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Collu R, Yin Z, Giunti E, Daley S, Chen M, Morin P, Killick R, Wong STC, Xia W. Effect of the ROCK inhibitor fasudil on the brain proteomic profile in the tau transgenic mouse model of Alzheimer's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1323563. [PMID: 38440100 PMCID: PMC10911083 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1323563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction The goal of this study is to explore the pharmacological potential of the amyloid-reducing vasodilator fasudil, a selective Ras homolog (Rho)-associated kinases (ROCK) inhibitor, in the P301S tau transgenic mouse model (Line PS19) of neurodegenerative tauopathy and Alzheimer's disease (AD). Methods We used LC-MS/MS, ELISA and bioinformatic approaches to investigate the effect of treatment with fasudil on the brain proteomic profile in PS19 tau transgenic mice. We also explored the efficacy of fasudil in reducing tau phosphorylation, and the potential beneficial and/or toxic effects of its administration in mice. Results Proteomic profiling of mice brains exposed to fasudil revealed the activation of the mitochondrial tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle and blood-brain barrier (BBB) gap junction metabolic pathways. We also observed a significant negative correlation between the brain levels of phosphorylated tau (pTau) at residue 396 and both fasudil and its metabolite hydroxyfasudil. Conclusions Our results provide evidence on the activation of proteins and pathways related to mitochondria and BBB functions by fasudil treatment and support its further development and therapeutic potential for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Collu
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Zheng Yin
- T. T. and W. F. Chao Center for BRAIN, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Elisa Giunti
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Sarah Daley
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mei Chen
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
| | - Peter Morin
- Department of Neurology, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Richard Killick
- King's College London, Maurice Wohl Clinical Neuroscience Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen T. C. Wong
- T. T. and W. F. Chao Center for BRAIN, Houston Methodist Hospital, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Weiming Xia
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Bedford VA Healthcare System, Bedford, MA, United States
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Biophysics, Boston University Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Massachusetts Kennedy College of Science, Lowell, MA, United States
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Yan H, Yan Y, Gao Y, Zhang N, Kumar G, Fang Q, Li Z, Li J, Zhang Y, Song L, Wang J, Sun J, Zhang HT, Ma CG. Transcriptome analysis of fasudil treatment in the APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic (APP/PS1) mice model of Alzheimer's disease. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6625. [PMID: 35459923 PMCID: PMC9033779 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10554-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of progressive dementia. In the present study, we showed hippocampal tissue transcriptome analysis in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 (APP/PS1, AD model) mice treated with fasudil (ADF) and compared with AD mice treated with saline (ADNS) and wild type mice (WT). The competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) network was constructed and validated the differential expression of mRNA, lncRNA, miRNA, and circRNA. Our study showed differentially expressed mRNAs (DEMs) between WT and ADNS, while enriched in cell growth and death and nervous system pathways. DEMs between ADNS-ADF were enriched in the nervous system, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-keratan sulfate (KS) and Quorum sensing pathways. We validated four genes with RT-PCR, whereas enrichment of Acyl-CoA Synthetase Long Chain Family Member 4 (Acsl4, ENSMUST00000112903) in Quorum sensing pathways, and BTG anti-proliferation factor 1 (Btg1, ENSMUST00000038377) in RNA degradation pathways were conducted. Expression of these two genes were higher in ADNS, but were significantly reduced in ADF. Histone H4 transcription factor (Hinfp, ENSMUST00000216508) orchestrate G1/S transition of mitotic cell cycle and co-expressed with mmu-miR-26a-2-3p-mediated ceRNA and mmu-miR-3065-5p-mediated ceRNA; Wnt family member 4 (Wnt4, ENSMUST00000045747) was enriched in mTOR, Hippo and Wnt signaling pathway. Expression of these two genes were significantly lower in ADNS, and fasudil treatment reverse it. The present studies demonstrated four genes: Acsl4, Btg1, Hinfp, Wnt4 could be potential biomarkers of AD and the targets of fasudil treatment. These results will pave a novel direction for future clinic studies for AD and fasudil treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailong Yan
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Yuqing Yan
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China. .,The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China.
| | - Ye Gao
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Nianping Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong
| | - Qingli Fang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Ziqing Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Jiehui Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Yuna Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Lijuan Song
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Jingxian Sun
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, 266073, China.
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, 037009, China. .,The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, 030619, China.
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3
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NMDA mediates disruption of blood-brain barrier permeability via Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. Neurochem Int 2022; 154:105278. [PMID: 35017026 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 12/21/2021] [Accepted: 01/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate can activate the N-methyl-D-aspartatic acid (NMDA) receptor (NMDAR), damage brain microvascular endothelial cells, and disturb the intercellular tight junctions (TJs). These result in changes in the permeability of the blood brain barrier (BBB). In neurons, the activation of Rho/ROCK signaling pathway is related to the activation of NMDAR,however, whether human brain vascular endothelial cells NMDAR mediates the Rho/ROCK pathway is not fully understood. The present study evaluates the effects of excessive NMDAR activation induced by NMDA (a glutamate analog) on the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway and the permeability of BBB by using a primary human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) model. NMDAR subunit GluN1 was expressed in HBMECs and promoted by NMDA detected by Western blot and qRT-PCR. Furthermore, NMDA exposure decreased HBMEC viability, promoted HBMEC apoptosis, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and destroyed the endothelial cytoskeleton. Additionally, NMDA exposure suppressed transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) values and the expression of TJ proteins occludin and claudin5; it also promoted ROCK activated substrate myosin phosphatase target subunit-1 (MYPT)-1 phosphorylation and the transmittance of sodium fluorescein. In contrast, these effects were attenuated by ROCK inhibitor hydroxyfasudil (HF) and NMDAR antagonist MK801, respectively. Therefore, these results indicate that excessive endothelial NMDAR activation induced by NMDA may induce TJs and cytoskeleton damage, while HF attenuated NMDA-induced cytotoxicity in HBMECs by inhibiting the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway.
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Yan Y, Gao Y, Fang Q, Zhang N, Kumar G, Yan H, Song L, Li J, Zhang Y, Sun J, Wang J, Zhao L, Skaggs K, Zhang HT, Ma CG. Inhibition of Rho Kinase by Fasudil Ameliorates Cognition Impairment in APP/PS1 Transgenic Mice via Modulation of Gut Microbiota and Metabolites. Front Aging Neurosci 2021; 13:755164. [PMID: 34721000 PMCID: PMC8551711 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2021.755164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Fasudil, a Rho kinase inhibitor, exerts therapeutic effects in a mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD), a chronic neurodegenerative disease with progressive loss of memory. However, the mechanisms remain unclear. In addition, the gut microbiota and its metabolites have been implicated in AD. Methods: We examined the effect of fasudil on learning and memory using the Morris water-maze (MWM) test in APPswe/PSEN1dE9 transgenic (APP/PS1) mice (8 months old) treated (i.p.) with fasudil (25 mg/kg/day; ADF) or saline (ADNS) and in age- and gender-matched wild-type (WT) mice. Fecal metagenomics and metabolites were performed to identify novel biomarkers of AD and elucidate the mechanisms of fasudil induced beneficial effects in AD mice. Results: The MWM test showed significant improvement of spatial memory in APP/PS1 mice treated with fasudil as compared to ADNS. The metagenomic analysis revealed the abundance of the dominant phyla in all the three groups, including Bacteroidetes (23.7–44%) and Firmicutes (6.4–26.6%), and the increased relative abundance ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes in ADNS (59.1%) compared to WT (31.7%). In contrast, the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio was decreased to the WT level in ADF (32.8%). Lefse analysis of metagenomics identified s_Prevotella_sp_CAG873 as an ADF potential biomarker, while s_Helicobacter_typhlonius and s_Helicobacter_sp_MIT_03-1616 as ADNS potential biomarkers. Metabolite analysis revealed the increment of various metabolites, including glutamate, hypoxanthine, thymine, hexanoyl-CoA, and leukotriene, which were relative to ADNS or ADF microbiota potential biomarkers and mainly involved in the metabolism of nucleotide, lipids and sugars, and the inflammatory pathway. Conclusions: Memory deficit in APP/PS1 mice was correlated with the gut microbiome and metabolite status. Fasudil reversed the abnormal gut microbiota and subsequently regulated the related metabolisms to normal in the AD mice. It is believed that fasudil can be a novel strategy for the treatment of AD via remodeling of the gut microbiota and metabolites. The novel results also provide valuable references for the use of gut microbiota and metabolites as diagnostic biomarkers and/or therapeutic targets in clinical studies of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Yan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.,The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Ye Gao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Qingli Fang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Nianping Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Neuroscience, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR China
| | - Hailong Yan
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Lijuan Song
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jiehui Li
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yuna Zhang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jingxian Sun
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jiawei Wang
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Linhu Zhao
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Keith Skaggs
- McGovern Institute for Brain Research, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Qingdao University School of Pharmacy, Qingdao, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Shanxi Key Laboratory of Inflammatory Neurodegenerative Diseases, Institute of Brain Science, Medical School of Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.,The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
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5
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Eisa-Beygi S, Vo NJ, Link BA. RhoA activation-mediated vascular permeability in capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation syndrome: a hypothesis. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:1790-1793. [PMID: 33358701 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/16/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Capillary malformation-arteriovenous malformation (CM-AVM) syndrome is a class of capillary anomalies that are associated with arteriovenous malformations and arteriovenous fistulas, which carry a risk of hemorrhages. There are no broadly effective pharmacological therapies currently available. Most CM-AVMs are associated with a loss of RASA1, resulting in constitutive activation of RAS signaling. However, protein interaction analysis revealed that RASA1 forms a complex with Rho GTPase-activating protein (RhoGAP), a negative regulator of RhoA signaling. Herein, we propose that loss of RASA1 function results in constitutive activation of RhoA signaling in endothelial cells, resulting in enhanced vascular permeability. Therefore, strategies aimed at curtailing RhoA activity should be tested as an adjunctive therapeutic approach in cell culture studies and animal models of RASA1 deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahram Eisa-Beygi
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Nghia Jack Vo
- Department of Radiology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Radiology, Pediatric Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Children's Hospital of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
| | - Brian A Link
- Department of Cell Biology, Neurobiology and Anatomy, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA
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Benn CL, Dawson LA. Clinically Precedented Protein Kinases: Rationale for Their Use in Neurodegenerative Disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2020; 12:242. [PMID: 33117143 PMCID: PMC7494159 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2020.00242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Kinases are an intensively studied drug target class in current pharmacological research as evidenced by the large number of kinase inhibitors being assessed in clinical trials. Kinase-targeted therapies have potential for treatment of a broad array of indications including central nervous system (CNS) disorders. In addition to the many variables which contribute to identification of a successful therapeutic molecule, drug discovery for CNS-related disorders also requires significant consideration of access to the target organ and specifically crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). To date, only a small number of kinase inhibitors have been reported that are specifically designed to be BBB permeable, which nonetheless demonstrates the potential for success. This review considers the potential for kinase inhibitors in the context of unmet medical need for neurodegenerative disease. A subset of kinases that have been the focus of clinical investigations over a 10-year period have been identified and discussed individually. For each kinase target, the data underpinning the validity of each in the context of neurodegenerative disease is critically evaluated. Selected molecules for each kinase are identified with information on modality, binding site and CNS penetrance, if known. Current clinical development in neurodegenerative disease are summarized. Collectively, the review indicates that kinase targets with sufficient rationale warrant careful design approaches with an emphasis on improving brain penetrance and selectivity.
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Li L, Lou X, Zhang K, Yu F, Zhao Y, Jiang P. Hydrochloride fasudil attenuates brain injury in ICH rats. Transl Neurosci 2020; 11:75-86. [PMID: 33335751 PMCID: PMC7712513 DOI: 10.1515/tnsci-2020-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim The aim of this study was to investigate the neuroprotective effects of
hydrochloride fasudil (HF) in rats following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Methods Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal, sham-operated,
ICH, and ICH/HF. ICH was induced by injection of non-anticoagulant autologous
arterial blood into the right caudate nucleus. The levels of Rho-associated
protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) mRNA and protein around the site of the hematoma were
measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and enzyme-linked
immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The levels of interleukin-6 and tumor
necrosis factor-α in serum were detected by ELISA. The inflammatory cells
and changes in the neuronal morphology around the hematoma were visualized using
hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. Brain edema was measured by comparing
wet and dry brain weights. Results Following ICH, the levels of ROCK2 were significantly increased from day 1 to day
7. The levels of ROCK2 were significantly lower in rats treated with HF than in
controls. The levels of inflammatory cytokines and brain water content were
significantly higher in rats treated with HF than in controls. Administration of
HF significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines and brain water
content from day 1 to day 7. In the acute phase of ICH, a large number of
neutrophils infiltrated the perihematomal areas. In comparison with the ICH group,
the ICH/HF group showed markedly fewer infiltrating neutrophils on day 1. Nissl
staining showed that ICH caused neuronal death and loss of neurons in the
perihematomal areas at all time points and that treatment with HF significantly
attenuated neuronal loss. Conclusions HF exerts neuroprotective effects in ICH rats by inhibiting the expression of
ROCK2, reducing neutrophil infiltration and production of inflammatory cytokines,
decreasing brain edema, and attenuating loss of neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Limin Li
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Shanghai Songjiang Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaoli Lou
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Shanghai Songjiang Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kunlun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Shanghai Songjiang Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangping Yu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Shanghai Songjiang Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yingchun Zhao
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Shanghai Songjiang Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Shanghai Songjiang Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Central Hospital of Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Yan Y, Yu J, Gao Y, Kumar G, Guo M, Zhao Y, Fang Q, Zhang H, Yu J, Jiang Y, Zhang HT, Ma CG. Therapeutic potentials of the Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis and the related mechanisms. Metab Brain Dis 2019; 34:377-384. [PMID: 30552558 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-018-0355-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 11/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS), Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and other neurodegenerative diseases of central nervous system (CNS) disorders are serious human health problems. Rho-kinase (ROCK) is emerging as a potentially important therapeutic target relevant to inflammatory neurodegeneration diseases. This is supported by studies showing the beneficial effects of fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, in inflammatory neurodegeneration diseases. MS is an autoimmune disease resulting from inflammation and demyelination in the white matter of the CNS. It has been postulated that activation of Rho/ROCK causes neuropathological changes accompanied with related clinical symptoms, which are improved by treatment with ROCK inhibitors. Therefore, inhibition of abnormal activation of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway appears to be a new mechanism for treating CNS diseases. In this review, we extensively discussed the role of ROCK inhibitors, summarized the efficacy of fasudil in the MS conventional animal model of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), both in vivo and in vitro, and highlighted the mechanism involved. Overall, the findings collected in this review support the role of the ROCK signaling pathway in neurodegenerative diseases. Hence, ROCK inhibitors such as fasudil can be novel, and efficacious treatment for inflammatory neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqing Yan
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jiezhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Ye Gao
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Gajendra Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong
| | - Minfang Guo
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yijin Zhao
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Qingli Fang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Huiyu Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jingwen Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yuqiang Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Developmental Biology, Institute of Genetics and Developmental Biology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.
| | - Han-Ting Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.
- Departments of Behavioral Medicine & Psychiatry, Physiology & Pharmacology, and Neuroscience, the Rockefeller Neurosciences Institute, West Virginia University Health Sciences Center, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA.
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China.
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Taiyuan, China.
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9
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Song X, He R, Han W, Li T, Xie L, Cheng L, Chen H, Xie M, Jiang L. Protective effects of the ROCK inhibitor fasudil against cognitive dysfunction following status epilepticus in male rats. J Neurosci Res 2018; 97:506-519. [PMID: 30421453 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2018] [Revised: 09/30/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Song
- Pediatric Research Institute Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing China
- Department of Neurology Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Rong He
- Pediatric department University‐Town Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Wei Han
- Pediatric Research Institute Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing China
| | - Tianyi Li
- Pediatric Research Institute Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing China
- Department of Neurology Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Lingling Xie
- Pediatric Research Institute Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing China
- Department of Neurology Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
| | - Li Cheng
- Pediatric Research Institute Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing China
| | - Hengsheng Chen
- Pediatric Research Institute Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing China
| | - Mingdan Xie
- Pediatric Research Institute Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing China
| | - Li Jiang
- Pediatric Research Institute Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, China International Science and Technology Cooperation Base of Child Development and Critical Disorders, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics Chongqing China
- Department of Neurology Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University Chongqing China
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Lai AY, McLaurin J. Rho-associated protein kinases as therapeutic targets for both vascular and parenchymal pathologies in Alzheimer's disease. J Neurochem 2017; 144:659-668. [PMID: 28722749 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Revised: 06/21/2017] [Accepted: 07/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The causes of late-onset Alzheimer's disease are unclear and likely multifactorial. Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) are ubiquitously expressed signaling messengers that mediate a wide array of cellular processes. Interestingly, they play an important role in several vascular and brain pathologies implicated in Alzheimer's etiology, including hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, blood-brain barrier disruption, oxidative stress, deposition of vascular and parenchymal amyloid-beta peptides, tau hyperphosphorylation, and cognitive decline. The current review summarizes the functions of ROCKs with respect to the various risk factors and pathologies on both sides of the blood-brain barrier and present support for targeting ROCK signaling as a multifactorial and multi-effect approach for the prevention and amelioration of late-onset Alzheimer's disease. This article is part of the Special Issue "Vascular Dementia".
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaron Y Lai
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - JoAnne McLaurin
- Biological Sciences Platform, Sunnybrook Research Institute, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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11
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Matrine Treatment Blocks NogoA-Induced Neural Inhibitory Signaling Pathway in Ongoing Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:8404-8418. [PMID: 27933584 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0333-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myelin-associated inhibitors, such as NogoA, myelin-associated glycoprotein (MAG), and oligodendrocyte myelin glycoprotein (OMgp), play a pivotal role in the lack of neuroregeneration in multiple sclerosis, an inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS). Matrine (MAT), a monomer that is used in traditional Chinese medicine as an anti-inflammatory agent, has shown beneficial effects in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of MS. However, the underlying mechanisms of MAT-induced EAE amelioration are not fully understood. In the present study, we show that MAT treatment suppressed ongoing EAE, and this effect correlated with an increased expression of growth-associated protein 43, an established marker for axonal regeneration. MAT treatment significantly reduced the levels of NogoA, its receptor complex NgR/p75NTR/LINGO-1, and their downstream RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in the CNS. In contrast, intracellular cyclic AMP (cAMP) levels and its protein kinase (protein kinase A (PKA)), which can promote axonal regrowth by inactivating the RhoA, were upregulated. Importantly, adding MAT in primary astrocytes in vitro largely induced cAMP/PKA expression, and blockade of cAMP significantly diminished MAT-induced expression of PKA and production of BDNF, a potent neurotrophic factor for neuroregeneration. Taken together, our findings demonstrate that the beneficial effects of MAT on EAE can be attributed not only to its capacity for immunomodulation, but also to its directly promoting regeneration of the injured CNS.
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12
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra B. Pernis
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medical College, Cornell University, New York, NY 10021
| | - Edd Ricker
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Immunology and Microbial Pathogenesis, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Chien-Huan Weng
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- Graduate Program in Biochemistry Cell and Molecular Biology, Weill Cornell Graduate School of Medical Sciences, New York, NY 10065;
| | - Cristina Rozo
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
| | - Woelsung Yi
- Autoimmunity and Inflammation Program, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021; , ,
- David Z. Rosensweig Genomics Research Center, Hospital for Special Surgery, New York, NY 10021
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13
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Newell-Litwa KA, Horwitz R, Lamers ML. Non-muscle myosin II in disease: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Dis Model Mech 2015; 8:1495-515. [PMID: 26542704 PMCID: PMC4728321 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.022103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The actin motor protein non-muscle myosin II (NMII) acts as a master regulator of cell morphology, with a role in several essential cellular processes, including cell migration and post-synaptic dendritic spine plasticity in neurons. NMII also generates forces that alter biochemical signaling, by driving changes in interactions between actin-associated proteins that can ultimately regulate gene transcription. In addition to its roles in normal cellular physiology, NMII has recently emerged as a critical regulator of diverse, genetically complex diseases, including neuronal disorders, cancers and vascular disease. In the context of these disorders, NMII regulatory pathways can be directly mutated or indirectly altered by disease-causing mutations. NMII regulatory pathway genes are also increasingly found in disease-associated copy-number variants, particularly in neuronal disorders such as autism and schizophrenia. Furthermore, manipulation of NMII-mediated contractility regulates stem cell pluripotency and differentiation, thus highlighting the key role of NMII-based pharmaceuticals in the clinical success of stem cell therapies. In this Review, we discuss the emerging role of NMII activity and its regulation by kinases and microRNAs in the pathogenesis and prognosis of a diverse range of diseases, including neuronal disorders, cancer and vascular disease. We also address promising clinical applications and limitations of NMII-based inhibitors in the treatment of these diseases and the development of stem-cell-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen A Newell-Litwa
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Rick Horwitz
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Marcelo L Lamers
- Department of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Basic Health Science, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul 90610-010, Brazil
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14
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Xin YL, Yu JZ, Yang XW, Liu CY, Li YH, Feng L, Chai Z, Yang WF, Wang Q, Jiang WJ, Zhang GX, Xiao BG, Ma CG. FSD-C10: A more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for treatment of CNS autoimmunity. Biosci Rep 2015; 35:e00247. [PMID: 26223433 PMCID: PMC4721545 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20150032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2015] [Revised: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Rho-Rho kinase (Rho-ROCK) triggers an intracellular signalling cascade that regulates cell survival, death, adhesion, migration, neurite outgrowth and retraction and influences the generation and development of several neurological disorders. Although Fasudil, a ROCK inhibitor, effectively suppressed encephalomyelitis (EAE), certain side effects may limit its clinical use. A novel and efficient ROCK inhibitor, FSD-C10, has been explored. In the present study, we present chemical synthesis and structure of FSD-C10, as well as the relationship between compound concentration and ROCK inhibition. We compared the inhibitory efficiency of ROCKI and ROCK II, the cell cytotoxicity, neurite outgrowth and dendritic formation, neurotrophic factors and vasodilation between Fasudil and FSD-C10. The results demonstrated that FSD-C10, like Fasudil, induced neurite outgrowth of neurons and dendritic formation of BV-2 microglia and enhanced the production of neurotrophic factor brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and neurotrophin-3 (NT-3). However, the cell cytotoxicity and vasodilation of FSD-C10 were relatively small compared with Fasudil. Although Fasudil inhibited both ROCK I and ROCK II, FSD-C10 more selectively suppressed ROCK II, but not ROCK I, which may be related to vasodilation insensitivity and animal mortality. Thus, FSD-C10 may be a safer and more promising novel ROCK inhibitor than Fasudil for the treatment of several neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Le Xin
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Jie-Zhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Xin-Wang Yang
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Chun-Yun Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Yan-Hua Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China
| | - Zhi Chai
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Wan-Fang Yang
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Qing Wang
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Wei-Jia Jiang
- "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
| | - Guang-Xian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, U.S.A
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong 037009, China "2011" Collaborative Innovation Center/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan 030619, China
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15
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Liu CY, Guo SD, Yu JZ, Li YH, Zhang H, Feng L, Chai Z, Yuan HJ, Yang WF, Feng QJ, Xiao BG, Ma CG. Fasudil mediates cell therapy of EAE by immunomodulating encephalomyelitic T cells and macrophages. Eur J Immunol 2014; 45:142-52. [PMID: 25287052 DOI: 10.1002/eji.201344429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2013] [Revised: 08/28/2014] [Accepted: 09/29/2014] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Although Fasudil has shown therapeutic potential in EAE mice, the mechanism of action are still not fully understood. Here, we examined the immunomodulatory effect of Fasudil on encephalitogenic mononuclear cells (MNCs), and tested the therapeutic potential of Fasudil-treated MNCs in active EAE. Fasudil inhibited expression of CCL20 on T cells and migration of T cells, decreased CD4(+) IFN-γ(+) and CD4(+) IL-17(+) T cells, but increased CD4(+) IL-10(+) and CD4(+) TGF-β(+) T cells. Fasudil reduced expression of CD16/32 and IL-12, while elevating expression of CD206, CD23, and IL-10. Fasudil also decreased levels of iNOS/NO, enhanced levels of Arg-1, and inhibited the TLR-4/NF-κB signaling and TNF-α, shifting M1 macrophage to M2 phenotype. These modulatory effects of Fasudil on T cells and macrophages were not altered by adding autoantigen MOG35-55 to the culture, i.e., autoantigen-independent. Further, we observed that, in vitro, Fasudil inhibited the capacity of encephalitogenic MNCs to adoptively transfer EAE and reduced TLR-4/p-NF-κB/p65 and inflammatory cytokines in spinal cords. Importantly, Fasudil-treated encephalitogenic MNCs exhibited therapeutic potential when injected into actively induced EAE mice. Together, our results not only provide evidence that Fasudil mediates the polarization of macrophages and the regulation of T cells, but also reveal a novel strategy for cell therapy in MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Yun Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
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16
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Zhao YF, Zhang X, Ding ZB, Yang XW, Zhang H, Yu JZ, Li YH, Liu CY, Zhang Q, Zhang HZ, Ma CG, Xiao BG. The therapeutic potential of Rho kinase inhibitor fasudil derivative FaD-1 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Mol Neurosci 2014; 55:725-32. [PMID: 25223373 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-014-0411-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 08/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Although therapeutic potential of fasudil in EAE is promising, action mechanism and clinical limitations are still not fully understood and resolved. In this study, we observed the therapeutic potential of a novel Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor FaD-1, a fasudil derivative, and explored possible mechanism in MOG35-55-induced EAE. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced by myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG35-55) immunization. The pathology of spinal cord was measured by immunohistochemistry and neurological impairment was evaluated using clinical scores. FaD-1, as a novel ROCK inhibitor, inhibited the expression of ROCK II that is mainly expressed in the CNS. We show here that FaD-1 ameliorates the neurological defects and the severity of MOG-induced EAE in mice, accompanied by the protection of demyelination and the inhibition of neuroinflammation in spinal cord of EAE. In addition, FaD-1 dampened TLR2 and TLR4 signaling as well as Th1 (IFN-γ) and Th17 (IL-17) responses in spinal cord of EAE. FaD-1 also prevented the expression of iNOS and production of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α which are specific markers for M1 inflammatory microglia/macrophages. This study highlights the therapeutic potential of FaD-1 as a ROCK inhibitor for the treatment of human autoimmune diseases with both inflammatory and autoimmune components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Fei Zhao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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17
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Guo MF, Meng J, Li YH, Yu JZ, Liu CY, Feng L, Yang WF, Li JL, Feng QJ, Xiao BG, Ma CG. The inhibition of Rho kinase blocks cell migration and accumulation possibly by challenging inflammatory cytokines and chemokines on astrocytes. J Neurol Sci 2014; 343:69-75. [PMID: 24952673 DOI: 10.1016/j.jns.2014.05.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2013] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 05/14/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), are autoimmune diseases characterized by the immune-mediated demyelination and neurodegeneration of the CNS. Our previous studies showed that Rho kinase inhibitor Fasudil can delay onset, and ameliorate severity of EAE, accompanied by the improvement in myelination and the inhibition of inflammatory responses in the CNS. In this study, we found that Fasudil inhibited the migration of T cells indirectly by affecting the production of inflammatory factors and the expression of chemokines in astrocytes functions, indicating that Fasudil treatment reduced inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α and IL-6, reactive oxygen species (NO) and chemokines like MIP-3α (CCL-20), RANTES (CCL5), MIP-1α (CCL-3) and MCP-1 (CCL2) in vitro, and blocked the chemotaxis of reactive mononuclear cells in EAE mice. Further studies found that Fasudil treatment reduced the infiltration and accumulation of pathogenic T cells into the CNS. Astrocytes expressing GFAP and CCL-20 were inhibited in Fasudil-treated EAE compared with control mice. These results demonstrate that Fasudil alleviates the pathogenesis of EAE possibly by blocking astrocyte-derived chemokine-mediated migration of inflammatory macrophages and pathogenic T cells, and might be used to treat MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min-Fang Guo
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jian Meng
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yan-Hua Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jie-Zhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Chun-Yun Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Wan-Fang Yang
- Department of Encephalopathy and National Major Clinical Department of Ministry of Health, Third Hospital, Department of Neurology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Jun-Lian Li
- Department of Encephalopathy and National Major Clinical Department of Ministry of Health, Third Hospital, Department of Neurology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Qian-Jin Feng
- Department of Encephalopathy and National Major Clinical Department of Ministry of Health, Third Hospital, Department of Neurology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
| | - Bao-Guo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Cun-Gen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China; Department of Encephalopathy and National Major Clinical Department of Ministry of Health, Third Hospital, Department of Neurology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China.
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18
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Rusielewicz T, Nam J, Damanakis E, John GR, Raine CS, Melendez-Vasquez CV. Accelerated repair of demyelinated CNS lesions in the absence of non-muscle myosin IIB. Glia 2014; 62:580-91. [PMID: 24470341 PMCID: PMC4135430 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2013] [Revised: 12/19/2013] [Accepted: 12/19/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The oligodendrocyte (OL), the myelinating cell of the central nervous system, undergoes dramatic changes in the organization of its cytoskeleton as it differentiates from a precursor (oligodendrocyte precursor cells) to a myelin-forming cell. These changes include an increase in its branching cell processes, a phenomenon necessary for OL to myelinate multiple axon segments. We have previously shown that levels and activity of non-muscle myosin II (NMII), a regulator of cytoskeletal contractility, decrease as a function of differentiation and that inhibition of NMII increases branching and myelination of OL in coculture with neurons. We have also found that mixed glial cell cultures derived from NMIIB knockout mice display an increase in mature myelin basic protein-expressing OL compared with wild-type cultures. We have now extended our studies to investigate the role of NMIIB ablation on myelin repair following focal demyelination by lysolecithin. To this end, we generated an oligodendrocyte-specific inducible knockout model using a Plp-driven promoter in combination with a temporally activated CRE-ER fusion protein. Our data indicate that conditional ablation of NMII in adult mouse brain, expedites lesion resolution and remyelination by Plp+ oligodendrocyte-lineage cells when compared with that observed in control brains. Taken together, these data validate the function of NMII as that of a negative regulator of OL myelination in vivo and provide a novel target for promoting myelin repair in conditions such as multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Rusielewicz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College, New York, New York; The Graduate Center, Molecular Cellular and Developmental Biology, The City University of New York, New York
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19
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Yu Y, Qin J, Liu M, Ruan Q, Li Y, Zhang Z. Role of Rho kinase in lysophosphatidic acid-induced altering of blood-brain barrier permeability. Int J Mol Med 2014; 33:661-9. [PMID: 24398620 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) the simplest of the water-soluble phospholipids, is produced by activated platelets, macrophage and endothelial cells. It also evokes various biological responses. When LPA concentrations reach high levels, brain injury, including stroke and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), occurs. Previous studies have shown that LPA is crucial in increasing blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and the Rho/Rho kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway is involved in the regulation of endothelial permeability. However, the exact mechanism by which the Rho/ROCK pathway mediates BBB disruption induced by LPA remains to be determined. In the present study, we observed that LPA induced the increase of BBB permeability in the right striatum after 10 µl LPA (100 µM) was injected into the ipsilateral caudate nucleus of rats. The ROCK was involved in the expression of proteolytic enzymes, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and urokinase-type plasminogen activator (uPA), leading to LPA-induced BBB disruption. ROCK inhibitor (Y27632) markedly inhibited the expression of proteolytic enzymes induced by LPA as well as the BBB disruption after it was co-injected with LPA. Thus, results of the present study suggest that LPA increases BBB permeability, which may be due to the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway and the subsequent production of proteolytic enzymes MMP-9 and uPA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Yu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Jun Qin
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430071, P.R. China
| | - Meizhen Liu
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Qingyuan Ruan
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Yiliang Li
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
| | - Zhaohui Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei 430060, P.R. China
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Inhibitory effect of matrine on blood-brain barrier disruption for the treatment of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:736085. [PMID: 24194630 PMCID: PMC3781841 DOI: 10.1155/2013/736085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 07/22/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a primary characteristic of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an experimental model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Matrine (MAT), a quinolizidine alkaloid derived from the herb Radix Sophorae Flave, has been recently found to suppress clinical EAE and CNS inflammation. However, whether this effect of MAT is through protecting the integrity and function of the BBB is not known. In the present study, we show that MAT treatment had a therapeutic effect comparable to dexamethasone (DEX) in EAE rats, with reduced Evans Blue extravasation, increased expression of collagen IV, the major component of the basement membrane, and the structure of tight junction (TJ) adaptor protein Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1). Furthermore, MAT treatment attenuated expression of matrix metalloproteinase-9 and -2 (MMP-9/-2), while it increased the expression of tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 and -2 (TIMP-1/-2). Our findings demonstrate that MAT reduces BBB leakage by strengthening basement membrane, inhibiting activities of MMP-2 and -9, and upregulating their inhibitors. Taken together, our results identify a novel mechanism underlying the effect of MAT, a natural compound that could be a novel therapy for MS.
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21
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Radu BM, Bramanti P, Osculati F, Flonta ML, Radu M, Bertini G, Fabene PF. Neurovascular unit in chronic pain. Mediators Inflamm 2013; 2013:648268. [PMID: 23840097 PMCID: PMC3687484 DOI: 10.1155/2013/648268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2013] [Accepted: 05/08/2013] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic pain is a debilitating condition with major socioeconomic impact, whose neurobiological basis is still not clear. An involvement of the neurovascular unit (NVU) has been recently proposed. In particular, the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), two NVU key players, may be affected during the development of chronic pain; in particular, transient permeabilization of the barrier is suggested by several inflammatory- and nerve-injury-based pain models, and we argue that the clarification of molecular BBB/BSCB permeabilization events will shed new light in understanding chronic pain mechanisms. Possible biases in experiments supporting this theory and its translational potentials are discussed. Moving beyond an exclusive focus on the role of the endothelium, we propose that our understanding of the mechanisms subserving chronic pain will benefit from the extension of research efforts to the NVU as a whole. In this view, the available evidence on the interaction between analgesic drugs and the NVU is here reviewed. Chronic pain comorbidities, such as neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases, are also discussed in view of NVU changes, together with innovative pharmacological solutions targeting NVU components in chronic pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Mihaela Radu
- Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | | | | | - Maria-Luisa Flonta
- Department of Anatomy, Animal Physiology and Biophysics, Faculty of Biology, University of Bucharest, 050095 Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mihai Radu
- Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
- Department of Life and Environmental Physics, “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for Physics and Nuclear Engineering, 077125 Bucharest-Magurele, Romania
| | - Giuseppe Bertini
- Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Paolo Francesco Fabene
- Department of Neurological, Neuropsychological, Morphological and Movement Sciences, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, Strada Le Grazie 8, 37134 Verona, Italy
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22
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Liu C, Li Y, Yu J, Feng L, Hou S, Liu Y, Guo M, Xie Y, Meng J, Zhang H, Xiao B, Ma C. Targeting the shift from M1 to M2 macrophages in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mice treated with fasudil. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54841. [PMID: 23418431 PMCID: PMC3572131 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
We observed the therapeutic effect of Fasudil and explored its mechanisms in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS). Fasudil, a selective Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, was injected intraperitoneally at 40 mg/kg/d in early and late stages of EAE induction. Fasudil ameliorated the clinical severity of EAE at different stages, and decreased the expression of ROCK-II in spleen, accompanied by an improvement in demyelination and inhibition of inflammatory cells. Fasudil mainly inhibited CD4+IL-17+ T cells in early treatment, but also elevated CD4+IL-10+ regulatory T cells and IL-10 production in late treatment. The treatment of Fasudil shifted inflammatory M1 to anti-inflammatory M2 macrophages in both early and late treatment, being shown by inhibiting CD16/32, iNOS, IL-12, TLR4 and CD40 and increasing CD206, Arg-1, IL-10 and CD14 in spleen. By using Western blot and immunohistochemistry, iNOS and Arg-1, as two most specific markers for M1 and M2, was inhibited or induced in splenic macrophages and spinal cords of EAE mice treated with Fasudil. In vitro experiments also indicate that Fasudil shifts M1 to M2 phenotype, which does not require the participation or auxiliary of other cells. The polarization of M2 macrophages was associated with the decrease of inflammatory cytokine IL-1β, TNF-α and MCP-1. These results demonstrate that Fasudil has therapeutic potential in EAE possibly through inducing the polarization of M2 macrophages and inhibiting inflammatory responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyun Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yanhua Li
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jiezhong Yu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Ling Feng
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Shaowei Hou
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yueting Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Mingfang Guo
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Yong Xie
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Jian Meng
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Haifei Zhang
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
| | - Baoguo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- * E-mail: (BX); (CM)
| | - Cungen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Department of Neurology, Medical School, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, China
- Department of Neurology, Shanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, China
- * E-mail: (BX); (CM)
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Butruille L, Mayeur S, Duparc T, Knauf C, Moitrot E, Fajardy I, Valet P, Storme L, Deruelle P, Lesage J. Prenatal fasudil exposure alleviates fetal growth but programs hyperphagia and overweight in the adult male rat. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 689:278-84. [PMID: 22683867 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.05.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2012] [Revised: 05/21/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Numerous data indicate that Rho kinase inhibitors, such as Fasudil, may constitute a novel therapy for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases. We evaluated long-term effects of exposure to Fasudil during late gestation (10 mg/day) in male rat offspring from birth until 9 months. We also analyzed its effects in offspring from hypertensive mothers treated with a nitric oxide synthesis inhibitor (L-NAME; 50 mg/day). Prenatal exposure to Fasudil did not affect birth weight, but increased body weight from postnatal day 7 (P7) to 9 months. In intrauterine growth-restricted (IUGR) fetuses exposed to L-NAME, maternal Fasudil treatment increased birth weight. At P42 and P180, rats exposed to Fasudil and L-NAME showed alterations of their food intake as well as an increased basal glycemia associated with mild glucose intolerance at 6 months which was also observed in Fasudil-exposed rats. In 9 month-old rats, exposure to Fasudil increased the daily food intake as well as hypothalamic mRNA level of the orexigenic NPY peptide without modulation of the anorexigenic POMC gene expression. Altogether, our data suggest that prenatal Fasudil exposure alleviates fetal growth in IUGR rats, but programs long-term metabolic disturbances including transient perturbations of glucose metabolism, a persistent increase of body weight gain, hyperphagia and an augmented expression of hypothalamic NPY orexigenic gene. We postulate that Fasudil treatment during perinatal periods may predispose individuals to the development of metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Butruille
- Univ Lille Nord de France, Unité Environnement Périnatal et Croissance, EA 4489, Faculté de Médecine, Pôle Recherche, Bâtiment SN4, Villeneuve d'Ascq, IFR 114, 59045 Lille, France
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