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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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2
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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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Ashwal S, Siebold L, Krueger AC, Wilson CG. Post-traumatic Neuroinflammation: Relevance to Pediatrics. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 122:50-58. [PMID: 34304972 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Both detrimental and beneficial effects of post-traumatic neuroinflammation have become a major research focus as they offer the potential for immediate as well as delayed targeted reparative therapies. Understanding the complex interactions of central and peripheral immunocompetent cells as well as their mediators on brain injury and recovery is complicated by the temporal, regional, and developmental differences in their response to injuries. Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, have become central in these investigations as they serve a major surveillance function, have the ability to react swiftly to injury, recruit various cellular and chemical mediators, and monitor the reparative/degenerative processes. In this review we describe selected aspects of this burgeoning literature, describing the critical role of cytokines and chemokines, microglia, advances in neuroimaging, genetics and fractal morphology analysis, our research efforts in this area, and selected aspects of pediatric post-traumatic neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ashwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California.
| | - Lorraine Siebold
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - A Camille Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
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Hasenmajer V, Bonaventura I, Minnetti M, Sada V, Sbardella E, Isidori AM. Non-Canonical Effects of ACTH: Insights Into Adrenal Insufficiency. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:701263. [PMID: 34489864 PMCID: PMC8416901 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.701263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) is produced from proopiomelanocortin, which is predominantly synthetized in the corticotroph and melanotroph cells of the anterior and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland and the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus. Although ACTH clearly has an effect on adrenal homeostasis and maintenance of steroid hormone production, it also has extra-adrenal effects that require further elucidation. Methods We comprehensively reviewed English language articles, regardless of whether they reported the presence or absence of adrenal and extra-adrenal ACTH effects. Results In the present review, we provide an overview on the current knowledge on adrenal and extra-adrenal effects of ACTH. In the section on adrenal ACTH effects, we focused on corticosteroid rhythmicity and effects on steroidogenesis, mineralocorticoids and adrenal growth. In the section on extra-adrenal effects, we have analyzed the effects of ACTH on the osteoarticular and reproductive systems, adipocytes, immune system, brain and skin. Finally, we focused on adrenal insufficiency. Conclusions The role of ACTH in maintaining the function of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis is well known. Conversely, if we broaden our vision and analyze its role as a potential treatment strategy in other conditions, it will be evident in the literature that researchers seem to have abandoned this aspect in studies conducted several years ago. We believe it is worth re-evaluating the role of ACTH considering its noncanonical effects on the adrenal gland itself and on extra-adrenal organs and tissues; however, this would not have been possible without the recent advances in the pertinent technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Andrea M. Isidori
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome - Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Rome, Italy
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Farkhondeh T, Ashrafizadeh M, Azimi-Nezhad M, Samini F, Aschner M, Samarghandian S. Curcumin Efficacy in a Serum/Glucose Deprivation-Induced Neuronal PC12 Injury Model. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2021; 14:1146-1155. [PMID: 33538682 PMCID: PMC8329120 DOI: 10.2174/1874467214666210203211312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glucose/serum deprivation (GSD), has been used for understanding molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage during ischemia. It has been suggested that curcumin may improve neurodegenerative diseases. AIM In this study, the protective effects of curcumin and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in PC12 cells upon GSD-induced stress. METHODS PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM overnight and then incubated in GSD condition for either 6 or 12h. GSD-treated cells were pretreated with various concentrations of curcumin (10, 20, and 40 μM) for 5h. The cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, oxidative stress, expression of apoptosis-related genes, and IL-6 were determined. RESULTS Curcumin increased cell viability and caused an anti-apoptotic effect in PC12 cells exposed for 12h to GSD . Curcumin also increased antioxidant enzyme expression, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and decreased interleukin-6 secretion in PC12 cells subjected to GSD. In addition, pretreatment with curcumin down-regulated pro-apoptotic (Bax), and up-regulated antiapoptotic (Bcl2) mediators. CONCLUSION Curcumin mitigates many of the adverse effects of ischemia, and therefore, should be considered as an adjunct therapy in ischemic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahereh Farkhondeh
- Medical Toxicology and Drug Abuse Research Center (MTDRC),
Birjand University of Medical Sciences (BUMS), Birjand. Iran
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Birjand University of Medical
Sciences, Birjand, Iran
- Innovative Medical Research Center, Mashhad Branch, Islamic
Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci
University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla,
34956 Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mohsen Azimi-Nezhad
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur
University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
- UMR INSERM U 1122, IGE-PCV “Interactions
Gène-Environnement en Physiopathologie CardioVasculaire”,
Université de Lorraine, 54000, Nancy, France
| | - Fariborz Samini
- Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad
University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein
College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Saeed Samarghandian
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Neyshabur
University of Medical Sciences, Neyshabur, Iran
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Martins CA, Neves LT, de Oliveira MMBP, Bagatini PB, Barboza R, Mestriner RG, Xavier LL, Rasia-Filho AA. Neuroprotective effect of ACTH on collagenase-induced peri-intraventricular hemorrhage in newborn male rats. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17734. [PMID: 33082383 PMCID: PMC7576182 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74712-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2019] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) is a common and serious prematurity-related complication in neonates. Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) has neuroprotective actions and is a candidate to ameliorate brain damage following PIVH. Here, we tested the efficacy of ACTH1-24 on a collagenase-induced lesion of the germinal matrix (GM) in newborn male rats. Animals received microinjection of the vehicle (PBS, 2 µl) or collagenase type VII (0.3 IU) into the GM/periventricular tissue on postnatal day (PN) 2. Twelve hours later pups received microinjection of either the agonist ACTH1-24 (0.048 mg/kg), or the antagonist SHU9119 (antagonist of MCR3/MCR4 receptors, 0.01 mg/kg), or their combination. Morphological outcomes included striatal injury extension, neuronal and glial cells counting, and immunohistochemical expression of brain lesion biomarkers ipsilateral and contralateral to the hemorrhagic site. Data were evaluated on PN 8. Collagenase induced PIVH and severe ipsilateral striatal lesion. ACTH1-24 dampened the deleterious effects of collagenase-induced hemorrhage in significantly reducing the extension of the damaged area, the striatal neuronal and glial losses, and the immunoreactive expression of the GFAP, S100β, and NG2-glia biomarkers in the affected periventricular area. SHU9119 blocked the glial density rescuing effect of ACTH1-24. ACTH1-24 could be further evaluated to determine its suitability for preclinical models of PVH in premature infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camila A Martins
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, 90170-050, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde/Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, R. Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90170-050, Brazil
| | - Laura Tartari Neves
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Marina M B P de Oliveira
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Pamela Brambilla Bagatini
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Rafaela Barboza
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Régis Gemerasca Mestriner
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Léder Leal Xavier
- Laboratório de Biologia Celular e Tecidual, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, PUCRS, Porto Alegre, 90619-900, Brazil
| | - Alberto A Rasia-Filho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, 90170-050, Brazil.
- Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde/Fisiologia, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, R. Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, RS, 90170-050, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, 90170-050, Brazil.
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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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Lisak RP, Nedelkoska L, Benjamins JA. Sigma-1 receptor agonists as potential protective therapies in multiple sclerosis. J Neuroimmunol 2020; 342:577188. [PMID: 32179326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneuroim.2020.577188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 01/17/2020] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The sigma-1 receptor (σ-1R) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) chaperone upregulated during ER stress, and regulates calcium homeostasis. Agonists of σ-1R are neuroprotective. ANAVEX2-73, a new σ-1R agonist, is undergoing several clinical trials. We show that ANAVEX2-73 protects oligodendroglia (OL) and oligodendroglial precursors (OPC) from apoptosis, excitotoxicity, reactive oxygen species (ROS) and quinolinic acid (QA), associated with inflammation. ANAVEX2-73 stimulates OPC proliferation, but does not alter early maturation to OL. We previously reported that dextromethorphan (DM), another σ-1R agonist with a different structure, had similar effects. We now show that both DM and ANAVEX2-73 protect neurons from the four cytotoxic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert P Lisak
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Liljana Nedelkoska
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Joyce A Benjamins
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Immunology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Duque-Díaz E, Alvarez-Ojeda O, Coveñas R. Enkephalins and ACTH in the mammalian nervous system. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2019; 111:147-193. [PMID: 31421699 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The pentapeptides methionine-enkephalin and leucine-enkephalin belong to the opioid family of peptides, and the non-opiate peptide adrenocorticotropin hormone (ACTH) to the melanocortin peptide family. Enkephalins/ACTH are derived from pro-enkephalin, pro-dynorphin or pro-opiomelanocortin precursors and, via opioid and melanocortin receptors, are responsible for many biological activities. Enkephalins exhibit the highest affinity for the δ receptor, followed by the μ and κ receptors, whereas ACTH binds to the five subtypes of melanocortin receptor, and is the only member of the melanocortin family of peptides that binds to the melanocortin-receptor 2 (ACTH receptor). Enkephalins/ACTH and their receptors exhibit a widespread anatomical distribution. Enkephalins are involved in analgesia, angiogenesis, blood pressure, embryonic development, emotional behavior, feeding, hypoxia, limbic system modulation, neuroprotection, peristalsis, and wound repair; as well as in hepatoprotective, motor, neuroendocrine and respiratory mechanisms. ACTH plays a role in acetylcholine release, aggressive behavior, blood pressure, bone maintenance, hyperalgesia, feeding, fever, grooming, learning, lipolysis, memory, nerve injury repair, neuroprotection, sexual behavior, sleep, social behavior, tissue growth and stimulates the synthesis and secretion of glucocorticoids. Enkephalins/ACTH are also involved in many pathologies. Enkephalins are implicated in alcoholism, cancer, colitis, depression, heart failure, Huntington's disease, influenza A virus infection, ischemia, multiple sclerosis, and stress. ACTH plays a role in Addison's disease, alcoholism, cancer, Cushing's disease, dermatitis, encephalitis, epilepsy, Graves' disease, Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, podocytopathies, and stress. In this review, we provide an updated description of the enkephalinergic and ACTH systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewing Duque-Díaz
- Universidad de Santander UDES, Laboratory of Neurosciences, School of Medicine, Bucaramanga, Colombia.
| | - Olga Alvarez-Ojeda
- Universidad Industrial de Santander, Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Bucaramanga, Colombia
| | - Rafael Coveñas
- Laboratory of Neuroanatomy of the Peptidergic Systems, Institute of Neurosciences of Castilla y León (INCYL), University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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10
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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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11
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Melanocortin receptor subtypes are expressed on cells in the oligodendroglial lineage and signal ACTH protection. J Neurosci Res 2017; 96:427-435. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2017] [Revised: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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12
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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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Dabrowski W, Kwiecien JM, Rola R, Klapec M, Stanisz GJ, Kotlinska-Hasiec E, Oakden W, Janik R, Coote M, Frey BN, Turski WA. Prolonged Subdural Infusion of Kynurenic Acid Is Associated with Dose-Dependent Myelin Damage in the Rat Spinal Cord. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0142598. [PMID: 26562835 PMCID: PMC4643054 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0142598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Accepted: 10/23/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is the end stage metabolite of tryptophan produced mainly by astrocytes in the central nervous system (CNS). It has neuroprotective activities but can be elevated in the neuropsychiatric disorders. Toxic effects of KYNA in the CNS are unknown. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the subdural KYNA infusion on the spinal cord in adult rats. METHODS A total of 42 healthy adult rats were randomly assigned into six groups and were infused for 7 days with PBS (control) or 0.0002 pmol/min, 0.01 nmol/min, 0.1 nmol/min, 1 nmol/min, and 10 nmol/min of KYNA per 7 days. The effect of KYNA on spinal cord was determined using histological and electron microscopy examination. Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) was measured in the blood serum to assess a degree of myelin damage. RESULT In all rats continuous long-lasting subdural KYNA infusion was associated with myelin damage and myelin loss that was increasingly widespread in a dose-depended fashion in peripheral, sub-pial areas. Damage to myelin sheaths was uniquely related to the separation of lamellae at the intraperiod line. The damaged myelin sheaths and areas with complete loss of myelin were associated with limited loss of scattered axons while vast majority of axons in affected areas were morphologically intact. The myelin loss-causing effect of KYNA occurred with no necrosis of oligodendrocytes, with locally severe astrogliosis and no cellular inflammatory response. Additionally, subdural KYNA infusion increased blood MOG concentration. Moreover, the rats infused with the highest doses of KYNA (1 and 10 nmol/min) demonstrated adverse neurological signs including weakness and quadriplegia. CONCLUSIONS We suggest, that subdural infusion of high dose of KYNA can be used as an experimental tool for the study of mechanisms of myelin damage and regeneration. On the other hand, the administration of low, physiologically relevant doses of KYNA may help to discover the role of KYNA in control of physiological myelination process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Dabrowski
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy Medical University, Lublin, Poland
- * E-mail:
| | - Jacek M. Kwiecien
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, M. deGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Radoslaw Rola
- Department of Neurosurgery and Paediatric Neurosurgery Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Michal Klapec
- Department of Orthopaedic and Traumatology Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Greg J. Stanisz
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Physical Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Wendy Oakden
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Rafal Janik
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Margaret Coote
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, M. deGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benicio N. Frey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, M. deGroote School of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Waldemar A. Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
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