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Sikiric P, Boban Blagaic A, Strbe S, Beketic Oreskovic L, Oreskovic I, Sikiric S, Staresinic M, Sever M, Kokot A, Jurjevic I, Matek D, Coric L, Krezic I, Tvrdeic A, Luetic K, Batelja Vuletic L, Pavic P, Mestrovic T, Sjekavica I, Skrtic A, Seiwerth S. The Stable Gastric Pentadecapeptide BPC 157 Pleiotropic Beneficial Activity and Its Possible Relations with Neurotransmitter Activity. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:461. [PMID: 38675421 PMCID: PMC11053547 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
We highlight the particular aspects of the stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 pleiotropic beneficial activity (not destroyed in human gastric juice, native and stable in human gastric juice, as a cytoprotection mediator holds a response specifically related to preventing or recovering damage as such) and its possible relations with neurotransmitter activity. We attempt to resolve the shortage of the pleiotropic beneficial effects of BPC 157, given the general standard neurotransmitter criteria, in classic terms. We substitute the lack of direct conclusive evidence (i.e., production within the neuron or present in it as a precursor molecule, released eliciting a response on the receptor on the target cells on neurons and being removed from the site of action once its signaling role is complete). This can be a network of interconnected evidence, previously envisaged in the implementation of the cytoprotection effects, consistent beneficial particular evidence that BPC 157 therapy counteracts dopamine, serotonin, glutamate, GABA, adrenalin/noradrenalin, acetylcholine, and NO-system disturbances. This specifically includes counteraction of those disturbances related to their receptors, both blockade and over-activity, destruction, depletion, tolerance, sensitization, and channel disturbances counteraction. Likewise, BPC 157 activates particular receptors (i.e., VGEF and growth hormone). Furthermore, close BPC 157/NO-system relations with the gasotransmitters crossing the cell membrane and acting directly on molecules inside the cell may envisage particular interactions with receptors on the plasma membrane of their target cells. Finally, there is nerve-muscle relation in various muscle disturbance counteractions, and nerve-nerve relation in various encephalopathies counteraction, which is also exemplified specifically by the BPC 157 therapy application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Predrag Sikiric
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Alenka Boban Blagaic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Sanja Strbe
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Lidija Beketic Oreskovic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Ivana Oreskovic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Suncana Sikiric
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Mario Staresinic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marko Sever
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Antonio Kokot
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ivana Jurjevic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Danijel Matek
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Luka Coric
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Ivan Krezic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Ante Tvrdeic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Kresimir Luetic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Lovorka Batelja Vuletic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Predrag Pavic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Tomislav Mestrovic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, J.J. Strossmayer University of Osijek, 31000 Osijek, Croatia
| | - Ivica Sjekavica
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Sestre Milosrdnice University Hospital Center, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Anita Skrtic
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Sven Seiwerth
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia; (A.B.B.); (S.S.); (L.B.O.); (I.O.); (S.S.); (M.S.); (M.S.); (A.K.); (I.J.); (D.M.); (L.C.); (I.K.); (A.T.); (K.L.); (L.B.V.); (P.P.); (T.M.); (I.S.); (S.S.)
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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Nguyen LTT, Le XT, Pham HNT, Van Nguyen T, Nguyen PT, Van Thi Pham A, Nguyen TBT, Matsumoto K. Therapeutic effects of a standardized-flavonoid Diospyros kaki L.f. leaf extract on transient focal cerebral ischemia-induced brain injury in mice. J Nat Med 2023; 77:544-560. [PMID: 37115470 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-023-01699-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/07/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective and therapeutic effects of Diospyros kaki L.f. leaves (DK) on transient focal cerebral ischemic injury and underlying mechanisms using a middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model of mice. The animals received the MCAO operation on day 0. The daily administrations of DK (50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o) and edaravone (6 mg/kg, i.v), a reference drug with radical scavenging activity, were started 7 days before (pre-treatment) or immediately after the MCAO operation (post-treatment) and continued during the experimental period. Histochemical, biochemical, and neurological changes and cognitive performance were evaluated. MCAO caused cerebral infarction and neuronal cell loss in the cortex, striatum, and hippocampus in a manner accompanied by spatial cognitive deficits. These neurological and cognitive impairments caused by MCAO were significantly attenuated by pre- and post-ischemic treatments with DK and edaravone, suggesting that DK, like edaravone, has therapeutic potential for cerebral ischemia-induced brain damage. DK and edaravone suppressed MCAO-induced changes in biomarkers for apoptosis (TUNEL-positive cell number and cleaved caspase-3 protein expression) and oxidative stress (glutathione and malondialdehyde contents) in the brain. Interestingly, DK, but not edaravone, mitigated an increase in blood-brain permeability and down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression caused by MCAO. Although the exact chemical constituents implicated in the effects of DK remain to be clarified, the present results indicate that DK exerts neuroprotective and therapeutic activity against transient focal cerebral ischemia-induced injury probably by suppressing oxidative stress, apoptotic process, and mechanisms impairing blood-brain barrier integrity in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loan Thanh Thi Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
- Department of Pharmacology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Xoan Thi Le
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam.
| | - Hang Nguyet Thi Pham
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Tai Van Nguyen
- Department of Phytochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Phuong Thi Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Anh Van Thi Pham
- Department of Pharmacology, Hanoi Medical University, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | | | - Kinzo Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, 815-8511, Japan
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Nguyen HT, Le XT, Van Nguyen T, Phung HN, Pham HTN, Nguyen KM, Matsumoto K. Ursolic acid and its isomer oleanolic acid are responsible for the anti-dementia effects of Ocimum sanctum in olfactory bulbectomized mice. J Nat Med 2022; 76:621-633. [PMID: 35218459 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-022-01609-2] [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: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study aims to clarify the bioactive constituents responsible for the anti-dementia effects of Ocimum sanctum Linn. ethanolic extract (OS) using olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice, an animal model of dementia. The effects of OS or its extract further fractionated with n-hexane (OS-H), ethyl acetate (OS-E), and n-butanol (OS-B) on the spatial cognitive deficits of OBX mice were elucidated by the modified Y-maze tests. The effects of the major constituents of the most active OS fraction were also elucidated using the reference drug donepezil. The administration of OS and OS-E ameliorated the spatial cognitive deficits caused by OBX, whereas OS-H or OS-B had no effect. Two major constituents, ursolic acid (URO) and oleanolic acid (OLE), and three minor constituents were isolated from OS-E. URO (6 and 12 mg/kg) and OLE (24 mg/kg) attenuated the OBX-induced cognitive deficits. URO (6 mg/kg) and donepezil reversed the OBX-induced down-regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and choline acetyltransferase expression levels in the hippocampus. URO inhibited the ex vivo activity of acetylcholinesterase with similar efficacy to donepezil. URO inhibited the in vitro activity of acetylcholinesterase (IC50 = 106.5 μM), while the effects of OS, OS-E, and other isolated compounds were negligible. These findings suggest that URO and OLE are responsible for the anti-dementia action of OS extract, whereas URO possesses a more potent anti-dementia effect than its isomer OLE. The effects of URO are, at least in part, mediated by normalizing the function of central cholinergic systems and VEGF protein expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hien Thu Nguyen
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Xoan Thi Le
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam.
| | - Tai Van Nguyen
- Department of Phytochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Hoa Nhu Phung
- Department of Phytochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Hang Thi Nguyet Pham
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Khoi Minh Nguyen
- Department of Phytochemistry, National Institute of Medicinal Materials, Hanoi, 10000, Vietnam
| | - Kinzo Matsumoto
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, Fukuoka, 815-8511, Japan
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Sawyer TW, Wang Y, Villanueva M, Song Y, Hennes G. Acute and long-term effects of VX in rat brain cell aggregate culture. Toxicol In Vitro 2022; 78:105256. [PMID: 34653647 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2021.105256] [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: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The contact poison VX (O-ethyl S-(2-diisopropylaminoethyl) methylphosphonothioate) is a chemical warfare agent that is one of the most toxic organophosphorus compounds known. Its primary mechanism of toxic action is through the inhibition of acetylcholinesterase and resultant respiratory paralysis. The majority of work on VX has thus concentrated on its potent anticholinesterase activity and acute toxicity, with few studies investigating potential long-term effects. In this report we describe the effects of VX in aggregating rat brain cell cultures out to 28 days post-exposure. Cholinesterase activity was rapidly inhibited (60 min IC50 = 0.73 +/- 0.27 nM), but recovered towards baseline values over the next four weeks. Apoptotic cell death, as measured using caspase-3 activity was evident only at 100 μM concentrations. Cell type specific enzymatic markers (glutamine synthase, choline acetyltransferase and 2',3'-cyclic nucleotide 3'-phosphodiesterase) showed no significant changes. Total Akt levels were unchanged, while an increased phosphorylation of this protein was noted only at the highest VX concentration on the first day post-exposure. In contrast, significant and delayed (28 days post-exposure) decreases were noted in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) levels, a protein whose reduced levels are known to contribute to neurodegenerative disorders. These observations may indicate that the long-term effects noted in some survivors of nerve agent intoxication may be due to VX-induced declines in brain VEGF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas W Sawyer
- Defence Research & Development Canada, Suffield Research Centre, Box 4000, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K6, Canada.
| | - Yushan Wang
- Defence Research & Development Canada, Suffield Research Centre, Box 4000, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K6, Canada
| | - Mercy Villanueva
- Defence Research & Development Canada, Suffield Research Centre, Box 4000, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K6, Canada
| | - Yanfeng Song
- Defence Research & Development Canada, Suffield Research Centre, Box 4000, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K6, Canada
| | - Grant Hennes
- Defence Research & Development Canada, Suffield Research Centre, Box 4000, Medicine Hat, Alberta T1A 8K6, Canada
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Ocimum sanctum Linn. Extract Improves Cognitive Deficits in Olfactory Bulbectomized Mice via the Enhancement of Central Cholinergic Systems and VEGF Expression. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:6627648. [PMID: 34306149 PMCID: PMC8266455 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6627648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the antidementia effects of ethanolic extract of Ocimum sanctum Linn. (OS) and its underlying mechanisms using olfactory bulbectomized (OBX) mice. OBX mice were treated daily with OS or a reference drug, donepezil (DNP). Spatial and nonspatial working memory performance was measured using a modified Y maze test and a novel object recognition test, respectively. Brain tissues of the animals were subjected to histochemical and neurochemical analysis. OS treatment attenuated OBX-induced impairment of spatial and nonspatial working memories. OBX induced degeneration of septal cholinergic neurons, enlargement of the lateral ventricles, and suppression of hippocampal neurogenesis. OS and DNP treatment also depressed these histological damages. OS administration reduced ex vivo activity of acetylcholinesterase in the brain. OBX diminished the expression levels of genes coding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and VEGF receptor type 2 (VEGFR2). Treatment with OS and DNP reversed OBX-induced decrease in VEGF gene and protein expression levels without affecting the expression of the VEGFR2 gene. These results demonstrate that the administration of OS can lessen the cognitive deficits and neurohistological damages of OBX and that these actions are, at least in part, mediated by the enhancement of central cholinergic systems and VEGF expression.
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Pham HTN, Phan SV, Tran HN, Phi XT, Le XT, Nguyen KM, Fujiwara H, Yoneyama M, Ogita K, Yamaguchi T, Matsumoto K. Bacopa monnieri (L.) Ameliorates Cognitive Deficits Caused in a Trimethyltin-Induced Neurotoxicity Model Mice. Biol Pharm Bull 2019; 42:1384-1393. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Hironori Fujiwara
- Division of Medicinal Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama
| | - Masanori Yoneyama
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Kiyokazu Ogita
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Taro Yamaguchi
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Setsunan University
| | - Kinzo Matsumoto
- Division of Medicinal Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama
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Latzer P, Shchyglo O, Hartl T, Matschke V, Schlegel U, Manahan-Vaughan D, Theiss C. Blocking VEGF by Bevacizumab Compromises Electrophysiological and Morphological Properties of Hippocampal Neurons. Front Cell Neurosci 2019; 13:113. [PMID: 30971896 PMCID: PMC6445260 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2019.00113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
A hallmark of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is neoangiogenesis, mediated by the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Anti-VEGF antibodies, like bevacizumab, prolong progression-free survival in GBM, however, this treatment has been reported to be associated with a decline in neurocognitive function. Therefore, this study focused on the effects of bevacizumab on neuronal function and plasticity. We analyzed neuronal membrane properties and synaptic plasticity in rat hippocampal slices, as well as spine dynamics in dissociated hippocampal neurons, to examine the impact of bevacizumab on hippocampal function and viability. VEGF inhibition resulted in profound impairments in hippocampal synaptic plasticity as well as reductions in dendritic spine number and length. Physiological properties of hippocampal neurons were also affected. These effects of VEGF blockade on hippocampal function may play a role in compromising memory and information processing and thus, may contribute to neurocognitive dysfunction in GBM patients treated with bevacizumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Latzer
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Olena Shchyglo
- Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Tim Hartl
- International Graduate School of Neuroscience, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany.,Department of Neurophysiology, Medical Faculty, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Veronika Matschke
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | - Uwe Schlegel
- Department of Neurology, Knappschaftskrankenhaus, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Theiss
- Department of Cytology, Institute of Anatomy, Ruhr University Bochum, Bochum, Germany
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Busceti CL, Di Menna L, Bianchi F, Mastroiacovo F, Di Pietro P, Traficante A, Bozza G, Niehrs C, Battaglia G, Bruno V, Fornai F, Volpe M, Rubattu S, Nicoletti F. Dickkopf-3 Causes Neuroprotection by Inducing Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:292. [PMID: 30258353 PMCID: PMC6143799 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Dickkopf-3 (Dkk3) is an atypical member of the Dkk family of Wnt inhibitors, which has been implicated in the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. However, the role of Dkk3 in mechanisms of cell degeneration and protection is unknown. We used Dkk3 knockout mice to examine how endogenous Dkk3 influences ischemic brain damage. In addition, we used primary cultures of astrocytes or mixed cultures of astrocytes and neurons to investigate the action of Dkk3 on cell damage and dissect the underlying molecular mechanisms. In a model of focal brain ischemia induced by permanent middle cerebral artery (MCA) occlusion (MCAO) Dkk3−/− mice showed a significantly greater infarct size with respect to their wild-type counterparts at all time points investigated (1, 3 and 7 days after MCAO). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that Dkk3 expression was enhanced at the borders of the ischemic focus, and was predominantly detected in astrocytes. This raised the possibility that Dkk3 produced by astrocytes acted as a protective molecule. We tested this hypothesis using either primary cultures of cortical astrocytes or mixed cortical cultures containing both neurons and astrocytes. Genetic deletion of Dkk3 was permissive to astrocyte damage induced by either oxidative stress or glucose deprivation. In addition, application of human recombinant Dkk3 (hrDkk3) was highly protective against oxidative stress in cultured astrocytes. We tested the hypothesis that the protective activity of Dkk3 was mediated byvascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Interestingly, glucose deprivation up-regulated both Dkk3 and VEGF in cultured astrocytes prepared from wild-type mice. VEGF induction was not observed in astrocytes lacking Dkk3 (i.e., in cultures prepared from Dkk3−/− mice). In mixed cultures of cortical cells, excitotoxic neuronal death induced by a brief pulse with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) was significantly enhanced when Dkk3 was lacking in astrocytes, whereas post-NMDA addition of hrDkk3 was neuroprotective. Neuroprotection by hrDkk3 was significantly reduced by pharmacological blockade of type-2 VEGF receptors and was mimicked by hrVEGF. These data offer the first evidence that Dkk3 protects both neurons and astrocytes against a variety of toxic insults, and at least in culture, protection involves VEGF induction.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Christof Niehrs
- Division of Molecular Embryology, DKFZ-ZMBH Allianz, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Institute of Molecular Biology (IMB), Mainz, Germany
| | | | - Valeria Bruno
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesco Fornai
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Human Morphology and Applied Biology, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Massimo Volpe
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Speranza Rubattu
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Clinical and Molecular Medicine, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy.,Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University Sapienza, Rome, Italy
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9
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Kimura K, Matsumoto K, Ohtake H, Oka JI, Fujiwara H. Endogenous acetylcholine regulates neuronal and astrocytic vascular endothelial growth factor expression levels via different acetylcholine receptor mechanisms. Neurochem Int 2018; 118:42-51. [PMID: 29705288 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2018.04.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a signaling molecule involved in angiogenesis, plays an important role in neuroprotection and neurogenesis. In the present study, we aimed to elucidate the mechanisms underlying endogenous acetylcholine (ACh)-induced VEGF expression in neurons and astrocytes, and identify the neuronal cells contributing to its expression in the medial septal area, a nuclear origin of cholinergic neurons mainly projecting to the hippocampus. The mRNA expression and secretion of VEGF were measured by RT-PCR and ELISA using mouse primary cultured cortical neurons and astrocytes. VEGF expression in the medial septal area was assessed by RT-PCR and immunostaining using mice treated with tacrine [9-amino-1,2,3,4-tetrahydro-acridine HCl (THA); 2.5 mg/kg, i.p.] once daily for 7 days. The THA treatment increased VEGF mRNA expression in neurons in a manner that was reversed by mecamylamine, a nicotinic ACh receptor (AChR) antagonist, whereas in mouse primary cultured astrocytes, carbachol, but not THA dose-dependently increased VEGF mRNA expression and secretion in a manner that was inhibited by scopolamine, a muscarinic AChR inhibitor. In in vivo studies, the administration of THA significantly increased the expression of VEGF in medial septal cholinergic neurons and the effects of THA were significantly blocked by mecamylamine. THA also significantly increased the expression levels of a phosphorylated form of VEGF receptor 2 (p-VEGFR2), an activated form of VEGFR2. The present results suggest that endogenous ACh plays an up-regulatory role for VEGF expression in neurons and astrocytes via different mechanisms. Moreover, endogenous ACh-induced increases in VEGF levels appear to activate VEGFR2 on medial septal cholinergic neurons via an autocrine mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Kimura
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Kinzo Matsumoto
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Hironori Ohtake
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Oka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Hironori Fujiwara
- Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama 930-0194, Japan.
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10
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Zhang N, Xing M, Wang Y, Tao H, Cheng Y. Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation enhances spatial learning and synaptic plasticity via the VEGF and BDNF-NMDAR pathways in a rat model of vascular dementia. Neuroscience 2015; 311:284-91. [PMID: 26518460 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.10.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 10/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on learning and memory in a rat model of vascular dementia (VaD) and to analyze the associated mechanisms. Bilateral carotid artery occlusion (2-VO) was used to establish a rat model of VaD. High-frequency (5Hz) rTMS was performed on rats for four weeks. Spatial learning and memory abilities were evaluated using the Morris water maze (MWM), and synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus was assessed via long-term potentiation (LTP). Hippocampal expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and three subunits of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid receptor (NMDAR), NR1, NR2A and NR2B, was analyzed by Western blotting. Compared with the VaD group, escape latency was decreased (P<0.05) and the time spent in the target quadrant and the percentage of swimming distance within that quadrant were increased (P<0.05) in the rTMS group. LTP at hippocampal CA3-CA1 synapses was enhanced by rTMS (P<0.05). VEGF expression was up-regulated following 2-VO and was further increased by rTMS (P<0.05). BDNF, NR1 and NR2B expression was decreased in the VaD group and increased by rTMS (P<0.05). There were no significant differences in NR2A expression among the three groups. These results suggest that rTMS improved learning and memory in the VaD model rats via the up-regulation of VEGF, BDNF and NMDARs. In addition, NR2B may be more important than NR2A for LTP induction in the hippocampus during rTMS treatment of VaD.
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Affiliation(s)
- N Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Post-Traumatic Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in the Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of the Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - M Xing
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Post-Traumatic Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in the Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of the Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Y Wang
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Haihe Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - H Tao
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Post-Traumatic Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in the Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of the Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Y Cheng
- Department of Neurology, Key Laboratory of Post-Traumatic Neuro-Repair and Regeneration in the Central Nervous System, Ministry of Education, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Injuries, Variations and Regeneration of the Nervous System, Tianjin Neurological Institute, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, China.
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11
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Fan N, Zhang M, Xu K, Ke X, Ding Y, Wang D, Liu Y, Ning Y, Deng X, He H. Serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor decreased in chronic ketamine abusers. Drug Alcohol Depend 2015; 152:57-61. [PMID: 26003336 PMCID: PMC4888963 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2014] [Revised: 03/17/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in a group of chronic ketamine abusers in comparison to healthy controls. METHODS Eighty-one ketamine abusers who were hospitalized for the treatment of ketamine dependence and 39 healthy controls were recruited. Serum VEGF level was measured by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI). RESULTS Serum level of VEGF was significantly lower in chronic ketamine abusers compared to healthy controls (64.6±42.1 vs. 92.4±59.4pg/ml, F=7.243, p=0.008). CONCLUSIONS Serum level of VEGF decreased in chronic ketamine abusers compared to healthy controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ni Fan
- Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China
| | - Minling Zhang
- Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Xiaoyin Ke
- Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China,Shenzhen Mental Health Center, 1080 Cuizhu Rd., Luohu District, Shenzhen, Guangdong 518020, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China
| | - Daping Wang
- Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China
| | - Yuping Liu
- Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China
| | - Yuping Ning
- Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China
| | - Xuefeng Deng
- Guangzhou Baiyun Voluntary Drug Rehabilitation Hospital, 586 North of Baiyun Road, Baiyun District, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510440, China
| | - Hongbo He
- Guangzhou Huiai Hospital, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 36 Mingxin Road, Liwan District, Guangzhou, Guangdong Province 510370, China.
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12
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Chemical profiling with HPLC-FTMS of exogenous and endogenous chemicals susceptible to the administration of chotosan in an animal model of type 2 diabetes-induced dementia. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2014; 104:21-30. [PMID: 25459756 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2014.11.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2014] [Revised: 11/08/2014] [Accepted: 11/11/2014] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
In our previous study, the daily administration of chotosan (CTS), a Kampo formula consisting of Uncaria and other 10 different crude drugs, ameliorated cognitive deficits in several animal models of dementia including type 2 diabetic db/db mice in a similar manner to tacrine, an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor. The present study investigated the metabonomics of CTS in db/db mice, a type 2 diabetes model, and m/m mice, a non-diabetes control strain, to identify the exogenous and endogenous chemicals susceptible to the administration of CTS using high performance liquid chromatography equipped with an orbitrap hybrid Fourier transform mass spectrometer. The results obtained revealed that the systemic administration of CTS for 20 days led to the distribution of Uncalia plant-derived alkaloids such as rhynchophylline, hirsuteine, and corynoxeine in the plasma and brains of db/db and m/m mice and induced alterations in four major metabolic pathways; i.e., (1) purine, (2) tryptophan, (3) cysteine and methionine, (4) glycerophospholipids in db/db mice. Moreover, glycerophosphocholine (GPC) levels in the plasma and brain were significantly higher in CTS-treated db/db mice than in vehicle-treated control animals. The results of the in vitro experiment using organotypic hippocampal slice cultures demonstrated that GPC (10-30 μM), as well as tacrine, protected hippocampal cells from N-methyl-d-aspartate-induced excitotoxicity in a manner that was reversible with the muscarinic receptor antagonist scopolamine, whereas GPC had no effect on the activity of acetylcholinesterase in vitro. Our results demonstrated that some CTS constituents with neuropharmacological activity were distributed in the plasma and brain tissue following the systemic administration of CTS and may subsequently have affected some metabolic pathways including glycerophospholipid metabolism and cognitive function in db/db mice. Moreover, the present metabonomic analysis suggested that GPC is a putative endogenous chemical that may be involved in the tacrine-like actions of CTS in the present diabetic animal model.
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