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Zhang J, Liu Y, Zhi X, Xu L, Tao J, Cui D, Liu TF. Tryptophan catabolism via the kynurenine pathway regulates infection and inflammation: from mechanisms to biomarkers and therapies. Inflamm Res 2024; 73:979-996. [PMID: 38592457 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND L-Tryptophan (L-Trp), an essential amino acid, is the only amino acid whose level is regulated specifically by immune signals. Most proportions of Trp are catabolized via the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (KP) which has evolved to align the food availability and environmental stimulation with the host pathophysiology and behavior. Especially, the KP plays an indispensable role in balancing the immune activation and tolerance in response to pathogens. SCOPE OF REVIEW In this review, we elucidate the underlying immunological regulatory network of Trp and its KP-dependent catabolites in the pathophysiological conditions by participating in multiple signaling pathways. Furthermore, the KP-based regulatory roles, biomarkers, and therapeutic strategies in pathologically immune disorders are summarized covering from acute to chronic infection and inflammation. MAJOR CONCLUSIONS The immunosuppressive effects dominate the functions of KP induced-Trp depletion and KP-produced metabolites during infection and inflammation. However, the extending minor branches from the KP are not confined to the immune tolerance, instead they go forward to various functions according to the specific condition. Nevertheless, persistent efforts should be made before the clinical use of KP-based strategies to monitor and cure infectious and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingpu Zhang
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yanlei Liu
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao Zhi
- Shanghai Institute of Virology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Xu
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Tao
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China
| | - Daxiang Cui
- Institute of Nano Biomedicine and Engineering, Department of Instrument Science and Engineering, School of Electronic Information and Electrical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, 800 Dongchuan Road, Shanghai, 200240, People's Republic of China
| | - Tie Fu Liu
- Scientific Research Center, Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, 2901 Caolang Highway, Shanghai, 201508, People's Republic of China.
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2
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Guo L, Zaharie SD, Marceline van Furth A, van der Wel NN, Grootemaat AE, Zhang L, Bugiani M, Kruger M, van der Kuip M, Lutter R. Marked IDO2 expression and activity related to autophagy and apoptosis in brain tissue of fatal tuberculous meningitis. Tuberculosis (Edinb) 2024; 146:102495. [PMID: 38460493 DOI: 10.1016/j.tube.2024.102495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
In about 1% of tuberculosis (TB) patients, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) can disseminate to the meninges, causing tuberculous meningitis (TBM) with mortality rate up to 60%. Chronic granulomatous inflammation (non-necrotizing and necrotizing) in the brain is the histological hallmark of TBM. The tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) and the generated kynurenine metabolites exert major effector functions relevant to TB granuloma functioning. Here we have assessed immunohistochemically IDO1 expression and activity and its effector function and that of its isoform, IDO2, in post-mortem brain tissue of patients that demised with neurotuberculosis. We also related these findings to brain tissue of fatal/severe COVID-19. In this study, IDO1 and IDO2 were abundantly expressed and active in tuberculoid granulomas and were associated with the presence of M. tuberculosis as well as markers of autophagy and apoptosis. Like in fatal/severe COVID-19, IDO2 was also prominent in specific brain regions, such as the inferior olivary nucleus of medulla oblongata and cerebellum, but not associated with granulomas or with M. tuberculosis. Spatially associated apoptosis was observed in TBM, whereas in fatal COVID-19 autophagy dominated. Together, our findings highlight IDO2 as a potentially relevant effector enzyme in TBM, which may relate to the symptomology of TBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lihui Guo
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, the Netherlands.
| | - Stefan-Dan Zaharie
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa and National Health Laboratory Services, Francie Van Zijl Dr, Parow, Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - A Marceline van Furth
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Nicole N van der Wel
- Electron Microscopy Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Anita E Grootemaat
- Electron Microscopy Center Amsterdam, Department of Medical Biology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Lin Zhang
- Neuropsychiatric Disorders Lab, Neuroimmunology Group, Netherlands Institute for Neuroscience, An Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marianna Bugiani
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam UMC, Location VU University Medical Center, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081, HV Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Mariana Kruger
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University and Tygerberg Hospital, Francie van Zijl Dr, Parow, Bellville, Cape Town, 7505, South Africa
| | - Martijn van der Kuip
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases and Immunology, Amsterdam Infection & Immunity Institute, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - René Lutter
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Amsterdam Institute for Infection and Immunity, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1105, AZ, the Netherlands; Pulmonary Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, Location Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, 1105, AZ, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
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3
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Stone TW, Williams RO. Tryptophan metabolism as a 'reflex' feature of neuroimmune communication: Sensor and effector functions for the indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase kynurenine pathway. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 38102897 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the central nervous system (CNS) and immune system were regarded as independent entities, it is now clear that immune system cells can influence the CNS, and neuroglial activity influences the immune system. Despite the many clinical implications for this 'neuroimmune interface', its detailed operation at the molecular level remains unclear. This narrative review focuses on the metabolism of tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway, since its products have critical actions in both the nervous and immune systems, placing it in a unique position to influence neuroimmune communication. In particular, since the kynurenine pathway is activated by pro-inflammatory mediators, it is proposed that physical and psychological stressors are the stimuli of an organismal protective reflex, with kynurenine metabolites as the effector arm co-ordinating protective neural and immune system responses. After a brief review of the neuroimmune interface, the general perception of tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway is expanded to emphasize this environmentally driven perspective. The initial enzymes in the kynurenine pathway include indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1), which is induced by tissue damage, inflammatory mediators or microbial products, and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), which is induced by stress-induced glucocorticoids. In the immune system, kynurenic acid modulates leucocyte differentiation, inflammatory balance and immune tolerance by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptors and modulates pain via the GPR35 protein. In the CNS, quinolinic acid activates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive glutamate receptors, whereas kynurenic acid is an antagonist: the balance between glutamate, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid is a significant regulator of CNS function and plasticity. The concept of kynurenine and its metabolites as mediators of a reflex coordinated protection against stress helps to understand the variety and breadth of their activity. It should also help to understand the pathological origin of some psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases involving the immune system and CNS, facilitating the development of new pharmacological strategies for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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4
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Hebbar S, Traikov S, Hälsig C, Knust E. Modulating the Kynurenine pathway or sequestering toxic 3-hydroxykynurenine protects the retina from light-induced damage in Drosophila. PLoS Genet 2023; 19:e1010644. [PMID: 36952572 PMCID: PMC10035932 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1010644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 03/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue health is regulated by a myriad of exogenous or endogenous factors. Here we investigated the role of the conserved Kynurenine pathway (KP) in maintaining retinal homeostasis in the context of light stress in Drosophila melanogaster. cinnabar, cardinal and scarlet are fly genes that encode different steps in the KP. Along with white, these genes are known regulators of brown pigment (ommochrome) biosynthesis. Using white as a sensitized genetic background, we show that mutations in cinnabar, cardinal and scarlet differentially modulate light-induced retinal damage. Mass Spectrometric measurements of KP metabolites in flies with different genetic combinations support the notion that increased levels of 3-hydroxykynurenine (3OH-K) and Xanthurenic acid (XA) enhance retinal damage, whereas Kynurenic Acid (KYNA) and Kynurenine (K) are neuro-protective. This conclusion was corroborated by showing that feeding 3OH-K results in enhanced retinal damage, whereas feeding KYNA protects the retina in sensitized genetic backgrounds. Interestingly, the harmful effects of free 3OH-K are diminished by its sub-cellular compartmentalization. Sequestering of 3OH-K enables the quenching of its toxicity through conversion to brown pigment or conjugation to proteins. This work enabled us to decouple the role of these KP genes in ommochrome formation from their role in retinal homeostasis. Additionally, it puts forward new hypotheses on the importance of the balance of KP metabolites and their compartmentalization in disease alleviation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Hebbar
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Sofia Traikov
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Catrin Hälsig
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Knust
- Max-Planck-Institute of Molecular Cell Biology and Genetics, Dresden, Germany
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5
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Chojnacki C, Gąsiorowska A, Popławski T, Konrad P, Chojnacki M, Fila M, Blasiak J. Beneficial Effect of Increased Tryptophan Intake on Its Metabolism and Mental State of the Elderly. Nutrients 2023; 15:847. [PMID: 36839204 PMCID: PMC9961537 DOI: 10.3390/nu15040847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/04/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The elderly often suffer from sleep disorders and depression, which contribute to mood disorders. In our previous work, we showed that elderly individuals with mood disorders had a lower intake of TRP and recommended a TRP-based dietary intervention to improve the mental state of such individuals. In this work, we assessed the impact of a TRP-rich diet on the mental state of, and TRP metabolism in, elderly individuals with mood disorders. Forty elderly individuals with depression and sleep disorders and an equal number of elderly subjects without mood disorders were enrolled in this study. TRP intake was evaluated with the nutrition calculator. Patients with mood disorders had a lower TRP intake than their normal counterparts and received a TRP-rich diet with TRP content of 25 mg per kilogram of the body per day for 12 weeks. The mental state was assessed before and after this dietary intervention with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI). At those times, urinary levels of TRP and its metabolites 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), L-kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), and quinolinic acid (QA) were determined by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and related to creatinine level. After TRP-based dietary intervention, the score of ISI and HAM-D decreased by more than half. A correlation analysis reveals that TRP, 5-HIAA, and KYNA might have anti-depressive action, while KYN and QA-pro-depressive. The levels of TRP, 5-HIAA, and KYNA in urine of mood disorder patients increased, while the levels of KYN and QA decreased. In conclusion, dietary consumption of adequate amount of tryptophan has a beneficial effect on mental health of the elderly with mood disorders and improves metabolism of this amino acid. Therefore, a TRP-enriched diet may be considered as a component of the treatment of elderly individuals with mood disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cezary Chojnacki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Anita Gąsiorowska
- Department of Gastroenterology, Medical University of Lodz, 92-213 Lodz, Poland
| | - Tomasz Popławski
- Department of Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Biochemistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-215 Lodz, Poland
| | - Paulina Konrad
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Marcin Chojnacki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland
| | - Michal Fila
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
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6
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Stone TW, Clanchy FIL, Huang YS, Chiang NY, Darlington LG, Williams RO. An integrated cytokine and kynurenine network as the basis of neuroimmune communication. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1002004. [PMID: 36507331 PMCID: PMC9729788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1002004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two of the molecular families closely associated with mediating communication between the brain and immune system are cytokines and the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan. Both groups regulate neuron and glial activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and leukocyte function in the immune system, although neither group alone completely explains neuroimmune function, disease occurrence or severity. This essay suggests that the two families perform complementary functions generating an integrated network. The kynurenine pathway determines overall neuronal excitability and plasticity by modulating glutamate receptors and GPR35 activity across the CNS, and regulates general features of immune cell status, surveillance and tolerance which often involves the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Equally, cytokines and chemokines define and regulate specific populations of neurons, glia or immune system leukocytes, generating more specific responses within restricted CNS regions or leukocyte populations. In addition, as there is a much larger variety of these compounds, their homing properties enable the superimposition of dynamic variations of cell activity upon local, spatially limited, cell populations. This would in principle allow the targeting of potential treatments to restricted regions of the CNS. The proposed synergistic interface of 'tonic' kynurenine pathway affecting baseline activity and the superimposed 'phasic' cytokine system would constitute an integrated network explaining some features of neuroimmune communication. The concept would broaden the scope for the development of new treatments for disorders involving both the CNS and immune systems, with safer and more effective agents targeted to specific CNS regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Trevor W. Stone,
| | - Felix I. L. Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nien-Yi Chiang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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7
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Pallotta MT, Rossini S, Suvieri C, Coletti A, Orabona C, Macchiarulo A, Volpi C, Grohmann U. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1): an up-to-date overview of an eclectic immunoregulatory enzyme. FEBS J 2022; 289:6099-6118. [PMID: 34145969 PMCID: PMC9786828 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Revised: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) catalyzes the initial rate-limiting step in the degradation of the essential amino acid tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway. When discovered more than 50 years ago, IDO1 was thought to be an effector molecule capable of mediating a survival strategy based on the deprivation of bacteria and tumor cells of the essential amino acid tryptophan. Since 1998, when tryptophan catabolism was discovered to be crucially involved in the maintenance of maternal T-cell tolerance, IDO1 has become the focus of several laboratories around the world. Indeed, IDO1 is now considered as an authentic immune regulator not only in pregnancy, but also in autoimmune diseases, chronic inflammation, and tumor immunity. However, in the last years, a bulk of new information-including structural, biological, and functional evidence-on IDO1 has come to light. For instance, we now know that IDO1 has a peculiar conformational plasticity and, in addition to a complex and highly regulated catalytic activity, is capable of performing a nonenzymic function that reprograms the expression profile of immune cells toward a highly immunoregulatory phenotype. With this state-of-the-art review, we aimed at gathering the most recent information obtained for this eclectic protein as well as at highlighting the major unresolved questions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sofia Rossini
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | - Chiara Suvieri
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | - Alice Coletti
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | - Ciriana Orabona
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | | | - Claudia Volpi
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
| | - Ursula Grohmann
- Department of Medicine and SurgeryUniversity of PerugiaItaly
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8
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Lukić I, Ivković S, Mitić M, Adžić M. Tryptophan metabolites in depression: Modulation by gut microbiota. Front Behav Neurosci 2022; 16:987697. [PMID: 36172468 PMCID: PMC9510596 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.987697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical depression is a multifactorial disorder and one of the leading causes of disability worldwide. The alterations in tryptophan metabolism such as changes in the levels of serotonin, kynurenine, and kynurenine acid have been implicated in the etiology of depression for more than 50 years. In recent years, accumulated evidence has revealed that gut microbial communities, besides being essential players in various aspects of host physiology and brain functioning are also implicated in the etiology of depression, particularly through modulation of tryptophan metabolism. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize the evidence of the role of gut bacteria in disturbed tryptophan metabolism in depression. We summed up the effects of microbiota on serotonin, kynurenine, and indole pathway of tryptophan conversion relevant for understanding the pathogenesis of depressive behavior. Moreover, we reviewed data regarding the therapeutic effects of probiotics, particularly through the regulation of tryptophan metabolites. Taken together, these findings can open new possibilities for further improvement of treatments for depression based on the microbiota-mediated modulation of the tryptophan pathway.
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9
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Adaptive immune resistance at the tumour site: mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2022; 21:529-540. [PMID: 35701637 DOI: 10.1038/s41573-022-00493-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 62.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Tumours employ various tactics to adapt and eventually resist immune attack. These mechanisms are collectively called adaptive immune resistance (AIR). The first defined and therapeutically validated AIR mechanism is the selective induction of programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PDL1) by interferon-γ in the tumour. Blockade of PDL1 binding to its receptor PD1 by antibodies (anti-PD therapy) has resulted in remission of a fraction of patients with advanced-stage cancer, especially in solid tumours. However, many clinical trials combining anti-PD therapy with other antitumour drugs conducted without a strong mechanistic rationale have failed to identify a synergistic or additive effect. In this Perspective article, we discuss why defining AIR mechanisms at the tumour site should be a key focus to direct future drug development as well as practical approaches to improve current cancer therapy.
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10
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Hutchinson AP, Yin P, Neale I, Coon JS, Kujawa SA, Liu S, Bulun SE. Tryptophan 2,3-Dioxygenase-2 in Uterine Leiomyoma: Dysregulation by MED12 Mutation Status. Reprod Sci 2022; 29:743-749. [PMID: 35064560 PMCID: PMC8863695 DOI: 10.1007/s43032-022-00852-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Uterine leiomyomas (fibroids) are common benign tumors in women. The tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway plays important roles in tumorigenesis in general. Leiomyomas expressing mutated mediator complex subunit 12 (mut-MED12) were reported to contain significantly decreased tryptophan levels; the underlying mechanism and the role of the tryptophan metabolism-kynurenine pathway in leiomyoma tumorigenesis, however, remain unknown. We here assessed the expression and regulation of the key enzymes that metabolize tryptophan. Among these, the tissue mRNA levels of tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO2), the rate limiting enzyme of tryptophan metabolism through the kynurenine pathway, was 36-fold higher in mut-MED12 compared to adjacent myometrium (P < 0.0001), and 14-fold higher compared to wild type (wt)-MED12 leiomyoma (P < 0.05). The mRNA levels of other tryptophan metabolizing enzymes, IDO1 and IDO2, were low and not significantly different, suggesting that TDO2 is the key enzyme responsible for reduced tryptophan levels in mut-MED12 leiomyoma. R5020 and medroxyprogesterone acetate (MPA), two progesterone agonists, regulated TDO2 gene expression in primary myometrial and leiomyoma cells expressing wt-MED12; however, this effect was absent or blunted in leiomyoma cells expressing G44D mut-MED12. These data suggest that MED12 mutation may alter progesterone-mediated TDO2 expression in leiomyoma, leading to lower levels of tryptophan in mut-MED12 leiomyoma. This highlights that fibroids can vary widely in their response to progesterone as a result of mutation status and provides some insight for understanding the effect of tryptophan-kynurenine pathway on leiomyoma tumorigenesis and identifying targeted interventions for fibroids based on their distinct molecular signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne P Hutchinson
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Prentice Women's Hospital, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior Street , Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ping Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Prentice Women's Hospital, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior Street , Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Ilona Neale
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Prentice Women's Hospital, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior Street , Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - John S Coon
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Prentice Women's Hospital, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior Street , Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Stacy A Kujawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Prentice Women's Hospital, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior Street , Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Shimeng Liu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Prentice Women's Hospital, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior Street , Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Serdar E Bulun
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Reproductive Science in Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Prentice Women's Hospital, Northwestern University, 250 E. Superior Street , Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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11
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Luo Y, Möhn N, Skripuletz T, Senel M, Tumani H, Peßler F, Sühs KW, Stangel M. Differentiation of viral and autoimmune central nervous system inflammation by kynurenine pathway. Ann Clin Transl Neurol 2021; 8:2228-2234. [PMID: 34623755 PMCID: PMC8670317 DOI: 10.1002/acn3.51383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To determine whether the metabolites of Kynurenine pathway (KP) could serve as biomarkers for distinguishing between viral CNS infections and autoimmune neuroinflammatory diseases, especially anti‐N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptor encephalitis (NMDARE) and herpes virus encephalitis (HSE). Methods This study enrolled CSF samples from 76 patients with viral CNS infections, autoimmune neuroinflammatory, and non‐inflammatory neurological diseases. We measured cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) concentrations of tryptophan (Trp) and kynurenine (Kyn) by ELISA. Results Kyn concentrations and Kyn/Trp ratios were highly increased (p < 0.001, viral vs. autoimmune) in viral CNS infections, whereas patients with autoimmune neuroinflammatory and non‐inflammatory diseases exhibited low concentrations. Furthermore, Kyn concentrations and Kyn/Trp ratio turned out to be excellent biomarkers to distinguish between herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) and NMDARE (AUC 0.920 and AUC 0.906), whereas Trp concentrations were similar in all three groups. Interpretation The results suggest that elevated CSF Kyn concentrations and Kyn/Trp ratio may serve as biomarkers for distinguishing viral CNS infections from autoimmune neuroinflammatory diseases. In particular, the distinction between HSE and NMDARE is of great clinical relevance. Further studies are warranted to investigate the potential of CSF Kyn levels and Kyn/Trp ratio as routine parameters in patients with CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Luo
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Nora Möhn
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Makbule Senel
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | - Frank Peßler
- Research Group Biomarkers for Infectious Diseases, Helmholtz Centre for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany.,TWINCORE Centre for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover, Germany
| | - Kurt-Wolfram Sühs
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | - Martin Stangel
- Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
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12
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Fila M, Chojnacki J, Pawlowska E, Szczepanska J, Chojnacki C, Blasiak J. Kynurenine Pathway of Tryptophan Metabolism in Migraine and Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221810134. [PMID: 34576297 PMCID: PMC8469852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221810134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Migraine, the leading cause of disability in the population aged below 50, is associated with functional gastrointestinal (GI) disorders (FGIDs) such as functional nausea, cyclic vomiting syndrome, and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Conversely, changes in intestinal GI transit may cause diarrhea or constipation and are a component of the autonomic symptoms associated with pre- and post-dorsal phases of migraine attack. These mutual relationships provoke a question on a common trigger in migraine and FGIDs. The kynurenine (l-kyn) pathway (KP) is the major route for l-tryptophan (l-Trp) metabolism and transforms l-Trp into several neuroactive compounds. Changes in KP were reported in both migraine and FGIDs. Migraine was largely untreatable, but several drugs approved lately by the FDA, including monoclonal antibodies for calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and its receptor, create a hope for a breakthrough in migraine treatment. Derivatives of l-kyn were efficient in pain relief with a mechanism including CGRP inhibition. KP products are important ligands to the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), whose activation is implicated in the pathogenesis of GI and migraine. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) may play a role in migraine and IBS pathogeneses, and KP metabolites detected downstream of TLR activation may be an IBS marker. The TLR4 signaling was observed in initiating and maintaining migraine-like behavior through myeloid differentiation primary response gene 88 (MyD88) in the mouse. The aim of this review is to justify the view that KP modulation may provide common triggers for migraine and FGIDs with the involvement of TLR, AhR, and MyD88 activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michal Fila
- Department of Developmental Neurology and Epileptology, Polish Mother’s Memorial Hospital Research Institute, 93-338 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Jan Chojnacki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland; (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Elzbieta Pawlowska
- Department of Orthodontics, Medical University of Lodz, 92-217 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Joanna Szczepanska
- Department of Pediatric Dentistry, Medical University of Lodz, 92-216 Lodz, Poland;
| | - Cezary Chojnacki
- Department of Clinical Nutrition and Gastroenterological Diagnostics, Medical University of Lodz, 90-647 Lodz, Poland; (J.C.); (C.C.)
| | - Janusz Blasiak
- Department of Molecular Genetics, Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection, University of Lodz, 90-236 Lodz, Poland
- Correspondence:
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13
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Marszalek-Grabska M, Walczak K, Gawel K, Wicha-Komsta K, Wnorowska S, Wnorowski A, Turski WA. Kynurenine emerges from the shadows – Current knowledge on its fate and function. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 225:107845. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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14
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Halaby MJ, McGaha TL. Amino Acid Transport and Metabolism in Myeloid Function. Front Immunol 2021; 12:695238. [PMID: 34456909 PMCID: PMC8397459 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.695238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulation of amino acid availability and metabolism in immune cells is essential for immune system homeostasis and responses to exogenous and endogenous challenges including microbial infection, tumorigenesis and autoimmunity. In myeloid cells the consumption of amino acids such as arginine and tryptophan and availability of their metabolites are key drivers of cellular identity impacting development, functional polarization to an inflammatory or regulatory phenotype, and interaction with other immune cells. In this review, we discuss recent developments and emerging concepts in our understanding of the impact amino acid availability and consumption has on cellular phenotype focusing on two key myeloid cell populations, macrophages and myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). We also highlight the potential of myeloid-specific of amino acid transporters and catabolic enzymes as immunotherapy targets in a variety of conditions such as cancer and autoimmune disease discussing the opportunities and limitations in targeting these pathways for clinical therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Jo Halaby
- Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Tracy L McGaha
- Tumor Immunotherapy Program, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Immunology, The University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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15
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Suchard MS, Adu-Gyamfi CG, Cumming BM, Savulescu DM. Evolutionary Views of Tuberculosis: Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Catalyzed Nicotinamide Synthesis Reflects Shifts in Macrophage Metabolism: Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Reflects Altered Macrophage Metabolism During Tuberculosis Pathogenesis. Bioessays 2021; 42:e1900220. [PMID: 32301149 DOI: 10.1002/bies.201900220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is the rate-limiting enzyme in conversion of tryptophan to kynurenines, feeding de novo nicotinamide synthesis. IDO orchestrates materno-foetal tolerance, increasing human reproductive fitness. IDO mediates immune suppression through depletion of tryptophan required by T lymphocytes and other mechanisms. IDO is expressed by alternatively activated macrophages, suspected to play a key role in tuberculosis (TB) pathogenesis. Unlike its human host, Mycobacterium tuberculosis can synthesize tryptophan, suggesting possible benefit to the host from infection with the microbe. Intriguingly, nicotinamide analogues are used to treat TB. In reviewing this field, it is postulated that flux through the nicotinamide synthesis pathway reflects switching between aerobic glycolysis and oxidative phosphorylation in M. tuberculosis-infected macrophages. The evolutionary cause of such shifts may be ancient mitochondrial behavior related to reproductive fitness. Evolutionary perspectives on the IDO pathway may elucidate why, after centuries of co-existence with the Tubercle bacillus, humans still remain susceptible to TB disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melinda S Suchard
- Centre for Vaccines and Immunology, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa.,Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | - Clement G Adu-Gyamfi
- Centre for Vaccines and Immunology, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa.,Chemical Pathology, School of Pathology, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2193, South Africa
| | | | - Dana M Savulescu
- Centre for Vaccines and Immunology, National Institute for Communicable Diseases, a division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Johannesburg, 2192, South Africa
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16
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Tanaka M, Tóth F, Polyák H, Szabó Á, Mándi Y, Vécsei L. Immune Influencers in Action: Metabolites and Enzymes of the Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway. Biomedicines 2021; 9:734. [PMID: 34202246 PMCID: PMC8301407 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway is a main player of TRP metabolism through which more than 95% of TRP is catabolized. The pathway is activated by acute and chronic immune responses leading to a wide range of illnesses including cancer, immune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. The presence of positive feedback loops facilitates amplifying the immune responses vice versa. The TRP-KYN pathway synthesizes multifarious metabolites including oxidants, antioxidants, neurotoxins, neuroprotectants and immunomodulators. The immunomodulators are known to facilitate the immune system towards a tolerogenic state, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation (LGI) that is commonly present in obesity, poor nutrition, exposer to chemicals or allergens, prodromal stage of various illnesses and chronic diseases. KYN, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid and cinnabarinic acid are aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands that serve as immunomodulators. Furthermore, TRP-KYN pathway enzymes are known to be activated by the stress hormone cortisol and inflammatory cytokines, and genotypic variants were observed to contribute to inflammation and thus various diseases. The tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases and the kynurenine-3-monooxygenase are main enzymes in the pathway. This review article discusses the TRP-KYN pathway with special emphasis on its interaction with the immune system and the tolerogenic shift towards chronic LGI and overviews the major symptoms, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and toxic and protective KYNs to explore the linkage between chronic LGI, KYNs, and major psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- MTA-SZTE—Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (M.T.); (F.T.)
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (H.P.); (Á.S.)
| | - Fanni Tóth
- MTA-SZTE—Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (M.T.); (F.T.)
| | - Helga Polyák
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (H.P.); (Á.S.)
| | - Ágnes Szabó
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (H.P.); (Á.S.)
| | - Yvette Mándi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE—Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (M.T.); (F.T.)
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (H.P.); (Á.S.)
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17
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Fifita JA, Chan Moi Fat S, McCann EP, Williams KL, Twine NA, Bauer DC, Rowe DB, Pamphlett R, Kiernan MC, Tan VX, Blair IP, Guillemin GJ. Genetic Analysis of Tryptophan Metabolism Genes in Sporadic Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:701550. [PMID: 34194442 PMCID: PMC8236844 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.701550] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The essential amino acid tryptophan (TRP) is the initiating metabolite of the kynurenine pathway (KP), which can be upregulated by inflammatory conditions in cells. Neuroinflammation-triggered activation of the KP and excessive production of the KP metabolite quinolinic acid are common features of multiple neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). In addition to its role in the KP, genes involved in TRP metabolism, including its incorporation into proteins, and synthesis of the neurotransmitter serotonin, have also been genetically and functionally linked to these diseases. ALS is a late onset neurodegenerative disease that is classified as familial or sporadic, depending on the presence or absence of a family history of the disease. Heritability estimates support a genetic basis for all ALS, including the sporadic form of the disease. However, the genetic basis of sporadic ALS (SALS) is complex, with the presence of multiple gene variants acting to increase disease susceptibility and is further complicated by interaction with potential environmental factors. We aimed to determine the genetic contribution of 18 genes involved in TRP metabolism, including protein synthesis, serotonin synthesis and the KP, by interrogating whole-genome sequencing data from 614 Australian sporadic ALS cases. Five genes in the KP (AFMID, CCBL1, GOT2, KYNU, HAAO) were found to have either novel protein-altering variants, and/or a burden of rare protein-altering variants in SALS cases compared to controls. Four genes involved in TRP metabolism for protein synthesis (WARS) and serotonin synthesis (TPH1, TPH2, MAOA) were also found to carry novel variants and/or gene burden. These variants may represent ALS risk factors that act to alter the KP and lead to neuroinflammation. These findings provide further evidence for the role of TRP metabolism, the KP and neuroinflammation in ALS disease pathobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A. Fifita
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Sandrine Chan Moi Fat
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Emily P. McCann
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Kelly L. Williams
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Natalie A. Twine
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Health & Biosecurity Flagship, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Denis C. Bauer
- Australian e-Health Research Centre, Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Health & Biosecurity Flagship, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Applied BioSciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Dominic B. Rowe
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Roger Pamphlett
- Discipline of Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Neuropathology, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Matthew C. Kiernan
- Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Institute of Clinical Neurosciences, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Vanessa X. Tan
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Ian P. Blair
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Macquarie University Centre for Motor Neuron Disease Research, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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18
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Zádor F, Joca S, Nagy-Grócz G, Dvorácskó S, Szűcs E, Tömböly C, Benyhe S, Vécsei L. Pro-Inflammatory Cytokines: Potential Links between the Endocannabinoid System and the Kynurenine Pathway in Depression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115903. [PMID: 34072767 PMCID: PMC8199129 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Substance use/abuse is one of the main causes of depressive symptoms. Cannabis and synthetic cannabinoids in particular gained significant popularity in the past years. There is an increasing amount of clinical data associating such compounds with the inflammatory component of depression, indicated by the up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Pro-inflammatory cytokines are also well-known to regulate the enzymes of the kynurenine pathway (KP), which is responsible for metabolizing tryptophan, a precursor in serotonin synthesis. Enhanced pro-inflammatory cytokine levels may over-activate the KP, leading to tryptophan depletion and reduced serotonin levels, which can subsequently precipitate depressive symptoms. Therefore, such mechanism might represent a possible link between the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the KP in depression, via the inflammatory and dysregulated serotonergic component of the disorder. This review will summarize the data regarding those natural and synthetic cannabinoids that increase pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, the data on such cytokines associated with KP activation will be further reviewed accordingly. The interaction of the ECS and the KP has been postulated and demonstrated in some studies previously. This review will further contribute to this yet less explored connection and propose the KP to be the missing link between cannabinoid-induced inflammation and depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferenc Zádor
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sâmia Joca
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark;
| | - Gábor Nagy-Grócz
- Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary;
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs Dvorácskó
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Department of Medical Chemistry, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Edina Szűcs
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
- Doctoral School of Theoretical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Tömböly
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - Sándor Benyhe
- Institute of Biochemistry, Biological Research Center, H-6726 Szeged, Hungary; (F.Z.); (S.D.); (E.S.); (C.T.); (S.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-351
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19
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Venkatesan D, Iyer M, Narayanasamy A, Siva K, Vellingiri B. Kynurenine pathway in Parkinson's disease-An update. eNeurologicalSci 2020; 21:100270. [PMID: 33134567 PMCID: PMC7585940 DOI: 10.1016/j.ensci.2020.100270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a complex multi-factorial neurodegenerative disorder where various altered metabolic pathways contribute to the progression of the disease. Tryptophan (TRP) is a major precursor in kynurenine pathway (KP) and it has been discussed in various in vitro studies that the metabolites quinolinic acid (QUIN) causes neurotoxicity and kynurenic acid (KYNA) acts as neuroprotectant respectively. More studies are also focused on the effects of other KP metabolites and its enzymes as it has an association with ageing and PD pathogenesis. Until now, very few studies have targeted the role of genetic mutations in abnormal KP metabolism in adverse conditions of PD. Therefore, the present review gives an updated research studies on KP in connection with PD. Moreover, the review emphasizes on the urge for the development of biomarkers and also this would be an initiative in generating an alternative therapeutic approach for PD.
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Key Words
- 3-HAA, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid
- 3-HK, 3-hydroxykynurenine
- 6-OHDA, 6-hydroxydopamine
- AA, anthranilic acid
- ACMSD, amino-carboxymuconatesemialdehyde decarboxylase
- AD, Alzheimer's disease
- ATP, adenosine triphosphate
- Ageing
- AhR, aryl hydrocarbon receptor
- Biomarkers
- CNS, central nervous system
- CSF, cerebrospinal fluid
- DA, dopaminergic
- FAM, formamidase
- IDO-1, indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenases
- IFN-γ, interferon-γ
- KATs, kynurenine aminotransferases
- KMO, kynurenine −3-monooxygenase
- KP, Kynurenine pathway
- KYN, kynurenine
- KYNA, kynurenic acid
- Kynurenine pathway (KP)
- L-DOPA, L-dopamine
- LID, L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia
- MPTP, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine
- NAD+, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide
- NADPH, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate
- NFK, N′-formylkynurenine
- NMDA, N-methyl-d-aspartate
- PA, picolinic acid
- PD, Parkinson's disease
- Parkinson's disease (PD)
- QUIN, quinolinic acid
- RBCs, red blood cells
- SNpc, substantianigra pars compacta
- TDO, tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase
- TRP, tryptophan
- Therapeutics
- XA, xanthurenic acid
- ZNS, zonisamide
- α-synuclein, αSyn
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhivya Venkatesan
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Mahalaxmi Iyer
- Department of Zoology, Avinashilingam Institute for Home Science and Higher Education for Women, Coimbatore 641 043, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Arul Narayanasamy
- Disease Proteomics Laboratory, Department of Zoology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kamalakannan Siva
- National Centre for Disease Control, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, New Delhi 110054, India
| | - Balachandar Vellingiri
- Human Molecular Cytogenetics and Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Biology, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641 046, Tamil Nadu, India
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20
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Mondanelli G, Di Battista V, Pellanera F, Mammoli A, Macchiarulo A, Gargaro M, Mavridou E, Matteucci C, Ruggeri L, Orabona C, Volpi C, Grohmann U, Mecucci C. A novel mutation of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 causes a rapid proteasomal degradation and compromises protein function. J Autoimmun 2020; 115:102509. [PMID: 32605792 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaut.2020.102509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) - the enzyme catalyzing the rate-limiting step of tryptophan catabolism along the kynurenine pathway - belongs to the class of inhibitory immune checkpoint molecules. Such regulators of the immune system are crucial for maintaining self-tolerance and thus, when properly working, preventing autoimmunity. A dysfunctional IDO1 has recently been associated with a specific single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and with the occurrence of autoimmune diabetes and multiple sclerosis. Many genetic alterations of IDO1 have been proposed being related with dysimmune disorders. However, the molecular and functional meaning of variations in IDO1 exomes as well as the promoter region remains a poorly explored field. In the present study, we identified a rare missense variant (rs751360195) at the IDO1 gene in a patient affected by coeliac disease, thyroiditis, and selective immunoglobulin A deficiency. Molecular and functional studies demonstrated that the substitution of lysine (K) at position 257 with a glutamic acid (E) results in an altered IDO1 protein that undergoes a rapid protein turnover. This genotype-to-phenotype relation is produced by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the patient bearing this variation and is associated with a specific phenotype (i.e., impaired tryptophan catabolism and defective mechanisms of immune tolerance). Thus decoding functional mutations of the IDO1 exome may provide clinically relevant information exploitable to personalize therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Andrea Mammoli
- Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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21
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Biernacki T, Sandi D, Bencsik K, Vécsei L. Kynurenines in the Pathogenesis of Multiple Sclerosis: Therapeutic Perspectives. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061564. [PMID: 32604956 PMCID: PMC7349747 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past years, an increasing amount of evidence has emerged in support of the kynurenine pathway’s (KP) pivotal role in the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative, psychiatric, vascular and autoimmune diseases. Different neuroactive metabolites of the KP are known to exert opposite effects on neurons, some being neuroprotective (e.g., picolinic acid, kynurenic acid, and the cofactor nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide), while others are toxic to neurons (e.g., 3-hydroxykynurenine, quinolinic acid). Not only the alterations in the levels of the metabolites but also disturbances in their ratio (quinolinic acid/kynurenic acid) have been reported in several diseases. In addition to the metabolites, the enzymes participating in the KP have been unearthed to be involved in modulation of the immune system, the energetic upkeep of neurons and have been shown to influence redox processes and inflammatory cascades, revealing a sophisticated, intertwined system. This review considers various methods through which enzymes and metabolites of the kynurenine pathway influence the immune system, the roles they play in the pathogenesis of neuroinflammatory diseases based on current evidence with a focus on their involvement in multiple sclerosis, as well as therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Biernacki
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Dániel Sandi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - Krisztina Bencsik
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of General Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Centre, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (T.B.); (D.S.); (K.B.)
- MTA—SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Center, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-356; Fax: +36-62-545-597
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22
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Quan C, Wang S, Duan K, Ma J, Yu H, Yang M, Hu N, Long G, Zeng G, Huang Z. The role of kynurenine pathway and kynurenic aminotransferase alleles in postpartum depression following cesarean section in Chinese women. Brain Behav 2020; 10:e01566. [PMID: 32101387 PMCID: PMC7177593 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.1566] [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] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES A growing body of data indicates that the kynurenine pathway may play a role in the pathogenesis of postpartum depressive symptoms (PDS). Kynurenic aminotransferase (KAT) is an important kynurenine pathway enzyme, catalyzing kynurenine (KYN) into kynurenic acid (KYNA). This study investigated as to whether genetic variations in KAT are associated with PDS. METHODS A cohort of 360 Chinese women scheduled to undergo cesarean delivery was enrolled into this study. PDS was determined by an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) score ≥ 13. A total of eight KAT single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped and their association with PDS investigated. Serum concentrations of KYN, KYNA, and quinolinic acid (QUIN) in women with or without PDS were also measured. This allowed the determination of the KYNA/KYN ratio, which is reflective of KAT activity. RESULTS Postpartum depressive symptoms incidence was 7.2%. Advanced maternal age, lower education, antenatal depression, and postpartum blues were risk factors for PDS (p < .05). Women with PDS, versus non-PDS, had heightened KYN levels one day prior to surgery (ante-d1) (p < .05), as well as having significantly lower KYNA and higher QUIN levels at postnatal day three (post-d3) (p < .05). Women with, versus without, PDS also had a significantly higher QUIN/KYNA ratio at post-d3 (p < .05). KAT activity was significantly lower in women with, versus without, PDS at ante-d3 (p < .05). No significant association was evident between the KAT SNPs and PDS. CONCLUSION Our data support a role for alterations in the kynurenine pathway in the pathogenesis of PDS, although no significant association was found for the eight tested KAT SNPs with PDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengxuan Quan
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Saiying Wang
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Kaiming Duan
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiahui Ma
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Heya Yu
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Mi Yang
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Na Hu
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ge Long
- Department of Anesthesia, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guang Zeng
- Department of Anesthesia, Changsha Taihe Hospital, Changsha, China
| | - Zhendong Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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23
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Exploring the Etiological Links behind Neurodegenerative Diseases: Inflammatory Cytokines and Bioactive Kynurenines. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21072431. [PMID: 32244523 PMCID: PMC7177899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21072431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 03/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) are the most common neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), presenting a broad range of symptoms from motor dysfunctions to psychobehavioral manifestations. A common clinical course is the proteinopathy-induced neural dysfunction leading to anatomically corresponding neuropathies. However, current diagnostic criteria based on pathology and symptomatology are of little value for the sake of disease prevention and drug development. Overviewing the pathomechanism of NDs, this review incorporates systematic reviews on inflammatory cytokines and tryptophan metabolites kynurenines (KYNs) of human samples, to present an inferential method to explore potential links behind NDs. The results revealed increases of pro-inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic KYNs in NDs, increases of anti-inflammatory cytokines in AD, PD, Huntington's disease (HD), Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders, and decreases of neuromodulatory KYNs in AD, PD, and HD. The results reinforced a strong link between inflammation and neurotoxic KYNs, confirmed activation of adaptive immune response, and suggested a possible role in the decrease of neuromodulatory KYNs, all of which may contribute to the development of chronic low grade inflammation. Commonalities of multifactorial NDs were discussed to present a current limit of diagnostic criteria, a need for preclinical biomarkers, and an approach to search the initiation factors of NDs.
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24
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Ghafouri-Fard S, Taherian-Esfahani Z, Dashti S, Kholghi Oskooei V, Taheri M, Samsami M. Gene expression of indoleamine and tryptophan dioxygenases and three long non-coding RNAs in breast cancer. Exp Mol Pathol 2020; 114:104415. [PMID: 32165090 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexmp.2020.104415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) has a principal role in the metabolism of tryptophan. This pathway is also involved in the pathogenesis of cancer. We evaluated expression of two rate limiting enzymes from this pathway (IDO1 and TDO2) as well as three long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) that have been predicted to alter expression of IDO1 (ITGB2-AS1, HCP5 and MIR155HG) in 82 breast cancer tissues and their adjacent non-cancerous tissues (ANCTs). While IDO1 expression levels were not significantly different between malignant tissues and ANCTs (expression ratio = 0.56, P = .21), TDO2 was significantly down-regulated in malignant tissues compared with ANCTs (Expression ratio = 0.001, P < .001). Among lncRNAs, expression of HCP5 was significantly lower in malignant tissues compared with ANCTs (Expression ratio = 0.17, P < .001). However, expression of ITGB2-AS1 was higher in malignant tissues compared with ANCTs (Expression ratio = 3.38, P = .01). Expressions of genes were not associated with any of clinical or demographic data of patients. However, there were trends towards association between IDO1 expression and tumor size as well as estrogen receptor (ER) status (P values 0.09 and 0.08 respectively). Significant pairwise correlations were found between expression levels of genes especially in ANCTs. Notably, TDO2 expression levels were correlated with expression of all other genes in ANCTs but none of them in tumor tissues. Based on the area under curve (AUC) values, HCP5 and TDO2 had "fair" diagnostic power (AUC values of 0.73 and 0.72). Notably, combination of HCP5, ITGB2-AS1 and TDO2 genes increased the diagnostic power to the level of "good". The current investigation underscores the role of KP in breast cancer and potentiates some genes within this pathway as diagnostic markers in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri-Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Taherian-Esfahani
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Dashti
- Department of Medical Genetics, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahid Kholghi Oskooei
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran; Neuroscience Research Center, Torbat Heydariyeh University of Medical Sciences, Torbat Heydariyeh, Iran
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Urogenital Stem Cell Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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25
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Sühs KW, Novoselova N, Kuhn M, Seegers L, Kaever V, Müller-Vahl K, Trebst C, Skripuletz T, Stangel M, Pessler F. Kynurenine Is a Cerebrospinal Fluid Biomarker for Bacterial and Viral Central Nervous System Infections. J Infect Dis 2020; 220:127-138. [PMID: 30721966 DOI: 10.1093/infdis/jiz048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The tryptophan-kynurenine-nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (oxidized; NAD+) pathway is closely associated with regulation of immune cells toward less inflammatory phenotypes and may exert neuroprotective effects. Investigating its regulation in central nervous system (CNS) infections would improve our understanding of pathophysiology and end-organ damage, and, furthermore, open doors to its evaluation as a source of diagnostic and/or prognostic biomarkers. METHODS We measured concentrations of kynurenine (Kyn) and tryptophan (Trp) in 221 cerebrospinal fluid samples from patients with bacterial and viral (due to herpes simplex, varicella zoster, and enteroviruses) meningitis/encephalitis, neuroborreliosis, autoimmune neuroinflammation (due to anti-N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor [NMDA] encephalitis and multiple sclerosis), and noninflamed controls (ie, individuals with Bell palsy, normal pressure hydrocephalus, or Tourette syndrome). RESULTS Kyn concentrations correlated strongly with CSF markers of neuroinflammation (ie, leukocyte count, lactate concentration, and blood-CSF-barrier dysfunction), were highly increased in bacterial and viral CNS infections, but were low or undetectable in NMDA encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, and controls. Trp concentrations were decreased mostly in viral CNS infections and neuroborreliosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis revealed that combinations of Kyn concentration, Trp concentration, and Kyn/Trp concentration ratio with leukocyte count or lactate concentration were accurate classifiers for the clinically important differentiation between neuroborreliosis, viral CNS infections, and autoimmune neuroinflammation. CONCLUSIONS The Trp-Kyn-NAD+ pathway is activated in CNS infections and provides highly accurate CSF biomarkers, particularly when combined with standard CSF indices of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kurt-Wolfram Sühs
- Division of Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology.,Center for Individualized Infection Medicine
| | - Natalia Novoselova
- Biomarkers for Infectious Diseases Research Group, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover.,United Institute of Informatics Problems, Minsk, Belarus
| | - Maike Kuhn
- Metabolomics Research Core Unit.,Biomarkers for Infectious Diseases Research Group, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover
| | - Lena Seegers
- Division of Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology
| | | | | | - Corinna Trebst
- Division of Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology
| | - Thomas Skripuletz
- Division of Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology
| | - Martin Stangel
- Division of Clinical Neuroimmunology and Neurochemistry, Department of Neurology.,Center for Individualized Infection Medicine
| | - Frank Pessler
- Center for Individualized Infection Medicine.,Biomarkers for Infectious Diseases Research Group, TWINCORE Center for Experimental and Clinical Infection Research, Hannover.,Helmholtz Center for Infection Research, Braunschweig, Germany
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26
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Tanaka M, Bohár Z, Vécsei L. Are Kynurenines Accomplices or Principal Villains in Dementia? Maintenance of Kynurenine Metabolism. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030564. [PMID: 32012948 PMCID: PMC7036975 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Worldwide, 50 million people suffer from dementia, a group of symptoms affecting cognitive and social functions, progressing severely enough to interfere with daily life. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) accounts for most of the dementia cases. Pathological and clinical findings have led to proposing several hypotheses of AD pathogenesis, finding a presence of positive feedback loops and additionally observing the disturbance of a branch of tryptophan metabolism, the kynurenine (KYN) pathway. Either causative or resultant of dementia, elevated levels of neurotoxic KYN metabolites are observed, potentially upregulating multiple feedback loops of AD pathogenesis. Memantine is an N-methyl-D-aspartate glutamatergic receptor (NMDAR) antagonist, which belongs to one of only two classes of medications approved for clinical use, but other NMDAR modulators have been explored so far in vain. An endogenous KYN pathway metabolite, kynurenic acid (KYNA), likewise inhibits the excitotoxic NMDAR. Besides its anti-excitotoxicity, KYNA is a multitarget compound that triggers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Modifying the KYNA level is a potential multitarget strategy to normalize the disturbed KYN pathway and thus to alleviate juxtaposing AD pathogeneses. In this review, the maintenance of KYN metabolism by modifying the level of KYNA is proposed and discussed in search for a novel lead compound against the progression of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Bohár
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE, Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +36-62-545-351
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27
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Boros FA, Vécsei L. Immunomodulatory Effects of Genetic Alterations Affecting the Kynurenine Pathway. Front Immunol 2019; 10:2570. [PMID: 31781097 PMCID: PMC6851023 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.02570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Several enzymes and metabolites of the kynurenine pathway (KP) have immunomodulatory effects. Modulation of the activities and levels of these molecules might be of particular importance under disease conditions when the amelioration of overreacting immune responses is desired. Results obtained by the use of animal and tissue culture models indicate that by eliminating or decreasing activities of key enzymes of the KP, a beneficial shift in disease outcome can be attained. This review summarizes experimental data of models in which IDO, TDO, or KMO activity modulation was achieved by interventions affecting enzyme production at a genomic level. Elimination of IDO activity was found to improve the outcome of sepsis, certain viral infections, chronic inflammation linked to diabetes, obesity, aorta aneurysm formation, and in anti-tumoral processes. Similarly, lack of TDO activity was advantageous in the case of anti-tumoral immunity, while KMO inhibition was found to be beneficial against microorganisms and in the combat against tumors, as well. On the other hand, the complex interplay among KP metabolites and immune function in some cases requires an increase in a particular enzyme activity for the desired immune response modulation, as was shown by the exacerbation of liver fibrosis due to the elimination of IDO activity and the detrimental effects of TDO inhibition in a mouse model of autoimmune gastritis. The relevance of these studies concerning possible human applications are discussed and highlighted. Finally, a brief overview is presented on naturally occurring genetic variants affecting immune functions via modulation of KP enzyme activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanni A Boros
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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28
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Loonen AJ, Wilffert B, Ivanova SA. Putative role of pharmacogenetics to elucidate the mechanism of tardive dyskinesia in schizophrenia. Pharmacogenomics 2019; 20:1199-1223. [PMID: 31686592 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2019-0100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Identifying biomarkers which can be used as a diagnostic tool is a major objective of pharmacogenetic studies. Most mental and many neurological disorders have a compiled multifaceted nature, which may be the reason why this endeavor has hitherto not been very successful. This is also true for tardive dyskinesia (TD), an involuntary movement complication of long-term treatment with antipsychotic drugs. The observed associations of specific gene variants with the prevalence and severity of a disorder can also be applied to try to elucidate the pathogenesis of the condition. In this paper, this strategy is used by combining pharmacogenetic knowledge with theories on the possible role of a dysfunction of specific cellular elements of neostriatal parts of the (dorsal) extrapyramidal circuits: various glutamatergic terminals, medium spiny neurons, striatal interneurons and ascending monoaminergic fibers. A peculiar finding is that genetic variants which would be expected to increase the neostriatal dopamine concentration are not associated with the prevalence and severity of TD. Moreover, modifying the sensitivity to glutamatergic long-term potentiation (and excitotoxicity) shows a relationship with levodopa-induced dyskinesia, but not with TD. Contrasting this, TD is associated with genetic variants that modify vulnerability to oxidative stress. Reducing the oxidative stress burden of medium spiny neurons may also be the mechanism behind the protective influence of 5-HT2 receptor antagonists. It is probably worthwhile to discriminate between neostriatal matrix and striosomal compartments when studying the mechanism of TD and between orofacial and limb-truncal components in epidemiological studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton Jm Loonen
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology & Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands.,GGZ Westelijk Noord-Brabant, Hoofdlaan 8, 4661AA Halsteren, The Netherlands
| | - Bob Wilffert
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology & Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Antonius Deusinglaan 1, 9713AV Groningen, The Netherlands.,Dept. of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, Hanzeplein 1, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Svetlana A Ivanova
- Mental Health Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Aleutskaya Street, 4, 634014 Tomsk, Russian Federation.,School of Non-Destructive Testing & Security, Division for Control and Diagnostics, National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University, Lenin Avenue, 30, 634050 Tomsk, Russian Federation.,Central Research Laboratory, Siberian State Medical University, Moscowski Trakt, 2, 634050 Tomsk, Russian Federation
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29
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Venkateswaran N, Lafita-Navarro MC, Hao YH, Kilgore JA, Perez-Castro L, Braverman J, Borenstein-Auerbach N, Kim M, Lesner NP, Mishra P, Brabletz T, Shay JW, DeBerardinis RJ, Williams NS, Yilmaz OH, Conacci-Sorrell M. MYC promotes tryptophan uptake and metabolism by the kynurenine pathway in colon cancer. Genes Dev 2019; 33:1236-1251. [PMID: 31416966 PMCID: PMC6719621 DOI: 10.1101/gad.327056.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Tumors display increased uptake and processing of nutrients to fulfill the demands of rapidly proliferating cancer cells. Seminal studies have shown that the proto-oncogene MYC promotes metabolic reprogramming by altering glutamine uptake and metabolism in cancer cells. How MYC regulates the metabolism of other amino acids in cancer is not fully understood. Using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), we found that MYC increased intracellular levels of tryptophan and tryptophan metabolites in the kynurenine pathway. MYC induced the expression of the tryptophan transporters SLC7A5 and SLC1A5 and the enzyme arylformamidase (AFMID), involved in the conversion of tryptophan into kynurenine. SLC7A5, SLC1A5, and AFMID were elevated in colon cancer cells and tissues, and kynurenine was significantly greater in tumor samples than in the respective adjacent normal tissue from patients with colon cancer. Compared with normal human colonic epithelial cells, colon cancer cells were more sensitive to the depletion of tryptophan. Blocking enzymes in the kynurenine pathway caused preferential death of established colon cancer cells and transformed colonic organoids. We found that only kynurenine and no other tryptophan metabolite promotes the nuclear translocation of the transcription factor aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR). Blocking the interaction between AHR and kynurenine with CH223191 reduced the proliferation of colon cancer cells. Therefore, we propose that limiting cellular kynurenine or its downstream targets could present a new strategy to reduce the proliferation of MYC-dependent cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niranjan Venkateswaran
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - M Carmen Lafita-Navarro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Yi-Heng Hao
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Jessica A Kilgore
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Lizbeth Perez-Castro
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Jonathan Braverman
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Nofit Borenstein-Auerbach
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Min Kim
- Lydia Hill Department of Bioinformatics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Nicholas P Lesner
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Prashant Mishra
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Thomas Brabletz
- Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, University Erlangen-Nurnberg, Erlangen 91054, Germany
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Ralph J DeBerardinis
- Children's Medical Center Research Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Noelle S Williams
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
| | - Omer H Yilmaz
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research, Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA.,Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital Boston, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Maralice Conacci-Sorrell
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390, USA
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30
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Notarangelo FM, Beggiato S, Schwarcz R. Assessment of Prenatal Kynurenine Metabolism Using Tissue Slices: Focus on the Neosynthesis of Kynurenic Acid in Mice. Dev Neurosci 2019; 41:102-111. [PMID: 31117076 DOI: 10.1159/000499736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Several lines of evidence support the hypothesis that abnormally elevated brain levels of kynurenic acid (KYNA), a metabolite of the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation, play a pathophysiologically significant role in schizophrenia and other major neurodevelopmental disorders. Studies in experimental animal models suggest that KP impairments in these diseases may originate already in utero since prenatal administration of KYNA's bioprecursor, kynurenine, leads to biochemical and structural abnormalities as well as distinct cognitive impairments in adulthood. As KP metabolism during pregnancy is still insufficiently understood, we designed this study to examine the de novo synthesis of KYNA and 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), an alternative biologically active product of kynurenine degradation, in tissue slices obtained from pregnant mice on gestational day (GD) 18. Fetal brain and liver, placenta, and maternal brain and liver were collected, and the tissues were incubated in vitroin the absence or presence of micromolar concentrations of kynurenine. KYNA and 3-HK were measured in the extracellular milieu. Basal and newly produced KYNA was detected in all cases. As KYNA formation exceeded 3-HK production by 2-3 orders of magnitude in the placenta and maternal brain, and as very little 3-HK neosynthesis was detectable in fetal brain tissue, detailed follow-up experiments focused on KYNA only. The fetal brain produced 3-4 times more KYNA than the maternal brain and placenta, though less than the maternal and fetal liver. No significant differences were observed when using tissues obtained on GD 14 and GD 18. Pharmacological inhibition of KYNA's main biosynthetic enzymes, kynurenine aminotransferase (KAT) I and KAT II, revealed qualitative and quantitative differences between the tissues, with a preferential role of KAT I in the fetal and maternal brain and of KAT II in the fetal and maternal liver. Findings using tissue slices from KAT II knockout mice confirmed these conclusions. Together, these results clarify the dynamics of KP metabolism during pregnancy and provide the basis for the conceptualization of interventions aimed at manipulating cerebral KP function in the prenatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca M Notarangelo
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA,
| | - Sarah Beggiato
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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31
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Napolioni V, Pariano M, Borghi M, Oikonomou V, Galosi C, De Luca A, Stincardini C, Vacca C, Renga G, Lucidi V, Colombo C, Fiscarelli E, Lass-Flörl C, Carotti A, D'Amico L, Majo F, Russo MC, Ellemunter H, Spolzino A, Mosci P, Brancorsini S, Aversa F, Velardi A, Romani L, Costantini C. Genetic Polymorphisms Affecting IDO1 or IDO2 Activity Differently Associate With Aspergillosis in Humans. Front Immunol 2019; 10:890. [PMID: 31134053 PMCID: PMC6514051 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.00890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 04/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aspergillus is the causative agent of human diseases ranging from asthma to invasive infection. Genetic and environmental factors are crucial in regulating the interaction between the host and Aspergillus. The role played by the enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), which catalyzes the first and rate-limiting step of tryptophan catabolism along the kynurenine pathway, is increasingly being recognized, but whether and how genetic variation of IDO1 influences the risk of aspergillosis in susceptible patients is incompletely understood. In addition, whether the closely related protein IDO2 plays a similar role remains unexplored. In the present study, we performed genetic association studies in two different cohorts of susceptible patients [cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and recipients of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT)], and identified IDO1 polymorphisms that associate with the risk of infection in both cohorts. By using human bronchial epithelial cells and PBMC from CF and HSCT patients, respectively, we could show that the IDO1 polymorphisms appeared to down-modulate IDO1 expression and function in response to IFNγ or Aspergillus conidia, and to associate with an increased inflammatory response. In contrast, IDO2 polymorphisms, including variants known to profoundly affect protein expression and function, were differently associated with the risk of aspergillosis in the two cohorts of patients as no association was found in CF patients as opposed to recipients of HSCT. By resorting to a murine model of bone marrow transplantation, we could show that the absence of IDO2 more severely affected fungal burden and lung pathology upon infection with Aspergillus as compared to IDO1, and this effect appeared to be linked to a deficit in the antifungal effector phagocytic activity. Thus, our study confirms and extends the role of IDO1 in the response to Aspergillus, and shed light on the possible involvement of IDO2 in specific clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Napolioni
- Department of Neurology and Neurological Sciences, School of Medicine, Stanford University Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Marilena Pariano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Monica Borghi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vasilis Oikonomou
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudia Galosi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Antonella De Luca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Carmine Vacca
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Renga
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Vincenzina Lucidi
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Colombo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Cornelia Lass-Flörl
- Division of Hygiene and Medical Microbiology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Alessandra Carotti
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Lucia D'Amico
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Fabio Majo
- Unit of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Russo
- Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Angelica Spolzino
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Paolo Mosci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Franco Aversa
- Division of Hematology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - Andrea Velardi
- Institute of Hematology-Centro di Ricerche Emato-Oncologiche, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Luigina Romani
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Claudio Costantini
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Mondanelli G, Iacono A, Carvalho A, Orabona C, Volpi C, Pallotta MT, Matino D, Esposito S, Grohmann U. Amino acid metabolism as drug target in autoimmune diseases. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:334-348. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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Inflammation in cancer and depression: a starring role for the kynurenine pathway. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2019; 236:2997-3011. [PMID: 30806743 PMCID: PMC6820591 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-019-05200-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a common comorbidity in cancer cases, but this is not only due to the emotional distress of having a life-threatening disease. A common biological mechanism, involving a dysregulated immune system, seems to underpin this comorbidity. In particular, the activation of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation due to inflammation may play a key role in the development and persistence of both diseases. As a consequence, targeting enzymes involved in this pathway offers a unique opportunity to develop new strategies to treat cancer and depression at once. In this work, we provide a systematic review of the evidence up to date on the kynurenine pathway role in linking depression and cancer and on clinical implications of this evidence. In particular, complications due to chemotherapy are discussed, as well as the potential antidepressant efficacy of novel immunotherapies for cancer.
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The Impact of Protein Acetylation/Deacetylation on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19124007. [PMID: 30545086 PMCID: PMC6321219 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19124007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy cells. Although the exact cause of SLE has not been identified, it is clear that both genetics and environmental factors trigger the disease. Identical twins have a 24% chance of getting lupus disease if the other one is affected. Internal factors such as female gender and sex hormones, the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus and other genetic polymorphisms have been shown to affect SLE, as well as external, environmental influences such as sunlight exposure, smoking, vitamin D deficiency, and certain infections. Several studies have reported and proposed multiple associations between the alteration of the epigenome and the pathogenesis of autoimmune disease. Epigenetic factors contributing to SLE include microRNAs, DNA methylation status, and the acetylation/deacetylation of histone proteins. Additionally, the acetylation of non-histone proteins can also influence cellular function. A better understanding of non-genomic factors that regulate SLE will provide insight into the mechanisms that initiate and facilitate disease and also contribute to the development of novel therapeutics that can specifically target pathogenic molecular pathways.
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