1
|
Xia L, Li J, Pang Y, Xu M, Du Y, Chen M, Xu B, Qiu Y, Dong Z. Dihydroartemisinin promotes tau O-GlcNAcylation and improves cognitive function in hTau transgenic mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024; 135:111105. [PMID: 39053763 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
Tauopathy is a collective term for several neurodegenerative diseases characterized by the intracellular accumulation of hyperphosphorylated microtubule-associated protein Tau (P-tau). Our recent report has revealed the neuroprotective effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on mice overexpressing human Tau (hTau) in the hippocampus by enhancing O-linked-N-Acetylglucosaminylation (O-GlcNAcylation) modification. However, whether DHA can improve synaptic and cognitive function in hTau transgenic mice by specifically promoting Tau O-GlcNAcylation is still unclear. Here, we introduced hTau transgenic mice, a more optimal tauopathy model, to study the effect of DHA on Tau O-GlcNAcylation. We reported that DHA treatment alleviated the deficits of hippocampal CA1 LTP and spatial learning and memory in the Barnes maze and context fear conditioning tests in hTau transgenic mice. Mechanically, we revealed that DHA exerted a significant protective effect by upregulating Tau O-GlcNAcylation and attenuating Tau hyperphosphorylation. Through molecular docking, we found a stable binding between DHA and O-GlcNAc transferase (OGT). We further reported that DHA treatment had no effect on the expression of OGT, but it promoted OGT nuclear export, thereby enhancing OGT-mediated Tau O-GlcNAcylation. Taken together, these results indicate that DHA exerts neuroprotective effect by promoting cytoplasmic translocation of OGT and rebuilding the balance of Tau O-GlcNAcylation/phosphorylation, enhancing O-GlcNAcylation of Tau, suggesting that DHA may be a potential therapeutic agent against tauopathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xia
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Yayan Pang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Mingliang Xu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Yehong Du
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Mulan Chen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Boqing Xu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China
| | - Yiqiong Qiu
- Clinical Laboratory of Changshou District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 401220, China
| | - Zhifang Dong
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Child Neurodevelopment and Cognitive Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang J, Xue S, Teixeira AP, Fussenegger M. A Gene-Switch Platform Interfacing with Reactive Oxygen Species Enables Transcription Fine-Tuning by Soluble and Volatile Pharmacologics and Food Additives. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2306333. [PMID: 38526196 PMCID: PMC11132055 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202306333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Synthetic biology aims to engineer transgene switches for precise therapeutic protein control in cell-based gene therapies. However, off-the-shelf trigger-inducible gene circuits are usually switched on by single or structurally similar molecules. This study presents a mammalian gene-switch platform that controls therapeutic gene expression by a wide range of molecules generating low, non-toxic levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In this system, KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) serves as ROS sensor, regulating the translocation of NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) to the nucleus, where NRF2 binds to antioxidant response elements (ARE) to activate the expression of a gene of interest. It is found that a promoter containing eight-tandem ARE repeats is highly sensitive to the low ROS levels generated by the soluble and volatile molecules, which include food preservatives, food additives, pharmaceuticals, and signal transduction inducers. In a proof-of-concept study, it is shown that many of these compounds can independently trigger microencapsulated engineered cells to produce sufficient insulin to restore normoglycemia in experimental type-1 diabetic mice. It is believed that this system greatly extends the variety of small-molecule inducers available to drive therapeutic gene switches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinbo Huang
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Shuai Xue
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
- Faculty of ScienceUniversity of BaselKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Ana Palma Teixeira
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
| | - Martin Fussenegger
- Department of Biosystems Science and EngineeringETH ZurichKlingelbergstrasse 48BaselCH‐4056Switzerland
- Present address:
Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang ProvinceSchool of Life Sciences, Westlake UniversityHangzhou, ZhejiangChina
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lim HS, Park G. Artemisinin protects dopaminergic neurons against 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced neurotoxicity in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 170:115972. [PMID: 38056239 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115972] [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: 10/11/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is an antimalarial drug that has been used for almost half a century. However, the anti-Parkinson's disease (PD) effects of artemisinin with respect to 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced oxidative stress have not yet been investigated while focusing on NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling. Thus, we sought to assess the behavioral and oxidative mechanistic effects of artemisinin on MPTP-induced toxicity via the Nrf2 signaling pathway. We explored this through immunohistochemical assays, ELISA, in differentiated PC12 cells treated with siRNA, and with a PD mouse model. Artemisinin increased Nrf2 DNA-binding activity and HO-1 and NQO1 expression. Artemisinin treatment protected cells against MPP+ -induced neuronal death signaling, including NADH dehydrogenase activity, reactive oxygen species, mitochondrial membrane potential, and cleaved caspase-3. Moreover, it protected cells against MPTP-induced behavioral impairments and significantly reduced dopaminergic neuronal loss. Additionally, Nrf2 pre-inhibition using ML385 neutralized the inhibitory effects of artemisinin on dopaminergic neuronal damage and behavioral impairments induced by MPTP. Our results suggest that artemisinin inhibits MPTP-induced behavioral and neurotoxic effects in mice. This provides a foundation for further research to evaluate artemisinin as a potential therapeutic agent for PD.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Rats
- Mice
- Animals
- Parkinson Disease/drug therapy
- 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/metabolism
- 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/pharmacology
- 1-Methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine/therapeutic use
- Dopaminergic Neurons
- NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- Neuroprotective Agents/therapeutic use
- Neuroprotective Agents/metabolism
- Neurotoxicity Syndromes/metabolism
- Artemisinins/pharmacology
- Artemisinins/therapeutic use
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Disease Models, Animal
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye-Sun Lim
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 111 Geonjae-ro, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do 58245, Republic of Korea
| | - Gunhyuk Park
- Herbal Medicine Resources Research Center, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, 111 Geonjae-ro, Naju-si, Jeollanam-do 58245, Republic of Korea; University of Science & Technology (UST), Korean Convergence Medicine Major, Campus of Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
She L, Sun J, Xiong L, Li A, Li L, Wu H, Ren J, Wang W, Liang G, Zhao X. Ginsenoside RK1 improves cognitive impairments and pathological changes in Alzheimer's disease via stimulation of the AMPK/Nrf2 signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 122:155168. [PMID: 37925892 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is complex, resulting in unsatisfactory effects of single-target therapeutic drugs. Accumulation evidence suggests that low toxicity multi-target drugs may play effective roles in AD. Ginseng is the root and rhizome of Panax ginseng Meyer, which can be used not only as herbal medicine but also as a functional food to support body functions. Ginsenoside RK1 (RK1), obtained from ginseng plants through high-temperature treatment, has antiapoptotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and these events are involved in the development of AD. So, we believe that RK1 may be an effective drug for the treatment of AD. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE We aimed to investigate the potential protective effects and mechanisms of RK1 in AD. METHODS Neuronal damage was detected by MTT assay, LDH assay, immunofluorescence and western blotting. Oxidative stress was measured by JC-1 staining, reactive oxygen species (ROS) staining, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malonaldehyde (MDA). The cognitive deficit was measured through morris water maze (MWM) and novel object recognition (NOR) tests. RESULTS RK1 attenuated Aβ-induced apoptosis, restored mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), and reduced intracellular levels of ROS in both PC12 cells and primary cultured neurons. In vivo, RK1 significantly improved cognitive deficits and mitigated AD-like pathological features. Notably, RK1 demonstrated superior efficacy compared to the positive control drug, donepezil. Mechanistically, our study elucidates that RK1 modulates the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and its downstream target, NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), leading to the optimization of mitochondrial membrane potential, reduction of ROS levels, and mitigation of AD-like pathology. It's noteworthy that blocking the AMPK signaling pathway attenuated the protective effects of RK1. CONCLUSION RK1 demonstrates superior efficacy in alleviating cognitive deficits and mitigating pathological changes compared to donepezil. These findings suggest the potential utility of RK1-based therapies in the development of treatments for AD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu She
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin 133002, China
| | - Jinfeng Sun
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, Jilin 133002, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Ankang Li
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Yongkang, Zhejiang 321399, China
| | - Liwei Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Haibin Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Juan Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Affiliated Yongkang First People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Yongkang, Zhejiang 321399, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
| | - Xia Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China; Zhejiang TCM Key Laboratory of Pharmacology and Translational Research of Natural Products, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310014, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang Y, Su R, Chen J, Liu X, Luo J, Lao Y, Huang P, Shi J, Jiang C, Liao L, Zhang J. Synthesis of 1,3,5-triphenyl-1,2,4-triazole derivatives and their neuroprotection by anti-oxidative stress and anti-inflammation and protecting BBB. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 260:115742. [PMID: 37651874 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115742] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a serious cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease; Oxidative stress and neuroinflammation are important factors which destroy blood-brain barrier (BBB) in AIS. In the study, a series of 1,3,5-triphenyl-1,2,4-triazole derivatives were designed and synthesized; the optimal compound 9 was obtained by screening their anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects; the neuroprotection effect of compound 9 was evaluated with a rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model. Subsequently, the mechanism of neuroprotection were explored via Western blot. The results prompt compound 9 maybe exert anti-AIS neuroprotection by inhibiting oxidative stress and neuroinflammation inhibition by inhibiting Keap1, COX-2 and iNOS. At the same time, it can protect BBB by reducing glycocalyx degradation and matrix metallopeptidase-9 levels. Its LD50 > 1000 mg/kg on mice and hERG channel inhibition IC50 > 30 μM, which lower acute toxicity and hERG channel inhibition would make compound 9 a promising stroke treatment candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Ruiqi Su
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jianwen Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Xuan Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jingning Luo
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yaoqiang Lao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jinguo Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Caibao Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Liping Liao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jingxia Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Li Q, Li S, Fang J, Yang C, Zhao X, Wang Q, Zhou W, Zheng W. Artemisinin Confers Neuroprotection against 6-OHDA-Induced Neuronal Injury In Vitro and In Vivo through Activation of the ERK1/2 Pathway. Molecules 2023; 28:5527. [PMID: 37513399 PMCID: PMC10385954 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is an age-related, progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by the gradual and massive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc). We have recently reported that artemisinin, an FDA-approved first-line antimalarial drug, possesses a neuroprotective effect. However, the effects and underlying mechanisms of artemisinin on Parkinson's disease remain to be elucidated. In this study, we investigated the neuroprotective effects of artemisinin on 6-OHDA and MPP+ in neuronal cells and animal models, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Our results showed that artemisinin significantly attenuated the loss of cell viability, LDH release, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), the collapse of the mitochondria trans-membrane potential and cell apoptosis in PC12 cells. Western blot results showed that artemisinin stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, its upstream signaling proteins c-Raf and MEK and its downstream target CREB in PC12 cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. In addition, the protective effect of artemisinin was significantly reduced when the ERK pathway was blocked using the ERK pathway inhibitor PD98059 or when the expression of ERK was knocked down using sgRNA. These results indicate the essential role of ERK in the protective effect of artemisinin. Similar results were obtained in SH-SY5Y cells and primary cultured neurons treated with 6-OHDA, as well as in cellular models of MPP+ injury. More interestingly, artemisinin attenuated PD-like behavior deficit in mice injected with 6-OHDA evaluated by behavioral tests including swimming test, pole-test, open field exploration and rotarod tests. Moreover, artemisinin also stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2, inhibited apoptosis, and rescued dopaminergic neurons in SNc of these animals. Application of ERK pathway inhibitor PD98059 blocked the protective effect of artemisinin in mice during testing. Taking these results together, it was indicated that artemisinin preserves neuroprotective effects against 6-OHDA and MPP+ induced injury both in vitro and in vivo by the stimulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. Our findings support the potential therapeutic effect of artemisinin in the prevention and treatment of Parkinson's disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Li
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 3057, Building E12, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
- School of pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310059, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 3057, Building E12, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Molecular Imaging, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Zhuhai 519000, China
| | - Jiankang Fang
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 3057, Building E12, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 3057, Building E12, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 3057, Building E12, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
- School of pharmacy, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou 310059, China
| | - Qing Wang
- Department of Neurology, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China
| | - Wenshu Zhou
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 3057, Building E12, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Room 3057, Building E12, Taipa, Macau SAR 999078, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Artemisia annua Extract Improves the Cognitive Deficits and Reverses the Pathological Changes of Alzheimer’s Disease via Regulating YAP Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065259. [PMID: 36982332 PMCID: PMC10049624 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by the occurrence of cognitive deficits. With no effective treatments available, the search for new effective therapies has become a major focus of interest. In the present study, we describe the potential therapeutic effect of Artemisia annua (A. annua) extract on AD. Nine-month-old female 3xTg AD mice were treated with A. annua extract for three months via oral administration. Animals assigned to WT and model groups were administrated with an equal volume of water for the same period. Treated AD mice significantly improved the cognitive deficits and exhibited reduced Aβ accumulation, hyper-phosphorylation of tau, inflammatory factor release and apoptosis when compared with untreated AD mice. Moreover, A. annua extract promoted the survival and proliferation of neural progenitor cells (NPS) and increased the expression of synaptic proteins. Further assessment of the implicated mechanisms revealed that A. annua extract regulates the YAP signaling pathway in 3xTg AD mice. Further studies comprised the incubation of PC12 cells with Aβ1–42 at a concentration of 8 μM with or without different concentrations of A. annua extract for 24 h. Obtained ROS levels, mitochondrial membrane potential, caspase-3 activity, neuronal cell apoptosis and assessment of the signaling pathways involved was performed using western blot and immunofluorescence staining. The obtained results showed that A. annua extract significantly reversed the Aβ1–42-induced increase in ROS levels, caspase-3 activity and neuronal cell apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, either inhibition of the YAP signaling pathway, using a specific inhibitor or CRISPR cas9 knockout of YAP gene, reduced the neuroprotective effect of the A. annua extract. These findings suggest that A. annua extract may be a new multi-target anti-AD drug with potential use in the prevention and treatment of AD.
Collapse
|
8
|
Gao Y, Liao W, Zhang R, Lei Y, Chen T, Wu L, Li M, Liu X, Cai F. PK2/PKRs pathway is involved in the protective effect of artemisinin against trimethyltin chloride-induced hippocampal injury. Toxicology 2023; 486:153432. [PMID: 36696940 DOI: 10.1016/j.tox.2023.153432] [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: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is one of the important mechanisms of trimethyltin chloride (TMT) central neurotoxicity. Artemisinin (ARS) is a well-known antimalarial drug that also has significant anti-inflammatory effects. Prokineticin 2 (PK2) is a small molecule secreted protein that is widely expressed in the nervous system and plays a key role in the development of neuroinflammation. However, it remains unclear whether ARS can ameliorate neuroinflammation caused by TMT and whether PK2/PKRs signaling pathway plays a part in it. In this research, male Balb/c mice were administered TMT (2.8 mg/kg, i.p.) followed by immunohistochemistry to assess the expression of PK2, PKR1, and PKR2 proteins in the hippocampus. Network pharmacology was used to predict the intersection targets of ARS, central nervous system(CNS) injury and TMT. The neurobehavior of mice was evaluated by behavioral scores. Histopathological damage of the hippocampus was evaluated by HE, Nissl and Electron microscopy. Western blotting was used to identify the expression of synapse-related proteins (PSD95, SYN1, Synaptophysin), PK system-related proteins (PK2, PKR1, PKR2), and inflammation-related proteins (TNF-α, NF-κB p65). Immunohistochemistry showed that TMT resulted in elevated PK2 and PKR2 protein expression in the CA2 and CA3 regions of the hippocampus in mice, while PKR1 protein was not significantly altered. Network pharmacology showed that PK2 could interact with the intersectional targets of ARS, CNS injury, and TMT. ARS remarkably attenuated TMT-induced seizures and hippocampal histological damage. Further studies demonstrated that ARS treatment attenuated TMT-induced hippocampal ultrastructural damage, possibly by increasing the number of rough endoplasmic reticulum and mitochondria as well as upregulating the levels of synapse-associated proteins (PSD95, SYN1, Synaptophysin). Western blotting results revealed that ARS downregulated TMT-induced TNF-α and NF-κB p65 protein levels. In addition, ARS also decreased TMT-induced protein expression of PK2 and PKR2 in the mouse hippocampus, but had no significant effect on PKR1 protein expression. Our results suggested that ARS ameliorated TMT-induced abnormal neural behavior and hippocampal injury, which may be achieved by regulating PK2/PKRs inflammatory pathway and ameliorating synaptic injury. Therefore, we suggest that PK2/PKRs pathway may be involved in TMT neurotoxicity and ARS may be a promising drug that can relieve TMT neurotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuting Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, 437100, China; School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, 437100, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Wenli Liao
- Basic Medical School, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Ruyi Zhang
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Yining Lei
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Tao Chen
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Lingling Wu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Manqin Li
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Xinran Liu
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China
| | - Fei Cai
- School of Stomatology and Ophthalmology, Xianning Medical College, Hubei University of Science and Technology, 437100, China; Hubei Key Laboratory of Diabetes and Angiopathy, Hubei University of Science and Technology, Xianning 437100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Artemisinin Alleviates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion-Induced Oxidative Damage via Regulating PHB2-Mediated Autophagy in the Human Neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y Cell Line. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:6568748. [PMID: 36567858 PMCID: PMC9780004 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6568748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress plays a key role in cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury. Artemisinin (ART) has antioxidative stress activity in addition to its powerful antimalarial effects. In this article, we investigated the effect of ART on OGD/R-induced oxidative stress injury and its underlying mechanisms. We used oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) to establish an in vitro model of cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. CCK-8 and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release were used to assess cellular damage. Measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) estimates oxidative stress-induced damage and protection from ART effect. OGD/R treatment aggravated oxidative stress damage, whereas ART reversed the effects of OGD/R. Autophagy is closely related to oxidative stress; in order to confirm whether the antioxidative stress effect of ART is related to PHB2-mediated autophagy, we examined the protein expression of prohibitin 2 (PHB2), TOMM20, p62, and the conversion of microtubule-associated protein light chain 3I (LC3I) to LC3II and found that the protein expression of PHB2, TOMM20, p62, and LC3II/LC3I was significantly correlated with OGD/R treatment. The colocalization of PHB2 and LC3, TOMM20, and LC3 was reduced after OGD/R treatment, and ART reversed this change. After silencing PHB2, the protective effect of ART against OGD/R-induced oxidative stress injury was reduced, the protein expressions of PHB2, TOMM20 and LC3II/LC3I and the colocalization of PHB2 and LC3, TOMM20, and LC3 were decreased. We used chloroquine to block the lysosomal pathway and found that ART increased the conversion of LC3I to LC3II, silencing PHB2 which inhibited the conversion of LC3I to LC3II, and impaired mitophagy. Our findings showed that ART attenuated OGD/R-induced oxidative stress damage through PHB2-mediated mitophagy. To the current knowledge, our study is the first to demonstrate that ART attenuates OGD/R-induced oxidative stress injury through PHB2-mediated autophagy in the human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cell line, which provided new insights into the treatment of OGD/R injury.
Collapse
|
10
|
Arthur R, Navik U, Kumar P. Repurposing artemisinins as neuroprotective agents: a focus on the PI3k/Akt signalling pathway. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 396:593-605. [PMID: 36464748 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02350-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives, since their discovery by professor Tu Youyou in the early 1970s, have been the bedrock for the management of malaria globally. Recent works have implied that they could be used to manage other diseases including neurodegenerative disorders. Neurodegenerative disorders mainly occur in the adult population resulting from a progressive deterioration of neuronal structures. These include Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Huntington's disease (HD), and Multiple sclerosis (MS), among others. The PI3K/Akt signaling pathway plays a significant role in the central nervous system. It has been investigated extensively for its role in central nervous system physiological processes such as cell survival, autophagy, neuronal proliferation, and synaptic plasticity. Therefore, the modulation of this pathway will be crucial in the management of neurodegenerative disorders. This review seeks to compile most of the research findings on the possible neuroprotective role of artemisinins with special emphasis on their modulatory role on the PI3k/Akt pathway. A literature survey was conducted on PubMed, EBSCO, Web of Science, and EMBASE using the keyword artemisinins, and a total of 10,281 articles were retrieved from 1956 to 2022. Among these, 120 articles were examined using Mesh words like PI3k/Akt, neurodegeneration, and neuroinflammation coupled with boolean operators. Most research revealed that artemisinins could help neurodegenerative disorders by modulating the PI3k/Akt with subsequent inhibition of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis. This paper illustrates that artemisinins could be repurposed as a neuroprotective agent.
Collapse
|
11
|
Sailike B, Omarova Z, Jenis J, Adilbayev A, Akbay B, Askarova S, Jin WL, Tokay T. Neuroprotective and anti-epileptic potentials of genus Artemisia L. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1021501. [DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1021501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Genus Artemisia L. is one of the largest genera in the Asteraceae family growing wild over in Europe, North America, and Central Asia and has been widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of various ailments. Phytochemical and psychopharmacological studies indicated that the genus Artemisia extracts contain various antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds and possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antimalarial, and antitumor activity. Recently, increasing experimental studies demonstrated that many Artemisia extracts offer a great antiepileptic potential, which was attributed to their bioactive components via various mechanisms of action. However, detailed literature on the antiepileptic properties of the genus Artemisia and its mechanism of action is segregated. In this review, we tried to gather the detailed neuroprotective and antiepileptic properties of the genus Artemisia and its possible underlying mechanisms. In this respect, 63 articles were identified in the PubMed and Google scholars databases, from which 18 studies were examined based on the pharmacological use of the genus Artemisia species in epilepsy. The genus Artemisia extracts have been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neurotransmitter-modulating, anti-apoptotic, anticonvulsant, and pro-cognitive properties by modulating oxidative stress caused by mitochondrial ROS production and an imbalance of antioxidant enzymes, by protecting mitochondrial membrane potential required for ATP production, by upregulating GABA-A receptor and nACh receptor activities, and by interfering with various anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways, such as mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, ERK/CREB/Bcl-2 pathway and Nrf2 pathway. This review provides detailed information about some species of the genus Artemisia as potential antiepileptic agents. Hence, we recommend further investigations on the purification and identification of the most biological effective compounds of Artemisia and the mechanisms of their action to cure epilepsy and other neurological diseases.
Collapse
|
12
|
Zheng Y, Li R, Fan X. Targeting Oxidative Stress in Intracerebral Hemorrhage: Prospects of the Natural Products Approach. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11091811. [PMID: 36139885 PMCID: PMC9495708 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), the second most common subtype of stroke, remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. The pathological mechanism of ICH is very complex, and it has been demonstrated that oxidative stress (OS) plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ICH. Previous studies have shown that OS is a therapeutic target after ICH, and antioxidants have also achieved some benefits in the treatment of ICH. This review aimed to explore the promise of natural products therapy to target OS in ICH. We searched PubMed using the keywords “oxidative stress in intracerebral hemorrhage” and “natural products in intracerebral hemorrhage”. Numerous animal and cell studies on ICH have demonstrated the potent antioxidant properties of natural products, including polyphenols and phenolic compounds, terpenoids, alkaloids, etc. In summary, natural products such as antioxidants offer the possibility of treatment of OS after ICH. However, researchers still have a long way to go to apply these natural products for the treatment of ICH more widely in the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Xiang Fan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0571-8661-0596
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lao Y, Huang P, Chen J, Wang Y, Su R, Shao W, Hu W, Zhang J. Discovery of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives as novel neuroprotectants against cerebral ischemic injury by activating antioxidant response element. Bioorg Chem 2022; 128:106096. [PMID: 35985158 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.106096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Acute ischemic stroke is an important cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. In this work, we have synthesized a series of derivatives with 3,5‑diaryl substituent triazole scaffolds. The derivatives showed favorable protective effective in SNP-induced oxidative stress model, of which compound 5 was the most active. In vivo experiments showed that compound 5 could ameliorate neurological deficits, attenuate infarction sizes, reduce malonaldehyde (MDA) level and increase superoxide dismutase (SOD) level in middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) rats. Preliminary safety evaluation showed that compound 5 exhibited low acute toxicity in BALB/c mice (LD50 greater than 1000 mg/kg). Further investigation indicated that compound 5 was able to scavenge ROS, restore mitochondrial membrane potential and protect PC12 cells from SNP-induced apoptosis. Moreover, compound 5 could initiate transcription of antioxidant response element (ARE) and induced expressions of antioxidative enzymes. Collectively, compound 5 might have the potency of treating acute ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yaoqiang Lao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Ping Huang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jianwen Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Ruiqi Su
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Weiyan Shao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Wenhao Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jingxia Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Peng T, Li S, Liu L, Yang C, Farhan M, Chen L, Su Q, Zheng W. Artemisinin attenuated ischemic stroke induced cell apoptosis through activation of ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo. Int J Biol Sci 2022; 18:4578-4594. [PMID: 35864966 PMCID: PMC9295073 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.69892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is characterized by the presence of both brain ischemic and reperfusion-induced injuries in the brain, leading to neuronal dysfunction and death. Artemisinin, an FDA-approved antimalarial drug, has been reported to have neuroprotective properties. However, the effect of artemisinin on ischemic stroke is not known. In the present study, we investigated the effect of artemisinin on ischemic stroke using an oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/RP) cellular model and a mouse middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model and examined the underlying mechanisms. The obtained results revealed that a subclinical antimalarial concentration of artemisinin increased cell viability and decreased LDH release and cell apoptosis. Artemisinin also attenuated the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm). Importantly, artemisinin attenuated the infarction volume and the brain water content in the MCAO animal model. Artemisinin also improved neurological and behavioural outcomes and restored grasp strength and the recovery of motor function in MCAO animals. Furthermore, artemisinin treatment significantly inhibited the molecular indices of apoptosis, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation and activated the ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway. Further validation of the involved signaling pathway by the ERK1/2 inhibitor PD98059 revealed that inhibiting the ERK1/2 signaling pathway or silencing ERK1/2 reversed the neuroprotective effects of artemisinin. These results indicate that artemisinin provides neuroprotection against ischemic stroke via the ERK1/2/CREB/BCL-2 signaling pathway. Our study suggests that artemisinin may play an important role in the prevention and treatment of stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tangming Peng
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University and Neurosurgical Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Linlin Liu
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Mohd Farhan
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Ligang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University and Neurosurgical Clinical Research Center of Sichuan Province, Luzhou, China
| | - Qiaozhu Su
- Institute for Global Food Security, School of Biological Sciences, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 5DL, United Kingdom
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Faculty of Health Science, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Current Progress on Neuroprotection Induced by Artemisia, Ginseng, Astragalus, and Ginkgo Traditional Chinese Medicines for the Therapy of Alzheimer's Disease. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:3777021. [PMID: 35746960 PMCID: PMC9213169 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3777021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Aging is associated with the occurrence of diverse degenerative changes in various tissues and organs and with an increased incidence of neurological disorders, especially neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). In recent years, the search for effective components derived from medicinal plants in delaying aging and preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases has been increasing and the number of related publications shows a rising trend. Here, we present a concise, updated review on the preclinical and clinical research progress in the assessment of the therapeutic potential of different traditional Chinese medicines and derived active ingredients and their effect on the signaling pathways involved in AD neuroprotection. Recognized by their multitargeting ability, these natural compounds hold great potential in developing novel drugs for AD.
Collapse
|
16
|
Zhang L, Li N, Zhang H, Wang Y, Gao T, Zhao Y, Wang G, Yu Y, Wang C, Li Y. Artesunate Therapy Alleviates Fracture-Associated Chronic Pain After Orthopedic Surgery by Suppressing CCL21-Dependent TREM2/DAP12 Inflammatory Signaling in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:894963. [PMID: 35721188 PMCID: PMC9202025 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.894963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain after bone fracture and orthopedic surgery is often refractory to most analgesics currently in use, thus emphasizing the urgent need for improved therapeutic medications. Chemokine-dependent neuroinflammation is critical for excitatory synaptic plasticity and central nociception sensitization. Recent studies have focused on the inhibition of inflammatory responses by artesunate, the first anti-malaria drug extracted from artemisinin. The present study investigated the analgesic effects and potential targets of artesunate in a mouse model of chronic pain induced by tibial fracture and orthopedic surgery. Three injections of artesunate were intrathecally administered on a daily basis from days 4 to 6 after fracture. We reported that repetitive exposure to artesunate (10 and 100 μg but not 1 μg) dose-dependently prevented fracture-induced mechanical and cold allodynia. Moreover, single intrathecal injection of artesunate (100 μg) alleviated the established chronic pain on day 14 after fracture surgery. Intraperitoneal artesunate (10 and 50 mg kg-1) therapy was effective against chronic fracture pain. Intriguingly, artesunate inhibited the upregulation of spinal chemokine CCL21, triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells 2 (TREM2) and DNAX-activating protein of 12 kDa (DAP12) expressions and microglia activation in fracture mice. Furthermore, spinal CCL21 neutralization attenuated the severity of fracture-associated post-surgical pain. Exogenous CCL21-induced acute inflammatory pain was impaired by artesunate therapy. Additionally, the pharmacological blockage of TREM2 reduced recombinant CCL21-elicited behavioral hypernociception. The present findings demonstrate that artesunate therapy reduces the initiation and maintenance of fracture-associated chronic postoperative pain by inhibiting CCL21-dependent TREM2/DAP12 inflammatory signaling and microglia activation, thus suggesting that artesunate could emerge as a therapeutic strategy for fracture pain management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Haoyue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yigang Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Tianyu Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuying Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Guolin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yonghao Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wang J, Yin J, Zheng X. Artemisinin upregulates neural cell adhesion molecule L1 to attenuate neurological deficits after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice. Brain Behav 2022; 12:e2558. [PMID: 35349764 PMCID: PMC9120716 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a subtype of stroke and results in neurological deficits in patients without any effective treatments. Artemisinin (ART), a well-known antimalarial Chinese medicine, exerts multiple essential roles in the central and peripheral nervous system due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammation properties. Neural cell adhesion molecule L1 (L1CAM, L1) is considered to be implicated in neural development, functional maintenance, and neuroprotection during disease. However, whether these two essential molecules are neuroprotective in ICH remains unclear. METHODS Therefore, the present study investigated the influence of ART on the recovery of neurological deficits in a mouse model of ICH induced by collagenase and the underlying mechanism. RESULTS It was revealed that ART is capable of upregulating L1 expression to alleviate brain edema, reduce oxidative stress, and inhibit inflammation to alleviate ICH-induced brain injury to improve the neurological outcome in mice suffering from ICH. CONCLUSION These results may lay the foundation for ART to be a novel candidate treatment for ICH.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jianjiang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region, Urumqi, China
| | - Xi Zheng
- Department of Neurosurgery, General Hospital of Xinjiang Military Region, Urumqi, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhang L, Zhao Y, Gao T, Zhang H, Li J, Wang G, Wang C, Li Y. Artesunate Reduces Remifentanil-induced Hyperalgesia and Peroxiredoxin-3 Hyperacetylation via Modulating Spinal Metabotropic Glutamate Receptor 5 in Rats. Neuroscience 2022; 487:88-98. [PMID: 35026318 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2022.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The experimental investigations on the pathogenesis of remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH) have been primarily conducted, but the effective treatment of RIH remains unclear. Recent reports highlight the necessity of ionotropic glutamate receptors in oxidative damage in spinal nociceptive transduction. Artesunate, the 1st-line anti-malaria drug, has been identified to be valid in removing superoxide in several pathological conditions. This study evaluated whether artesunate inhibits RIH via regulating metabotropic glutamate receptor 5 (mGluR5) and mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme peroxiredoxin-3 in rats. Artesunate was injected intrathecally 10 min before intravenous infusion of remifentanil (1 μg·kg-1·min-1 for 60 min) in rats. The antinociception of artesunate was verified by assessment of paw withdrawal mechanical threshold and paw withdrawal thermal latency. Spinal mGluR5 expression and peroxiredoxin-3 hyperacetylation were examined. Also, both the mGluR5 agonist DHPG and antagonist MPEP were utilized to explore the involvement of mGluR5 in the anti-hyperalgesic property of artesunate. Here, we found that artesunate (10 μg and 100 μg but not 1 μg) prevented RIH in a dose-dependent manner. Artesunate reduced remifentanil-related spinal over-expression of mGluR5 gene and protein, and hyperacetylation of peroxiredoxin-3. Intrathecal application of MPEP (10 nmol and 100 nmol but not 1 nmol) inhibited behavioral RIH and peroxiredoxin-3 acetylation. Moreover, hyperalgesia and peroxiredoxin-3 hyperacetylation were attenuated after the combination of artesunate (1 μg) and MPEP (1 nmol). Additionally, artesunate treatment reversed acute pain and peroxiredoxin-3 hyperacetylation following spinal exposure to DHPG. In conclusion, intrathecal injection of artesunate impairs RIH by down-regulating spinal mGluR5 expression and peroxiredoxin-3 hyperacetylation-mediated oxidative stress in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yuying Zhao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Tianyu Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Haoyue Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Guolin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Chunyan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin 300052, China
| | - Yize Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China; Tianjin Research Institute of Anesthesiology, Tianjin 300052, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Chen Q, Kao X, Gao Y, Chen J, Dong Z, Chen C. Increase in NO causes osteoarthritis and chondrocyte apoptosis and chondrocyte ERK plays a protective role in the process. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:7303-7312. [PMID: 34626310 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06731-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nitric oxide (NO) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) play an important role in the pathology of human osteoarthritis (OA). Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and atypical OA have similar clinical manifestations and often require differential diagnosis. The mechanism is however not totally clear yet. This study aims to investigate the effects of excessive NO-ROS in OA patients and the effects of extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) pathway in NO-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes during OA progress. METHODS AND RESULTS Serum samples from OA or AS as pathological control patients and healthy controls were collected for NO and related chemical measurements. The rabbit articular chondrocytes were cultured in vitro, and NO was applied by Sodium Nitroprusside (SNP) in culture medium to mimic OA condition in patients. The level of SNP-evoked chondrocyte apoptosis with or without PD98059 (ERK-specific inhibitor) was evaluated by TUNEL assay, Annexin V flow cytometry and Western blotting. The activity and mRNA expression of caspase-3 in chondrocytes were measured by assay kits and RT-PCR. The levels of NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) in serum were significantly higher in OA patients, while only MDA was significantly higher in AS patients. However, the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was lower in both OA and AS patients. SNP induced chondrocyte apoptosis was enhanced by PD98059 with increased protein expression and functional activity of caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS The increase in nitric oxide occurs specifically in OA patients. ERK pathway may play a protective role on the NO-induced chondrocyte apoptosis, and inhibition of ERK pathway enhances the NO-induced apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qun Chen
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.
| | - Xibin Kao
- Institute for Hygiene of Ordnance Industry, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Gao
- Institute of Health Supervision, Beilin District, Xi'an, 710003, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Jinghong Chen
- Institute of Endemic Diseases, Key Laboratory of Trace Elements and Endemic Diseases, National Health Commission of the People's Republic of China, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhaoheng Dong
- Shandong Shenghua Electronic New Materials Co., Ltd, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Endocrinology, Faculty of Medicine, School of Biomedical Sciences,, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Artemisinin Reverses Glucocorticoid-Induced Injury in Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells through Regulation of ERK1/2-CREB Signaling Pathway. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:5574932. [PMID: 34567410 PMCID: PMC8463250 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoids are the most common cause of secondary osteoporosis, which affects both women (pre- and postmenopausal) and men. In cases of prolonged treatment, glucocorticoids promote the loss and inactivation of the differentiational function of bone marrow mesenchymal stromal cells (BMSCs), risking the development of skeletal system diseases such as osteoporosis. This study reports for the first time the protective effect of the antimalarial artemisinin against glucocorticoid-induced insults on primary cultured rat BMSCs. At relatively low concentrations, artemisinin treatment improved BMSC survival by promoting a decline of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production that correlated with the decrease of caspase-3 activation, LDH release, mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) loss, and apoptosis induced by dexamethasone (DEXA). In addition, artemisinin improved the osteogenic differentiation of DEXA-damaged cells. DEXA inhibited extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and artemisinin treatment promoted their activation in a concentration-dependent manner. PD98059, the specific inhibitor of the ERK1/2 pathway, blocked ERK1/2 phosphorylation and artemisinin protection. Similarly, siCREB attenuated the protective effect of artemisinin, strongly suggesting the involvement of the ERK1/2-CREB pathway in the protective action of artemisinin against DEXA-induced damage in BMSCs. In addition, we found that the expression of antiapoptotic protein B-cell lymphoma 2 protein (BCL-2) was also upregulated by artemisinin. These studies demonstrate the therapeutic potential of artemisinin in the survival improvement of BMSCs exposed to glucocorticoid-induced apoptosis and suggest that artemisinin-mediated protection may occur via the activation of ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
21
|
Xia L, Pang Y, Li J, Wu B, Du Y, Chen Y, Luo M, Wang Y, Dong Z. Dihydroartemisinin Induces O-GlcNAcylation and Improves Cognitive Function in a Mouse Model of Tauopathy. J Alzheimers Dis 2021; 84:239-248. [PMID: 34511503 DOI: 10.3233/jad-210643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tauopathies are a group of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and frontotemporal lobar degeneration with tau pathology. Hyperphosphorylation modification promotes tau protein misfolding and aggregation into neurofibrillary tangles, leading to impairments of synaptic plasticity and learning and memory. However, very limited therapeutic strategies are available. OBJECTIVE In the present study, we wanted to investigate the potential effects of Dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on tauopathies. METHODS We constructed adeno-associated virus carrying hTau cDNA (AAVhTau) to establish a mouse model of tauopathy through intrahippocampal microinjection. Using a combination of behavioral test, electrophysiological recording, and western blotting assay, we examined the neuroprotective effects of DHA on learning and memory deficits in mice with tauopathy. RESULTS DHA improved learning and memory and increased hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) in mice overexpressed human tau (hTau) in the hippocampus. More importantly, further study revealed that DHA could induce protein O-GlcNAcylation modification and reduce protein phosphorylation. O-GlcNAc transferase inhibitor alloxan could suppress DHA-induced protein O-GlcNAcylation, and subsequently prevent therapeutic effect of DHA on the deficits of learning and memory as well as synaptic plasticity in hTau mice. CONCLUSION These results indicate that DHA may exert neuroprotective role in tauopathy through a crosstalk between O-GlcNAcylation and phosphorylation, suggesting a potential therapeutic for learning and memory deficits associated with tau pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xia
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yayan Pang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Junjie Li
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yehong Du
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuxin Chen
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Man Luo
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhifang Dong
- Pediatric Research Institute, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Child Health and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Chen S, Wu L, He B, Zhou G, Xu Y, Zhu G, Xie J, Chen S, Yao L, Huang J, Wu H, Xiao Z. Artemisinin Facilitates Motor Function Recovery by Enhancing Motoneuronal Survival and Axonal Remyelination in Rats Following Brachial Plexus Root Avulsion. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:3148-3156. [PMID: 34465091 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.1c00120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin (ART), a well-known antimalarial medicine originally isolated from the plant Artemisia annua, exerts neuroprotective effects in the nervous system owing to an antioxidant effect. Here, we determined whether ART is capable of inhibiting the oxidative stress to enhance motoneuronal (MN) survival to promote motor function recovery of rats following brachial plexus root avulsion (BPRA) with reimplantation surgery. Rats following BPRA and reimplantation were subcutaneously injected with 500 μL of PBS or 16 mg/mL ART once daily for 7 days after surgery. Terzis grooming test (TGT), histochemical staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blot were conducted to determine the recovery of motor function of the upper limb, the survival rate of MNs, the oxidative stress levels in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, the morphology of abnormal musculocutaneous nerve fibers, the remyelination of axons in musculocutaneous nerves, and the degree of bicep atrophy. ART significantly increased TGT score, improved the survival of MNs, inhibited the oxidative stress, ameliorated the abnormal morphology of fibers in the musculocutaneous nerve, promoted the remyelination of axons, and alleviated muscle atrophy. Take together, ART can improve the survival of MNs and axonal remyelination to promote the motor function recovery via inhibiting oxidative stress, suggesting that ART may represent a new approach to the therapy of spinal root avulsion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuangxi Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Lin Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Bing He
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Guijuan Zhou
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Yan Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Guanghua Zhu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Juan Xie
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Shuangqin Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Lan Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Jianghua Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Heng Wu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| | - Zijian Xiao
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, University of South China, Hengyang, Hunan 421001, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Protective Mechanism of Berberine on Human Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cells against Apoptosis Induced by Hydrogen Peroxide via the Stimulation of Autophagy. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:7654143. [PMID: 34422209 PMCID: PMC8378965 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7654143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a major cause of severe and irreversible vision loss with limited effective therapies. Diminished autophagy and increased oxidative damage caused by ROS in the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) have been implicated in the pathogenesis of AMD, and strategies aimed at enhancing autophagy are likely to protect these cells from oxidative damage. We have previously shown that berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from Chinese herbs, was able to protect human RPE cells from H2O2-induced oxidative damage through AMPK activation. However, the precise mechanisms behind this protective effect remain unclear. Given the essential role of AMPK in autophagy activation, we postulated that BBR may confer protection against H2O2-induced oxidative damage by stimulating AMPK-dependent autophagy. Our results showed that BBR was able to induce autophagy in D407 cells, whereas autophagy inhibitor PIKIII or silencing of LC3B blocked the protective effect of BBR. Further analysis showed that BBR activated the AMPK/mTOR/ULK1 signaling pathways and that both pharmacological and genetic inhibitions of the AMPK pathway abolished the autophagy-stimulating effect of BBR. Similar results were obtained in primary cultured human RPE cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that BBR is able to stimulate autophagy in D407 cells via the activation of AMPK pathway and that its protective effect against H2O2-induced oxidative damage relies on its autophagy-modulatory effect. Our findings also provide evidence to support the potential application of BBR in preventing and treating AMD.
Collapse
|
24
|
Artemether confers neuroprotection on cerebral ischemic injury through stimulation of the Erk1/2-P90rsk-CREB signaling pathway. Redox Biol 2021; 46:102069. [PMID: 34303216 PMCID: PMC8327154 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2021.102069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability among adults. Despite the economic burden of the disease, available treatment options are still very limited. With the exception of anti-thrombolytics and hypothermia, current therapies fail to reduce neuronal injury, neurological deficits and mortality rates, suggesting that the development of novel and more effective therapies against ischemic stroke is urgent. In the present study, we found that artemether, which has been used in the clinic as an anti-malarial drug, was able to improve the neurological deficits, attenuate the infarction volume and the brain water content in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model. Furthermore, artemether treatment significantly suppressed cell apoptosis, stimulated cell proliferation and promoted the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), P90rsk and cAMP responsive element-binding protein (CREB). Artemether protective effect was attenuated by PD98059, an ERK1/2 inhibitor, administration. Similarly, in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/RP) cell models, artemether pre-treatment induced the suppression of the intracellular ROS, the down-regulation of LDH activity, the reduction of caspase 3 activity and of the apoptosis cell rate and reversed the decrease of mitochondrial membrane potential. As with MCAO animal model, artemether promoted the activation of Erk1/2-P90rsk-CREB signaling pathway. This effect was blocked by the inhibition or knock-down of ERK1/2. The present study provides evidences of the neuroprotective effect of artemether unravelling its potential as a new therapeutic candidate for the prevention and treatment of stroke. Artemether conferred neuroprotection in a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) animal model. Artemether conferred neuroprotection on oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion-induced cell injury model. Artemether promoted the activation of Erk1/2-P90rsk-CREB signaling pathway in vitro and in vivo.
Collapse
|
25
|
Zhong ZJ, Yao ZP, Shi ZQ, Liu YD, Liu LF, Xin GZ. Measurement of Intracellular Nitric Oxide with a Quantitative Mass Spectrometry Probe Approach. Anal Chem 2021; 93:8536-8543. [PMID: 34107211 DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.1c01259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO) is a molecule of physiological importance, and the function of NO depends on its concentration in biological systems, particularly in cells. Concentration-based analysis of intracellular NO can provide insight into its precise role in health and disease. However, current methods for detecting intracellular NO are still inadequate for quantitative analysis. In this study, we report a quantitative mass spectrometry probe approach to measure NO levels in cells. The probe, Amlodipine (AML), comprises a Hantzsch ester group that reacts with NO to form a pyridine, Dehydro Amlodipine (DAM). Quantification of DAM by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) allows specific measurement of intracellular NO levels. Notably, the AML/NO reaction proceeds rapidly (within 1 s), which is favorable for NO detection considering its large diffusivity and short half-life. Meanwhile, studies under simulated physiological conditions revealed that the AML response to NO is proportional and selective. The presented UPLC-MS/MS method showed high sensitivity (LLOQ = 0.24 nM) and low matrix interference (less than 15%) in DAM quantification. Furthermore, the mass spectrometry probe approach was demonstrated by enabling the measurement of endogenous and exogenous NO in cells. Hence, the quantitative UPLC-MS/MS method developed using AML as a probe is expected to be a new method for intracellular NO analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Jun Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Chinese Medicines Analysis, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zhong-Ping Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Food Safety and Technology Research Centre and Department of Applied Biology and Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon 999077, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zi-Qi Shi
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210028, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang-Dan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Chinese Medicines Analysis, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Li-Fang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Chinese Medicines Analysis, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Gui-Zhong Xin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Department of Chinese Medicines Analysis, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
He Y, Xu L, Li Y, Tang Y, Rao S, Lin R, Liu Z, Chen H. Synergistic integration of dihydro-artemisinin with γ-aminobutyric acid results in a more potential anti-depressant. Bioorg Chem 2021; 110:104769. [PMID: 33677247 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2021.104769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Three hybrids of dihydro-artemisinin (DHA) with β-aminopropionic acid, γ-aminobutyric acid, and histamine have been designed and synthesized. The conjugate of DHA with GABA labelled as 5b was confirmed the most active candidate against both Cort- and SNP-induced PC12 cell impairments with EC50 value of 8.04 ± 0.35, and 9.38 ± 0.56 μM, respectively. 5b was clearly highlighted as a good modulator on protein expression of Akt, Bcl-2, and Bax, indicating its functions against programmed cell apoptosis. 5b significantly reversed the Cort-induced excessive calcium influx and release from internal organelles. It was demonstrated the ability to express increased levels of β-tubulin III and to up-regulate phosphorylation level of cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), leading to cell differentiation. It can penetrate blood - brain barrier (BBB) with propriate stability. Altogether, these data strongly support that 5b is a potential anti-depressant.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yepu He
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Product, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Liyu Xu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Product, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yanbing Li
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Product, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Yinying Tang
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Product, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Shuwen Rao
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Product, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Rongtian Lin
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Product, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Zhijun Liu
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Product, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Heru Chen
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Natural Product, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Constituents of TCM and New Drugs Research, Guangzhou 510632, PR China; International Cooperative Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Modernization and Innovative Drug Development of Chinese Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Yan J, Ma H, Lai X, Wu J, Liu A, Huang J, Sun W, Shen M, Zhang Y. Artemisinin attenuated oxidative stress and apoptosis by inhibiting autophagy in MPP +-treated SH-SY5Y cells. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2021; 28:6. [PMID: 33632304 PMCID: PMC7908802 DOI: 10.1186/s40709-021-00137-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer's disease. The oxidative stress is an important component of the pathogenesis of PD. Artemisinin (ART) has antioxidant and neuroprotective effects. The purpose of this study is to explore the neuroprotective effect of ART on 1-methyl-4-phenyliodine iodide (MPP +)-treated SH-SY5Y cells and underlying mechanism. METHODS We used MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells to study the neuroprotective effect of ART. Cell viability was measured by MTT assay after incubating the cells with MPP+ and/or ART for 24 h. DCFH-DA was used to detect the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and WST-8 was used to detect the level of superoxide dismutase (SOD). The level of intracellular reduced glutathione (GSH) was detected with 5,5΄-dithiobis-(2-nitrobenzoic acid), and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) was assessed based on the reaction of MDA and thiobarbituric acid. A mitochondrial membrane potential detection kit (JC-1) was used to detect changes in the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and an Annexin V-FITC cell apoptosis kit was used to detect cell apoptosis. The expression levels of caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 and the autophagy-related proteins LC3, beclin-1, and p62 were detected by Western blotting. In addition, to verify the change in autophagy, we used immunofluorescence to detect the expression of LC3 and p62. RESULTS No significant cytotoxicity was observed at ART concentrations up to 40 μM. ART could significantly increase the viability of SH-SY5Y cells treated with MPP+ and reduce oxidative stress damage and apoptosis. In addition, the Western blotting and immunofluorescence results showed that MPP+ treatment could increase the protein expression of beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I and decrease the protein expression of p62, indicating that MPP+ treatment could induce autophagy. Simultaneous treatment with ART and MPP+ could decrease the protein expression of beclin1 and LC3II/LC3I and increase the protein expression of p62, indicating that ART could decrease the level of autophagy induced by MPP+. CONCLUSION Our results indicate that ART has a protective effect on MPP+-treated SH-SY5Y cells by the antioxidant, antiapoptotic activities and inhibition of autophagy. Our findings may provide new hope for the prevention and treatment of PD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junqiang Yan
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road 24, Luoyang, Henan, 471003, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongxia Ma
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoyi Lai
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road 24, Luoyang, Henan, 471003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiannan Wu
- Molecular Biology Laboratory, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Jinghua Road 24, Luoyang, Henan, 471003, People's Republic of China
| | - Anran Liu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiarui Huang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenjie Sun
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, People's Republic of China
| | | | - Yude Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Di Paolo A, Eastman G, Mesquita-Ribeiro R, Farias J, Macklin A, Kislinger T, Colburn N, Munroe D, Sotelo Sosa JR, Dajas-Bailador F, Sotelo-Silveira JR. PDCD4 regulates axonal growth by translational repression of neurite growth-related genes and is modulated during nerve injury responses. RNA (NEW YORK, N.Y.) 2020; 26:1637-1653. [PMID: 32747606 PMCID: PMC7566564 DOI: 10.1261/rna.075424.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Programmed cell death 4 (PDCD4) protein is a tumor suppressor that inhibits translation through the mTOR-dependent initiation factor EIF4A, but its functional role and mRNA targets in neurons remain largely unknown. Our work identified that PDCD4 is highly expressed in axons and dendrites of CNS and PNS neurons. Using loss- and gain-of-function experiments in cortical and dorsal root ganglia primary neurons, we demonstrated the capacity of PDCD4 to negatively control axonal growth. To explore PDCD4 transcriptome and translatome targets, we used Ribo-seq and uncovered a list of potential targets with known functions as axon/neurite outgrowth regulators. In addition, we observed that PDCD4 can be locally synthesized in adult axons in vivo, and its levels decrease at the site of peripheral nerve injury and before nerve regeneration. Overall, our findings demonstrate that PDCD4 can act as a new regulator of axonal growth via the selective control of translation, providing a target mechanism for axon regeneration and neuronal plasticity processes in neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Di Paolo
- Departamento de Proteínas y Ácidos Nucleicos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Guillermo Eastman
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | | | - Joaquina Farias
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | - Andrew Macklin
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
| | - Thomas Kislinger
- Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto M5G 1L7, Canada
- University of Toronto, Department of Medical Biophysics, Toronto M5S 1A1, Canada
| | - Nancy Colburn
- Former Chief of Laboratory of Cancer Prevention at the National Cancer Institute-NIH at Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - David Munroe
- Former Laboratory of Molecular Technologies, LEIDOS at Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, Maryland 21702, USA
| | - José R Sotelo Sosa
- Departamento de Proteínas y Ácidos Nucleicos, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
| | | | - José R Sotelo-Silveira
- Departamento de Genómica, Instituto de Investigaciones Biológicas Clemente Estable, Montevideo 11600, Uruguay
- Departamento de Biología Celular y Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias UdelaR, Montevideo 11400, Uruguay
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Dourado LFN, da Silva FR, Toledo CR, da Silva CN, Santana CP, da Costa BL, de Lima ME, Cunha ADS. Intravitreal injection of peptides PnPa11 and PnPa13, derivatives of Phoneutria nigriventer spider venom, prevents retinal damage. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2020; 26:e20200031. [PMID: 33014024 PMCID: PMC7518191 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2020-0031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: PnPa11 and PnPa13 are synthetic peptides derived from Phoneutria
nigriventer spider venom, which display antinociceptive and
neuroprotective properties. In this work, we evaluated the safety of
intravitreal use and the neuroprotective effect of these peptides. Methods: The cytotoxicity and the antiangiogenic activity of these peptides were
evaluated by the sulforhodamine-B method and chicken chorioallantoic
membrane (CAM) assay, respectively. The in vivo safety was
analyzed in Wistar rats that were intravitreally injected with different
doses (0.50; 1.25; 2.50; 3.75 and 5.00 µg/mL) of these peptides (right eye,
n = 6). The retinal function was assessed by electroretinography exams
(ERG), intraocular pressure (IOP), and histological analyzes. In order to
investigate the neuroprotective effect, Wistar rats received intravitreal
injections (right eye, n = 6) of peptides at 1.25 µg/mL and then were
exposed to blue LED light. In addition, the visual function and the retinal
microstructure were verified. Results: Cytotoxicity analyses demonstrated that the peptides did not present any
toxicity over ARPE-19 (adult retinal pigmented epithelial) cell line and the
antiangiogenic study highlighted that the peptides promoted the reduction of
blood vessels. The intravitreal injection did not cause major changes,
neither induced any irreversible damage. In the retinal degeneration assay,
the ERG records demonstrated that the prior treatment with PnPa11 and PnPa13
protected the retina from damage. Morphological analyses confirmed the ERG
findings. Immunoblotting analyses revealed that PnPa11 increased Erk1/2,
NR2A, and NR2B retinal expression after the light stress model, but did not
cause Akt1 activation, while PnPa13 prevented Erk1/2 and Akt1
dephosphorylation. Conclusions: The intraocular administration of these peptides was well tolerated and
presented protective activity against retinal degeneration, suggesting the
potential use of these peptides as neuroprotectors in the ophthalmological
field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Flavia Rodrigues da Silva
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology in Pharmaceutical Nanotechnology, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Bruna Lopes da Costa
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena de Lima
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences: Medicine and Biomedicine, Institute of Education and Research, Santa Casa de Belo Horizonte, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Armando da Silva Cunha
- School of Pharmacy, Federal University of Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
The potential of artemisinins as anti-obesity agents via modulating the immune system. Pharmacol Ther 2020; 216:107696. [PMID: 33022301 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 09/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Artemisinin and its derivatives are the most effective antimalarial drugs. Besides anti-malarial activity, artemisinin and its derivatives have displayed wide-spectrum bioactivities such as anti-parasite, anti-tumor, and anti-obesity effects. Obesity is an epidemic worldwide which is a big threat to human health, but there are only a few approved anti-obesity drugs in the world. Also, these drugs are efficient to limited patients partly because their safety and efficacy are questioned. Anti-inflammatory therapies may be valuable in obesity treatment since growing evidence shows chronic metabolic inflammation is implicated in metabolic disease pathogenesis. As artemisinin and its derivatives display effective anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties with less toxicity, it provides an insight for novel drug development in obesity therapeutic strategies via immune-regulatory mechanisms. In this review, the potential of artemisinin and its derivatives to treat various metabolic diseases such as obesity and diabetes is discussed.
Collapse
|
31
|
Zhao X, Li S, Gaur U, Zheng W. Artemisinin Improved Neuronal Functions in Alzheimer's Disease Animal Model 3xtg Mice and Neuronal Cells via Stimulating the ERK/CREB Signaling Pathway. Aging Dis 2020; 11:801-819. [PMID: 32765947 PMCID: PMC7390534 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2019.0813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease which is characterized by memory loss and cognitive disorders. The pathogenesis of Alzheimer’s disease is not known at present but toxicity of amyloid-beta is one of the central hypotheses. Amyloid-beta can stimulate the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), cause oxidative stress, damage mitochondrial, cause inflammatory reactions and activate apoptosis related factors which lead to the neuronal death. In this study, we found that artemisinin, a first line antimalarial drug used in clinic for decades, improved the cognitive functions in Alzheimer’s disease animal model 3xTg mice. Further study showed that artemisinin reduced the deposition of amyloid-beta and tau protein, reduced the release of inflammation factors and apoptosis factors, and thereby reduced the neuronal cell death. Western blot assay showed that artemisinin stimulated the activation of ERK/CREB signaling pathway. Consistent with these results, artemisinin concentration-dependently promoted the survival of SH-SY5Y cell against toxicity of amyloid-beta protein 1-42 induced ROS accumulation, caspase activation and apoptosis. Artemisinin also stimulated the phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and CREB in SH-SY5Y cells in time and concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of ERK/CREB pathway attenuated the protective effect of artemisinin. These data put together suggested that artemisinin has the potential to protect neuronal cells in vitro as well as in vivo animal model 3xTg mice via, at least in part, the activation of the ERK/CREB pathway. Our findings also strongly support the potential of artemisinin as a new multi-target drug that can be used for preventing and treating the Alzheimer’s disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhao
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Uma Gaur
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging and Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Artemisinin protects motoneurons against axotomy-induced apoptosis through activation of the PKA-Akt signaling pathway and promotes neural stem/progenitor cells differentiation into NeuN + neurons. Pharmacol Res 2020; 159:105049. [PMID: 32598944 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Brachial plexus axotomy is a common peripheral nerve trauma. Artemisinin, an FDA-approved antimalarial drug, has been described to possess neuroprotective properties. However, the specific mechanisms by which artemisinin protects neurons from axotomy-induced neurotoxicity remain to be elucidated. In this study, we assessed the neuroprotective effects of artemisinin on an experimental animal model of brachial plexus injury and explored the possible mechanisms involved. Artemisinin treatment restored both athletic ability and sensation of the affected upper limb, rescued motoneurons and attenuated the inflammatory response in the ventral horn of the spinal cord. Additionally, artemisinin inhibited the molecular signals of apoptosis, activated signaling pathways related to cell survival and induced NSCPs differentiation into NeuN-positive neurons. Further validation of the involved key signaling molecules, using an in vitro model of hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity, revealed that both the inhibition of PKA signaling pathway or the silencing of Akt reversed the neuroprotective action of artemisinin on motoneurons. Our results indicate that artemisinin provides neuroprotection against axotomy and hydrogen peroxide-induced neurotoxicity, an effect that might be mediated by the PKA-Akt signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
33
|
Liao L, Jiang C, Chen J, Shi J, Li X, Wang Y, Wen J, Zhou S, Liang J, Lao Y, Zhang J. Synthesis and biological evaluation of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives as potential neuroprotectant against ischemic brain injury. Eur J Med Chem 2020; 190:112114. [PMID: 32061962 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2020.112114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2019] [Revised: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
A series of 1,2,4-triazole derivatives 1-14 was synthesized to investigate their neuroprotective effects and mechanisms of action. Compounds 5-11 noticeably protected PC12 cells from the cytotoxicity of H2O2 or sodium nitroprusside (SNP). Compound 11 was the most effective derivative. Compound 11 chelated Fe (II) iron, scavenged reactive oxygen species (ROS), and restored the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP). Moreover, it enhanced the activity of the antioxidant defense system by increasing the serum level of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and promoting the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Compound 11 caused certain improvements in behavior, the cerebral infarction area, and serum levels of biochemical indicators (TNF-α, IL-1β, SOD and MDA) in a rat MCAO model. The lethal dose (LD50) of compound 11 in mice receiving intraperitoneal injections was greater than 400 mg/kg. Meanwhile, pharmacokinetic experiments revealed high bioavailability of this compound after both oral and intravenous administration (F = 60.76%, CL = 0.014 mg/kg/h) and a longer half-life (4.26 and 5.11 h after oral and intravenous administration, respectively). Based on these findings, compound 11 may be a promising neuroprotectant for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Liao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Caibao Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jianwen Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jinguo Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Xinhua Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jin Wen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Shujia Zhou
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jie Liang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Yaoqiang Lao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jingxia Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Artemether Activation of AMPK/GSK3 β(ser9)/Nrf2 Signaling Confers Neuroprotection towards β-Amyloid-Induced Neurotoxicity in 3xTg Alzheimer's Mouse Model. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:1862437. [PMID: 31871541 PMCID: PMC6907052 DOI: 10.1155/2019/1862437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2019] [Revised: 09/06/2019] [Accepted: 09/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease is a severe neurodegenerative disease. Multiple factors involving neurofibrillary tangles and amyloid-β plaques lead to the progression of the AD, generated by aggregated hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. Inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress play a significant role in the progression of AD. It has been therefore suggested that the multifactorial nature of AD pathogenesis requires the design of antioxidant drugs with a broad spectrum of neuroprotective activities. For this reason, the use of natural products, characterized by multiple pharmacological properties is advantageous as AD-modifying drugs over the single-targeted chemicals. Artemether, a peroxide sesquiterpenoid lipid-soluble compound, has been used in the clinic as an antimalarial drug. Also, it exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Here, we report the neuroprotective effects of Artemether towards Aβ-induced neurotoxicity in neuronal cell cultures. A temporal correlation was found between Artemether neuroprotection towards Aβ-induced neurotoxicity and AMPK/GSK3β phosphorylation activity and increased expression of the activated Nrf2 signaling pathway. In 3xTg-AD mice, Artemether attenuated learning and memory deficits, inhibited cortical neuronal apoptosis and glial activation, inhibited oxidative stress through decrease of lipid peroxidation and increased expression of SOD, and reduced Aβ deposition and tau protein phosphorylation. Moreover, in 3xTg-AD mice, Artemether induced phosphorylation of the AMPK/GSK3β pathway which activated Nrf2, increasing the level of antioxidant protein HO-1. These activities probably produced the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects responsible for the neuroprotective effects of Artemether in the 3xTg-AD mouse model. These findings propose Artemether as a new drug for the treatment of AD disease.
Collapse
|
35
|
Zhai A, Zhang Z, Kong X. Paeoniflorin Alleviates H 2O 2-Induced Oxidative Injury Through Down-Regulation of MicroRNA-135a in HT-22 Cells. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:2821-2831. [PMID: 31728857 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-019-02904-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2019] [Revised: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Paeoniflorin (PF) has been reported to possess neuroprotective influences on cognitive dysfunction illness. In current research, we attempted to probe into the protective influences of PF against H2O2-induced damage and the underlying regulating mechanisms on hippocampal HT-22 cells. HT-22 cells were pretreated with PF, and then induced by H2O2. Afterwards, the influences of PF pretreatment were examined using CCK-8 assay, apoptosis assay, western blot and ROS assay, respectively. In addition, the expression of microRNA-135a (miR-135a) was analyzed and altered by qRT-PCR and cell transfection, respectively. After overexpression of miR-135a, the effects of miR-135a mimic on cell functions were detected again. Moreover, influences of H2O2, PF and miR-135a overexpression on JAK2/STAT3 and ERK1/2 signal pathways were further investigated. Further experiments verified that PF pretreatment alleviated H2O2-induced oxidative stress through increasing cell viability, inhibiting cell apoptosis, reducing ROS generation and activating JAK2/STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways. Besides, expression of miR-135a was declined by PF pretreatment. Whereas, miR-135a mimic abrogated the protective effects triggered by PF pretreatment. These results indicated that PF can alleviate H2O2-induced oxidative stress by down-regulation of miR-135a via activation of JAK2/STAT3 and ERK1/2 pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ailing Zhai
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, No. 1 Jidai Road, Jining, 272051, Shandong, China.
| | - Zeng Zhang
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, No. 1 Jidai Road, Jining, 272051, Shandong, China
| | - Xiangjuan Kong
- Department of Psychiatry, Jining Psychiatric Hospital, No. 1 Jidai Road, Jining, 272051, Shandong, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Fang J, Zhao X, Li S, Xing X, Wang H, Lazarovici P, Zheng W. Protective mechanism of artemisinin on rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells against apoptosis induced by hydrogen peroxide via activation of c-Raf-Erk1/2-p90 rsk-CREB pathway. Stem Cell Res Ther 2019; 10:312. [PMID: 31655619 PMCID: PMC6815409 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-019-1419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cell (BMSC) transplantation is one of the new therapeutic strategies for treating ischemic brain and heart tissues. However, the poor survival rate of transplanted BMSCs in ischemic tissue, due to high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), limits the therapeutic efficacy of this approach. Considering that BMSC survival may greatly enhance the effectiveness of transplantation therapy, development of effective therapeutics capable of mitigating oxidative stress-induced BMSC apoptosis is an important unmet clinical need. Methods BMSCs were isolated from the 4-week-old male Sprague Dawley rats by whole bone marrow adherent culturing, and the characteristics were verified by morphology, immunophenotype, adipogenic, and osteogenic differentiation potential. BMSCs were pretreated with artemisinin, and H2O2 was used to induce apoptosis. Cell viability was detected by MTT, FACS, LDH, and Hoechst 33342 staining assays. Mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) was measured by JC-1 assay. The apoptosis was analyzed by Annexin V-FITC/PI and Caspase 3 Activity Assay kits. ROS level was evaluated by using CellROX® Deep Red Reagent. SOD, CAT, and GPx enzymatic activities were assessed separately using Cu/Zn-SOD and Mn-SOD Assay Kit with WST-8, Catalase Assay Kit, and Total Glutathione Peroxidase Assay Kit. The effects of artemisinin on protein expression of BMSCs including p-Erk1/2, t-Erk1/2, p-c-Raf, p-p90rsk, p-CREB, BCL-2, Bax, p-Akt, t-Akt, β-actin, and GAPDH were measured by western blotting. Results We characterized for the first time the protective effect of artemisinin, an anti-malaria drug, using oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in vitro, in rat BMSC cultures. We found that artemisinin, at clinically relevant concentrations, improved BMSC survival by reduction of ROS production, increase of antioxidant enzyme activities including SOD, CAT, and GPx, in correlation with decreased Caspase 3 activation, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and apoptosis, all induced by H2O2. Artemisinin significantly increased extracellular-signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) phosphorylation, in a concentration- and time-dependent manner. PD98059, the specific inhibitor of the Erk1/2 pathway, blocked Erk1/2 phosphorylation and artemisinin protection. Similarly, decreased expression of Erk1/2 by siRNA attenuated the protective effect of artemisinin. Additionally, when the upstream activator KRAS was knocked down by siRNA, the protective effect of artemisinin was also blocked. These data strongly indicated the involvement of the Erk1/2 pathway. Consistent with this hypothesis, artemisinin increased the phosphorylation of Erk1/2 upstream kinases proto-oncogene c-RAF serine/threonine-protein kinase (c-Raf) and of Erk1/2 downstream targets p90 ribosomal s6 kinase (p90rsk) and cAMP response element binding protein (CREB). In addition, we found that the expression of anti-apoptotic protein B cell lymphoma 2 protein (BcL-2) was also upregulated by artemisinin. Conclusion These studies demonstrate the proof of concept of artemisinin therapeutic potential to improve survival in vitro of BMSCs exposed to ROS-induced apoptosis and suggest that artemisinin-mediated protection occurs via the activation of c-Raf-Erk1/2-p90rsk-CREB signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiankang Fang
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xingan Xing
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China
| | - Haitao Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sothern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Philip Lazarovici
- School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, Faculty of Medicine, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, 91120, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging, Institute of Translational Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Macau SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Zhu FC, Jiang DM, Zhang MH, Zhao B, He C, Yang J. Adenovirus vector‑mediated in vivo gene transfer of nuclear factor erythroid‑2p45‑related factor 2 promotes functional recovery following spinal cord contusion. Mol Med Rep 2019; 20:4285-4292. [PMID: 31545436 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2019.10687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate whether nuclear factor erythroid 2p45‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) overexpression by gene transfer may protect neurons/glial cells and the association between neurons/glial cells and axons in spinal cord injury (SCI). In the present study, Nrf2 recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vectors were constructed. The protein levels of Nrf2 in the nucleus and of the Nrf2‑regulated gene products heme oxygenase‑1 (HO‑1) and NAD (P)H‑quinone oxidoreductase‑1 (NQO1), were detected using western blot analysis in PC12 cells following 48 h of transfection. Furthermore, the expression of Nrf2 was localized using an immunofluorescence experiment, and the expression of Nrf2, HO‑1 and NQO1 were detected using an immunohistochemical experiment in the grey matter of spinal cord in rats. Post‑injury motor behavior was assessed via the Basso, Beattie and Bresnahan (BBB) locomotor scale method. In PC12 cells, subsequent to Ad‑Nrf2 transfection, nuclear Nrf2, HO‑1 and NQO1 levels were significantly increased compared with the control (P<0.01). There was statistically significant changes in the PC12‑Ad‑Nrf2 group [Nrf2 (1.146±0.095), HO‑1 (1.816±0.095) and NQO1 (1.421±0.138)] compared with the PC12‑control group [Nrf2 (0.717±0.055), HO‑1 (1.264±0.081) and NQO1 (0.921±0.088)] and PC12‑Ad‑green fluorescent protein group [Nrf2 (0.714±0.111), HO‑1 (1.238±0.053) and NQO1 (0.987±0.045); P<0.01]. The BBB scores of the rats indicated that they had improved functional recovery following the local injection of Ad‑Nrf2. On the third day following the operation, BBB scores in the adenovirus groups (0.167±0.408) were significantly decreased compared with the SCI group (1±0.894; P<0.05). In the injured section of the spinal cord in the rats, the number of positive cells expressing Nrf2, HO‑1 and NQO1 were raised compared with the control and SCI groups, indicating that the adenovirus vector‑mediated gene transfer of Nrf2 promotes functional recovery following spinal cord contusion in rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Chen Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yongchuan Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, P.R. China
| | - Dian-Ming Jiang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Third Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Hua Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yongchuan Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, P.R. China
| | - Bo Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yongchuan Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, P.R. China
| | - Chao He
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yongchuan Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, P.R. China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Yongchuan Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 402160, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lu BW, Baum L, So KF, Chiu K, Xie LK. More than anti-malarial agents: therapeutic potential of artemisinins in neurodegeneration. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:1494-1498. [PMID: 31089038 PMCID: PMC6557089 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.255960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, also called qinghaosu, is originally derived from the sweet wormwood plant (Artemisia annua), which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. Artemisinin and its derivatives (artemisinins) have been widely used for many years as anti-malarial agents, with few adverse side effects. Interestingly, evidence has recently shown that artemisinins might have a therapeutic value for several other diseases beyond malaria, including cancers, inflammatory diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Neurodegeneration is a challenging age-associated neurological disorder characterized by deterioration of neuronal structures as well as functions, whereas neuroinflammation has been considered to be an underlying factor in the development of various neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease. Recently discovered properties of artemisinins suggested that they might be used to treat neurodegenerative disorders by decreasing oxidation, inflammation, and amyloid beta protein (Aβ). In this review, we will introduce artemisinins and highlight the possible mechanisms of their neuroprotective activities, suggesting that artemisinins might have therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bing-Wen Lu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
| | - Larry Baum
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
- Center for Genomic Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
- Department of Psychiatry, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
| | - Kwok-Fai So
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
- Center for Genomic Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
- GHM Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Kin Chiu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
- State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong Special Administration Region, China
| | - Li-Ke Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Eye Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zhao X, Zeng Z, Gaur U, Fang J, Peng T, Li S, Zheng W. Metformin protects PC12 cells and hippocampal neurons from H 2 O 2 -induced oxidative damage through activation of AMPK pathway. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:16619-16629. [PMID: 30784077 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Metformin, a first line anti type 2 diabetes drug, has recently been shown to extend lifespan in various species, and therefore, became the first antiaging drug in clinical trial. Oxidative stress due to excess reactive oxygen species (ROS) is considered to be an important factor in aging and related disease, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, the antioxidative effects of metformin and its underlying mechanisms in neuronal cells is not known. In the present study, we showed that metformin, in clinically relevant concentrations, protected neuronal PC12 cells from H2 O2 -induced cell death. Metformin significantly ameliorated cell death due to H2 O2 insult by restoring abnormal changes in nuclear morphology, intracellular ROS, lactate dehydrogenase, and mitochondrial membrane potential induced by H2 O2 . Hoechst staining assay and flow cytometry analysis revealed that metformin significantly reduced the apoptosis in PC12 cells exposed to H2 O2 . Western blot analysis further demonstrated that metformin stimulated the phosphorylation and activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in PC12 cells, while application of AMPK inhibitor compound C, or knockdown of the expression of AMPK by specific small interfering RNA or short hairpin RNA blocked the protective effect of metformin. Similar results were obtained in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. Taken together, these results indicated that metformin is able to protect neuronal cells from oxidative injury, at least in part, via the activation of AMPK. As metformin is comparatively cheaper with much less side effects in clinic, our findings support its potential to be a drug for prevention and treatment of aging and aging-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xia Zhao
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Zhiwen Zeng
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Uma Gaur
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Jiankang Fang
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Tangming Peng
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.,Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, China
| | - Shuai Li
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Li S, Chaudhary SC, Zhao X, Gaur U, Fang J, Yan F, Zheng W. Artemisinin Protects Human Retinal Pigmented Epithelial Cells Against Hydrogen Peroxide-induced Oxidative Damage by Enhancing the Activation of AMP-active Protein Kinase. Int J Biol Sci 2019; 15:2016-2028. [PMID: 31523201 PMCID: PMC6743300 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.30536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2018] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD), a leading cause of blindness in aged population, is directly associated with oxidative stress induced damage of the retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells. In the current study, we investigated the role of AMPK in the protective effect of artemisinin, an FDA approved anti-malarial Chinese herbal drug, on RPE cell line D407, against H2O2 induced oxidative stress. Our results showed that artemisinin promoted the survival of D407 cells from H2O2. Artemisinin reduced intracellular ROS generation and oxidative stress, decreased LDH release and the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential in D407 cells treated with H2O2. Western blotting showed that artemisinin concentration- and time-dependently stimulated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) in D407 cells while AMPK inhibitor Compound C or knock-down of AMPK by si-RNA, inhibited the survival protective effect of artemisinin. More importantly, artemisinin produced a similar protective effect in primary cultured retinal pigment cells which was also blocked by inhibitors of AMPK. Taken together, these results suggested that artemisinin promotes survival of human retinal pigment cells against H2O2-induced cell death at least in part through enhancing the activation of AMPK. Therefore, artemisinin may be a beneficial therapeutic candidate for the treatment of age-related diseases, including retinal disorders like AMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Li
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Shubhash Chandra Chaudhary
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Xia Zhao
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Uma Gaur
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Jiankang Fang
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Fengxia Yan
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| | - Wenhua Zheng
- Center of Reproduction, Development & Aging, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China.,Institute of Translation Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Wang W, Yao GD, Shang XY, Zhang YY, Song XY, Hayashi T, Zhang Y, Song SJ. Eclalbasaponin I causes mitophagy to repress oxidative stress-induced apoptosis via activation of p38 and ERK in SH-SY5Y cells. Free Radic Res 2019; 53:655-668. [DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2019.1620937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Guo-Dong Yao
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin-Yue Shang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying-Ying Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xiao-Yu Song
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Toshihiko Hayashi
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- China-Japan Research Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Chemistry and Life Science, School of Advanced Engineering, Kogakuin University, Hachioji, Japan
| | - Yan Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Shao-Jiang Song
- School of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
- Key Laboratory of Computational Chemistry-Based Natural Antitumor Drug Research & Development, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Artemisinin Attenuated Hydrogen Peroxide (H 2O 2)-Induced Oxidative Injury in SH-SY5Y and Hippocampal Neurons via the Activation of AMPK Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20112680. [PMID: 31151322 PMCID: PMC6600327 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 05/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is believed to be one of the main causes of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The pathogenesis of AD is still not elucidated clearly but oxidative stress is one of the key hypotheses. Here, we found that artemisinin, an anti-malarial Chinese medicine, possesses neuroprotective effects. However, the antioxidative effects of artemisinin remain to be explored. In this study, we found that artemisinin rescued SH-SY5Y and hippocampal neuronal cells from hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced cell death at clinically relevant doses in a concentration-dependent manner. Further studies showed that artemisinin significantly restored the nuclear morphology, improved the abnormal changes in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential, and caspase-3 activation, thereby attenuating apoptosis. Artemisinin also stimulated the phosphorylation of the adenosine monophosphate -activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway in SH-SY5Y cells in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. Inhibition of the AMPK pathway attenuated the protective effect of artemisinin. These data put together suggested that artemisinin has the potential to protect neuronal cells. Similar results were obtained in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. Cumulatively, these results indicated that artemisinin protected neuronal cells from oxidative damage, at least in part through the activation of AMPK. Our findings support the role of artemisinin as a potential therapeutic agent for neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
|
43
|
Xu B, Wang T, Xiao J, Dong W, Wen HZ, Wang X, Qin Y, Cai N, Zhou Z, Xu J, Wang H. FCPR03, a novel phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitor, alleviates cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through activation of the AKT/GSK3β/ β-catenin signaling pathway. Biochem Pharmacol 2019; 163:234-249. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2019.02.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
|
44
|
Yu W, Liu T, Zhang M, Wang Z, Ye J, Li CX, Liu W, Li R, Feng J, Zhang XZ. O 2 Economizer for Inhibiting Cell Respiration To Combat the Hypoxia Obstacle in Tumor Treatments. ACS NANO 2019; 13:1784-1794. [PMID: 30698953 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b07852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hypoxia, a ubiquitously aberrant phenomenon implicated in tumor growth, causes severe tumor resistance to therapeutic interventions. Instead of the currently prevalent solution through intratumoral oxygen supply, we put forward an "O2-economizer" concept by inhibiting the O2 consumption of cell respiration to spare endogenous O2 and overcome the hypoxia barrier. A nitric oxide (NO) donor responsible for respiration inhibition and a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy (PDT) are co-loaded into poly(d,l-lactide- co-glycolide) nanovesicles to provide a PDT-specific O2 economizer. Once accumulating in tumors and subsequently responding to the locally reductive environment, the carried NO donor undergoes breakdown to produce NO for inhibiting cellular respiration, allowing more O2 in tumor cells to support the profound enhancement of PDT. Depending on the biochemical reallocation of cellular oxygen resource, this O2-economizer concept offers a way to address the important issue of hypoxia-induced tumor resistance to therapeutic interventions, including but not limited to PDT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wuyang Yu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Tao Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Mingkang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Zixu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Jingjie Ye
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Chu-Xin Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Wenlong Liu
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Runqing Li
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Jun Feng
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| | - Xian-Zheng Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Biomedical Polymers of Ministry of Education & Department of Chemistry , Wuhan University , Wuhan 430072 , PR China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Liao L, Shi J, Jiang C, Zhang L, Feng L, Liu J, Zhang J. Activation of anti-oxidant of curcumin pyrazole derivatives through preservation of mitochondria function and Nrf2 signaling pathway. Neurochem Int 2019; 125:82-90. [PMID: 30771374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.01.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2018] [Revised: 01/13/2019] [Accepted: 01/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress is an important cause of neurodegenerative diseases. Antioxidant is an potential important method to treat such diseases. The aim of this study is to discover new and effective antioxidants and their mechanism. The neuroprotective effect of six curcumin pyrozole compounds were first evaluated on sodium nitroprusside (SNP) - induced PC12 cell injury by testing cell viability and LDH release. The results showed that four compounds (C1-C4) have more significant protective effects compared to curcumin and edaravone. Furthermore, compounds C1-C4 can attenuate the intracellular ROS, and compound C3 is the most effective one which can preservate the mitochondria function by inhibiting the mitochondrial membrane potential loss and enhance nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in PC12 cell. These results indicated that C3 may be a potential candidate drug for treating neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liping Liao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jinguo Shi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Caibao Jiang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Liantao Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Lisi Feng
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jiayong Liu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China
| | - Jingxia Zhang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lee AY, Choi JW, Yokozawa T, Cho EJ. Preventive effect of oligonol on nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species production through regulation of nuclear factor kappa B signaling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells against sodium nitroprusside. RSC Adv 2019; 9:3987-3993. [PMID: 35518095 PMCID: PMC9060530 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra08867e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Oligonol attenuated SNP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responsesviaregulation of the NF-κB signalling pathway in RAW 264.7 macrophage cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ah Young Lee
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition
- Kimchi Research Institute
- Pusan National University
- Busan 46241
- Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Won Choi
- Technology Support Center
- Korea Food Research Institute
- Republic of Korea
| | - Takako Yokozawa
- Graduate School of Science and Engineering for Research
- University of Toyama
- Toyama 930-8555
- Japan
| | - Eun Ju Cho
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition
- Kimchi Research Institute
- Pusan National University
- Busan 46241
- Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Resolving neuroinflammation, the therapeutic potential of the anti-malaria drug family of artemisinin. Pharmacol Res 2018; 136:172-180. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2018] [Revised: 09/01/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
|
48
|
Chen S, Guo D, Zhang W, Xie Y, Yang H, Cheng B, Wang L, Yang R, Bi J, Feng Z. Biglycan, a Nitric Oxide-Downregulated Proteoglycan, Prevents Nitric Oxide-Induced Neuronal Cell Apoptosis via Targeting Erk1/2 and p38 Signaling Pathways. J Mol Neurosci 2018; 66:68-76. [PMID: 30088173 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-018-1151-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Nitric oxide (NO), a gaseous signaling molecule, induces apoptosis and mediates neurodegenerative diseases and brain injury. Biglycan (BGN), a member of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan family, was demonstrated to exert anti-apoptosis function in various disease models. However, little is known about the effect of BGN on NO-induced neurotoxicity. Here, for the first time, we reported that BGN protects against NO-induced apoptosis in human neuroblastoma SH-EP1 cells. This is supported by the finding that sodium nitroprusside (SNP), a NO donor, triggered downregulation of BGN in SH-EP1 cells, and over-expression of BGN strikingly attenuated NO-induced nuclear fragmentation and apoptosis of neuronal cells. More importantly, BGN remarkably blocked NO-induced phosphorylation of Erk1/2 and p38 signaling, but not JNK MAPK pathway in neuronal cells. Furthermore, inhibiting Erk1/2 by U0126 or p38 by SB203580 partially protected against NO-induced cell death. Conversely, downregulation of BGN by siRNA aggravated NO-induced neuronal cell death, which was not attenuated by U0126 or SB203580. These findings indicated that BGN, downregulated by NO, prevents NO-induced neuronal cell apoptosis via targeting Erk1/2 and p38 signaling pathways. Our results strongly suggest that BGN could be explored for the prevention of NO-induced neurodegenerative disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sujuan Chen
- Synthetic Biology Engineering Lab of Henan Province, School of Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Dandan Guo
- Synthetic Biology Engineering Lab of Henan Province, School of Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Henan Institute of Science and Technology, Xinxiang, China
| | - Yunfei Xie
- School of Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Haijie Yang
- School of Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Binfeng Cheng
- School of Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Synthetic Biology Engineering Lab of Henan Province, School of Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Synthetic Biology Engineering Lab of Henan Province, School of Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China
| | - Jiajia Bi
- Synthetic Biology Engineering Lab of Henan Province, School of Sciences and Technology, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China.
| | - Zhiwei Feng
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xinxiang Medical University, Henan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Lin SP, Li W, Winters A, Liu R, Yang SH. Artemisinin Prevents Glutamate-Induced Neuronal Cell Death Via Akt Pathway Activation. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:108. [PMID: 29731711 PMCID: PMC5919952 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin is an anti-malarial drug that has been in use for almost half century. Recently, novel biological effects of artemisinin on cancer, inflammation-related disorders and cardiovascular disease were reported. However, neuroprotective actions of artemisinin against glutamate-induced oxidative stress have not been investigated. In the current study, we determined the effect of artemisinin against oxidative insult in HT-22 mouse hippocampal cell line. We found that pretreatment of artemisinin declined reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, attenuated the collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential induced by glutamate and rescued HT-22 cells from glutamate-induced cell death. Furthermore, our study demonstrated that artemisinin activated Akt/Bcl-2 signaling and that neuroprotective effect of artemisinin was blocked by Akt-specific inhibitor, MK2206. Taken together, our study indicated that artemisinin prevented neuronal HT-22 cell from glutamate-induced oxidative injury by activation of Akt signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shao-Peng Lin
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States.,Department of Emergency, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenjun Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Ali Winters
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Ran Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Shao-Hua Yang
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Hu R, Cao Q, Sun Z, Chen J, Zheng Q, Xiao F. A novel method of neural differentiation of PC12 cells by using Opti-MEM as a basic induction medium. Int J Mol Med 2018; 41:195-201. [PMID: 29115371 PMCID: PMC5746309 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2017.3195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The PC12 cell line is a classical neuronal cell model due to its ability to acquire the sympathetic neurons features when deal with nerve growth factor (NGF). In the present study, the authors used a variety of different methods to induce PC12 cells, such as Opti-MEM medium containing different concentrations of fetal bovine serum (FBS) and horse serum compared with RPMI-1640 medium, and then observed the neurite length, differentiation, adhesion, cell proliferation and action potential, as well as the protein levels of axonal growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) and synaptic protein synapsin-1, among other differences. Compared with the conventional RPMI-1640 medium induction method, the new approach significantly improved the neurite length of induced cells (2.7 times longer), differentiation rate (30% increase), adhesion rate (21% increase) and expression of GAP-43 and synapsin-1 (three times), as well as reduced cell proliferation. The morphology of induced cells in Opti-MEM medium containing 0.5% FBS was more like that of neurons. Additionally, induced cells were also able to motivate the action potential after treatment for 6 days. Therefore, the research provided a novel, improved induction method of neural differentiation of PC12 cells using Opti-MEM medium containing 0.5% FBS, resulting in a better neuronal model cell line that can be widely used in neurobiology and neuropharmacology research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rendong Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University
| | - Qiaoyu Cao
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632
| | - Zhongqing Sun
- Department of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, SAR
| | - Jinying Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Qing Zheng
- College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632
| | - Fei Xiao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Jinan University
| |
Collapse
|