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Nangia A, Saravanan JS, Hazra S, Priya V, Sudesh R, Rana SS, Ahmad F. Exploring the clinical connections between epilepsy and diabetes mellitus: Promising therapeutic strategies utilizing agmatine and metformin. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2024:10.1007/s00210-024-03295-1. [PMID: 39066910 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-024-03295-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Diabetes mellitus (DM) and epilepsy and the psychological and socio-economic implications that are associated with their treatments can be quite perplexing. Metformin is an antihyperglycemic medication that is used to treat type 2 DM. In addition, metformin elicits protective actions against multiple diseases, including neurodegeneration and epilepsy. Recent studies indicate that metformin alters the resident gut microbiota in favor of species producing agmatine, an arginine metabolite which, in addition to beneficially altering metabolic pathways, is a potent neuroprotectant and neuromodulant. METHODS We first examine the literature for epidemiological and clinical evidences linking DM and epilepsy. Next, basing our analyses on published literature, we propose the possible complementarity of agmatine and metformin in the treatment of DM and epilepsy. RESULTS Our analyses of the clinical data suggest a significant association between pathogeneses of epilepsy and DM. Further, both agmatine and metformin appear to be multimodal therapeutic agents and have robust antiepileptogenic and antidiabetic properties. Data from animal and clinical studies largely support the use of metformin/agmatine as a double-edged pharmacotherapeutic agent against DM and epilepsy, particularly in their concurrent pathological occurrences. CONCLUSION The present review explores the evidences and available data on possible uses of metformin/agmatine as pertinent antidiabetic and antiepileptic agents. Our hope is that this will stimulate further research on the therapeutic actions of these multimodal agents, particularly for subject-specific clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aayushi Nangia
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Janani Srividya Saravanan
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Shruti Hazra
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Vijayan Priya
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Ravi Sudesh
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Sandeep Singh Rana
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, India.
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Gholizadeh R, Eslami F, Dejban P, Ghasemi M, Rahimi N, Dehpour AR. Additive Anticonvulsive Effects of Sumatriptan and Morphine on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Clonic Seizures in Mice. J Epilepsy Res 2024; 14:9-16. [PMID: 38978533 PMCID: PMC11227926 DOI: 10.14581/jer.24002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Sumatriptan protects the brain from damage and enhance the anti-seizure effect of morphine. There is evidence that nitric oxide (NO) may mediate these effects of both drugs. In the present study, we investigated the effects of sumatriptan (0.1-20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p.]) and morphine (0.1-20 mg/kg, i.p.) alone or in combination on seizure thresholds in an in vivo model of seizure in mice. Using various NO synthase inhibitors as well as the NO precursor, we assessed possible involvement of NO signaling in these effects. Methods Clonic seizures were induced in male Naval Medical Research Institute mice by intravenous administration of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ). Results Acute sumatriptan administration exerted anti-convulsive effects at 0.5 (p<0.01) and 1 mg/kg (p<0.05), but pro-convulsive effects at 20 mg/kg (p<0.05). Morphine had anti-convulsive effects at 0.5 (p<0.05) and 1 mg/kg (p<0.001), but exerted pro-convulsive effect at 20 mg/kg (p<0.05). Combination treatment with sub-effective doses of sumatriptan (0.1 mg/kg) and morphine (0.1 mg/kg) significantly (p<0.05) exerted an anti-convulsive effect. Co-administration of the NO precursor L-arginine (60 mg/kg) with sub-effective doses of sumatriptan and morphine significantly (p<0.05) increased seizure threshold compared with sumatriptan alone, but not sumatriptan+morphine group. While concomitant administration of either the non-selective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NG-nitroarginine methyl ester (5 mg/kg) or the selective inducible NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (50 mg/kg) with combined sub-effective doses of morphine and sumatriptan produced significant anticonvulsive effects, concomitant administration with the selective neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (30 mg/kg) inhibited this effect. Conclusions Our data suggest a possible role for the NO signaling in the anticonvulsive effects of combined sumatriptan and morphine on the PTZ-induced clonic seizures in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramtin Gholizadeh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY,
USA
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj,
Iran
| | - Faezeh Eslami
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
- Department of Neurology and Rehabilitation, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL,
USA
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Pegah Dejban
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
- Division of Nephrology and Hypertension, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN,
USA
| | - Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, Burlington, MA,
USA
| | - Nastaran Rahimi
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran,
Iran
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Saha P, Panda S, Holkar A, Vashishth R, Rana SS, Arumugam M, Ashraf GM, Haque S, Ahmad F. Neuroprotection by agmatine: Possible involvement of the gut microbiome? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102056. [PMID: 37673131 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102056] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine derived from L-arginine, elicits tremendous multimodal neuromodulant properties. Alterations in agmatinergic signalling are closely linked to the pathogeneses of several brain disorders. Importantly, exogenous agmatine has been shown to act as a potent neuroprotectant in varied pathologies, including brain ageing and associated comorbidities. The antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, antidepressant and memory-enhancing activities of agmatine may derive from its ability to regulate several cellular pathways; including cell metabolism, survival and differentiation, nitric oxide signalling, protein translation, oxidative homeostasis and neurotransmitter signalling. This review briefly discusses mammalian metabolism of agmatine and then proceeds to summarize our current understanding of neuromodulation and neuroprotection mediated by agmatine. Further, the emerging exciting bidirectional links between agmatine and the resident gut microbiome and their implications for brain pathophysiology and ageing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Subhrajita Panda
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Aayusha Holkar
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Rahul Vashishth
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Sandeep Singh Rana
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Mohanapriya Arumugam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon; Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
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Dirik H, Joha Z. Investigation of the effect of sugammadex on glutamate-induced neurotoxicity in C6 cell line and the roles played by nitric oxide and oxidative stress pathways. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2023. [PMID: 36880372 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
This experiment was intended to evaluate the effect of sugammadex on the cytotoxicity induced by glutamate, involving the nitric oxide and oxidative stress pathways. C6 glioma cells were used in the study. Glutamate was given to cells in the glutamate group for 24 h. Sugammadex at different concentrations was given to cells in the sugammadex group for 24 h. Cells in the sugammadex + glutamate group were pre-treated with sugammadex at various concentrations for 1 h and then exposed to glutamate for 24 h. XTT assay was used to assess cell viability. Levels of nitric oxide (NO), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), total antioxidant (TAS), and total oxidant (TOS) in the cells were calculated using commercial kits. Apoptosis was detected by TUNEL assay. Sugammadex at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL significantly enhanced the cell viability in C6 cells after the cytotoxicity induced by glutamate (p < 0.001). Moreover, sugammadex considerably decreased the levels of nNOS NO and TOS and the number of apoptotic cells and increased the level of TAS (p < 0.001). Sugammadex has protective and antioxidant properties on cytotoxicity and could be an effective supplement for neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer and Parkinson if further research in vivo supports this claim.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hasan Dirik
- Anestezi ve Yoğun Bakım, Ankara Şehir Hastanesi, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ziad Joha
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Cumhuriyet University, Sivas, Turkey
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Moradi F, Eslami F, Rahimi N, Koohfar A, Shayan M, Maadani M, Ghasemi M, Dehpour AR. Modafinil exerts anticonvulsive effects against lithium-pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus in rats: A role for tumor necrosis factor-α and nitric oxide signaling. Epilepsy Behav 2022; 130:108649. [PMID: 35344809 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2022.108649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Revised: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Status epilepticus (SE) is a continuous episode of seizures which leads to hippocampal neurodegeneration, severe systemic inflammation, and extreme damage to the brain. Modafinil, a psychostimulant and wake-promoting agent, has exerted neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in previous preclinical studies. The aim of this study was to assess effects of modafinil on the lithium-pilocarpine-induced SE rat model and to explore possible involvement of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and nitric oxide (NO) pathways in this regard. METHODS Status epilepticus was provoked by injection of lithium chloride (127 mg/kg, intraperitoneally [i.p]) and pilocarpine (60 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. Animals received different modafinil doses (50, 75, 100, and 150 mg/kg, i.p.) and SE scores were documented over 3 hours of duration. Moreover, the role of the nitrergic pathway in the effects of modafinil was evaluated by injection of the non-selective NO synthase (NOS) inhibitor L-NG-Nitro arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 10 mg/kg, i.p.), the selective neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (30 mg/kg, i.p.), and the selective inducible NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) 15 min before saline/vehicle or modafinil. The ELISA method was used to quantify TNF-α and NO metabolite levels in the isolated hippocampus. RESULTS Modafinil at 100 mg/kg significantly decreased SE scores (P < 0.01). Pre-treatment with L-NAME, 7-nitroindazole, and aminoguanidine significantly reversed the anticonvulsive effects of modafinil. Status epilepticus-induced animals showed significantly higher NO metabolite and TNF-α levels in their hippocampal tissues, an effect that was reversed by modafinil (100 mg/kg, i.p.) treatment. Administration of NOS inhibitors resulted in excessive NO level reduction but an escalation of TNF-α level in modafinil-treated SE-animals. CONCLUSION Our study revealed anticonvulsive effects of modafinil in the lithium-pilocarpine-induced SE rat model via possible involvement of TNF-α and nitrergic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farid Moradi
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Faezeh Eslami
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nastaran Rahimi
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Koohfar
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shayan
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mahshad Maadani
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Chan Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Taskiran AS, Ergul M. The effect of salmon calcitonin against glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in the C6 cell line and the roles the inflammatory and nitric oxide pathways play. Metab Brain Dis 2021; 36:1985-1993. [PMID: 34370176 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-021-00793-6] [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: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence has shown that salmon calcitonin (sCT) has positive effects on the nervous system. However, its effect and mechanisms on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity are still unclear. The current experiment was designed to examine the effect of sCT on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in C6 cells, involving the inflammatory and nitric oxide stress pathways. The study used the C6 glioma cell line. Four cell groups were prepared to evaluate the effect of sCT on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity. The control group was without any treatment. Cells in the glutamate group were treated with 10 mM glutamate for 24 h. Cells in the sCT group were treated with various concentrations (3, 6, 12, 25, and 50 µg/mL) of sCT for 24 h. Cells in the sCT + glutamate group were pre-treated with various concentrations of sCT for 1 h and then exposed to glutamate for 24 h. The cell viability was evaluated with an XTT assay. Nuclear factor kappa b (NF-kB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), caspase-3, and caspase-9 levels in the cells were measured by ELISA kits. Apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry method. sCT at all concentrations significantly improved the cell viability in C6 cells after glutamate-induced cytotoxicity (p < 0.001). Moreover, sCT significantly reduced the levels of NF-kB (p < 0.001), TNF-α, and IL-6 levels (p < 0.001). sCT also decreased nNOS, NO, and cGMP levels (P < 0.001). Furthermore, it decreased the apoptosis rate and increased the live-cell rate in the flow cytometry (P < 0.001). In conclusion, sCT has protective effects on glutamate-induced cytotoxicity in C6 glial cells by inhibiting inflammatory and nitric oxide pathways. sCT could be a useful supportive agent for people with neurodegenerative symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Sevki Taskiran
- Department of Physiology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, 58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Merve Ergul
- Department of Pharmacology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University School of Pharmacy, Sivas, Turkey
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Li X, Lin J, Hua Y, Gong J, Ding S, Du Y, Wang X, Zheng R, Xu H. Agmatine Alleviates Epileptic Seizures and Hippocampal Neuronal Damage by Inhibiting Gasdermin D-Mediated Pyroptosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:627557. [PMID: 34421582 PMCID: PMC8378273 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.627557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Epilepsy is a common neurological disease, and neuroinflammation is one of the main contributors to epileptogenesis. Pyroptosis is a type of pro-inflammatory cell death that is related to epilepsy. Agmatine, has anti-inflammatory properties and exerts neuroprotective effects against seizures. Our study investigated the effect of agmatine on the core pyroptosis protein GSDMD in the context of epilepsy. Methods: A chronic epilepsy model and BV2 microglial cellular inflammation model were established by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced kindling or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. H&E and Nissl staining were used to evaluate hippocampal neuronal damage. The expression of pyroptosis and inflammasome factors was examined by western blotting, quantitative real-time PCR, immunofluorescence and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results: Agmatine disrupted the kindling acquisition process, which decreased seizure scores and the incidence of full kindling and blocked hippocampal neuronal damage. In addition, agmatine increased BV2 microglial cell survival in vitro and alleviated seizures in vivo by suppressing the levels of PTZ-induced pyroptosis. Finally, the expression of TLR4, MYD88, phospho-IκBα, phospho-NF-κB and the NLRP3 inflammasome was significantly upregulated in LPS-induced BV2 microglial cells, while agmatine suppressed the expression of these proteins. Conclusions: Our results indicate that agmatine affects epileptogenesis and exerts neuroprotective effects by inhibiting neuroinflammation, GSDMD activation, and pyroptosis. The inhibitory effect of agmatine on pyroptosis was mediated by the suppression of the TLR4/MYD88/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Therefore, agmatine may be a potential treatment option for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueying Li
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiahe Lin
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yingjie Hua
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiaoni Gong
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Siqi Ding
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanru Du
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Xinshi Wang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Rongyuan Zheng
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huiqin Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Taskiran AS, Ergul M. The modulator action of thiamine against pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, apoptosis, nitric oxide, and oxidative stress in rats and SH-SY5Y neuronal cell line. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 340:109447. [PMID: 33771525 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 12/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidences indicate that thiamine plays a vital role in the nervous system. However, questions exist as to how it causes epilepsy, neuronal damage, and antiepileptic mechanisms. The study looked at how the thiamine supplement impacted pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats and pentylenetetrazole-induced neurotoxicity in the SH-SY5Y cell line. We used twenty-four male rats and they were randomly divided into 4 groups as control, saline (1 mL/kg/day serum physiologic) + PTZ, thiamine (50 mg/kg/day) + PTZ, and thiamine (50 mg/kg/day) for 10 days. PTZ (45 mg/kg) was given to activate the seizure on day 10. Memory efficiency was measured by using passive avoidance. The brain levels of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), caspase-3, nitric oxide (NO), and cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) were analyzed by using ELISA kits. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with/without thiamine for 1 h, followed by PTZ (30 μm) at a medium level to trigger neurotoxicity. Cell viability, total antioxidant status, total oxidant status, and apoptosis were assayed in the SH-SY5Y cells. Thiamine delayed the initiation of epileptic seizures and increased memory damage. In addition, 8-OHdG, caspase-3, NO, and cGMP levels were significantly reduced in the brain and prevented pentylenetetrazole-induced neurotoxicity, apoptosis, enhanced antioxidant, and reduced oxidant in SH-SY5Y cells. Thiamine dramatically altered seizures, memory loss, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. Thiamine has a preventative effect on PTZ-induced seizures in rats and PTZ-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. It could prevent oxidative stress and signaling of NO/cGMP. Thiamine supplement could be used as an additional therapeutic agent in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Sevki Taskiran
- Department of Physiology, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Mustafa Ergul
- Department of Biochemistry, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, School of Pharmacy, Sivas, Turkey
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AYDIN Ş, KAYGISIZ B, TOPRAK Ç, ÇENGELLİ ÜNEL Ç, EROL K. Agmatinin epilepsi tedavisindeki rolü ve bu etkilerin diğer antiepileptik ilaçlarla olan etkilerinin karşılaştırılması ve bu etkide nitrik oksitin rolü: Bir ön çalışma. KAHRAMANMARAŞ SÜTÇÜ İMAM ÜNIVERSITESI TIP FAKÜLTESI DERGISI 2021. [DOI: 10.17517/ksutfd.831948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
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10
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Taskiran AS, Tastemur Y. The role of nitric oxide in anticonvulsant effects of lycopene supplementation on pentylenetetrazole-induced epileptic seizures in rats. Exp Brain Res 2021; 239:591-599. [PMID: 33385251 DOI: 10.1007/s00221-020-06012-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that natural antioxidant compounds have positive effects on the nervous system. Lycopene, the red pigment in tomatoes, is one of the potent natural antioxidants, and is used as supplementation because of its well-known health benefits. However, its effect on epileptic seizures and underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, it was aimed to investigate the effect of lycopene on pentylenetetrazole-induced epileptic seizures in rats and to elucidate the nitric oxide pathway in this effect. In this study, thirty male Wistar albino rats were used. Animals were divided into five groups (n = 6 for each group) as control, saline (1 mL/kg/day serum physiologic), positive control (2 mg/kg/day diazepam), and lycopene (5 and 10 mg/kg/day) for ten days. Pentylenetetrazole (45 mg/kg) was given to induce a seizure in the tenth day except for the control. Passive avoidance test was carried out to evaluate memory function. Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), and nitric oxide (NO) levels were measured in the cortex and hippocampal brain regions using the ELISA kits. Lycopene supplementation prolonged epileptic seizure onset times and reduced seizure stages. Besides, lycopene supplementation improved memory impairment after seizures. Moreover, lycopene significantly reduced the level of iNOS, nNOS, and NO in the brain. Lycopene supplementation significantly alleviated seizures and memory impairment. Its anticonvulsive effect could be associated with the nitric oxide pathway. Lycopene supplementation could be useful as a supportive therapeutic agent in epileptic patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmet Sevki Taskiran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Sivas Cumhuriyet University, TR-58140, Sivas, Turkey.
| | - Yasar Tastemur
- Department of Anatomy, Sivas Cumhuriyet University School of Medicine, Sivas, Turkey
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Pourshadi N, Rahimi N, Ghasemi M, Faghir-Ghanesefat H, Sharifzadeh M, Dehpour AR. Anticonvulsant Effects of Thalidomide on Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure in Mice: A Role for Opioidergic and Nitrergic Transmissions. Epilepsy Res 2020; 164:106362. [PMID: 32447240 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Although accumulating evidence indicates that the immunomodulatory medication thalidomide exerts anticonvulsant properties, the mechanisms underlying such effects of thalidomide are still unknown. Our previous preclinical study suggested that nitric oxide (NO) signaling may be involved in the anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide in a mouse model of clonic seizure. Additionally, several studies have shown a modulatory interaction between thalidomide and opioids in opioids intolerance, nociception and neuropathic pain. However, it is unclear whether opioidergic transmission or its interaction with NO signaling is involved in the anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide. Given the fact that both opioidergic and nitrergic transmissions have bimodal modulatory effects on seizure thresholds, in the present study we explored the involvement of these signaling pathways in the possible anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide on the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced clonic seizure in mice. Our data showed that acute administration of thalidomide (5-50 mg/kg, i.p., 30 min prior PTZ injection) dose-dependently elevated PTZ-induced clonic seizure thresholds. Acute administration of low doses (0.5-3 mg/kg, i.p., 60 min prior PTZ) of morphine exerted anticonvulsant effects (P < 0.001), whereas higher doses (15-60 mg/kg, 60 min prior PTZ) had proconvulsant effects (P < 0.01). Acute administration of a non-effective anticonvulsant dose of morphine (0.25 mg/kg) prior non-effective dose of thalidomide (5 mg/kg) exerted a robust (P < 0.01) anticonvulsant effect. Administration of a non-effective proconvulsant dose of morphine (7.5 mg/kg) prior thalidomide (5 mg/kg) didn't affect clonic seizure thresholds. Acute administration of a non-effective dose of the opioid receptor antagonist naltrexone (1 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly prevented anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide (10 mg/kg, i.p.). Pretreatment with non-effective dose of the NO precursor L-arginine (60 mg/kg, i.p.) significantly (P < 0.01) reduced the anticonvulsant effects of combined low doses of morphine (0.25 mg/kg) and thalidomide (5 mg/kg). Conversely, pretreatment with non-effective doses of either non-selective (L-NAME, 5 mg/kg, i.p.) or selective neuronal (7-nitroindazole, 30 mg/kg, i.p.) NO synthase (NOS) inhibitors significantly augmented the anticonvulsant effects of combined low doses of thalidomide and morphine, whereas the inducible NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) did not exert such effect. Our results indicate that opioidergic transmission and its interaction with neuronal NO signaling may contribute to the anti-seizure activity of thalidomide in the mice PTZ model of clonic seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nastaran Pourshadi
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Nastaran Rahimi
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, United States
| | - Hedyeh Faghir-Ghanesefat
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sharifzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Therapeutic Effect of Agmatine on Neurological Disease: Focus on Ion Channels and Receptors. Neurochem Res 2019; 44:735-750. [PMID: 30610652 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-018-02712-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 12/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The central nervous system (CNS) is the most injury-prone part of the mammalian body. Any acute or chronic, central or peripheral neurological disorder is related to abnormal biochemical and electrical signals in the brain cells. As a result, ion channels and receptors that are abundant in the nervous system and control the electrical and biochemical environment of the CNS play a vital role in neurological disease. The N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor, 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2-oxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid receptor, kainate receptor, acetylcholine receptor, serotonin receptor, α2-adrenoreceptor, and acid-sensing ion channels are among the major channels and receptors known to be key components of pathophysiological events in the CNS. The primary amine agmatine, a neuromodulator synthesized in the brain by decarboxylation of L-arginine, can regulate ion channel cascades and receptors that are related to the major CNS disorders. In our previous studies, we established that agmatine was related to the regulation of cell differentiation, nitric oxide synthesis, and murine brain endothelial cell migration, relief of chronic pain, cerebral edema, and apoptotic cell death in experimental CNS disorders. In this review, we will focus on the pathophysiological aspects of the neurological disorders regulated by these ion channels and receptors, and their interaction with agmatine in CNS injury.
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Islas-Espinoza AM, Campos-Rodriguez C, San Juan ER. Thalidomide protects against acute pentylenetetrazol and pilocarpine-induced seizures in mice. J Toxicol Sci 2018; 43:671-684. [PMID: 30405000 DOI: 10.2131/jts.43.671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Thalidomide was originally developed to treat primary neurological and psychiatric diseases. There are reports of anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide in rats and antiepileptic effects in patients. Hence, thalidomide (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) was herein administered to mice to evaluate possible protection against seizures induced by the systemic administration of neurotoxins: 10 mg/kg of 4-aminopyridine (4-AP), 90 mg/kg of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), or 380 mg/kg of pilocarpine. The effect of an NO and COX inhibitor (7-NI and ibuprofen, respectively) was also examined. The results show that thalidomide (1) induces the typical sedative effects, (2) has no anticonvulsant effect in mice treated with 4-AP, and (3) has anticonvulsant effect (400 mg/kg) in mice treated with PTZ and pilocarpine. It was found that 7-NI has an anticonvulsant effect in the pilocarpine model and that thalidomide's effect is not enhanced by its presence. However, thalidomide (200 mg/kg) plus 7-NI or ibuprofen tend to have a toxic effect in PTZ model. On the other hand, the combination of thalidomide and 7-NI or ibuprofen protects against pilocarpine-induced seizures. In conclusion, thalidomide did not exert an anticonvulsant effect for clonic-tonic type convulsions (4-AP), but it did so for seizures induced by PTZ and pilocarpine (representing absence seizures and status epilepticus, respectively). NO and prostaglandins were involved in the convulsive process elicited by pilocarpine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Mara Islas-Espinoza
- Physiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Mexico
| | - Carolina Campos-Rodriguez
- Physiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Ramírez San Juan
- Physiology Department, Escuela Nacional de Ciencias Biológicas, Instituto Politécnico Nacional, Unidad Profesional Adolfo López Mateos, Mexico
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Xu W, Gao L, Li T, Shao A, Zhang J. Neuroprotective Role of Agmatine in Neurological Diseases. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:1296-1305. [PMID: 28786346 PMCID: PMC6251039 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666170808120633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Neurological diseases have always been one of the leading cause of mobility and mortality world-widely. However, it is still lacking efficient agents. Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine, exerts its diverse biological characteristics and therapeutic potential in varied aspects. Methods: This review would focus on the neuroprotective actions of agmatine and its potential mechanisms in the setting of neurological diseases. Results: Numerous studies had demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of agmatine in varied types of neurological diseases, including acute attack (stroke and trauma brain injury) and chronic neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson's disease, Alz-heimer’s disease). The potential mechanism of agmatine induced neuroprotection includes anti-oxidation, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation, brain blood barrier (BBB) protection and brain edema prevention. Conclusions: The safety and low incidence of adverse effects indicate the vast potential therapeutic value of agmatine in the treatment of neurological diseases. However, most of the available studies relate to the agmatine are conducted in experi-mental models, more clinical trials are needed before the agmatine could be extensively clinically used
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Affiliation(s)
- Weilin Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liansheng Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Tao Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Anwen Shao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Brain Research Institute, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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15
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Amini-Khoei H, Kordjazy N, Haj-Mirzaian A, Amiri S, Haj-Mirzaian A, Shirzadian A, Hasanvand A, Balali-Dehkordi S, Hassanipour M, Dehpour AR. Anticonvulsant effect of minocycline on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizure in mice: involvement of nitric oxide and N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2018; 96:742-750. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2017-0673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Anticonvulsant effects of minocycline have been explored recently. This study was designed to examine the anticonvulsant effect of acute administration of minocycline on pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in mouse considering the possible role of the nitric oxide/N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) pathway. We induced seizure using intravenous administration of pentylenetetrazole. Our results showed that acute administration of minocycline increased the seizure threshold. Furthermore, co-administration of subeffective doses of the nonselective nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitor NG-l-arginine methyl ester (10 mg/kg) and the neuronal NOS inhibitor 7-nitroindazole (40 mg/kg) enhanced the anticonvulsant effect of subeffective doses of minocycline (40 mg/kg). We found that inducible NOS inhibitor aminoguanidine (100 mg/kg) had no effect on the antiseizure effect of minocycline. Moreover, l-arginine (60 mg/kg), as a NOS substrate, reduced the anticonvulsant effect of minocycline. We also demonstrated that pretreatment with the NMDA receptor antagonists ketamine (0.5 mg/kg) and MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) increased the anticonvulsant effect of subeffective doses of minocycline. Results showed that minocycline significantly decreased the hippocampal nitrite level. Furthermore, co-administration of a neuronal NOS inhibitor like NMDA receptor antagonists augmented the effect of minocycline on the hippocampal nitrite level. In conclusion, we revealed that anticonvulsant effect of minocycline might be, at least in part, due to a decline in constitutive hippocampal nitric oxide activity as well as inhibition of NMDA receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Medical Plants Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Nastaran Kordjazy
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arvin Haj-Mirzaian
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shayan Amiri
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Max Rady College of Medicine, Rady Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada
| | - Arya Haj-Mirzaian
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Armin Shirzadian
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amin Hasanvand
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran
| | - Shima Balali-Dehkordi
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Shahid Chamran University of Ahvaz, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Mahsa Hassanipour
- Physiology-Pharmacology Research Center, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Rafsanjan University of Medical Sciences, Rafsanjan, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Mohammad Jafari R, Ghahremani MH, Rahimi N, Shadboorestan A, Rashidian A, Esmaeili J, Ejtemaei Mehr S, Dehpour AR. The anticonvulsant activity and cerebral protection of chronic lithium chloride via NMDA receptor/nitric oxide and phospho-ERK. Brain Res Bull 2018; 137:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2017.10.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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17
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Bahremand T, Payandemehr P, Riazi K, Noorian AR, Payandemehr B, Sharifzadeh M, Dehpour AR. Modulation of the anticonvulsant effect of swim stress by agmatine. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 78:142-148. [PMID: 29195160 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2017] [Revised: 10/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/05/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine is an endogenous l-arginine metabolite with neuroprotective effects in the stress-response system. It exerts anticonvulsant effects against several seizure paradigms. Swim stress induces an anticonvulsant effect by activation of endogenous antiseizure mechanisms. In this study, we investigated the interaction of agmatine with the anticonvulsant effect of swim stress in mice on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizure threshold. Then we studied the involvement of nitric oxide (NO) pathway and endogenous opioid system in that interaction. Swim stress induced an anticonvulsant effect on PTZ seizures which was opioid-independent in shorter than 1-min swim durations and opioid-dependent with longer swims, as it was completely reversed by pretreatment with naltrexone (NTX) (10mg/kg), an opioid receptor antagonist. Agmatine significantly enhanced the anticonvulsant effect of opioid-independent shorter swim stress, in which a combination of subthreshold swim stress duration (45s) and subeffective dose of agmatine (1mg/kg) revealed a significantly higher seizure threshold compared with either one. This effect was significantly reversed by NO synthase inhibitor NG-nitro-l-arginine (L-NAME (Nω-Nitro-L-arginine methyl ester), 5mg/kg), suggesting an NO-dependent mechanism, and was unaffected by NTX (10mg/kg), proving little role for endogenous opioids in the interaction. Our data suggest that pretreatment of animals with agmatine acts additively with short swim stress to exert anticonvulsant responses, possibly by mediating NO pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taraneh Bahremand
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Pooya Payandemehr
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kiarash Riazi
- Hotchkiss Brain Institute, Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, University of Calgary, Canada
| | - Ali Reza Noorian
- Stroke Program, Kaiser Permanente Orange County, Irvine, CA, United States
| | - Borna Payandemehr
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sharifzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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18
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Neis VB, Rosa PB, Olescowicz G, Rodrigues ALS. Therapeutic potential of agmatine for CNS disorders. Neurochem Int 2017; 108:318-331. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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19
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Agmatine: multifunctional arginine metabolite and magic bullet in clinical neuroscience? Biochem J 2017; 474:2619-2640. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, the decarboxylation product of arginine, was largely neglected as an important player in mammalian metabolism until the mid-1990s, when it was re-discovered as an endogenous ligand of imidazoline and α2-adrenergic receptors. Since then, a wide variety of agmatine-mediated effects have been observed, and consequently agmatine has moved from a wallflower existence into the limelight of clinical neuroscience research. Despite this quantum jump in scientific interest, the understanding of the anabolism and catabolism of this amine is still vague. The purification and biochemical characterization of natural mammalian arginine decarboxylase and agmatinase still are open issues. Nevertheless, the agmatinergic system is currently one of the most promising candidates in order to pharmacologically interfere with some major diseases of the central nervous system, which are summarized in the present review. Particularly with respect to major depression, agmatine, its derivatives, and metabolizing enzymes show great promise for the development of an improved treatment of this common disease.
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Singh T, Bagga N, Kaur A, Kaur N, Gawande DY, Goel RK. Agmatine for combined treatment of epilepsy, depression and cognitive impairment in chronic epileptic animals. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 92:720-725. [PMID: 28586743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.05.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Revised: 05/17/2017] [Accepted: 05/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is fourth most common neurological disorders associated with depression and cognitive deficits. As per present scenario, none of the antiseizure drugs have been reported successful to have ameliorative effect on epilepsy associated depression and cognitive deficits. Thus, the study was envisioned to assess an ameliorative potential of agmatine on epilepsy and its efficacy and safety for management of associated depression and cognitive deficits. The animals were made epileptic employing pentylenetetrazole (35mg/kg i.p. every 48±2h) kindling model of epilepsy and subsequently were treated with vehicle, valproic acid (300mg/kg/day i.p.) and agmatine (2.5, 5, and 10mg/kg)/day/i.p. for 15days. Except naïve, all the groups were challenged with same pentylenetetrazole dose as employed during kindling on days 5, 10, and 15 to evaluate seizure severity. Two hours after seizure severity test, tail suspension test and passive shock avoidance paradigm was employed to evaluate depression and cognitive behavior respectively. Results suggested that epileptic animals were significantly associated with depression and cognitive impairment. Chronic valproate treatment significantly reduced seizure severity, but was found unable to mitigate depression and cognitive deficits. However, agmatine treatment dose dependently ameliorated seizure severity as well as associated depression and cognitive deficits. On 15th day, animals were euthanized and pertinent neurochemical estimations were carried out in cortical and hippocampal areas of the mice brain. Thus, study concluded that agmatine ameliorated seizure severity, depression and cognitive impairment in epileptic animals, possibly via restoring glutamate-GABA neurotransmission and serotonin synthesis with decreased nitrosative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanveer Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
| | - Neetu Bagga
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
| | - Anureet Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
| | - Navjot Kaur
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India
| | - Dinesh Yugraj Gawande
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India; Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, Kamptee, Nagpur, Maharashtra, India
| | - Rajesh Kumar Goel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Drug Research, Punjabi University, Patiala, Punjab, 147002, India.
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Agmatine enhances the antidepressant-like effect of lithium in mouse forced swimming test through NMDA pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 88:931-938. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.01.119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2016] [Revised: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
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22
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Amiri S, Haj-Mirzaian A, Amini-Khoei H, Shirzadian A, Rahimi-Balaei M, Razmi A, Bergen H, Rastegar M, Kordjazy N, Haj-Mirzaian A, Ejtemai-Mehr S, Dehpour AR. Lithium attenuates the proconvulsant effect of adolescent social isolation stress via involvement of the nitrergic system. Epilepsy Behav 2016; 61:6-13. [PMID: 27232376 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2016.04.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2016] [Revised: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 04/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
In this study, we tested whether acute administration of lithium mitigates the deleterious effect of adolescent social isolation stress (SIS) on seizure susceptibility. In comparison with socially conditioned (SC) mice, isolated conditioned (IC) mice exhibited an increase in seizure susceptibility to pentylenetetrazole. Acute administration of lithium (10mg/kg) reversed the proconvulsant effect of SIS in IC mice, but this effect was not observed in SC mice. Coadministration of subthreshold doses of lithium (3mg/kg) with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) inhibitors reversed the effect of SIS on seizure susceptibility and decreased hippocampal nitrite levels in IC animals. In addition, a subthreshold dose of a nitric oxide precursor reduced the protective effect of lithium on seizure susceptibility and increased nitrite levels in the hippocampus of IC mice. These results suggest that lithium exerts a protective influence against the proconvulsant effect of adolescent SIS via a nitrergic system that includes activation of neuronal NOS in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayan Amiri
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Arya Haj-Mirzaian
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hossein Amini-Khoei
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Armin Shirzadian
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Rahimi-Balaei
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Ali Razmi
- Medicinal Plants Research Center, Institute of Medicinal Plants, ACECR, Karaj, Iran
| | - Hugo Bergen
- Department of Human Anatomy and Cell Science, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Mojgan Rastegar
- Regenerative Medicine Program, Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, College of Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Nastaran Kordjazy
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arvin Haj-Mirzaian
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahram Ejtemai-Mehr
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Payandemehr B, Bahremand A, Ebrahimi A, Nasrabady SE, Rahimian R, Bahremand T, Sharifzadeh M, Dehpour AR. Protective effects of lithium chloride on seizure susceptibility: Involvement of α2-adrenoceptor. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 133:37-42. [PMID: 25824982 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2015.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 03/19/2015] [Accepted: 03/21/2015] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
For more than 60years, lithium has been the mainstay in the treatment of mental disorders as a mood stabilizer. In addition to the antimanic and antidepressant responses, lithium also shows some anticonvulsant properties. In spite of the ascertained neuroprotective effects of this alkali metal, the underlying mechanisms through which lithium regulates behavior are still poorly understood. Among different targets, some authors suggest neuromodulatory effects of lithium are the consequences of interaction of this agent with the brain neurotransmitters including adrenergic system. In order to study the involvement of α2-adrenergic system in anticonvulsant effect of lithium, we used a model of clonic seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male NMRI mice. Injection of a single effective dose of lithium chloride (30mg/kg, i.p.) significantly increased the seizure threshold (p<0.01). The anticonvulsant effect of an effective dose of lithium was prevented by pre-treatment with low and per se non-effective dose of clonidine [α2-adrenoceptor agonist] (0.05, 0.1 and 0.25mg/kg). On the other hand, yohimbine [α2-adrenoceptor antagonist] augmented the anticonvulsant effect of sub-effective dose of lithium (10mg/kgi.p.) at relatively low doses (0.1, 0.5, 1 and 2.5mg/kg). Moreover, UK14304 [a potent and selective α2-adrenoceptor agonist] (0.05 and 0.1mg/kg) and RX821008 [a potent and selective α2D-adrenoceptor antagonist] (0.05, 0.1 and 0.25mg/kg) repeated the same results confirming that these modulatory effects are conducted specifically through the α2D-adrenoceptors. In summary, our findings demonstrated that α2-adrenoceptor pathway could be involved in the anticonvulsant properties of lithium chloride in the model of chemically induced clonic seizure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Borna Payandemehr
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arash Bahremand
- Institut universitaire en santé mentale de Québec, Québec City, Québec, Canada
| | - Ali Ebrahimi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sara Ebrahimi Nasrabady
- Motor Neuron Center, College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Medical Center, NY, USA
| | - Reza Rahimian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Taraneh Bahremand
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Sharifzadeh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Experimental Medicine Research Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran" to the Ahmad reza Dehpour.
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Xu H, Ou F, Wang P, Naren M, Tu D, Zheng R. High dosage of agmatine alleviates pentylenetetrazole-induced chronic seizures in rats possibly by exerting an anticonvulsive effect. Exp Ther Med 2014; 8:73-78. [PMID: 24944600 PMCID: PMC4061208 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2014.1711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2013] [Accepted: 03/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to investigate the mechanism underlying the effects of different doses of agmatine in rats with chronic epilepsy. To generate chronic epilepsy models, rats pretreated with different doses of agmatine (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected with pentylenetetrazole (35 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days. Epileptic behavior was observed using behavioral measurements of convulsion for 1 h after each treatment with pentylenetetrazole. Morphological alterations of the hippocampal neurons were also observed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. In addition, the expression levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the hippocampus were detected by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction was performed to detect the mRNA expression of two subunits (NR1 and NR2B) of the N-methyl-D-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor in the rat hippocampus. The results demonstrated that administration of agmatine (80 mg/kg) significantly decreased the daily average grade of epileptic seizures and also reduced neuronal loss and astrocyte hyperplasia in the hippocampal area. Furthermore, agmatine (80 mg/kg) affected the mRNA expression levels of the NR1 subunit of the NMDA receptor, however, agmatine had no effect on the expression of iNOS in the hippocampus. Higher doses of agmatine inhibited the effect of pentylenetetrazole in rats, reduced astrocytic hyperplasia and neuronal damage in the hippocampus caused by seizures and selectively reduced the expression of the NR1 subunit of NMDA. Our results suggest that agmatine has an anticonvulsive effect in chronic epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiqin Xu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital and Research Institute of Experimental Neurobiology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Fuyong Ou
- Department of Neurology, Chenzhou No. 1 People's Hospital, Chenzhou, Hunan 423000, P.R. China
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital and Research Institute of Experimental Neurobiology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Mangdula Naren
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital and Research Institute of Experimental Neurobiology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Dongpei Tu
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital and Research Institute of Experimental Neurobiology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Rongyuan Zheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital and Research Institute of Experimental Neurobiology, Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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Nitric oxide mediates the anticonvulsant effects of thalidomide on pentylenetetrazole-induced clonic seizures in mice. Epilepsy Behav 2014; 34:99-104. [PMID: 24735834 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2014.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2014] [Revised: 03/21/2014] [Accepted: 03/23/2014] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Thalidomide is an old glutamic acid derivative which was initially used as a sedative medication but withdrawn from the market due to the high incidence of teratogenicity. Recently, it has reemerged because of its potential for counteracting number of diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders. Other than the antiemetic and hypnotic aspects, thalidomide exerts some anticonvulsant properties in experimental settings. However, the underlying mechanisms of thalidomide actions are not fully realized yet. Some investigations revealed that thalidomide could elicit immunomodulatory or neuromodulatory properties by affecting different targets, including cytokines (such as TNF α), neurotransmitters, and nitric oxide (NO). In this regard, we used a model of clonic seizure induced by pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) in male NMRI mice to investigate whether the anticonvulsant effect of thalidomide is affected through modulation of the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway or not. Injection of a single effective dose of thalidomide (10 mg/kg, i.p. or higher) significantly increased the seizure threshold (P<0.05). On the one hand, pretreatment with low and per se noneffective dose of l-arginine [NO precursor] (10, 30 and 60 mg/kg) prevented the anticonvulsant effect of thalidomide. On the other hand, NOS inhibitors [l-NAME and 7-NI] augmented the anticonvulsant effect of a subeffective dose of thalidomide (1 and 5 mg/kg, i.p.) at relatively low doses. Meanwhile, several doses of aminoguanidine [an inducible NOS inhibitor] (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg) failed to alter the anticonvulsant effect of thalidomide significantly. In summary, our findings demonstrated that the l-arginine-nitric oxide pathway can be involved in the anticonvulsant properties of thalidomide, and the role of constitutive nNOS is prominent in the reported neuroprotective feature.
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Piletz JE, Aricioglu F, Cheng JT, Fairbanks CA, Gilad VH, Haenisch B, Halaris A, Hong S, Lee JE, Li J, Liu P, Molderings GJ, Rodrigues ALS, Satriano J, Seong GJ, Wilcox G, Wu N, Gilad GM. Agmatine: clinical applications after 100 years in translation. Drug Discov Today 2013; 18:880-93. [PMID: 23769988 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) has been known as a natural product for over 100 years, but its biosynthesis in humans was left unexplored owing to long-standing controversy. Only recently has the demonstration of agmatine biosynthesis in mammals revived research, indicating its exceptional modulatory action at multiple molecular targets, including neurotransmitter systems, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and polyamine metabolism, thus providing bases for broad therapeutic applications. This timely review, a concerted effort by 16 independent research groups, draws attention to the substantial preclinical and initial clinical evidence, and highlights challenges and opportunities, for the use of agmatine in treating a spectrum of complex diseases with unmet therapeutic needs, including diabetes mellitus, neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases, opioid addiction, mood disorders, cognitive disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Piletz
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
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27
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Payandemehr B, Rahimian R, Bahremand A, Ebrahimi A, Saadat S, Moghaddas P, Fadakar K, Derakhshanian H, Dehpour AR. Role of nitric oxide in additive anticonvulsant effects of agmatine and morphine. Physiol Behav 2013; 118:52-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2013.05.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2012] [Revised: 04/17/2013] [Accepted: 05/07/2013] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Peng BW, Justice JA, He XH, Sanchez RM. Decreased A-currents in hippocampal dentate granule cells after seizure-inducing hypoxia in the immature rat. Epilepsia 2013; 54:1223-31. [PMID: 23815572 DOI: 10.1111/epi.12150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/13/2013] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cerebral hypoxia is a major cause of neonatal seizures, and can lead to epilepsy. Pathologic anatomic and physiologic changes in the dentate gyrus have been associated with epileptogenesis in many experimental models, as this region is widely believed to gate the propagation of limbic seizures. However, the consequences of hypoxia-induced seizures for the immature dentate gyrus have not been extensively examined. METHODS Seizures were induced by global hypoxia (5-7% O2 for 15 min) in rat pups on postnatal day 10. Whole-cell voltage-clamp recordings were used to examine A-type potassium currents (IA ) in dentate granule cells in hippocampal slices obtained 1-17 days after hypoxia treatment. KEY FINDINGS Seizure-inducing hypoxia resulted in decreased maximum IA amplitude in dentate granule cells recorded within the first week but not at later times after hypoxia treatment. The decreased IA amplitude was not associated with changes in the voltage-dependence of activation or inactivation removal, or in sensitivity to inhibition by 4-aminopyridine (4-AP). However, consistent with the role of IA in shaping firing patterns, we observed in the hypoxia group a significantly decreased latency to first spike with depolarizing current injection from hyperpolarized potentials. These differences were not associated with changes in resting membrane potential or input resistance, and were eliminated by application of 10 m 4-AP. SIGNIFICANCE Given the role of IA to slow action potential firing, decreased IA could contribute to long-term hippocampal pathology after neonatal seizure-inducing hypoxia by increasing dentate granule cell excitability during a critical window of activity-dependent hippocampal maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bi-Wen Peng
- Department of Physiology, Wuhan University School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Sun Y, Yin S, Li S, Yu D, Gong D, Xu J, Lian Y, Sun C. Effects of L-Arginine on Seizure Behavior and Expression of GFAP in Kainic Acid-Treated Rats. NEUROPHYSIOLOGY+ 2013. [DOI: 10.1007/s11062-013-9332-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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30
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Molderings GJ, Haenisch B. Agmatine (decarboxylated l-arginine): Physiological role and therapeutic potential. Pharmacol Ther 2012; 133:351-65. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2011.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2011] [Accepted: 12/05/2011] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
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31
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The pharmacological importance of agmatine in the brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012; 36:502-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Bernstein HG, Stich C, Jäger K, Dobrowolny H, Wick M, Steiner J, Veh R, Bogerts B, Laube G. Agmatinase, an inactivator of the putative endogenous antidepressant agmatine, is strongly upregulated in hippocampal interneurons of subjects with mood disorders. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:237-46. [PMID: 21803059 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The diamine agmatine may serve as a precursor in polyamine synthesis. In addition, agmatine may also act as a neurotransmitter, binding to imidazoline receptors. Behaviorally, agmatine exerts antidepressant-like effects. The enzyme agmatinase degrades agmatine. The gene coding for human agmatinase is located on chromosome 1p36, a gene locus which has been linked to bipolar disorder and major depression, but the enzyme has not yet been studied in the context of neuropsychiatric diseases. We analyzed agmatinase protein expression in postmortem hippocampi of individuals with affective disorders. Data from eleven patients with mood disorders (unipolar and bipolar depression) and twelve matched control cases were compared by immunocytochemical and morphometrical analysis. Agmatinase protein was detected in a subset of hippocampal interneurons. The protein was localized to perikarya, neurites and putative nerve endings contacting hippocampal pyramidal neurons and dentate gyrus granule cells. The number and the numerical density of agmatinase-immunopositive cell bodies were strongly elevated in depressive patients. In addition, a significantly increased density of agmatinase-immunoreactive punctate profiles was observed in the CA(4) region in unipolar and bipolar depression. The reported increased expression of agmatinase suggests a functional relevance of the enzyme in the pathophysiology of human affective disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Gert Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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Ghasemi M, Dehpour AR. The NMDA receptor/nitric oxide pathway: a target for the therapeutic and toxic effects of lithium. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2011; 32:420-34. [PMID: 21492946 DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2011.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Revised: 03/03/2011] [Accepted: 03/11/2011] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Although lithium has largely met its initial promise as the first drug discovered in the modern era of psychopharmacology, to date no definitive mechanism for its effects has been established. It has been proposed that lithium exerts its therapeutic effects by interfering with signal transduction through G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) pathways or direct inhibition of specific targets in signaling systems, including inositol monophosphatase and glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3). Recently, increasing evidence has suggested that N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)/nitric oxide (NO) signaling could mediate some lithium-induced responses in the brain and peripheral tissues. However, the probable role of the NMDAR/NO system in the action of lithium has not been fully elucidated. In this review, we discuss biochemical, preclinical/behavioral and physiological evidence that implicates NMDAR/NO signaling in the therapeutic effect of lithium. NMDAR/NO signaling could also explain some of side effects of lithium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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