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Kadyan P, Singh L. Unraveling the mechanistic interplay of mediators orchestrating the neuroprotective potential of harmine. Pharmacol Rep 2024:10.1007/s43440-024-00602-8. [PMID: 38758470 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00602-8] [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: 02/18/2024] [Revised: 04/27/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) encompass a range of conditions characterized by the specific dysfunction and continual decline of neurons, glial cells, and neural networks within the brain and spinal cord. The majority of NDDs exhibit similar underlying causes, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and malfunctioning of mitochondria. Elevated levels of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), alongside decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glutamate transporter subtype 1 (GLT-1), constitute significant factors contributing to the pathogenesis of NDDs. Additionally, the dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1 A (DYRK1A) gene has emerged as a significant target for the treatment of NDDs at the preclinical level. It significantly contributes to developmental brain defects, early onset neurodegeneration, neuronal loss, and dementia in Down syndrome. Moreover, an impaired ubiquitin-proteosome system (UPS) also plays a pathological role in NDDs. Malfunctioning of UPS leads to abnormal protein buildup or aggregation of α-synuclein. α-Synuclein is a highly soluble unfolded protein that accumulates in Lewy bodies and Lewy neurites in Parkinson's disease and other synucleinopathies. Recent research highlights the promising potential of natural products in combating NDDs relative to conventional therapies. Alkaloids have emerged as promising candidates in the fight against NDDs. Harmine is a tricyclic β-carboline alkaloid (harmala alkaloid) with one indole nucleus and a six-membered pyrrole ring. It is extracted from Banisteria caapi and Peganum harmala L. and exhibits diverse pharmacological properties, encompassing neuroprotective, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antidepressant, etc. Harmine has been reported to mediate its neuroprotective via reducing the level of inflammatory mediators, NADPH oxidase, AChE, BChE and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Whereas, it has been observed to increase the levels of BDNF, GLT-1 and anti-oxidant enzymes, along with protein kinase-A (PKA)-mediated UPS activation. This review aims to discuss the mechanistic interplay of various mediators involved in the neuroprotective effect of harmine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pankaj Kadyan
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India
| | - Lovedeep Singh
- University Institute of Pharma Sciences, Chandigarh University, Mohali, Punjab, India.
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2
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Ruffell SGD, Crosland‐Wood M, Palmer R, Netzband N, Tsang W, Weiss B, Gandy S, Cowley‐Court T, Halman A, McHerron D, Jong A, Kennedy T, White E, Perkins D, Terhune DB, Sarris J. Ayahuasca: A review of historical, pharmacological, and therapeutic aspects. PCN REPORTS : PSYCHIATRY AND CLINICAL NEUROSCIENCES 2023; 2:e146. [PMID: 38868739 PMCID: PMC11114307 DOI: 10.1002/pcn5.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2024]
Abstract
Ayahuasca is a psychedelic plant brew originating from the Amazon rainforest. It is formed from two basic components, the Banisteriopsis caapi vine and a plant containing the potent psychedelic dimethyltryptamine (DMT), usually Psychotria viridis. Here we review the history of ayahuasca and describe recent work on its pharmacology, phenomenological responses, and clinical applications. There has been a significant increase in interest in ayahuasca since the turn of the millennium. Anecdotal evidence varies significantly, ranging from evangelical accounts to horror stories involving physical and psychological harm. The effects of the brew on personality and mental health outcomes are discussed in this review. Furthermore, phenomenological analyses of the ayahuasca experience are explored. Ayahuasca is a promising psychedelic agent that warrants greater empirical attention regarding its basic neurochemical mechanisms of action and potential therapeutic application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon G. D. Ruffell
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Max Crosland‐Wood
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Psychology and Psychotherapy departmentCentral and North West London NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Rob Palmer
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- School of MedicineUniversity of YaleNew HavenConnecticutUSA
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of New MexicoAlbuquerqueNew MexicoUSA
| | | | - WaiFung Tsang
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and NeuroscienceSouth London and The Maudsley NHS TrustLondonUK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Brandon Weiss
- Onaya ScienceIquitosPeru
- Division of PsychiatryImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Tessa Cowley‐Court
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | - Andreas Halman
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
| | | | - Angelina Jong
- Institute of Psychology, Psychiatry and NeuroscienceSouth London and The Maudsley NHS TrustLondonUK
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & NeuroscienceKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | | | | | - Daniel Perkins
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- School of Population and Global HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
- Centre for Mental HealthSwinburne UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Devin B. Terhune
- Psychology and Psychotherapy departmentCentral and North West London NHS TrustLondonUK
| | - Jerome Sarris
- Psychae InstituteMelbourneVictoriaAustralia
- NICM Health Research InstituteWestern Sydney UniversitySydneyAustralia
- Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental HealthUniversity of MelbourneMelbourneAustralia
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3
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Banushi B, Polito V. A Comprehensive Review of the Current Status of the Cellular Neurobiology of Psychedelics. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:1380. [PMID: 37997979 PMCID: PMC10669348 DOI: 10.3390/biology12111380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Psychedelic substances have gained significant attention in recent years for their potential therapeutic effects on various psychiatric disorders. This review delves into the intricate cellular neurobiology of psychedelics, emphasizing their potential therapeutic applications in addressing the global burden of mental illness. It focuses on contemporary research into the pharmacological and molecular mechanisms underlying these substances, particularly the role of 5-HT2A receptor signaling and the promotion of plasticity through the TrkB-BDNF pathway. The review also discusses how psychedelics affect various receptors and pathways and explores their potential as anti-inflammatory agents. Overall, this research represents a significant development in biomedical sciences with the potential to transform mental health treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blerida Banushi
- Genetics and Genomic Medicine Department, Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, University College London, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Vince Polito
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW 2109, Australia;
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Jahanabadi S, Amiri S, Karkeh-Abadi M, Razmi A. Natural psychedelics in the treatment of depression; a review focusing on neurotransmitters. Fitoterapia 2023; 169:105620. [PMID: 37490982 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2023.105620] [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: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023]
Abstract
Natural psychedelic compounds are emerging as potential novel therapeutics in psychiatry. This review will discuss how natural psychedelics exert their neurobiological therapeutic effects, and how different neurotransmission systems mediate the effects of these compounds. Further, current therapeutic strategies for depression, and novel mechanism of action of natural psychedelics in the treatment of depression will be discussed. In this review, our focus will be on N, N-dimethyltryptamine (DMT), reversible type A monoamine oxidase inhibitors, mescaline-containing cacti, psilocybin/psilocin-containing mushrooms, ibogaine, muscimol extracted from Amanita spp. mushrooms and ibotenic acid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samane Jahanabadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran; Pharmaceutical Science Research Center, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Shayan Amiri
- Division of Neurodegenerative Disorders, St Boniface Hospital Albrechtsen Research Centre, Winnipeg, MB, Canada; Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada.
| | - Mehdi Karkeh-Abadi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Ali Razmi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran.
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Fatoki T, Chukwuejim S, Ibraheem O, Oke C, Ejimadu B, Olaoye I, Oyegbenro O, Salami T, Basorun R, Oluwadare O, Salawudeen Y. Harmine and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone synergistically suitable for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis management: An in silico study. RESEARCH RESULTS IN PHARMACOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.3897/rrpharmacology.8.83332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disease characterized by progressive degeneration of both upper and lower motor neurons, resulting in paralysis and eventually leads to death from respiratory failure typically within 3 to 5 years of symptom onset. The aim of this work was to predict the pharmacokinetics and identify unique protein targets that are associated with potential anti-ALS phytochemicals and FDA-approved drugs, by in silico approaches.
Materials and methods: Standard computational tools (webserver and software) were used, and the methods used are clustering analysis, pharmacokinetics and molecular target predictions, and molecular docking simulation.
Results and discussion: The results show that riluzole, β-asarone, cryptotanshinone, harmine and 7,8-dihydroxyflavone have similar pharmacokinetics properties. Riluzole and harmine show 95% probability of target on norepinephrine transporter. Huperzine-A and cryptotanshinone show 100% probability of target on acetylcholinesterase. 7,8-dihydroxyflavone shows 35% probability of target on several carbonic anhydrases, 40% probability of target on CYP19A1, and 100% probability of target on inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa B kinase beta subunit and neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor type 2, respectively. Harmine also shows 95% probability of target on dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinases, threonine-protein kinases (haspin and PIM3), adrenergic receptors, cyclin-dependent kinases (CDK5 and CDK9), monoamine oxidase A, casein kinase I delta, serotonin receptors, dual specificity protein kinases (CLK1, CLK2, and CLK4), and nischarin, respectively. Also, the results of gene expression network show possible involvement of CDK1, CDK2, CDK4, ERK1, ERK2 and MAPK14 signaling pathways. This study shows that riluzole and harmine have closely similar physicochemical and pharmacokinetics properties as well as molecular targets, such as norepinephrine transporter (SLC6A2). Harmine, huperzine-A and cryptotanshinone could modulate acetylcholinesterase (AChE), which is involved in ALS-pathogenesis. The impact of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone on several carbonic anhydrases (CA) I, II, VII, IX, XII, and XIV, as well as CYP19A1, could help in remediating the respiratory failure associated with ALS.
Conclusion: Overall, harmine is found to be superior to riluzole, and the combination of harmine with 7,8-dihydroxyflavone can provide more effective treatment for ALS than the current regime. Further work is needed to validate the predicted therapeutic targets of harmine identified in this study on ALS model or clinical trials, using in silico, in vitro and in vivo techniques.
Graphical abstract:
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Pan Y, Li H, Shahidi F, Luo T, Deng Z. Interactions among dietary phytochemicals and nutrients: Role of cell membranes. Trends Food Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tifs.2022.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Pirooznia SK, Rosenthal LS, Dawson VL, Dawson TM. Parkinson Disease: Translating Insights from Molecular Mechanisms to Neuroprotection. Pharmacol Rev 2021; 73:33-97. [PMID: 34663684 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson disease (PD) used to be considered a nongenetic condition. However, the identification of several autosomal dominant and recessive mutations linked to monogenic PD has changed this view. Clinically manifest PD is then thought to occur through a complex interplay between genetic mutations, many of which have incomplete penetrance, and environmental factors, both neuroprotective and increasing susceptibility, which variably interact to reach a threshold over which PD becomes clinically manifested. Functional studies of PD gene products have identified many cellular and molecular pathways, providing crucial insights into the nature and causes of PD. PD originates from multiple causes and a range of pathogenic processes at play, ultimately culminating in nigral dopaminergic loss and motor dysfunction. An in-depth understanding of these complex and possibly convergent pathways will pave the way for therapeutic approaches to alleviate the disease symptoms and neuroprotective strategies to prevent disease manifestations. This review is aimed at providing a comprehensive understanding of advances made in PD research based on leveraging genetic insights into the pathogenesis of PD. It further discusses novel perspectives to facilitate identification of critical molecular pathways that are central to neurodegeneration that hold the potential to develop neuroprotective and/or neurorestorative therapeutic strategies for PD. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: A comprehensive review of PD pathophysiology is provided on the complex interplay of genetic and environmental factors and biologic processes that contribute to PD pathogenesis. This knowledge identifies new targets that could be leveraged into disease-modifying therapies to prevent or slow neurodegeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila K Pirooznia
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Neurology (S.K.P., L.S.R., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Physiology (V.L.D.), Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience (V.L.D., T.M.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences (T.M.D.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.); and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.)
| | - Liana S Rosenthal
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Neurology (S.K.P., L.S.R., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Physiology (V.L.D.), Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience (V.L.D., T.M.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences (T.M.D.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.); and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.)
| | - Valina L Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Neurology (S.K.P., L.S.R., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Physiology (V.L.D.), Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience (V.L.D., T.M.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences (T.M.D.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.); and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.)
| | - Ted M Dawson
- Neuroregeneration and Stem Cell Programs, Institute for Cell Engineering (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Neurology (S.K.P., L.S.R., V.L.D., T.M.D.), Departments of Physiology (V.L.D.), Solomon H. Snyder Department of Neuroscience (V.L.D., T.M.D.), Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences (T.M.D.), Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland; Adrienne Helis Malvin Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.); and Diana Helis Henry Medical Research Foundation, New Orleans, Louisiana (S.K.P., V.L.D., T.M.D.)
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8
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Meijboom KE, Volpato V, Monzón-Sandoval J, Hoolachan JM, Hammond SM, Abendroth F, de Jong OG, Hazell G, Ahlskog N, Wood MJ, Webber C, Bowerman M. Combining multiomics and drug perturbation profiles to identify muscle-specific treatments for spinal muscular atrophy. JCI Insight 2021; 6:e149446. [PMID: 34236053 PMCID: PMC8410072 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.149446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a neuromuscular disorder caused by loss of survival motor neuron (SMN) protein. While SMN restoration therapies are beneficial, they are not a cure. We aimed to identify potentially novel treatments to alleviate muscle pathology combining transcriptomics, proteomics, and perturbational data sets. This revealed potential drug candidates for repurposing in SMA. One of the candidates, harmine, was further investigated in cell and animal models, improving multiple disease phenotypes, including lifespan, weight, and key molecular networks in skeletal muscle. Our work highlights the potential of multiple and parallel data-driven approaches for the development of potentially novel treatments for use in combination with SMN restoration therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina E Meijboom
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Gene Therapy Center, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Viola Volpato
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Jimena Monzón-Sandoval
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | | | - Suzan M Hammond
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Frank Abendroth
- Medical Research Council, Laboratory of Molecular Biology, Cambridge, United Kingdom.,Institute of Chemistry, Philipps-University of Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Olivier G de Jong
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences (UIPS), Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Gareth Hazell
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Ahlskog
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital and
| | - Matthew Ja Wood
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Department of Paediatrics, John Radcliffe Hospital and.,MDUK Oxford Neuromuscular Centre, University of Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Caleb Webber
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,UK Dementia Research Institute, Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom
| | - Melissa Bowerman
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,School of Medicine, Keele University, Staffordshire, United Kingdom.,Wolfson Centre for Inherited Neuromuscular Disease, RJAH Orthopaedic Hospital, Oswestry, United Kingdom
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Potential of Naturally Derived Alkaloids as Multi-Targeted Therapeutic Agents for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26030728. [PMID: 33573300 PMCID: PMC7866829 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26030728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Alkaloids are a class of secondary metabolites that can be derived from plants, fungi and marine sponges. They are widely known as a continuous source of medicine for the management of chronic disease including cancer, diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases. For example, galanthamine and huperzine A are alkaloid derivatives currently being used for the symptomatic management of neurodegenerative disease. The etiology of neurodegenerative diseases is polygenic and multifactorial including but not limited to inflammation, oxidative stress and protein aggregation. Therefore, natural-product-based alkaloids with polypharmacology modulation properties are potentially useful for further drug development or, to a lesser extent, as nutraceuticals to manage neurodegeneration. This review aims to discuss and summarise recent developments in relation to naturally derived alkaloids for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Ayipo YO, Mordi MN, Mustapha M, Damodaran T. Neuropharmacological potentials of β-carboline alkaloids for neuropsychiatric disorders. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 893:173837. [PMID: 33359647 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173837] [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: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 12/22/2020] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders are diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) which are characterised by complex pathomechanisms that including homeostatic failure, malfunction, atrophy, pathology remodelling and reactivity anomaly of the neuronal system where treatment options remain challenging. β-Carboline (βC) alkaloids are scaffolds of structurally diverse tricyclic pyrido[3,4-b]indole alkaloid with vast occurrence in nature. Their unique structural features which favour interactions with enzymes and protein receptor targets account for their potent neuropharmacological properties. However, our current understanding of their biological mechanisms for these beneficial effects, especially for neuropsychiatric disorders is sparse. Therefore, we present a comprehensive review of the scientific progress in the last two decades on the prospective pharmacology and physiology of the βC alkaloids in the treatment of some neuropsychiatric conditions such as depression, anxiety, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain tumour, essential tremor, epilepsy and seizure, licking behaviour, dystonia, agnosia, spasm, positive ingestive response as demonstrated in non-clinical models. The current evidence supports that βC alkaloids offer potential therapeutic agents against most of these disorders and amenable for further drug design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yusuf Oloruntoyin Ayipo
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia; Department of Chemical, Geological and Physical Sciences, Kwara State University, P. M. B., 1530, Malete, Ilorin, Nigeria
| | - Mohd Nizam Mordi
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
| | - Muzaimi Mustapha
- Department of Neurosciences, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Health Campus, 16150, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia
| | - Thenmoly Damodaran
- Centre for Drug Research, Universiti Sains Malaysia, USM, 11800, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia.
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Silva JM, Nobre MSC, Albino SL, Lócio LL, Nascimento APS, Scotti L, Scotti MT, Oshiro-Junior JA, Lima MCA, Mendonça-Junior FJB, Moura RO. Secondary Metabolites with Antioxidant Activities for the Putative Treatment of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS): "Experimental Evidences". OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:5642029. [PMID: 33299526 PMCID: PMC7707995 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5642029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motor neuron disorder that is characterized by progressive loss of the upper and lower motor neurons at the spinal or bulbar level. Oxidative stress (OS) associated with mitochondrial dysfunction and the deterioration of the electron transport chain are factors that contribute to neurodegeneration and perform a potential role in the pathogenesis of ALS. Natural antioxidant molecules have been proposed as an alternative form of treatment for the prevention of age-related neurological diseases, in which ALS is included. Researches support that regulations in cellular reduction/oxidation (redox) processes are being increasingly implicated in this disease, and antioxidant drugs are aimed at a promising pathway to treatment. Among the strategies used for obtaining new drugs, we can highlight the isolation of secondary metabolite compounds from natural sources that, along with semisynthetic derivatives, correspond to approximately 40% of the drugs found on the market. Among these compounds, we emphasize oxygenated and nitrogenous compounds, such as flavonoids, coumarins, and alkaloids, in addition to the fatty acids, that already stand out in the literature for their antioxidant properties, consisting in a part of the diets of millions of people worldwide. Therefore, this review is aimed at presenting and summarizing the main articles published within the last years, which represent the therapeutic potential of antioxidant compounds of natural origin for the treatment of ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jamire M. Silva
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences-PPGCF, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pernambuco, 50670-901 Recife PB, Brazil
- Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
| | - Michelangela S. C. Nobre
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences-PPGCF, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pernambuco, 50670-901 Recife PB, Brazil
- Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
| | - Sonaly L. Albino
- Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences-PPGCF, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
| | - Lucas L. Lócio
- Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences-PPGCF, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
| | - Agnis P. S. Nascimento
- Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry-PPGQ, Department of Chemistry, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
| | - Luciana Scotti
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa PB, Brazil
| | - Marcus T. Scotti
- Laboratory of Cheminformatics, Program of Natural and Synthetic Bioactive Products, Federal University of Paraiba, João Pessoa PB, Brazil
| | - João A. Oshiro-Junior
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences-PPGCF, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
| | - Maria C. A. Lima
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences-PPGCF, Department of Pharmacy, Federal University of Pernambuco, 50670-901 Recife PB, Brazil
| | - Francisco J. B. Mendonça-Junior
- Laboratory of Synthesis and Drug Delivery, Department of Biological Sciences, State University of Paraiba, 58071-160 João Pessoa PB, Brazil
| | - Ricardo O. Moura
- Drug Development and Synthesis Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
- Postgraduate Program in Pharmaceutical Sciences-PPGCF, Department of Pharmacy, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Chemistry-PPGQ, Department of Chemistry, State University of Paraiba, 58429-500 Campina Grande PB, Brazil
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Pharmacological effects of harmine and its derivatives: a review. Arch Pharm Res 2020; 43:1259-1275. [PMID: 33206346 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-020-01283-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Harmine is isolated from the seeds of the medicinal plant, Peganum harmala L., and has been used for thousands of years in the Middle East and China. Harmine has many pharmacological activities including anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antidiabetic, and antitumor activities. Moreover, harmine exhibits insecticidal, antiviral, and antibacterial effects. Harmine derivatives exhibit pharmacological effects similar to those of harmine, but with better antitumor activity and low neurotoxicity. Many studies have been conducted on the pharmacological activities of harmine and harmine derivatives. This article reviews the pharmacological effects and associated mechanisms of harmine. In addition, the structure-activity relationship of harmine derivatives has been summarized.
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13
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Wang Y, Wang H, Zhang L, Zhang Y, Deng G, Li S, Cao N, Guan H, Cheng X, Wang C. Potential mechanisms of tremor tolerance induced in rats by the repeated administration of total alkaloid extracts from the seeds of Peganum harmala Linn. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2020; 262:113183. [PMID: 32730891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The seeds of Peganum harmala Linn have been widely used for the treatment of nervous, cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, respiratory, and endocrine diseases and many other human ailments. However, tremor toxicity occurs after overdose and is tolerated following multiple dosing. Thus far, little is known about the underlying mechanisms of tremors and tremor tolerance. AIM OF THE STUDY To investigate the potential mechanisms of tremors and tremor tolerance induced in rats by the repeated administration of total alkaloid extracts from the seeds of P. harmala (TAEP). MATERIALS AND METHODS A tremor model was induced in male Wistar rats by administering TAEP at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day. To evaluate tremor action, behavioral assessment was conducted by using a custom-built tremor acquisition and analysis system. To investigate the relationships between tremors and neurotransmitter levels in the brain, various neurotransmitters were simultaneously quantified by an ultra-performance liquid chromatography combined with electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) system, and the association between these two parameters was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficients. To further elucidate the potential mechanisms of the alterations of neurotransmitter levels in cortical tissues, the protein expression levels of several important enzymes and transporters that are closely related to neurotransmitter levels were investigated. In addition, neuropathological analysis was conducted to assess the effect of TAEP on neurons in the brain. To further clarify the potential mechanisms of TAEP-induced neurodegeneration in the brain, c-fos was subjected to immunohistochemical analysis, and oxidative stress markers were examined. RESULTS Tremors initially occurred in rats after the oral administration of TAEP at a dose of 150 mg/kg/day. However, they were tolerated following repeated dosing. The levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and glycine (Gly) in cortical tissues were most likely associated with the tremor response. Tremor tolerance also likely resulted from the degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Furthermore, the alteration of 5-HT levels was mainly attributed to the downregulated expression of monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A). The degeneration of Purkinje neurons might have resulted from the overexpression of c-fos and increased oxidative stress in the cerebellum after the multiple dosing of TAEP. CONCLUSION The tremor response induced by TAEP at high doses is closely related to the concentrations of 5-HT and Gly in cortical tissues. Tremor tolerance may also be attributed to the degeneration of cerebellar Purkinje cells after the repeated dosing of TAEP. Further studies should be conducted to elucidate the interaction of the alkaloids on the neurotransmitter receptors, the expression of related neurotransmitter receptors, the specific signaling pathway involved in regulating MAO-A, and the mechanism of the loss and functional recovery of cerebellar Purkinje neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youxu Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hanxue Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 230 Baoding Road, Shanghai, 200082, China
| | - Liuhong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yunpeng Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gang Deng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Shuping Li
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ning Cao
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Huida Guan
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xuemei Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai R&D Centre for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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Thompson C, Szabo A. Psychedelics as a novel approach to treating autoimmune conditions. Immunol Lett 2020; 228:45-54. [PMID: 33035575 DOI: 10.1016/j.imlet.2020.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
With a rise in the incidence of autoimmune diseases (AiD), health care providers continue to seek out more efficacious treatment approaches for the AiD patient population. Classic serotonergic psychedelics have recently been gaining public and professional interest as novel interventions to a number of mental health afflictions. Psychedelics have also been shown to be able to modulate immune functions, however, while there has been great interest to researching into their psychotherapeutic applications, there has so far been very little exploration into the potential to treat inflammatory and immune-related diseases with these compounds. A handful of studies from a variety of fields suggest that psychedelics do indeed have effects in the body that may attenuate the outcome of AiD. This literature review explores existing evidence that psychedelic compounds may offer a potential novel application in the treatment of pathologies related to autoimmunity. We propose that psychedelics hold the potential to attenuate or even resolve autoimmunity by targeting psychosomatic origins, maladaptive chronic stress responses, inflammatory pathways, immune modulation and enteric microbiome populations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Attila Szabo
- NORMENT Center of Excellence (CoE), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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15
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Khan H, Ullah H, Khattak S, Aschner M, Aguilar CN, Halimi SMA, Cauli O, Shah SMM. Therapeutic potential of alkaloids in autoimmune diseases: Promising candidates for clinical trials. Phytother Res 2020; 35:50-62. [PMID: 32667693 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Clinical investigations have characterized numerous disorders like autoimmune diseases, affecting the population at a rate of approximately 8-10%. These disorders are characterized by T-cell and auto-antibodies responses to self-molecules by immune system reactivity. Several therapeutic options have been adopted in clinics to combat such diseases, however, most of them are recurring. Thus, the discovery of new effective agents for the treatment of autoimmune diseases is paramount. In this context, natural products might be a useful alternative to the current therapies. Plant alkaloids with their substantial therapeutic history can be particularly interesting candidates for the alleviation of autoimmune ailments. This review encompasses various alkaloids with significant effects against autoimmune diseases in preclinical trials. These results suggest further clinical assessment with respect to autoimmune illnesses. Furthermore, the application of modern technologies such as nanoformulation could be also helpful in the design of more effective therapies and thus further studies are needed to decipher their therapeutic efficacy as well as potential limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haroon Khan
- Abdul Wali khan university Mardan, Abdul Wali khan university Mardan, Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan university Mardan, Pakistan, Mardan, Pakistan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Hammad Ullah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Sumaira Khattak
- Abdul Wali khan university Mardan, Abdul Wali khan university Mardan, Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan university Mardan, Pakistan, Mardan, Pakistan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Cristobal N Aguilar
- School of Chemistry, Universidad Autónoma de Coahuila Saltillo, Saltillo, Mexico
| | - Syed M A Halimi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Peshawar, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Syed M M Shah
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Swabi Pakistan, Swabi, Pakistan
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16
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Kumar K, Wang P, Wilson J, Zlatanic V, Berrouet C, Khamrui S, Secor C, Swartz EA, Lazarus MB, Sanchez R, Stewart AF, Garcia-Ocana A, DeVita RJ. Synthesis and Biological Validation of a Harmine-Based, Central Nervous System (CNS)-Avoidant, Selective, Human β-Cell Regenerative Dual-Specificity Tyrosine Phosphorylation-Regulated Kinase A (DYRK1A) Inhibitor. J Med Chem 2020; 63:2986-3003. [PMID: 32003560 PMCID: PMC7388697 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.9b01379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Recently, our group identified that harmine is able to induce β-cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo, mediated via the DYRK1A-NFAT pathway. Since, harmine suffers from a lack of selectivity, both against other kinases and CNS off-targets, we therefore sought to expand structure-activity relationships for harmine's DYRK1A activity, to enhance selectivity for off-targets while retaining human β-cell proliferation activity. We carried out optimization of the 9-N-position of harmine to synthesize 29 harmine-based analogs. Several novel inhibitors showed excellent DYRK1A inhibition and human β-cell proliferation capability. An optimized DYRK1A inhibitor, 2-2c, was identified as a novel, efficacious in vivo lead candidate. 2-2c also demonstrates improved selectivity for kinases and CNS off-targets, as well as in vivo efficacy for β-cell proliferation and regeneration at lower doses than harmine. Collectively, these findings demonstrate that 2-2c is a much improved in vivo lead candidate as compared to harmine for the treatment of diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Kumar
- Drug Discovery Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Peng Wang
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School
of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jessica Wilson
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School
of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Viktor Zlatanic
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School
of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Cecilia Berrouet
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School
of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Susmita Khamrui
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Cody Secor
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Ethan A. Swartz
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School
of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Michael B. Lazarus
- Drug Discovery Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Roberto Sanchez
- Drug Discovery Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Andrew F. Stewart
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School
of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Adolfo Garcia-Ocana
- Diabetes, Obesity, and Metabolism Institute, Icahn School
of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Robert J. DeVita
- Drug Discovery Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount
Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Pharmacological Sciences, Icahn School of
Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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Pajarillo E, Rizor A, Lee J, Aschner M, Lee E. The role of astrocytic glutamate transporters GLT-1 and GLAST in neurological disorders: Potential targets for neurotherapeutics. Neuropharmacology 2019; 161:107559. [PMID: 30851309 PMCID: PMC6731169 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 202] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2019] [Accepted: 03/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Glutamate is the primary excitatory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS) which initiates rapid signal transmission in the synapse before its re-uptake into the surrounding glia, specifically astrocytes. The astrocytic glutamate transporters glutamate-aspartate transporter (GLAST) and glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) and their human homologs excitatory amino acid transporter 1 (EAAT1) and 2 (EAAT2), respectively, are the major transporters which take up synaptic glutamate to maintain optimal extracellular glutamic levels, thus preventing accumulation in the synaptic cleft and ensuing excitotoxicity. Growing evidence has shown that excitotoxicity is associated with various neurological disorders, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), manganism, ischemia, schizophrenia, epilepsy, and autism. While the mechanisms of neurological disorders are not well understood, the dysregulation of GLAST/GLT-1 may play a significant role in excitotoxicity and associated neuropathogenesis. The expression and function of GLAST/GLT-1 may be dysregulated at the genetic, epigenetic, transcriptional or translational levels, leading to high levels of extracellular glutamate and excitotoxicity. Consequently, understanding the regulatory mechanisms of GLAST/GLT-1 has been an area of interest in developing therapeutics for the treatment of neurological disorders. Pharmacological agents including β-lactam antibiotics, estrogen/selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), growth factors, histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), and translational activators have shown significant efficacy in enhancing the expression and function of GLAST/GLT-1 and glutamate uptake both in vitro and in vivo. This comprehensive review will discuss the regulatory mechanisms of GLAST/GLT-1, their association with neurological disorders, and the pharmacological agents which mediate their expression and function. This article is part of the issue entitled 'Special Issue on Neurotransmitter Transporters'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edward Pajarillo
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32301, USA
| | - Asha Rizor
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32301, USA
| | - Jayden Lee
- Department of Speech, Language & Hearing Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Eunsook Lee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Florida A&M University, Tallahassee, FL, 32301, USA.
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18
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Abstract
Motor neuron disorders are highly debilitating and mostly fatal conditions for which only limited therapeutic options are available. To overcome this limitation and develop more effective therapeutic strategies, it is critical to discover the pathogenic mechanisms that trigger and sustain motor neuron degeneration with the greatest accuracy and detail. In the case of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), several genes have been associated with familial forms of the disease, whilst the vast majority of cases develop sporadically and no defined cause can be held responsible. On the contrary, the huge majority of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) occurrences are caused by loss-of-function mutations in a single gene, SMN1. Although the typical hallmark of both diseases is the loss of motor neurons, there is increasing awareness that pathological lesions are also present in the neighbouring glia, whose dysfunction clearly contributes to generating a toxic environment in the central nervous system. Here, ALS and SMA are sequentially presented, each disease section having a brief introduction, followed by a focussed discussion on the role of the astrocytes in the disease pathogenesis. Such a dissertation is substantiated by the findings that built awareness on the glial involvement and how the glial-neuronal interplay is perturbed, along with the appraisal of this new cellular site for possible therapeutic intervention.
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Guo E, Hu Y, Du T, Zhu H, Chen L, Qu W, Zhang J, Xie N, Liu W, Feng F, Xu J. Effects of Picrasma quassioides and its active constituents on Alzheimer's disease in vitro and in vivo. Bioorg Chem 2019; 92:103258. [PMID: 31520892 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2019.103258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2019] [Revised: 07/30/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer disease (AD), a prevalent neurodegenerative disorder, is one of the leading causes of dementia. However, there is no effective drug for this disease to date. Picrasma quassioides (D.Don) Benn, a Chinese traditional medicine, was used mainly for the treatment of inflammation, fever, microbial infection and dysentery. In this paper, we reported that the EtOAc extract of Picrasma quassioides stems showed potential neuroprotective activities in l-glutamate-stimulated PC12 and Aβ25-35-stimulated SH-SY5Y cell models, as well as improved memory and cognitive abilities in AD mice induced by amyloid-β peptide. Moreover, it was revealed that the anti-AD mechanism was related to suppressing neuroinflammatory and reducing Aβ1-42 deposition using ELISA assay kits. To clarify the active components of the EtOAc extract of Picrasma quassioides stems, a systematic phytochemistry study led to isolate and identify six β-carboline alkaloids (1-6), seven canthin-6-one alkaloids (7-13), and five quassinoids (14-18). Among them, four β-carbolines (1-3, and 6) and six canthin-6-ones (7-11, and 13) exhibited potential neuroprotective activities in vitro. Based on these date, the structure-activity relationships of alkaloids were discussed. Furthermore, molecular docking experiments showed that compounds 2 and 3 have high affinity for both of dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYPKIA) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE).
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Affiliation(s)
- Eryan Guo
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Yunwei Hu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Du
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Huilin Zhu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Qu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Innovative Natural Medicines and TCM Injections, Jiangxi Qingfeng Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Ganzhou 341000, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenyuan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Drug Quality Control and Pharmacovigilance (China Pharmaceutical University), Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Feng
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China; Key Laboratory of Biomedical Functional Materials, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 211198, People's Republic of China; Jiangsu Food & Pharmaceutical Science College, Huaian 223003, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jian Xu
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, People's Republic of China.
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Falcucci RM, Wertz R, Green JL, Meucci O, Salvino J, Fontana ACK. Novel Positive Allosteric Modulators of Glutamate Transport Have Neuroprotective Properties in an in Vitro Excitotoxic Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2019; 10:3437-3453. [PMID: 31257852 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.9b00061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, such as stroke, brain trauma, epilepsy, and several neurodegenerative disorders. EAAT2 is the main transporter subtype responsible for glutamate clearance in the brain, and plays a key role in regulating neurotransmission and preventing excitotoxicity. Therefore, compounds that increase the activity of EAAT2 have therapeutic potential for neuroprotection. In previous studies, we used virtual screening approaches to identify novel positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of EAAT2. These compounds were shown to selectively increase the activity of EAAT2 and increase Vmax of transport, without changing substrate affinity. In this work, our major effort was to investigate whether increasing the activity of EAAT2 by allosteric modulation would translate to neuroprotection in in vitro primary culture models of excitotoxicity. To investigate potential neuroprotective effects of one EAAT2 PAM, GT949, we subjected cultures to acute and prolonged excitotoxic insults by exogenous application of glutamate, or oxidative stress by application of hydrogen peroxide. GT949 administration did not result in neuroprotection in the oxidative stress model, likely due to damage of the glutamate transporters. However, GT949 displayed neuroprotective properties after acute and prolonged glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. We propose that this compound prevents excess glutamate signaling by increasing the rate of glutamate clearance by EAAT2, thereby preventing excitotoxic damage and cell death. This novel class of compounds is therefore an innovative approach for neuroprotection with potential for translation in in vivo animal models of excitotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romulo Martelli Falcucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Ryan Wertz
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Jennifer Leigh Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Olimpia Meucci
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Joseph Salvino
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, United States
| | - Andréia Cristina Karklin Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
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21
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Hamill J, Hallak J, Dursun SM, Baker G. Ayahuasca: Psychological and Physiologic Effects, Pharmacology and Potential Uses in Addiction and Mental Illness. Curr Neuropharmacol 2019; 17:108-128. [PMID: 29366418 PMCID: PMC6343205 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x16666180125095902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 11/07/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Ayahuasca, a traditional Amazonian decoction with psychoactive properties, is made from bark of the Banisteriopsis caapi vine (containing beta-carboline alkaloids) and leaves of the Psychotria viridis bush (supplying the hallucinogen N,N-dimethyltryptamine, DMT). Originally used by indigenous shamans for the purposes of spirit communi-cation, magical experiences, healing, and religious rituals across several South American countries, ayahuasca has been in-corporated into folk medicine and spiritual healing, and several Brazilian churches use it routinely to foster a spiritual experi-ence. More recently, it is being used in Europe and North America, not only for religious or healing reasons, but also for rec-reation. Objective: To review ayahuasca’s behavioral effects, possible adverse effects, proposed mechanisms of action and potential clinical uses in mental illness. Method: We searched Medline, in English, using the terms ayahuasca, dimethyltryptamine, Banisteriopsis caapi, and Psy-chotria viridis and reviewed the relevant publications. Results: The following aspects of ayahuasca are summarized: Political and legal factors; acute and chronic psychological ef-fects; electrophysiological studies and imaging; physiological effects; safety and adverse effects; pharmacology; potential psychiatric uses. Conclusion: Many years of shamanic wisdom have indicated potential therapeutic uses for ayahuasca, and several present day studies suggest that it may be useful for treating various psychiatric disorders and addictions. The side effect profile ap-pears to be relatively mild, but more detailed studies need to be done. Several prominent researchers believe that government regulations with regard to ayahuasca should be relaxed so that it could be provided more readily to recognized, credible re-searchers to conduct comprehensive clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Hamill
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Jaime Hallak
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.,Department of Neurosciences and Behavior and National Institute of Science and Technology (Translational Medicine), Ribeirao Preto Medical School, University of Sao Paulo, Ribeirao Preto, Brazil
| | - Serdar M Dursun
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
| | - Glen Baker
- Department of Psychiatry (Neurochemical Research Unit) and Neuroscience & Mental Health Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada
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Chandra F, Kumar P, Koner AL. Encapsulation and modulation of protolytic equilibrium of β-carboline-based norharmane drug by cucurbit[7]uril and micellar environments for enhanced cellular uptake. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2018; 171:530-537. [PMID: 30096474 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2018.07.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Revised: 05/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/26/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The effect of supramolecular nanocavity on photophysical and acid-dissociation properties of Norharmane (NHM), a physiologically important, anxiety control and memory-enhancing β-carboline-based drug, has been investigated using steady-state absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Self-assembled organization derived from surfactants and rigid water-soluble macrocyclic host Cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) have been selected for this investigation. The confined-space offered by the supramolecular assemblies modulates the pKa value of NHM (up to 3 units) as it can exist in two protolytic forms at near neutral pH. Therefore, the pH-dependent binding properties, modulation of pKa value and its consequences on the photophysical, chemical and solubility properties are investigated in detail. This investigation shows a large shift in the protolytic equilibrium which in turn causes ca. 15 times solubility-enhancement at near neutral pH. Moreover, the effect of enhanced solubility has been further investigated by the augmentation in the cellular uptake of NHM entrapped inside CB7. Thus, the modulation of the acid-base properties and solubility of β-carboline-based drugs will have immense potential for their formulation, cellular uptake and bioavailability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Falguni Chandra
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal 462 066, Madhya Pradesh, India.
| | - Prashant Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal 462 066, Madhya Pradesh, India
| | - Apurba L Koner
- Department of Chemistry, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Bhopal, Bhopal Bypass Road, Bhauri, Bhopal 462 066, Madhya Pradesh, India.
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Ramalho TC, de Castro AA, Tavares TS, Silva MC, Silva DR, Cesar PH, Santos LA, da Cunha EFF, Nepovimova E, Kuca K. Insights into the pharmaceuticals and mechanisms of neurological orphan diseases: Current Status and future expectations. Prog Neurobiol 2018; 169:135-157. [PMID: 29981392 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2018.06.011] [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: 11/26/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Several rare or orphan diseases have been characterized that singly affect low numbers of people, but cumulatively reach ∼6%-10% of the population in Europe and in the United States. Human genetics has shown to be broadly effective when evaluating subjacent genetic defects such as orphan genetic diseases, but on the other hand, a modest progress has been achieved toward comprehending the molecular pathologies and designing new therapies. Chemical genetics, placed at the interface of chemistry and genetics, could be employed to understand the molecular mechanisms of subjacent illnesses and for the discovery of new remediation processes. This review debates current progress in chemical genetics, and how a variety of compounds and reaction mechanisms can be used to study and ultimately treat rare genetic diseases. We focus here on a study involving Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) and Familial Amyloid Polyneuropathy (FAP), approaching different treatment methods and the reaction mechanisms of several compounds, trying to elucidate new routes capable of assisting in the treatment profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teodorico C Ramalho
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil; Center for Basic and Applied Research, Faculty of Informatics and Management, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | | | - Tássia S Tavares
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Maria C Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Daniela R Silva
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Pedro H Cesar
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Lucas A Santos
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Elaine F F da Cunha
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Lavras, 37200-000, Lavras, Brazil
| | - Eugenie Nepovimova
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Kamil Kuca
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, University of Hradec Kralove, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
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Kortagere S, Mortensen OV, Xia J, Lester W, Fang Y, Srikanth Y, Salvino JM, Fontana ACK. Identification of Novel Allosteric Modulators of Glutamate Transporter EAAT2. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:522-534. [PMID: 29140675 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.7b00308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, such as stroke, brain trauma, epilepsy, and neurodegenerative diseases, among others. EAAT2 is the main subtype responsible for glutamate clearance in the brain, having a key role in regulating transmission and preventing excitotoxicity. Therefore, compounds that increase the expression or activity of EAAT2 have therapeutic potential for neuroprotection. Previous studies identified molecular determinants for EAAT2 transport stimulation in a structural domain that lies at the interface of the rigid trimerization domain and the central substrate binding transport domain. In this work, a hybrid structure based approach was applied, based on this molecular domain, to create a high-resolution pharmacophore. Subsequently, virtual screening of a library of small molecules was performed, identifying 10 hit molecules that interact at the proposed domain. Among these, three compounds were determined to be activators, four were inhibitors, and three had no effect on EAAT2-mediated transport in vitro. Further characterization of the two best ranking EAAT2 activators for efficacy, potency, and selectivity for glutamate over monoamine transporters subtypes and NMDA receptors and for efficacy in cultured astrocytes is demonstrated. Mutagenesis studies suggest that the EAAT2 activators interact with residues forming the interface between the trimerization and transport domains. These compounds enhance the glutamate translocation rate, with no effect on substrate interaction, suggesting an allosteric mechanism. The identification of these novel positive allosteric modulators of EAAT2 offers an innovative approach for the development of therapies based on glutamate transport enhancement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandhya Kortagere
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Centers for Molecular Parasitology, Virology and Translational Neuroscience, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19129, United States
| | - Ole V. Mortensen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Jingsheng Xia
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - William Lester
- Analytical Chemistry, Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation (DPI), NCATS, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Yuhong Fang
- Analytical Chemistry, Division of Pre-Clinical Innovation (DPI), NCATS, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland 20850, United States
| | - Yellamelli Srikanth
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Joseph M. Salvino
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
| | - Andréia C. K. Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19102, United States
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25
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Anti HSV-2 activity of Peganum harmala (L.) and isolation of the active compound. Microb Pathog 2017; 114:291-298. [PMID: 29223449 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2017.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Genital herpes is a sexually transmitted disease caused by herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2). Nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir (ACV) are the usual therapy for treating HSV infection. However, the overuse of this drug has led to the emergence of resistant strains. Therefore, the search for new alternative or complementary molecules to overcome this obstacle is needed. In this objective, Peganum harmala was investigated for its HSV-2 activity. The organic extracts of the different plant organs were evaluated for their cytotoxicity on Vero cells by the MTT test and anti HSV-2 activity by plaque reduction assay. Only the methanol seeds extract was active with a 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) and a selectivity index (SI) of 161 and 13.2 μg/mL, respectively. In addition, the study of the antiviral mode of action revealed that this extract exerts a virucidal action both during the entry of viruses and the release of the newly formed virions, whereas no cell protection effect was observed. The active compound was isolated by bio-guided purification using thin layer chromatography (TLC) and identified by GC-MS and HPLC-DAD-ESI-MSn as harmine. The combination of harmine standard compound with ACV showed a combination index (CI) of 0.5 indicating that these two compounds have a synergic effect. This data suggests that harmine could be associated to ACV to improve the treatment of genital herpes essentially for the immunocompromised patients.
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Liu F, Wu J, Gong Y, Wang P, Zhu L, Tong L, Chen X, Ling Y, Huang C. Harmine produces antidepressant-like effects via restoration of astrocytic functions. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2017. [PMID: 28625859 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2017.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Depression is a world-wide disease with no effective therapeutic methods. Increasing evidence indicates that astrocytic pathology contributes to the formation of depression. In this study, we investigated the effects of harmine, a natural β-carboline alkaloid and potent hallucinogen, known to modulate astrocytic glutamate transporters, on chronic unpredictable stress (CUS)-induced depressive-like behaviors and astrocytic dysfunctions. Results showed that harmine treatment (10, 20mg/kg) protected the mice against the CUS-induced increases in the immobile time in the tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST), and also reversed the reduction in sucrose intake in the sucrose preference experiment. Harmine treatment (20mg/kg) prevented the reductions in brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) protein levels and hippocampal neurogenesis induced by CUS. In addition, harmine treatment (20mg/kg) increased the protein expression levels of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) and prevented the CUS-induced decreases in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) protein expressions in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, suggesting that restoration of astrocytic functions may be a potential mechanism underlying the antidepressant-like effects of harmine. This opinion was proved by the results that administration of mice with l-Alpha-Aminoadipic Acid (L-AAA), a gliotoxin specific for astrocytes, attenuated the antidepressant-like effects of harmine, and prevented the improvement effects of harmine on BDNF protein levels and hippocampal neurogenesis. These results provide further evidence to confirm that astrocytic dysfunction contributes critically to the development of depression and that harmine exerts antidepressant-like effects likely through restoration of astrocytic functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengguo Liu
- Department of Neurology, Danyang People's Hospital, #2 Xinmin Western Road, Danyang 212300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jingjing Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital of Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, #118 Wansheng Street, Suzhou 215021, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target of Jiangsu Province, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target of Jiangsu Province, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yulong Western Road, Yancheng 224006, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lijuan Tong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target of Jiangsu Province, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangfan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target of Jiangsu Province, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yong Ling
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target of Jiangsu Province, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Key Laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target of Jiangsu Province, #19 Qixiu Road, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Drugs to Alter Extracellular Concentration of Glutamate: Modulators of Glutamate Uptake Systems. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/978-1-4939-7228-9_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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28
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ALSUntangled 40: Ayahuasca. Amyotroph Lateral Scler Frontotemporal Degener 2017; 18:627-631. [PMID: 28618842 DOI: 10.1080/21678421.2017.1337877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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29
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Chaurasiya ND, Shukla S, Tekwani BL. A Combined In Vitro Assay for Evaluation of Neurotrophic Activity and Cytotoxicity. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 22:667-675. [PMID: 28314119 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217698677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Neurotrophic assays are phenotypic methods to identify molecules that stimulate differentiation of neuronal cells. Bioactive small molecules with neurotrophic actions hold great promise as therapeutic agents for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases and neuronal injuries by virtue of their ability to stimulate neuritic outgrowth. A combined in vitro method, which measures neurotrophic activity and cytotoxicity in a single assay, has been described. This assay, performed in 96-well microplates with PC12 and Neuroscreen-1 (NS-1; a subclone of PC12) cells, is a simple tool for identification of new neurotrophic agents. Stimulation of neurite outgrowth was measured with NIS software by analysis of digital cell images as multiple parameters, namely, mean neurite length, neurite length/cell, nodes/cell, and number of neurites/cell. The assay has been standardized and validated with dose-response analysis for nerve growth factor (NGF) and mechanism-based inhibitors of NGF-induced neurite outgrowth, namely, SU6656 (an Src family kinase inhibitor) and PD98059 (a MEK inhibitor). The assay has been successfully applied for screening natural and synthetic compound libraries for cytotoxicity and neurotrophic activity. Screening of a set of harmala alkaloids identified harmine as a potential neurotrophic molecule that significantly stimulated NGF-induced neurite outgrowth in the NS-1 cells. Important advantages of this method are its simplicity and determination of cytotoxicity and neurotrophic activity in a single assay. This assay may be suitable for primary and cultured neuronal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narayan D Chaurasiya
- 1 National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Surabhi Shukla
- 1 National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,2 Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University MS, USA
| | - Babu L Tekwani
- 1 National Center for Natural Products Research, Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA.,2 Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University MS, USA
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30
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Astrocytic transporters in Alzheimer's disease. Biochem J 2017; 474:333-355. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20160505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2016] [Revised: 11/16/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes play a fundamental role in maintaining the health and function of the central nervous system. Increasing evidence indicates that astrocytes undergo both cellular and molecular changes at an early stage in neurological diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). These changes may reflect a change from a neuroprotective to a neurotoxic phenotype. Given the lack of current disease-modifying therapies for AD, astrocytes have become an interesting and viable target for therapeutic intervention. The astrocyte transport system covers a diverse array of proteins involved in metabolic support, neurotransmission and synaptic architecture. Therefore, specific targeting of individual transporter families has the potential to suppress neurodegeneration, a characteristic hallmark of AD. A small number of the 400 transporter superfamilies are expressed in astrocytes, with evidence highlighting a fraction of these are implicated in AD. Here, we review the current evidence for six astrocytic transporter subfamilies involved in AD, as reported in both animal and human studies. This review confirms that astrocytes are indeed a viable target, highlights the complexities of studying astrocytes and provides future directives to exploit the potential of astrocytes in tackling AD.
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31
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EAAT2 and the Molecular Signature of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2017; 16:117-136. [PMID: 28828608 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-55769-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapid and fatal neurodegenerative disease, primarily affecting upper and lower motor neurons. It is an extremely heterogeneous disease in both cause and symptom development, and its mechanisms of pathogenesis remain largely unknown. Excitotoxicity, a process caused by excessive glutamate signaling, is believed to play a substantial role, however. Excessive glutamate release, changes in postsynaptic glutamate receptors, and reduction of functional astrocytic glutamate transporters contribute to excitotoxicity in ALS. Here, we explore the roles of each, with a particular emphasis on glutamate transporters and attempts to increase them as therapy for ALS. Screening strategies have been employed to find compounds that increase the functional excitatory amino acid transporter EAAT2 (GLT1), which is responsible for the vast majority of glutamate clearance. One such compound, ceftriaxone, was recently tested in clinical trials but unfortunately did not modify disease course, though its effect on EAAT2 expression in patients was not measured.
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dos Santos RG, Hallak JEC. Effects of the Naturalβ-Carboline Alkaloid Harmine, a Main Constituent of Ayahuasca, in Memory and in the Hippocampus: A Systematic Literature Review of Preclinical Studies. J Psychoactive Drugs 2016; 49:1-10. [DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2016.1260189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rafael G. dos Santos
- Postdoctoral Fellow, Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Advisory Board, International Center for Ethnobotanical Education, Research & Service, Barcelona, Spain
- National Institute of Science and Technology, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jaime E. C. Hallak
- Professor, Department of Neurosciences and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
- Researcher, National Institute of Science and Technology, Translational Medicine, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
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33
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Wang J, Kelly GC, Tate WJ, Li YS, Lee M, Gutierrez J, Louis ED, Faust PL, Kuo SH. Excitatory Amino acid transporter expression in the essential tremor dentate nucleus and cerebellar cortex: A postmortem study. Parkinsonism Relat Disord 2016; 32:87-93. [PMID: 27624392 PMCID: PMC5501729 DOI: 10.1016/j.parkreldis.2016.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2016] [Revised: 08/25/2016] [Accepted: 09/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide association studies have revealed a link between essential tremor (ET) and the gene SLC1A2, which encodes excitatory amino acid transporter type 2 (EAAT2). We explored EAAT biology in ET by quantifying EAAT2 and EAAT1 levels in the cerebellar dentate nucleus, and expanded our prior analysis of EAAT2 levels in the cerebellar cortex. OBJECTIVE To quantify EAAT2 and EAAT1 levels in the cerebellar dentate nucleus and cerebellar cortex of ET cases vs. CONTROLS METHODS We used immunohistochemistry to quantify EAAT2 and EAAT1 levels in the dentate nucleus of a discovery cohort of 16 ET cases and 16 controls. Furthermore, we quantified EAAT2 levels in the dentate nucleus in a replicate cohort (61 ET cases, 25 controls). Cortical EAAT2 levels in all 77 ET cases and 41 controls were quantified. RESULTS In the discovery cohort, dentate EAAT2 levels were 1.5-fold higher in 16 ET cases vs. 16 controls (p = 0.007), but EAAT1 levels did not differ significantly (p = 0.279). Dentate EAAT2 levels were 1.3-fold higher in 61 ET cases vs. 25 controls in the replicate cohort (p = 0.022). Cerebellar cortical EAAT2 levels were 20% and 40% lower in ET cases vs. controls in the discovery and the replicate cohorts (respective p values = 0.045 and < 0.001). CONCLUSION EAAT2 expression is enhanced in the ET dentate nucleus, in contrast to differentially reduced EAAT2 levels in the ET cerebellar cortex, which might reflect a compensatory mechanism to maintain excitation-inhibition balance in cerebellar nuclei.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Wang
- Department of Basic and Community Nursing, School of Nursing, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Geoffrey C Kelly
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - William J Tate
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yong-Shi Li
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michelle Lee
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jesus Gutierrez
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Elan D Louis
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Department of Chronic Disease Epidemiology, Yale School of Public Health, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA; Center for Neuroepidemiology and Clinical Neurological Research, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Phyllis L Faust
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sheng-Han Kuo
- Department of Neurology, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA.
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Verkhratsky A, Steardo L, Parpura V, Montana V. Translational potential of astrocytes in brain disorders. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 144:188-205. [PMID: 26386136 PMCID: PMC4794425 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2015.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2015] [Revised: 09/03/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Fundamentally, all brain disorders can be broadly defined as the homeostatic failure of this organ. As the brain is composed of many different cells types, including but not limited to neurons and glia, it is only logical that all the cell types/constituents could play a role in health and disease. Yet, for a long time the sole conceptualization of brain pathology was focused on the well-being of neurons. Here, we challenge this neuron-centric view and present neuroglia as a key element in neuropathology, a process that has a toll on astrocytes, which undergo complex morpho-functional changes that can in turn affect the course of the disorder. Such changes can be grossly identified as reactivity, atrophy with loss of function and pathological remodeling. We outline the pathogenic potential of astrocytes in variety of disorders, ranging from neurotrauma, infection, toxic damage, stroke, epilepsy, neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders, Alexander disease to neoplastic changes seen in gliomas. We hope that in near future we would witness glial-based translational medicine with generation of deliverables for the containment and cure of disorders. We point out that such as a task will require a holistic and multi-disciplinary approach that will take in consideration the concerted operation of all the cell types in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Life Science, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, Bilbao, Spain
- University of Nizhny Novgorod, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Luca Steardo
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Naples, SUN, Largo Madonna delle Grazie, Naples, Italy
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, Center for Glial Biology in Medicine and Atomic Force Microscopy & Nanotechnology Laboratories, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Vedrana Montana
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Rijeka, Rijeka, Croatia
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Karklin Fontana AC, Fox DP, Zoubroulis A, Valente Mortensen O, Raghupathi R. Neuroprotective Effects of the Glutamate Transporter Activator (R)-(-)-5-methyl-1-nicotinoyl-2-pyrazoline (MS-153) following Traumatic Brain Injury in the Adult Rat. J Neurotrauma 2016; 33:1073-83. [PMID: 26200170 PMCID: PMC4892232 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2015.4079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) in humans and in animals leads to an acute and sustained increase in tissue glutamate concentrations within the brain, triggering glutamate-mediated excitotoxicity. Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are responsible for maintaining extracellular central nervous system glutamate concentrations below neurotoxic levels. Our results demonstrate that as early as 5 min and up to 2 h following brain trauma in brain-injured rats, the activity (Vmax) of EAAT2 in the cortex and the hippocampus was significantly decreased, compared with sham-injured animals. The affinity for glutamate (KM) and the expression of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) and glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST) were not altered by the injury. Administration of (R)-(-)-5-methyl-1-nicotinoyl-2-pyrazoline (MS-153), a GLT-1 activator, beginning immediately after injury and continuing for 24 h, significantly decreased neurodegeneration, loss of microtubule-associated protein 2 and NeuN (+) immunoreactivities, and attenuated calpain activation in both the cortex and the hippocampus at 24 h after the injury; the reduction in neurodegeneration remained evident up to 14 days post-injury. In synaptosomal uptake assays, MS-153 up-regulated GLT-1 activity in the naïve rat brain but did not reverse the reduced activity of GLT-1 in traumatically-injured brains. This study demonstrates that administration of MS-153 in the acute post-traumatic period provides acute and long-term neuroprotection for TBI and suggests that the neuroprotective effects of MS-153 are related to mechanisms other than GLT-1 activation, such as the inhibition of voltage-gated calcium channels.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Douglas P. Fox
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Argie Zoubroulis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ole Valente Mortensen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Ramesh Raghupathi
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
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dos Santos RG, Osório FL, Crippa JAS, Riba J, Zuardi AW, Hallak JEC. Antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive effects of ayahuasca, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD): a systematic review of clinical trials published in the last 25 years. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol 2016; 6:193-213. [PMID: 27354908 PMCID: PMC4910400 DOI: 10.1177/2045125316638008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, pharmacological treatments for mood and anxiety disorders and for drug dependence show limited efficacy, leaving a large number of patients suffering severe and persistent symptoms. Preliminary studies in animals and humans suggest that ayahuasca, psilocybin and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD) may have antidepressive, anxiolytic, and antiaddictive properties. Thus, we conducted a systematic review of clinical trials published from 1990 until 2015, assessing these therapeutic properties. Electronic searches were performed using the PubMed, LILACS, and SciELO databases. Only clinical trials published in peer-reviewed journals were included. Of these, 151 studies were identified, of which six met the established criteria. Reviewed studies suggest beneficial effects for treatment-resistant depression, anxiety and depression associated with life-threatening diseases, and tobacco and alcohol dependence. All drugs were well tolerated. In conclusion, ayahuasca, psilocybin and LSD may be useful pharmacological tools for the treatment of drug dependence, and anxiety and mood disorders, especially in treatment-resistant patients. These drugs may also be useful pharmacological tools to understand psychiatric disorders and to develop new therapeutic agents. However, all studies reviewed had small sample sizes, and half of them were open-label, proof-of-concept studies. Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies with more patients are needed to replicate these preliminary findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael G. dos Santos
- Departamento de Neurociências e Ciências do Comportamento, Faculdade de Medicina de Ribeirão Preto, Universidade de São Paulo, Hospital das Clínicas, Terceiro Andar, Av. Bandeirantes, 3900, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flávia L. Osório
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil
| | - José Alexandre S. Crippa
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil
| | - Jordi Riba
- Centre d’Investigació de Medicaments, Servei de Farmacologia Clínica, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Human Experimental Neuropsy-chopharmacology, Institut de Recerca, Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau, Barcelona, Spain
- Departament de Farmacologia i Terapèutica, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Salud Mental, CIBERSAM, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Antônio W. Zuardi
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil
| | - Jaime E. C. Hallak
- Department of Neuroscience and Behavior, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, SP, Brazil National Institute for Translational Medicine (INCT-TM), CNPq, Brazil
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Ketola K, Viitala M, Kohonen P, Fey V, Culig Z, Kallioniemi O, Iljin K. High-throughput cell-based compound screen identifies pinosylvin methyl ether and tanshinone IIA as inhibitors of castration-resistant prostate cancer. JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR BIOCHEMISTRY 2016; 5:12-22. [PMID: 27891324 PMCID: PMC5120689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Current treatment options for castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) are limited. In this study, a high-throughput screen of 4910 drugs and drug-like molecules was performed to identify antiproliferative compounds in androgen ablated prostate cancer cells. The effect of compounds on cell viability was compared in androgen ablated LNCaP prostate cancer cells and in LNCaP cells grown in presence of androgens as well as in two non-malignant prostate epithelial cells (RWPE-1 and EP156T). Validation experiments of cancer specific anti-proliferative compounds indicated pinosylvin methyl ether (PSME) and tanshinone IIA as potent inhibitors of androgen ablated LNCaP cell proliferation. PSME is a stilbene compound with no previously described anti-neoplastic activity whereas tanshinone IIA is currently used in cardiovascular disorders and proposed as a cancer drug. To gain insights into growth inhibitory mechanisms in CRPC, genome-wide gene expression analysis was performed in PSME- and tanshinone IIA-exposed cells. Both compounds altered the expression of genes involved in cell cycle and steroid and cholesterol biosynthesis in androgen ablated LNCaP cells. Decrease in androgen signalling was confirmed by reduced expression of androgen receptor and prostate specific antigen in PSME- or tanshinone IIA-exposed cells. Taken together, this systematic screen identified a novel anti-proliferative agent, PSME, for CRPC. Moreover, our screen confirmed tanshinone IIA as well as several other compounds as potential prostate cancer growth inhibitors also in androgen ablated prostate cancer cells. These results provide valuable starting points for preclinical and clinical studies for CRPC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsi Ketola
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Miro Viitala
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Finland
| | - Pekka Kohonen
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland
| | - Vidal Fey
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland
| | - Zoran Culig
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Finland
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland
- Division of Experimental Urology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, Finland (FIMM), University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kristiina Iljin
- Turku Centre for Biotechnology, University of Turku, Finland
- Medical Biotechnology, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland, Finland
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38
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Modulation of Matrix Metalloproteinases Activity in the Ventral Horn of the Spinal Cord Re-stores Neuroglial Synaptic Homeostasis and Neurotrophic Support following Peripheral Nerve Injury. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0152750. [PMID: 27028103 PMCID: PMC4814041 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0152750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2015] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Modulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling after peripheral nerve injury (PNI) could represent a valid therapeutic strategy to prevent maladaptive synaptic plasticity in central nervous system (CNS). Inhibition of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and maintaining a neurotrophic support could represent two approaches to prevent or reduce the maladaptive plastic changes in the ventral horn of spinal cord following PNI. The purpose of our study was to analyze changes in the ventral horn produced by gliopathy determined by the suffering of motor neurons following spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve and how the intrathecal (i.t.) administration of GM6001 (a MMPs inhibitor) or the NGF mimetic peptide BB14 modulate these events. Immunohistochemical analysis of spinal cord sections revealed that motor neuron disease following SNI was associated with increased microglial (Iba1) and astrocytic (GFAP) response in the ventral horn of the spinal cord, indicative of reactive gliosis. These changes were paralleled by decreased glial aminoacid transporters (glutamate GLT1 and glycine GlyT1), increased levels of the neuronal glutamate transporter EAAC1, and a net increase of the Glutamate/GABA ratio, as measured by HPLC analysis. These molecular changes correlated to a significant reduction of mature NGF levels in the ventral horn. Continuous i.t. infusion of both GM6001 and BB14 reduced reactive astrogliosis, recovered the expression of neuronal and glial transporters, lowering the Glutamate/GABA ratio. Inhibition of MMPs by GM6001 significantly increased mature NGF levels, but it was absolutely ineffective in modifying the reactivity of microglia cells. Therefore, MMPs inhibition, although supplies neurotrophic support to ECM components and restores neuro-glial transporters expression, differently modulates astrocytic and microglial response after PNI.
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Martinez-Lozada Z, Guillem AM, Robinson MB. Transcriptional Regulation of Glutamate Transporters: From Extracellular Signals to Transcription Factors. ADVANCES IN PHARMACOLOGY (SAN DIEGO, CALIF.) 2016; 76:103-45. [PMID: 27288076 DOI: 10.1016/bs.apha.2016.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Glutamate is the predominant excitatory neurotransmitter in the mammalian CNS. It mediates essentially all rapid excitatory signaling. Dysfunction of glutamatergic signaling contributes to developmental, neurologic, and psychiatric diseases. Extracellular glutamate is cleared by a family of five Na(+)-dependent glutamate transporters. Two of these transporters (GLAST and GLT-1) are relatively selectively expressed in astrocytes. Other of these transporters (EAAC1) is expressed by neurons throughout the nervous system. Expression of the last two members of this family (EAAT4 and EAAT5) is almost exclusively restricted to specific populations of neurons in cerebellum and retina, respectively. In this review, we will discuss our current understanding of the mechanisms that control transcriptional regulation of the different members of this family. Over the last two decades, our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate expression of GLT-1 and GLAST has advanced considerably; several specific transcription factors, cis-elements, and epigenetic mechanisms have been identified. For the other members of the family, little or nothing is known about the mechanisms that control their transcription. It is assumed that by defining the mechanisms involved, we will advance our understanding of the events that result in cell-specific expression of these transporters and perhaps begin to define the mechanisms by which neurologic diseases are changing the biology of the cells that express these transporters. This approach might provide a pathway for developing new therapies for a wide range of essentially untreatable and devastating diseases that kill neurons by an excitotoxic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Martinez-Lozada
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - A M Guillem
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - M B Robinson
- Children's Hospital of Philadelphia Research Institute, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.
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40
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Roberts-Wolfe DJ, Kalivas PW. Glutamate Transporter GLT-1 as a Therapeutic Target for Substance Use Disorders. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2016; 14:745-56. [PMID: 26022265 DOI: 10.2174/1871527314666150529144655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2015] [Accepted: 05/18/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The development of new treatments for substance use disorders requires identification of targetable molecular mechanisms. Pathology in glutamatergic neurotransmission system in brain reward circuitry has been implicated in relapse to multiple classes of drugs. Glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) crucially regulates glutamatergic signaling by removing excess glutamate from the extrasynaptic space. The purpose of this review is to highlight the effects of addictive drug use on GLT-1 and glutamate uptake, and using GLT-1 as a target in addiction pharmacotherapy. Cocaine, opioids, ethanol, nicotine, amphetamines, and cannabinoids each affect GLT-1 expression and glutamate uptake, and restoring GLT-1 expression with N-acetylcysteine or ceftriaxone shows promise in correcting pre-clinical and clinical manifestations of drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas J Roberts-Wolfe
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of So Carolina, 173 Ashley Ave, BSB403, Charleston, SC 29425, USA.
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41
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Zhong Z, Tao Y, Yang H. Treatment with harmine ameliorates functional impairment and neuronal death following traumatic brain injury. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:7985-91. [PMID: 26496827 PMCID: PMC4758275 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.4437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2015] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality in young individuals, and results in motor and cognitive deficiency. Excitotoxicity is an important process during neuronal cell death, which is caused by excessive release of glutamate following TBI. Astrocytic glutamate transporters have a predominant role in maintaining extracellular glutamate concentrations below excitotoxic levels, and glutamate transporter 1 (GLT-1) may account for >90% of glutamate uptake in the brain. The β-carboline alkaloid harmine has been demonstrated to exert neuroprotective actions in vivo, and the beneficial effects were specifically due to elevation of GLT-1. However, whether harmine provides neuroprotection following TBI remains to be elucidated. The present study performed intraperitoneal harmine injections in rats (30 mg/kg per day for up to 5 days), in order to investigate whether harmine treatment attenuates brain edema and improves functional recovery in a rat model of TBI. The neuronal survival ratio and the protein expression of apoptosis-associated caspase 3 were also assessed in the hippocampus of the rat brain. Furthermore, the expression levels of GLT-1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected, in order to determine the underlying mechanisms. The results of the present study demonstrated that administration of harmine significantly attenuated cerebral edema, and improved learning and memory ability. In addition, harmine significantly increased the protein expression of GLT-1, and markedly attenuated the expression levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α, thereby attenuating apoptotic neuronal death in the hippocampus. These results provided in vivo evidence that harmine may exert neuroprotective effects by synergistically reducing excitotoxicity and inflammation following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqi Zhong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, P.R. China
| | - Yuan Tao
- Department of Neurology, Research Institute of Field Surgery, Daping Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400042, P.R. China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xinqiao Hospital, The Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, P.R. China
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42
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Zhang L, Zhang F, Zhang W, Chen L, Gao N, Men Y, Xu X, Jiang Y. Harmine suppresses homologous recombination repair and inhibits proliferation of hepatoma cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2015; 16:1585-92. [PMID: 26382920 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2015.1078021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
To avoid cell cycle arrest or apoptosis, rapidly proliferating cancer cells have to promote DNA double strand break (DSB) repair to fix replication stress induced DSBs. Therefore, developing drugs blocking homologous recombination (HR) and nonhomologous end joining (NHEJ) - 2 major DSB repair pathways - holds great potential for cancer therapy. Over the last few decades, much attention has been paid to explore drugs targeting DSB repair pathways for cancer therapy. Here, using 2 well-established reporters for analyzing HR and NHEJ efficiency, we found that both HR and NHEJ are elevated in hepatoma cell lines Hep3B and HuH7 compared with normal liver cell lines Chang liver and QSG-7701. Our further study found that Harmine, a natural compound, negatively regulates HR but not NHEJ by interfering Rad51 recruitment, resulting in severe cytotoxicity in hepatoma cells. Furthermore, NHEJ inhibitor Nu7441 markedly sensitizes Hep3B cells to the anti-proliferative effects of Harmine. Taken together, our study suggested that Harmine holds great promise as an oncologic drug and combination of Harmine with a NHEJ inhibitor might be an effective strategy for anti-cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine ; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital; School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University ; Shanghai , China
| | - Fan Zhang
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine ; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital; School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University ; Shanghai , China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine ; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital; School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University ; Shanghai , China.,b Department of Plastic Surgery ; Shanghai Changzheng Hospital ; Shanghai , China
| | - Lu Chen
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine ; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital; School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University ; Shanghai , China
| | - Neng Gao
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine ; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital; School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University ; Shanghai , China
| | - Yulong Men
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine ; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital; School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University ; Shanghai , China
| | - Xiaojun Xu
- c State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines; China Pharmaceutical University ; Nanjing , China
| | - Ying Jiang
- a Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine ; Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital; School of Life Sciences and Technology; Tongji University ; Shanghai , China
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43
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Zhang PW, Haidet-Phillips AM, Pham JT, Lee Y, Huo Y, Tienari PJ, Maragakis NJ, Sattler R, Rothstein JD. Generation of GFAP::GFP astrocyte reporter lines from human adult fibroblast-derived iPS cells using zinc-finger nuclease technology. Glia 2015; 64:63-75. [PMID: 26295203 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/31/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are instrumental to major brain functions, including metabolic support, extracellular ion regulation, the shaping of excitatory signaling events and maintenance of synaptic glutamate homeostasis. Astrocyte dysfunction contributes to numerous developmental, psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The generation of adult human fibroblast-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) has provided novel opportunities to study mechanisms of astrocyte dysfunction in human-derived cells. To overcome the difficulties of cell type heterogeneity during the differentiation process from iPSCs to astroglial cells (iPS astrocytes), we generated homogenous populations of iPS astrocytes using zinc-finger nuclease (ZFN) technology. Enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) driven by the astrocyte-specific glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) promoter was inserted into the safe harbor adeno-associated virus integration site 1 (AAVS1) locus in disease and control-derived iPSCs. Astrocyte populations were enriched using Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) and after enrichment more than 99% of iPS astrocytes expressed mature astrocyte markers including GFAP, S100β, NFIA and ALDH1L1. In addition, mature pure GFP-iPS astrocytes exhibited a well-described functional astrocytic activity in vitro characterized by neuron-dependent regulation of glutamate transporters to regulate extracellular glutamate concentrations. Engraftment of GFP-iPS astrocytes into rat spinal cord grey matter confirmed in vivo cell survival and continued astrocytic maturation. In conclusion, the generation of GFAP::GFP-iPS astrocytes provides a powerful in vitro and in vivo tool for studying astrocyte biology and astrocyte-driven disease pathogenesis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping-Wu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | | | - Jacqueline T Pham
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Youngjin Lee
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Yuqing Huo
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Pentti J Tienari
- Biomedicum, Research Program Unit, Molecular Neurology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki University Central Hospital, Haartmaninkatu 8, Helsinki, FIN-00290, Finland
| | - Nicholas J Maragakis
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Rita Sattler
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland.,Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-270, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Jeffrey D Rothstein
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-248, Baltimore, Maryland.,Brain Science Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-270, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Neuroscience, Johns Hopkins University, Rangos 2-270, Baltimore, Maryland
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44
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Fontana ACK. Current approaches to enhance glutamate transporter function and expression. J Neurochem 2015; 134:982-1007. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2015] [Revised: 05/19/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andréia C. K. Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology; Drexel University College of Medicine; Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
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45
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Administration of 4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate delays disease phenotype in SOD1(G93A) rats: a transgenic model of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2015; 2015:259417. [PMID: 26075221 PMCID: PMC4436451 DOI: 10.1155/2015/259417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2015] [Revised: 04/21/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
4-(α-L-Rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl glucosinolate (glucomoringin, GMG) is a compound found in Moringa oleifera seeds. Myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis at neutral pH of GMG releases the biologically active compound 4-(α-L-rhamnosyloxy)-benzyl isothiocyanate (GMG-ITC). The present study was designed to test the potential therapeutic effectiveness of GMG-ITC to counteract the amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) using SOD1tg rats, which physiologically develops SOD1G93A at about 16 weeks of life, and can be considered a genetic model of disease. Rats were treated once a day with GMG (10 mg/Kg) bioactivated with myrosinase (20 µL/rat) via intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection for two weeks before disease onset and the treatment was prolonged for further two weeks before the sacrifice. Immune-inflammatory markers as well as apoptotic pathway were investigated to establish whether GMG-ITC could represent a new promising tool in clinical practice to prevent ALS. Achieved data display clear differences in molecular and biological profiles between treated and untreated SOD1tg rats leading to guessing that GMG-ITC can interfere with the pathophysiological mechanisms at the basis of ALS development. Therefore, GMG-ITC produced from myrosinase-catalyzed hydrolysis of pure GMG could be a candidate for further studies aimed to assess its possible use in clinical practice for the prevention or to slow down this disease.
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46
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Coutadeur S, Benyamine H, Delalonde L, de Oliveira C, Leblond B, Foucourt A, Besson T, Casagrande AS, Taverne T, Girard A, Pando MP, Désiré L. A novel DYRK1A (dual specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A) inhibitor for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease: effect on Tau and amyloid pathologies in vitro. J Neurochem 2015; 133:440-51. [PMID: 25556849 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 12/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The dual-specificity tyrosine phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) gene is located within the Down Syndrome (DS) critical region on chromosome 21 and is implicated in the generation of Tau and amyloid pathologies that are associated with the early onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD) observed in DS. DYRK1A is also found associated with neurofibrillary tangles in sporadic AD and phosphorylates key AD players (Tau, amyloid precursor, protein, etc). Thus, DYRK1A may be an important therapeutic target to modify the course of Tau and amyloid beta (Aβ) pathologies. Here, we describe EHT 5372 (methyl 9-(2,4-dichlorophenylamino) thiazolo[5,4-f]quinazoline-2-carbimidate), a novel, highly potent (IC50 = 0.22 nM) DYRK1A inhibitor with a high degree of selectivity over 339 kinases. Models in which inhibition of DYRK1A by siRNA reduced and DYRK1A over-expression induced Tau phosphorylation or Aβ production were used. EHT 5372 inhibits DYRK1A-induced Tau phosphorylation at multiple AD-relevant sites in biochemical and cellular assays. EHT 5372 also normalizes both Aβ-induced Tau phosphorylation and DYRK1A-stimulated Aβ production. DYRK1A is thus as a key element of Aβ-mediated Tau hyperphosphorylation, which links Tau and amyloid pathologies. EHT 5372 and other compounds in its class warrant in vivo investigation as a novel, high-potential therapy for AD and other Tau opathies. Inhibition of the dual specificity tyrosine-phosphorylation-regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A) is a new high-potential therapeutic approach for Alzheimer disease. Here we describe EHT 5372, a novel potent and selective DYRK1A inhibitor. EHT 5372 inhibits DYRK1A-induced Tau phosphorylation, Aβ production and Aβ effects on phospho-Tau, including Tau aggregation.
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47
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Rao PSS, Bell RL, Engleman EA, Sari Y. Targeting glutamate uptake to treat alcohol use disorders. Front Neurosci 2015; 9:144. [PMID: 25954150 PMCID: PMC4407613 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2015.00144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 96] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2014] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholism is a serious public health concern that is characterized by the development of tolerance to alcohol's effects, increased consumption, loss of control over drinking and the development of physical dependence. This cycle is often times punctuated by periods of abstinence, craving and relapse. The development of tolerance and the expression of withdrawal effects, which manifest as dependence, have been to a great extent attributed to neuroadaptations within the mesocorticolimbic and extended amygdala systems. Alcohol affects various neurotransmitter systems in the brain including the adrenergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic, GABAergic, glutamatergic, peptidergic, and serotonergic systems. Due to the myriad of neurotransmitter and neuromodulator systems affected by alcohol, the efficacies of current pharmacotherapies targeting alcohol dependence are limited. Importantly, research findings of changes in glutamatergic neurotransmission induced by alcohol self- or experimenter-administration have resulted in a focus on therapies targeting glutamatergic receptors and normalization of glutamatergic neurotransmission. Glutamatergic receptors implicated in the effects of ethanol include the ionotropic glutamate receptors (AMPA, Kainate, and NMDA) and some metabotropic glutamate receptors. Regarding glutamatergic homeostasis, ceftriaxone, MS-153, and GPI-1046, which upregulate glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1) expression in mesocorticolimbic brain regions, reduce alcohol intake in genetic animal models of alcoholism. Given the hyperglutamatergic/hyperexcitable state of the central nervous system induced by chronic alcohol abuse and withdrawal, the evidence thus far indicates that a restoration of glutamatergic concentrations and activity within the mesocorticolimbic system and extended amygdala as well as multiple memory systems holds great promise for the treatment of alcohol dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- P S S Rao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Richard L Bell
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Eric A Engleman
- Department of Psychiatry, Indiana University School of Medicine Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo Toledo, OH, USA
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48
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Mortensen OV, Liberato JL, Coutinho-Netto J, dos Santos WF, Fontana ACK. Molecular determinants of transport stimulation of EAAT2 are located at interface between the trimerization and substrate transport domains. J Neurochem 2015; 133:199-210. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2014] [Revised: 01/18/2015] [Accepted: 01/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Ole V. Mortensen
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology; Drexel University College of Medicine; Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
| | - José L. Liberato
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory; Department of Biology; College of Philosophy; Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto; University of São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Joaquim Coutinho-Netto
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology; Ribeirão Preto School of Medicine; University of São Paulo; SP Brazil
| | - Wagner F. dos Santos
- Neurobiology and Venoms Laboratory; Department of Biology; College of Philosophy; Sciences and Literature of Ribeirão Preto; University of São Paulo; Ribeirão Preto SP Brazil
| | - Andréia C. K. Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology; Drexel University College of Medicine; Philadelphia Pennsylvania USA
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49
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Stephens RL. Glutamate transporter activators as anti-nociceptive agents. Eurasian J Med 2015; 43:182-5. [PMID: 25610189 DOI: 10.5152/eajm.2011.39] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2011] [Accepted: 11/23/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The effective management of chronic pain remains enigmatic. There is a paucity of effective mechanistically-based approaches employed. Chronic visceral pain is a particularly difficult subcategory to manage. Glutamate is the most predominant excitatory neurotransmitter and mediates many aspects of sensory function including acute and chronic pain. There is a growing literature describing the efficacy of physiologically dominant glutamate transporter GLT-1 up-regulation in attenuating chronic visceral and somatic nociception. Since glutamate is the major excitatory neurotransmitter released in the first central synapse of the pain-transmitting afferent neurons, augmentation of GLT-1 activity, which reduces extracellular levels of glutamate, may be an important target for pain management strategies. This review summarizes studies in our laboratory and others which highlight findings that GLT-1 up-regulation by transgenic, pharmacologic and viral transfection approaches attenuate a host of nociceptive responses emanating from visceral or somatic sources in animal models. The study also outlines the future work that will be required to ascertain the translational potential of this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert L Stephens
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Rao PSS, Yallapu MM, Sari Y, Fisher PB, Kumar S. Designing Novel Nanoformulations Targeting Glutamate Transporter Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2: Implications in Treating Drug Addiction. JOURNAL OF PERSONALIZED NANOMEDICINE 2015; 1:3-9. [PMID: 26635971 PMCID: PMC4666545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Chronic drug abuse is associated with elevated extracellular glutamate concentration in the brain reward regions. Deficit of glutamate clearance has been identified as a contributing factor that leads to enhanced glutamate concentration following extended drug abuse. Importantly, normalization of glutamate level through induction of glutamate transporter 1 (GLT1)/ excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2) expression has been described in several in vivo studies. GLT1 upregulators including ceftriaxone, a beta-lactam antibiotic, have been effective in attenuating drug-seeking and drug-consumption behavior in rodent models. However, potential obstacles toward clinical translation of GLT1 (EAAT2) upregulators as treatment for drug addiction might include poor gastrointestinal absorption, serious peripheral adverse effects, and/or suboptimal CNS concentrations. Given the growing success of nanotechnology in targeting CNS ailments, nanoformulating known GLT1 (EAAT2) upregulators for selective uptake across the blood brain barrier presents an ideal therapeutic approach for treating drug addiction. In this review, we summarize the results obtained with promising GLT1 (EAAT2) inducing compounds in animal models recapitulating drug addiction. Additionally, the various nanoformulations that can be employed for selectively increasing the CNS bioavailability of GLT1 (EAAT2) upregulators are discussed. Finally, the applicability of GLT1 (EAAT2) induction via central delivery of drug-loaded nanoformulations is described.
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Affiliation(s)
- PSS Rao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA,Corresponding authors: (P.S.S.R), Tel: 901-448-7146. (S.K), Tel: 901-448-7157
| | - Murali M. Yallapu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA
| | - Youssef Sari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Toledo, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Paul B. Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, VCU Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, School of Medicine, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Santosh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN 38163, USA,Corresponding authors: (P.S.S.R), Tel: 901-448-7146. (S.K), Tel: 901-448-7157
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