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El-Habta R, Af Bjerkén S, Virel A. N-acetylcysteine increases dopamine release and prevents the deleterious effects of 6-OHDA on the expression of VMAT2, α-synuclein, and tyrosine hydroxylase. Neurol Res 2024; 46:406-415. [PMID: 38498979 DOI: 10.1080/01616412.2024.2325312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Current treatments for Parkinson's disease using pharmacological approaches alleviate motor symptoms but do not prevent neuronal loss or dysregulation of dopamine neurotransmission. In this article, we have explored the molecular mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effect of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the damaged dopamine system. METHODS SH-SY5Y cells were differentiated towards a dopaminergic phenotype and exposed to 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) to establish an in vitro model of Parkinson's disease. We examined the potential of NAC to restore the pathological effects of 6-OHDA on cell survival, dopamine synthesis as well as on key proteins regulating dopamine metabolism. Specifically, we evaluated gene- and protein expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), vesicle monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), and α-synuclein, by using qPCR and Western blot techniques. Moreover, we quantified the effect of NAC on total dopamine levels using a dopamine ELISA assay. RESULTS Our results indicate that NAC has a neuroprotective role in SH-SY5Y cells exposed to 6-OHDA by maintaining cell proliferation and decreasing apoptosis. Additionally, we demonstrated that NAC treatment increases dopamine release and protects SH-SY5Y cells against 6-OHDA dysregulations on the proteins TH, VMAT2, and α-synuclein. CONCLUSIONS Our findings contribute to the validation of compounds capable to restore dopamine homeostasis and shed light on the metabolic pathways that could be targeted to normalize dopamine turnover. Furthermore, our results highlight the effectiveness of the antioxidant NAC in the prevention of dopaminergic neurodegeneration in the present model. ABBREVIATIONS DAT, dopamine transporter; 6-OHDA, 6-hydroxydopamine; NAC, N-acetylcysteine; PARP, poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase; RA; retinoic acid; ROS, reactive oxygen species; TH, tyrosine hydroxylase; TPA, 12-O-tetradecanoyl-phorbol-13-acetate; VMAT2, vesicle monoamine transporter 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roine El-Habta
- Department of Medical and Translational Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sara Af Bjerkén
- Department of Medical and Translational Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Ana Virel
- Department of Medical and Translational Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Caridade-Silva R, Araújo B, Martins-Macedo J, Teixeira FG. N-Acetylcysteine Treatment May Compensate Motor Impairments through Dopaminergic Transmission Modulation in a Striatal 6-Hydroxydopamine Parkinson's Disease Rat Model. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1257. [PMID: 37371987 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12061257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Preventing degeneration and the loss of dopaminergic neurons (DAn) in the brain while mitigating motor symptoms remains a challenge in Parkinson's Disease (PD) treatment development. In light of this, developing or repositioning potential disease-modifying approaches is imperative to achieve meaningful translational gains in PD research. Under this concept, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has revealed promising perspectives in preserving the dopaminergic system capability and modulating PD mechanisms. Although NAC has been shown to act as an antioxidant and (neuro)protector of the brain, it has yet to be acknowledged how this repurposed drug can improve motor symptomatology and provide disease-modifying properties in PD. Therefore, in the present work, we assessed the impact of NAC on motor and histological deficits in a striatal 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) rat model of PD. The results revealed that NAC enhanced DAn viability, as we found that it could restore dopamine transporter (DAT) levels compared to the untreated 6-OHDA group. Such findings were positively correlated with a significant amelioration in the motor outcomes of the 6-OHDA-treated animals, demonstrating that NAC may, somehow, be a modulator of PD degenerative mechanisms. Overall, we postulated a proof-of-concept milestone concerning the therapeutic application of NAC. Nevertheless, it is extremely important to understand the complexity of this drug and how its therapeutical properties interact with the cellular and molecular PD mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Caridade-Silva
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, School of Health, Polytechnic University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Bruna Araújo
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, School of Health, Polytechnic University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Joana Martins-Macedo
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, School of Health, Polytechnic University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fábio G Teixeira
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Medicine, University of Minho, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
- ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, 4710-057/4805-017 Braga/Guimarães, Portugal
- I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Center for Translational Health and Medical Biotechnology Research, School of Health, Polytechnic University of Porto, 4200-465 Porto, Portugal
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Son JH, Gerenza AK, Bingener GM, Bonkowsky JL. Hypoplasia of dopaminergic neurons by hypoxia-induced neurotoxicity is associated with disrupted swimming development of larval zebrafish. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:963037. [PMID: 36212692 PMCID: PMC9540391 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.963037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic injury to the developing brain increases the risk of permanent behavioral deficits, but the precise mechanisms of hypoxic injury to the developing nervous system are poorly understood. In this study, we characterized the effects of developmental hypoxia (1% pO2 from 24 to 48 h post-fertilization, hpf) on diencephalic dopaminergic (DA) neurons in larval zebrafish and the consequences on the development of swimming behavior. Hypoxia reduced the number of diencephalic DA neurons at 48 hpf. Returning zebrafish larvae to normoxia after the hypoxia (i.e., hypoxia-recovery, HR) induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. Real-time qPCR results showed that HR caused upregulation of proapoptotic genes, including p53 and caspase3, suggesting the potential for ROS-induced cell death. With HR, we also found an increase in TUNEL-positive DA neurons, a persistent reduction in the number of diencephalic DA neurons, and disrupted swimming development and behavior. Interestingly, post-hypoxia (HR) with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine partially restored the number of DA neurons and spontaneous swimming behavior, demonstrating potential recovery from hypoxic injury. The present study provides new insights for understanding the mechanisms responsible for motor disability due to developmental hypoxic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jong-Hyun Son
- Department of Biology, Neuroscience Program, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Jong-Hyun Son,
| | - Amanda K. Gerenza
- Department of Biology, Neuroscience Program, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, United States
| | - Gabrielle M. Bingener
- Department of Biology, Neuroscience Program, University of Scranton, Scranton, PA, United States
| | - Joshua L. Bonkowsky
- Department of Pediatrics, School of Medicine, Brain and Spine Center, Primary Children’s Hospital, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
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4
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Miner KM, Jamenis AS, Bhatia TN, Clark RN, Rajasundaram D, Sauvaigo S, Mason DM, Posimo JM, Abraham N, DeMarco BA, Hu X, Stetler RA, Chen J, Sanders LH, Luk KC, Leak RK. α-synucleinopathy exerts sex-dimorphic effects on the multipurpose DNA repair/redox protein APE1 in mice and humans. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 216:102307. [PMID: 35710046 PMCID: PMC9514220 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Lewy body disorders are characterized by oxidative damage to DNA and inclusions rich in aggregated forms of α-synuclein. Among other roles, apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) repairs oxidative DNA damage, and APE1 polymorphisms have been linked to cases of Lewy body disorders. However, the link between APE1 and α-synuclein is unexplored. We report that knockdown or inhibition of APE1 amplified inclusion formation in primary hippocampal cultures challenged with preformed α-synuclein fibrils. Fibril infusions into the mouse olfactory bulb/anterior olfactory nucleus (OB/AON) elicited a modest decrease in APE1 expression in the brains of male mice but an increase in females. Similarly, men with Lewy body disorders displayed lower APE1 expression in the OB and amygdala compared to women. Preformed fibril infusions of the mouse OB/AON induced more robust base excision repair of DNA lesions in females than males. No fibril-mediated loss of APE1 expression was observed in male mice when the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine was added to their diet. These findings reveal a potential sex-biased link between α-synucleinopathy and APE1 in mice and humans. Further studies are warranted to determine how this multifunctional protein modifies α-synuclein inclusions and, conversely, how α-synucleinopathy and biological sex interact to modify APE1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M Miner
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Anuj S Jamenis
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Tarun N Bhatia
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Rachel N Clark
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Dhivyaa Rajasundaram
- Department of Pediatrics, Rangos Research Center, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, PA 15224, USA
| | | | - Daniel M Mason
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Jessica M Posimo
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Nevil Abraham
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Brett A DeMarco
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA
| | - Xiaoming Hu
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - R Anne Stetler
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Laurie H Sanders
- Department of Neurology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Kelvin C Luk
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19147, USA
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, USA.
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Leak RK, Schreiber JB. Mechanistic Research for the Student or Educator (Part II of II). Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:741492. [PMID: 35903332 PMCID: PMC9315264 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.741492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
This two-part series describes how to test hypotheses on molecular mechanisms that underlie biological phenomena, using preclinical drug testing as a simplified example. While pursuing drug testing in preclinical research, students will need to understand the limitations of descriptive as well as mechanistic studies. The former does not identify any causal links between two or more variables; it identifies the presence or absence of correlations. Parts I and II of this educational series encourage the student to 1) ensure the sensitivity and specificity of their measurements, 2) establish or optimize an appropriate disease model, 3) find pharmaceutical drug doses/concentrations that interfere with experimental disease processes, 4) leverage the literature and exploratory datasets to craft a mechanism-oriented hypothesis on drug binding and downstream effects, 5) and design a full-factorial experiment to test the hypothesis after sketching potential outcomes and imagining their interpretations. These creative goals facilitate the choice of the appropriate positive and negative controls to avoid false data interpretations. Here, Part II describes in detail how to test for a causal link between drug-induced activation of biological targets and therapeutic outcomes. Upon completion of this two-part series, the new student will have some of the tools in hand to design mechanistic studies, interpret the outcomes of their research, and avoid technical and theoretical pitfalls, which can otherwise decelerate scientific progress and squander human and financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana K. Leak
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh,, PA, United States
- *Correspondence: Rehana K. Leak,
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Virel A, Johansson J, Axelsson J, Ericsson M, Laterveer R, Ögren M, Orädd G, Jakobson Mo S, Af Bjerkén S. N-acetylcysteine decreases dopamine transporter availability in the non-lesioned striatum of the 6-OHDA hemiparkinsonian rat. Neurosci Lett 2021; 770:136420. [PMID: 34958912 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.136420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the beneficial effects of the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the degenerated dopamine system. The short- and long-term regulatory mechanisms of NAC on the 6-OHDA hemiparkinsonian rat model were longitudinally investigated by performing positron emission tomography (PET) imaging using the specific dopamine transporter (DAT) radioligand [18F]FE-PE2I. The results demonstrate that after a unilateral dopamine insult NAC has a strong influence on the non-lesioned hemisphere by decreasing the levels of DAT in the striatum early after the lesion. We interpret this early and short-term decrease of DAT in the healthy striatum of NAC-treated animals as a beneficial compensatory effect induced by NAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Virel
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology. Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Jarkko Johansson
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Jan Axelsson
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Madelene Ericsson
- Umeå Centre for Molecular Medicine (UCMM), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rutger Laterveer
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology. Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Mattias Ögren
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Greger Orädd
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Susanna Jakobson Mo
- Department of Radiation Sciences, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Umeå Center for Functional Brain Imaging (UFBI), Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sara Af Bjerkén
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology. Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Clinical Science, Neurosciences. Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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7
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A functionalized hydroxydopamine quinone links thiol modification to neuronal cell death. Redox Biol 2019; 28:101377. [PMID: 31760358 PMCID: PMC6880099 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2019.101377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent findings suggest that dopamine oxidation contributes to the development of Parkinson's disease (PD); however, the mechanistic details remain elusive. Here, we compare 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA), a product of dopamine oxidation that commonly induces dopaminergic neurodegeneration in laboratory animals, with a synthetic alkyne-functionalized 6-OHDA variant. This synthetic molecule provides insights into the reactivity of quinone and neuromelanin formation. Employing Huisgen cycloaddition chemistry (or “click chemistry”) and fluorescence imaging, we found that reactive 6-OHDA p-quinones cause widespread protein modification in isolated proteins, lysates and cells. We identified cysteine thiols as the target site and investigated the impact of proteome modification by quinones on cell viability. Mass spectrometry following cycloaddition chemistry produced a large number of 6-OHDA modified targets including proteins involved in redox regulation. Functional in vitro assays demonstrated that 6-OHDA inactivates protein disulfide isomerase (PDI), which is a central player in protein folding and redox homeostasis. Our study links dopamine oxidation to protein modification and protein folding in dopaminergic neurons and the PD model. Chemical modification of 6-OHDA increases stability of 6-OHDA p-quinone by preventing neuromelanin formation. Modified 6-OHDA enables visualization of thiol-dependent protein modification by p-quinone. Wide-spread proteome modification by 6-OHDA p-quinone impairs neuroblastoma viability. 6-OHDA p-quinone inactivates PDI linking dopamine oxidation to protein unfolding.
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8
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Virel A, Dudka I, Laterveer R, Af Bjerkén S. 1H NMR profiling of the 6-OHDA parkinsonian rat brain reveals metabolic alterations and signs of recovery after N-acetylcysteine treatment. Mol Cell Neurosci 2019; 98:131-139. [PMID: 31200101 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2019.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 06/07/2019] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is the second most common neurodegenerative disease caused by degeneration of dopamine neurons in the substantia nigra. The origin and causes of dopamine neurodegeneration in Parkinson's disease are not well understood but oxidative stress may play an important role in its onset. Much effort has been dedicated to find biomarkers indicative of oxidative stress and neurodegenerative processes in parkinsonian brains. By using proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR) to identify and quantify key metabolites, it is now possible to elucidate the metabolic pathways affected by pathological conditions like neurodegeneration. The metabolic disturbances in the 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) hemiparkinsonian rat model were monitored and the nature and size of these metabolic alterations were analyzed. The results indicate that a unilateral injection of 6-OHDA into the striatum causes metabolic changes that not only affect the injected hemisphere but also the contralateral, non-lesioned side. We could clearly identify specific metabolic pathways that were affected, which were mostly related with oxidative stress and neurotransmission. In addition, a partial metabolic recovery by carrying out an antioxidant treatment with N-acetylcysteine (NAC) was observable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Virel
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
| | - Ilona Dudka
- Department of Chemistry, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Rutger Laterveer
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Sara Af Bjerkén
- Department of Integrative Medical Biology, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden; Department of Clinical Sciences, Neuroscience, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
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Benvenutti R, Marcon M, Reis CG, Nery LR, Miguel C, Herrmann AP, Vianna MRM, Piato A. N-acetylcysteine protects against motor, optomotor and morphological deficits induced by 6-OHDA in zebrafish larvae. PeerJ 2018; 6:e4957. [PMID: 29868300 PMCID: PMC5985760 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder. In addition to its highly debilitating motor symptoms, non-motor symptoms may precede their motor counterparts by many years, which may characterize a prodromal phase of PD. A potential pharmacological strategy is to introduce neuroprotective agents at an earlier stage in order to prevent further neuronal death. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has been used against paracetamol overdose hepatotoxicity by restoring hepatic concentrations of glutathione (GSH), and as a mucolytic in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease by reducing disulfide bonds in mucoproteins. It has been shown to be safe for humans at high doses. More recently, several studies have evidenced that NAC has a multifaceted mechanism of action, presenting indirect antioxidant effect by acting as a GSH precursor, besides its anti-inflammatory and neurotrophic effects. Moreover, NAC modulates glutamate release through activation of the cystine-glutamate antiporter in extra-synaptic astrocytes. Its therapeutic benefits have been demonstrated in clinical trials for several neuropsychiatric conditions but has not been tested in PD models yet. Methods In this study, we evaluated the potential of NAC to prevent the damage induced by 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) on motor, optomotor and morphological parameters in a PD model in larval zebrafish. Results NAC was able to prevent the motor deficits (total distance, mean speed, maximum acceleration, absolute turn angle and immobility time), optomotor response impairment and morphological alterations (total length and head length) caused by exposure to 6-OHDA, which reinforce and broaden the relevance of its neuroprotective effects. Discussion NAC acts in different targets relevant to PD pathophysiology. Further studies and clinical trials are needed to assess this agent as a candidate for prevention and adjunctive treatment of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Radharani Benvenutti
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Matheus Marcon
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Reis
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Laura R Nery
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Camila Miguel
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana P Herrmann
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Monica R M Vianna
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Zoologia, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Angelo Piato
- Programa de Pós-graduação em Neurociências, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.,Programa de Pós-graduação em Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
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10
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Zhuang J, Wang S, Shan Q, Zhang ZF, Li MQ, Zheng GH, Fan SH, Wu DM, Hu B, Lu J, Zheng YL. Adeno-associated virus vector-mediated expression of DJ-1 attenuates learning and memory deficits in 2, 2´, 4, 4´-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47)-treated mice. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2018; 347:390-402. [PMID: 29335220 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2018.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2017] [Revised: 12/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Evidence indicates that oxidative stress is the central pathological feature of 2, 2´, 4, 4´-tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE-47)-induced neurotoxicity. Protein kinase C delta (PKCδ), an oxidative stress-sensitive kinase, can be proteolytically cleaved to yield a catalytically active fragment (PKCδ-CF) that is involved in various neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we showed that BDE-47 treatment increased ROS, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonyl levels in the mouse hippocampus. In turn, excessive ROS induced caspase-3-dependent PKCδ activation and stimulated NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation, resulting in inflammation in the mouse hippocampus. These changes caused learning and memory deficits in BDE-47-treated mice. Treatment with Z-DEVD-fmk, a caspase-3 inhibitor, or N-acetyl-L-cysteine, an antioxidant, blocked PKCδ activation and subsequently inhibited inflammation, thereby improving learning and memory deficits in BDE-47-treated mice. Our data further showed that activation of ROS-PKCδ signaling was associated with DJ-1 downregulation, which exerted neuroprotective effects against oxidative stress induced by different neurotoxic agents. Adeno-associated viral vector-mediated DJ-1 overexpression in the hippocampus effectively inhibited excessive ROS production, suppressed caspase-3-dependent PKCδ cleavage, blunted inflammation and ultimately reversed learning and memory deficits in BDE-47-treated mice. Taken together, our results demonstrate that DJ-1 plays a pivotal role in BDE-47-induced neurotoxic effects and learning and memory deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Zhuang
- School of Environment Science and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Eco-Agricultural Biotechnology around Hongze Lake, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, China; School of Life Sciences, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qun Shan
- School of Environment Science and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zi-Feng Zhang
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Meng-Qiu Li
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Gui-Hong Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shao-Hua Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dong-Mei Wu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bin Hu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jun Lu
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yuan-Lin Zheng
- Key Laboratory for Biotechnology on Medicinal Plants of Jiangsu Province, School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China; College of Health Sciences, Jiangsu Normal University, 101 Shanghai Road, Xuzhou 221116, Jiangsu Province, China.
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11
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Weilnau JN, Carcella MA, Miner KM, Bhatia TN, Hutchison DF, Pant DB, Nouraei N, Leak RK. Evidence for cross-hemispheric preconditioning in experimental Parkinson's disease. Brain Struct Funct 2018; 223:1255-1273. [PMID: 29103154 PMCID: PMC11061878 DOI: 10.1007/s00429-017-1552-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Dopamine loss and motor deficits in Parkinson's disease typically commence unilaterally and remain asymmetric for many years, raising the possibility that endogenous defenses slow the cross-hemispheric transmission of pathology. It is well-established that the biological response to subtoxic stress prepares cells to survive subsequent toxic challenges, a phenomenon known as preconditioning, tolerance, or stress adaptation. Here we demonstrate that unilateral striatal infusions of the oxidative toxicant 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) precondition the contralateral nigrostriatal pathway against the toxicity of a second 6-OHDA infusion in the opposite hemisphere. 6-OHDA-induced loss of dopaminergic terminals in the contralateral striatum was ablated by cross-hemispheric preconditioning, as shown by two independent markers of the dopaminergic phenotype, each measured by two blinded observers. Similarly, loss of dopaminergic somata in the contralateral substantia nigra was also abolished, according to two blinded measurements. Motor asymmetries in floor landings, forelimb contacts with a wall, and spontaneous turning behavior were consistent with these histological observations. Unilateral 6-OHDA infusions increased phosphorylation of the kinase ERK2 and expression of the antioxidant enzyme CuZn superoxide dismutase in both striata, consistent with our previous mechanistic work showing that these two proteins mediate preconditioning in dopaminergic cells. These findings support the existence of cross-hemispheric preconditioning in Parkinson's disease and suggest that dopaminergic neurons mount impressive natural defenses, despite their reputation as being vulnerable to oxidative injury. If these results generalize to humans, Parkinson's pathology may progress slowly and asymmetrically because exposure to a disease-precipitating insult induces bilateral upregulation of endogenous defenses and elicits cross-hemispheric preconditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin N Weilnau
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Michael A Carcella
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Kristin M Miner
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Tarun N Bhatia
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Daniel F Hutchison
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Deepti B Pant
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Negin Nouraei
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA
| | - Rehana K Leak
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 407 Mellon Hall, 600 Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA, 15282, USA.
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Leak RK. Conditioning Against the Pathology of Parkinson's disease. CONDITIONING MEDICINE 2018; 1:143-162. [PMID: 30370426 PMCID: PMC6200356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease is delayed in clinical onset, asymmetric in initial appearance, and slow in progression. One explanation for these characteristics may be a boost in natural defenses after early exposure to mild cellular stress. As the patient ages and resilience recedes, however, stress levels may become sufficiently high that toxic cellular responses can no longer be curbed, culminating in inverted U-shaped stress-response curves as a function of disease duration. If dopaminergic systems are indeed capable of responding to mild stress with effective natural defenses, experimental models of Parkinson's disease should adhere to the principles of preconditioning, whereby stress exposure fortifies cells and tempers the toxic sequelae of subsequent stressors. Here, I review evidence favoring the efficacy of preconditioning in dopaminergic systems. Recent animal work also raises the possibility that cross-hemispheric preconditioning may arrest the spread of asymmetric Parkinson's pathology to the other side of the brain. Indeed, compensatory homeostatic systems have long been hypothesized to maintain neurological function until a threshold of cell loss is exceeded and are often displayed as inverted U-shaped curves. However, some stress responses assume an exponential or sigmoidal profile as a function of disease severity, suggesting end-stage deceleration of disease processes. Thus, surviving dopaminergic neurons may become progressively harder to kill, with the dorsal nigral tier dying slower due to superior baseline defenses, inducible conditioning capacity, or delayed dorsomedial nigral spread of disease. In addition, compensatory processes may be useful as biomarkers to distinguish "responder patients" from "nonresponders" before clinical trials. However, another possibility is that defenses are already maximally conditioned in most patients and no further boost is possible. A third alternative is that genuinely diseased human cells cannot be conditioned, in contrast to preclinical models, none of which faithfully recapitulate age-related human conditions. Disease-related "conditioning deficiencies" would then explain how Parkinson's pathology takes root, progressively shrinks defenses, and eventually kills the patient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rehana K. Leak
- For correspondence please address: Rehana K. Leak,
Ph.D., Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Duquesne University, 600
Forbes Ave, Pittsburgh, PA 15282, ,
412.396.4734
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