burn, and Combined Injury, Research Institute of Surgery and Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ming-Tao Chang
- Trauma Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Yang Li
- Trauma Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jian Yu
- Trauma Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Trauma Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Lian-Yang Zhang
- Trauma Center, State Key Laboratory of Trauma, Burns and Combined Injury, Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
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Kaneva MK, Kerrigan MJ, Grieco P, Curley GP, Locke IC, Getting SJ. Melanocortin peptides protect chondrocytes from mechanically induced cartilage injury. Biochem Pharmacol 2014; 92:336-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
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Giuliani D, Galantucci M, Neri L, Canalini F, Calevro A, Bitto A, Ottani A, Vandini E, Sena P, Sandrini M, Squadrito F, Zaffe D, Guarini S. Melanocortins protect against brain damage and counteract cognitive decline in a transgenic mouse model of moderate Alzheimer׳s disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:144-50. [PMID: 25034807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that melanocortins induce neuroprotection in experimental acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer׳s disease (AD) of mild severity. Here we investigated whether melanocortins afford neuroprotection and counteract cognitive decline in AD with a medium level of severity by using 24 week-old (at the start of the study) APPSwe transgenic mice (Tg2576). Saline-treated (days 1-50) control Tg2576 mice showed an impairment in spatial learning and memory, associated (at day 50, end of the study) with hippocampus at low levels of the synaptic activity-dependent gene Zif268, relevant brain changes such as cerebral cortex/hippocampus increased level of β-amyloid (Aβ) deposit, and neuronal loss, in comparison with wild-type animals. Treatment of Tg2576 mice (once daily at days 1-50) with a nanomolar dose of the melanocortin analog [Nle4,D-Phe7]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) reduced cerebral cortex/hippocampus level of Aβ deposit, decreased neuronal loss, increased hippocampus Zif268 expression and improved cognitive functions, relative to saline-treated Tg2576 mice. Pharmacological blockade of melanocortin MC4 receptors with the MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 prevented all favorable effects of NDP-α-MSH. Our data indicate that MC4 receptor-stimulating melanocortins are able to counteract cognitive decline in experimental AD of medium severity through induction of neuroprotection and improvement of synaptic transmission. After further studies, these agents could gain a role as disease modifying therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Maria Galantucci
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Neri
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Canalini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anita Calevro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ottani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vandini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Sena
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Human Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sandrini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Zaffe
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Human Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Guarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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van Rijt WG, Secher N, Keller AK, Møldrup U, Chynau Y, Ploeg RJ, van Goor H, Nørregaard R, Birn H, Frøkiaer J, Nielsen S, Leuvenink HGD, Jespersen B. α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone treatment in pigs does not improve early graft function in kidney transplants from brain dead donors. PLoS One 2014; 9:e94609. [PMID: 24728087 PMCID: PMC3984270 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0094609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2013] [Accepted: 03/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Delayed graft function and primary non-function are serious complications following transplantation of kidneys derived from deceased brain dead (DBD) donors. α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a pleiotropic neuropeptide and its renoprotective effects have been demonstrated in models of acute kidney injury. We hypothesized that α-MSH treatment of the recipient improves early graft function and reduces inflammation following DBD kidney transplantation. Eight Danish landrace pigs served as DBD donors. After four hours of brain death both kidneys were removed and stored for 18 hours at 4°C in Custodiol preservation solution. Sixteen recipients were randomized in a paired design into two treatment groups, transplanted simultaneously. α-MSH or a vehicle was administered at start of surgery, during reperfusion and two hours post-reperfusion. The recipients were observed for ten hours following reperfusion. Blood, urine and kidney tissue samples were collected during and at the end of follow-up. α-MSH treatment reduced urine flow and impaired recovery of glomerular filtration rate (GFR) compared to controls. After each dose of α-MSH, a trend towards reduced mean arterial blood pressure and increased heart rate was observed. α-MSH did not affect expression of inflammatory markers. Surprisingly, α-MSH impaired recovery of renal function in the first ten hours following DBD kidney transplantation possibly due to hemodynamic changes. Thus, in a porcine experimental model α-MSH did not reduce renal inflammation and did not improve short-term graft function following DBD kidney transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Willem G. van Rijt
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
- * E-mail:
| | - Niels Secher
- Department of Anesthesiology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anna K. Keller
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Ulla Møldrup
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Yahor Chynau
- Department of Urology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Rutger J. Ploeg
- Nuffield Department of Surgical Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Harry van Goor
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Rikke Nørregaard
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henrik Birn
- Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Jørgen Frøkiaer
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Søren Nielsen
- The Water and Salt Research Center, Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Henri G. D. Leuvenink
- Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Bente Jespersen
- Department of Renal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
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Zhang L, Dong L, Liu X, Jiang Y, Zhang L, Zhang X, Li X, Zhang Y. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone protects retinal vascular endothelial cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis in a rat model of diabetes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e93433. [PMID: 24695675 PMCID: PMC3973693 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0093433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2013] [Accepted: 03/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Oxidative stress and apoptosis are among the earliest lesions of diabetic retinopathy. This study sought to examine the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in early diabetic retinas and to explore the underlying mechanisms in retinal vascular endothelial cells. METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were injected intravenously with streptozocin to induce diabetes. The diabetic rats were injected intravitreally with α-MSH or saline. At week 5 after diabetes, the retinas were analyzed for reactive oxygen species (ROS) and gene expression. One week later, the retinas were processed for terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling staining and transmission electron microscopy. Retinal vascular endothelial cells were stimulated by high glucose (HG) with or without α-MSH. The expression of Forkhead box O genes (Foxos) was examined through real-time PCR. The Foxo4 gene was overexpressed in endothelial cells by transient transfection prior to α-MSH or HG treatment, and oxidative stress and apoptosis were analyzed through CM-H2DCFDA and annexin-V assays, respectively. RESULTS In diabetic retinas, the levels of H2O2 and ROS and the total anti-oxidant capacity were normalized, the apoptotic cell number was reduced, and the ultrastructural injuries were ameliorated by α-MSH. Treatment with α-MSH also corrected the aberrant changes in eNOS, iNOS, ICAM-1, and TNF-α expression levels in diabetic retinas. Furthermore, α-MSH inhibited Foxo4 up-regulation in diabetic retinas and in endothelial cells exposed to HG, whereas Foxo4 overexpression abrogated the anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects of α-MSH in HG-stimulated retinal vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS α-MSH normalized oxidative stress, reduced apoptosis and ultrastructural injuries, and corrected gene expression levels in early diabetic retinas. The protective effects of α-MSH in retinal vascular endothelial cells may be mediated through the inhibition of Foxo4 up-regulation induced by HG. This study suggests an α-MSH-mediated potential intervention approach to early diabetic retinopathy and a novel regulatory mechanism involving Foxo4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital/Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Lijie Dong
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital/Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xun Liu
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital/Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuanfeng Jiang
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital/Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Lingjun Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital/Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaomin Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital/Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaorong Li
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital/Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Tianjin Medical University Eye Hospital/Eye Institute, Tianjin, China
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Caruso V, Lagerström MC, Olszewski PK, Fredriksson R, Schiöth HB. Synaptic changes induced by melanocortin signalling. Nat Rev Neurosci 2014; 15:98-110. [PMID: 24588018 DOI: 10.1038/nrn3657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The melanocortin system has a well-established role in the regulation of energy homeostasis, but there is growing evidence of its involvement in memory, nociception, mood disorders and addiction. In this Review, we focus on the role of the melanocortin 4 receptor and provide an integrative view of the molecular mechanisms that lead to melanocortin-induced changes in synaptic plasticity within these diverse physiological systems. We also highlight the importance of melanocortin peptides and receptors in chronic pain syndromes, memory impairments, depression and drug abuse, and the possibility of targeting them for therapeutic purposes.
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Bhorkar AA, Dandekar MP, Nakhate KT, Subhedar NK, Kokare DM. Involvement of the central melanocortin system in the effects of caffeine on anxiety-like behavior in mice. Life Sci 2013; 95:72-80. [PMID: 24361398 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2013.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2013] [Revised: 12/07/2013] [Accepted: 12/10/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the role of the melanocortin (MC) system in the framework of the central nucleus of the amygdala (CeA) in the differential effects of the adenosine receptor blocker caffeine on anxiety-like behavior, using the social interaction (SI) test. MAIN METHODS Caffeine was injected intraperitoneally, alone or in combination with alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH), the MC4 receptor agonist RO27-3225 or the antagonist HS014 via the intra-CeA route. The effects of chronic (21 days) caffeine, given alone or concurrently with α-MSH, or RO27-3225, were investigated. The effects of withdrawal of these treatments on SI time were also evaluated. Furthermore, the acute effects of HS014 were investigated in different sets of caffeine-withdrawn mice. KEY FINDINGS Acute injection of caffeine, RO27-3225, or α-MSH produced anxiety-like behavior. Prior treatment with α-MSH, or RO27-3225 potentiated the caffeine-induced anxiety-like behavior. Subchronic treatment with HS014 increased the SI time, which was attenuated by caffeine. Chronic administration of caffeine resulted in tolerance to caffeine's anxiogenic effect, while abrupt discontinuation of the treatment produced peak anxiety-like behavior at 72 h post-withdrawal. Concurrent administration of α-MSH, or RO27-3225 with chronic caffeine delayed the development of tolerance and prevented withdrawal-induced anxiety-like behavior. Moreover, acute treatment with HS014 at 72 h post-withdrawal attenuated the anxiety-like behavior. SIGNIFICANCE α-MSH, possibly via MC4 receptor in the neuroanatomical framework of the CeA, may contribute to the acute, chronic and withdrawal actions of caffeine associated with anxiety-like behavior in the neuroanatomical framework of the CeA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amita A Bhorkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, Maharashtra, India
| | - Manoj P Dandekar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kartik T Nakhate
- Rungta College of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research, Rungta Educational Campus, Kohka-Kurud Road, Bhilai 490 024, Chhattisgarh, India
| | - Nishikant K Subhedar
- Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER), Sai Trinity Building, Sutarwadi, Pashan, Pune 411 021, Maharashtra, India
| | - Dadasaheb M Kokare
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University, Nagpur 440 033, Maharashtra, India.
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Giuliani D, Bitto A, Galantucci M, Zaffe D, Ottani A, Irrera N, Neri L, Cavallini GM, Altavilla D, Botticelli AR, Squadrito F, Guarini S. Melanocortins protect against progression of Alzheimer's disease in triple-transgenic mice by targeting multiple pathophysiological pathways. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:537-47. [PMID: 24094579 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Besides specific triggering causes, Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves pathophysiological pathways that are common to acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Melanocortins induce neuroprotection in experimental acute neurodegenerative conditions, and low melanocortin levels have been found in occasional studies performed in AD-type dementia patients. Here we investigated the possible neuroprotective role of melanocortins in a chronic neurodegenerative disorder, AD, by using 12-week-old (at the start of the study) triple-transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice harboring human transgenes APPSwe, PS1M146V, and tauP301L. Treatment of 3xTg-AD mice, once daily until the end of the study (30 weeks of age), with the melanocortin analog [Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) reduced cerebral cortex/hippocampus phosphorylation/level of all AD-related biomarkers investigated (mediators of amyloid/tau cascade, oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, apoptosis), decreased neuronal loss, induced over-expression of the synaptic activity-dependent gene Zif268, and improved cognitive functions, relative to saline-treated 3xTg-AD mice. Pharmacological blockade of melanocortin MC4 receptors prevented all neuroprotective effects of NDP-α-MSH. Our study identifies, for the first time, a class of drugs, MC4 receptor-stimulating melanocortins, that are able to counteract the progression of experimental AD by targeting pathophysiological mechanisms up- and down-stream of β-amyloid and tau. These data could have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Schaible EV, Steinsträßer A, Jahn-Eimermacher A, Luh C, Sebastiani A, Kornes F, Pieter D, Schäfer MK, Engelhard K, Thal SC. Single administration of tripeptide α-MSH(11-13) attenuates brain damage by reduced inflammation and apoptosis after experimental traumatic brain injury in mice. PLoS One 2013; 8:e71056. [PMID: 23940690 PMCID: PMC3733710 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0071056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2013] [Accepted: 06/24/2013] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Following traumatic brain injury (TBI) neuroinflammatory processes promote neuronal cell loss. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a neuropeptide with immunomodulatory properties, which may offer neuroprotection. Due to short half-life and pigmentary side-effects of α-MSH, the C-terminal tripeptide α-MSH(11-13) may be an anti-inflammatory alternative. The present study investigated the mRNA concentrations of the precursor hormone proopiomelanocortin (POMC) and of melanocortin receptors 1 and 4 (MC1R/MC4R) in naive mice and 15 min, 6, 12, 24, and 48 h after controlled cortical impact (CCI). Regulation of POMC and MC4R expression did not change after trauma, while MC1R levels increased over time with a 3-fold maximum at 12 h compared to naive brain tissue. The effect of α-MSH(11-13) on secondary lesion volume determined in cresyl violet stained sections (intraperitoneal injection 30 min after insult of 1 mg/kg α-MSH(11-13) or 0.9% NaCl) showed a considerable smaller trauma in α-MSH(11-13) injected mice. The expression of the inflammatory markers TNF-α and IL-1β as well as the total amount of Iba-1 positive cells were not reduced. However, cell branch counting of Iba-1 positive cells revealed a reduced activation of microglia. Furthermore, tripeptide injection reduced neuronal apoptosis analyzed by cleaved caspase-3 and NeuN staining. Based on the results single α-MSH(11-13) administration offers a promising neuroprotective property by modulation of inflammation and prevention of apoptosis after traumatic brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva-Verena Schaible
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Arne Steinsträßer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Antje Jahn-Eimermacher
- Institute of Medical Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Clara Luh
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Anne Sebastiani
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Frida Kornes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Dana Pieter
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Michael K. Schäfer
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Kristin Engelhard
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - Serge C. Thal
- Department of Anesthesiology, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- Focus Program Translational Neuroscience, Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- * E-mail:
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Spaccapelo L, Galantucci M, Neri L, Contri M, Pizzala R, D'Amico R, Ottani A, Sandrini M, Zaffe D, Giuliani D, Guarini S. Up-regulation of the canonical Wnt-3A and Sonic hedgehog signaling underlies melanocortin-induced neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 707:78-86. [PMID: 23535605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In experimental cerebral ischemia, melanocortin MC4 receptor agonists induce neuroprotection and neurogenesis with subsequent long-lasting functional recovery. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying melanocortin-induced neurogenesis. Gerbils were subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia, then they were treated every 12 h, and until sacrifice, with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU; to label proliferating cells), and the melanocortin analog [Nle(4),d-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) or saline. NDP-α-MSH increased hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG) expression of Wnt-3A, β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Zif268, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and doublecortin (DCX), as detected at days 3, 6 and 10 after the ischemic insult. Further, an elevated number of BrdU immunoreactive cells was found at days 3 and 10, and an improved histological picture with reduced neuronal loss at day 10, associated with learning and memory recovery. Pharmacological blockade of the Wnt-3A/β-catenin and Shh pathways, as well as of melanocortin MC4 receptors, prevented all effects of NDP-α-MSH. These data indicate that, in experimental brain ischemia, treatment with melanocortins acting at MC4 receptors induces neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation in the DG by promptly and effectively triggering the canonical Wnt-3A/β-catenin and Shh signaling pathways. Activation of these pathways is associated with up-regulation of the repair factor Zif268 and the neurogenesis facilitating factor IL-10, and it seems to address mainly toward a neuronal fate, as indicated by the increase in DCX positive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Spaccapelo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Gómez-SanMiguel AB, Martín AI, Nieto-Bona MP, Fernández-Galaz C, López-Menduiña M, Villanúa MÁ, López-Calderón A. Systemic α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone administration decreases arthritis-induced anorexia and muscle wasting. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2013; 304:R877-86. [PMID: 23515620 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00447.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Rheumatoid cachexia is associated with rheumatoid arthritis and it increases mortality and morbidity. Adjuvant-induced arthritis is an experimental model of rheumatoid arthritis that causes anorexia and muscle wasting. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) has anti-inflammatory actions, and it is able to decrease inflammation in several inflammatory diseases including experimental arthritis. In this study we tested whether systemic α-MSH treatment is able to ameliorate cachexia in arthritic rats. On day 8 after adjuvant injection control and arthritic rats were treated with α-MSH (50 μg/rat ip) twice a day, until day 16 when all rats were euthanized. Arthritis decreased food intake, but it increased hypothalamic expression of neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Agouti-related peptides (AgRP) as well as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) mRNA. In arthritic rats, α-MSH decreased the external signs of arthritis and increased food intake (P < 0.01). In addition, α-MSH decreased hypothalamic expression of IL-1β, COX-2, proopiomelanocortin, and prohormone-converting (PC) enzymes PC1/3 and PC2 mRNA in arthritic rats. In control rats, α-MSH did not modify food intake or hypothalamic expression of aforementioned mRNA. α-MSH prevented arthritis-induced increase in gastrocnemius COX-2, muscle-specific RING-finger protein-1 (MuRF1), and atrogin-1 expression, and it increased fast myofiber size. In conclusion our data show that in arthritic rats peripheral α-MSH treatment has an anti-cachectic action increasing food intake and decreasing muscle wasting.
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Giuliani D, Minutoli L, Ottani A, Spaccapelo L, Bitto A, Galantucci M, Altavilla D, Squadrito F, Guarini S. Melanocortins as potential therapeutic agents in severe hypoxic conditions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2012; 33:179-93. [PMID: 22531139 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides with the adrenocorticotropin/melanocyte-stimulating hormone (ACTH/MSH) sequences and synthetic analogs have protective and life-saving effects in experimental conditions of circulatory shock, myocardial ischemia, ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, respiratory arrest, renal ischemia, intestinal ischemia and testicular ischemia, as well as in experimental heart transplantation. Moreover, melanocortins improve functional recovery and stimulate neurogenesis in experimental models of cerebral ischemia. These beneficial effects of ACTH/MSH-like peptides are mostly mediated by brain melanocortin MC(3)/MC(4) receptors, whose activation triggers protective pathways that counteract the main ischemia/reperfusion-related mechanisms of damage. Induction of signaling pathways and other molecular regulators of neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation and integration seems to be the key mechanism of neurogenesis stimulation. Synthesis of stable and highly selective agonists at MC(3) and MC(4) receptors could provide the potential for development of a new class of drugs for a novel approach to management of severe ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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