1
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Smith NJ, Murray F. Shifting our perspective on orphan G protein-coupled receptors. Nat Struct Mol Biol 2024; 31:582-583. [PMID: 38565695 DOI: 10.1038/s41594-024-01270-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicola J Smith
- Department of Pharmacology and Orphan Receptor Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Fiona Murray
- Institute of Medical Science, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
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2
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Solinski HJ, Dranchak P, Oliphant E, Gu X, Earnest TW, Braisted J, Inglese J, Hoon MA. Inhibition of natriuretic peptide receptor 1 reduces itch in mice. Sci Transl Med 2020; 11:11/500/eaav5464. [PMID: 31292265 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aav5464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2018] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
There is a major clinical need for new therapies for the treatment of chronic itch. Many of the molecular components involved in itch neurotransmission are known, including the neuropeptide NPPB, a transmitter required for normal itch responses to multiple pruritogens in mice. Here, we investigated the potential for a novel strategy for the treatment of itch that involves the inhibition of the NPPB receptor NPR1 (natriuretic peptide receptor 1). Because there are no available effective human NPR1 (hNPR1) antagonists, we performed a high-throughput cell-based screen and identified 15 small-molecule hNPR1 inhibitors. Using in vitro assays, we demonstrated that these compounds specifically inhibit hNPR1 and murine NPR1 (mNPR1). In vivo, NPR1 antagonism attenuated behavioral responses to both acute itch- and chronic itch-challenged mice. Together, our results suggest that inhibiting NPR1 might be an effective strategy for treating acute and chronic itch.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Jürgen Solinski
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Patricia Dranchak
- Division of Pre-Clinical Investigation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Erin Oliphant
- Division of Pre-Clinical Investigation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Xinglong Gu
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thomas W Earnest
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - John Braisted
- Division of Pre-Clinical Investigation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - James Inglese
- Division of Pre-Clinical Investigation, National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD 20850, USA
| | - Mark A Hoon
- Molecular Genetics Section, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research/NIH, 35 Convent Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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3
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Pretorius E, Page MJ, Hendricks L, Nkosi NB, Benson SR, Kell DB. Both lipopolysaccharide and lipoteichoic acids potently induce anomalous fibrin amyloid formation: assessment with novel Amytracker™ stains. J R Soc Interface 2019; 15:rsif.2017.0941. [PMID: 29445039 PMCID: PMC5832738 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2017.0941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2017] [Accepted: 01/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent work, we discovered that the presence of highly substoichiometric amounts (10−8 molar ratio) of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Gram-negative bacteria caused fibrinogen clotting to lead to the formation of an amyloid form of fibrin. We here show that the broadly equivalent lipoteichoic acids (LTAs) from two species of Gram-positive bacteria have similarly (if not more) potent effects. Using thioflavin T fluorescence to detect amyloid as before, the addition of low concentrations of free ferric ion is found to have similar effects. Luminescent conjugated oligothiophene dyes (LCOs), marketed under the trade name Amytracker™, also stain classical amyloid structures. We here show that they too give very large fluorescence enhancements when clotting is initiated in the presence of the four amyloidogens (LPS, ferric ions and two LTA types). The staining patterns differ significantly as a function of both the amyloidogens and the dyes used to assess them, indicating clearly that the nature of the clots formed is different. This is also the case when clotting is measured viscometrically using thromboelastography. Overall, the data provide further evidence for an important role of bacterial cell wall products in the various coagulopathies that are observable in chronic, inflammatory diseases. The assays may have potential in both diagnostics and therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etheresia Pretorius
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Martin J Page
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Lisa Hendricks
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Nondumiso B Nkosi
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Sven R Benson
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa
| | - Douglas B Kell
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch Private Bag X1, Matieland 7602, South Africa .,School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, Lancs M1 7DN, UK.,The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, Lancs M1 7DN, UK.,Centre for Synthetic Biology of Fine and Speciality Chemicals, The University of Manchester, 131 Princess Street, Manchester, Lancs M1 7DN, UK
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4
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Gruzdeva OV, Borodkina DA, Belik EV, Akbasheva OE, Palicheva EI, Barbarash OL. [Ghrelin Physiology and Pathophysiology: Focus on the Cardiovascular System]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 59:60-67. [PMID: 30990143 DOI: 10.18087/cardio.2019.3.10220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2019] [Accepted: 04/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Ghrelin is a multifunctional peptide hormone, mainly synthesized by P / D1 cells of the stomach fundus mucosa. Its basic effect, which is realized via GHS-R1 α receptor in the arcuate and the ventromedial nucleuses of hypothalamus, is stimulation of the synthesis of pituitary hormones. Ghrelin is involved in control of appetite and energy balance, regulation of carbohydrate and lipid metabolism, cell proliferation and apoptosis, as well as modulation of functioning of gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, pulmonary and immune systems. It was found that cardiomyocytes are able to synthesize ghrelin. High concentrations of GHS-R1α in the heart and major blood vessels evidence for its possible participation in functioning of cardiovascular system. Ghrelin inhibits apoptosis of cardiomyocytes and endothelial cells, and improves the functioning of the left ventricle (LV) after injury of ischemia-reperfusion mechanism. In rats with heart failure (HF) ghrelin improves LV function and attenuates development of cardiac cachexia. In addition, ghrelin exerts vasodilatory effects in humans, improves cardiac function and reduces peripheral vascular resistance in patients with chronic HF. The review contains of the predictive value of ghrelin in the development and prevention of cardiovascular disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- O V Gruzdeva
- Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases Kemerovo State Medical University
| | - D A Borodkina
- Kemerovo regional clinical hospital named after S. V. Belyaeva
| | - E V Belik
- Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases
| | | | - E I Palicheva
- Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases Kemerovo State Medical University
| | - O L Barbarash
- Research Institute for Complex Issues of Cardiovascular Diseases Kemerovo State Medical University
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5
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Malakou LS, Gargalionis AN, Piperi C, Papadavid E, Papavassiliou AG, Basdra EK. Molecular mechanisms of mechanotransduction in psoriasis. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018; 6:245. [PMID: 30069447 DOI: 10.21037/atm.2018.04.09] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Psoriasis is an immune disease of the skin that frequently develops upon triggering events of mechanical nature and leads to increased proliferation and damaged differentiation of keratinocytes of the epidermis. Mechanical forces are mediated through mechanotransduction, which is the process that translates physical cues into biochemical signaling networks. Latest updates underline the role of mechanotransduction during the acquisition of aberrant properties by the keratinocytes of the skin, therefore implying a potential contribution that promotes psoriasis pathogenesis. The present review discusses the mechano-induced signaling pathways and individual molecules that become activated in psoriasis and in keratinocytes, along with mechano-based putative treatment strategies. We also suggest emerging mechanosensitive molecules for further investigation with potential diagnostic and therapeutic utility in psoriasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lina S Malakou
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Antonios N Gargalionis
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Piperi
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Evangelia Papadavid
- Second Department of Dermatology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 'Attikon' General University Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Athanasios G Papavassiliou
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Efthimia K Basdra
- Cellular and Molecular Biomechanics Unit, Department of Biological Chemistry, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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Periyasami G, Arumugam N, Rahaman M, Kumar RS, Manikandan M, Alfayez MA, Premnath D, Aldalbahi A. ACI/EG eutectic mixture mediated synthesis, characterization and in vitro osteoblast differentiation assessment of spiropyrrolo[1,2- b]isoquinoline analogues. RSC Adv 2018; 8:16303-16313. [PMID: 35542235 PMCID: PMC9080264 DOI: 10.1039/c8ra00646f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
An eco-friendly acetylcholine iodide-ethylene glycol (ACI/EG) deep eutectic mixture mediated green protocol has been developed for the synthesis of hitherto unexplored multi-functionalized linear tricyclic spiropyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinoline analogues. The effects of the synthesized compounds on the osteoblast differentiation of hBMSC-TERT cell lines were investigated and promising results were observed with significant IC50 values. In addition, molecular modeling simulations were also performed with the 3D structure of BMP-2 to reveal binding interactions and orientations of highly potent spiropyrrolo[1,2-b]isoquinoline analogues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Govindasami Periyasami
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
- Department of Organic Chemistry, University of Madras, Guindy Campus Chennai 600 025 India
| | - Natarajan Arumugam
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mostafizur Rahaman
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Raju Suresh Kumar
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
| | - Muthurangan Manikandan
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Musaad A Alfayez
- Stem Cell Unit, Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, King Saud University Riyadh Saudi Arabia
| | - Dhanaraj Premnath
- Department of Oral Biology Dentistry Building-D325 Winnipeg Manitoba Canada
| | - Ali Aldalbahi
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, King Saud University P.O. Box 2455 Riyadh 11451 Saudi Arabia
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7
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Kenny LC, Kell DB. Immunological Tolerance, Pregnancy, and Preeclampsia: The Roles of Semen Microbes and the Father. Front Med (Lausanne) 2018; 4:239. [PMID: 29354635 PMCID: PMC5758600 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2017.00239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Although it is widely considered, in many cases, to involve two separable stages (poor placentation followed by oxidative stress/inflammation), the precise originating causes of preeclampsia (PE) remain elusive. We have previously brought together some of the considerable evidence that a (dormant) microbial component is commonly a significant part of its etiology. However, apart from recognizing, consistent with this view, that the many inflammatory markers of PE are also increased in infection, we had little to say about immunity, whether innate or adaptive. In addition, we focused on the gut, oral and female urinary tract microbiomes as the main sources of the infection. We here marshall further evidence for an infectious component in PE, focusing on the immunological tolerance characteristic of pregnancy, and the well-established fact that increased exposure to the father's semen assists this immunological tolerance. As well as these benefits, however, semen is not sterile, microbial tolerance mechanisms may exist, and we also review the evidence that semen may be responsible for inoculating the developing conceptus (and maybe the placenta) with microbes, not all of which are benign. It is suggested that when they are not, this may be a significant cause of PE. A variety of epidemiological and other evidence is entirely consistent with this, not least correlations between semen infection, infertility and PE. Our view also leads to a series of other, testable predictions. Overall, we argue for a significant paternal role in the development of PE through microbial infection of the mother via insemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise C. Kenny
- The Irish Centre for Fetal and Neonatal Translational Research (INFANT), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
- Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, United Kingdom
| | - Douglas B. Kell
- School of Chemistry, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
- The Manchester Institute of Biotechnology, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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8
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Brunetti G, Faienza MF, Colaianni G, Grano M, Colucci S. Mechanisms of Altered Bone Remodeling in Multiple Myeloma. Clin Rev Bone Miner Metab 2017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12018-017-9236-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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9
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Gavriatopoulou M, Dimopoulos MA, Kastritis E, Terpos E. Emerging treatment approaches for myeloma-related bone disease. Expert Rev Hematol 2017; 10:217-228. [PMID: 28092987 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2017.1283213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple myeloma is characterized by the presence of osteolytic lesions that leads to devastating skeletal-related events in the majority of patients. Myeloma bone disease is attributed to increased osteoclastic and suppressed osteoblastic activity. Areas covered: Bisphosphonates remain the main treatment option, however they have limitations on their own. Understanding the pathogenesis of myeloma bone disease may provide a roadmap for new therapeutic approaches. The pathway of RANKRANKLOPG pathway has revealed denosumab, a monoclonal antibody targeting RANKL as a novel emerging therapy for myeloma-related bone disease. Furthermore, the Wnt signaling inhibitors dicckopf-1 and sclerostin that are implicated in the pathogenesis of bone destruction of myeloma are now targeted by novel monoclonal antibodies. Activin-A is a TGF-beta superfamily member which increases osteoclast activity and inhibits osteoblast function in myeloma; sotatercept and other molecules targeting activin-A have entered into clinical development. Several other molecules and pathways that play an important role in the pathogenesis of bone destruction in myeloma, such as periostin, adiponectin, Notch and BTK signaling are also targeted in an attempt to develop novel therapies for myeloma-related bone disease. Expert commentary: We summarize the current advances in the biology of myeloma bone disease and the potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gavriatopoulou
- a Department of Clinical Therapeutics , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine , Athens , Greece
| | - Meletios A Dimopoulos
- a Department of Clinical Therapeutics , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine , Athens , Greece
| | - Efstathios Kastritis
- a Department of Clinical Therapeutics , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine , Athens , Greece
| | - Evangelos Terpos
- a Department of Clinical Therapeutics , National and Kapodistrian University of Athens School of Medicine , Athens , Greece
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10
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Stewart AG, Beart PM. Inflammation: maladies, models, mechanisms and molecules. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:631-4. [PMID: 26847725 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The continued focus of attention on the diversity of mechanisms underpinning inflammation has improved our understanding of the potential to target specific pathways in the inflammatory network to achieve meaningful therapeutic gains. In this themed issue of the British Journal of Pharmacology our scope was deliberately broad, ranging across both acute and chronic disease in various organs. Pro- and anti-inflammatory mechanisms receive attention as does the phenotype of macrophages. Whilst the manifestations of neuro-inflammation are less obvious than those in peripheral tissues, central innate and adaptive immunity in brain and the M1/M2 phenotypes of microglia are topics of special interest. The contributions to the inflammatory milieu of cytokines, chemokines and associated signalling cascades are considered. Overall, the coverage herein advances the basic science underpinning our understanding of inflammation and emphasizes its importance in different pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A G Stewart
- Lung health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
| | - P M Beart
- Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Australia
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11
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Martins FO, Delgado TC, Viegas J, Gaspar JM, Scott DK, O'Doherty RM, Macedo MP, Jones JG. Mechanisms by which the thiazolidinedione troglitazone protects against sucrose-induced hepatic fat accumulation and hyperinsulinaemia. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:267-78. [PMID: 26447327 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2015] [Revised: 08/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Thiazolidinediones (TZD) are known to ameliorate fatty liver in type 2 diabetes. To date, the underlying mechanisms of their hepatic actions remain unclear. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Hepatic triglyceride content and export rates were assessed in 2 week high-sucrose-fed Wistar rats treated with troglitazone and compared with untreated high-sucrose rodent controls. Fractional de novo lipogenesis (DNL) contributions to hepatic triglyceride were quantified by analysis of triglyceride enrichment from deuterated water. Hepatic insulin clearance and NO status during a meal tolerance test were also evaluated. KEY RESULTS TZD significantly reduced hepatic triglyceride (P < 0.01) by 48%, decreased DNL contribution to hepatic triglyceride (P < 0.01) and increased postprandial non-esterified fatty acids clearance rates (P < 0.01) in comparison with the high-sucrose rodent control group. During a meal tolerance test, plasma insulin AUC was significantly lower (P < 0.01), while blood glucose and plasma C-peptide levels were not different. Insulin clearance was increased (P < 0.001) by 24% and was associated with a 22% augmentation of hepatic insulin-degrading enzyme activity (P < 0.05). Finally, hepatic NO was decreased by 24% (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Overall, TZD show direct actions on liver by reducing hepatic DNL and increasing hepatic insulin clearance. The alterations in hepatic insulin clearance were associated with changes in insulin-degrading enzyme activity, with possible modulation of NO levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fátima O Martins
- Metabolic Control Group, Center for Neurosciences and Cell Biology of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
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12
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Qu D, Liu J, Lau CW, Huang Y. IL-6 in diabetes and cardiovascular complications. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 171:3595-603. [PMID: 24697653 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2014] [Revised: 03/25/2014] [Accepted: 03/31/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
IL-6 is a pleiotropic cytokine that participates in normal functions of the immune system, haematopoiesis, metabolism, as well as in the pathogenesis of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases. Both pro- and anti-inflammatory roles of IL-6 have been described, which are distinguished by different cascades of signalling transduction, namely classic and trans-signalling. The present review summarizes the basic principles of IL-6 signalling and discusses its roles in diabetes and associated cardiovascular complications, with emphasis on the different outcomes mediated by the two modes of IL-6 signalling and the value of developing therapeutic strategies to specifically target the deleterious trans-signalling of IL-6.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Qu
- Institute of Vascular Medicine, Shenzhen Research Institute, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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13
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Ali IHA, Brazil DP. Bone morphogenetic proteins and their antagonists: current and emerging clinical uses. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 171:3620-32. [PMID: 24758361 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 04/02/2014] [Accepted: 04/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) are members of the TGFβ superfamily of secreted cysteine knot proteins that includes TGFβ1, nodal, activins and inhibins. BMPs were first discovered by Urist in the 1960s when he showed that implantation of demineralized bone into intramuscular tissue of rabbits induced bone and cartilage formation. Since this seminal discovery, BMPs have also been shown to play key roles in several other biological processes, including limb, kidney, skin, hair and neuronal development, as well as maintaining vascular homeostasis. The multifunctional effects of BMPs make them attractive targets for the treatment of several pathologies, including bone disorders, kidney and lung fibrosis, and cancer. This review will summarize current knowledge on the BMP signalling pathway and critically evaluate the potential of recombinant BMPs as pharmacological agents for the treatment of bone repair and tissue fibrosis in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Imran H A Ali
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
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14
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Bozinovski S, Vlahos R, Anthony D, McQualter J, Anderson G, Irving L, Steinfort D. COPD and squamous cell lung cancer: aberrant inflammation and immunity is the common link. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:635-48. [PMID: 26013585 PMCID: PMC4742298 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cigarette smoking has reached epidemic proportions within many regions of the world and remains the highest risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. Squamous cell lung cancer is commonly detected in heavy smokers, where the risk of developing lung cancer is not solely defined by tobacco consumption. Although therapies that target common driver mutations in adenocarcinomas are showing some promise, they are proving ineffective in smoking-related squamous cell lung cancer. Since COPD is characterized by an excessive inflammatory and oxidative stress response, this review details how aberrant innate, adaptive and systemic inflammatory processes can contribute to lung cancer susceptibility in COPD. Activated leukocytes release increasing levels of proteases and free radicals as COPD progresses and tertiary lymphoid aggregates accumulate with increasing severity. Reactive oxygen species promote formation of reactive carbonyls that are not only tumourigenic through initiating DNA damage, but can directly alter the function of regulatory proteins involved in host immunity and tumour suppressor functions. Systemic inflammation is also markedly increased during infective exacerbations in COPD and the interplay between tumour-promoting serum amyloid A (SAA) and IL-17A is discussed. SAA is also an endogenous allosteric modifier of FPR2 expressed on immune and epithelial cells, and the therapeutic potential of targeting this receptor is proposed as a novel strategy for COPD-lung cancer overlap.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Bozinovski
- School of Health Sciences and Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Lung Health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Ross Vlahos
- School of Health Sciences and Health Innovations Research Institute, RMIT University, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
- Lung Health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Desiree Anthony
- Lung Health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Jonathan McQualter
- Lung Health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Gary Anderson
- Lung Health Research Centre, Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Louis Irving
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - Daniel Steinfort
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
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15
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Faden AI, Wu J, Stoica BA, Loane DJ. Progressive inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration after traumatic brain or spinal cord injury. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:681-91. [PMID: 25939377 PMCID: PMC4742301 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 198] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) has been linked to dementia and chronic neurodegeneration. Described initially in boxers and currently recognized across high contact sports, the association between repeated concussion (mild TBI) and progressive neuropsychiatric abnormalities has recently received widespread attention, and has been termed chronic traumatic encephalopathy. Less well appreciated are cognitive changes associated with neurodegeneration in the brain after isolated spinal cord injury. Also under-recognized is the role of sustained neuroinflammation after brain or spinal cord trauma, even though this relationship has been known since the 1950s and is supported by more recent preclinical and clinical studies. These pathological mechanisms, manifested by extensive microglial and astroglial activation and appropriately termed chronic traumatic brain inflammation or chronic traumatic inflammatory encephalopathy, may be among the most important causes of post-traumatic neurodegeneration in terms of prevalence. Importantly, emerging experimental work demonstrates that persistent neuroinflammation can cause progressive neurodegeneration that may be treatable even weeks after traumatic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan I Faden
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Junfang Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bogdan A Stoica
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David J Loane
- Department of Anesthesiology, Center for Shock, Trauma and Anesthesiology Research (STAR), University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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16
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Laskaris LE, Di Biase MA, Everall I, Chana G, Christopoulos A, Skafidas E, Cropley VL, Pantelis C. Microglial activation and progressive brain changes in schizophrenia. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:666-80. [PMID: 26455353 PMCID: PMC4742288 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 09/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia is a debilitating disorder that typically begins in adolescence and is characterized by perceptual abnormalities, delusions, cognitive and behavioural disturbances and functional impairments. While current treatments can be effective, they are often insufficient to alleviate the full range of symptoms. Schizophrenia is associated with structural brain abnormalities including grey and white matter volume loss and impaired connectivity. Recent findings suggest these abnormalities follow a neuroprogressive course in the earliest stages of the illness, which may be associated with episodes of acute relapse. Neuroinflammation has been proposed as a potential mechanism underlying these brain changes, with evidence of increased density and activation of microglia, immune cells resident in the brain, at various stages of the illness. We review evidence for microglial dysfunction in schizophrenia from both neuroimaging and neuropathological data, with a specific focus on studies examining microglial activation in relation to the pathology of grey and white matter. The studies available indicate that the link between microglial dysfunction and brain change in schizophrenia remains an intriguing hypothesis worthy of further examination. Future studies in schizophrenia should: (i) use multimodal imaging to clarify this association by mapping brain changes longitudinally across illness stages in relation to microglial activation; (ii) clarify the nature of microglial dysfunction with markers specific to activation states and phenotypes; (iii) examine the role of microglia and neurons with reference to their overlapping roles in neuroinflammatory pathways; and (iv) examine the impact of novel immunomodulatory treatments on brain structure in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- L E Laskaris
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - M A Di Biase
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - I Everall
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - G Chana
- Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - A Christopoulos
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - E Skafidas
- Centre for Neural Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - V L Cropley
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - C Pantelis
- Melbourne Neuropsychiatry Centre, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne and Melbourne Health, Carlton South, VIC, Australia
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Florey Institute for Neurosciences and Mental Health, Parkville, VIC, Australia
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17
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Hofer MJ, Campbell IL. Immunoinflammatory diseases of the central nervous system - the tale of two cytokines. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:716-28. [PMID: 25917268 PMCID: PMC4742300 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2015] [Revised: 04/15/2015] [Accepted: 04/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Cytokines are potent mediators of cellular communication that have crucial roles in the regulation of innate and adaptive immunoinflammatory responses. Clear evidence has emerged in recent years that the dysregulated production of cytokines may in itself be causative in the pathogenesis of certain immunoinflammatory disorders. Here we review current evidence for the involvement of two different cytokines, IFN-α and IL-6, as principal mediators of specific immunoinflammatory disorders of the CNS. IFN-α belongs to the type I IFN family and is causally linked to the development of inflammatory encephalopathy exemplified by the genetic disorder, Aicardi-Goutières syndrome. IL-6 belongs to the gp130 family of cytokines and is causally linked to a number of immunoinflammatory disorders of the CNS including neuromyelitis optica, idiopathic transverse myelitis and genetically linked autoinflammatory neurological disease. In addition to clinical evidence, experimental studies, particularly in genetically engineered mouse models with astrocyte-targeted, CNS-restricted production of IFN-α or IL-6 replicate many of the cardinal neuropathological features of these human cytokine-linked immunoinflammatory neurological disorders giving crucial evidence for a direct causative role of these cytokines and providing further rationale for the therapeutic targeting of these cytokines in neurological diseases where indicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- M J Hofer
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - I L Campbell
- School of Molecular Bioscience, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
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18
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Orihuela R, McPherson CA, Harry GJ. Microglial M1/M2 polarization and metabolic states. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 173:649-65. [PMID: 25800044 PMCID: PMC4742299 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1273] [Impact Index Per Article: 159.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2014] [Revised: 03/05/2015] [Accepted: 03/13/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Microglia are critical nervous system-specific immune cells serving as tissue-resident macrophages influencing brain development, maintenance of the neural environment, response to injury and repair. As influenced by their environment, microglia assume a diversity of phenotypes and retain the capability to shift functions to maintain tissue homeostasis. In comparison with peripheral macrophages, microglia demonstrate similar and unique features with regards to phenotype polarization, allowing for innate immunological functions. Microglia can be stimulated by LPS or IFN-γ to an M1 phenotype for expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines or by IL-4/IL-13 to an M2 phenotype for resolution of inflammation and tissue repair. Increasing evidence suggests a role of metabolic reprogramming in the regulation of the innate inflammatory response. Studies using peripheral immune cells demonstrate that polarization to an M1 phenotype is often accompanied by a shift in cells from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis for energy production. More recently, the link between polarization and mitochondrial energy metabolism has been considered in microglia. Under these conditions, energy demands would be associated with functional activities and cell survival and thus, may serve to influence the contribution of microglia activation to various neurodegenerative conditions. This review examines the polarization states of microglia and their relationship to mitochondrial metabolism. Additional supporting experimental data are provided to demonstrate mitochondrial metabolic shifts in primary microglia and the BV-2 microglia cell line induced under LPS (M1) and IL-4/IL-13 (M2) polarization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruben Orihuela
- Neurotoxicology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Christopher A McPherson
- Neurotoxicology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
| | - Gaylia Jean Harry
- Neurotoxicology Group, National Toxicology Program Laboratory, National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, National Institutes of Health, Research Triangle Park, NC, USA
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19
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Scarfì S. Use of bone morphogenetic proteins in mesenchymal stem cell stimulation of cartilage and bone repair. World J Stem Cells 2016; 8:1-12. [PMID: 26839636 PMCID: PMC4723717 DOI: 10.4252/wjsc.v8.i1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Revised: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix-associated bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) govern a plethora of biological processes. The BMPs are members of the transforming growth factor-β protein superfamily, and they actively participate to kidney development, digit and limb formation, angiogenesis, tissue fibrosis and tumor development. Since their discovery, they have attracted attention for their fascinating perspectives in the regenerative medicine and tissue engineering fields. BMPs have been employed in many preclinical and clinical studies exploring their chondrogenic or osteoinductive potential in several animal model defects and in human diseases. During years of research in particular two BMPs, BMP2 and BMP7 have gained the podium for their use in the treatment of various cartilage and bone defects. In particular they have been recently approved for employment in non-union fractures as adjunct therapies. On the other hand, thanks to their potentialities in biomedical applications, there is a growing interest in studying the biology of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC), the rules underneath their differentiation abilities, and to test their true abilities in tissue engineering. In fact, the specific differentiation of MSCs into targeted cell-type lineages for transplantation is a primary goal of the regenerative medicine. This review provides an overview on the current knowledge of BMP roles and signaling in MSC biology and differentiation capacities. In particular the article focuses on the potential clinical use of BMPs and MSCs concomitantly, in cartilage and bone tissue repair.
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20
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Bos EM, van Goor H, Joles JA, Whiteman M, Leuvenink HGD. Hydrogen sulfide: physiological properties and therapeutic potential in ischaemia. Br J Pharmacol 2016; 172:1479-93. [PMID: 25091411 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2013] [Revised: 06/19/2014] [Accepted: 07/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) has become a molecule of high interest in recent years, and it is now recognized as the third gasotransmitter in addition to nitric oxide and carbon monoxide. In this review, we discuss the recent literature on the physiology of endogenous and exogenous H2 S, focusing upon the protective effects of hydrogen sulfide in models of hypoxia and ischaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eelke M Bos
- Department of Pathology and Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands; Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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21
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Ahmed A, Ramma W. Unravelling the theories of pre-eclampsia: are the protective pathways the new paradigm? Br J Pharmacol 2016; 172:1574-86. [PMID: 25303561 PMCID: PMC4354257 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 09/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a vascular disorder of pregnancy where anti-angiogenic factors, systemic inflammation and oxidative stress predominate, but none can claim to cause pre-eclampsia. This review provides an alternative to the ‘two-stage model’ of pre-eclampsia in which abnormal spiral arteries modification leads to placental hypoxia, oxidative stress and aberrant maternal systemic inflammation. Very high maternal soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1 also known as sVEGFR) and very low placenta growth factor (PlGF) are unique to pre-eclampsia; however, abnormal spiral arteries and excessive inflammation are also prevalent in other placental disorders. Metaphorically speaking, pregnancy can be viewed as a car with an accelerator and brakes, where inflammation, oxidative stress and an imbalance in the angiogenic milieu act as the ‘accelerator’. The ‘braking system’ includes the protective pathways of haem oxygenase 1 (also referred as Hmox1 or HO-1) and cystathionine-γ-lyase (also known as CSE or Cth), which generate carbon monoxide (CO) and hydrogen sulphide (H2S) respectively. The failure in these pathways (brakes) results in the pregnancy going out of control and the system crashing. Put simply, pre-eclampsia is an accelerator–brake defect disorder. CO and H2S hold great promise because of their unique ability to suppress the anti-angiogenic factors sFlt-1 and soluble endoglin as well as to promote PlGF and endothelial NOS activity. The key to finding a cure lies in the identification of cheap, safe and effective drugs that induce the braking system to keep the pregnancy vehicle on track past the finishing line.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asif Ahmed
- Vascular Therapeutics Unit, Aston Medical School, Aston University, Birmingham, UK
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22
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Xie L, Jiang F, Zhang X, Alitongbieke G, Shi X, Meng M, Xu Y, Ren A, Wang J, Cai L, Zhou Y, Xu Y, Su Y, Liu J, Zeng Z, Wang G, Zhou H, Chen QC, Zhang XK. Honokiol sensitizes breast cancer cells to TNF-α induction of apoptosis by inhibiting Nur77 expression. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:344-56. [PMID: 26505879 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2015] [Revised: 10/01/2015] [Accepted: 10/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The orphan nuclear receptor Nur77 is implicated in the survival and apoptosis of cancer cells. The purpose of this study was to determine whether and how Nur77 serves to mediate the effect of the inflammatory cytokine TNF-α in cancer cells and to identify and characterize new agents targeting Nur77 for cancer therapy. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of TNF-α on the expression and function of Nur77 were studied using in vitro and in vivo models. Nur77 expression was evaluated in tumour tissues from breast cancer patients. The anticancer effects of honokiol and its mechanism of action were assessed by in vitro, cell-based and animal studies. KEY RESULTS TNF-α rapidly and potently induced the expression of Nur77 in breast cancer cells through activation of IκB kinase and JNK. Knocking down Nur77 resulted in TNF-α-dependent apoptosis, while ectopic Nur77 expression in MCF-7 cells promoted their growth in animals. Levels of Nur77 were higher in tumour tissues than the corresponding tissues surrounding the tumour in about 50% breast cancer patients studied. Our in vitro and animal studies also identified honokiol as an effective sensitizer of TNF-α-induced apoptosis by inhibiting TNF-α-induced Nur77 mRNA expression, which could be attributed to its interference of TNFR1's interaction with receptor-interacting protein 1 (RIPK1). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS TNF-α-induced Nur77 serves as a survival factor to attenuate the death effect of TNF-α in cancer cells. With its proven human safety profile, honokiol represents a promising agent that warrants further clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Fuquan Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xindao Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | | | - Xinlei Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - MinJun Meng
- Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yiming Xu
- Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Anshi Ren
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Jing Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Lijun Cai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yunxia Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Yang Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Ying Su
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Jie Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Zhiping Zeng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Guanghui Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Hu Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Quan Cheng Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China
| | - Xiao-Kun Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361102, China.,Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute Cancer Center, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
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23
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Abstract
This article is part of a themed section on Chinese Innovation in Cardiovascular Drug Discovery. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-23
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Wang
- Faculty of Life SciencesThe University of ManchesterManchesterUK
| | - Yong Ji
- Atherosclerosis Research CentreNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Baofeng Yang
- Department of PharmacologyHarbin Medical UniversityHarbinChina
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24
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Meng G, Ma Y, Xie L, Ferro A, Ji Y. Emerging role of hydrogen sulfide in hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:5501-11. [PMID: 25204754 PMCID: PMC4667855 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 08/28/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2 S) has traditionally been viewed as a highly toxic gas; however, recent studies have implicated H2 S as a third member of the gasotransmitter family, exhibiting properties similar to NO and carbon monoxide. Accumulating evidence has suggested that H2 S influences a wide range of physiological and pathological processes, among which blood vessel relaxation, cardioprotection and atherosclerosis have been particularly studied. In the cardiovascular system, H2 S production is predominantly catalyzed by cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE). Decreased endogenous H2 S levels have been found in hypertensive patients and animals, and CSE(-/-) mice develop hypertension with age, suggesting that a deficiency in H2 S contributes importantly to BP regulation. H2 S supplementation attenuates hypertension in different hypertensive animal models. The mechanism by which H2 S was originally proposed to attenuate hypertension was by virtue of its action on vascular tone, which may be related to effects on different ion channels. Both H2 S and NO cause vasodilatation and there is cross-talk between these two molecules to regulate BP. Suppression of oxidative stress may also contribute to antihypertensive effects of H2 S. This review also summarizes the state of research on H2 S and hypertension in China. A better understanding of the role of H2 S in hypertension and related cardiovascular diseases will allow novel strategies to be devised for their treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Meng
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Atherosclerosis Research CentreNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yan Ma
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Atherosclerosis Research CentreNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Liping Xie
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Atherosclerosis Research CentreNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Albert Ferro
- Department of Clinical PharmacologyCardiovascular DivisionSchool of MedicineKing's College LondonLondonUK
| | - Yong Ji
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease and Molecular Intervention, State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Atherosclerosis Research CentreNanjing Medical UniversityNanjingChina
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25
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Weinreb O, Amit T, Bar-Am O, Youdim MBH. Neuroprotective effects of multifaceted hybrid agents targeting MAO, cholinesterase, iron and β-amyloid in ageing and Alzheimer's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:2080-94. [PMID: 26332830 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13318] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Alzheimer's disease (AD) is accepted nowadays as a complex neurodegenerative disorder with multifaceted cerebral pathologies, including extracellular deposition of amyloid β peptide-containing plaques, intracellular neurofibrillary tangles, progressive loss of cholinergic neurons, metal dyshomeostasis, mitochondrial dysfunction, neuroinflammation, glutamate excitoxicity, oxidative stress and increased MAO enzyme activity. This may explain why it is currently widely accepted that a more effective therapy for AD would result from the use of multifunctional drugs, which may affect more than one brain target involved in the disease pathology. The current review will discuss the potential benefits of novel multimodal neuroprotective, brain permeable drugs, recently developed by Youdim and collaborators, as a valuable therapeutic approach for AD treatment. The pharmacological and neuroprotective properties of these multitarget-directed ligands, which target MAO enzymes, the cholinergic system, iron accumulation and amyloid β peptide generation/aggregation are described, with a special emphasis on their potential therapeutic value for ageing and AD-associated cognitive functions. This review is conceived as a tribute to the broad neuropharmacology work of Professor Moussa Youdim, Professor Emeritus in the Faculty of Medicine and Director of Eve Topf Center of Excellence in Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, and Chief Scientific Officer of ABITAL Pharma Pipeline Ltd., at the occasion of his 75th birthday. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Updating Neuropathology and Neuropharmacology of Monoaminergic Systems. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.13/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orly Weinreb
- Eve Topf Centers of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,ABITAL Pharma Pipeline Ltd., Yokneam, Israel
| | - Tamar Amit
- Eve Topf Centers of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,ABITAL Pharma Pipeline Ltd., Yokneam, Israel
| | - Orit Bar-Am
- Eve Topf Centers of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,ABITAL Pharma Pipeline Ltd., Yokneam, Israel
| | - Moussa B H Youdim
- Eve Topf Centers of Excellence for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel.,ABITAL Pharma Pipeline Ltd., Yokneam, Israel
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26
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Jung SH, Kim YS, Lee YR, Kim JS. High glucose-induced changes in hyaloid-retinal vessels during early ocular development of zebrafish: a short-term animal model of diabetic retinopathy. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:15-26. [PMID: 26276677 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 08/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Although a variety of animal models have been used to test drug candidates and examine the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, time-saving and inexpensive models are still needed to evaluate the increasing number of therapeutic approaches. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We developed a model for diabetic retinopathy using the early stage of transgenic zebrafish (flk:EGFP) by treating embryos with 130 mM glucose, from 3-6 days post fertilisation (high-glucose model). On day 6, lenses from zebrafish larvae were isolated and treated with 3% trypsin, and changes in hyaloid-retinal vessels were analysed using fluorescent stereomicroscopy. In addition, expression of tight junction proteins (such as zonula occludens-1), effects of hyperosmolar solutions and of hypoxia, and Vegf expression were assessed by RT -PCR. NO production was assessed with a fluorescent substrate. Effects of inhibitors of the VEGF receptor, NO synthesis and a VEGF antibody (ranibizumab) were also measured. KEY RESULTS In this high-glucose model, dilation of hyaloid-retinal vessels, on day 6, was accompanied by morphological lesions with disruption of tight junction proteins, overproduction of Vegf mRNA and increased NO production. Treatment of this high-glucose model with an inhibitor of VEGF receptor tyrosine kinase or an inhibitor of NO synthase or ranibizumab decreased dilation of hyaloid-retinal vessels. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These findings suggest that short-term exposure of zebrafish larvae to high-glucose conditions could be used for screening and drug discovery for diabetic retinopathy and particularly for disorders of retinal vessels related to disruption of tight junction proteins and excessive VEGF and NO production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seung-Hyun Jung
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daejeon, 305-811, Korea
| | - Young Sook Kim
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daejeon, 305-811, Korea
| | - Yu-Ri Lee
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daejeon, 305-811, Korea
| | - Jin Sook Kim
- Korean Medicine Convergence Research Division, Korea Institute of Oriental Medicine (KIOM), Daejeon, 305-811, Korea
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27
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Heger J, Schulz R, Euler G. Molecular switches under TGFβ signalling during progression from cardiac hypertrophy to heart failure. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:3-14. [PMID: 26431212 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2015] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cardiac hypertrophy is a mechanism to compensate for increased cardiac work load, that is, after myocardial infarction or upon pressure overload. However, in the long run cardiac hypertrophy is a prevailing risk factor for the development of heart failure. During pathological remodelling processes leading to heart failure, decompensated hypertrophy, death of cardiomyocytes by apoptosis or necroptosis and fibrosis as well as a progressive dysfunction of cardiomyocytes are apparent. Interestingly, the induction of hypertrophy, cell death or fibrosis is mediated by similar signalling pathways. Therefore, tiny changes in the signalling cascade are able to switch physiological cardiac remodelling to the development of heart failure. In the present review, we will describe examples of these molecular switches that change compensated hypertrophy to the development of heart failure and will focus on the importance of the signalling cascades of the TGFβ superfamily in this process. In this context, potential therapeutic targets for pharmacological interventions that could attenuate the progression of heart failure will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Heger
- Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - R Schulz
- Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
| | - G Euler
- Institute of Physiology, Justus Liebig University, Giessen, Germany
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28
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O'Callaghan G, Houston A. Prostaglandin E2 and the EP receptors in malignancy: possible therapeutic targets? Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:5239-50. [PMID: 26377664 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 08/06/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Elevated expression of COX-2 and increased levels of PGE2 are found in numerous cancers and are associated with tumour development and progression. Although epidemiological, clinical and preclinical studies have shown that the inhibition of PGE2 synthesis through the use of either non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or specific COX-2 inhibitors (COXibs) has the potential to prevent and treat malignant disease, toxicities due to inhibition of COX-2 have limited their use. Thus, there is an urgent need for the development of strategies whereby COX-2 activity may be reduced without inducing any side effects. The biological effects of PGE2 are mediated by signalling through four distinct E-type prostanoid (EP) receptors - EP1 , EP2 , EP3 and EP4 . In recent years, extensive effort has gone into elucidating the function of PGE2 and the EP receptors in health and disease, with the goal of creating selective inhibitors as a means of therapy. In this review, we focus on PGE2 , and in particular on the role of the individual EP receptors and their signalling pathways in neoplastic disease. As knowledge concerning the role of the EP receptors in cancer grows, so does the potential for exploiting the EP receptors as therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer and metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- G O'Callaghan
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,HRB Clinical Research Facility, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - A Houston
- Department of Medicine, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Alimentary Pharmabiotic Centre, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
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29
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Hwaiz R, Rahman M, Zhang E, Thorlacius H. Platelet secretion of CXCL4 is Rac1-dependent and regulates neutrophil infiltration and tissue damage in septic lung damage. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:5347-59. [PMID: 26478565 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2014] [Revised: 08/30/2015] [Accepted: 09/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Platelets are potent regulators of neutrophil accumulation in septic lung damage. We hypothesized that platelet-derived CXCL4 might support pulmonary neutrophilia in a murine model of abdominal sepsis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Polymicrobial sepsis was triggered by coecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in C57BL/6 mice. Platelet secretion of CXCL4 was studied by using confocal microscopy. Plasma and lung levels of CXCL4, CXCL1 and CXCL2 were determined by elisa. Flow cytometry was used to examine surface expression of Mac-1 on neutrophils. KEY RESULTS CLP increased CXCL4 levels in plasma, and platelet depletion reduced plasma levels of CXCL4 in septic animals. Rac1 inhibitor NSC23766 decreased the CLP-enhanced CXCL4 in plasma by 77%. NSC23766 also abolished PAR4 agonist-induced secretion of CXCL4 from isolated platelets. Inhibition of CXCL4 reduced CLP-evoked neutrophil recruitment, oedema formation and tissue damage in the lung. However, immunoneutralization of CXCL4 had no effect on CLP-induced expression of Mac-1 on neutrophils. Targeting CXCL4 attenuated plasma and lung levels of CXCL1 and CXCL2 in septic mice. CXCL4 had no effect on neutrophil chemotaxis in vitro, indicating it has an indirect effect on pulmonary neutrophilia. Intratracheal CXCL4 enhanced infiltration of neutrophils and formation of CXCL2 in the lung. CXCR2 antagonist SB225002 markedly reduced CXCL4-provoked neutrophil accumulation in the lung. CXCL4 caused secretion of CXCL2 from isolated alveolar macrophages. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Rac1 controls platelet secretion of CXCL4 and CXCL4 is a potent stimulator of neutrophil accumulation in septic lungs via generation of CXCL2 in alveolar macrophages. Platelet-derived CXCL4 plays an important role in lung inflammation and tissue damage in polymicrobial sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rundk Hwaiz
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Section for Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Milladur Rahman
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Section for Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Enming Zhang
- Islet Pathophysiology, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
| | - Henrik Thorlacius
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Malmö, Section for Surgery, Lund University, Malmö, Sweden
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Dick ALW, Simpson A, Qama A, Andrews Z, Lawrence AJ, Duncan JR. Chronic intermittent toluene inhalation in adolescent rats results in metabolic dysfunction with altered glucose homeostasis. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:5174-87. [PMID: 26282596 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2015] [Revised: 08/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Abuse of toluene-containing inhalants is an increasing public health problem, especially among adolescents. Abuse during adolescence is associated with emaciation, while industrial exposure leads to altered glycaemic control suggesting metabolic instability. However, the relationship between adolescent inhalant abuse and metabolic dysfunction remains unknown. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH To model human abuse patterns, we exposed male adolescent Wistar rats [postnatal day (PND) 27] to chronic intermittent inhaled toluene (CIT, 10,000 ppm) or air (control) for 1 h·day(-1) , three times a week for 4 weeks. Feeding and body composition were monitored. After 4 weeks, circulating metabolic hormone concentrations and responses to a glucose tolerance test (GTT) were measured. Dietary preference was measured by giving animals access to either a 'western diet' plus standard chow (WC + SC) or standard chow alone during 4 weeks of abstinence. Metabolic hormones and GTT were subsequently measured. KEY RESULTS Adolescent CIT exposure significantly retarded weight gain, altered body composition, circulating metabolic hormones and responses to a GTT. While reduced body weight persisted, responses to a GTT and circulating hormones appeared to normalize for animals on standard chow following abstinence. In CIT-exposed WC + SC rats, we observed impaired glucose tolerance associated with altered metabolic hormones. Analysis of hypothalamic genes revealed differential expression profiles in CIT-exposed rats following both the exposure period and abstinence, suggesting a central contribution to inhalant-induced metabolic dysfunction. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS CIT exposure during adolescence has long-term effects on metabolic function, which may increase the risk of disorders related to energy balance and glycaemic control.
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Affiliation(s)
- A L W Dick
- Division of Behavioural Neuroscience, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department of Stress Neurobiology and Neurogenetics, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - A Simpson
- Division of Behavioural Neuroscience, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - A Qama
- Division of Behavioural Neuroscience, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - Z Andrews
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - A J Lawrence
- Division of Behavioural Neuroscience, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
| | - J R Duncan
- Division of Behavioural Neuroscience, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia.,Department Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Vic., Australia
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Reiss C, Mindukshev I, Bischoff V, Subramanian H, Kehrer L, Friebe A, Stasch JP, Gambaryan S, Walter U. The sGC stimulator riociguat inhibits platelet function in washed platelets but not in whole blood. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:5199-210. [PMID: 26282717 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2014] [Revised: 07/23/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Stimulation of soluble guanylyl cyclase (sGC) is a valuable therapeutic strategy for the treatment of several cardiovascular diseases. The sGC stimulator riociguat has been approved for the treatment of two forms of pulmonary hypertension. Platelets contain large amounts of sGC and play a key role in the regulation of haemostasis. Therefore, we investigated the effects of riociguat on platelet function. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effect of riociguat treatment on human platelet activation and aggregation was investigated. The sGC-specific effects of riociguat were determined by comparing wild-type and platelet-specific sGC-knockout mice. KEY RESULTS Riociguat induced cGMP synthesis and subsequent PKG activation in human platelets, suggesting that the inhibitory effects are mediated by cGMP signalling. This finding was confirmed when sGC-knockout platelets were not inhibited by riociguat. In washed human platelets, 100 nM riociguat reduced ADP-induced GPIIb/IIIa activation, while a 10-fold higher concentration was required to reduce convulxin-stimulated GPIIb/IIIa activation. Riociguat inhibited ADP-induced platelet shape change and aggregation, while ATP-induced shape change remained unaffected. However, in PRP and whole blood, 50-100 μM riociguat was required to inhibit platelet activation and aggregation. Riociguat in combination with iloprost significantly inhibited platelet aggregation, even in whole blood. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Riociguat inhibits platelet activation in whole blood only at concentrations above 50 μM, while the plasma concentrations in riociguat-treated patients are 150 to 500 nM. This finding indicates that riociguat treatment does not affect platelet function in patients. Nevertheless, the possibility that riociguat acts synergistically with iloprost to inhibit platelet activation should be considered.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Reiss
- Centre for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - I Mindukshev
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - V Bischoff
- Centre for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - H Subramanian
- Centre for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Cardiovascular Research, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - L Kehrer
- Institute of Clinical Biochemistry and Pathobiochemistry, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany.,Institute of Physiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - A Friebe
- Institute of Physiology, University of Wuerzburg, Wuerzburg, Germany
| | - J-P Stasch
- Cardiology Research, Bayer Pharma AG, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - S Gambaryan
- Sechenov Institute of Evolutionary Physiology and Biochemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, St. Petersburg, Russia.,Department of Cytology and Histology, St. Petersburg State University, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - U Walter
- Centre for Thrombosis and Hemostasis, Johannes Gutenberg University Medical Centre Mainz, Mainz, Germany
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Zhao J, Zhang X, Dong L, Wen Y, Zheng X, Zhang C, Chen R, Zhang Y, Li Y, He T, Zhu X, Li L. Cinnamaldehyde inhibits inflammation and brain damage in a mouse model of permanent cerebral ischaemia. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:5009-23. [PMID: 26234631 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2014] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 07/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recent findings suggest the importance of inflammation in the pathogenesis of cerebral ischaemia and its potential as a therapeutic target. Cinnamaldehyde is a diterpene with a wide range of anti-inflammatory effects thus may be advantageous in the treatment of cerebral ischaemia. The present study examined the potential therapeutic effects of cinnamaldehyde on cerebral ischaemia using a mouse model with permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male CD-1 mice, which had the middle cerebral artery occluded, were treated (i.p.) with cinnamaldehyde. Neuroprotection by cinnamaldehyde was analysed by evaluating neurological deficit scores, brain oedema and infarct volume. Expressions of signal transduction molecules and inflammatory mediators were measured by Western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunohistochemical staining. Activation of NF-κB was assessed by Western blotting, immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence. KEY RESULTS Cinnamaldehyde reduced the neurological deficit scores, brain oedema and infarct volume. Cinnamaldehyde suppressed the activation of signal transduction molecules including toll-like receptor 4, tumour necrosis receptor-associated factor 6 and NF-κB, attenuated the increased levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, CCL2 and endothelial-leukocyte adhesion molecule-1 and ultimately reduced leukocyte infiltration into the ischaemic brain areas after cerebral ischaemia. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Cinnamaldehyde protects against cerebral ischaemia injury by inhibiting inflammation, partly mediated by reducing the expression of toll-like receptor 4, tumour necrosis receptor-associated factor 6 and the nuclear translocation of NF-κB. Our findings suggest that cinnamaldehyde may serve as a new candidate for further development as a treatment for stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingru Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiangjian Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lipeng Dong
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ya Wen
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiufen Zheng
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Cong Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Collaborative Innovation Center for Cardio-Cerebrovascular Disease, Shijiazhuang, China.,Hebei Key Laboratory of Vascular Homeostasis, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Ye Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yaoru Li
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Tingting He
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xingyuan Zhu
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Litao Li
- Department of Neurology, Hebei General Hospital, Shijiazhuang, China
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Ciudad-Roberts A, Camarasa J, Ciudad CJ, Pubill D, Escubedo E. Alcohol enhances the psychostimulant and conditioning effects of mephedrone in adolescent mice; postulation of unique roles of D3 receptors and BDNF in place preference acquisition. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:4970-84. [PMID: 26228024 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2015] [Revised: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 07/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The psychostimulant mephedrone is often consumed in combination with alcohol (EtOH). This kind of drug consumption during adolescence is a matter of concern. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We studied, in adolescent CD-1 mice, whether EtOH could enhance the psychostimulant (locomotor acivity) and rewarding [conditioned place preference (CPP)] effects of mephedrone. We also determined the transcriptional changes associated with a conditioning treatment with these drugs. KEY RESULTS Mephedrone (10 mg·kg(-1)) increased locomotor activity, which was further enhanced by 40% when combined with EtOH (1 g·kg(-1)). This enhancement was blocked by haloperidol. Furthermore, mephedrone (25 mg·kg(-1)) induced CPP, which increased by 70% when administered with a dose of EtOH that was not conditioning by itself (0.75 g·kg(-1)). There was enhanced expression of the D3 dopamine receptor mRNA (Drd3) and Arpc5 in all drug-treated groups. The D3 receptor antagonist SB-277011A and the BDNF receptor antagonist ANA-12 completely prevented CPP as well as the increases in Drd3 in all groups. Accordingly, increased expression of BDNF mRNA in medial prefrontal cortex was detected at 2 and 4 h after mephedrone administration. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS If translated to humans, the enhancement of mephedrone effects by ethanol could result in increased abuse liability. D3 receptors and BDNF play a key role in the establishment of CPP by mephedrone, although an accompanying increase in other synaptic plasticity-related genes may also be necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrés Ciudad-Roberts
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jorge Camarasa
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carlos J Ciudad
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - David Pubill
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elena Escubedo
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutic Chemistry (Pharmacology Section), Institute of Biomedicine (IBUB), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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Zhang LS, Wang YJ, Ju YY, Zan GY, Xu C, Hong MH, Wang YH, Chi ZQ, Liu JG. Role for engagement of β-arrestin2 by the transactivated EGFR in agonist-specific regulation of δ receptor activation of ERK1/2. Br J Pharmacol 2015. [PMID: 26211551 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13254] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE β-Arrestins function as signal transducers linking GPCRs to ERK1/2 signalling either by scaffolding members of ERK1/2s cascades or by transactivating receptor tyrosine kinases through Src-mediated release of transactivating factor. Recruitment of β-arrestins to the activated GPCRs is required for ERK1/2 activation. Our previous studies showed that δ receptors activate ERK1/2 through a β-arrestin-dependent mechanism without inducing β-arrestin binding to the δ receptors. However, the precise mechanisms involved remain to be established. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH ERK1/2 activation by δ receptor ligands was assessed using HEK293 cells in vitro and male Sprague Dawley rats in vivo. Immunoprecipitation, immunoblotting, siRNA transfection, intracerebroventricular injection and immunohistochemistry were used to elucidate the underlying mechanism. KEY RESULTS We identified a new signalling pathway in which recruitment of β-arrestin2 to the EGFR rather than δ receptor was required for its role in δ receptor-mediated ERK1/2 activation in response to H-Tyr-Tic-Phe-Phe-OH (TIPP) or morphine stimulation. Stimulation of the δ receptor with ligands leads to the phosphorylation of PKCδ, which acts upstream of EGFR transactivation and is needed for the release of the EGFR-activating factor, whereas β-arrestin2 was found to act downstream of the EGFR transactivation. Moreover, we demonstrated that coupling of the PKCδ/EGFR/β-arrestin2 transactivation pathway to δ receptor-mediated ERK1/2 activation was ligand-specific and the Ser(363) of δ receptors was crucial for ligand-specific implementation of this ERK1/2 activation pathway. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The δ receptor-mediated activation of ERK1/2 is via ligand-specific transactivation of EGFR. This study adds new insights into the mechanism by which δ receptors activate ERK1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Sha Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Jun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun-Yue Ju
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Gui-Ying Zan
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Chi Xu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Min-Hua Hong
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Hua Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhi-Qiang Chi
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Gen Liu
- Key Laboratory of Receptor Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China
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Peters E, Geraci S, Heemskerk S, Wilmer MJ, Bilos A, Kraenzlin B, Gretz N, Pickkers P, Masereeuw R. Alkaline phosphatase protects against renal inflammation through dephosphorylation of lipopolysaccharide and adenosine triphosphate. Br J Pharmacol 2015. [PMID: 26222228 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13261] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Recently, two phase-II trials demonstrated improved renal function in critically ill patients with sepsis-associated acute kidney injury treated with the enzyme alkaline phosphatase. Here, we elucidated the dual active effect on renal protection of alkaline phosphatase. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effect of human recombinant alkaline phosphatase (recAP) on LPS-induced renal injury was studied in Sprague-Dawley rats. Renal function was assessed by transcutaneous measurement of FITC-sinistrin elimination in freely moving, awake rats. The mechanism of action of recAP was further investigated in vitro using conditionally immortalized human proximal tubular epithelial cells (ciPTEC). KEY RESULTS In vivo, LPS administration significantly prolonged FITC-sinistrin half-life and increased fractional urea excretion, which was prevented by recAP co-administration. Moreover, recAP prevented LPS-induced increase in proximal tubule injury marker, kidney injury molecule-1 expression and excretion. In vitro, LPS-induced production of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 was significantly attenuated by recAP. This effect was linked to dephosphorylation, as enzymatically inactive recAP had no effect on LPS-induced cytokine production. RecAP-mediated protection resulted in increased adenosine levels through dephosphorylation of LPS-induced extracellular ADP and ATP. Also, recAP attenuated LPS-induced increased expression of adenosine A2A receptor. However, the A2A receptor antagonist ZM-241385 did not diminish the effects of recAP. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results indicate that the ability of recAP to reduce renal inflammation may account for the beneficial effect observed in septic acute kidney injury patients, and that dephosphorylation of ATP and LPS are responsible for this protective effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Peters
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - S Geraci
- Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - S Heemskerk
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - M J Wilmer
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - A Bilos
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - B Kraenzlin
- Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - N Gretz
- Medical Research Center, University of Heidelberg, Mannheim, Germany
| | - P Pickkers
- Department of Intensive Care Medicine, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - R Masereeuw
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Radboud university medical center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands.,Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Kao JH, Gao MJ, Yang PP, Law PY, Loh HH, Tao PL. Effect of naltrexone on neuropathic pain in mice locally transfected with the mutant μ-opioid receptor gene in spinal cord. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:630-41. [PMID: 24866991 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2013] [Revised: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 04/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Opioid antagonists, such as naloxone and naltrexone, exhibit agonistic properties at the mutated μ receptor, MOR-S196ACSTA. In our previous study, systemic naloxone (10 mg·kg(-1) , s.c.) elicited antinociceptive effect without the induction of tolerance, dependence or rewarding effect in mice 2 weeks after intrathecal administration of double-stranded adeno-associated virus-MOR-S196ACSTA-eGFP. Here, we have investigated if this antinociceptive paradigm would be effective in a mouse model of neuropathic pain. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Spinal nerves were ligated in male C57BL/6 mice 3 or 4 weeks after intrathecal injection of the lentivirus encoding the construct of MOR-S196ACSTA-eGFP (LV-MOR-S196ACSTA). Anti-allodynic effects of daily s.c.injections of saline, naltrexone (10 mg·kg(-1) ) or morphine (10 mg·kg(-1) ) were assessed by the von Frey test. After 14 days of treatment with saline, naltrexone or morphine, signs of natural withdrawal were measured at 22 and 46 h after the last injection. To determine the rewarding effects induced by morphine or naltrexone, the conditioned place preference test was carried out. KEY RESULTS Anti-allodynic effects, as measured by von Frey test, increased after naltrexone or morphine treatment in mice transfected with LV-MOR-S196ACSTA in the spinal cord. Cessation of treatment with morphine, but not naltrexone, induced natural withdrawal and rewarding effects. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Systemic injection of naltrexone after the expression of a mutant μ opioid receptor, MOR-S196ACSTA, in the spinal cord may have therapeutic potential for chronic neuropathic pain, without the development of dependence or addiction. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Opioids: New Pathways to Functional Selectivity. To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2015.172.issue-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jen-Hsin Kao
- Graduate Institute of Life Science, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
The variety of physiological functions controlled by dopamine in the brain and periphery is mediated by the D1, D2, D3, D4 and D5 dopamine GPCRs. Drugs acting on dopamine receptors are significant tools for the management of several neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, depression and Parkinson's disease. Recent investigations of dopamine receptor signalling have shown that dopamine receptors, apart from their canonical action on cAMP-mediated signalling, can regulate a myriad of cellular responses to fine-tune the expression of dopamine-associated behaviours and functions. Such signalling mechanisms may involve alternate G protein coupling or non-G protein mechanisms involving ion channels, receptor tyrosine kinases or proteins such as β-arrestins that are classically involved in GPCR desensitization. Another level of complexity is the growing appreciation of the physiological roles played by dopamine receptor heteromers. Applications of new in vivo techniques have significantly furthered the understanding of the physiological functions played by dopamine receptors. Here we provide an update of the current knowledge regarding the complex biology, signalling, physiology and pharmacology of dopamine receptors.
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Tiligada E, Ishii M, Riccardi C, Spedding M, Simon HU, Teixeira MM, Landys Chovel Cuervo M, Holgate ST, Levi-Schaffer F. The expanding role of immunopharmacology: IUPHAR Review 16. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:4217-27. [PMID: 26173913 PMCID: PMC4556463 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2015] [Revised: 05/05/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Drugs targeting the immune system such as corticosteroids, antihistamines and immunosuppressants have been widely exploited in the treatment of inflammatory, allergic and autoimmune disorders during the second half of the 20th century. The recent advances in immunopharmacological research have made available new classes of clinically relevant drugs. These comprise protein kinase inhibitors and biologics, such as monoclonal antibodies, that selectively modulate the immune response not only in cancer and autoimmunity but also in a number of other human pathologies. Likewise, more effective vaccines utilizing novel antigens and adjuvants are valuable tools for the prevention of transmissible infectious diseases and for allergen-specific immunotherapy. Consequently, immunopharmacology is presently considered as one of the expanding fields of pharmacology. Immunopharmacology addresses the selective regulation of immune responses and aims to uncover and exploit beneficial therapeutic options for typical and non-typical immune system-driven unmet clinical needs. While in the near future a number of new agents will be introduced, improving the effectiveness and safety of those currently in use is imperative for all researchers and clinicians working in the fields of immunology, pharmacology and drug discovery. The newly formed ImmuPhar (http://iuphar.us/index.php/sections-subcoms/immunopharmacology) is the Immunopharmacology Section of the International Union of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology (IUPHAR, http://iuphar.us/). ImmuPhar provides a unique international expert-lead platform that aims to dissect and promote the growing understanding of immune (patho)physiology. Moreover, it challenges the identification and validation of drug targets and lead candidates for the treatment of many forms of debilitating disorders, including, among others, cancer, allergies, autoimmune and metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterini Tiligada
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, University of AthensAthens, Greece
- Allergy Unit ‘D. Kalogeromitros’, 2nd Department of Dermatology and Venereology, ‘Attikon’ General University Hospital, Medical School, University of AthensAthens, Greece
| | - Masaru Ishii
- Department of Immunology and Cell Biology, Graduate School of Medicine and Frontier Biosciences, Osaka UniversityOsaka, Japan
| | - Carlo Riccardi
- Department of Medicine, University of PerugiaPerugia, Italy
| | | | - Hans-Uwe Simon
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of BernBern, Switzerland
| | | | | | | | - Francesca Levi-Schaffer
- Pharmacology Unit, Faculty of Medicine, School of Pharmacy Institute for Drug Research, Hebrew University of JerusalemJerusalem, Israel
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Gruden G, Barutta F, Kunos G, Pacher P. Role of the endocannabinoid system in diabetes and diabetic complications. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:1116-27. [PMID: 26076890 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2014] [Revised: 05/04/2015] [Accepted: 06/07/2015] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
UNLABELLED Increasing evidence suggests that an overactive endocannabinoid system (ECS) may contribute to the development of diabetes by promoting energy intake and storage, impairing both glucose and lipid metabolism, by exerting pro-apoptotic effects in pancreatic beta cells and by facilitating inflammation in pancreatic islets. Furthermore, hyperglycaemia associated with diabetes has also been implicated in triggering perturbations of the ECS amplifying the pathological processes mentioned above, eventually culminating in a vicious circle. Compelling evidence from preclinical studies indicates that the ECS also influences diabetes-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and subsequent tissue injury in target organs for diabetic complications. In this review, we provide an update on the contribution of the ECS to the pathogenesis of diabetes and diabetic microvascular (retinopathy, nephropathy and neuropathy) and cardiovascular complications. The therapeutic potential of targeting the ECS is also discussed. LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on Endocannabinoids. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v173.7/issuetoc.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Gruden
- Laboratory of Diabetic Nephropathy, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - F Barutta
- Laboratory of Diabetic Nephropathy, Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - G Kunos
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
| | - P Pacher
- Laboratory of Physiologic Studies, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MA, USA
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Lanzerstorfer P, Stadlbauer V, Chtcheglova LA, Haselgrübler R, Borgmann D, Wruss J, Hinterdorfer P, Schröder K, Winkler SM, Höglinger O, Weghuber J. Identification of novel insulin mimetic drugs by quantitative total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5237-51. [PMID: 25039620 PMCID: PMC4262000 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 06/18/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Insulin stimulates the transport of glucose in target tissues by triggering the translocation of glucose transporter 4 (GLUT4) to the plasma membrane. Resistance to insulin, the major abnormality in type 2 diabetes, results in a decreased GLUT4 translocation efficiency. Thus, special attention is being paid to search for compounds that are able to enhance this translocation process in the absence of insulin. Experimental Approach Total internal reflection fluorescence (TIRF) microscopy was applied to quantify GLUT4 translocation in highly insulin-sensitive CHO-K1 cells expressing a GLUT4-myc-GFP fusion protein. Key Results Using our approach, we demonstrated GLUT4 translocation modulatory properties of selected substances and identified novel potential insulin mimetics. An increase in the TIRF signal was found to correlate with an elevated glucose uptake. Variations in the expression level of the human insulin receptor (hInsR) showed that the insulin mimetics identified stimulate GLUT4 translocation by a mechanism that is independent of the presence of the hInsR. Conclusions and Implications Taken together, the results indicate that TIRF microscopy is an excellent tool for the quantification of GLUT4 translocation and for identifying insulin mimetic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Lanzerstorfer
- School of Engineering and Environmental Sciences, University of Applied Sciences Upper Austria, Wels, Austria
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Clark IA, Vissel B. Amyloid β: one of three danger-associated molecules that are secondary inducers of the proinflammatory cytokines that mediate Alzheimer's disease. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:3714-27. [PMID: 25939581 PMCID: PMC4523330 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2014] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review concerns how the primary inflammation preceding the generation of certain key damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) arises in Alzheimer's disease (AD). In doing so, it places soluble amyloid β (Aβ), a protein hitherto considered as a primary initiator of AD, in a novel perspective. We note here that increased soluble Aβ is one of the proinflammatory cytokine-induced DAMPs recognized by at least one of the toll-like receptors on and in various cell types. Moreover, Aβ is best regarded as belonging to a class of DAMPs, as do the S100 proteins and HMBG1, that further exacerbate production of these same proinflammatory cytokines, which are already enhanced, and induces them further. Moreover, variation in levels of other DAMPs of this same class in AD may explain why normal elderly patients can exhibit high Aβ plaque levels, and why removing Aβ or its plaque does not retard disease progression. It may also explain why mouse transgenic models, having been designed to generate high Aβ, can be treated successfully by this approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Clark
- Biomedical Sciences and Biochemistry, Research School of Biology, Australian National UniversityCanberra, ACT, Australia
| | - B Vissel
- Neurodegeneration Research Group, Garvan InstituteSydney, NSW, Australia
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Welzenbach K, Mancuso RV, Krähenbühl S, Weitz-Schmidt G. A novel multi-parameter assay to dissect the pharmacological effects of different modes of integrin αLβ2 inhibition in whole blood. Br J Pharmacol 2015. [PMID: 26224111 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13256] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The integrin αLβ2 plays central roles in leukocyte adhesion and T cell activation, rendering αLβ2 an attractive therapeutic target. Compounds with different modes of αLβ2 inhibition are in development, currently. Consequently, there is a foreseeable need for bedside assays, which allow assessment of the different effects of diverse types of αLβ2 inhibitors in the peripheral blood of treated patients. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Here, we describe a flow cytometry-based technology that simultaneously quantitates αLβ2 conformational change upon inhibitor binding, αLβ2 expression and T cell activation at the single-cell level in human blood. Two classes of allosteric low MW inhibitors, designated α I and α/β I allosteric αLβ2 inhibitors, were investigated. The first application revealed intriguing inhibitor class-specific profiles. KEY RESULTS Half-maximal inhibition of T cell activation was associated with 80% epitope loss induced by α I allosteric inhibitors and with 40% epitope gain induced by α/β I allosteric inhibitors. This differential establishes that inhibitor-induced αLβ2 epitope changes do not directly predict the effect on T cell activation. Moreover, we show here for the first time that α/β I allosteric inhibitors, in contrast to α I allosteric inhibitors, provoked partial downmodulation of αLβ2, revealing a novel property of this inhibitor class. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The multi-parameter whole blood αLβ2 assay described here may enable therapeutic monitoring of αLβ2 inhibitors in patients' blood. The assay dissects differential effect profiles of different classes of αLβ2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Welzenbach
- Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo V Mancuso
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Stephan Krähenbühl
- Division of Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, University Hospital, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Gabriele Weitz-Schmidt
- Novartis Pharma AG, Novartis Institutes of Biomedical Research, Basel, Switzerland.,AlloCyte Pharmaceuticals AG, Basel, Switzerland
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Krishnan SM, Dowling JK, Ling YH, Diep H, Chan CT, Ferens D, Kett MM, Pinar A, Samuel CS, Vinh A, Arumugam TV, Hewitson TD, Kemp-Harper BK, Robertson AAB, Cooper MA, Latz E, Mansell A, Sobey CG, Drummond GR. Inflammasome activity is essential for one kidney/deoxycorticosterone acetate/salt-induced hypertension in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 173:752-65. [PMID: 26103560 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 135] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 05/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Inflammasomes are multimeric complexes that facilitate caspase-1-mediated processing of the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18. Clinical hypertension is associated with renal inflammation and elevated circulating levels of IL-1β and IL-18. Therefore, we investigated whether hypertension in mice is associated with increased expression and/or activation of the inflammasome in the kidney, and if inhibition of inflammasome activity reduces BP, markers of renal inflammation and fibrosis. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Wild-type and inflammasome-deficient ASC(-/-) mice were uninephrectomized and received deoxycorticosterone acetate and saline to drink (1K/DOCA/salt). Control mice were uninephrectomized but received a placebo pellet and water. BP was measured by tail cuff; renal expression of inflammasome subunits and inflammatory markers was measured by real-time PCR and immunoblotting; macrophage and collagen accumulation was assessed by immunohistochemistry. KEY RESULTS 1K/DOCA/salt-induced hypertension in mice was associated with increased renal mRNA expression of inflammasome subunits NLRP3, ASC and pro-caspase-1, and the cytokine, pro-IL-1β, as well as protein levels of active caspase-1 and mature IL-1β. Following treatment with 1K/DOCA/salt, ASC(-/-) mice displayed blunted pressor responses and were also protected from increases in renal expression of IL-6, IL-17A, CCL2, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, and accumulation of macrophages and collagen. Finally, treatment with a novel inflammasome inhibitor, MCC950, reversed hypertension in 1K/DOCA/salt-treated mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Renal inflammation, fibrosis and elevated BP induced by 1K/DOCA/salt treatment are dependent on inflammasome activity, highlighting the inflammasome/IL-1β pathway as a potential therapeutic target in hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Krishnan
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - J K Dowling
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - Y H Ling
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - H Diep
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - C T Chan
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - D Ferens
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - M M Kett
- Department of Physiology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - A Pinar
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - C S Samuel
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - A Vinh
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - T V Arumugam
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore.,School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - T D Hewitson
- Department of Nephrology, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Parkville, Vic., Australia
| | - B K Kemp-Harper
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - A A B Robertson
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - M A Cooper
- Division of Chemistry and Structural Biology, Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - E Latz
- Institute of Innate Immunity, University Hospital, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.,Department of Infectious Diseases and Immunology, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.,German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases, Bonn, Germany
| | - A Mansell
- Centre for Innate Immunity and Infectious Diseases, MIMR-PHI Institute of Medical Research, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - C G Sobey
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Southern Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
| | - G R Drummond
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia.,Department of Surgery, Monash Medical Centre, Southern Clinical School, Monash University, Clayton, Vic., Australia
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44
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Kretschmer I, Freudenberger T, Twarock S, Fischer JW. Synergistic effect of targeting the epidermal growth factor receptor and hyaluronan synthesis in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma cells. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:4560-4574. [PMID: 26140525 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2014] [Revised: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Worldwide, oesophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer and has a very poor survival rate. In order to identify new tolerable treatment options for oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC), erlotinib was tested with moderate efficacy in phase I and II studies. As 4-methylumbelliferone (4-MU), an hyaluronan (HA) synthesis inhibitor showed anti-cancer effects in vitro, and in ESCC xenograft tumours, we investigated whether the anti-cancer effects of erlotinib could be augmented by combining it with 4-MU. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH ESCC cell lines were treated with erlotinib or gefitinib (1 μmol·L-1 ) and 4-MU (300 μmol·L-1 ), and the cell count, cell cycle progression and migration were determined as compared to the single agents and the solvent-control. KEY RESULTS The combination of erlotinib and 4-MU synergistically inhibited the proliferation of ESCC cell lines. Furthermore, the migration speed of ESCC cell line KYSE-410 in gap closure assays was significantly reduced by the combination of erlotinib and 4-MU. Decreased ERK phosphorylation could explain the anti-proliferative and anti-migratory effects in the combined treatment group. Finally, the combination was additionally able to decrease the growth of multicellular tumour spheroids, a three-dimensional cell culture model that was associated with sustained inhibition of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The combination of 4-MU and erlotinib showed promising anti-cancer efficacies in the ESCC cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- I Kretschmer
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Klinische Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum der Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - T Freudenberger
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Klinische Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum der Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - S Twarock
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Klinische Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum der Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - J W Fischer
- Institut für Pharmakologie und Klinische Pharmakologie, Universitätsklinikum der Heinrich-Heine-Universität, Düsseldorf, Germany
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Jamdade VS, Sethi N, Mundhe NA, Kumar P, Lahkar M, Sinha N. Therapeutic targets of triple-negative breast cancer: a review. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 172:4228-37. [PMID: 26040571 DOI: 10.1111/bph.13211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 03/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the second most common cause of cancer deaths. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) does not show immunohistochemical expression of oestrogen receptors, progesterone receptors or HER2. At present, no suitable treatment option is available for patients with TNBC. This dearth of effective conventional therapies for the treatment of advanced stage breast cancer has provoked the development of novel strategies for the management of patients with TNBC. This review presents recent information associated with different therapeutic options for the treatment of TNBC focusing on promising targets such as the Notch signalling, Wnt/β-catenin and Hedgehog pathways, in addition to EGFR, PARP1, mTOR, TGF-β and angiogenesis inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinayak S Jamdade
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, India
| | - Nikunj Sethi
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.,Division of Toxicology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
| | - Nitin A Mundhe
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, India
| | - Parveen Kumar
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, India
| | - Mangala Lahkar
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, India.,Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacology, Gauhati Medical College, Guwahati, India
| | - Neeraj Sinha
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), New Delhi, India.,Division of Toxicology, CSIR-Central Drug Research Institute, Lucknow, India
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Wrasidlo W, Crews LA, Tsigelny IF, Stocking E, Kouznetsova VL, Price D, Paulino A, Gonzales T, Overk CR, Patrick C, Rockenstein E, Masliah E. Neuroprotective effects of the anti-cancer drug sunitinib in models of HIV neurotoxicity suggests potential for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5757-73. [PMID: 25117211 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Anti-retrovirals have improved and extended the life expectancy of patients with HIV. However, as this population ages, the prevalence of cognitive changes is increasing. Aberrant activation of kinases, such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), play a role in the mechanisms of HIV neurotoxicity. Inhibitors of CDK5, such as roscovitine, have neuroprotective effects; however, CNS penetration is low. Interestingly, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) display some CDK inhibitory activity and ability to cross the blood-brain barrier. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH We screened a small group of known TKIs for a candidate with additional CDK5 inhibitory activity and tested the efficacy of the candidate in in vitro and in vivo models of HIV-gp120 neurotoxicity. KEY RESULTS Among 12 different compounds, sunitinib inhibited CDK5 with an IC50 of 4.2 μM. In silico analysis revealed that, similarly to roscovitine, sunitinib fitted 6 of 10 features of the CDK5 pharmacophore. In a cell-based model, sunitinib reduced CDK5 phosphorylation (pCDK5), calpain-dependent p35/p25 conversion and protected neuronal cells from the toxic effects of gp120. In glial fibrillary acidic protein-gp120 transgenic (tg) mice, sunitinib reduced levels of pCDK5, p35/p25 and phosphorylated tau protein, along with amelioration of the neurodegenerative pathology. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Compounds such as sunitinib with dual kinase inhibitory activity could ameliorate the cognitive impairment associated with chronic HIV infection of the CNS. Moreover, repositioning existing low MW compounds holds promise for the treatment of patients with neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolf Wrasidlo
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
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Krishnan SM, Sobey CG, Latz E, Mansell A, Drummond GR. IL-1β and IL-18: inflammatory markers or mediators of hypertension? Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5589-602. [PMID: 25117218 PMCID: PMC4290704 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 148] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2014] [Revised: 07/30/2014] [Accepted: 08/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic inflammation in the kidneys and vascular wall is a major contributor to hypertension. However, the stimuli and cellular mechanisms responsible for such inflammatory responses remain poorly defined. Inflammasomes are crucial initiators of sterile inflammation in other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and gout. These pattern recognition receptors detect host-derived danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), such as microcrystals and reactive oxygen species, and respond by inducing activation of caspase-1. Caspase-1 then processes the cytokines pro-IL-1β and pro-IL-18 into their active forms thus triggering inflammation. While IL-1β and IL-18 are known to be elevated in hypertensive patients, no studies have examined whether this occurs downstream of inflammasome activation or whether inhibition of inflammasome and/or IL-1β/IL-18 signalling prevents hypertension. In this review, we will discuss some known actions of IL-1β and IL-18 on leukocyte and vessel wall function that could potentially underlie a prohypertensive role for these cytokines. We will describe the major classes of inflammasome-activating DAMPs and present evidence that at least some of these are elevated in the setting of hypertension. Finally, we will provide information on drugs that are currently used to inhibit inflammasome/IL-1β/IL-18 signalling and how these might ultimately be used as therapeutic agents for the clinical management of hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- S M Krishnan
- Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Vic, Australia
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Wasinger C, Künzl M, Minichsdorfer C, Höller C, Zellner M, Hohenegger M. Autocrine secretion of 15d-PGJ2 mediates simvastatin-induced apoptotic burst in human metastatic melanoma cells. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5708-27. [PMID: 25091578 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2013] [Revised: 07/14/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Despite new therapeutic approaches, metastatic melanomas still have a poor prognosis. Statins reduce low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and exert anti-inflammatory and anti-proliferative actions. We have recently shown that simvastatin triggers an apoptotic burst in human metastatic melanoma cells by the synthesis of an autocrine factor. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The current in vitro study was performed in human metastatic melanoma cell lines (A375, 518a2) and primary human melanocytes and melanoma cells. The secretome of simvastatin-stressed cells was analysed with two-dimensional difference gel electrophoresis and MS. The signalling pathways involved were analysed at the protein and mRNA level using pharmacological approaches and siRNA technology. KEY RESULTS Simvastatin was shown to activate a stress cascade, leading to the synthesis of 15-deoxy-12,14-PGJ2 (15d-PGJ2 ), in a p38- and COX-2-dependent manner. Significant concentrations of 15d-PGJ2 were reached in the medium of melanoma cells, which were sufficient to activate caspase 8 and the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis. Inhibition of lipocalin-type PGD synthase, a key enzyme for 15d-PGJ2 synthesis, abolished the apoptotic effect of simvastatin. Moreover, 15d-PGJ2 was shown to bind to the fatty acid-binding protein 5 (FABP5), which was up-regulated and predominantly detected in the secretome of simvastatin-stressed cells. Knockdown of FABP5 abolished simvastatin-induced activation of PPAR-γ and amplified the apoptotic response. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS We characterized simvastatin-induced activation of the 15d-PGJ2 /FABP5 signalling cascades, which triggered an apoptotic burst in melanoma cells but did not affect primary human melanocytes. These data support the rationale for the pharmacological targeting of 15d-PGJ2 in metastatic melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Wasinger
- Institute of Pharmacology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Huang SW, Lien JC, Kuo SC, Huang TF. PPemd26, an anthraquinone derivative, suppresses angiogenesis via inhibiting VEGFR2 signalling. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5728-42. [PMID: 25091695 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2013] [Revised: 07/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/29/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Angiogenesis contributes to coronary heart disease, immune disorders and numerous malignancies. VEGF-A and its receptors (VEGFRs) play a pivotal role in regulating angiogenesis. In an effort to discover more effective inhibitors of tumour angiogenesis, we have analysed the actions of a novel anthraquinone derivative, PPemd26, and explored its anti-angiogenic mechanisms. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH The effects of PPemd26 were evaluated in vitro using HUVEC cultures to assess proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation. Immunoblotting was used to analyse phosphorylation of signalling kinases. Effects in vivo were assayed using Matrigel plug and xenograft mouse models. KEY RESULTS PPemd26 significantly inhibited VEGF-A-induced proliferation, migration, invasion and tube formation of HUVECs. PPemd26 also attenuated VEGF-A-induced microvessel sprouting from rat aortic rings ex vivo and suppressed formation of new blood vessels in implanted Matrigel plugs in models of angiogenesis in vivo. In addition, PPemd26 inhibited VEGF-A-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR2 and its downstream protein kinases including Akt, focal adhesion kinase, ERK and Src. Furthermore, systemic administration of PPemd26 suppressed the growth of s.c. xenografts of human colon carcinoma in vivo. Histochemical analysis of the xenografts revealed a marked reduction in stainingfor the vascular marker CD31 and proliferation marker Ki-67. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This study provides evidence that PPemd26 suppressed tumour angiogenesis through inhibiting VEGFR2 signalling pathways, suggesting that PPemd26 is a potential drug candidate for developing anti-angiogenic agents for the treatment of cancer and angiogenesis-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- S W Huang
- Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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50
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Mechlovich D, Amit T, Bar-Am O, Weinreb O, Youdim MBH. Molecular targets of the multifunctional iron-chelating drug, M30, in the brains of mouse models of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Br J Pharmacol 2015; 171:5636-49. [PMID: 25073425 DOI: 10.1111/bph.12862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2014] [Accepted: 07/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neurodegenerative diseases are now recognized to be multifunctional, whereby a heterogeneous set of reactions acts independently or cooperatively, leading eventually to the demise of neurons. This has led our group to design and synthesize the multifunctional, nontoxic, brain-permeable, iron chelator compound M30 with a range of pharmacological properties. Here, we have characterized the molecular targets of M30 in the brains of animal models of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Effects of M30 on molecular mechanisms associated with neuroprotection in the CNS were investigated-in the high-fat diet (HFD) and ob/ob transgenic mouse models of T2DM, using real-time PCR and Western blotting analyses. Brain monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity and catecholamine levels, and peripheral glucose tolerance were assayed after treatment in vivo. KEY RESULTS M30 increased cerebral levels of insulin and insulin receptor and phosphorylated-GSK-3β in HFD mice, compared with vehicle-treated HFD mice. In both T2DM mice models, M30 treatment significantly up-regulated cerebral hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α protein levels and induced the expression of several HIF-1 target genes involved in neuroprotection, glycolysis, neurogenesis, oxidative stress and anti-inflammation. Additionally, M30 inhibited MAO-A and -B activities in the cerebellum. Accordingly, M30 administration significantly reduced brain levels of dopamine metabolites and increased levels of 5-HT and noradrenaline. Glucose tolerance was also improved after M30 treatment in both models of T2DM. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS In the brain of HFD and ob/ob transgenic mice, M30 exerted a variety of beneficial neuroprotective regulatory effects that may act synergistically to delay or prevent neurodegenerative processes associated with T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danit Mechlovich
- Eve Topf Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases Research, Faculty of Medicine, Technion-Israel Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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