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Carniglia L, Turati J, Saba J, López Couselo F, Romero AC, Caruso C, Durand D, Lasaga M. Melanocortin-receptor 4 activation modulates proliferation and differentiation of rat postnatal hippocampal neural precursor cells. Neuropharmacology 2024; 257:110058. [PMID: 38960135 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2024.110058] [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: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/30/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Postnatal hippocampal neurogenesis is essential for learning and memory. Hippocampal neural precursor cells (NPCs) can be induced to proliferate and differentiate into either glial cells or dentate granule cells. Notably, hippocampal neurogenesis decreases dramatically with age, partly due to a reduction in the NPC pool and a decrease in their proliferative activity. Alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) improves learning, memory, neuronal survival and plasticity. Here, we used postnatally-isolated hippocampal NPCs from Wistar rat pups (male and female combined) to determine the role of the melanocortin analog [Nle4, D-Phe7]-α-MSH (NDP-MSH) in proliferation and fate acquisition of NPCs. Incubation of growth-factor deprived NPCs with 10 nM NDP-MSH for 6 days increased the proportion of Ki-67- and 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells, compared to the control group, and these effects were blocked by the MC4R antagonist JKC-363. NDP-MSH also increased the proportion of glial fibrillar acidic protein (GFAP)/Ki-67, GFAP/sex-determining region Y-box2 (SOX2) and neuroepithelial stem cell protein (NESTIN)/Ki-67-double positive cells (type-1 and type-2 precursors). Finally, NDP-MSH induced peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ protein expression, and co-incubation with the PPAR-γ inhibitor GW9662 prevented the effect of NDP-MSH on NPC proliferation and differentiation. Our results indicate that in vitro activation of MC4R in growth-factor-deprived postnatal hippocampal NPCs induces proliferation and promotes the relative expansion of the type-1 and type-2 NPC pool through a PPAR-γ-dependent mechanism. These results shed new light on the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of melanocortins in hippocampal plasticity and provide evidence linking the MC4R and PPAR-γ pathways in modulation of hippocampal NPC proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lila Carniglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, piso 10, CP 1121, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| | - Juan Turati
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, piso 10, CP 1121, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Julieta Saba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, piso 10, CP 1121, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Federico López Couselo
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, piso 10, CP 1121, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Ana Clara Romero
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, piso 10, CP 1121, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Caruso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, piso 10, CP 1121, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Durand
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, piso 10, CP 1121, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED, UBA-CONICET), Paraguay 2155, piso 10, CP 1121, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Strnadová V, Pačesová A, Charvát V, Šmotková Z, Železná B, Kuneš J, Maletínská L. Anorexigenic neuropeptides as anti-obesity and neuroprotective agents: exploring the neuroprotective effects of anorexigenic neuropeptides. Biosci Rep 2024; 44:BSR20231385. [PMID: 38577975 PMCID: PMC11043025 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20231385] [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: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Since 1975, the incidence of obesity has increased to epidemic proportions, and the number of patients with obesity has quadrupled. Obesity is a major risk factor for developing other serious diseases, such as type 2 diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular diseases. Recent epidemiologic studies have defined obesity as a risk factor for the development of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other types of dementia. Despite all these serious comorbidities associated with obesity, there is still a lack of effective antiobesity treatment. Promising candidates for the treatment of obesity are anorexigenic neuropeptides, which are peptides produced by neurons in brain areas implicated in food intake regulation, such as the hypothalamus or the brainstem. These peptides efficiently reduce food intake and body weight. Moreover, because of the proven interconnection between obesity and the risk of developing AD, the potential neuroprotective effects of these two agents in animal models of neurodegeneration have been examined. The objective of this review was to explore anorexigenic neuropeptides produced and acting within the brain, emphasizing their potential not only for the treatment of obesity but also for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Strnadová
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Pačesová
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vilém Charvát
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Šmotková
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Blanka Železná
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jaroslav Kuneš
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Physiology, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Maletínská
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
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González LPF, Rodrigues FDS, Jantsch J, Fraga GDF, Squizani S, Castro LFDS, Correia LL, Neto JP, Giovenardi M, Porawski M, Guedes RP. Effects of omega-3 supplementation on anxiety-like behaviors and neuroinflammation in Wistar rats following cafeteria diet-induced obesity. Nutr Neurosci 2024; 27:172-183. [PMID: 36657165 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2023.2168229] [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] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACTObjetives: Omega-3 (n3) fatty acids have been studied as an option to alleviate the harmful effects of obesity. However, its role in obesity-related behavioral changes is still controversial. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of n3 on behavior and neuroinflammation in obese animals. Methods: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control diet (CT), CT+n3, cafeteria diet (CAF), and CAF+n3. Diet was administered for 13 weeks, and n3 was supplemented during the last 5 weeks. Metabolic and biochemical parameters were evaluated, as well as anxiety-like behaviors. Immunoblots were conducted in the animals' cerebral cortex and hippocampus to assess changes in neuroinflammatory markers.Results: CAF-fed animals showed higher weight gain, visceral adiposity, fasting glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin levels, and n3 improved the lipid profile and restored insulin sensitivity. CAF-fed rats showed anxiety-like behaviors in the open field and light-dark box tasks but not in the contextual aversive conditioning. Omega-3 did not exert any effect on these behaviors. Regarding neuroinflammation, diet and supplementation acted in a region-specific manner. In the hippocampus, CAF reduced claudin-5 expression with no effect of n3, indicating a brain-blood barrier disruption following CAF. Furthermore, in the hippocampus, the glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) were reduced in treated obese animals. However, n3 could not reverse the TLR-4 expression increase in the cerebral cortex.Discussion: Although n3 may protect against some neuroinflammatory manifestations in the hippocampus, it does not seem sufficient to reverse the increase in anxiolytic manifestations caused by CAF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucía Paola Facciola González
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Fernanda da Silva Rodrigues
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Jeferson Jantsch
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Gabriel de Farias Fraga
- Biomedical Science Undergraduate Program, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Samia Squizani
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Luis Felipe Dos Santos Castro
- Biomedical Science Undergraduate Program, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Lídia Luz Correia
- Biomedical Science Undergraduate Program, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - João Pereira Neto
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Márcia Giovenardi
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Marilene Porawski
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Medicine: Hepatology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Renata Padilha Guedes
- Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
- Graduate Program in Biosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, Brazil
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Vilella A, Bodria M, Papotti B, Zanotti I, Zimetti F, Remaggi G, Elviri L, Potì F, Ferri N, Lupo MG, Panighel G, Daini E, Vandini E, Zoli M, Giuliani D, Bernini F. PCSK9 ablation attenuates Aβ pathology, neuroinflammation and cognitive dysfunctions in 5XFAD mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 115:517-534. [PMID: 37967665 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence highlights the importance of novel players in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathophysiology, including alterations of lipid metabolism and neuroinflammation. Indeed, a potential involvement of Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in AD has been recently postulated. Here, we first investigated the effects of PCSK9 on neuroinflammation in vitro. Then, we examined the impact of a genetic ablation of PCSK9 on cognitive performance in a severe mouse model of AD. Finally, in the same animals we evaluated the effect of PCSK9 loss on Aβ pathology, neuroinflammation, and brain lipids. METHODS For in vitro studies, U373 human astrocytoma cells were treated with Aβ fibrils and human recombinant PCSK9. mRNA expression of the proinflammatory cytokines and inflammasome-related genes were evaluated by q-PCR, while MCP-1 secretion was measured by ELISA. For in vivo studies, the cognitive performance of a newly generated mouse line - obtained by crossing 5XFADHet with PCSK9KO mice - was tested by the Morris water maze test. After sacrifice, immunohistochemical analyses were performed to evaluate Aβ plaque deposition, distribution and composition, BACE1 immunoreactivity, as well as microglia and astrocyte reactivity. Cholesterol and hydroxysterols levels in mouse brains were quantified by fluorometric and LC-MS/MS analyses, respectively. Statistical comparisons were performed according to one- or two-way ANOVA, two-way repeated measure ANOVA or Chi-square test. RESULTS In vitro, PCSK9 significantly increased IL6, IL1B and TNFΑ mRNA levels in Aβ fibrils-treated U373 cells, without influencing inflammasome gene expression, except for an increase in NLRC4 mRNA levels. In vivo, PCSK9 ablation in 5XFAD mice significantly improved the performance at the Morris water maze test; these changes were accompanied by a reduced corticohippocampal Aβ burden without affecting plaque spatial/regional distribution and composition or global BACE1 expression. Furthermore, PCSK9 loss in 5XFAD mice induced decreased microgliosis and astrocyte reactivity in several brain regions. Conversely, knocking out PCSK9 had minimal impact on brain cholesterol and hydroxysterol levels. CONCLUSIONS In vitro studies showed a pro-inflammatory effect of PCSK9. Consistently, in vivo data indicated a protective role of PCSK9 ablation against cognitive impairments, associated with improved Aβ pathology and attenuated neuroinflammation in a severe mouse model of AD. PCSK9 may thus be considered a novel pharmacological target for the treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonietta Vilella
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| | - Martina Bodria
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Bianca Papotti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Ilaria Zanotti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesca Zimetti
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy.
| | - Giulia Remaggi
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Lisa Elviri
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Francesco Potì
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Neurosciences, University of Parma, 43121, Parma, Italy
| | - Nicola Ferri
- Department of Medicine, University of Padova, 35129, Padova, Italy; Veneto Institute of Molecular Medicine (VIMM), 35129, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Giovanni Panighel
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Eleonora Daini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vandini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Center for Neuroscience and Neurotechnology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Franco Bernini
- Department of Food and Drug, University of Parma, 43124 Parma, Italy
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Chang CL, Cai Z, Hsu SYT. A gel-forming α-MSH analog promotes lasting melanogenesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 958:176008. [PMID: 37673364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176008] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The α-MSH peptide plays a significant role in the regulation of pigmentation via the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). It increases the DNA repair capacity of melanocytes and reduces the incidence of skin cancers. As such, α-MSH analogs could have the utility for protecting against UV-induced skin DNA damage in susceptible patients. Recently, α-MSH analogs have been approved for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria, hypoactive sexual desire, or pediatric obesity. However, the delivery of these drugs requires inconvenient implants or frequent injections. We recently found that select palmitoylated melanocortin analogs such as afamelanotide and adrenocorticotropin peptides self-assemble to form liquid gels in situ. To explore the utility of these novel analogs, we studied their pharmacological characteristics in vitro and in vivo. Acylated afamelanotide (DDE 313) and ACTH1-24 (DDE314) analogs form liquid gels at 6-20% and have a significantly increased viscosity at >2.5% compared to original analogs. Using the DDE313 analog as a prototype, we showed gel-formation reduces the passage of DDE313 through Centricon filters, and subcutaneous injection of analog gel in rats leads to the sustained presence of the peptide in circulation for >12 days. In addition, DDE313 darkened the skin of frogs for >4 weeks, whereas those injected with an equivalent dose of afamelanotide lost the tanning response within a few days. Because self-assembled gels allow sustained activation of melanocortin receptors, further studies of these analogs may allow the development of effective and convenient tanning therapies to prophylactically protect against UV-induced malignant transformation of skin cells in susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia Lin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Zheqing Cai
- CL Laboratory LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, United States
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Ghrelin system in Alzheimer's disease. Curr Opin Neurobiol 2023; 78:102655. [PMID: 36527939 PMCID: PMC10395051 DOI: 10.1016/j.conb.2022.102655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common type of dementia in seniors. Current efforts to understand the etiopathogenesis of this neurodegenerative disorder have brought forth questions about systemic factors in the development of AD. Ghrelin is a brain-gut peptide that is activated by ghrelin O-acyltransferase (GOAT) and signals via its receptor, growth hormone secretagogue receptor (GHSR). With increasing recognition of the neurotropic effects of ghrelin, the role of ghrelin system deregulation in the development of AD has been accentuated in recent years. In this review, we summarized recent research progress regarding the mechanisms of ghrelin signaling dysregulation and its contribution to AD brain pathology. In addition, we also discussed the therapeutic potential of strategies targeting ghrelin signaling for the treatment of this neurological disease.
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Daini E, Vandini E, Bodria M, Liao W, Baraldi C, Secco V, Ottani A, Zoli M, Giuliani D, Vilella A. Melanocortin receptor agonist NDP-α-MSH improves cognitive deficits and microgliosis but not amyloidosis in advanced stages of AD progression in 5XFAD and 3xTg mice. Front Immunol 2023; 13:1082036. [PMID: 36703981 PMCID: PMC9871936 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1082036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most frequent cause of dementia and still lacks effective therapy. Clinical signs of AD include low levels of endogenous melanocortins (MCs) and previous studies have shown that treatment with MC analogs induces neuroprotection in the early stages of AD. Methods We investigated the neuroprotective role of MCs in two transgenic mouse models of severe AD using 5 and 7 month-old (mo) 5XFAD mice and 9 and 12 mo 3xTg mice. These mice were subjected to a chronic stimulation of MC receptors (MCRs) with MC analogue Nle4-D-Phe7-α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH, 340 μg/kg, i.p.). Mouse behavior and ex-vivo histological and biochemical analyses were performed after 50 days of treatment. Results Our analysis demonstrated an improvement in cognitive abilities of AD mice at late stage of AD progression. We also showed that these protective effects are associated with decreased levels of hyperphosphorylated Tau but not with Aβ burden, that was unaffected in the hippocampus and in the cortex of AD mice. In addition, an age-dependent NDP effect on glial reactivity was observed only in 3xTg mice whereas a global downregulation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase was selectively observed in 7 mo 5XFAD and 14 mo 3xTg mice. Conclusion Our results suggest that MCR stimulation by NDP-α-MSH could represent a promising therapeutic strategy in managing cognitive decline also at late stage of AD, whereas the effects on neuroinflammation may be restricted to specific stages of AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Daini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vandini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Pharmacology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Martina Bodria
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Wenjie Liao
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Carlo Baraldi
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Valentina Secco
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ottani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Pharmacology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Michele Zoli
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Pharmacology Unit, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Antonietta Vilella
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Neurobiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy,*Correspondence: Antonietta Vilella,
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Corrigan RR, Labrador L, Grizzanti J, Mey M, Piontkivska H, Casadesús G. Neuroprotective Mechanisms of Amylin Receptor Activation, Not Antagonism, in the APP/PS1 Mouse Model of Alzheimer's Disease. J Alzheimers Dis 2023; 91:1495-1514. [PMID: 36641678 DOI: 10.3233/jad-221057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amylin, a pancreatic amyloid peptide involved in energy homeostasis, is increasingly studied in the context of Alzheimer's disease (AD) etiology. To date, conflicting pathogenic and neuroprotective roles for this peptide and its analogs for AD pathogenesis have been described. OBJECTIVE Whether the benefits of amylin are associated with peripheral improvement of metabolic tone/function or directly through the activation of central amylin receptors is also unknown and downstream signaling mechanisms of amylin receptors are major objectives of this study. METHODS To address these questions more directly we delivered the amylin analog pramlintide systemically (IP), at previously identified therapeutic doses, while centrally (ICV) inhibiting the receptor using an amylin receptor antagonist (AC187), at doses known to impact CNS function. RESULTS Here we show that pramlintide improved cognitive function independently of CNS receptor activation and provide transcriptomic data that highlights potential mechanisms. Furthermore, we show than inhibition of the amylin receptor increased amyloid-beta pathology in female APP/PS1 mice, an effect than was mitigated by peripheral delivery of pramlintide. Through transcriptomic analysis of pramlintide therapy in AD-modeled mice we found sexual dimorphic modulation of neuroprotective mechanisms: oxidative stress protection in females and membrane stability and reduced neuronal excitability markers in males. CONCLUSION These data suggest an uncoupling of functional and pathology-related events and highlighting a more complex receptor system and pharmacological relationship that must be carefully studied to clarify the role of amylin in CNS function and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Labrador
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - John Grizzanti
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Megan Mey
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Helen Piontkivska
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| | - Gemma Casadesús
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
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Du Y, Li C, Xu S, Yang J, Wan H, He Y. LC-MS/MS combined with blood-brain dual channel microdialysis for simultaneous determination of active components of astragali radix-safflower combination and neurotransmitters in rats with cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury: Application in pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic study. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 106:154432. [PMID: 36113188 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astragali Radix-Safflower combination (ARSC) is widely utilized in clinic to treat cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury (CI/RI). Whereas, there is no in-depth research of the pharmacokinetics (PK) and pharmacodynamics (PD) analysis of ARSC after intragastric administration in rats with CI/RI. PURPOSE The purpose of this research is to investigate the PK characteristics of eight active ingredients (astragaloside IV, calycosin, calycosin-7-O-β-glucoside, formononetin, ononin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, syringin and vernine) of ARSC, and the regulation of neurotransmitters disorders, revealing the pharmacodynamic substance basis and the mechanism of ARSC in treating CI/RI from the molecular level. METHODS We established a new method which based on blood-brain dual channel microdialysis (MD) coupled with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) to continuously gather, and determine the components of ARSC and neurotransmitters related to CI/RI in vivo. The collected data were analyzed by sigmoid-Emax function. The neurotransmitters primarily regulated in CI/RI rat were discussed by principal component analysis and the compound most associated with total pharmacodynamics was chosen by partial least squares regression. RESULTS The validated LC-MS/MS method had specificity and selectivity to simultaneously analyze the concentration of eight active components of ARSC extract and five neurotransmitters of CI/RI rats. The recovery rates of brain MD probe and blood MD probe were stable within six hours. The MD probes recovery rates decreased with the increase of flow rates, but the solution concentration had little effect on the probes recovery rates. It was feasible to correct the recovery rates of probes in vivo by using reverse dialysis method. All eight active ingredients of ARSC could pass across the blood brain barrier after CI/RI. ARSC regulated the release of glutamate (Glu), γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), dopamine (DA), 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) and aspartic acid (Asp). Notably, astragaloside IV and hydroxysafflor yellow A might have better regulatory effect on neurotransmitters in comparison with other six measured components of ARSC, and Glu was the neurotransmitter mainly regulated in CI/RI rats. CONCLUSION The ARSC was able to treat CI/RI through ameliorating neurotransmitters disorders. There was a hysteresis between the peaked drug concentration and maximum therapeutic effect of ARSC. The drug effective concentrations range of ASIV, calycosin, calycosin-7-O-β-glucoside, syringin and vernine in blood microdialysate and calycosin, syringin, vernine in brain microdialysate were narrow, which need be paid attention in clinical use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Du
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Chang Li
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Shouchao Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Jiehong Yang
- School of Basic Medicine Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Haitong Wan
- School of Life Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
| | - Yu He
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China.
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Taylor X, Cisternas P, Jury N, Martinez P, Huang X, You Y, Redding-Ochoa J, Vidal R, Zhang J, Troncoso J, Lasagna-Reeves CA. Activated endothelial cells induce a distinct type of astrocytic reactivity. Commun Biol 2022; 5:282. [PMID: 35351973 PMCID: PMC8964703 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-022-03237-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Reactive astrogliosis is a universal response of astrocytes to abnormal events and injuries. Studies have shown that proinflammatory microglia can polarize astrocytes (designated A1 astrocytes) toward a neurotoxic phenotype characterized by increased Complement Component 3 (C3) expression. It is still unclear if inflammatory stimuli from other cell types may also be capable of inducing a subset of C3+ neurotoxic astrocytes. Here, we show that a subtype of C3+ neurotoxic astrocytes is induced by activated endothelial cells that is distinct from astrocytes activated by microglia. Furthermore, we show that endothelial-induced astrocytes have upregulated expression of A1 astrocytic genes and exhibit a distinctive extracellular matrix remodeling profile. Finally, we demonstrate that endothelial-induced astrocytes are Decorin-positive and are associated with vascular amyloid deposits but not parenchymal amyloid plaques in mouse models and AD/CAA patients. These findings demonstrate the existence of potentially extensive and subtle functional diversity of C3+-reactive astrocytes. Injured endothelial cells are shown to induce an A1 phenotype in astrocytes, characterized by a genetic signature associated with extracellular matrix remodeling factors (e.g. decorin and vascular Aß deposits).
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Affiliation(s)
- Xavier Taylor
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Neuroscience Discovery, Lilly Research Laboratories, Eli Lilly & Co, Lilly Corporate Center, Indianapolis, IN, 46225, USA
| | - Pablo Cisternas
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Nur Jury
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Pablo Martinez
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Xiaoqing Huang
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Yanwen You
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Javier Redding-Ochoa
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ruben Vidal
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA
| | - Jie Zhang
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Data Science, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.,Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Juan Troncoso
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Cristian A Lasagna-Reeves
- Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA. .,Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, USA.
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11
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Translational advances of melanocortin drugs: Integrating biology, chemistry and genetics. Semin Immunol 2022; 59:101603. [PMID: 35341670 DOI: 10.1016/j.smim.2022.101603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2021] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin receptors have emerged as important targets with a very unusual versatility, as their widespread distribution on multiple tissues (e.g. skin, adrenal glands, brain, immune cells, exocrine glands) together with the variety of physiological processes they control (pigmentation, cortisol release, satiety mechanism, inflammation, secretions), place this family of receptors as genuine therapeutic targets for many disorders. This review focuses in the journey of the development of melanocortin receptors as therapeutic targets from the discovery of their existence in the early 1990 s to the approval of the first few drugs of this class. Two major areas of development characterise the current state of melanocortin drug development: their role in obesity, recently culminated with the approval of setmelanotide, and their potential for the treatment of chronic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis or fibrosis. The pro-resolving nature of these drugs offers the advantage of acting by mimicking the way our body naturally resolves inflammation, expecting fewer side effects and a more balanced (i.e. non-immunosuppressive) response from them. Here we also review the approaches followed for the design and development of novel compounds, the importance of the GPCR nature of these receptors in the process of drug development, therapeutic value, current challenges and successes, and the potential for the implementation of precision medicine approaches through the incorporation of genetics advances.
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12
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Reid JK, Kuipers HF. She Doesn't Even Go Here: The Role of Inflammatory Astrocytes in CNS Disorders. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:704884. [PMID: 34539348 PMCID: PMC8446364 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.704884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocyte heterogeneity is a rapidly evolving field driven by innovative techniques. Inflammatory astrocytes, one of the first described subtypes of reactive astrocytes, are present in a variety of neurodegenerative diseases and may play a role in their pathogenesis. Moreover, genetic and therapeutic targeting of these astrocytes ameliorates disease in several models, providing support for advancing the development of astrocyte-specific disease modifying therapies. This review aims to explore the methods and challenges of identifying inflammatory astrocytes, the role these astrocytes play in neurological disorders, and future directions in the field of astrocyte heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Kelsey Reid
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Hedwich Fardau Kuipers
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada.,Department of Cell Biology & Anatomy, Hotchkiss Brain Institute and Snyder Institute for Chronic Diseases, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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