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Körtési T, Nagy-Grócz G, Vécsei L. The role of kynurenines in migraine-related neuroimmune pathways. J Headache Pain 2024; 25:129. [PMID: 39107712 PMCID: PMC11304619 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01833-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Migraine, a primary headache disorder whose mechanism remains incompletely understood, appears to involve the activation of the trigeminovascular system (TS) during attacks. Research suggests that inflammatory processes mediated by the immune system may play a role in migraine pathophysiology. Neuroinflammation is often associated with migraine attacks, with cytokines serving as crucial mediators in the process. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), have been observed in the blood and cerebrospinal fluid of individuals experiencing migraine attacks. These cytokines have the capacity to sensitize pain pathways in the brain, thereby increasing sensitivity to pain stimuli. This phenomenon, known as central sensitization, is believed to contribute to the intensity and persistence of migraine pain. Kynurenines, endogenous mediators of glutamatergic mechanisms, can significantly influence the pathophysiology of primary headache disorders. The kynurenine system is collectively known as the kynurenine pathway (KP), which can act on multiple receptors, such as glutamate receptors, aryl hydrocarbon receptors (AhRs), G protein-coupled receptors 35 (GPR35), and α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α7 nACh) receptors. These receptors are also found on various cells of the immune system, so the role of the KP in the pathomechanism of primary headaches may also be mediated through them. In this review, our goal is to show a possible link between the receptors of the KP and immune system in the context of inflammation and migraine. Migraine research in recent years has focused on neuropeptides, such as calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP) as potential pathogenic factors and possible therapeutic approaches. These peptides share many similarities in their characteristics and roles. For instance, they exhibit potent vasodilation, occur in both the peripheral and central nervous systems, and play a role in transmitting nociception and neurogenic inflammation. The investigation of potential connections between the aforementioned neuropeptides and the kynurenine pathway could play a significant role in uncovering the pathomechanism of migraine and identifying new drug candidates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamás Körtési
- Department of Theoretical Health Sciences and Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, Temesvári krt. 31, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, Szeged, H- 6725, Hungary
- Preventive Health Sciences Research Group, Incubation Competence Centre of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation of the University of Szeged, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
| | - Gábor Nagy-Grócz
- Department of Theoretical Health Sciences and Health Management, Faculty of Health Sciences and Social Studies, University of Szeged, Temesvári krt. 31, Szeged, H-6726, Hungary
- Preventive Health Sciences Research Group, Incubation Competence Centre of the Centre of Excellence for Interdisciplinary Research, Development and Innovation of the University of Szeged, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- HUN-REN-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Research Network, Danube Neuroscience Research Laboratory, University of Szeged (HUN-REN-SZTE), Tisza Lajos krt. 113, Szeged, H- 6725, Hungary.
- Department of Neurology, Albert Szent-Györgyi Medical School, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, Szeged, H-6725, Hungary.
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Zhang C, He Y, Liu L. Identifying therapeutic target genes for migraine by systematic druggable genome-wide Mendelian randomization. J Headache Pain 2024; 25:100. [PMID: 38867170 PMCID: PMC11167905 DOI: 10.1186/s10194-024-01805-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Currently, the treatment and prevention of migraine remain highly challenging. Mendelian randomization (MR) has been widely used to explore novel therapeutic targets. Therefore, we performed a systematic druggable genome-wide MR to explore the potential therapeutic targets for migraine. METHODS We obtained data on druggable genes and screened for genes within brain expression quantitative trait locis (eQTLs) and blood eQTLs, which were then subjected to two-sample MR analysis and colocalization analysis with migraine genome-wide association studies data to identify genes highly associated with migraine. In addition, phenome-wide research, enrichment analysis, protein network construction, drug prediction, and molecular docking were performed to provide valuable guidance for the development of more effective and targeted therapeutic drugs. RESULTS We identified 21 druggable genes significantly associated with migraine (BRPF3, CBFB, CDK4, CHD4, DDIT4, EP300, EPHA5, FGFRL1, FXN, HMGCR, HVCN1, KCNK5, MRGPRE, NLGN2, NR1D1, PLXNB1, TGFB1, TGFB3, THRA, TLN1 and TP53), two of which were significant in both blood and brain (HMGCR and TGFB3). The results of phenome-wide research showed that HMGCR was highly correlated with low-density lipoprotein, and TGFB3 was primarily associated with insulin-like growth factor 1 levels. CONCLUSIONS This study utilized MR and colocalization analysis to identify 21 potential drug targets for migraine, two of which were significant in both blood and brain. These findings provide promising leads for more effective migraine treatments, potentially reducing drug development costs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Zhang
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, No. 23, Meishuguan Houjie, Beijing, 100010, China
| | - Yiwei He
- State Key Laboratory of Networking and Switching Technology, Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications, Beijing, 100876, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, No. 23, Meishuguan Houjie, Beijing, 100010, China.
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Xu M, Zhang J, Shi Z, He Z, Zhao Y, Ling X, Wang W, Gong M. Amelioration of nitroglycerin-induced migraine in mice via Wuzhuyu decoction: Inhibition of the MZF1/PGK1 pathway and activation of NRF2 antioxidant response. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 326:117930. [PMID: 38373662 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Migraine, a chronic and intricate disorder, manifests as recurrent episodic headaches accompanied by various neurological symptoms. Wuzhuyu Decoction (WZYD) is a traditional Chinese medical formula with promising effects in treating migraines; however, its underlying mechanisms have not yet been clarified. AIM OF STUDY The study aimed to evaluate WZYD's effectiveness in migraine treatment and investigate the potential mechanism of WZYD's effects on migraine and oxidative stress. MATERIALS AND METHODS Behavior tests and immunofluorescence assay for the intensity of migraine markers to assess the migraine-relieving effect of WZYD after chronic migraine model induced by nitroglycerin in mice. The impacts of WZYD on oxidative stress-related markers, including reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO1), and NAD (P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in brain tissue were examined. In addition, protein expression or mRNA levels of the MZF1/PGK1 were detected using Western blot or PCR, respectively. Finally, the MZF1 overexpression vector was constructed to the higher level of MZF1. The MZF1/PGK1 signaling pathway expression was evaluated by markers of oxidative stress including NRF2 and others in this series of experiments. RESULTS Through murine model experimentation, we observed that WZYD effectively alleviates migraine symptoms, signifying its therapeutic efficacy. Mechanistically, WZYD emerges as a potent activator of the NRF2, acting as a robust defense against oxidative stress. In vitro investigations demonstrated that WZYD combats oxidative stress and curbs cell apoptosis induced by these detrimental conditions. Furthermore, by suppressing the transcriptional expression of PGK1, an influential player in the NRF2 pathway, WZYD effectively activates NRF2 signaling. Intriguingly, we have identified MZF1 as the mediator orchestrating the regulation of the PGK1/NRF2 pathway by WZYD. CONCLUSION The study confirms the effectiveness of WZYD in alleviating migraine symptoms. Mechanistically, WZYD activated the NRF2 signaling pathway; moreover, the action of WZYD involved the down-regulation of PGK1 mediated by MZF1, which promoted the activation of the NRF2 pathway. This study advances our understanding of the intricate mechanisms driving WZYD's efficacy, paving the way for novel treatments in migraine management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Jiayan Zhang
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Zhenhua Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changshu No.2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Changshu, 215500, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Ziyang He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Yijing Zhao
- School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Xiaoyang Ling
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Wenhua Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Mingjie Gong
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changshu No.2 People's Hospital, The Affiliated Changshu Hospital of Nantong University, Changshu, 215500, Jiangsu Province, China.
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Atta A, Salem MM, El-Said KS, Mohamed TM. Mechanistic role of quercetin as inhibitor for adenosine deaminase enzyme in rheumatoid arthritis: systematic review. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2024; 29:14. [PMID: 38225555 PMCID: PMC10790468 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-024-00531-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease involving T and B lymphocytes. Autoantibodies contribute to joint deterioration and worsening symptoms. Adenosine deaminase (ADA), an enzyme in purine metabolism, influences adenosine levels and joint inflammation. Inhibiting ADA could impact RA progression. Intracellular ATP breakdown generates adenosine, which increases in hypoxic and inflammatory conditions. Lymphocytes with ADA play a role in RA. Inhibiting lymphocytic ADA activity has an immune-regulatory effect. Synovial fluid levels of ADA are closely associated with the disease's systemic activity, making it a useful parameter for evaluating joint inflammation. Flavonoids, such as quercetin (QUE), are natural substances that can inhibit ADA activity. QUE demonstrates immune-regulatory effects and restores T-cell homeostasis, making it a promising candidate for RA therapy. In this review, we will explore the impact of QUE in suppressing ADA and reducing produced the inflammation in RA, including preclinical investigations and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Atta
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Maha M Salem
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt.
| | - Karim Samy El-Said
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
| | - Tarek M Mohamed
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
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Chai W, Chai W, Guo F. Causal associations of immune cell phenotypes with migraine: A mendelian randomization study. Mol Pain 2024; 20:17448069241274679. [PMID: 39083442 DOI: 10.1177/17448069241274679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The interaction between the immune system and the brain, crucial for blood-brain barrier integrity, is a potential factor in migraine development. Although there's evidence of a connection between immune dysregulation and migraine, a clear causal link has been lacking. To bridge this knowledge gap, we performed a two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis of 731 immune cell phenotypes to determine their causality with migraine, of which parameters included fluorescence, cell abundance, count, and morphology. Sensitivity and pleiotropy checks validated our findings. After applying a false discovery rate correction, our MR study identified 35 of 731 immune phenotypes with a significant causal link to migraine (p < 0.05). Of these, 24 showed a protective effect (inverse variance weighting : p < 0.05, odds ratio <1), and 11 were risk factors (inverse variance weighting : p < 0.05, odds ratio >1). Although limited by population sample size and potential population-specific genetic variations, our study uncovers a significant genetic link between certain immune cell markers and migraine, providing new insights into the disorder's pathophysiology. These discoveries are crucial for developing targeted biomarkers and personalized treatments. The research enhances our understanding of immune cells' role in migraine and may substantially improve patient outcomes and lessen its socio-economic impact.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifang Chai
- Department of General Practice, Zhengzhou First People's Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Weihao Chai
- Department of Graduate School, Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Fei Guo
- Department of Emergency Trauma Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
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Bobker SM. Trainee highlights. Headache 2023; 63:1335-1336. [PMID: 37937890 DOI: 10.1111/head.14644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah M Bobker
- UCSF Headache Center, University of California at San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
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