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Ergul Erkec O, Acikgoz E, Huyut Z, Akyol ME, Ozyurt EO, Keskin S. Ghrelin ameliorates neuronal damage, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, and GFAP expression in traumatic brain injury. Brain Inj 2024; 38:514-523. [PMID: 38433464 DOI: 10.1080/02699052.2024.2324012] [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: 05/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study investigated the effects of ghrelin on oxidative stress, working memory, inflammatory parameters, and neuron degeneration. METHODS TBI was produced with the weight-drop technique. Rats in the G+TBI and TBI+G groups received ghrelin for 7 or 2 days, respectively. The control group received saline. On the 8th day of the study, the brain and blood tissue were taken under anesthesia. RESULTS A significant increase in brain GSH-PX, MDA, IL-1β, TGF-β1, and IL-8 levels and a significant decrease in CAT levels were found in the TBI group compared to the control. Serum MDA, GSH, IL-1β, and IL-8 levels were increased with TBI. Ghrelin treatment after TBI significantly increased the serum GSH, CAT, GSH-PX, and brain GSH and CAT levels, while it significantly decreased the serum MDA, IL-1β, and brain MDA, TGF-β1, and IL-8 levels. Histological evaluations revealed that ghrelin treatment led to a reduction in inflammation, while also significantly ameliorating TBI-induced neuron damage and vascular injuries. Immunohistochemistry staining showed that GFAP staining intensity was significantly increased in the cortex and hippocampus in TBI, and GFAP immunoreactivity was decreased with ghrelin treatment. CONCLUSION The results from this study suggested that ghrelin may have curative effects on TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Ergul Erkec
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Eda Acikgoz
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Zubeyir Huyut
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Edip Akyol
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Mecine, Van Yuzuncu Yil University, Van, Turkey
| | | | - Sıddık Keskin
- Department of Biostatistics, Van Yuzuncu Yıl University, Van, Turkey
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Howe SL, Holdom CJ, McCombe PA, Henderson RD, Zigman JM, Ngo ST, Steyn FJ. Associations of postprandial ghrelin, liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 and leptin levels with body composition, disease progression and survival in patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Eur J Neurol 2024; 31:e16052. [PMID: 37658515 PMCID: PMC10840749 DOI: 10.1111/ene.16052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 08/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Loss of appetite contributes to weight loss and faster disease progression in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Impairment of appetite control in ALS may include altered production or action of orexigenic (i.e., ghrelin) and anorexigenic (i.e., liver-expressed antimicrobial peptide 2 [LEAP2] and leptin) hormones. We aimed to determine if postprandial circulating ghrelin levels, LEAP2 levels, LEAP2:ghrelin molar ratio and leptin levels differ in ALS patients compared to non-neurodegenerative disease controls, and whether they are associated with disease progression and body composition. METHODS In this prospective natural history study, we assessed postprandial plasma levels of ghrelin, LEAP2 and leptin in patients with ALS (cases; n = 46) and controls (controls; n = 43). For cases, measures were compared to changes in body weight, body composition and clinical outcomes. RESULTS Postprandial ghrelin level was decreased by 52% in cases compared to controls (p = 0.013). LEAP2:ghrelin molar ratio was increased by 249% (p = 0.009), suggesting greater ghrelin resistance. Patients with lower LEAP2:ghrelin tended to have better functional capacity at assessment, as inferred by the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (τ = -0.179, p = 0.086). Furthermore, ghrelin and LEAP2:ghrelin molar ratio correlated with diagnostic delay (ghrelin, τ = 0.223, p = 0.029; LEAP2:ghrelin, τ = -0.213, p = 0.037). Baseline ghrelin level, LEAP2 level, LEAP2:ghrelin ratio and leptin level were, however, not predictive of change in functional capacity during follow-up. Also, patients with higher postprandial ghrelin levels (hazard ratio [HR] 1.375, p = 0.048), and lower LEAP2:ghelin ratios (HR 0.828, p = 0.051) had an increased risk of earlier death. CONCLUSIONS Reduced postprandial ghrelin levels, coupled with increased LEAP2:ghrelin molar ratios, suggests a loss of ghrelin action in patients with ALS. Given ghrelin's actions on appetite, metabolism and neuroprotection, reduced ghrelin and greater ghrelin resistance could contribute to impaired capacity to tolerate the physiological impact of disease. Comprehensive studies are needed to explain how ghrelin and LEAP2 contribute to body weight regulation and disease progression in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie L. Howe
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Cory J. Holdom
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Clinical ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Pamela A. McCombe
- Centre for Clinical ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Department of NeurologyRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Robert D. Henderson
- Centre for Clinical ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Department of NeurologyRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Jeffrey M. Zigman
- Center for Hypothalamic Research, Department of Internal MedicineUniversity of Texas Southwestern Medical CenterDallasTexasUSA
| | - Shyuan T. Ngo
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and NanotechnologyThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Centre for Clinical ResearchThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- Department of NeurologyRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
| | - Frederik J. Steyn
- Department of NeurologyRoyal Brisbane and Women's HospitalBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
- School of Biomedical SciencesThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQueenslandAustralia
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Meanti R, Bresciani E, Rizzi L, Coco S, Zambelli V, Dimitroulas A, Molteni L, Omeljaniuk RJ, Locatelli V, Torsello A. Potential Applications for Growth Hormone Secretagogues Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:2376-2394. [PMID: 36111771 PMCID: PMC10616926 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x20666220915103613] [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: 06/01/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 08/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) arises from neuronal death due to complex interactions of genetic, molecular, and environmental factors. Currently, only two drugs, riluzole and edaravone, have been approved to slow the progression of this disease. However, ghrelin and other ligands of the GHS-R1a receptor have demonstrated interesting neuroprotective activities that could be exploited in this pathology. Ghrelin, a 28-amino acid hormone, primarily synthesized and secreted by oxyntic cells in the stomach wall, binds to the pituitary GHS-R1a and stimulates GH secretion; in addition, ghrelin is endowed with multiple extra endocrine bioactivities. Native ghrelin requires esterification with octanoic acid for binding to the GHS-R1a receptor; however, this esterified form is very labile and represents less than 10% of circulating ghrelin. A large number of synthetic compounds, the growth hormone secretagogues (GHS) encompassing short peptides, peptoids, and non-peptidic moieties, are capable of mimicking several biological activities of ghrelin, including stimulation of GH release, appetite, and elevation of blood IGF-I levels. GHS have demonstrated neuroprotective and anticonvulsant effects in experimental models of pathologies both in vitro and in vivo. To illustrate, some GHS, currently under evaluation by regulatory agencies for the treatment of human cachexia, have a good safety profile and are safe for human use. Collectively, evidence suggests that ghrelin and cognate GHS may constitute potential therapies for ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramona Meanti
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Elena Bresciani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Laura Rizzi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Silvia Coco
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Vanessa Zambelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Anna Dimitroulas
- Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Surrey, Stag Hill, Guildford, GU2 7XH, United Kingdom
| | - Laura Molteni
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Robert J. Omeljaniuk
- Department of Biology, Lakehead University, 955 Oliver Rd, Thunder Bay, Ontario, P7B 5E1, Canada
| | - Vittorio Locatelli
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
| | - Antonio Torsello
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Via Cadore 48, Monza, 20900, Italy
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Lucas RM, Luo L, Stow JL. ERK1/2 in immune signalling. Biochem Soc Trans 2022; 50:1341-1352. [PMID: 36281999 PMCID: PMC9704528 DOI: 10.1042/bst20220271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular signal-related kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are the final components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphorylation cascade, an integral module in a diverse array of signalling pathways for shaping cell behaviour and fate. More recently, studies have shown that ERK1/2 plays an essential role downstream of immune receptors to elicit inflammatory gene expression in response to infection and cell or tissue damage. Much of this work has studied ERK1/2 activation in Toll-like receptor (TLR) pathways, providing mechanistic insights into its recruitment, compartmentalisation and activation in cells of the innate immune system. In this review, we summarise the typical activation of ERK1/2 in growth factor receptor pathways before discussing its known roles in immune cell signalling with a focus downstream of TLRs. We examine emerging research uncovering evidence of dysfunctional ERK1/2 signalling in inflammatory diseases and discuss the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting ERK1/2 pathways in inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard M. Lucas
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Lin Luo
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Jennifer L. Stow
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience (IMB) and Centre for Inflammation and Disease Research, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
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Masule MV, Rathod S, Agrawal Y, Patil CR, Nakhate KT, Ojha S, Goyal SN, Mahajan UB. Ghrelin mediated regulation of neurosynaptic transmitters in depressive disorders. CURRENT RESEARCH IN PHARMACOLOGY AND DRUG DISCOVERY 2022; 3:100113. [PMID: 35782191 PMCID: PMC9240712 DOI: 10.1016/j.crphar.2022.100113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin is a peptide released by the endocrine cells of the stomach and the neurons in the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. It modulates both peripheral and central functions. Although ghrelin has emerged as a potent stimulator of growth hormone release and as an orexigenic neuropeptide, the wealth of literature suggests its involvement in the pathophysiology of affective disorders including depression. Ghrelin exhibits a dual role through the advancement and reduction of depressive behavior with nervousness in the experimental animals. It modulates depression-related signals by forming neuronal networks with various neuropeptides and classical neurotransmitter systems. The present review emphasizes the integration and signaling of ghrelin with other neuromodulatory systems concerning depressive disorders. The role of ghrelin in the regulation of neurosynaptic transmission and depressive illnesses implies that the ghrelin system modulation can yield promising antidepressive therapies. Ghrelin is the orexigenic type of neuropeptide. It binds with the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). GHSR is ubiquitously present in the various brain regions. Ghrelin is involved in the regulation of depression-related behavior. The review focuses on the neurotransmission and signaling of ghrelin in neuropsychiatric and depressive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milind V. Masule
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Sumit Rathod
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Yogeeta Agrawal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Chandragouda R. Patil
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, 425405, Maharashtra, India
| | - Kartik T. Nakhate
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, 424001, Maharashtra, India
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Shri Vile Parle Kelavani Mandal's Institute of Pharmacy, Dhule, 424001, Maharashtra, India
- Corresponding author.
| | - Umesh B. Mahajan
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Shirpur, 425405, Maharashtra, India
- Corresponding author.
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Noda M, Liu J, Long J. Neuroprotective and Preventative Effects of Molecular Hydrogen. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:585-591. [PMID: 33076798 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201019103020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
One of the beneficial effects of molecular hydrogen (H2, hydrogen gas) is neuroprotection and prevention of neurological disorders. It is important and useful if taking H2 every day can prevent or ameliorate the progression of neurodegenerative disorders, such as Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease, both lacking specific therapeutic drugs. There are several mechanisms of how H2 protects neuronal damage. Anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and the regulation of the endocrine system via stomach-brain connection seem to play an important role. At the cellular and tissue level, H2 appears to prevent the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and not only hydroxy radical (•OH) but also superoxide. In Parkinson's disease model mice, chronic intake of H2 causes the release of ghrelin from the stomach. In Alzheimer's disease model mice, sex-different neuroprotection is observed by chronic intake of H2. In female mice, declines of estrogen and estrogen receptor-β (ERβ) are prevented by H2, upregulating brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, tyrosine kinase receptor B (TrkB). The question of how drinking H2 upregulates the release of ghrelin or attenuates the decline of estrogen remains to be investigated and the mechanism of how H2 modulates endocrine systems and the fundamental question of what or where is the target of H2 needs to be elucidated for a better understanding of the effects of H2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mami Noda
- Laboratory of Pathophysiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka 812-8582, Japan
| | - Jiankang Liu
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine and Center for Translational Medicine, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
| | - Jiangang Long
- Center for Mitochondrial Biology and Medicine and Center for Translational Medicine, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710049, China
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Ren Q, Lin P, Wang Q, Zhang B, Feng L. Chronic peripheral ghrelin injection exerts antifibrotic effects by increasing growth differentiation factor 15 in rat hearts with myocardial fibrosis induced by isoproterenol. Physiol Res 2019; 69:439-450. [PMID: 31852204 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effects of ghrelin in isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial fibrosis and the underlying mechanism. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to control, ISO, and ISO + ghrelin groups. ISO (2 mg/kg per day, subcutaneous) or vehicle was administered once daily for 7 days, then ghrelin (100 microg/kg per day, subcutaneous) was administered once daily for the next 3 weeks. Ghrelin treatment greatly improved the cardiac function of ISO-treated rats. Ghrelin also decreased plasma brain natriuretic peptide level and ratios of heart weight to body weight and left ventricular weight to body weight. Ghrelin significantly reduced myocardial collagen area and hydroxyproline content, accompanied by decreased mRNA levels of collagen type I and III. Furthermore, ghrelin increased plasma level of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) and GDF15 mRNA and protein levels in heart tissues, which were significantly decreased with ISO alone. The phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and GSK-3beta at Ser9 was decreased with ISO, and ghrelin significantly reversed the downregulation of p-Akt and p-GSK-3beta. Mediated by GDF15, ghrelin could attenuate ISO-induced myocardial fibrosis via Akt-GSK-3beta signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Q Ren
- Geriatric Department of the Third Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China.
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8
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Peng Z, Zha L, Yang M, Li Y, Guo X, Feng Z. Effects of ghrelin on pGSK-3β and β-catenin expression when protects against neuropathic pain behavior in rats challenged with chronic constriction injury. Sci Rep 2019; 9:14664. [PMID: 31601982 PMCID: PMC6787073 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-51140-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/25/2019] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin has been shown to alleviate neuropathic pain by inhibiting the release of proinflammatory cytokines. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling in mediating the effect of ghrelin on neuropathic pain and to understand the associated mechanisms. Chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve was used to establish a rat model of neuropathic pain. Hyperalgesia and allodynia were evaluated by observing the mechanical withdrawal threshold and the thermal withdrawal latency. Wnt3a and β-catenin protein expression and GSK-3β phosphorylation were detected by western blotting analysis. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-1β were determined using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In addition, we used immunohistochemical analysis to determine the levels of GSK-3β phosphorylation in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord. Intrathecal delivery of ghrelin effectively ameliorated CCI-induced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia at 7 and 14 days and reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α. Ghrelin inhibited CCI-induced GSK-3β activation and β-catenin overexpression in the spinal dorsal horn. Moreover, intrathecal injection of ghrelin suppressed the activation of GSK-3β in the spinal dorsal horn of CCI rats, as assessed by immunohistochemical analysis. Our data indicated that ghrelin could markedly alleviate neuropathic pain by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin, via the suppression of GSK-3β activation, in the spinal cord of CCI rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyou Peng
- Department of Pain Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Leiqiong Zha
- Department of Pain Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Meijuan Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Women's Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunze Li
- Department of Pain Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xuejiao Guo
- Department of Pain Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhiying Feng
- Department of Pain Medicine, First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Kefalakes E, Böselt S, Sarikidi A, Ettcheto M, Bursch F, Naujock M, Stanslowsky N, Schmuck M, Barenys M, Wegner F, Grothe C, Petri S. Characterizing the multiple roles of FGF-2 in SOD1 G93A ALS mice in vivo and in vitro. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:7395-7410. [PMID: 30370540 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.27498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/07/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that knockout of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) and potential compensatory effects of other growth factors result in amelioration of disease symptoms in a transgenic mouse model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). ALS is a rapidly progressive neurological disorder leading to degeneration of cortical, brain stem, and spinal motor neurons followed by subsequent denervation and muscle wasting. Mutations in the superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) gene are responsible for approximately 20% of familial ALS cases and SOD1 mutant mice still are among the models best mimicking clinical and neuropathological characteristics of ALS. The aim of the present study was a thorough characterization of FGF-2 and other growth factors and signaling effectors in vivo in the SOD1G93A mouse model. We observed tissue-specific opposing gene regulation of FGF-2 and overall dysregulation of other growth factors, which in the gastrocnemius muscle was associated with reduced downstream extracellular-signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and protein kinase B (AKT) activation. To further investigate whether the effects of FGF-2 on motor neuron death are mediated by glial cells, astrocytes lacking FGF-2 were cocultured together with mutant SOD1 G93A motor neurons. FGF-2 had an impact on motor neuron maturation indicating that astrocytic FGF-2 affects motor neurons at a developmental stage. Moreover, neuronal gene expression patterns showed FGF-2- and SOD1 G93A -dependent changes in ciliary neurotrophic factor, glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor, and ERK2, implying a potential involvement in ALS pathogenesis before the onset of clinical symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterini Kefalakes
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Sebastian Böselt
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Miren Ettcheto
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Food Science, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Biomedical Research Networking Center in Neurodegenerative Diseases (CIBERNED), Madrid, Spain.,Institute of Neuroscience, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Life Science, University of Rovira i Virgili, Reus, Spain
| | - Franziska Bursch
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Maximilian Naujock
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Nancy Stanslowsky
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Schmuck
- DAVIS School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, California
| | - Marta Barenys
- GRET, INSA-UB and Toxicology Unit, Pharmacology, Toxicology and Therapeutical Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florian Wegner
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
| | - Claudia Grothe
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany.,Institute of Neuroanatomy and Cell Biology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Susanne Petri
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany.,Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
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Ghrelin agonist HM01 attenuates chemotherapy-induced neurotoxicity in rodent models. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 840:89-103. [PMID: 30268665 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.09.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neurotoxicity (CIPN) is often dose-limiting and impacts life quality and survival of cancer patients. Ghrelin agonists have neuroprotectant effects and may have a role in treating or preventing CIPN. We evaluated the CNS-penetrant ghrelin agonist HM01 in three experimental models of CIPN at doses of 3-30 mg/kg p.o. daily monitoring orexigenic properties, nerve conduction, mechanical allodynia, and intra-epidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD). In a cisplatin-based study, rats were dosed daily for 3 days (0.5 mg/kg i.p.) + HM01. Cisplatin treatment induced mechanical hypersensitivity which was significantly reduced by HM01. In a second study, oxaliplatin was administered to mice (6 mg/kg i.p. 3 times/week for 4 weeks) resulting in significant digital nerve conduction velocity (NCV) deficits and reduction of IENFD. Concurrent HM01 dose dependently prevented the decline in NCV and attenuated the reduction in IENFD. Pharmacokinetic studies showed HM01 accumulation in the dorsal root ganglia and sciatic nerves which reached concentrations > 10 fold that of plasma. In a third model, HM01 was tested in preventive and therapeutic paradigms in a bortezomib-based rat model (0.2 mg/kg i.v., 3 times/week for 8 weeks). In the preventive setting, HM01 blocked bortezomib-induced hyperalgesia and IENFD reduction at all doses tested. In the therapeutic setting, significant effect was observed, but only at the highest dose. Altogether, the robust peripheral nervous system penetration of HM01 and its ability to improve multiple oxaliplatin-, cisplatin-, and bortezomib-induced neurotoxicities suggest that HM01 may be a useful neuroprotective adjuvant for CIPN.
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MK-0677, a Ghrelin Agonist, Alleviates Amyloid Beta-Related Pathology in 5XFAD Mice, an Animal Model of Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19061800. [PMID: 29912176 PMCID: PMC6032329 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19061800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 06/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive deficits, neuroinflammation, and neuronal death. The primary pathogenic cause is believed to be the accumulation of pathogenic amyloid beta (Aβ) assemblies in the brain. Ghrelin, which is a peptide hormone predominantly secreted from the stomach, is an endogenous ligand for the growth hormone secretagogue-receptor type 1a (GHS-R1a). MK-0677 is a ghrelin agonist that potently stimulates the GHS-R1a ghrelin receptor. Interestingly, previous studies have shown that ghrelin improves cognitive impairments and attenuates neuronal death and neuroinflammation in several neurological disorders. However, it is unknown whether MK-0677 can affect Aβ accumulation or Aβ-mediated pathology in the brains of patients with AD. Therefore, we examined the effects of MK-0677 administration on AD-related pathology in 5XFAD mice, an Aβ-overexpressing transgenic mouse model of AD. MK-0677 was intraperitoneally administered to three-month-old 5XFAD mice. To visualize Aβ accumulation, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, thioflavin-S staining and immunostaining with antibodies against Aβ (4G8), ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba-1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN), and synaptophysin were conducted in the neocortex of 5XFAD and wild-type mice, and to evaluate changes of phosphorylated cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) response element binding protein (pCREB) levels, immunostaining with antibody against pCREB was performed in dentate gyrus of the hippocampus of 5XFAD and wild-type mice. The histological analyses indicated that MK-0677-treated 5XFAD mice showed reduced Aβ deposition, gliosis, and neuronal and synaptic loss in the deep cortical layers, and inhibited the decrement of pCREB levels in dentate gyrus of the hippocampus compared to vehicle-treated 5XFAD mice. Our results showed that activation of the ghrelin receptor with MK-0677 inhibited the Aβ burden, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration, which suggested that MK-0677 might have potential as a treatment of the early phase of AD.
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Zhou Y, Ma C, Li BM, Sun C. Polygala japonica Houtt. reverses depression-like behavior and restores reduced hippocampal neurogenesis in chronic stress mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 99:986-996. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.01.133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2017] [Revised: 01/25/2018] [Accepted: 01/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
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Ham TR, Leipzig ND. Biomaterial strategies for limiting the impact of secondary events following spinal cord injury. Biomed Mater 2018; 13:024105. [PMID: 29155409 PMCID: PMC5824690 DOI: 10.1088/1748-605x/aa9bbb] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The nature of traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) often involves limited recovery and long-term quality of life complications. The initial injury sets off a variety of secondary cascades, which result in an expanded lesion area. Ultimately, the native tissue fails to regenerate. As treatments are developed in the laboratory, the management of this secondary cascade is an important first step in achieving recovery of normal function. Current literature identifies four broad targets for intervention: inflammation, oxidative stress, disruption of the blood-spinal cord barrier, and formation of an inhibitory glial scar. Because of the complex and interconnected nature of these events, strategies that combine multiple therapies together show much promise. Specifically, approaches that rely on biomaterials to perform a variety of functions are generating intense research interest. In this review, we examine each target and discuss how biomaterials are currently used to address them. Overall, we show that there are an impressive amount of biomaterials and combinatorial treatments which show good promise for slowing secondary events and improving outcomes. If more emphasis is placed on growing our understanding of how materials can manage secondary events, treatments for SCI can be designed in an increasingly rational manner, ultimately improving their potential for translation to the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor R Ham
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Auburn Science and Engineering Center 275, West Tower, University of Akron, Akron, OH 44325-3908, United States of America
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Ngo ST, Mi JD, Henderson RD, McCombe PA, Steyn FJ. Exploring targets and therapies for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: current insights into dietary interventions. Degener Neurol Neuromuscul Dis 2017; 7:95-108. [PMID: 30050381 PMCID: PMC6053104 DOI: 10.2147/dnnd.s120607] [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] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A growing number of preclinical and human studies demonstrate a disease-modifying effect of nutritional state in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The management of optimal nutrition in ALS is complicated, as physiological, physical, and psychological effects of the disease need to be considered and addressed accordingly. In this regard, multidisciplinary care teams play an integral role in providing dietary guidance to ALS patients and their carers. However, with an increasing research focus on the use of dietary intervention strategies to manage disease symptoms and improve prognosis in ALS, many ALS patients are now seeking or are actively engaged in using complementary and alternative therapies that are dietary in nature. In this article, we review the aspects of appetite control, energy balance, and the physiological effects of ALS relative to their impact on overall nutrition. We then provide current insights into dietary interventions for ALS, considering the mechanisms of action of some of the common dietary interventions used in ALS, discussing their validity in the context of clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shyuan T Ngo
- School of Biomedical Sciences.,Queensland Brain Institute.,Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, .,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, .,Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,
| | | | - Robert D Henderson
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, .,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital,
| | - Pamela A McCombe
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, .,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital,
| | - Frederik J Steyn
- Centre for Clinical Research, The University of Queensland, .,Department of Neurology, Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital, .,Wesley Medical Research, The Wesley Hospital, Auchenflower, Brisbane, QLD, Australia,
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Ge T, Yang W, Fan J, Li B. Preclinical evidence of ghrelin as a therapeutic target in epilepsy. Oncotarget 2017; 8:59929-59939. [PMID: 28938694 PMCID: PMC5601790 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.18349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin, an orexigenic peptide synthesized by endocrine cells of the gastric mucosa, plays a major role in inhibiting seizures. However, the underlying mechanism of ghrelin's anticonvulsant action is still unclear. Nowadays, there are considerable evidences showing that ghrelin is implicated in various neurophysiological processes, including learning and memory, neuroprotection, neurogenesis, and inflammatory effects. In this review, we will summarize the effects of ghrelin on epilepsy. It may provide a comprehensive picture of the role of ghrelin in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tongtong Ge
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Jie Fan
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
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Colldén G, Tschöp MH, Müller TD. Therapeutic Potential of Targeting the Ghrelin Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18040798. [PMID: 28398233 PMCID: PMC5412382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18040798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2017] [Revised: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ghrelin was discovered in 1999 as the endogenous ligand of the growth-hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHSR1a). Since then, ghrelin has been found to exert a plethora of physiological effects that go far beyond its initial characterization as a growth hormone (GH) secretagogue. Among the numerous well-established effects of ghrelin are the stimulation of appetite and lipid accumulation, the modulation of immunity and inflammation, the stimulation of gastric motility, the improvement of cardiac performance, the modulation of stress, anxiety, taste sensation and reward-seeking behavior, as well as the regulation of glucose metabolism and thermogenesis. Due to a variety of beneficial effects on systems’ metabolism, pharmacological targeting of the endogenous ghrelin system is widely considered a valuable approach to treat metabolic complications, such as chronic inflammation, gastroparesis or cancer-associated anorexia and cachexia. The aim of this review is to discuss and highlight the broad pharmacological potential of ghrelin pathway modulation for the treatment of anorexia, cachexia, sarcopenia, cardiopathy, neurodegenerative disorders, renal and pulmonary disease, gastrointestinal (GI) disorders, inflammatory disorders and metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gustav Colldén
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity & Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Matthias H Tschöp
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity & Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
- Division of Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medicine, Technische Universität München, 80333 Munich, Germany.
| | - Timo D Müller
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity & Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München German Research Center for Environmental Health (GmbH), 85764 Neuherberg, Germany.
- Institute for Diabetes and Obesity (IDO), Business Campus Garching-Hochbrück, Parkring 13, 85748 Garching, Germany.
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Frago LM, Chowen JA. Involvement of Astrocytes in Mediating the Central Effects of Ghrelin. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030536. [PMID: 28257088 PMCID: PMC5372552 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2017] [Accepted: 02/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Although astrocytes are the most abundant cells in the mammalian brain, much remains to be learned about their molecular and functional features. Astrocytes express receptors for numerous hormones and metabolic factors, including the appetite-promoting hormone ghrelin. The metabolic effects of ghrelin are largely opposite to those of leptin, as it stimulates food intake and decreases energy expenditure. Ghrelin is also involved in glucose-sensing and glucose homeostasis. The widespread expression of the ghrelin receptor in the central nervous system suggests that this hormone is not only involved in metabolism, but also in other essential functions in the brain. In fact, ghrelin has been shown to promote cell survival and neuroprotection, with some studies exploring the use of ghrelin as a therapeutic agent against metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we highlight the possible role of glial cells as mediators of ghrelin's actions within the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura M Frago
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, CIBER de Obesidad Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28009 Madrid, Spain.
- Department of Pediatrics, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Julie A Chowen
- Department of Endocrinology, Hospital Infantil Universitario Niño Jesús, Instituto de Investigación la Princesa, CIBER de Obesidad Fisiopatología de la Obesidad y Nutrición (CIBEROBN), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28009 Madrid, Spain.
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Pereira JADS, da Silva FC, de Moraes-Vieira PMM. The Impact of Ghrelin in Metabolic Diseases: An Immune Perspective. J Diabetes Res 2017; 2017:4527980. [PMID: 29082258 PMCID: PMC5610818 DOI: 10.1155/2017/4527980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2017] [Revised: 07/07/2017] [Accepted: 07/31/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity and insulin resistance have reached epidemic proportions. Obesogenic conditions are associated with increased risk for the development of other comorbidities and obesity-related diseases. In metabolic disorders, there is chronic low-grade inflammation induced by the activation of immune cells, especially in metabolic relevant organs such as white adipose tissue (WAT). These immune cells are regulated by environmental and systemic cues. Ghrelin is a peptide secreted mainly by X/A-like gastric cells and acts through the growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHS-R). This receptor is broadly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in several cell types, including immune cells. Studies show that ghrelin induces an orexigenic state, and there is increasing evidence implicating an immunoregulatory role for ghrelin. Ghrelin mainly acts on the innate and adaptive immune systems to suppress inflammation and induce an anti-inflammatory profile. In this review, we discuss the immunoregulatory roles of ghrelin, the mechanisms by which ghrelin acts and potential pharmacological applications for ghrelin in the treatment of obesity-associated inflammatory diseases, such as type 2 diabetes (T2D).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jéssica Aparecida da Silva Pereira
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Felipe Corrêa da Silva
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Pedro Manoel Mendes de Moraes-Vieira
- Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Bioagents, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
- Department of Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Science, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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Jiao Q, Du X, Li Y, Gong B, Shi L, Tang T, Jiang H. The neurological effects of ghrelin in brain diseases: Beyond metabolic functions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 73:98-111. [PMID: 27993602 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2016] [Revised: 12/01/2016] [Accepted: 12/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Ghrelin, a peptide released by the stomach that plays a major role in regulating energy metabolism, has recently been shown to have effects on neurobiological behaviors. Ghrelin enhances neuronal survival by reducing apoptosis, alleviating inflammation and oxidative stress, and accordingly improving mitochondrial function. Ghrelin also stimulates the proliferation, differentiation and migration of neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs). Additionally, the ghrelin is benefit for the recovery of memory, mood and cognitive dysfunction after stroke or traumatic brain injury. Because of its neuroprotective and neurogenic roles, ghrelin may be used as a therapeutic agent in the brain to combat neurodegenerative disease. In this review, we highlight the pre-clinical evidence and the proposed mechanisms underlying the role of ghrelin in physiological and pathological brain function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Jiao
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Xixun Du
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Bing Gong
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Limin Shi
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Tingting Tang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Hong Jiang
- Department of Physiology, Shandong Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathogenesis and Prevention of Neurological Disorders and State Key Disciplines: Physiology, Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China; Shandong Provincial Collaborative Innovation Center for Neurodegenerative Disorders, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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20
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Ghrelin and Neurodegenerative Disorders-a Review. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:1144-1155. [PMID: 26809582 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-9729-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Accepted: 01/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin, the endogenous ligand of the growth hormone secretagogue receptor 1a (GHS-R1a), is a gut-derived, orexigenic peptide hormone that primarily regulates growth hormone secretion, food intake, and energy homeostasis. With the wide expression of GHS-R1a in extra-hypothalamic regions, the physiological role of ghrelin is more extensive than solely its involvement in metabolic function. Ghrelin has been shown to be involved in numerous higher brain functions, such as memory, reward, mood, and sleep. Some of these functions are disrupted in neurodegenerative disorders, including Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Huntington's disease (HD). This link between ghrelin and these neurodegenerative diseases is supported by numerous studies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the most recent evidence of the novel neuromodulatory role of ghrelin in PD, AD, and HD. Moreover, the changes in circulating and/or central ghrelin levels that are associated with disease progression are also postulated to be a biomarker for clinical diagnosis and therapy.
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Herrando-Grabulosa M, Mulet R, Pujol A, Mas JM, Navarro X, Aloy P, Coma M, Casas C. Novel Neuroprotective Multicomponent Therapy for Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Designed by Networked Systems. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0147626. [PMID: 26807587 PMCID: PMC4726541 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0147626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis is a fatal, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neuron function for which there is no effective treatment. One of the main difficulties in developing new therapies lies on the multiple events that contribute to motor neuron death in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Several pathological mechanisms have been identified as underlying events of the disease process, including excitotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, altered axonal transport, proteasome dysfunction, synaptic deficits, glial cell contribution, and disrupted clearance of misfolded proteins. Our approach in this study was based on a holistic vision of these mechanisms and the use of computational tools to identify polypharmacology for targeting multiple etiopathogenic pathways. By using a repositioning analysis based on systems biology approach (TPMS technology), we identified and validated the neuroprotective potential of two new drug combinations: Aliretinoin and Pranlukast, and Aliretinoin and Mefloquine. In addition, we estimated their molecular mechanisms of action in silico and validated some of these results in a well-established in vitro model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis based on cultured spinal cord slices. The results verified that Aliretinoin and Pranlukast, and Aliretinoin and Mefloquine promote neuroprotection of motor neurons and reduce microgliosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Herrando-Grabulosa
- Group of Neuroplasticity and Regeneration, Institut de Neurociències and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roger Mulet
- Anaxomics Biotech SL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Albert Pujol
- Joint IRB-BSC-CRG Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | | | - Xavier Navarro
- Group of Neuroplasticity and Regeneration, Institut de Neurociències and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Patrick Aloy
- Joint IRB-BSC-CRG Program in Computational Biology, Institute for Research in Biomedicine (IRB Barcelona), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Mireia Coma
- Anaxomics Biotech SL, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
- * E-mail: (CC); (MC)
| | - Caty Casas
- Group of Neuroplasticity and Regeneration, Institut de Neurociències and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red sobre Enfermedades Neurodegenerativas (CIBERNED), Bellaterra, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail: (CC); (MC)
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MMP-3 secreted from endothelial cells of blood vessels after spinal cord injury activates microglia, leading to oligodendrocyte cell death. Neurobiol Dis 2015; 82:141-151. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2015.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2014] [Revised: 06/02/2015] [Accepted: 06/08/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Pandamooz S, Nabiuni M, Miyan J, Ahmadiani A, Dargahi L. Organotypic Spinal Cord Culture: a Proper Platform for the Functional Screening. Mol Neurobiol 2015; 53:4659-74. [PMID: 26310972 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-015-9403-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2015] [Accepted: 08/17/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent improvements in organotypic slice culturing and its accompanying technological innovations have made this biological preparation increasingly useful ex vivo experimental model. Among organotypic slice cultures obtained from various central nervous regions, spinal cord slice culture is an absorbing model that represents several unique advantages over other current in vitro and in vivo models. The culture of developing spinal cord slices, as allows real-time observation of embryonic cells behaviors, is an instrumental platform for developmental investigation. Importantly, due to the ability of ex vivo models to recapitulate different aspects of corresponding in vivo conditions, these models have been subject of various manipulations to derive disease-relevant slice models. Moreover spinal cord slice cultures represent a potential platform for screening of different pharmacological agents and evaluation of cell transplantation and neuroregenerative materials. In this review, we will focus on studies carried out using the ex vivo model of spinal cord slice cultures and main advantages linked to practicality of these slices in both normal and neuropathological diseases and summarize them in different categories based on application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sareh Pandamooz
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nabiuni
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Kharazmi University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jaleel Miyan
- Neurobiology Research Group, Faculty of Life Sciences, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Abolhassan Ahmadiani
- Neuroscience Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Leila Dargahi
- NeuroBiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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The P7C3 class of neuroprotective compounds exerts antidepressant efficacy in mice by increasing hippocampal neurogenesis. Mol Psychiatry 2015; 20:500-8. [PMID: 24751964 PMCID: PMC4206684 DOI: 10.1038/mp.2014.34] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2013] [Revised: 02/13/2014] [Accepted: 02/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Augmenting hippocampal neurogenesis represents a potential new strategy for treating depression. Here we test this possibility by comparing hippocampal neurogenesis in depression-prone ghrelin receptor (Ghsr)-null mice to that in wild-type littermates and by determining the antidepressant efficacy of the P7C3 class of neuroprotective compounds. Exposure of Ghsr-null mice to chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) elicits more severe depressive-like behavior than in CSDS-exposed wild-type littermates, and exposure of Ghsr-null mice to 60% caloric restriction fails to elicit antidepressant-like behavior. CSDS resulted in more severely reduced cell proliferation and survival in the ventral dentate gyrus (DG) subgranular zone of Ghsr-null mice than in that of wild-type littermates. Also, caloric restriction increased apoptosis of DG subgranular zone cells in Ghsr-null mice, although it had the opposite effect in wild-type littermates. Systemic treatment with P7C3 during CSDS increased survival of proliferating DG cells, which ultimately developed into mature (NeuN+) neurons. Notably, P7C3 exerted a potent antidepressant-like effect in Ghsr-null mice exposed to either CSDS or caloric restriction, while the more highly active analog P7C3-A20 also exerted an antidepressant-like effect in wild-type littermates. Focal ablation of hippocampal stem cells with radiation eliminated this antidepressant effect, further attributing the P7C3 class antidepressant effect to its neuroprotective properties and resultant augmentation of hippocampal neurogenesis. Finally, P7C3-A20 demonstrated greater proneurogenic efficacy than a wide spectrum of currently marketed antidepressant drugs. Taken together, our data confirm the role of aberrant hippocampal neurogenesis in the etiology of depression and suggest that the neuroprotective P7C3-compounds represent a novel strategy for treating patients with this disease.
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Compromised MAPK signaling in human diseases: an update. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:867-82. [PMID: 25690731 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1472-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 720] [Impact Index Per Article: 80.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2015] [Accepted: 02/09/2015] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) in mammals include c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK). These enzymes are serine-threonine protein kinases that regulate various cellular activities including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis or survival, inflammation, and innate immunity. The compromised MAPK signaling pathways contribute to the pathology of diverse human diseases including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. The JNK and p38 MAPK signaling pathways are activated by various types of cellular stress such as oxidative, genotoxic, and osmotic stress as well as by proinflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin 1β. The Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway plays a key role in cancer development through the stimulation of cell proliferation and metastasis. The p38 MAPK pathway contributes to neuroinflammation mediated by glial cells including microglia and astrocytes, and it has also been associated with anticancer drug resistance in colon and liver cancer. We here summarize recent research on the roles of MAPK signaling pathways in human diseases, with a focus on cancer and neurodegenerative conditions.
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Hao XK, Wu W, Wang CX, Xie GB, Li T, Wu HM, Huang LT, Zhou ML, Hang CH, Shi JX. Ghrelin alleviates early brain injury after subarachnoid hemorrhage via the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Brain Res 2014; 1587:15-22. [PMID: 25199591 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2014.08.069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Revised: 08/25/2014] [Accepted: 08/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Early brain injury (EBI) plays a key role in the pathogenesis of subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Although the neuroprotective effects of ghrelin have been demonstrated in several studies, whether ghrelin reduces EBI after SAH remains unknown. In this study, we hypothesized that treatment with ghrelin would attenuate EBI after SAH, and that this protection would be mediated, at least in part, by activation of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (n=100) were randomly divided into the following groups: control group (n=20), SAH group (n=20), SAH+vehicle group (n=20), SAH+ghrelin group (n=20) and SAH+ghrelin+LY294002 group (n=20). The rats were injected with autologous blood (0.3mL) into the prechiasmatic cistern to induce SAH. Ghrelin (80μg/kg, IP), or an equal volume of vehicle, was administered immediately after surgery. The PI3K inhibitor, LY294002, was applied to manipulate the proposed pathway. Mortality, neurological scores, brain edema, cell apoptosis, and the expression of p-Akt, and cleaved caspase-3 proteins were assayed after 24h SAH. Ghrelin significantly improved neurological function and reduced neuronal apoptosis and brain edema at 24h after SAH. The level of p-Akt, expressed mainly in neurons, was markedly up-regulated. Additionally, the level of cleaved caspase-3 was decreased by ghrelin treatment. The beneficial effects of ghrelin in SAH rats were partially suppressed by LY294002. These results demonstrate that ghrelin may reduce EBI after SAH, via a mechanism involving the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Ke Hao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chun-Xi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Guang-Bin Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - He-Ming Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Tian Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, School of Medicine, Southern Medical University (Guangzhou), Jinling Hospital, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meng-Liang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chun-Hua Hang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ji-Xin Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China; Department of Neurosurgery, Jinling Hospital, School of Medicine, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Streijger F, Lee JHT, Duncan GJ, Ng MTL, Assinck P, Bhatnagar T, Plunet WT, Tetzlaff W, Kwon BK. Combinatorial treatment of acute spinal cord injury with ghrelin, ibuprofen, C16, and ketogenic diet does not result in improved histologic or functional outcome. J Neurosci Res 2014; 92:870-83. [PMID: 24658967 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2013] [Revised: 11/28/2013] [Accepted: 01/20/2014] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Because of the complex, multifaceted nature of spinal cord injury (SCI), it is widely believed that a combination of approaches will be superior to individual treatments. Therefore, we employed a rat model of cervical SCI to evaluate the combination of four noninvasive treatments that individually have been reported to be effective for acute SCI during clinically relevant therapeutic time windows. These treatments included ghrelin, ibuprofen, C16, and ketogenic diet (KD). These were selected not only because of their previously reported efficacy in SCI models but also for their potentially different mechanisms of action. The administration of ghrelin, ibuprofen, C16, and KD several hours to days postinjury was based on previous observations by others that each treatment had profound effects on the pathophysiology and functional outcome following SCI. Here we showed that, with the exception of a modest improvement in performance on the Montoya staircase test at 8-10 weeks postinjury, the combinatorial treatment with ghrelin, ibuprofen, C16, and KD did not result in any significant improvements in the rearing test, grooming test, or horizontal ladder. Histologic analysis of the spinal cords did not reveal any significant differences in tissue sparing between treatment and control groups. Although single approaches of ghrelin, ibuprofen, C16, and KD have been reported to be beneficial after SCI, our results show that the combination of the four interventions did not confer significant functional or histological improvements in a cervical model of SCI. Possible interactions among the treatments may have negated their beneficial effects, emphasizing the challenges that have to be addressed when considering combinatorial drug therapies for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Streijger
- International Collaboration on Repair Discoveries (ICORD), University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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de Oliveira GP, Maximino JR, Maschietto M, Zanoteli E, Puga RD, Lima L, Carraro DM, Chadi G. Early gene expression changes in skeletal muscle from SOD1(G93A) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis animal model. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2014; 34:451-62. [PMID: 24442855 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-014-0029-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 01/07/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of motor neurons. Familial ALS is strongly associated to dominant mutations in the gene for Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Recent evidences point to skeletal muscle as a primary target in the ALS mouse model. Wnt/PI3 K signaling pathways and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) have important roles in maintenance and repair of skeletal muscle. Wnt/PI3 K pathways and EMT gene expression profile were investigated in gastrocnemius muscle from SOD1(G93A) mouse model and age-paired wild-type control in the presymptomatic ages of 40 and 80 days aiming the early neuromuscular abnormalities that precede motor neuron death in ALS. A customized cDNA microarray platform containing 326 genes of Wnt/PI3 K and EMT was used and results revealed eight up-regulated (Loxl2, Pik4ca, Fzd9, Cul1, Ctnnd1, Snf1lk, Prkx, Dner) and nine down-regulated (Pik3c2a, Ripk4, Id2, C1qdc1, Eif2ak2, Rac3, Cds1, Inppl1, Tbl1x) genes at 40 days, and also one up-regulated (Pik3ca) and five down-regulated (Cd44, Eef2 k, Fzd2, Crebbp, Piki3r1) genes at 80 days. Also, protein-protein interaction networks grown from the differentially expressed genes of 40 and 80 days old mice have identified Grb2 and Src genes in both presymptomatic ages, thus playing a potential central role in the disease mechanisms. mRNA and protein levels for Grb2 and Src were found to be increased in 80 days old ALS mice. Gene expression changes in the skeletal muscle of transgenic ALS mice at presymptomatic periods of disease gave further evidence of early neuromuscular abnormalities that precede motor neuron death. The results were discussed in terms of initial triggering for neuronal degeneration and muscle adaptation to keep function before the onset of symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela P de Oliveira
- Neuroregeneration Center, Department of Neurology, University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Av. Dr. Arnaldo, 455, 2nd Floor, Room 2119, São Paulo, 01246-903, Brazil
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Mechanisms of action of brain insulin against neurodegenerative diseases. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2014; 121:611-26. [PMID: 24398779 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-013-1147-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2013] [Accepted: 12/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Insulin, a pancreatic hormone, is best known for its peripheral effects on the metabolism of glucose, fats and proteins. There is a growing body of evidence linking insulin action in the brain to neurodegenerative diseases. Insulin present in central nervous system is a regulator of central glucose metabolism nevertheless this glucoregulation is not the main function of insulin in the brain. Brain is known to be specifically vulnerable to oxidative products relative to other organs and altered brain insulin signaling may cause or promote neurodegenerative diseases which invalidates and reduces the quality of life. Insulin located within the brain is mostly of pancreatic origin or is produced in the brain itself crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters the brain via a receptor-mediated active transport system. Brain Insulin, insulin receptor and insulin receptor substrate-mediated signaling pathways play important roles in the regulation of peripheral metabolism, feeding behavior, memory and maintenance of neural functions such as neuronal growth and differentiation, neuromodulation and neuroprotection. In the present review, we would like to summarize the novel biological and pathophysiological roles of neuronal insulin in neurodegenerative diseases and describe the main signaling pathways in use for therapeutic strategies in the use of insulin to the cerebral tissues and their biological applications to neurodegenerative diseases.
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Martins I, Gomes S, Costa R, Otvos L, Oliveira C, Resende R, Pereira C. Leptin and ghrelin prevent hippocampal dysfunction induced by Aβ oligomers. Neuroscience 2013; 241:41-51. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2013.02.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2012] [Revised: 02/19/2013] [Accepted: 02/26/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
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Raimondo S, Ronchi G, Geuna S, Pascal D, Reano S, Filigheddu N, Graziani A. Ghrelin: a novel neuromuscular recovery promoting factor? INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2013; 108:207-21. [PMID: 24083436 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-410499-0.00008-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Promoting neuromuscular recovery after neural injury is a major clinical issue. While techniques for nerve reconstruction are continuously improving and most peripheral nerve lesions can be repaired today, recovery of the lost function is usually unsatisfactory. This evidence claims for innovative nonsurgical therapeutic strategies that can implement the outcome after neural repair. Although no pharmacological approach for improving posttraumatic neuromuscular recovery has still entered clinical practice, various molecules are explored in experimental models of neural repair. One of such molecules is the circulating peptide hormone ghrelin. This hormone has proved to have a positive effect on neural repair after central nervous system lesion, and very recently its effectiveness has also been demonstrated in preventing posttraumatic skeletal muscle atrophy. By contrast, no information is still available about its effectiveness on peripheral nerve regeneration although preliminary data from our laboratory suggest that this molecule can have an effect also in promoting axonal regeneration after nerve injury and repair. Should this be confirmed, ghrelin might represent an ideal candidate as a therapeutic agent for improving posttraumatic neuromuscular recovery because of its putative effects at all the various structural levels involved in this regeneration process, namely, the central nervous system, the peripheral nerve, and the target skeletal muscle.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Raimondo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin & Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, Turin, Italy
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Lee S, Kim Y, Li E, Park S. Ghrelin protects spinal cord motoneurons against chronic glutamate excitotoxicity by inhibiting microglial activation. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2012; 16:43-8. [PMID: 22416219 PMCID: PMC3298825 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2012.16.1.43] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2011] [Revised: 01/01/2012] [Accepted: 01/08/2012] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate excitotoxicity is emerging as a contributor to degeneration of spinal cord motoneurons in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Recently, we have reported that ghrelin protects motoneurons against chronic glutamate excitotoxicity through the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3β pathways. Previous studies suggest that activated microglia actively participate in the pathogenesis of ALS motoneuron degeneration. However, it is still unknown whether ghrelin exerts its protective effect on motoneurons via inhibition of microglial activation. In this study, we investigate organotypic spinal cord cultures (OSCCs) exposed to threohydroxyaspartate (THA), as a model of excitotoxic motoneuron degeneration, to determine if ghrelin prevents microglial activation. Exposure of OSCCs to THA for 3 weeks produced typical motoneuron death, and treatment of ghrelin significantly attenuated THA-induced motoneuron loss, as previously reported. Ghrelin prevented THA-induced microglial activation in the spinal cord and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Our data indicate that ghrelin may act as a survival factor for motoneurons by functioning as a microglia-deactivating factor and suggest that ghrelin may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of ALS and other neurodegenerative disorders where inflammatory responses play a critical role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sungyoub Lee
- Department of Pharmacology and Medical Research Center for Bioreaction to ROS and Biomedical Science Institute, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 130-701, Korea
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Abstract
AbstractPTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted in chromosome 10) was first identified as a candidate tumour suppressor gene located on chromosome 10q23. It is considered as one of the most frequently mutated genes in human malignancies. Emerging evidence shows that the biological function of PTEN extends beyond its tumour suppressor activity. In the central nervous system PTEN is a crucial regulator of neuronal development, neuronal survival, axonal regeneration and synaptic plasticity. Furthermore, PTEN has been linked to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Recently increased attention has been focused on PTEN as a potential target for the treatment of brain injury and neurodegeneration. In this review we discuss the essential functions of PTEN in the central nervous system and its involvement in neurodegeneration.
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