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Kovács A, Szabó E, László K, Kertes E, Zagorácz O, Mintál K, Tóth A, Gálosi R, Berta B, Lénárd L, Hormay E, László B, Zelena D, Tóth ZE. Brain RFamide Neuropeptides in Stress-Related Psychopathologies. Cells 2024; 13:1097. [PMID: 38994950 PMCID: PMC11240450 DOI: 10.3390/cells13131097] [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: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/21/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The RFamide peptide family is a group of proteins that share a common C-terminal arginine-phenylalanine-amide motif. To date, the family comprises five groups in mammals: neuropeptide FF, LPXRFamides/RFamide-related peptides, prolactin releasing peptide, QRFP, and kisspeptins. Different RFamide peptides have their own cognate receptors and are produced by different cell populations, although they all can also bind to neuropeptide FF receptors with different affinities. RFamide peptides function in the brain as neuropeptides regulating key aspects of homeostasis such as energy balance, reproduction, and cardiovascular function. Furthermore, they are involved in the organization of the stress response including modulation of pain. Considering the interaction between stress and various parameters of homeostasis, the role of RFamide peptides may be critical in the development of stress-related neuropathologies. This review will therefore focus on the role of RFamide peptides as possible key hubs in stress and stress-related psychopathologies. The neurotransmitter coexpression profile of RFamide-producing cells is also discussed, highlighting its potential functional significance. The development of novel pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of stress-related disorders is an ongoing need. Thus, the importance of RFamide research is underlined by the emergence of peptidergic and G-protein coupled receptor-based therapeutic targets in the pharmaceutical industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anita Kovács
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Evelin Szabó
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Kristóf László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Erika Kertes
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Olga Zagorácz
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Kitti Mintál
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Attila Tóth
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Rita Gálosi
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Bea Berta
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - László Lénárd
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Edina Hormay
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Bettina László
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Dóra Zelena
- Institute of Physiology, Medical School, Centre for Neuroscience, Szentágothai Research Centre, University of Pécs, H7624 Pécs, Hungary; (A.K.); (E.S.); (K.L.); (E.K.); (O.Z.); (K.M.); (A.T.); (R.G.); (B.B.); (L.L.); (E.H.); (B.L.)
| | - Zsuzsanna E. Tóth
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Semmelweis University, H1094 Budapest, Hungary
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Strnadová V, Morgan A, Škrlová M, Haasová E, Bardová K, Myšková A, Sýkora D, Kuneš J, Železná B, Maletínská L. Peripheral administration of lipidized NPAF and NPFF analogs does not influence central food intake regulation but induces anxiety-like behavior. Neuropeptides 2024; 104:102417. [PMID: 38422597 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
RF-amide peptides influence multiple physiological processes, including the regulation of appetite, stress responses, behavior, and reproductive and endocrine functions. In this study, we examined the roles of neuropeptide FF receptors (NPFFR1 and NPFFR2) by generating several lipidized analogs of neuropeptide AF (NPAF) and 1DMe, a stable analog of neuropeptide FF (NPFF). These analogs were administered peripherally for the first time to investigate their effects on food intake and other potential physiological outcomes. Lipidized NPAF and 1DMe analogs exhibited enhanced stability and increased pharmacokinetics. These analogs demonstrated preserved high affinity for NPFFR2 in the nanomolar range, while the binding affinity for NPFFR1 was tens of nanomoles. They activated the ERK and Akt signaling pathways in cells overexpressing the NPFFR1 and NPFFR2 receptors. Acute food intake in fasted mice decreased after the peripheral administration of oct-NPAF or oct-1DMe. However, this effect was not as pronounced as that observed after the injection of palm11-PrRP31, a potent anorexigenic compound used as a comparator that binds to GPR10 and the NPFFR2 receptor with high affinity. Neither oct-1DMe nor oct-NPAF decreased food intake or body weight in mice with diet-induced obesity during long-term treatment. In mice treated with oct-1DMe, we observed decreased activity in the central zone during the open field test and decreased activity in the open arms of the elevated plus maze. Furthermore, we observed a decrease in plasma noradrenaline levels and an increase in plasma corticosterone levels, as well as an increase in Crh expression in the hypothalamus. Moreover, neuronal activity in the hypothalamus was increased after treatment with oct-1DMe. In this study, we report that oct-1DMe did not have any long-term effects on the central regulation of food intake; however, it caused anxiety-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Strnadová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alena Morgan
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Magdalena Škrlová
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic; First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Eliška Haasová
- Institute of Physiology, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Physiology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | | | - Aneta Myšková
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic; Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - David Sýkora
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, University of Chemistry and Technology Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Kuneš
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic; Institute of Physiology, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Železná
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Maletínská
- Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, CAS, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Lin YT, Wu KH, Jhang JJ, Jhang JL, Yu Z, Tsai SC, Chen JC, Hsu PH, Li HY. Hypothalamic NPFFR2 attenuates central insulin signaling and its knockout diminishes metabolic dysfunction in mouse models of diabetes mellitus. Clin Nutr 2024; 43:603-619. [PMID: 38301284 DOI: 10.1016/j.clnu.2024.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 12/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hypothalamus is a crucial brain region that mediates the effects of insulin and leptin signals on peripheral metabolic functions. Previous research has shown that insulin signals in the hypothalamus act via multiple neuronal circuits and anabolic/catabolic pathways that converge on the vagus nerve and sympathetic fibers to coordinate energy metabolism in peripheral organs. Additionally, neuropeptide FF (NPFF) has been identified as a regulator of feeding behaviors and energy homeostasis in the hypothalamus, but the mechanisms underlying its involvement in metabolic control remain unclear. This study aims to explore the underlying mechanisms of NPFF in modulating metabolic disorders. METHODS In this study, we investigated the physiological role of NPFF in insulin-related energy homeostasis and metabolic health. First, we evaluated the effects of NPFF and its receptors on central insulin signaling using mouse hypothalamic cell lines and Npffr2-overexpressing mice. To further explore the effects of NPFFR2 on insulin-related metabolic disorders, such as diabetes mellitus, we used Npffr2-deleted mice in combination with the streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes and high-fat diet/STZ-induced type 2 diabetic mouse models. The impacts of central NPFFR2 were demonstrated specifically through Npffr2 overexpression in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus, which subsequently induced type 2 diabetes. RESULTS We found that stimulating NPFFR2 in the hypothalamus blocked hypothalamic insulin activity. Npffr2 deletion improved central and peripheral metabolic symptoms in both mouse models of diabetes mellitus, exerting effects on central and systemic insulin resistance, feeding behaviors, glucose and insulin intolerance, lipid metabolism, liver steatosis, and inflammation of white adipose tissues. The overexpression of ARC Npffr2 augmented the metabolic dysregulation in the mouse model of type 2 diabetes. CONCLUSIONS Our findings demonstrate that hypothalamic NPFFR2 negatively regulates insulin signaling in the central nervous system and plays an important role in maintaining systemic metabolic health, thereby providing valuable insights for potential clinical interventions targeting these health challenges.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Tin Lin
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition & TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan; Nutrition Research Center, Taipei Medical University Hospital, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan.
| | - Kuan-Hsuan Wu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hua 1st Road, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Jhu Jhang
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hua 1st Road, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Jie-Lan Jhang
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hua 1st Road, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Zachary Yu
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hua 1st Road, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan
| | - Sze-Chi Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Metabolism and Obesity Sciences, College of Nutrition & TMU Research Center for Digestive Medicine, Taipei Medical University, 250 Wu-Hsing Street, Taipei 110301, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Chung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology & Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, 259 Wen-Hua 1st Road, Taoyuan 33302, Taiwan; Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, 5 Fuxing Street, Taoyuan 33305, Taiwan
| | - Po-Hung Hsu
- Department of Medical Research and Development, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou 33305, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Yun Li
- Department of Natural Sciences, Oregon Institute of Technology, 3201 Campus Drive, Klamath Falls, OR 97601, USA
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Pu H, Wang Y, Yang T, Leak RK, Stetler RA, Yu F, Zhang W, Shi Y, Hu X, Yin KJ, Hitchens TK, Dixon CE, Bennett MVL, Chen J. Interleukin-4 mitigates anxiety-like behavior and loss of neurons and fiber tracts in limbic structures in a microglial PPARγ-dependent manner after traumatic brain injury. Neurobiol Dis 2023; 180:106078. [PMID: 36914076 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106078] [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: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is commonly followed by intractable psychiatric disorders and long-term changes in affect, such as anxiety. The present study sought to investigate the effect of repetitive intranasal delivery of interleukin-4 (IL-4) nanoparticles on affective symptoms after TBI in mice. Adult male C57BL/6 J mice (10-12 weeks of age) were subjected to controlled cortical impact (CCI) and assessed by a battery of neurobehavioral tests up to 35 days after CCI. Neuron numbers were counted in multiple limbic structures, and the integrity of limbic white matter tracts was evaluated using ex vivo diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). As STAT6 is a critical mediator of IL-4-specific transcriptional activation, STAT6 knockout mice were used to explore the role of endogenous IL-4/STAT6 signaling axis in TBI-induced affective disorders. We also employed microglia/macrophage (Mi/Mϕ)-specific PPARγ conditional knockout (mKO) mice to test if Mi/Mϕ PPARγ critically contributes to IL-4-afforded beneficial effects. We observed anxiety-like behaviors up to 35 days after CCI, and these measures were exacerbated in STAT6 KO mice but mitigated by repetitive IL-4 delivery. We discovered that IL-4 protected against neuronal loss in limbic structures, such as the hippocampus and the amygdala, and improved the structural integrity of fiber tracts connecting the hippocampus and amygdala. We also observed that IL-4 boosted a beneficial Mi/Mϕ phenotype (CD206+/Arginase 1+/PPARγ+ triple-positive) in the subacute injury phase, and that the numbers of Mi/Mϕ appositions with neurons were robustly correlated with long-term behavioral performances. Remarkably, PPARγ-mKO completely abolished IL-4-afforded protection. Thus, CCI induces long-term anxiety-like behaviors in mice, but these changes in affect can be attenuated by transnasal IL-4 delivery. IL-4 prevents the long-term loss of neuronal somata and fiber tracts in key limbic structures, perhaps due to a shift in Mi/Mϕ phenotype. Exogenous IL-4 therefore holds promise for future clinical management of mood disturbances following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongjian Pu
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yangfan Wang
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tuo Yang
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - R Anne Stetler
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Fang Yu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Wenting Zhang
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Yejie Shi
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Ke-Jie Yin
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - T Kevin Hitchens
- Animal Imaging Center, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15203, USA
| | - C Edward Dixon
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael V L Bennett
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Health Care System, Pittsburgh, PA 15240, USA; Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Shin Y, Jung W, Kim MY, Shin D, Kim GH, Kim CH, Park SH, Cho EH, Choi DW, Han CJ, Lee KH, Kim SB, Shin HJ. NPFFR2 Contributes to the Malignancy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development by Activating RhoA/YAP Signaling. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235850. [PMID: 36497331 PMCID: PMC9737590 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are a diverse family of cell surface receptors implicated in various physiological functions, making them common targets for approved drugs. Many GPCRs are abnormally activated in cancers and have emerged as therapeutic targets for cancer. Neuropeptide FF receptor 2 (NPFFR2) is a GPCR that helps regulate pain and modulates the opioid system; however, its function remains unknown in cancers. Here, we found that NPFFR2 is significantly up-regulated in liver cancer and its expression is related to poor prognosis. Silencing of NPFFR2 reduced the malignancy of liver cancer cells by decreasing cell survival, invasion, and migration, while its overexpression increased invasion, migration, and anchorage-independent cell growth. Moreover, we found that the malignant function of NPFFR2 depends on RhoA and YAP signaling. Inhibition of Rho kinase activity completely restored the phenotypes induced by NPFFR2, and RhoA/F-Actin/YAP signaling was controlled by NPFFR2. These findings demonstrate that NPFFR2 may be a potential target for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuna Shin
- Team of Radiation Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
- Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Wonhee Jung
- Team of Radiation Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Yeon Kim
- Team of Radiation Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Dongjo Shin
- Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Division of Radiation Biomedical, Research Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 1812, Republic of Korea
| | - Geun Hee Kim
- Team of Radiation Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
- Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
| | - Chun Ho Kim
- Team of Radiation Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun-Hoo Park
- Department of Pathology, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Eung-Ho Cho
- Department of Surgery, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong Wook Choi
- Department of Surgery, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Ju Han
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Kee Ho Lee
- Team of Radiation Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Bum Kim
- Department of Surgery, Korea Institute of Radiological and Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-B.K.); (H.J.S.)
| | - Hyun Jin Shin
- Team of Radiation Convergence Research, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul 01812, Republic of Korea
- Radiological and Medico-Oncological Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Daejeon 34113, Republic of Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-B.K.); (H.J.S.)
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Zhang W, Ding T, Zhang H, Chen Y, Liu L, Jiang J, Song S, Cheng H, Wu C, Sun J, Wu Q. Clostridium butyricum RH2 Alleviates Chronic Foot Shock Stress-Induced Behavioral Deficits in Rats via PAI-1. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:845221. [PMID: 35462923 PMCID: PMC9019525 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.845221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent investigations have demonstrated that the chronic stress-induced behavioral disorders can be ameliorated by probiotics including Clostridium butyricum (C. butyricum) via the gut-brain-axis. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of C. butyricum on brain remain largely unknown. Here, we investigated whether chronic foot shock stress (CFSS) paradigm used for a hypertensive animal model could induce mood disorders such as anxiety, depression and cognitive impairments. Then, we assessed the impact of C. butyricum RH2 on the behavior disorders and neurobiological alterations in the hippocampus. Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats received intermittent electric shocks for consecutive 14 days and were treated with C. butyricum RH2 for 17 days. Anxiety- or depression-like behaviors were evaluated by open field test (OFT), and elevated plus maze (EPM). The Morris water maze test (MWM) was used to evaluate the cognitive functions. CFSS intervention led to mild anxiety- or depression-like behavior or cognitive impairment and C. butyricum RH2 treatment reversed the CFSS-induced symptoms. The serum ACTH or CORT was increased following CFSS but was completely reversed by C. butyricum RH2 treatment. In the hippocampus of CFSS rats, the expressions of BDNF and TrkB were downregulated but proBDNF and P75NTR were upregulated. These expression changes were partially reversed by C. butyricum RH2, suggesting a mode of action on BDNF and proBDNF balance. CFSS exposure resulted in downregulation of tissue-type plasminogen activator (tPA) but upregulation of plasminogen activator inhibitor 1(PAI-1), which could contribute to the decrease in BDNF by reduced conversion from proBDNF to BDNF in the hippocampus. C. butyricum RH2 treatment reversed the upregulated PAI-1 but not the downregulated tPA, which was in parallel with the amelioration of behavioral abnormalities, suggesting a novel tPA independent mechanism for PAI-1 action. Our results demonstrate for the first time that C. butyricum RH2 attenuates stress-induced behavior disorders via inhibiting the expression of brain PAI-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenying Zhang
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Tingyu Ding
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Yuping Chen
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Liping Liu
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Jinjin Jiang
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Siyuan Song
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Hao Cheng
- Marketing Department, Hangzhou Grand Biologic Pharmaceutical Inc., Hangzhou, China
| | - Changhao Wu
- School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, United Kingdom
| | - Jihu Sun
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
| | - Qin Wu
- Jiangsu Vocational College of Medicine, Yancheng, China
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7
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Zhang L, Koller J, Ip CK, Gopalasingam G, Bajaj N, Lee NJ, Enriquez RF, Herzog H. Lack of neuropeptide FF signalling in mice leads to reduced repetitive behavior, altered drinking behavior, and fuel type selection. FASEB J 2021; 35:e21980. [PMID: 34694651 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202100703r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Although best known for their involvement in modulating nociception, Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) group peptides have been suggested to fulfil a variety of biological functions such as feeding, anxiety behaviors and thermogenesis. However, evidence supporting these functions of NPFF is mostly pharmacological, leaving the physiological relevance unaddressed. Here we examined the physiological impact of lack of NPFF signalling in both genders using a Npff-/- mouse model. NPFF expression in the mouse is restricted to the spinal cord and brainstem while its cognate receptor NPFFR2 has wider distribution throughout the brain. Both male and female Npff-/- mice showed reduced repetitive behaviors evidenced in the marble burying test and self-grooming test. A decrease in anxiety-related behaviors in the Npff-/- mice was also observe in the open field test and to a lesser degree in an elevated plus maze test. Moreover, both male and female Npff-/- mice exhibited increased water intake resulting from increases in drinking size, rather than number of drinking events. During a fasting-refeeding challenge, Npff-/- mice of both genders displayed alterations in reparatory exchange ratio that reflect a greater fuel type flexibility. Npff-/- mice were otherwise wild-type-like regarding body weight, body composition, feeding behaviors, locomotion or energy expenditure. Together, these findings reveal the important physiological roles of NPFF signalling in the regulation of anxiety-related and repetitive behaviors, fluid homeostasis and oxidative fuel selection, highlighting the therapeutical potential of the NPFF system in a number of behavioral and metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zhang
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia Koller
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chi Kin Ip
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Gopana Gopalasingam
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nikita Bajaj
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicola J Lee
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,St. Vincent's Clinical School, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ronaldo F Enriquez
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Herbert Herzog
- Neuroscience Division, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, New South Wales, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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8
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Single-nucleus transcriptome analysis reveals cell-type-specific molecular signatures across reward circuitry in the human brain. Neuron 2021; 109:3088-3103.e5. [PMID: 34582785 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuron.2021.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell gene expression technologies are powerful tools to study cell types in the human brain, but efforts have largely focused on cortical brain regions. We therefore created a single-nucleus RNA-sequencing resource of 70,615 high-quality nuclei to generate a molecular taxonomy of cell types across five human brain regions that serve as key nodes of the human brain reward circuitry: nucleus accumbens, amygdala, subgenual anterior cingulate cortex, hippocampus, and dorsolateral prefrontal cortex. We first identified novel subpopulations of interneurons and medium spiny neurons (MSNs) in the nucleus accumbens and further characterized robust GABAergic inhibitory cell populations in the amygdala. Joint analyses across the 107 reported cell classes revealed cell-type substructure and unique patterns of transcriptomic dynamics. We identified discrete subpopulations of D1- and D2-expressing MSNs in the nucleus accumbens to which we mapped cell-type-specific enrichment for genetic risk associated with both psychiatric disease and addiction.
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9
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Yu Z, Lin YT, Chen JC. Knockout of NPFFR2 Prevents LPS-Induced Depressive-Like Responses in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22147611. [PMID: 34299230 PMCID: PMC8306864 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The precise neural mechanisms underlying the pathogenesis of depression are largely unknown, though stress-induced brain inflammation and serotonergic plasticity are thought to be centrally involved. Moreover, we previously demonstrated that neuropeptide FF receptor 2 (NPFFR2) overexpression provokes depressive-like behaviors in mice. Here, we assess whether NPFFR2 is involved in priming of depressive-like behaviors and downregulation of serotonergic 1A receptor (5HT1AR) after lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatment. The forced swimming test (FST) and sucrose preference test (SPT) were used to quantify depressive-like phenotypes in wild-type (WT) and NPFFR2-knockout (KO) mice. A single dose of LPS (i.p. 1 mg/kg) readily caused increases in toll-like receptor 4 and tumor necrosis factor-α along with decreases in 5-HT1AR mRNA in the ventral hippocampus of WT mice. Furthermore, LPS treatment of WT mice increased immobility time in FST and decreased sucrose preference in SPT. In contrast, none of these effects were observed in NPFFR2-KO mice. While WT mice injected with lentiviral 5-HT1AR shRNA in the ventral hippocampus displayed an unaltered response after LPS challenge, LPS-challenged NPFFR2-KO mice displayed a profound decrease in sucrose preference when pretreated with 5-HT1AR shRNA. Taken together, these results suggest that NPFFR2 modulates LPS-induced depressive-like behavioral phenotypes by downregulating 5HT1AR in the ventral hippocampus.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/physiology
- Depression/genetics
- Depression/metabolism
- Disease Models, Animal
- Female
- Hippocampus/metabolism
- Lipopolysaccharides/adverse effects
- Lipopolysaccharides/pharmacology
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Mice, Knockout
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/genetics
- Receptor, Serotonin, 5-HT1A/metabolism
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/genetics
- Receptors, Neuropeptide/metabolism
- Toll-Like Receptor 4/metabolism
- Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary Yu
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
| | - Ya-Tin Lin
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Jin-Chung Chen
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-2118800; Fax: +886-3-2118700
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10
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Wang Y, Wang Q, Chen J, Yao LH, Tang N, Jiang ZX, Luo Y. Protective Effect of Hydroxysafflor Yellow A against Chronic Mild Stress-induced Memory Impairments by Suppressing Tau Phosphorylation in Mice. Curr Med Sci 2021; 41:555-564. [PMID: 34129201 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-021-2369-3] [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: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Chronic stress plays a critical role in the etiology of sporadic Alzheimer's disease (AD). However, there are currently no effective drugs that can target chronic stress to prevent AD. In this study, we explored the neuroprotective effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) against chronic mild stress (CMS)-induced memory impairments in mice and the underlying mechanism. The Morris water maze test showed that HSYA significantly reduced CMS-induced learning and memory impairments in mice. HSYA increased the expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and activated downstream tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B(Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. HSYA decreased the expression of regulator of calcineurin 1-1L (RCAN1-1L) that could promote the activity of glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β). HSYA also attenuated tau phosphorylation by inhibiting the activity of GSK-3β and cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (Cdk5). Our data indicated that HSYA has protective effects against CMS-induced BDNF downregulation, tau phosphorylation and memory impairments. HSYA may be a promising therapeutic candidate for AD by targeting chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Li-He Yao
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Ni Tang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Zhen-Xiu Jiang
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China
| | - Yu Luo
- Institute of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, China.
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11
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Transcriptomic Changes in Mouse Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages Exposed to Neuropeptide FF. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12050705. [PMID: 34065092 PMCID: PMC8151073 DOI: 10.3390/genes12050705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is a neuropeptide that regulates various biological activities. Currently, the regulation of NPFF on the immune system is an emerging field. However, the influence of NPFF on the transcriptome of primary macrophages has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the effect of NPFF on the transcriptome of mouse bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) was explored by RNA sequencing, bioinformatics, and molecular simulation. BMDMs were treated with 1 nM NPFF for 18 h, followed by RNA sequencing. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, followed by GO, KEGG, and PPI analysis. A total of eight qPCR-validated DEGs were selected as hub genes. Subsequently, the three-dimensional (3-D) structures of the eight hub proteins were constructed by Modeller and Rosetta. Next, the molecular dynamics (MD)-optimized 3-D structure of hub protein was acquired with Gromacs. Finally, the binding modes between NPFF and hub proteins were studied by Rosetta. A total of 2655 DEGs were obtained (up-regulated 1442 vs. down-regulated 1213), and enrichment analysis showed that NPFF extensively regulates multiple functional pathways mediated by BMDMs. Moreover, the 3-D structure of the hub protein was obtained after MD-optimization. Finally, the docking modes of NPFF-hub proteins were predicted. Besides, NPFFR2 was expressed on the cell membrane of BMDMs, and NPFF 1 nM significantly activated NPFFR2 protein expression. In summary, instead of significantly inhibiting the expression of the immune-related gene transcriptome of RAW 264.7 cells, NPFF simultaneously up-regulated and down-regulated the gene expression profile of a large number of BMDMs, hinting that NPFF may profoundly affect a variety of cellular processes dominated by BMDMs. Our work provides transcriptomics clues for exploring the influence of NPFF on the physiological functions of BMDMs.
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12
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Sun Y, Kuang Y, Zuo Z, Zhang J, Ma X, Xing X, Liu L, Miao Y, Ren T, Li H, Mei Q. Cellular processes involved in RAW 264.7 macrophages exposed to NPFF: A transcriptional study. Peptides 2021; 136:170469. [PMID: 33309723 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2020.170469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/25/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) is a neuropeptide that modulates various physiological processes. The regulatory role of NPFF in the immune and inflammatory response is currently being revealed. However, the effect of NPFF at the transcriptome level in macrophages has not been fully elucidated. Here, the impact of NPFF on gene expression at the transcriptome level of RAW 264.7 cells was investigated by RNA-seq. RAW 264.7 macrophages were treated with NPFF (1 nM) for 18 h, followed by RNA-seq examination. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were acquired, followed by GO, KEGG, and PPI analysis. A total of eight qPCR-verified DEGs were obtained. Next, three-dimensional models of the eight hub proteins were constructed by using homology modeling with Modeller (9v23). Finally, molecular dynamics simulation (300 ns) was performed with GROMACS 2018.2 to investigate the structural characteristics of these hub proteins. NPFF had no detectable effect on the morphology of RAW264.7 cells. A total of 211 DEGs were acquired, and an enrichment study demonstrated that the immune response-related pathway was significantly inhibited by NPFF. Moreover, the molecular dynamics optimized-protein models of the hub proteins were obtained. Collectively, NPFF inhibited the expression of immune-related genes in RAW 264.7 cells at the transcriptome level, which suggested a negative relationship between NPFF and this set of immune-related genes in RAW 264.7 macrophages. Therefore, our data may provide direct evidence of the role of NPFF in peripheral or central inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulong Sun
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China.
| | - Yuanyuan Kuang
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Zhuo Zuo
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Institute of Analytical Chemistry and Instrument for Life Science, The Key Laboratory of Biomedical Information Engineering of Ministry of Education, School of Life Science and Technology, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xianning West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710049, China
| | - Xiaolong Ma
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Xiaoyu Xing
- School of Humanities, Economics and Laws, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Lingyi Liu
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Yuchen Miao
- School of Physical Science and Technology, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Tao Ren
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
| | - Hui Li
- Hong-Hui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University College of Medicine, South Door Slightly Friendship Road 555, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710054, China
| | - Qibing Mei
- Key Laboratory for Space Biosciences & Biotechnology, Institute of Special Environmental Biophysics, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, 710072, China
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13
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Mode of Action of Shan-Zhu-Yu ( Cornus officinalis Sieb. et Zucc.) in the Treatment of Depression Based on Network Pharmacology. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:8838888. [PMID: 33299459 PMCID: PMC7704135 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8838888] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Although the traditional Chinese medicine Shan-Zhu-Yu may be efficacious against depression, its mechanism of action is unknown. In this study, we aimed to explore the possible mechanisms of action of Shan-Zhu-Yu in the treatment of depression using network pharmacology. Methods The active ingredients and targets of Shan-Zhu-Yu were obtained from the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology Database (TCMSP) database and converted into gene names using UniProt. Then, the target genes of depression were collected using GeneCards and OMIM. Drug disease intersection genes were obtained using a Venn tool, and a protein-protein interaction network was constructed using STRING. Cytoscape was used to construct an active ingredients-targets-drug-disease network. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed using DAVID. Furthermore, Autodock was used to evaluate drug and target binding and explore possible molecular mechanisms. Results We identified 9721 disease genes, 13 active ingredients, 50 target genes, and 48 drug disease intersecting genes. The results of the GO enrichment analysis suggested that Shan-Zhu-Yu affects the activity of G protein-coupled amine, neurotransmitter, steroid hormone, nuclear, and G protein-coupled neurotransmitter receptors in the treatment of depression by acting on hormone and nuclear receptor binding. The main signaling pathways were associated with neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, calcium, cGMP-PKG, apoptosis, estrogen, p53, and AGE-RAGE. Molecular docking confirmed that the active components of Shan-Zhu-Yu (e.g., telocinobufagin and β-sitosterol) docked suitably with NR3C1, Bax, Bcl-2, and caspase-3. Shan-Zhu-Yu may exert its therapeutic effects on depression via multiple targets and pathways. Conclusions The present study elucidates that Shan-Zhu-Yu suppresses the expression of Bax and caspase-3 and promotes that of NR3C1 and Bcl-2 through neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction and apoptosis signaling pathways. Therefore, Shan-Zhu-Yu is a potential treatment option for depression, and the results of this study will provide new reference points for future experimental research and a scientific basis for its widespread clinical application.
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14
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Ablation of NPFFR2 in Mice Reduces Response to Single Prolonged Stress Model. Cells 2020; 9:cells9112479. [PMID: 33202667 PMCID: PMC7697606 DOI: 10.3390/cells9112479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Mental stress is highly related to many clinical symptoms and disorders, as it activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis to affect a wide variety of physiological functions. Furthermore, stress leads to the aberrations in HPA axis activity and disruptions of body homeostasis. It was previously shown that neuropeptide FF (NPFF) regulates the HPA axis through the activation of hypothalamus paraventricular nucleus (PVN), and genetic overexpression or pharmacological stimulation of NPFF receptor 2 (NPFFR2) triggers hyperactivity of HPA axis and suppresses behavioral correlates of emotion in mice. In this study, we further examined the role of NPFFR2 in stress response in mice by utilizing a single prolonged stress (SPS). SPS is considered a model of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mice undergo physical restraint, forced swimming, and ether anesthesia within a day followed by social isolation for one week. NPFFR2 knockout B6 mice were generated by CRISPR/Cas9 technology and exposed to SPS. The NPFFR2 knockouts showed resistance to stress exposure-induced anxiety-like behaviors and HPA axis hyperactivity. Additionally, the hippocampal mRNA levels of glucocorticoid receptor and mineralocorticoid receptor were reduced in wild-type (WT) mice but not in NPFFR2 knockouts after stress exposure. Our data also suggested that NPFFR2 knockout mice have stronger negative feedback on the HPA axis after exposure to SPS. Mice with intra-PVN Npffr2 shRNA injection displayed trends toward resistance to SPS exposure in both behavioral and molecular assays. Together, our findings suggest that NPFFR2 may be a potential therapeutic target for disorders relating to stress/anxiety and HPA dysregulation.
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15
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Chen J, Huang S, Zhang J, Li J, Wang Y. Characterization of the neuropeptide FF (NPFF) gene in chickens: evidence for a single bioactive NPAF peptide encoded by the NPFF gene in birds. Domest Anim Endocrinol 2020; 72:106435. [PMID: 32247990 DOI: 10.1016/j.domaniend.2020.106435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The 2 structurally related peptides, neuropeptide FF (NPFF) and neuropeptide AF (NPAF), are encoded by the NPFF gene and have been identified as neuromodulators that regulate nociception and opiate-mediated analgesia via NPFF receptor (NPFFR2) in mammals. However, little is known about these 2 peptides in birds. In this study, we examined the structure, tissue expression profile, and functionality of NPAF and NPFF in chickens. Our results showed that: 1) unlike mammalian NPFF, NPFF from chicken and other avian species is predicted to produce a single bioactive NPAF peptide, whereas the putative avian NPFF peptide likely lacks activity due to the absence of functional RFamide motif at its C-terminus; 2) synthetic chicken (c-) NPAF can potently activate cNPFFR2 (and not cNPFFR1) expressed in HEK293 cells, as monitored by 3 cell-based luciferase reporter systems, indicating that cNPAF is a potent ligand for cNPFFR2, which activation could decrease intracellular cAMP levels and stimulate the MAPK/ERK signaling cascade; interestingly, gonadotropin-inhibitory hormone, a peptide sharing high structural similarity to NPAF, could specifically activate cNPFFR1 (but not cNPFFR2); 3) Quantitative real-time PCR revealed that cNPFF mRNA is widely expressed in chicken tissues with the highest level detected in the hypothalamus, whereas cNPFFR2 is expressed in all tissues examined with the highest level noted in the hypothalamus and anterior pituitary. Taken together, our data reveal that avian NPFF encodes a single bioactive NPAF peptide, which preferentially activates NPFFR2, and provides insights into potential structural and functional changes of NPFF-derived peptides during vertebrate evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Chen
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - S Huang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - J Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China
| | - J Li
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
| | - Y Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bio-resources and Eco-environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610065, China.
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16
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Samad N, Yasmin F, Manzoor N. Biomarkers in Drug Free Subjects with Depression : Correlation with Tryptophan. Psychiatry Investig 2019; 16:948-953. [PMID: 31711278 PMCID: PMC6933134 DOI: 10.30773/pi.2019.0110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Depression is a prevalent condition that is costly to individuals and society. In view of a role of tryptophan (TRP), selenium (Se), vitamin D (Vit D), magnesium (Mg) and serotonin in depression, the present study concerns to evaluate the circulating levels of TRP, Se, Vit D, Mg and serotonin in depression as well as the correlation between TRP and other serum analytes is also established. METHODS Healthy (n=48) and depressed (n=48) subjects were recruited and their blood samples were obtained after an overnight fast of 12 h, serum was stored for the determination of levels of TRP, Se, Vit D, Mg, and serotonin. RESULTS Results show that levels of TRP, Se, Vit D, Mg, and serotonin were decreased in the depressed patient when compared to normal subjects. There is a direct correlation between TRP and Vit D, and TRP and Se while the inverse correlation between TRP and Mg, and TRP and serotonin in depressed subjects. The association among TRP and other biomarkers is non-significant. CONCLUSION In conclusion, depression is associated with deficiency of TRP, Se, Vit D, Mg, and serotonin displays the characteristics of biomarkers. The correlation between TRP and other biomarkers/trace elements is also important in depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noreen Samad
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
| | - Farzana Yasmin
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan.,Department of Food Engineering, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Natasha Manzoor
- Department of Biochemistry, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan
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17
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Wang C, Gan D, Wu J, Liao M, Liao X, Ai W. Honokiol Exerts Antidepressant Effects in Rats Exposed to Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress by Regulating Brain Derived Neurotrophic Factor Level and Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Activity. Neurochem Res 2018; 43:1519-1528. [PMID: 29855846 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-2566-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2018] [Revised: 05/22/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Honokiol (HNK), the main active component of Magnolia officinalis, has shown a variety of pharmacological activities. In the present study, we measured the antidepressant-like effects of HNK in a rat model of chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and explored its possible mechanisms. The antidepressant-like effects of HNK were assessed in rats by an open field test (OFT), sucrose preference test (SPT) and forced swimming test (FST). Then, serum levels of corticotrophin-releasing hormone (CRH), adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and corticosterone (CORT) and hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) levels were assessed to explore the possible mechanisms. We identified that HNK treatment (2, 4, and 8 mg/kg) alleviated the CUMS-induced behavioural deficits. Treatment with HNK also normalized the CUMS-induced hyperactivity of the limbic hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as indicated by reduced CRH, ACTH and CORT serum levels. In addition, HNK increased the expression of GRα (mRNA and protein) and BDNF (mRNA and protein) in the hippocampus. These data confirmed the antidepressant-like effects of HNK, which may be related to its normalizing the function of the HPA axis and increasing the BDNF level in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Canmao Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Danna Gan
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Jingang Wu
- The Second People's Hospital of China Three Gorges University, Yichang, Hubei, 443000, China
| | - Minhui Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Xinghuan Liao
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China
| | - Weipeng Ai
- Department of Pharmacy, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, China.
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18
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Brooks SD, Hileman SM, Chantler PD, Milde SA, Lemaster KA, Frisbee SJ, Shoemaker JK, Jackson DN, Frisbee JC. Protection from chronic stress- and depressive symptom-induced vascular endothelial dysfunction in female rats is abolished by preexisting metabolic disease. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2018; 314:H1085-H1097. [PMID: 29451819 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00648.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
While it is known that chronic stress and clinical depression are powerful predictors of poor cardiovascular outcomes, recent clinical evidence has identified correlations between the development of metabolic disease and depressive symptoms, creating a combined condition of severely elevated cardiovascular disease risk. In this study, we used the obese Zucker rat (OZRs) and the unpredictable chronic mild stress (UCMS) model to determine the impact of preexisting metabolic disease on the relationship between chronic stress/depressive symptoms and vascular function. Additionally, we determined the impact of metabolic syndrome on sex-based protection from chronic stress/depressive effects on vascular function in female lean Zucker rats (LZRs). In general, vasodilator reactivity was attenuated under control conditions in OZRs compared with LZRs. Although still impaired, conduit arterial and resistance arteriolar dilator reactivity under control conditions in female OZRs was superior to that in male or ovariectomized (OVX) female OZRs, largely because of better maintenance of vascular nitric oxide and prostacyclin levels. However, imposition of metabolic syndrome in combination with UCMS in OZRs further impaired dilator reactivity in both vessel subtypes to a similarly severe extent and abolished any protective effect in female rats compared with male or OVX female rats. The loss of vascular protection in female OZRs with UCMS was reflected in vasodilator metabolite levels, which closely matched those in male and OVX female OZRs subjected to UCMS. These results suggest that presentation of metabolic disease in combination with depressive symptoms can overwhelm the vasoprotection identified in female rats and, thereby, may reflect a severe impairment to normal endothelial function. NEW & NOTEWORTHY This study addresses the protection from chronic stress- and depression-induced vascular dysfunction identified in female compared with male or ovariectomized female rats. We determined the impact of preexisting metabolic disease, a frequent comorbidity of clinical depression in humans, on that vascular protection. With preexisting metabolic syndrome, female rats lost all protection from chronic stress/depressive symptoms and became phenotypically similar to male and ovariectomized female rats, with comparably poor vasoactive dilator metabolite profiles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D Brooks
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University , Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Stanley M Hileman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, West Virginia University , Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Paul D Chantler
- Department of Exercise Physiology, West Virginia University , Morgantown, West Virginia
| | - Samantha A Milde
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada
| | - Kent A Lemaster
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada
| | - Stephanie J Frisbee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada
| | - J Kevin Shoemaker
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada.,School of Kinesiology, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada
| | - Dwayne N Jackson
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada
| | - Jefferson C Frisbee
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada.,Department of Medical Biophysics, Schulich School of Medicine and Dentistry, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Western Ontario , London, Ontario , Canada
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19
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DeLaney K, Buchberger AR, Atkinson L, Gründer S, Mousley A, Li L. New techniques, applications and perspectives in neuropeptide research. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 221:221/3/jeb151167. [PMID: 29439063 DOI: 10.1242/jeb.151167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are one of the most diverse classes of signaling molecules and have attracted great interest over the years owing to their roles in regulation of a wide range of physiological processes. However, there are unique challenges associated with neuropeptide studies stemming from the highly variable molecular sizes of the peptides, low in vivo concentrations, high degree of structural diversity and large number of isoforms. As a result, much effort has been focused on developing new techniques for studying neuropeptides, as well as novel applications directed towards learning more about these endogenous peptides. The areas of importance for neuropeptide studies include structure, localization within tissues, interaction with their receptors, including ion channels, and physiological function. Here, we discuss these aspects and the associated techniques, focusing on technologies that have demonstrated potential in advancing the field in recent years. Most identification and structural information has been gained by mass spectrometry, either alone or with confirmations from other techniques, such as nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and other spectroscopic tools. While mass spectrometry and bioinformatic tools have proven to be the most powerful for large-scale analyses, they still rely heavily on complementary methods for confirmation. Localization within tissues, for example, can be probed by mass spectrometry imaging, immunohistochemistry and radioimmunoassays. Functional information has been gained primarily from behavioral studies coupled with tissue-specific assays, electrophysiology, mass spectrometry and optogenetic tools. Concerning the receptors for neuropeptides, the discovery of ion channels that are directly gated by neuropeptides opens up the possibility of developing a new generation of tools for neuroscience, which could be used to monitor neuropeptide release or to specifically change the membrane potential of neurons. It is expected that future neuropeptide research will involve the integration of complementary bioanalytical technologies and functional assays.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kellen DeLaney
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Amanda R Buchberger
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
| | - Louise Atkinson
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Stefan Gründer
- Institute of Physiology, RWTH Aachen University, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Angela Mousley
- School of Biological Sciences, Institute for Global Food Security, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK
| | - Lingjun Li
- Department of Chemistry, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1101 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA .,School of Pharmacy, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1450 Linden Drive, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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20
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Somkuwar SS, Vendruscolo LF, Fannon MJ, Schmeichel B, Nguyen TB, Guevara J, Sidhu H, Contet C, Zorrilla EP, Mandyam CD. Abstinence from prolonged ethanol exposure affects plasma corticosterone, glucocorticoid receptor signaling and stress-related behaviors. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 84. [PMID: 28647675 PMCID: PMC5557646 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol dependence is linked to dysregulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis. Here, we investigated effects of repeated ethanol intoxication-withdrawal cycles (using chronic intermittent ethanol vapor inhalation; CIE) and abstinence from CIE on peak and nadir plasma corticosterone (CORT) levels. Irritability- and anxiety-like behaviors as well as glucocorticoid receptors (GR) in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) were assessed at various intervals (2h-28d) after cessation of CIE. Results show that peak CORT increased during CIE, transiently decreased during early abstinence (1-11d), and returned to pre-abstinence levels during protracted abstinence (17-27d). Acute withdrawal from CIE enhanced aggression- and anxiety-like behaviors. Early abstinence from CIE reduced anxiety-like behavior. mPFC-GR signaling (indexed by relative phosphorylation of GR at Ser211) was transiently decreased when measured at time points during early and protracted abstinence. Further, voluntary ethanol drinking in CIE (CIE-ED) and CIE-naïve (ED) rats, and effects of CIE-ED and ED on peak CORT levels and mPFC-GR were investigated during acute withdrawal (8h) and protracted abstinence (28d). CIE-ED and ED increased peak CORT during drinking. CIE-ED and ED decreased expression and signaling of mPFC-GR during acute withdrawal, an effect that was reversed by systemic mifepristone treatment. CIE-ED and ED demonstrate robust reinstatement of ethanol seeking during protracted abstinence and show increases in mPFC-GR expression. Collectively, the data demonstrate that acute withdrawal from CIE produces robust alterations in GR signaling, CORT and negative affect symptoms which could facilitate excessive drinking. The findings also show that CIE-ED and ED demonstrate enhanced relapse vulnerability triggered by ethanol cues and these changes are partially mediated by altered GR expression in the mPFC. Taken together, transition to alcohol dependence could be accompanied by alterations in mPFC stress-related pathways that may increase negative emotional symptoms and increase vulnerability to relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Brooke Schmeichel
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tran Bao Nguyen
- Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Harpreet Sidhu
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Candice Contet
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Eric P. Zorrilla
- Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA
| | - Chitra D. Mandyam
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA,Skaggs School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of California San Diego, CA, USA,Department of Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA USA,Department of Anesthesiology, University of California San Diego, CA, USA
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21
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Lin YT, Yu YL, Hong WC, Yeh TS, Chen TC, Chen JC. NPFFR2 Activates the HPA Axis and Induces Anxiogenic Effects in Rodents. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081810. [PMID: 28825666 PMCID: PMC5578197 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2017] [Revised: 08/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropeptide FF (NPFF) belongs to the RFamide family and is known as a morphine-modulating peptide. NPFF regulates various hypothalamic functions through two receptors, NPFFR1 and NPFFR2. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis participates in physiological stress response by increasing circulating glucocorticoid levels and modulating emotional responses. Other RFamide peptides, including neuropeptide AF, neuropeptide SF and RFamide related peptide also target NPFFR1 or NPFFR2, and have been reported to activate the HPA axis and induce anxiety- or depression-like behaviors. However, little is known about the action of NPFF on HPA axis activity and anxiety-like behaviors, and the role of the individual receptors remains unclear. In this study, NPFFR2 agonists were used to examine the role of NPFFR2 in activating the HPA axis in rodents. Administration of NPFFR2 agonists, dNPA (intracerebroventricular, ICV) and AC-263093 (intraperitoneal, IP), time-dependently (in rats) and dose-dependently (in mice) increased serum corticosteroid levels and the effects were counteracted by the NPFF receptor antagonist, RF9 (ICV), as well as corticotropin-releasing factor (CRF) antagonist, α-helical CRF(9-41) (intravenous, IV). Treatment with NPFFR2 agonist (AC-263093, IP) increased c-Fos protein expression in the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus and induced an anxiogenic effect, which was evaluated in mice using an elevated plus maze. These findings reveal, for the first time, that the direct action of hypothalamic NPFFR2 stimulates the HPA axis and triggers anxiety-like behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Tin Lin
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang Gung University, No. 259 Wenhwa 1st Road, Guishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Lian Yu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Wei-Chen Hong
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Ting-Shiuan Yeh
- Department of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Ting-Chun Chen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
| | - Jin-Chung Chen
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang Gung University, No. 259 Wenhwa 1st Road, Guishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
- Neuroscience Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, No. 5, Fusing St., Guishan, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
- Healthy Aging Research Center, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan.
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22
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Lin YT, Liu HL, Day YJ, Chang CC, Hsu PH, Chen JC. Activation of NPFFR2 leads to hyperalgesia through the spinal inflammatory mediator CGRP in mice. Exp Neurol 2017; 291:62-73. [DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2016] [Revised: 01/25/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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23
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Chen CH, Lee PW, Liao HM, Chang PK. Neuroligin 2 R215H Mutant Mice Manifest Anxiety, Increased Prepulse Inhibition, and Impaired Spatial Learning and Memory. Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:257. [PMID: 29230184 PMCID: PMC5711828 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroligin 2 (NLGN2) is a postsynaptic adhesion protein that plays an essential role in synaptogenesis and function of inhibitory neuron. We previously identified a missense mutation R215H of the NLGN2 in a patient with schizophrenia. This missense mutation was shown to be pathogenic in several cell-based assays. The objective of this study was to better understand the behavioral consequences of this mutation in vivo. We generated a line of transgenic mice carrying this mutation using a recombinant-based method. The mice were subjected to a battery of behavioral tests including open field locomotor activity assay, prepulse inhibition (PPI) assay, accelerated rotarod test, novel location and novel recognition tests, elevated plus-maze (EPM) test, and Morris water maze test. The transgenic animals were viable and fertile, but the Nlgn2 R215H knock-in (KI) homozygous mice showed growth retardation, anxiety-like behavior, increased PPI, and impaired spatial learning and memory. There was no significant interaction between sex and genotype in most behavioral tests; however, we observed a significant interaction between sex and genotype in EPM test in this study. Also, we found that the Nlgn2 R215H homozygous KI mice did not express the NLGN2 protein, resembling Nlgn2 knockout mice. Our results demonstrate that Nlgn2 R215H KI homozygous mice manifest several behavioral abnormalities similar to those found in psychiatric patients carrying NLGN2 mutations, indicating that dysfunction of NLGN2 contributes to the pathogenesis of certain psychiatric symptoms commonly present in various mental disorders, not limited to schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Hsiang Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital-Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.,Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pin-Wei Lee
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Hsiao-Mei Liao
- Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, Silver Spring, MD, United States
| | - Pi-Kai Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
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