1
|
Rupp A, Bahlmann S, Trimpop N, von Pawel J, Holdenrieder S. Lack of clinical utility of serum macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) for monitoring therapy response and estimating prognosis in advanced lung cancer. Tumour Biol 2024; 46:S341-S353. [PMID: 37545291 DOI: 10.3233/tub-230006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer is a major burden to global health and is still among the most frequent and most lethal malignant diseases. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in a variety of processes including tumorigenesis, formation of a tumor microenvironment and metastasis. It is therefore a potential prognostic biomarker in malignant diseases. OBJECTIVE In this study, we investigated the applicability of MIF in serum samples as a biomarker in lung cancer. METHODS In a retrospective approach, we analyzed the sera of 79 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and 14 patients with small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) before the start of chemotherapy, as well as before the second and third chemotherapy cycle, respectively. Serum MIF levels were measured using a sandwich immunoassay with a sulfo-tag-labelled detection antibody, while pro-gastrin releasing peptide (proGRP) levels were determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS No difference in serum MIF levels between responders and non-responders to chemotherapy was observed at all time points, while proGRP levels were significantly lower in responders before the second chemotherapy cycle (p = 0.012). No differences in biomarker levels depending on the histopathological classification of NSCLC patients was found. Moreover, in ROC curve analyses MIF was not able to distinguish between responders and non-responders to therapy. proGRP could differentiate between responders and non-responders before the second chemotherapy cycle (p = 0.015) with sensitivities of 43% at 90% and 95% specificity, respectively. Likewise, proGRP yielded significantly longer survival times of patients with low proGRP concentrations before the second chemotherapy cycle (p = 0.015) in Kaplan-Meier analyses, yet MIF showed no significant differences in survival times at all time points. Comparison with the biomarkers CEA and CYFRA 21-1 in the same cohort showed that these established biomarkers clearly performed superior to MIF and proGRP. CONCLUSIONS From the present results, there is no indication that serum MIF may serve as a biomarker in prognosis and monitoring of response to therapy in lung cancer. Limitations of this study include its retrospective design, the inclusion of a larger NSCLC and a smaller SCLC subgroup, the classical chemotherapeutic treatment, the use of a non-diagnostic immunoassay (RUO-test) for MIF measurement and the lack of a validation cohort. Strengths of the study are its highly standardized procedures concerning sample collection, preanalytic treatment, measurements and quality control of the laboratory assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Rupp
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sophie Bahlmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Nicolai Trimpop
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Clinical Pharmacology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Loftis JM, Ramani S, Firsick EJ, Hudson R, Le-Cook A, Murnane KS, Vandenbark A, Shirley RL. Immunotherapeutic treatment of inflammation in mice exposed to methamphetamine. Front Psychiatry 2023; 14:1259041. [PMID: 38025429 PMCID: PMC10666795 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1259041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Currently, there are no FDA-approved medications to treat methamphetamine addiction, including the inflammatory, neurotoxic, and adverse neuropsychiatric effects. We have shown that partial (p)MHC class II constructs (i.e., Recombinant T-cell receptor Ligand - RTL1000), comprised of the extracellular α1 and β1 domains of MHC class II molecules linked covalently to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-35-55 peptide, can address the neuroimmune effects of methamphetamine addiction through its ability to bind to and down-regulate CD74 expression, block macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) signaling, and reduce levels of pro-inflammatory chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2). The present study evaluated the effects of our third-generation pMHC II construct, DRmQ, on cognitive function and concentration of inflammatory cytokines in the frontal cortex, a region critical for cognitive functions such as memory, impulse control, and problem solving. Methods Female and male C57BL/6J mice were exposed to methamphetamine (or saline) via subcutaneous (s.c.) injections administered four times per day every other day for 14 days. Following methamphetamine exposure, mice received immunotherapy (DRmQ or ibudilast) or vehicle s.c. injections daily for five days. Cognitive function was assessed using the novel object recognition test (NORT). To evaluate the effects of immunotherapy on inflammation in the frontal cortex, multiplex immunoassays were conducted. ANOVA was used to compare exploration times on the NORT and immune factor concentrations. Results Post hoc analysis revealed increased novel object exploration time in MA-DRmQ treated mice, as compared to MA-VEH treated mice (non-significant trend). One-way ANOVA detected a significant difference across the groups in the concentration of macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2) (p = 0.03). Post hoc tests indicated that mice treated with methamphetamine and DRmQ or ibudilast had significantly lower levels of MIP-2 in frontal cortex, as compared to mice treated with methamphetamine and vehicle (p > 0.05). Discussion By specifically targeting CD74, our DRQ constructs can block the signaling of MIF, inhibiting the downstream signaling and pro-inflammatory effects that contribute to and perpetuate methamphetamine addiction.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M. Loftis
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Behavioral Neuroscience, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Methamphetamine Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Sankrith Ramani
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Evan J. Firsick
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Rebekah Hudson
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Anh Le-Cook
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Kevin S. Murnane
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Neuroscience, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Louisiana Addiction Research Center, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center at Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, United States
| | - Arthur Vandenbark
- Research and Development Service, Veterans Affairs Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Neurology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
- Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Małujło-Balcerska E, Pietras T. Deiodinase Types 1 and 3 and Proinflammatory Cytokine Values May Discriminate Depressive Disorder Patients from Healthy Controls. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6163. [PMID: 37834806 PMCID: PMC10573790 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196163] [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: 05/25/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Depressive disorders are multifactorial diseases in that a variety of factors may play a role in their etiology, including inflammation and abnormalities in the thyroid hormone (TH) metabolism and levels. The purpose of this study was to evaluate iodothyronine deiodinases (DIOs) and DIO-interacting cytokines as possible biomarkers in the diagnosis of depressive disorders. METHODS This study enrolled 73 patients diagnosed with recurrent depressive disorder (rDD) and 54 controls. The expressions of DIO1, DIO2, DIO3, IL1B, IL6, TNFA, and IFNG genes, encoding three types of DIOs (1, 2, and 3), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ, were assessed using the polymerase chain reaction in blood cells and an enzymatic immunoassay method in serum. The levels of examined molecules between patients and controls were compared, and correlations and diagnostic values were evaluated. RESULTS Lower levels of DIO2 and higher levels of IL1B, IL6, and TNFA were found in patients compared to controls. The protein concentrations of DIO1 and DIO2 were lower, while that of DIO3 was higher, in patients than in controls. Serum IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were also higher in patients than in controls. The area under the curve (AUC) of the IL-1β, IL-6, DIO1, and DIO3 proteins was >0.7 for discriminating patients with rDD from controls. CONCLUSIONS The expressions of genes for DIO2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α may have a role in the estimation of processes present in depressive disorders. We can cautiously claim that DIO1 and DIO3 and pivotal cytokines, mainly IL-1β and IL-6, may play a role in depression diagnosis, and further studies are suggested to explain the exact role of these molecules in larger samples with more precise methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Tadeusz Pietras
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Łódź, 90-419 Łódź, Poland;
- Second Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, 02-957 Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Roy PK, Islam J, Lalhlenmawia H. Prospects of potential adipokines as therapeutic agents in obesity-linked atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Egypt Heart J 2023; 75:24. [PMID: 37014444 PMCID: PMC10073393 DOI: 10.1186/s43044-023-00352-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In normal circumstances, AT secretes anti-inflammatory adipokines (AAKs) which regulates lipid metabolism, insulin sensitivity, vascular hemostasis, and angiogenesis. However, during obesity AT dysfunction occurs and leads to microvascular imbalance and secretes several pro-inflammatory adipokines (PAKs), thereby favoring atherogenic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Literature suggests decreased levels of circulating AAKs and increased levels of PAKs in obesity-linked disorders. Importantly, AAKs have been reported to play a vital role in obesity-linked metabolic disorders mainly insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes mellitus and coronary heart diseases. Interestingly, AAKs counteract the microvascular imbalance in AT and exert cardioprotection via several signaling pathways such as PI3-AKT/PKB pathway. Although literature reviews have presented a number of investigations detailing specific pathways involved in obesity-linked disorders, literature concerning AT dysfunction and AAKs remains sketchy. In view of the above, in the present contribution an effort has been made to provide an insight on the AT dysfunction and role of AAKs in modulating the obesity and obesity-linked atherogenesis and insulin resistance. MAIN BODY "Obesity-linked insulin resistance", "obesity-linked cardiometabolic disease", "anti-inflammatory adipokines", "pro-inflammatory adipokines", "adipose tissue dysfunction" and "obesity-linked microvascular dysfunction" are the keywords used for searching article. Google scholar, Google, Pubmed and Scopus were used as search engines for the articles. CONCLUSIONS This review offers an overview on the pathophysiology of obesity, management of obesity-linked disorders, and areas in need of attention such as novel therapeutic adipokines and their possible future perspectives as therapeutic agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Probin Kr Roy
- Department of Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences (RIPANS), Aizawl, Mizoram, 796017, India.
| | - Johirul Islam
- Coromandel International Limited, Hyderabad, Telangana, 500101, India
| | - Hauzel Lalhlenmawia
- Department of Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Paramedical and Nursing Sciences (RIPANS), Aizawl, Mizoram, 796017, India
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Leone GM, Mangano K, Petralia MC, Nicoletti F, Fagone P. Past, Present and (Foreseeable) Future of Biological Anti-TNF Alpha Therapy. J Clin Med 2023; 12:jcm12041630. [PMID: 36836166 PMCID: PMC9963154 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12041630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the key role of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in the pathogenesis of immunoinflammatory diseases, TNF-α inhibitors have been successfully developed and used in the clinical treatment of autoimmune disorders. Currently, five anti-TNF-α drugs have been approved: infliximab, adalimumab, golimumab, certolizumab pegol and etanercept. Anti-TNF-α biosimilars are also available for clinical use. Here, we will review the historical development as well as the present and potential future applications of anti-TNF-α therapies, which have led to major improvements for patients with several autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), Crohn's disease (CD), ulcerative colitis (UC), psoriasis (PS) and chronic endogenous uveitis. Other therapeutic areas are under evaluation, including viral infections, e.g., COVID-19, as well as chronic neuropsychiatric disorders and certain forms of cancer. The search for biomarkers able to predict responsiveness to anti-TNF-α drugs is also discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gian Marco Leone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 97, 95123 Catania, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Jiang H, Zhang Y, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43: An Interface Connecting Neuroinflammation to Depression. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041820. [PMID: 36838809 PMCID: PMC9961786 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a leading chronic mental illness worldwide, characterized by anhedonia, pessimism and even suicidal thoughts. Connexin 43 (Cx43), mainly distributed in astrocytes of the brain, is by far the most widely and ubiquitously expressed connexin in almost all vital organs. Cx43 forms gap junction channels in the brain, which mediate energy exchange and effectively maintain physiological homeostasis. Increasing evidence suggests the crucial role of Cx43 in the pathogenesis of MDD. Neuroinflammation is one of the most common pathological features of the central nervous system dysfunctions. Inflammatory factors are abnormally elevated in patients with depression and are closely related to nearly all links of depression. After activating the inflammatory pathway in the brain, the release and uptake of glutamate and adenosine triphosphate, through Cx43 in the synaptic cleft, would be affected. In this review, we have summarized the association between Cx43 and neuroinflammation, the cornerstones linking inflammation and depression, and Cx43 abnormalities in depression. We also discuss the significant association of Cx43 in inflammation and depression, which will help to explore new antidepressant drug targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical, Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
- Correspondence: (Z.-Z.W.); (N.-H.C.); Tel.: +86-10-6316-5182 (Z.-Z.W.); +86-10-63165177 (N.-H.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Supti KF, Asaduzzaman M, Suhee FI, Shahriar M, Islam SMA, Bhuiyan MA, Qusar MMAS, Islam MR. Elevated Serum Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Levels are Associated With Major Depressive Disorder. CLINICAL PATHOLOGY (THOUSAND OAKS, VENTURA COUNTY, CALIF.) 2023; 16:2632010X231220841. [PMID: 38144435 PMCID: PMC10748934 DOI: 10.1177/2632010x231220841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Background Previous studies have suggested the involvement of an activated inflammatory process in major depressive disorder (MDD), as altered expression of inflammatory cytokines is observed in depression. This alteration can be the cause or a consequence of MDD. However, acknowledging inflammatory cytokines as prospective biomarkers would aid in diagnosing or guiding better therapeutic options. Therefore, we designed this study to assess the macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) in depression. Method We collected blood samples from 115 MDD patients and 113 healthy controls (HCs) matched by age and sex. MDD patients were diagnosed by a qualified psychiatrist based on the symptoms mentioned in the diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (DSM-5). We applied the Hamilton depression (Ham-D) rating scale to assess the severity of depression. We assessed serum levels of MIF using ELISA kit (Boster Bio, USA). Result We detected increased serum MIF levels in MDD patients compared to HCs (6.15 ± 0.23 ng/mL vs 3.95 ± 0.21 ng/mL, P < 0.001). Moreover, this increase is more among female patients than female controls. Also, we noticed a positive correlation between altered MIF levels and the Ham-D scores (r = 0.233; P = 0.012), where we found that patients who scored higher on the Ham-D scale had higher MIF levels in serum. Moreover, the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve represented the good diagnostic performance of altered serum MIF. Conclusion Our study findings indicate the association of pro-inflammatory cytokine MIF in the pathophysiology of depression as we identified elevated serum MIF levels in depressive patients compared to HCs. However, more researches are required to confirm whether this alteration of cytokine is the causative factor or a consequence of depression. We recommend conducting further studies to understand the pattern of this alteration of MIF levels in MDD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Md. Asaduzzaman
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Mohammad Shahriar
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | | | - MMA Shalahuddin Qusar
- Department of Psychiatry, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University, Shahbagh, Ramna, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | |
Collapse
|
8
|
Önal HT, Yetkin D, Ayaz F. Immunostimulatory activity of fluoxetine in macrophages via regulation of the PI3K and P38 signaling pathways. Immunol Res 2022; 71:413-421. [PMID: 36512200 PMCID: PMC9745289 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-022-09350-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug that is heavily preferred in the cure of depression, which is from the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group. There are many reports on the effect of fluoxetine on the immune system, and its effect on the macrophage cells has never been looked at before. We aimed to demonstrate the cytokine production potential of fluoxetine antidepressant, which is widely used in the clinic, in the J774.2 cell line and its effect on PI3K and P38 pathways. The use of fluoxetine alone in J774.2 macrophage cells showed immunostimulatory properties by inducing the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL) IL-6, IL-12p40, and granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) cytokines. It showed anti-inflammatory properties by completely stopping the production of cytokines (IL-6, IL12p40, TNF-α, and GM-CSF) at all concentrations where LPS and fluoxetine were used together. While PI3K and P38 pathways were not effective in the immunostimulatory effect in the presence of the drug agent, we found that the PI3K and P38 pathways were influenced during their anti-inflammatory activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harika Topal Önal
- Medical Laboratory Techniques, Vocational School of Health Services, Toros University, 33140 Mersin, Turkey
| | - Derya Yetkin
- Mersin University Advanced Technology Education Research and Application Center, Mersin University, 33110 Mersin, Turkey
| | - Furkan Ayaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Arts and Science, Mersin University, Mersin, Turkey 33110
- Mersin University Biotechnology Research and Application Center, Mersin University, 33110, Mersin, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Major Depressive Disorder: A Multilevel Pilot Study. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232415460. [PMID: 36555097 PMCID: PMC9779321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232415460] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a controversially discussed inflammatory marker in major depressive disorder (MDD). While some studies show an association of high MIF protein levels with depression, animal models have yielded conflicting results. Thus, it remains elusive as to whether MIF plays an anti- or pro-depressive role. Therefore, we aimed to examine the potential of MIF at the genetic, expression and protein levels as a risk factor and biomarker to diagnose, monitor, or predict the course of MDD. Patients with a current major depressive episode (n = 66 with, and n = 63 without, prior medication) and remitted patients (n = 39) were compared with healthy controls (n = 61). Currently depressed patients provided a second blood sample after three weeks of therapy. Depression severity was assessed by self-evaluation and clinician rating scales. We genotyped for three MIF polymorphisms and analyzed peripheral MIF expression and serum levels. The absence of minor allele homozygous individuals in the large group of 96 female patients compared with 10-16% in female controls suggests a protective effect for MDD, which was not observed in the male group. There were no significant group differences of protein and expression levels, however, both showed predictive potential for the course of depression severity in some subgroups. While MIF protein levels, but not MIF expression, decreased during treatment, they were not associated with changes in depression severity. This project is the first to investigate three biological levels of MIF in depression. The data hint toward a genetic effect in women, but do not provide robust evidence for the utility of MIF as a biomarker for the diagnosis or monitoring of MDD. The observed predictive potential requires further analysis, emphasizing future attention to confounding factors such as sex and premedication.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ahmad S, Azhar A, Tikmani P, Rafique H, Khan A, Mesiya H, Saeed H. A randomized clinical trial to test efficacy of chamomile and saffron for neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory responses in depressive patients. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10774. [PMID: 36217471 PMCID: PMC9547202 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2022] [Revised: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Depression is one of the common psychiatric problems in growing world population caused by long-term stressful events that may trigger the down regulation of neurogenesis. The pathogenesis of depression initially relies on serotonin deficiency which is associated with depressive feelings. Tryptophan (TRP) depletion participate crucial role in inducing depressive symptoms. Long-term reduction of 5-HT may disseminate to high sensitivity of MDD and alters the level of BDNF. Some studies have also revealed the strong association between excessive neuroinflammation and BDNF levels, due the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. The treatment approach through FDA approved medicine has their own merits and drawbacks. Therefore, herbal alternatives have recently garnered attention for their effectiveness against depression. However, evidence-based synergic effects of antidepressant with different herbal agents are limited. The purpose of this study was to assess the synergistic effects of two well-known herbs, chamomile and saffron, as an adjuvant therapy in patients with mild to moderate depression. The present study was study randomized, open, blinded trial and comprised of 120 participants randomly allocated to control (n = 60) and test (n = 60). After consent, the patient health questionnaire- 9 (PHQ-9) was filled to obtain depression scores. The test participants were received herbal tea sachets twice a day for one month (20 mg Chamomile and 1 mg Saffron/sachet) along with routine medicines, while control participants were received only allopathic medications. Blood samples were taken before and after the treatment. The depressive symptoms improved significantly with both treatments. The effect of herbs enhanced the efficacy of medications and significantly improved PHQ-9 scale and BDNF while reduced the inflammatory markers (CRP) and TRP level in plasma thereby increased the availability of TRP in brain. It has been concluded that the herbal adjuvant therapy produced long term improvement against depression and enhanced the efficacy of allopathic treatment.
Collapse
|
11
|
Depression in breast cancer patients: Immunopathogenesis and immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2022; 536:215648. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2022.215648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 03/13/2022] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
|
12
|
Burlacu CC, Neag MA, Mitre AO, Sirbu AC, Badulescu AV, Buzoianu AD. The Role of miRNAs in Dexmedetomidine's Neuroprotective Effects against Brain Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105452. [PMID: 35628263 PMCID: PMC9141783 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There are limited neuroprotective strategies for various central nervous system conditions in which fast and sustained management is essential. Neuroprotection-based therapeutics have become an intensively researched topic in the neuroscience field, with multiple novel promising agents, from natural products to mesenchymal stem cells, homing peptides, and nanoparticles-mediated agents, all aiming to significantly provide neuroprotection in experimental and clinical studies. Dexmedetomidine (DEX), an α2 agonist commonly used as an anesthetic adjuvant for sedation and as an opioid-sparing medication, stands out in this context due to its well-established neuroprotective effects. Emerging evidence from preclinical and clinical studies suggested that DEX could be used to protect against cerebral ischemia, traumatic brain injury (TBI), spinal cord injury, neurodegenerative diseases, and postoperative cognitive disorders. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) regulate gene expression at a post-transcriptional level, inhibiting the translation of mRNA into functional proteins. In vivo and in vitro studies deciphered brain-related miRNAs and dysregulated miRNA profiles after several brain disorders, including TBI, ischemic stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, and multiple sclerosis, providing emerging new perspectives in neuroprotective therapy by modulating these miRNAs. Experimental studies revealed that some of the neuroprotective effects of DEX are mediated by various miRNAs, counteracting multiple mechanisms in several disease models, such as lipopolysaccharides induced neuroinflammation, β-amyloid induced dysfunction, brain ischemic-reperfusion injury, and anesthesia-induced neurotoxicity models. This review aims to outline the neuroprotective mechanisms of DEX in brain disorders by modulating miRNAs. We address the neuroprotective effects of DEX by targeting miRNAs in modulating ischemic brain injury, ameliorating the neurotoxicity of anesthetics, reducing postoperative cognitive dysfunction, and improving the effects of neurodegenerative diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Codrin-Constantin Burlacu
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.-C.B.); (A.-O.M.); (A.-V.B.)
| | - Maria-Adriana Neag
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-C.S.); (A.-D.B.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Andrei-Otto Mitre
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.-C.B.); (A.-O.M.); (A.-V.B.)
| | - Alexandru-Constantin Sirbu
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-C.S.); (A.-D.B.)
| | - Andrei-Vlad Badulescu
- Faculty of Medicine, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400349 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (C.-C.B.); (A.-O.M.); (A.-V.B.)
| | - Anca-Dana Buzoianu
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Clinical Pharmacology, Iuliu Hatieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.-C.S.); (A.-D.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Althubaity N, Schubert J, Martins D, Yousaf T, Nettis MA, Mondelli V, Pariante C, Harrison NA, Bullmore ET, Dima D, Turkheimer FE, Veronese M. Choroid plexus enlargement is associated with neuroinflammation and reduction of blood brain barrier permeability in depression. Neuroimage Clin 2021; 33:102926. [PMID: 34972034 PMCID: PMC8718974 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2021.102926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have shown that choroid plexuses (CP) may be involved in the neuro-immune axes, playing a role in the interaction between the central and peripheral inflammation. Here we aimed to investigate CP volume alterations in depression and their associations with inflammation. METHODS 51 depressed participants (HDRS score > 13) and 25 age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HCs) from the Wellcome Trust NIMA consortium were re-analysed for the study. All the participants underwent full peripheral cytokine profiling and simultaneous [11C]PK11195 PET/structural MRI imaging for measuring neuroinflammation and CP volume respectively. RESULTS We found a significantly greater CP volume in depressed subjects compared to HCs (t(76) = +2.17) that was positively correlated with [11C]PK11195 PET binding in the anterior cingulate cortex (r = 0.28, p = 0.02), prefrontal cortex (r = 0.24, p = 0.04), and insular cortex (r = 0.24, p = 0.04), but not with the peripheral inflammatory markers: CRP levels (r = 0.07, p = 0.53), IL-6 (r = -0.08, p = 0.61), and TNF-α (r = -0.06, p = 0.70). The CP volume correlated with the [11C]PK11195 PET binding in CP (r = 0.34, p = 0.005). Integration of transcriptomic data from the Allen Human Brain Atlas with the brain map depicting the correlations between CP volume and PET imaging found significant gene enrichment for several pathways involved in neuroinflammatory response. CONCLUSION This result supports the hypothesis that changes in brain barriers may cause reduction in solute exchanges between blood and CSF, disturbing the brain homeostasis and ultimately contributing to inflammation in depression. Given that CP anomalies have been recently detected in other brain disorders, these results may not be specific to depression and might extend to other conditions with a peripheral inflammatory component.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noha Althubaity
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Radiological Sciences, College of Applied Medical Science, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Julia Schubert
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Daniel Martins
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Tayyabah Yousaf
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Maria A Nettis
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Valeria Mondelli
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Carmine Pariante
- Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Neil A Harrison
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), Cardiff University, Cardiff, UK; Department of Neuroscience, Brighton and Sussex Medical School, University of Sussex, UK
| | - Edward T Bullmore
- Department of Psychiatry, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, UK; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK; Immuno-Psychiatry, Immuno-Inflammation Therapeutic Area Unit, GlaxoSmithKline R&D, Stevenage, UK
| | - Danai Dima
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Psychology, School of Arts and Social Sciences, City University of London, London, UK
| | - Federico E Turkheimer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Mattia Veronese
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK; Department of Information Engineering, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Elevated Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) as Candidate Biomarker of Mood Disorders-Longitudinal Study in Adolescent and Young Adult Patients. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184064. [PMID: 34575175 PMCID: PMC8468978 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental disorder that affects more than 1% of the population worldwide. Over 65% of patients experience early onset of the disease. Most cases of juvenile bipolar disorder begin with a depressed mood episode, and up to 50% of youth initially diagnosed with major depression go onto developing a BD. Our study aimed to find biomarkers of diagnosis conversion in young patients with mood disorders. We performed a two-year follow-up study on 79 adolescent patients diagnosed with MDD or BD, with a detailed clinical assessment at five visits. We monitored diagnosis change from MDD to BD. The control group consisted of 31 healthy youths. According to the neurodevelopmental and neuroimmunological hypotheses of mood disorders, we analyzed serum levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), proBDNF, epidermal growth factor (EGF), migration inhibitory factor (MIF), stem cell factor (SCF), and correlations with clinical factors. We detected a significant disease-dependent increase in EGF level in MDD and BP patients at baseline exacerbation of depressive or hypomanic/manic episodes as well as in euthymic state compared to healthy controls. No potential biological predictors of disease conversion were found. Replication studies on a larger cohort of patients are needed.
Collapse
|
15
|
Petralia MC, Ciurleo R, Bramanti A, Bramanti P, Saraceno A, Mangano K, Quattropani MC, Nicoletti F, Fagone P. Transcriptomic Data Analysis Reveals a Down-Expression of Galectin-8 in Schizophrenia Hippocampus. Brain Sci 2021; 11:brainsci11080973. [PMID: 34439592 PMCID: PMC8392448 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11080973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a severe psychiatric disorder with several clinical manifestations that include cognitive dysfunction, decline in motivation, and psychosis. Current standards of care treatment with antipsychotic agents are often ineffective in controlling the disease, as only one-third of SCZ patients respond to medications. The mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of SCZ remain elusive. It is believed that inflammatory processes may play a role as contributing factors to the etiology of SCZ. Galectins are a family of β-galactoside-binding lectins that contribute to the regulation of immune and inflammatory responses, and previous reports have shown their role in the maintenance of central nervous system (CNS) homeostasis and neuroinflammation. In the current study, we evaluated the expression levels of the galectin gene family in post-mortem samples of the hippocampus, associative striatum, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex from SCZ patients. We found a significant downregulation of LGALS8 (Galectin-8) in the hippocampus of SCZ patients as compared to otherwise healthy donors. Interestingly, the reduction of LGALS8 was disease-specific, as no modulation was observed in the hippocampus from bipolar nor major depressive disorder (MDD) patients. Prediction analysis identified TBL1XR1, BRF2, and TAF7 as potential transcription factors controlling LGALS8 expression. In addition, MIR3681HG and MIR4296 were negatively correlated with LGALS8 expression, suggesting a role for epigenetics in the regulation of LGALS8 levels. On the other hand, no differences in the methylation levels of LGALS8 were observed between SCZ and matched control hippocampus. Finally, ontology analysis of the genes negatively correlated with LGALS8 expression identified an enrichment of the NGF-stimulated transcription pathway and of the oligodendrocyte differentiation pathway. Our study identified LGALS8 as a disease-specific gene, characterizing SCZ patients, that may in the future be exploited as a potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (M.C.Q.)
| | - Rosella Ciurleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- Department of Medicine, University of Salerno, 84084 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Andrea Saraceno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (K.M.); (F.N.)
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (K.M.); (F.N.)
| | - Maria Catena Quattropani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, 98122 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (M.C.Q.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (K.M.); (F.N.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (K.M.); (F.N.)
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Ivanets NN, Svistunov AA, Chubarev VN, Kinkulkina MA, Tikhonova YG, Syzrantsev NS, Sologova SS, Ignatyeva NV, Mutig K, Tarasov VV. Can Molecular Biology Propose Reliable Biomarkers for Diagnosing Major Depression? Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:305-318. [PMID: 33234092 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201124110437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2020] [Accepted: 08/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Modern medicine has provided considerable knowledge of the pathophysiology of mental disorders at the body, systemic, organ and neurochemical levels of the biological organization of the body. Modern clinical diagnostics of depression have some problems, that is why psychiatric society makes use of diagnostics and taxonomy of different types of depression by implemention of modern molecular biomarkers in diagnostic procedures. But up to now, there are no reliable biomarkers of major depressive disorder (MDD) and other types of depression. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this review is to find fundamentals in pathological mechanisms of depression, which could be a basis for development of molecular and genetic biomarkers, being the most feasible for clinical use. METHOD This review summarizes the published data using PubMed, Science Direct, Google Scholar and Scopus. RESULTS In this review, we summarized and discussed findings in molecular biology, genetics, neuroplasticity, neurotransmitters, and neuroimaging that could increase our understanding of the biological foundations of depression and show new directions for the development of reliable biomarkers. We did not find any molecular and genetic biomarker approved for the clinic. But the Genome-Wide Association Study method promises some progress in the development of biomarkers based on SNP in the future. Epigenetic factors also are a promising target for biomarkers. We have found some differences in the etiology of different types of atypical and melancholic depression. This knowledge could be the basis for development of biomarkers for clinical practice in diagnosis, prognosis and selection of treatment. CONCLUSION Depression is not a monoetiological disease. Many pathological mechanisms are involved in depression, thus up to now, there is no approved and reliable biomarker for diagnosis, prognosis and correction of treatment of depression. The structural and functional complexity of the brain, the lack of invasive technology, poor correlations between genetic and clinical manifestation of depression, imperfect psychiatric classification and taxonomy of subtypes of disease are the main causes of this situation. One of the possible ways to come over this situation can be to pay attention to the trigger mechanism of disease and its subtypes. Researchers and clinicians should focus their efforts on searching the trigger mechanism of depression and different types of it . HPA axis can be a candidate for such trigger in depression caused by stress, because it influences the main branches of disease: neuroinflammation, activity of biogenic amines, oxidative and nitrosative stress, epigenetic factors, metabolomics, etc. But before we shall find any trigger mechanism, we need to create complex biomarkers reflecting genetic, epigenetic, metabolomics and other pathological changes in different types of depression. Recently the most encouraging results have been obtained from genetics and neuroimaging. Continuing research in these areas should be forced by using computational, statistical and systems biology approaches, which can allow to obtain more knowledge about the neurobiology of depression. In order to obtain clinically useful tests, search for biomarkers should use appropriate research methodologies with increasing samples and identifying more homogeneous groups of depressed patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nikolay N Ivanets
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey A Svistunov
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Vladimir N Chubarev
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Marina A Kinkulkina
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Yuliya G Tikhonova
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Nikita S Syzrantsev
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Susanna S Sologova
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Nelly V Ignatyeva
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Kerim Mutig
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Vadim V Tarasov
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Deligiannidou GE, Gougoula V, Bezirtzoglou E, Kontogiorgis C, Constantinides TK. The Role of Natural Products in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Current Knowledge of Basic In Vitro and In Vivo Research. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10040599. [PMID: 33924632 PMCID: PMC8070014 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10040599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disorder affecting a vast variety of the population. The onset of RA as well as the development of systematic immunization is affected by both genetic and environmental risk factors. This review aims to point out the role of natural products in the management of RA, focusing on the reports of basic research (in vitro and animal studies) emphasizing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties considered in the field of RA. A systematic screening of the relevant literature was carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus with the following criteria: publication date, 2015-2020; language, English; study design, in vitro or animal models; and the investigation of one or several natural products in the context of RA, including, when available, the molecular mechanisms implicated. A total of 211 papers were initially obtained and screened. In vitro and animal studies referring to 20 natural products and 15 pure compounds were ultimately included in this review. The outcomes of this work provide an overview of the methods employed in basic research over the past five years, with emphasis on the limitations presented, while demonstrating the potential benefits of utilizing natural products in the management of RA as supported by in vitro and animal studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Georgia-Eirini Deligiannidou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (G.-E.D.); (V.G.); (E.B.); (T.K.C.)
| | - Vasiliki Gougoula
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (G.-E.D.); (V.G.); (E.B.); (T.K.C.)
| | - Eugenia Bezirtzoglou
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (G.-E.D.); (V.G.); (E.B.); (T.K.C.)
| | - Christos Kontogiorgis
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (G.-E.D.); (V.G.); (E.B.); (T.K.C.)
- Institute of Agri-Food and Life Sciences, Hellenic Mediterranean University Research Centre, GR-71410 Heraklion, Greece
- Correspondence:
| | - Theodoros K. Constantinides
- Laboratory of Hygiene and Environmental Protection, Department of Medicine, Democritus University of Thrace, GR-68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece; (G.-E.D.); (V.G.); (E.B.); (T.K.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Osipyan A, Chen D, Dekker FJ. Epigenetic regulation in macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF)-mediated signaling in cancer and inflammation. Drug Discov Today 2021; 26:1728-1734. [PMID: 33746067 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2021.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms are important for the regular development and maintenance of the tissue-specific expression of cytokine genes. One of the crucial cytokines involved in cancer and inflammation is macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), which triggers the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) signaling pathways by binding to CD74 and other receptors. Altered expression of this cytokine and altered activity states of the connected pathways are linked to inflammatory disease and cancer. Therapeutic strategies based on epigenetic mechanisms have the potential to regulate MIF-mediated signaling in cancer and inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Osipyan
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Deng Chen
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Frank J Dekker
- Department of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Biology, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy (GRIP), University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Welcome MO, Mastorakis NE. The taste of neuroinflammation: Molecular mechanisms linking taste sensing to neuroinflammatory responses. Pharmacol Res 2021; 167:105557. [PMID: 33737243 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates a critical role of neuroinflammatory response as an underlying pathophysiological process in several central nervous system disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms that trigger neuroinflammatory processes are not fully known. The discovery of bitter taste receptors in regions other than the oral cavity substantially increased research interests on their functional roles in extra-oral tissues. It is now widely accepted that bitter taste receptors, for instance, in the respiratory, intestinal, reproductive and urinary tracts, are crucial not only for sensing poisonous substances, but also, act as immune sentinels, mobilizing defense mechanisms against pathogenic aggression. The relatively recent discovery of bitter taste receptors in the brain has intensified research investigation on the functional implication of cerebral bitter taste receptor expression. Very recent data suggest that responses of bitter taste receptors to neurotoxins and microbial molecules, under normal condition, are necessary to prevent neuroinflammatory reactions. Furthermore, emerging data have revealed that downregulation of key components of the taste receptor signaling cascade leads to increased oxidative stress and inflammasome signaling in neurons that ultimately culminate in neuroinflammation. Nevertheless, the mechanisms that link taste receptor mediated surveillance of the extracellular milieu to neuroinflammatory responses are not completely understood. This review integrates new data on the molecular mechanisms that link bitter taste receptor sensing to neuroinflammatory responses. The role of bitter taste receptor-mediated sensing of toxigenic substances in brain disorders is also discussed. The therapeutic significance of targeting these receptors for potential treatment of neurodegenerative diseases is also highlighted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Menizibeya O Welcome
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Nile University of Nigeria, Abuja, Nigeria.
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Treatment-Resistant Depression Revisited: A Glimmer of Hope. J Pers Med 2021; 11:jpm11020155. [PMID: 33672126 PMCID: PMC7927134 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11020155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a highly prevalent psychiatric disorder worldwide. It causes individual suffering, loss of productivity, increased health care costs and high suicide risk. Current pharmacologic interventions fail to produce at least partial response to approximately one third of these patients, and remission is obtained in approximately 30% of patients. This is known as Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). The burden of TRD exponentially increases the longer it persists, with a higher risk of impaired functional and social functioning, vast losses in quality of life and significant risk of somatic morbidity and suicidality. Different approaches have been suggested and utilized, but the results have not been encouraging. In this review article, we present new approaches to identify and correct potential causes of TRD, thereby reducing its prevalence and with it the overall burden of this disease entity. We will address potential contributory factors to TRD, most of which can be investigated in many laboratories as routine tests. We discuss endocrinological aberrations, notably, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis dysregulation and thyroid and gonadal dysfunction. We address the role of Vitamin D in contributing to depression. Pharmacogenomic testing is being increasingly used to determine Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Cytochrome P450, Serotonin Transporter, COMT, folic acid conversion (MTHFR). As the role of immune system dysregulation is being recognized as potentially a major contributory factor to TRD, the measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) and select immune biomarkers, where testing is available, can guide combination treatments with anti-inflammatory agents (e.g., selective COX-2 inhibitors) reversing treatment resistance. We focus on established and emerging test procedures, potential biomarkers and non-biologic assessments and interventions to apply personalized medicine to effectively manage treatment resistance in general and TRD specifically.
Collapse
|
21
|
Basile MS, Ciurleo R, Bramanti A, Petralia MC, Fagone P, Nicoletti F, Cavalli E. Cognitive Decline in Rheumatoid Arthritis: Insight into the Molecular Pathogenetic Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22031185. [PMID: 33530359 PMCID: PMC7865873 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22031185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cognitive decline refers to a deterioration of intellectual and learning abilities and related memory problems, and is often associated with behavioral alterations, which prevents sufferers from carrying out the most common daily activities, such as maintaining normal productive interpersonal relationships, communicating, and leading an autonomous life. Numerous studies have highlighted the association between cognitive decline and autoimmune disorders, including rheumatoid arthritis (RA). RA is a chronic, inflammatory, autoimmune disease that involves systems and organs other than the bones and joints, with varying severity among patients. Here, we review the studies investigating the link between cognitive decline and RA, focusing on the main molecular pathogenetic mechanisms involved. The emerging body of data suggests that clinical, psychological, and biological factors may contribute to the pathogenesis of cognitive decline in RA, including cardiovascular complications, chronic pain, depression, inflammatory factors, changes in hormone levels, drug side effects, and genetics. Further studies are warranted in order to fully clarify the basis underlying the association between cognitive decline and RA and to find new possible diagnostic strategies and therapeutic targets for RA patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sofia Basile
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.S.B.); (R.C.); (A.B.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Rosella Ciurleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.S.B.); (R.C.); (A.B.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.S.B.); (R.C.); (A.B.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.S.B.); (R.C.); (A.B.); (M.C.P.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (P.F.); (E.C.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (P.F.); (E.C.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eugenio Cavalli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (P.F.); (E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Yarmohammadi A, Yarmohammadi M, Fakhri S, Khan H. Targeting pivotal inflammatory pathways in COVID-19: A mechanistic review. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 890:173620. [PMID: 33038418 PMCID: PMC7539138 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2020] [Revised: 09/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
As an emerging global health crisis, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been labeled a worldwide pandemic. Growing evidence is revealing further pathophysiological mechanisms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Amongst these dysregulated pathways inflammation seems to play a more critical role toward COVID-19 complications. In the present study, precise inflammatory pathways triggered by SARS-CoV-2, along with potential therapeutic candidates have been discussed. Prevailing evidence has indicated a close correlation of inflammatory cascades with severity, pathological progression, and organ damages in COVID-19 patients. From the mechanistic point of view, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β receptor, interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha receptor, toll-like receptor, receptor tyrosine kinases, growth factor receptor, Janus kinase/signal transducers and transcription pathway, mammalian target of rapamycin, cytokine storm and macrophage activation have shown to play critical roles in COVID-19 complications. So, there is an urgent need to provide novel mechanistic-based anti-inflammatory agents. This review highlights inflammatory signaling pathways of SARS-CoV-2. Several therapeutic targets and treatment strategies have also been provided in an attempt to tackle COVID-19 complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Akram Yarmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415153, Iran
| | - Mostafa Yarmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6714415153, Iran
| | - Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran.
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Huan Y, Wei J, Zhou J, Liu M, Yang J, Gao Y. Label-Free Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Proteomic Analysis of the Urinary Proteome for Measuring the Escitalopram Treatment Response From Major Depressive Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:700149. [PMID: 34658947 PMCID: PMC8514635 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.700149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common mental disorder that can cause substantial impairments in quality of life. Clinical treatment is usually built on a trial-and-error method, which lasts ~12 weeks to evaluate whether the treatment is efficient, thereby leading to some inefficient treatment measures. Therefore, we intended to identify early candidate urine biomarkers to predict efficient treatment response in MDD patients. In this study, urine samples were collected twice from 19 respondent and 10 non-respondent MDD patients receiving 0-, 2-, and 12-week treatments with escitalopram. Differential urinary proteins were subsequently analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Our two pilot tests suggested that the urine proteome reflects changes associated with major depressive disorder at the early stage of treatment measures. On week 2, 20 differential proteins were identified in the response group compared with week 0, with 14 of these proteins being associated with the mechanisms of MDD. In the non-response group, 60 differential proteins were identified at week 2, with 28 of these proteins being associated with the mechanisms of MDD. In addition, differential urinary proteins at week 2 between the response and non-response groups can be clearly distinguished by using orthogonal projection on latent structure-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA). Our small pilot tests indicated that the urine proteome can reflect early effects of escitalopram therapy between the response and non-response groups since at week 2, which may provide potential early candidate urine biomarkers to predict efficient treatment measures in MDD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuhang Huan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jing Wei
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingjing Zhou
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Min Liu
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jian Yang
- The National Clinical Research Center for Mental Disorders and Beijing Key Laboratory of Mental Disorders, Beijing Anding Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Advanced Innovation Center for Human Brain Protection, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Youhe Gao
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Gene Engineering Drug and Biotechnology Beijing Key Laboratory, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Caltabiano R, De Pasquale R, Piombino E, Campo G, Nicoletti F, Cavalli E, Mangano K, Fagone P. Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor (MIF) and Its Homologue d-Dopachrome Tautomerase (DDT) Inversely Correlate with Inflammation in Discoid Lupus Erythematosus. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26010184. [PMID: 33401503 PMCID: PMC7795694 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26010184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2020] [Revised: 11/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE) is a chronic cutaneous disease of unknown etiology and of immunoinflammatory origin that is characterized by inflammatory plaques and may lead to disfiguring scarring and skin atrophy. Current treatments are limited, with a large proportion of patients either poorly or not responsive, which makes DLE an unmet medical need. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is the prototype of a pleiotropic family of cytokine that also includes the recently discovered homologue D-dopachrome tautomerase (DDT) or MIF2. MIF and DDT/MIF-2 exert several biological properties, primarily, but not exclusively of a proinflammatory nature. MIF and DDT have been suggested to play a key role in the pathogenesis of several autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes, as well as in the development and progression of certain forms of cancers. In the present study, we have performed an immunohistochemistry analysis for the evaluation of MIF in DLE lesions and normal skin. We found high levels of MIF in the basal layer of the epidermis as well as in the cutaneous appendage (eccrine glands and sebocytes) of normal skin. In DLE lesions, we observed a significant negative correlation between the expression of MIF and the severity of inflammation. In addition, we performed an analysis of MIF and DDT expression levels in the skin of DLE patients in a publicly available microarray dataset. Interestingly, while these in silico data only evidenced a trend toward reduced levels of MIF, they demonstrated a significant pattern of expression and correlation of DDT with inflammatory infiltrates in DLE skins. Overall, our data support a protective role for endogenous MIF and possibly DDT in the regulation of homeostasis and inflammation in the skin and open up novel avenues for the treatment of DLE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosario Caltabiano
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Rocco De Pasquale
- Department of General Surgery and Medical-Surgical Specialties, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Eliana Piombino
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Advanced Technologies “G.F. Ingrassia”, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia, 87, 95123 Catania, Italy; (R.C.); (E.P.)
| | - Giorgia Campo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (K.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (K.M.); (P.F.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Eugenio Cavalli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (K.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (K.M.); (P.F.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (G.C.); (E.C.); (K.M.); (P.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Abdoli A, Taghipour A, Pirestani M, Mofazzal Jahromi MA, Roustazadeh A, Mir H, Ardakani HM, Kenarkoohi A, Falahi S, Karimi M. Infections, inflammation, and risk of neuropsychiatric disorders: the neglected role of "co-infection". Heliyon 2020; 6:e05645. [PMID: 33319101 PMCID: PMC7725732 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders (NPDs) have multiple etiological factors, mainly genetic background, environmental conditions and immunological factors. The host immune responses play a pivotal role in various physiological and pathophysiological process. In NPDs, inflammatory immune responses have shown to be involved in diseases severity and treatment outcome. Inflammatory cytokines and chemokines are involved in various neurobiological pathways, such as GABAergic signaling and neurotransmitter synthesis. Infectious agents are among the major amplifier of inflammatory reactions, hence, have an indirect role in the pathogenesis of NPDs. As such, some infections directly affect the central nervous system (CNS) and alter the genes that involved in neurobiological pathways and NPDs. Interestingly, the most of infectious agents that involved in NPDs (e.g., Toxoplasma gondii, cytomegalovirus and herpes simplex virus) is latent (asymptomatic) and co-or-multiple infection of them are common. Nonetheless, the role of co-or-multiple infection in the pathogenesis of NPDs has not deeply investigated. Evidences indicate that co-or-multiple infection synergically augment the level of inflammatory reactions and have more severe outcomes than single infection. Hence, it is plausible that co-or-multiple infections can increase the risk and/or pathogenesis of NPDs. Further understanding about the role of co-or-multiple infections can offer new insights about the etiology, treatment and prevention of NPDs. Likewise, therapy based on anti-infective and anti-inflammatory agents could be a promising therapeutic option as an adjuvant for treatment of NPDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amir Abdoli
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Zoonoses Research Center, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Ali Taghipour
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Pirestani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mirza Ali Mofazzal Jahromi
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Abazar Roustazadeh
- Department of Advanced Medical Sciences & Technologies, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hamed Mir
- Research Center for Noncommunicable Diseases, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran.,Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran
| | - Hoda Mirzaian Ardakani
- Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Azra Kenarkoohi
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Shahab Falahi
- Zoonotic Diseases Research Center, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
| | - Mahdi Karimi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Medical Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Advances Nanobiotechnology and Nanomedicine Research Group (ANNRG), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Tancheva L, Petralia MC, Miteva S, Dragomanova S, Solak A, Kalfin R, Lazarova M, Yarkov D, Ciurleo R, Cavalli E, Bramanti A, Nicoletti F. Emerging Neurological and Psychobiological Aspects of COVID-19 Infection. Brain Sci 2020; 10:E852. [PMID: 33198412 PMCID: PMC7696269 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10110852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The SARS-CoV-2 virus, first reported in December 2019 in China, is the causative agent of the current COVID-19 pandemic that, at the time of writing (1 November 2020) has infected almost 43 million people and caused the death of more than 1 million people. The spectrum of clinical manifestations observed during COVID-19 infection varies from asymptomatic to critical life-threatening clinical conditions. Emerging evidence shows that COVID-19 affects far more organs than just the respiratory system, including the heart, kidneys, blood vessels, liver, as well as the central nervous system (CNS) and the peripheral nervous system (PNS). It is also becoming clear that the neurological and psychological disturbances that occur during the acute phase of the infection may persist well beyond the recovery. The aim of this review is to propel further this emerging and relevant field of research related to the pathophysiology of neurological manifestation of COVID-19 infection (Neuro-COVID). We will summarize the PNS and CNS symptoms experienced by people with COVID-19 both during infection and in the recovery phase. Diagnostic and pharmacological findings in this field of study are strongly warranted to address the neurological and psychological symptoms of COVID-19.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lyubka Tancheva
- Department of Behavior Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (L.T.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (R.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Simona Miteva
- Department of Behavior Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (L.T.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (R.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Stela Dragomanova
- Department of Behavior Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (L.T.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (R.K.); (M.L.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Medical University, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Ayten Solak
- Institute of Cryobiology and food technologies, Agricultural Academy, 1407 Sofia, Bulgaria;
| | - Reni Kalfin
- Department of Behavior Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (L.T.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (R.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Maria Lazarova
- Department of Behavior Neurobiology, Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (L.T.); (S.M.); (S.D.); (R.K.); (M.L.)
| | - Dobri Yarkov
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Trakia University, 6000 Stara Zagora, Bulgaria;
| | - Rosella Ciurleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Eugenio Cavalli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi “Bonino-Pulejo”, Via Provinciale Palermo, Contrada Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (M.C.P.); (R.C.); (A.B.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Pesce A, Ciurleo R, Bramanti A, Armeli Iapichino EC, Petralia MC, Magro GG, Fagone P, Bramanti P, Nicoletti F, Mangano K. Effects of Combined Admistration of Imatinib and Sorafenib in a Murine Model of Liver Fibrosis. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25184310. [PMID: 32962198 PMCID: PMC7571085 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25184310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is defined as excessive extracellular matrix deposition in the hepatic parenchyma as a consequence of complex interactions among matrix-producing hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver-resident and infiltrating cells. In addition to the liver, the process of fibrosis may represent end-stage disease of several diseases including kidneys, lungs, spleens, heart, muscles and at certain extent, the central nervous system and the peripheral nerves. To date, antifibrotic treatment of fibrosis represents an unconquered area for drug development. The aim of the present study was to test the efficacy of a new drug combination for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in order to provide a proof-of-concept for the use of therapeutic agents in clinical practice. For this purpose, we have studied the effects of the PDGF inhibitor imatinib and the angiogenesis inhibitor sorafenib, administered alone or in combination, in reducing the progression of the fibrogenetic process in a pre-clinical model of liver damage induced in mice by repeated administration of Concanavalin A (ConA), resembling long-tern autoimmune hepatitis. Our results suggest that treatments with imatinib and sorafenib can modulate potently and, in a superimposable fashion, the fibrinogenic process when administered alone. However, and in agreement with the computational data presently generated, they only exert partial overlapping antifibrotic effects in modulating the main pathways involved in the process of liver fibrosis, without significant additive or synergist effects, when administered in combination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Pesce
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technology G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 86, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Rosella Ciurleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Alessia Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | | | - Maria Cristina Petralia
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.P.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| | - Gaetano Giuseppe Magro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technology G.F. Ingrassia, University of Catania, Via Santa Sofia 86, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.P.); (G.G.M.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.P.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (A.B.); (P.B.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.P.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (M.C.P.); (P.F.); (K.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Gregory E, Torres IJ, Ge R, Blumberger DM, Downar JH, Daskalakis ZJ, Lam RW, Vila-Rodriguez F. Predictors of cognitive impairment in treatment-resistant depression. J Affect Disord 2020; 274:593-601. [PMID: 32663992 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.05.101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cognitive impairment is a well-recognized symptom of major depressive disorder; however, contributing factors are not fully characterized. The present study examined the neurocognitive profiles and predictors of cognitive impairment in patients with treatment-resistant depression (TRD). METHODS Moderate to severely depressed TRD patients were compared to matched healthy volunteers (HV) in verbal learning and recall and executive functions. Based on cognitive scores, cluster analysis was performed to identify subsets within the TRD sample. Predictors of cognitive impairment were also investigated. RESULTS TRD patients showed worse performance in tests assessing verbal memory, executive attentional shifting, and inhibitory control. The cluster analysis revealed two groups: a cognitively impaired (CI) group that showed a generalized deficit across cognitive domains, and a relatively cognitively intact group that performed better than CI in all domains except attentional shifting. A logistic binomial regression of the two groups revealed three significant contributing risk factors for CI: 1) older age, 2) lower premorbid IQ, and 3) benzodiazepine use. Cognitive impairment and benzodiazepine use were associated with worse functioning. CONCLUSIONS Significant cognitive impairment is present in TRD and is associated with worse functioning. Age, lower premorbid IQ, and benzodiazepine use increased the likelihood of generalized cognitive impairment in TRD patients. The detrimental effect of benzodiazepine on cognitive impairment is independent of anxiety symptoms. Further research is needed to characterize the timeline of cognitive impairment in depression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Gregory
- Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies (NINET) Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Ivan J Torres
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada; British Columbia Mental Health and Substance Use Services Research Institute, Vancouver, BC
| | - Ruiyang Ge
- Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies (NINET) Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Daniel M Blumberger
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Campbell Family Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Jonathan H Downar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; MRI-Guided rTMS Clinic, Toronto Western Hospital, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Zafiris J Daskalakis
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Temerty Centre for Therapeutic Brain Intervention, Campbell Family Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Raymond W Lam
- Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada
| | - Fidel Vila-Rodriguez
- Non-Invasive Neurostimulation Therapies (NINET) Laboratory, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 2255 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC V6T 2A1, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Yang L, Zhou Y, Jia H, Qi Y, Tu S, Shao A. Affective Immunology: The Crosstalk Between Microglia and Astrocytes Plays Key Role? Front Immunol 2020; 11:1818. [PMID: 32973758 PMCID: PMC7468391 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence demonstrates the critical role of the immune response in the mechanisms relating to mood disorders, such as major depression (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD). This has cast a spotlight on a specialized branch committed to the research of dynamics of the fine interaction between emotion (or affection) and immune response, which has been termed as “affective immunology.” Inflammatory cytokines and gut microbiota are actively involved in affective immunology. Furthermore, abnormalities of the astrocytes and microglia have been observed in mood disorders from both postmortem and molecular imaging studies; however, the underlying mechanisms remain elusive. Notably, the crosstalk between astrocyte and microglia acts as a mutual and pivotal intermediary factor modulating the immune response posed by inflammatory cytokines and gut microbiota. In this study, we propose the “altered astrocyte-microglia crosstalk (AAMC)” hypothesis which suggests that the astrocyte-microglia crosstalk regulates emotional alteration through mediating immune response, and thus, contributing to the development of mood disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linglin Yang
- Department of Psychiatry, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhou
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Honglei Jia
- Department of Student Affairs, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yadong Qi
- Department of Gastroenterology, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, College of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
The Dichotomic Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21083023. [PMID: 32344747 PMCID: PMC7216212 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21083023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine expressed by different cell types and exerting multiple biological functions. It has been shown that MIF may be involved in several disorders, including neurodegenerative disorders such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson disease (PD), and Huntington disease (HD), that represent an unmet medical need. Therefore, further studies are needed to identify novel pathogenetic mechanisms that may translate into tailored therapeutic approaches so to improve patients’ survival and quality of life. Here, we reviewed the preclinical and clinical studies investigating the role of MIF in ALS, PD, and HD. The emerging results suggest that MIF might play a dichotomic role in these disorders, exerting a protective action in ALS, a pathogenetic action in HD, and a yet undefined and debated role in PD. The better understanding of the role of MIF in these diseases could allow its use as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic tool for the monitoring and treatment of the patients and for eventual biomarker-driven therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
|
31
|
Petralia MC, Ciurleo R, Saraceno A, Pennisi M, Basile MS, Fagone P, Bramanti P, Nicoletti F, Cavalli E. Meta-Analysis of Transcriptomic Data of Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex and of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells Identifies Altered Pathways in Schizophrenia. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11040390. [PMID: 32260267 PMCID: PMC7230488 DOI: 10.3390/genes11040390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (SCZ) is a psychiatric disorder characterized by both positive and negative symptoms, including cognitive dysfunction, decline in motivation, delusion and hallucinations. Antipsychotic agents are currently the standard of care treatment for SCZ. However, only about one-third of SCZ patients respond to antipsychotic medications. In the current study, we have performed a meta-analysis of publicly available whole-genome expression datasets on Brodmann area 46 of the brain dorsolateral prefrontal cortex in order to prioritize potential pathways underlying SCZ pathology. Moreover, we have evaluated whether the differentially expressed genes in SCZ belong to specific subsets of cell types. Finally, a cross-tissue comparison at both the gene and functional level was performed by analyzing the transcriptomic pattern of peripheral blood mononuclear cells of SCZ patients. Our study identified a robust disease-specific set of dysfunctional biological pathways characterizing SCZ patients that could in the future be exploited as potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rosella Ciurleo
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Andrea Saraceno
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (M.S.B.); (F.N.); (E.C.)
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (M.S.B.); (F.N.); (E.C.)
| | - Maria Sofia Basile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (M.S.B.); (F.N.); (E.C.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (M.S.B.); (F.N.); (E.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-4781284
| | - Placido Bramanti
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino Pulejo, C.da Casazza, 98124 Messina, Italy; (R.C.); (P.B.)
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (M.S.B.); (F.N.); (E.C.)
| | - Eugenio Cavalli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (A.S.); (M.P.); (M.S.B.); (F.N.); (E.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Transcriptomic Analysis Reveals Abnormal Expression of Prion Disease Gene Pathway in Brains from Patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10040200. [PMID: 32235346 PMCID: PMC7226514 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10040200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of infections in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is still controversial. In this study, we aimed to evaluate markers of infections and immune activation in ASD by performing a meta-analysis of publicly available whole-genome transcriptomic datasets of brain samples from autistic patients and otherwise normal people. Among the differentially expressed genes, no significant enrichment was observed for infectious diseases previously associated with ASD, including herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1), cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus in brain samples, nor was it found in peripheral blood from ASD patients. Interestingly, a significant number of genes belonging to the “prion diseases” pathway were found to be modulated in our ASD brain meta-analysis. Overall, our data do not support an association between infection and ASD. However, the data do provide support for the involvement of pathways related to other neurodegenerative diseases and give input to uncover novel pathogenetic mechanisms underlying ASD.
Collapse
|
33
|
Cavalli E, Battaglia G, Basile MS, Bruno V, Petralia MC, Lombardo SD, Pennisi M, Kalfin R, Tancheva L, Fagone P, Nicoletti F, Mangano K. Exploratory Analysis of iPSCS-Derived Neuronal Cells as Predictors of Diagnosis and Treatment of Alzheimer Disease. Brain Sci 2020; 10:brainsci10030166. [PMID: 32183090 PMCID: PMC7139610 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci10030166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) represents the most common neurodegenerative disorder, with 47 million affected people worldwide. Current treatment strategies are aimed at reducing the symptoms and do slow down the progression of the disease, but inevitably fail in the long-term. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs)-derived neuronal cells from AD patients have proven to be a reliable model for AD pathogenesis. Here, we have conducted an in silico analysis aimed at identifying pathogenic gene-expression profiles and novel drug candidates. The GSE117589 microarray dataset was used for the identification of Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) between iPSC-derived neuronal progenitor (NP) cells and neurons from AD patients and healthy donors. The Discriminant Analysis Module (DAM) algorithm was used for the identification of biomarkers of disease. Drugs with anti-signature gene perturbation profiles were identified using the L1000FWD software. DAM analysis was used to identify a list of potential biomarkers among the DEGs, able to discriminate AD patients from healthy people. Finally, anti-signature perturbation analysis identified potential anti-AD drugs. This study set the basis for the investigation of potential novel pharmacological strategies for AD. Furthermore, a subset of genes for the early diagnosis of AD is proposed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eugenio Cavalli
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.C.); (M.S.B.); (S.D.L.); (M.P.); (F.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- University Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.B.); (V.B.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, Località Camerelle, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Maria Sofia Basile
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.C.); (M.S.B.); (S.D.L.); (M.P.); (F.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Valeria Bruno
- University Sapienza, Piazzale A. Moro, 5, 00185 Roma, Italy; (G.B.); (V.B.)
- IRCCS Neuromed, Località Camerelle, 86077 Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | | | - Salvo Danilo Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.C.); (M.S.B.); (S.D.L.); (M.P.); (F.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Manuela Pennisi
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.C.); (M.S.B.); (S.D.L.); (M.P.); (F.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Reni Kalfin
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (R.K.); (L.T.)
| | - Lyubka Tancheva
- Institute of Neurobiology, Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Block 23, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria; (R.K.); (L.T.)
| | - Paolo Fagone
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.C.); (M.S.B.); (S.D.L.); (M.P.); (F.N.); (K.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-095-478-1284
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.C.); (M.S.B.); (S.D.L.); (M.P.); (F.N.); (K.M.)
| | - Katia Mangano
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Via S. Sofia 89, 95123 Catania, Italy; (E.C.); (M.S.B.); (S.D.L.); (M.P.); (F.N.); (K.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Emerging Role of the Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Family of Cytokines in Neuroblastoma. Pathogenic Effectors and Novel Therapeutic Targets? Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25051194. [PMID: 32155795 PMCID: PMC7179464 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25051194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma (NB) is the most frequent extracranial pediatric tumor. Despite the current available multiple therapeutic options, the prognosis for high-risk NB patients remains unsatisfactory and makes the disease a clear unmet medical need. Thus, more tailored therapeutic approaches are warranted to improve both the quality of life and the survival of the patients. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in several diseases, including cancer. Preclinical and clinical studies in NB patients convergently indicate that MIF exerts pro-tumorigenic properties in NB. MIF is upregulated in NB tumor tissues and cell lines and it contributes to NB aggressiveness and immune-escape. To date, there are only a few data about the role of the second member of the MIF family, the MIF homolog d-dopachrome tautomerase (DDT), in NB. Here, we review the preclinical and clinical studies on the role of the MIF family of cytokines in NB and suggest that MIF and possibly DDT inhibitors may be promising novel prognostic and therapeutic targets in NB management.
Collapse
|
35
|
The Role of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor in Alzheimer's Disease: Conventionally Pathogenetic or Unconventionally Protective? Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25020291. [PMID: 31936865 PMCID: PMC7024279 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25020291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/03/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent preclinical and clinical observations have offered relevant insights on the etiopathogenesis of late onset Alzheimer′s disease (AD) and upregulated immunoinflammatory events have been described as underlying mechanisms involved in the development of AD. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a pleiotropic cytokine produced by several cells of the innate and adaptive immune system, as well as non-immune cells. In the present review, we highlight experimental, genetic, and clinical studies on MIF in rodent models of AD and AD patients, and we discuss emerging therapeutic opportunities for tailored modulation of the activity of MIF, that may potentially be applied to AD patients. Dismantling the exact role of MIF and its receptors in AD may offer novel diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities in AD.
Collapse
|