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Tohda C. Pharmacological intervention for chronic phase of spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:1377-1389. [PMID: 38934397 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-24-00176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury is an intractable traumatic injury. The most common hurdles faced during spinal cord injury are failure of axonal regrowth and reconnection to target sites. These also tend to be the most challenging issues in spinal cord injury. As spinal cord injury progresses to the chronic phase, lost motor and sensory functions are not recovered. Several reasons may be attributed to the failure of recovery from chronic spinal cord injury. These include factors that inhibit axonal growth such as activated astrocytes, chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan, myelin-associated proteins, inflammatory microglia, and fibroblasts that accumulate at lesion sites. Skeletal muscle atrophy due to denervation is another chronic and detrimental spinal cord injury-specific condition. Although several intervention strategies based on multiple outlooks have been attempted for treating spinal cord injury, few approaches have been successful. To treat chronic spinal cord injury, neural cells or tissue substitutes may need to be supplied in the cavity area to enable possible axonal growth. Additionally, stimulating axonal growth activity by extrinsic factors is extremely important and essential for maintaining the remaining host neurons and transplanted neurons. This review focuses on pharmacotherapeutic approaches using small compounds and proteins to enable axonal growth in chronic spinal cord injury. This review presents some of these candidates that have shown promising outcomes in basic research ( in vivo animal studies) and clinical trials: AA-NgR(310)ecto-Fc (AXER-204), fasudil, phosphatase and tensin homolog protein antagonist peptide 4, chondroitinase ABC, intracellular sigma peptide, (-)-epigallocatechin gallate, matrine, acteoside, pyrvate kinase M2, diosgenin, granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, and fampridine-sustained release. Although the current situation suggests that drug-based therapies to recover function in chronic spinal cord injury are limited, potential candidates have been identified through basic research, and these candidates may be subjects of clinical studies in the future. Moreover, cocktail therapy comprising drugs with varied underlying mechanisms may be effective in treating the refractory status of chronic spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Tohda
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
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2
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Ben-Azu B, Adebayo OG, Fokoua AR, Oritsemuelebi B, Chidebe EO, Nwogueze CB, Kumanwee L, Uyere GE, Emuakpeje MT. Antipsychotic effect of diosgenin in ketamine-induced murine model of schizophrenia: Involvement of oxidative stress and cholinergic transmission. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:86-97. [PMID: 38282757 PMCID: PMC10818187 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 12/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024] Open
Abstract
A decrease in the levels of antioxidant arsenals exacerbate generation of reactive oxygen/nitrogen species, leading to neurochemical dysfunction, with significant impact on the pathogenesis of psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. This study examined the preventive and reversal effects of diosgenin, a phyto-steroidal saponin with antioxidant functions in mice treated with ketamine which closely replicates schizophrenia-like symptoms in human and laboratory animals. In the preventive phase, adult mice cohorts were clustered into 5 groups (n = 9). Groups 1 and 2 received saline (10 mL/kg, i.p.), groups 3 and 4 were pretreated with diosgenin (25 and 50 mg/kg), and group 5 received risperidone (0.5 mg/kg) orally for 14 days. Mice in groups 2-5 additionally received a daily dose of ketamine (20 mg/kg, i.p.) or saline (10 mL/kg/day, i.p.). In the reversal phase, mice received intraperitoneal injection of ketamine or saline for 14 consecutive days prior to diosgenin (25 and 50 mg/kg/p.o./day) and risperidone (0.5 mg/kg/p.o./day) treatment from days 8-14. Mice were assessed for behavioral changes. Oxidative, nitrergic markers, and cholinergic (acetylcholinesterase activity) transmission were examined in the striatum, prefrontal-cortex and hippocampus. Diosgenin prevented and reversed hyperlocomotion, cognitive and social deficits in mice treated with ketamine relative to ketamine groups. The increased acetylcholinesterase, malondialdehyde and nitrite levels produced by ketamine were reduced by diosgenin in the striatum, prefrontal-cortex and hippocampus, but did not reverse striatal nitrite level. Diosgenin increased glutathione, and catalase levels, except for hippocampal catalase activity when compared with ketamine controls. Conclusively, these biochemical changes might be related to the behavioral deficits in ketamine-treated mice, which were prevented and reversed by diosgenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benneth Ben-Azu
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun G. Adebayo
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
- Neurophysiology Unit, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
| | - Aliance Romain Fokoua
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
- Research unit of Neuroinflammatory and Cardiovascular Pharmacology, Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Benjamin Oritsemuelebi
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Emmanuel O. Chidebe
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Chukwuebuka B. Nwogueze
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Lenatababari Kumanwee
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - God'swill E. Uyere
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
| | - Micheal T. Emuakpeje
- DELSU Joint Canada-Israel Neuroscience and Biopsychiatry Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria
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3
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Barresi E, Baglini E, Poggetti V, Castagnoli J, Giorgini D, Salerno S, Taliani S, Da Settimo F. Indole-Based Compounds in the Development of Anti-Neurodegenerative Agents. Molecules 2024; 29:2127. [PMID: 38731618 PMCID: PMC11085553 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29092127] [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: 03/22/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Neurodegeneration is a gradual decay process leading to the depletion of neurons in both the central and peripheral nervous systems, ultimately resulting in cognitive dysfunctions and the deterioration of brain functions, alongside a decline in motor skills and behavioral capabilities. Neurodegenerative disorders (NDs) impose a substantial socio-economic strain on society, aggravated by the advancing age of the world population and the absence of effective remedies, predicting a negative future. In this context, the urgency of discovering viable therapies is critical and, despite significant efforts by medicinal chemists in developing potential drug candidates and exploring various small molecules as therapeutics, regrettably, a truly effective treatment is yet to be found. Nitrogen heterocyclic compounds, and particularly those containing the indole nucleus, which has emerged as privileged scaffold, have attracted particular attention for a variety of pharmacological applications. This review analyzes the rational design strategy adopted by different research groups for the development of anti-neurodegenerative indole-based compounds which have the potential to modulate various molecular targets involved in NDs, with reference to the most recent advances between 2018 and 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Barresi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Emma Baglini
- Institute of Clinical Physiology, National Research Council of Italy, CNR Research Area, 56124 Pisa, Italy;
| | - Valeria Poggetti
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Jacopo Castagnoli
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Doralice Giorgini
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Salerno, Via Giovanni Paolo II 132, Fisciano, 84084 Salerno, Italy;
| | - Silvia Salerno
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Sabrina Taliani
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
| | - Federico Da Settimo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno 6, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (E.B.); (V.P.); (J.C.); (F.D.S.)
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Yang X, Tohda C. Diosgenin restores memory function via SPARC-driven axonal growth from the hippocampus to the PFC in Alzheimer's disease model mice. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:2398-2411. [PMID: 37085711 PMCID: PMC10611574 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02052-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023]
Abstract
Central nervous system axons have minimal capacity to regenerate in adult brains, hindering memory recovery in Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although recent studies have shown that damaged axons sprouted in adult and AD mouse brains, long-distance axonal re-innervation to their targets has not been achieved. We selectively visualized axon-growing neurons in the neural circuit for memory formation, from the hippocampus to the prefrontal cortex, and showed that damaged axons successfully extended to their native projecting area in mouse models of AD (5XFAD) by administration of an axonal regenerative agent, diosgenin. In vivo transcriptome analysis detected the expression profile of axon-growing neurons directly isolated from the hippocampus of 5XFAD mice. Secreted protein acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC) was the most expressed gene in axon-growing neurons. Neuron-specific overexpression of SPARC via adeno-associated virus serotype 9 delivery in the hippocampus recovered memory deficits and axonal projection to the prefrontal cortex in 5XFAD mice. DREADDs (Designer receptors exclusively activated by designer drugs) analyses revealed that SPARC overexpression-induced axonal growth in the 5XFAD mouse brain directly contributes to memory recovery. Elevated levels of SPARC on axonal membranes interact with extracellular rail-like collagen type I to promote axonal remodeling along their original tracings in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. These findings suggest that SPARC-driven axonal growth in the brain may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD and other neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximeng Yang
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Chihiro Tohda
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
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Axonal Regeneration Mediated by a Novel Axonal Guidance Pair, Galectin-1 and Secernin-1. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:1250-1266. [PMID: 36437381 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03125-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Galectin-1 (Gal-1), a member of the Galectin family, is expressed in various tissues and responsible for multiple biological activities. Previous studies reported that extracellular Gal-1 participated in axonal growth and repair, and Gal-1 knockout mice exhibited memory impairment. However, no study has demonstrated the direct contribution of intracellular Gal-1 upregulation in neurons to promoting axonal regeneration in the brain and recovering memory function. In the present study, we found that axonal growth is promoted by overexpression of Gal-1 via adeno-associated virus serotype 9 delivery in primary cultured hippocampal neurons. Moreover, Gal-1 was expressed on the membranes of growth cones in hippocampal neurons and interacted with a novel axonal guidance molecule, Secernin-1, which was secreted from prefrontal cortex (PFC) neurons. Gal-1-overexpression-driven axonal growth was enhanced when recombinant (extracellular) Secernin-1 was treated to the axonal site in a neuron device chamber. Direct binding of extracellular Secernin-1 with Gal-1 was detected through immunoprecipitation and immunocytochemistry, demonstrating that Gal-1 possibly works as an axonal guidance receptor for Secernin-1 in hippocampal neurons. In the PFC, the expression of Gal-1 in axonal shafts and terminals of hippocampal neurons was decreased in the 5XFAD mouse model of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Overexpression of Gal-1 in hippocampal neurons recovered memory deficits and induced axonal regeneration toward the PFC in 5XFAD mice. This study suggests that the enhanced interaction of Secernin-1 and Gal-1 can be harnessed as a therapeutic strategy for long-distance and direction-specific axonal regeneration in AD.
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Mironov ME, Rybalova TV, Pokrovskii MA, Emaminia F, Gandalipov ER, Pokrovskii AG, Shults EE. Synthesis of fully functionalized spirostanic 1,2,3-triazoles by the three component reaction of diosgenin azides with acetophenones and aryl aldehydes and their biological evaluation as antiproliferative agents. Steroids 2023; 190:109133. [PMID: 36328088 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.109133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 10/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Diosgenin is of significant interest due to its biological activity and synthetic application. In this study, we report the synthesis of a series of spirostanic 1,4,5-trisubstituted 1,2,3-triazoles by the three component reaction of (25R)-6-azidospirostan-3,5-diols with acetophenones and aryl aldehydes. The one-pot two step synthesis proceeds through the in situ formation of (E)-chalcones and copper catalyzed reaction with organic azides in DMF medium. Structural diversity was achieved by varying the aldehyde and acetophenone nature as well as the spirostanic azide stereochemistry. The results of in vitro biological assays showed that fully decorated spirostanic 1,2,3-triazoles exerted significant and selective antiproliferative activity against MCF-7, glioblastoma (SNB-19, T98G, A-172) and neuroblastoma (IMR-32, SH-SYSY) (HCT116) cell lines (GI50 in the single-digit micromolar range). The data revealed that benzoyl and aryl substitutions in the triazole ring introduced at the 6β-position significantly improved the anti-tumor activity of (25R)-6-azidospirostan-3β,5α-diols. This position on the spirostan core may be the favourable to synthesize of potent anticancer leads from diosgenin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maksim E Mironov
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Ave, 9, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation; Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Tatyana V Rybalova
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Ave, 9, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Mikhail A Pokrovskii
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Fatemeh Emaminia
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Erik R Gandalipov
- International Institute of Solution Chemistry and Advanced Materials Technologies, ITMO University, 9 Lomonosov Street, 191002, Saint-Petersburg, Russian Federation
| | - Andrey G Pokrovskii
- Novosibirsk State University, Pirogova Str. 2, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation
| | - Elvira E Shults
- Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry, Novosibirsk Institute of Organic Chemistry, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Ave, 9, Novosibirsk 630090, Russian Federation.
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George N, Jawaid Akhtar M, Al Balushi KA, Alam Khan S. Rational drug design strategies for the development of promising multi-target directed indole hybrids as Anti-Alzheimer agents. Bioorg Chem 2022; 127:105941. [PMID: 35714473 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2022.105941] [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: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurological disorder that leads to dementia i.e., progressive memory loss accompanied with worsening of thinking ability of an individual. The cause of AD is not fully understood but it progresses with age where brain cells gradually die over time. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), currently 50 million people worldwide are affected by dementia and 60-70% of the cases belong to AD. Cumulative research over the past few decades have shown that molecules that act at a single target possess limited efficacy since these investigational drugs are not able to act against complex pathologies and thus do not provide permanent cure. Designing of multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) appears to be more beneficial and a rational approach to treat chronic complex diseases including neurodegenerative diseases. Recently, MTDLs are being extensively researched by the medicinal chemists for the development of drugs for the treatment of various multifactorial diseases. Indole is one of the privileged scaffolds which is considered as an essential mediator between the gut-brain axis because of its neuroprotective, anti-inflammatory, β-amyloid anti-aggregation and antioxidant activities. Herein, we have reviewed the potential of some indole-hybrids acting at multiple targets in the pathogenesis of AD. We have reviewed research articles from the year 2014-2021 from various scientific databases and highlighted the synthetic strategies, mechanisms of neuroprotection, toxicity, structure activity relationships and molecular docking studies of various indole-hybrid derivatives. This literature review of published data on indole derivatives indicated that developing indole hybrids have improved the pharmacokinetic profile with lower toxicity, provided synergistic effect, helped to develop more potent compounds and prevented drug-drug interactions. It is evident that this class of compounds have potential to inhibit multiple enzymes targets involved in the pathogenesis of AD and therefore indole hybrids as MTDLs may play an important role in the development of anti-AD molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Namy George
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, PO Box 620, PC 130, Muscat, Oman
| | - Md Jawaid Akhtar
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, PO Box 620, PC 130, Muscat, Oman
| | - Khalid A Al Balushi
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, PO Box 620, PC 130, Muscat, Oman
| | - Shah Alam Khan
- College of Pharmacy, National University of Science and Technology, PO Box 620, PC 130, Muscat, Oman.
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Dharani S, Kalaiarasi G, Ravi M, Sathan Raj N, Lynch VM, Prabhakaran R. Diosgenin derivatives developed from Pd(II) catalysed dehydrogenative coupling exert an effect on breast cancer cells by abrogating their growth and facilitating apoptosis via regulating the AKT1 pathway. Dalton Trans 2022; 51:6766-6777. [PMID: 35420095 DOI: 10.1039/d2dt00514j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Palladium metallates containing 4-oxo-4H-chromene-3-carbaldehyde derived ONS donor Schiff bases were synthesized and their efficacy was tested in the direct amination of diosgenin - a phyto steroid. Based on the pharmacological importance of diosgenin, the obtained derivatives were exposed to study their effect on breast cancer cells where they significantly reduced the growth of cancer cells and left non-malignant breast epithelial cells unaffected. Among the derivatives, D3, D4 and D6 showed a better anti-proliferative effect and further analysis revealed that the D3, D4 and D6 derivatives markedly promoted cell cycle arrest and apoptosis by attenuation of the AKT1 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dharani
- Department of Chemistry, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, India.
| | - G Kalaiarasi
- Department of Chemistry, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, India.
| | - M Ravi
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600025, India.
| | - N Sathan Raj
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus, Chennai 600025, India.
| | - Vincent M Lynch
- Department of Chemistry, University of Texas, Austin, TX 78712-1224, USA
| | - R Prabhakaran
- Department of Chemistry, Bharathiar University, Coimbatore 641046, India.
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Fan R, He W, Fan Y, Xu W, Xu W, Yan G, Xu S. Recent advances in chemical synthesis, biocatalysis, and biological evaluation of diosgenin derivatives - A review. Steroids 2022; 180:108991. [PMID: 35217033 DOI: 10.1016/j.steroids.2022.108991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Extracting organic compounds from plants and developing derivatives are essential methods for drug discovery. Diosgenin, extracted from Dioscoreaceae plants, is a type of spirostan steroid with various biological effects, including anti-inflammation, neuro-protection, and apoptosis-induction. Many researchers committed their work to the chemical semi-synthesis of diosgenin derivatives to improve diosgenin's therapeutic bioavailability and expand its range of applications in disease treatment and prevention. Biotransformation, a mild whole-cell biocatalysis method, also made crucial contributions to the structural diversity of diosgenin analogs in recent years. Although the structural modification of diosgenin has made significant progress, it lacks a comprehensive review. Here, we review the chemical modification and biotransformation of diosgenin along with the biological evaluation of diosgenin derivatives to provide a reference for the structural modification strategy and pharmaceutical application of diosgenin derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruolan Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, PR China
| | - Weishen He
- Biology Department, Boston College, Brighton, MA 02135, USA
| | - Yong Fan
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, PR China
| | - Wen Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, PR China
| | - Wei Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, PR China.
| | - Guohong Yan
- Pharmacy Department, People's Hospital Affiliated to Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350004, PR China.
| | - Shaohua Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, PR China.
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Nakano A, Yang X, Kuboyama T, Inada Y, Tohda C. Intrathecal Infusion of Diosgenin during the Chronic Phase of Spinal Cord Injury Ameliorates Motor Function and Axonal Density. NEUROCHEM J+ 2021. [DOI: 10.1134/s1819712421040085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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11
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Koganezawa N, Sekino Y, Kawakami H, Fuchino H, Kawahara N, Shirao T. NMDA receptor-dependent and -independent effects of natural compounds and crude drugs on synaptic states as revealed by drebrin imaging analysis. Eur J Neurosci 2021; 53:3548-3560. [PMID: 33851450 PMCID: PMC8365428 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.15231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Revised: 03/13/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Effective drugs that can cure cognitive impairments remain elusive. Because synaptic dysfunction has been correlated with cognitive impairments, drug development to target synaptic dysfunction is important. Recently, natural compounds and crude drugs have emerged as potential therapeutic agents for cognitive disorders. However, their effects on synaptic function remain unclear, because of lack of evaluation system with high reproducibility. We have recently developed highly reproducible in vitro high-content imaging analysis system for evaluation of synaptic function using drebrin as a marker for synaptic states. Therefore, we aimed to examine the direct effects of well-known natural compounds and crude drugs on synaptic states using this system. Rat hippocampal neurons were treated using natural compounds (nobiletin, diosgenin and tenuifolin) and crude drugs (Uncaria Hook [UH], Bezoar Bovis [BB], Coptis Rhizome [CR], Phellodendron Bark [PB] and Polygala Root [PR]). Immunocytochemical analysis was performed, and dendrite lengths and drebrin cluster densities were automatically quantified. We found that diosgenin, tenuifolin, CR, PB and PR decreased drebrin cluster densities, and the effects of PB and PR were partially dependent on N-methyl-D-aspartic acid-type glutamate receptors (NMDARs). Nobiletin and UH did not show any effects, whereas low-dose BB treatment increased drebrin cluster densities. Our results showed that diosgenin, tenuifolin, BB, CR, PB and PR appeared to directly change synaptic states. Particularly, the NMDAR dependency of PB and PR appears to affect synaptic plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriko Koganezawa
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Yuko Sekino
- Endowed Laboratory of Human Cell-Based Drug Discovery, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
| | - Hitomi Kawakami
- Research Center for Medicinal Plant Resources, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Fuchino
- Research Center for Medicinal Plant Resources, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Nobuo Kawahara
- Research Center for Medicinal Plant Resources, National Institutes of Biomedical Innovation, Health and Nutrition, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Shirao
- Department of Neurobiology and Behavior, Gunma University Graduate School of Medicine, Maebashi, Japan.,AlzMed, Inc, Bunkyo-ku, Japan
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Zhou LC, Liang YF, Huang Y, Yang GX, Zheng LL, Sun JM, Li Y, Zhu FL, Qian HW, Wang R, Ma L. Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of diosgenin-indole derivatives as dual-functional agents for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Eur J Med Chem 2021; 219:113426. [PMID: 33848787 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2021.113426] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The complex pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease (AD) has become a major obstacle in its treatment. An effective approach is to develop multifunctional agents that simultaneously target multiple pathological processes. Here, a series of diosgenin-indole compounds were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their neuroprotective effects against H2O2 (hydrogen peroxide), 6-OHDA (6-hydroxydopamine) and Aβ (beta amyloid) damages. Preliminary structure-activities relationship revealed that the introduction of indole fragment and electron-donating group at C-5 on ring indole could be beneficial for neuroprotective activities. Results indicated that compound 5b was the most promising candidate against cellular damage induced by H2O2 (52.9 ± 1.9%), 6-OHDA (38.4 ± 2.4%) and Aβ1-42 (54.4 ± 2.7%). Molecular docking study suggested the affinity for 5b bound to Aβ1-42 was -40.59 kcal/mol, which revealed the strong binding affinity of 5b to Aβ1-42. The predicted values of brain/blood partition coefficient (-0.733) and polar surface area (85.118 Å2) indicated the favorable abilities of BBB permeation and absorption of 5b. In addition, 5b significantly decreased ROS (reactive oxygen species) production induced by H2O2. In the following in vivo experiment, 5b obviously attenuated memory and learning impairments of Aβ-injected mice. In summary, compound 5b could be considered as a promising dual-functional neuroprotective agent against AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Cheng Zhou
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Ying-Fan Liang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yi Huang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Gui-Xiang Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Lu-Lu Zheng
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Jia-Min Sun
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Yang Li
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Fu-Li Zhu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - He-Wen Qian
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Rui Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
| | - Lei Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, 130 Meilong Road, Shanghai, 200237, China.
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13
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Yang X, Nomoto K, Tohda C. Diosgenin content is a novel criterion to assess memory enhancement effect of yam extracts. J Nat Med 2020; 75:207-216. [PMID: 32979168 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-020-01451-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Several studies have suggested that some kind of Dioscorea species (yam) or yam-contained herbal medicines have cognitive enhancement effect. However, it has been unknown what is a crucial factor for cognitive enhancement in each Dioscorea species. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether one of the main and brain-penetrating components in yams, diosgenin, can be a novel criterion to assess memory enhancement effect of yam extracts. Although our previous studies showed that administration of diosgenin or diosgenin-rich yam extract enhanced cognitive function in normal mice and healthy humans, we have never evaluated whether the effect depends on diosgenin content or not. Therefore, we compared memory enhancement effects of low diosgenin-contained general yam water extract with diosgenin-rich yam extract on cognitive function in normal mice. We found that unlike diosgenin-rich yam, administration of general yam water extract did not enhance object recognition memory in normal mice. LC-MS/MS analyses revealed that after administration of general yam, diosgenin concentration in the brain did not reach to the effective dose because of the low diosgenin content in the original yam extract. On the other hand, when diosgenin was artificially added into general yam, the extract showed memory enhancement in normal mice and promoted neurite outgrowth in neurons. Our study suggests that diosgenin is actually an active compound in yams for memory enhancement, and diosgenin content can be a criterion for predicting cognitive enhancement effect of yam extracts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximeng Yang
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Kaori Nomoto
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan
| | - Chihiro Tohda
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama, 930-0194, Japan.
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14
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Kuboyama T, Yang X, Tohda C. Natural Medicines and Their Underlying Mechanisms of Prevention and Recovery from Amyloid Β-Induced Axonal Degeneration in Alzheimer's Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E4665. [PMID: 32630004 PMCID: PMC7369795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21134665] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
In Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyloid β (Aβ) induces axonal degeneration, neuronal network disruption, and memory impairment. Although many candidate drugs to reduce Aβ have been clinically investigated, they failed to recover the memory function in AD patients. Reportedly, Aβ deposition occurred before the onset of AD. Once neuronal networks were disrupted by Aβ, they could hardly be recovered. Therefore, we speculated that only removal of Aβ was not enough for AD therapy, and prevention and recovery from neuronal network disruption were also needed. This review describes the challenges related to the condition of axons for AD therapy. We established novel in vitro models of Aβ-induced axonal degeneration. Using these models, we found that several traditional medicines and their constituents prevented or helped recover from Aβ-induced axonal degeneration. These drugs also prevented or helped recover from memory impairment in in vivo models of AD. One of these drugs ameliorated memory decline in AD patients in a clinical study. These results indicate that prevention and recovery from axonal degeneration are possible strategies for AD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoharu Kuboyama
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (T.K.); (X.Y.)
- Laboratory of Pharmacognosy, Daiichi University of Pharmacy, 22-1 Tamagawa-cho, Minami-ku, Fukuoka 815-8511, Japan
| | - Ximeng Yang
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (T.K.); (X.Y.)
| | - Chihiro Tohda
- Section of Neuromedical Science, Institute of Natural Medicine, University of Toyama, Sugitani 2630, Toyama 930-0194, Japan; (T.K.); (X.Y.)
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15
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Cai B, Zhang Y, Wang Z, Xu D, Jia Y, Guan Y, Liao A, Liu G, Chun C, Li J. Therapeutic Potential of Diosgenin and Its Major Derivatives against Neurological Diseases: Recent Advances. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:3153082. [PMID: 32215172 PMCID: PMC7079249 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3153082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 12/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Diosgenin (DG), a well-known steroidal sapogenin, is present abundantly in medicinal herbs such as Dioscorea rhizome, Dioscorea villosa, Trigonella foenum-graecum, Smilax China, and Rhizoma polgonati. DG is utilized as a major starting material for the production of steroidal drugs in the pharmaceutical industry. Due to its wide range of pharmacological activities and medicinal properties, it has been used in the treatment of cancers, hyperlipidemia, inflammation, and infections. Numerous studies have reported that DG is useful in the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. Its therapeutic mechanisms are based on the mediation of different signaling pathways, and targeting these pathways might lead to the development of effective therapeutic agents for neurological diseases. The present review mainly summarizes recent progress using DG and its derivatives as therapeutic agents for multiple neurological disorders along with their various mechanisms in the central nervous system. In particular, those related to therapeutic efficacy for Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, brain injury, neuroinflammation, and ischemia are discussed. This review article also critically evaluates existing limitations associated with the solubility and bioavailability of DG and discusses imperatives for translational clinical research. It briefly recapitulates recent advances in structural modification and novel formulations to increase the therapeutic efficacy and brain levels of DG. In the present review, databases of PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus were used for studies of DG and its derivatives in the treatment of central nervous system diseases published in English until December 10, 2019. Three independent researchers examined articles for eligibility. A total of 150 articles were screened from the above scientific literature databases. Finally, a total of 46 articles were extracted and included in this review. Keywords related to glioma, ischemia, memory, aging, cognitive impairment, Alzheimer, Parkinson, and neurodegenerative disorders were searched in the databases based on DG and its derivatives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bangrong Cai
- Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Research Center for Aging and Geriatrics, Research Institute of Medical Sciences, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 501-190, Republic of Korea
| | - Zengtao Wang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy JiangXi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanchang 330004, China
| | - Dujuan Xu
- Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yongyan Jia
- Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yanbin Guan
- Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Aimei Liao
- College of Biological Engineering, Henan University of Technology, Zhengzhou 450001, China
| | - Gaizhi Liu
- Henan Research Center for Special Processing Technology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - ChangJu Chun
- Research Institute of Drug Development, College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jiansheng Li
- Collaborative Innovation Center for Respiratory Disease Diagnosis and Treatment and Chinese Medicine Development of Henan Province, Henan Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine for Respiratory Disease, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, China
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16
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Yamauchi A, Tone T, Sugimoto K, Seok Lim H, Kaku T, Tohda C, Shindo T, Tamada K, Mizukami Y, Hirano E. Porcine placental extract facilitates memory and learning in aged mice. Food Sci Nutr 2019; 7:2995-3005. [PMID: 31572593 PMCID: PMC6766592 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Aging induces a decline in both memory and learning ability without predisposing an individual to diseases of the central nervous system, such as dementia. This decline can have a variety of adverse effects on daily life, and it can also gradually affect the individual and the people they are surrounded by. Since recent evidence indicated that placental extract has effects on brain function such as memory, we hypothesized that placental extract could ameliorate the age-associated reduction in cognitive function in aging. Here, we investigated the effect of new modified porcine placental extract (SD-F) on memory ability in aged mice at both the behavioral and molecular levels. Our results revealed that SD-F significantly enhanced memory ability in the object recognition and object location tasks in a dose-dependent manner in aged mice relative to controls. The numbers of Nissl-positive cells in the hippocampal cornu ammonis 3 (CA3) and dentate gyrus (DG) regions were increased in SD-F-treated aged mice relative to controls. RNA-seq analysis of the hippocampus of aged mice identified 542 differentially expressed genes, of which 216 were up-regulated and 326 were down-regulated in SD-F-treated mice relative to controls. Of the 216 up-regulated genes, we identified four characteristic genes directly related to memory, including early growth response protein 1 (Egr1), growth arrest and DNA-damage-inducible, beta (Gadd45b), NGFI-A binding protein 2 (Nab2), and vascular endothelial growth factor a (Vegfa). These results suggest that the efficacy of SD-F involves upregulation of these genes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Takahiro Tone
- Research InstituteJapan Bio Products Co., Ltd.KurumeJapan
| | - Koji Sugimoto
- Research InstituteJapan Bio Products Co., Ltd.KurumeJapan
| | | | | | - Chihiro Tohda
- Division of Neuromedical Science, Department of Bioscience, Institute of Natural MedicineUniversity of ToyamaToyamaJapan
| | - Takayuki Shindo
- Department of Cardiovascular ResearchShinshu University Graduate School of MedicineNaganoJapan
| | - Koji Tamada
- Department of Immunology, Graduate School of MedicineYamaguchi UniversityYamaguchiJapan
| | - Yoichi Mizukami
- Institute of Gene ResearchYamaguchi University Science Research CenterYamaguchiJapan
| | - Eiichi Hirano
- Research InstituteJapan Bio Products Co., Ltd.KurumeJapan
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17
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Bonam SR, Ruff M, Muller S. HSPA8/HSC70 in Immune Disorders: A Molecular Rheostat that Adjusts Chaperone-Mediated Autophagy Substrates. Cells 2019; 8:E849. [PMID: 31394830 PMCID: PMC6721745 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2019] [Revised: 08/02/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
HSPA8/HSC70 is a molecular chaperone involved in a wide variety of cellular processes. It plays a crucial role in protein quality control, ensuring the correct folding and re-folding of selected proteins, and controlling the elimination of abnormally-folded conformers and of proteins daily produced in excess in our cells. HSPA8 is a crucial molecular regulator of chaperone-mediated autophagy, as a detector of substrates that will be processed by this specialized autophagy pathway. In this review, we shortly summarize its structure and overall functions, dissect its implication in immune disorders, and list the known pharmacological tools that modulate its functions. We also exemplify the interest of targeting HSPA8 to regulate pathological immune dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Srinivasa Reddy Bonam
- Neuroimmunology & peptide therapy, Biotechnology and cell signaling, CNRS-University of Strasbourg, Illkirch 67412, France/Laboratory of excellence Medalis, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Marc Ruff
- Biologie Structurale Intégrative, Institut de Génétique et de Biologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire, Illkirch, 67404 Strasbourg, France
| | - Sylviane Muller
- Neuroimmunology & peptide therapy, Biotechnology and cell signaling, CNRS-University of Strasbourg, Illkirch 67412, France/Laboratory of excellence Medalis, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
- University of Strasbourg Institute for Advanced Study (USIAS), 67000 Strasbourg, France.
- Fédération Hospitalo-Universitaire (FHU) OMICARE, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg University, 67000 Strasbourg, France.
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18
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Irisin Exerts Neuroprotective Effects on Cultured Neurons by Regulating Astrocytes. Mediators Inflamm 2018; 2018:9070341. [PMID: 30356412 PMCID: PMC6178172 DOI: 10.1155/2018/9070341] [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: 06/14/2018] [Revised: 08/12/2018] [Accepted: 08/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurons suffer detrimental effects from β-amyloid toxicity in Alzheimer's disease. The exercise hormone, irisin, is found to induce a neuroprotective gene program and facilitates the beneficial effects on cognitive function. But no effort is made to test its direct protective effects on neurons against the Aβ-induced cell toxicity so far. In the present study, we investigated whether irisin could protect neurons against Aβ- (25-35) induced cell damage and explored the possible underlying mechanisms. Primary cell cultures of astrocytes and neurons were established. Conditioned medium from astrocyte was collected for the treatment and biochemistry assay study. To explore the protein expression changes, Western blot and ELISA assays were used in these in vitro cell culture models. Exposure of hippocampal neurons to 10 μM Aβ (25-35) caused significant reduction on cell viability, and the toxic effect was not significantly reduced by the coadministration of irisin. However, pretreated astrocyte-conditioned medium with irisin for 12 hours notably protected the neurons from the toxicity of Aβ. Also, we found that irisin could attenuate the release of IL-6 and IL-1β from cultured astrocytes and decrease the expression level of COX-2 and phosphorylation of AKT. Last, we found that irisin could reduce NFκB activation in astrocyte exposed to Aβ by preventing the phosphorylation and the loss of IκBα. Our finding may provide novel evidence for the future application of irisin in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and the memory dysfunction in diabetes mellitus.
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