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Zhang X, Yang Y, Ma X, Cao H, Sun Y. Probiotics relieve perioperative postoperative cognitive dysfunction induced by cardiopulmonary bypass through the kynurenine metabolic pathway. Sci Rep 2024; 14:12822. [PMID: 38834581 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-59275-1] [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: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Postoperative cognitive dysfunction (POCD) has become the popular critical post-operative consequences, especially cardiopulmonary bypass surgery, leading to an increased risk of mortality. However, no therapeutic effect about POCD. Probiotics are beneficial bacteria living in the gut and help to reduce the risk of POCD. However, the detailed mechanism is still not entirely known. Therefore, our research aims to uncover the effect and mechanism of probiotics in relieving POCD and to figure out the possible relationship between kynurenine metabolic pathway. 36 rats were grouped into three groups: sham operated group (S group, n = 12), Cardiopulmonary bypass group (CPB group, n = 12), and probiotics+CPB (P group, n = 12). After CPB model preparation, water maze test and Garcia score scale was performed to identify the neurological function. Immunofluorescence and Hematoxylin and eosin staining has been used for hippocampal neurons detection. Brain injury related proteins, oxidative stress factors, and inflammatory factors were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA). Neuronal apoptosis was detected by TdT-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining and western blot. High-performance liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (HPLC/MS) was performed to detect the key factors of the kynurenine metabolic pathway. Our results demonstrated that probiotics improved neurological function of post-CPB rats. The administration of probiotics ameliorated memory and learning in spatial terms CPB rats (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining data, S-100β and neuron-specific enolase (NSE) data convinced that probiotics agonists reduced brain damage in CPB rats (P < 0.05). Moreover, probiotics regulated inflammatory factors, meanwhile attenuated hippocampal neuronal apoptosis. Probiotics alleviated POCD in rats with CPB through regulation of kynurenine metabolic signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, 441000, Hubei, China
- Postgraduate Training Base, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, 121013, Liaoning, China
| | - Yanzhang Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Chifeng Municipal Hospital, Chifeng, 024000, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Xinyi Ma
- Postgraduate Training Base, The General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116051, Liaoning, China
| | - Huijuan Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China
| | - Yingjie Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, Shenyang, 110016, Liaoning, China.
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Asia LK, Van Vuren EJ, Lindeque Z, Williams ME. A pilot investigation of the association between HIV-1 Vpr amino acid sequence diversity and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway as a potential mechanism for neurocognitive impairment. Virol J 2024; 21:47. [PMID: 38395987 PMCID: PMC10893664 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02313-1] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV infection compromises both the peripheral and central immune systems due to its pathogenic and neuropathogenic features. The mechanisms driving HIV-1 pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis involve a series of events, including metabolic dysregulation. Furthermore, HIV-subtype-specific variations, particularly alterations in the amino acid sequences of key viral proteins, are known to influence the severity of clinical outcomes in people living with HIV. However, the impact of amino acid sequence variations in specific viral proteins, such as Viral protein R (Vpr), on metabolites within the Tryptophan (Trp)-kynurenine (Kyn) pathway in people living with HIV remains unclear. Our research aimed to explore the relationship between variations in the Vpr amino acid sequence (specifically at positions 22, 41, 45, and 55, as these have been previously linked to neurocognitive function) and peripheral Trp-Kyn metabolites. Additionally, we sought to clarify the systems biology of Vpr sequence variation by examining the link between Trp-Kyn metabolism and peripheral inflammation, as a neuropathogenic mechanism. In this preliminary study, we analyzed a unique cohort of thirty-two (n = 32) South African cART naïve people living with HIV. We employed Sanger sequencing to ascertain blood-derived Vpr amino acid sequence variations and a targeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics platform to assess Trp-Kyn metabolites, such as Trp, Kyn, kynurenic acid (KA), and quinolinic acid (QUIN). Particle-enhanced turbidimetric assay and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure immune markers, hsCRP, IL-6, suPAR, NGAL and sCD163. After applying Bonferroni corrections (p =.05/3) and adjusting for covariates (age and sex), only the Vpr G41 and A55 groups was nearing significance for higher levels of QUIN compared to the Vpr S41 and T55 groups, respectively (all p =.023). Multiple regression results revealed that Vpr amino acid variations at position 41 (adj R2 = 0.049, β = 0.505; p =.023), and 55 (adj R2 = 0.126, β = 0.444; p =.023) displayed significant associations with QUIN after adjusting for age and sex. Lastly, the higher QUIN levels observed in the Vpr G41 group were found to be correlated with suPAR (r =.588, p =.005). These results collectively underscore the importance of specific Vpr amino acid substitutions in influencing QUIN and inflammation (specifically suPAR levels), potentially contributing to our understanding of their roles in the pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esmé Jansen Van Vuren
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Zander Lindeque
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Stone TW, Williams RO. Tryptophan metabolism as a 'reflex' feature of neuroimmune communication: Sensor and effector functions for the indoleamine-2, 3-dioxygenase kynurenine pathway. J Neurochem 2023. [PMID: 38102897 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.16015] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Although the central nervous system (CNS) and immune system were regarded as independent entities, it is now clear that immune system cells can influence the CNS, and neuroglial activity influences the immune system. Despite the many clinical implications for this 'neuroimmune interface', its detailed operation at the molecular level remains unclear. This narrative review focuses on the metabolism of tryptophan along the kynurenine pathway, since its products have critical actions in both the nervous and immune systems, placing it in a unique position to influence neuroimmune communication. In particular, since the kynurenine pathway is activated by pro-inflammatory mediators, it is proposed that physical and psychological stressors are the stimuli of an organismal protective reflex, with kynurenine metabolites as the effector arm co-ordinating protective neural and immune system responses. After a brief review of the neuroimmune interface, the general perception of tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway is expanded to emphasize this environmentally driven perspective. The initial enzymes in the kynurenine pathway include indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1), which is induced by tissue damage, inflammatory mediators or microbial products, and tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), which is induced by stress-induced glucocorticoids. In the immune system, kynurenic acid modulates leucocyte differentiation, inflammatory balance and immune tolerance by activating aryl hydrocarbon receptors and modulates pain via the GPR35 protein. In the CNS, quinolinic acid activates N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)-sensitive glutamate receptors, whereas kynurenic acid is an antagonist: the balance between glutamate, quinolinic acid and kynurenic acid is a significant regulator of CNS function and plasticity. The concept of kynurenine and its metabolites as mediators of a reflex coordinated protection against stress helps to understand the variety and breadth of their activity. It should also help to understand the pathological origin of some psychiatric and neurodegenerative diseases involving the immune system and CNS, facilitating the development of new pharmacological strategies for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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Jiang A, Handley RR, Lehnert K, Snell RG. From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics: A Review of 150 Years of Huntington's Disease Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13021. [PMID: 37629202 PMCID: PMC10455900 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241613021] [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: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is a debilitating neurodegenerative genetic disorder caused by an expanded polyglutamine-coding (CAG) trinucleotide repeat in the huntingtin (HTT) gene. HD behaves as a highly penetrant dominant disorder likely acting through a toxic gain of function by the mutant huntingtin protein. Widespread cellular degeneration of the medium spiny neurons of the caudate nucleus and putamen are responsible for the onset of symptomology that encompasses motor, cognitive, and behavioural abnormalities. Over the past 150 years of HD research since George Huntington published his description, a plethora of pathogenic mechanisms have been proposed with key themes including excitotoxicity, dopaminergic imbalance, mitochondrial dysfunction, metabolic defects, disruption of proteostasis, transcriptional dysregulation, and neuroinflammation. Despite the identification and characterisation of the causative gene and mutation and significant advances in our understanding of the cellular pathology in recent years, a disease-modifying intervention has not yet been clinically approved. This review includes an overview of Huntington's disease, from its genetic aetiology to clinical presentation and its pathogenic manifestation. An updated view of molecular mechanisms and the latest therapeutic developments will also be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Jiang
- Applied Translational Genetics Group, Centre for Brain Research, School of Biological Sciences, The University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand; (R.R.H.); (K.L.); (R.G.S.)
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Martínez-Gopar PE, Pérez-Rodríguez MJ, Angeles-López QD, Tristán-López L, González-Espinosa C, Pérez-Severiano F. Toll-Like Receptor 4 Plays a Significant Role in the Biochemical and Neurological Alterations Observed in Two Distinct Mice Models of Huntington's Disease. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:2678-2690. [PMID: 36701109 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03234-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are central players in innate immunity responses. They are expressed in glial cells and neurons, and their overactivation leads to the production of proinflammatory molecules, neuroinflammation, and neural damage associated with many neurodegenerative pathologies, such as Huntington's disease (HD). HD is an inherited disorder caused by a mutation in the gene coding for the protein Huntingtin (Htt). Expression of mutated Htt (mHtt) causes progressive neuronal degeneration characterized by striatal loss of GABAergic neurons, oxidative damage, neuroinflammatory processes, and impaired motor behavior. The main animal models to study HD are the intrastriatal injection of quinolinic acid (QA) and the transgenic B6CBA-Tg (HDexon1)61Gpb/1 J mice (R6/1). Those models mimic neuronal damage and systemic manifestations of HD. The objective of this work was to study the participation of TLR4 in the manifestations of neuronal damage and HD symptoms in the two mentioned models. For this purpose, C57BL6/J and TLR4-KO mice were administered with QA, and after that motor activity, and neuronal and oxidative damages were measured. R6/1 and TLR4-KO were mated to study the effect of low expression of TLR4 on the phenotype manifestation in R6/1 mice. We found that TLR4 is involved in motor activity, and neurological and oxidative damage induced by intrastriatal injection of QA, and the low expression of TLR4 causes a delay in the onset of phenotypic manifestations by the mHtt expression in R6/1 mice. Our results show that TLR4 is involved in both models of HD and focuses then as a therapeutic target for some deleterious reactions in HD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo E Martínez-Gopar
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Sede Sur, Calzada de los Tenorios No. 235, Colonia Granjas Coapa, Alcaldía Tlalpan, 14330, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Avenida Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Colonia La Fama, Alcaldía Tlalpan, 14269, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | - Marian J Pérez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Sede Sur, Calzada de los Tenorios No. 235, Colonia Granjas Coapa, Alcaldía Tlalpan, 14330, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | - Quetzalli D Angeles-López
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Avenida Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Colonia La Fama, Alcaldía Tlalpan, 14269, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | - Luis Tristán-López
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Avenida Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Colonia La Fama, Alcaldía Tlalpan, 14269, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | - Claudia González-Espinosa
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN, Unidad Sede Sur, Calzada de los Tenorios No. 235, Colonia Granjas Coapa, Alcaldía Tlalpan, 14330, Mexico City, CP, Mexico
| | - Francisca Pérez-Severiano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", Avenida Insurgentes Sur No. 3877, Colonia La Fama, Alcaldía Tlalpan, 14269, Mexico City, CP, Mexico.
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Lin M, Yu H, Xie Q, Xu Z, Shang P. Role of microglia autophagy and mitophagy in age-related neurodegenerative diseases. Front Aging Neurosci 2023; 14:1100133. [PMID: 37180741 PMCID: PMC10169626 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.1100133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia, characterized by responding to damage, regulating the secretion of soluble inflammatory mediators, and engulfing specific segments in the central nervous system (CNS), function as key immune cells in the CNS. Emerging evidence suggests that microglia coordinate the inflammatory responses in CNS system and play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of age-related neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Remarkably, microglia autophagy participates in the regulation of subcellular substances, which includes the degradation of misfolded proteins and other harmful constituents produced by neurons. Therefore, microglia autophagy regulates neuronal homeostasis maintenance and process of neuroinflammation. In this review, we aimed at highlighting the pivotal role of microglia autophagy in the pathogenesis of age-related NDDs. Besides the mechanistic process and the co-interaction between microglia autophagy and different kinds of NDDs, we also emphasized potential therapeutic agents and approaches that could be utilized at the onset and progression of these diseases through modulating microglia autophagy, including promising nanomedicines. Our review provides a valuable reference for subsequent studies focusing on treatments of neurodegenerative disorders. The exploration of microglia autophagy and the development of nanomedicines greatly enhances current understanding of NDDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingkai Lin
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwen Yu
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qiuyan Xie
- Department of Stomatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhiyun Xu
- Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Pei Shang
- Department of Neurology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Breast Center, Department of General Surgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Beaurain M, Talmont F, Pierre D, Péran P, Boucher S, Hitzel A, Rols MP, Cuvillier O, Payoux P, Salabert AS. Pharmacological Characterization of [ 18F]-FNM and Evaluation of NMDA Receptors Activation in a Rat Brain Injury Model. Mol Imaging Biol 2023:10.1007/s11307-023-01811-y. [PMID: 36944798 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-023-01811-y] [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: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE NMDA receptors (NMDARs) dysfunction plays a central role in the physiopathology of psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders whose mechanisms are still poorly understood. The development of a PET (positron emission tomography) tracer able to selectively bind to the NMDARs intra-channel PCP site may make it possible to visualize NMDARs in an open and active state. We describe the in vitro pharmacological characterization of [18F]-fluoroethylnormemantine ([18F]-FNM) and evaluate its ability to localize activated NMDA receptors in a rat preclinical model of excitotoxicity. PROCEDURES The affinity of the non-radioactive analog for the intra-channel PCP site was determined in a radioligand competition assay using [3H]TCP ([3H]N-(1-[thienyl]cyclohexyl)piperidine) on rat brain homogenates. Selectivity was also investigated by the displacement of specific radioligands targeting various cerebral receptors. In vivo brain lesions were performed using stereotaxic quinolinic acid (QA) injections in the left motor area (M1) of seven Sprague Dawley rats. Each rat was imaged with a microPET/CT camera, 40 min after receiving a dose of 30 MBq + / - 20 of [18F]-FNM, 24 and 72 h after injury. Nine non-injured rats were also imaged using the same protocol. RESULTS FNM displayed IC50 value of 13.0 ± 8.9 µM in rat forebrain homogenates but also showed significant bindings on opioid receptors. In the frontal and left somatosensory areas, [18F]FNM PET detected a mean of 37% and 41% increase in [18F]FNM uptake (p < 0,0001) 24 and 72 h after QA stereotaxic injection, respectively, compared to the control group. CONCLUSIONS In spite of FNM's poor affinity for NMDAR PCP site, this study supports the ability of this tracer to track massive activation of NMDARs in neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marie Beaurain
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, ToNIC, UMR1214 Inserm, Toulouse, France.
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Toulouse Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France.
| | - Franck Talmont
- Institut de Pharmacologie Et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Damien Pierre
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, ToNIC, UMR1214 Inserm, Toulouse, France
| | - Patrice Péran
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, ToNIC, UMR1214 Inserm, Toulouse, France
| | - Samuel Boucher
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, ToNIC, UMR1214 Inserm, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Hitzel
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Toulouse Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Marie-Pierre Rols
- Institut de Pharmacologie Et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Olivier Cuvillier
- Institut de Pharmacologie Et de Biologie Structurale, Université de Toulouse, CNRS, UPS, 31059, Toulouse, France
| | - Pierre Payoux
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, ToNIC, UMR1214 Inserm, Toulouse, France
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Toulouse Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne-Sophie Salabert
- Toulouse NeuroImaging Center, ToNIC, UMR1214 Inserm, Toulouse, France
- Nuclear Medicine Department, Toulouse Purpan University Hospital, Toulouse, France
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Tassan Mazzocco M, Murtaj V, Martins D, Schellino R, Coliva A, Toninelli E, Vercelli A, Turkheimer F, Belloli S, Moresco RM. Exploring the neuroprotective effects of montelukast on brain inflammation and metabolism in a rat model of quinolinic acid-induced striatal neurotoxicity. J Neuroinflammation 2023; 20:34. [PMID: 36782185 PMCID: PMC9923670 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02714-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND One intrastriatal administration of quinolinic acid (QA) in rats induces a lesion with features resembling those observed in Huntington's disease. Our aim is to evaluate the effects of the cysteinyl leukotriene receptor antagonist montelukast (MLK), which exhibited neuroprotection in different preclinical models of neurodegeneration, on QA-induced neuroinflammation and regional metabolic functions. METHODS The right and left striatum of Sprague Dawley and athymic nude rats were injected with QA and vehicle (VEH), respectively. Starting from the day before QA injection, animals were treated with 1 or 10 mg/kg of MLK or VEH for 14 days. At 14 and 30 days post-lesion, animals were monitored with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and positron emission tomography (PET) using [18F]-VC701, a translocator protein (TSPO)-specific radiotracer. Striatal neuroinflammatory response was measured post-mortem in rats treated with 1 mg/kg of MLK by immunofluorescence. Rats treated with 10 mg/kg of MLK also underwent a [18F]-FDG PET study at baseline and 4 months after lesion. [18F]-FDG PET data were then used to assess metabolic connectivity between brain regions by applying a covariance analysis method. RESULTS MLK treatment was not able to reduce the QA-induced increase in striatal TSPO PET signal and MRI lesion volume, where we only detected a trend towards reduction in animals treated with 10 mg/kg of MLK. Post-mortem immunofluorescence analysis revealed that MLK attenuated the increase in striatal markers of astrogliosis and activated microglia in the lesioned hemisphere. We also found a significant increase in a marker of anti-inflammatory activity (MannR) and a trend towards reduction in a marker of pro-inflammatory activity (iNOS) in the lesioned striatum of MLK-compared to VEH-treated rats. [18F]-FDG uptake was significantly reduced in the striatum and ipsilesional cortical regions of VEH-treated rats at 4 months after lesion. MLK administration preserved glucose metabolism in these cortical regions, but not in the striatum. Finally, MLK was able to counteract changes in metabolic connectivity and measures of network topology induced by QA, in both lesioned and non-lesioned hemispheres. CONCLUSIONS Overall, MLK treatment produced a significant neuroprotective effect by reducing neuroinflammation assessed by immunofluorescence and preserving regional brain metabolism and metabolic connectivity from QA-induced neurotoxicity in cortical and subcortical regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Tassan Mazzocco
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Valentina Murtaj
- PhD Program in Neuroscience, Medicine and Surgery Department, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
- Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Daniel Martins
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Roberta Schellino
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini" and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Angela Coliva
- Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Elisa Toninelli
- Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Vercelli
- Department of Neuroscience "Rita Levi Montalcini" and Neuroscience Institute Cavalieri Ottolenghi, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Federico Turkheimer
- Department of Neuroimaging, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Sara Belloli
- Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology (IBFM), CNR, Milan, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Moresco
- Nuclear Medicine Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute (IRCCS), Milan, Italy.
- Institute of Molecular Bioimaging and Physiology (IBFM), CNR, Milan, Italy.
- Technomed Foundation and Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy.
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Stone TW, Clanchy FIL, Huang YS, Chiang NY, Darlington LG, Williams RO. An integrated cytokine and kynurenine network as the basis of neuroimmune communication. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1002004. [PMID: 36507331 PMCID: PMC9729788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1002004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two of the molecular families closely associated with mediating communication between the brain and immune system are cytokines and the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan. Both groups regulate neuron and glial activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and leukocyte function in the immune system, although neither group alone completely explains neuroimmune function, disease occurrence or severity. This essay suggests that the two families perform complementary functions generating an integrated network. The kynurenine pathway determines overall neuronal excitability and plasticity by modulating glutamate receptors and GPR35 activity across the CNS, and regulates general features of immune cell status, surveillance and tolerance which often involves the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Equally, cytokines and chemokines define and regulate specific populations of neurons, glia or immune system leukocytes, generating more specific responses within restricted CNS regions or leukocyte populations. In addition, as there is a much larger variety of these compounds, their homing properties enable the superimposition of dynamic variations of cell activity upon local, spatially limited, cell populations. This would in principle allow the targeting of potential treatments to restricted regions of the CNS. The proposed synergistic interface of 'tonic' kynurenine pathway affecting baseline activity and the superimposed 'phasic' cytokine system would constitute an integrated network explaining some features of neuroimmune communication. The concept would broaden the scope for the development of new treatments for disorders involving both the CNS and immune systems, with safer and more effective agents targeted to specific CNS regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Trevor W. Stone,
| | - Felix I. L. Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nien-Yi Chiang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Quinolinic Acid Induces Alterations in Neuronal Subcellular Compartments, Blocks Autophagy Flux and Activates Necroptosis and Apoptosis in Rat Striatum. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:6632-6651. [PMID: 35980566 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-02986-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
Quinolinic acid (QUIN) is an agonist of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAr) used to study the underlying mechanism of excitotoxicity in animal models. There is evidence indicating that impairment in autophagy at early times contributes to cellular damage in excitotoxicity; however, the status of autophagy in QUIN model on day 7 remains unexplored. In this study, the ultrastructural analysis of subcellular compartments and the status of autophagy, necroptosis, and apoptosis in the striatum of rats administered with QUIN (120 nmol and 240 nmol) was performed on day 7. QUIN induced circling behavior, neurodegeneration, and cellular damage; also, it promoted swollen mitochondrial crests, spherical-like morphology, and mitochondrial fragmentation; decreased ribosomal density in the rough endoplasmic reticulum; and altered the continuity of myelin sheaths in axons with separation of the compact lamellae. Furthermore, QUIN induced an increase and a decrease in ULK1 and p-70-S6K phosphorylation, respectively, suggesting autophagy activation; however, the increased microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3-II (LC3-II) and sequestosome-1/p62 (SQSTM1/p62), the coexistence of p62 and LC3 in the same structures, and the decrease in Beclin 1 and mature cathepsin D also indicates a blockage in autophagy flux. Additionally, QUIN administration increased tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) and receptor-interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) levels and its phosphorylation (p-RIPK3), as well as decreased B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) and increased Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax) levels and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation, suggesting an activation of necroptosis and apoptosis, respectively. These results suggest that QUIN activates the autophagy, but on day 7, it is blocked and organelle and cellular damage, neurodegeneration, and behavior alterations could be caused by necroptosis and apoptosis activation.
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11
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Biringer RG. Migraine signaling pathways: amino acid metabolites that regulate migraine and predispose migraineurs to headache. Mol Cell Biochem 2022; 477:2269-2296. [PMID: 35482233 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04438-9] [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: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Migraine is a common, debilitating disorder for which attacks typically result in a throbbing, pulsating headache. Although much is known about migraine, its complexity renders understanding the complete etiology currently out of reach. However, two important facts are clear, the brain and the metabolism of the migraineur differ from that of the non-migraineur. This review centers on the altered amino acid metabolism in migraineurs and how it helps define the pathology of migraine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger Gregory Biringer
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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12
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Huang Y, Zhao M, Chen X, Zhang R, Le A, Hong M, Zhang Y, Jia L, Zang W, Jiang C, Wang J, Fan X, Wang J. Tryptophan Metabolism in Central Nervous System Diseases: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Aging Dis 2022; 14:858-878. [PMID: 37191427 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of L-tryptophan (TRP) regulates homeostasis, immunity, and neuronal function. Altered TRP metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases of the central nervous system. TRP is metabolized through two main pathways, the kynurenine pathway and the methoxyindole pathway. First, TRP is metabolized to kynurenine, then kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, anthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and finally 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid along the kynurenine pathway. Second, TRP is metabolized to serotonin and melatonin along the methoxyindole pathway. In this review, we summarize the biological properties of key metabolites and their pathogenic functions in 12 disorders of the central nervous system: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies, mainly since 2015, that investigated the metabolic pathway of TRP, focusing on changes in biomarkers of these neurologic disorders, their pathogenic implications, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic pathway. This critical, comprehensive, and up-to-date review helps identify promising directions for future preclinical, clinical, and translational research on neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Martínez-Gopar PE, Pérez-Rodríguez MJ, Rodríguez-Manzo G, Garduño-Gutierrez R, Tristán-López L, Angeles-López QD, González-Espinosa C, Pérez-Severiano F. Mast cells and histamine are involved in the neuronal damage observed in a quinolinic acid-induced model of Huntington's disease. J Neurochem 2021; 160:256-270. [PMID: 34665461 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Huntington´s disease (HD) is a pathological condition that can be studied in mice by the administration of quinolinic acid (QUIN), an agonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) that induces NMDAR-mediated cytotoxicity and neuroinflammation. Mast cells (MCs) participate in numerous inflammatory processes through the release of important amounts of histamine (HA). In this study, we aimed to characterize the participation of MCs and HA in the establishment of neural and oxidative damage in the QUIN-induced model of HD. C57BL6/J mice (WT), MC-deficient c-KitW-sh/W-sh (Wsh) mice and Wsh mice reconstituted by intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) injection of 5 × 105 bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs), or i.c.v. administered with HA (5 µg) were used. All groups of animals were intrastriatally injected with 1 µL QUIN (30 nmol/µL) and 3 days later, apomorphine-induced circling behavior, striatal GABA levels and the number of Fluoro-Jade positive cells, as indicators of neuronal damage, were determined. Also, lipid peroxidation (LP) and reactive oxygen species production (ROS), as markers of oxidative damage, were analyzed. Wsh mice showed less QUIN-induced neuronal and oxidative damage than WT and Wsh-MC reconstituted animals. Histamine administration restored the QUIN-induced neuronal and oxidative damage in the non-reconstituted Wsh mice to levels equivalent or superior to those observed in WT mice. Our results demonstrate that MCs and HA participate in the neuronal and oxidative damages observed in mice subjected to the QUIN -induced model of Huntington's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Eliasib Martínez-Gopar
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (Cinvestav), Unidad Sede Sur, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Marian Jesabel Pérez-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (Cinvestav), Unidad Sede Sur, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Rodríguez-Manzo
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (Cinvestav), Unidad Sede Sur, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - René Garduño-Gutierrez
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (Cinvestav), Unidad Sede Sur, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Luis Tristán-López
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Quetzalli Denisse Angeles-López
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Claudia González-Espinosa
- Departamento de Farmacobiología, Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del IPN (Cinvestav), Unidad Sede Sur, Ciudad de Mexico, Mexico
| | - Francisca Pérez-Severiano
- Laboratorio de Neurofarmacología Molecular y Nanotecnología, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía Manuel Velasco Suárez, Mexico City, Mexico
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Leclercq S, Schwarz M, Delzenne NM, Stärkel P, de Timary P. Alterations of kynurenine pathway in alcohol use disorder and abstinence: a link with gut microbiota, peripheral inflammation and psychological symptoms. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:503. [PMID: 34599147 PMCID: PMC8486842 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01610-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2021] [Revised: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut-brain communication is mostly driven by the immune, metabolic and neural pathways which remained poorly explored in patients with alcohol use disorder (AUD). The metabolites arising from the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway have gained considerable attention since they are at the interface between intestinal bacteria, host immune response and brain functions. This study described the circulating levels of kynurenine metabolites in AUD patients, at the onset (T1) and end (T2) of a 3-week detoxification program, and tested correlations between those metabolites and inflammatory markers, the gut microbiota and the psychological symptoms. Increased concentration of the neurotoxic metabolite quinolinic acid (QUIN) and decreased levels of the neuroprotector metabolite kynurenic acid (KYNA) which both modulate glutamatergic neurotransmission were observed in AUD patients, particularly at T2. The inflammatory marker hsCRP was associated with several metabolic ratios of the kynurenine pathway. Tryptophan, KYNA and QUIN were correlated with depression, alcohol craving and reaction time, respectively. Analysis of gut microbiota revealed that bacteria known as short-chain fatty acid producers, as well as bacterial metabolites including butyrate and medium-chain fatty acids were associated with some metabolites of the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway. Targeting the glutamatergic neurotransmission through the modulation of the kynurenine pathway, by manipulating the gut microbiota, might represent an interesting alternative for modulating alcohol-related behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophie Leclercq
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XInstitute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium ,grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XMetabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Markus Schwarz
- grid.411095.80000 0004 0477 2585Institute of Laboratory Medicine, LMU Klinikum Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nathalie M. Delzenne
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XMetabolism and Nutrition Research Group, Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Peter Stärkel
- grid.7942.80000 0001 2294 713XLaboratory of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Institute of Experimental and Clinical Research, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium ,grid.48769.340000 0004 0461 6320Department of Hepatogastroenterology, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Philippe de Timary
- Institute of Neuroscience, Université catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium. .,Department of Adult Psychiatry, Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium.
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15
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Kim A, Lalonde K, Truesdell A, Gomes Welter P, Brocardo PS, Rosenstock TR, Gil-Mohapel J. New Avenues for the Treatment of Huntington's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22168363. [PMID: 34445070 PMCID: PMC8394361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22168363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a CAG expansion in the HD gene. The disease is characterized by neurodegeneration, particularly in the striatum and cortex. The first symptoms usually appear in mid-life and include cognitive deficits and motor disturbances that progress over time. Despite being a genetic disorder with a known cause, several mechanisms are thought to contribute to neurodegeneration in HD, and numerous pre-clinical and clinical studies have been conducted and are currently underway to test the efficacy of therapeutic approaches targeting some of these mechanisms with varying degrees of success. Although current clinical trials may lead to the identification or refinement of treatments that are likely to improve the quality of life of those living with HD, major efforts continue to be invested at the pre-clinical level, with numerous studies testing novel approaches that show promise as disease-modifying strategies. This review offers a detailed overview of the currently approved treatment options for HD and the clinical trials for this neurodegenerative disorder that are underway and concludes by discussing potential disease-modifying treatments that have shown promise in pre-clinical studies, including increasing neurotropic support, modulating autophagy, epigenetic and genetic manipulations, and the use of nanocarriers and stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Kim
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Kathryn Lalonde
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
| | - Aaron Truesdell
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Western University, London, ON N6A 5C1, Canada
| | - Priscilla Gomes Welter
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Patricia S. Brocardo
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88040-900, Brazil; (P.G.W.); (P.S.B.)
| | - Tatiana R. Rosenstock
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Science, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK;
- Department of Pharmacology, University of São Paulo, São Paulo 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program and Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada; (A.K.); (K.L.)
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-250-472-4597; Fax: +1-250-472-5505
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16
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Limana da Silveira T, Lopes Machado M, Bicca Obetine Baptista F, Farina Gonçalves D, Duarte Hartmann D, Marafiga Cordeiro L, Franzen da Silva A, Lenz Dalla Corte C, Aschner M, Antunes Soares FA. Caenorhabditis elegans as a model for studies on quinolinic acid-induced NMDAR-dependent glutamatergic disorders. Brain Res Bull 2021; 175:90-98. [PMID: 34271120 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Quinolinic acid (QUIN) is an agonist of the neurotransmitter glutamate (Glu) capable of binding to N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) increasing glutamatergic signaling. QUIN is known for being an endogenous neurotoxin, able to induce neurodegeneration. In Caenorhabditis elegans, the mechanism by which QUIN induces behavioral and metabolic toxicity has not been fully elucidated. The effects of QUIN on behavioral and metabolic parameters in nmr-1 and nmr-2 NMDA receptors in transgenic and wild-type (WT) worms were performed to decipher the pathway by which QUIN exerts its toxicity. QUIN increased locomotion parameters such as wavelength and movement amplitude medium, as well as speed and displacement, without modifying the number of body bends in an NMDAR-dependent-manner. QUIN increased the response time to the chemical stimulant 1-octanol, which is modulated by glutamatergic neurotransmission in the ASH neuron. Brood size increased after exposure to QUIN, dependent upon nmr-2/NMDA-receptor, with no change in lifespan. Oxygen consumption, mitochondrial membrane potential, and the flow of coupled and unbound electrons to ATP production were reduced by QUIN in wild-type animals, but did not alter citrate synthase activity, altering the functionality but the mitochondrial viability. Notably, QUIN modified fine locomotor and chemosensory behavioral parameters, as well as metabolic parameters, analogous to previously reported effects in mammals. Our results indicate that QUIN can be used as a neurotoxin to elicit glutamatergic dysfunction in C. elegans in a way analogous to other animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tássia Limana da Silveira
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Lopes Machado
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Fabiane Bicca Obetine Baptista
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Débora Farina Gonçalves
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Diane Duarte Hartmann
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil; Universidade Regional do Noroeste do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul
| | - Larissa Marafiga Cordeiro
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline Franzen da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Cristiane Lenz Dalla Corte
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Yeshiva University, Forchheimer 209, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Felix Alexandre Antunes Soares
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Huntington's Chorea-a Rare Neurodegenerative Autosomal Dominant Disease: Insight into Molecular Genetics, Prognosis and Diagnosis. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2021; 193:2634-2648. [PMID: 34235640 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-021-03523-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Huntington's disease is a neurodegenerative autosomal disease results due to expansion of polymorphic CAG repeats in the huntingtin gene. Phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor 4E-BP results in the alteration of the translation control leading to unwanted protein synthesis and neuronal function. Consequences of mutant huntington (mhtt) gene transcription are not well known. Variability of age of onset is an important factor of Huntington's disease separating adult and juvenile types. The factors which are taken into account are-genetic modifiers, maternal protection i.e excessive paternal transmission, superior ageing genes and environmental threshold. A major focus has been given to the molecular pathogenesis which includes-motor disturbance, cognitive disturbance and neuropsychiatric disturbance. The diagnosis part has also been taken care of. This includes genetic testing and both primary and secondary symptoms. The present review also focuses on the genetics and pathology of Huntington's disease.
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Li QY, Lee JH, Kim HW, Jin GZ. Research Models of the Nanoparticle-Mediated Drug Delivery across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Tissue Eng Regen Med 2021; 18:917-930. [PMID: 34181202 DOI: 10.1007/s13770-021-00356-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain diseases and damages come in many forms such as neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, and stroke. Millions of people currently suffer from neurological diseases worldwide. While Challenges of current diagnosis and treatment for neurological diseases are the drug delivery to the central nervous system. The Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) limits the drug from reaching the targeted site thus showing poor effects. Nanoparticles that have advantage of the assembly at the nanoscale of available biomaterials can provide a delivery platform with potential to raising brain levels of either imaging therapeutic drugs or imaging. Therefore, successful modeling of the BBB is another crucial factor for the development of nanodrugs. In this review, we analyze the in vitro and in vivo findings achieved in various models, and outlook future development of nanodrugs for the successful treatment of brain diseases and damages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-You Li
- Department of Orthopedics, Yanbian University Hospital , Yanji , China
| | - Jung-Hwan Lee
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.,Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.,Division of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, 256 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD, UK
| | - Hae-Won Kim
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea. .,Division of Biomaterials and Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, 256 Grays Inn Road, London, WC1X 8LD, UK.
| | - Guang-Zhen Jin
- Institute of Tissue Regeneration Engineering (ITREN), Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Biomaterials Science, College of Dentistry, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Nanobiomedical Science & BK21 PLUS Global Research Center for Regenerative Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, 31116, Republic of Korea.
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19
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Grifka-Walk HM, Jenkins BR, Kominsky DJ. Amino Acid Trp: The Far Out Impacts of Host and Commensal Tryptophan Metabolism. Front Immunol 2021; 12:653208. [PMID: 34149693 PMCID: PMC8213022 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.653208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan (Trp) is an essential amino acid primarily derived from the diet for use by the host for protein synthesis. The intestinal tract is lined with cells, both host and microbial, that uptake and metabolize Trp to also generate important signaling molecules. Serotonin (5-HT), kynurenine and its downstream metabolites, and to a lesser extent other neurotransmitters are generated by the host to signal onto host receptors and elicit physiological effects. 5-HT production by neurons in the CNS regulates sleep, mood, and appetite; 5-HT production in the intestinal tract by enterochromaffin cells regulates gastric motility and inflammation in the periphery. Kynurenine can signal onto the aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) to elicit pleiotropic responses from several cell types including epithelial and immune cells, or can be further metabolized into bioactive molecules to influence neurodegenerative disease. There is a remarkable amount of cross-talk with the microbiome with regard to tryptophan metabolites as well. The gut microbiome can regulate the production of host tryptophan metabolites and can use dietary or recycled trp to generate bioactive metabolites themselves. Trp derivatives like indole are able to signal onto xenobiotic receptors, including AHR, to elicit tolerogenic effects. Here, we review studies that demonstrate that tryptophan represents a key intra-kingdom signaling molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather M Grifka-Walk
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Brittany R Jenkins
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
| | - Douglas J Kominsky
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Montana State University, Bozeman, MT, United States
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20
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Cathomas F, Guetter K, Seifritz E, Klaus F, Kaiser S. Quinolinic acid is associated with cognitive deficits in schizophrenia but not major depressive disorder. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9992. [PMID: 33976271 PMCID: PMC8113521 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-89335-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan and its catabolites (TRYCATs) have been suggested to link peripheral immune system activation and central neurotransmitter abnormalities with relevance to the etio-pathophysiology of schizophrenia (SZ) and major depressive disorder (MDD). The relationship to different psychopathological dimensions within these disorders however remains to be elucidated. We thus investigated potential group differences of tryptophan, kynurenine, kynurenic acid, 3-hydroxy kynurenine and quinolinic acid in the plasma of 19 healthy controls (HC), 45 patients with SZ and 43 patients with MDD and correlated plasma proteins with the "motivation and pleasure" dimension and cognition. After correcting for the covariates age, sex, body mass index, smoking and medication, patients with MDD showed lower kynurenine and 3-hydroxy kynurenine levels compared to HC. Quinolinic acid correlated negatively with composite cognitive score in patients with SZ, indicating that more severe cognitive impairments were associated with increased plasma levels of quinolinic acid. No correlations were found in patients with MDD. These results indicate that MDD and SZ are associated with dysregulation of the kynurenine pathway. Quinolinic acid might be specifically implicated in the pathophysiology of cognitive deficits in patients with SZ. Further studies are needed to determine whether TRYCATs are causally involved in the etiology of these neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flurin Cathomas
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland. .,Fishberg Department of Neuroscience, Friedman Brain Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Mount Sinai, NY, USA.
| | - Karoline Guetter
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Erich Seifritz
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland.,Neuroscience Center Zurich, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich, 8057, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Federica Klaus
- Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Psychiatric Hospital, University of Zurich, Lenggstrasse 31, 8032, Zürich, Switzerland.,Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, San Diego, USA
| | - Stefan Kaiser
- Division of Adult Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, Geneva University Hospitals, Chemin du Petit-Bel-Air, 1225, Chêne-Bourg, Switzerland
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21
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O'Connell AB, Kuchel TR, Perumal SR, Sherwood V, Neumann D, Finnie JW, Hemsley KM, Morton AJ. Longitudinal Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy and Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Sheep (Ovis aries) With Quinolinic Acid Lesions of the Striatum: Time-Dependent Recovery of N-Acetylaspartate and Fractional Anisotropy. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2021; 79:1084-1092. [PMID: 32743645 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlaa053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
We created an excitotoxic striatal lesion model of Huntington disease (HD) in sheep, using the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor agonist, quinolinic acid (QA). Sixteen sheep received a bolus infusion of QA (75 µL, 180 mM) or saline, first into the left and then (4 weeks later) into the right striatum. Magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) of the striata were performed. Metabolite concentrations and fractional anisotropy (FA) were measured at baseline, acutely (1 week after each surgery) and chronically (5 weeks or greater after the surgeries). There was a significant decrease in the neuronal marker N-acetylaspartate (NAA) and in FA in acutely lesioned striata of the QA-lesioned sheep, followed by a recovery of NAA and FA in the chronically lesioned striata. NAA level changes indicate acute death and/or impairment of neurons immediately after surgery, with recovery of reversibly impaired neurons over time. The change in FA values of the QA-lesioned striata is consistent with acute structural disruption, followed by re-organization and glial cell infiltration with time. Our study demonstrates that MRS and DTI changes in QA-sheep are consistent with HD-like pathology shown in other model species and that the MR investigations can be performed in sheep using a clinically relevant human 3T MRI scanner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam B O'Connell
- Pre-Clinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories (PIRL), South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia.,School of Medical Specialties, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Timothy R Kuchel
- Pre-Clinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories (PIRL), South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Sunthara R Perumal
- Pre-Clinical, Imaging and Research Laboratories (PIRL), South Australia Health and Medical Research Institute (SAHMRI), Adelaide, South Australia
| | | | - Daniel Neumann
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, SAHMRI, Adelaide, Australia.,Childhood Dementia Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - John W Finnie
- Discipline of Anatomy and Pathology, Adelaide Medical School, University of Adelaide and SA Pathology, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Kim M Hemsley
- Childhood Dementia Research Group, Hopwood Centre for Neurobiology, SAHMRI, Adelaide, Australia.,Childhood Dementia Research Group, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia
| | - A Jennifer Morton
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, Cambridge University, Cambridge, UK
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22
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Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) protects against quinolinic acid-induced toxicity in in vitro and in vivo models of Huntington's disease. Sci Rep 2020; 10:19045. [PMID: 33154393 PMCID: PMC7645584 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-75439-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington’s disease (HD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with a progressive loss of medium spiny neurons in the striatum and aggregation of mutant huntingtin in the striatal and cortical neurons. Currently, there are no rational therapies for the treatment of the disease. Cerebral dopamine neurotrophic factor (CDNF) is an endoplasmic reticulum (ER) located protein with neurotrophic factor (NTF) properties, protecting and restoring the function of dopaminergic neurons in animal models of PD more effectively than other NTFs. CDNF is currently in phase I–II clinical trials on PD patients. Here we have studied whether CDNF has beneficial effects on striatal neurons in in vitro and in vivo models of HD. CDNF was able to protect striatal neurons from quinolinic acid (QA)-induced cell death in vitro via increasing the IRE1α/XBP1 signalling pathway in the ER. A single intrastriatal CDNF injection protected against the deleterious effects of QA in a rat model of HD. CDNF improved motor coordination and decreased ataxia in QA-toxin treated rats, and stimulated the neurogenesis by increasing doublecortin (DCX)-positive and NeuN-positive cells in the striatum. These results show that CDNF positively affects striatal neuron viability reduced by QA and signifies CDNF as a promising drug candidate for the treatment of HD.
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23
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Soltesova Prnova M, Medina-Campos ON, Pedraza-Chaverri J, Colín-González AL, Piedra-García F, Rangel-López E, Kovacikova L, Ceylan A, Karasu C, Santamaria A, Stefek M. Antioxidant Mechanisms in the Neuroprotective Action of Cemtirestat: Studies in Chemical Models, Liposomes and Rat Brain Cortical Slices. Neuroscience 2020; 443:206-217. [PMID: 32681927 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2020.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 07/07/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neuroprotective action of the novel aldose reductase (AR) inhibitor cemtirestat (CMT), 2-(3-thioxo-2H-[1,2,4]triazino[5,6-b]indol-5(3H)-yl)acetic acid, was recently proved in experimental rat models of diabetes. The in vivo results indicated that the antioxidant activity of this compound might have participated on its effects. The aim of this study was to explore in a greater detail the putative antioxidant mechanisms potentially involved in CMT mediated neuroprotection. Antioxidant efficacy per se of CMT was proved by a ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) test and CMT was found to scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in water phase chemically with decreasing efficacy as follows ROO > H2O2 > O2-. Studies in liposomes revealed the ability of CMT to inhibit lipid peroxidation more efficiently than melatonin, yet less effectively than Trolox. In the rat brain cortical slices, CMT reduced the loss of cell viability/mitochondrial function induced by quinolinic acid (QUIN), and inhibited lipid peroxidation. In addition, CMT normalized the GSH/GSSG ratio which could be explained, at least partially, by the ability of this compound to release free GSH from the pool of endogenously bound disulfides. Neuronal cell damage induced by QUIN or H2O2 was reduced by CMT as proved by significant drop in propidium iodide incorporation into cells. On balance then, our results corroborated the notion of a multifunctional action of CMT as a drug combining AR inhibition with direct antioxidant and ROS scavenging activity. Moreover, the ability of CMT to restore thiol-disulfide homeostasis was proved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Soltesova Prnova
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, CEM, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Omar Noel Medina-Campos
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - José Pedraza-Chaverri
- Departamento de Biología, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Colín-González
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Francisco Piedra-García
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Edgar Rangel-López
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Lucia Kovacikova
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, CEM, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Asli Ceylan
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Cimen Karasu
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Milan Stefek
- Department of Biochemical Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, CEM, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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24
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Cerebrospinal Fluid Neurofilament Light Chain Is Associated with Kynurenine Pathway Metabolite Changes in Multiple Sclerosis. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082665. [PMID: 32290514 PMCID: PMC7216195 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 04/02/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofilament light (NFL) has proved to be a good prognostic factor in multiple sclerosis (MS), as its level is proportionally elevated with extended neuraxonal damage. The involvement of the kynurenine pathway in neuroinflammation has been proved. The precursor of this pathway is the essential amino acid tryptophan, which is catabolized 95% towards kynurenine metabolites. Quinolinic acid (QUIN) within the brain is only produced in activated microglia and macrophages, leading to axonal degeneration via the activation of N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptors. Neopterin is a biomarker for inflammation produced by macrophages. The association of these biomarkers has not previously been investigated. Our aim was to assess whether there is an association of the neurodegenerative biomarker NFL with the markers of neuroinflammation, e.g., kynurenine metabolites and neopterin, in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF samples of patients with MS (pwMS; n = 37) and age-matched controls (n = 22) were compared for NFL levels by ELISA, while the kynurenine pathway metabolites tryptophan and neopterin were detected with mass spectrometry. Spearman’s correlation showed that NFL is an independent predictor of neurological disability in the MS group. Significant correlations were found between NFL, neopterin, and QUIN, and between kynurenine and neopterin. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to plot the top three best predictors of MS-related disability that yielded the best specificity and sensitivity. Normalized NFL (AUC: 0.923), QUIN (AUC: 0.803), and neopterin (AUC: 0.843) were the best independent predictors of neurological disability in pwMS. The CSF NFL and CSF QUIN, together with neopterin, were elevated in the CSF of pwMS compared to controls. The combination of the neurodegenerative biomarkers together with biomarkers of neuroinflammation could provide additional information on the underlying pathomechanism of disease activity, which is essential for the identification of patients at risk of developing cumulative disabilities.
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25
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Huang YS, Ogbechi J, Clanchy FI, Williams RO, Stone TW. IDO and Kynurenine Metabolites in Peripheral and CNS Disorders. Front Immunol 2020; 11:388. [PMID: 32194572 PMCID: PMC7066259 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 95] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The importance of the kynurenine pathway in normal immune system function has led to an appreciation of its possible contribution to autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis. Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) activity exerts a protective function, limiting the severity of experimental arthritis, whereas deletion or inhibition exacerbates the symptoms. Other chronic disorder with an inflammatory component, such as atherosclerosis, are also suppressed by IDO activity. It is suggested that this overall anti-inflammatory activity is mediated by a change in the relative production or activity of Th17 and regulatory T cell populations. Kynurenines may play an anti-inflammatory role also in CNS disorders such as Huntington's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis, in which signs of inflammation and neurodegeneration are involved. The possibility is discussed that in Huntington's disease kynurenines interact with other anti-inflammatory molecules such as Human Lymphocyte Antigen-G which may be relevant in other disorders. Kynurenine involvement may account for the protection afforded to animals with cerebral malaria and trypanosomiasis when they are treated with an inhibitor of kynurenine-3-monoxygenase (KMO). There is some evidence that changes in IL-10 may contribute to this protection and the relationship between kynurenines and IL-10 in arthritis and other inflammatory conditions should be explored. In addition, metabolites of kynurenine downstream of KMO, such as anthranilic acid and 3-hydroxy-anthranilic acid can influence inflammation, and the ratio of these compounds is a valuable biomarker of inflammatory status although the underlying molecular mechanisms of the changes require clarification. Hence it is essential that more effort be expended to identify their sites of action as potential targets for drug development. Finally, we discuss increasing awareness of the epigenetic regulation of IDO, for example by DNA methylation, a phenomenon which may explain differences between individuals in their susceptibility to arthritis and other inflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Ogbechi
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Felix I Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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26
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Stone TW. Does kynurenic acid act on nicotinic receptors? An assessment of the evidence. J Neurochem 2020; 152:627-649. [PMID: 31693759 PMCID: PMC7078985 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2019] [Revised: 10/19/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
As a major metabolite of kynurenine in the oxidative metabolism of tryptophan, kynurenic acid is of considerable biological and clinical importance as an endogenous antagonist of glutamate in the central nervous system. It is most active as an antagonist at receptors sensitive to N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) which regulate neuronal excitability and plasticity, brain development and behaviour. It is also thought to play a causative role in hypo-glutamatergic conditions such as schizophrenia, and a protective role in several neurodegenerative disorders, notably Huntington's disease. An additional hypothesis, that kynurenic acid could block nicotinic receptors for acetylcholine in the central nervous system has been proposed as an alternative mechanism of action of kynurenate. However, the evidence for this alternative mechanism is highly controversial, partly because at least eight earlier studies concluded that kynurenic acid blocked NMDA receptors but not nicotinic receptors and five subsequent, independent studies designed to repeat the results have failed to do so. Many studies considered to support the alternative 'nicotinic' hypothesis have been based on the use of analogs of kynurenate such as 7-chloro-kynurenic acid, or putatively nicotinic modulators such as galantamine, but a detailed analysis of the pharmacology of these compounds suggests that the results have often been misinterpreted, especially since the pharmacology of galantamine itself has been disputed. This review examines the evidence in detail, with the conclusion that there is no confirmed, reliable evidence for an antagonist activity of kynurenic acid at nicotinic receptors. Therefore, since there is overwhelming evidence for kynurenate acting at ionotropic glutamate receptors, especially NMDAR glutamate and glycine sites, with some activity at GPR35 sites and Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptors, results with kynurenic acid should be interpreted only in terms of these confirmed sites of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- Institute for Neuroscience and PsychologyUniversity of GlasgowGlasgowG12 8QQUK
- Present address:
Kennedy InstituteNDORMSUniversity of OxfordOxfordOX3 7FYUK
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27
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Baharikhoob P, Kolla NJ. Microglial Dysregulation and Suicidality: A Stress-Diathesis Perspective. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:781. [PMID: 32848946 PMCID: PMC7432264 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
According to the stress-diathesis model of suicidal behavior, completed suicide depends on the interaction between psychosocial stressors and a trait-like susceptibility. While there are likely multiple biological processes at play in suicidal behavior, recent findings point to over-activation of microglia, the resident macrophages of the central nervous system, as implicated in stress-induced suicidal behavior. However, it remains unclear how microglial dysregulation can be integrated into a clinical model of suicidal behavior. Therefore, this narrative review aims to (1) examine the findings from human post-mortem and neuroimaging studies that report a relationship between microglial activation and suicidal behavior, and (2) update the clinical model of suicidal behavior to integrate the role of microglia. A systematic search of SCOPUS, PubMed, PsycINFO, and Embase databases revealed evidence of morphological alterations in microglia and increased translocator protein density in the brains of individuals with suicidality, pointing to a positive relationship between microglial dysregulation and suicidal behavior. The studies also suggested several pathological mechanisms leading to suicidal behavior that may involve microglial dysregulation, namely (1) enhanced metabolism of tryptophan to quinolinic acid through the kynurenine pathway and associated serotonin depletion; (2) increased quinolinic acid leading to excessive N-methyl-D-aspartate-signaling, resulting in potential disruption of the blood brain barrier; (3) increased quinolinic acid resulting in higher neurotoxicity, and; (4) elevated interleukin 6 contributing to loss of inhibition of glutamatergic neurons, causing heightened glutamate release and excitotoxicity. Based on these pathways, we reconceptualized the stress-diathesis theory of suicidal behavior to incorporate the role of microglial activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paria Baharikhoob
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Nathan J Kolla
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) Research Imaging Centre and Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Violence Prevention Neurobiological Research Unit, CAMH, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada.,Waypoint Centre for Mental Health Care, Waypoint Research Institute, Penetanguishene, ON, Canada
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28
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Ogbechi J, Clanchy FI, Huang YS, Topping LM, Stone TW, Williams RO. IDO activation, inflammation and musculoskeletal disease. Exp Gerontol 2019; 131:110820. [PMID: 31884118 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2019.110820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The IDO/kynurenine pathway is now established as a major regulator of immune system function. The initial enzyme, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) is induced by IFNγ, while tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) is induced by corticosteroids. The pathway is therefore positioned to mediate the effects of systemic inflammation or stress-induced steroids on tissue function and its expression increases with age. Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are a common feature of ageing and many of these conditions are characterized by an inflammatory state. In inflammatory arthritis and related disorders, kynurenine protects against the development of disease, while inhibition or deletion of IDO1 increases its severity. The long-term regulation of autoimmune disorders may be influenced by the epigenetic modulation of kynurenine pathway genes, with recent data suggesting that methylation of IDO may be involved. Osteoporosis is also associated with abnormalities of the kynurenine pathway, reflected in an inversion of the ratio between blood levels of the metabolites anthranilic acid and 3-hydroxy-anthranilic acid. This review discusses evidence to date on the role of the IDO/kynurenine pathway and the highly prevalent age-related disorders of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis and identifies key areas that require further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy Ogbechi
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Felix I Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Louise M Topping
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK.
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29
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Colonnello A, Aguilera-Portillo G, Rubio-López LC, Robles-Bañuelos B, Rangel-López E, Cortez-Núñez S, Evaristo-Priego Y, Silva-Palacios A, Galván-Arzate S, García-Contreras R, Túnez I, Chen P, Aschner M, Santamaría A. Comparing the Neuroprotective Effects of Caffeic Acid in Rat Cortical Slices and Caenorhabditis elegans: Involvement of Nrf2 and SKN-1 Signaling Pathways. Neurotox Res 2019; 37:326-337. [PMID: 31773641 PMCID: PMC6994368 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00133-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Caffeic acid (CA) is a hydroxycinnamic acid derivative and polyphenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The neuroprotective properties of CA still need detailed characterization in different biological models. Here, the antioxidant and neuroprotective effects of CA were compared in in vitro and in vivo neurotoxic models. Biochemical outcomes of cell dysfunction, oxidative damage, and transcriptional regulation were assessed in rat cortical slices, whereas endpoints of physiological stress and motor alterations were characterized in Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). In rat cortical slices, CA (100 μM) prevented, in a differential manner, the loss of reductive capacity, the cell damage, and the oxidative damage induced by the excitotoxin quinolinic acid (QUIN, 100 μM), the pro-oxidant ferrous sulfate (FeSO4, 25 μM), and the dopaminergic toxin 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA, 100 μM). CA also restored the levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE; a master antioxidant regulatory pathway) binding activity affected by the three toxins. In wild-type (N2) of C. elegans, but not in the skn-1 KO mutant strain (worms lacking the orthologue of mammalian Nrf2), CA (25 mM) attenuated the loss of survival induced by QUIN (100 mM), FeSO4 (15 mM), and 6-OHDA (25 mM). Motor alterations induced by the three toxic models in N2 and skn-1 KO strains were prevented by CA in a differential manner. Our results suggest that (1) CA affords partial protection against different toxic insults in mammalian brain tissue and in C. elegans specimens; (2) the Nrf2/ARE binding activity participates in the protective mechanisms evoked by CA in the mammalian cortical tissue; (3) the presence of the orthologous skn-1 pathway is required in the worms for CA to exert protective effects; and (4) CA exerts antioxidant and neuroprotective effects through homologous mechanisms in different species.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Colonnello
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.,Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Gabriela Aguilera-Portillo
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Leonardo C Rubio-López
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.,Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Benjamín Robles-Bañuelos
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Edgar Rangel-López
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Samaria Cortez-Núñez
- Escuela Superior de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Yadira Evaristo-Priego
- Escuela Superior de Ciencias Naturales, Universidad Autónoma de Guerrero, Chilpancingo, Guerrero, Mexico
| | - Alejandro Silva-Palacios
- Departamento de Biomedicina Cardiovascular, Instituto Nacional de Cardiología Ignacio Chávez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Sonia Galván-Arzate
- Departamento de Neuroquímica, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Rodolfo García-Contreras
- Departamento de Microbiología y Parasitología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Isaac Túnez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Medicina y Enfermería, Universidad de Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain.,Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomédica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Cordoba, Spain
| | - Pan Chen
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Michael Aschner
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus, Bronx, NY, 10461, USA
| | - Abel Santamaría
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
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30
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Palpagama TH, Waldvogel HJ, Faull RLM, Kwakowsky A. The Role of Microglia and Astrocytes in Huntington's Disease. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:258. [PMID: 31708741 PMCID: PMC6824292 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease. HD patients present with movement disorders, behavioral and psychiatric symptoms and cognitive decline. This review summarizes the contribution of microglia and astrocytes to HD pathophysiology. Neuroinflammation in the HD brain is characterized by a reactive morphology in these glial cells. Microglia and astrocytes are critical in regulating neuronal activity and maintaining an optimal milieu for neuronal function. Previous studies provide evidence that activated microglia and reactive astrocytes contribute to HD pathology through transcriptional activation of pro-inflammatory genes to perpetuate a chronic inflammatory state. Reactive astrocytes also display functional changes in glutamate and ion homeostasis and energy metabolism. Astrocytic and microglial changes may further contribute to the neuronal death observed with the progression of HD. Importantly, the degree to which these neuroinflammatory changes are detrimental to neurons and contribute to the progression of HD pathology is not well understood. Furthermore, recent observations provide compelling evidence that activated microglia and astrocytes exert a variety of beneficial functions that are essential for limiting tissue damage and preserving neuronal function in the HD brain. Therefore, a better understanding of the neuroinflammatory environment in the brain in HD may lead to the development of targeted and innovative therapeutic opportunities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thulani H Palpagama
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Henry J Waldvogel
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Richard L M Faull
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Andrea Kwakowsky
- Centre for Brain Research, Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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d'Angelo M, Castelli V, Catanesi M, Antonosante A, Dominguez-Benot R, Ippoliti R, Benedetti E, Cimini A. PPARγ and Cognitive Performance. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20205068. [PMID: 31614739 PMCID: PMC6834178 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20205068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent findings have led to the discovery of many signaling pathways that link nuclear receptors with human conditions, including mental decline and neurodegenerative diseases. PPARγ agonists have been indicated as neuroprotective agents, supporting synaptic plasticity and neurite outgrowth. For these reasons, many PPARγ ligands have been proposed for the improvement of cognitive performance in different pathological conditions. In this review, the research on this issue is extensively discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele d'Angelo
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Vanessa Castelli
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Mariano Catanesi
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Andrea Antonosante
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Reyes Dominguez-Benot
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Rodolfo Ippoliti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Benedetti
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy
| | - Annamaria Cimini
- Department of Life, Health and Environmental Sciences, University of L'Aquila, 67100 L'Aquila, Italy.
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine and Center for Biotechnology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA 19122, USA.
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Smith‐Dijak AI, Sepers MD, Raymond LA. Alterations in synaptic function and plasticity in Huntington disease. J Neurochem 2019; 150:346-365. [DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2018] [Revised: 03/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amy I. Smith‐Dijak
- Graduate Program in Neuroscience the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Marja D. Sepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
| | - Lynn A. Raymond
- Department of Psychiatry and Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health the University of British Columbia Vancouver British Columbia Canada
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Zhunina OA, Yabbarov NG, Orekhov AN, Deykin AV. Modern approaches for modelling dystonia and Huntington's disease in vitro and in vivo. Int J Exp Pathol 2019; 100:64-71. [PMID: 31090117 DOI: 10.1111/iep.12320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Dystonia associated with Huntington's disease, Parkinson's disease or other neurodegenerative diseases substantially affects patients' quality of life and is a major health problem worldwide. The above-mentioned diseases are characterized by neurodegeneration accompanied by motor and cognitive impairment and often have complex aetiology. A frequent feature of these conditions is the abnormal accumulation of protein aggregates within specific neuronal populations in the affected brain regions. Familial neurodegenerative diseases are associated with a number of genetic mutations. Identification of these mutations allowed creation of modern model systems for studying neurodegeneration, either in cultured cells or in model animals. Animal models, especially mouse models, have contributed considerably to improving our understanding of the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative diseases. These models have allowed study of the pathogenic mechanisms and development of new disease-modifying strategies and therapeutic approaches. However, due to the complex nature of these pathologies and the irreversible damage that they cause to the neural tissue, effective therapies against neurodegeneration remain to be elaborated. In this review, we provide an overview of cellular and animal models developed for studying neurodegenerative diseases, including Huntington's disease and dystonia of different origins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Zhunina
- JSC "Russian Research Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy", Moscow, Russia
| | - Nikita G Yabbarov
- JSC "Russian Research Center for Molecular Diagnostics and Therapy", Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander N Orekhov
- Laboratory of Angiopathology, Institute of General Pathology and Pathophysiology, Moscow, Russia.,Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Skolkovo Innovative Center, Moscow, Russia
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Zhou Y, Zheng W, Liu W, Wang C, Zhan Y, Li H, Chen L, Ning Y. Cross-sectional relationship between kynurenine pathway metabolites and cognitive function in major depressive disorder. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2019; 101:72-79. [PMID: 30419374 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2018] [Revised: 10/07/2018] [Accepted: 11/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive impairment is common among patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), but its pathological mechanism is complex and not fully understood. Evidence suggests that the kynurenine (KYN) pathway may be implicated in the pathophysiology of depression, but few studies have explored the association between the KYN pathway and cognitive impairment in MDD. Our aim was to examine the relationship between cognitive impairment and KYN pathway metabolites in patients with MDD. METHODS A total of 146 patients with MDD according to DSM-V and 72 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled, and the severity of depressive symptoms using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) and cognitive performance including speed of processing, working memory, visual learning and verbal learning were assessed. Blood samples were collected, and serum concentrations of tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN) and kynurenic acid (KYNA) were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. RESULTS In females with MDD, there was a significant negative association between the KYN level and verbal learning (B=-0.039, adjusted p = 0.018), and the KYN/TRP ratio was negatively correlated with speed of processing (B=-470.086, adjusted p = 0.029), verbal learning (B=-544.251, adjusted p = 0.002) and visual learning (B=-513.777, adjusted p = 0.004). Those associations were not present in male individuals with MDD or in HCs, except for a significant negative correlation between the KYNA/KYN ratio and category fluency (B=-0.373, adjusted p = 0.039) in female HCs. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that learning function and speed of processing in female MDD were associated with KYN serum level and the KYN/TRP ratio, potentially implicating the KYN pathway in the pathological mechanism of cognitive function in female MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Zhou
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Metal Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zheng
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Metal Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weijian Liu
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Metal Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chengyu Wang
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Metal Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanni Zhan
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Metal Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hanqiu Li
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Metal Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lijian Chen
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Metal Disorders, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuping Ning
- The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University (Guangzhou Huiai Hospital), Guangzhou, China; Guangdong Engineering Technology Research Center for Translational Medicine of Metal Disorders, Guangzhou, China.
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Verma MK, Goel R, Nandakumar K, Nemmani KV. Bilateral quinolinic acid-induced lipid peroxidation, decreased striatal monoamine levels and neurobehavioral deficits are ameliorated by GIP receptor agonist D-Ala 2 GIP in rat model of Huntington's disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2018; 828:31-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2018.03.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2017] [Revised: 02/04/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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da Silveira TL, Zamberlan DC, Arantes LP, Machado ML, da Silva TC, Câmara DDF, Santamaría A, Aschner M, Soares FAA. Quinolinic acid and glutamatergic neurodegeneration in Caenorhabditis elegans. Neurotoxicology 2018; 67:94-101. [PMID: 29702159 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2018.04.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Revised: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 04/16/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Quinolinic acid (QUIN) is an endogenous neurotoxin that acts as an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) agonist generating a toxic cascade, which can lead to neurodegeneration. The action of QUIN in Caenorhabditis elegans and the neurotoxins that allow the study of glutamatergic system disorders have not been carefully addressed. The effects of QUIN on toxicological and behavioral parameters in VM487 and VC2623 transgenic, as well as wild-type (WT) animals were performed to evaluate whether QUIN could be used as a neurotoxin in C. elegans. QUIN reduced survival of WT worms in a dose-dependent manner. A sublethal dose of QUIN (20 mM) increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in an nmr-1/NMDAR-dependent manner, activated the DAF-16/FOXO transcription factor, and increased expression of the antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase-3, glutathione S-transferase-4, and heat shock protein-16.2. QUIN did not change motor behavioral parameters, but altered the sensory behavior in N2 and VM487 worms. Notably, the effect of QUIN on the sensory behavioral parameters might occur, at least in part, secondary to increased ROS. However, the touch response behavior indicates a mechanism of action that is independent of ROS generation. In addition, non-lethal doses of QUIN triggered neurodegeneration in glutamatergic neurons. Our findings indicate that C. elegans might be useful as a model for studies of QUIN as a glutamatergic neurotoxin in rodent models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tássia Limana da Silveira
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniele Coradine Zamberlan
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Leticia Priscilla Arantes
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Lopes Machado
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Thayanara Cruz da Silva
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Daniela de Freitas Câmara
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil
| | - Abel Santamaría
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, Insurgentes Sur 3877, 14269 Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Michael Aschner
- Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Jack and Pearl Resnick Campus, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Felix Alexandre Antunes Soares
- Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Programa de Pós-graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica Toxicológica, Camobi, 97105-900, Santa Maria, RS, Brazil.
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Parthasarathy A, Cross PJ, Dobson RCJ, Adams LE, Savka MA, Hudson AO. A Three-Ring Circus: Metabolism of the Three Proteogenic Aromatic Amino Acids and Their Role in the Health of Plants and Animals. Front Mol Biosci 2018; 5:29. [PMID: 29682508 PMCID: PMC5897657 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2018.00029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine, phenylalanine and tryptophan are the three aromatic amino acids (AAA) involved in protein synthesis. These amino acids and their metabolism are linked to the synthesis of a variety of secondary metabolites, a subset of which are involved in numerous anabolic pathways responsible for the synthesis of pigment compounds, plant hormones and biological polymers, to name a few. In addition, these metabolites derived from the AAA pathways mediate the transmission of nervous signals, quench reactive oxygen species in the brain, and are involved in the vast palette of animal coloration among others pathways. The AAA and metabolites derived from them also have integral roles in the health of both plants and animals. This review delineates the de novo biosynthesis of the AAA by microbes and plants, and the branching out of AAA metabolism into major secondary metabolic pathways in plants such as the phenylpropanoid pathway. Organisms that do not possess the enzymatic machinery for the de novo synthesis of AAA must obtain these primary metabolites from their diet. Therefore, the metabolism of AAA by the host animal and the resident microflora are important for the health of all animals. In addition, the AAA metabolite-mediated host-pathogen interactions in general, as well as potential beneficial and harmful AAA-derived compounds produced by gut bacteria are discussed. Apart from the AAA biosynthetic pathways in plants and microbes such as the shikimate pathway and the tryptophan pathway, this review also deals with AAA catabolism in plants, AAA degradation via the monoamine and kynurenine pathways in animals, and AAA catabolism via the 3-aryllactate and kynurenine pathways in animal-associated microbes. Emphasis will be placed on structural and functional aspects of several key AAA-related enzymes, such as shikimate synthase, chorismate mutase, anthranilate synthase, tryptophan synthase, tyrosine aminotransferase, dopachrome tautomerase, radical dehydratase, and type III CoA-transferase. The past development and current potential for interventions including the development of herbicides and antibiotics that target key enzymes in AAA-related pathways, as well as AAA-linked secondary metabolism leading to antimicrobials are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anutthaman Parthasarathy
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Penelope J. Cross
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Renwick C. J. Dobson
- Biomolecular Interaction Centre and School of Biological Sciences, University of Canterbury, Christchurch, New Zealand
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Lily E. Adams
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Michael A. Savka
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - André O. Hudson
- Thomas H. Gosnell School of Life Sciences, Rochester Institute of Technology, Rochester, NY, United States
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Singh R, Kashayap S, Singh V, Kayastha AM, Mishra H, Saxena PS, Srivastava A, Singh RK. QPRTase modified N-doped carbon quantum dots: A fluorescent bioprobe for selective detection of neurotoxin quinolinic acid in human serum. Biosens Bioelectron 2018; 101:103-109. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2017.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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Singh N, Dalal V, Kumar P. Structure based mimicking of Phthalic acid esters (PAEs) and inhibition of hACMSD, an important enzyme of the tryptophan kynurenine metabolism pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 108:214-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Revised: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/03/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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40
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Of rodents and men: understanding the emergence of motor and cognitive symptoms in Huntington disease. Behav Pharmacol 2017; 27:403-14. [PMID: 26886208 DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Arguably, one of the most important milestones in Huntington disease research since the discovery of the gene responsible has been the generation of different genetic animal models. Although clinical reports have shown evidence of progressive cognitive impairments in gene carriers before motor symptoms are diagnosed, such symptoms have been much less obvious in animal models. In this review, we summarize the three main classes of animal models for Huntington disease and describe some relevant translational assays for behavioural deficits evaluation. Finally, we argue that a good knowledge of the emergence of motor and cognitive symptoms in mice and rat models is indispensable for the selection of endpoint measures in early preclinical drug screening studies.
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L-theanine prevent quinolinic acid induced motor deficit and striatal neurotoxicity: Reduction in oxido-nitrosative stress and restoration of striatal neurotransmitters level. Eur J Pharmacol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2017.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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42
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Pidugu LSM, Neu H, Wong TL, Pozharski E, Molloy JL, Michel SLJ, Toth EA. Crystal structures of human 3-hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase with native and non-native metals bound in the active site. Acta Crystallogr D Struct Biol 2017; 73:340-348. [PMID: 28375145 PMCID: PMC8493610 DOI: 10.1107/s2059798317002029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
3-Hydroxyanthranilate 3,4-dioxygenase (3HAO) is an enzyme in the microglial branch of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation. 3HAO is a non-heme iron-containing, ring-cleaving extradiol dioxygenase that catalyzes the addition of both atoms of O2 to the kynurenine pathway metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HANA) to form quinolinic acid (QUIN). QUIN is a highly potent excitotoxin that has been implicated in a number of neurodegenerative conditions, making 3HAO a target for pharmacological downregulation. Here, the first crystal structure of human 3HAO with the native iron bound in its active site is presented, together with an additional structure with zinc (a known inhibitor of human 3HAO) bound in the active site. The metal-binding environment is examined both structurally and via inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF) and electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR). The studies identified Met35 as the source of potential new interactions with substrates and inhibitors, which may prove useful in future therapeutic efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lakshmi Swarna Mukhi Pidugu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Heather Neu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Tin Lok Wong
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Edwin Pozharski
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - John L. Molloy
- Chemical Sciences Division, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 100 Bureau Drive, Stop 8391, Gaithersburg, MD 20899-8391, USA
| | - Sarah L. J. Michel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Eric A. Toth
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
- Center for Biomolecular Therapeutics and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research, 9600 Gudelsky Drive, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
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Excellent storage stability and sensitive detection of neurotoxin quinolinic acid. Biosens Bioelectron 2017; 90:224-229. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bios.2016.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2016] [Accepted: 11/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Lee JM, Tan V, Lovejoy D, Braidy N, Rowe DB, Brew BJ, Guillemin GJ. Involvement of quinolinic acid in the neuropathogenesis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropharmacology 2017; 112:346-364. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 05/13/2016] [Accepted: 05/17/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Lovelace MD, Varney B, Sundaram G, Lennon MJ, Lim CK, Jacobs K, Guillemin GJ, Brew BJ. Recent evidence for an expanded role of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in neurological diseases. Neuropharmacology 2017; 112:373-388. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Ross CA, Kronenbuerger M, Duan W, Margolis RL. Mechanisms underlying neurodegeneration in Huntington disease: applications to novel disease-modifying therapies. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2017; 144:15-28. [PMID: 28947113 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-801893-4.00002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
The CAG repeat expansion mutation that causes Huntington Disease (HD) was discovered more than 20 years ago, yet no treatment has yet been developed to stop the relentless course of the disease. Nonetheless, substantial progress has been made in understanding HD pathogenesis. We review insights that have been gleaned from HD genetics, metabolism, and pathology; HD mouse and cell models; the structure, function and post-translational modification of normal and mutant huntingtin (htt) protein; gene expression profiles in HD cells and tissue; the neurotoxicy of mutant htt RNA; and the expression of an antisense transcript from the HD locus. We conclude that rationale therapeutics for HD is within sight, though many questions remain to be answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher A Ross
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Departments of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.
| | - Martin Kronenbuerger
- Division of Movement Disorders, Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Wenzhen Duan
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Translational Neurobiology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Russell L Margolis
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Translational Neurobiology Laboratory, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States; Laboratory of Genetic Neurobiology and Johns Hopkins Schizophrenia Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
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Schwarcz R, Stone TW. The kynurenine pathway and the brain: Challenges, controversies and promises. Neuropharmacology 2017; 112:237-247. [PMID: 27511838 PMCID: PMC5803785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2016.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 252] [Impact Index Per Article: 36.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2016] [Revised: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Research on the neurobiology of the kynurenine pathway has suffered years of relative obscurity because tryptophan degradation, and its involvement in both physiology and major brain diseases, was viewed almost exclusively through the lens of the well-established metabolite serotonin. With increasing recognition that kynurenine and its metabolites can affect and even control a variety of classic neurotransmitter systems directly and indirectly, interest is expanding rapidly. Moreover, kynurenine pathway metabolism itself is modulated in conditions such as infection and stress, which are known to induce major changes in well-being and behaviour, so that kynurenines may be instrumental in the etiology of psychiatric and neurological disorders. It is therefore likely that the near future will not only witness the discovery of additional physiological and pathological roles for brain kynurenines, but also ever-increasing interest in drug development based on these roles. In particular, targeting the kynurenine pathway with new specific agents may make it possible to prevent disease by appropriate pharmacological or genetic manipulations. The following overview focuses on areas of kynurenine research which are either controversial, of major potential therapeutic interest, or just beginning to receive the degree of attention which will clarify their relevance to neurobiology and medicine. It also highlights technical issues so that investigators entering the field, and new research initiatives, are not misdirected by inappropriate experimental approaches or incorrect interpretations at this time of skyrocketing interest in the subject matter. This article is part of the Special Issue entitled 'The Kynurenine Pathway in Health and Disease'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Trevor W Stone
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
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Courtet P, Giner L, Seneque M, Guillaume S, Olie E, Ducasse D. Neuroinflammation in suicide: Toward a comprehensive model. World J Biol Psychiatry 2016. [PMID: 26223957 DOI: 10.3109/15622975.2015.1054879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Suicidal behaviour (SB) entered the DSM-5, underlying a specific biological vulnerability. Then, recent findings suggested a possible role of the immune system in SB pathogenesis. The objective of this review is to present these main immune factors involved in SB pathogenesis. METHODS We conducted a review using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis criteria, and combined ("Inflammation") AND ("Suicidal ideation" OR "Suicidal attempt" OR "suicide"). RESULTS Post mortem studies demonstrated associations between suicide and inflammatory cytokines in the orbitofrontal cortex, a brain region involved in suicidal vulnerability. Also, microgliosis and monocyte-macrophage system activation may be a useful marker of suicide neurobiology. Kynurenine may influence inflammatory processes, and related molecular pathways may be involved in SB pathophysiology. Few recent studies associated inflammatory markers with suicidal vulnerability: serotonin dysfunction, impulsivity and childhood trauma. Interestingly, the perception of threat that leads suicidal individuals to contemplate suicide may activate biological stress responses, including inflammatory responses. CONCLUSIONS Translational projects would be crucial to identify a specific marker in SB disorders, to investigate its clinical correlations, and the interaction between inflammatory cytokines and monoamine systems in SB. These researches might lead to new biomarkers and novel directions for therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Philippe Courtet
- a Department of Emergency Psychiatry , Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier and Post Acute Care , CHU Montpellier , France.,b Inserm, University of Montpellier , Montpellier , France.,c FondaMental Foundation , France
| | | | - Maude Seneque
- a Department of Emergency Psychiatry , Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier and Post Acute Care , CHU Montpellier , France.,b Inserm, University of Montpellier , Montpellier , France.,c FondaMental Foundation , France
| | - Sebastien Guillaume
- a Department of Emergency Psychiatry , Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier and Post Acute Care , CHU Montpellier , France.,b Inserm, University of Montpellier , Montpellier , France.,c FondaMental Foundation , France
| | - Emilie Olie
- a Department of Emergency Psychiatry , Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier and Post Acute Care , CHU Montpellier , France.,b Inserm, University of Montpellier , Montpellier , France.,c FondaMental Foundation , France
| | - Deborah Ducasse
- a Department of Emergency Psychiatry , Hôpital Lapeyronie, CHU Montpellier and Post Acute Care , CHU Montpellier , France.,b Inserm, University of Montpellier , Montpellier , France.,c FondaMental Foundation , France
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Forrest CM, Kennedy PGE, Rodgers J, Dalton RN, Turner C, Darlington LG, Cobb SR, Stone TW. Kynurenine pathway metabolism following prenatal KMO inhibition and in Mecp2 +/- mice, using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Neurochem Int 2016; 100:110-119. [PMID: 27623092 PMCID: PMC5115650 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2016.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 07/22/2016] [Accepted: 09/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
To quantify the full range of tryptophan metabolites along the kynurenine pathway, a liquid chromatography – tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and used to analyse brain extracts of rodents treated with the kynurenine-3-mono-oxygenase (KMO) inhibitor Ro61-8048 during pregnancy. There were significant increases in the levels of kynurenine, kynurenic acid, anthranilic acid and 3-hydroxy-kynurenine (3-HK) in the maternal brain after 5 h but not 24 h, while the embryos exhibited high levels of kynurenine, kynurenic acid and anthranilic acid after 5 h which were maintained at 24 h post-treatment. At 24 h there was also a strong trend to an increase in quinolinic acid levels (P = 0.055). No significant changes were observed in any of the other kynurenine metabolites. The results confirm the marked increase in the accumulation of some neuroactive kynurenines when KMO is inhibited, and re-emphasise the potential importance of changes in anthranilic acid. The prolonged duration of metabolite accumulation in the embryo brains indicates a trapping of compounds within the embryonic CNS independently of maternal levels. When brains were examined from young mice heterozygous for the meCP2 gene – a potential model for Rett syndrome - no differences were noted from control mice, suggesting that the proposed roles for kynurenines in autism spectrum disorder are not relevant to Rett syndrome, supporting its recognition as a distinct, independent, condition. Pregnant rats were treated with an inhibitor of kynurenine-3-monoxygenase. Levels of several kynurenine metabolites increased in the maternal and foetal brains. The maternal changes at 5 h disappeared by 24 h, but were maintained in embryos. No changes were noted in the brains of Mecp2+/− mice. KMO inhibition but not Mecp2+/− suppression alters kynurenine metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M Forrest
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Peter G E Kennedy
- Institute of Infection, Inflammation and Immunity, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Jean Rodgers
- Institute of Biodiversity, Animal Health and Comparative Medicine, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G61 1QH, UK
| | - R Neil Dalton
- WellChild Laboratory, Evelina London Children's Hospital, King's College London, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - Charles Turner
- WellChild Laboratory, Evelina London Children's Hospital, King's College London, Lambeth Palace Road, London, SE1 7EH, UK
| | - L Gail Darlington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, Surrey, KT21 2SB, UK
| | - Stuart R Cobb
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK
| | - Trevor W Stone
- Institute of Neuroscience and Psychology, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QQ, UK.
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Laquinimod rescues striatal, cortical and white matter pathology and results in modest behavioural improvements in the YAC128 model of Huntington disease. Sci Rep 2016; 6:31652. [PMID: 27528441 PMCID: PMC4985819 DOI: 10.1038/srep31652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Accepted: 07/27/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Increasing evidence supports a role for abnormal immune activation and inflammatory responses in Huntington disease (HD). In this study, we evaluated the therapeutic potential of laquinimod (1 and 10 mg/kg), a novel immunomodulatory agent shown to be protective in a number of neuroinflammatory conditions, in the YAC128 mouse model of HD. Treatment with laquinimod for 6 months rescued atrophy in the striatum, in certain cortical regions, and in the corpus callosum of YAC128 HD mice. Diffusion tensor imaging showed that white matter microstructural abnormalities in the posterior corpus callosum were improved following treatment with low dose (1 mg/kg) laquinimod, and were paralleled by reduced levels of interleukin-6 in the periphery of YAC128 HD mice. Functionally, treatment with laquinimod (1 and 10 mg/kg) led to modest improvements in motor function and in depressive-like behaviour. Taken together, these results suggest that laquinimod may improve some features of pathology in HD, and provides support for the role of immune activation in the pathogenesis of HD.
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