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Li YL, Zhang YY, Song QX, Liu F, Liu YJ, Li YK, Zhou C, Shen JF. N-methyl-D-aspartate Receptor Subunits 2A and 2B Mediate Connexins and Pannexins in the Trigeminal Ganglion Involved in Orofacial Inflammatory Allodynia during Temporomandibular Joint Inflammation. Mol Neurobiol 2024:10.1007/s12035-024-04291-5. [PMID: 38976127 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04291-5] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024]
Abstract
Temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJOA) is a severe form of temporomandibular joint disorders (TMD), and orofacial inflammatory allodynia is one of its common symptoms which lacks effective treatment. N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), particularly its subtypes GluN2A and GluN2B, along with gap junctions (GJs), are key players in the mediation of inflammatory pain. However, the precise regulatory mechanisms of GluN2A, GluN2B, and GJs in orofacial inflammatory allodynia during TMJ inflammation still remain unclear. Here, we established the TMJ inflammation model by injecting Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) into the TMJ and used Cre/loxp site-specific recombination system to conditionally knock out (CKO) GluN2A and GluN2B in the trigeminal ganglion (TG). Von-frey test results indicated that CFA-induced mechanical allodynia in the TMJ region was relieved in GluN2A and GluN2B deficient mice. In vivo, CFA significantly up-regulated the expression of GluN2A and GluN2B, Gjb1, Gjb2, Gjc2 and Panx3 in the TG, and GluN2A and GluN2B CKO played different roles in mediating the expression of Gjb1, Gjb2, Gjc2 and Panx3. In vitro, NMDA up-regulated the expression of Gjb1, Gjb2, Gjc2 and Panx3 in satellite glial cells (SGCs) as well as promoted the intercellular communication between SGCs, and GluN2A and GluN2B knocking down (KD) altered the expression and function differently. NMDAR regulated Gjb1 and Panx3 through ERK1/2 pathway, and mediated Gjb2 and Gjc2 through MAPK, PKA, and PKC intracellular signaling pathways. These findings shed light on the distinct functions of GluN2A and GluN2B in mediating peripheral sensitization induced by TMJ inflammation in the TG, offering potential therapeutic targets for managing orofacial inflammatory allodynia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Ling Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology &, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease& West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renmin Road South, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yan-Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology &, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease& West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renmin Road South, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Qin-Xuan Song
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology &, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease& West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renmin Road South, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology &, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease& West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renmin Road South, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ya-Jing Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology &, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease& West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renmin Road South, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yi-Ke Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology &, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease& West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renmin Road South, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie-Fei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Center for Stomatology &, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease& West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, Sichuan, China.
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renmin Road South, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Song Y, Xue T, Guo S, Yu Z, Yun C, Zhao J, Song Z, Liu Z. Inhibition of aquaporin-4 and its subcellular localization attenuates below-level central neuropathic pain by regulating astrocyte activation in a rat spinal cord injury model. Neurotherapeutics 2024; 21:e00306. [PMID: 38237380 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurot.2023.e00306] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 03/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of central neuropathic pain (CNP) caused by spinal cord injury have not been sufficiently studied. We have found that the upregulation of astrocytic aquaporin-4 (AQP4) aggravated peripheral neuropathic pain after spinal nerve ligation in rats. Using a T13 spinal cord hemisection model, we showed that spinal AQP4 was markedly upregulated after SCI and mainly expressed in astrocytes in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH). Inhibition of AQP4 with TGN020 suppressed astrocyte activation, attenuated the development and maintenance of below-level CNP and promoted motor function recovery in vivo. In primary astrocyte cultures, TGN020 also changed cell morphology, diminished cell proliferation and suppressed astrocyte activation. Moreover, T13 spinal cord hemisection induced cell-surface abundance of the AQP4 channel and perivascular localization in the SDH. Targeted inhibition of AQP4 subcellular localization with trifluoperazine effectively diminished astrocyte activation in vitro and further ablated astrocyte activation, attenuated the development and maintenance of below-level CNP, and accelerated functional recovery in vivo. Together, these results provide mechanistic insights into the roles of AQP4 in the development and maintenance of below-level CNP. Intervening with AQP4, including targeting AQP4 subcellular localization, might emerge as a promising agent to prevent chronic CNP after SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Song
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Tao Xue
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Shiwu Guo
- Department of Orthopedics, Suzhou Kowloon Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Suzhou, 215028, China
| | - Zhen Yu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Chengming Yun
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Zhiwen Song
- Department of Spinal Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Changzhou 213003, China
| | - Zhiyuan Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Wujin Hospital Affiliated with Jiangsu University, Changzhou 213003, China; Jiangsu Province Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221004, China; The Wujin Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, Changzhou 213003, China.
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3
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Liu X, Tang SJ. Pathogenic mechanisms of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated pain. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3613-3624. [PMID: 37857809 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02294-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Chronic pain is a prevalent neurological complication among individuals living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLHIV) in the post-combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) era. These individuals experience malfunction in various cellular and molecular pathways involved in pain transmission and modulation, including the neuropathology of the peripheral sensory neurons and neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation in the spinal dorsal horn. However, the underlying etiologies and mechanisms leading to pain pathogenesis are complex and not fully understood. In this review, we aim to summarize recent progress in this field. Specifically, we will begin by examining neuropathology in the pain pathways identified in PLHIV and discussing potential causes, including those directly related to HIV-1 infection and comorbidities, such as antiretroviral drug use. We will also explore findings from animal models that may provide insights into the molecular and cellular processes contributing to neuropathology and chronic pain associated with HIV infection. Emerging evidence suggests that viral proteins and/or antiretroviral drugs trigger a complex pathological cascade involving neurons, glia, and potentially non-neural cells, and that interactions between these cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Liu
- Stony Brook University Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, 11794, NY, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, 11794, NY, USA
| | - Shao-Jun Tang
- Stony Brook University Pain and Analgesia Research Center (SPARC), Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, 11794, NY, USA.
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, 11794, NY, USA.
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Rodriguez-Jimenez FJ, Jendelova P, Erceg S. The activation of dormant ependymal cells following spinal cord injury. Stem Cell Res Ther 2023; 14:175. [PMID: 37408068 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-023-03395-4] [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: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Ependymal cells, a dormant population of ciliated progenitors found within the central canal of the spinal cord, undergo significant alterations after spinal cord injury (SCI). Understanding the molecular events that induce ependymal cell activation after SCI represents the first step toward controlling the response of the endogenous regenerative machinery in damaged tissues. This response involves the activation of specific signaling pathways in the spinal cord that promotes self-renewal, proliferation, and differentiation. We review our current understanding of the signaling pathways and molecular events that mediate the SCI-induced activation of ependymal cells by focusing on the roles of some cell adhesion molecules, cellular membrane receptors, ion channels (and their crosstalk), and transcription factors. An orchestrated response regulating the expression of receptors and ion channels fine-tunes and coordinates the activation of ependymal cells after SCI or cell transplantation. Understanding the major players in the activation of ependymal cells may help us to understand whether these cells represent a critical source of cells contributing to cellular replacement and tissue regeneration after SCI. A more complete understanding of the role and function of individual signaling pathways in endogenous spinal cord progenitors may foster the development of novel targeted therapies to induce the regeneration of the injured spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francisco Javier Rodriguez-Jimenez
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
| | - Pavla Jendelova
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Slaven Erceg
- Stem Cell Therapies in Neurodegenerative Diseases Lab, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
- National Stem Cell Bank - Valencia Node, Research Center "Principe Felipe", C/Eduardo Primo Yúfera 3, 46012, Valencia, Spain.
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Li GZ, Hu YH, Lu YN, Yang QY, Fu D, Chen F, Li YM. CaMKII and Ca V3.2 T-type calcium channel mediate Connexin-43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:679-702. [PMID: 34286406 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vincristine (VCR), an alkaloid isolated from vinca, is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. However, VCR therapy can lead to dose-dependent peripheral neurotoxicity, mainly manifesting as neuropathic pain, which is one of the dominant reasons for limiting its utility. Experimentally, we discovered that VCR-induced neuropathic pain (VINP) was accompanied by astrocyte activation; the upregulation of phospho-CaMKII (p-CaMKII), CaV3.2, and Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression; and the production and release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spinal cord. Similar situations were also observed in astrocyte cultures. Interestingly, these alterations were all reversed by intrathecal injection of KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) or L-Ascorbic acid (a CaV3.2 inhibitor). In addition, KN-93 and L-Ascorbic acid inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i associated with astrocyte activation. We also verified that knocking down or inhibiting Cx43 level via intrathecal injection of Cx43 siRNA or Gap27 (a Cx43 mimetic peptide) relieved pain hypersensitivity and reduced the release of inflammatory factors; however, they did not affect astrocyte activation or p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expression. Besides, the overexpression of Cx43 through the transfection of the Cx43 plasmid did not affect p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expressions in vitro. Therefore, CaMKII and CaV3.2 may activate astrocytes by increasing [Ca2+]i, thereby mediating Cx43-dependent inflammation in VINP. Moreover, we demonstrated that the CaMKII signalling pathway was involved in VCR-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage. Collectively, our findings show a novel mechanism by which CaMKII and CaV3.2 mediate Cx43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in neuropathic pain induced by VCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Zhou Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ya-Hui Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Yi-Ni Lu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing-Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Di Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yun-Man Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Yang Q, Jiang M, Xu S, Yang L, Yang P, Song Y, Zhu H, Wang Y, Sun Y, Yan C, Yuan Z, Liu X, Bai Z. Mirror image pain mediated by D2 receptor regulation of astrocytic Cx43 phosphorylation and channel opening. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166657. [PMID: 36716897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166657] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mirror image pain (MIP), a clinical syndrome of contralateral pain hypersensitivity caused by unilateral injury, has been identified in various neuropathological conditions. Gap junctional protein Connexin 43 (Cx43), its phosphorylation levels and dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) play key integrating roles in pain processing. We presume D2DR activity may affect Cx43 hemichannel opening via Cx43 phosphorylation levels to regulate MIP. This study shows that spinal astrocytic Cx43 directly interacts with DRD2 to mediate MIP. DRD2 and Cx43 expression levels were asymmetrically elevated in bilateral spinal during MIP, and DRD2 modulated the opening of primary astrocytic Cx43 hemichannels. Furthermore, Cx43 phosphorylation at Ser373 was increased during MIP, but decreased in DRD2 knockout (KO) mice. Finally, activation of spinal protein kinase A (PKA) altered the expression of Cx43 and its phosphorylation bilaterally, thus reversing the analgesic effect in DRD2 KO mice. Together, these data reveal that spinal Cx43 phosphorylation and channel opening are regulated by DRD2 via PKA activation, and that spinal Cx43 and DRD2 are key molecular sensors mediating mirror image pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghu Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Sen Xu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Pan Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yutian Song
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Hongni Zhu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yahan Sun
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Chengxiang Yan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Zhaoyue Yuan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Xia Liu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China.
| | - Zhantao Bai
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China.
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Peng HR, Zhang YK, Zhou JW. The Structure and Function of Glial Networks: Beyond the Neuronal Connections. Neurosci Bull 2023; 39:531-540. [PMID: 36481974 PMCID: PMC10043088 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glial cells, consisting of astrocytes, oligodendrocyte lineage cells, and microglia, account for >50% of the total number of cells in the mammalian brain. They play key roles in the modulation of various brain activities under physiological and pathological conditions. Although the typical morphological features and characteristic functions of these cells are well described, the organization of interconnections of the different glial cell populations and their impact on the healthy and diseased brain is not completely understood. Understanding these processes remains a profound challenge. Accumulating evidence suggests that glial cells can form highly complex interconnections with each other. The astroglial network has been well described. Oligodendrocytes and microglia may also contribute to the formation of glial networks under various circumstances. In this review, we discuss the structure and function of glial networks and their pathological relevance to central nervous system diseases. We also highlight opportunities for future research on the glial connectome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Rong Peng
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yu-Kai Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jia-Wei Zhou
- Institute of Neuroscience, State Key Laboratory of Neuroscience, CAS Center for Excellence in Brain Science and Intelligence Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 200031, China.
- School of Future Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
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Ferreyra S, González S. Therapeutic potential of progesterone in spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain: At the crossroads between neuroinflammation and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor. J Neuroendocrinol 2023; 35:e13181. [PMID: 35924434 DOI: 10.1111/jne.13181] [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: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
In recent decades, an area of active research has supported the notion that progesterone promotes a wide range of remarkable protective actions in experimental models of nervous system trauma or disease, and has also provided a strong basis for considering this steroid as a promising molecule for modulating the complex maladaptive changes that lead to neuropathic pain, especially after spinal cord injury. In this review, we intend to give the readers a brief appraisal of the main mechanisms underlying the increased excitability of the spinal circuit in the pain pathway after trauma, with particular emphasis on those mediated by the activation of resident glial cells, the subsequent release of proinflammatory cytokines and their impact on N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor function. We then summarize the available preclinical data pointing to progesterone as a valuable repurposing molecule for blocking critical cellular and molecular events that occur in the dorsal horn of the injured spinal cord and are related to the development of chronic pain. Since the treatment and management of neuropathic pain after spinal injury remains challenging, the potential therapeutic value of progesterone opens new traslational perspectives to prevent central pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sol Ferreyra
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Susana González
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, Laboratorio de Nocicepción y Dolor Neuropático, CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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9
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Xu S, Liu Y, Zhang D, Huang H, Li J, Wei J, Yang Y, Cui Y, Xie J, Zhou X. PDGF-AA promotes gap junction intercellular communication in chondrocytes via the PI3K/Akt pathway. Connect Tissue Res 2022; 63:544-558. [PMID: 35152816 DOI: 10.1080/03008207.2022.2036733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) plays an important role in cell growth, development and homeostasis. Connexin 43 (Cx43) is an important half-channel protein responsible for gap junction formation. Platelet-derived growth factor AA (PDGF-AA) regulates the proliferation, migration, metabolism, apoptosis and cell cycle of chondrocytes. However, the role of PDGF-AA in gap junction intercellular communication in chondrocytes is not fully understood. In the current study, we performed experiments to explore the effect of PDGF-AA on GJIC and its underlying biomechanical mechanism. METHODS qPCR was performed to determine the expression of PDGF, PDGFR and connexin family genes in chondrocytes and/or cartilage. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was used to determine GJIC. Western blot analysis was applied to detect the expression of Cx43 and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway proteins. Immunofluorescence staining was utilized to examine protein distribution. Scanning electron microscopy was used to delineate the morphology of chondrocytes. RESULTS Expression of PDGF-A mRNA was highest among the PDGF family in chondrocytes and cartilage tissues. PDGF-AA promoted functional GJIC formation in chondrocytes by upregulating the expression of Cx43. Enhanced functional GJIC formation in chondrocytes induced by PDGF-AA occurred through the activation of PI3K/Akt signaling and its nuclear accumulation. CONCLUSION For the first time, this study provides evidence demonstrating the role of PDGF-AA in cell-to-cell communication in chondrocytes through mediating Cx43 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siqun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongcan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiachi Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jieya Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yueyi Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yujia Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xuedong Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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10
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Miranpuri GS, Bali P, Nguyen J, Kim JJ, Modgil S, Mehra P, Buttar S, Brown G, Yutuc N, Singh H, Wood A, Singh J, Anand A. Role of Microglia and Astrocytes in Spinal Cord Injury Induced Neuropathic Pain. Ann Neurosci 2022; 28:219-228. [PMID: 35341227 PMCID: PMC8948321 DOI: 10.1177/09727531211046367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Spinal cord injuries incite varying degrees of symptoms in patients, ranging
from weakness and incoordination to paralysis. Common amongst spinal cord
injury (SCI) patients, neuropathic pain (NP) is a debilitating medical
condition. Unfortunately, there remain many clinical impediments in treating
NP because there is a lack of understanding regarding the mechanisms behind
SCI-induced NP (SCINP). Given that more than 450,000 people in the United
States alone suffer from SCI, it is unsatisfactory that current treatments
yield poor results in alleviating and treating NP. Summary: In this review, we briefly discussed the models of SCINP along with the
mechanisms of NP progression. Further, current treatment modalities are
herein explored for SCINP involving pharmacological interventions targeting
glia cells and astrocytes. Key message: The studies presented in this review provide insight for new directions
regarding SCINP alleviation. Given the severity and incapacitating effects
of SCINP, it is imperative to study the pathways involved and find new
therapeutic targets in coordination with stem cell research, and to develop
a new gold-standard in SCINP treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gurwattan S Miranpuri
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Parul Bali
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education & Research Mohali, India
| | - Justyn Nguyen
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Jason J Kim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Shweta Modgil
- Neuroscience research lab, Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Priya Mehra
- Neuroscience research lab, Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Seah Buttar
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Greta Brown
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Noemi Yutuc
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Harpreet Singh
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Aleksandar Wood
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, United States
| | - Jagtar Singh
- Department of Biotechnology, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Akshay Anand
- Neuroscience research lab, Department of Neurology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India.,CCRYN- Collaborative Centre for Mind Body Intervention through Yoga.,Centre of Phenomenology and Cognitive Sciences, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
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11
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Duan M, Liu Y, Guo D, Kan S, Niu Z, Pu X, Bai M, Zhang D, Du W, Xie J. TGF-β2 increases cell-cell communication in chondrocytes via p-Smad3 signalling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2022; 1869:119175. [PMID: 34863793 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2021.119175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2021] [Revised: 11/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43)-mediated gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) plays a crucial role in the pathology and physiology of joint tissues. Transforming growth factor-β2 (TGF-β2), one of the potent regulatory factors in chondrocytes, plays a key role in the regulation of cell cycle and development of joint diseases. However, it is still unknown how TGF-β2 mediates GJIC in chondrocytes. The aim of this study was to explore the potential mechanism by which TGF-β2 regulates GJIC in chondrocytes. CCK-8 assays and scratch assays were performed to define the role of TGF-β2 on cell proliferation and migration. The scrape loading/dye transfer assay and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to verify the effect of TGF-β2 on GJIC between chondrocytes. qPCR was performed to analyse the expression of genes in the gap junction protein family in chondrocytes. The expression of the Cx43 protein and phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) was evaluated by western blot assay. Immunofluorescence staining was used to explore p-Smad3 signalling pathway activation and Cx43 distribution. From these experiments, we found that the Cx43 protein was the most highly expressed member of the gap junction protein family in chondrocytes. We also found that TGF-β2 facilitated cell-to-cell communication in chondrocytes by upregulating Cx43 expression in chondrocytes. Finally, we found that TGF-β2 activated Smad3 signalling and promoted the nuclear aggregation of p-Smad3. Inhibition experiments by SIS3 also confirmed that TGF-β2-mediated GJIC through p-Smad3 signalling. For the first time, this study confirmed that TGF-β2 could regulate the formation of Cx43-mediated GJIC in chondrocytes via the canonical p-Smad3 signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengmeng Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Daimo Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyi Kan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhixing Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohua Pu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mingru Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Du
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China; Department of Cariology and Endodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610064, China.
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.
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12
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Chronic Stress and Gonadectomy Affect the Expression of Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43 in the Spinal Cord. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121330. [PMID: 34947861 PMCID: PMC8706389 DOI: 10.3390/life11121330] [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: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to determine whether the exposure to chronic stress and/or performance of gonadectomy might lead to disturbance in the expression of connexin (Cx) 37, 40 and 43 in the spinal cord (SC), as a potential explanation for sex differences in stress-related chronic pain conditions. After the rats were sham-operated or gonadectomized, three 10-day sessions of sham or chronic stress were applied. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine Cx localization and expression in the SC. The gonadectomy resulted in an increase of Cx37 expression in the dorsal horn (DH) of the female rats, but chronic stress suppressed the effects of castration. In male rats, only the combined effects of castration and chronic stress increased Cx37 expression. The influence of chronic stress on the DH Cx40 expression was inversely evident after the castration: increased in the ovariectomized female rats, while decreased in the orchidectomized male rats. We did not find any effect of chronic stress and castration, alone or together, on Cx43 expression in the DH, but the percentage of Cx43 overlapping the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfap) increased in the male stressed group after the castration. In conclusion, the association of the chronic stress with sex hormone depletion results in disturbances of the SC Cx expression and might be a possible mechanism of disturbed pain perception after chronic stress exposure.
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13
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Liu X, Bai M, Sun Y, Hu X, Wang C, Xie J, Ye L. FGF7-induced E11 facilitates cell-cell communication through connexin43. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3862-3874. [PMID: 34671204 PMCID: PMC8495393 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.65240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) include a large family of growth factors that play a critical role in maintaining bone homeostasis, but the specific role of its members such as FGF7 does not well understand. Osteoblasts are a kind of major cells essential for bone formation. Osteoblasts interact with one another to create the unique structure of osteons. The well-connected osteons constitute the cortical bone. As an early osteocyte marker that triggers actin cytoskeleton dynamics, E11 is essential for osteoblasts' dendrites formation. However, the upstream which regulates E11 is mainly unknown. The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of FGF7 on the expression and the distribution of E11 in osteoblasts, which mediated osteoblasts' processes formation and gap junctional intercellular communication (GJIC) partly through connexin43 (Cx43). We first demonstrated that FGF7 increased the expression of E11 in osteoblasts. We then showed that FGF7 promoted osteoblasts' dendrites elongation and functional gap junctions formation. Furthermore, E11 interacted directly with Cx43 in primary osteoblasts. MAPK pathway and PI3K-AKT pathway were involved in the effect of FGF7. Our results shed light on the unique role of FGF7 on osteoblasts, which may indicate that FGF7 plays a more significant role in the later stages of bone development and homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Mingru Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yimin Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xuchen Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Chenglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Ling Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
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14
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Retamal MA, Fernandez-Olivares A, Stehberg J. Over-activated hemichannels: A possible therapeutic target for human diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2021; 1867:166232. [PMID: 34363932 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2021.166232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 07/21/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
In our body, all the cells are constantly sharing chemical and electrical information with other cells. This intercellular communication allows them to respond in a concerted way to changes in the extracellular milieu. Connexins are transmembrane proteins that have the particularity of forming two types of channels; hemichannels and gap junction channels. Under normal conditions, hemichannels allow the controlled release of signaling molecules to the extracellular milieu. However, under certain pathological conditions, over-activated hemichannels can induce and/or exacerbate symptoms. In the last decade, great efforts have been put into developing new tools that can modulate these over-activated hemichannels. Small molecules, antibodies and mimetic peptides have shown a potential for the treatment of human diseases. In this review, we summarize recent findings in the field of hemichannel modulation via specific tools, and how these tools could improve patient outcome in certain pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mauricio A Retamal
- Universidad del Desarrollo, Programa de Comunicación Celular en Cáncer, Santiago, Chile; Universidad del Desarrollo, Centro de Fisiología Celular e Integrativa, Santiago, Chile.
| | | | - Jimmy Stehberg
- Laboratorio de Neurobiología, Instituto de Ciencias Biomédicas, Facultad de medicina y Facultad de Ciencias de la Vida, Universidad Andres Bello, Santiago, Chile
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15
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Carbenoxolone has the potential to ameliorate acute incision pain in rats. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:520. [PMID: 34013377 PMCID: PMC8160483 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbenoxolone (CBX) is primarily used to relieve various types of neuropathic and inflammatory pain. However, little is known concerning the role of CBX in acute pain and its functional mechanisms therein and this was investigated in the present study. Rats underwent toe incision and behavioral tests were performed to assess mechanical hypersensitivity. The expression levels of pannexin 1 (Px1) and connexin 43 (Cx43) were detected using western blot analysis 2, 4, 6 or 24 h after toe incision, and the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and P substance (SP) was determined by ELISA; Px1 and Cx43 expression was also examined by immunofluorescence staining. At 2, 6 and 12 h post-toe incision, the postoperative pain threshold was significantly reduced, which was subsequently recovered at 2 and 6 h post-surgery following pretreatment with CBX or pannexin 1 mimetic inhibitory peptide. CBX reduced Px1 levels at 4 and 24 h post-incision. However, Cx43 levels were reduced by CBX as little as 2 h post-surgery. Furthermore, CBX not only distinctly decreased the levels of Px1 and Cx43, but also reduced the co-localization of Px1 or Cx43 with glial fibrillary acidic protein, 2 h after incision. It was also observed that the protein levels of inflammatory makers (IL-1β, SP and TNF-α) showed a tendency to decline at 2, 4, 6 and 24 h after incision. Collectively, the expression of Px1 and Cx43 in astrocytes may be involved in pain behaviors diminished by CBX, and CBX potentially reduces acute pain by decreasing Px1 and Cx43 levels. Px1 and Cx43 from spinal astrocytes may serve important roles in the early stages and maintenance of acute pain, while preoperative injection of CBX has the potential to relieve hyperalgesia.
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16
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Wu Z, Zhou C, Yuan Q, Zhang D, Xie J, Zou S. CTGF facilitates cell-cell communication in chondrocytes via PI3K/Akt signalling pathway. Cell Prolif 2021; 54:e13001. [PMID: 33522639 PMCID: PMC7941231 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2020] [Revised: 01/06/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Purposes Gap junction intercellular communication (GJIC) is essential for articular cartilage to respond appropriately to physical or biological stimuli and maintain homeostasis. Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), identified as an endochondral ossification genetic factor, plays a vital role in cell proliferation, migration and adhesion. However, how CTGF regulates GJIC in chondrocytes is still unknown. This study aims to explore the effects of CTGF on GJIC in chondrocytes and its potential biomechanism. Materials and methods qPCR was performed to determine the expression of gene profile in the CCN family in chondrocytes. After CTGF treatment, CCK‐8 assay and scratch assay were performed to explore cell proliferation and migration. A scrape loading/dye transfer assay was adopted to visualize GJIC in living chondrocytes. Western blot analysis was done to detect the expression of Cx43 and PI3K/Akt signalling. Immunofluorescence staining was used to show protein distribution. siRNA targeting CTGF was used to detect the influence on cell‐cell communication. Results The CTGF (CCN2) was shown to be the highest expressed member of the CCN family in chondrocytes. CTGF facilitated functional gap junction intercellular communication in chondrocytes through up‐regulation of Cx43 expressions. CTGF activated PI3K/Akt signalling to promote Akt phosphorylation and translocation. Suppressing CTGF also reduced the expression of Cx43. The inhibition of PI3K/Akt signalling decreased the expressions of Cx43 and thus impaired gap junction intercellular communication enhanced by CTGF. Conclusions For the first time, we provide evidence to show CTGF facilitates cell communication in chondrocytes via PI3K/Akt signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuping Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chenchen Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Quan Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Demao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shujuan Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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17
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Purinergic Signaling in Endometriosis-Associated Pain. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21228512. [PMID: 33198179 PMCID: PMC7697899 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2020] [Revised: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent gynecological disease, with an associated chronic inflammatory component, characterized by the presence of endometrial tissue outside the uterine cavity. Its predominant symptom is pain, a condition notably altering the quality of life of women with the disease. This review is intended to exhaustively gather current knowledge on purinergic signaling in endometriosis-associated pain. Altered extracellular ATP hydrolysis, due to changes in ectonucleotidase activity, has been reported in endometriosis; the resulting accumulation of ATP in the endometriotic microenvironment points to sustained activation of nucleotide receptors (P2 receptors) capable of generating a persistent pain message. P2X3 receptor, expressed in sensory neurons, mediates nociceptive, neuropathic, and inflammatory pain, and is enrolled in endometriosis-related pain. Pharmacological inhibition of P2X3 receptor is under evaluation as a pain relief treatment for women with endometriosis. The role of other ATP receptors is also discussed here, e.g., P2X4 and P2X7 receptors, which are involved in inflammatory cell–nerve and microglia–nerve crosstalk, and therefore in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. Adenosine receptors (P1 receptors), by contrast, mainly play antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory roles. Purinome-targeted drugs, including nucleotide receptors and metabolizing enzymes, are potential non-hormonal therapeutic tools for the pharmacological management of endometriosis-related pain.
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18
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Huang SS, Cao S, Lu CE, Qin YB, Yang JP. Effects of nicorandil on p120 expression in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion of rats with chronic postsurgical pain. Mol Med Rep 2020; 22:4821-4827. [PMID: 33173987 PMCID: PMC7646919 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.11546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic postsurgical pain (CPSP) has a high incidence, but the underlying mechanism is not well understood. Accumulating evidence has suggested that central sensitization is the main mechanism of pain. To study the role of p120 in CPSP, a skin/muscle incision and retraction (SMIR) model was established, and immunofluorescence staining and western blotting were performed to analyze the expression of p120 in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglion (DRG). The results demonstrated that SMIR increased the expression of p120 in the DRG and the spinal cord compared with the naive group. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that p120 was mainly distributed in the glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive astrocytes in the spinal cord, and in the neurofilament 200-positive medium and large neurons in the DRG. Our previous studies have shown that adenosine triphosphate-sensitive potassium channel (KATP) agonists can reduce postoperative pain in rats. Therefore, the changes in p120 were observed in the DRG and spinal cord of rats following the intraperitoneal injection of nicorandil, a KATP agonist. It was demonstrated that nicorandil administration could relieve mechanical pain experienced following SMIR in rats, and decrease the expression of p120 in the DRG and spinal cord. The results revealed that p120 may contribute to the prophylactic analgesic effect of nicorandil, thus providing a novel insight into the mechanism of CPSP prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai-Sai Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
| | - Su Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Cui E Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Bin Qin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu 226001, P.R. China
| | - Jian-Ping Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215000, P.R. China
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19
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Li Q, Wang YQ, Chu YX. The role of connexins and pannexins in orofacial pain. Life Sci 2020; 258:118198. [PMID: 32758624 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.118198] [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: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Trigeminal neuralgia is characterized by extensive spreading of pain, referred to as ectopic pain, which describes the phenomenon of the pain passing from the injured regions to uninjured regions. Patients with orofacial pain often show no response to commonly used analgesics, and the exact mechanism of ectopic pain remains unclear, which restricts the development of specific drugs. The present review aims to summarize the contribution of the two families of transmembrane proteins, connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs), to the induction and spreading of orofacial pain and to provide potential targets for orofacial pain treatment. Cxs and Panxs have recently been shown to play essential roles in intercellular signal propagation in sensory ganglia, and previous studies have provided evidence for the contribution of several subtypes of Cxs and Panxs in various orofacial pain models. Upregulation of the expression of Cxs and Panxs in the trigeminal ganglia is observed in most cases after trigeminal injury, and regulating their expression or activity can improve pain-like behaviors in animals. It is speculated that after trigeminal injury, pain-related signals are transmitted to adjacent neurons and satellite glial cells in the trigeminal ganglia directly through gap junctions and simultaneously through hemichannels and pannexons through both autocrine and paracrine mechanisms. This review highlights recent discoveries in the regulation of Cxs and Panxs in different orofacial pain models and presents a hypothetical mechanism of ectopic pain in trigeminal neuralgia. In addition, the existing problems in current research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yan-Qing Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yu-Xia Chu
- Department of Integrative Medicine and Neurobiology, Institutes of Integrative Medicine, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Institutes of Brain Science, Brain Science Collaborative Innovation Center, State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology and MOE Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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20
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Vicario N, Turnaturi R, Spitale FM, Torrisi F, Zappalà A, Gulino R, Pasquinucci L, Chiechio S, Parenti C, Parenti R. Intercellular communication and ion channels in neuropathic pain chronicization. Inflamm Res 2020; 69:841-850. [PMID: 32533221 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-020-01363-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 05/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is caused by primary lesion or dysfunction of either peripheral or central nervous system. Due to its complex pathogenesis, often related to a number of comorbidities, such as cancer, neurodegenerative and neurovascular diseases, neuropathic pain still represents an unmet clinical need, lacking long-term effective treatment and complex case-by-case approach. AIM AND METHODS We analyzed the recent literature on the role of selective voltage-sensitive sodium, calcium and potassium permeable channels and non-selective gap junctions (GJs) and hemichannels (HCs) in establishing and maintaining chronic neuropathic conditions. We finally focussed our review on the role of extracellular microenvironment modifications induced by resident glial cells and on the recent advances in cell-to-cell and cell-to-extracellular environment communication in chronic neuropathies. CONCLUSION In this review, we provide an update on the current knowledge of neuropathy chronicization processes with a focus on both neuronal and glial ion channels, as well as on channel-mediated intercellular communication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nunzio Vicario
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rita Turnaturi
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Federica Maria Spitale
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Filippo Torrisi
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Agata Zappalà
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Rosario Gulino
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Lorella Pasquinucci
- Section of Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Santina Chiechio
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
- Oasi Research Institute IRCCS, Troina, Italy
| | - Carmela Parenti
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
| | - Rosalba Parenti
- Section of Physiology, Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.
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Viswanath O, Urits I, Burns J, Charipova K, Gress K, McNally A, Urman RD, Welschmeyer A, Berger AA, Kassem H, Sanchez MG, Kaye AD, Eubanks TN, Cornett EM, Ngo AL. Central Neuropathic Mechanisms in Pain Signaling Pathways: Current Evidence and Recommendations. Adv Ther 2020; 37:1946-1959. [PMID: 32291648 PMCID: PMC7467462 DOI: 10.1007/s12325-020-01334-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Purpose This is a comprehensive review of the current literature on central neuropathic pain mechanisms that is secondary to spinal cord injury. It reviews recent and seminal findings on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment and compares treatment options and recommendations. Recent Findings Neuropathic pain (NP) is a common complication of spinal cord injury (SCI). Chronicity of NP is attributed to increased abundance of inflammatory mediators and ion channel dysfunction leading to afferent nerve sensitization; nerve damage and nerve–glia cross talk have also been implicated. Conventional treatment is medical and has had limited success. Recent studies have made headway in identifying novel biomarkers, including microRNA and psychosocial attributes that can predict progress from SCI to chronic NP (CNP). Recent advances have provided evidence of efficacy for two promising drugs. Baclofen was able to provide good, long-lasting pain relief. Ziconotide, a voltage-gated calcium channel blocker, was studied in a small trial and was able to provide good analgesia in most participants. However, several participants had to be withdrawn because of worrisome creatine phosphokinase (CPK) elevations, and further studies are required to define its safety profile. Non-medical interventions include brain sensitization and biofeedback techniques. These methods have recently had encouraging results, albeit preliminary. Case reports of non-conventional techniques, such as hypnosis, were also reported. Summary CNP is a common complication of SCI and is a prevalent disorder with significant morbidity and disability. Conventional medical treatment is limited in efficacy. Recent studies identified baclofen and ziconotide as possible new therapies, alongside non-medical interventions. Further research into the pathophysiology is required to identify further therapy candidates. A multidisciplinary approach, including psychosocial support, medical and non-medical interventions, is likely needed to achieve therapeutic effects in this difficult to treat syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Omar Viswanath
- Valley Anesthesiology and Pain Consultants-Envision Physician Services, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Arizona College of Medicine Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, USA
- Department of Anesthesiology, Creighton University School of Medicine, Omaha, NE, USA
| | - Ivan Urits
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - James Burns
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Kyle Gress
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | | | - Richard D Urman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ali Welschmeyer
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Amnon A Berger
- Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care, and Pain Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hisham Kassem
- Department of Anesthesiology, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Miami Beach, FL, USA
| | - Manuel G Sanchez
- Department of Pain Medicine, Pain Specialty Group, Newington, NH, USA
| | - Alan D Kaye
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Treniece N Eubanks
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Elyse M Cornett
- Department of Anesthesiology, Louisiana State University Health Shreveport, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Anh L Ngo
- Department of Pain Medicine, Pain Specialty Group, Newington, NH, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
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