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Clarelli F, Corona A, Pääkkönen K, Sorosina M, Zollo A, Piehl F, Olsson T, Stridh P, Jagodic M, Hemmer B, Gasperi C, Harroud A, Shchetynsky K, Mingione A, Mascia E, Misra K, Giordano A, Mazzieri MLT, Priori A, Saarela J, Kockum I, Filippi M, Esposito F, Boneschi FGM. Pharmacogenomics of clinical response to Natalizumab in multiple sclerosis: a genome-wide multi-centric association study. J Neurol 2024:10.1007/s00415-024-12608-6. [PMID: 39264442 DOI: 10.1007/s00415-024-12608-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/23/2024] [Indexed: 09/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inter-individual differences in treatment response are marked in multiple sclerosis (MS). This is true for Natalizumab (NTZ), to which a subset of patients displays sub-optimal treatment response. We conducted a multi-centric genome-wide association study (GWAS), with additional pathway and network analysis to identify genetic predictors of response to NTZ. METHODS MS patients from three different centers were included. Response to NTZ was dichotomized, nominating responders (R) relapse-free patients and non-responders (NR) all the others, over a follow-up of 4 years. Association analysis on ~ 4.7 M imputed autosomal common single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed fitting logistic regression models, adjusted for baseline covariates, followed by meta-analysis at SNP and gene level. Finally, these signals were projected onto STRING interactome, to elicit modules and hub genes linked to response. RESULTS Overall, 1834 patients were included: 119 from Italy (R = 94, NR = 25), 81 from Germany (R = 61, NR = 20), and 1634 from Sweden (R = 1349, NR = 285). The top-associated variant was rs11132400T (p = 1.33 × 10-6, OR = 0.58), affecting expression of several genes in the locus, like KLKB1. The interactome analysis implicated a module of 135 genes, with over-representation of terms like canonical WNT signaling pathway (padjust = 7.08 × 10-6). Response-associated genes like GRB2 and LRP6, already implicated in MS pathogenesis, were topologically prioritized within the module. CONCLUSION This GWAS, the largest pharmacogenomic study of response to NTZ, suggested MS-implicated genes and Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, an essential component for blood-brain barrier formation and maintenance, to be related to treatment response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ferdinando Clarelli
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Corona
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Neurological Diseases, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- CRC "Aldo Ravelli" for Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Kimmo Pääkkönen
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of FI Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Melissa Sorosina
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Alen Zollo
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Neurological Diseases, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- CRC "Aldo Ravelli" for Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Fredrik Piehl
- The Karolinska Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 18, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Tomas Olsson
- The Karolinska Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 18, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Stridh
- The Karolinska Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 18, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maja Jagodic
- The Karolinska Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 18, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bernhard Hemmer
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, Munich, Germany
- Munich Cluster for Systems Neurology (SyNergy), Munich, Germany
| | - Christiane Gasperi
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Klinikum Rechts Der Isar, Ismaninger Str. 22, Munich, Germany
| | - Adil Harroud
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Klementy Shchetynsky
- The Karolinska Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 18, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandra Mingione
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Neurological Diseases, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- CRC "Aldo Ravelli" for Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Mascia
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Kaalindi Misra
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonino Giordano
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Laura Terzi Mazzieri
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Neurological Diseases, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- CRC "Aldo Ravelli" for Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Alberto Priori
- CRC "Aldo Ravelli" for Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Janna Saarela
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), University of FI Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ingrid Kockum
- The Karolinska Neuroimmunology & Multiple Sclerosis Centre, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska University Hospital, Visionsgatan 18, 171 76, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Massimo Filippi
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy
- Neurorehabilitation Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 48, Milan, Italy
- Neurophysiology Service, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
- Neuroimaging Research Unit, Division of Neuroscience, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Via Olgettina, 60, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Esposito
- Laboratory of Human Genetics of Neurological Disorders, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, Milan, Italy.
- Neurology Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina 60, 20132, Milan, Italy.
| | - Filippo Giovanni Martinelli Boneschi
- Laboratory of Precision Medicine of Neurological Diseases, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- CRC "Aldo Ravelli" for Experimental Brain Therapeutics, Department of Health Science, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
- Clinical Neurology Unit, Azienda Socio-Sanitaria Territoriale Santi Paolo E Carlo and Department of Health Sciences, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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Reiterer M, Eakin A, Johnson RS, Branco CM. Hyperoxia Reprogrammes Microvascular Endothelial Cell Response to Hypoxia in an Organ-Specific Manner. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162469. [PMID: 36010546 PMCID: PMC9406746 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Revised: 07/27/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Organ function relies on microvascular networks to maintain homeostatic equilibrium, which varies widely in different organs and during different physiological challenges. The endothelium role in this critical process can only be evaluated in physiologically relevant contexts. Comparing the responses to oxygen flux in primary murine microvascular EC (MVEC) obtained from brain and lung tissue reveals that supra-physiological oxygen tensions can compromise MVEC viability. Brain MVEC lose mitochondrial activity and undergo significant alterations in electron transport chain (ETC) composition when cultured under standard, non-physiological atmospheric oxygen levels. While glycolytic capacity of both lung and brain MVEC are unchanged by environmental oxygen, the ability to trigger a metabolic shift when oxygen levels drop is greatly compromised following exposure to hyperoxia. This is particularly striking in MVEC from the brain. This work demonstrates that the unique metabolism and function of organ-specific MVEC (1) can be reprogrammed by external oxygen, (2) that this reprogramming can compromise MVEC survival and, importantly, (3) that ex vivo modelling of endothelial function is significantly affected by culture conditions. It further demonstrates that physiological, metabolic and functional studies performed in non-physiological environments do not represent cell function in situ, and this has serious implications in the interpretation of cell-based pre-clinical models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moritz Reiterer
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Amanda Eakin
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
| | - Randall S. Johnson
- Department of Physiology, Development and Neuroscience, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 3EG, UK
| | - Cristina M. Branco
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Correspondence:
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Li F, Sun X, Zheng B, Sun K, Zhu J, Ji C, Lin F, Huan L, Luo X, Yan C, Xu J, Hong Y, Wang Y, Xu X, Sun J, Song Z, Kong F, Shi J. Arginase II Promotes Intervertebral Disc Degeneration Through Exacerbating Senescence and Apoptosis Caused by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation via the NF-κB Pathway. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:737809. [PMID: 34926442 PMCID: PMC8679914 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.737809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) has been generally accepted as the major cause of low back pain (LBP), which imposes massive clinical and socioeconomic burdens. Previous studies have demonstrated that oxidative stress and inflammation-induced senescence and apoptosis of nucleus pulposus cells (NPCs) are the main cellular processes that cause IDD. Arginase II (ARG2), an enzyme involved in a variety of pathological processes, including cellular senescence, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation, has been shown to promote degeneration in several degenerative diseases, including osteoarticular diseases. Based on previous studies, we hypothesized that ARG2 deficiency might be conducive to the treatment of IDD by inhibiting the dyshomeostasis of the extracellular matrix (ECM), and the oxidative stress and inflammatory response-induced senescence and apoptosis via NF-κB. In this study, we found that ARG2 deficiency inhibited senescence and apoptosis of NPCs, and degeneration of the ECM induced by oxidative stress and the inflammatory response. Similar results were found with the selective NF-κB pathway inhibitor JSH-23. In contrast, overexpression of ARG2 had the opposite effect. Taken together, our results suggest that ARG2 deficiency prevents IDD via NF-κB, and may therefore, be a potential therapeutic strategy for IDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fudong Li
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaofei Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Zheng
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiqiang Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Zhu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenglong Ji
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng Lin
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Le Huan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Luo
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chen Yan
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiashun Xu
- The 905th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Navy of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Yun Hong
- The 905th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Navy of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ximing Xu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jingchuan Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheming Song
- The 905th Hospital of the People's Liberation Army Navy of China, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanqi Kong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiangang Shi
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Spine Center, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Candadai AA, Liu F, Fouda AY, Alfarhan M, Palani CD, Xu Z, Caldwell RB, Narayanan SP. Deletion of arginase 2 attenuates neuroinflammation in an experimental model of optic neuritis. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0247901. [PMID: 33735314 PMCID: PMC7971528 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0247901] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Vision impairment due to optic neuritis (ON) is one of the major clinical presentations in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and is characterized by inflammation and degeneration of the optic nerve and retina. Currently available treatments are only partially effective and have a limited impact on the neuroinflammatory pathology of the disease. A recent study from our laboratory highlighted the beneficial effect of arginase 2 (A2) deletion in suppressing retinal neurodegeneration and inflammation in an experimental model of MS. Utilizing the same model, the present study investigated the impact of A2 deficiency on MS-induced optic neuritis. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in wild-type (WT) and A2 knockout (A2-/-) mice. EAE-induced cellular infiltration, as well as activation of microglia and macrophages, were reduced in A2-/- optic nerves. Axonal degeneration and demyelination seen in EAE optic nerves were observed to be reduced with A2 deletion. Further, the lack of A2 significantly ameliorated astrogliosis induced by EAE. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate a critical involvement of arginase 2 in mediating neuroinflammation in optic neuritis and suggest the potential of A2 blockade as a targeted therapy for MS-induced optic neuritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amritha A. Candadai
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Fang Liu
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Abdelrahman Y. Fouda
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Moaddey Alfarhan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Chithra D. Palani
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - Ruth B. Caldwell
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
| | - S. Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States of America
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5
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S. Clemente G, van Waarde A, F. Antunes I, Dömling A, H. Elsinga P. Arginase as a Potential Biomarker of Disease Progression: A Molecular Imaging Perspective. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E5291. [PMID: 32722521 PMCID: PMC7432485 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21155291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Arginase is a widely known enzyme of the urea cycle that catalyzes the hydrolysis of L-arginine to L-ornithine and urea. The action of arginase goes beyond the boundaries of hepatic ureogenic function, being widespread through most tissues. Two arginase isoforms coexist, the type I (Arg1) predominantly expressed in the liver and the type II (Arg2) expressed throughout extrahepatic tissues. By producing L-ornithine while competing with nitric oxide synthase (NOS) for the same substrate (L-arginine), arginase can influence the endogenous levels of polyamines, proline, and NO•. Several pathophysiological processes may deregulate arginase/NOS balance, disturbing the homeostasis and functionality of the organism. Upregulated arginase expression is associated with several pathological processes that can range from cardiovascular, immune-mediated, and tumorigenic conditions to neurodegenerative disorders. Thus, arginase is a potential biomarker of disease progression and severity and has recently been the subject of research studies regarding the therapeutic efficacy of arginase inhibitors. This review gives a comprehensive overview of the pathophysiological role of arginase and the current state of development of arginase inhibitors, discussing the potential of arginase as a molecular imaging biomarker and stimulating the development of novel specific and high-affinity arginase imaging probes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gonçalo S. Clemente
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (G.S.C.); (A.v.W.); (I.F.A.)
| | - Aren van Waarde
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (G.S.C.); (A.v.W.); (I.F.A.)
| | - Inês F. Antunes
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (G.S.C.); (A.v.W.); (I.F.A.)
| | - Alexander Dömling
- Department of Drug Design, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, 9713 AV Groningen, The Netherlands;
| | - Philip H. Elsinga
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands; (G.S.C.); (A.v.W.); (I.F.A.)
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6
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Palani CD, Fouda AY, Liu F, Xu Z, Mohamed E, Giri S, Smith SB, Caldwell RB, Narayanan SP. Deletion of Arginase 2 Ameliorates Retinal Neurodegeneration in a Mouse Model of Multiple Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 56:8589-8602. [PMID: 31280447 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01691-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Optic neuritis is a major clinical feature of multiple sclerosis (MS) and can lead to temporary or permanent vision loss. Previous studies from our laboratory have demonstrated the critical involvement of arginase 2 (A2) in retinal neurodegeneration in models of ischemic retinopathy. The current study was undertaken to investigate the role of A2 in MS-mediated retinal neuronal damage and degeneration. Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced in wild-type (WT) and A2 knockout (A2-/-) mice. EAE-induced motor deficits, loss of retinal ganglion cells, retinal thinning, inflammatory signaling, and glial activation were studied in EAE-treated WT and A2-/- mice and their respective controls. Increased expression of A2 was observed in WT retinas in response to EAE induction. EAE-induced motor deficits were markedly reduced in A2-/- mice compared with WT controls. Retinal flat mount studies demonstrated a significant reduction in the number of RGCs in WT EAE retinas in comparison with normal control mice. A significant improvement in neuronal survival was evident in retinas of EAE-induced A2-/- mice compared with WT. RNA levels of the proinflammatory molecules CCL2, COX2, IL-1α, and IL-12α were significantly reduced in the A2-/- EAE retinas compared with WT EAE. EAE-induced activation of glia (microglia and Müller cells) was markedly reduced in A2-/- retinas compared with WT. Western blot analyses showed increased levels of phospho-ERK1/2 and reduced levels of phospho-BAD in the WT EAE retina, while these changes were prevented in A2-/- mice. In conclusion, our studies establish EAE as an excellent model to study MS-mediated retinal neuronal damage and suggest the potential value of targeting A2 as a therapy to prevent MS-mediated retinal neuronal injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chithra D Palani
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Abdelrahman Y Fouda
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Fang Liu
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Zhimin Xu
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Eslam Mohamed
- Georgia Cancer Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Department of Immunology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Shailedra Giri
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Sylvia B Smith
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
| | - Ruth B Caldwell
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Department of Cellular Biology and Anatomy, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30904, USA
| | - S Priya Narayanan
- Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Culver Vision Discovery Institute, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Vascular Biology Center, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, 30912, USA.
- Charlie Norwood VA Medical Center, Augusta, GA, 30904, USA.
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