1
|
Maida CD, Norrito RL, Rizzica S, Mazzola M, Scarantino ER, Tuttolomondo A. Molecular Pathogenesis of Ischemic and Hemorrhagic Strokes: Background and Therapeutic Approaches. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6297. [PMID: 38928006 PMCID: PMC11203482 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126297] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Stroke represents one of the neurological diseases most responsible for death and permanent disability in the world. Different factors, such as thrombus, emboli and atherosclerosis, take part in the intricate pathophysiology of stroke. Comprehending the molecular processes involved in this mechanism is crucial to developing new, specific and efficient treatments. Some common mechanisms are excitotoxicity and calcium overload, oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs) are critical in pathophysiology and recovery after cerebral ischemia. ncRNAs, particularly microRNAs, and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are essential for angiogenesis and neuroprotection, and they have been suggested to be therapeutic, diagnostic and prognostic tools in cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke. This review summarizes the intricate molecular mechanisms underlying ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke and delves into the function of miRNAs in the development of brain damage. Furthermore, we will analyze new perspectives on treatment based on molecular mechanisms in addition to traditional stroke therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carlo Domenico Maida
- Department of Internal Medicine, S. Elia Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy;
- Molecular and Clinical Medicine Ph.D. Programme, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy
| | - Rosario Luca Norrito
- U.O.C di Medicina Interna con Stroke Care, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, di Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (R.L.N.); (M.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Salvatore Rizzica
- Department of Internal Medicine, S. Elia Hospital, 93100 Caltanissetta, Italy;
| | - Marco Mazzola
- U.O.C di Medicina Interna con Stroke Care, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, di Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (R.L.N.); (M.M.); (A.T.)
| | - Elisa Rita Scarantino
- Division of Geriatric and Intensive Care Medicine, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Careggi, University of Florence, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Antonino Tuttolomondo
- U.O.C di Medicina Interna con Stroke Care, Dipartimento di Promozione della Salute, Materno-Infantile, di Medicina Interna e Specialistica di Eccellenza “G. D’Alessandro”, University of Palermo, 90133 Palermo, Italy; (R.L.N.); (M.M.); (A.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Shehjar F, Almarghalani DA, Mahajan R, Hasan SAM, Shah ZA. The Multifaceted Role of Cofilin in Neurodegeneration and Stroke: Insights into Pathogenesis and Targeting as a Therapy. Cells 2024; 13:188. [PMID: 38247879 PMCID: PMC10814918 DOI: 10.3390/cells13020188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2023] [Revised: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
This comprehensive review explores the complex role of cofilin, an actin-binding protein, across various neurodegenerative diseases (Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, schizophrenia, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Huntington's) and stroke. Cofilin is an essential protein in cytoskeletal dynamics, and any dysregulation could lead to potentially serious complications. Cofilin's involvement is underscored by its impact on pathological hallmarks like Aβ plaques and α-synuclein aggregates, triggering synaptic dysfunction, dendritic spine loss, and impaired neuronal plasticity, leading to cognitive decline. In Parkinson's disease, cofilin collaborates with α-synuclein, exacerbating neurotoxicity and impairing mitochondrial and axonal function. ALS and frontotemporal dementia showcase cofilin's association with genetic factors like C9ORF72, affecting actin dynamics and contributing to neurotoxicity. Huntington's disease brings cofilin into focus by impairing microglial migration and influencing synaptic plasticity through AMPA receptor regulation. Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and schizophrenia exhibit 14-3-3 proteins in cofilin dysregulation as a shared pathological mechanism. In the case of stroke, cofilin takes center stage, mediating neurotoxicity and neuronal cell death. Notably, there is a potential overlap in the pathologies and involvement of cofilin in various diseases. In this context, referencing cofilin dysfunction could provide valuable insights into the common pathologies associated with the aforementioned conditions. Moreover, this review explores promising therapeutic interventions, including cofilin inhibitors and gene therapy, demonstrating efficacy in preclinical models. Challenges in inhibitor development, brain delivery, tissue/cell specificity, and long-term safety are acknowledged, emphasizing the need for precision drug therapy. The call to action involves collaborative research, biomarker identification, and advancing translational efforts. Cofilin emerges as a pivotal player, offering potential as a therapeutic target. However, unraveling its complexities requires concerted multidisciplinary efforts for nuanced and effective interventions across the intricate landscape of neurodegenerative diseases and stroke, presenting a hopeful avenue for improved patient care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Shehjar
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (F.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Daniyah A. Almarghalani
- Stroke Research Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Reetika Mahajan
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (F.S.); (R.M.)
| | - Syed A.-M. Hasan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| | - Zahoor A. Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH 43614, USA; (F.S.); (R.M.)
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Almarghalani DA, Bahader GA, Ali M, Tillekeratne LMV, Shah ZA. Cofilin Inhibitor Improves Neurological and Cognitive Functions after Intracerebral Hemorrhage by Suppressing Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Related-Neuroinflammation. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:114. [PMID: 38256947 PMCID: PMC10818666 DOI: 10.3390/ph17010114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a crucial factor that determines the extent of the injury. Cofilin is a cytoskeleton-associated protein that drives neuroinflammation and microglia activation. A novel cofilin inhibitor (CI) synthesized and developed in our lab has turned out to be a potential therapeutic agent for targeting cofilin-mediated neuroinflammation in an in vitro model of ICH and traumatic brain injury. The current study aims to examine the therapeutic potential of CI in a mouse collagenase model of ICH and examine the neurobehavioral outcomes and its mechanism of action. Male mice were subjected to intrastriatal collagenase injection to induce ICH, and sham mice received needle insertion. Various concentrations (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) of CI were administered to different cohorts of the animals as a single intravenous injection 3 h following ICH and intraperitoneally every 12 h for 3 days. The animals were tested for neurobehavioral parameters for up to 7 days and sacrificed to collect brains for hematoma volume measurement, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. Blood was collected for cofilin, TNF-α, and IL-1β assessments. The results indicated that 50 mg/kg CI improved neurological outcomes, reversed post-stroke cognitive impairment, accelerated hematoma resolution, mitigated cofilin rods/aggregates, and reduced microglial and astrocyte activation in mice with ICH. Microglia morphological analysis demonstrated that CI restored the homeostasis ramification pattern of microglia in mice treated with CI. CI suppressed endoplasmic reticulum stress-related neuroinflammation by inhibiting inflammasomes and cell death signaling pathways. We also showed that CI prevented synaptic loss by reviving the pre- and post-synaptic markers. Our results unveil a novel therapeutic approach to treating ICH and open a window for using CI in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniyah A. Almarghalani
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Ghaith A. Bahader
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Mohammad Ali
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - L. M. Viranga Tillekeratne
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Zahoor A. Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Dahlstroem C, Paraschiakos T, Sun H, Windhorst S. Cryo-EM structures of actin binding proteins as tool for drug discovery. Biochem Pharmacol 2023:115680. [PMID: 37399949 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Cellular actin dynamic is controlled by a plethora of actin binding proteins (ABPs), including actin nucleating, bundling, cross-linking, capping, and severing proteins. In this review, regulation of actin dynamics by ABPs will be introduced, and the role of the F-actin severing protein cofilin-1 and the F-actin bundling protein L-plastin in actin dynamics discussed in more detail. Since up-regulation of these proteins in different kinds of cancers is associated with malignant progression of cancer cells, we suggest the cryogenic electron microscopy (Cryo-EM) structure of F- actin with the respective ABP as template for in silico drug design to specifically disrupt the interaction of these ABPs with F-actin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christian Dahlstroem
- Department of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg
| | - Themistoklis Paraschiakos
- Department of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg
| | - Han Sun
- Structural Chemistry and Computational Biophysics Group, Leipniz-Forschungsinstitut für Moekulare Pharmakologie, Robert-Rössle-Strasse 10, D-13125, Berlin; Institute of Chemistry, Technical University of Berlin, D-10623, Berlin
| | - Sabine Windhorst
- Department of Biochemistry and Signal Transduction, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, D-20246 Hamburg.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Glotfelty EJ, Tovar-Y-Romo LB, Hsueh SC, Tweedie D, Li Y, Harvey BK, Hoffer BJ, Karlsson TE, Olson L, Greig NH. The RhoA-ROCK1/ROCK2 Pathway Exacerbates Inflammatory Signaling in Immortalized and Primary Microglia. Cells 2023; 12:1367. [PMID: 37408199 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a unifying factor among all acute central nervous system (CNS) injuries and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we used immortalized microglial (IMG) cells and primary microglia (PMg) to understand the roles of the GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and its downstream targets Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinases 1 and 2 (ROCK1 and ROCK2) in neuroinflammation. We used a pan-kinase inhibitor (Y27632) and a ROCK1- and ROCK2-specific inhibitor (RKI1447) to mitigate a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In both the IMG cells and PMg, each drug significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory protein production detected in media (TNF-α, IL-6, KC/GRO, and IL-12p70). In the IMG cells, this resulted from the inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation and the blocking of neuroinflammatory gene transcription (iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6). Additionally, we demonstrated the ability of both compounds to block the dephosphorylation and activation of cofilin. In the IMG cells, RhoA activation with Nogo-P4 or narciclasine (Narc) exacerbated the inflammatory response to the LPS challenge. We utilized a siRNA approach to differentiate ROCK1 and ROCK2 activity during the LPS challenges and showed that the blockade of both proteins may mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of Y27632 and RKI1447. Using previously published data, we show that genes in the RhoA/ROCK signaling cascade are highly upregulated in the neurodegenerative microglia (MGnD) from APP/PS-1 transgenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. In addition to illuminating the specific roles of RhoA/ROCK signaling in neuroinflammation, we demonstrate the utility of using IMG cells as a model for primary microglia in cellular studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elliot J Glotfelty
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luis B Tovar-Y-Romo
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Cellular Physiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Shih-Chang Hsueh
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yazhou Li
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Brandon K Harvey
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Department, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Barry J Hoffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Tobias E Karlsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Olson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nigel H Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Bahader GA, James AW, Almarghalani DA, Shah ZA. Cofilin Inhibitor Protects against Traumatic Brain Injury-Induced Oxidative Stress and Neuroinflammation. BIOLOGY 2023; 12:630. [PMID: 37106830 PMCID: PMC10136258 DOI: 10.3390/biology12040630] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023]
Abstract
Microglial activation and failure of the antioxidant defense mechanisms are major hallmarks in different brain injuries, particularly traumatic brain injury (TBI). Cofilin is a cytoskeleton-associated protein involved in actin binding and severing. In our previous studies, we identified the putative role of cofilin in mediating microglial activation and apoptosis in ischemic and hemorrhagic conditions. Others have highlighted the involvement of cofilin in ROS production and the resultant neuronal death; however, more studies are needed to delineate the role of cofilin in oxidative stress conditions. The present study aims to investigate the cellular and molecular effects of cofilin in TBI using both in vitro and in vivo models as well as the first-in-class small-molecule cofilin inhibitor (CI). An in vitro H2O2-induced oxidative stress model was used in two different types of cells, human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and microglia (HMC3), along with an in vivo controlled cortical impact model of TBI. Our results show that treatment with H2O2 increases the expression of cofilin and slingshot-1 (SSH-1), an upstream regulator of cofilin, in microglial cells, which was significantly reduced in the CI-treated group. Cofilin inhibition significantly attenuated H2O2-induced microglial activation by reducing the release of proinflammatory mediators. Furthermore, we demonstrate that CI protects against H2O2-induced ROS accumulation and neuronal cytotoxicity, activates the AKT signaling pathway by increasing its phosphorylation, and modulates mitochondrial-related apoptogenic factors. The expression of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its associated antioxidant enzymes were also increased in CI-treated SY-SY5Y. In the mice model of TBI, CI significantly activated the Nrf2 and reduced the expression of oxidative/nitrosative stress markers at the protein and gene levels. Together, our data suggest that cofilin inhibition provides a neuroprotective effect in in vitro and in vivo TBI mice models by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, the pivotal mechanisms involved in TBI-induced brain damage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghaith A. Bahader
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, The University of Toledo, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Antonisamy William James
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, The University of Toledo, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Daniyah A. Almarghalani
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Zahoor A. Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, The University of Toledo, 3000 Arlington Avenue, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Almarghalani DA, Sha X, Mrak RE, Shah ZA. Spatiotemporal Cofilin Signaling, Microglial Activation, Neuroinflammation, and Cognitive Impairment Following Hemorrhagic Brain Injury. Cells 2023; 12:1153. [PMID: 37190062 PMCID: PMC10137307 DOI: 10.3390/cells12081153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a significant health concern associated with high mortality. Cofilin plays a crucial role in stress conditions, but its signaling following ICH in a longitudinal study is yet to be ascertained. In the present study, we examined the cofilin expression in human ICH autopsy brains. Then, the spatiotemporal cofilin signaling, microglia activation, and neurobehavioral outcomes were investigated in a mouse model of ICH. Human autopsy brain sections from ICH patients showed increased intracellular cofilin localization within microglia in the perihematomal area, possibly associated with microglial activation and morphological changes. Various cohorts of mice were subjected to intrastriatal collagenase injection and sacrificed at time points of 1, 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28 days. Mice suffered from severe neurobehavioral deficits after ICH, lasting for 7 days, followed by a gradual improvement. Mice suffered post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) both acutely and in the chronic phase. Hematoma volume increased from day 1 to 3, whereas ventricle size increased from day 21 to 28. Cofilin protein expression increased in the ipsilateral striatum on days 1 and 3 and then decreased from days 7 to 28. An increase in activated microglia was observed around the hematoma on days 1 to 7, followed by a gradual reduction up to day 28. Around the hematoma, activated microglia showed morphological changes from ramified to amoeboid. mRNA levels of inflammatory [tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) and anti-inflammatory markers [interleukin-10 (IL-10), transforming growth factor-β TGF-β, and arginase I (Arg1)] increased during the acute phase and decreased in the chronic phase. Blood cofilin levels increased on day 3 and matched the increase in chemokine levels. slingshot protein phosphatase 1 (SSH1) protein, which activates cofilin, was increased from day 1 to 7. These results suggest that microglial activation might be the sequel of cofilin overactivation following ICH, leading to widespread neuroinflammation and consequent PSCI.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniyah A. Almarghalani
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Xiaojin Sha
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Robert E. Mrak
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Zahoor A. Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Alsegiani AS, Shah ZA. Development and validation of LC-MS/MS method for determining the metabolic stability, pharmacokinetics, and dose proportionality of a novel anti-inflammatory cofilin inhibitor. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2023; 226:115258. [PMID: 36709658 PMCID: PMC9975030 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2023.115258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
A novel small molecule cofilin inhibitor (SZ-3) has recently become the focus of investigation for targeting neuroinflammation in different neurodegenerative diseases. In the present study, the metabolic stability, blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration, and tissue concentration of SZ-3 were evaluated to support our future studies. In silico drug metabolism prediction was investigated using the StarDrop WhichP450 module. LC-MS/MS method was developed and validated to quantify the SZ-3 for in-vitro and in-vivo studies. The in-vitro metabolic stability was performed using human liver microsomes (HLMs), and the in-vivo pharmacokinetics were investigated in mice after a single intraperitoneal (IP) injection or oral (P.O.) administration, followed by a collection of blood and brain samples at different time points. The dose-proportionality was also evaluated after a single IP injection of three ascending doses (5, 10, and 25 mg/kg). In-vitro results showed that SZ-3 has a moderate intrinsic clearance (Clint) value of 17.42 ml/min/mg with a half-life (t1/2) value of 39.77 mins, indicative of good bioavailability. In vivo study revealed that SZ-3 was rapidly absorbed, entered the brain, and yielded a good concentration of the unbound drug after IP and oral administration. However, the higher maximum concentration (Cmax) values of IP and P.O. (2244 ng/ml and 1069 ng/g, respectively) revealed that the IP administration led to higher blood and brain concentrations than the P.O. Furthermore, Cmax and area under the curve (AUC) of SZ-3 increased in a dose-proportional manner between the three ascending doses. These results will guide us in optimizing the dosing regimen for future SZ-3 pharmacological studies targeting neuroinflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amsha S Alsegiani
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
| | - Zahoor A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43614, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Shehjar F, Maktabi B, Rahman ZA, Bahader GA, James AW, Naqvi A, Mahajan R, Shah ZA. Stroke: Molecular mechanisms and therapies: Update on recent developments. Neurochem Int 2023; 162:105458. [PMID: 36460240 PMCID: PMC9839659 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2022.105458] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022]
Abstract
Stroke, a neurological disease, is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, resulting in long-term disability in most survivors. Annual stroke costs in the United States alone were estimated at $46 billion recently. Stroke pathophysiology is complex, involving multiple causal factors, among which atherosclerosis, thrombus, and embolus are prevalent. The molecular mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology are essential to understanding targeted drug development. Some common mechanisms are excitotoxicity and calcium overload, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation. In addition, various modifiable and non-modifiable risk factors increase the chances of stroke manifolds. Once a patient encounters a stroke, complete restoration of motor ability and cognitive skills is often rare. Therefore, shaping therapeutic strategies is paramount for finding a viable therapeutic agent. Apart from tPA, an FDA-approved therapy that is applied in most stroke cases, many other therapeutic strategies have been met with limited success. Stroke therapies often involve a combination of multiple strategies to restore the patient's normal function. Certain drugs like Gamma-aminobutyric receptor agonists (GABA), Glutamate Receptor inhibitors, Sodium, and Calcium channel blockers, and fibrinogen-depleting agents have shown promise in stroke treatment. Recently, a drug, DM199, a recombinant (synthetic) form of a naturally occurring protein called human tissue kallikrein-1 (KLK1), has shown great potential in treating stroke with fewer side effects. Furthermore, DM199 has been found to overcome the limitations presented when using tPA and/or mechanical thrombectomy. Cell-based therapies like Neural Stem Cells, Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and Human umbilical cord blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (HUCB-MSCs) are also being explored as a treatment of choice for stroke. These therapeutic agents come with merits and demerits, but continuous research and efforts are being made to develop the best therapeutic strategies to minimize the damage post-stroke and restore complete neurological function in stroke patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faheem Shehjar
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Briana Maktabi
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Zainab A Rahman
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ghaith A Bahader
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Antonisamy William James
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Ahmed Naqvi
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Reetika Mahajan
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA
| | - Zahoor A Shah
- Department of Medicinal and Biological Chemistry, College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Toledo, OH, USA.
| |
Collapse
|