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Tang X, Chen H, Zhao M, Yang W, Shuang R, Xu S. α7nAChR-mediated astrocytic activation: A novel mechanism of Xiongzhi Dilong decoction in ameliorating chronic migraine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118509. [PMID: 38971346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR)-mediated astrocytic activation is closely related to central sensitization of chronic migraine (CM). Xiongzhi Dilong decoction (XZDL), originated from Xiongzhi Shigao decoction of Yi-zong-jin-jian, has been confirmed to relieve CM in experiment and clinic. However, its underlying mechanism for treating CM has not been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY To reveal the underlying mechanisms of XZDL to alleviate CM in vivo focusing mainly on α7nAChR-mediated astrocytic activation and central sensitization in TNC. MATERIALS AND METHODS CM rat model was established by subcutaneous injection of nitroglycerin (NTG) recurrently, and treated with XZDL simultaneously. Migraine-like behaviors of rats (ear redness, head scratching, and cage climbing) and pain-related reactions (mechanical hind-paw withdrawal threshold) of rats were evaluated before and after NTG injection and XZDL administration at different points in time for nine days. The immunofluorescence single and double staining were applied to detect the levels of CGRP, c-Fos, GFAP and α7nAChR in NTG-induced CM rats. ELISA kits were employed to quantify levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in medulla oblongata of CM rats. The expression levels of target proteins were examined using western blotting. Finally, methyllycaconitine citrate (MLA, a specific antagonist of α7nAChR) was applied to further validate the mechanisms of XZDL in vivo. RESULTS XZDL significantly attenuated the pain-related behaviors of the NTG-induced CM rats, manifesting as constraints of aberrant migraine-like behaviors including elongated latency of ear redness and decreased numbers of head scratching and cage climbing, and increment of mechanical withdrawal threshold. Moreover, XZDL markedly lowered levels of CGRP and c-Fos, as well as inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in CM rats. Furthermore, XZDL significantly enhanced α7nAChR expression and its co-localization with GFAP, while markedly inhibited the expression of GFAP and the activation of JAK2/STAT3/NF-κB pathway in the TNC of CM rats. Finally, blocking α7nAChR with MLA reversed the effects of XZDL on astrocytic activation, central sensitization, and the pain-related behaviors in vivo. CONCLUSION XZDL inhibited astrocytic activation and central sensitization in NTG-induced CM rats by facilitating α7nAChR expression and suppressing JAK2/STAT3/NF-κB pathway, implying that the regulation of α7nAChR-mediated astrocytic activation represents a novel mechanism of XZDL for relieving CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Meihuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Wenqin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Ruonan Shuang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Shijun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China.
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Wang YY, Li YF, Zhou ZF. Solanesol alleviates CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain via inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines in spinal glial cells. Heliyon 2024; 10:e34870. [PMID: 39157324 PMCID: PMC11327503 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e34870] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Solanesol, an aliphatic terpene alcohol predominantly found in solanaceous plants, has gained recognition for its anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and neuroprotective properties. This study investigates the potential efficacy of solanesol in alleviating chronic inflammatory pain induced by injection of complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the left hind paw. Behavioral assessments revealed a significant reduction in mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity following solanesol administration, accompanied by a partial alleviation of concomitant anxiety-like behaviors. Mechanistically, Western blot analysis demonstrated a substantial decrease in the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β after solanesol administration. Immunohistochemical staining further revealed a notable suppression of microglial and astrocytic activation induced by CFA injection. These findings collectively suggest that solanesol holds promise as a latent therapeutic agent for the treatment of chronic inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-yuan Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xixi Hospital of Hangzhou, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi-fan Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhen-feng Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hangzhou Women's Hospital (Hangzhou Maternity and Child Health Care Hospital, Hangzhou First People's Hospital Qianjiang New City Campus, The Affiliated Women's Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University), Hangzhou, China
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Khot S, Tackley G, Choy E. How to Distinguish Non-Inflammatory from Inflammatory Pain in RA? Curr Rheumatol Rep 2024:10.1007/s11926-024-01159-4. [PMID: 39120749 DOI: 10.1007/s11926-024-01159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF THE REVIEW Managing non-inflammatory pain in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) can be a huge burden for the rheumatologist. Pain that persists despite optimal RA treatment is extremely challenging for patient and physician alike. Here, we outline the latest research relevant to distinguishing non-inflammatory from inflammatory RA pain and review the current understanding of its neurobiology and management. RECENT FINDINGS Nociplastic pain is a recently introduced term by the international pain community. Its definition encompasses the non-inflammatory pain of RA and describes pain that is not driven by inflamed joints or compromised nerves, but that is instead driven by a functional reorganisation of the central nervous system (CNS). Insights from all areas of nociplastic pain research, including fibromyalgia, support a personalised pain management approach for non-inflammatory pain of RA, with evidence-based guidelines favouring use of non-pharmacological interventions. Future developments include novel CNS targeting pharmacotherapeutic approaches to treat nociplastic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmila Khot
- Department of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Medicine, Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, Cardiff CF14 4XW and Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| | - George Tackley
- Cardiff University Brain Research Imaging Centre (CUBRIC), Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, Wales, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Ernest Choy
- Head of Rheumatology and Translational Research at the Division of Infection and Immunity and Director of the Cardiff Regional Experimental Arthritis Treatment and Evaluation (CREATE) Centre at Cardiff University School of Medicine, Cardiff, Wales, UK, CF14 4YS
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Marchon ISDS, Melo EDDN, Botinhão MDC, Pires GN, Reis JVR, de Souza ROMA, Leal ICR, Bonavita AGC, Mendonça HR, Muzitano MF, da Silva LL, do Carmo PL, Raimundo JM. Pharmacological potential of 4-dimethylamino chalcone against acute and neuropathic pain in mice. J Pharm Pharmacol 2024; 76:983-994. [PMID: 38733604 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgae057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This work investigated the acute antinociceptive effect of a synthetic chalcone, 4-dimethylamino chalcone (DMAC), as well as its effects on vincristine-induced peripheral neuropathy (VIPN) in mice. METHODS The inhibitory activity of myeloperoxidase was assessed by measuring HOCl formation. Formalin and hot plate tests were used to study the acute antinociceptive effect of DMAC. VIPN was induced through the administration of vincristine sulphate (0.1 mg/kg, i.p., 14 days). Then, DMSO, DMAC (10 or 30 mg/kg; i.p.), or pregabalin (10 mg/kg, i.p.) were administered for 14 consecutive days. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were evaluated before and after VIPN induction and on days 1, 3, 7, and 14 of treatment. Neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation were assessed through immunohistochemistry for NF200, iNOS, and arginase-1 within the sciatic nerve. KEY FINDINGS DMAC inhibited myeloperoxidase activity in vitro and presented an acute antinociceptive effect in both formalin and hot plate tests, with the involvement of muscarinic and opioid receptors. Treatment with 30 mg/kg of DMAC significantly attenuated thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia and prevented macrophage proinflammatory polarisation in VIPN mice. CONCLUSIONS Our results show that DMAC, acting through different mechanisms, effectively attenuates VIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabela Souza Dos Santos Marchon
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Evelynn Dalila do Nascimento Melo
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Mirella da Costa Botinhão
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Greice Nascimento Pires
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
| | - João Vitor Rocha Reis
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | | | - Ivana Correa Ramos Leal
- Laboratório de Produtos Naturais e Ensaios Biológicos, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ 21941-902, Brazil
| | - André Gustavo Calvano Bonavita
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Henrique Rocha Mendonça
- Laboratório Integrado de Morfologia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Instituto de Biodiversidade e Sustentabilidade NUPEM, Macaé, RJ 27965-045, Brazil
| | - Michelle Frazão Muzitano
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Leandro Louback da Silva
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
| | - Paula Lima do Carmo
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
- Laboratório de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27933-378, Brazil
| | - Juliana Montani Raimundo
- Grupo de Pesquisa em Farmacologia de Produtos Bioativos, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Centro Multidisciplinar UFRJ-Macaé, Macaé, RJ 27930-560, Brazil
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Denaro S, D'Aprile S, Torrisi F, Zappalà A, Marrazzo A, Al-Khrasani M, Pasquinucci L, Vicario N, Parenti R, Parenti C. Sigma-1 receptor targeting inhibits connexin 43 based intercellular communication in chronic neuropathic pain. Inflamm Res 2024:10.1007/s00011-024-01926-0. [PMID: 39095656 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-024-01926-0] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 06/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Neuropathic pain is a chronic condition characterized by aberrant signaling within the somatosensory system, affecting millions of people worldwide with limited treatment options. Herein, we aim at investigating the potential of a sigma-1 receptor (σ1R) antagonist in managing neuropathic pain. METHODS A Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) model was used to induce neuropathic pain. The potential of (+)-MR200 was evaluated following daily subcutaneous injections of the compound. Its mechanism of action was confirmed by administration of a well-known σ1R agonist, PRE084. RESULTS (+)-MR200 demonstrated efficacy in protecting neurons from damage and alleviating pain hypersensitivity in CCI model. Our results suggest that (+)-MR200 reduced the activation of astrocytes and microglia, cells known to contribute to the neuroinflammatory process, suggesting that (+)-MR200 may not only address pain symptoms but also tackle the underlying cellular mechanism involved. Furthermore, (+)-MR200 treatment normalized levels of the gap junction (GJ)-forming protein connexin 43 (Cx43), suggesting a reduction in harmful intercellular communication that could fuel the chronicity of pain. CONCLUSIONS This approach could offer a neuroprotective strategy for managing neuropathic pain, addressing both pain symptoms and cellular processes driving the condition. Understanding the dynamics of σ1R expression and function in neuropathic pain is crucial for clinical intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Denaro
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Simona D'Aprile
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Torrisi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Enna "Kore", 94100, Enna, Italy
| | - Agata Zappalà
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Agostino Marrazzo
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Mahmoud Al-Khrasani
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Section of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, 95123, Catania, Italy
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Liu Q, Han J, Zhang X. Peripheral and central pathogenesis of postherpetic neuralgia. Skin Res Technol 2024; 30:e13867. [PMID: 39101621 PMCID: PMC11299165 DOI: 10.1111/srt.13867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is a classic chronic condition with multiple signs of peripheral and central neuropathy. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of PHN is not well defined, limiting clinical treatment and disease management. OBJECTIVE To describe the peripheral and central pathological axes of PHN, including peripheral nerve injury, inflammation induction, central nervous system sensitization, and brain functional and structural network activity. METHODS A bibliographic survey was carried out, selecting relevant articles that evaluated the characterization of the pathogenesis of PHN, including peripheral and central pathological axes. RESULTS Currently, due to the complexity of the pathophysiological mechanisms of PHN and the incomplete understanding of the exact mechanism of neuralgia. CONCLUSION It is essential to conduct in-depth research to clarify the origins of PHN pathogenesis and explore effective and comprehensive therapies for PHN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuping Liu
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
- Department of Rheumatology and ImmunologyFirst Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical UniversityChongqingChina
| | - Jingxian Han
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
| | - Xuezhu Zhang
- First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and MoxibustionTianjinChina
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Kim IY, Park CS, Seo KJ, Lee JY, Yune TY. TRPM7 Mediates Neuropathic Pain by Activating mTOR Signaling in Astrocytes after Spinal Cord Injury in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:5265-5281. [PMID: 38180616 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03888-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024]
Abstract
In this study, we investigated whether transient receptor melastatin 7 (TRPM7), known as a non-selective cation channel, inhibits neuropathic pain after spinal cord injury (SCI) and how TRPM7 regulates neuropathic pain. Neuropathic pain was developed 4 weeks after moderate contusive SCI and TRPM7 was markedly upregulated in astrocytes in the lamina I and II of L4-L5 dorsal horn. In addition, both mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia were significantly alleviated by a TRPM7 inhibitor, carvacrol. In particular, carvacrol treatment inhibited mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, which was activated in astrocytes. When rats were treated with rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR signaling, neuropathic pain was significantly inhibited. Furthermore, blocking TRPM7 and mTOR signaling by carvacrol and rapamycin inhibited astrocyte activation in lamina I and II of dorsal spinal cord and reduced the level of p-JNK and p-c-Jun, which are known to be activated in astrocytes. Finally, inhibiting TRPM7/mTOR signaling also downregulated the production of pain-related factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin-1β, chemokine (C-C motif) ligand (CCL) 2, CCL-3, CCL-4, CCL-20, chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 1, and matrix metalloproteinase 9 which are known to be involved in the induction and/or maintenance of neuropathic pain after SCI. These results suggest an important role of TRPM7-mediated mTOR signaling in astrocyte activation and thereby induction and/or maintenance of neuropathic pain after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- In Yi Kim
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Chan Sol Park
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Jin Seo
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Youn Lee
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
| | - Tae Young Yune
- Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Medical Building 10th Floor, Dongdaemun-Gu, Hoegi-Dong 1, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biomedical Science, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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Li Y, Zhang B, Xu J, Jiang X, Jing L, Tian Y, Wang K, Zhang J. Inhibiting the JNK Signaling Pathway Attenuates Hypersensitivity and Anxiety-Like Behavior in a Rat Model of Non-specific Chronic Low Back Pain. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:73. [PMID: 39046556 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02252-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
Low back pain (LBP) has become a leading cause of disability worldwide. Astrocyte activation in the spinal cord plays an important role in the maintenance of latent sensitization of dorsal horn neurons in LBP. However, the role of spinal c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) in astrocytes in modulating pain behavior of LBP model rats and its neurobiological mechanism have not been elucidated. Here, we investigate the role of the JNK signaling pathway on hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behavior caused by repetitive nerve growth factor (NGF) injections in male non-specific LBP model rats. LBP was produced by two injections (day 0, day 5) of NGF into multifidus muscle of the low backs of rats. We observed prolonged mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity in the low backs or hindpaws. Persistent anxiety-like behavior was observed, together with astrocyte, p-JNK, and neuronal activation and upregulated expression of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1) proteins in the spinal L2 segment. Second, the JNK inhibitor SP600125 was intrathecally administrated in rats from day 10 to day 12. It attenuated mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity of the low back or hindpaws and anxiety-like behavior. Meanwhile, SP600125 decreased astrocyte and neuronal activation and the expression of MCP-1 and CXCL1 proteins. These results showed that hypersensitivity and anxiety-like behavior induced by NGF in LBP rats could be attenuated by the JNK inhibitor, together with downregulation of spinal astrocyte activation, neuron activation, and inflammatory cytokines. Our results indicate that intervening with the spinal JNK signaling pathway presents an effective therapeutic approach to alleviating LBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Li
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Bingyu Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui Province, China
| | - Xiao Jiang
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Liang Jing
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Yanghua Tian
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui Province, China
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui Province, China
- The School of Mental Health and Psychological Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230000, China
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Cognition and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Hefei, 230000, China
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Neuropsychiatric Disorders and Mental Health, Hefei, 230000, China
- Institute of Artificial Intelligence, Hefei Comprehensive National Science Center, Hefei, 230000, China
| | - Juanjuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Hefei, 230000, Anhui Province, China.
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Ando H, Shimizu-Okabe C, Okura N, Yafuso T, Kosaka Y, Kobayashi S, Okabe A, Takayama C. Reduced Gene Expression of KCC2 Accelerates Axonal Regeneration and Reduces Motor Dysfunctions after Tibial Nerve Severance and Suturing. Neuroscience 2024; 551:55-68. [PMID: 38788828 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.05.018] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024]
Abstract
Gamma-aminobutyric acid and glycine (GABA/Gly) are predominantly inhibitory neurotransmitters in the mature central nervous system; however, they mediate membrane potential depolarization during development. These differences in actions depend on intracellular Cl- concentrations ([Cl-]i), which are primarily regulated by potassium chloride cotransporter 2 (KCC2). After nerve injury, KCC2 expression markedly decreases and GABA/Gly mediate depolarization. Following nerve regeneration, KCC2 expression recovers and GABA/Gly become inhibitory, suggesting that KCC2 reduction and GABA/Gly excitation may be crucial for axonal regeneration. To directly clarify their involvement in regeneration, we analyzed recovery processes after tibial nerve severance and suturing between heterozygous KCC2 knockout mice (HT), whose KCC2 levels are halved, and their wild-type littermates (WT). Compared with WT mice, the sciatic functional index-indicating lower limb motor function-was significantly higher until 28 days after operation (D28) in HT mice. Furthermore, at D7, many neurofilament-positive fibers were elongated into the distal part of the sutured nerve in HT mice only, and myelinated axonal density was significantly higher at D21 and D28 in HT animals. Electron microscopy and galanin immunohistochemistry indicated a shorter nerve degeneration period in HT mice. Moreover, a less severe decrease in choline acetyltransferase was observed in HT mice. These results suggest that nerve degeneration and regeneration proceed more rapidly in HT mice, resulting in milder motor dysfunction. Via similar microglial activation, nerve surgery may reduce KCC2 levels more rapidly in HT mice, followed by earlier increased [Cl-]i and longer-lasting GABA/Gly excitation. Taken together, reduced KCC2 may accelerate nerve regeneration via GABA/Gly excitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Ando
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Uehara 207, Nishihara, Okinawa 9030215, Japan
| | - Chigusa Shimizu-Okabe
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Uehara 207, Nishihara, Okinawa 9030215, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Okura
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Uehara 207, Nishihara, Okinawa 9030215, Japan
| | - Tsukasa Yafuso
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Uehara 207, Nishihara, Okinawa 9030215, Japan
| | - Yoshinori Kosaka
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Uehara 207, Nishihara, Okinawa 9030215, Japan
| | - Shiori Kobayashi
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Uehara 207, Nishihara, Okinawa 9030215, Japan
| | - Akihito Okabe
- Department of Nutritional Science, Faculty of Health and Welfare, Seinan Jo Gakuin University, Fukuoka 803-0835, Japan
| | - Chitoshi Takayama
- Department of Molecular Anatomy, Graduate School of Medicine, University of the Ryukyus, Uehara 207, Nishihara, Okinawa 9030215, Japan.
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10
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Malek N, Gladysz R, Stelmach N, Drag M. Targeting Microglial Immunoproteasome: A Novel Approach in Neuroinflammatory-Related Disorders. ACS Chem Neurosci 2024; 15:2532-2544. [PMID: 38970802 PMCID: PMC11258690 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.4c00099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 06/18/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024] Open
Abstract
It is widely acknowledged that the aging process is linked to the accumulation of damaged and misfolded proteins. This phenomenon is accompanied by a decrease in proteasome (c20S) activity, concomitant with an increase in immunoproteasome (i20S) activity. These changes can be attributed, in part, to the chronic neuroinflammation that occurs in brain tissues. Neuroinflammation is a complex process characterized by the activation of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) in response to injury, infection, and other pathological stimuli. In certain cases, this immune response becomes chronic, contributing to the pathogenesis of various neurological disorders, including chronic pain, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, brain traumatic injury, and others. Microglia, the resident immune cells in the brain, play a crucial role in the neuroinflammatory response. Recent research has highlighted the involvement of i20S in promoting neuroinflammation, increased activity of which may lead to the presentation of self-antigens, triggering an autoimmune response against the CNS, exacerbating inflammation, and contributing to neurodegeneration. Furthermore, since i20S plays a role in breaking down accumulated proteins during inflammation within the cell body, any disruption in its activity could lead to a prolonged state of inflammation and subsequent cell death. Given the pivotal role of i20S in neuroinflammation, targeting this proteasome subtype has emerged as a potential therapeutic approach for managing neuroinflammatory diseases. This review delves into the mechanisms of neuroinflammation and microglia activation, exploring the potential of i20S inhibitors as a promising therapeutic strategy for managing neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Malek
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Gladysz
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Natalia Stelmach
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
| | - Marcin Drag
- Department
of Chemical Biology and Bioimaging, Wroclaw
University of Science and Technology, ul. Wybrzeze Wyspianskiego 27, 50-370 Wroclaw, Poland
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11
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Kiani FA, Li H, Guo P, Zhang Q, Abouelfetouh MM, Ding M, Ding Y. The cumulative analgesic effect of repeated electroacupuncture is modulated by Adora3 in the SCDH of mice with neuropathic pain. Animal Model Exp Med 2024. [PMID: 38992885 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12458] [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: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Existing remedial approaches for relieving neuropathic pain (NPP) are challenging and open the way for alternative therapeutic measures such as electroacupuncture (EA). The mechanism underlying the antinociceptive effects of repeated EA sessions, particularly concerning the regulation of the Adora3 receptor and its associated enzymes, has remained elusive. METHODS This study used a mouse model of spared nerve injury (SNI) to explore the cumulative analgesic effects of repeated EA at ST36 (Zusanli) and its impact on Adora3 regulation in the spinal cord dorsal horn (SCDH). Forty-eight male mice underwent SNI surgery for induction of neuropathic pain and were randomly assigned to the SNI, SNI + 2EA, SNI + 4EA, and SNI + 7EA groups. Spinal cord (L4-L6) was sampled for immunofluorescence, adenosine (ADO) detection and for molecular investigations following repeated EA treatment. RESULTS Following spared nerve injury (SNI), there was a significant decrease in mechanical withdrawal thresholds (PWTs) and thermal nociceptive withdrawal latency (TWL) in the ipsilateral hind paw on the third day post-surgery, while the contralateral hind paw PWTs showed no significant changes. On subsequent EA treatments, the SNI + EA groups led to a significant increase in pain thresholds (p < 0.05). Repeated EA sessions in SNI mice upregulated Adenosine A3 (Adora3) and cluster of differentiation-73 (CD73) expression while downregulating adenosine deaminase (ADA) and enhancing neuronal instigation in the SCDH. Colocalization analysis of Neun-treated cells revealed increased Adora3 expression, particularly in the SNI + 7EA group. CONCLUSIONS In conclusion, cumulative electroacupuncture treatment reduced neuropathic pain by regulating Adora3 and CD73 expression, inhibiting ADA and most likely increasing neuronal activation in the SCDH. This study offers a promising therapeutic option for managing neuropathic pain, paving the way for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Faisal Ayub Kiani
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bahauddin Zakariyah University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Hao Li
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Panpan Guo
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiulin Zhang
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Mahmoud M Abouelfetouh
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
- Department of Surgery, Anesthesiology, and Radiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Moshtohor, Egypt
| | - Mingxing Ding
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Clinical Veterinary Medicine, College of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, China
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12
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Wang Y, Fu X, Zheng M, Liu Q, Gan H, Song Z, Yang M, Liu K, Xie Z, Fan H. Potential analgesic effect of a novel cannabidiol nanocrystals powder for the treatment of neuropathic pain. Eur J Pain 2024. [PMID: 38982797 DOI: 10.1002/ejp.2300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current analgesics often prevent patients from getting effective treatment due to their adverse effects. Cannabidiol (CBD) is well tolerated, has few side effects and has been extensively investigated in analgesia. However, its oral bioavailability is extremely low. In order to solve this problem, we developed the cannabidiol nanocrystals (CBD-NC) in the earlier stage. METHODS In this study, we evaluated the nociceptive behaviours associated with neuropathic pain (NP) induced by the spared nerve injury (SNI) model. Assessment of pain threshold was evaluated by paw withdraw threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL). The improving effect on the motor dysfunction was determined by rota-rod testing. To assess the neuroprotective effect, nerve demyelination and expression of peripheral myelin protein PMP22 were measured with myelin sheath staining and western blotting. Protein expressions in microglia of spinal cord were tested by western blot to explore the underlying mechanism. RESULTS Compared with the CBD oil solution, CBD-NC significantly reduced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in rats. CBD-NC could improve motor dysfunction induced by SNI in rats, significantly reverse the demyelination and increase the expression of the marker protein of peripheral myelin. Underlying spinal analgesic mechanism of microglia and related factors were preliminarily confirmed. CONCLUSIONS CBD-NC administration is an effective treatment for NP associated with SNI, and the analgesic effect of CBD-NC was significantly better than that of CBD oil sol. By contrast, CBD-NC has a fast-acting and long-term effect in the treatment of NP. Our study further supports the potential therapeutic effect of CBD-NC on NP. SIGNIFICANCE The absolute bioavailability of the CBD-NC intramuscular injection formulation can reach 203.31%, which can solve the problem of low oral bioavailability. This research evaluated the therapeutic effect of CBD-NC on NP associated with the SNI model for the first time. All available date showed that whatever the analgesic or neuroprotective effect of CBD-NC, it was significantly better than that of CBD oil sol., which was consistent with the results of the pharmacokinetic. This research supports the initiation of more trials testing the efficacy of CBD-NC for treating NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Xinzhen Fu
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Meihua Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Qian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Hailin Gan
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Zeyu Song
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Mingyan Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
| | - Ke Liu
- Shandong Boyuan Biomedical Co., Ltd, Yantai, China
| | - Zeping Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, China
| | - Huaying Fan
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China
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13
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Bhilare KD, Dobariya P, Hanak F, Rothwell PE, More SS. Current understanding of the link between angiotensin-converting enzyme and pain perception. Drug Discov Today 2024; 29:104089. [PMID: 38977123 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2024.104089] [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: 04/12/2024] [Revised: 06/27/2024] [Accepted: 07/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is known to affect diverse physiological processes that affect the functioning of many key organs. Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) modulates a variety of bioactive peptides associated with pain. ACE inhibitors (ACEis) have found applications in the treatment of cardiovascular, kidney, neurological and metabolic disorders. However, ACEis also tend to display undesirable effects, resulting in increased pain sensitization and mechanical allodynia. In this review, we provide comprehensive discussion of preclinical and clinical studies involving the evaluation of various clinically approved ACEis. With the emerging knowledge of additional factors involved in RAS signaling and the indistinct pharmacological role of ACE substrates in pain, extensive studies are still required to elucidate the mechanistic role of ACE in pain perception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiran D Bhilare
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Prakashkumar Dobariya
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Filip Hanak
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Patrick E Rothwell
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Swati S More
- Center for Drug Design, College of Pharmacy, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA.
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14
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Draaisma F, Leenders EKSM, Erasmus CE, Braakman HMH, Burgers MCJ, Coppens CH, Rinne T, Zenker M, Tartaglia M, Reintjes W, Voermans NC, van Engelen BGM, van Alfen N, Draaisma JMT. Nerve enlargement in patients with Noonan syndrome: A retrospective cohort study. Am J Med Genet A 2024:e63810. [PMID: 38958480 DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.a.63810] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/04/2024]
Abstract
Noonan syndrome (NS) is an autosomal dominant condition characterized by facial dysmorphism, congenital heart disease, development delay, growth retardation and lymphatic disease. It is caused by germline pathogenic variants in genes encoding proteins in the Ras/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway. Nerve enlargement is not generally considered as a feature of NS, although some cases have been reported. High-resolution nerve ultrasound enables detailed anatomical assessment of peripheral nerves and can show enlarged nerves. This retrospective cohort study aims to describe the sonographic findings of patients with NS performed during a 1-year time period. Data on the degree of enlargement, the relation to increasing age, pain in extremities, genotype on the gene level and clinical features were collected. Twenty-nine of 93 patients visiting the NS Center of Expertise of the Radboud University Medical Center Nijmegen underwent high-resolution ultrasound. In 24 patients (83%) nerve enlargement was found. Most of them experienced pain. We observed a weak correlation with increasing age and the degree of nerve enlargement but no association with pain, genotype at the gene level or clinical features. This study shows that patients with NS have a high predisposition for sonographic nerve enlargement and that the majority experience pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fieke Draaisma
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Erika K S M Leenders
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Corrie E Erasmus
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Hilde M H Braakman
- Department of Pediatric Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Melanie C J Burgers
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Catelijne H Coppens
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Tuula Rinne
- Department of Human Genetics, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Martin Zenker
- Institute of Human Genetics, University Hospital Magdeburg, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Marco Tartaglia
- Molecular Genetics and Functional Genomics, Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesù, IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Wesley Reintjes
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nicol C Voermans
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Baziel G M van Engelen
- Department of Neurology, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Nens van Alfen
- Department of Neurology, Clinical Neuromuscular Imaging Group, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Jos M T Draaisma
- Department of Pediatrics, Radboud Institute for Health Sciences, Radboud University Medical Center, Amalia Children's Hospital, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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15
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Rosenström AH, Ahmed AS, Kultima K, Freyhult E, Berg S, Bersellini Farinotti A, Palada V, Svensson CI, Kosek E. Unraveling the neuroimmune interface in chronic pain-the association between cytokines in the cerebrospinal fluid and pain in patients with lumbar disk herniation or degenerative disk disease. Pain 2024; 165:e65-e79. [PMID: 38900144 PMCID: PMC11190896 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Recent evidence highlights the importance of the neuroimmune interface, including periphery-to-central nervous system (CNS) neuroimmune crosstalk, in chronic pain. Although neuroinflammatory processes have been implicated in central sensitization for a long time, their potential neuroprotective and analgesic effects remain relatively elusive. We have explored the relationships between cytokine expression and symptom severity, and candidates for periphery-to-CNS crosstalk. Patients with degenerative disk disease (DDD) (nociceptive pain) or patients with lumbar disk herniation (LDH) with radiculopathy (predominantly neuropathic pain) completed questionnaires regarding pain and functional disability, underwent quantitative sensory testing, and provided blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. Proximity extension assay (PEA) was used to measure the levels of 92 inflammatory proteins in the CSF and serum from a total of 160 patients and controls, and CSF/serum albumin quotients was calculated for patients with DDD and patients with LDH. We found signs of neuroimmune activation, in the absence of systemic inflammation. Regarding periphery-to-CNS neuroimmune crosstalk, there were significant associations between several cytokines and albumin quotient, despite the latter being primarily at subclinical levels. The cytokines CCL11, CD5, IL8, and MMP-10 were elevated in the CSF, had positive correlations between CSF and serum levels, and associated in a nonlinear manner with back, but not leg, pain intensity in the LDH, but not the DDD, group. In conclusion, we found evidence for neuroimmune activation in the CNS of both patient groups in the absence of systemic inflammation and signs of a communication between CSF and serum. Complex and disease-specific associations were found between cytokines in CSF and back pain intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Aisha Siddiqah Ahmed
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kim Kultima
- Department of Medical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Freyhult
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Svante Berg
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alex Bersellini Farinotti
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Vinko Palada
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Palada is now with the Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Camilla I. Svensson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Eva Kosek
- Department of Surgical Sciences, Uppsala University, Akademiska Sjukhuset, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. Palada is now with the Department of Physiology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
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16
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Deng MY, Cheng J, Gao N, Li XY, Liu H, Wang YX. Dexamethasone attenuates neuropathic pain through spinal microglial expression of dynorphin A via the cAMP/PKA/p38 MAPK/CREB signaling pathway. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 119:36-50. [PMID: 38555991 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.03.047] [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: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to elucidate the opioid mechanisms underlying dexamethasone-induced pain antihypersensitive effects in neuropathic rats. Dexamethasone (subcutaneous and intrathecal) and membrane-impermeable Dex-BSA (intrathecal) administration dose-dependently inhibited mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in neuropathic rats. Dexamethasone and Dex-BSA treatments increased expression of dynorphin A in the spinal cords and primary cultured microglia. Dexamethasone specifically enhanced dynorphin A expression in microglia but not astrocytes or neurons. Intrathecal injection of the microglial metabolic inhibitor minocycline blocked dexamethasone-stimulated spinal dynorphin A expression; intrathecal minocycline, the glucocorticoid receptor antagonist Dex-21-mesylate, dynorphin A antiserum, and κ-opioid receptor antagonist GNTI completely blocked dexamethasone-induced mechanical antiallodynia and thermal antihyperalgesia. Additionally, dexamethasone elevated spinal intracellular cAMP levels, leading to enhanced phosphorylation of PKA, p38 MAPK and CREB. The specific adenylate cyclase inhibitor DDA, PKA inhibitor H89, p38 MAPK inhibitor SB203580 and CREB inhibitor KG-501 completely blocked dexamethasone-induced anti-neuropathic pain and increased microglial dynorphin A exprression. In conclusion, this study reveal that dexamethasone mitigateds neuropathic pain through upregulation of dynorphin A in spinal microglia, likely involving the membrane glucocorticoid receptor/cAMP/PKA/p38 MAPK/CREB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yan Deng
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China; King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Na Gao
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Xin-Yan Li
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Hao Liu
- School of Basic Medical Science, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, Zhejiang 315211, China
| | - Yong-Xiang Wang
- King's Lab, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Pharmacy, Shanghai 200240, China.
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17
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Ruivo J, Tavares I, Pozza DH. Molecular targets in bone cancer pain: a systematic review of inflammatory cytokines. J Mol Med (Berl) 2024:10.1007/s00109-024-02464-2. [PMID: 38940936 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-024-02464-2] [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: 03/14/2024] [Revised: 06/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
Bone cancer pain (BCP) profoundly impacts patient's quality of life, demanding more effective pain management strategies. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the role of inflammatory cytokines as potential molecular targets in BCP. A systematic search for animal rodent models of bone cancer pain studies was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using the SYRCLE RoB tool. Twenty-five articles met the inclusion criteria, comprising animal studies investigating molecular targets related to inflammatory cytokines in BCP. A low to moderate risk of bias was reported. Key findings in 23 manuscripts revealed upregulated classic pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-17, IL-18, IL-33) and chemokines in the spinal cord, periaqueductal gray, and dorsal root ganglia. Interventions targeting these cytokines consistently mitigated pain behaviors. Additionally, it was demonstrated that glial cells, due to their involvement in the release of inflammatory cytokines, emerged as significant contributors to BCP. This systematic review underscores the significance of inflammatory cytokines as potential molecular targets for alleviating BCP. It emphasizes the promise of targeted interventions and advocates for further research to translate these findings into effective therapeutic strategies. Ultimately, this approach holds the potential to enhance the patient's quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacinta Ruivo
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
| | - Isaura Tavares
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health and IBMC, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
| | - Daniel H Pozza
- Experimental Biology Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine of Porto, University of Porto, 4200-319, Porto, Portugal.
- Institute for Research and Innovation in Health and IBMC, University of Porto, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal.
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Lv T, Li G, Zhao C, Ma J, Zhang F, Zhao M, Liu H, Wu H, Li K, Weng Z. P2X7 and P2Y 1 receptors in DRG mediate electroacupuncture to inhibit peripheral sensitization in rats with IBS visceral pain. Purinergic Signal 2024:10.1007/s11302-024-10028-9. [PMID: 38922475 DOI: 10.1007/s11302-024-10028-9] [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: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Although multiple purinergic receptors mediate the analgesic effects of acupuncture, it remains unclear whether there is mutual interaction between purinergic receptors to jointly mediate the electroacupuncture inhibition of peripheral sensitization in visceral pain. Visceral hypersensitivity was induced by intracolonic 2,4,6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in rat. The antinociception effect of electroacupuncture on visceral pain was evaluated by morphology, behaviors, neuroelectrophysiology and molecular biology techniques. After labeling the colon-related primary sensory neurons with neural retrograde tracer and employing neuropharmacology, neuroelectrophysiology, and molecular biotechnology, the mechanisms of P2X7R, P2Y1R, and P2X3R in colon-related dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons alleviating visceral hypersensitivity of irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by electroacupuncture at Zusanli and Sanyinjiao acupoints.were elucidated from the perspective of peripheral sensitization. Electroacupuncture significantly inhibited TNBS-induced colonic hypersensitivity in rats with IBS, and Satellite Glial Cells (SGCs) in DRG were found to be involved in electroacupuncture-mediated regulation of the electrophysiological properties of neurons. P2X7R was found to play a pain-inducing role in IBS visceral hypersensitivity by affecting P2X3R, and electroacupuncture exerted an analgesic effect by inhibiting P2X7R activation. P2Y1R was found to play an analgesic role in the process of visceral pain, mediating electroacupuncture to relieve visceral hypersensitivity. P2Y1R relieved visceral pain by inhibiting P2X3R in neurons associated with nociception, with P2X7R identified as upstream of P2Y1R up-regulation by electroacupuncture. Our study suggests that the P2X7R → P2Y1R → P2X3R inhibitory pathway in DRG mediates the inhibition of peripheral sensitization by electroacupuncture in rats with IBS visceral hypersensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Lv
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Guona Li
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Chen Zhao
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Jindan Ma
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Min Zhao
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Huirong Liu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Huangan Wu
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200030, China
| | - Kunshan Li
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200030, China.
| | - Zhijun Weng
- Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
- Shanghai Research Institute of Acupuncture and Meridian, Shanghai, 200030, China.
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19
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Luo F, Huang C. New Insight into Neuropathic Pain: The Relationship between α7nAChR, Ferroptosis, and Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6716. [PMID: 38928421 PMCID: PMC11203537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 06/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain, which refers to pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory system, represents a wide variety of peripheral or central disorders. Treating neuropathic pain is quite demanding, primarily because of its intricate underlying etiological mechanisms. The central nervous system relies on microglia to maintain balance, as they are associated with serving primary immune responses in the brain next to cell communication. Ferroptosis, driven by phospholipid peroxidation and regulated by iron, is a vital mechanism of cell death regulation. Neuroinflammation can be triggered by ferroptosis in microglia, which contributes to the release of inflammatory cytokines. Conversely, neuroinflammation can induce iron accumulation in microglia, resulting in microglial ferroptosis. Accumulating evidence suggests that neuroinflammation, characterized by glial cell activation and the release of inflammatory substances, significantly exacerbates the development of neuropathic pain. By inhibiting microglial ferroptosis, it may be possible to prevent neuroinflammation and subsequently alleviate neuropathic pain. The activation of the homopentameric α7 subtype of the neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) has the potential to suppress microglial activation, transitioning M1 microglia to an M2 phenotype, facilitating the release of anti-inflammatory factors, and ultimately reducing neuropathic pain. Recent years have witnessed a growing recognition of the regulatory role of α7nAChR in ferroptosis, which could be a potential target for treating neuropathic pain. This review summarizes the mechanisms related to α7nAChR and the progress of ferroptosis in neuropathic pain according to recent research. Such an exploration will help to elucidate the relationship between α7nAChR, ferroptosis, and neuroinflammation and provide new insights into neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangting Luo
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Public Health and Health Management, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China;
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medicine, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- Pain Medicine Research Institute, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
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20
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Liang W, Zhang T, Zhang M, Gao J, Huang R, Huang X, Chen J, Cheng L, Zhang L, Huang Z, Tan Q, Jia Z, Zhang S. Daphnetin Ameliorates Neuropathic Pain via Regulation of Microglial Responses and Glycerophospholipid Metabolism in the Spinal Cord. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:789. [PMID: 38931456 PMCID: PMC11207025 DOI: 10.3390/ph17060789] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common type of chronic pain caused by a lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system. This condition imposes a considerable economic burden on society and patients. Daphnetin (DAP) is a natural product isolated from a Chinese medicinal herb with various pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. However, the underlying mechanisms of these effects are not fully understood. In the present study, we aimed to investigate DAP's anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and explore the underlying mechanisms of action. The NP model was established as chronic constrictive injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, and pain sensitivity was evaluated by measuring the mechanical withdrawal threshold (MWT) and thermal withdrawal threshold (TWT). The activation of microglia in the spinal dorsal horn was measured via immunofluorescence staining. Protein levels were measured using a western blot assay. Using a mass-spectrometry proteomics platform and an LC-MS/MS-based metabolomics platform, proteins and metabolites in spinal cord tissues were extracted and analyzed. DAP treatment ameliorated the MWT and TWT in CCI rats. The expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α was inhibited by DAP treatment in the spinal cords of CCI rats. Moreover, the activation of microglia was suppressed after DAP treatment. The elevation in the levels of P2X4, IRF8, IRF5, BDNF, and p-P38/P38 in the spinal cord caused by CCI was inhibited by DAP. Proteomics and metabolomics results indicated that DAP ameliorated the imbalance of glycerophospholipid metabolism in the spinal cords of CCI rats. DAP can potentially ameliorate NP by regulating microglial responses and glycerophospholipid metabolism in the CCI model. This study provides a pharmacological justification for using DAP in the management of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wulin Liang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Tianrui Zhang
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Toxicology and Preclinical Research of Radiopharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Radiotoxicology and Preclinical Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals in China, National Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Institute of Radiology and Environmental Medicine, China Institute For Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Mingqian Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jiahui Gao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Rikang Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Xiyan Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Jianhua Chen
- Shanxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Toxicology and Preclinical Research of Radiopharmaceuticals, Key Laboratory of Radiotoxicology and Preclinical Evaluation of Radiopharmaceuticals in China, National Atomic Energy Agency Nuclear Technology Research and Development Center, Institute of Radiology and Environmental Medicine, China Institute For Radiation Protection, Taiyuan 030006, China
| | - Lu Cheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Liyuan Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhishan Huang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Qiling Tan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Zhanhong Jia
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
| | - Shuofeng Zhang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 102488, China
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21
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Muhamad NA, Masutani K, Furukawa S, Yuri S, Toriyama M, Matsumoto C, Itoh S, Shinagawa Y, Isotani A, Toriyama M, Itoh H. Astrocyte-Specific Inhibition of the Primary Cilium Suppresses C3 Expression in Reactive Astrocyte. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:48. [PMID: 38822888 PMCID: PMC11144130 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01482-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
C3-positive reactive astrocytes play a neurotoxic role in various neurodegenerative diseases. However, the mechanisms controlling C3-positive reactive astrocyte induction are largely unknown. We found that the length of the primary cilium, a cellular organelle that receives extracellular signals was increased in C3-positive reactive astrocytes, and the loss or shortening of primary cilium decreased the count of C3-positive reactive astrocytes. Pharmacological experiments suggested that Ca2+ signalling may synergistically promote C3 expression in reactive astrocytes. Conditional knockout (cKO) mice that specifically inhibit primary cilium formation in astrocytes upon drug stimulation exhibited a reduction in the proportions of C3-positive reactive astrocytes and apoptotic cells in the brain even after the injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, the novel object recognition (NOR) score observed in the cKO mice was higher than that observed in the neuroinflammation model mice. These results suggest that the primary cilium in astrocytes positively regulates C3 expression. We propose that regulating astrocyte-specific primary cilium signalling may be a novel strategy for the suppression of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nor Atiqah Muhamad
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Kohei Masutani
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Shota Furukawa
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Shunsuke Yuri
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Michinori Toriyama
- Department of Biomedical Chemistry, School of Science and Technology, Kwansei Gakuin University, 1 Gakuenuegahara, Sanda, Hyogo, 669-1330, Japan
| | - Chuya Matsumoto
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Seiya Itoh
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Shinagawa
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Ayako Isotani
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan
| | - Manami Toriyama
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan.
| | - Hiroshi Itoh
- Division of Biological Science, Graduate School of Science and Technology, Nara Institute of Science and Technology, 8916-5, Takayama Cho, Ikoma, Nara, 630-0192, Japan.
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22
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Yang SM, Li YB, Si HX, Wei Y, Ma FJ, Wang J, Chen T, Chen K. C-176 reduces inflammation-induced pain by blocking the cGAS-STING pathway in microglia. Int J Neurosci 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38738512 DOI: 10.1080/00207454.2024.2352025] [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: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammatory pain, is caused by lesions or diseases of the somatosensory tissue, is a prevalent chronic condition that profoundly impacts the quality of life. However, clinical treatment for this type of pain remains limited. Traditionally, the stimulation of microglia and subsequent inflammatory reactions are considered crucial elements to promote the worsening of inflammatory pain. Recent research has shown the crucial importance of the cGAS-STING pathway in promoting inflammation. It is still uncertain if the cGAS-STING pathway plays the role in the fundamental cause of inflammatory pain. We aim to explore the treatment of inflammatory pain by interfering with cGAS-STING signaling pathway. METHODS In this study, we established an inflammatory pain model by CFA into the plantar of mice. Activation of microglia, various inflammatory factors and cGAS-STING protein in the spinal dorsal horn were evaluated. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the cellular localization of cGAS and STING. The cGAS-STING pathway proteins expression and mRNA expression of indicated microglial M1/M2 phenotypic markers in the BV2 microglia were detected. STING inhibitor C-176 was intrathecal injected into mice with inflammatory pain, and the pain behavior and microglia were observed. RESULTS This research showed that injecting CFA into the left hind paw of mice caused mechanical allodynia and increased inflammation in the spine. Our research results suggested that the cGAS-STING pathway had a function in the inflammation mediated by microglia in the spinal cord dorsal horn. Blocking the cGAS-STING pathway using STING antagonists (C-176) led to reduced release of inflammatory factors and prevented M1 polarization of BV2 microglia in a laboratory setting. Additionally, intrathecal administration of C-176 reduced the allodynia in CFA treated mice. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that inhibiting microglial polarization through the cGAS-STING pathway represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy for inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shan-Ming Yang
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuan-Bo Li
- School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Hua-Xing Si
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Yi Wei
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Fu-Juan Ma
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Tao Chen
- College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Kun Chen
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology and K.K. Leung Brain Research Centre, School of Basic Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
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23
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Fan X, Zhang S, Sun S, Bi W, Li S, Wang W, Chen X, Fang Z. GFAP palmitoylcation mediated by ZDHHC23 in spinal astrocytes contributes to the development of neuropathic pain. Reg Anesth Pain Med 2024:rapm-2023-104980. [PMID: 38050183 DOI: 10.1136/rapm-2023-104980] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer pain has a significant impact on patient's quality of life. Astrocytes play an important role in cancer pain signaling. The direct targeting of astrocytes can effectively suppress cancer pain, however, they can cause many side effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify the specific signaling pathways or proteins involved within astrocytes in cancer pain as targets for treating pain. METHODS A neuropathic cancer pain (NCP) model was established by inoculating mouse S-180 sarcoma cells around the right sciatic nerve in C57BL/6 mice. Spontaneous persistent pain and paw withdrawal thresholds were measured using von Frey filaments. The NCP spinal cord dorsal horn (L4-L6) and mouse astrocyte cell line MA-C were used to study protein palmitoylation using acyl-biotin exchange, real-time polymerase chain reaction, ELISA, western blotting, and immunofluorescent staining. RESULTS In a cancer pain model, along with tumor growth, peripheral nerve tissue invasion, and cancer pain onset, astrocytes in the dorsal horn of the spinal cord were activated and palmitoyltransferase ZDHHC23 expression was upregulated, leading to increased palmitoylation levels of GFAP and increased secretion of inflammatory factors, such as (C-X-C motif) ligand (CXCL)10 (CXCL-10), interleukin 6, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor. These factors in turn activate astrocytes by activating the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway. A competitive peptide targeting GFAP palmitoylations was designed to effectively alleviate morphine tolerance in cancer pain treatment as well as cancer pain signaling and inflammatory factor secretion. CONCLUSIONS In a rodent model, targeting GFAP palmitoylation appears to be an effective strategy in relieving cancer pain and morphine tolerance. Human translational research is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Fan
- Hefei Cancer Hospital of CAS; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China (USTC), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Hefei Cancer Hospital of CAS; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Suling Sun
- Hefei Cancer Hospital of CAS; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wenxu Bi
- Hefei Cancer Hospital of CAS; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuyang Li
- Hefei Cancer Hospital of CAS; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Hefei Cancer Hospital of CAS; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueran Chen
- Hefei Cancer Hospital of CAS; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyou Fang
- Hefei Cancer Hospital of CAS; Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS), Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
- Science Island Branch, Graduate School of University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, People's Republic of China
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24
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Dócs K, Balázs A, Papp I, Szücs P, Hegyi Z. Reactive spinal glia convert 2-AG to prostaglandins to drive aberrant astroglial calcium signaling. Front Cell Neurosci 2024; 18:1382465. [PMID: 38784707 PMCID: PMC11112260 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2024.1382465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The endogenous cannabinoid 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) influences neurotransmission in the central nervous system mainly by activating type 1 cannabinoid receptor (CB1). Following its release, 2-AG is broken down by hydrolases to yield arachidonic acid, which may subsequently be metabolized by cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). COX-2 converts arachidonic acid and also 2-AG into prostanoids, well-known inflammatory and pro-nociceptive mediators. Here, using immunohistochemical and biochemical methods and pharmacological manipulations, we found that reactive spinal astrocytes and microglia increase the expression of COX-2 and the production of prostaglandin E2 when exposed to 2-AG. Both 2-AG and PGE2 evoke calcium transients in spinal astrocytes, but PGE2 showed 30% more efficacy and 55 times more potency than 2-AG. Unstimulated spinal dorsal horn astrocytes responded to 2-AG with calcium transients mainly through the activation of CB1. 2-AG induced exaggerated calcium transients in reactive astrocytes, but this increase in the frequency and area under the curve of calcium signals was only partially dependent on CB1. Instead, aberrant calcium transients were almost completely abolished by COX-2 inhibition. Our results suggest that both reactive spinal astrocytes and microglia perform an endocannabinoid-prostanoid switch to produce PGE2 at the expense of 2-AG. PGE2 in turn is responsible for the induction of aberrant astroglial calcium signals which, together with PGE2 production may play role in the development and maintenance of spinal neuroinflammation-associated disturbances such as central sensitization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Klaudia Dócs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Anita Balázs
- Department of Theoretical and Integrative Health Sciences, Institute of Health Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Papp
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Peter Szücs
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
- HUN-REN-DE Neuroscience Research Group, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Hegyi
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Debrecen, Hungary
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25
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Yang Y, Hang W, Li J, Liu T, Hu Y, Fang F, Yan D, McQuillan PM, Wang M, Hu Z. Effect of General Anesthetic Agents on Microglia. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1308-1328. [PMID: 37962460 PMCID: PMC11081156 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.1108] [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: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The effects of general anesthetic agents (GAAs) on microglia and their potential neurotoxicity have attracted the attention of neuroscientists. Microglia play important roles in the inflammatory process and in neuromodulation of the central nervous system. Microglia-mediated neuroinflammation is a key mechanism of neurocognitive dysfunction during the perioperative period. Microglial activation by GAAs induces anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects in microglia, suggesting that GAAs play a dual role in the mechanism of postoperative cognitive dysfunction. Understanding of the mechanisms by which GAAs regulate microglia may help to reduce the incidence of postoperative adverse effects. Here, we review the actions of GAAs on microglia and the consequent changes in microglial function. We summarize clinical and animal studies associating microglia with general anesthesia and describe how GAAs interact with neurons via microglia to further explore the mechanisms of action of GAAs in the nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanchang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Wenxin Hang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Jun Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shulan (Hangzhou) Hospital Affiliated to Zhejiang Shuren University Shulan International Medical College, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Tiantian Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Ningbo Women and Children's Hospital, Ningbo, China.
| | - Yuhan Hu
- Cell Biology Department, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Fuquan Fang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Dandan Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Patrick M. McQuillan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Penn State Hershey Medical Center, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, PA, USA.
| | - Mi Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Zhiyong Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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Bencze N, Scheich B, Szőke É, Wilhelm I, Körmöndi S, Botz B, Helyes Z. Osteosarcoma-Induced Pain Is Mediated by Glial Cell Activation in the Spinal Dorsal Horn, but Not Capsaicin-Sensitive Nociceptive Neurons: A Complex Functional and Morphological Characterization in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1788. [PMID: 38791867 PMCID: PMC11120600 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16101788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer and its related chronic pain are huge clinical problems since the available drugs are often ineffective or cannot be used long term due to a broad range of side effects. The mechanisms, mediators and targets need to be identified to determine potential novel therapies. Here, we characterize a mouse bone cancer model induced by intratibial injection of K7M2 osteosarcoma cells using an integrative approach and investigate the role of capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory nerves. The mechanical pain threshold was assessed by dynamic plantar aesthesiometry, limb loading by dynamic weight bearing, spontaneous pain-related behaviors via observation, knee diameter with a digital caliper, and structural changes by micro-CT and glia cell activation by immunohistochemistry in BALB/c mice of both sexes. Capsaicin-sensitive peptidergic sensory neurons were defunctionalized by systemic pretreatment with a high dose of the transient receptor potential vanilloid 1 (TRPV1) agonist resiniferatoxin (RTX). During the 14- and 28-day experiments, weight bearing on the affected limb and the paw mechanonociceptive thresholds significantly decreased, demonstrating secondary mechanical hyperalgesia. Signs of spontaneous pain and osteoplastic bone remodeling were detected both in male and female mice without any sex differences. Microglia activation was shown by the increased ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1 (Iba1) immunopositivity on day 14 and astrocyte activation by the enhanced glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-positive cell density on day 28 in the ipsilateral spinal dorsal horn. Interestingly, defunctionalization of the capsaicin-sensitive afferents representing approximately 2/3 of the nociceptive fibers did not alter any functional parameters. Here, we provide the first complex functional and morphological characterization of the K7M2 mouse osteosarcoma model. Bone-cancer-related chronic pain and hyperalgesia are likely to be mediated by central sensitization involving neuroinflammation via glial cell activation in the spinal dorsal horn, but not the capsaicin-sensitive sensory neuronal system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noémi Bencze
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
| | - Bálint Scheich
- Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Üllői út 26, 1085 Budapest, Hungary;
| | - Éva Szőke
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Chronic Pain Research Group (HUN-REN-PTE), 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, HUN-REN Biological Research Centre, 6726 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Sándor Körmöndi
- Department of Traumatology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, 6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - Bálint Botz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- Department of Medical Imaging, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Zsuzsanna Helyes
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, Medical School, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; (N.B.); (É.S.); (B.B.)
- National Laboratory for Drug Research and Development, Magyar Tudósok Krt. 2, 1117 Budapest, Hungary
- Hungarian Research Network, Chronic Pain Research Group (HUN-REN-PTE), 7624 Pécs, Hungary
- PharmInVivo Ltd., Szondy György Str. 10, 7629 Pécs, Hungary
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Emvalomenos GM, Kang JWM, Jupp B, Mychasiuk R, Keay KA, Henderson LA. Recent developments and challenges in positron emission tomography imaging of gliosis in chronic neuropathic pain. Pain 2024:00006396-990000000-00597. [PMID: 38713812 DOI: 10.1097/j.pain.0000000000003247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/09/2024]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Understanding the mechanisms that underpin the transition from acute to chronic pain is critical for the development of more effective and targeted treatments. There is growing interest in the contribution of glial cells to this process, with cross-sectional preclinical studies demonstrating specific changes in these cell types capturing targeted timepoints from the acute phase and the chronic phase. In vivo longitudinal assessment of the development and evolution of these changes in experimental animals and humans has presented a significant challenge. Recent technological advances in preclinical and clinical positron emission tomography, including the development of specific radiotracers for gliosis, offer great promise for the field. These advances now permit tracking of glial changes over time and provide the ability to relate these changes to pain-relevant symptomology, comorbid psychiatric conditions, and treatment outcomes at both a group and an individual level. In this article, we summarize evidence for gliosis in the transition from acute to chronic pain and provide an overview of the specific radiotracers available to measure this process, highlighting their potential, particularly when combined with ex vivo/in vitro techniques, to understand the pathophysiology of chronic neuropathic pain. These complementary investigations can be used to bridge the existing gap in the field concerning the contribution of gliosis to neuropathic pain and identify potential targets for interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaelle M Emvalomenos
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - James W M Kang
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Bianca Jupp
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Richelle Mychasiuk
- Department of Neuroscience, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Kevin A Keay
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke A Henderson
- School of Medical Sciences [Neuroscience], and the Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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28
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Ju YH, Cho J, Park JY, Kim H, Hong EB, Lee CJ, Chung E, Kim HI, Nam MH. Tonic excitation by astrocytic GABA causes neuropathic pain by augmenting neuronal activity and glucose metabolism. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:1193-1205. [PMID: 38760512 PMCID: PMC11148027 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01232-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 02/21/2024] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a debilitating condition caused by the hyperexcitability of spinal dorsal horn neurons and is often characterized by allodynia. Although neuron-independent mechanisms of hyperexcitability have been investigated, the contribution of astrocyte-neuron interactions remains unclear. Here, we show evidence of reactive astrocytes and their excessive GABA release in the spinal dorsal horn, which paradoxically leads to the tonic excitation of neighboring neurons in a neuropathic pain model. Using multiple electrophysiological methods, we demonstrated that neuronal hyperexcitability is attributed to both increased astrocytic GABA synthesis via monoamine oxidase B (MAOB) and the depolarized reversal potential of GABA-mediated currents (EGABA) via the downregulation of the neuronal K+/Cl- cotransporter KCC2. Furthermore, longitudinal 2-deoxy-2-[18F]-fluoro-D-glucose microPET imaging demonstrated increased regional glucose metabolism in the ipsilateral dorsal horn, reflecting neuronal hyperexcitability. Importantly, inhibiting MAOB restored the entire astrocytic GABA-mediated cascade and abrogated the increased glucose metabolism and mechanical allodynia. Overall, astrocytic GABA-mediated tonic excitation is critical for neuronal hyperexcitability, leading to mechanical allodynia and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeon Ha Ju
- Center for Brain Function, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Jongwook Cho
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Young Park
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunjin Kim
- Center for Brain Function, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Bin Hong
- Center for Brain Function, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea
| | - C Justin Lee
- Center for Cognition and Sociality, Institute for Basic Science, Daejeon, 34126, Republic of Korea
| | - Euiheon Chung
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyoung-Ihl Kim
- Department of Biomedical Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju, 61005, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Neurosurgery, Presbyterian Medical Center, Jeonju, 54987, Republic of Korea.
| | - Min-Ho Nam
- Center for Brain Function, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST), Seoul, 02792, Republic of Korea.
- Department of KHU-KIST Convergence Science and Technology, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Republic of Korea.
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29
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Merighi A. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor, Nociception, and Pain. Biomolecules 2024; 14:539. [PMID: 38785946 PMCID: PMC11118093 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
This article examines the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the control of nociception and pain. BDNF, a neurotrophin known for its essential role in neuronal survival and plasticity, has garnered significant attention for its potential implications as a modulator of synaptic transmission. This comprehensive review aims to provide insights into the multifaceted interactions between BDNF and pain pathways, encompassing both physiological and pathological pain conditions. I delve into the molecular mechanisms underlying BDNF's involvement in pain processing and discuss potential therapeutic applications of BDNF and its mimetics in managing pain. Furthermore, I highlight recent advancements and challenges in translating BDNF-related research into clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adalberto Merighi
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, 10095 Turin, Italy
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30
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Fathy W, Hussein M, Magdy R, Elmoutaz H, Youssef NA, Abd Alla MF, El Shaarawy AM, Abdelbadie M. Predictive value of S100B and brain derived neurotrophic factor for radiofrequency treatment of lumbar disc prolapse. BMC Anesthesiol 2024; 24:161. [PMID: 38671372 PMCID: PMC11046968 DOI: 10.1186/s12871-024-02527-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This work aimed to analyze serum S100B levels and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in patients with lumbar disc prolapse to test their predictive values concerning the therapeutic efficacy of pulsed radiofrequency. METHODS This prospective interventional study was carried out on 50 patients candidates for radiofrequency for treating symptomatic lumbar disc prolapse. Pain severity and functional disability were assessed using the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) and Functional rating index (FRI) before as well as two weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months after the radiofrequency. Quantitative assessment of serum S100B level and BDNF was done for all the included patients one day before radiofrequency. RESULTS The scores of NRS and FRI were significantly improved at two weeks, 1, 3, and 6 months following radiofrequency (P-value < 0.001 in all comparisons). Statistically significant positive correlations were found between duration of pain, NRS, and S100B serum level before radiofrequency, and both NRS (P-value = 0.001, 0.035, < 0.001 respectively) and FRI (P-value = < 0.001, 0.009, 0.001 respectively) 6 months following radiofrequency. Whereas there were statistically significant negative correlations between BDNF serum level before radiofrequency and both NRS and FRI 6 months following radiofrequency (P-value = 0.022, 0.041 respectively). NRS and S100B serum levels before radiofrequency were found to be independent predictors of NRS 6 months following radiofrequency (P-value = 0.040. <0.001, respectively). CONCLUSION Serum level of S100B is a promising biomarker that can predict functional outcomes after pulsed radiofrequency in patients with lumbar disc prolapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Fathy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical ICU and Pain Management, Beni-Suef University, Salah Salem Street, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt.
| | - Mona Hussein
- Department of Neurology, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Rehab Magdy
- Department of Neurology, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hatem Elmoutaz
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical ICU and Pain Management, Beni-Suef University, Salah Salem Street, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Neveen A Youssef
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Marwa F Abd Alla
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Beni Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M El Shaarawy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical ICU and Pain Management, Beni-Suef University, Salah Salem Street, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Abdelbadie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Surgical ICU and Pain Management, Beni-Suef University, Salah Salem Street, Beni-Suef, 62511, Egypt
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31
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Ye Y, Cheng H, Wang Y, Sun Y, Zhang LD, Tang J. Macrophage: A key player in neuropathic pain. Int Rev Immunol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38661566 DOI: 10.1080/08830185.2024.2344170] [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: 12/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Research on the relationship between macrophages and neuropathic pain has flourished in the past two decades. It has long been believed that macrophages are strong immune effector cells that play well-established roles in tissue homeostasis and lesions, such as promoting the initiation and progression of tissue injury and improving wound healing and tissue remodeling in a variety of pathogenesis-related diseases. They are also heterogeneous and versatile cells that can switch phenotypically/functionally in response to the micro-environment signals. Apart from microglia (resident macrophages of both the spinal cord and brain), which are required for the neuropathic pain processing of the CNS, neuropathic pain signals in PNS are influenced by the interaction of tissue-resident macrophages and BM infiltrating macrophages with primary afferent neurons. And the current review looks at new evidence that suggests sexual dimorphism in neuropathic pain are caused by variations in the immune system, notably macrophages, rather than the neurological system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Ye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Li-Dong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jinling Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, PR China
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32
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Liu MC, Guo QF, Zhang WW, Luo HL, Zhang WJ, Hu HJ. Olfactory ensheathing cells as candidate cells for chronic pain treatment. J Chem Neuroanat 2024; 137:102413. [PMID: 38492895 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2024.102413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Chronic pain is often accompanied by tissue damage and pain hypersensitivity. It easily relapses and is challenging to cure, which seriously affects the patients' quality of life and is an urgent problem to be solved. Current treatment methods primarily rely on morphine drugs, which do not address the underlying nerve injury and may cause adverse reactions. Therefore, in recent years, scientists have shifted their focus from chronic pain treatment to cell transplantation. This review describes the classification and mechanism of chronic pain through the introduction of the characteristics of olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs), an in-depth discussion of special glial cells through the phagocytosis of nerve debris, receptor-ligand interactions, providing nutrition, and other inhibition of neuroinflammation, and ultimately supporting axon regeneration and mitigation of chronic pain. This review summarizes the potential and limitations of OECs for treating chronic pain by objectively analyzing relevant clinical trials and methods to enhance efficacy and future development prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei-Chen Liu
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, China
| | - Qing-Fa Guo
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, China
| | - Wei-Wei Zhang
- The Second Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, China
| | - Hong-Liang Luo
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhang
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Hai-Jun Hu
- Anesthesiology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China.
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33
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Magni G, Riboldi B, Ceruti S. Human Glial Cells as Innovative Targets for the Therapy of Central Nervous System Pathologies. Cells 2024; 13:606. [PMID: 38607045 PMCID: PMC11011741 DOI: 10.3390/cells13070606] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
In vitro and preclinical in vivo research in the last 35 years has clearly highlighted the crucial physiopathological role of glial cells, namely astrocytes/microglia/oligodendrocytes and satellite glial cells/Schwann cells in the central and peripheral nervous system, respectively. Several possible pharmacological targets to various neurodegenerative disorders and painful conditions have therefore been successfully identified, including receptors and enzymes, and mediators of neuroinflammation. However, the translation of these promising data to a clinical setting is often hampered by both technical and biological difficulties, making it necessary to perform experiments on human cells and models of the various diseases. In this review we will, therefore, summarize the most relevant data on the contribution of glial cells to human pathologies and on their possible pharmacological modulation based on data obtained in post-mortem tissues and in iPSC-derived human brain cells and organoids. The possibility of an in vivo visualization of glia reaction to neuroinflammation in patients will be also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefania Ceruti
- Laboratory of Pain Therapy and Neuroimmunology, Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, via Balzaretti, 9, 20133 Milan, Italy; (G.M.); (B.R.)
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Fan X, Chu R, Jiang X, Ma P, Chu Y, Hua T, Yang M, Ding R, Li J, Xiang Z, Yuan H. LPAR6 Participates in Neuropathic Pain by Mediating Astrocyte Cells via ROCK2/NF-κB Signal Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04108-5. [PMID: 38509397 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04108-5] [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: 09/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NPP) is a common type of chronic pain. Glial cells, including astrocytes (AS), are believed to play an important role in the progression of NPP. AS cells can be divided into various types based on their expression profiles, among which A1 and A2 types have clear functions. A1-type AS cells are neurotoxic, while A2-type AS cells exert neuroprotective functions. Some types of lysophosphatidic acid receptors (LPAR) have been shown to play a role in NPP. However, it remains unclear how AS cells and LPAR6 affect the occurrence and progression of NPP. In this study, we established a mouse model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) to simulate NPP. It was found that the expression of LPAR6 in AS cells of the spinal dorsal horn was increased in the CCI model, and the thresholds of mechanical and thermal pain were elevated after knocking out LPAR6, indicating that LPAR6 and AS cells participated in the occurrence of NPP. The experiment involved culturing primary AS cells and knocking down LPAR6 by Lentivirus. The results showed that the NF-κB signal pathway was activated and the number of A1-type AS cells increased in the CCI model. However, LPAR6 knockdown inhibited the NF-κB signal pathway and A1-type AS cells. The results of the mRNA sequencing and immunoprecipitation test indicate an interaction between LPAR6 and ROCK2. Inhibiting ROCK2 by Y-27632 increased mechanical and thermal pain thresholds and alleviated NPP at the molecular level. The study presents evidence that LPAR6 activates the NF-κB pathway through ROCK2 and contributes to the progression of NPP by increasing A1-type AS and decreasing A2-type AS. This suggests that LPAR6 could be a potential therapeutic target for alleviating NPP. Clinical applications that are successful can offer new therapeutic options, enhance the quality of life for patients, and potentially uncover new mechanisms for pain modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Fan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruitong Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Jiang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Peng Ma
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Chu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Tong Hua
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Mei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Ruifeng Ding
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhenghua Xiang
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, No.800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hongbin Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Changzheng Hospital, Second Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, No.415 Fengyang Road, Shanghai, 200003, People's Republic of China.
- Department of Neurobiology, Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology, Ministry of Education, Naval Medical University, No.800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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35
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Qualls KA, Xie W, Zhang J, Lückemeyer DD, Lackey SV, Strong JA, Zhang JM. Mineralocorticoid Receptor Antagonism Reduces Inflammatory Pain Measures in Mice Independent of the Receptors on Sensory Neurons. Neuroscience 2024; 541:64-76. [PMID: 38307407 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2024.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
Corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of inflammatory low back pain, and their nominal target is the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to relieve inflammation. They can also have similar potency at the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR). The MR has been shown to be widespread in rodent and human dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons and non-neuronal cells, and when MR antagonists are administered during a variety of inflammatory pain models in rats, pain measures are reduced. In this study we selectively knockout (KO) the MR in sensory neurons to determine the role of MR in sensory neurons of the mouse DRG in pain measures as MR antagonism during the local inflammation of the DRG (LID) pain model. We found that MR antagonism using eplerenone reduced evoked mechanical hypersensitivity during LID, but MR KO in paw-innervating sensory neurons only did not. This could be a result of differences between prolonged (MR KO) versus acute (drug) MR block or an indicator that non-neuronal cells in the DRG are driving the effect of MR antagonists. MR KO unmyelinated C neurons are more excitable under normal and inflamed conditions, while MR KO does not affect excitability of myelinated A cells. MR KO in sensory neurons causes a reduction in overall GR mRNA but is protective against reduction of the anti-inflammatory GRα isoform during LID. These effects of MR KO in sensory neurons expanded our understanding of MR's functional role in different neuronal subtypes (A and C neurons), and its interactions with the GR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Qualls
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Wenrui Xie
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jietong Zhang
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Debora Denardin Lückemeyer
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sierra V Lackey
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Judith A Strong
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jun-Ming Zhang
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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36
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Wang J, Zheng G, Wang L, Meng L, Ren J, Shang L, Li D, Bao Y. Dysregulation of sphingolipid metabolism in pain. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1337150. [PMID: 38523645 PMCID: PMC10957601 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1337150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is a clinical condition that is currently of great concern and is often caused by tissue or nerve damage or occurs as a concomitant symptom of a variety of diseases such as cancer. Severe pain seriously affects the functional status of the body. However, existing pain management programs are not fully satisfactory. Therefore, there is a need to delve deeper into the pathological mechanisms underlying pain generation and to find new targets for drug therapy. Sphingolipids (SLs), as a major component of the bilayer structure of eukaryotic cell membranes, also have powerful signal transduction functions. Sphingolipids are abundant, and their intracellular metabolism constitutes a huge network. Sphingolipids and their various metabolites play significant roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, etc., and have powerful biological activities. The molecules related to sphingolipid metabolism, mainly the core molecule ceramide and the downstream metabolism molecule sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), are involved in the specific mechanisms of neurological disorders as well as the onset and progression of various types of pain, and are closely related to a variety of pain-related diseases. Therefore, sphingolipid metabolism can be the focus of research on pain regulation and provide new drug targets and ideas for pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianfeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Guangda Zheng
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linfeng Wang
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Linghan Meng
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Juanxia Ren
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Lu Shang
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Dongtao Li
- Department of Oncology, Guang’anmen Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Wolf-Johnston A, Ikeda Y, Zabbarova I, Kanai AJ, Bastacky S, Moldwin R, Stern JN, Jackson EK, Birder LA. Purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibition is an effective approach for the treatment of chemical hemorrhagic cystitis. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e176103. [PMID: 38271096 PMCID: PMC10972598 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.176103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Hemorrhagic cystitis may be induced by infection, radiation therapy, or medications or may be idiopathic. Along with hemorrhagic features, symptoms include urinary urgency and frequency, dysuria (painful urination), and visceral pain. Cystitis-induced visceral pain is one of the most challenging types of pain to treat, and an effective treatment would address a major unmet medical need. We assessed the efficacy of a purine nucleoside phosphorylase inhibitor, 8-aminoguanine (8-AG), for the treatment of hemorrhagic/ulcerative cystitis. Lower urinary tract (LUT) function and structure were assessed in adult Sprague-Dawley rats, treated chronically with cyclophosphamide (CYP; sacrificed day 8) and randomized to daily oral treatment with 8-AG (begun 14 days prior to CYP induction) or its vehicle. CYP-treated rats exhibited multiple abnormalities, including increased urinary frequency and neural mechanosensitivity, reduced bladder levels of inosine, urothelial inflammation/damage, and activation of spinal cord microglia, which is associated with pain hypersensitivity. 8-AG treatment of CYP-treated rats normalized all observed histological, structural, biochemical, and physiological abnormalities. In cystitis 8-AG improved function and reduced both pain and inflammation likely by increasing inosine, a tissue-protective purine metabolite. These findings demonstrate that 8-AG has translational potential for reducing pain and preventing bladder damage in cystitis-associated LUT dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Youko Ikeda
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine
| | | | - Anthony J Kanai
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology; and
| | - Sheldon Bastacky
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Robert Moldwin
- Arthur Smith Institute for Urology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | - Joel Nh Stern
- Arthur Smith Institute for Urology, Northwell Health, Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Lake Success, New York, USA
| | | | - Lori A Birder
- Renal-Electrolyte Division, Department of Medicine
- Department of Pharmacology and Chemical Biology; and
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38
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Maia JRLCB, Machado LKA, Fernandes GG, Vitorino LC, Antônio LS, Araújo SMB, Colodeti LC, Fontes-Dantas FL, Zeidler JD, Saraiva GN, Da Poian AT, Figueiredo CP, Passos GF, da Costa R. Mitotherapy prevents peripheral neuropathy induced by oxaliplatin in mice. Neuropharmacology 2024; 245:109828. [PMID: 38158014 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109828] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Oxaliplatin (OXA) is an antineoplastic agent used for the treatment of cisplatin-resistant tumours, presenting lower incidence of nephrotoxicity and myelotoxicity than other platinum-based drugs. However, OXA treatment is highly associated with painful peripheral neuropathy, a well-known and relevant side effect caused by mitochondrial dysfunction. The transfer of functional exogenous mitochondria (mitotherapy) is a promising therapeutic strategy for mitochondrial diseases. We investigated the effect of mitotherapy on oxaliplatin-induced painful peripheral neuropathy (OIPN) in male mice. OIPN was induced by i.p. injections of oxaliplatin (3 mg/kg) over 5 consecutive days. Mechanical (von Frey test) and cold (acetone drop test) allodynia were evaluated between 7 and 17 days after the first OXA treatment. Mitochondria was isolated from donor mouse livers and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation was assessed with high resolution respirometry. After confirming that the isolated mitochondria were functional, the organelles were administered at the dose of 0.5 mg/kg of mitochondrial protein on days 1, 3 and 5. Treatment with OXA caused both mechanical and cold allodynia in mice that were significant 7 days after the initial injection of OXA and persisted for up to 17 days. Mitotherapy significantly prevented the development of both sensory alterations, and attenuated body weight loss induced by OXA. Mitotherapy also prevented spinal cord ERK1/2 activation, microgliosis and the increase in TLR4 mRNA levels. Mitotherapy prevented OIPN by inhibiting neuroinflammation and the consequent cellular overactivity in the spinal cord, presenting a potential therapeutic strategy for pain management in oncologic patients undergoing OXA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- João R L C B Maia
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Loreena K A Machado
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Gabriel G Fernandes
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Louise C Vitorino
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Letícia S Antônio
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Suzana Maria B Araújo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Lilian C Colodeti
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Fabrícia L Fontes-Dantas
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil; Departamento de Farmacologia e Psicobiologia, Instituto de Biologia Roberto Alcântara Gomes, Universidade Estadual do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Julianna D Zeidler
- Instituto de Biofísica Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Georgia N Saraiva
- Instituto de Microbiologia Paulo de Goés, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Andrea T Da Poian
- Instituto de Bioquímica Médica Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil
| | - Claudia P Figueiredo
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Giselle F Passos
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
| | - Robson da Costa
- Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, RJ, Brazil.
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39
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Rêgo DSB, Calió ML, Filev R, Mello LE, Leslie ATFS. Long-term Effects of Cannabidiol and/or Fentanyl Exposure in Rats Submitted to Neonatal Pain. THE JOURNAL OF PAIN 2024; 25:715-729. [PMID: 37820846 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpain.2023.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The current study aimed to evaluate anxiety behavior, hippocampal ionized calcium-binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1) and cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) gene expression, and nociceptive response in adulthood after a combination of fentanyl and cannabidiol (CBD) for nociceptive stimuli induced during the first week of life in rats. Complete Freund's adjuvant-induced inflammatory nociceptive insult on postnatal day (PN) 1 and PN3. Both fentanyl and CBD were used alone or in combination from PN1 to PN7. Behavioral and nociceptive tests were performed at PN60 and PN62. The expression of the microglial calcium-binding proteins Iba1 and CB1 was detected in the hippocampus using reverse Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and immunohistochemistry. Our results suggest that the anxiety behavior response and immune activation in adult life depend on the CBD dose combined with fentanyl for the nociceptive stimuli induced during the first week of life. Treatment of neonatal nociceptive insult with CBD and opioids showed significant dose-dependent and male-female differences. The increased gene expression in the hippocampus of the analyzed cannabinoid gene supports this data. In addition, treatment with fentanyl led to an increase in CB1 protein expression. Moreover, the expression of Iba1 varied according to the administered dose of CBD and may or may not be associated with the opioid. A lower dose of CBD during the inflammatory period was associated with enhanced anxiety in adult life. PERSPECTIVE: The treatment of nociceptive stimuli with CBD and opioids during the first week of life demonstrated significant sex differences in adult life on anxiety behavior and supraspinal pain sensitivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora S B Rêgo
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Michele Longoni Calió
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Renato Filev
- Programa de Orientação e Atendimento a Dependentes (PROAD), Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz E Mello
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil; Instituto D'Or de Pesquisa e Ensino, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Ana T F S Leslie
- Department of Physiology, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
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40
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He L, Ma S, Ding Z, Huang Z, Zhang Y, Xi C, Zou K, Deng Q, Huang WJM, Guo Q, Huang C. Inhibition of NFAT5-Dependent Astrocyte Swelling Alleviates Neuropathic Pain. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2302916. [PMID: 38195869 PMCID: PMC10953562 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/11/2024]
Abstract
Astrocyte swelling is implicated in various neurological disorders. However, whether astrocyte swelling contributes to neuropathic pain remains elusive. This study elucidates the pivotal role of the nuclear factor of activated T-cells 5 (NFAT5) emerges as a master regulator of astrocyte swelling in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) during neuropathic pain. Despite the ubiquitous expression of NFAT5 protein in SDH cell types, it selectively induces swelling specifically in astrocytes, not in microglia. Mechanistically, NFAT5 directly controls the expression of the water channel aquaporin-4 (AQP4), a key regulator exclusive to astrocytes. Additionally, aurora kinase B (AURKB) orchestrates NFAT5 phosphorylation, enhancing its protein stability and nuclear translocation, thereby regulating AQP4 expression. The findings establish NFAT5 as a crucial regulator for neuropathic pain through the modulation of astrocyte swelling. The AURKB-NFAT5-AQP4 pathway in astrocytes emerges as a potential therapeutic target to combat neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liqiong He
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Shengyun Ma
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCA92093USA
| | - Zijin Ding
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Zhifeng Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Caiyun Xi
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Kailu Zou
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Qingwei Deng
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Wendy Jia Men Huang
- Department of Cellular and Molecular MedicineUniversity of California San DiegoSan DiegoCA92093USA
| | - Qulian Guo
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
| | - Changsheng Huang
- Department of AnesthesiologyXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric DisordersXiangya HospitalCentral South UniversityChangsha410008China
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41
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Silveira Prudente A, Hoon Lee S, Roh J, Luckemeyer DD, Cohen CF, Pertin M, Park CK, Suter MR, Decosterd I, Zhang JM, Ji RR, Berta T. Microglial STING activation alleviates nerve injury-induced neuropathic pain in male but not female mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:51-65. [PMID: 38190983 PMCID: PMC11034751 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Microglia, resident immune cells in the central nervous system, play a role in neuroinflammation and the development of neuropathic pain. We found that the stimulator of interferon genes (STING) is predominantly expressed in spinal microglia and upregulated after peripheral nerve injury. However, mechanical allodynia, as a marker of neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury, did not require microglial STING expression. In contrast, STING activation by specific agonists (ADU-S100, 35 nmol) significantly alleviated neuropathic pain in male mice, but not female mice. STING activation in female mice leads to increase in proinflammatory cytokines that may counteract the analgesic effect of ADU-S100. Microglial STING expression and type I interferon-ß (IFN-ß) signaling were required for the analgesic effects of STING agonists in male mice. Mechanistically, downstream activation of TANK-binding kinase 1 (TBK1) and the production of IFN-ß, may partly account for the analgesic effect observed. These findings suggest that STING activation in spinal microglia could be a potential therapeutic intervention for neuropathic pain, particularly in males.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Silveira Prudente
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Sang Hoon Lee
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jueun Roh
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA; Department of Physiology, Gachon Pain Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Debora D Luckemeyer
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Cinder F Cohen
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Marie Pertin
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Chul-Kyu Park
- Department of Physiology, Gachon Pain Center, Gachon University College of Medicine, Incheon, South Korea
| | - Marc R Suter
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Isabelle Decosterd
- Pain Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Lausanne University Hospital (CHUV) and University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Department of Fundamental Neurosciences, Faculty of Biology and Medicine, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jun-Ming Zhang
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Ru-Rong Ji
- Center for Translational Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Departments of Cell Biology and Neurobiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Temugin Berta
- Pain Research Center, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
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42
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Cao DL, Ma LJ, Jiang BC, Gu Q, Gao YJ. Cytochrome P450 26A1 Contributes to the Maintenance of Neuropathic Pain. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:293-309. [PMID: 37639183 PMCID: PMC10912416 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01101-1] [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: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The cytochrome P450 proteins (CYP450s) have been implicated in catalyzing numerous important biological reactions and contribute to a variety of diseases. CYP26A1, a member of the CYP450 family, carries out the oxidative metabolism of retinoic acid (RA), the active metabolite of vitamin A. Here we report that CYP26A1 was dramatically upregulated in the spinal cord after spinal nerve ligation (SNL). CYP26A1 was mainly expressed in spinal neurons and astrocytes. HPLC analysis displayed that the content of all-trans-RA (at-RA), the substrate of CYP26A1, was reduced in the spinal cord on day 7 after SNL. Inhibition of CYP26A1 by siRNA or inhibition of CYP26A1-mediated at-RA catabolism by talarozole relieved the SNL-induced mechanical allodynia during the maintenance phase of neuropathic pain. Talarozole also reduced SNL-induced glial activation and proinflammatory cytokine production but increased anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) production. The RA receptors RARα, RXRβ, and RXRγ were expressed in spinal neurons and glial cells. The promoter of Il-10 has several binding sites for RA receptors, and at-RA directly increased Il-10 mRNA expression in vitro. Finally, intrathecal IL-10 attenuated SNL-induced neuropathic pain and reduced the activation of astrocytes and microglia. Collectively, the inhibition of CYP26A1-mediated at-RA catabolism alleviates SNL-induced neuropathic pain by promoting the expression of IL-10 and suppressing glial activation. CYP26A1 may be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- De-Li Cao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
- Nantong University Medical School, Nantong, 226001, China
| | - Ling-Jie Ma
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Bao-Chun Jiang
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China
| | - Qiang Gu
- Department of Pain Management, The Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226001, China.
| | - Yong-Jing Gao
- Institute of Pain Medicine and Special Environmental Medicine, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, 226019, China.
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43
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Black BJ, Ghazal RE, Lojek N, Williams V, Rajput JS, Lawson JM. Phenotypic Screening of Prospective Analgesics Among FDA-Approved Compounds using an iPSC-Based Model of Acute and Chronic Inflammatory Nociception. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2303724. [PMID: 38189546 PMCID: PMC10953557 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Revised: 11/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Classical target-based drug screening is low-throughput, largely subjective, and costly. Phenotypic screening based on in vitro models is increasingly being used to identify candidate compounds that modulate complex cell/tissue functions. Chronic inflammatory nociception, and subsequent chronic pain conditions, affect peripheral sensory neuron activity (e.g., firing of action potentials) through myriad pathways, and remain unaddressed in regard to effective, non-addictive management/treatment options. Here, a chronic inflammatory nociception model is demonstrated based on induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) sensory neurons and glia, co-cultured on microelectrode arrays (MEAs). iPSC sensory co-cultures exhibit coordinated spontaneous extracellular action potential (EAP) firing, reaching a stable baseline after ≈27 days in vitro (DIV). Spontaneous and evoked EAP metrics are significantly modulated by 24-h incubation with tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), representing an inflammatory phenotype. Compared with positive controls (lidocaine), this model is identified as an "excellent" stand-alone assay based on a modified Z' assay quality metric. This model is then used to screen 15 cherry-picked, off-label, Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved compounds; 10 of 15 are identified as "hits". Both hits and "misses" are discussed in turn. In total, this data suggests that iPSC sensory co-cultures on MEAs may represent a moderate-to-high-throughput assay for drug discovery targeting inflammatory nociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan James Black
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Rasha El Ghazal
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Neal Lojek
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Victoria Williams
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Jai Singh Rajput
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
| | - Jennifer M. Lawson
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringFrancis College of EngineeringUniversity of Massachusetts LowellLowellMA01854USA
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Zhang LG, Cheng J, An MQ, Li CJ, Dong LG, Wang JM, Liu CF, Wang F, Mao CJ. Safinamide alleviates hyperalgesia via inhibiting hyperexcitability of DRG neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease. Behav Brain Res 2024; 459:114787. [PMID: 38042302 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2023.114787] [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: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
Pain is a widespread non-motor symptom that presents significant treatment challenges in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Safinamide, a new drug recently introduced for PD treatment, has demonstrated analgesic effects on pain in PD patients, though the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. To investigate the analgesic and anti-PD effect of safinamide, 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD mouse model was used, and rasagiline as positive control on motor symptoms. Notably, only safinamide alleviated hyperalgesia in MPTP mice. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons revealed hyperexcitability in MPTP mice, which safinamide counteracted in a concentration-dependent manner. The voltage clamp further demonstrated that sodium current in DRG neurons of MPTP mice was enhanced and safinamide reduced sodium current density. RT-qPCR identified upregulated Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 transcripts (Scn9a and Scn10a) in DRG neurons of MPTP mice. Our results suggest that safinamide could relieve hyperalgesia by inhibiting DRG neuron hyperexcitability in MPTP mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ge Zhang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jing Cheng
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Meng-Qi An
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Cheng-Jie Li
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Li-Guo Dong
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jian-Min Wang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Chun-Feng Liu
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Fen Wang
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neuropsychiatric Diseases and Institute of Neuroscience, Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Cheng-Jie Mao
- Department of Neurology and Clinical Research Center of Neurological Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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45
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Yu N, Cui H, Jin S, Liu P, Fang Y, Sun F, Cao Y, Yuan B, Xie Y, Duan W, Ma C. IL-6 from cerebrospinal fluid causes widespread pain via STAT3-mediated astrocytosis in chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:60. [PMID: 38419042 PMCID: PMC10900663 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03049-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spinal inflammatory signal often spreads to distant segments, accompanied by widespread pain symptom under neuropathological conditions. Multiple cytokines are released into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), potentially inducing the activation of an inflammatory cascade at remote segments through CSF flow. However, the detailed alteration of CSF in neuropathic pain and its specific role in widespread pain remain obscure. METHODS A chronic constriction injury of the infraorbital nerve (CCI-ION) model was constructed, and pain-related behavior was observed on the 7th, 14th, 21st, and 28th days post surgery, in both vibrissa pads and hind paws. CSF from CCI-ION rats was transplanted to naïve rats through intracisternal injection, and thermal and mechanical allodynia were measured in hind paws. The alteration of inflammatory cytokines in CCI-ION's CSF was detected using an antibody array and bioinformatic analysis. Pharmacological intervention targeting the changed cytokine in the CSF and downstream signaling was performed to evaluate its role in widespread pain. RESULTS CCI-ION induced local pain in vibrissa pads together with widespread pain in hind paws. CCI-ION's CSF transplantation, compared with sham CSF, contributed to vibrissa pad pain and hind paw pain in recipient rats. Among the measured cytokines, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and leptin were increased in CCI-ION's CSF, while interleukin-13 (IL-13) was significantly reduced. Furthermore, the concentration of CSF IL-6 was correlated with nerve injury extent, which gated the occurrence of widespread pain. Both astrocytes and microglia were increased in remote segments of the CCI-ION model, while the inhibition of astrocytes in remote segments, but not microglia, significantly alleviated widespread pain. Mechanically, astroglial signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in remote segments were activated by CSF IL-6, the inhibition of which significantly mitigated widespread pain in CCI-ION. CONCLUSION IL-6 was induced in the CSF of the CCI-ION model, triggering widespread pain via activating astrocyte STAT3 signal in remote segments. Therapies targeting IL-6/STAT3 signaling might serve as a promising strategy for the widespread pain symptom under neuropathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, Joint Laboratory of Anesthesia and Pain, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 DongDanSanTiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Huan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, Joint Laboratory of Anesthesia and Pain, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 DongDanSanTiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Sixuan Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, Joint Laboratory of Anesthesia and Pain, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 DongDanSanTiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Penghao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45# Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China
- Lab of Spinal Cord Injury and Functional Reconstruction, China International Neuroscience Institute (CHINA-INI), Beijing, China
| | - Yehong Fang
- Department of Psychiatry, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fengrun Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, Joint Laboratory of Anesthesia and Pain, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 DongDanSanTiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, Joint Laboratory of Anesthesia and Pain, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 DongDanSanTiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Bo Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, Joint Laboratory of Anesthesia and Pain, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 DongDanSanTiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Yikuan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, Joint Laboratory of Anesthesia and Pain, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 DongDanSanTiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China
| | - Wanru Duan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University, 45# Changchun Street, Xicheng District, Beijing, 100053, China.
- Lab of Spinal Cord Injury and Functional Reconstruction, China International Neuroscience Institute (CHINA-INI), Beijing, China.
| | - Chao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Common Mechanism Research for Major Diseases, Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Neuroscience Center, Joint Laboratory of Anesthesia and Pain, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, School of Basic Medicine Peking Union Medical College, No. 5 DongDanSanTiao, Dongcheng District, Beijing, 100005, China.
- National Human Brain Bank for Development and Function, Beijing, China.
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research, Beijing, 102206, China.
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Chen X, Tang SJ. Neural Circuitry Polarization in the Spinal Dorsal Horn (SDH): A Novel Form of Dysregulated Circuitry Plasticity during Pain Pathogenesis. Cells 2024; 13:398. [PMID: 38474361 PMCID: PMC10930392 DOI: 10.3390/cells13050398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Pathological pain emerges from nociceptive system dysfunction, resulting in heightened pain circuit activity. Various forms of circuitry plasticity, such as central sensitization, synaptic plasticity, homeostatic plasticity, and excitation/inhibition balance, contribute to the malfunction of neural circuits during pain pathogenesis. Recently, a new form of plasticity in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH), named neural circuit polarization (NCP), was discovered in pain models induced by HIV-1 gp120 and chronic morphine administration. NCP manifests as an increase in excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) in excitatory neurons and a decrease in EPSCs in inhibitory neurons, presumably facilitating hyperactivation of pain circuits. The expression of NCP is associated with astrogliosis. Ablation of reactive astrocytes or suppression of astrogliosis blocks NCP and, concomitantly, the development of gp120- or morphine-induced pain. In this review, we aim to compare and integrate NCP with other forms of plasticity in pain circuits to improve the understanding of the pathogenic contribution of NCP and its cooperation with other forms of circuitry plasticity during the development of pathological pain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shao-Jun Tang
- Stony Brook University Pain and Anesthesia Research Center (SPARC), Department of Anesthesiology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY 11794, USA;
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Wang C, Xu Y, Xu M, Sun C, Zhang X, Tao X, Song T. SPOCK2 modulates neuropathic pain by interacting with MT1-MMP to regulate astrocytic MMP-2 activation in rats with chronic constriction injury. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:57. [PMID: 38388415 PMCID: PMC10885439 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-024-03051-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain (NP) is a kind of intractable pain. The pathogenesis of NP remains a complicated issue for pain management practitioners. SPARC/osteonectin, CWCV, and Kazal-like domains proteoglycan 2 (SPOCK2) are members of the SPOCK family that play a significant role in the development of the central nervous system. In this study, we investigated the role of SPOCK2 in the development of NP in a rat model of chronic constriction injury (CCI). METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly grouped to establish CCI models. We examined the effects of SPOCK2 on pain hpersensitivity and spinal astrocyte activation after CCI-induced NP. Paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) were used to reflects the pain behavioral degree. Molecular mechanisms involved in SPOCK2-mediated NP in vivo were examined by western blot analysis, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry, and co-immunoprecipitation. In addition, we examined the SPOCK2-mediated potential protein-protein interaction (PPI) in vitro coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments. RESULTS We founded the expression level of SPOCK2 in rat spinal cord was markedly increased after CCI-induced NP, while SPOCK2 downregulation could partially relieve pain caused by CCI. Our research showed that SPOCK2 expressed significantly increase in spinal astrocytes when CCI-induced NP. In addition, SPOCK2 could act as an upstream signaling molecule to regulate the activation of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), thus affecting astrocytic ERK1/2 activation and interleukin (IL)-1β production in the development of NP. Moreover, in vitro coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments showed that SPOCK2 could interact with membrane-type 1 matrix metalloproteinase (MT1-MMP/MMP14) to regulate MMP-2 activation by the SPARC extracellular (SPARC_EC) domain. CONCLUSIONS Research shows that SPOCK2 can interact with MT1-MMP to regulate MMP-2 activation, thus affecting astrocytic ERK1/2 activation and IL-1β production to achieve positive promotion of NP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenglong Wang
- Department of Pain, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Yitong Xu
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Miao Xu
- Department of Pain, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Cong Sun
- Department of Pain, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xiaojiao Zhang
- Department of Pain, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Xueshu Tao
- Department of Pain, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Pain, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China.
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Wang Z, Yang L, Xu L, Liao J, Lu P, Jiang J. Central and peripheral mechanism of MOTS-c attenuates pain hypersensitivity in a mice model of inflammatory pain. Neurol Res 2024; 46:165-177. [PMID: 37899006 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2023.2258584] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammatory pain is caused by damaged tissue or noxious stimuli, accompanied by the release of inflammatory mediators that often leads to severe hyperalgesia and allodynia with limited therapy options. Recently, a novel mitochondrial-derived peptide (named MOTS-c) was reported to regulate obesity, metabolic homeostasis and inflammatory response. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of MOTS-c and its related regulatory mechanisms involved in inflammatory pain. METHODS Male Kunming mice (8-10 weeks-old) were intraplantar injected with formalin, capsaicin, λ-Carrageenan and complete Freund adjuvant (CFA) to establish acute and chronic inflammatory pain. The effects of MOTS-c on the above inflammatory pain mice and its underlying mechanisms were examined by behavioral tests, quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), western blotting, enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), immunohistochemistry (IHC) and immunofluorescence (IF). RESULTS Behavioral experiments investigated the potential beneficial effects of MOTS-c on multiple acute and chronic inflammatory pain in mice. The results showed that MOTS-c treatment produced potent anti-allodynic effects in formalin-induced acute inflammatory pain, capsaicin-induced nocifensive behaviors and λ-Carrageenan/CFA-induced chronic inflammatory pain model. Further mechanistic studies revealed that central MOTS-c treatment significantly ameliorated CFA-evoked the release of inflammatory factors and activation of glial cells and neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Moreover, peripheral MOTS-c treatment reduced CFA-evoked inflammatory responses in the surface structure of hindpaw skin, accompanied by inhibiting excitation of peripheral calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and P2X3 nociceptive neurons. CONCLUSIONS The present study indicates that MOTS-c may serve as a promising therapeutic target for inflammatory pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe Wang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- School of Food and Biological Engineering, Xuzhou University of Technology, Xuzhou, China
| | - Long Yang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingfei Xu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinglei Liao
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jinhong Jiang
- Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesia and Analgesia Application Technology, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Narcotic and Psychotropic Drugs, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
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49
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Wan Y, Zhou J, Zhang P, Lin X, Li H. Inhibition of spinal Rac1 attenuates chronic inflammatory pain by regulating the activation of astrocytes. Cell Signal 2024; 114:110972. [PMID: 37984604 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2023.110972] [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: 08/16/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Spinal astrocyte-mediated neuroinflammation is an important mechanism for the maintenance of chronic inflammatory pain. Previous studies have investigated that Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1) is closely related to astrocyte activation after central nervous system injury. However, the role of Rac1 in astrocyte activation in chronic inflammatory pain has not been reported. METHODS Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced chronic inflammatory pain model and LPS-stimulated astrocytes were used to investigate the role of Rac1 in astrocyte activation and the underlying mechanism. Rac1-interfering adeno-associated virus (AAV) targeting astrocytes was delivered to spinal astrocytes by intrathecal administration and a Rac1 specific inhibitor, NSC23766, was used to block cultured astrocytes. The glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), proinflammatory cytokines, p-NF-κB, and nod-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were detected by RT-qPCR, Western blotting, and immunofluorescence to investigate the activation of astrocytes. RESULTS CFA induced spinal astrocyte activation and increased the expression of active Rac1 in spinal astrocytes. Knockdown of astrocyte Rac1 alleviated chronic inflammatory pain and inhibited astrocyte activation. Inhibition of Rac1 activation in cultured astrocytes decreased the expression of GFAP and proinflammatory cytokines. Knockdown of Rac1 inhibited the increase of expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and phosphorylation of NF-κB in the spinal lumbar enlargement after CFA injection. Similarly, the inhibition of Rac1 suppressed the increase of NLRP3 inflammasome and p-NF-κB protein level after LPS stimulation. CONCLUSION Knockdown of astrocyte Rac1 attenuated CFA-induced hyperalgesia and astrocyte activation possibly by blocking the expression of NLRP3 inflammasome and phosphorylation of NF-κB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yantong Wan
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jieshu Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Panpan Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xuemei Lin
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| | - Hao Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China; Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Sichuan University, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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50
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Zhou MY, Yao CH, Yang YJ, Li X, Yang J, Liu JH, Yu BY, Dai WL. Based on spinal central sensitization creating analgesic screening approach to excavate anti-neuropathic pain ingredients of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T.Wang. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117084. [PMID: 37666376 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Corydalis Rhizome (RC) as a traditional analgesic Chinese medicine is the dried tuber of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T.Wang. Many efforts have revealed that RC could effectively alleviate neuropathic pain, while its active ingredients in neuropathic pain are still not clear. AIM OF THE STUDY Spinal central sensitization contributes greatly to neuropathic pain, and neuron, astrocyte and microglia play important roles in spinal central sensitization. The aim of the present study is to excavate active compounds in RC regulating spinal central sensitization to inhibit neuropathic pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to determine protein expression levels. Gene expression levels were detected by RT-PCR. PC12 neuronal cells, C6 astrocyte cells, and BV2 microglia cells were cultured for in vitro studies. Targeting multi types of cells extraction combined with HPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS was established to identify components binding to above cells. Animal studies were used to verify the analgesic activities of components. RESULTS Total alkaloids of RC (RC-TA) significantly relieved neuropathic pain in chronic constriction injury (CCI) rats and repressed spinal central sensitization. Eight components of RC-TA were found to bind to PC12, C6, or BV2 cells. They could respectively suppress the activation of cells in vitro and alleviate CCI-induced neuropathic pain, among which glaucine and dehydrocorydaline induced antinociception was stronger than l-THP. Meanwhile, glaucine had no effect on acute or chronic inflammatory pain, and its antinociception in neuropathic pain could be abolished by dopamine D1 receptor agonist. CONCLUSIONS Employing multi types of cells based on spinal central sensitization rather than single cell may allow for more thorough excavation of active substances. Glaucine was firstly found could attenuate neuropathic pain but not other types of pain which indicated that different alkaloids in RC exert distinct analgesic effects on different pain models, and gluacine has the potential to be developed as an analgesic drug specifically for neuropathic pain relieving.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng-Yuan Zhou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Chang-Heng Yao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Yu-Jie Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Xue Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Jin Yang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
| | - Ji-Hua Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
| | - Bo-Yang Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China; State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
| | - Wen-Ling Dai
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of TCM Evaluation and Translational Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 211198, China.
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