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Shaikh I, Bhatt LK. Targeting Adipokines: A Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Epilepsy. Neurochem Res 2024:10.1007/s11064-024-04219-4. [PMID: 39060767 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04219-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy affects 65 million people globally and causes neurobehavioral, cognitive, and psychological defects. Although research on the disease is progressing and a wide range of treatments are available, approximately 30% of people have refractory epilepsy that cannot be managed with conventional medications. This underlines the importance of further understanding the condition and exploring cutting-edge targets for treatment. Adipokines are peptides secreted by adipocyte's white adipose tissue, involved in controlling food intake and metabolism. Their regulatory functions in the central nervous system (CNS) are multifaceted and identified in several physiology and pathologies. Adipokines play a role in oxidative stress and neuroinflammation which are associated with brain degeneration and connected neurological diseases. This review aims to highlight the potential impacts of leptin, adiponectin, apelin, vaspin, visfatin, and chimerin in the pathogenesis of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iqraa Shaikh
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India
| | - Lokesh Kumar Bhatt
- Department of Pharmacology, SVKM's Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Pharmacy, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai, India.
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Zhang W, Liu Y, Wang Z, He S, Liu W, Wu Y, Yang L, Hu C, Wang Y. Remodeling brain pathological microenvironment to lessen cerebral ischemia injury by multifunctional injectable hydrogels. J Control Release 2024; 369:591-603. [PMID: 38582336 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2024.03.050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
Ischemia stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. Owing to the limited delivery efficiency to the brain caused by the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and off-target effects of systemic treatment, it is crucial to develop an in situ drug delivery system to improve the therapeutic effect in ischemic stroke. Briefly, we report a multifunctional in situ hydrogel delivery system for the co-delivery of reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive nanoparticles loaded with atorvastatin calcium (DSPE-se-se-PEG@AC NPs) and β-nerve growth factor (NGF), which is expected to remodel pathological microenvironment for improving cerebral ischemia injury. The in vitro results exhibited the multifunctional hydrogel scavenged oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD)-induced free radical, rescued the mitochondrial function, and maintained the survival and function of neurons, hence reducing neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation, consequently relieving ischemia injury in hippocampal neurons cell line (HT22). In the rat ischemia stroke model, the hydrogel significantly minified cerebral infarction by regulating inflammatory response, saving apoptotic neurons, and promoting angiogenesis and neurogenesis. Besides, the hydrogel distinctly improved the rats' neurological deficits after cerebral ischemia injury over the long-term observation. In conclusion, the in-situ hydrogel platform has demonstrated promising therapeutic effects in both in vitro and in vivo studies, indicating its potential as a new and effective therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Liu
- Department of Plastic and Burn Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhicun Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyi He
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenqi Liu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Wu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Yang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China
| | - Cheng Hu
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yunbing Wang
- National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, College of Biomedical Engineering, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, People's Republic of China.
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Song Q, Wang X, Cao Z, Xin C, Zhang J, Li S. The Apelin/APJ System: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Sepsis. J Inflamm Res 2024; 17:313-330. [PMID: 38250143 PMCID: PMC10800090 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s436169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Apelin is the native ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ. Numerous studies have demonstrated that the Apelin/APJ system has positive inotropic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects and regulates fluid homeostasis. The Apelin/APJ system has been demonstrated to play a protective role in sepsis and may serve as a promising therapeutic target for the treatment of sepsis. Better understanding of the mechanisms of the effects of the Apelin/APJ system will aid in the development of novel drugs for the treatment of sepsis. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the physiological role of the Apelin/APJ system and its role in sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing Song
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xi Wang
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhenhuan Cao
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Chun Xin
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingyuan Zhang
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Suwei Li
- Intensive Care Unit, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116000, People’s Republic of China
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Tian Y, Wang R, Liu L, Zhang W, Liu H, Jiang L, Jiang Y. The regulatory effects of the apelin/APJ system on depression: A prospective therapeutic target. Neuropeptides 2023; 102:102382. [PMID: 37716179 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023]
Abstract
Depression is a debilitating neuropsychological disorder characterized by high incidence, high recurrence, high suicide, and high disability rates, which poses serious threats to human health and imposes heavy psychological and economic burdens on family and society. The pathogenesis of depression is extremely complex, and its etiology is multifactorial. Mounting evidence suggests that apelin and apelin receptor APJ, which compose the apelin/APJ system, are related to the development of depression. However, the specific mechanism is still unclear, and research in this area in human is still insufficient. Acceleration of research into the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of the apelin/APJ system in depression may identify attractive therapeutic targets and contribute to the development of novel intervention strategies against this devastating psychological disorder. In this review, we mainly discuss the regulatory effects of apelin/APJ system on depression and its potential therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanjun Tian
- Medical Laboratory of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Ruihao Wang
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Lin Liu
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Wenhuan Zhang
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China
| | - Haiqing Liu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences (Institute of Basic Medical Sciences), Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan 250024, China
| | - Liqing Jiang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
| | - Yunlu Jiang
- School of Mental Health, Jining Medical University, Jining 272067, China.
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Li Y, Hu Q, Wang B. Effects of Apelin on the fibrosis of retinal tissues and Müller cells in diabetes retinopathy through the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway. Autoimmunity 2023; 56:2259129. [PMID: 37771168 DOI: 10.1080/08916934.2023.2259129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/10/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Retinal fibrosis was a key characteristic of diabetes retinopathy (DR). Apelin was found to be a candidate for tissue fibrosis. Nevertheless, the role of Apelin in the Müller cells in DR remains unclear. This study identified the function and mechanism of Apelin in Müller cells and the fibrosis of retinal tissue. Western blot was carried out to detect the Apelin, GFAP, Collagen I, α-SMA, JAK2 and STAT3 protein levels. Masson staining was performed to display the histopathological changes in retinal tissue of diabetic mellitus (DM) rats. The immunofluorescence staining was conducted to evaluate the Apelin levels in the retinal tissue. The levels of GFAP, Collagen I and α-SMA in the retinal tissue of DM rats was visualised by the immunohistochemistry staining. The results showed that Apelin, GFAP, Collagen I andα-SMA expression was prominently elevated in the retinal tissue of DM rats and high glucose (HG)-exposed Müller cells. The results of Masson staining showed that the epiretinal fibrotic membrane was observed in DM rats. Apelin knockdown declined the GFAP, Collagen I andα-SMA levels. Besides, the protein levels of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 were elevated in the HG-treated Müller cells, while Apelin knockdown declined them. FLLL32 treatment neutralised the role of Apelin. In conclusion, Apelin facilitated the fibrogenic activity of Müller cells through activating the JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway, and thus inducing the retinal fibrosis in DR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Li
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Qinrui Hu
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Xiamen Eye Center, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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Eskandari S, Rezayof A, Asghari SM, Hashemizadeh S. Neurobiochemical characteristics of arginine-rich peptides explain their potential therapeutic efficacy in neurodegenerative diseases. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102356. [PMID: 37390744 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer̕ s disease (AD), Parkinson̕ s disease (PD), Huntington̕ s disease (HD), and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) require special attention to find new potential treatment methods. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge of the relationship between the biochemical properties of arginine-rich peptides (ARPs) and their neuroprotective effects to deal with the harmful effects of risk factors. It seems that ARPs have portrayed a promising and fantastic landscape for treating neurodegeneration-associated disorders. With multimodal mechanisms of action, ARPs play various unprecedented roles, including as the novel delivery platforms for entering the central nervous system (CNS), the potent antagonists for calcium influx, the invader molecules for targeting mitochondria, and the protein stabilizers. Interestingly, these peptides inhibit the proteolytic enzymes and block protein aggregation to induce pro-survival signaling pathways. ARPs also serve as the scavengers of toxic molecules and the reducers of oxidative stress agents. They also have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and anti-cancer properties. Moreover, by providing an efficient nucleic acid delivery system, ARPs can play an essential role in developing various fields, including gene vaccines, gene therapy, gene editing, and imaging. ARP agents and ARP/cargo therapeutics can be raised as an emergent class of neurotherapeutics for neurodegeneration. Part of the aim of this review is to present recent advances in treating neurodegenerative diseases using ARPs as an emerging and powerful therapeutic tool. The applications and progress of ARPs-based nucleic acid delivery systems have also been discussed to highlight their usefulness as a broad-acting class of drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sedigheh Eskandari
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran; Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ameneh Rezayof
- Department of Animal Biology, School of Biology, College of Science, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - S Mohsen Asghari
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics (IBB), University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Shiva Hashemizadeh
- School of Cognitive Sciences, Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences, IPM, Tehran, Iran
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Das M, Gurusubramanian G, Roy VK. Apelin receptor antagonist (ML221) treatment has a stimulatory effect on the testicular proliferation, antioxidants system and steroidogenesis in adult mice. Neuropeptides 2023; 101:102354. [PMID: 37379791 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023]
Abstract
The expression of apelin and its receptor (APJ) has been shown in the hypothalamus-pituitary-testicular axis. It has also been suggested apelin and APJ are neuropeptide factors. The presence of apelin and APJ in the seminiferous tubules and interstitium might be predicted to act as a local regulator of testicular activity, although the function is not well known in the mice testis. In the present study, we have investigated the effects of APJ, antagonist, ML221 on the gonadotropin levels, testicular steroidogenesis, proliferation, apoptosis and antioxidant system. Our results showed that inhibition of APJ by ML221 increased the sperm concentration, circulating testosterone, FSH, LH levels and intra-testicular testosterone concentration. Furthermore, ML221 treatment stimulates the germ cell proliferation and antioxidant system in the testis. The expression of BCL2, AR was up-regulated whereas, the expression of BAX and active caspase3 was down-regulated after ML221 treatment. Immunohistocehmical analysis of AR also showed increase abundance in the spermatogonia, primary spermatocytes and Leydig cells of 150 μg/kg dose group. These findings suggest that in adult testis, the apelin system might have an inhibitory role in germ cell proliferation and a stimulatory role in apoptosis. It might also be suggested that the apelin system could be involved in the disposal mechanism for damaged germ cells during spermatogenesis via the down-regulation of AR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milirani Das
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India
| | | | - Vikas Kumar Roy
- Department of Zoology, Mizoram University, Aizawl, Mizoram 796 004, India.
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Jian H, Wang F, Wang Y, Dou L. Clinical Significance of MicroRNA-330-3p in Plasma Level for Acute Cerebral Infarction. Cerebrovasc Dis 2023; 53:411-419. [PMID: 37778331 DOI: 10.1159/000533605] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The present study was to investigate the clinical role of miR-330-3p in acute cerebral infarction (ACI), including its diagnostic and prognostic potential. Preliminary exploration of its target genes was archived by bioinformatics analysis. METHODS miR-330-3p in plasma of the patients with ACI and controls were quantified by real-time quantitative PCR. The 1-month prognosis of the ACI patients was evaluated by the Glasgow Outcome Scale (GOS). The correlation between the plasma levels of miR-330-3p and the GOS scores was tested by Pearson correlation analysis. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were established based on the expression level of miR-330-3p in different groups. The miR-330-3p-targeting genes were analyzed using Venn diagram, protein-protein interaction network, and Gene Ontology enrichment analysis. RESULTS miR-330-3p was significantly increased in the plasma of ACI patients compared with that in healthy controls, and ROC curve revealed its diagnostic value for ACI. miR-330-3p was significantly increased in the plasma of patients with poor 1-month prognosis compared with those with good 1-month prognosis. miR-330-3p expression was negatively correlated with GOS score, suggesting its potential to predict the 1-month prognosis for ACI. One-year survival analysis revealed surviving patients had lower levels of miR-330-3p than the deceased. miR-330-3p was proven to predict the death of patients with ACI. The miR-330-3p-targeting genes were associated with synapse-related Gene Ontology terms. CONCLUSION miR-330-3p was upregulated in the plasma of patients with ACI, making it a promising diagnostic and prognostic marker for patients with ACI. miR-330-3p could facilitate synaptic plasticity following cerebral infarction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiru Jian
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Yangtze University, Jingzhou, China
| | - Fei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Medical Record Room, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Liping Dou
- Department of Geriatrics, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
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Huber K, Szerenos E, Lewandowski D, Toczylowski K, Sulik A. The Role of Adipokines in the Pathologies of the Central Nervous System. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14684. [PMID: 37834128 PMCID: PMC10572192 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Adipokines are protein hormones secreted by adipose tissue in response to disruptions in physiological homeostasis within the body's systems. The regulatory functions of adipokines within the central nervous system (CNS) are multifaceted and intricate, and they have been identified in a number of pathologies. Therefore, specific adipokines have the potential to be used as biomarkers for screening purposes in neurological dysfunctions. The systematic review presented herein focuses on the analysis of the functions of various adipokines in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases. Thirteen proteins were selected for analysis through scientific databases. It was found that these proteins can be identified within the cerebrospinal fluid either by their ability to modify their molecular complex and cross the blood-brain barrier or by being endogenously produced within the CNS itself. As a result, this can correlate with their measurability during pathological processes, including Alzheimer's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, depression, or brain tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Kacper Toczylowski
- Department of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Medical University of Bialystok, Waszyngtona 17, 15-274 Bialystok, Poland
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Huang HT, Lv WQ, Xu FY, Wang XL, Yao YL, Su LJ, Zhao HJ, Huang Y. Mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Huatan recipe in the treatment of coronary atherosclerotic disease through network pharmacology and experiments. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e34178. [PMID: 37390239 PMCID: PMC10313272 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000034178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/02/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, with population aging and economic development, morbidity and mortality of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with atherosclerosis (AS) have gradually increased. In this study, a combination of network pharmacology and experimental verification was used to systematically explore the action mechanism of Yiqi Huoxue Huatan Recipe (YHHR) in the treatment of coronary atherosclerotic heart disease (CAD). We searched and screened the active ingredients of Coptis chinensis, Astragalus membranaceus, Salvia miltiorrhiza, and Hirudo. We also searched multiple databases for related target genes corresponding to the compounds and CAD. STRING was used to construct the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network of genes. Metascape was used to perform gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis for common targets to analyze the main pathways, and finally, the molecular docking and main possible pathways were verified by experimental studies. Firstly, a total of 1480 predicted target points were obtained through the Swiss Target Prediction database. After screening, merging, and deleting duplicate values, a total of 768 targets were obtained. Secondly, "Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease" was searched in databases such as the OMIM, GeneCards, and TTD. 1844 disease-related targets were obtained. Among PPI network diagram of YHHR-CAD, SRC had the highest degree value, followed by AKT1, TP53, hsp90aa1 and mapk3. The KEGG pathway bubble diagram was drawn using Chiplot, the Signal pathways such as NF kappa B signaling pathway, Lipid and AS, and Apelin signaling pathway are closely related to the occurrence of CAD. The PCR and Western blot methods were used to detect the expression of NF-κB p65. When compared with that in the model group, the expression of NF-κB p65mRNA decreased in the low-concentration YHHR group, with P < .05, while the expression of NF-κB p65mRNA decreased significantly in the high-concentration YHHR group, with P < .01. On the other hand, when compared with that in the model group, the expression of NF-κB p65 decreased in the low-concentration YHHR group, but was not statistically significant, while the expression of NF-κB p65 was significant in the high-concentration YHHR group, and has statistical significance with P < .05. YHHR has been shown to resist inflammation and AS through the SRC/NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Wen-Qing Lv
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei-Yue Xu
- Shanghai Pudong New District Pudong Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-Long Wang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Li Yao
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li-Jie Su
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Han-Jun Zhao
- Shanghai Pudong New District Zhoupu Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu Huang
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Chen J, Wang Z, Zhang R, Yin H, Wang P, Wang C, Jiang Y. Heterodimerization of apelin and opioid receptor-like 1 receptors mediates apelin-13-induced G protein biased signaling. Life Sci 2023:121892. [PMID: 37364634 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
The apelin receptor (APJ) and the opioid-related nociceptin receptor 1 (ORL1) are family A G protein-coupled receptors that participate in a variety of physiological processes. The distribution and function of APJ and ORL1 in the nervous system and peripheral tissues are similar; however, the detailed mechanism of how these two receptors modulate signaling and physiological effects remains unclear. Here, we examined whether APJ and ORL1 form dimers, and investigated signal transduction pathways. The endogenous co-expression of APJ and ORL1 in SH-SY5Y cells was confirmed by western blotting and RT-PCR. Bioluminescence and fluorescence resonance energy transfer assays, as well as a proximity ligation assay and co-immunoprecipitation experiments, demonstrated that APJ and ORL1 heterodimerize in HEK293 cells. We found that the APJ-ORL1 heterodimer is selectively activated by apelin-13, which causes the dimer to couple to Gαi proteins and reduce the recruitment of GRKs and β-arrestins to the dimer. We showed that the APJ-ORL1 dimer exhibits biased signaling, in which G protein-dependent signaling pathways override β-arrestin-dependent signaling pathways. Our results demonstrate that the structural interface of the APJ-ORL1 dimer switches from transmembrane domain TM1/TM2 in the inactive state to TM5 in the active state. We used mutational analysis and BRET assays to identify key residues in TM5 (APJ L2185.55, APJ I2245.61, and ORL1 L2295.52) responsible for the receptor-receptor interaction. These results provide important information on the APJ-ORL1 heterodimer and may assist the design of new drugs targeting biased signaling pathways for treatment of pain and cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China; Division of Biomedical Sciences, Warwick Medical School, University of Warwick, Coventry, United Kingdom.
| | - Zhengwen Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Rumin Zhang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Haiyan Yin
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Peixiang Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China
| | - Yunlu Jiang
- Neurobiology Institute, Jining Medical University, Jining, China.
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Zhang X, Gu Y, Ma Y, Wu J, Chen Y, Tao K, Sun H, Liu Z, Wang X, Tian X. The Apelin/APJ system modulates seizure activity and endocytosis of the NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit. Neurochem Int 2023; 167:105545. [PMID: 37169180 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), the apelin/APJ system is broadly expressed. According to some studies, activation of this system protects against excitotoxicity mediated by N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors and exerts neuroprotective effects. However, the role of this system in epilepsy remains unclear. In the present study, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were used to assess APJ localization and expression in the brains of mice with recurrent spontaneous seizures induced by kainic acid (KA). Behavior and local field potentials (LFPs) were assessed in mice with KA-induced seizures. Susceptibility to seizures was assessed in a pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure model. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were used to evaluate the role of the apelin/APJ system in regulating synaptic transmission in brain slices from mice in which Mg2+-free medium was used to induce seizures. NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit expression and phosphorylation of GluN2B at Ser1480 were measured in the mouse hippocampus. APJ was primarily localized in neurons, and its expression was upregulated in the epileptic brain. APJ activation after KA-induced status epilepticus (SE) reduced epileptic activity, whereas APJ inhibition aggravated epileptic activity. In the PTZ model, APJ activation was reduced, and APJ inhibition increased susceptibility to seizures. The apelin/APJ system affected NMDA receptor-mediated postsynaptic currents in patch-clamp recordings. Moreover, APJ regulated the levels of GluN2B phosphorylated at Ser1480 and the abundance of cell-surface GluN2B in neurons. Furthermore, endocytosis of the NMDA receptor GluN2B subunit was regulated by the apelin/APJ system. Together, our findings indicate that the apelin/APJ system modulates seizure activity and may be a novel therapeutic target for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaogang Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Yixue Gu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanlin Ma
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Junhong Wu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Kaiyan Tao
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Houchao Sun
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Zhao Liu
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 401147, China
| | - Xuefeng Wang
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
| | - Xin Tian
- Department of Neurology, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, 1 Youyi Road, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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Chen L, Liu C, Xue Y, Chen XY. Several neuropeptides involved in parkinsonian neuroprotection modulate the firing properties of nigral dopaminergic neurons. Neuropeptides 2023; 99:102337. [PMID: 37087783 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2023.102337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. The surviving nigral dopaminergic neurons display altered spontaneous firing activity in Parkinson's disease. The firing rate of nigral dopaminergic neurons decreases long before complete neuronal death and the appearance of parkinsonian symptoms. A mild stimulation could rescue dopaminergic neurons from death and in turn play neuroprotective effects. Several neuropeptides, including cholecystokinin (CCK), ghrelin, neurotensin, orexin, tachykinins and apelin, within the substantia nigra pars compacta play important roles in the modulation of spontaneous firing activity of dopaminergic neurons and therefore involve motor control and motor disorders. Here, we review neuropeptide-induced modulation of the firing properties of nigral dopaminergic neurons. This review may provide a background to guide further investigations into the involvement of neuropeptides in movement control by modulating firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
| | - Cui Liu
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yan Xue
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xin-Yi Chen
- Department of International Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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14
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The apelin/APJ signaling system and cytoprotection: Role of its cross-talk with kappa opioid receptor. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 936:175353. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.175353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 10/19/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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15
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Lin T, Zhao Y, Guo S, Wu Z, Li W, Wu R, Wang Z, Liu W. Apelin-13 Protects Neurons by Attenuating Early-Stage Postspinal Cord Injury Apoptosis In Vitro. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12111515. [PMID: 36358441 PMCID: PMC9688050 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12111515] [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: 10/01/2022] [Revised: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Apelin is a 77-amino-acid peptide that is an endogenous ligand for the G protein-coupled receptor APJ (Apelin receptor, APJ). Apelin-13, as the most bioactive affinity fragment of apelin, plays a role in energy metabolism, myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury, and the regulation of the inflammatory response during oxidative stress, but its role in spinal cord injury is still unclear. This research identified and verified the differential expression of apelin in rat spinal cord injured tissues and normal spinal cord tissues by transcriptome sequencing in vivo and proved that apelin-13 protects neurons by strengthening autophagy and attenuating early-stage postspinal cord injury apoptosis in vitro. After constructing the model concerning a rat spinal cord hemisection damage, transcriptome sequencing was performed on the injured and normal spinal cord tissues of rats, which identified the differentially expressed gene apelin, with qRT-PCR detecting the representative level of apelin. The oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) model of PC12 cells was constructed in vitro to simulate spinal cord injury. The OGD injury times were 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, 8 h, and 12 h, and the non-OGD injury group was used as the control. The expression of apelin at each time point was observed by Western blotting. The expression of apelin was the lowest in the 6 h OGD injury group (p < 0.05). Therefore, the OGD injury time of 6 h was used in subsequent experiments. The noncytotoxic drug concentration of apelin-13 was determined with a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay. An appropriate dose of apelin-13 (1 μM) significantly improved cell survival (p < 0.05). Thus, subsequent experiments selected a concentration of 1 μM apelin-13 as it significantly increased cell viability. Finally, we divided the experimental groups into four groups according to whether they received drugs (1 μM apelin-13, 24 h) or OGD (6 h): (1) control group: without apelin-13 or OGD injury; (2) apelin-13 group: with apelin-13 but no OGD injury; (3) OGD group: with OGD injury but without apelin-13; and (4) OGD + apelin-13 group: with apelin-13 and OGD injury. The TUNEL assay and flow cytometry results showed that compared with the OGD group, apoptosis in the OGD+Apelin-13 group was significantly reduced (p < 0.001). Determination of cell viability under different conditions by CCK-8 assay results displays that Apelin-13 can significantly improve the cell viability percentage under OGD conditions (p < 0.001). Western blotting results showed that apelin-13 decreased the expression ratios of apoptosis-related proteins Bax/Bcl-2 and cleaved-caspase3/caspase3 (p < 0.05), increasing the key to Beclin1-dependent autophagy pathway expression of the protein Beclin1. This finding indicates that apelin-13 protects neurons by strengthening autophagy and attenuating early-stage postspinal cord injury apoptosis in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Wenge Liu
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +86-0591-833-578-96
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16
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Liu J, Zhang X, Ta X, Luo M, Chang X, Wang H. Fecal microbiome transplantation attenuates manganese-induced neurotoxicity through regulation of the apelin signaling pathway by inhibition of autophagy in mouse brain. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 242:113925. [PMID: 35917710 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113925] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Manganese (Mn) is a common environmental pollutant. Mn exposure can lead to neurodegenerative diseases resembling Parkinson's disease, and has become a major public health concern. However, the mechanism of Mn-induced neurotoxicity in the brain is not clear. Fecal microbiome transplantation (FMT) may alleviate the neurotoxicity of Mn exposure by remodeling the gut microbiota. In this study, MnCl2 (manganese chloride) was administered to mice as in drinking water (Mn: 200 mg/L), and fecal matter from donor mice was administered by oral gavage every other day to the recipient mice. The Mn exposure model (Mn group) and FMT model (Mn+FMT group) were established and analyzed 5 weeks post-exposure. The Wipi1 gene exhibited the most significant increase associated with Mn exposure and Mn+FMT treatment groups based on transcriptome analysis. Combined analysis of transcriptomics and proteomics demonstrated that the apelin signaling pathway is the main pathway affected by FMT during Mn exposure. Immunofluorescence and Western blot showed that the expression of key proteins (Beclin-1, LC-3B, and PINK1) associated with autophagy in the hippocampus was robustly activated in the Mn exposure group, but attenuation was observed in Mn+FMT mice, suggesting a critical role of autophagy in neurotoxicity induced by Mn exposure. Our research provides evidence for the neurotoxic effects of Mn exposure through autophagy activation and provides an underlying mechanism of FMT protection against Mn-induced neurotoxicity through regulation of the apelin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingjing Liu
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Xiaojuan Ta
- Department of Pathology, Lanzhou Second People's Hospital, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Miaomiao Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Affiliated Hospital of Yan'an University, Shaanxi 716000, China
| | - Xuhong Chang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Gansu 730000, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Toxicology, School of Public Health, Lanzhou University, Gansu 730000, China.
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17
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Neuropeptide apelin presented in the dopaminergic neurons modulates the neuronal excitability in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Neuropharmacology 2022; 219:109235. [PMID: 36041497 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109235] [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: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
The dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta are characterized by autonomous pacemaking activity. The spontaneous firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons plays an important role in physiological function and is essential for their survival. Importantly, the spontaneous firing activity may also be involved in the preferential vulnerability of the nigral dopaminergic neurons in Parkinson's disease (PD). The neuropeptide apelin was reported to exert neuroprotective effects in neurodegenerative diseases, including PD. And it was noticed that apelin modulates neuronal activity in some brain regions. The present study investigated the electrophysiological and behavioral effects of apelin in the substantia nigra. Double-labeling immunofluorescence showed that apelin was present in nigral dopaminergic neurons and that these neurons expressed apelin receptor APJ. Further single unit in vivo electrophysiological recordings revealed that endogenous apelin tonically increased the firing rate of nigral dopaminergic neurons in both normal and parkinsonian animals. Exogenous apelin-13 exerted excitatory effects on the majority of nigral dopaminergic neurons, yet reduced excitability in a subset of neurons. In addition, nigral application of apelin-13 increased motor activity in normal rats and blocking endogenous apelin reduced motor activity. Considering the involvement of the spontaneous firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons in the development of PD and the possibility that apelin acts in an autocrine manner on apelin receptors expressed by nigral dopaminergic neurons, the modulation of the spontaneous firing activity of nigral dopaminergic neurons by apelin may serve as a neuroprotective factor in PD.
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18
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Southey BR, Rodriguez-Zas SL. Alternative Splicing of Neuropeptide Prohormone and Receptor Genes Associated with Pain Sensitivity Was Detected with Zero-Inflated Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10040877. [PMID: 35453627 PMCID: PMC9031102 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10040877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Migraine is often accompanied by exacerbated sensitivity to stimuli and pain associated with alternative splicing of genes in signaling pathways. Complementary analyses of alternative splicing of neuropeptide prohormone and receptor genes involved in cell–cell communication in the trigeminal ganglia and nucleus accumbens regions of mice presenting nitroglycerin-elicited hypersensitivity and control mice were conducted. De novo sequence assembly detected 540 isoforms from 168 neuropeptide prohormone and receptor genes. A zero-inflated negative binomial model that accommodates for potential excess of zero isoform counts enabled the detection of 27, 202, and 12 differentially expressed isoforms associated with hypersensitivity, regions, and the interaction between hypersensitivity and regions, respectively. Skipped exons and alternative 3′ splice sites were the most frequent splicing events detected in the genes studied. Significant differential splicing associated with hypersensitivity was identified in CALCA and VGF neuropeptide prohormone genes and ADCYAP1R1, CRHR2, and IGF1R neuropeptide receptor genes. The prevalent region effect on differential isoform levels (202 isoforms) and alternative splicing (82 events) were consistent with the distinct splicing known to differentiate central nervous structures. Our findings highlight the changes in alternative splicing in neuropeptide prohormone and receptor genes associated with hypersensitivity to pain and the necessity to target isoform profiles for enhanced understanding and treatment of associated disorders such as migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruce R. Southey
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Sandra L. Rodriguez-Zas
- Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA;
- Department of Statistics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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19
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Li C, Cheng H, Adhikari BK, Wang S, Yang N, Liu W, Sun J, Wang Y. The Role of Apelin-APJ System in Diabetes and Obesity. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:820002. [PMID: 35355561 PMCID: PMC8959308 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.820002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, diabetes and obesity are two main health-threatening metabolic disorders in the world, which increase the risk for many chronic diseases. Apelin, a peptide hormone, exerts its effect by binding with angiotensin II protein J receptor (APJ) and is considered to be linked with diabetes and obesity. Apelin and its receptor are widely present in the body and are involved in many physiological processes, such as glucose and lipid metabolism, homeostasis, endocrine response to stress, and angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the literatures on the role of the Apelin-APJ system in diabetes and obesity for a better understanding of the mechanism and function of apelin and its receptor in the pathophysiology of diseases that may contribute to the development of new therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | | | - Binay Kumar Adhikari
- Department of Cardiology, Nepal Armed Police Force (APF) Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal
| | - Shudong Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Wenyun Liu
- Department of Radiology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yonggang Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular Center, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- *Correspondence: Yonggang Wang,
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