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Fernández-Moncada I, Rodrigues RS, Fundazuri UB, Bellocchio L, Marsicano G. Type-1 cannabinoid receptors and their ever-expanding roles in brain energy processes. J Neurochem 2024; 168:693-703. [PMID: 37515372 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.15922] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
The brain requires large quantities of energy to sustain its functions. At the same time, the brain is isolated from the rest of the body, forcing this organ to develop strategies to control and fulfill its own energy needs. Likely based on these constraints, several brain-specific mechanisms emerged during evolution. For example, metabolically specialized cells are present in the brain, where intercellular metabolic cycles are organized to separate workload and optimize the use of energy. To orchestrate these strategies across time and space, several signaling pathways control the metabolism of brain cells. One of such controlling systems is the endocannabinoid system, whose main signaling hub in the brain is the type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) receptor. CB1 receptors govern a plethora of different processes in the brain, including cognitive function, emotional responses, or feeding behaviors. Classically, the mechanisms of action of CB1 receptors on brain function had been explained by its direct targeting of neuronal synaptic function. However, new discoveries have challenged this view. In this review, we will present and discuss recent data about how a small fraction of CB1 receptors associated to mitochondrial membranes (mtCB1), are able to exert a powerful control on brain functions and behavior. mtCB1 receptors impair mitochondrial functions both in neurons and astrocytes. In the latter cells, this effect is linked to an impairment of astrocyte glycolytic function, resulting in specific behavioral outputs. Finally, we will discuss the potential implications of (mt)CB1 expression on oligodendrocytes and microglia metabolic functions, with the aim to encourage interdisciplinary approaches to better understand the role of (mt)CB1 receptors in brain function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rui S Rodrigues
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Unai B Fundazuri
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
| | - Luigi Bellocchio
- Université de Bordeaux, INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Bordeaux, France
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2
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Vijayaraghavan CS, Raman LS, Surenderan S, Kaur H, Chinambedu MD, Thyagarajan SP, Gnanambal Krishnan ME. A Novel Non-Psychoactive Fatty Acid from a Marine Snail, Conus inscriptus, Signals Cannabinoid Receptor 1 (CB1) to Accumulate Apoptotic C16:0 and C18:0 Ceramides in Teratocarcinoma Cell Line PA1. Molecules 2024; 29:1737. [PMID: 38675558 PMCID: PMC11052367 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29081737] [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: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The cannabinoid-type I (CB1) receptor functions as a double-edged sword to decide cell fate: apoptosis/survival. Elevated CB1 receptor expression is shown to cause acute ceramide accumulation to meet the energy requirements of fast-growing cancers. However, the flip side of continual CB1 activation is the initiation of a second ceramide peak that leads to cell death. In this study, we used ovarian cancer cells, PA1, which expressed CB1, which increased threefold when treated with a natural compound, bis(palmitoleic acid) ester of a glycerol (C2). This novel compound is isolated from a marine snail, Conus inscriptus, using hexane and the structural details are available in the public domain PubChem database (ID: 14275348). The compound induced two acute ceramide pools to cause G0/G1 arrest and killed cells by apoptosis. The compound increased intracellular ceramides (C:16 to 7 times and C:18 to 10 times), both of which are apoptotic inducers in response to CB1 signaling and thus the compound is a potent CB1 agonist. The compound is not genotoxic because it did not induce micronuclei formation in non-cancerous Chinese hamster ovarian (CHO) cells. Since the compound induced the cannabinoid pathway, we tested if there was a psychotropic effect in zebrafish models, however, it was evident that there were no observable neurobehavioral changes in the treatment groups. With the available data, we propose that this marine compound is safe to be used in non-cancerous cells as well as zebrafish. Thus, this anticancer compound is non-toxic and triggers the CB1 pathway without causing psychotropic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina Sathyanathan Vijayaraghavan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, SRI Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Lakshmi Sundaram Raman
- Faculty of Pharmacy, SRI RAMACHANDRA Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | | | - Harpreet Kaur
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, SRI Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India; (H.K.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Mohanapriya Dandapani Chinambedu
- Department of Human Genetics, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, SRI Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India; (H.K.); (M.D.C.)
| | - Sadras Panchatcharam Thyagarajan
- Distinguished Professor and Advisor to Chancellor, Vellore Institute of technology (VIT), Vellore Campus, Tiruvalam Rd, Katpadi, Vellore 632014, Tamil Nadu, India;
| | - Mary Elizabeth Gnanambal Krishnan
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Biomedical Sciences and Technology, SRI Ramachandra Institute of Higher Education and Research (SRIHER), Deemed to be University (DU), Porur, Chennai 600116, Tamil Nadu, India;
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3
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Eraso‐Pichot A, Pouvreau S, Olivera‐Pinto A, Gomez‐Sotres P, Skupio U, Marsicano G. Endocannabinoid signaling in astrocytes. Glia 2023; 71:44-59. [PMID: 35822691 PMCID: PMC9796923 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Revised: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The study of the astrocytic contribution to brain functions has been growing in popularity in the neuroscience field. In the last years, and especially since the demonstration of the involvement of astrocytes in synaptic functions, the astrocyte field has revealed multiple functions of these cells that seemed inconceivable not long ago. In parallel, cannabinoid investigation has also identified different ways by which cannabinoids are able to interact with these cells, modify their functions, alter their communication with neurons and impact behavior. In this review, we will describe the expression of different endocannabinoid system members in astrocytes. Moreover, we will relate the latest findings regarding cannabinoid modulation of some of the most relevant astroglial functions, namely calcium (Ca2+ ) dynamics, gliotransmission, metabolism, and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abel Eraso‐Pichot
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Sandrine Pouvreau
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Alexandre Olivera‐Pinto
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Paula Gomez‐Sotres
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Urszula Skupio
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
| | - Giovanni Marsicano
- U1215 Neurocentre MagendieInstitut national de la santé et de la recherche médicale (INSERM)BordeauxFrance,University of BordeauxBordeauxFrance
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4
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Shcherbakova K, Schwarz A, Apryatin S, Karpenko M, Trofimov A. Supplementation of Regular Diet With Medium-Chain Triglycerides for Procognitive Effects: A Narrative Review. Front Nutr 2022; 9:934497. [PMID: 35911092 PMCID: PMC9334743 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.934497] [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: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
It is now widely accepted that ketosis (a physiological state characterized by elevated plasma ketone body levels) possesses a wide range of neuroprotective effects. There is a growing interest in the use of ketogenic supplements, including medium-chain triglycerides (MCT), to achieve intermittent ketosis without adhering to a strict ketogenic diet. MCT supplementation is an inexpensive and simple ketogenic intervention, proven to benefit both individuals with normal cognition and those suffering from mild cognitive impairment, Alzheimer's disease, and other cognitive disorders. The commonly accepted paradigm underlying MCT supplementation trials is that the benefits stem from ketogenesis and that MCT supplementation is safe. However, medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) may also exert effects in the brain directly. Moreover, MCFAs, long-chain fatty acids, and glucose participate in mutually intertwined metabolic pathways. Therefore, the metabolic effects must be considered if the desired procognitive effects require administering MCT in doses larger than 1 g/kg. This review summarizes currently available research on the procognitive effects of using MCTs as a supplement to regular feed/diet without concomitant reduction of carbohydrate intake and focuses on the revealed mechanisms linked to particular MCT metabolites (ketone bodies, MCFAs), highlighting open questions and potential considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ksenia Shcherbakova
- I.P. Pavlov Department of Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia,*Correspondence: Ksenia Shcherbakova
| | - Alexander Schwarz
- Laboratory of the Molecular Mechanisms of Neuronal Interactions, Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry (RAS), Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Sergey Apryatin
- I.P. Pavlov Department of Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Marina Karpenko
- I.P. Pavlov Department of Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
| | - Alexander Trofimov
- I.P. Pavlov Department of Physiology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Saint Petersburg, Russia
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5
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Price BR, Johnson LA, Norris CM. Reactive astrocytes: The nexus of pathological and clinical hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 68:101335. [PMID: 33812051 PMCID: PMC8168445 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Revised: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocyte reactivity is a hallmark of neuroinflammation that arises with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and nearly every other neurodegenerative condition. While astrocytes certainly contribute to classic inflammatory processes (e.g. cytokine release, waste clearance, and tissue repair), newly emerging technologies for measuring and targeting cell specific activities in the brain have uncovered essential roles for astrocytes in synapse function, brain metabolism, neurovascular coupling, and sleep/wake patterns. In this review, we use a holistic approach to incorporate, and expand upon, classic neuroinflammatory concepts to consider how astrocyte dysfunction/reactivity modulates multiple pathological and clinical hallmarks of AD. Our ever-evolving understanding of astrocyte signaling in neurodegeneration is not only revealing new drug targets and treatments for dementia but is suggesting we reimagine AD pathophysiological mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittani R Price
- Department of Neuroscience, Tufts University School of Medicine, 136 Harrison Ave., Boston, MA, 02111, USA
| | - Lance A Johnson
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Christopher M Norris
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging, University of Kentucky, 800 S. Limestone St., Lexington, KY, 40356, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, College of Medicine, UK Medical Center MN 150, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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6
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Tribble JR, Hui F, Jöe M, Bell K, Chrysostomou V, Crowston JG, Williams PA. Targeting Diet and Exercise for Neuroprotection and Neurorecovery in Glaucoma. Cells 2021; 10:295. [PMID: 33535578 PMCID: PMC7912764 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. In glaucoma, a progressive dysfunction and death of retinal ganglion cells occurs, eliminating transfer of visual information to the brain. Currently, the only available therapies target the lowering of intraocular pressure, but many patients continue to lose vision. Emerging pre-clinical and clinical evidence suggests that metabolic deficiencies and defects may play an important role in glaucoma pathophysiology. While pre-clinical studies in animal models have begun to mechanistically uncover these metabolic changes, some existing clinical evidence already points to potential benefits in maintaining metabolic fitness. Modifying diet and exercise can be implemented by patients as an adjunct to intraocular pressure lowering, which may be of therapeutic benefit to retinal ganglion cells in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- James R. Tribble
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (J.R.T.); (M.J.)
| | - Flora Hui
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; (F.H.); (J.G.C.)
- Department of Optometry & Vision Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3053, Australia
| | - Melissa Jöe
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (J.R.T.); (M.J.)
| | - Katharina Bell
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.B.); (V.C.)
| | - Vicki Chrysostomou
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.B.); (V.C.)
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Jonathan G. Crowston
- Centre for Eye Research Australia, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3002, Australia; (F.H.); (J.G.C.)
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore 168751, Singapore; (K.B.); (V.C.)
- Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Pete A. Williams
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Division of Eye and Vision, St. Erik Eye Hospital, Karolinska Institutet, 171 64 Stockholm, Sweden; (J.R.T.); (M.J.)
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7
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Zyśk M, Pikul P, Kowalski R, Lewandowski K, Sakowicz-Burkiewicz M, Pawełczyk T. Neither Excessive Nitric Oxide Accumulation nor Acute Hyperglycemia Affects the N-Acetylaspartate Network in Wistar Rat Brain Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228541. [PMID: 33198375 PMCID: PMC7697070 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The N-acetylaspartate network begins in neurons with N-acetylaspartate production catalyzed by aspartate N-acetyltransferase from acetyl-CoA and aspartate. Clinical studies reported a significant depletion in N-acetylaspartate brain level in type 1 diabetic patients. The main goal of this study was to establish the impact of either hyperglycemia or oxidative stress on the N-acetylaspartate network. For the in vitro part of the study, embryonic rat primary neurons were treated by using a nitric oxide generator for 24 h followed by 6 days of post-treatment culture, while the neural stem cells were cultured in media with 25–75 mM glucose. For the in vivo part, male adult Wistar rats were injected with streptozotocin (65 mg/kg body weight, ip) to induce hyperglycemia (diabetes model) and euthanized 2 or 8 weeks later. Finally, the biochemical profile, NAT8L protein/Nat8l mRNA levels and enzymatic activity were analyzed. Ongoing oxidative stress processes significantly affected energy metabolism and cholinergic neurotransmission. However, the applied factors did not affect the N-acetylaspartate network. This study shows that reduced N-acetylaspartate level in type 1 diabetes is not related to oxidative stress and that does not trigger N-acetylaspartate network fragility. To reveal why N-acetylaspartate is reduced in this pathology, other processes should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marlena Zyśk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-58-349-2770
| | - Piotr Pikul
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Polish Academy of Science, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (P.P.); (R.K.)
| | - Robert Kowalski
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Nephrology, Polish Academy of Science, 80-308 Gdansk, Poland; (P.P.); (R.K.)
| | | | - Monika Sakowicz-Burkiewicz
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
| | - Tadeusz Pawełczyk
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland; (M.S.-B.); (T.P.)
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8
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Midlife Chronological and Endocrinological Transitions in Brain Metabolism: System Biology Basis for Increased Alzheimer's Risk in Female Brain. Sci Rep 2020; 10:8528. [PMID: 32444841 PMCID: PMC7244485 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-65402-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Decline in brain glucose metabolism is a hallmark of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease (LOAD). Comprehensive understanding of the dynamic metabolic aging process in brain can provide insights into windows of opportunities to promote healthy brain aging. Chronological and endocrinological aging are associated with brain glucose hypometabolism and mitochondrial adaptations in female brain. Using a rat model recapitulating fundamental features of the human menopausal transition, results of transcriptomic analysis revealed stage-specific shifts in bioenergetic systems of biology that were paralleled by bioenergetic dysregulation in midlife aging female brain. Transcriptomic profiles were predictive of outcomes from unbiased, discovery-based metabolomic and lipidomic analyses, which revealed a dynamic adaptation of the aging female brain from glucose centric to utilization of auxiliary fuel sources that included amino acids, fatty acids, lipids, and ketone bodies. Coupling between brain and peripheral metabolic systems was dynamic and shifted from uncoupled to coupled under metabolic stress. Collectively, these data provide a detailed profile across transcriptomic and metabolomic systems underlying bioenergetic function in brain and its relationship to peripheral metabolic responses. Mechanistically, these data provide insights into the complex dynamics of chronological and endocrinological bioenergetic aging in female brain. Translationally, these findings are predictive of initiation of the prodromal / preclinical phase of LOAD for women in midlife and highlight therapeutic windows of opportunity to reduce the risk of late-onset Alzheimer’s disease.
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9
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Verkhratsky A, Parpura V, Vardjan N, Zorec R. Physiology of Astroglia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1175:45-91. [PMID: 31583584 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-13-9913-8_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are principal cells responsible for maintaining the brain homeostasis. Additionally, these glial cells are also involved in homocellular (astrocyte-astrocyte) and heterocellular (astrocyte-other cell types) signalling and metabolism. These astroglial functions require an expression of the assortment of molecules, be that transporters or pumps, to maintain ion concentration gradients across the plasmalemma and the membrane of the endoplasmic reticulum. Astrocytes sense and balance their neurochemical environment via variety of transmitter receptors and transporters. As they are electrically non-excitable, astrocytes display intracellular calcium and sodium fluctuations, which are not only used for operative signalling but can also affect metabolism. In this chapter we discuss the molecules that achieve ionic gradients and underlie astrocyte signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK. .,Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, University of Copenhagen, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark. .,Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science, 48011, Bilbao, Spain.
| | - Vladimir Parpura
- Department of Neurobiology, The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Nina Vardjan
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Robert Zorec
- Laboratory of Neuroendocrinology-Molecular Cell Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathophysiology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Celica Biomedical, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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10
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Le Foll C. Hypothalamic Fatty Acids and Ketone Bodies Sensing and Role of FAT/CD36 in the Regulation of Food Intake. Front Physiol 2019; 10:1036. [PMID: 31474875 PMCID: PMC6702519 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2019.01036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The obesity and type-2 diabetes epidemic is escalating and represents one of the costliest biomedical challenges confronting modern society. Moreover, the increasing consumption of high fat food is often correlated with an increase in body mass index. In people predisposed to be obese or already obese, the impaired ability of the brain to monitor and respond to alterations in fatty acid (FA) metabolism is increasingly recognized as playing a role in the pathophysiological development of these disorders. The brain senses and regulates metabolism using highly specialized nutrient-sensing neurons located mainly in the hypothalamus. The same neurons are able to detect variation in the extracellular levels of glucose, FA and ketone bodies as a way to monitor nutrient availability and to alter its own activity. In addition, glial cells such as astrocytes create major connections to neurons and form a tight relationship to closely regulate nutrient uptake and metabolism. This review will examine the different pathways by which neurons are able to detect free fatty acids (FFA) to alter its activity and how high fat diet (HFD)-astrocytes induced ketone bodies production interplays with neuronal FA sensing. The role of HFD-induced inflammation and how FA modulate the reward system will also be investigated here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Le Foll
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, Vetsuisse Faculty, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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11
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Souza DG, Almeida RF, Souza DO, Zimmer ER. The astrocyte biochemistry. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2019; 95:142-150. [PMID: 30951895 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2019.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2018] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Accepted: 04/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Astrocytes are a unique and dynamic subtype of glial cells in the central nervous system (CNS). Understanding their biochemical reactions and their influence in the surrounding cells is extremely important in the neuroscience field. They exert important influence in the neurotransmission, ionic homeostasis and also release neuroactive molecules termed gliotransmitters. Additionally, they metabolize, store and release metabolic substrates to meet high brain energy requirements. In this review, we highlight the main biochemical reactions regarding energy metabolism that take place in astrocytes. Special attention is given to synthesis, storage and catabolism of glucose, release of lactate, oxidation of fatty acids, production of ketone bodies, and metabolism of the main neurotransmitters, glutamate and GABA. The recent findings allow proposing these cells as key players controlling the energetic homeostasis in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Débora G Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Roberto F Almeida
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Exact and Biological Sciences Institute, Biological Sciences Department, Federal University of Ouro Preto, Ouro Preto, Brazil
| | - Diogo O Souza
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Biochemistry, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil
| | - Eduardo R Zimmer
- Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Biochemistry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, Brazil; Department of Pharmacology, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Graduate Program in Biological Sciences: Pharmacology and Therapeutics, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, Brazil; Brain Institute of Rio Grande do Sul (BraIns), Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, Brazil.
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12
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Moura LIF, Lemos C, Ledent C, Carvalho E, Köfalvi A. Chronic insulinopenia/hyperglycemia decreases cannabinoid CB 1 receptor density and impairs glucose uptake in the mouse forebrain. Brain Res Bull 2019; 147:101-109. [PMID: 30721768 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2019.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 01/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Both endocannabinoids and insulin regulate peripheral and cerebral glucose homeostasis via convergent signaling pathways that are impacted by diabetes. Here we asked how glucose metabolism and important facets of insulin signaling are affected in the forebrain of cannabinoid CB1 receptor knockout mice (CB1R-KO) and their wild-type (WT) littermates, seven weeks after the induction of insulinopenia/hyperglycemia (diabetes) with intraperitoneal streptozotocin injection. Sham-injected animals served as control. Diabetes caused milder weight loss in the WT mice compared to the phenotypically ˜11% leaner CB1R-KO, while hyperglycemia was similar. Resting [3H]deoxyglucose uptake was significantly reduced by ˜20% in acute ex vivo frontocortical and hippocampal slices obtained from both the sham-injected CB1R-KO and the diabetic WT mice. Surprisingly, the third cohort, the diabetic CB1R-KO showed no further impairment in glucose uptake, as compared to the sham-injected CB1R-KO. Depolarization-induced [3H]deoxyglucose uptake was proportional to the respective resting values only in the cortex in all four cohorts. The dissipative metabolism of [14C]-U-glucose remained largely unaffected in all cohorts of animals. However, diabetes reduced cortical CB1R density by ˜20%, as assessed by Western blotting. Albeit the changes in insulin signaling did not reflect the glucose uptake profile in each cohort, there were significant interactions between diabetes and genotype. In conclusion, a chronic decrease or lack of CB1R expression reduces glucose uptake in the mouse brain. Additionally, diabetes failed to cause further impairment in cerebral glucose uptake in the CB1R-KO. These suggest that diabetic encephalopathy may be in part associated with lower CB1R expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liane I F Moura
- CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Cristina Lemos
- CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Experimental Psychiatry Unit, Center for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical University Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Eugénia Carvalho
- CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas 72202, United States; The Portuguese Diabetes Association (APDP), Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Geriatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Arkansas 72205, United States
| | - Attila Köfalvi
- CNC, Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology of Coimbra, University of Coimbra, 3004-504 Coimbra, Portugal; Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, 3030-789 Coimbra, Portugal.
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13
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Konttinen H, Gureviciene I, Oksanen M, Grubman A, Loppi S, Huuskonen MT, Korhonen P, Lampinen R, Keuters M, Belaya I, Tanila H, Kanninen KM, Goldsteins G, Landreth G, Koistinaho J, Malm T. PPARβ/δ-agonist GW0742 ameliorates dysfunction in fatty acid oxidation in PSEN1ΔE9 astrocytes. Glia 2018; 67:146-159. [PMID: 30453390 DOI: 10.1002/glia.23534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Astrocytes are the gatekeepers of neuronal energy supply. In neurodegenerative diseases, bioenergetics demand increases and becomes reliant upon fatty acid oxidation as a source of energy. Defective fatty acid oxidation and mitochondrial dysfunctions correlate with hippocampal neurodegeneration and memory deficits in Alzheimer's disease (AD), but it is unclear whether energy metabolism can be targeted to prevent or treat the disease. Here we show for the first time an impairment in fatty acid oxidation in human astrocytes derived from induced pluripotent stem cells of AD patients. The impairment was corrected by treatment with a synthetic peroxisome proliferator activated receptor delta (PPARβ/δ) agonist GW0742 which acts to regulate an array of genes governing cellular metabolism. GW0742 enhanced the expression of CPT1a, the gene encoding for a rate-limiting enzyme of fatty acid oxidation. Similarly, treatment of a mouse model of AD, the APP/PS1-mice, with GW0742 increased the expression of Cpt1a and concomitantly reversed memory deficits in a fear conditioning test. Although the GW0742-treated mice did not show altered astrocytic glial fibrillary acidic protein-immunoreactivity or reduction in amyloid beta (Aβ) load, GW0742 treatment increased hippocampal neurogenesis and enhanced neuronal differentiation of neuronal progenitor cells. Furthermore, GW0742 prevented Aβ-induced impairment of long-term potentiation in hippocampal slices. Collectively, these data suggest that PPARβ/δ-agonism alleviates AD related deficits through increasing fatty acid oxidation in astrocytes and improves cognition in a transgenic mouse model of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henna Konttinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Irina Gureviciene
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Minna Oksanen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alexandra Grubman
- Department of Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Monash University, Clayton, Australia.,The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, Parkville, Australia
| | - Sanna Loppi
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Mikko T Huuskonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Paula Korhonen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riikka Lampinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Meike Keuters
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Irina Belaya
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Heikki Tanila
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Katja M Kanninen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gundars Goldsteins
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Gary Landreth
- Stark Neuroscience Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Jari Koistinaho
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland.,Neuroscience Center, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tarja Malm
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, Finland
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14
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Scholl A, Ivanov I, Hinz B. Inhibition of interleukin-1β-induced endothelial tissue factor expression by the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2. Oncotarget 2018; 7:61438-61457. [PMID: 27556861 PMCID: PMC5308663 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.11367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2015] [Accepted: 07/26/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of cannabinoids in thrombosis remains controversial. In view of the primary importance of tissue factor (TF) in blood coagulation and its involvement in the pathology of several cardiovascular, inflammatory and neoplastic diseases, a regulation of this initial procoagulant signal seems to be of particular interest. Using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) the present study investigated the impact of the synthetic cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2 on interleukin (IL)-1β-induced TF expression and activity. WIN 55,212-2 caused a time- and concentration-dependent suppression of IL-1β-induced TF protein accompanied by decreases in TF mRNA and activity. Inhibition of TF protein expression by WIN 55,212-2 was mimicked by its cannabinoid receptor-inactive enantiomer WIN 55,212-3 but not by structurally unrelated phyto-, endo- and synthetic cannabinoids. In addition, the inhibitory effect of WIN 55,212-2 was not reversed by antagonists to cannabinoid receptors (CB1, CB2) or transient receptor potential vanilloid 1. Mechanistic approaches revealed WIN 55,212-2 to suppress IL-1β-induced TF expression via inhibition of ceramide formation and via decreased phosphorylation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinases. Further inhibitor experiments demonstrated neutral sphingomyelinase (nSMase) to confer ceramide generation upon IL-1β treatment with the parallel IL-1β-mediated activation of MAPKs occurring via an nSMase-independent pathway. Finally, a receptor-independent inhibition of IL-1β-induced TF protein by WIN 55,212-2 was confirmed in human blood monocytes. Collectively, this data provide a hitherto unknown receptor-independent anticoagulatory action of the cannabinoid WIN 55,212-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antje Scholl
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Igor Ivanov
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
| | - Burkhard Hinz
- Institute of Toxicology and Pharmacology, Rostock University Medical Center, D-18057 Rostock, Germany
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15
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Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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16
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Verkhratsky A, Nedergaard M. Physiology of Astroglia. Physiol Rev 2018; 98:239-389. [PMID: 29351512 PMCID: PMC6050349 DOI: 10.1152/physrev.00042.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 895] [Impact Index Per Article: 149.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2016] [Revised: 03/22/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are neural cells of ectodermal, neuroepithelial origin that provide for homeostasis and defense of the central nervous system (CNS). Astrocytes are highly heterogeneous in morphological appearance; they express a multitude of receptors, channels, and membrane transporters. This complement underlies their remarkable adaptive plasticity that defines the functional maintenance of the CNS in development and aging. Astrocytes are tightly integrated into neural networks and act within the context of neural tissue; astrocytes control homeostasis of the CNS at all levels of organization from molecular to the whole organ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexei Verkhratsky
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
| | - Maiken Nedergaard
- The University of Manchester , Manchester , United Kingdom ; Achúcarro Basque Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Basque Foundation for Science , Bilbao , Spain ; Department of Neuroscience, University of the Basque Country UPV/EHU and CIBERNED, Leioa, Spain ; Center for Basic and Translational Neuroscience, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen , Copenhagen , Denmark ; and Center for Translational Neuromedicine, University of Rochester Medical Center , Rochester, New York
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17
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Gómez-Cañas M, Morales P, García-Toscano L, Navarrete C, Muñoz E, Jagerovic N, Fernández-Ruiz J, García-Arencibia M, Pazos M. Biological characterization of PM226, a chromenoisoxazole, as a selective CB 2 receptor agonist with neuroprotective profile. Pharmacol Res 2016; 110:205-215. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2016] [Revised: 03/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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18
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Le Foll C, Levin BE. Fatty acid-induced astrocyte ketone production and the control of food intake. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2016; 310:R1186-92. [PMID: 27122369 PMCID: PMC4935491 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00113.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Accepted: 04/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Obesity and Type 2 diabetes are major worldwide public health issues today. A relationship between total fat intake and obesity has been found. In addition, the mechanisms of long-term and excessive high-fat diet (HFD) intake in the development of obesity still need to be elucidated. The ventromedial hypothalamus (VMH) is a major site involved in the regulation of glucose and energy homeostasis where "metabolic sensing neurons" integrate metabolic signals from the periphery. Among these signals, fatty acids (FA) modulate the activity of VMH neurons using the FA translocator/CD36, which plays a critical role in the regulation of energy and glucose homeostasis. During low-fat diet (LFD) intake, FA are oxidized by VMH astrocytes to fuel their ongoing metabolic needs. However, HFD intake causes VMH astrocytes to use FA to generate ketone bodies. We postulate that these astrocyte-derived ketone bodies are exported to neurons where they produce excess ATP and reactive oxygen species, which override CD36-mediated FA sensing and act as a signal to decrease short-term food intake. On a HFD, VMH astrocyte-produced ketones reduce elevated caloric intake to LFD levels after 3 days in rats genetically predisposed to resist (DR) diet-induced obesity (DIO), but not leptin-resistant DIO rats. This suggests that, while VMH ketone production on a HFD can contribute to protection from obesity, the inherent leptin resistance overrides this inhibitory action of ketone bodies on food intake. Thus, astrocytes and neurons form a tight metabolic unit that is able to monitor circulating nutrients to alter food intake and energy homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christelle Le Foll
- Institute of Veterinary Physiology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland; and
| | - Barry E Levin
- Department of Neurology, Rutgers, New Jersey Medical School, Newark, New Jersey
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19
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Edwards A, Abizaid A. Driving the need to feed: Insight into the collaborative interaction between ghrelin and endocannabinoid systems in modulating brain reward systems. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2016; 66:33-53. [PMID: 27136126 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2016.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2015] [Revised: 03/08/2016] [Accepted: 03/31/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Independent stimulation of either the ghrelin or endocannabinoid system promotes food intake and increases adiposity. Given the similar distribution of their receptors in feeding associated brain regions and organs involved in metabolism, it is not surprising that evidence of their interaction and its importance in modulating energy balance has emerged. This review documents the relationship between ghrelin and endocannabinoid systems within the periphery and hypothalamus (HYP) before presenting evidence suggesting that these two systems likewise work collaboratively within the ventral tegmental area (VTA) to modulate non-homeostatic feeding. Mechanisms, consistent with current evidence and local infrastructure within the VTA, will be proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Edwards
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
| | - Alfonso Abizaid
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, ON K1S 5B6, Canada.
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20
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Moullé VS, Picard A, Cansell C, Luquet S, Magnan C. Rôle de la détection centrale des lipides dans le contrôle nerveux de la balance énergétique. Med Sci (Paris) 2015; 31:397-403. [DOI: 10.1051/medsci/20153104014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
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21
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Chiurchiù V, Leuti A, Maccarrone M. Cannabinoid Signaling and Neuroinflammatory Diseases: A Melting pot for the Regulation of Brain Immune Responses. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2015; 10:268-80. [PMID: 25601726 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-015-9584-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2014] [Accepted: 01/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The concept of the central nervous system (CNS) as an immune-privileged site, essentially due to the presence of the blood brain barrier, appears to be overly simplistic. Indeed, within healthy CNS immune activities are permitted and are required for neuronal function and host defense, not only due to the presence of the resident innate immune cells of the brain, but also by virtue of a complex cross-talk of the CNS with peripheral immune cells. Nonetheless, long-standing and persisting neuroinflammatory responses are most often detrimental and characterize several neuroinflammatory diseases, including multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. A growing body of evidence suggests that Cannabis sativa-derived phytocannabinoids, as well as synthetic cannabinoids, are endowed with significant immunoregulatory and anti-inflammatory properties, both in peripheral tissues and in the CNS, through the activation of cannabinoid receptors. In this review, the immunomodulatory effects of cannabinoid signaling on the most relevant brain immune cells will be discussed. In addition, the impact of cannabinoid regulation on the overall integration of the manifold brain immune responses will also be highlighted, along with the implication of these compounds as potential agents for the management of neuroinflammatory disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valerio Chiurchiù
- School of Medicine and Center of Integrated Research, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Rome, Italy
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22
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Metna-Laurent M, Marsicano G. Rising stars: modulation of brain functions by astroglial type-1 cannabinoid receptors. Glia 2014; 63:353-64. [PMID: 25452006 DOI: 10.1002/glia.22773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2014] [Accepted: 11/13/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The type-1-cannabinoid (CB1 ) receptor is amongst the most widely expressed G protein-coupled receptors in the brain. In few decades, CB1 receptors have been shown to regulate a large array of functions from brain cell development and survival to complex cognitive processes. Understanding the cellular mechanisms underlying these functions of CB1 is complex due to the heterogeneity of the brain cell types on which the receptor is expressed. Although the large majority of CB1 receptors act on neurons, early studies pointed to a direct control of CB1 receptors over astroglial functions including brain energy supply and neuroprotection. In line with the growing concept of the tripartite synapse highlighting astrocytes as direct players in synaptic plasticity, astroglial CB1 receptor signaling recently emerged as the mediator of several forms of synaptic plasticity associated to important cognitive functions. Here, we shortly review the current knowledge on CB1 receptor-mediated astroglial functions. This functional spectrum is large and most of the mechanisms by which CB1 receptors control astrocytes, as well as their consequences in vivo, are still unknown, requiring innovative approaches to improve this new cannabinoid research field.
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23
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Grabacka M, Pierzchalska M, Reiss K. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α ligands as anticancer drugs targeting mitochondrial metabolism. Curr Pharm Biotechnol 2013; 14:342-56. [PMID: 21133850 DOI: 10.2174/1389201011314030009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2010] [Revised: 07/15/2010] [Accepted: 09/17/2010] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells show metabolic features distinctive from normal tissues, with characteristically enhanced aerobic glycolysis, glutaminolysis and lipid synthesis. Peroxisome proliferator activated receptor α (PPAR α) is activated by nutrients (fatty acids and their derivatives) and influences these metabolic pathways acting antagonistically to oncogenic Akt and c-Myc. Therefore PPAR α can be regarded as a candidate target molecule in supplementary anticancer pharmacotherapy as well as dietary therapeutic approach. This idea is based on hitting the cancer cell metabolic weak points through PPAR α mediated stimulation of mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation and ketogenesis with simultaneous reduction of glucose and glutamine consumption. PPAR α activity is induced by fasting and its molecular consequences overlap with the effects of calorie restriction and ketogenic diet (CRKD). CRKD induces increase of NAD+/NADH ratio and drop in ATP/AMP ratio. The first one is the main stimulus for enhanced protein deacetylase SIRT1 activity; the second one activates AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK). Both SIRT1 and AMPK exert their major metabolic activities such as fatty acid oxidation and block of glycolysis and protein, nucleotide and fatty acid synthesis through the effector protein peroxisome proliferator activated receptor gamma 1 α coactivator (PGC-1α). PGC-1α cooperates with PPAR α and their activities might contribute to potential anticancer effects of CRKD, which were reported for various brain tumors. Therefore, PPAR α activation can engage molecular interplay among SIRT1, AMPK, and PGC-1α that provides a new, low toxicity dietary approach supplementing traditional anticancer regimen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maja Grabacka
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Food Technology, University of Agriculture, Krakow 30- 149, ul. Balicka 122, Poland.
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24
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Bosier B, Bellocchio L, Metna-Laurent M, Soria-Gomez E, Matias I, Hebert-Chatelain E, Cannich A, Maitre M, Leste-Lasserre T, Cardinal P, Mendizabal-Zubiaga J, Canduela MJ, Reguero L, Hermans E, Grandes P, Cota D, Marsicano G. Astroglial CB1 cannabinoid receptors regulate leptin signaling in mouse brain astrocytes. Mol Metab 2013; 2:393-404. [PMID: 24327955 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmet.2013.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2013] [Revised: 07/29/2013] [Accepted: 08/02/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Type-1 cannabinoid (CB1) and leptin (ObR) receptors regulate metabolic and astroglial functions, but the potential links between the two systems in astrocytes were not investigated so far. Genetic and pharmacological manipulations of CB1 receptor expression and activity in cultured cortical and hypothalamic astrocytes demonstrated that cannabinoid signaling controls the levels of ObR expression. Lack of CB1 receptors also markedly impaired leptin-mediated activation of signal transducers and activators of transcription 3 and 5 (STAT3 and STAT5) in astrocytes. In particular, CB1 deletion determined a basal overactivation of STAT5, thereby leading to the downregulation of ObR expression, and leptin failed to regulate STAT5-dependent glycogen storage in the absence of CB1 receptors. These results show that CB1 receptors directly interfere with leptin signaling and its ability to regulate glycogen storage, thereby representing a novel mechanism linking endocannabinoid and leptin signaling in the regulation of brain energy storage and neuronal functions.
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Key Words
- Astroglial CB1 receptors
- Astroglial leptin receptor
- CB1, type-1 cannabinoid receptor
- Cannabinoid
- Cx, cerebral cortex
- FAAH, fatty acid amide hydrolase
- GFAP, glial fibrillary acidic protein
- Glycogen
- Leptin signaling
- MGL, monoacylglycerol lipase
- ObR, leptin receptor
- ObRb, long-isoform leptin receptor
- P-STAT3, Tyr705-phosphorylated form of STAT3
- P-STAT5, Tyr694-phosphorylated form of STAT5
- STAT3 and 5
- STAT3, transducers and activators of transcription 3
- STAT5, transducers and activators of transcription 5
- VMH, ventromedial hypothalamus
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Bosier
- INSERM, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U862, F-33000 Bordeaux, France ; University of Bordeaux, Neurocentre Magendie, Physiopathologie de la Plasticité Neuronale, U862, F-33000 Bordeaux, France ; Neuropharmacology, Institute of Neurosciences, Université Catholique de Louvain, Av. Hippocrate 54, B1.54.10-10, 1200 Bruxelles, Belgium
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25
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Niklas J, Melnyk A, Yuan Y, Heinzle E. Selective permeabilization for the high-throughput measurement of compartmented enzyme activities in mammalian cells. Anal Biochem 2011; 416:218-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2011.05.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2011] [Revised: 05/23/2011] [Accepted: 05/24/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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26
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Stadel R, Ahn KH, Kendall DA. The cannabinoid type-1 receptor carboxyl-terminus, more than just a tail. J Neurochem 2011; 117:1-18. [PMID: 21244428 DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2011.07186.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The cannabinoid type-1 (CB(1)) receptor is a G protein-coupled receptor that binds the main active ingredient of marijuana, Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol, and has been implicated in several disease states, including drug addiction, anxiety, depression, obesity, and chronic pain. In the two decades since the discovery of CB(1), studies at the molecular level have centered on the transmembrane core. This interest has now expanded as we discover that other regions of CB(1), including the CB(1) carboxyl-terminus, have critical structures that are important for CB(1) activity and regulation. Following the recent description of the three dimensional structure of the full-length CB(1) carboxyl-terminal tail [Biopolymers (2009) vol. 91, pp. 565-573], several residues and structural motifs including two α-helices (termed H8 and H9) have been postulated to interact with common G protein-coupled receptor accessory proteins, such as G-proteins and β-arrestins. This discourse will focus on the CB(1) carboxyl-terminus; our current understanding of the structural features of this region, evidence for its interaction with proteins, and the impact of structure on the binding and regulatory function of CB(1) accessory proteins. The involvement of the carboxyl-terminus in the receptor life cycle including activation, desensitization, and internalization will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stadel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, Connecticut, USA
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27
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Mair KM, Robinson E, Kane KA, Pyne S, Brett RR, Pyne NJ, Kennedy S. Interaction between anandamide and sphingosine-1-phosphate in mediating vasorelaxation in rat coronary artery. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 161:176-92. [PMID: 20718749 PMCID: PMC2962826 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00878.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2010] [Revised: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 04/13/2010] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Anandamide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) both regulate vascular tone in a variety of vessels. This study aimed to examine the mechanisms involved in the regulation of coronary vascular tone by anandamide and S1P, and to determine whether any functional interaction occurs between these receptor systems. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Mechanisms used by anandamide and S1P to regulate rat coronary artery (CA) reactivity were investigated using wire myography. Interactions between S1P and the cannabinoid (CB)(2) receptor were determined using human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells that stably over-express recombinant CB(2) receptor. KEY RESULTS Anandamide and S1P induced relaxation of the rat CA. CB(2) receptor antagonists attenuated anandamide-induced relaxation, while S1P-mediated relaxation was dependent on the vascular endothelium and S1P(3). Anandamide treatment resulted in an increase in the phosphorylation of sphingosine kinase-1 within the CA. Conversely, anandamide-mediated relaxation was attenuated by inhibition of sphingosine kinase. Moreover, S1P(3), specifically within the vascular endothelium, was required for anandamide-mediated vasorelaxation. In addition to this, S1P-mediated relaxation was also reduced by CB(2) receptor antagonists and sphingosine kinase inhibition. Further evidence that S1P functionally interacts with the CB(2) receptor was also observed in HEK293 cells over-expressing the CB(2) receptor. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In the vascular endothelium of rat CA, anandamide induces relaxation via a mechanism requiring sphingosine kinase-1 and S1P/S1P(3). In addition, we report that S1P may exert some of its effects via a CB(2) receptor- and sphingosine kinase-dependent mechanism, where subsequently formed S1P may have privileged access to S1P(3) to induce vascular relaxation.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Mair
- Faculty of Biomedical and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow G12 8QQ, UK.
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28
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Stella N. Cannabinoid and cannabinoid-like receptors in microglia, astrocytes, and astrocytomas. Glia 2010; 58:1017-30. [PMID: 20468046 DOI: 10.1002/glia.20983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 363] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
CB1 and CB2 receptors are activated by a plethora of cannabinoid compounds, be they endogenously-produced, plant-derived or synthetic. These receptors are expressed by microglia, astrocytes and astrocytomas, and their activation regulates these cells' differentiation, functions and viability. Recent studies show that glial cells also express cannabinoid-like receptors, and that their activation regulates different cell functions, but also control cell viability. This review summarizes this evidence, and discusses how selective compounds targeting cannabinoid-like receptors constitute promising therapeutics to manage neuroinflammation and eradicate malignant astrocytomas. Importantly, the selective targeting of cannabinoid-like receptors should provide therapeutic relieve without inducing the typical psychotropic effects and possible addictive properties associated with the use of Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychotropic ingredient produced by the plant Cannabis sativa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nephi Stella
- Department of Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-7280, USA.
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Balietti M, Casoli T, Di Stefano G, Giorgetti B, Aicardi G, Fattoretti P. Ketogenic diets: an historical antiepileptic therapy with promising potentialities for the aging brain. Ageing Res Rev 2010; 9:273-9. [PMID: 20188215 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2010.02.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2009] [Revised: 02/16/2010] [Accepted: 02/17/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Ketogenic diets (KDs), successfully used in the therapy of paediatric epilepsy for nearly a century, have recently shown beneficial effects also in cancer, obesity, diabetes, GLUT 1 deficiencies, hypoxia-ischemia, traumatic brain injuries, and neurodegeneration. The latter achievement designates aged individuals as optimal recipients, but concerns derive from possible age-dependent differences in KDs effectiveness. Indeed, the main factors influencing ketone bodies utilization by the brain (blood levels, transport mechanisms, catabolic enzymes) undergo developmental changes, although several reports indicate that KDs maintain some efficacy during adulthood and even during advanced aging. Encouraging results obtained in patients affected by age-related neurodegenerative diseases have prompted new interest on KDs' effect on the aging brain, also considering the poor efficacy of therapies currently used. However, recent morphological evidence in synapses of late-adult rats indicates that KDs consequences may be even opposite in different brain regions, likely depending on neuronal vulnerability to age. Thus, further studies are needed to design KDs specifically indicated for single neurodegenerative diseases, and to ameliorate the balance between beneficial and adverse effects in aged subjects. Here we review clinical and experimental data on KDs treatments, focusing on their possible use during pathological aging. Proposed mechanisms of action are also reported and discussed.
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Colquhoun A. Lipids, mitochondria and cell death: implications in neuro-oncology. Mol Neurobiol 2010; 42:76-88. [PMID: 20429043 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-010-8134-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2010] [Accepted: 04/05/2010] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are known to inhibit cell proliferation of many tumour types both in vitro and in vivo. Their capacity to interfere with cell proliferation has been linked to their induction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in tumour tissues leading to cell death through apoptosis. However, the exact mechanisms of action of PUFAs are far from clear, particularly in brain tumours. The loss of bound hexokinase from the mitochondrial voltage-dependent anion channel has been directly related to loss of protection from apoptosis, and PUFAs can induce this loss of bound hexokinase in tumour cells. Tumour cells overexpressing Akt activity, including gliomas, are sensitised to ROS damage by the Akt protein and may be good targets for chemotherapeutic agents, which produce ROS, such as PUFAs. Cardiolipin peroxidation may be an initial event in the release of cytochrome c from the mitochondria, and enriching cardiolipin with PUFA acyl chains may lead to increased peroxidation and therefore an increase in apoptosis. A better understanding of the metabolism of fatty acids and eicosanoids in primary brain tumours such as gliomas and their influence on energy balance will be fundamental to the possible targeting of mitochondria in tumour treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Colquhoun
- Laboratory of Tumour Cell Metabolism, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Biomedical Sciences Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Prof. Lineu Prestes 1524, CEP 05508-900, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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31
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The endocannabinoid system is modulated in response to spinal cord injury in rats. Neurobiol Dis 2009; 33:57-71. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2008.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2008] [Revised: 09/03/2008] [Accepted: 09/09/2008] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
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Gowran A, Campbell VA. A role for p53 in the regulation of lysosomal permeability by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in rat cortical neurones: implications for neurodegeneration. J Neurochem 2008; 105:1513-24. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-4159.2008.05278.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
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Velasco G, Galve-Roperh I, Sánchez C, Blázquez C, Haro A, Guzmán M. Cannabinoids and ceramide: two lipids acting hand-by-hand. Life Sci 2006; 77:1723-31. [PMID: 15958274 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2005.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Cannabinoids, the active components of Cannabis sativa (marijuana) and their endogenous counterparts, exert their effects by binding to specific G-protein-coupled receptors that modulate adenylyl cyclase and ion channels. Recent research has shown that the CB1 cannabinoid receptor is also coupled to the generation of the lipid second messenger ceramide via two different pathways: sphingomyelin hydrolysis and ceramide synthesis de novo. Sustained ceramide accumulation in tumor cells mediates cannabinoid-induced apoptosis, as evidenced by in vitro and in vivo studies. This effect seems to be due to the impact of ceramide on key cell signalling systems such as the extracellular signal-regulated kinase cascade and the Akt pathway. These findings provide a new conceptual view on how cannabinoids act, and raise interesting physiological and therapeutic questions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Velasco
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain
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34
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Geelen MJH. The use of digitonin-permeabilized mammalian cells for measuring enzyme activities in the course of studies on lipid metabolism. Anal Biochem 2005; 347:1-9. [PMID: 16291302 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2005.03.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2005] [Revised: 02/25/2005] [Accepted: 03/17/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Math J H Geelen
- Department of Nutrition, Graduate School of Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Utrecht University, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
Cannabinoid agonists such as Delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) produce a wide range of pharmacological effects both in the central nervous system and in the periphery. One of the most striking features of cannabinoids such as THC is the magnitude to tolerance that can be produced upon repetitive administration of this substance to animals. Relatively modest dosing regimens are capable of producing significant tolerance, whereas greater than 100-fold tolerance can be obtained with aggressive treatments. While cannabinoid tolerance has been studied quite extensively to establish its relevance to the health consequences of marijuana use, it has also proven to be a valuable strategy in understanding the mechanism of action of cannabinoids. The discovery of the endocannabinoid system that contains two receptor subtypes, CB1 and CB2, associated signaling pathways, endocannabinoids (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) and their synthetic and degradative pathways has provided a means of systematically evaluating the mechanism of cannabinoid tolerance. It is well known that the CB1 cannabinoid receptor is down-regulated in states of cannabinoid tolerance along with uncoupling from its second messenger systems. Endocannabinoid levels are also altered in selected brain regions during the development of tolerance. While it is reasonable to speculate that a likely relationship exists between receptor and endocannabinoid levels, at present, little is known regarding the biological signal that leads to alterations in endocannabinoid levels. It is also unknown to what degree synthetic and degradative pathways for the endocannabinoids are altered in states of tolerance. The discovery that the brain is abundant in fatty acid amides and glycerols raises the question as to what roles these lipids contribute to the endocannabinoid system. Some of these lipids also utilize the endocannabinoid metabolic pathways, produce similar pharmacological effects, and are capable of modulating the actions of anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol. In addition, there are dopamine, glycine, and serotonin conjugates of arachidonic acid that may also contribute to the actions of endocannabinoids. A systematic examination of these lipids in cannabinoid tolerance might shed light on their physiological relevance to the endocannabinoid system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Billy R Martin
- Louis and Ruth Harris Professor and Chair, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, P.O. Box 980613, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA.
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Abstract
The cannabinoid signaling system is composed of cannabinoid (CB) receptors, their endogenous ligands, the endocannabinoids, and the enzymes that produce and inactivate them. It is well known that neurons communicate between each other through this signaling system. Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol, the main psychoactive compound of marijuana, interacts with CB receptors, impinging on this communication and inducing profound behavioral effects such as memory impairment and analgesia. Recent evidence suggests that glial cells also express components of the cannabinoid signaling system and marijuana-derived compounds act at CB receptors expressed by glial cells, affecting their functions. This review summarizes this evidence, discusses how glial cells might use the cannabinoid signaling system to communicate with neighboring cells, and argues that nonpsychotropic cannabinoids, both marijuana-derived and synthetic, likely constitute lead compounds for therapy aimed at reducing acute and chronic neuroinflammation, such as occurs in multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nephi Stella
- Department of Pharmacology, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-7280, USA.
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Colombaioni L, Garcia-Gil M. Sphingolipid metabolites in neural signalling and function. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2004; 46:328-55. [PMID: 15571774 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresrev.2004.07.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2004] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Sphingolipid metabolites, such as ceramide, sphingosine, sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) and complex sphingolipids (gangliosides), are recognized as molecules capable of regulating a variety of cellular processes. The role of sphingolipid metabolites has been studied mainly in non-neuronal tissues. These studies have underscored their importance as signals transducers, involved in control of proliferation, survival, differentiation and apoptosis. In this review, we will focus on studies performed over the last years in the nervous system, discussing the recent developments and the current perspectives in sphingolipid metabolism and functions.
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Guzmán M, Blázquez C. Ketone body synthesis in the brain: possible neuroprotective effects. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2004; 70:287-92. [PMID: 14769487 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2003.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2003] [Accepted: 05/01/2003] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Ketone bodies make an important contribution to brain energy production and biosynthetic processes when glucose becomes scarce. Although it is generally assumed that the liver supplies the brain with ketone bodies, recent evidence shows that cultured astrocytes are also ketogenic cells. Moreover, astrocyte ketogenesis might participate in the control of the survival/death decision of neural cells in at least two manners: first, by scavenging non-esterified fatty acids the ketogenic pathway would prevent the detrimental actions of these compounds and their derivatives (e.g. ceramide) on brain structure and function. Second, ketone bodies may exert pro-survival actions per se by acting as cellular substrates, thereby preserving neuronal synaptic function and structural stability. These findings support the notion that ketone bodies produced by astrocytes may be used in situ as substrates for neuronal metabolism, and raise the possibility that astrocyte ketogenesis is a neuroprotective pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel Guzmán
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
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40
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Cullingford TE. The ketogenic diet; fatty acids, fatty acid-activated receptors and neurological disorders. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2004; 70:253-64. [PMID: 14769484 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2003.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2003] [Accepted: 09/01/2003] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
This review outlines the molecular sensors that reprogram cellular metabolism in response to the ketogenic diet (KD). Special emphasis is placed on the fasting-, fatty acid- and drug-activated transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARalpha). The KD causes a switch to ketogenesis that is coordinated with an array of changes in cellular lipid, amino acid, carbohydrate and inflammatory pathways. The role of both liver and brain PPARalpha in mediating such changes will be examined, with special reference to the anti-epileptic effects not only of the KD but a range of synthetic anti-epileptic drugs such as valproate. Finally, the implications of the KD and activated brain PPARalpha will be discussed in the context of their potential involvement in a range of disorders of neuro-degeneration and neuro-inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tim E Cullingford
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Department of Clinical and Molecular Pharmacokinetics/Pharmacodynamics, Showa University, 1-5-8 Hatanodai, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 142-8555, Japan.
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Ramer R, Weinzierl U, Schwind B, Brune K, Hinz B. Ceramide Is Involved inR(+)-Methanandamide-Induced Cyclooxygenase-2 Expression in Human Neuroglioma Cells. Mol Pharmacol 2003; 64:1189-98. [PMID: 14573769 DOI: 10.1124/mol.64.5.1189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids have recently been shown to induce the expression of the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) isoenzyme in H4 human neuroglioma cells. Using this cell line, the present study investigates the contribution of the second messenger ceramide to this signaling pathway. Incubation of cells with the endocannabinoid analog R(+)-methanandamide (R(+)-MA) was associated with an increase of intracellular ceramide levels. Enhancement of ceramide formation by R(+)-MA was abolished by fumonisin B1, a ceramide synthase inhibitor, whereas inhibitors of neutral sphingomyelinase (spiroepoxide, glutathione) and serine palmitoyltransferase (l-cycloserine, ISP-1) were inactive in this respect. R(+)-MA caused a biphasic activation of the p38 and p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), with phosphorylation peaks occurring after 15-min and 4- to 8-h treatments, respectively. Inhibition of ceramide synthesis with fumonisin B1 was associated with a suppression of R(+)-MA-induced delayed phosphorylations of p38 and p42/44 MAPKs and subsequent COX-2 expression. The involvement of ceramide in COX-2 expression was corroborated by findings showing that C2-ceramide and neutral sphingomyelinase from Bacillus cereus caused concentration-dependent increases of COX-2 expression that were suppressed in the presence of 4-(4-fluorophenyl)-2-(4-methylsulfonylphenyl)-5-(4-pyridyl)imidazol (SB203580, a p38 MAPK inhibitor) or 2'-amino-3'-methoxyflavone (PD98059, a p42/44 MAPK activation inhibitor). In contrast, dihydro-C2-ceramide being used as a negative control did not induce MAPK phosphorylation and COX-2 expression. Collectively, our results demonstrate that R(+)-MA induces COX-2 expression in human neuroglioma cells via synthesis of ceramide and subsequent activation of p38 and p42/44 MAPK pathways. Induction of COX-2 expression via ceramide represents a hitherto unknown mechanism by which cannabinoids mediate biological effects within the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert Ramer
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Friedrich Alexander University Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
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42
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Harguindey S. Erratum to “Integrating fields of cancer research through pivotal mechanisms and synthetic final pathways: a unifying and creative overview” [Med. Hypotheses (2002) 58 (6), 444–452]. Med Hypotheses 2003. [DOI: 10.1016/s0306-9877(03)00153-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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Obici S, Feng Z, Arduini A, Conti R, Rossetti L. Inhibition of hypothalamic carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 decreases food intake and glucose production. Nat Med 2003; 9:756-61. [PMID: 12754501 DOI: 10.1038/nm873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 366] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2002] [Accepted: 04/16/2003] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
The enzyme carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT1) regulates long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) entry into mitochondria, where the LCFAs undergo beta-oxidation. To investigate the mechanism(s) by which central metabolism of lipids can modulate energy balance, we selectively reduced lipid oxidation in the hypothalamus. We decreased the activity of CPT1 by administering to rats a ribozyme-containing plasmid designed specifically to decrease the expression of this enzyme or by infusing pharmacological inhibitors of its activity into the third cerebral ventricle. Either genetic or biochemical inhibition of hypothalamic CPT1 activity was sufficient to substantially diminish food intake and endogenous glucose production. These results indicated that changes in the rate of lipid oxidation in selective hypothalamic neurons signaled nutrient availability to the hypothalamus, which in turn modulated the exogenous and endogenous inputs of nutrients into the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Obici
- Department of Medicine, Diabetes Research and Training Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
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44
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Heininger K. The cerebral glucose-fatty acid cycle: evolutionary roots, regulation, and (patho)physiological importance. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2003; 51:103-58. [PMID: 12420358 DOI: 10.1016/s0074-7742(02)51004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kurt Heininger
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich Heine University, D-40597 Düsseldorf, Germany
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45
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Fowler CJ. Plant-derived, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids as neuroprotective agents. Non-psychoactive cannabinoids, 'entourage' compounds and inhibitors of N-acyl ethanolamine breakdown as therapeutic strategies to avoid pyschotropic effects. BRAIN RESEARCH. BRAIN RESEARCH REVIEWS 2003; 41:26-43. [PMID: 12505646 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-0173(02)00218-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
There is good evidence that plant-derived and synthetic cannabinoids possess neuroprotective properties. These compounds, as a result of effects upon CB(1) cannabinoid receptors, reduce the release of glutamate, and in addition reduce the influx of calcium following NMDA receptor activation. The major obstacle to the therapeutic utilization of such compounds are their psychotropic effects, which are also brought about by actions on CB(1) receptors. However, synthesis of the endogenous cannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol, which also have neuroprotective properties, are increased under conditions of severe inflammation and ischemia, raising the possibility that compounds that prevent their metabolism may be of therapeutic utility without having the drawback of producing psychotropic effects. In this review, the evidence indicating neuroprotective actions of plant-derived, synthetic and endogenous cannabinoids is presented. In addition, the pharmacological properties of endogenous anandamide-related compounds that are not active upon cannabinoid receptors, but which are also produced during conditions of severe inflammation and ischemia and may contribute to a neuroprotective action are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Fowler
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Neuroscience, Umeå University, SE-901 87, Umeå, Sweden.
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46
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Hansen HS, Moesgaard B, Petersen G, Hansen HH. Putative neuroprotective actions of N-acyl-ethanolamines. Pharmacol Ther 2002; 95:119-26. [PMID: 12182959 DOI: 10.1016/s0163-7258(02)00251-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
N-Acyl-ethanolamines (NAEs) and their precursors, N-acyl-ethanolamine phospholipids (NAPEs), are present in the mammalian brain at levels of a few hundred picomoles/gram tissue and a few nanomoles/gram tissue, respectively. NAE-containing arachidonic acid is called anandamide, and it has attracted particular attention since it is a partial agonist for the cannabinoid receptors, for which 2-arachidonoylglycerol is the full agonist. In addition, anandamide may also activate the vanilloid receptor. Anandamide usually amounts to 1-10% of NAEs, as the vast majority of N-acyl groups are saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids. Formation of NAPE and NAE is catalyzed by an N-acyltransferase and an NAPE-hydrolyzing phospholipase D, respectively, two enzymes that have been characterized only preliminary. Interestingly, NAPEs and NAEs accumulate in the brain in response to neurodegenerative insults at a time when other phospholipids are subjected to rapid degradation. This is an important biosynthetic aspect of NAPE and NAE, as NAEs may be neuroprotective by a number of different mechanisms involving both receptor activation and non-receptor-mediated effects, e.g. by binding to cannabinoid receptors and interfering with ceramide turnover, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harald S Hansen
- Department of Pharmacology, The Royal Danish School of Pharmacy, Universitetsparken 2, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Walter L, Franklin A, Witting A, Moller T, Stella N. Astrocytes in culture produce anandamide and other acylethanolamides. J Biol Chem 2002; 277:20869-76. [PMID: 11916961 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110813200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Anandamide (arachidonylethanolamide) is an endocannabinoid that belongs to the acylethanolamide lipid family. It is produced by neurons in a calcium-dependent manner and acts through cannabinoid CB1 receptors. Other members of the acylethanolamide lipid family are also produced by neurons and act through G-protein-coupled receptors: homo-gamma-linolenylethanolamide (HEA) and docosatetraenylethanolamide (DEA) act through CB1 receptors, palmitylethanolamide (PEA) acts through CB2-like receptors, and oleylethanolamide (OEA) acts through receptors that have not yet been cloned. Although it is clear that anandamide and other acylethanolamides play a major role in neuronal signaling, whether astrocytes also produce these lipids is unknown. We developed a chemical ionization gas chromatography/mass spectrometry method that allows femtomole detection and quantification of anandamide and other acylethanolamides. Using this method, we unambiguously detected and quantified anandamide, HEA, DEA, PEA, and OEA in mouse astrocytes in culture. Stimulation of mouse astrocytes with ionomycin, a calcium ionophore, enhanced the production of anandamide, HEA, and DEA, whereas PEA and OEA levels were unchanged. Endothelin-1, a peptide known to act on astrocytes, enhanced the production of anandamide, without affecting the levels of other acylethanolamides. These results show that astrocytes produce anandamide, HEA, and DEA in a calcium-dependent manner and that anandamide biosynthesis can be selectively stimulated under physiologically relevant conditions. The relative levels of acylethanolamides in astrocytes from rat and human were different from the relative levels of acylethanolamides in mouse astrocytes, indicating that the production of these lipids differs between species. Because astrocytes are known to express CB1 receptors and inactivate endocannabinoids, our finding strongly suggests the existence of a functional endocannabinoid signaling system in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Walter
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington 98195-7280, USA
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48
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Abstract
Energy is the motor of life. Energy ensures the organism's survival and competitive advantage for reproductive success. For almost 3 billion years, unicellular organisms were the only life form on earth. Competition for limited energy resources and raw materials exerted an incessant selective pressure on organisms. In the adverse environment and due to their 'feast and famine' life style, hardiness to a variety of stressors, particularly to nutrient deprivation, was the selection principle. Both resistance and mutagenic adaptation to stressors were established as survival strategies by means of context-specific processes creating stability or variability of DNA sequence. The conservation of transduction pathways and functional homology of effector molecules clearly bear witness that the principles of life established during prokaryotic and eukaryotic unicellular evolution, although later diversified, have been unshakably cast to persist during metazoan phylogenesis. A wealth of evidence suggests that unicellular organisms evolved the phenomena of differentiation and apoptosis, sexual reproduction, and even aging, as responses to environmental challenges. These evolutionary accomplishments were elaborated from the dichotomous resistance/mutagenesis response and sophisticated the capacity of cells to tune their genetic information to changing environmental conditions. Notably, the social deprivation responses, differentiation and apoptosis, evolved as intercellularly coordinated events: a multitude of differentiation processes were elaborated from sporulation, the prototypic stress resistance response, while apoptosis, contrary to current concepts, is no altruistic cell suicide but was programmed as a mutagenic survival response; this response, however, is socially thwarted leading into mutagenic error catastrophe. In the hybrid differentiation-apoptosis process, cytocide and cannibalism of apoptotic cells thus serve the purpose of fueling the survival of the selfish genes in the differentiating cells. However, successful mutagenesis, although repressed, persisted in the asocial stress response of carcinogenesis as a regression to primitive unicellular behavior following failure of intercellular communication. While somatic mutagenesis was largely prevented, Metazoa elaborated germ cell mutagenesis as an evolutionary vehicle. Genetic competence, a primitive, stress-induced mating behavior, evolved into sexual reproduction which harnessed mutagenesis by subjecting highly mutable germ cells to a rigid viability selection. These processes were programmatically fixed as life- and cell-cycle events but retained their deprivation response phenotypes. Thus, the differentiation-apoptosis tandem evolved as the 'clay' to mold the specialized structures and functions of a multicellular organism while sexual reproduction elaborated the principle of quality-checked mutagenesis to create the immense diversity of Metazoa following the Cambrian explosion. Throughout these events, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species, which are regulated by energy homeostasis, shape the genetic information in a regulated but random, uncoded process providing the fitness-related feedback of phenotype to genotype. The interplay of genes and environment establishes a dynamic stimulus-response feedback cycle which, in animate nature, may be the organizing principle to contrive the reciprocal duality of energy and matter.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Heininger
- Department of Neurology, Heinrich Heine Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany.
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49
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Karlic H, Louda N, Pfeilstöcker M, Keil F, Lohninger A, Pittermann E, Paukovits J. Effect of the hemoregulatory peptide (pEEDCK)2 (pyroGlu-Glu-Asp-Cys-Lys)2 and MIP-1alpha is reduced in bone marrow cultures from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Stem Cells 2002; 19:321-8. [PMID: 11463952 DOI: 10.1634/stemcells.19-4-321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The granulocyte-derived hemoregulatory peptide pyroGlu-Glu-Asp-Cys-Lys = pEEDCK is known to keep hematopoietic cells quiescent. When oxidized to its dimeric form (pEEDCK)2, it activates growth of hematopoietic progenitors in association with stroma-derived cytokines. (pEEDCK)2 has a Cys-Cys motif which is also a typical feature of the macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1alpha). The present study was designed to analyze differences between the response of normal and leukemic progenitor cells to (pEEDCK)2 or MIP-1alpha. When long-term bone marrow cultures (LTBMCs) were incubated with (pEEDCK)2 or MIP-1alpha and/or cytokines, the stimulatory effect on colony-forming units-granulocyte/erythroid/macrophage/megakaryocyte of LTBMC from chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) patients was less than 50% compared to LTBMC from healthy humans. No difference in oncogene expression could be observed in LTBMC from CML patients regarding reduction of Philadelphia chromosome-associated transcription of the BCR-ABL gene. With respect to the expression of growth and differentiation-associated genes (Galpha16, 5-lipoxygenase, phospholipaseA2, c-kit, and CD34), which were analyzed from LTBMC by semiquantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction, the same transcription rate was observed in CML patients and healthy donors. However, two isoforms of a key enzyme of oxidative metabolism, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT1A and CPT1B), showed 50-fold higher expression rates in LTBMC cells of healthy donors compared to CML patients. It is known that a decrease in oxidative metabolism is associated with an increase in redox equivalents in malignancy. This might result in a reduction of disulphide bonds in (pEEDCK)2 or MIP-1alpha, thus inducing a downregulation of these factors in bone marrow from CML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Karlic
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Leukemia Research and Hematology, Hanusch Hospital, Vienna, Austria.
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Sánchez C, Rueda D, Ségui B, Galve-Roperh I, Levade T, Guzmán M. The CB(1) cannabinoid receptor of astrocytes is coupled to sphingomyelin hydrolysis through the adaptor protein fan. Mol Pharmacol 2001; 59:955-9. [PMID: 11306675 DOI: 10.1124/mol.59.5.955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids exert most of their effects through the CB(1) receptor. This G protein-coupled receptor signals inhibition of adenylyl cyclase, modulation of ion channels, and stimulation of mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinases. In this article, we report that Delta(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the major active component of marijuana, induces sphingomyelin hydrolysis in primary astrocytes but not in other cells expressing the CB(1) receptor, such as primary neurons, U373 MG astrocytoma cells, and Chinese hamster ovary cells transfected with the CB(1) receptor cDNA. THC-evoked sphingomyelin breakdown in astrocytes was also exerted by the endogenous cannabinoid anandamide and the synthetic cannabinoid HU-210 and was prevented by the selective CB(1) antagonist SR141716. By contrast, the effect of THC was not blocked by pertussis toxin, pointing to a lack of involvement of G(i/o) proteins. A role for the adaptor protein FAN in CB(1) receptor-coupled sphingomyelin breakdown is supported by two observations: 1) coimmunoprecipitation experiments show that the binding of FAN to the CB(1) receptor is enhanced by THC and prevented by SR141716; 2) cells expressing a dominant-negative form of FAN are refractory to THC-induced sphingomyelin breakdown. This is the first report showing that a G-protein-coupled receptor induces sphingomyelin hydrolysis through FAN and that the CB(1) cannabinoid receptor may signal independently of G(i/o) proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, School of Biology, Complutense University, Madrid, Spain
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