1
|
Rocha MA, Cardoso AL, Martins C, Mello MLS. Sodium valproate affects the expression of p16 INK4a and p21 WAFI/Cip1 cyclin‑dependent kinase inhibitors in HeLa cells. Oncol Lett 2024; 28:432. [PMID: 39049983 PMCID: PMC11268092 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2024.14563] [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: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
p16INK4a and p21WAF1/Cip1 are cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitors involved in cell cycle control, which can function as oncogenes or tumor suppressors, depending on the context of various extracellular and intracellular signals, and cell type. In human papillomavirus-induced cervical cancer, p16 INK4a shows oncogenic activity and functions as a diagnostic marker of cervical neoplasia, whereas p21 WAF1/Cip1 acts as a tumor suppressor and its downregulation is associated with the progression of malignant transformation. Several histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors promote the positive and negative regulation of a number of genes, including p16 INK4a and p21 WAF1/Cip1; however, the effects of sodium valproate (VPA) on these genes and on the proteins they encode remain uncertain in HeLa cervical cancer cells. In the present study, these effects were investigated in HeLa cells treated with 0.5 or 2 mM VPA for 24 h, using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, confocal microscopy and western blotting. The results revealed a decrease in the mRNA expression levels of p16 INK4a and a tendency for p16INK4a protein abundance to decrease in the presence of 2 mM VPA. By contrast, an increase in the protein expression levels of p21WAF1/Cip1 was detected in the presence of 0.5 and 2 mM VPA. Furthermore, VPA was confirmed to inhibit HDAC activity and induce global hyperacetylation of histone H3. Notably, VPA was shown to suppress p16 INK4a, a biomarker gene of cervical carcinoma, and to increase the abundance of the tumor suppressor protein p21WAF1/Cip1, thus contributing to the basic knowledge regarding the antitumorigenic potential of VPA. Exploration of epigenetic changes associated with the promoters of p16 INK4a and p21 WAF1/Cip1, such as histone H3 methylation, may provide further information and improve the understanding of these findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Amorim Rocha
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil
| | - Adauto Lima Cardoso
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences at Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Cesar Martins
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biosciences at Botucatu, São Paulo State University, Botucatu, São Paulo 18618-689, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza S. Mello
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas, São Paulo 13083-862, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Karimi Z, Zarifkar A, Mirzaei E, Dianatpour M, Dara M, Aligholi H. Therapeutic effects of nanosilibinin in valproic acid-zebrafish model of autism spectrum disorder: Focusing on Wnt signaling pathway and autism spectrum disorder-related cytokines. Int J Dev Neurosci 2024; 84:454-468. [PMID: 38961588 DOI: 10.1002/jdn.10348] [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: 07/22/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/13/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we delved into the intricate world of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and its connection to the disturbance in the Wnt signaling pathway and immunological abnormalities. Our aim was to evaluate the impact of silibinin, a remarkable modulator of both the Wnt signaling pathway and the immune system, on the neurobehavioral and molecular patterns observed in a zebrafish model of ASD induced by valproic acid (VPA). Because silibinin is a hydrophobic molecule and highly insoluble in water, it was used in the form of silibinin nanoparticles (nanosilibinin, NS). After assessing survival, hatching rate, and morphology of zebrafish larvae exposed to different concentrations of NS, the appropriate concentrations were chosen. Then, zebrafish embryos were exposed to VPA (1 μM) and NS (100 and 200 μM) at the same time for 120 h. Next, anxiety and inattentive behaviors and the expression of CHD8, CTNNB, GSK3beta, LRP6, TNFalpha, IL1beta, and BDNF genes were assessed 7 days post fertilization. The results indicated that higher concentrations of NS had adverse effects on survival, hatching, and morphological development. The concentrations of 100 and 200 μM of NS could ameliorate the anxiety-like behavior and learning deficit and decrease ASD-related cytokines (IL1beta and TNFalpha) in VPA-treated larvae. In addition, only 100 μM of NS prevented raising the gene expression of Wnt signaling-related factors (CHD8, CTNNB, GSK3beta, and LRP6). In conclusion, NS treatment for the first 120 h showed therapeutic effect on an autism-like phenotype probably via reducing the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines genes and changing the expression of Wnt signaling components genes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Karimi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Asadollah Zarifkar
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Esmaeil Mirzaei
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mehdi Dianatpour
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mahintaj Dara
- Stem Cell Technology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hadi Aligholi
- Department of Neuroscience, School of Advanced Medical Science and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Horonyova P, Durisova I, Cermakova P, Babelova L, Buckova B, Sofrankova L, Valachovic M, Hsu YHH, Balazova M. The subtherapeutic dose of valproic acid induces the activity of cardiolipin-dependent proteins. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. BIOENERGETICS 2024; 1865:149501. [PMID: 39079622 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbabio.2024.149501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 06/29/2024] [Accepted: 07/26/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
A mood-stabilizing anticonvulsant valproic acid (VPA) is a drug with a pleiotropic effect on cells. Here, we describe the impact of VPA on the metabolic function of human HAP1 cells. We show that VPA altered the biosynthetic pathway of cardiolipin (CL) and affected the activities of mitochondrial enzymes such as pyruvate dehydrogenase, α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase and NADH dehydrogenase. We demonstrate that a therapeutic dose of VPA (0.6 mM) has a harmful effect on cell growth and increases the production of reactive oxygen species and superoxides. On the contrary, less concentrated VPA (0.06 mM) increased the activities of CL-dependent enzymes leading to an increased level of oxidative phosphorylation and ATP production. The effect of VPA was also tested on the Barth syndrome model, which is characterized by a reduced amount of CL and an increased level of monolyso-CL. In this model, VPA treatment slightly attenuated the mitochondrial defects by altering the activities of CL-dependent enzymes. However, the presence of CL was essential for the increase in ATP production by VPA. Our findings highlight the potential therapeutic role of VPA in normalizing mitochondrial function in BTHS and shed light on the intricate interplay between lipid metabolism and mitochondrial physiology in health and disease. SUMMARY: This study investigates the dose-dependent effect of valproate, a mood-stabilizing drug, on mitochondrial function. The therapeutic concentration reduced overall cellular metabolic activity, while a subtherapeutic concentration notably improved the function of cardiolipin-dependent proteins within mitochondria. These findings shed light on novel aspects of valproate's effect and suggest potential practical applications for its use. By elucidating the differential effects of valproate doses on mitochondrial activity, this research underscores the drug's multifaceted role in cellular metabolism and highlights avenues for further exploration in therapeutic interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paulina Horonyova
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Ivana Durisova
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Petra Cermakova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lenka Babelova
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Buckova
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Sofrankova
- Institute of Biochemistry and Microbiology, Faculty of Chemical and Food Technology, Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Martin Valachovic
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | | | - Maria Balazova
- Department of Membrane Biochemistry, Institute of Animal Biochemistry and Genetics, Centre of Biosciences, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava, Slovakia.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Margedari P, Goudarzi I, Sepehri H. The protective role of prenatal administration of ascorbic acid on autistic-like behavior in a rat model of autism. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2024; 16:78-85. [PMID: 38274439 PMCID: PMC10809097 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.11.002] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism is a complicated neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by several behavioral impairments. The pathology of autism is complex and not fully known. Several recent studies have shown alterations in the activities of antioxidant enzymes in autism. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that is present in high concentrations in the brain and acts as a neuromodulator. Prefrontal abnormality has been hypothesized to underlie autistic symptoms. The present study investigated the protective effect of prenatally Vitamin C on autistic-like behaviors, oxidative stress status, and histopathological change of prefrontal in valproic acid (VPA) rat model of autism. Method The model of autism was induced by subcutaneous administration of Valproic acid (600 mg/kg) to pregnant rats at gestational day 12.5. Vitamin C was administered 600 mg/L in drinking water from the 5th day of gestaion (GD5) up to postnatal day 23 (PND23). Thirty-two rat offspring were divided into four groups: Control, Vitamin C, VPA, and Vitamin C + VPA. The offspring were tested for repetitive behaviors and cognitive ability with a Y-maze task and social interaction with a play behavior task on 31st of Postnatal days. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the histological change in the prefrontal lobe were assessed at the end of the study. The number of neurons from the left prefrontal lobe was counted in duplicate from slides stained with hematoxylin-eosin. Results In the Y-maze apparatus, spontaneous alteration significantly decreased in the prenatal VPA treated rats compared to control rats showing autistic-like behavior; pre and postnatal Vitamin C treatment increased the alternation indicated benefit effect of Vitamin C. Prenatal VPA treatment impaired play behavior such as sniffing, grooming and darting. Vitamin C treatment attenuated the problems in male offspring social behavior. Histological examination showed an increase in the number of cells in the prefrontal cortex of valproic acid offspring rats compared to other groups. Moreover, prenatal VPA decreased antioxidant enzyme activities in the cortex (PFC) attenuated by Vitamin C administration. Conclusion The present study showed that valproic acid induced oxidative stress and neural changes in the prefrontal lobe when administered prenatally which in turn may cause the development of some autistic-like behaviors, and vitamin C may reduce this symptom with its antioxidant effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Iran Goudarzi
- School of Biology, Damghan University, Damghan, Iran
| | - Hamid Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Piorczynski TB, Calixto J, Henry HC, England K, Cowley S, Hansen JM, Hill JT, Hansen JM. Valproic Acid Causes Redox-Regulated Post-Translational Protein Modifications That Are Dependent upon P19 Cellular Differentiation States. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:560. [PMID: 38790665 PMCID: PMC11117966 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13050560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is a common anti-epileptic drug and known neurodevelopmental toxicant. Although the exact mechanism of VPA toxicity remains unknown, recent findings show that VPA disrupts redox signaling in undifferentiated cells but has little effect on fully differentiated neurons. Redox imbalances often alter oxidative post-translational protein modifications and could affect embryogenesis if developmentally critical proteins are targeted. We hypothesize that VPA causes redox-sensitive post-translational protein modifications that are dependent upon cellular differentiation states. Undifferentiated P19 cells and P19-derived neurons were treated with VPA alone or pretreated with D3T, an inducer of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) antioxidant pathway, prior to VPA exposure. Undifferentiated cells treated with VPA alone exhibited an oxidized glutathione redox couple and increased overall protein oxidation, whereas differentiated neurons were protected from protein oxidation via increased S-glutathionylation. Pretreatment with D3T prevented the effects of VPA exposure in undifferentiated cells. Taken together, our findings support redox-sensitive post-translational protein alterations in undifferentiated cells as a mechanism of VPA-induced developmental toxicity and propose NRF2 activation as a means to preserve proper neurogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Jason M. Hansen
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA; (T.B.P.); (J.C.); (H.C.H.); (K.E.); (S.C.); (J.M.H.); (J.T.H.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hummel R, Dorochow E, Zander S, Ritter K, Hahnefeld L, Gurke R, Tegeder I, Schäfer MKE. Valproic Acid Treatment after Traumatic Brain Injury in Mice Alleviates Neuronal Death and Inflammation in Association with Increased Plasma Lysophosphatidylcholines. Cells 2024; 13:734. [PMID: 38727269 PMCID: PMC11083124 DOI: 10.3390/cells13090734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi) valproic acid (VPA) has neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects in experimental traumatic brain injury (TBI), which have been partially attributed to the epigenetic disinhibition of the transcription repressor RE1-Silencing Transcription Factor/Neuron-Restrictive Silencer Factor (REST/NRSF). Additionally, VPA changes post-traumatic brain injury (TBI) brain metabolism to create a neuroprotective environment. To address the interconnection of neuroprotection, metabolism, inflammation and REST/NRSF after TBI, we subjected C57BL/6N mice to experimental TBI and intraperitoneal VPA administration or vehicle solution at 15 min, 1, 2, and 3 days post-injury (dpi). At 7 dpi, TBI-induced an up-regulation of REST/NRSF gene expression and HDACi function of VPA on histone H3 acetylation were confirmed. Neurological deficits, brain lesion size, blood-brain barrier permeability, or astrogliosis were not affected, and REST/NRSF target genes were only marginally influenced by VPA. However, VPA attenuated structural damage in the hippocampus, microgliosis and expression of the pro-inflammatory marker genes. Analyses of plasma lipidomic and polar metabolomic patterns revealed that VPA treatment increased lysophosphatidylcholines (LPCs), which were inversely associated with interleukin 1 beta (Il1b) and tumor necrosis factor (Tnf) gene expression in the brain. The results show that VPA has mild neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects likely originating from favorable systemic metabolic changes resulting in increased plasma LPCs that are known to be actively taken up by the brain and function as carriers for neuroprotective polyunsaturated fatty acids.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Regina Hummel
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (R.H.); (K.R.)
| | - Erika Dorochow
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (E.D.); (L.H.); (R.G.)
| | - Sonja Zander
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (R.H.); (K.R.)
| | - Katharina Ritter
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (R.H.); (K.R.)
| | - Lisa Hahnefeld
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (E.D.); (L.H.); (R.G.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Robert Gurke
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (E.D.); (L.H.); (R.G.)
- Fraunhofer Institute for Translational Medicine and Pharmacology (ITMP), Fraunhofer Cluster of Excellence for Immune-Mediated Diseases, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Irmgard Tegeder
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, Goethe-University Frankfurt, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany; (E.D.); (L.H.); (R.G.)
| | - Michael K. E. Schäfer
- Department of Anesthesiology, University Medical Center Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany; (R.H.); (K.R.)
- Focus Program Translational Neurosciences (FTN), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy (FZI), Johannes Gutenberg-University Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Moedas MF, Simões RJM, Silva MFB. Mitochondrial targets in hyperammonemia: Addressing urea cycle function to improve drug therapies. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 222:116034. [PMID: 38307136 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2024.116034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
The urea cycle (UC) is a critically important metabolic process for the disposal of nitrogen (ammonia) produced by amino acids catabolism. The impairment of this liver-specific pathway induced either by primary genetic defects or by secondary causes, namely those associated with hepatic disease or drug administration, may result in serious clinical consequences. Urea cycle disorders (UCD) and certain organic acidurias are the major groups of inherited rare diseases manifested with hyperammonemia (HA) with UC dysregulation. Importantly, several commonly prescribed drugs, including antiepileptics in monotherapy or polytherapy from carbamazepine to valproic acid or specific antineoplastic agents such as asparaginase or 5-fluorouracil may be associated with HA by mechanisms not fully elucidated. HA, disclosing an imbalance between ammoniagenesis and ammonia disposal via the UC, can evolve to encephalopathy which may lead to significant morbidity and central nervous system damage. This review will focus on biochemical mechanisms related with HA emphasizing some poorly understood perspectives behind the disruption of the UC and mitochondrial energy metabolism, namely: i) changes in acetyl-CoA or NAD+ levels in subcellular compartments; ii) post-translational modifications of key UC-related enzymes, namely acetylation, potentially affecting their catalytic activity; iii) the mitochondrial sirtuins-mediated role in ureagenesis. Moreover, the main UCD associated with HA will be summarized to highlight the relevance of investigating possible genetic mutations to account for unexpected HA during certain pharmacological therapies. The ammonia-induced effects should be avoided or overcome as part of safer therapeutic strategies to protect patients under treatment with drugs that may be potentially associated with HA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco F Moedas
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; Centre for Inherited Metabolic Diseases, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ricardo J M Simões
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Margarida F B Silva
- Research Institute for Medicines-iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Martin M, Braillon A. Sperm epigenetic mechanisms in autism spectrum disorders. The valproate case illustrates an enduring and systemic failure. Mol Psychiatry 2024; 29:1163-1164. [PMID: 38182807 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02401-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marine Martin
- Association to Help Parents of Children Suffering from Anti-Convulsant Syndrome (APESAC), 8 rue Ramon Saguardia, 66450, Pollestres, France
| | | |
Collapse
|
9
|
Tanigaki T, Ogawa T, Nomura S, Ito K, Kurata Y, Matsukida A, Ishihara M, Yoshino A, Kawana A, Kimizuka Y. Severe Atelectasis due to Aspirated Valproic Acid Tablet. Case Rep Pulmonol 2024; 2024:6650141. [PMID: 38529055 PMCID: PMC10963110 DOI: 10.1155/2024/6650141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/27/2024] Open
Abstract
A 60-year-old man treated with valproic acid (VPA) for epilepsy developed atelectasis and respiratory failure after an accidentally aspirated VPA tablet-induced mucus hypersecretion. Following bronchoscopic removal of the aspirated tablet, his respiratory status improved and massive sputum production did not recur. We hypothesized that the aspirated VPA tablet increased the expression of mucin-related genes, thereby increasing mucus production. Our in vitro experiments using a human respiratory epithelial cell line revealed that VPA directly upregulates the airway mucin-related genes. We believe that this is the first case report of aspirated VPA-induced severe atelectasis and respiratory failure, which were successfully treated with the bronchoscopic removal of the VPA tablet.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomomi Tanigaki
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Takunori Ogawa
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Sakika Nomura
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Koki Ito
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Yuhei Kurata
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Akira Matsukida
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Morio Ishihara
- Division of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Aihide Yoshino
- Division of Psychiatry, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Akihiko Kawana
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| | - Yoshifumi Kimizuka
- Division of Infectious Diseases and Respiratory Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, National Defense Medical College, 3-2 Namiki, Tokorozawa, Saitama 359-8513, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu W, Liu X, Li L, Tai Z, Li G, Liu JX. EPC1/2 regulate hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell proliferation by modulating H3 acetylation and DLST. iScience 2024; 27:109263. [PMID: 38439957 PMCID: PMC10910311 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhancers of polycomb 1 (EPC1) and 2 (EPC2) are involved in multiple biological processes as components of histone acetyltransferases/deacetylase complexes and transcriptional cofactors, and their dysfunction was associated with developmental defects and diseases. However, it remains unknown how their dysfunction induces hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) defects. Here, we show that depletion of EPC1/2 significantly reduced the number of hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) in the aorta-gonad mesonephros and caudal hematopoietic tissue regions by impairing HSPC proliferation, and consistently downregulated the expression of HSPC genes in K562 cells. This study demonstrates the functions of EPC1/2 in regulating histone H3 acetylation, and in regulating DLST (dihydrolipoamide S-succinyltransferase) via H3 acetylation and cooperating with transcription factors serum response factor and FOXR2 together, and in the subsequent HSPC emergence and proliferation. Our results demonstrate the essential roles of EPC1/2 in regulating H3 acetylation, and DLST as a linkage between EPC1 and EPC2 with mitochondria metabolism, in HSPC emergence and proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- WenYe Liu
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Xi Liu
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - LingYa Li
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - ZhiPeng Tai
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - GuoLiang Li
- College of Informatics, Agricultural Bioinformatics Key Laboratory of Hubei Province, Hubei Engineering Technology Research Center of Agricultural Big Data, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jing-Xia Liu
- College of Fisheries, Key Laboratory of Freshwater Animal Breeding, Ministry of Agriculture, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Jackson BL, Shafique S, Natale BV, Natale DRC, Winn LM. Investigating the effects of valproic acid on placental epigenetic modifications and development in the CD-1 mouse model. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 124:108551. [PMID: 38280688 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 01/20/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 01/29/2024]
Abstract
Gestational exposure to the anticonvulsant drug valproic acid (VPA) is associated with congenital malformations and neurodevelopmental disorders through its action as a histone deacetylase inhibitor. VPA can elicit placental toxicity and affect placental growth and development. The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of maternal exposure to VPA on the mouse placenta following exposure on gestational day (GD) 13 since previous studies have shown that mice exposed at this time during gestation give birth to offspring with an autism spectrum disorder-like phenotype. We exposed CD-1 dams to a teratogenic dose (600 mg/kg) of VPA or saline on GD13 and assessed fetoplacental growth and development on GD18. We evaluated epigenetic modifications, including acetylated histone H4 (H4ac), methylated H3K4 (H3K4me2) using immunohistochemistry, and global DNA methylation in the placenta at 1, 3, and 24 h following maternal exposure on GD13. In utero exposure to VPA on GD13 significantly decreased placental weight and increased fetal resorptions. Moreover, VPA significantly increased the staining intensity of histone H4 acetylation and H3K4 di-methylation across the placenta at 1 and 3 h post maternal dose. Our results also demonstrate that VPA significantly decreased global DNA methylation levels in placental tissue. These results show that gestational exposure to VPA interferes with placental growth and elicits epigenetic modifications, which may play a vital role in VPA-induced developmental toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brianna L Jackson
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Sidra Shafique
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Bryony V Natale
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - David R C Natale
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada
| | - Louise M Winn
- Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada; School of Environmental Studies, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario K7L 3N6, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Aputen AD, Elias MG, Gilbert J, Sakoff JA, Gordon CP, Scott KF, Aldrich-Wright JR. Platinum(IV) Prodrugs Incorporating an Indole-Based Derivative, 5-Benzyloxyindole-3-Acetic Acid in the Axial Position Exhibit Prominent Anticancer Activity. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:2181. [PMID: 38396859 PMCID: PMC10888562 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25042181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Kinetically inert platinum(IV) complexes are a chemical strategy to overcome the impediments of standard platinum(II) antineoplastic drugs like cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin. In this study, we reported the syntheses and structural characterisation of three platinum(IV) complexes that incorporate 5-benzyloxyindole-3-acetic acid, a bioactive ligand that integrates an indole pharmacophore. The purity and chemical structures of the resultant complexes, P-5B3A, 5-5B3A and 56-5B3A were confirmed via spectroscopic means. The complexes were evaluated for anticancer activity against multiple human cell lines. All complexes proved to be considerably more active than cisplatin, oxaliplatin and carboplatin in most cell lines tested. Remarkably, 56-5B3A demonstrated the greatest anticancer activity, displaying GI50 values between 1.2 and 150 nM. Enhanced production of reactive oxygen species paired with the decline in mitochondrial activity as well as inhibition of histone deacetylase were also demonstrated by the complexes in HT29 colon cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelico D. Aputen
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia; (A.D.A.); (M.G.E.); (C.P.G.)
| | - Maria George Elias
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia; (A.D.A.); (M.G.E.); (C.P.G.)
- Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia;
| | - Jayne Gilbert
- Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Newcastle, NSW 2298, Australia; (J.G.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Jennette A. Sakoff
- Calvary Mater Newcastle Hospital, Newcastle, NSW 2298, Australia; (J.G.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Christopher P. Gordon
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia; (A.D.A.); (M.G.E.); (C.P.G.)
| | - Kieran F. Scott
- Ingham Institute, Sydney, NSW 2170, Australia;
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia
| | - Janice R. Aldrich-Wright
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Sydney, NSW 2751, Australia; (A.D.A.); (M.G.E.); (C.P.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Kamiya S, Kobayashi T, Sawada K. Tracking of Internal Granular Progenitors Responding to Valproic Acid in the Cerebellar Cortex of Infant Ferrets. Cells 2024; 13:308. [PMID: 38391920 PMCID: PMC10886983 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Internal granular progenitors (IGPs) in the developing cerebellar cortex of ferrets differentiate towards neural and glial lineages. The present study tracked IGPs that proliferated in response to valproic acid (VPA) to determine their fate during cerebellar cortical histogenesis. Ferret kits were used to administer VPA (200 μg/g body weight) on postnatal days 6 and 7. EdU and BrdU were injected on postnatal days 5 and 7, respectively, to label the post-proliferative and proliferating cells when exposed to VPA. At postnatal day 20, when the external granule layer was most expanded, EdU- and BrdU-single-labeled cells were significantly denser in the inner granular layer of VPA-exposed ferrets than in controls. No EdU- or BrdU-labeling was found in Purkinje cells and molecular layer interneurons. Significantly higher percentages of NeuN and Pax6 immunostaining in VPA-exposed ferrets revealed VPA-induced differentiation of IGPs towards granular neurons in BrdU-single-labeled cells. In contrast, both EdU- and BrdU-single-labeled cells exhibited significantly greater percentages of PCNA immunostaining, which appeared in immature Bergman glia, in the internal granular layer of VPA-exposed ferrets. These findings suggest that VPA affects the proliferation of IGPs to induce differentiative division towards granular neurons as well as post-proliferative IGPs toward differentiation into Bergmann glia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Kamiya
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (S.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Tetsuya Kobayashi
- Division of Life Science, Graduate School of Science and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama 338-8570, Japan; (S.K.); (T.K.)
| | - Kazuhiko Sawada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura 300-0051, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Nöth J, Busch W, Tal T, Lai C, Ambekar A, Kießling TR, Scholz S. Analysis of vascular disruption in zebrafish embryos as an endpoint to predict developmental toxicity. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:537-549. [PMID: 38129683 PMCID: PMC10794345 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-023-03633-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
Inhibition of angiogenesis is an important mode of action for the teratogenic effect of chemicals and drugs. There is a gap in the availability of simple, experimental screening models for the detection of angiogenesis inhibition. The zebrafish embryo represents an alternative test system which offers the complexity of developmental differentiation of an entire organism while allowing for small-scale and high-throughput screening. Here we present a novel automated imaging-based method to detect the inhibition of angiogenesis in early life stage zebrafish. Video subtraction was used to identify the location and number of functional intersegmental vessels according to the detection of moving blood cells. By exposing embryos to multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors including SU4312, SU5416, Sorafenib, or PTK787, we confirmed that this method can detect concentration-dependent inhibition of angiogenesis. Parallel assessment of arterial and venal aorta ruled out a potential bias by impaired heart or blood cell development. In contrast, the histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid did not affect ISV formation supporting the specificity of the angiogenic effects. The new test method showed higher sensitivity, i.e. lower effect concentrations, relative to a fluorescent reporter gene strain (Tg(KDR:EGFP)) exposed to the same tyrosine kinase inhibitors indicating that functional effects due to altered tubulogenesis or blood transport can be detected before structural changes of the endothelium are visible by fluorescence imaging. Comparison of exposure windows indicated higher specificity for angiogenesis when exposure started at later embryonic stages (24 h post-fertilization). One of the test compounds was showing particularly high specificity for angiogenesis effects (SU4312) and was, therefore, suggested as a model compound for the identification of molecular markers of angiogenic disruption. Our findings establish video imaging in wild-type strains as viable, non-invasive, high-throughput method for the detection of chemical-induced angiogenic disruption in zebrafish embryos.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Nöth
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraβe 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany.
| | - Wibke Busch
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraβe 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Tamara Tal
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraβe 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Chih Lai
- University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, USA
| | - Akhil Ambekar
- University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN, USA
- Duke University, A.I. Health Fellow-Associate in Research, Durham, NC, USA
| | | | - Stefan Scholz
- Department of Bioanalytical Ecotoxicology, Helmholtz Centre for Environmental Research-UFZ, Permoserstraβe 15, 04318, Leipzig, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Chen S, Huang M, Xu D, Li M. Epigenetic regulation in epilepsy: A novel mechanism and therapeutic strategy for epilepsy. Neurochem Int 2024; 173:105657. [PMID: 38145842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures with excessive and abnormal neuronal discharges. Epileptogenesis is usually involved in neuropathological processes such as ion channel dysfunction, neuronal injury, inflammatory response, synaptic plasticity, gliocyte proliferation and mossy fiber sprouting, currently the pathogenesis of epilepsy is not yet completely understood. A growing body of studies have shown that epigenetic regulation, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) are also involved in epilepsy. Through epigenetic studies, we found that the synaptic dysfunction, nerve damage, cognitive dysfunction and brain development abnormalities are affected by epigenetic regulation of epilepsy-related genes in patients with epilepsy. However, the functional roles of epigenetics in pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy are still to be explored. Therefore, profiling the array of genes that are epigenetically dysregulated in epileptogenesis is likely to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of epilepsy and may for the amelioration of these serious human conditions provide novel insight into therapeutic strategies and diagnostic biomarkers for epilepsy to improve serious human condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Da Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Matsushima T, Izumi T, Vallortigara G. The domestic chick as an animal model of autism spectrum disorder: building adaptive social perceptions through prenatally formed predispositions. Front Neurosci 2024; 18:1279947. [PMID: 38356650 PMCID: PMC10864568 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2024.1279947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Equipped with an early social predisposition immediately post-birth, humans typically form associations with mothers and other family members through exposure learning, canalized by a prenatally formed predisposition of visual preference to biological motion, face configuration, and other cues of animacy. If impaired, reduced preferences can lead to social interaction impairments such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) via misguided canalization. Despite being taxonomically distant, domestic chicks could also follow a homologous developmental trajectory toward adaptive socialization through imprinting, which is guided via predisposed preferences similar to those of humans, thereby suggesting that chicks are a valid animal model of ASD. In addition to the phenotypic similarities in predisposition with human newborns, accumulating evidence on the responsible molecular mechanisms suggests the construct validity of the chick model. Considering the recent progress in the evo-devo studies in vertebrates, we reviewed the advantages and limitations of the chick model of developmental mental diseases in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toshiya Matsushima
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu, Japan
- Centre for Mind/Brain Sciences, University of Trento, Rovereto, Italy
| | - Takeshi Izumi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Science, Health Science University of Hokkaido, Tobetsu, Japan
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Santos DS, Rocha MA, Mello MLS. Epigenetic studies in insects and the valproic acid perspective. BRAZ J BIOL 2024; 84:e256045. [DOI: 10.1590/1519-6984.256045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract Valproic acid in association with sodium valproate (VPA) is an important anticonvulsant drug used for decades to treat neurological disorders. VPA also acts as an epigenetic modulator by inhibiting histone deacetylases, permitting histone acetylation, affecting the DNA and histone methylation status and gene expression, and inducing chromatin remodeling. Insects represent an important animal model for studies in several areas of science. Their high phenotypic plasticity makes them alternative models for epigenetic studies. This brief review emphasizes recent reports on insect epigenetics and the contribution of studies on the VPA action in insects, including effects on epigenetic markers, extending the pharmacological understanding of the potential of this drug, and demonstrating the usefulness of insects as an alternative animal model to drug studies.
Collapse
|
18
|
Zarate-Lopez D, Torres-Chávez AL, Gálvez-Contreras AY, Gonzalez-Perez O. Three Decades of Valproate: A Current Model for Studying Autism Spectrum Disorder. Curr Neuropharmacol 2024; 22:260-289. [PMID: 37873949 PMCID: PMC10788883 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x22666231003121513] [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: 08/04/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with increased prevalence and incidence in recent decades. Its etiology remains largely unclear, but it seems to involve a strong genetic component and environmental factors that, in turn, induce epigenetic changes during embryonic and postnatal brain development. In recent decades, clinical studies have shown that inutero exposure to valproic acid (VPA), a commonly prescribed antiepileptic drug, is an environmental factor associated with an increased risk of ASD. Subsequently, prenatal VPA exposure in rodents has been established as a reliable translational model to study the pathophysiology of ASD, which has helped demonstrate neurobiological changes in rodents, non-human primates, and brain organoids from human pluripotent stem cells. This evidence supports the notion that prenatal VPA exposure is a valid and current model to replicate an idiopathic ASD-like disorder in experimental animals. This review summarizes and describes the current features reported with this animal model of autism and the main neurobiological findings and correlates that help elucidate the pathophysiology of ASD. Finally, we discuss the general framework of the VPA model in comparison to other environmental and genetic ASD models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- David Zarate-Lopez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Ana Laura Torres-Chávez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
- Physiological Science Ph.D. Program, School of Medicine, University of Colima, Colima 28040, Mexico
| | - Alma Yadira Gálvez-Contreras
- Department of Neuroscience, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, University of Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, México
| | - Oscar Gonzalez-Perez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, School of Psychology, University of Colima, Colima 28040, México
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Piri F, Salmani ME, Sepehri H. Improvement of autistic-like behaviors in adult rats prenatally exposed to valproic acid through early suppression of orexin receptor. Ann Med Surg (Lond) 2024; 86:166-171. [PMID: 38222731 PMCID: PMC10783284 DOI: 10.1097/ms9.0000000000000788] [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: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a disabling psychiatric disease characterized by impairments in communication and social skills. The pathophysiology of autism is complex and not fully known. Considering the incidence of sleep disorders in individuals with ASD and the important role of orexin in sleep, it is possible to hypothesize that an alteration of the orexinergic system could be implicated in the pathogenesis of autism symptoms. The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of suvorexant [dual orexin receptor antagonists (DORAs)] on autism-like behavior in prenatally valproic acid (VPA)-exposed rats]. Methods Wistar female rats were administered VPA [600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.)] or normal saline (10 ml/kg, i.p.; vehicle control) on gestational day 12.5. Thirty-two male offspring were divided into four groups: Control, VPA, Suvorexant+VPA, and VPA+Risperidone. The pups were given suvorexant [20 ml/kg, by mouth/orally (p.o.)] or risperidone (1 ml/kg, p.o.) daily from postnatal day (PND) (40-54). The offspring were tested for repetitive behaviors and cognitive ability with a Y-maze task on PND 55, and social interaction was assessed by play behavior in the open field on PND 56. And anxiety with using the three-chamber social assay on PND 56. Results In the Y-maze apparatus, spontaneous alteration significantly decreased in the prenatal VPA-treated rats compared to control rats showing autistic-like behavior, and 2-week suvorexant increased the alternation, indicating the beneficial effect of suvorexant. Prenatal treatment with VPA, impaired play behavior (sniffing, grooming, and darting), and increased anxiety-related behavior. Suvorexant treatment attenuated the problems in male offspring's social behavior. Conclusion Our results showed that suvorexant improved ASD-associated behaviors in the VPA-treated rats, and the orexinergic system may be associated with the pathogenesis of autism symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hamid Sepehri
- Neuroscience Research Center, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Mayerhofer E, Parodi L, Narasimhalu K, Wolking S, Harloff A, Georgakis MK, Rosand J, Anderson CD. Genetic variation supports a causal role for valproate in prevention of ischemic stroke. Int J Stroke 2024; 19:84-93. [PMID: 37489815 DOI: 10.1177/17474930231190259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valproate is a candidate for ischemic stroke prevention due to its anti-atherosclerotic effects in vivo. Although valproate use is associated with decreased ischemic stroke risk in observational studies, confounding by indication precludes causal conclusions. AIMS We applied Mendelian randomization to determine whether genetic variants that influence seizure response among valproate users associate with ischemic stroke. METHODS We derived a genetic score for valproate response using genome-wide association data of seizure response after valproate intake from the Epilepsy Pharmacogenomics Consortium. We then tested this score among valproate users of the UK Biobank for association with incident and recurrent ischemic stroke using Cox proportional hazard models. As replication, we tested found associations in an independent cohort of valproate users of the Mass General Brigham Biobank. RESULTS Among 2150 valproate users (mean 56 years, 54% females), 82 ischemic strokes occurred over a mean 12 year follow-up. Higher valproate response genetic score was associated with higher serum valproate levels (+5.78 µg/ml per 1 standard deviation (SD), 95% confidence interval (CI) (3.45, 8.11)). After adjusting for age and sex, higher valproate response genetic score was associated with lower ischemic stroke risk (hazard ratio (HR) per 1 SD 0.73, 95% CI (0.58, 0.91)) with a halving of absolute risk in the highest compared to the lowest score tertile (4.8% vs 2.5%, p trend = 0.027). Among 194 valproate users with prevalent stroke at baseline, a higher valproate response genetic score was associated with lower recurrent ischemic stroke risk (HR per 1 SD 0.53, 95% CI (0.32, 0.86)) with reduced absolute risk in the highest compared to the lowest score tertile (3/51, 5.9% vs 13/71, 18.3%, p trend = 0.026). The valproate response genetic score was not associated with ischemic stroke among the 427,997 valproate non-users (p = 0.61), suggesting minimal pleiotropy. In 1241 valproate users of the Mass General Brigham Biobank with 99 ischemic stroke events over 6.5 years follow-up, we replicated our observed associations between the valproate response genetic score and ischemic stroke (HR per 1 SD 0.77, 95% CI (0.61, 0.97)). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that a genetically predicted favorable seizure response to valproate is associated with higher serum valproate levels and reduced ischemic stroke risk among valproate users, providing causal support for valproate effectiveness in ischemic stroke prevention. The strongest effect was found for recurrent ischemic stroke, suggesting potential dual-use benefits of valproate for post-stroke epilepsy. Clinical trials will be required in order to identify populations that may benefit most from valproate for stroke prevention. DATA ACCESS STATEMENT UK Biobank participant data are available after approval of a research proposal. The weights of the used genetic scores are available in the Supplemental Tables.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Mayerhofer
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Livia Parodi
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaavya Narasimhalu
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefan Wolking
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marios K Georgakis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research, Ludwig Maximilian University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonathan Rosand
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher D Anderson
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute, Cambridge, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Petrović NZ, Pejčić AV, Milovanović IR. Priapism associated with anti-seizure medications: a pharmacovigilance study and a review of published cases. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024; 23:67-78. [PMID: 38062555 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2023.2293208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, case reports of priapism associated with the use of some anti-seizure medications began to emerge in the literature. We aimed to investigate if there is a potential safety signal of priapism among individual anti-seizure medications and to search the literature for relevant published cases. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS We conducted a disproportionality analysis using OpenVigil 2.1 to query the United States Food and Drug Administration's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) database. Literature search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus and Web of Science up to 12 July 2023. RESULTS We identified positive signal of priapism for valproic acid and its derivatives (n = 23, chi-squared = 59.943, PRR = 4.566), gabapentin (n = 20, chi-squared = 9.790, PRR = 2.060), lamotrigine (n = 16, chi-squared = 8.318, PRR = 2.120), levetiracetam (n = 16, chi-squared = 10.766, PRR = 2.329), topiramate (n = 14, chi-squared = 28.067, PRR = 3.972) and carbamazepine (n = 8, chi-squared = 6.147, PRR = 2.568), as well as published cases of priapism associated with these drugs. We also found published cases of priapism for pregabalin and phenytoin in the literature and FAERS, and at least one reported adverse event of priapism in FAERS for clonazepam, lacosamide, ethosuximide, oxcarbazepine, and vigabatrin in which they were considered primary suspect. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified signals for priapism for several anti-seizure medications, but these results need to be confirmed in well-designed pharmacoepidemiological studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nemanja Z Petrović
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ana V Pejčić
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| | - Ivan R Milovanović
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, University of Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
- Clinic of Urology, University Clinical Center Kragujevac, Kragujevac, Serbia
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Kamiya S, Kobayashi T, Sawada K. Induction of cerebellar cortical neurogenesis immediately following valproic acid exposure in ferret kits. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1318688. [PMID: 38130693 PMCID: PMC10734798 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1318688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Valproic acid (VPA) is an anticonvulsant/antiepileptic drug that regulates neurogenesis. Its effects vary depending on the timing of exposure and the types of neural progenitors involved. Neonatal exposure to VPA causes autism spectrum disorder-like behaviors in some mammalian species, including ferrets. Ferrets experience the cerebellar cortical histogenesis during early postnatal period. However, no studies have evaluated the effect of VPA on cerebellar corticohistogenesis. The present study aimed to determine the effects of VPA exposure on the developing cerebellar cortex in ferret kits with a particular focus on the cortical neurogenesis. Methods The experimental kits each received an intraperitoneal injection of VPA, 200 μg/g body weight, on postnatal days 6 and 7. EdU and BrdU were administered on postnatal days 5 and 7, respectively, to label cells proliferating prior to and following exposure to VPA. Results We found that 2 h post BrdU injection, BrdU-labeled cells were abundantly distributed in the internal granular layer (IGL), whereas EdU-labeled cells were primarily relegated to the inner pre-migratory zone of the external granular layer (EGL). The density of BrdU-single-labeled cells was significantly lower in the EGL and significantly higher in the IGL of the VPA-exposed group, as compared to the control group. Immunostaining for doublecortin, a marker of immature neurons, was observed in BrdU-single-labeled cells in the IGL of the VPA-exposed group, which was significantly higher than that observed in the control group. EdU-single-labeled cells that had proliferated prior to VPA exposure were also detected in the IGL. While the cell density remained unchanged, significant changes were observed in the proportions of EdU-single-labeled cells immunostained with marker antigens; higher proportion of PCNA immunostaining, but lower proportion of S100 immunostaining in the VPA-exposed group compared to the control group. Discussion These findings suggest the presence of progenitors in the IGL of the developing cerebellar cortex in ferret kits. We called them "internal granular progenitors." The progenitors may proliferate in response to VPA, leading the differentiated lineage more toward neurons than to glial cells. Thus, VPA may facilitate the differentiative division of internal granular progenitors to produce cerebellar granular neurons.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shiori Kamiya
- Department of Regulation Biology, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Kobayashi
- Department of Regulation Biology, Graduate School of Sciences and Engineering, Saitama University, Saitama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Sawada
- Department of Nutrition, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, Tsukuba International University, Tsuchiura, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Stakišaitis D, Kapočius L, Kilimaitė E, Gečys D, Šlekienė L, Balnytė I, Palubinskienė J, Lesauskaitė V. Preclinical Study in Mouse Thymus and Thymocytes: Effects of Treatment with a Combination of Sodium Dichloroacetate and Sodium Valproate on Infectious Inflammation Pathways. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2715. [PMID: 38140056 PMCID: PMC10747708 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15122715] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The research presents data from a preclinical study on the anti-inflammatory effects of a sodium dichloroacetate and sodium valproate combination (DCA-VPA). The 2-week treatment with a DCA 100 mg/kg/day and VPA 150 mg/kg/day combination solution in drinking water's effects on the thymus weight, its cortex/medulla ratio, Hassall's corpuscles (HCs) number in the thymus medulla, and the expression of inflammatory and immune-response-related genes in thymocytes of male Balb/c mice were studied. Two groups of mice aged 6-7 weeks were investigated: a control (n = 12) and a DCA-VPA-treated group (n = 12). The treatment did not affect the body weight gain (p > 0.05), the thymus weight (p > 0.05), the cortical/medulla ratio (p > 0.05), or the number of HCs (p > 0.05). Treatment significantly increased the Slc5a8 gene expression by 2.1-fold (p < 0.05). Gene sequence analysis revealed a significant effect on the expression of inflammation-related genes in thymocytes by significantly altering the expression of several genes related to the cytokine activity pathway, the inflammatory response pathway, and the Il17 signaling pathway in thymocytes. Data suggest that DCA-VPA exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by inhibiting the inflammatory mechanisms in the mouse thymocytes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Donatas Stakišaitis
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (L.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Institute, 08660 Vilnius, Lithuania
| | - Linas Kapočius
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (L.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Evelina Kilimaitė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (L.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Dovydas Gečys
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Ave., 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| | - Lina Šlekienė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (L.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Ingrida Balnytė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (L.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Jolita Palubinskienė
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Medical Academy, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, 44307 Kaunas, Lithuania; (L.K.); (L.Š.); (I.B.); (J.P.)
| | - Vaiva Lesauskaitė
- Laboratory of Molecular Cardiology, Institute of Cardiology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Sukileliu Ave., 50161 Kaunas, Lithuania;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kaiser J, Nay K, Horne CR, McAloon LM, Fuller OK, Muller AG, Whyte DG, Means AR, Walder K, Berk M, Hannan AJ, Murphy JM, Febbraio MA, Gundlach AL, Scott JW. CaMKK2 as an emerging treatment target for bipolar disorder. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:4500-4511. [PMID: 37730845 PMCID: PMC10914626 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02260-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Current pharmacological treatments for bipolar disorder are inadequate and based on serendipitously discovered drugs often with limited efficacy, burdensome side-effects, and unclear mechanisms of action. Advances in drug development for the treatment of bipolar disorder remain incremental and have come largely from repurposing drugs used for other psychiatric conditions, a strategy that has failed to find truly revolutionary therapies, as it does not target the mood instability that characterises the condition. The lack of therapeutic innovation in the bipolar disorder field is largely due to a poor understanding of the underlying disease mechanisms and the consequent absence of validated drug targets. A compelling new treatment target is the Ca2+-calmodulin dependent protein kinase kinase-2 (CaMKK2) enzyme. CaMKK2 is highly enriched in brain neurons and regulates energy metabolism and neuronal processes that underpin higher order functions such as long-term memory, mood, and other affective functions. Loss-of-function polymorphisms and a rare missense mutation in human CAMKK2 are associated with bipolar disorder, and genetic deletion of Camkk2 in mice causes bipolar-like behaviours similar to those in patients. Furthermore, these behaviours are ameliorated by lithium, which increases CaMKK2 activity. In this review, we discuss multiple convergent lines of evidence that support targeting of CaMKK2 as a new treatment strategy for bipolar disorder.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Kaiser
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Kevin Nay
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Christopher R Horne
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Luke M McAloon
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Oliver K Fuller
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Abbey G Muller
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Medicinal Chemistry, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Douglas G Whyte
- School of Behavioural and Health Sciences, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
| | - Anthony R Means
- Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Ken Walder
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- The Institute for Mental and Physical Health and Clinical Translation (IMPACT), School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, 3220, Australia
- Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Anthony J Hannan
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - James M Murphy
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Mark A Febbraio
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - Andrew L Gundlach
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
- Department of Anatomy and Physiology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia
| | - John W Scott
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
- St Vincent's Institute of Medical Research, Fitzroy, VIC, 3065, Australia.
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, 3052, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Azargoonjahromi A. The role of epigenetics in anxiety disorders. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9625-9636. [PMID: 37804465 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08787-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/09/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders (ADs) are extremely common psychiatric conditions that frequently co-occur with other physical and mental disorders. The pathophysiology of ADs is multifaceted and involves intricate connections among biological elements, environmental stimuli, and psychological mechanisms. Recent discoveries have highlighted the significance of epigenetics in bridging the gap between multiple risk factors that contribute to ADs and expanding our understanding of the pathomechanisms underlying ADs. Epigenetics is the study of how changes in the environment and behavior can have an impact on gene function. Indeed, researchers have found that epigenetic mechanisms can affect how genes are activated or inactivated, as well as whether they are expressed. Such mechanisms may also affect how ADs form and are protected. That is, the bulk of pharmacological trials evaluating epigenetic treatments for the treatment of ADs have used histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi), yielding promising outcomes in both preclinical and clinical studies. This review will provide an outline of how epigenetic pathways can be used to treat ADs or lessen their risk. It will also present the findings from preclinical and clinical trials that are currently available on the use of epigenetic drugs to treat ADs.
Collapse
|
26
|
Cavaleiro C, Afonso GJM, Oliveira PJ, Valero J, Mota SI, Ferreiro E. Urine-derived stem cells in neurological diseases: current state-of-the-art and future directions. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1229728. [PMID: 37965041 PMCID: PMC10642248 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1229728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Stem cells have potential applications in the field of neurological diseases, as they allow for the development of new biological models. These models can improve our understanding of the underlying pathologies and facilitate the screening of new therapeutics in the context of precision medicine. Stem cells have also been applied in clinical tests to repair tissues and improve functional recovery. Nevertheless, although promising, commonly used stem cells display some limitations that curb the scope of their applications, such as the difficulty of obtention. In that regard, urine-derived cells can be reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). However, their obtaining can be challenging due to the low yield and complexity of the multi-phased and typically expensive differentiation protocols. As an alternative, urine-derived stem cells (UDSCs), included within the population of urine-derived cells, present a mesenchymal-like phenotype and have shown promising properties for similar purposes. Importantly, UDSCs have been differentiated into neuronal-like cells, auspicious for disease modeling, while overcoming some of the shortcomings presented by other stem cells for these purposes. Thus, this review assesses the current state and future perspectives regarding the potential of UDSCs in the ambit of neurological diseases, both for disease modeling and therapeutic applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carla Cavaleiro
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo J. M. Afonso
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Institute for Interdisciplinary Research, University of Coimbra, Doctoral Programme in Experimental Biology and Biomedicine (PDBEB), Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Paulo J. Oliveira
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Jorge Valero
- Instituto de Neurociencias de Castilla y León, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
- Institute of Biomedical Research of Salamanca (IBSAL), Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Cell Biology and Pathology, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Sandra I. Mota
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Elisabete Ferreiro
- CNC-Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Seyedinia SA, Tarahomi P, Abbarin D, Sedaghat K, Rashidy-Pour A, Yaribeygi H, Vafaei AA, Raise-Abdullahi P. Saffron and crocin ameliorate prenatal valproic acid-induced autistic-like behaviors and brain oxidative stress in the male offspring rats. Metab Brain Dis 2023; 38:2231-2241. [PMID: 37566156 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-023-01275-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Autism is a neurobehavioral disease that induces cognitive and behavioral alterations, usually accompanied by oxidative stress in the brain. Crocus sativus (saffron) and its active ingredient, crocin, have potent antioxidative effects that may benefit autistic behaviors. This study aimed to determine the effects of saffron extract and crocin against brain oxidative stress and behavioral, motor, and cognitive deficits in an animal model of autism in male offspring rats. 14 female rats were randomly divided into the saline and valproic acid (VPA) groups. Then, they were placed with mature male rats to mate and produce offspring. VPA (500 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected on day 12.5 of pregnancy (gestational day, GD 12.5) to induce an experimental model of autism. 48 male pups were left undisturbed for 29 days. First-round behavioral tests (before treatments) were performed on 30-33 post-natal days (PND), followed by 28 days of treatment (PND 34-61) with saffron (30 mg/kg, IP), crocin (15 or 30 mg/kg, i.p.), or saline (2 ml/kg, i.p.). The second round of behavioral tests (after treatments) was performed on PND 62-65 to assess the effects of the treatments on behavioral and cognitive features. In the end, animals were sacrificed under deep anesthesia, and their brains were dissected to evaluate the brain oxidative stress parameters, including malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). VPA injection into female rats increased anxiety-like behaviors, enhanced pain threshold, impaired motor functions, disturbed balance power, increased MDA, and decreased GSH and CAT in their male offspring. 28 days of treatment with saffron or crocin significantly ameliorated behavioral abnormalities, reduced MDA, and increased GSH and CAT levels. Brain oxidative stress has been implicated in the pathophysiology of autistic-like behaviors. Saffron and crocin ameliorate anxiety-like behaviors, pain responses, motor functions, and brain oxidative stress parameters in an experimental model of autism. Saffron and crocin may hold promise as herbal-based pharmacological treatments for individuals with autism. However, further histological evidence is needed to confirm their efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seyed Ali Seyedinia
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Parnia Tarahomi
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Davood Abbarin
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Katayoun Sedaghat
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Ali Rashidy-Pour
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Habib Yaribeygi
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Abbas Ali Vafaei
- Research Center of Physiology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
| | | |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lesné L, Desdoits-Lethimonier C, Hug E, Costet N, Raffenne L, Toupin M, Evrard B, Kugathas I, Lavoué V, Chalmel F, Jégou B, Mazaud-Guittot S. Antiepileptic drugs are endocrine disruptors for the human fetal testis ex vivo. Toxicol Sci 2023; 195:169-183. [PMID: 37505509 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfad076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) has long been the most widely used antiepileptic drug (AED) for the treatment of epilepsy, bipolar psychiatric disorders, and migraine. However, long-term VPA treatment has several adverse effects on the male reproductive system notably on endocrine functions and/or spermatic parameters. In utero exposure of the fetus to VPA is well known to be associated with a higher risk of several congenital malformations including those of male reproductive organs. Subsequent generations of AEDs, such as carbamazepine (CARB) and lamotrigine (LAM), are considered safer and are currently recommended for women of child-bearing age with epilepsy. Because anomalies of the male genital tract mostly result from endocrine imbalance during fetal life, we hypothesized that AEDs could directly impair testis differentiation. We thus aimed at identifying and characterizing the effects of VPA, CARB, and LAM on the differentiation and function of the different testicular cell types, and at understanding the mechanisms underlying these effects. By using ex vivo culture of first-trimester human fetal testes, we show that VPA induces multiple endocrine disruptive effects, compared with the milder ones caused by CARB and LAM. AED also subtly altered the germ cell lineage in distinct manners. Transcriptomic analysis of VPA-induced alterations highlighted a very broad range of effects on the fetal testis. Overall, our results show that AEDs can behave as endocrine disruptors for the human fetal testis ex vivo. This is consistent with, and likely underlies, the VPA-induced male genital tract masculinization abnormalities observed in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laurianne Lesné
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Christèle Desdoits-Lethimonier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Elisa Hug
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Nathalie Costet
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Léo Raffenne
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Maryne Toupin
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Bertrand Evrard
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Indusha Kugathas
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Vincent Lavoué
- Univ Rennes, CHU Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Frédéric Chalmel
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| | - Bernard Jégou
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
- EHESP-School of Public Health, 35043 Rennes, France
| | - Séverine Mazaud-Guittot
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail)-UMR_S 1085, 35000 Rennes, France
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Moawad G, Youssef Y, Fruscalzo A, Faysal H, Kheil M, Pirtea P, Guani B, Ayoubi JM, Feki A. The Present and the Future of Medical Therapies for Adenomyosis: A Narrative Review. J Clin Med 2023; 12:6130. [PMID: 37834773 PMCID: PMC10573655 DOI: 10.3390/jcm12196130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine Adenomyosis is a benign condition characterized by the presence of endometrium-like epithelial and stromal tissue in the myometrium. Several medical treatments have been proposed, but still, no guidelines directing the management of adenomyosis are available. While a hysterectomy is typically regarded as the definitive treatment for adenomyosis, the scarcity of high-quality data leaves patients desiring fertility with limited conservative options. Based on the available data, the levonorgestrel-IUD appears to offer the most favorable outcomes. Other treatments, including GnRH antagonists, dienogest, prolactin, and oxytocin modulators, show promise; however, further data are required to establish their efficacy definitively. Furthermore, there are many emerging therapies that have been developed that seem worthy of consideration in the near future. The aim of this narrative review was to explore the current medical treatments available for adenomyosis and to provide a glimpse of future therapies under assessment. For this scope, we performed a literature search on PubMed and Medline from incept to September 2022 using the keywords: "medical treatment", "non-steroidal anti-inflammatory", "progesterone intrauterine device", "dienogest", "combined oral contraceptives", "gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist", "gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist", "danazol", "aromatase inhibitors", "ulipristal acetate", "anti-platelet therapy", "dopamine", "oxytocin antagonists", "STAT3", "KRAS", "MAPK", "micro-RNA", "mifepristone", "valproic acid", "levo-tetrahydropalamatine", and "andrographolide". The search was limited to articles in English, with subsequent screening of abstracts. Abstracts were screened to select relevant studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaby Moawad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA
- The Center for Endometriosis and Advanced Pelvic Surgery, Washington, DC 22101, USA
| | - Youssef Youssef
- Division of Minimally Invasive Gynecology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Maimonides Medical Center, Brooklyn, NY 11220, USA
| | - Arrigo Fruscalzo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HFR—Fribourg, Chemin des Pensionnats 2-6, 1708 Fribourg, Switzerland; (A.F.)
| | - Hani Faysal
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indiana University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Mira Kheil
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Paul Pirtea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch–Faculté de Médecine Paris, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Benedetta Guani
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HFR—Fribourg, Chemin des Pensionnats 2-6, 1708 Fribourg, Switzerland; (A.F.)
| | - Jean Marc Ayoubi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Hopital Foch–Faculté de Médecine Paris, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Anis Feki
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, HFR—Fribourg, Chemin des Pensionnats 2-6, 1708 Fribourg, Switzerland; (A.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Akbar N, Anum H, Razzaq SS, Salim A, Usman S, Haneef K. Ascorbic acid and salvianolic acid B enhance the valproic acid and 5-azacytidinemediated cardiac differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:7371-7380. [PMID: 37450078 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08634-8] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular diseases remain a major cause of death globally. Cardiac cells once damaged, cannot resume the normal functioning of the heart. Bone marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) have shown the potential to differentiate into cardiac cells. Epigenetic modifications determine cell identity during embryo development via regulation of tissue specific gene expression. The major epigenetic mechanisms that control cell fate and biological functions are DNA methylation and histone modifications. However, epigenetic modifiers alone are not sufficient to generate mature cardiac cells. Various small molecules such as ascorbic acid (AA) and salvianolic acid B (SA) are known for their cardiomyogenic potential. Therefore, this study is aimed to examine the synergistic effects of epigenetic modifiers, valproic acid (VPA) and 5-azacytidine (5-aza) with cardiomyogenic molecules, AA and SA in the cardiac differentiation of MSCs. METHODS AND RESULTS BM-MSCs were isolated, propagated, characterized, and then treated with an optimized dose of VPA or 5-aza for 24 h. MSCs were maintained in a medium containing AA and SA for 21 days. All groups were assessed for the expression of cardiac genes and proteins through q-PCR and immunocytochemistry, respectively. Results show that epigenetic modifiers VPA or 5-aza in combination with AA and SA significantly upregulate the expression of cardiac genes MEF2C, Nkx2.5, cMHC, Tbx20, and GATA-4. In addition, VPA or 5-aza pretreatment along with AA and SA enhanced the expression of the cardiac proteins connexin-43, GATA-4, cTnI, and Nkx2.5. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that epigenetic modifiers valproic acid and 5-azacytidine in combination with ascorbic acid and salvianolic acid B promote cardiac differentiation of MSCs. This pretreatment strategy can be exploited for designing future stem cell based therapeutic strategies for cardiovascular diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nukhba Akbar
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Hira Anum
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Syeda Saima Razzaq
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Asmat Salim
- Dr. Panjwani Center for Molecular Medicine and Drug Research, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Shumaila Usman
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Ziauddin University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kanwal Haneef
- Dr. Zafar H. Zaidi Center for Proteomics, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Lapehn S, Colacino JA, Harris C. Spatiotemporal protein dynamics during early organogenesis in mouse conceptuses treated with valproic acid. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2023; 99:107286. [PMID: 37442398 PMCID: PMC10697214 DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2023.107286] [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: 04/30/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is an anti-epileptic medication that increases the risk of neural tube defect (NTD) outcomes in infants exposed during gestation. Previous studies into VPA's mechanism of action have focused on alterations in gene expression and metabolism but have failed to consider how exposure changes the abundance of critical developmental proteins over time. This study evaluates the effects of VPA on protein abundance in the developmentally distinct tissues of the mouse visceral yolk sac (VYS) and embryo proper (EMB) using mouse whole embryo culture. Embryos were exposed to 600 μM VPA at 2 h intervals over 10 h during early organogenesis with the aim of identifying protein pathways relevant to VPA's mechanism of action in failed NTC. Protein abundance was measured through tandem mass tag (TMT) labeling followed by liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry. Overall, there were over 1500 proteins with altered abundance after VPA exposure in the EMB or VYS with 428 of these proteins showing previous gene expression associations with VPA exposure. Limited overlap of significant proteins between tissues supported the conclusion of independent roles for the VYS and EMB in response to VPA. Pathway analysis of proteins with increased or decreased abundance identified multiple pathways with mechanistic relevance to NTC and embryonic development including convergent extension, Wnt Signaling/planar cell polarity, cellular migration, cellular proliferation, cell death, and cytoskeletal organization processes as targets of VPA. Clustering of co-regulated proteins to identify shared patterns of protein abundance over time highlighted 4 h and 6/10 h as periods of divergent protein abundance between control and VPA-treated samples in the VYS and EMB, respectively. Overall, this study demonstrated that VPA temporally alters protein content in critical developmental pathways in the VYS and the EMB during early organogenesis in mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Samantha Lapehn
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.
| | - Justin A Colacino
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Craig Harris
- Department of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Mello MLS. Nuclear Morphofunctional Organization and Epigenetic Characteristics in Somatic Cells of T. infestans (Klug, 1834). Pathogens 2023; 12:1030. [PMID: 37623990 PMCID: PMC10460038 DOI: 10.3390/pathogens12081030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Triatoma infestans (Klug) is an insect recognized as not only an important vector of South American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease) but also a model of specific cellular morphofunctional organization and epigenetic characteristics. The purpose of the present review is to highlight certain cellular processes that are particularly unveiled in T. infestans, such as the following: (1) somatic polyploidy involving nuclear and cell fusions that generate giant nuclei; (2) diversification of nuclear phenotypes in the Malpighian tubules during insect development; (3) heterochromatin compartmentalization into large bodies with specific spatial distribution and presumed mobility in the cell nuclei; (4) chromatin remodeling and co-occurrence of necrosis and apoptosis in the Malpighian tubules under stress conditions; (5) epigenetic markers; and (6) response of heterochromatin to valproic acid, an epidrug that inhibits histone deacetylases and induces DNA demethylation in other cell systems. These cellular processes and epigenetic characteristics emphasize the role of T. infestans as an attractive model for cellular research. A limitation of these studies is the availability of insect supply by accredited insectaries. For studies that require the injection of drugs, the operator's dexterity to perform insect manipulation is necessary, especially if young nymphs are used. For studies involving in vitro cultivation of insect organs, the culture medium should be carefully selected to avoid inconsistent results.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Luiza S Mello
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Geng Z, Chen M, Yu Q, Guo S, Chen T, Liu D. Histone Modification of Colorectal Cancer by Natural Products. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1095. [PMID: 37631010 PMCID: PMC10458348 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural products play important roles in the pathogenesis of many human malignancies, including colorectal cancer, and can act as a gene regulator in many cancers. They regulate malignant cell growth through many cellular signal pathways, including Rac family small GTPase 1 (RAC1)/PI3K/AKT (α-serine/threonine-protein kinase), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), Wnt/β-catenin pathway, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), the Notch pathway, Hippo pathway, and Hedgehog pathway. In this review, we describe the epigenetic roles of several natural products, e.g., platycodin D (PD), ginsenoside Rd, tretinoin, Rutin, curcumin, clove extract, betulinic acid, resveratrol, and curcumin, in colorectal cancer, including their impact on colorectal cancer cell proliferation, apoptosis, invasion, migration, and anti-chemotherapeutic resistance. The aim is to illustrate the epigenetic mechanisms of action of natural products in cancer prevention and treatment, and to provide (1) a theoretical basis for the study of the role of epigenetics in influencing colorectal cancer; (2) new directions for studying the occurrence, development, and prognosis of colorectal cancer; and (3) new targets for treating and preventing colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tianli Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (Z.G.); (M.C.); (Q.Y.); (S.G.)
| | - Da Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (Z.G.); (M.C.); (Q.Y.); (S.G.)
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Samrani LMM, Dumont F, Hallmark N, Bars R, Tinwell H, Pallardy M, Piersma AH. Nervous system development related gene expression regulation in the zebrafish embryo after exposure to valproic acid and retinoic acid: A genome wide approach. Toxicol Lett 2023; 384:96-104. [PMID: 37451652 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2023.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 07/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The evaluation of chemical and pharmaceutical safety for humans is moving from animal studies to New Approach Methodologies (NAM), reducing animal use and focusing on mechanism of action, whilst enhancing human relevance. In developmental toxicology, the mechanistic approach is facilitated by the assessment of predictive biomarkers, which allow mechanistic pathways perturbation monitoring at the basis of human hazard assessment. In our search for biomarkers of maldevelopment, we focused on chemically-induced perturbation of the retinoic acid signaling pathway (RA-SP), a major pathway implicated in a plethora of developmental processes. A genome-wide expression screening was performed on zebrafish embryos treated with two teratogens, all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) and valproic acid (VPA), and a non-teratogen reference compound, folic acid (FA). Each compound was found to have a specific mRNA expression profile with 248 genes commonly dysregulated by both teratogenic compounds but not by FA. These genes were implicated in several developmental processes (e.g., the circulatory and nervous system). Given the prominent response of neurodevelopmental gene sets, and the crucial need to better understand developmental neurotoxicity, our study then focused on nervous system development. We found 62 genes that are potential early neurodevelopmental toxicity biomarker candidates. These results advance NAM-based safety assessment evaluation by highlighting the usefulness of the RA-SP in providing early toxicity biomarker candidates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura M M Samrani
- Centre for Health Protection National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Université Paris-Saclay, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM, Faculté Pharmacie, 91104 Orsay, France; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, the Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | - Marc Pallardy
- Université Paris-Saclay, Inflammation, Microbiome and Immunosurveillance, INSERM, Faculté Pharmacie, 91104 Orsay, France
| | - Aldert H Piersma
- Centre for Health Protection National Institute for Public Health and the Environment (RIVM), Bilthoven, the Netherlands; Institute for Risk Assessment Sciences (IRAS), Utrecht University, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hernandez A, Delgado-González E, Varman Durairaj R, Reyes-Haro D, Martínez-Torres A, Espinosa F. Striatal Synaptic Changes and Behavior in Adult mouse Upon Prenatal Exposure to Valproic Acid. Brain Res 2023:148461. [PMID: 37308047 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and social interaction. Altered synaptogenesis and aberrant connectivity responsible for social behavior and communication have been reported in autism pathogenesis. Autism has a strong genetic and heritable component; however, environmental factors including toxins, pesticides, infection and in utero exposure to drugs such as VPA have also been implicated in ASD. Administration of VPA during pregnancy has been used as a rodent model to study pathophysiological mechanisms involved in ASD, and in this study, we used the mouse model of prenatal exposure to VPA to assess the effects on striatal and dorsal hippocampus function in adult mice. Alterations in repetitive behaviors and shift habits were observed in mice prenatally exposed to VPA. In particular, such mice presented a better performance in learned motor skills and cognitive deficits in Y-maze learning frequently associated with striatal and hippocampal function. These behavioral changes were associated with a decreased level of proteins involved in the formation and maintenance of excitatory synapses, such as Nlgn-1 and PSD-95. In conclusion, motor skill abilities, repetitive behaviors, and impaired flexibility to shift habits are associated with reduced striatal excitatory synaptic function in the adult mouse prenatally exposed to VPA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adan Hernandez
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México.
| | - Evangelina Delgado-González
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Ragu Varman Durairaj
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Daniel Reyes-Haro
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Ataúlfo Martínez-Torres
- Departamento de Neurobiología Celular y Molecular, Laboratorio de Neurobiología Molecular y Celular, Instituto de Neurobiología, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Juriquilla, 76230 Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
| | - Felipe Espinosa
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Mayerhofer E, Parodi L, Narasimhalu K, Wolking S, Harloff A, Georgakis MK, Rosand J, Anderson CD. Genetic variation supports a causal role for valproate in prevention of ischemic stroke. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2023:2023.02.14.23285856. [PMID: 36865155 PMCID: PMC9980256 DOI: 10.1101/2023.02.14.23285856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Valproate is a candidate for ischemic stroke prevention due to its anti-atherosclerotic effects in vivo. Although valproate use is associated with decreased ischemic stroke risk in observational studies, confounding by indication precludes causal conclusions. To overcome this limitation, we applied Mendelian randomization to determine whether genetic variants that influence seizure response among valproate users associate with ischemic stroke. We derived a genetic score for valproate response using genome-wide association data of seizure response after valproate intake from the Epilepsy Pharmacogenomics Consortium. We then tested this score among valproate users of the UK Biobank for association with incident and recurrent ischemic stroke using Cox proportional hazard models. Among 2,150 valproate users (mean 56 years, 54% females), 82 ischemic strokes occurred over a mean 12-year follow-up. Higher valproate response genetic score was associated with higher serum valproate levels (+5.78 μg/ml per one SD, 95% CI [3.45, 8.11]). After adjusting for age and sex, higher valproate response genetic score was associated with lower ischemic stroke risk (HR per one SD 0.73, [0.58, 0.91]) with a halving of absolute risk in the highest compared to the lowest score tertile (4.8% vs 2.5%, p-trend=0.027). Among 194 valproate users with prevalent stroke at baseline, a higher valproate response genetic score was associated with lower recurrent ischemic stroke risk (HR per one SD 0.53, [0.32, 0.86]) with reduced absolute risk in the highest compared to the lowest score tertile (3/51, 5.9% vs. 13/71, 18.3%, p-trend=0.026). The valproate response genetic score was not associated with ischemic stroke among the 427,997 valproate non-users (p=0.61), suggesting minimal pleiotropy. In an independent cohort of 1,241 valproate users of the Mass General Brigham Biobank with 99 ischemic stroke events over 6.5 years follow-up, we replicated our observed associations between the valproate response genetic score and ischemic stroke (HR per one SD 0.77, 95% CI: [0.61, 0.97]). These results demonstrate that a genetically predicted favorable seizure response to valproate is associated with higher serum valproate levels and reduced ischemic stroke risk among valproate users, providing causal support for valproate effectiveness in ischemic stroke prevention. The strongest effect was found for recurrent ischemic stroke, suggesting potential dual-use benefits of valproate for post-stroke epilepsy. Clinical trials will be required in order to identify populations that may benefit most from valproate for stroke prevention.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ernst Mayerhofer
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Livia Parodi
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kaavya Narasimhalu
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Stefan Wolking
- Department of Neurology and Epileptology, University Hospital Aachen, Germany
| | - Andreas Harloff
- Department of Neurology and Neurophysiology, Medical Center – University of Freiburg, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marios K Georgakis
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians-University (LMU) Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jonathan Rosand
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Christopher D Anderson
- Center for Genomic Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA
- Program in Medical and Population Genetics, Broad Institute of Harvard and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Boston, MA, USA
- McCance Center for Brain Health, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Hey G, Rao R, Carter A, Reddy A, Valle D, Patel A, Patel D, Lucke-Wold B, Pomeranz Krummel D, Sengupta S. Ligand-Gated Ion Channels: Prognostic and Therapeutic Implications for Gliomas. J Pers Med 2023; 13:jpm13050853. [PMID: 37241023 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13050853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gliomas are common primary brain malignancies that remain difficult to treat due to their overall aggressiveness and heterogeneity. Although a variety of therapeutic strategies have been employed for the treatment of gliomas, there is increasing evidence that suggests ligand-gated ion channels (LGICs) can serve as a valuable biomarker and diagnostic tool in the pathogenesis of gliomas. Various LGICs, including P2X, SYT16, and PANX2, have the potential to become altered in the pathogenesis of glioma, which can disrupt the homeostatic activity of neurons, microglia, and astrocytes, further exacerbating the symptoms and progression of glioma. Consequently, LGICs, including purinoceptors, glutamate-gated receptors, and Cys-loop receptors, have been targeted in clinical trials for their potential therapeutic benefit in the diagnosis and treatment of gliomas. In this review, we discuss the role of LGICs in the pathogenesis of glioma, including genetic factors and the effect of altered LGIC activity on the biological functioning of neuronal cells. Additionally, we discuss current and emerging investigations regarding the use of LGICs as a clinical target and potential therapeutic for gliomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grace Hey
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Rohan Rao
- College of Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Ashley Carter
- Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA 23507, USA
| | - Akshay Reddy
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Daisy Valle
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Anjali Patel
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Drashti Patel
- College of Medicine, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 23608, USA
| | - Daniel Pomeranz Krummel
- Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| | - Soma Sengupta
- Department of Neurology & Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH 45267, USA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Hinojosa MG, Johansson Y, Cediel-Ulloa A, Ivanova E, Gabring N, Gliga A, Forsby A. Evaluation of mRNA markers in differentiating human SH-SY5Y cells for estimation of developmental neurotoxicity. Neurotoxicology 2023; 97:65-77. [PMID: 37210002 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Current guidelines for developmental neurotoxicity (DNT) evaluation are based on animal models. These have limitations so more relevant, efficient and robust approaches for DNT assessment are needed. We have used the human SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell model to evaluate a panel of 93 mRNA markers that are frequent in Neuronal diseases and functional annotations and also differentially expressed during retinoic acid-induced differentiation in the cell model. Rotenone, valproic acid (VPA), acrylamide (ACR) and methylmercury chloride (MeHg) were used as DNT positive compounds. Tolbutamide, D-mannitol and clofibrate were used as DNT negative compounds. To determine concentrations for exposure for gene expression analysis, we developed a pipeline for neurite outgrowth assessment by live-cell imaging. In addition, cell viability was measured by the resazurin assay. Gene expression was analyzed by RT-qPCR after 6 days of exposure during differentiation to concentrations of the DNT positive compounds that affected neurite outgrowth, but with no or minimal effect on cell viability. Methylmercury affected cell viability at lower concentrations than neurite outgrowth, hence the cells were exposed with the highest non-cytotoxic concentration. Rotenone (7.3nM) induced 32 differentially expressed genes (DEGs), ACR (70µM) 8 DEGs, and VPA (75µM) 16 DEGs. No individual genes were significantly dysregulated by all 3 DNT positive compounds (p<0.05), but 9 genes were differentially expressed by 2 of them. Methylmercury (0.8nM) was used to validate the 9 DEGs. The expression of SEMA5A (encoding semaphorin 5A) and CHRNA7 (encoding nicotinic acetylcholine receptor subunit α7) was downregulated by all 4 DNT positive compounds. None of the DNT negative compounds dysregulated any of the 9 DEGs in common for the DNT positive compounds. We suggest that SEMA5A or CHRNA7 should be further evaluated as biomarkers for DNT studies in vitro since they also are involved in neurodevelopmental adverse outcomes in humans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M G Hinojosa
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Y Johansson
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Cediel-Ulloa
- Department of Organismal Biology, Environmental Toxicology, Uppsala University, 752 36, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - E Ivanova
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - N Gabring
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - A Gliga
- Institute of Environmental Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, 171 77, Sweden
| | - A Forsby
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, Stockholm University, 106 91, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Zappala C, Barrios CD, Depino AM. Social deficits in mice prenatally exposed to valproic acid are intergenerationally inherited and rescued by social enrichment. Neurotoxicology 2023; 97:89-100. [PMID: 37207798 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2023.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Intergenerational transmission of the effects of environmental factors on brain function and behavior can occur through epigenetic mechanisms. Valproic acid (VPA) is an anticonvulsant drug that, when administered during pregnancy, causes various birth defects. The mechanisms of action are largely unclear: VPA can reduce neuronal excitability, but it also inhibits the histone deacetylases, affecting gene expression. Here we evaluated whether the effects of valproic acid prenatal exposure on autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-related behavioral phenotypes can be transmitted to the second generation (F2) through the paternal or the maternal lineage. Indeed, we found that F2 males of the VPA pedigree show reduced sociability, which can be rescued by exposing the animals to social enrichment. Moreover, as is the case for F1 males, F2 VPA males show increased c-Fos expression in the piriform cortex. However, F3 males show normal sociability, indicating that VPA's effects on this behavior are not transgenerationally inherited. Female behavior is not affected by VPA exposure, and we found no evidence of maternal transmission of the consequences of this pharmacological treatment. Finally, all animals exposed to VPA and their descendants show reduced body weight, highlighting an intriguing effect of this compound on metabolism. We propose the VPA model of ASD as a valuable mouse model to study the role of epigenetic inheritance and its underlying mechanisms affecting behavior and neuronal function.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Zappala
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudio Dario Barrios
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Amaicha Mara Depino
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Celular, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET-Universidad de Buenos Aires, Instituto de Fisiología, Biología Molecular y Neurociencias (IFIBYNE), Buenos Aires, Argentina; Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales, Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental, C1428EHA, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Mitsuhashi T, Hattori S, Fujimura K, Shibata S, Miyakawa T, Takahashi T. In utero Exposure to Valproic Acid throughout Pregnancy Causes Phenotypes of Autism in Offspring Mice. Dev Neurosci 2023; 45:223-233. [PMID: 37044070 DOI: 10.1159/000530452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid (VPA) is an antiepileptic drug that inhibits the epileptic activity of neurons mainly by inhibiting sodium channels and GABA transaminase. VPA is also known to inhibit histone deacetylases, which epigenetically modify the cell proliferation/differentiation characteristics of stem/progenitor cells within developing tissues. Recent clinical studies in humans have indicated that VPA exposure in utero increases the risk of autistic features and intellectual disabilities in offspring; we have previously reported that low-dose VPA exposure in utero throughout pregnancy increases the production of projection neurons from neuronal stem/progenitor cells that are distributed in the superficial neocortical layers of the fetal brain. In the present study, we found that in utero VPA-exposed mice exhibited abnormal social interaction, changes in cognitive function, hypersensitivity to pain/heat, and impaired locomotor activity, all of which are characteristic symptoms of autism spectrum disorder in humans. Taken together, our findings indicate that VPA exposure in utero throughout pregnancy alters higher brain function and predisposes individuals to phenotypes that resemble autism and intellectual disability. Furthermore, these symptoms are likely to be due to neocortical dysgenesis that was caused by an increased number of projection neurons in specific layers of the neocortex.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Satoko Hattori
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kimino Fujimura
- Departments of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Shibata
- Departments of Physiology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
- Division of Microscopic Anatomy, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata, Japan
| | - Tsuyoshi Miyakawa
- Division of Systems Medical Science, Center for Medical Science, Fujita Health University, Aichi, Japan
| | - Takao Takahashi
- Departments of Pediatrics, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Aguirre-Vázquez A, Castorena-Torres F, Silva-Ramírez B, Peñuelas-Urquides K, Camacho-Moll ME, Salazar-Olivo LA, Velasco I, Bermúdez de León M. Cell-type dependent regulation of pluripotency and chromatin remodeling genes by hydralazine. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:42. [PMID: 36927767 PMCID: PMC10021945 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03268-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The generation of induced pluripotent stem cells has opened the field of study for stem cell research, disease modeling and drug development. However, the epigenetic signatures present in somatic cells make cell reprogramming still an inefficient process. This epigenetic memory constitutes an obstacle in cellular reprogramming. Here, we report the effect of hydralazine (HYD) and valproic acid (VPA), two small molecules with proven epigenetic activity, on the expression of pluripotency genes in adult (aHF) and neonatal (nbHF) human fibroblasts. METHODS aHF and nbHF were treated with HYD and/or VPA, and viability and gene expression assays for OCT4, NANOG, c-MYC, KLF4, DNMT1, TET3, ARID1A and ARID2 by quantitative PCR were performed. aHF and nbHF were transfected with episomal plasmid bearing Yamanaka factors (OCT4, SOX2, KLF4 and c-MYC) and exposed to HYD and VPA to determine the reprogramming efficiency. Methylation sensitive restriction enzyme (MSRE) qPCR assays were performed on OCT4 and NANOG promoter regions. Immunofluorescence assays were carried out for pluripotency genes on iPSC derived from aHF and nbHF. RESULTS HYD upregulated the expression of OCT4 (2.5-fold) and NANOG (fourfold) genes but not c-Myc or KLF4 in aHF and had no significant effect on the expression of all these genes in nbHF. VPA upregulated the expression of NANOG (twofold) in aHF and c-MYC in nbHF, while it downregulated the expression of NANOG in nbHF. The combination of HYD and VPA canceled the OCT4 and NANOG overexpression induced by HYD in aHF, while it reinforced the effects of VPA on c-Myc expression in nbHF. The HYD-induced overexpression of OCT4 and NANOG in aHDF was not dependent on demethylation of gene promoters, and no changes in the reprogramming efficiency were observed in both cell populations despite the downregulation of epigenetic genes DNMT1, ARID1A, and ARID2 in nbHF. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide evidence that HYD regulates the expression of OCT4 and NANOG pluripotency genes as well as ARID1A and ARID2 genes, two members of the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complex family, in normal human dermal fibroblasts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alain Aguirre-Vázquez
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 64720, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.,Depto. de Biología Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, 78216, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., Mexico
| | | | - Beatriz Silva-Ramírez
- Departamento de Inmunogenética, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 64720, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Katia Peñuelas-Urquides
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 64720, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - María Elena Camacho-Moll
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 64720, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico
| | - Luis A Salazar-Olivo
- Depto. de Biología Molecular, Instituto Potosino de Investigación Científica y Tecnológica, 78216, San Luis Potosí, S.L.P., Mexico
| | - Iván Velasco
- Instituto de Fisiología Celular-Neurociencias, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.,Laboratorio de Reprogramación Celular, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía "Manuel Velasco Suárez", 14269, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Mario Bermúdez de León
- Departamento de Biología Molecular, Centro de Investigación Biomédica del Noreste, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, 64720, Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Bales KL, Hang S, Paulus JP, Jahanfard E, Manca C, Jost G, Boyer C, Bern R, Yerumyan D, Rogers S, Mederos SL. Individual differences in social homeostasis. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1068609. [PMID: 36969803 PMCID: PMC10036751 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1068609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The concept of “social homeostasis”, introduced by Matthews and Tye in 2019, has provided a framework with which to consider our changing individual needs for social interaction, and the neurobiology underlying this system. This model was conceived as including detector systems, a control center with a setpoint, and effectors which allow us to seek out or avoid additional social contact. In this article, we review and theorize about the many different factors that might contribute to the setpoint of a person or animal, including individual, social, cultural, and other environmental factors. We conclude with a consideration of the empirical challenges of this exciting new model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Karen L. Bales
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Davis, >Davis, CA, United States
- *Correspondence: Karen L. Bales
| | - Sally Hang
- Graduate Group in Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - John P. Paulus
- Graduate Group in Neuroscience, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Elaina Jahanfard
- Graduate Group in Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Claudia Manca
- Graduate Group in Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Geneva Jost
- Graduate Group in Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Chase Boyer
- Graduate Group in Human Development, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Rose Bern
- Graduate Group in Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Daniella Yerumyan
- Graduate Group in Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sophia Rogers
- Graduate Group in Psychology, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| | - Sabrina L. Mederos
- Graduate Group in Animal Behavior, University of California, Davis, Davis, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Jaber M. Genetic and environmental mouse models of autism reproduce the spectrum of the disease. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2023; 130:425-432. [PMID: 36318343 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-022-02555-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and environmental factors increase autism spectrum disorder (ASD) incidence, and this has led to the generation of corresponding animal models, with some showing strong construct and face validity. This short review focuses on results we have recently obtained with environmental and genetic mouse models of ASD and that are the valproic acid, the poly I:C and the Shank 3 models. This has allowed us to provide a comparative description of these widely used animal models providing an interesting perspective as to the pros and cons of each one of them, in our experimental settings. In these papers, we focused on motor and gait disorders which are currently not included in the diagnosis criteria, but which may provide new insights to ASD pathophysiology potentially leading to innovative therapies for a disease that currently has none. In all these models, we reported behavioral, cellular and molecular alterations related to the cerebellum. Motor and gait deficits were observed to various degrees in animal models and, when strongly present, they were correlated to the severity of social deficits as well as to the number of cerebellar Purkinje cells. Additionally, we also reported that, like in humans, males are more severely affected than females in these ASD models. These findings, along with an increasing body of literature, open new hopes in the ASD field pointing to brain regions, such the cerebellum, that are at the crossroads between cognitive, social and motor deficits. Targeting these brain regions and their underlying pathways and synaptic connections may prove of significant benefits.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Jaber
- Université de Poitiers, Inserm, Laboratoire de Neurosciences Expérimentales et Cliniques, Bâtiment B36, 1 Rue Georges Bonnet, BP 633, TSA 51106, 86073, Poitiers cedex9, France.
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire de Poitiers, Poitiers, France.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Antitumor Potential of Antiepileptic Drugs in Human Glioblastoma: Pharmacological Targets and Clinical Benefits. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11020582. [PMID: 36831117 PMCID: PMC9953000 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11020582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is characterized by fast-growing cells, genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity, and radio-chemo-therapy resistance, contributing to its dismal prognosis. Various medical comorbidities are associated with the natural history of GBM. The most disabling and greatly affecting patients' quality of life are neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and GBM-related epilepsy (GRE). Hallmarks of GBM include molecular intrinsic mediators and pathways, but emerging evidence supports the key role of non-malignant cells within the tumor microenvironment in GBM aggressive behavior. In this context, hyper-excitability of neurons, mediated by glutamatergic and GABAergic imbalance, contributing to GBM growth strengthens the cancer-nervous system crosstalk. Pathogenic mechanisms, clinical features, and pharmacological management of GRE with antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and their interactions are poorly explored, yet it is a potentially promising field of research in cancer neuroscience. The present review summarizes emerging cooperative mechanisms in oncogenesis and epileptogenesis, focusing on the neuron-to-glioma interface. The main effects and efficacy of selected AEDs used in the management of GRE are discussed in this paper, as well as their potential beneficial activity as antitumor treatment. Overall, although still many unclear processes overlapping in GBM growth and seizure onset need to be elucidated, this review focuses on the intriguing targeting of GBM-neuron mutual interactions to improve the outcome of the so challenging to treat GBM.
Collapse
|
45
|
Safdar A, Ismail F. A comprehensive review on pharmacological applications and drug-induced toxicity of valproic acid. Saudi Pharm J 2023; 31:265-278. [PMID: 36942277 PMCID: PMC10023552 DOI: 10.1016/j.jsps.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Valproic acid, a branching short chain fatty acid, is a popular drug to treat epilepsy and acts as a mood-stabilizing drug. The obstruction of ion channels and Gamma Amino Butyrate transamino butyrate GABA has been linked to antiepileptic effects. Valproic acid has been characterized as a Histone deacetylase inhibitor, functioning directly transcription of gene levels by blocking the deacetylation of histones and increasing the accessibility of transcription sites. Study has been extensively focused on pharmaceutical activity of valproic acid through various pharmacodynamics activity from absorption, distribution and excretion particularly in patients who are resistant to or intolerant of lithium or carbamazepine, as well as those with mixed mania or rapid cycling.
Collapse
|
46
|
Tawarayama H, Hirata Y, Uchida K, Himori N, Uesato S, Nakazawa T. Isozyme-specific histone deacetylase 1/2 inhibitor K560 attenuates oxidative stress-induced retinal cell death. Neurosci Lett 2023; 793:136978. [PMID: 36435210 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Oxidative stress-induced damage is an underlying mechanism in the pathogenesis of age-related retinal diseases. Here, we examined the effects of K560, a potential candidate drug for the treatment of these diseases, on oxidative stress-induced retinal cell death. K560 is a novel isozyme-specific inhibitor of histone deacetylase 1 and 2 (HDAC1/2). Histone acetylation in retinal lysates and dissociated retinal cells was detected with a western blot analysis and cell-based enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), respectively. The viability of mouse retinal cells was measured with an alamarBlue assay. We used immunohistochemistry for RNA binding protein with multiple splicing (RBPMS) to visualize the retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) of mice. An ELISA analysis indicated that histone acetylation was enhanced in dissociated mouse retinal cells treated with K560. The cell viability assay indicated that K560 attenuated both exogenous hydrogen peroxide-induced and endogenous oxidative stress-induced cell death in dissociated retinal cells. Western blot analysis indicated that intravitreal K560 administration enhanced the acetylation of histones H3 and H4 in mouse retinal lysates. To examine the effect of K560 on oxidative stress-induced RGC death, we performed whole-mount immunohistochemistry for RBPMS on retinas dissected from eyes treated with K560 or vehicle on day one, and K560 or vehicle and NMDA on day two. Quantification of RBPMS-immunopositive cells indicated that K560 attenuated NMDA-induced RGC death. Taken together, our findings suggest that administration of a HDAC1/2-specific inhibitor K560 may be effective in the treatment of oxidative stress-mediated retinal degeneration and have less cytotoxicity than other known HDAC inhibitors, which are known to target a wide range of HDAC family members.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroshi Tawarayama
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.
| | - Yoshiyuki Hirata
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan.
| | - Keiko Uchida
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan
| | - Noriko Himori
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Aging Vision Healthcare, Tohoku University Graduate School of Biomedical Engineering, 2-1-1 Katahira, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8577, Japan
| | - Shinichi Uesato
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University, 4-20-1 Nasahara, Takatsuki, Osaka 569-1094, Japan.
| | - Toru Nakazawa
- Department of Ophthalmology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Retinal Disease Control, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Advanced Ophthalmic Medicine, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan; Department of Ophthalmic Imaging and Information Analytics, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, 2-1 Seiryo-machi, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Miyagi 980-8575, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Senn L, Costa AM, Avallone R, Socała K, Wlaź P, Biagini G. Is the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma a putative target for epilepsy treatment? Current evidence and future perspectives. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108316. [PMID: 36436690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), which belongs to the family of nuclear receptors, has been mainly studied as an important factor in metabolic disorders. However, in recent years the potential role of PPARγ in different neurological diseases has been increasingly investigated. Especially, in the search of therapeutic targets for patients with epilepsy the question of the involvement of PPARγ in seizure control has been raised. Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder causing a major impact on the psychological, social, and economic conditions of patients and their families, besides the problems of the disease itself. Considering that the world prevalence of epilepsy ranges between 0.5% - 1.0%, this condition is the fourth for importance among the other neurological disorders, following migraine, stroke, and dementia. Among others, temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of epilepsy in adult patients. About 65% of individuals who receive antiseizure medications (ASMs) experience seizure independence. For those in whom seizures still recur, investigating PPARγ could lead to the development of novel ASMs. This review focuses on the most important findings from recent investigations about the potential intracellular PPARγ-dependent processes behind different compounds that exhibited anti-seizure effects. Additionally, recent clinical investigations are discussed along with the promising results found for PPARγ agonists and the ketogenic diet (KD) in various rodent models of epilepsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lara Senn
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy; PhD School of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (CEM), University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Anna-Maria Costa
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Rossella Avallone
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Giuseppe Biagini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic, and Neural Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Rocha MA, de Campos Vidal B, Mello MLS. Sodium Valproate Modulates the Methylation Status of Lysine Residues 4, 9 and 27 in Histone H3 of HeLa Cells. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2023; 16:197-210. [PMID: 35297358 DOI: 10.2174/1874467215666220316110405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Valproic acid/sodium valproate (VPA), a well-known anti-epileptic agent, inhibits histone deacetylases, induces histone hyperacetylation, promotes DNA demethylation, and affects the histone methylation status in some cell models. Histone methylation profiles have been described as potential markers for cervical cancer prognosis. However, histone methylation markers that can be studied in a cervical cancer cell line, like HeLa cells, have not been investigated following treatment with VPA. METHODS In this study, the effect of 0.5 mM and 2.0 mM VPA for 24 h on H3K4me2/me3, H3K9me/me2 and H3K27me/me3 signals as well as on KMT2D, EZH2, and KDM3A gene expression was investigated using confocal microscopy, Western blotting, and RT-PCR. Histone methylation changes were also investigated by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). RESULTS We found that VPA induces increased levels of H3K4me2/me3 and H3K9me, which are indicative of chromatin activation. Particularly, H3K4me2 markers appeared intensified close to the nuclear periphery, which may suggest their implication in increased transcriptional memory. The abundance of H3K4me2/me3 in the presence of VPA was associated with increased methyltransferase KMT2D gene expression. VPA induced hypomethylation of H3K9me2, which is associated with gene silencing, and concomitant with the demethylase KDM3A, it increased gene expression. Although VPA induces increased H3K27me/me3 levels, it is suggested that the role of the methyltransferase EZH2 in this context could be affected by interactions with this drug. CONCLUSION Histone FTIR spectra were not affected by VPA under present experimental conditions. Whether our epigenetic results are consistent with VPA affecting the aggressive tumorous state of HeLa cells, further investigation is required.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Amorim Rocha
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), 13083-862 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Benedicto de Campos Vidal
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), 13083-862 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| | - Maria Luiza Silveira Mello
- Department of Structural and Functional Biology, Institute of Biology, University of Campinas (Unicamp), 13083-862 Campinas, SP, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Dwivedi Y, Shelton RC. Genomics in Treatment Development. ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 30:363-385. [PMID: 36928858 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-21054-9_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
The Human Genome Project mapped the 3 billion base pairs in the human genome, which ushered in a new generation of genomically focused treatment development. While this has been very successful in other areas, neuroscience has been largely devoid of such developments. This is in large part because there are very few neurological or mental health conditions that are related to single-gene variants. While developments in pharmacogenomics have been somewhat successful, the use of genetic information in practice has to do with drug metabolism and adverse reactions. Studies of drug metabolism related to genetic variations are an important part of drug development. However, outside of cancer biology, the actual translation of genomic information into novel therapies has been limited. Epigenetics, which relates in part to the effects of the environment on DNA, is a promising newer area of relevance to CNS disorders. The environment can induce chemical modifications of DNA (e.g., cytosine methylation), which can be induced by the environment and may represent either shorter- or longer-term changes. Given the importance of environmental influences on CNS disorders, epigenetics may identify important treatment targets in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yogesh Dwivedi
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Richard C Shelton
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurobiology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Micale V, Di Bartolomeo M, Di Martino S, Stark T, Dell'Osso B, Drago F, D'Addario C. Are the epigenetic changes predictive of therapeutic efficacy for psychiatric disorders? A translational approach towards novel drug targets. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 241:108279. [PMID: 36103902 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The etiopathogenesis of mental disorders is not fully understood and accumulating evidence support that clinical symptomatology cannot be assigned to a single gene mutation, but it involves several genetic factors. More specifically, a tight association between genes and environmental risk factors, which could be mediated by epigenetic mechanisms, may play a role in the development of mental disorders. Several data suggest that epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation, post-translational histone modification and interference of microRNA (miRNA) or long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) may modify the severity of the disease and the outcome of the therapy. Indeed, the study of these mechanisms may help to identify patients particularly vulnerable to mental disorders and may have potential utility as biomarkers to facilitate diagnosis and treatment of psychiatric disorders. This article summarizes the most relevant preclinical and human data showing how epigenetic modifications can be central to the therapeutic efficacy of antidepressant and/or antipsychotic agents, as possible predictor of drugs response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vincenzo Micale
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Martina Di Bartolomeo
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
| | - Serena Di Martino
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Tibor Stark
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic; Scientific Core Unit Neuroimaging, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Bernardo Dell'Osso
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences 'Luigi Sacco', University of Milan, Milan, Italy, Department of Mental Health, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco, Milan, Italy; "Aldo Ravelli" Research Center for Neurotechnology and Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan Medical School, Milan, Italy; Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, CA, USA
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Claudio D'Addario
- Faculty of Bioscience and Technology for Food, Agriculture and Environment, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy; Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|