1
|
Sri Hari A, Banerji R, Liang LP, Fulton RE, Huynh CQ, Fabisiak T, McElroy PB, Roede JR, Patel M. Increasing glutathione levels by a novel posttranslational mechanism inhibits neuronal hyperexcitability. Redox Biol 2023; 67:102895. [PMID: 37769522 PMCID: PMC10539966 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2023.102895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Glutathione (GSH) depletion, and impaired redox homeostasis have been observed in experimental animal models and patients with epilepsy. Pleiotropic strategies that elevate GSH levels via transcriptional regulation have been shown to significantly decrease oxidative stress and seizure frequency, increase seizure threshold, and rescue certain cognitive deficits. Whether elevation of GSH per se alters neuronal hyperexcitability remains unanswered. We previously showed that thiols such as dimercaprol (DMP) elevate GSH via post-translational activation of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), the rate limiting GSH biosynthetic enzyme. Here, we asked if elevation of cellular GSH by DMP altered neuronal hyperexcitability in-vitro and in-vivo. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with DMP elevated GSH and inhibited a voltage-gated potassium channel blocker (4-aminopyridine, 4AP) induced neuronal hyperexcitability. DMP increased GSH in wildtype (WT) zebrafish larvae and significantly attenuated convulsant pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-induced acute 'seizure-like' swim behavior. DMP treatment increased GSH and inhibited convulsive, spontaneous 'seizure-like' swim behavior in the Dravet Syndrome (DS) zebrafish larvae (scn1Lab). Furthermore, DMP treatment significantly decreased spontaneous electrographic seizures and associated seizure parameters in scn1Lab zebrafish larvae. We investigated the role of the redox-sensitive mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway due to the presence of several cysteine-rich proteins and their involvement in regulating neuronal excitability. Treatment of primary neuronal-glial cerebrocortical cultures with 4AP or l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO), an irreversible inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, significantly increased mTOR complex I (mTORC1) activity which was rescued by pre-treatment with DMP. Furthermore, BSO-mediated GSH depletion oxidatively modified the tuberous sclerosis protein complex (TSC) consisting of hamartin (TSC1), tuberin (TSC2), and TBC1 domain family member 7 (TBC1D7) which are critical negative regulators of mTORC1. In summary, our results suggest that DMP-mediated GSH elevation by a novel post-translational mechanism can inhibit neuronal hyperexcitability both in-vitro and in-vivo and a plausible link is the redox sensitive mTORC1 pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Sri Hari
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Rajeswari Banerji
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Li-Ping Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Ruth E Fulton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Christopher Quoc Huynh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Timothy Fabisiak
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Pallavi Bhuyan McElroy
- The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Greater Philadelphia Area, Horsham, PA, 19044, USA
| | - James R Roede
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA
| | - Manisha Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, 80045, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Arangia A, Ragno A, Cordaro M, D’Amico R, Siracusa R, Fusco R, Marino Merlo F, Smeriglio A, Impellizzeri D, Cuzzocrea S, Mandalari G, Di Paola R. Antioxidant Activity of a Sicilian Almond Skin Extract Using In Vitro and In Vivo Models. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12115. [PMID: 37569490 PMCID: PMC10418603 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Almond skins are known for their antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties, which are mainly due to the presence of polyphenols. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of almond skin extract (ASE) obtained from the Sicilian cultivar "Fascionello" and to evaluate the possible mechanisms of action using an in vitro model of human monocytic U937 cells as well as an in vivo model of carrageenan (CAR)-induced paw edema. The in vitro studies demonstrated that pretreatment with ASE inhibited the formation of ROS and apoptosis. The in vivo studies showed that ASE restored the CAR-induced tissue changes; restored the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione; and decreased neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxidation, and the release of proinflammatory mediators. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of ASE could be associated with the inhibition of the pro-inflammatory nuclear NF-κB and the activation of the nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathways. In conclusion, almond skin could reduce the levels of inflammation and oxidative stress and could be beneficial in the treatment of several disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Arangia
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Agnese Ragno
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental, Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Ramona D’Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Francesca Marino Merlo
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Antonella Smeriglio
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
- Department of Pharmacological and Physiological Science, Saint Louis University School of Medicine, Saint Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Giuseppina Mandalari
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98166 Messina, Italy; (A.A.)
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Interdonato L, Ferrario G, Cordaro M, D'Amico R, Siracusa R, Fusco R, Impellizzeri D, Cuzzocrea S, Aldini G, Di Paola R. Targeting Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways in Inflammatory Pain: The Role of Polyphenols from Thinned Apples. Molecules 2023; 28:5376. [PMID: 37513248 PMCID: PMC10385557 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28145376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Diet can modulate the different stages of inflammation due to the presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. Apples are a great source of phenolic compounds that show anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and these might be used as a dietary supplement and/or functional element in the treatment of chronic inflammatory illnesses. The aim of our study was to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions of thinned apple polyphenol (TAP) extracts in a model of paw edema. The experimental model was induced in rats via subplantar injections of 1% λ-Carrageenan (CAR) in the right hind leg, and TAP extract was administered via oral gavage 30 min before and 1 h after the CAR injection at doses of 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively. The inflammatory response is usually quantified by the increase in the size of the paw (edema), which is maximal about 5 h after the injection of CAR. CAR-induced inflammation generates the release of pro-inflammatory mediators and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the inflammatory state induces the pain that involves the peripheral nociceptors, but above all it acts centrally at the level of the spinal cord. Our results showed that the TAP extracts reduced paw histological changes, neutrophil infiltration, mast cell degranulation, and oxidative stress. Additionally, the oral administration of TAP extracts decreased thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia, along with a reduction in spinal microglia and the markers of nociception. In conclusion, we demonstrate that TAP extract is able to modulate inflammatory, oxidative, and painful processes, and is also useful in the treatment of the symptoms associated with paw edema.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Livia Interdonato
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giulio Ferrario
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Marika Cordaro
- Department of Biomedical, Dental and Morphological and Functional Imaging, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy
| | - Ramona D'Amico
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Rosalba Siracusa
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Roberta Fusco
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Daniela Impellizzeri
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Aldini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences (DISFARM), Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Mangiagalli 25, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Rosanna Di Paola
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Messina, 98168 Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zhao W, Xie C, Zhang X, Liu J, Liu J, Xia Z. Advances in the mTOR signaling pathway and its inhibitor rapamycin in epilepsy. Brain Behav 2023; 13:e2995. [PMID: 37221133 PMCID: PMC10275542 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.2995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/25/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is one of the most common and serious brain syndromes and has adverse consequences on a patient's neurobiological, cognitive, psychological, and social wellbeing, thereby threatening their quality of life. Some patients with epilepsy experience poor treatment effects due to the unclear pathophysiological mechanisms of the syndrome. Dysregulation of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is thought to play an important role in the onset and progression of some epilepsies. METHODS This review summarizes the role of the mTOR signaling pathway in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and the prospects for the use of mTOR inhibitors. RESULTS The mTOR pathway functions as a vital mediator in epilepsy development through diverse mechanisms, indicating that the it has great potential as an effective target for epilepsy therapy. The excessive activation of mTOR signaling pathway leads to structural changes in neurons, inhibits autophagy, exacerbates neuron damage, affects mossy fiber sprouting, enhances neuronal excitability, increases neuroinflammation, and is closely associated with tau upregulation in epilepsy. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that mTOR inhibitors exhibit significant antiepileptic effects in both clinical applications and animal models. Specifically, rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of TOR, reduces the intensity and frequency of seizures. Clinical studies in patients with tuberous sclerosis complex have shown that rapamycin has the function of reducing seizures and improving this disease. Everolimus, a chemically modified derivative of rapamycin, has been approved as an added treatment to other antiepileptic medicines. Further explorations are needed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy and application value of mTOR inhibitors in epilepsy. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the mTOR signaling pathway provides a promising prospect for the treatment of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Zhao
- Department of GerontologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
| | - Cong Xie
- Department of GerontologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
| | - Xu Zhang
- Department of GerontologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
| | - Ju Liu
- Laboratory of Microvascular MedicineMedical Research CenterShandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| | - Jinzhi Liu
- Department of GerontologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
- Department of NeurologyLiaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical UniversityLiaochengChina
- Department of GerontologyCheeloo College of MedicineShandong Provincial Qianfoshan Hospital, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
- Department of Geriatric NeurologyThe First Affiliated Hospital of Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Provincial Qianfoshan HospitalJinanChina
| | - Zhangyong Xia
- Department of NeurologyLiaocheng People's Hospital and Liaocheng Clinical School of Shandong First Medical UniversityLiaochengChina
- Department of NeurologyCheeloo College of MedicineLiaocheng People's Hospital, Shandong UniversityJinanChina
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Camargo WA, Hoekstra JW, Jansen JA, van den Beucken JJJP. Influence of bisphosphonate treatment on bone substitute performance in osteoporotic conditions. Clin Implant Dent Relat Res 2023. [PMID: 37121910 DOI: 10.1111/cid.13203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Considering the elevated number of osteoporotic patients in need of bone graft procedures, we here evaluated the effect of alendronate (ALN) treatment on the regeneration of bone defects in osteoporotic rats. Bone formation was histologically and histomorphometrically assessed in rat femoral condyle bone defects filled with bone graft (Bio-Oss®) or left empty. METHODS Male Wistar rats were induced osteoporotic through orchidectomy (ORX) and SHAM-operated. The animals were divided into three groups: osteoporotic (ORX), osteoporotic treated with ALN (ORX + ALN) and healthy (SHAM). Six weeks after ORX or SHAM surgeries, bone defects were created bilaterally in femoral condyles; one defect was filled with Bio-Oss® and the other one left empty. Bone regeneration within the defects was analyzed by histology and histomorphometry after 4 and 12 weeks. RESULTS Histological samples showed new bone surrounding Bio-Oss® particles from week 4 onward in all three groups. At week 12, the data further showed that ALN treatment of osteoporotic animals enhanced bone formation to a 10-fold increase compared to non-treated osteoporotic control. Bio-Oss® filling of the defects promoted bone formation at both implantation periods compared to empty controls. CONCLUSION Our histological and histomorphometric results demonstrate that the enteral administration of alendronate under osteoporotic bone conditions leverages bone defect regeneration to a level comparable to that in healthy bone. Additionally, Bio-Oss® is an effective bone substitute, increasing bone formation, and acting as an osteoconductive scaffold guiding bone growth in both healthy and osteoporotic bone conditions. SIGNIFICANCE Based on the results of this study, enteral use of ALN mitigates adverse effects of an osteoporotic condition on bone defect regeneration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Winston Adam Camargo
- Dentistry - Regenerative Biomaterials (309), Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Hoekstra
- Dentistry - Regenerative Biomaterials (309), Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - John A Jansen
- Dentistry - Regenerative Biomaterials (309), Radboudumc, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Muacevic A, Adler JR. Status Epilepticus in an Internal Medicine Ward: Different Patients Therefore Distinct Approaches. Cureus 2023; 15:e34259. [PMID: 36843693 PMCID: PMC9957589 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Status epilepticus (SE) is a medical condition that bestows substantial morbidity and mortality. Literature is scarce regarding SE in elderly patients, particularly in the context of internal medicine wards. Aim To characterize SE patients admitted to an internal medicine ward, identify potential outcome predictors and differences between young and elderly, as well as convulsive (CSE) and non-convulsive SE (NCSE) patients. Methods We enrolled 135 consecutive patients in an observational, retrospective cohort study. We established elderly patients as more than 64 years old and defined worse prognosis as a modified Rankin Scale (mRS)>4. Results The SE population was 73% elderly, and 75% presented with NCSE, mainly metabolic, idiopathic, or vascular SE. The intra-hospital mortality was 51%, and 62% had an mRS>4 at discharge. NCSE and electroencephalogram (EEG) with paroxysmal activity at discharge were predictive of a worse prognosis. Elderly patients had increased disability at admission, most had NCSE (81%), and the SE etiology differed with more idiopathic and vascular causes. In the elderly, mortality was increased, as was the number of patients with mRS>4 at discharge. NCSE patients had the more neurodegenerative disease (30%) and presented predominantly with vascular and anoxic causes. Morbidity and mortality were also increased in the NCSE group. There was no difference in the antiepileptic drugs used or in the percentage of patients achieving an EEG with no paroxysmal activity between the subpopulations. Conclusion SE in elderly patients should be addressed distinctly. Current approaches based on the strategies used for standard CSE have shown little or no efficacy overall.
Collapse
|
7
|
Jin Y, Pang H, Zhao L, Zhao F, Cheng Z, Liu Q, Cui R, Yang W, Li B. Ginseng total saponins and Fuzi total alkaloids exert antidepressant-like effects in ovariectomized mice through BDNF-mTORC1, autophagy and peripheral metabolic pathways. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 107:154425. [PMID: 36137328 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Shenfu decoction (SFD) is a classic Chinese medicine prescription that has a strong cardiotonic effect. The combination of ginseng (the dried root of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) and Fuzi (processed product of sub-root of Aconitum carmichaeli Debx), the main constituents of SFD, has been reported to improve the pharmacological effect of each other. Moreover, research has shown that the main active components of SFD, ginseng total saponins (GTS) and Fuzi total alkaloids (FTA), have antidepressant activity. However, the effects of these ingredients on depressive-like behavior induced by ovariectomy, a model of menopausal depression, have not been studied. PURPOSE Our research aims to elucidate the antidepressant-like effects of GTS and FTA compatibility (GF) in ovariectomized mice and the potential mechanisms. METHODS To elucidate the antidepressant-like effects of GF in mice in ovariectomy condition, behavioral tests were performed after 7 days of intragastric administration of different doses of GF. Underlying molecular mechanisms of CREB-BDNF, BDNF-mTORC1 and autophagy signaling were detected by western blotting, serum metabolites were examined by UPLC-QE plus-MS and dendritic spine density was determined by Golgi-Cox staining. RESULTS GF remarkably decreased the immobility time in the forced swim test. GF also increased levels of pCREB/CREB, BDNF, Akt, mTORC1 and p62 in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus, as well as decreased LC3-II/LC3-I in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus of ovariectomized mice. Furthermore, 15 serum differential metabolites (9 of which are lipids and lipid molecules) were identified by metabonomics. Next, the antidepressant-like effects of GF was blocked by rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTORC1. The antidepressant actions of GF on levels of pCREB, mTORC1, LC3-Ⅱ/LC3-Ⅰ and p62 in the prefrontal cortex and the levels of BDNF, Akt, mTORC1 and p62 in the hippocampus were inhibited by rapamycin, and the dendritic spines density was also regulated. CONCLUSION GF has antidepressant effects in ovariectomized mice, and like other antidepressants, these effects involve activation of BDNF-mTORC1, autophagy regulation and consequent effects on hippocampal synaptic plasticity. Moreover, metabolomic results suggest that GF also has effects on peripheral lipid profiles that may provide potential biomarkers for these antidepressant-like effects. These results indicate that GF is worthy of further exploration as a promising pharmaceutical treatment for depression. This study provides a new direction for the development of new indications for traditional Chinese medicine compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Jin
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Department of Pharmacy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Huanhuan Pang
- Cosmetics Laboratory, Jilin Institute for Drug Control, Changchun 130033, PR China
| | - Lihong Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Fangyi Zhao
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Ziqian Cheng
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Ranji Cui
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China
| | - Wei Yang
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
| | - Bingjin Li
- Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory on Molecular and Chemical Genetic, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China; Jilin Engineering Laboratory for Screening of Antidepressant, Changchun 130041, PR China; Central Laboratory, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130041, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kapar O, Gurkan ZM, Dolgun M, Sencer A, Gürses C, Bilgic B. Focal cortical dysplasia pathology: diagnostic difficulty, classification, and utility for pathogenesis. Neurosurg Focus 2022; 53:E6. [DOI: 10.3171/2022.7.focus21731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
In the histopathological examination of treatment-resistant epilepsy, focal cortical dysplasia (FCD) is the most common diagnosis in the pediatric group. FCD is classified histopathologically according to the International League Against Epilepsy (ILAE) classification. In the last decade since the ILAE classification has been released, molecular genetic studies have revealed mTOR pathway–related mutations as a major etiology. The objective of this study was to determine the incidence of FCD in treatment-resistant epilepsy patients, explore histomorphological and immunohistochemical features, examine clinicopathological correlation, demonstrate mTOR pathway activation using a pS6 antibody immunohistochemically, and try to introduce a candidate for possible targeted therapies.
METHODS
Paraffin blocks and slides of tissue from patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy were reexamined retrospectively. Histopathological subtypes of FCD were determined according to the ILAE classification. NeuN and neurofilament H (NF-H) staining were performed, and additionally a pS6 antibody was used to demonstrate mTOR pathway activation.
RESULTS
In 32 cases diagnosed with FCD, or 17.5% of 183 surgical epilepsy materials, there were no significant differences in the statistical analysis of clinical variables between the ILAE FCD subtypes. Recommended antibody NeuN revealed microcolumnar alignment in the FCD type Ia and IIIa groups and the loss of lamination in the type Ib group. Another recommended antibody, NF-H, was not found to be useful in discriminating between normal and dysmorphic neurons. pS6 expression, showing mTOR pathway activation, was observed in dysmorphic neurons and balloon cells in all FCD type II cases.
CONCLUSIONS
Significant pS6 expression in FCD type II represents the genomic nature of the disease noted in the literature. Nevertheless, the known MTOR gene and mTOR pathway–related mutations remain behind proportionally to explain the mTOR pathway activation in all FCD type II cases. Clinicopathologically and genetically integrated classification and usage of mTOR pathway inhibitors in treatment are expected as a recent evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozge Kapar
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul University
| | - Zahide Mail Gurkan
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Neurophysiology, Istanbul University
| | - Muge Dolgun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Sultangazi Haseki Training and Research Hospital
| | - Altay Sencer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University; and
| | - Candan Gürses
- Department of Neurology, Koc University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
N-acetylcysteine aggravates seizures while improving depressive-like and cognitive impairment comorbidities in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:2702-2714. [PMID: 35167014 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02720-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant with some demonstrated efficacy in a range of neuropsychiatric disorders. NAC has shown anticonvulsant effects in animal models. NAC effects on absence seizures are still not uncovered, and considering its clinical use as a mucolytic in patients with lung diseases, people with epilepsy are also likely to be exposed to the drug. Therefore, we aimed to study the effects of NAC on absence seizures in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy with neuropsychiatric comorbidities. The effects of NAC chronic treatment in WAG/Rij rats were evaluated on: absence seizures at 15 and 30 days by EEG recordings and animal behaviour at 30 days on neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Furthermore, the mechanism of action of NAC was evaluated by analysing brain expression levels of some possible key targets: the excitatory amino acid transporter 2, cystine-glutamate antiporter, metabotropic glutamate receptor 2, the mechanistic target of rapamycin and p70S6K as well as levels of total glutathione. Our results demonstrate that in WAG/Rij rats, NAC treatment significantly increased the number and duration of SWDs, aggravating absence epilepsy while ameliorating neuropsychiatric comorbidities. NAC treatment was linked to an increase in brain mGlu2 receptor expression with this being likely responsible for the observed absence seizure-promoting effects. In conclusion, while confirming the positive effects on animal behaviour induced by NAC also in epileptic animals, we report the aggravating effects of NAC on absence seizures which could have some serious consequences for epilepsy patients with the possible wider use of NAC in clinical therapeutics.
Collapse
|
10
|
KANDEMİR C, YAVUZ M, KARAKAYA FB, ÇİLİNGİR-KAYA ÖT, ONAT F, ŞİRVANCI S. Investigation of Neurogenesis in Kindled Wistar and Genetic Absence Epilepsy Rats. CLINICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL HEALTH SCIENCES 2021. [DOI: 10.33808/clinexphealthsci.1021171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Objective: The most common type of epilepsy affecting about 50 million people worldwide is temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Chemical and electrical kindling methods in animals can be used to form TLE model. In the present study, it was aimed to investigate neurogenesis in the hippocampus of adult kindled Wistar rats and genetic absence epilepsy rats from Strasbourg (GAERS) rats by immunofluorescence methods.
Methods: Adult Wistar and GAERS albino rats weighing 250-300 gr were injected pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) (35 mg/kg, s.c.) every other day to produce chemical kindling. Animals having 5 times grade 5 seizures were considered to be kindled. Intracardiac perfusion was performed under deep anesthesia on the 7th and 14th days after the last grade 5 seizure. Immunofluorescence methods were used to demonstrate newly formed neurons, astroglial cells, and mature neurons, by using anti-doublecortin (DCX), anti-glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and anti- neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) primary antibodies, respectively. Sections were then examined under a fluorescence microscope.
Results: DCX (+) cells were found to be increased in GAERS control groups compared to the Wistar control groups; and in Wistar PTZ groups compared to the Wistar control groups. DCX (+) cells were decreased in GAERS PTZ groups compared to their controls and to Wistar PTZ groups.
Conclusion: The findings of the present study suggest that the resistance to electrical kindling of GAERS reported in previous studies might be related to the increased neurogenesis in this strain.
Collapse
|
11
|
An insight into crosstalk among multiple signaling pathways contributing to epileptogenesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174469. [PMID: 34478688 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite the years of research, epilepsy remains uncontrolled in one-third of afflicted individuals and poses a health and economic burden on society. Currently available anti-epileptic drugs mainly target the excitatory-inhibitory imbalance despite targeting the underlying pathophysiology of the disease. Recent research focuses on understanding the pathophysiologic mechanisms that lead to seizure generation and on possible new treatment avenues for preventing epilepsy after a brain injury. Various signaling pathways, including the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAP-ERK) pathway, JAK-STAT pathway, wnt/β-catenin signaling, cAMP pathway, and jun kinase pathway, have been suggested to play an essential role in this regard. Recent work suggests that the mTOR pathway intervenes epileptogenesis and proposes that mTOR inhibitors may have antiepileptogenic properties for epilepsy. In the same way, several animal studies have indicated the involvement of the Wnt signaling pathway in neurogenesis and neuronal death induced by seizures in different phases (acute and chronic) of seizure development. Various studies have also documented the activation of JAK-STAT signaling in epilepsy and cAMP involvement in epileptogenesis through CREB (cAMP response element-binding protein). Although studies are there, the mechanism for how components of these pathways mediate epileptogenesis requires further investigation. This review summarises the current role of various signaling pathways involved in epileptogenesis and the crosstalk among them. Furthermore, we will also discuss the mechanical base for the interaction between these pathways and how these interactions could be a new emerging promising target for future epilepsy therapies.
Collapse
|
12
|
Lou S, Cui S. Drug treatment of epilepsy: From serendipitous discovery to evolutionary mechanisms. Curr Med Chem 2021; 29:3366-3391. [PMID: 34514980 DOI: 10.2174/0929867328666210910124727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 07/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder caused by abnormal firing of neurons. Up to now, using antiepileptic drugs is the main method of epilepsy treatment. The development of antiepileptic drugs lasted for centuries. In general, most agents entering clinical practice act on the balance mechanisms of brain "excitability-inhibition". More specifically, they target voltage-gated ion channels, GABAergic transmission and glutamatergic transmission. In recent years, some novel drugs representing new mechanisms of action have been discovered. Although there are about 30 available drugs in the market, it is still in urgent need of discovering more effective and safer drugs. The development of new antiepileptic drugs is into a new era: from serendipitous discovery to evolutionary mechanism-based design. This article presents an overview of drug treatment of epilepsy, including a series of traditional and novel drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shengying Lou
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou. China
| | - Sunliang Cui
- Institute of Drug Discovery and Design, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou. China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
mTOR Knockdown in the Infralimbic Cortex Evokes A Depressive-like State in Mouse. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168671. [PMID: 34445375 PMCID: PMC8395521 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/08/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Fast and sustained antidepressant effects of ketamine identified the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway as the main modulator of its antidepressive effects. Thus, mTOR signaling has become integral for the preclinical evaluation of novel compounds to treat depression. However, causality between mTOR and depression has yet to be determined. To address this, we knocked down mTOR expression in mice using an acute intracerebral infusion of small interfering RNAs (siRNA) in the infralimbic (IL) or prelimbic (PrL) cortices of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), and evaluated depressive- and anxious-like behaviors. mTOR knockdown in IL, but not PrL, cortex produced a robust depressive-like phenotype in mice, as assessed in the forced swimming test (FST) and the tail suspension test (TST). This phenotype was associated with significant reductions of mTOR mRNA and protein levels 48 h post-infusion. In parallel, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression was found bilaterally in both IL and PrL cortices along with a dysregulation of serotonin (5-HT) and glutamate (Glu) release in the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN). Overall, our results demonstrate causality between mTOR expression in the IL cortex and depressive-like behaviors, but not in anxiety.
Collapse
|
14
|
Rubio C, Taddei E, Acosta J, Custodio V, Paz C. Neuronal Excitability in Epileptogenic Zones Regulated by the Wnt/ Β-Catenin Pathway. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:2-11. [PMID: 31987027 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200120143133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 01/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that involves abnormal and recurrent neuronal discharges, producing epileptic seizures. Recently, it has been proposed that the Wnt signaling pathway is essential for the central nervous system development and function because it modulates important processes such as hippocampal neurogenesis, synaptic clefting, and mitochondrial regulation. Wnt/β- catenin signaling regulates changes induced by epileptic seizures, including neuronal death. Several genetic studies associate Wnt/β-catenin signaling with neuronal excitability and epileptic activity. Mutations and chromosomal defects underlying syndromic or inherited epileptic seizures have been identified. However, genetic factors underlying the susceptibility of an individual to develop epileptic seizures have not been fully studied yet. In this review, we describe the genes involved in neuronal excitability in epileptogenic zones dependent on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmen Rubio
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Elisa Taddei
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Jorge Acosta
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Verónica Custodio
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| | - Carlos Paz
- Departamento de Neurofisiología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269 Ciudad de México, CDMX, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Akman O, Briggs SW, Mowrey WB, Moshé SL, Galanopoulou AS. Antiepileptogenic effects of rapamycin in a model of infantile spasms due to structural lesions. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1985-1999. [PMID: 34212374 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Infantile spasms may evolve into persistent epilepsies including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. We compared adult epilepsy outcomes in models of infantile spasms due to structural etiology (multiple-hit model) or focal cortical inflammation and determined the anti-epileptogenic effects of pulse-rapamycin, previously shown to stop spasms in multiple-hit rats. METHODS Spasms were induced in 3-day-old male rats via right intracerebral doxorubicin/lipopolysaccharide (multiple-hit model) infusions. Controls and sham rats were used. Separate multiple-hit rats received pulse-rapamycin or vehicle intraperitoneally between postnatal days 4 and 6. In adult mice, video-EEG (electroencephalography) scoring for seizures and sleep and histology were done blinded to treatment. RESULTS Motor-type seizures developed in 66.7% of multiple-hit rats, usually from sleep, but were reduced in the pulse-rapamycin-treated group (20%, p = .043 vs multiple-hit) and rare in other groups (0-9.1%, p < .05 vs multiple-hit). Spike-and-wave bursts had a slower frequency in multiple-hit rats (5.4-5.8Hz) than in the other groups (7.6-8.3Hz) (p < .05); pulse rapamycin had no effect on the hourly spike-and-wave burst rates in adulthood. Rapamycin, however, reduced the time spent in slow-wave-sleep (17.2%), which was increased in multiple-hit rats (71.6%, p = .003). Sham rats spent more time in wakefulness (43.7%) compared to controls (30.6%, p = .043). Multiple-hit rats, with or without rapamycin treatment, had right more than left corticohippocampal, basal ganglia lesions. There was no macroscopic pathology in the other groups. SIGNIFICANCE Structural corticohippocampal/basal ganglia lesions increase the risk for post-infantile spasms epilepsy, Lennox-Gastaut syndrome features, and sleep dysregulation. Pulse rapamycin treatment for infantile spasms has anti-epileptogenic effects, despite the structural lesions, and decreases the time spent in slow wave sleep.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ozlem Akman
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Stephen W Briggs
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Wenzhu B Mowrey
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Solomon L Moshé
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Bronx, New York, USA.,Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Montefiore/Einstein Epilepsy Center, Bronx, New York, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Aristea S Galanopoulou
- Saul R. Korey Department of Neurology, Laboratory of Developmental Epilepsy, Bronx, New York, USA.,Isabelle Rapin Division of Child Neurology, Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Montefiore/Einstein Epilepsy Center, Bronx, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gobbo D, Scheller A, Kirchhoff F. From Physiology to Pathology of Cortico-Thalamo-Cortical Oscillations: Astroglia as a Target for Further Research. Front Neurol 2021; 12:661408. [PMID: 34177766 PMCID: PMC8219957 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.661408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The electrographic hallmark of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and other idiopathic forms of epilepsy are 2.5-4 Hz spike and wave discharges (SWDs) originating from abnormal electrical oscillations of the cortico-thalamo-cortical network. SWDs are generally associated with sudden and brief non-convulsive epileptic events mostly generating impairment of consciousness and correlating with attention and learning as well as cognitive deficits. To date, SWDs are known to arise from locally restricted imbalances of excitation and inhibition in the deep layers of the primary somatosensory cortex. SWDs propagate to the mostly GABAergic nucleus reticularis thalami (NRT) and the somatosensory thalamic nuclei that project back to the cortex, leading to the typical generalized spike and wave oscillations. Given their shared anatomical basis, SWDs have been originally considered the pathological transition of 11-16 Hz bursts of neural oscillatory activity (the so-called sleep spindles) occurring during Non-Rapid Eye Movement (NREM) sleep, but more recent research revealed fundamental functional differences between sleep spindles and SWDs, suggesting the latter could be more closely related to the slow (<1 Hz) oscillations alternating active (Up) and silent (Down) cortical activity and concomitantly occurring during NREM. Indeed, several lines of evidence support the fact that SWDs impair sleep architecture as well as sleep/wake cycles and sleep pressure, which, in turn, affect seizure circadian frequency and distribution. Given the accumulating evidence on the role of astroglia in the field of epilepsy in the modulation of excitation and inhibition in the brain as well as on the development of aberrant synchronous network activity, we aim at pointing at putative contributions of astrocytes to the physiology of slow-wave sleep and to the pathology of SWDs. Particularly, we will address the astroglial functions known to be involved in the control of network excitability and synchronicity and so far mainly addressed in the context of convulsive seizures, namely (i) interstitial fluid homeostasis, (ii) K+ clearance and neurotransmitter uptake from the extracellular space and the synaptic cleft, (iii) gap junction mechanical and functional coupling as well as hemichannel function, (iv) gliotransmission, (v) astroglial Ca2+ signaling and downstream effectors, (vi) reactive astrogliosis and cytokine release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Davide Gobbo
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Anja Scheller
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| | - Frank Kirchhoff
- Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine (CIPMM), University of Saarland, Homburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Inhibition of mTOR signaling by genetic removal of p70 S6 kinase 1 increases anxiety-like behavior in mice. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:165. [PMID: 33723223 PMCID: PMC7960700 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-020-01187-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2020] [Revised: 12/16/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a ubiquitously expressed kinase that acts through two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, to regulate protein homeostasis, as well as long lasting forms of synaptic and behavioral plasticity. Alteration of the mTOR pathway is classically involved in neurodegenerative disorders, and it has been linked to dysregulation of cognitive functions and affective states. However, information concerning the specific involvement of the p70 S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), a downstream target of the mTORC1 pathway, in learning and memory processes and in the regulation of affective states remains scant. To fill this gap, we exposed adult male mice lacking S6K1 to a battery of behavioral tests aimed at measuring their learning and memory capabilities by evaluating reference memory and flexibility with the Morris water maze, and associative memory using the contextual fear conditioning task. We also studied their anxiety-like and depression-like behaviors by, respectively, performing elevated plus maze, open field, light-dark emergence tests, and sucrose preference and forced swim tests. We found that deleting S6K1 leads to a robust anxious phenotype concomitant with associative learning deficits; these symptoms are associated with a reduction of adult neurogenesis and neuronal atrophy in the hippocampus. Collectively, these results provide grounds for the understanding of anxiety reports after treatments with mTOR inhibitors and will be critical for developing novel compounds targeting anxiety.
Collapse
|
18
|
Gruenbaum BF, Sandhu MRS, Bertasi RAO, Bertasi TGO, Schonwald A, Kurup A, Gruenbaum SE, Freedman IG, Funaro MC, Blumenfeld H, Sanacora G. Absence seizures and their relationship to depression and anxiety: Evidence for bidirectionality. Epilepsia 2021; 62:1041-1056. [PMID: 33751566 PMCID: PMC8443164 DOI: 10.1111/epi.16862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Revised: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 02/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Absence seizures (AS), presenting as short losses of consciousness with staring spells, are a common manifestation of childhood epilepsy that is associated with behavioral, emotional, and social impairments. It has also been suggested that patients with AS are more likely to suffer from mood disorders such as depression and anxiety. This systematic review and meta-analysis synthesizes human and animal models that investigated mood disorders and AS. Of the 1019 scientific publications identified, 35 articles met the inclusion criteria for this review. We found that patients with AS had greater odds of developing depression and anxiety when compared to controls (odds ratio = 4.93, 95% confidence interval = 2.91-8.35, p < .01). The included studies further suggest a strong correlation between AS and depression and anxiety in the form of a bidirectional relationship. The current literature emphasizes that these conditions likely share underlying mechanisms, such as genetic predisposition, neurophysiology, and anatomical pathways. Further research will clarify this relationship and ensure more effective treatment for AS and mood disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin F Gruenbaum
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Mani Ratnesh S Sandhu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Raphael A O Bertasi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Tais G O Bertasi
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Antonia Schonwald
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Anirudh Kurup
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Shaun E Gruenbaum
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Florida, USA
| | - Isaac G Freedman
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Melissa C Funaro
- Harvey Cushing/John Hay Whitney Medical Library, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hal Blumenfeld
- Department of Neurology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.,Department of Neurosurgery, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Gerard Sanacora
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Goldstein HE, Hauptman JS. The Putative Role of mTOR Inhibitors in Non-tuberous Sclerosis Complex-Related Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2021; 12:639319. [PMID: 33643212 PMCID: PMC7907183 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.639319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy affects ~5 out of every 10,000 children per year. Up to one-third of these children have medically refractory epilepsy, with limited to no options for improved seizure control. mTOR, a ubiquitous 289 kDa serine/threonine kinase in the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-related kinases (PIKK) family, is dysregulated in a number of human diseases, including tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) and epilepsy. In cell models of epilepsy and TSC, rapamycin, an mTOR inhibitor, has been shown to decrease seizure frequency and duration, and positively affect cell growth and morphology. Rapamycin has also been shown to prevent or improve epilepsy and prolong survival in animal models of TSC. To date, clinical studies looking at the effects of mTOR inhibitors on the reduction of seizures have mainly focused on patients with TSC. Everolimus (Novartis Pharmaceuticals), a chemically modified rapamycin derivative, has been shown to reduce seizure frequency with reasonable safety and tolerability. Mutations in mTOR or the mTOR pathway have been found in hemimegalencephaly (HME) and focal cortical dysplasias (FCDs), both of which are highly correlated with medically refractory epilepsy. Given the evidence to date, a logical next step is to investigate the role of mTOR inhibitors in the treatment of children with medically refractory non-TSC epilepsy, particularly those children who have also failed resective surgery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hannah E Goldstein
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| | - Jason S Hauptman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Karson A, Utkan T, Şahin TD, Balcı F, Arkan S, Ateş N. Etanercept rescues cognitive deficits, depression-like symptoms, and spike-wave discharge incidence in WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Epilepsy Behav 2021; 115:107532. [PMID: 33444990 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/14/2020] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Pro-inflammatory cytokines have been shown to be associated with the development of seizures in the WAG/Rij rat model of absence epilepsy. Importantly, WAG/Rij rats also exhibit cognitive deficits and depression-like behaviors. It is possible that pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate these comorbid conditions of absence epilepsy given their well-established effects on cognition and affective responses. The current study investigated the potential therapeutic effect of etanercept (tumor necrosis factor inhibitor) on cognitive impairment, depression-like behavior, and spike-wave discharges (SWDs) typically observed in the WAG/Rij rats. Eight-month-old male WAG/Rij rats and Wistar controls were tested in Morris water maze (MWM), passive avoidance (PA), forced swimming, sucrose preference, and locomotor activity tests, and electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings were taken from a separate group of WAG/Rij rats after 8 weeks of etanercept or vehicle treatment. Consistent with earlier work, WAG/Rij rats exhibited cognitive deficits and depression-like behavior. From these, the cognitive deficits and despair-like behavior were rescued by etanercept administration, which also reduced the frequency of SWDs without affecting their duration. Our results support the hypothesis that pro-inflammatory cytokines mediate the absence seizures and comorbid symptoms of absence epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Karson
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey.
| | - Tijen Utkan
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, Turkey.
| | | | - Fuat Balcı
- Koç University, Department of Psychology & Research Center for Translational Medicine, Turkey
| | - Sertan Arkan
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey
| | - Nurbay Ateş
- Kocaeli University, School of Medicine, Department of Physiology, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Leo A, Nesci V, Tallarico M, Amodio N, Gallo Cantafio EM, De Sarro G, Constanti A, Russo E, Citraro R. IL-6 Receptor Blockade by Tocilizumab Has Anti-absence and Anti-epileptogenic Effects in the WAG/Rij Rat Model of Absence Epilepsy. Neurotherapeutics 2020; 17:2004-2014. [PMID: 32681356 PMCID: PMC7851197 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-020-00893-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Increased expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) both in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and plasma is closely associated with convulsive epilepsy and symptom severity of depression. By comparison, at present, little is known about the role of this cytokine in childhood (non-convulsive) absence epilepsy. The aim of this work was to investigate the potential effects of acute and chronic treatment with tocilizumab (TCZ, 10 and 30 mg/kg/day), on absence seizures, their development, and related psychiatric comorbidity in WAG/Rij rats. It is known that lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced changes in inflammatory processes increase absence epileptic activity. In order to study the central effects of TCZ, we investigated whether administration of this anti-IL-6R antibody could modulate the lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or IL-6-evoked changes in absence epileptic activity in WAG/Rij rats. Our results demonstrate that TCZ, at both doses, significantly reduced the development of absence seizures in adult WAG/Rij rats at 6 months of age (1 month after treatment suspension) compared with untreated controls, thus showing disease-modifying effects. Decreased absence seizure development at 6 months of age was also accompanied by reduced comorbid depressive-like behavior, whereas no effects were observed on anxiety-related behavior. Acute treatment with TCZ, at 30 mg/kg, had anti-absence properties lasting ~25 h. The co-administration TCZ with i.c.v. LPS or IL-6 showed that TCZ inhibited the worsening of absence seizures induced by both proinflammatory agents in the WAG/Rij rats, supporting a central anti-inflammatory-like protective action. These results suggest the possible role of IL-6 and consequent neuroinflammation in the epileptogenic process underlying the development and maintenance of absence seizures in WAG/Rij rats. Accordingly, IL-6 signaling could be a promising pharmacological target in absence epilepsy and depressive-like comorbidity.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/pharmacology
- Antibodies, Monoclonal, Humanized/therapeutic use
- Disease Models, Animal
- Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
- Epilepsy, Absence/drug therapy
- Epilepsy, Absence/genetics
- Epilepsy, Absence/metabolism
- Male
- Rats
- Rats, Transgenic
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptors, Interleukin-6/metabolism
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Tallarico
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Experimental and Clinical Medicine Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Eugenia M Gallo Cantafio
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine and Surgery, Magna Græcia University of Catanzaro, Viale Europa - Germaneto, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Zhao J, Lao L, Cui W, Rong J. Potential link between the RagA-mTOR-p70S6K axis and depressive-behaviors during bacterial liposaccharide challenge. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:211. [PMID: 31711501 PMCID: PMC6844034 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1610-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacterial infection is a potential risk factor for depression. However, little is known about the mechanistic link between bacterial endotoxin and depressive-like behaviors. The aim of the present study was to clarify whether liposaccharide (LPS) could induce depressive-like behaviors in mice via sequentially activating small GTPase RagA, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), and p70S6K. METHODS C57BL/6 N mice were treated with 0.83 mg/kg LPS by intraperitoneal injection for 24 h. The animals were assessed for depressive-like behaviors by forced swim test and tail suspension test. The expression levels of RagA, mTOR, and p70S6K were determined in mice, primary cortical neurons, neural stem cells, and PC12 cells. RESULTS LPS effectively induced depressive-like behaviors in mice. Biochemical examination revealed that LPS not only upregulated RagA expression but also activated mTOR/p70S6K pathway in mouse brains. LPS challenge also achieved a similar effect in primary cortical neurons, neural stem cells, and PC12 cells. Following the silencing of RagA expression with specific siRNA, LPS failed to induce mTORC1 translocation to the lysosomal membranes in PC12 cells. These results suggested that LPS might sequentially upregulate RagA and activate mTOR and p70S6K pathways in mice and neural stem cells. CONCLUSIONS This study for the first time demonstrated that LPS might induce depressive-like behaviors in mice via the upregulation of RagA and subsequent activation of mTOR/p70S6K pathway. Such information may highlight the RagA-mTOR-p70S6K signaling cascade as a novel therapeutic target for the development of new anti-depressant therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jia Zhao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hongkong, China.,Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Hong Kong Branch of Zhu's School of Gynecology of Chinese Medicine from Shanghai Workstation of Zhu Nansun, National Master of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong, China.,Yu Jin, Master of Gynaecology of Chinese Medicine and Integrative Medicine, Integrative Medicine Workstation for Training and Research (Hong Kong Branch), Hong Kong, China
| | - Lixing Lao
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hongkong, China.,Department of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China.,Hong Kong Branch of Zhu's School of Gynecology of Chinese Medicine from Shanghai Workstation of Zhu Nansun, National Master of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong, China.,Yu Jin, Master of Gynaecology of Chinese Medicine and Integrative Medicine, Integrative Medicine Workstation for Training and Research (Hong Kong Branch), Hong Kong, China
| | - Wei Cui
- Ningbo Key Laboratory of Behavioral Neuroscience, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Jianhui Rong
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, 10 Sassoon Road, Pokfulam, Hongkong, China. .,The University of Hong Kong Shenzhen Institute of Research and Innovation (HKU-SIRI), Shenzhen, China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Citraro R, Iannone M, Leo A, De Caro C, Nesci V, Tallarico M, Abdalla K, Palma E, Arturi F, De Sarro G, Constanti A, Russo E. Evaluation of the effects of liraglutide on the development of epilepsy and behavioural alterations in two animal models of epileptogenesis. Brain Res Bull 2019; 153:133-142. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2019] [Revised: 06/27/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
|
24
|
Leo A, Caro CD, Nesci V, Palma E, Tallarico M, Iannone M, Constanti A, Sarro GD, Russo E, Citraro R. Antiepileptogenic effects of Ethosuximide and Levetiracetam in WAG/Rij rats are only temporary. Pharmacol Rep 2019; 71:833-838. [PMID: 31386986 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2019.04.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND WAG/Rij rats represent a validated genetic animal model of epileptogenesis, absence epilepsy and depressive-like comorbidity. Some treatments (e.g. ethosuximide), using specific protocols, prevent the development of spontaneous absence seizures. Accordingly, ethosuximide increases remission occurrence in children with childhood absence epilepsy in comparison to valproic acid. Considering that in this animal model, antiepileptogenic effects are, in some cases, not retained over time, we studied whether the antiepileptogenic effects of both ethosuximide and levetiracetam (which also possesses antiepileptogenic effects in this and other animal epilepsy models) would be retained 5 months after drug suspension. METHODS WAG/Rij rats of ˜1 month of age were treated long-term with one of the two drugs at a dose of ˜80 mg/kg/day for 17 consecutive weeks; 1 and 5 months after drug suspension, the development of absence seizures as well as depressive-like behaviour were assessed by EEG recordings and the forced swimming test (FST). RESULTS In agreement with a previous report, both drugs continued to show antiepileptogenic effects 1 month after their discontinuation. Furthermore, ethosuximide improved depressive-like behaviour, whereas in contrast, levetiracetam worsened this symptom. However, none of the drugs maintained their antiepileptogenic effects 5 months after suspension, and in addition, animal behaviour in the FST returned to control conditions. CONCLUSION Overall, these results demonstrate that the antiepileptogenic effects of both ethosuximide and levetiracetam on absence seizure development and associated depressive-like behaviour in this model are only temporary.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmen De Caro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ernesto Palma
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Martina Tallarico
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy; CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Iannone
- CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | | | - Emilio Russo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Department, Catanzaro, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang X, Hei C, Liu P, Li PA. Prevention of post-ischemic seizure by rapamycin is associated with deactivation of mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways in hyperglycemic rats. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 520:47-53. [PMID: 31564412 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.09.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Pre-ischemic hyperglycemia increases the occurrence of post-ischemic seizures both in experimental and clinical settings. The underlying mechanisms are not fully delineated; however, activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) has been shown to be engaged in the pathogenesis of epilepsy, in which seizures are a regular occurrence. Therefore, we wanted to explore specifically the capacity of an mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, in preventing post-ischemic seizures in hyperglycemic rats and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that none of the rats in the sham control, EG ischemic, or within 3 h of I/R in hyperglycemic ischemic groups experienced seizures. Generalized tonic-clonic seizures were observed in all 8/8 of hyperglycemic ischemic rats at 16 h of I/R. Treatment with rapamycin successfully blocked post-ischemic seizures in 7/8 hyperglycemic ischemic animals. Rapamycin also lessened the neuronal death extraordinarily in hyperglycemic ischemic animals as revealed by histopathological studies. Protein analysis revealed that transient ischemia resulted in increases in p-mTOR and p-S6, especially in the hippocampi of the hyperglycemic ischemic rats. Rapamycin treatment completely blocked mTOR activation. Furthermore, hyperglycemic ischemia induced a much prominent rise of p-ERK1/2 both in the cortex and the hippocampi compared with EG counterparts; whereas rapamycin suppressed it. We conclude that the development of post-ischemic seizures in the hyperglycemic animals may be associated with activations of mTOR and ERK1/2 pathways and that rapamycin treatment inhibited the post-ischemic seizures effectively by suppressing the mTOR and ERK1/2 signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Yang
- Neuroscience Center, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Key Laboratory for Craniocerebral Diseases of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Yinchuan, China; Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute Technology Enterprise (BRITE), College of Arts and Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, USA
| | - Changchun Hei
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute Technology Enterprise (BRITE), College of Arts and Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, USA; Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute Technology Enterprise (BRITE), College of Arts and Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, USA; Department of Endocrinology, General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - P Andy Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Biomanufacturing Research Institute Technology Enterprise (BRITE), College of Arts and Sciences, North Carolina Central University, Durham, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Leo A, Citraro R, Tallarico M, Iannone M, Fedosova E, Nesci V, De Sarro G, Sarkisova K, Russo E. Cognitive impairment in the WAG/Rij rat absence model is secondary to absence seizures and depressive-like behavior. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 94:109652. [PMID: 31095993 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric comorbidities are common in patients with epilepsy, remaining still an urgent unmet clinical need. Therefore, the management of epileptic disorders should not only be restricted to the achievement of seizure-freedom but must also be able to counteract its related comorbidities. Experimental animal models of epilepsy represent a valid tool not only to study epilepsy but also its associated comorbidities. The WAG/Rij rat is a well-established genetically-based model of absence epilepsy with depressive-like comorbidity, in which learning and memory impairment was also recently reported. Aim of this study was to clarify whether this cognitive decline is secondary or not to absence seizures and/or depressive-like behavior. The behavioral performance of untreated and ethosuximide-treated (300 mg/kg/day; 17 days) WAG/Rij rats at 6 and 12 months of age were assessed in several tests: forced swimming test, objects recognition test, social recognition test, Morris water maze and passive avoidance. According to our results, it seems that cognitive impairment in this strain, similarly to depressive-like behavior, is secondary to the occurrence of absence seizures, which might be necessary for the expression of cognitive impairment. Furthermore, our results suggest an age-dependent impairment of cognitive performance in WAG/Rij rats, which could be linked to the age-dependent increase of spike wave discharges. Consistently, it is possible that absence seizures, depressive-like behavior and cognitive deficit may arise independently and separately in lifetime from the same underlying network disease, as previously suggested for the behavioral features associated with other epileptic syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Martina Tallarico
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy; CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Iannone
- CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ekaterina Fedosova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Valentina Nesci
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Karine Sarkisova
- Institute of Higher Nervous Activity and Neurophysiology RAS, Moscow, Russia
| | - Emilio Russo
- University of Catanzaro, School of Medicine, Science of Health Dept., Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Schubert-Bast S, Rosenow F, Klein KM, Reif PS, Kieslich M, Strzelczyk A. The role of mTOR inhibitors in preventing epileptogenesis in patients with TSC: Current evidence and future perspectives. Epilepsy Behav 2019; 91:94-98. [PMID: 29941212 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2018] [Revised: 05/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is one of the most common genetic causes of epilepsy. Mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes lead to the dysregulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. This mTOR pathway hyperactivation is associated with several processes resulting in epileptic conditions. The occurrence of seizures and their treatment outcomes seem to play a crucial role in cognitive and behavioral developments in patients with TSC. Mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors have been proven to be effective in epilepsy treatment in individuals with TSC. Specifically, because of their disease-modifying mechanism of action, they have the capability to prevent epileptogenesis in patients with TSC. This article will provide an overview of the current evidence of and delineate future perspectives for mTOR inhibitors and their role in preventing epileptogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schubert-Bast
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Felix Rosenow
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Karl Martin Klein
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Philipp S Reif
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Matthias Kieslich
- Department of Neuropediatrics, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Adam Strzelczyk
- Epilepsy Center Frankfurt Rhine-Main and Department of Neurology, Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; LOEWE Center for Personalized Translational Epilepsy Research (CePTER), Goethe-University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Presta I, Vismara M, Novellino F, Donato A, Zaffino P, Scali E, Pirrone KC, Spadea MF, Malara N, Donato G. Innate Immunity Cells and the Neurovascular Unit. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E3856. [PMID: 30513991 PMCID: PMC6321635 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2018] [Revised: 11/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have clarified many still unknown aspects related to innate immunity and the blood-brain barrier relationship. They have also confirmed the close links between effector immune system cells, such as granulocytes, macrophages, microglia, natural killer cells and mast cells, and barrier functionality. The latter, in turn, is able to influence not only the entry of the cells of the immune system into the nervous tissue, but also their own activation. Interestingly, these two components and their interactions play a role of great importance not only in infectious diseases, but in almost all the pathologies of the central nervous system. In this paper, we review the main aspects in the field of vascular diseases (cerebral ischemia), of primitive and secondary neoplasms of Central Nervous System CNS, of CNS infectious diseases, of most common neurodegenerative diseases, in epilepsy and in demyelinating diseases (multiple sclerosis). Neuroinflammation phenomena are constantly present in all diseases; in every different pathological state, a variety of innate immunity cells responds to specific stimuli, differentiating their action, which can influence the blood-brain barrier permeability. This, in turn, undergoes anatomical and functional modifications, allowing the stabilization or the progression of the pathological processes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Presta
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Marco Vismara
- Department of Cell Biotechnologies and Hematology, University "La Sapienza" of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy.
| | - Fabiana Novellino
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology, National Research Council, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Annalidia Donato
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Paolo Zaffino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Elisabetta Scali
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Krizia Caterina Pirrone
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Maria Francesca Spadea
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Natalia Malara
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giuseppe Donato
- Department of Health Sciences, University "Magna Græcia" of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Russo E, Citraro R. Pharmacology of epileptogenesis and related comorbidities in the WAG/Rij rat model of genetic absence epilepsy. J Neurosci Methods 2018; 310:54-62. [PMID: 29857008 DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2018.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2018] [Revised: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Animal studies currently represent the best source of information also in the field of epileptogenesis research. Many animal models have been proposed and studied so far both from the pathophysiological and pharmacological point of view. Furthermore, they are widely used for the identification of potentially clinically valuable biomarkers. The WAG/Rij rat model, similarly to other genetic animal strains, represents a suitable animal model of absence epileptogenesis accompanied by depressive-like and cognitive comorbidities. Generally, animal models of epileptogenesis are characterized by an identifiable initial insult (e.g. traumatic brain injury), a latent phase lasting up to the appearance of the first spontaneous seizure and a chronic phase characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. In most of genetic models: the initial insult should be defined as the mutation causing epilepsy, which is not clearly defined in the WAG/Rij rat model; the latent phase ends at the appearance of the first spontaneous seizure, which is about 2-3 months of age in WAG/Rij rats and thereafter the chronic phase. WAG/Rij rats also display depressive-like comorbidity around the age of 4 months, which is apparently linked to the development of absence seizures considering both its ontogeny and the fact that drugs affecting absence seizures development also block the development of depressive-like behavior. Finally, WAG/Rij rats also display cognitive impairment in some memory tasks, however, this has not been yet definitively linked to absence seizures development and may represent an epiphenomenon. This review is focused on the effects of pharmacological treatments against epileptogenesis and their effects on comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Godale CM, Danzer SC. Signaling Pathways and Cellular Mechanisms Regulating Mossy Fiber Sprouting in the Development of Epilepsy. Front Neurol 2018; 9:298. [PMID: 29774009 PMCID: PMC5943493 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.00298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 04/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The sprouting of hippocampal dentate granule cell axons, termed mossy fibers, into the dentate inner molecular layer is one of the most consistent findings in tissue from patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Decades of research in animal models have revealed that mossy fiber sprouting creates de novo recurrent excitatory connections in the hippocampus, fueling speculation that the pathology may drive temporal lobe epileptogenesis. Conducting definitive experiments to test this hypothesis, however, has been challenging due to the difficulty of dissociating this sprouting from the many other changes occurring during epileptogenesis. The field has been largely driven, therefore, by correlative data. Recently, the development of powerful transgenic mouse technologies and the discovery of novel drug targets has provided new tools to assess the role of mossy fiber sprouting in epilepsy. We can now selectively manipulate hippocampal granule cells in rodent epilepsy models, providing new insights into the granule cell subpopulations that participate in mossy fiber sprouting. The cellular pathways regulating this sprouting are also coming to light, providing new targets for pharmacological intervention. Surprisingly, many investigators have found that blocking mossy fiber sprouting has no effect on seizure occurrence, while seizure frequency can be reduced by treatments that have no effect on this sprouting. These results raise new questions about the role of mossy fiber sprouting in epilepsy. Here, we will review these findings with particular regard to the contributions of new granule cells to mossy fiber sprouting and the regulation of this sprouting by the mTOR signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christin M Godale
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Steve C Danzer
- Department of Anesthesia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Anesthesia, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lin WH, He M, Fan YN, Baines RA. An RNAi-mediated screen identifies novel targets for next-generation antiepileptic drugs based on increased expression of the homeostatic regulator pumilio. J Neurogenet 2018; 32:106-117. [PMID: 29718742 PMCID: PMC5989157 DOI: 10.1080/01677063.2018.1465570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Despite availability of a diverse range of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs), only about two-thirds of epilepsy patients respond well to drug treatment. Thus, novel targets are required to catalyse the design of next-generation AEDs. Manipulation of neuron firing-rate homoeostasis, through enhancing Pumilio (Pum) activity, has been shown to be potently anticonvulsant in Drosophila. In this study, we performed a genome-wide RNAi screen in S2R + cells, using a luciferase-based dPum activity reporter and identified 1166 genes involved in dPum regulation. Of these genes, we focused on 699 genes that, on knock-down, potentiate dPum activity/expression. Of this subgroup, 101 genes are activity-dependent based on comparison with genes previously identified as activity-dependent by RNA-sequencing. Functional cluster analysis shows these genes are enriched in pathways involved in DNA damage, regulation of cell cycle and proteasomal protein catabolism. To test for anticonvulsant activity, we utilised an RNA-interference approach in vivo. RNAi-mediated knockdown showed that 57/101 genes (61%) are sufficient to significantly reduce seizure duration in the characterized seizure mutant, parabss. We further show that chemical inhibitors of protein products of some of the genes targeted are similarly anticonvulsant. Finally, to establish whether the anticonvulsant activity of identified compounds results from increased dpum transcription, we performed a luciferase-based assay to monitor dpum promoter activity. Third instar larvae exposed to sodium fluoride, gemcitabine, metformin, bestatin, WP1066 or valproic acid all showed increased dpum promoter activity. Thus, this study validates Pum as a favourable target for AED design and, moreover, identifies a number of lead compounds capable of increasing the expression of this homeostatic regulator.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsiang Lin
- a Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health , University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
| | - Miaomiao He
- a Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health , University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
| | - Yuen Ngan Fan
- a Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health , University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
| | - Richard A Baines
- a Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health , University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre , Manchester , UK
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Lakatos RK, Dobolyi Á, Kovács Z. Uric acid and allopurinol aggravate absence epileptic activity in Wistar Albino Glaxo Rijswijk rats. Brain Res 2018; 1686:1-9. [PMID: 29457994 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 02/10/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Uric acid has a role in several physiological and pathophysiological processes. For example, uric acid may facilitate seizure generalization while reducing uric acid level may evoke anticonvulsant/antiepileptic effects. Allopurinol blocks the activity of xanthine oxidase, by which allopurinol inhibits catabolism of hypoxanthine to xanthine and uric acid and, as a consequence, decreases the level of uric acid. Although the modulation of serum uric acid level is a widely used strategy in the treatment of certain diseases, our knowledge regarding the effects of uric acid on epileptic activity is far from complete. Thus, the main aim of this study was the investigation of the effect of uric acid on absence epileptic seizures (spike-wave discharges: SWDs) in a model of human absence epilepsy, the Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rat. We investigated the influence of intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected uric acid (100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg), allopurinol (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg), a cyclooxygenase 1 and 2 (COX-1 and COX-2) inhibitor indomethacin (10 mg/kg) and inosine (500 mg/kg) alone and the combined application of allopurinol (50 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) or inosine (500 mg/kg) as well as indomethacin (10 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) and inosine (500 mg/kg) with uric acid (100 mg/kg) on absence epileptic activity. We demonstrated that both uric acid and allopurinol alone significantly increased the number of SWDs whereas indomethacin abolished the uric acid-evoked increase in SWD number. Our results suggest that uric acid and allopurinol have proepileptic effects in WAG/Rij rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renáta Krisztina Lakatos
- Institute of Biology, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary; Savaria Department of Biology, Savaria University Centre, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Szombathely, Hungary.
| | - Árpád Dobolyi
- Laboratory of Neuromorphology and Human Brain Tissue Bank, Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary; MTA-ELTE Laboratory of Molecular and Systems Neurobiology, Department of Physiology and Neurobiology, Hungarian Academy of Sciences and Eötvös Loránd University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Zsolt Kovács
- Savaria Department of Biology, Savaria University Centre, ELTE Eötvös Loránd University, Szombathely, Hungary.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Regulation of voltage-gated sodium channel expression, control of excitability and implications for seizure generation. CURRENT OPINION IN PHYSIOLOGY 2018. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cophys.2017.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
|
34
|
Cho C, Michailidis V, Martin LJ. Revealing brain mechanisms of mTOR-mediated translational regulation: Implications for chronic pain. NEUROBIOLOGY OF PAIN 2018; 4:27-34. [PMID: 31194026 PMCID: PMC6550104 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynpai.2018.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2018] [Accepted: 03/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
mTOR is a major regulator of protein translation. mTOR serves an important role in neural plasticity. mTOR signalling in the brain as a pathology for neurological disorder is known. mTOR signalling in the brain as a chronic pain mechanism is understudied.
In the spinal cord, altered protein transcription and translation have received a lot of recent attention for their role in neural plasticity, a major mechanism leading to the development of chronic pain. However, changes in brain plasticity are also associated with the maintenance of pain symptoms, but these cellular mechanisms remain less clear. The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a master regulator of protein synthesis, and controls several neuronal functions, including neural plasticity. While aberrant changes in mTOR signaling are associated with sensitization of the pain pathway (sensory neurons and spinal cord), there are various nervous system diseases that have pain as a comorbidity and altered mTOR activity in the brain. Here, we provide a brief review of mTOR changes in the brain that are associated with some neurological disorders and focus on how these changes may be relevant to the pain of the underlying condition and chronic pain itself.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chulmin Cho
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Vassilia Michailidis
- Deptartment of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
| | - Loren J. Martin
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
- Deptartment of Cell and Systems Biology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada
- Corresponding author at: Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, 3359 Mississauga Rd., Mississauga, ON L5L 1C6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Mehrabi S, Sanadgol N, Barati M, Shahbazi A, Vahabzadeh G, Barzroudi M, Seifi M, Gholipourmalekabadi M, Golab F. Evaluation of metformin effects in the chronic phase of spontaneous seizures in pilocarpine model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Metab Brain Dis 2018; 33:107-114. [PMID: 29080083 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-017-0132-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is a common form of drug-resistant epilepsy that sometimes responds to dietary manipulation such as the 'ketogenic diet'. Here we have investigated the effects of metformin in the rat pilocaroin model of TLE. Male rats were treated with intra peritoneal injection of pilocarpine hydrochloride, in dose of 360 mg/kg to induce status epilepticus (SE). At 45 day after induction of SE, metformin was injected intraperitoneally in dose of 250 mg/kg/day for 5 days. We show that metformin potently reduces the progression of seizures and blocks seizure-induced over-expression of brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) and its receptor, Tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB). We have shown that this reduced expression pattern is mediated by the transcriptional co-repressor CtBP (C-terminal binding protein). Moreover, metformin decreased mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) activation through activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Our findings have been shown that metformin has anticonvulsant and antiepileptic properties, and suggesting that antiglycolytic compounds such as metformin may represent a new class of drugs for treating epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soraya Mehrabi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nima Sanadgol
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Zabol, Zabol, Iran
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Zahedan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Zahedan, Iran
| | - Mahmood Barati
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Shahbazi
- Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Department of Neuroscience, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Gelareh Vahabzadeh
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mitra Barzroudi
- Department of Anatomy, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Morteza Seifi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Mazaher Gholipourmalekabadi
- Department of Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fereshteh Golab
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Iran University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
de Almeida AA, Gomes da Silva S, Lopim GM, Vannucci Campos D, Fernandes J, Cabral FR, Arida RM. Physical exercise alters the activation of downstream proteins related to BDNF-TrkB signaling in male Wistar rats with epilepsy. J Neurosci Res 2017; 96:911-920. [DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2017] [Revised: 10/16/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre Aparecido de Almeida
- Departamento de Fisiologia; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
- Instituto Federal Goiano (IF Goiano), Campus Ceres; Ceres Brazil
| | - Sérgio Gomes da Silva
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein; São Paulo Brazil
- Universidade de Mogi das Cruzes; Mogi das Cruzes Brazil
| | | | | | - Jansen Fernandes
- Departamento de Fisiologia; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Francisco Romero Cabral
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein; São Paulo Brazil
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas da Santa Casa de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Ricardo Mario Arida
- Departamento de Fisiologia; Universidade Federal de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wang X, Tian X, Yang Y, Lu X, Li Y, Ma Y, Zhang Y, Zheng F, Lu S, Xu D, Xu X, Wang W, Wang X. POSH participates in epileptogenesis by increasing the surface expression of the NMDA receptor: a promising therapeutic target for epilepsy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2017; 21:1083-1094. [PMID: 29057721 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2017.1394456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xinshi Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yong Yang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xi Lu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Li
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yuanlin Ma
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yanke Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fangshuo Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanshan Lu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Demei Xu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xin Xu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Center of Epilepsy, Beijing Institute for Brain Disorders, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Epilepsy is one of the most common neurological diseases affecting approximately 50 million people worldwide. Despite many advances in epilepsy research, nearly a third of patients with epilepsy have refractory or pharmacoresistant epilepsy. Despite the approval of a dozen antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) over the past decade, there are no agents that halt the development of epilepsy. Thus, newer and better AEDs that can prevent refractory seizures and modify the disease are needed for curing epilepsy. Areas covered: In this article, we highlight the recent advances and emerging trends in new and innovative drugs for epilepsy and seizure disorders. We review in detail top new drugs that are currently in clinical trials or agents that are under development and have novel mechanisms of action. Expert commentary: Among the new agents under clinical investigation, the majority were originally developed for treating other neurological diseases (everolimus, fenfluramine, nalutozan, bumetanide, and valnoctamide); several have mechanisms of action similar to those of conventional AEDs (AP, ganaxolone, and YKP3089); and some new agents represent novel mechanisms of actions (huperzine-A, cannabidiol, tonabersat, and VX-765).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iyan Younus
- a Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine , Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan , TX , USA
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- a Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine , Texas A&M Health Science Center , Bryan , TX , USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Leo A, Citraro R, Amodio N, De Sarro C, Gallo Cantafio ME, Constanti A, De Sarro G, Russo E. Fingolimod Exerts only Temporary Antiepileptogenic Effects but Longer-Lasting Positive Effects on Behavior in the WAG/Rij Rat Absence Epilepsy Model. Neurotherapeutics 2017; 14:1134-1147. [PMID: 28653281 PMCID: PMC5722759 DOI: 10.1007/s13311-017-0550-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the major challenges in the epilepsy field is identifying disease-modifying drugs in order to prevent or delay spontaneous recurrent seizure onset or to cure already established epilepsy. It has been recently reported that fingolimod, currently approved for the treatment of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, has demonstrated antiepileptogenic effects in 2 different preclinical models of acquired epilepsy. However, to date, no data exist regarding the role of fingolimod against genetic epilepsy. Therefore, we have addressed this issue by studying the effects of fingolimod in Wistar Albino Glaxo/Rijswijk (WAG/Rij) rats, a well-established genetic model of absence epilepsy, epileptogenesis, and neuropsychiatric comorbidity. Our results have demonstrated that an early long-term treatment with fingolimod (1 mg/kg/day), started before absence seizure onset, has both antiepileptogenic and antidepressant-like effects in WAG/Rij rats. However, these effects were transitory, as 5 months after treatment discontinuation, both absence seizure and depressive like-behavior returned to control levels. Furthermore, a temporary reduction of mTOR signaling pathway activity, indicated by reduced phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin and phosphorylated p70S6k levels, and by increased phosphorylated Akt in WAG/Rij rats of 6 months of age accompanied the transitory antiepileptogenic effects of fingolimod. Surprisingly, fingolimod has demonstrated longer-lasting positive effects on cognitive decline in this strain. This effect was accompanied by an increased acetylation of lysine 8 of histone H4 (at both 6 and 10 months of age). In conclusion, our results support the antiepileptogenic effects of fingolimod. However, the antiepileptogenic effects were transitory. Moreover, fingolimod might also have a positive impact on animal behavior and particularly in protecting the development of memory decline.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Caterina De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria Eugenia Gallo Cantafio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Genetic background contributes to the co-morbidity of anxiety and depression with audiogenic seizure propensity and responses to fluoxetine treatment. Epilepsy Behav 2017; 68:95-102. [PMID: 28135595 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 12/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety and depression are the most frequent comorbidities of different types of convulsive and non-convulsive epilepsies. Increased anxiety and depression-like phenotype have been described in the genetic absence epilepsy models as well as in models of limbic epilepsy and acquired seizure models, suggesting a neurobiological connection. However, whether anxiety and/or depression are comorbid to audiogenic epilepsy remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether anxiety or depression-like behavior can be found in rat strains with different susceptibility to audiogenic seizures (AS) and whether chronic fluoxetine treatment affects this co-morbidity. METHODS Behavior in the elevated plus-maze and the forced swimming test was studied in four strains: Wistar rats non-susceptible to AS; Krushinsky-Molodkina (KM) strain, selectively bred for AS propensity from outbred Wistar rats; and a selection lines bred for maximal AS expression (strain "4") and for a lack of AS (strain "0") from KM×Wistar F2 hybrids. Effects of chronic antidepressant treatment on AS and behavior were also evaluated. RESULTS Anxiety and depression levels were higher in KM rats (with AS) compared with Wistar rats (without AS), indicating the comorbidity with AS. However, in strains "4" and "0" with contrasting AS expression, but with a genetic background close to KM rats, anxiety and depression were not as divergent as in KMs versus Wistars. Fluoxetine treatment exerted an antidepressant effect in all rat strains irrespective of its effect on AS. CONCLUSIONS Genetic background contributes substantively to the co-morbidity of anxiety and depression with AS propensity.
Collapse
|
41
|
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disease characterised with seizures. The aetiology of the most generalised epilepsies cannot be explicitly determined and the seizures are pronounced to be genetically determined by disturbances of receptors in central nervous system. Besides, neurotransmitter distributions or other metabolic problems are supposed to involve in epileptogenesis. Lack of adequate data about pharmacological agents that have antiepileptogenic effects point to need of research on this field. Thus, in this review, inflammatory aspects of epileptogenesis has been focussed via considering several concepts like role of immune system, blood-brain barrier and antibody involvement in epileptogenesis. METHODS We conducted an evidence-based review of the literatures in order to evaluate the possible participation of inflammatory processes to epileptogenesis and also, promising agents which are effective to these processes. We searched PubMed database up to November 2015 with no date restrictions. RESULTS In the present review, 163 appropriate articles were included. Obtained data suggests that inflammatory processes participate to epileptogenesis in several ways like affecting fibroblast growth factor-2 and tropomyosin receptor kinase B signalling pathways, detrimental proinflammatory pathways [such as the interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β)-interleukin-1 receptor type 1 (IL-1R1) system], mammalian target of rapamycin pathway, microglial activities, release of glial inflammatory proteins (such as macrophage inflammatory protein, interleukin 6, C-C motif ligand 2 and IL-1β), adhesion molecules that are suggested to function in signalling pathways between neurons and microglia and also linkage between these molecules and proinflammatory cytokines. CONCLUSION The literature research indicated that inflammation is a part of epileptogenesis. For this reason, further studies are necessary for assessing agents that will be effective in clinical use for therapeutic treatment of epileptogenesis.
Collapse
|
42
|
Intranasal Delivery of miR-146a Mimics Delayed Seizure Onset in the Lithium-Pilocarpine Mouse Model. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:6512620. [PMID: 28242958 PMCID: PMC5294386 DOI: 10.1155/2017/6512620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/25/2016] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Unveiling the key mechanism of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) for the development of novel treatments is of increasing interest, and anti-inflammatory miR-146a is now considered a promising molecular target for TLE. In the current study, a C57BL/6 TLE mouse model was established using the lithium-pilocarpine protocol. The seizure degree was evaluated according to the Racine scale, and level 5 was considered the threshold for generalized convulsions. Animals were sacrificed to analyze the hippocampus at three time points (2 h and 4 and 8 weeks after pilocarpine administration to evaluate the acute, latent, and chronic phases, resp.). After intranasal delivery of miR-146a mimics (30 min before pilocarpine injection), the percent of animals with no induced seizures increased by 6.7%, the latency to generalized convulsions was extended, and seizure severity was reduced. Additionally, hippocampal damage was alleviated. While the relative miR-146a levels significantly increased, the expression of its target mRNAs (IRAK-1 and TRAF-6) and typical inflammatory modulators (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) decreased, supporting an anti-inflammatory role of miR-146a via the TLR pathway. This study is the first to demonstrate that intranasal delivery of miR-146a mimics can improve seizure onset and hippocampal damage in the acute phase of lithium-pilocarpine-induced seizures, which provides inflammation-based clues for the development of novel TLE treatments.
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
This paper reviews advances in epilepsy in recent years with an emphasis on therapeutics and underlying mechanisms, including status epilepticus, drug and surgical treatments. Lessons from rarer epilepsies regarding the relationship between epilepsy type, mechanisms and choice of antiepileptic drugs (AED) are explored and data regarding AED use in pregnancy are reviewed. Concepts evolving towards a move from treating seizures to treating epilepsy are discussed, both in terms of the mechanisms of epileptogenesis, and in terms of epilepsy's broader comorbidity, especially depression.
Collapse
|
44
|
Bialer M, Johannessen SI, Levy RH, Perucca E, Tomson T, White HS. Progress report on new antiepileptic drugs: A summary of the Thirteenth Eilat Conference on New Antiepileptic Drugs and Devices (EILAT XIII). Epilepsia 2017; 58:181-221. [PMID: 28111749 DOI: 10.1111/epi.13634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
The Thirteenth Eilat Conference on New Antiepileptic Drugs and Devices (EILAT XIII) took place in Madrid, Spain, on June 26-29, 2016, and was attended by >200 delegates from 31 countries. The present Progress Report provides an update on experimental and clinical results for drugs presented at the Conference. Compounds for which summary data are presented include an AED approved in 2016 (brivaracetam), 12 drugs in phase I-III clinical development (adenosine, allopregnanolone, bumetanide, cannabidiol, cannabidivarin, 2-deoxy-d-glucose, everolimus, fenfluramine, huperzine A, minocycline, SAGE-217, and valnoctamide) and 6 compounds or classes of compounds for which only preclinical data are available (bumetanide derivatives, sec-butylpropylacetamide, FV-082, 1OP-2198, NAX 810-2, and SAGE-689). Overall, the results presented at the Conference show that considerable efforts are ongoing into discovery and development of AEDs with potentially improved therapeutic profiles compared with existing agents. Many of the drugs discussed in this report show innovative mechanisms of action and many have shown promising results in patients with pharmacoresistant epilepsies, including previously neglected rare and severe epilepsy syndromes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meir Bialer
- Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy and David R. Bloom Center for Pharmacy, Institute for Drug Research, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Svein I Johannessen
- The National Center for Epilepsy, Sandvika, Norway.,Department of Pharmacology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - René H Levy
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Neurological Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A
| | - Emilio Perucca
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy.,C. Mondino National Neurological Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Torbjörn Tomson
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - H Steve White
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Palleria C, Leo A, Andreozzi F, Citraro R, Iannone M, Spiga R, Sesti G, Constanti A, De Sarro G, Arturi F, Russo E. Liraglutide prevents cognitive decline in a rat model of streptozotocin-induced diabetes independently from its peripheral metabolic effects. Behav Brain Res 2017; 321:157-169. [PMID: 28062257 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2017.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2016] [Revised: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 01/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes has been identified as a risk factor for cognitive dysfunctions. Glucagone like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists have neuroprotective effects in preclinical animal models. We evaluated the effects of GLP-1 receptor agonist, liraglutide (LIR), on cognitive decline associated with diabetes. Furthermore, we studied LIR effects against hippocampal neurodegeneration induced by streptozotocin (STZ), a well-validated animal model of diabetes and neurodegeneration associated with cognitive decline. Diabetes and/or cognitive decline were induced in Wistar rats by intraperitoneal or intracerebroventricular injection of STZ and then rats were treated with LIR (300μg/kg daily subcutaneously) for 6 weeks. Rats underwent behavioral tests: Morris water maze, passive avoidance, forced swimming (FST), open field, elevated plus maze, rotarod tests. Furthermore, LIR effects on hippocampal neurodegeneration and mTOR pathway (AKT, AMPK, ERK and p70S6K) were assessed. LIR improved learning and memory only in STZ-treated animals. Anxiolytic effects were observed in all LIR-treated groups but pro-depressant effects in CTRL rats were observed. At a cellular/molecular level, intracerebroventricular STZ induced hippocampal neurodegeneration accompanied by decreased phosphorylation of AMPK, AKT, ERK and p70S6K. LIR reduced hippocampal neuronal death and prevented the decreased phosphorylation of AKT and p70S6K; AMPK was hyper-phosphorylated in comparison to CTRL group, while LIR had no effects on ERK. LIR reduced animal endurance in the rotarod test and this effect might be also linked to a reduction in locomotor activity during only the last two minutes of the FST. LIR had protective effects on cognitive functions in addition to its effects on blood glucose levels. LIR effects in the brain also comprised anxiolytic and pro-depressant actions (although influenced by reduced endurance). Finally, LIR protected from diabetes-dependent hippocampal neurodegeneration likely through an effect on mTOR pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Palleria
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Francesco Andreozzi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Iannone
- CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Pharmacology Section, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosangela Spiga
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sesti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Andrew Constanti
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London, UK
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Franco Arturi
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University "Magna Graecia" of Catanzaro, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lin WH, Giachello CNG, Baines RA. Seizure control through genetic and pharmacological manipulation of Pumilio in Drosophila: a key component of neuronal homeostasis. Dis Model Mech 2016; 10:141-150. [PMID: 28067623 PMCID: PMC5312004 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.027045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a significant disorder for which approximately one-third of patients do not respond to drug treatments. Next-generation drugs, which interact with novel targets, are required to provide a better clinical outcome for these individuals. To identify potential novel targets for antiepileptic drug (AED) design, we used RNA sequencing to identify changes in gene transcription in two seizure models of the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster The first model compared gene transcription between wild type (WT) and bangsenseless1 (parabss), a gain-of-function mutant in the sole fly voltage-gated sodium channel (paralytic). The second model compared WT with WT fed the proconvulsant picrotoxin (PTX). We identified 743 genes (FDR≤1%) with significant altered expression levels that are common to both seizure models. Of these, 339 are consistently upregulated and 397 downregulated. We identify pumilio (pum) to be downregulated in both seizure models. Pum is a known homeostatic regulator of action potential firing in both flies and mammals, achieving control of neuronal firing through binding to, and regulating translation of, the mRNA transcripts of voltage-gated sodium channels (Nav). We show that maintaining expression of pum in the CNS of parabss flies is potently anticonvulsive, whereas its reduction through RNAi-mediated knockdown is proconvulsive. Using a cell-based luciferase reporter screen, we screened a repurposed chemical library and identified 12 compounds sufficient to increase activity of pum Of these compounds, we focus on avobenzone, which significantly rescues seizure behaviour in parabss flies. The mode of action of avobenzone includes potentiation of pum expression and mirrors the ability of this homeostatic regulator to reduce the persistent voltage-gated Na+ current (INaP) in an identified neuron. This study reports a novel approach to suppress seizure and highlights the mechanisms of neuronal homeostasis as potential targets for next-generation AEDs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Hsiang Lin
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Carlo N G Giachello
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| | - Richard A Baines
- Division of Neuroscience and Experimental Psychology, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, UK
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Russo E, Citraro R, Constanti A, Leo A, Lüttjohann A, van Luijtelaar G, De Sarro G. Upholding WAG/Rij rats as a model of absence epileptogenesis: Hidden mechanisms and a new theory on seizure development. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 71:388-408. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
|
48
|
Russo E, Leo A, Crupi R, Aiello R, Lippiello P, Spiga R, Chimirri S, Citraro R, Cuzzocrea S, Constanti A, De Sarro G. Everolimus improves memory and learning while worsening depressive- and anxiety-like behavior in an animal model of depression. J Psychiatr Res 2016; 78:1-10. [PMID: 27019134 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Everolimus (EVR) is an orally-administered rapamycin analog that selectively inhibits the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase (mainly mTORC1 and likely mTORC2) and the related signaling pathway. mTOR is a serine/threonine protein kinase regulating multiple important cellular functions; dysfunction of mTOR signaling has also been implicated in the pathophysiology of several neurological, neurodegenerative, developmental and cognitive disorders. EVR is widely used as an anti-neoplastic therapy and more recently in children with tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). However, no clear correlation exists between EVR use and development of central side effects e.g. depression, anxiety or cognitive impairment. We studied the effects of a 3 weeks administration of EVR in mice chronically treated with betamethasone 21-phosphate disodium (BTM) as a model of depression and cognitive decline. EVR treatment had detrimental effects on depressive- and anxiety-like behavior while improving cognitive performance in both control (untreated) and BTM-treated mice. Such effects were accompanied by an increased hippocampal neurogenesis and synaptogenesis. Our results therefore might support the proposed pathological role of mTOR dysregulation in depressive disorders and confirm some previous data on the positive effects of mTOR inhibition in cognitive decline. We also show that EVR, possibly through mTOR inhibition, may be linked to the development of anxiety. The increased hippocampal neurogenesis by EVR might explain its ability to improve cognitive function or protect from cognitive decline. Our findings suggest some caution in the use of EVR, particularly in the developing brain; patients should be carefully monitored for their psychiatric/neurological profiles in any clinical situation where an mTOR inhibitor and in particular EVR is used e.g. cancer treatment, TSC or immunosuppression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emilio Russo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Antonio Leo
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rosalia Crupi
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Rossana Aiello
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Rosangela Spiga
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, 88100, Viale Europa, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Serafina Chimirri
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Rita Citraro
- Science of Health Department, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cuzzocrea
- Department of Biological and Environmental Science, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Andrew Constanti
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
The anti-absence effect of mGlu5 receptor amplification with VU0360172 is maintained during and after antiepileptogenesis. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 146-147:50-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
|
50
|
The mTOR signalling cascade: paving new roads to cure neurological disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2016; 12:379-92. [PMID: 27340022 DOI: 10.1038/nrneurol.2016.81] [Citation(s) in RCA: 251] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Defining the multiple roles of the mechanistic (formerly 'mammalian') target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling pathway in neurological diseases has been an exciting and rapidly evolving story of bench-to-bedside translational research that has spanned gene mutation discovery, functional experimental validation of mutations, pharmacological pathway manipulation, and clinical trials. Alterations in the dual contributions of mTOR - regulation of cell growth and proliferation, as well as autophagy and cell death - have been found in developmental brain malformations, epilepsy, autism and intellectual disability, hypoxic-ischaemic and traumatic brain injuries, brain tumours, and neurodegenerative disorders. mTOR integrates a variety of cues, such as growth factor levels, oxygen levels, and nutrient and energy availability, to regulate protein synthesis and cell growth. In line with the positioning of mTOR as a pivotal cell signalling node, altered mTOR activation has been associated with a group of phenotypically diverse neurological disorders. To understand how altered mTOR signalling leads to such divergent phenotypes, we need insight into the differential effects of enhanced or diminished mTOR activation, the developmental context of these changes, and the cell type affected by altered signalling. A particularly exciting feature of the tale of mTOR discovery is that pharmacological mTOR inhibitors have shown clinical benefits in some neurological disorders, such as tuberous sclerosis complex, and are being considered for clinical trials in epilepsy, autism, dementia, traumatic brain injury, and stroke.
Collapse
|