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Nikhil J, Maneesha P, Chitra KC. Neurotoxic effects of carbamazepine on the mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. Drug Chem Toxicol 2024:1-15. [PMID: 38804213 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2024.2356048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/11/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
In recent years, the presence of pharmaceuticals in the aquatic environment has gained a significant attention. Carbamazepine, a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, has been consistently found in aquatic environments at concentrations ranging from nanograms to micrograms, raising concerns about its potential negative impacts on aquatic organisms. The study examined the acute and chronic neurotoxic effects of environmentally relevant and sublethal concentrations of carbamazepine in the mosquitofish Gambusia affinis. After a 96-hour exposure period, the median lethal concentration (LC50) of carbamazepine for G. affinis was determined as 24 mg L - 1. For the current study, sublethal concentrations i.e., one-tenth (2.4 mg L - 1) and one-fifth (4.8 mg L - 1) of the LC50 value were chosen for assessing the neurotoxic effects along with the environmentally relevant concentration (13 ng L - 1). The research findings indicated that carbamazepine had a disruptive impact on the typical growth and behavior of the fish. During the acute exposure phase, physical deformities were observed in the fish, resulting in neonatal and postneonatal fatalities. Furthermore, the neurotoxic effects of carbamazepine were clearly demonstrated through alterations in various neurological parameters, including acetylcholinesterase, dopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid, serotonin, monoamine oxidase, 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid, adrenaline, and nor-adrenaline. These findings raise concerns about the survival of fish populations in their natural environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Nikhil
- Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Kerala
| | - Pootheri Maneesha
- Endocrinology and Toxicology Laboratory, Department of Zoology, University of Calicut, Kerala
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2
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Ilyin NP, Petersen EV, Kolesnikova TO, Demin KA, Khatsko SL, Apuhtin KV, Kalueff AV. Developing Peripheral Biochemical Biomarkers of Brain Disorders: Insights from Zebrafish Models. BIOCHEMISTRY. BIOKHIMIIA 2024; 89:377-391. [PMID: 38622104 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297924020160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/17/2024]
Abstract
High prevalence of human brain disorders necessitates development of the reliable peripheral biomarkers as diagnostic and disease-monitoring tools. In addition to clinical studies, animal models markedly advance studying of non-brain abnormalities associated with brain pathogenesis. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is becoming increasingly popular as an animal model organism in translational neuroscience. These fish share some practical advantages over mammalian models together with high genetic homology and evolutionarily conserved biochemical and neurobehavioral phenotypes, thus enabling large-scale modeling of human brain diseases. Here, we review mounting evidence on peripheral biomarkers of brain disorders in zebrafish models, focusing on altered biochemistry (lipids, carbohydrates, proteins, and other non-signal molecules, as well as metabolic reactions and activity of enzymes). Collectively, these data strongly support the utility of zebrafish (from a systems biology standpoint) to study peripheral manifestations of brain disorders, as well as highlight potential applications of biochemical biomarkers in zebrafish models to biomarker-based drug discovery and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nikita P Ilyin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
| | - Elena V Petersen
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, 115184, Russia.
| | - Tatyana O Kolesnikova
- Neuroscience Program, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sochi, 354340, Russia.
| | - Konstantin A Demin
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Moscow, 115184, Russia
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, 197341, Russia
- Laboratory of Preclinical Bioscreening, Granov Russian Research Center of Radiology and Surgical Technologies, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Pesochny, 197758, Russia
| | | | - Kirill V Apuhtin
- Laboratory of Biopsychiatry, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk, 630117, Russia.
- Neuroscience Division, Sirius University of Science and Technology, Sirius Federal Territory, 354340, Russia
| | - Allan V Kalueff
- Institute of Translational Biomedicine, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, 199034, Russia.
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Almazov National Medical Research Centre, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, St. Petersburg, 197341, Russia
- Ural Federal University, Ekaterinburg, 620002, Russia
- Laboratory of Biopsychiatry, Scientific Research Institute of Neurosciences and Medicine, Novosibirsk, 630117, Russia
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3
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Challal S, Skiba A, Langlois M, Esguerra CV, Wolfender JL, Crawford AD, Skalicka-Woźniak K. Natural product-derived therapies for treating drug-resistant epilepsies: From ethnopharmacology to evidence-based medicine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 317:116740. [PMID: 37315641 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116740] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/04/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent neurological human diseases, affecting 1% of the population in all age groups. Despite the availability of over 25 anti-seizure medications (ASMs), which are approved in most industrialized countries, approximately 30% of epilepsy patients still experience seizures that are resistant to these drugs. Since ASMs target only limited number of neurochemical mechanisms, drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) is not only an unmet medical need, but also a formidable challenge in drug discovery. AIM In this review, we examine recently approved epilepsy drugs based on natural product (NP) such as cannabidiol (CBD) and rapamycin, as well as NP-based epilepsy drug candidates still in clinical development, such as huperzine A. We also critically evaluate the therapeutic potential of botanical drugs as polytherapy or adjunct therapy specifically for DRE. METHODS Articles related to ethnopharmacological anti-epileptic medicines and NPs in treating all forms of epilepsy were collected from PubMed and Scopus using keywords related to epilepsy, DRE, herbal medicines, and NPs. The database clinicaltrials.gov was used to find ongoing, terminated and planned clinical trials using herbal medicines or NPs in epilepsy treatment. RESULTS A comprehensive review on anti-epileptic herbal drugs and natural products from the ethnomedical literature is provided. We discuss the ethnomedical context of recently approved drugs and drug candidates derived from NPs, including CBD, rapamycin, and huperzine A. Recently published studies on natural products with preclinical efficacy in animal models of DRE are summarized. Moreover, we highlight that natural products capable of pharmacologically activating the vagus nerve (VN), such as CBD, may be therapeutically useful to treat DRE. CONCLUSIONS The review highlights that herbal drugs utilized in traditional medicine offer a valuable source of potential anti-epileptic drug candidates with novel mechanisms of action, and with clinical promise for the treatment of drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE). Moreover, recently developed NP-based anti-seizure medications (ASMs) indicate the translational potential of metabolites of plant, microbial, fungal and animal origin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soura Challal
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Adrianna Skiba
- Department of Natural Product Chemistry, Medical University of Lublin, Poland
| | - Mélanie Langlois
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Norway
| | - Jean-Luc Wolfender
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Western Switzerland, University of Geneva, Switzerland; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Alexander D Crawford
- Department of Preclinical Sciences and Pathology, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Ås, Norway; Institute for Orphan Drug Discovery, Bremerhavener Innovations- und Gründerzentum (BRIG), Bremerhaven, Germany
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4
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Chitolina R, Gallas-Lopes M, Reis CG, Benvenutti R, Stahlhofer-Buss T, Calcagnotto ME, Herrmann AP, Piato A. Chemically-induced epileptic seizures in zebrafish: A systematic review. Epilepsy Res 2023; 197:107236. [PMID: 37801749 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107236] [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: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023]
Abstract
The use of zebrafish as a model organism is gaining evidence in the field of epilepsy as it may help to understand the mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures. As zebrafish assays became popular, the heterogeneity between protocols increased, making it hard to choose a standard protocol to conduct research while also impairing the comparison of results between studies. We conducted a systematic review to comprehensively profile the chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish. Literature searches were performed in PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, followed by a two-step screening process based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. Qualitative data were extracted, and a sample of 100 studies was randomly selected for risk of bias assessment. Out of the 1058 studies identified after removing duplicates, 201 met the inclusion criteria. We found that the most common chemoconvulsants used in the reviewed studies were pentylenetetrazole (n = 180), kainic acid (n = 11), and pilocarpine (n = 10), which increase seizure severity in a dose-dependent manner. The main outcomes assessed were seizure scores and locomotion. Significant variability between the protocols was observed for administration route, duration of exposure, and dose/concentration. Of the studies subjected to risk of bias assessment, most were rated as low risk of bias for selective reporting (94%), baseline characteristics of the animals (67%), and blinded outcome assessment (54%). Randomization procedures and incomplete data were rated unclear in 81% and 68% of the studies, respectively. None of the studies reported the sample size calculation. Overall, these findings underscore the need for improved methodological and reporting practices to enhance the reproducibility and reliability of zebrafish models for studying epilepsy. Our study offers a comprehensive overview of the current state of chemically-induced seizure models in zebrafish, highlighting the common chemoconvulsants used and the variability in protocol parameters. This may be particularly valuable to researchers interested in understanding the underlying mechanisms of epileptic seizures and screening potential drug candidates in zebrafish models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Chitolina
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Matheus Gallas-Lopes
- Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative in Preclinical Systematic Review and meta-Analysis (BRISA) Collaboration, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos G Reis
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Radharani Benvenutti
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thailana Stahlhofer-Buss
- Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Maria Elisa Calcagnotto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Neuroquímica da Excitabilidade Neuronal e Plasticidade Sináptica (NNNESP Lab), Departamento de bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana P Herrmann
- Brazilian Reproducibility Initiative in Preclinical Systematic Review and meta-Analysis (BRISA) Collaboration, Brazil; Laboratório de Neurobiologia e Psicofarmacologia Experimental (PsychoLab), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Angelo Piato
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Laboratório de Psicofarmacologia e Comportamento (LAPCOM), Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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5
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Martins TG, Soliman R, Cordero-Maldonado ML, Donato C, Ameli C, Mombaerts L, Skupin A, Peri F, Crawford AD. Seizure-induced increase in microglial cell population in the developing zebrafish brain. Epilepsy Res 2023; 195:107203. [PMID: 37572541 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by unprovoked and recurrent seizures, of which 60% are of unknown etiology. Recent studies implicate microglia in the pathophysiology of epilepsy. However, their role in this process, in particular following early-life seizures, remains poorly understood due in part to the lack of suitable experimental models allowing the in vivo imaging of microglial activity. Given the advantage of zebrafish larvae for minimally-invasive imaging approaches, we sought for the first time to describe the microglial responses after acute seizures in two different zebrafish larval models: a chemically-induced epileptic model by the systemic injection of kainate at 3 days post-fertilization, and the didys552 genetic epilepsy model, which carries a mutation in scn1lab that leads to spontaneous epileptiform discharges. Kainate-treated larvae exhibited transient brain damage as shown by increased numbers of apoptotic nuclei as early as one day post-injection, which was followed by an increase in the number of microglia in the brain. A similar microglial phenotype was also observed in didys552-/- mutants, suggesting that microglia numbers change in response to seizure-like activity in the brain. Interestingly, kainate-treated larvae also displayed a decreased seizure threshold towards subsequent pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures, as shown by higher locomotor and encephalographic activity in comparison with vehicle-injected larvae. These results are comparable to kainate-induced rodent seizure models and suggest the suitability of these zebrafish seizure models for future studies, in particular to elucidate the links between epileptogenesis and microglial dynamic changes after seizure induction in the developing brain, and to understand how these modulate seizure susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa G Martins
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
| | - Remon Soliman
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | | | - Cristina Donato
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Corrado Ameli
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Laurent Mombaerts
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Alexander Skupin
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; University of California, San Diego (UCSD), La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - Francesca Peri
- Developmental Biology Group, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Meyerhofstrasse 1, 69117 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexander D Crawford
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Institute for Orphan Drug Discovery, Bremerhaven, Germany.
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6
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Knap B, Nieoczym D, Kundap U, Kusio-Targonska K, Kukula-Koch W, Turski WA, Gawel K. Zebrafish as a robust preclinical platform for screening plant-derived drugs with anticonvulsant properties-a review. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1221665. [PMID: 37701853 PMCID: PMC10493295 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1221665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditionally, selected plant sources have been explored for medicines to treat convulsions. This continues today, especially in countries with low-income rates and poor medical systems. However, in the low-income countries, plant extracts and isolated drugs are in high demand due to their good safety profiles. Preclinical studies on animal models of seizures/epilepsy have revealed the anticonvulsant and/or antiepileptogenic properties of, at least some, herb preparations or plant metabolites. Still, there is a significant number of plants known in traditional medicine that exert anticonvulsant activity but have not been evaluated on animal models. Zebrafish is recognized as a suitable in vivo model of epilepsy research and is increasingly used as a screening platform. In this review, the results of selected preclinical studies are summarized to provide credible information for the future development of effective screening methods for plant-derived antiseizure/antiepileptic therapeutics using zebrafish models. We compared zebrafish vs. rodent data to show the translational value of the former in epilepsy research. We also surveyed caveats in methodology. Finally, we proposed a pipeline for screening new anticonvulsant plant-derived drugs in zebrafish ("from tank to bedside and back again").
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Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Knap
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Uday Kundap
- Canada East Spine Center, Saint John Regional Hospital, Horizon Health Center, Saint John, NB, Canada
| | - Kamila Kusio-Targonska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Department of Pharmacognosy with Medicinal Plants Garden, Medical University, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A. Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Kinga Gawel
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
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7
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D'Amora M, Galgani A, Marchese M, Tantussi F, Faraguna U, De Angelis F, Giorgi FS. Zebrafish as an Innovative Tool for Epilepsy Modeling: State of the Art and Potential Future Directions. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097702. [PMID: 37175408 PMCID: PMC10177843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097702] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
This article discusses the potential of Zebrafish (ZF) (Danio Rerio), as a model for epilepsy research. Epilepsy is a neurological disorder affecting both children and adults, and many aspects of this disease are still poorly understood. In vivo and in vitro models derived from rodents are the most widely used for studying both epilepsy pathophysiology and novel drug treatments. However, researchers have recently obtained several valuable insights into these two fields of investigation by studying ZF. Despite the relatively simple brain structure of these animals, researchers can collect large amounts of data in a much shorter period and at lower costs compared to classical rodent models. This is particularly useful when a large number of candidate antiseizure drugs need to be screened, and ethical issues are minimized. In ZF, seizures have been induced through a variety of chemoconvulsants, primarily pentylenetetrazol (PTZ), kainic acid (KA), and pilocarpine. Furthermore, ZF can be easily genetically modified to test specific aspects of monogenic forms of human epilepsy, as well as to discover potential convulsive phenotypes in monogenic mutants. The article reports on the state-of-the-art and potential new fields of application of ZF research, including its potential role in revealing epileptogenic mechanisms, rather than merely assessing iatrogenic acute seizure modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta D'Amora
- Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, 16163 Genova, Italy
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56125 Pisa, Italy
| | - Alessandro Galgani
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Maria Marchese
- Molecular Medicine and Neurobiology-ZebraLab, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Ugo Faraguna
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Fondazione Stella Maris, 56128 Pisa, Italy
| | | | - Filippo Sean Giorgi
- Department of Translational Research and of New Surgical and Medical Technologies, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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8
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Sun S, Wang H. Clocking Epilepsies: A Chronomodulated Strategy-Based Therapy for Rhythmic Seizures. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24044223. [PMID: 36835631 PMCID: PMC9962262 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24044223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder characterized by hypersynchronous recurrent neuronal activities and seizures, as well as loss of muscular control and sometimes awareness. Clinically, seizures have been reported to display daily variations. Conversely, circadian misalignment and circadian clock gene variants contribute to epileptic pathogenesis. Elucidation of the genetic bases of epilepsy is of great importance because the genetic variability of the patients affects the efficacies of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). For this narrative review, we compiled 661 epilepsy-related genes from the PHGKB and OMIM databases and classified them into 3 groups: driver genes, passenger genes, and undetermined genes. We discuss the potential roles of some epilepsy driver genes based on GO and KEGG analyses, the circadian rhythmicity of human and animal epilepsies, and the mutual effects between epilepsy and sleep. We review the advantages and challenges of rodents and zebrafish as animal models for epileptic studies. Finally, we posit chronomodulated strategy-based chronotherapy for rhythmic epilepsies, integrating several lines of investigation for unraveling circadian mechanisms underpinning epileptogenesis, chronopharmacokinetic and chronopharmacodynamic examinations of AEDs, as well as mathematical/computational modeling to help develop time-of-day-specific AED dosing schedules for rhythmic epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sha Sun
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
| | - Han Wang
- Center for Circadian Clocks, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- School of Biology and Basic Medical Sciences, Suzhou Medical College, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, China
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-186-0512-8971
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9
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Pedroso J, Schneider SE, Lima-Rezende CA, Aguiar GPS, Müller LG, Oliveira JV, Piato A, Siebel AM. Evaluation of Resveratrol and Piceatannol Anticonvulsant Potential in Adult Zebrafish (Danio rerio). Neurochem Res 2022; 47:3250-3260. [PMID: 35750876 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03656-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder which affects 50 million people worldwide. Patients with epilepsy may present cognitive deficits and psychological impairment. Currently, 30% of patients fail to respond to any available antiseizure drug, and a significant number of patients do not well tolerate the offered treatments. Then, it is necessary to find out alternatives for controlling epileptic seizures. Studies have shown that despite its neuroprotective effects, resveratrol shows poor anticonvulsant properties. Resveratrol analog, piceatannol, possesses higher biological activity than resveratrol and could be an alternative to control seizure. Thus, the present study investigated the effects of resveratrol and piceatannol in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). Only the experimental positive control (diazepam) showed anticonvulsant effect in this study. In addition, no behavioral changes were observed 24 h after seizure occurrence. Finally, the expression of genes related to neuronal activity (c-fos), neurogenesis (p70S6Ka and p70S6Kb), inflammatory response (interleukin 1β), and cell apoptosis (caspase-3) did not change by pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures. Therefore, we failed to observe any anticonvulsant and neuroprotective potential of resveratrol and piceatannol in adult zebrafish. However, resveratrol and piceatannol benefits in epilepsy are not discharged, and more studies are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jefferson Pedroso
- Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Sabrina Ester Schneider
- Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Cássia Alves Lima-Rezende
- División Ornitología, Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales, Buenos Aires, Argentina.,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Gean Pablo S Aguiar
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - Liz Girardi Müller
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brazil
| | - J Vladimir Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.,Departamento de Engenharia Química e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Angelo Piato
- Departamento de Farmacologia, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Anna Maria Siebel
- Curso de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brazil. .,Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Comunitária da Região de Chapecó, Chapecó, SC, Brazil.
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10
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Aslanli A, Lyagin I, Efremenko E. Decarboxylases as hypothetical targets for actions of organophosphates: Molecular modeling for prediction of hidden and unexpected health threats. Food Chem Toxicol 2022; 161:112856. [PMID: 35151785 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2022.112856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The rise of various neurodegenerative disorders are somewhat correlating with the worldwide application of multiple anthropogenic toxicants. Though different possible targets were revealed to date, for example, for organophosphorus compounds (OPs), plenty of questions remain. Several decarboxylases (aromatic amino acid decarboxylase, AADC; histidine decarboxylase, HDC; glutamate decarboxylase, GAD) catalyze the biosynthesis of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators and contain pyridoxal phosphate (PLP) as a cofactor. In the current work, 18 OPs which have different neurotoxicity (chemical warfare agents and pesticides) and can penetrate through the blood-brain barrier, were selected. Then, their possible interaction with these decarboxylases in both apo- and holoforms was revealed using computer modeling methods (molecular docking and dynamics). The main amino acid residues of the enzymes responsible for binding OPs have been identified. Individual substances that are most dangerous from the point of view of a possible negative effect on the activity of several decarboxylases were revealed among studied OPs. Glyphosate should be of special interest, since it is not highly toxic towards serine hydrolases, but may prove to be a strong inhibitor for decarboxylases. Holo-AADC could be the most inhibition-prone enzyme among all those investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aysel Aslanli
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ilya Lyagin
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991, Moscow, Russia; N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics RAS, Kosygin str., 4, 119334, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Efremenko
- Faculty of Chemistry, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Lenin Hills 1/3, 119991, Moscow, Russia; N.M. Emanuel Institute of Biochemical Physics RAS, Kosygin str., 4, 119334, Moscow, Russia.
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11
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Cho SJ, Park E, Baker A, Reid AY. Post-Traumatic Epilepsy in Zebrafish Is Drug-Resistant and Impairs Cognitive Function. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:3174-3183. [PMID: 34409844 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2021.0156] [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] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is acquired epilepsy after traumatic brain injury (TBI). Despite the availability of more than 20 antiseizure medications (ASMs), there is no way at present to prevent epileptogenesis in TBI survivors, and many cases of PTE become drug-resistant. Importantly, the adverse effects of ASMs can significantly affect patients' quality of life. Mammalian models are commonly used for studying refractory PTE, but are expensive and laborious. Zebrafish models have become popular for studying epilepsy, but most focus on larvae, and there have been no reports to date of pharmacological screening in an adult zebrafish model of acquired epilepsy. Valid animal models are critical for understanding PTE and for developing novel therapeutics. The aim of the present study was to characterize the cognitive impairments of a zebrafish model of TBI that leads to the development of PTE. Using combined behavioral and electrophysiological approaches, we also characterized the pharmacological effects of the most commonly used ASMs to manage PTE (valproate, carbamazepine, and phenytoin). Zebrafish with PTE exhibited impairments in learning and memory, difficulty in decision making, and reduced social preference. Valproate and carbamazepine had a limited protective effect against behavioral seizures, and all three drugs failed to significantly reduce electrographical seizures. The negative impacts of TBI and ASMs in zebrafish parallel those observed in other animals, making the zebrafish model of PTE a promising high-throughput model of refractory and drug-resistant epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Joon Cho
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, Departments of University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Eugene Park
- Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrew Baker
- Keenan Research Center, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Anesthesia and Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Aylin Y Reid
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.,Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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12
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Lu D, Ma R, Xie Q, Xu Z, Yuan J, Ren M, Li J, Li Y, Wang J. Application and advantages of zebrafish model in the study of neurovascular unit. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174483. [PMID: 34481878 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174483] [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: 07/14/2021] [Revised: 08/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The concept of "Neurovascular Unit" (NVU) was put forward, so that the research goal of Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases gradually transitioned from a single neuron to the structural and functional integrity of the NVU. Zebrafish has the advantages of high homology with human genes, strong reproductive capacity and visualization of neural circuits, so it has become an emerging model organism for NVU research and has been applied to a variety of CNS diseases. Based on CNKI (https://www.cnki.net/) and PubMed (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/about/) databases, the author of this article sorted out the relevant literature, analyzed the construction of a zebrafish model of various CNS diseases,and the use of diagrams showed the application of zebrafish in the NVU, revealed its relationship, which would provide new methods and references for the treatment and research of CNS diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danni Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Rong Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qian Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zhuo Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jianmei Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Mihong Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jinxiu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jian Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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13
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Heylen L, Pham DH, De Meulemeester AS, Samarut É, Skiba A, Copmans D, Kazwiny Y, Vanden Berghe P, de Witte PAM, Siekierska A. Pericardial Injection of Kainic Acid Induces a Chronic Epileptic State in Larval Zebrafish. Front Mol Neurosci 2021; 14:753936. [PMID: 34720874 PMCID: PMC8551382 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2021.753936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common disorder of the brain characterized by spontaneous recurrent seizures, which develop gradually during a process called epileptogenesis. The mechanistic processes underlying the changes of brain tissue and networks toward increased seizure susceptibility are not fully understood. In rodents, injection of kainic acid (KA) ultimately leads to the development of spontaneous epileptic seizures, reflecting similar neuropathological characteristics as seen in patients with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Although this model has significantly contributed to increased knowledge of epileptogenesis, it is technically demanding, costly to operate and hence not suitable for high-throughput screening of anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). Zebrafish, a vertebrate with complementary advantages to rodents, is an established animal model for epilepsy research. Here, we generated a novel KA-induced epilepsy model in zebrafish larvae that we functionally and pharmacologically validated. KA was administered by pericardial injection at an early zebrafish larval stage. The epileptic phenotype induced was examined by quantification of seizure-like behavior using automated video recording, and of epileptiform brain activity measured via local field potential (LFP) recordings. We also assessed GFP-labeled GABAergic and RFP-labeled glutamatergic neurons in double transgenic KA-injected zebrafish larvae, and examined the GABA and glutamate levels in the larval heads by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry detection (LC-MS/MS). Finally, KA-injected larvae were exposed to five commonly used AEDs by immersion for pharmacological characterization of the model. Shortly after injection, KA induced a massive damage and inflammation in the zebrafish brain and seizure-like locomotor behavior. An abnormal reorganization of brain circuits was observed, a decrease in both GABAergic and glutamatergic neuronal population and their associated neurotransmitters. Importantly, these changes were accompanied by spontaneous and continuous epileptiform brain discharges starting after a short latency period, as seen in KA rodent models and reminiscent of human pathology. Three out of five AEDs tested rescued LFP abnormalities but did not affect the seizure-like behavior. Taken together, for the first time we describe a chemically-induced larval zebrafish epilepsy model offering unique insights into studying epileptogenic processes in vivo and suitable for high-throughput AED screening purposes and rapid genetic investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lise Heylen
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Duc-Hung Pham
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | | | - Éric Samarut
- Department of Neurosciences, Research Center of the University of Montreal Hospital Center, University of Montreal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Modelis Inc., Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Adrianna Skiba
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Daniëlle Copmans
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Youcef Kazwiny
- Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Pieter Vanden Berghe
- Laboratory for Enteric Neuroscience, Translational Research Center for Gastrointestinal Disorders, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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Gawel K, Kukula-Koch W, Banono NS, Nieoczym D, Targowska-Duda KM, Czernicka L, Parada-Turska J, Esguerra CV. 6-Gingerol, a Major Constituent of Zingiber officinale Rhizoma, Exerts Anticonvulsant Activity in the Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure Model in Larval Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7745. [PMID: 34299361 PMCID: PMC8305044 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22147745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Zingiber officinale is one of the most frequently used medicinal herbs in Asia. Using rodent seizure models, it was previously shown that Zingiber officinale hydroethanolic extract exerts antiseizure activity, but the active constituents responsible for this effect have not been determined. In this paper, we demonstrated that Zingiber officinale methanolic extract exerts anticonvulsant activity in the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced hyperlocomotion assay in larval zebrafish. Next, we isolated 6-gingerol (6-GIN)-a major constituent of Zingiber officinale rhizoma. We observed that 6-GIN exerted potent dose-dependent anticonvulsant activity in the PTZ-induced hyperlocomotion seizure assay in zebrafish, which was confirmed electroencephalographically. To obtain further insight into the molecular mechanisms of 6-GIN antiseizure activity, we assessed the concentration of two neurotransmitters in zebrafish, i.e., inhibitory γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and excitatory glutamic acid (GLU), and their ratio after exposure to acute PTZ dose. Here, 6-GIN decreased GLU level and reduced the GLU/GABA ratio in PTZ-treated fish compared with only PTZ-bathed fish. This activity was associated with the decrease in grin2b, but not gabra1a, grin1a, gria1a, gria2a, and gria3b expression in PTZ-treated fish. Molecular docking to the human NR2B-containing N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor suggests that 6-GIN might act as an inhibitor and interact with the amino terminal domain, the glutamate-binding site, as well as within the ion channel of the NR2B-containing NMDA receptor. In summary, our study reveals, for the first time, the anticonvulsant activity of 6-GIN. We suggest that this effect might at least be partially mediated by restoring the balance between GABA and GLU in the epileptic brain; however, more studies are needed to prove our hypothesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Str. 8b, 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Wirginia Kukula-Koch
- Chair and Department of Pharmacognosy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki Str. 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Nancy Saana Banono
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
| | - Dorota Nieoczym
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Marie Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka Str. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland;
| | | | - Lidia Czernicka
- Chair and Department of Food and Nutrition, Medical University of Lublin, Chodzki Str. 4a, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jolanta Parada-Turska
- Department of Rheumatology and Connective Tissue Diseases, Medical University of Lublin, 20-090 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Camila V. Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, 0349 Oslo, Norway; (N.S.B.); (C.V.E.)
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15
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Pieróg M, Socała K, Doboszewska U, Wyska E, Guz L, Szopa A, Serefko A, Poleszak E, Wlaź P. Effects of classic antiseizure drugs on seizure activity and anxiety-like behavior in adult zebrafish. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2021; 415:115429. [PMID: 33524447 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2021.115429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The zebrafish is extensively used as a model organism for studying several disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), including epilepsy. Some antiseizure drugs (ASDs) have been shown to produce discrepant results in larvae and adults zebrafish, therefore, their anticonvulsant efficacy in subsequent stages of the pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures should be more precisely characterized. The purpose of this study was to investigate behavioral effects of five classic ASDs: valproate (VPA), phenytoin (PHT), carbamazepine (CBZ), diazepam (DZP), and phenobarbital (PB) administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in the PTZ-induced seizure test in adult zebrafish. We determined the time of maximal effect and the dose-response relationship of the studied ASDs. Furthermore, we assessed changes in the locomotor activity and the anxiety-like behavior in the color preference test. Moreover, drug concentrations in zebrafish homogenates were examined. VPA, DZP, and PB significantly increased the seizure latency at three subsequent stages of seizures (SI-SIII). PHT produced the anticonvulsant-like effect at SI and SII, while CBZ was effective at SII and SIII. Only DZP decreased zebrafish locomotor activity. A strong anxiolytic-like effect was observed after administration of PHT and PB. A weak anxiolytic-like effect occurred after treatment with VPA and DZP. The HPLC analysis showed the average concentrations of the studied ASDs in the fish body during the maximum anticonvulsant activity of each drug. Our results confirm the advantages of using zebrafish with the mature CNS over larval models and its utility to investigate some neuropharmacological properties of the tested drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mateusz Pieróg
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Elżbieta Wyska
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Physical Pharmacy, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Medyczna 9, PL 30-688 Kraków, Poland
| | - Leszek Guz
- Department of Fish Diseases and Biology, Institute of Biological Bases of Animal Diseases, University of Life Sciences, Akademicka 12, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Szopa
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Chair and Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Sklodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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16
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Chen H, Yang H, Zhao Y, Gu X, Martyniuk CJ. Development and Molecular Investigation into the Effects of Carbamazepine Exposure in the Zebrafish ( Danio rerio). INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17238882. [PMID: 33260372 PMCID: PMC7731368 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17238882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2020] [Revised: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Concerns regarding environmental exposures and the impacts of pharmaceuticals on non-target aquatic organisms continue to increase. The antiepileptic drug carbamazepine (CBZ) is often detected as an aquatic contaminant and can disrupt various behaviors of fishes. However, there are few reports which investigate the mechanism of CBZ action in fish. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effects of CBZ on embryonic development (i.e., hatching rate, heart rate, and body length) and early spontaneous movement. Moreover, we sought to investigate potential mechanisms by focusing on the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) neurotransmitter system in zebrafish 6 days after of exposure. The results show that CBZ exposure did not cause significant effects on embryo development (hatching rate, heart rate, nor body length) at the test concentrations. However, the early spontaneous movement of embryos was inhibited following 10 μg/L CBZ exposure at 28-29 h post-fertilization (hpf). In addition, acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and GABA concentrations were increased with exposure, whereas glutamate (Glu) concentrations were decreased in larval zebrafish. Gene expression analysis revealed that GABA and glutamate metabolic pathways in zebrafish larvae were altered following exposure to CBZ. GABA transaminase (abat) and glutamic acid decarboxylase (gad1b) decreased to 100 µg/L, and glutamate receptor, ionotropic, N-methyl D-aspartate 1b (grin1b) as well as the glutamate receptor, ionotropic, α-amino-3hydroxy-5methylisoxazole-4propionic 2b (gria2b) were down-regulated with exposure to 1 µg/L CBZ. Our study suggests that CBZ, which can act as an agonist of the GABAA receptor in humans, can also induce alterations in the GABAergic system in fish. Overall, this study improves understanding of the neurotoxicity and behavioral toxicity of zebrafish exposed to CBZ and generates data to be used to understand mechanisms of action that may underlie antiepileptic drug exposures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huihui Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; (H.C.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- State Key Laboratory of Developmental Biology of Freshwater Fish, College of Life Sciences, Hunan Normal University, Changsha 410081, China
| | - Huiting Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; (H.C.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Inner Mongolia Key Laboratory of Environmental Pollution Control & Waste Resource Reuse, School of Ecology and Environment, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot 010021, China
| | - Yanyan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; (H.C.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Xiaohong Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Lake Science and Environment, Nanjing Institute of Geography and Limnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Nanjing 210008, China; (H.C.); (H.Y.); (Y.Z.)
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Regional Modern Agriculture & Environmental Protection, Huaiyin Normal University, Huaian 223300, China
- Correspondence:
| | - Christopher J. Martyniuk
- Department of Physiological Sciences and Center for Environmental and Human Toxicology, University of Florida Genetics Institute, Interdisciplinary Program in Biomedical Sciences Neuroscience, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32611, USA;
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17
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Micronized Resveratrol Shows Anticonvulsant Properties in Pentylenetetrazole-Induced Seizure Model in Adult Zebrafish. Neurochem Res 2020; 46:241-251. [PMID: 33108629 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03158-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Revised: 10/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy affects 50 million people around the world, and the patients experience cognitive, psychological and social consequences. Despite the considerable quantity of antiepileptic drugs available, 30% of patients still suffer in seizure. Therefore, the advance in therapeutic alternatives is mandatory. Resveratrol has been attracting the attention of many researchers because of its pharmacological potential. However, despite its neuroprotective and anti-epileptic effects, clinical resveratrol use is impaired by its low bioavailability. Here, we applied the supercritical fluid micronization technology (SEDS) to overcome this deficit, and investigated the anticonvulsant potential of micronized resveratrol in a PTZ-induced seizure model in adult zebrafish (Danio rerio). SEDS permits obtaining significantly reduced particle size with a fine size distribution in comparison with the starting material. It can improve the pharmacotherapeutic efficacy. Our data showed that micronized resveratrol decreased the occurrence of the tonic-clonic seizure stage and slowed the development of the seizures in a similar manner of diazepam. Non-processed resveratrol was not able to protect the animals. Furthermore, diazepam decreased the locomotion and exploratory behavior. Differently from diazepam, the micronized resveratrol did not induce behavioral adverse events. In addition, our data showed that the PTZ-induced seizures increased the c-fos transcript levels following the neural excitability. However, the increase in c-fos levels was prevented by micronized resveratrol. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that the micronized resveratrol shows anticonvulsant effect, like the classical antiepileptic drug diazepam in a PTZ-induced seizure model. Excitingly, different from diazepam, micronized resveratrol did not provoke behavioral adverse events.
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18
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Löscher W, Potschka H, Sisodiya SM, Vezzani A. Drug Resistance in Epilepsy: Clinical Impact, Potential Mechanisms, and New Innovative Treatment Options. Pharmacol Rev 2020; 72:606-638. [PMID: 32540959 PMCID: PMC7300324 DOI: 10.1124/pr.120.019539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 83.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic neurologic disorder that affects over 70 million people worldwide. Despite the availability of over 20 antiseizure drugs (ASDs) for symptomatic treatment of epileptic seizures, about one-third of patients with epilepsy have seizures refractory to pharmacotherapy. Patients with such drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) have increased risks of premature death, injuries, psychosocial dysfunction, and a reduced quality of life, so development of more effective therapies is an urgent clinical need. However, the various types of epilepsy and seizures and the complex temporal patterns of refractoriness complicate the issue. Furthermore, the underlying mechanisms of DRE are not fully understood, though recent work has begun to shape our understanding more clearly. Experimental models of DRE offer opportunities to discover, characterize, and challenge putative mechanisms of drug resistance. Furthermore, such preclinical models are important in developing therapies that may overcome drug resistance. Here, we will review the current understanding of the molecular, genetic, and structural mechanisms of ASD resistance and discuss how to overcome this problem. Encouragingly, better elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underpinning epilepsies and drug resistance by concerted preclinical and clinical efforts have recently enabled a revised approach to the development of more promising therapies, including numerous potential etiology-specific drugs (“precision medicine”) for severe pediatric (monogenetic) epilepsies and novel multitargeted ASDs for acquired partial epilepsies, suggesting that the long hoped-for breakthrough in therapy for as-yet ASD-resistant patients is a feasible goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang Löscher
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany (W.L.); Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany (W.L.); Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany (H.P.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom (S.S); and Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milano, Italy (A.V.)
| | - Heidrun Potschka
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany (W.L.); Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany (W.L.); Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany (H.P.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom (S.S); and Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milano, Italy (A.V.)
| | - Sanjay M Sisodiya
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany (W.L.); Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany (W.L.); Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany (H.P.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom (S.S); and Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milano, Italy (A.V.)
| | - Annamaria Vezzani
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Pharmacy, University of Veterinary Medicine, Hannover, Germany (W.L.); Center for Systems Neuroscience, Hannover, Germany (W.L.); Institute of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Germany (H.P.); Department of Clinical and Experimental Epilepsy, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, United Kingdom (S.S); and Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Milano, Italy (A.V.)
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Cho SJ, Park E, Baker A, Reid AY. Age Bias in Zebrafish Models of Epilepsy: What Can We Learn From Old Fish? Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:573303. [PMID: 33015065 PMCID: PMC7511771 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.573303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish are a powerful tool for investigating epilepsy. Mammalian seizures can be recapitulated molecularly, behaviorally, and electrophysiologically, using a fraction of the resources required for experiments in mammals. Larval zebrafish offer exceptionally economical and high-throughput approaches and are amenable to state-of-the-art genetic engineering techniques, providing valuable transgenic models of human diseases. For these reasons, larvae tend to be chosen for studying epilepsy, but the value of adult zebrafish may be underappreciated. Zebrafish exhibit transient larval - adult duality. The incompletely developed neural system of larval zebrafish may limit the translation of complex neurological disorders. Larval zebrafish go through dynamic changes during ontogenesis, whereas adult zebrafish are physiologically more stable. Adult zebrafish have a full range of complex brain structures and functions, such as an endothelial blood-brain barrier and adult neurogenesis, both are significant factors in epilepsy research. This review highlights the differences between larval and adult zebrafish that should be considered in pathophysiological and pharmacological studies of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Joon Cho
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Collaborative Program in Neuroscience, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Keenan Research Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Eugene Park
- Keenan Research Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Andrew Baker
- Keenan Research Center, St. Michael’s Hospital, Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Anesthesia and Surgery, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Aylin Y. Reid
- Division of Fundamental Neurobiology, Krembil Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Gawel K, Langlois M, Martins T, van der Ent W, Tiraboschi E, Jacmin M, Crawford AD, Esguerra CV. Seizing the moment: Zebrafish epilepsy models. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 116:1-20. [PMID: 32544542 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish are now widely accepted as a valuable animal model for a number of different central nervous system (CNS) diseases. They are suitable both for elucidating the origin of these disorders and the sequence of events culminating in their onset, and for use as a high-throughput in vivo drug screening platform. The availability of powerful and effective techniques for genome manipulation allows the rapid modelling of different genetic epilepsies and of conditions with seizures as a core symptom. With this review, we seek to summarize the current knowledge about existing epilepsy/seizures models in zebrafish (both pharmacological and genetic) and compare them with equivalent rodent and human studies. New findings obtained from the zebrafish models are highlighted. We believe that this comprehensive review will highlight the value of zebrafish as a model for investigating different aspects of epilepsy and will help researchers to use these models to their full extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway; Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Teresa Martins
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Wietske van der Ent
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Ettore Tiraboschi
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway; Neurophysics Group, Center for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Piazza Manifattura 1, Building 14, 38068, Rovereto, TN, Italy
| | - Maxime Jacmin
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg
| | - Alexander D Crawford
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Belval, Luxembourg; Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Norwegian University of Life Sciences (NMBU), Oslo, Norway
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway (NCMM), University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway.
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21
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Nabinger DD, Altenhofen S, Bonan CD. Zebrafish models: Gaining insight into purinergic signaling and neurological disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2020; 98:109770. [PMID: 31678483 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been considered a complementary model for biomedical studies, especially due to advantages such as external and rapid development, and genetic manipulation. There is growing interest in this model in neuroscience research since the species has morphological and physiological similarities to mammals and a complex behavioral repertoire. The purinergic signaling has been described in zebrafish, and purinoceptors and nucleotide- and nucleoside-metabolizing enzymes have already been identified in the central nervous system (CNS) of this species. The involvement of the purinergic system in several models of neurological disorders, such as Alzheimers disease, Parkinson's disease, epilepsy, schizophrenia, and autism has been investigated in zebrafish. This mini review presents several studies describing purinergic signaling in the zebrafish CNS and the action of this neurotransmitter system in models of neurological disorders using this species as a biological model. The use of pharmacological approaches at different stages of development may be a useful tool for preclinical assays and the testing of purinergic compounds as new alternatives for the treatment of neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora Dreher Nabinger
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Cerebrais, Excitotoxicidade e Neuroproteção, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Stefani Altenhofen
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Cerebrais, Excitotoxicidade e Neuroproteção, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carla Denise Bonan
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica e Psicofarmacologia, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biologia Celular e Molecular, Escola de Ciências, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina e Ciências da Saúde, Escola de Medicina, Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Doenças Cerebrais, Excitotoxicidade e Neuroproteção, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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22
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Gawel K, Turski WA, van der Ent W, Mathai BJ, Kirstein-Smardzewska KJ, Simonsen A, Esguerra CV. Phenotypic Characterization of Larval Zebrafish (Danio rerio) with Partial Knockdown of the cacna1a Gene. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:1904-1916. [PMID: 31875924 PMCID: PMC7118054 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01860-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The CACNA1A gene encodes the pore-forming α1 subunit of voltage-gated P/Q type Ca2+ channels (Cav2.1). Mutations in this gene, among others, have been described in patients and rodents suffering from absence seizures and episodic ataxia type 2 with/without concomitant seizures. In this study, we aimed for the first time to assess phenotypic and behavioral alterations in larval zebrafish with partial cacna1aa knockdown, placing special emphasis on changes in epileptiform-like electrographic discharges in larval brains. Whole-mount in situ hybridization analysis revealed expression of cacna1aa in the optic tectum and medulla oblongata of larval zebrafish at 4 and 5 days post-fertilization. Next, microinjection of two antisense morpholino oligomers (individually or in combination) targeting all splice variants of cacna1aa into fertilized zebrafish eggs resulted in dose-dependent mortality and decreased or absent touch response. Over 90% knockdown of cacna1aa on protein level induced epileptiform-like discharges in the optic tectum of larval zebrafish brains. Incubation of morphants with antiseizure drugs (sodium valproate, ethosuximide, lamotrigine, topiramate) significantly decreased the number and, in some cases, cumulative duration of epileptiform-like discharges. In this context, sodium valproate seemed to be the least effective. Carbamazepine did not affect the number and duration of epileptiform-like discharges. Altogether, our data indicate that cacna1aa loss-of-function zebrafish may be considered a new model of absence epilepsy and may prove useful both for the investigation of Cacna1a-mediated epileptogenesis and for in vivo drug screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Gawel
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Waldemar A Turski
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego St. 8b, 20-090, Lublin, Poland
| | - Wietske van der Ent
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Benan J Mathai
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 1112 Blindern, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Karolina J Kirstein-Smardzewska
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Simonsen
- Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences and Centre for Cancer Cell Reprogramming, Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, 1112 Blindern, 0317, Oslo, Norway
| | - Camila V Esguerra
- Chemical Neuroscience Group, Centre for Molecular Medicine Norway, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Gaustadalléen 21, Forskningsparken, 0349, Oslo, Norway. .,School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, Sem Sælandsvei 24, 0371, Oslo, Norway.
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23
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Fu Y, Wang W, Gong Q, Zhang H, Zhao W. Neuroprotective Dihydro-β-agarofuran-Type Sesquiterpenes from the Seeds of Euonymus maackii. JOURNAL OF NATURAL PRODUCTS 2019; 82:3096-3103. [PMID: 31713425 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jnatprod.9b00701] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Twenty-one dihydro-β-agarofuran derivatives were purified from the seeds of Euonymus maackii, and eight compounds (1-8) were identified as new natural products. Their structures were deduced by extensive spectroscopic analysis, X-ray diffraction studies, and comparison of observed and reported NMR data. Compounds 10, 12, 17, and 18 significantly increased the cell viability of Aβ25-35-treated SH-SY5Y cells with effects similar to that of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). In addition, the abundant compound 9 reduced the seizure-like locomotor activity of zebrafish at 10 μM compared with a pentylenetetrazol-treated group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Fu
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Gong
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , People's Republic of China
| | - Haiyan Zhang
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , People's Republic of China
| | - Weimin Zhao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Shanghai 201203 , People's Republic of China
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24
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A strategy for absolute quantitation of isomers using high performance liquid chromatography-ion mobility mass spectrometry and material balance principle. J Chromatogr A 2018; 1571:140-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.chroma.2018.08.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/24/2018] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
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25
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Copmans D, Rateb M, Tabudravu JN, Pérez-Bonilla M, Dirkx N, Vallorani R, Diaz C, Pérez del Palacio J, Smith AJ, Ebel R, Reyes F, Jaspars M, de Witte PAM. Zebrafish-Based Discovery of Antiseizure Compounds from the Red Sea: Pseurotin A 2 and Azaspirofuran A. ACS Chem Neurosci 2018; 9:1652-1662. [PMID: 29672015 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.8b00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In search for novel antiseizure drugs (ASDs), the European FP7-funded PharmaSea project used zebrafish embryos and larvae as a drug discovery platform to screen marine natural products to identify promising antiseizure hits in vivo for further development. Within the framework of this project, seven known heterospirocyclic γ-lactams, namely, pseurotin A, pseurotin A2, pseurotin F1, 11- O-methylpseurotin A, pseurotin D, azaspirofuran A, and azaspirofuran B, were isolated from the bioactive marine fungus Aspergillus fumigatus, and their antiseizure activity was evaluated in the larval zebrafish pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure model. Pseurotin A2 and azaspirofuran A were identified as antiseizure hits, while their close chemical analogues were inactive. Besides, electrophysiological analysis from the zebrafish midbrain demonstrated that pseurotin A2 and azaspirofuran A also ameliorate PTZ-induced epileptiform discharges. Next, to determine whether these findings translate to mammalians, both compounds were analyzed in the mouse 6 Hz (44 mA) psychomotor seizure model. They lowered the seizure duration dose-dependently, thereby confirming their antiseizure properties and suggesting activity against drug-resistant seizures. Finally, in a thorough ADMET assessment, pseurotin A2 and azaspirofuran A were found to be drug-like. Based on the prominent antiseizure activity in both species and the drug-likeness, we propose pseurotin A2 and azaspirofuran A as lead compounds that are worth further investigation for the treatment of epileptic seizures. This study not only provides the first evidence of antiseizure activity of pseurotins and azaspirofurans, but also demonstrates the value of the zebrafish model in (marine) natural product drug discovery in general, and for ASD discovery in particular.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Copmans
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Mostafa Rateb
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, Scotland, United Kingdom
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacognosy Department, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62513, Egypt
| | - Jioji N. Tabudravu
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Mercedes Pérez-Bonilla
- Fundación
MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos
Innovadores en Andalucía, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias
de la Salud, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Nina Dirkx
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Riccardo Vallorani
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Caridad Diaz
- Fundación
MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos
Innovadores en Andalucía, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias
de la Salud, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - José Pérez del Palacio
- Fundación
MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos
Innovadores en Andalucía, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias
de la Salud, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Alan J. Smith
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Rainer Ebel
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Fernando Reyes
- Fundación
MEDINA, Centro de Excelencia en Investigación de Medicamentos
Innovadores en Andalucía, Parque Tecnológico de Ciencias
de la Salud, E-18016 Granada, Spain
| | - Marcel Jaspars
- Marine Biodiscovery Centre, Department of Chemistry, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB24 3UE, Scotland, United Kingdom
| | - Peter A. M. de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
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26
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Eimon PM, Ghannad-Rezaie M, De Rienzo G, Allalou A, Wu Y, Gao M, Roy A, Skolnick J, Yanik MF. Brain activity patterns in high-throughput electrophysiology screen predict both drug efficacies and side effects. Nat Commun 2018; 9:219. [PMID: 29335539 PMCID: PMC5768723 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-02404-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/25/2017] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurological drugs are often associated with serious side effects, yet drug screens typically focus only on efficacy. We demonstrate a novel paradigm utilizing high-throughput in vivo electrophysiology and brain activity patterns (BAPs). A platform with high sensitivity records local field potentials (LFPs) simultaneously from many zebrafish larvae over extended periods. We show that BAPs from larvae experiencing epileptic seizures or drug-induced side effects have substantially reduced complexity (entropy), similar to reduced LFP complexity observed in Parkinson’s disease. To determine whether drugs that enhance BAP complexity produces positive outcomes, we used light pulses to trigger seizures in a model of Dravet syndrome, an intractable genetic epilepsy. The highest-ranked compounds identified by BAP analysis exhibit far greater anti-seizure efficacy and fewer side effects during subsequent in-depth behavioral assessment. This high correlation with behavioral outcomes illustrates the power of brain activity pattern-based screens and identifies novel therapeutic candidates with minimal side effects. One challenge in drug screening for neurological disorders is how to accurately capture disease pathology and side effects. Here, the authors developed a multi-channel recording platform based on a zebrafish genetic model of epilepsy to screen for antiepileptic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter M Eimon
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.
| | - Mostafa Ghannad-Rezaie
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,UZH/ETH Irchel Campus, Y17-L76, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Gianluca De Rienzo
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Intellimedix, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA.,Axcella Health, 840 Memorial Dr, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Amin Allalou
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yuelong Wu
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Mu Gao
- Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, Room 2151, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Ambrish Roy
- Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, Room 2151, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Jeffrey Skolnick
- Georgia Institute of Technology, 950 Atlantic Drive, Room 2151, Atlanta, GA, 30332, USA
| | - Mehmet Fatih Yanik
- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA. .,UZH/ETH Irchel Campus, Y17-L76, Winterthurerstrasse 190, 8057, Zürich, Switzerland.
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27
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Copmans D, Orellana-Paucar AM, Steurs G, Zhang Y, Ny A, Foubert K, Exarchou V, Siekierska A, Kim Y, De Borggraeve W, Dehaen W, Pieters L, de Witte PAM. Methylated flavonoids as anti-seizure agents: Naringenin 4',7-dimethyl ether attenuates epileptic seizures in zebrafish and mouse models. Neurochem Int 2017; 112:124-133. [PMID: 29174382 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.11.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 11/06/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disease that affects more than 70 million people worldwide and is characterized by the presence of spontaneous unprovoked recurrent seizures. Existing anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) have side effects and fail to control seizures in 30% of patients due to drug resistance. Hence, safer and more efficacious drugs are sorely needed. Flavonoids are polyphenolic structures naturally present in most plants and consumed daily with no adverse effects reported. These structures have shown activity in several seizure and epilepsy animal models through allosteric modulation of GABAA receptors, but also via potent anti-inflammatory action in the brain. As such, dietary flavonoids offer an interesting source for ASD and anti-epileptogenic drug (AED) discovery, but their pharmaceutical potential is often hampered by metabolic instability and low oral bioavailability. It has been argued that their drug-likeness can be improved via methylation of the free hydroxyl groups, thereby dramatically enhancing metabolic stability and membrane transport, facilitating absorption and highly increasing bioavailability. Since no scientific data is available regarding the use of methylated flavonoids in the fight against epilepsy, we studied naringenin (NRG), kaempferol (KFL), and three methylated derivatives, i.e., naringenin 7-O-methyl ether (NRG-M), naringenin 4',7-dimethyl ether (NRG-DM), and kaempferide (4'-O-methyl kaempferol) (KFD) in the zebrafish pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) seizure model. We demonstrate that the methylated flavanones NRG-DM and NRG-M are highly effective against PTZ-induced seizures in larval zebrafish, whereas NRG and the flavonols KFL and KFD possess only a limited activity. Moreover, we show that NRG-DM is active in two standard acute mouse seizure models, i.e., the timed i.v. PTZ seizure model and the 6-Hz psychomotor seizure model. Based on these results, NRG-DM is proposed as a lead compound that is worth further investigation for the treatment of generalized seizures and drug-resistant focal seizures. Our data therefore highlights the potential of methylated flavonoids in the search for new and improved ASDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniëlle Copmans
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Adriana M Orellana-Paucar
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium; Carrera de Bioquímica y Farmacia, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad de Cuenca, Cuenca, Ecuador
| | - Gert Steurs
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Yifan Zhang
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Annelii Ny
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Kenn Foubert
- Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis (NatuRA), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Vasiliki Exarchou
- Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis (NatuRA), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Aleksandra Siekierska
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Youngju Kim
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim De Borggraeve
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Wim Dehaen
- Molecular Design and Synthesis, Department of Chemistry, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Luc Pieters
- Natural Products & Food Research and Analysis (NatuRA), Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Peter A M de Witte
- Laboratory for Molecular Biodiscovery, Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven - University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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28
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Lai YH, Ding YJ, Moses D, Chen YH. Teratogenic Effects of Topiramate in a Zebrafish Model. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18081721. [PMID: 28783116 PMCID: PMC5578111 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Topiramate is commonly used for treating epilepsy in both children and adults. Recent clinical data suggests that administration of topiramate to women during pregnancy increases the risk of oral clefts in their offspring. To better understand the potential effects of topiramate, we dosed adult female zebrafish with topiramate, and investigated the altered morphologies in adult females and their offspring. It showed that topiramate-treated female fish had reduced oocyte maturation, and the survival rates of their offspring were seriously decreased during embryogenesis. In addition, around 23% of offspring displayed cartilage malformation in the craniofacial area, such as loss of ceratobranchial cartilages as well as impaired ceratohyal, Meckel’s cartilage and ethmoid plate development. Moreover, mineralization of ceratohyal, Meckel’s cartilage, and vertebrae were downregulated during bone development. Taken together, we concluded that topiramate impaired oogenesis in the maternal reproductive system, and then caused offspring cartilage malformation or bone dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Heng Lai
- Department of Chemistry, Chinese Culture University, No. 55 Huagang Road, Taipei 111, Taiwan.
| | - Yu-Ju Ding
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, No. 151 Ying-chuan Road, Tamsui, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan.
| | - David Moses
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, No. 151 Ying-chuan Road, Tamsui, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan.
| | - Yau-Hung Chen
- Department of Chemistry, Tamkang University, No. 151 Ying-chuan Road, Tamsui, New Taipei City 25137, Taiwan.
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Inhibition of glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) by ethyl ketopentenoate (EKP) induces treatment-resistant epileptic seizures in zebrafish. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7195. [PMID: 28775328 PMCID: PMC5543107 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06294-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a chronic brain disorder characterized by recurrent seizures due to abnormal, excessive and synchronous neuronal activities in the brain. It affects approximately 65 million people worldwide, one third of which are still estimated to suffer from refractory seizures. Glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD) that converts glutamate into GABA is a key enzyme in the dynamic regulation of neural network excitability. Importantly, clinical evidence shows that lowered GAD activity is associated with several forms of epilepsy which are often treatment resistant. In the present study, we synthetized and explored the possibility of using ethyl ketopentenoate (EKP), a lipid-permeable GAD-inhibitor, to induce refractory seizures in zebrafish larvae. Our results demonstrate that EKP evoked robust convulsive locomotor activities, excessive epileptiform discharges and upregulated c-fos expression in zebrafish. Moreover, transgenic animals in which neuronal cells express apoaequorin, a Ca2+-sensitive bioluminescent photoprotein, displayed large luminescence signals indicating strong EKP-induced neuronal activation. Molecular docking data indicated that this proconvulsant activity resulted from the direct inhibition of both gad67 and gad65. Limited protective efficacy of tested anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) demonstrated a high level of treatment resistance of EKP-induced seizures. We conclude that the EKP zebrafish model can serve as a high-throughput platform for novel ASDs discovery.
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Yan W, Li L, Li G, Zhao S. Microcystin-LR induces changes in the GABA neurotransmitter system of zebrafish. AQUATIC TOXICOLOGY (AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS) 2017; 188:170-176. [PMID: 28535436 DOI: 10.1016/j.aquatox.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Revised: 05/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/13/2017] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
It has been reported that exposure to microcystins altered adult zebrafish swimming performance parameters, but the possible mechanisms of action remain unknown. Neuronal activity depends on the balance between the number of excitatory and inhibitory processes which are associated with neurotransmitters. In the present study, zebrafish embryos (5 d post-fertilization) were exposed to 0, 0.3, 3 and 30μg/L (microcystin-LR) MCLR for 90day until reaching sexual maturity. To investigate the effects of MCLR on the neurotransmitter system, mRNA levels involved in amino acid g-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and glutamate metabolic pathways were tested using quantitative real-time PCR. Significant increase of GABAA receptor, alpha 1 (gabra1), glutamate decarboxylase (gad1b), glutaminase (glsa) and reduction of mRNA expression of GABA transporter (gat1) at transcriptional level were observed in the brain. Meanwhile, western blotting showed that the protein levels of gabra1, gad1b were induced by MCLR, whereas the expression of gat1 was decreased. In addition, MCLR induced severe damage to cerebrum ultrastructure, showing edematous and collapsed myelinated nerve fibers, distention of endoplasmic reticulum and swelling mitochondria. Our results suggested that MCLR showed neurotoxicity in zebrafish which might attribute to the disorder of GABA neurotransmitter pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Yan
- Institute of Agricultural Quality Standards & Testing Technology, Hubei Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Wuhan 430064, China
| | - Li Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Guangyu Li
- College of Fisheries, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Sujuan Zhao
- School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China.
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31
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Fit for purpose application of currently existing animal models in the discovery of novel epilepsy therapies. Epilepsy Res 2016; 126:157-84. [PMID: 27505294 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2016.05.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 05/30/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Animal seizure and epilepsy models continue to play an important role in the early discovery of new therapies for the symptomatic treatment of epilepsy. Since 1937, with the discovery of phenytoin, almost all anti-seizure drugs (ASDs) have been identified by their effects in animal models, and millions of patients world-wide have benefited from the successful translation of animal data into the clinic. However, several unmet clinical needs remain, including resistance to ASDs in about 30% of patients with epilepsy, adverse effects of ASDs that can reduce quality of life, and the lack of treatments that can prevent development of epilepsy in patients at risk following brain injury. The aim of this review is to critically discuss the translational value of currently used animal models of seizures and epilepsy, particularly what animal models can tell us about epilepsy therapies in patients and which limitations exist. Principles of translational medicine will be used for this discussion. An essential requirement for translational medicine to improve success in drug development is the availability of animal models with high predictive validity for a therapeutic drug response. For this requirement, the model, by definition, does not need to be a perfect replication of the clinical condition, but it is important that the validation provided for a given model is fit for purpose. The present review should guide researchers in both academia and industry what can and cannot be expected from animal models in preclinical development of epilepsy therapies, which models are best suited for which purpose, and for which aspects suitable models are as yet not available. Overall further development is needed to improve and validate animal models for the diverse areas in epilepsy research where suitable fit for purpose models are urgently needed in the search for more effective treatments.
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Sheng F, Chen M, Tan Y, Xiang C, Zhang M, Li B, Su H, He C, Wan J, Li P. Protective Effects of Otophylloside N on Pentylenetetrazol-Induced Neuronal Injury In vitro and In vivo. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:224. [PMID: 27504096 PMCID: PMC4959150 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately 30% of epileptic patients worldwide are medically unable to control their seizures. In addition, repeated epileptic seizures generally lead to neural damage. Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) is a clinical circulatory and respiratory stimulant that is experimentally used to mimic epileptic convulsion in epilepsy research. Here, we systematically explore the neuroprotective effects of a pure compound isolated from Cynanchum otophyllum Schneid (Qingyangshen), Otophylloside N (OtoN), against PTZ-induced neuronal injury. We used three models: in vitro primary cortical neurons, in vivo mice, and in vivo zebrafish. Our results revealed that OtoN treatment may attenuate PTZ-induced morphology changes, cell death, LDH efflux in embryonic neuronal cells of C57BL/6J mice, and convulsive behavior in zebrafish. Additionally, our Western blot and RT-PCR results demonstrated that OtoN may attenuate PTZ-induced apoptosis and neuronal activation in neuronal cells, mice, and zebrafish. OtoN may reduce PTZ-induced cleavage of poly ADP-ribose polymerase and upregulation of the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and decrease the expression level of c-Fos. This study is the first investigation of the neuroprotective effects of OtoN, which might be developed as a novel antiepileptic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feiya Sheng
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau, China
| | - Mengting Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau, China
| | - Yuan Tan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau, China
| | - Cheng Xiang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology Kunming, China
| | - Mi Zhang
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology Kunming, China
| | - Baocai Li
- Faculty of Life Science and Technology, Kunming University of Science and Technology Kunming, China
| | - Huanxing Su
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau, China
| | - Chengwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau, China
| | - Jianbo Wan
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau, China
| | - Peng Li
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau Macau, China
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Acosta DDS, Danielle NM, Altenhofen S, Luzardo MD, Costa PG, Bianchini A, Bonan CD, da Silva RS, Dafre AL. Copper at low levels impairs memory of adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) and affects swimming performance of larvae. Comp Biochem Physiol C Toxicol Pharmacol 2016; 185-186:122-130. [PMID: 27012768 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpc.2016.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Metal contamination at low levels is an important issue because it usually produces health and environmental effects, either positive or deleterious. Contamination of surface waters with copper (Cu) is a worldwide event, usually originated by mining, agricultural, industrial, commercial, and residential activities. Water quality criteria for Cu are variable among countries but allowed limits are generally in the μg/L range, which can disrupt several functions in the early life-stages of fish species. Behavioral and biochemical alterations after Cu exposure have also been described at concentrations close to the allowed limits. Aiming to search for the effects of Cu in the range of the allowed limits, larvae and adult zebrafish (Danio rerio) were exposed to different concentrations of dissolved Cu (nominally: 0, 5, 9, 20 and 60μg/L; measured: 0.4, 5.7, 7.2 16.6 and 42.3μg/L, respectively) for 96h. Larvae swimming and body length, and adult behavior and biochemical biomarkers (activity of glutathione-related enzymes in gills, muscle, and brain) were assessed after Cu exposure. Several effects were observed in fish exposed to 9μg/L nominal Cu, including increased larvae swimming distance and velocity, abolishment of adult inhibitory avoidance memory, and decreased glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity in gills of adult fish. At the highest Cu concentration tested (nominally: 60μg/L), body length of larvae, spatial memory of adults, and gill GST activity were decreased. Social behavior (aggressiveness and conspecific interaction), and glutathione reductase (GR) activity were not affected in adult zebrafish. Exposure to Cu, at concentrations close to the water quality criteria for this metal in fresh water, was able to alter larvae swimming performance and to induce detrimental effects on the behavior of adult zebrafish, thus indicating the need for further studies to reevaluate the currently allowed limits for Cu in fresh water.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daiane da Silva Acosta
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Naissa Maria Danielle
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Stefani Altenhofen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Milene Dornelles Luzardo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Gomes Costa
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Adalto Bianchini
- Institute of Biological Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande, 96203-900 Rio Grande, RS, Brazil
| | - Carla Denise Bonan
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Rosane Souza da Silva
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, 90610-900 Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Alcir Luiz Dafre
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianopolis, 88040-900, Florianopolis, SC, Brazil.
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Schutte SS, Schutte RJ, Barragan EV, O'Dowd DK. Model systems for studying cellular mechanisms of SCN1A-related epilepsy. J Neurophysiol 2016; 115:1755-66. [PMID: 26843603 DOI: 10.1152/jn.00824.2015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in SCN1A, the gene encoding voltage-gated sodium channel NaV1.1, cause a spectrum of epilepsy disorders that range from genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus to catastrophic disorders such as Dravet syndrome. To date, more than 1,250 mutations in SCN1A have been linked to epilepsy. Distinct effects of individual SCN1A mutations on neuronal function are likely to contribute to variation in disease severity and response to treatment in patients. Several model systems have been used to explore seizure genesis in SCN1A epilepsies. In this article we review what has been learned about cellular mechanisms and potential new therapies from these model systems, with a particular emphasis on the novel model system of knock in Drosophila and a look toward the future with expanded use of patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cell-derived neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soleil S Schutte
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Ryan J Schutte
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Eden V Barragan
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California
| | - Diane K O'Dowd
- Department of Developmental and Cell Biology and Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, California
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35
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Cunliffe VT. Building a zebrafish toolkit for investigating the pathobiology of epilepsy and identifying new treatments for epileptic seizures. J Neurosci Methods 2016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jneumeth.2015.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
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36
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Gonzalez-Nunez V. Role of gabra2, GABA A receptor alpha-2 subunit, in CNS development. Biochem Biophys Rep 2015; 3:190-201. [PMID: 29124181 PMCID: PMC5668850 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2015.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2015] [Revised: 07/30/2015] [Accepted: 08/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
gabra2 gene codes for the alpha-2 subunit of the GABAA receptor, one of the ionotropic receptors which has been related to anxiety, depression and other behavioural disorders, including drug dependence and schizophrenia. GABAergic signalling also plays a role during development, by promoting neural stem cell maintenance and renewal. To investigate the role of gabra2 in CNS development, gabra2 deficient zebrafish were generated. The pattern of proliferation during the embryonic development was disrupted in morphant embryos, which also displayed an increase in the number of apoptotic nuclei mainly at the mid- and hindbrain regions. The expression of several genes (notch1, pax2, fgf8 and wnt1) known to contribute to the development of the central nervous system was also affected in gabra2 morpholino-injected embryos, although no changes were found for pax6a and shh a expression. The transcriptional activity of neuroD (a proneural gene involved in early neuronal determination) was down-regulated in gabra2 deficient embryos, and the expression pattern of gad1b (GABA-synthesising enzyme GAD67) was clearly reduced in injected fish. I propose that gabra2 might be interacting with those signalling pathways that regulate proliferation, differentiation and neurogenesis during the embryonic development; thus, gabra2 might be playing a role in the differentiation of the mesencephalon and cerebellum. Given that changes in GABAergic circuits during development have been related to several psychiatric disorders, such as autism and schizophrenia, this work might be helpful to understand the role of neurotransmitter systems during CNS development and to assess the developmental effects of several GABAergic drugs. gabra2 might have a role in the regulation of proliferation during CNS development. The expression of notch1, pax2a, fgf8 and wnt1 is altered in gabra2 deficient fish. neuro D expression, is down-regulated in the absence of a functional Gabra2. The generation of GABAergic neurons might be reduced in gabra2 morphants. gabra2 may interact with several signalling pathways that harness CNS development.
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Key Words
- CNS, central nervous system
- Central nervous system
- Development
- Differentiation
- GABA
- GABA, γ-aminobutyric acid
- GABAA, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) A receptor
- Gabra2
- ISH, in situ hybridisation
- KCC2, neuron-specific potassium/chloride cotransporter 2
- MHB, mid-hindbrain boundary
- ORF, open reading frame
- Proliferation
- fgf8, fibroblast growth factor 8
- gabra2, gamma-aminobutyric acid receptor subunit alpha-2
- gad1b, glutamate decarboxylase
- hpf, hours post-fertilisation
- neuroD, neurogenic differentiation
- notch1a, notch homologue 1a
- pax2a, paired box gene 2a
- pax6a, paired box gene 2a
- shh a, sonic hedgehog
- wnt1, wingless-type MMTV integration site family, member 1
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Gonzalez-Nunez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Salamanca, Spain.,Faculty of Medicine, Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León (INCyL), University of Salamanca, Spain.,Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Spain
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