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Sarkar S. Microglial ion channels: Key players in non-cell autonomous neurodegeneration. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 174:105861. [PMID: 36115552 PMCID: PMC9617777 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a critical pathophysiological hallmark of neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and traumatic brain injury (TBI). Microglia, the first responders of the brain, are the drivers of this neuroinflammation. Microglial activation, leading to induction of pro-inflammatory factors, like Interleukin 1-β (IL-1β), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), nitrites, and others, have been shown to induce neurodegeneration. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have been shown to reduce the risk of developing PD, but the mechanism underlying the microglial activation is still under active research. Recently, microglial ion channels have come to the forefront as potential drug targets in multiple neurodegenerative disorders, including AD and PD. Microglia expresses a variety of ion channels, including potassium channels, calcium channels, chloride channels, sodium channels, and proton channels. The diversity of channels present on microglia is responsible for the dynamic nature of these immune cells of the brain. These ion channels regulate microglial proliferation, chemotaxis, phagocytosis, antigen recognition and presentation, apoptosis, and cell signaling leading to inflammation, among other critical functions. Understanding the role of these ion channels and the signaling mechanism these channels regulate under pathological conditions is an active area of research. This review will be focusing on the roles of different microglial ion channels, and their potential role in regulating microglial functions in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Souvarish Sarkar
- Dept. of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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Mueller C, Ness TJ, Younger JW. Low-Dose Dextromethorphan for the Treatment of Fibromyalgia Pain: Results from a Longitudinal, Single-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Pilot Trial. J Pain Res 2021; 14:189-200. [PMID: 33542651 PMCID: PMC7851375 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s285609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Fibromyalgia (FM) is a debilitating chronic pain condition with few treatment options. Central sensitization and neuroinflammation have been forwarded as models of FM pathophysiology, both of which indicate dextromethorphan (DXM) as a potential treatment. DXM is an NMDA-receptor antagonist and microglial modulator with anti-neuroinflammatory properties at low doses. It is available for clinical use but has not been tested as a treatment for FM at low dosages. This study evaluated the effectiveness of DXM in treating FM-associated symptoms. Methods In a single-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 14 women meeting the 2010 American College of Rheumatology criteria for FM received a placebo for five weeks, followed by 20 mg DXM for ten weeks, while providing daily symptom reports on a 0–100 scale. Pain and physical activity were the primary and secondary outcomes, respectively. Daily symptom ratings during the last four weeks of placebo were contrasted with ratings during the last four weeks of the active treatment using generalized estimating equations (GEE). Results DXM was well tolerated, and treatment adherence was high. Baseline pain was reduced by at least 20% in six participants. Self-reported daily pain and physical activity in the entire cohort were not significantly different between the placebo and DXM conditions, and the primary hypotheses were not supported. Exploratory analyses using the entire placebo and DXM data showed that pain was significantly lower in the DXM condition than in the placebo condition (b=−9.933, p=0.013). Discussion A strong clinical effect of DXM was not observed at the 20mg/day dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Mueller
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Timothy J Ness
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Jarred W Younger
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
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Valent DJ, Wong WT, Chew EY, Cukras CA. Oral Dextromethorphan for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema: Results From a Phase I/II Clinical Study. Transl Vis Sci Technol 2018; 7:24. [PMID: 30584490 PMCID: PMC6300336 DOI: 10.1167/tvst.7.6.24] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 08/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The activation of microglia, the primary innate immune cell resident in the retina, produces inflammatory mediators, which underlie changes in diabetic retinopathy including increased vascular permeability. This study evaluates the safety and efficacy of dextromethorphan, a drug capable of inhibiting microglial activation, in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME). Methods A single-center, prospective, open-label phase I/II clinical trial enrolled five participants with macular involving DME who received oral dextromethorphan 60 mg twice daily for 6 months as monotherapy. Main outcome variables included central retinal subfield thickness (CST), best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), macula sensitivity, and late leakage on fluorescein angiogram (FA). Results The study drug was well tolerated. At the primary end point of 6 months, mean CST decreased by −6.3% ± 6.8% and BCVA increased by +0.6 ± 5.11 (mean ± SEM) letters. Late leakage on FA was scored as improved in four of five study eyes. These findings were not correlated with changes in hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c), creatinine, or blood pressure. Conclusions In this proof-of-concept study, dextromethorphan administration as the primary treatment for DME was associated with decreased vascular leakage, suggesting possible therapeutic effects. Additional studies investigating the modulation of microglial activation is warranted. Translational Relevance These findings highlight microglial modulation as a potentially useful therapeutic strategy in the treatment of diabetic macular edema.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Valent
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Wai T Wong
- Unit on Neuron-Glia Interactions in Retinal Disease, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Emily Y Chew
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Catherine A Cukras
- Division of Epidemiology and Clinical Applications, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
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Fernández A, Pupo A, Mena-Ulecia K, Gonzalez C. Pharmacological Modulation of Proton Channel Hv1 in Cancer Therapy: Future Perspectives. Mol Pharmacol 2016; 90:385-402. [PMID: 27260771 DOI: 10.1124/mol.116.103804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The pharmacological modulation of the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment has emerged as a relevant component for cancer therapy. Several approaches aiming to deplete innate and adaptive suppressive populations, to circumvent the impairment in antigen presentation, and to ultimately increase the frequency of activated tumor-specific T cells are currently being explored. In this review, we address the potentiality of targeting the voltage-gated proton channel, Hv1, as a novel strategy to modulate the tumor microenvironment. The function of Hv1 in immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, dendritic cells, and T cells has been associated with the maintenance of NADPH oxidase activity and the generation of reactive oxygen species, which are required for the host defense against pathogens. We discuss evidence suggesting that the Hv1 proton channel could also be important for the function of these cells within the tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, as summarized here, tumor cells express Hv1 as a primary mechanism to extrude the increased amount of protons generated metabolically, thus maintaining physiologic values for the intracellular pH. Therefore, because this channel might be relevant for both tumor cells and immune cells supporting tumor growth, the pharmacological inhibition of Hv1 could be an innovative approach for cancer therapy. With that focus, we analyzed the available compounds that inhibit Hv1, highlighted the need to develop better drugs suitable for patients, and commented on the future perspectives of targeting Hv1 in the context of cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audry Fernández
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences of Valparaíso, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Amaury Pupo
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences of Valparaíso, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Karel Mena-Ulecia
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences of Valparaíso, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valparaíso, Chile
| | - Carlos Gonzalez
- Interdisciplinary Center for Neurosciences of Valparaíso, Faculty of Sciences, University of Valparaíso, Chile
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Seredenina T, Demaurex N, Krause KH. Voltage-Gated Proton Channels as Novel Drug Targets: From NADPH Oxidase Regulation to Sperm Biology. Antioxid Redox Signal 2015; 23:490-513. [PMID: 24483328 PMCID: PMC4543398 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2013.5806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
SIGNIFICANCE Voltage-gated proton channels are increasingly implicated in cellular proton homeostasis. Proton currents were originally identified in snail neurons less than 40 years ago, and subsequently shown to play an important auxiliary role in the functioning of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-generating nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases. Molecular identification of voltage-gated proton channels was achieved less than 10 years ago. Interestingly, so far, only one gene coding for voltage-gated proton channels has been identified, namely hydrogen voltage-gated channel 1 (HVCN1), which codes for the HV1 proton channel protein. Over the last years, the first picture of putative physiological functions of HV1 has been emerging. RECENT ADVANCES The best-studied role remains charge and pH compensation during the respiratory burst of the phagocyte NADPH oxidase (NOX). Strong evidence for a role of HV1 is also emerging in sperm biology, but the relationship with the sperm NOX5 remains unclear. Probably in many instances, HV1 functions independently of NOX: for example in snail neurons, basophils, osteoclasts, and cancer cells. CRITICAL ISSUES Generally, ion channels are good drug targets; however, this feature has so far not been exploited for HV1, and hitherto no inhibitors compatible with clinical use exist. However, there are emerging indications for HV1 inhibitors, ranging from diseases with a strong activation of the phagocyte NOX (e.g., stroke) to infertility, osteoporosis, and cancer. FUTURE DIRECTIONS Clinically useful HV1-active drugs should be developed and might become interesting drugs of the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara Seredenina
- 1 Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva University Medical Faculty , Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Demaurex
- 2 Department of Cellular Physiology and Metabolism, Geneva University Medical Faculty , Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Karl-Heinz Krause
- 1 Department of Pathology and Immunology, Geneva University Medical Faculty , Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland .,3 Department of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, Geneva University Hospitals , Centre Médical Universitaire, Geneva, Switzerland
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Abstract
The main properties of the voltage-gated proton channel (HV1) are described in this review, along with what is known about how the channel protein structure accomplishes its functions. Just as protons are unique among ions, proton channels are unique among ion channels. Their four transmembrane helices sense voltage and the pH gradient and conduct protons exclusively. Selectivity is achieved by the unique ability of H3O(+) to protonate an Asp-Arg salt bridge. Pathognomonic sensitivity of gating to the pH gradient ensures HV1 channel opening only when acid extrusion will result, which is crucial to most of its biological functions. An exception occurs in dinoflagellates in which influx of H(+) through HV1 triggers the bioluminescent flash. Pharmacological interventions that promise to ameliorate cancer, asthma, brain damage in ischemic stroke, Alzheimer's disease, autoimmune diseases, and numerous other conditions await future progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E. DeCoursey
- Department of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University, 1750 West Harrison, Chicago IL, 60612 USA
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Shin H, Song JH. Antipsychotics, chlorpromazine and haloperidol inhibit voltage-gated proton currents in BV2 microglial cells. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 738:256-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.05.049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2014] [Accepted: 05/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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Dextromethorphan inhibits activations and functions in dendritic cells. Clin Dev Immunol 2013; 2013:125643. [PMID: 23781253 PMCID: PMC3679715 DOI: 10.1155/2013/125643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Accepted: 03/25/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Dendritic cells (DCs) play an important role in connecting innate and adaptive immunity. Thus, DCs have been regarded as a major target for the development of immunomodulators. In this study, we examined the effect of dextromethorphan (DXM), a common cough suppressant with a high safety profile, on the activation and function of DCs. In the presence of DXM, the LPS-induced expression of the costimulatory molecules in murine bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) was significantly suppressed. In addition, DXM treatment reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), proinflammatory cytokines, and chemokines in maturing BMDCs that were activated by LPS. Therefore, DXM abrogated the ability of LPS-stimulated DCs to induce Ag-specific T-cell activation, as determined by their decreased proliferation and IFN-γ secretion in mixed leukocyte cultures. Moreover, the inhibition of LPS-induced MAPK activation and NF-κB translocation may contribute to the suppressive effect of DXM on BMDCs. Remarkably, DXM decreased the LPS-induced surface expression of CD80, CD83, and HLA-DR and the secretion of IL-6 and IL-12 in human monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs). These findings provide a new insight into the impact of DXM treatment on DCs and suggest that DXM has the potential to be used in treating DC-related acute and chronic diseases.
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DeCoursey TE. Voltage-gated proton channels: molecular biology, physiology, and pathophysiology of the H(V) family. Physiol Rev 2013; 93:599-652. [PMID: 23589829 PMCID: PMC3677779 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00011.2012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 178] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated proton channels (H(V)) are unique, in part because the ion they conduct is unique. H(V) channels are perfectly selective for protons and have a very small unitary conductance, both arguably manifestations of the extremely low H(+) concentration in physiological solutions. They open with membrane depolarization, but their voltage dependence is strongly regulated by the pH gradient across the membrane (ΔpH), with the result that in most species they normally conduct only outward current. The H(V) channel protein is strikingly similar to the voltage-sensing domain (VSD, the first four membrane-spanning segments) of voltage-gated K(+) and Na(+) channels. In higher species, H(V) channels exist as dimers in which each protomer has its own conduction pathway, yet gating is cooperative. H(V) channels are phylogenetically diverse, distributed from humans to unicellular marine life, and perhaps even plants. Correspondingly, H(V) functions vary widely as well, from promoting calcification in coccolithophores and triggering bioluminescent flashes in dinoflagellates to facilitating killing bacteria, airway pH regulation, basophil histamine release, sperm maturation, and B lymphocyte responses in humans. Recent evidence that hH(V)1 may exacerbate breast cancer metastasis and cerebral damage from ischemic stroke highlights the rapidly expanding recognition of the clinical importance of hH(V)1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas E DeCoursey
- Dept. of Molecular Biophysics and Physiology, Rush University Medical Center HOS-036, 1750 West Harrison, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
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