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Sharon N, Yarmolinsky L, Khalfin B, Fleisher-Berkovich S, Ben-Shabat S. Cannabinoids' Role in Modulating Central and Peripheral Immunity in Neurodegenerative Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6402. [PMID: 38928109 PMCID: PMC11204381 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25126402] [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: 05/01/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Cannabinoids (the endocannabinoids, the synthetic cannabinoids, and the phytocannabinoids) are well known for their various pharmacological properties, including neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory features, which are fundamentally important for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. The aging of the global population is causing an increase in these diseases that require the development of effective drugs to be even more urgent. Taking into account the unavailability of effective drugs for neurodegenerative diseases, it seems appropriate to consider the role of cannabinoids in the treatment of these diseases. To our knowledge, few reviews are devoted to cannabinoids' impact on modulating central and peripheral immunity in neurodegenerative diseases. The objective of this review is to provide the best possible information about the cannabinoid receptors and immuno-modulation features, peripheral immune modulation by cannabinoids, cannabinoid-based therapies for the treatment of neurological disorders, and the future development prospects of making cannabinoids versatile tools in the pursuit of effective drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Shimon Ben-Shabat
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel; (N.S.); (L.Y.); (B.K.); (S.F.-B.)
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2
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Zhao J, Wang X, Huo Z, Chen Y, Liu J, Zhao Z, Meng F, Su Q, Bao W, Zhang L, Wen S, Wang X, Liu H, Zhou S. The Impact of Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Cells 2022; 11:cells11132049. [PMID: 35805131 PMCID: PMC9265651 DOI: 10.3390/cells11132049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive and highly fatal neurodegenerative disease. Although the pathogenesis of ALS remains unclear, increasing evidence suggests that a key contributing factor is mitochondrial dysfunction. Mitochondria are organelles in eukaryotic cells responsible for bioenergy production, cellular metabolism, signal transduction, calcium homeostasis, and immune responses and the stability of their function plays a crucial role in neurons. A single disorder or defect in mitochondrial function can lead to pathological changes in cells, such as an impaired calcium buffer period, excessive generation of free radicals, increased mitochondrial membrane permeability, and oxidative stress (OS). Recent research has also shown that these mitochondrial dysfunctions are also associated with pathological changes in ALS and are believed to be commonly involved in the pathogenesis of the disease. This article reviews the latest research on mitochondrial dysfunction and its impact on the progression of ALS, with specific attention to the potential of novel therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondrial dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiantao Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (Z.Z.); (F.M.); (Q.S.); (W.B.)
| | - Xuemei Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (Z.Z.); (F.M.); (Q.S.); (W.B.)
| | - Zijun Huo
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (Z.Z.); (F.M.); (Q.S.); (W.B.)
| | - Yanchun Chen
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (Z.Z.); (F.M.); (Q.S.); (W.B.)
| | - Jinmeng Liu
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Zhenhan Zhao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (Z.Z.); (F.M.); (Q.S.); (W.B.)
| | - Fandi Meng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (Z.Z.); (F.M.); (Q.S.); (W.B.)
| | - Qi Su
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (Z.Z.); (F.M.); (Q.S.); (W.B.)
| | - Weiwei Bao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.Z.); (X.W.); (Z.H.); (Y.C.); (Z.Z.); (F.M.); (Q.S.); (W.B.)
| | - Lingyun Zhang
- Neurologic Disorders and Regenerative Repair Laboratory, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261053, China; (J.L.); (L.Z.)
| | - Shuang Wen
- Department of Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261061, China;
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Huancai Liu
- Department of Joint Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, School of Clinical Medicine, Weifang Medical University, Weifang 261061, China;
- Correspondence: (H.L.); or (S.Z.)
| | - Shuanhu Zhou
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Correspondence: (H.L.); or (S.Z.)
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3
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Mittal N, Mittal R. Repurposing old molecules for new indications: Defining pillars of success from lessons in the past. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 912:174569. [PMID: 34653378 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Drug repurposing or studying existing drugs for potential therapeutic utility in newer indications has been identified as an attractive option for treating a number of diseases. Various strategies of drug repurposing include serendipitous observation of drug's unexpected effects, directing the failed investigational drugs to new indications and currently adopted systematic approach to identify, screen and develop existing drug molecules for new off-label indications. Drug repurposing is able to constructively overcome the bottleneck restraints encountered during traditional de novo drug development process in grounds of timelines, cost and resources. However, success rates of drug repurposing programs are not very impressive. Through a meticulous examination of some failed repurposing attempts we aimed to identify key factors leading to high attrition rate in such studies. Based on the fundamental elements of knowledge and evaluation, we have defined four pillars toward improving success rate in drug repurposing programs viz. sound knowledge of the repurposed drug's pharmacological characteristics (pillar 1: drug pharmacology); drug formulation considerations in new indication (pillar 2: drug formulation); evaluation in representative biological assays with translational potential (pillar 3: evaluation in biological assays); and robust clinical trial methodologies including biomarker driven approach to provide conclusive evidence of repurposed drug's efficacy in new indication (pillar 4: clinical evaluation). In addition to the pharmacological challenges, certain regulatory concerns, including lack of clear guidelines for evaluation and market exclusivity pose hurdles in the application of drug repurposing, which may however be overcome to a great extent by adopting some strategies as discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niti Mittal
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, 124001, India.
| | - Rakesh Mittal
- Dept. of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak, 124001, India
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Chen L, Xu L, Tang L, Xia K, Tian D, Zhang G, Wang Y, Yu Z, Ma J, Zhang Y, Wang F, Sun C, Zhang G, Fu J, Jiao L, Yilihamu M, Wang S, Zhan S, Fan D. Trends in the clinical features of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: A 14-year Chinese cohort study. Eur J Neurol 2021; 28:2893-2900. [PMID: 34048130 DOI: 10.1111/ene.14943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim was to determine the transitional patterns in the clinical characteristics, treatments and comorbidities in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients over the past 14 years using data from a large clinical cohort in mainland China. METHODS Sporadic ALS patients who visited the Peking University Third Hospital from January 2005 to December 2018 were included in this study. The 14 years were divided into three periods, and changes in the baseline characteristics of the participants were analyzed at 5-year intervals. RESULTS In total, 3410 patients with sporadic ALS were recruited: 2181 were men and 1229 were women. The proportion of patients with bulbar-onset ALS increased from 13.0% in 2005-2009 to 19.5% in 2015-2018 (p < 0.001). The mean (standard deviation) age at onset increased from 49.5 (11.4) years in 2005-2009 to 53.0 (11.0) years in 2015-2018 (p < 0.001). ALS patients with diabetes or hypertension showed a delay in ALS onset, and the delay was even more apparent when the patients had both comorbidities. The proportion of riluzole users in 2015-2018 was approximately 2.5-fold of that in 2005-2009 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In the context of a lack of clinical data on ALS in mainland China, this study evaluated a large cohort of patients diagnosed over a 14-year period. The age at onset and percentage of patients who used riluzole both increased over the study period. Additionally, it was found that patients with comorbidities such as diabetes and hypertension had a delayed age of ALS onset.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Chen
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Xu
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Tang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kailin Xia
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Danyang Tian
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Gan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yajun Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhou Yu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jingyue Ma
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yixuan Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Can Sun
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Gaoqi Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Jiayu Fu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lin Jiao
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Mubalake Yilihamu
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shengfeng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Siyan Zhan
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Research Center of Clinical Epidemiology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Center for Intelligent Public Health, Institute for Artificial Intelligence, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Dongsheng Fan
- Department of Neurology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, National Health Commission/Ministry of Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
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5
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Diabetes Mellitus and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Systematic Review. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11060867. [PMID: 34200812 PMCID: PMC8230511 DOI: 10.3390/biom11060867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a degenerative disorder which affects the motor neurons. Growing evidence suggests that ALS may impact the metabolic system, including the glucose metabolism. Several studies investigated the role of Diabetes Mellitus (DM) as risk and/or prognostic factor. However, a clear correlation between DM and ALS has not been defined. In this review, we focus on the role of DM in ALS, examining the different hypotheses on how perturbations of glucose metabolism may interact with the pathophysiology and the course of ALS. METHODS We undertook an independent PubMed literature search, using the following search terms: ((ALS) OR (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) OR (Motor Neuron Disease)) AND ((Diabetes) OR (Glucose Intolerance) OR (Hyperglycemia)). Review and original articles were considered. RESULTS DM appears not to affect ALS severity, progression, and survival. Contrasting data suggested a protective role of DM on the occurrence of ALS in elderly and an opposite effect in younger subjects. CONCLUSIONS The actual clinical and pathophysiological correlation between DM and ALS is unclear. Large longitudinal prospective studies are needed. Achieving large sample sizes comparable to those of common complex diseases like DM is a challenge for a rare disease like ALS. Collaborative efforts could overcome this specific issue.
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Jamwal S, Blackburn JK, Elsworth JD. PPARγ/PGC1α signaling as a potential therapeutic target for mitochondrial biogenesis in neurodegenerative disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 219:107705. [PMID: 33039420 PMCID: PMC7887032 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases represent some of the most devastating neurological disorders, characterized by progressive loss of the structure and function of neurons. Current therapy for neurodegenerative disorders is limited to symptomatic treatment rather than disease modifying interventions, emphasizing the desperate need for improved approaches. Abundant evidence indicates that impaired mitochondrial function plays a crucial role in pathogenesis of many neurodegenerative diseases and so biochemical factors in mitochondria are considered promising targets for pharmacological-based therapies. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors-γ (PPARγ) are ligand-inducible transcription factors involved in regulating various genes including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma co-activator-1 alpha (PGC1α). This review summarizes the evidence supporting the ability of PPARγ-PGC1α to coordinately up-regulate the expression of genes required for mitochondrial biogenesis in neurons and provide directions for future work to explore the potential benefit of targeting mitochondrial biogenesis in neurodegenerative disorders. We have highlighted key roles of NRF2, uncoupling protein-2 (UCP2), and paraoxonase-2 (PON2) signaling in mediating PGC1α-induced mitochondrial biogenesis. In addition, the status of PPARγ modulators being used in clinical trials for Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Huntington's disease (HD) has been compiled. The overall purpose of this review is to update and critique our understanding of the role of PPARγ-PGC1α-NRF2 in the induction of mitochondrial biogenesis together with suggestions for strategies to target PPARγ-PGC1α-NRF2 signaling in order to combat mitochondrial dysfunction in neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sumit Jamwal
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Jennifer K Blackburn
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - John D Elsworth
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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Shafi S, Gupta P, Khatik GL, Gupta J. PPARγ: Potential Therapeutic Target for Ailments Beyond Diabetes and its Natural Agonism. Curr Drug Targets 2020; 20:1281-1294. [PMID: 31131751 DOI: 10.2174/1389450120666190527115538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2018] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Intense research interests have been observed in establishing PPAR gamma as a therapeutic target for diabetes. However, PPARγ is also emerging as an important therapeutic target for varied disease states other than type 2 diabetes like neurodegenerative disorders, cancer, spinal cord injury, asthma, and cardiovascular problems. Furthermore, glitazones, the synthetic thiazolidinediones, also known as insulin sensitizers, are the largely studied PPARγ agonists and the only ones approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, they are loaded with side effects like fluid retention, obesity, hepatic failure, bone fractures, and cardiac failure; which restrict their clinical application. Medicinal plants used traditionally are the sources of bioactive compounds to be used for the development of successful drugs and many structurally diverse natural molecules are already established as PPARγ agonists. These natural partial agonists when compared to full agonist synthetic thiazolidinediones led to weaker PPARγ activation with lesser side effects but are not thoroughly investigated. Their thorough characterization and elucidation of mechanistic activity might prove beneficial for counteracting diseases by modulating PPARγ activity through dietary changes. We aim to review the therapeutic significance of PPARγ for ailments other than diabetes and highlight natural molecules with potential PPARγ agonistic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Shafi
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab - 144411, India
| | - Pawan Gupta
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab - 144411, India.,Department of Research and Development, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab - 144411, India
| | - Gopal Lal Khatik
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab - 144411, India
| | - Jeena Gupta
- School of Bioengineering and Biosciences, Lovely Professional University (LPU), Phagwara, Punjab - 144411, India
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8
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Peroxisome Proliferator Activator Receptor Gamma Coactivator-1α Overexpression in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: A Tale of Two Transgenics. Biomolecules 2020; 10:biom10050760. [PMID: 32414179 PMCID: PMC7277592 DOI: 10.3390/biom10050760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder manifesting with upper and lower neuron loss, leading to impairments in voluntary muscle function and atrophy. Mitochondrial dysfunction in metabolism and morphology have been implicated in the pathogenesis of ALS, including atypical oxidative metabolism, reduced mitochondrial respiration in muscle, and protein aggregates in the mitochondrial outer membrane. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α) plays an essential role in the regulation of mitochondrial biogenesis, the process by which existing mitochondria grow and divide. PGC-1α has been previously reported to be downregulated in the spinal cord of individuals with ALS. Towards targeting PGC-1α as a therapeutic mechanism, we have previously reported improved motor function and survival in the SOD1G93A mouse model of ALS by neuron-specific over-expression of PGC-1α under a neuron-specific enolase (NSE) promoter. As pharmacological intervention targeting PGC-1α would result in whole-body upregulation of this transcriptional co-activator, in the current study we investigated whether global expression of PGC-1α is beneficial in a SOD1G93A mouse model, by generating transgenic mice with PGC-1α transgene expression driven by an actin promoter. Actin-PGC-1α expression levels were assayed and confirmed in spinal cord, brain, muscle, liver, kidney, and spleen. To determine the therapeutic effects of global expression of PGC-1α, wild-type, actin-PGC-1α, SOD1G93A, and actin-PGC-1α/SOD1G93A animals were monitored for weight loss, motor performance by accelerating rotarod test, and survival. Overexpression of actin-PGC-1α did not confer significant improvement in these assessed outcomes. A potential explanation for this difference is that the actin promoter may not induce levels of PGC-1α relevant to disease pathophysiology in the cells that are specifically relevant to the pathogenesis of ALS. This evidence strongly supports future therapeutic approaches that target PGC-1α primarily in neurons.
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Clout AE, Della Pasqua O, Hanna MG, Orlu M, Pitceathly RDS. Drug repurposing in neurological diseases: an integrated approach to reduce trial and error. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2019; 90:1270-1275. [PMID: 31171583 DOI: 10.1136/jnnp-2019-320879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 05/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Identifying effective disease-modifying therapies for neurological diseases remains an important challenge in drug discovery and development. Drug repurposing attempts to determine new indications for pre-existing compounds and represents a major opportunity to address this clinically unmet need. It is potentially more cost-effective and time-efficient than de novo drug development and has yielded notable successes in neurological disorders. However, across all medical disciplines, only 30% of repurposed drugs, and 10% of novel candidate molecules, gain market approval. One potentially significant contributor towards this limited success rate is an incomplete knowledge of the exposure-response relationships for the compounds of interest, and how these relate to the new indication, prior to commencing a new trial. We provide an overview of the current approach to early-stage drug repurposing and consider the issues contributing to inconclusive, or possibly falsely negative, Phase II and III trial outcomes in neurological diseases by highlighting examples that illustrate the limitations of empirical evidence generation without a strong scientific basis for the dose rationale. We conclude with a framework suggesting a translational, iterative approach, that integrates pharmacological, pharmaceutical and clinical expertise, towards preclinical and early clinical drug development. This ensures appropriate dosing regimen, route of administration and/or formulation are selected for the new indication before their evaluation in prospective clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oscar Della Pasqua
- Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics Group, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK.,Clinical Pharmacology Modelling and Simulation, GlaxoSmithKline, Uxbridge, UK
| | - Michael G Hanna
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK.,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
| | - Mine Orlu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, UCL School of Pharmacy, London, UK
| | - Robert D S Pitceathly
- MRC Centre for Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology and National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, London, UK .,Department of Neuromuscular Diseases, UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology, London, UK
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10
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Jin X, Liu MY, Zhang DF, Zhong X, Du K, Qian P, Gao H, Wei MJ. Natural products as a potential modulator of microglial polarization in neurodegenerative diseases. Pharmacol Res 2019; 145:104253. [PMID: 31059788 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Revised: 04/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) are characterized by the progressive loss of structure and function of neurons most common in elderly population, mainly including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and multiple sclerosis (MS). Neuroinflammation caused by microglia as the resident macrophages of the central nervous system (CNS) plays a contributory role in the onset and progression of NDs. Activated microglia, as in macrophages, to be heterogeneous, can polarize into M1 (pro-inflammatory) and M2 (anti-inflammatory) functional phenotypes. The former elaborate pro-inflammatory mediators promoting neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. In contrast, the latter generate anti-inflammatory mediators and neurotrophins that inhibit neuroinflammation and promote neuronal healing. Consistently, the regulation of microglial polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype appears as an outstanding therapeutic and preventive approach for NDs treatment. Although non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) currently used to alleviate M1 microglia-associated neuroinflammation responsible for the development of NDs, these drugs have different degrees of adverse effects and limited efficacy. As the advantages of novel structure, multi-target, high efficiency and low toxicity, natural products as the modulators of microglial polarization have attracted considerable concerns in the therapeutic areas of NDs. In this review, we mainly summarized the therapeutic potential of natural products and their various molecular mechanisms for NDs treatment through modulating microglial polarization. The aim of the current review is expected to be useful to develop innovative modulators of microglial polarization from natural products for the amelioration and treatment of NDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Jin
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming-Yan Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Dong-Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xin Zhong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ke Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ping Qian
- Department of Pharmacognosy, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hua Gao
- Division of Pharmacology Laboratory, National Institutes for Food and Drug Control, Beijing, China
| | - Min-Jie Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, China Medical University, Shenyang, China; Liaoning Key Laboratory of Molecular Targeted Anti-Tumor Drug Development and Evaluation, Shenyang, China.
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11
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Therapeutic Strategies Under Development Targeting Inflammatory Mechanisms in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:2789-2813. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0532-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2017] [Accepted: 04/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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12
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A Novel Iron Chelator-Radical Scavenger Ameliorates Motor Dysfunction and Improves Life Span and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in SOD1G93A ALS Mice. Neurotox Res 2016; 31:230-244. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-016-9677-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2016] [Revised: 10/05/2016] [Accepted: 10/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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13
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Corona JC, Duchen MR. PPARγ as a therapeutic target to rescue mitochondrial function in neurological disease. Free Radic Biol Med 2016; 100:153-163. [PMID: 27352979 PMCID: PMC5145801 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2016.06.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 06/20/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
There is increasing evidence for the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of many of the major neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory diseases, suggesting that mitochondrial and antioxidant pathways may represent potential novel therapeutic targets. Recent years have seen a rapidly growing interest in the use of therapeutic strategies that can limit the defects in, or even to restore, mitochondrial function while reducing free radical generation. The peroxisome proliferation-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a ligand-activated transcription factor, has a wide spectrum of biological functions, regulating mitochondrial function, mitochondrial turnover, energy metabolism, antioxidant defence and redox balance, immune responses and fatty acid oxidation. In this review, we explore the evidence for potential beneficial effects of PPARγ agonists in a number of neurological disorders, including Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and Huntington's disease, ischaemia, autoimmune encephalomyelitis and neuropathic pain. We discuss the mechanisms underlying those beneficial effects in particular in relation to mitochondrial function, antioxidant defence, cell death and inflammation, and suggest that the PPARγ agonists show significant promise as therapeutic agents in otherwise intractable neurological disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Carlos Corona
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Michael R Duchen
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom.
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Agarwal S, Yadav A, Chaturvedi RK. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) as therapeutic target in neurodegenerative disorders. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2016; 483:1166-1177. [PMID: 27514452 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2016.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 08/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are nuclear receptors and they serve to be a promising therapeutic target for several neurodegenerative disorders, which includes Parkinson disease, Alzheimer's disease, Huntington disease and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. PPARs play an important role in the downregulation of mitochondrial dysfunction, proteasomal dysfunction, oxidative stress, and neuroinflammation, which are the major causes of the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we discuss about the role of PPARs as therapeutic targets in neurodegenerative disorders. Several experimental approaches suggest potential application of PPAR agonist as well as antagonist in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Several epidemiological studies found that the regular usage of PPAR activating non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs is effective in decreasing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases including PD and AD. We also reviewed the neuroprotective effects of PPAR agonists and associated mechanism of action in several neurodegenerative disorders both in vitro as well as in vivo animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Swati Agarwal
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IITR Lucknow Campus, Lucknow, India
| | - Anuradha Yadav
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IITR Lucknow Campus, Lucknow, India
| | - Rajnish Kumar Chaturvedi
- Developmental Toxicology Laboratory, Systems Toxicology and Health Risk Assessment Group, CSIR-Indian Institute of Toxicology Research (CSIR-IITR), Vishvigyan Bhawan, 31, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Lucknow, 226001, Uttar Pradesh, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), CSIR-IITR Lucknow Campus, Lucknow, India.
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Zufiría M, Gil-Bea FJ, Fernández-Torrón R, Poza JJ, Muñoz-Blanco JL, Rojas-García R, Riancho J, López de Munain A. ALS: A bucket of genes, environment, metabolism and unknown ingredients. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 142:104-129. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2015] [Revised: 03/22/2016] [Accepted: 05/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Lecarpentier Y, Vallée A. Opposite Interplay between PPAR Gamma and Canonical Wnt/Beta-Catenin Pathway in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Front Neurol 2016; 7:100. [PMID: 27445967 PMCID: PMC4923074 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2016.00100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The opposite interplay between peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR gamma) and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling has led to the categorization of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) as either NDs in which PPAR gamma is downregulated while the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is upregulated [amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, multiple sclerosis, Friedreich's ataxia] or NDs in which PPAR gamma is upregulated while the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin signaling is downregulated (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease). ALS, a common adult-onset debilitating ND, is characterized by a chronic and progressive degeneration of upper and lower motor neurons resulting in muscular atrophy, paralysis, and ultimately death. The intent of this review is to provide an analysis of the integration of these two opposed systems, i.e., canonical Wnt/beta-catenin and PPAR gamma, in ALS. Understanding this integration may aid in the development of novel ALS therapies. Although the canonical Wnt/beta-catenin pathway is upregulated in ALS, riluzole, an enhancer of the canonical Wnt signaling, is classically prescribed in this disease in humans. However, studies carried out on ALS transgenic mice have shown beneficial effects after treatment by PPAR gamma agonists partly due to their anti-inflammatory effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexandre Vallée
- CHU Amiens Picardie, Université Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens, France; Experimental and Clinical Neurosciences Laboratory, INSERM U1084, University of Poitiers, Poitiers, France
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Jeyachandran A, Mertens B, McKissick EA, Mitchell CS. Type I Vs. Type II Cytokine Levels as a Function of SOD1 G93A Mouse Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Disease Progression. Front Cell Neurosci 2015; 9:462. [PMID: 26648846 PMCID: PMC4664727 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2015.00462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2015] [Accepted: 11/13/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal motoneuron disease that is characterized by the degradation of neurons throughout the central nervous system. Inflammation have been cited a key contributor to ALS neurodegeneration, but the timeline of cytokine upregulation remains unresolved. The goal of this study was to temporally examine the correlation between the varying levels of pro-inflammatory type I cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-12, TNF-α, and GFAP) and anti-inflammatory type II cytokines (IL-4, IL-6, IL-10) throughout the progression of ALS in the SOD1 G93A mouse model. Cytokine level data from high copy SOD1 G93A transgenic mice was collected from 66 peer-reviewed studies. For each corresponding experimental time point, the ratio of transgenic to wild type (TG/WT) cytokine was calculated. One-way ANOVA and t-tests with Bonferonni correction were used to analyze the data. Meta-analysis was performed for four discrete stages: early, pre-onset, post-onset, and end stage. A significant increase in TG cytokine levels was found when compared to WT cytokine levels across the entire SOD1 G93A lifespan for majority of the cytokines. The rates of change of the individual cytokines, and type I and type II were not significantly different; however, the mean fold change of type I was expressed at significantly higher levels than type II levels across all stages with the difference between the means becoming more pronounced at the end stage. An overexpression of cytokines occurred both before and after the onset of ALS symptoms. The trend between pro-inflammatory type I and type II cytokine mean levels indicate a progressive instability of the dynamic balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines as anti-inflammatory cytokines fail to mediate the pronounced increase in pro-inflammatory cytokines. Very early immunoregulatory treatment is necessary to successfully interrupt ALS-induced neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amilia Jeyachandran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Benjamin Mertens
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Eric A McKissick
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Cassie S Mitchell
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology and Emory University Atlanta, GA, USA
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Skerrett R, Malm T, Landreth G. Nuclear receptors in neurodegenerative diseases. Neurobiol Dis 2014; 72 Pt A:104-16. [PMID: 24874548 PMCID: PMC4246019 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2014.05.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2014] [Revised: 05/14/2014] [Accepted: 05/17/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors have generated substantial interest in the past decade as potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Despite years of effort, effective treatments for progressive neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease and ALS remain elusive, making non-classical drug targets such as nuclear receptors an attractive alternative. A substantial literature in mouse models of disease and several clinical trials have investigated the role of nuclear receptors in various neurodegenerative disorders, most prominently AD. These studies have met with mixed results, yet the majority of studies in mouse models report positive outcomes. The mechanisms by which nuclear receptor agonists affect disease pathology remain unclear. Deciphering the complex signaling underlying nuclear receptor action in neurodegenerative diseases is essential for understanding this variability in preclinical studies, and for the successful translation of nuclear receptor agonists into clinical therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Skerrett
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
| | - Tarja Malm
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA; A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, Department of Neurobiology, University of Eastern Finland, Neulaniementie 2, 70211 Kuopio, Finland.
| | - Gary Landreth
- Department of Neurosciences, Case Western Reserve University, School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA.
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Role of PPAR γ in the Differentiation and Function of Neurons. PPAR Res 2014; 2014:768594. [PMID: 25246934 PMCID: PMC4160645 DOI: 10.1155/2014/768594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2014] [Revised: 07/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/16/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuronal processes (neurites and axons) have an important role in brain cells communication and, generally, they are damaged in neurodegenerative diseases. Recent evidence has showed that the activation of PPARγ pathway promoted neuronal differentiation and axon polarity. In addition, activation of PPARγ using thiazolidinediones (TZDs) prevented neurodegeneration by reducing neuronal death, improving mitochondrial function, and decreasing neuroinflammation in neuropathic pain. In this review, we will discuss important evidence that supports a possible role of PPARγ in neuronal development, improvement of neuronal health, and pain signaling. Therefore, activation of PPARγ is a potential target with therapeutic applications against neurodegenerative disorders, brain injury, and pain regulation.
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Sakr HF, Al-Hashem FH, El-Naby WMH, Alkhateeb MA, Zaki MSA, Refaey HME, Morsy MD. Preventive roles of swimming exercise and pioglitazone treatment on hepatic dysfunction in a rat model of metabolic syndrome. Can J Physiol Pharmacol 2014; 92:162-70. [DOI: 10.1139/cjpp-2013-0043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Pioglitazone (Pio) and swimming exercise (SE) are insulin sensitisers. This investigation was suggested because of the significant side effects associated with Pio treatment in metabolic syndrome (MetS). This study was, therefore, designed to investigate the preventive role of Pio treatment and SE in terms of efficiency and pathological changes in MetS in a rat model. Sixty male Sprague–Dawley rats were distributed equally among 6 groups: (i) control group (C), (ii) exercised control group (C+E), (iii) Pio-treated control group (C+Pio), (iv) group with MetS, (v) group with MetS treated with Pio (MetS+Pio), and (vi) exercised MetS group (MetS+E). Systolic blood pressure and heart rate were measured at the end of the experiments (16 weeks). Retro-orbital blood samples were used to determine the serum levels of glucose, insulin, lipids, gamma glutamyl transferase, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, fetuin-A, and adiponectin. Semiquantitative reverse transcriptase – PCR insulin gene expression assays and hepatic histopathological examination were conducted. Swimming exercise significantly improved all of the aforementioned parameters, more so than the Pio treatment. In particular, the serum hepatic enzyme levels and hepatic histopathological changes were improved compared with the MetS group. These results suggested that swimming exercise might be an alternative physiological preventive tool against hepatic dysfunction to avoid the side effects associated with Pio treatment, and this could be demonstrated in a rat model of metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein F. Sakr
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 64121, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, PO Box 35516 Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Fahaid H. Al-Hashem
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 64121, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mahmoud A. Alkhateeb
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 64121, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed Samir A. Zaki
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 64121, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hesham M. El Refaey
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 64121, Saudi Arabia
- Al Azhar University, Egypt
| | - Mohamed D. Morsy
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, King Khalid University, Abha 64121, Saudi Arabia
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CDK5-induced p-PPARγ(Ser 112) downregulates GFAP via PPREs in developing rat brain: effect of metal mixture and troglitazone in astrocytes. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1033. [PMID: 24481447 PMCID: PMC4040704 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2013] [Revised: 11/16/2013] [Accepted: 11/20/2013] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), a group of ligand-activated transcriptional factors, is expressed in glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)-immunoreactive astrocytes. Here, we investigated the role of PPARγ in regulating GFAP using a mixture of As, Cd and Pb (metal mixture, MM) that induces apoptosis and aberrant morphology in rat brain astrocytes. We observed a phospho PPARγ (serine 112 (S112)) (p-PPARγ (S112))-mediated downregulation of GFAP in the MM-exposed astrocytes. We validated this using pure PPARγ agonist, troglitazone (TZ). As reported with MM, TZ induced astrocyte damage owing to reduced GFAP. In silico analysis in the non-coding region of GFAP gene revealed two PPARγ response elements (PPREs); inverted repeat 10 and direct repeat 1 sequences. Gel shift and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays demonstrated enhancement in binding of p-PPARγ (S112) to the sequences, and luciferase reporter assay revealed strong repression of GFAP via PPREs, in response to both MM and TZ. This indicated that suppression in GFAP indeed occurs through direct regulation of these elements by p-PPARγ (S112). Signaling studies proved that MM, as well as TZ, activated the cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5) and enhanced its interaction with PPARγ resulting into increased p-PPARγ (S112). The p-CDK5 levels were dependent on proximal activation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase 1/2 and downstream Jun N-terminal kinase. Taken together, these results are the first to delineate downregulation of GFAP through genomic and non-genomic signaling of PPARγ. It also brings forth a resemblance of TZ with MM in terms of astrocyte disarray in developing brain.
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Abstract
Traumatic injury or disease of the spinal cord and brain elicits multiple cellular and biochemical reactions that together cause or are associated with neuropathology. Specifically, injury or disease elicits acute infiltration and activation of immune cells, death of neurons and glia, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the secretion of substrates that inhibit axon regeneration. In some diseases, inflammation is chronic or non-resolving. Ligands that target PPARs (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors), a group of ligand-activated transcription factors, are promising therapeutics for neurologic disease and CNS injury because their activation affects many, if not all, of these interrelated pathologic mechanisms. PPAR activation can simultaneously weaken or reprogram the immune response, stimulate metabolic and mitochondrial function, promote axon growth and induce progenitor cells to differentiate into myelinating oligodendrocytes. PPAR activation has beneficial effects in many pre-clinical models of neurodegenerative diseases and CNS injury; however, the mechanisms through which PPARs exert these effects have yet to be fully elucidated. In this review we discuss current literature supporting the role of PPAR activation as a therapeutic target for treating traumatic injury and degenerative diseases of the CNS.
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Jawaid A, Paganoni S, Hauser C, Schulz PE. Trials of antidiabetic drugs in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: proceed with caution? NEURODEGENER DIS 2013; 13:205-8. [PMID: 24107404 DOI: 10.1159/000353158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2012] [Accepted: 05/21/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder with limited therapeutic options. Clinical trials of several drugs shown to be effective in the superoxide dismutase (SOD1) model of ALS have shown no or negative effects when tested in humans. Here we discuss the role of pioglitazone, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ agonist, which failed to show efficacy in a recently published phase II clinical trial of ALS patients. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of pioglitazone make it an attractive therapeutic candidate for neurodegenerative disorders. However, its antidiabetic and antidyslipidemic effects might be detrimental, as emerging evidence suggests that some features of the metabolic syndrome may be protective in ALS. A number of clinical studies show that dyslipidemia, high body mass index, and possibly diabetes mellitus type 2 are associated with better clinical outcomes in ALS. This is further corroborated by studies on transgenic animal models and immortalized neuronal cell lines. Finally, the intricate interplay between glucose/lipid metabolism and susceptibility to oxidative damage in neurons warrants a judicious approach in further trials of antidiabetic drugs in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Jawaid
- Brain Research Institute, University of Zurich/Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
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Kawaguchi-Niida M, Yamamoto T, Kato Y, Inose Y, Shibata N. MCP-1/CCR2 signaling-mediated astrocytosis is accelerated in a transgenic mouse model of SOD1-mutated familial ALS. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2013; 1:21. [PMID: 24252211 PMCID: PMC3893446 DOI: 10.1186/2051-5960-1-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2013] [Accepted: 05/14/2013] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Emerging evidence suggests that innate immunity and increased oxidative stress contribute to pathomechanisms in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The aim of the present study was to verify the involvement of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and its specific CC chemokine receptor 2 (CCR2) in the disease progression of ALS. We here demonstrate the expression state of MCP-1 and CCR2 in lumbar spinal cords of mice overexpressing a transgene for G93A mutant human superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) (ALS mice) as a mouse model of ALS as well as the involvement of MCP-1/CCR2-mediated signaling in behavior of cultured astrocytes derived from those mice. Results Quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis revealed that MCP-1 and CCR2 mRNA levels were significantly higher in ALS mice than those in nontransgenic littermates (control mice) at the presymptomatic stage. Immunoblot analysis disclosed a significantly higher CCR2/β-actin optical density ratio in the postsymptomatic ALS mouse group than those in the age-matched control mouse group. Immunohistochemically, MCP-1 determinants were mainly localized in motor neurons, while CCR2 determinants were exclusively localized in reactive astrocytes. Primary cultures of astrocytes derived from ALS mice showed a significant increase in proliferation activity under recombinant murine MCP-1 stimuli as compared to those from control mice. Conclusions Our results provide in vivo and in vitro evidence that MCP-1 stimulates astrocytes via CCR2 to induce astrocytosis in ALS with SOD1 gene mutation. Thus, it is likely that MCP-1/CCR2-mediated sigaling is involved in the disease progression of ALS.
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Jia HB, Wang XM, Qiu LL, Liu XY, Shen JC, Ji Q, Yang JJ. Spinal neuroimmune activation inhibited by repeated administration of pioglitazone in rats after L5 spinal nerve transection. Neurosci Lett 2013; 543:130-5. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2013.03.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2013] [Revised: 03/19/2013] [Accepted: 03/24/2013] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Berger H, Végran F, Chikh M, Gilardi F, Ladoire S, Bugaut H, Mignot G, Chalmin F, Bruchard M, Derangère V, Chevriaux A, Rébé C, Ryffel B, Pot C, Hichami A, Desvergne B, Ghiringhelli F, Apetoh L. SOCS3 transactivation by PPARγ prevents IL-17-driven cancer growth. Cancer Res 2013; 73:3578-90. [PMID: 23619236 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-4018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Activation of the transcription factor PPARγ by the n-3 fatty acid docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is implicated in controlling proinflammatory cytokine secretion, but the intracellular signaling pathways engaged by PPARγ are incompletely characterized. Here, we identify the adapter-encoding gene SOCS3 as a critical transcriptional target of PPARγ. SOCS3 promoter binding and gene transactivation by PPARγ was associated with a repression in differentiation of proinflammatory T-helper (TH)17 cells. Accordingly, TH17 cells induced in vitro displayed increased SOCS3 expression and diminished capacity to produce interleukin (IL)-17 following activation of PPARγ by DHA. Furthermore, naïve CD4 T cells derived from mice fed a DHA-enriched diet displayed less capability to differentiate into TH17 cells. In two different mouse models of cancer, DHA prevented tumor outgrowth and angiogenesis in an IL-17-dependent manner. Altogether, our results uncover a novel molecular pathway by which PPARγ-induced SOCS3 expression prevents IL-17-mediated cancer growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hélène Berger
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Medicale (INSERM), U866, France
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Morgenweck J, Griggs RB, Donahue RR, Zadina JE, Taylor BK. PPARγ activation blocks development and reduces established neuropathic pain in rats. Neuropharmacology 2013; 70:236-46. [PMID: 23415633 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2013.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Revised: 12/18/2012] [Accepted: 01/16/2013] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is emerging as a new pharmacotherapeutic target for chronic pain. When oral (3-30 mg/kg/day in chow for 7 wk) or twice-daily intraperitoneal (1-10 mg/kg/day for 2 wk) administration began before spared nerve injury (SNI), pioglitazone, a PPARγ agonist, dose-dependently prevented multiple behavioral signs of somatosensory hypersensitivity. The highest dose of intraperitoneal pioglitazone did not produce ataxia or reductions in transient mechanical and heat nociception, indicating that inhibitory effects on hypersensitivity were not secondary to adverse drug-induced behaviors or antinociception. Inhibitory effects on hypersensitivity persisted at least one week beyond cessation of pioglitazone administration, suggestive of long-lasting effects on gene expression. Blockade of PPARγ with GW9662, an irreversible and selective PPARγ antagonist, dose-dependently reduced the inhibitory effect of pioglitazone on hypersensitivity, indicating a PPARγ-dependent action. Remarkably, a single preemptive injection of pioglitazone 15 min before SNI attenuated hypersensitivity for at least 2 weeks; this was enhanced with a second injection delivered 12 h after SNI. Pioglitazone injections beginning after SNI also reduced hypersensitivity, albeit to a lesser degree than preemptive treatment. Intraperitoneal pioglitazone significantly reduced the nerve injury-induced up-regulation of cd11b, GFAP, and p-p38 in the dorsal horn, indicating a mechanism of action involving spinal microglia and/or astrocyte activation. Oral pioglitazone significantly reduced touch stimulus-evoked phospho-extracellular signal-related kinase (p-ERK) in lamina I-II, indicating a mechanism of action involving inhibition of central sensitization. We conclude that pioglitazone reduces spinal glial and stimulus-evoked p-ERK activation and that PPARγ activation blocks the development of and reduces established neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Morgenweck
- Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky Research Foundation, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
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Dupuis L, Dengler R, Heneka MT, Meyer T, Zierz S, Kassubek J, Fischer W, Steiner F, Lindauer E, Otto M, Dreyhaupt J, Grehl T, Hermann A, Winkler AS, Bogdahn U, Benecke R, Schrank B, Wessig C, Grosskreutz J, Ludolph AC. A randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled trial of pioglitazone in combination with riluzole in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. PLoS One 2012; 7:e37885. [PMID: 22715372 PMCID: PMC3371007 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0037885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2012] [Accepted: 04/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Pioglitazone, an oral anti-diabetic that stimulates the PPAR-gamma transcription factor, increased survival of mice with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Methods/Principal Findings We performed a phase II, double blind, multicentre, placebo controlled trial of pioglitazone in ALS patients under riluzole. 219 patients were randomly assigned to receive 45 mg/day of pioglitazone or placebo (one: one allocation ratio). The primary endpoint was survival. Secondary endpoints included incidence of non-invasive ventilation and tracheotomy, and slopes of ALS-FRS, slow vital capacity, and quality of life as assessed using EUROQoL EQ-5D. The study was conducted under a two-stage group sequential test, allowing to stop for futility or superiority after interim analysis. Shortly after interim analysis, 30 patients under pioglitazone and 24 patients under placebo had died. The trial was stopped for futility; the hazard ratio for primary endpoint was 1.21 (95% CI: 0.71–2.07, p = 0.48). Secondary endpoints were not modified by pioglitazone treatment. Pioglitazone was well tolerated. Conclusion/Significance Pioglitazone has no beneficial effects on the survival of ALS patients as add-on therapy to riluzole. Trial Registration Clinicaltrials.gov NCT00690118.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luc Dupuis
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
- U692 - Laboratoire de Signalisations Moléculaires et Neurodégénérescence, INSERM, Strasbourg, France
- UMRS692, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Reinhard Dengler
- Department of Neurology, Hannover Medical School, Hannover, Germany
| | | | - Thomas Meyer
- Department of Neurology, Charité University Hospital, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan Zierz
- Department of Neurology, University of Halle-Wittenberg, Halle, Germany
| | - Jan Kassubek
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | | | | | - Eva Lindauer
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Markus Otto
- Department of Neurology, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jens Dreyhaupt
- Institute of Epidemiology and Medical Biometry, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Torsten Grehl
- Department of Neurology, Ruhr-Universität, Bochum, Germany
| | - Andreas Hermann
- Department of Neurology, Dresden University of Technology, Dresden, Germany
| | | | - Ulrich Bogdahn
- Department of Neurology, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Reiner Benecke
- Neurology clinic, University of Rostock, Rostock, Germany
| | | | - Carsten Wessig
- Department of Neurology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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Lin TH, Tang CH, Wu K, Fong YC, Yang RS, Fu WM. 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14) -prostaglandin-J2 and ciglitazone inhibit TNF-α-induced matrix metalloproteinase 13 production via the antagonism of NF-κB activation in human synovial fibroblasts. J Cell Physiol 2011; 226:3242-50. [PMID: 21344384 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.22685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Collagenase-3 (matrix metalloproteinase, MMP-13) plays an important role in the degradation of cartilage in pathologic conditions. MMP-13 is elevated in joint tissues in both rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA). In addition, inflammation-stimulated synovial fibroblasts are able to release MMP-13 and other cytokines in these diseases. The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) ligands are recently considered as new anti-inflammatory compounds and these ligands were reported to ameliorate inflammatory arthritis. The aim of this study is to evaluate the mechanisms how PPARγ ligands inhibit the inflammatory response in synovial fibroblasts. Two PPARγ ligands, cyclopentenone prostaglandin 15-deoxy-Δ(12,14) -prostaglandin-J2 (15d-PGJ2) and synthetic thiazolidinedione compound ciglitazone were examined in this study. Here we found that 15d-PGJ2 and ciglitazone markedly inhibited TNF-α-induced MMP-13 production in human synovial fibroblasts. In addition, activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) is strongly associated with MMP-13 induction by TNF-α and the activation of NF-κB was determined by Western blot, reporter assay, and immunofluorescence. It was found that 15d-PGJ2 markedly attenuated the translocation of NF-κB by direct inhibition of the activation of IKK via a PPARγ-independent manner. Ciglitazone also inhibits TNF-α-induced MMP-13 expression by suppressing NF-κB activation mainly via the modulation of p38-MAPK. Collectively, our data demonstrate that 15d-PGJ2 and ciglitazone attenuated TNF-α-induced MMP-13 expression in synovial fibroblasts primarily through the modulation of NF-κB signaling pathways. These compounds may have therapeutic application in inflammatory arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Hung Lin
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
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Abstract
INTRODUCTION Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a rapidly progressive neurodegenerative disease that results in increasing disability and that is uniformly fatal. Since its approval in the 1990s, riluzole remains the sole treatment for ALS offering modest survival benefit. While significant advances have been made in the symptomatic management of the disease, more effective drug therapy targeting disease progression is sorely needed. AREAS COVERED Advances in the understanding of pathogenic mechanisms involved in disease development and progression have provided multiple avenues for developing effective treatment strategies. This review highlights recent discoveries relating to these diverse mechanisms and their implications for the development of drug therapy. Previous human clinical trials that have targeted these pathways are mentioned and ongoing drug trials are discussed. EXPERT OPINION The search for effective drug therapy faces important challenges in the areas of basic science and animal research, translation of these results into human clinical trials, inherent bias in human studies and issues related to delays in clinical diagnosis. How these issues may be addressed and why ALS research constitutes fertile grounds for drug development not only for this devastating disease, but also for other more prevalent neurodegenerative diseases, is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Aamer Habib
- The Neurological Institute of Columbia University, Eleanor and Lou Gehrig MDA/ALS Center, NY 10032, USA.
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31
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Hirano E, Sugita N, Kikuchi A, Shimada Y, Sasahara J, Iwanaga R, Tanaka K, Yoshie H. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma polymorphism and periodontitis in pregnant Japanese women. J Periodontol 2010; 81:897-906. [PMID: 20450366 DOI: 10.1902/jop.2010.090669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies suggest an association between maternal periodontitis and preterm birth, although the association remains controversial. It was suggested that mechanisms such as a genetic predisposition for a hyperinflammatory response cause periodontitis and preterm births. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARgamma) is a nuclear hormone receptor and ligand-dependent transcription factor. PPARgamma inhibits the transcriptional activity of the genes that produce proinflammatory mediators and repress periodontitis. Recently, a common polymorphism, proline(PRO)-to-alanine(ALA) mutation at codon12 in exonB (Pro12Ala: rs 1801282) PPARgamma, was reported to reduce the ability to transactivate responsive promoters. In this study, we tested whether the PPARgammaPro12Ala polymorphism was associated with maternal periodontitis and/or preterm birth. METHODS Genomic DNA was isolated from the venous blood of pregnant Japanese women (term birth: n = 72; preterm birth: n = 58). The PPARgammaPro12Ala genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-restriction fragment length polymorphism. Within 5 days after labor, clinical periodontal parameters were evaluated, and periodontopathic bacteria from the subgingival plaque were detected by species-specific PCR. RESULTS The mean clinical attachment level (P = 0.012), mean probing depth (P = 0.031), mean gingival index (P = 0.037), and percentages of sites with bleeding on probing (P = 0.041) in women with the PPARgammaPro12Ala genotype were significantly higher than in women with the PPARgammaPro12Pro genotype. However, there was no association between preterm birth and periodontitis. CONCLUSION We suggest that the PPARgammaPro12Ala polymorphism may represent a genetic susceptibility factor for the clinical measurements of periodontitis in a limited number of pregnant Japanese women, but it probably cannot influence the relationship between periodontitis and preterm birth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Hirano
- Division of Periodontology, Department of Oral Biological Science, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Niigata University, Niigata 951-8514, Japan
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Collino M, Aragno M, Castiglia S, Miglio G, Tomasinelli C, Boccuzzi G, Thiemermann C, Fantozzi R. Pioglitazone improves lipid and insulin levels in overweight rats on a high cholesterol and fructose diet by decreasing hepatic inflammation. Br J Pharmacol 2010; 160:1892-902. [PMID: 20233219 PMCID: PMC2958635 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.00671.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2009] [Revised: 10/29/2009] [Accepted: 11/29/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Nutrient overload leads to obesity and insulin resistance. Pioglitazone, a selective peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)gamma agonist, is currently used to manage insulin resistance, but the specific molecular mechanisms activated by PPARgamma are not yet fully understood. Recent studies suggest the involvement of suppressor of cytokine signalling (SOCS)-3 in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance. This study aimed to investigate the hepatic signalling pathway activated by PPARgamma activation in a non-genetic insulin-resistant animal model. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Male Wistar rats were maintained on a high-cholesterol fructose (HCF) diet for 15 weeks. Pioglitazone (3 mg x kg(-1)) was administered orally for the last 4 weeks of this diet. At the end of the treatment, serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Levels of PPARgamma, SOCS-3, pro-inflammatory markers, insulin receptor substrate-2 and Akt/glycogen synthase kinase-3beta phosphorylation were assessed in rat liver. KEY RESULTS Rats fed the HCF diet exhibited hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia, impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance. Pioglitazone administration evoked a significant improvement in lipid metabolism and insulin responsiveness. This was accompanied by reduced hepatic expression of SOCS-3, interleukin-6, tumour necrosis factor-alpha and markers of neutrophil infiltration. Diet-induced PPARgamma expression was unaffected by the pioglitazone treatment. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic pioglitazone administration reduced hepatic inflammatory responses in rats fed a HCF diet. These effects were associated with changes in hepatic expression of SOCS-3, which may be a crucial link between the reduced local inflammation and the improved insulin signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Collino
- Department of Anatomy, Pharmacology and Forensic Medicine, University of Turin, Turin, Italy.
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Shibata N, Kakita A, Takahashi H, Ihara Y, Nobukuni K, Fujimura H, Sakoda S, Kobayashi M. Increased expression and activation of cytosolic phospholipase A2 in the spinal cord of patients with sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Acta Neuropathol 2010; 119:345-54. [PMID: 20066429 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-009-0636-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2009] [Revised: 12/15/2009] [Accepted: 12/31/2009] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Compelling evidence identifies a link between cytotoxic effects of cytosolic phospholipase A2 (cPLA2) activity and neuron death in cell cultures. cPLA2 catalyzes the hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids to produce and release arachidonate, leading to plasma membrane injury, inflammatory response and subsequent cell death. To assess a role for cPLA2 in the pathomechanism of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), we performed immunohistochemical, immunoblot, and densitometric analyses of cPLA2 and its active form phosphorylated at S505 (p-cPLA2) on spinal cords obtained at autopsy from ten sporadic ALS patients and ten age-matched controls. On sections, immunoreactivities for cPLA2 and p-cPLA2 were distinct and localized in almost all of the motor neurons, reactive astrocytes, and activated microglia in the ALS cases, while immunoreactivities were only weak or not at all observed in neurons and glia in the control cases. On immunoblots, both the cPLA2/β-actin density ratio and the p-cPLA2/cPLA2 density ratio were significantly increased in the ALS group compared to the control group. There was no significant link between the densitometric data and the clinical phenotypes, age at death or disease duration of the ALS patients. These results provide in vivo evidence for increased expression and activation of cPLA2 in motor neurons, reactive astrocytes, and activated microglia in ALS, suggesting occurrence of arachidonate cascade-induced motor neuron death via cell-autonomous and/or non-cell-autonomous mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noriyuki Shibata
- Department of Pathology, Tokyo Women’s Medical University, 8-1 Kawada-cho, Shinjuku-ku 162-8666, Tokyo, Japan.
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Persistent cleavage and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor in motor neurons in the spinal cord of sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis patients. Acta Neuropathol 2009; 118:755-62. [PMID: 19669652 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-009-0580-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2008] [Revised: 07/31/2009] [Accepted: 08/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence suggests that glutamate excitotoxicity induces both enzymatic cleavage and nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), which is involved in apoptosis-like programed cell death characterized by nuclear condensation without appearance of apoptotic bodies. Given the lack of apoptotic bodies in motor neurons in the spinal cord of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the aim of the present study was to determine the role for AIF in this disease. We investigated the expression of AIF in spinal cords obtained at autopsy from ten sporadic ALS patients and ten age-matched, control subjects, using morphological and quantitative techniques. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that AIF immunoreactivity was localized in the nucleus as well as the cytoplasm of a subset of affected motor neurons and reactive astrocytes in the ALS cases, while it was restricted to the cytoplasm of these cells in the control cases. Immunoblot analysis disclosed immunoreactivity for cleaved AIF in both cytoplasmic and nuclear protein extracts at a 57-kDa mobility. Densitometric analysis revealed significant increases in the cytoplasmic cleaved AIF/cytoplasmic β-actin ratio and the nuclear cleaved AIF/nuclear histone H1 ratio in the ALS group compared with the control group. There was no significant link between the cytoplasmic and nuclear cleaved AIF levels in the ALS spinal cords and the clinical features such as phenotypes, age at death, and disease duration. Our results provide evidence for persistent cleavage and nuclear translocation of AIF in ALS spinal cord, suggesting implications for the AIF-mediated motor neuron death in this disease.
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Shibata N, Yamamoto T, Hiroi A, Omi Y, Kato Y, Kobayashi M. Activation of STAT3 and inhibitory effects of pioglitazone on STAT3 activity in a mouse model of SOD1-mutated amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropathology 2009; 30:353-60. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1789.2009.01078.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
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36
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Han SH. Potential role of sirtuin as a therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. J Clin Neurol 2009; 5:120-5. [PMID: 19826562 PMCID: PMC2760716 DOI: 10.3988/jcn.2009.5.3.120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2009] [Revised: 08/18/2009] [Accepted: 08/18/2009] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The sirtuins (SIRTs) are protein-modifying enzymes that are distributed ubiquitously in all organisms. SIRT1 is a mammalian homologue of yeast nicotinamide-adenine-dinucleotide-dependent deacetylase silent information regulator 2 (known as Sir2), which is the best-characterized SIRT family member. It regulates longevity in several model organisms and is involved in several processes in mammalian cells including cell survival, differentiation, and metabolism. SIRT1 induction, either by SIRT-activating compounds such as resveratrol, or metabolic conditioning associated with caloric restriction, could have neuroprotective qualities and thus delay the neurodegenerative process, thereby promoting longevity. However, the precise mechanistic liaison between the activation of SIRT and extended healthy aging or delaying age-related diseases in humans has yet to be established.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seol-Heui Han
- Department of Neurology, Konkuk University Medical Center, Center for Geriatric Neuroscience Research, Institute of Biomedicalscience and Technology, Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea
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Mitochondrial dysfunction in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2009; 1802:45-51. [PMID: 19715760 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2009.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 155] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2009] [Revised: 08/19/2009] [Accepted: 08/19/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The etiology of motor neuron degeneration in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) remains to be better understood. Based on the studies from ALS patients and transgenic animal models, it is believed that ALS is likely to be a multifactorial and multisystem disease. Many mechanisms have been postulated to be involved in the pathology of ALS, such as oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, mitochondrial damage, defective axonal transport, glia cell pathology and aberrant RNA metabolism. Mitochondria, which play crucial roles in excitotoxicity, apoptosis and cell survival, have shown to be an early target in ALS pathogenesis and contribute to the disease progression. Morphological and functional defects in mitochondria were found in both human patients and ALS mice overexpressing mutant SOD1. Mutant SOD1 was found to be preferentially associated with mitochondria and subsequently impair mitochondrial function. Recent studies suggest that axonal transport of mitochondria along microtubules and mitochondrial dynamics may also be disrupted in ALS. These results also illustrate the critical importance of maintaining proper mitochondrial function in axons and neuromuscular junctions, supporting the emerging "dying-back" axonopathy model of ALS. In this review, we will discuss how mitochondrial dysfunction has been linked to the ALS variants of SOD1 and the mechanisms by which mitochondrial damage contributes to the disease etiology.
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Zoccolella S, Santamato A, Lamberti P. Current and emerging treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2009; 5:577-95. [PMID: 19966906 PMCID: PMC2785861 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a relatively rare neurodegenerative disorder of both upper and lower motoneurons. Currently, the management of ALS is essentially symptoms-based, and riluzole, an antiglutamatergic agent, is the only drug for the treatment of ALS approved by the food and drug administration. OBJECTIVE We reviewed current literature concerning emerging treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. METHODS A Medline literature search was performed to identify all studies on ALS treatment published from January 1st, 1986 through August 31st, 2009. We selected papers concerning only disease-modifying therapy. RESULTS Forty-eight compounds were identified and reviewed in this study. CONCLUSIONS Riluzole is the only compound that demonstrated a beneficial effect on ALS patients, but with only modest increase in survival. Although several drugs showed effective results in the animal models for ALS, none of them significantly prolonged survival or improved quality of life of ALS patients. Several factors have been implicated in explaining the predominantly negative results of numerous randomized clinical trials in ALS, including methodological problems in the use of animal-drug screening, the lack of assessment of pharmacokinetic profile of the drugs, and methodological pitfalls of clinical trials in ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Zoccolella
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, Department of Medical and Neurological Sciences, Clinic of Nervous System Diseases, University of Foggia, Italy.
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