IL-1beta induces a MyD88-dependent and ceramide-mediated activation of Src in anterior hypothalamic neurons

Mitigating neuroinflammation in Parkinson's disease: Exploring the role of proinflammatory cytokines and the potential of phytochemicals as natural therapeutics

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most prevalent neuroinflammatory illnesses, characterized by the progressive loss of neurons in the brain. Proinflammatory cytokines play a key role in initiating and perpetuating neuroinflammation, which can lead to the activation of glial cells and the deregulation of inflammatory pathways, ultimately leading to permanent brain damage. Currently, available drugs for PD mostly alleviate symptoms but do not target underlying inflammatory processes. There is a growing interest in exploring the potential of phytochemicals to mitigate neuroinflammation. Phytochemicals such as resveratrol, apigenin, catechin, anthocyanins, amentoflavone, quercetin, berberine, and genistein have been studied for their ability to scavenge free radicals and reduce proinflammatory cytokine levels in the brain. These plant-derived compounds offer a natural and potentially safe alternative to conventional drugs for managing neuroinflammation in PD and other neurodegenerative diseases. However, further research is necessary to elucidate their underlying mechanisms of action and clinical effectiveness. So, this review delves into the pathophysiology of PD and its intricate relationship with proinflammatory cytokines, and explores how their insidious contributions fuel the disease's initiation and progression via cytokine-dependent signaling pathways. Additionally, we tried to give an account of PD management using existing drugs along with their limitations. Furthermore, our aim is to provide a thorough overview of the diverse groups of phytochemicals, their plentiful sources, and the current understanding of their anti-neuroinflammatory properties. Through this exploration, we posit the innovative idea that consuming nutrient-rich phytochemicals could be an effective approach to preventing and treating PD.

Circulating Sphingolipids in Insulin Resistance, Diabetes and Associated Complications

Sphingolipids play an important role in the development of diabetes, both type 1 and type 2 diabetes, as well as in the development of both micro- and macro-vascular complications. Several reviews have been published concerning the role of sphingolipids in diabetes but most of the emphasis has been on the possible mechanisms by which sphingolipids, mainly ceramides, contribute to the development of diabetes. Research on circulating levels of the different classes of sphingolipids in serum and in lipoproteins and their importance as biomarkers to predict not only the development of diabetes but also of its complications has only recently emerged and it is still in its infancy. This review summarizes the previously published literature concerning sphingolipid-mediated mechanisms involved in the development of diabetes and its complications, focusing on how circulating plasma sphingolipid levels and the relative content carried by the different lipoproteins may impact their role as possible biomarkers both in the development of diabetes and mainly in the development of diabetic complications. Further studies in this field may open new therapeutic avenues to prevent or arrest/reduce both the development of diabetes and progression of its complications.

Contribution of specific ceramides to obesity-associated metabolic diseases

Ceramides are a heterogeneous group of bioactive membrane sphingolipids that play specialized regulatory roles in cellular metabolism depending on their characteristic fatty acyl chain lengths and subcellular distribution. As obesity progresses, certain ceramide molecular species accumulate in metabolic tissues and cause cell-type-specific lipotoxic reactions that disrupt metabolic homeostasis and lead to the development of cardiometabolic diseases. Several mechanisms for ceramide action have been inferred from studies in vitro, but only recently have we begun to better understand the acyl chain length specificity of ceramide-mediated signaling in the context of physiology and disease in vivo. New discoveries show that specific ceramides affect various metabolic pathways and that global or tissue-specific reduction in selected ceramide pools in obese rodents is sufficient to improve metabolic health. Here, we review the tissue-specific regulation and functions of ceramides in obesity, thus highlighting the emerging concept of selectively inhibiting production or action of ceramides with specific acyl chain lengths as novel therapeutic strategies to ameliorate obesity-associated diseases.

Inhibition of BET Protein Function Suppressed the Overactivation of the Canonical NF-κB Signaling Pathway in 6-OHDA-Lesioned Rat Model of Levodopa-Induced Dyskinesia

Background

Neuroinflammation is involved in the mechanisms of levodopa-induced dyskinesia (LID). The canonical NF-κB activation signaling pathway plays a critical role in the neuroinflammation development and BET protein-induced NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation. The inhibition of the BET protein function has been reported to alleviate LID; however, its association with the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway in the 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum of the LID rat model remains unknown. Accordingly, we identified the status of the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway in the 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum of the LID rat model and whether the anti-dyskinetic effect of the BET inhibitor JQ1 was associated with its suppression on NF-κB-mediated neuroinflammation.

Methods

6-OHDA PD rat models were treated with either L-dopa plus JQ1 or L-dopa alone. L-dopa treatment was given for 2 weeks, and the JQ1 treatment was given for 3 weeks and was initiated a week prior to L-dopa treatment. As a control, the sham rats were treated with JQ1 or Veh for 3 weeks. The ALO AIM assessment and cylinder test were performed during the treatment. Glial activation markers, pro-inflammatory substances, and critical proteins in the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway were tested in the lesioned striatum after the final treatment.

Results

JQ1 effectively alleviated LID without influencing motor improvement. In the lesioned striatum, L-dopa triggered an overactivation of the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway, with an increase in the phospho-IKKα/β, phospho-IκBα, and NF-κB nuclear translocation and its phosphorylation at Ser 536 and Ser 276 sites (p < 0.01 vs. sham group). L-dopa induced an overexpression of the pro-inflammatory substances of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and the glial activation markers CD68 and GFAP. All the molecular changes were greatly inhibited by JQ1.

Conclusion

L-dopa triggered an overactivation of the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to an enhanced neuroinflammation response in the 6-OHDA-lesioned striatum of LID rat models. The inhibition of the BET protein function significantly suppressed the activation of the canonical NF-κB signaling pathway in the striatum, alleviating the neuroinflammation response and the severity of LID.

Microglia modulate stable wakefulness via the thalamic reticular nucleus in mice

Microglia are important for brain homeostasis and immunity, but their role in regulating vigilance remains unclear. We employed genetic, physiological, and metabolomic methods to examine microglial involvement in the regulation of wakefulness and sleep. Microglial depletion decreased stable nighttime wakefulness in mice by increasing transitions between wakefulness and non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep. Metabolomic analysis revealed that the sleep-wake behavior closely correlated with diurnal variation of the brain ceramide, which disappeared in microglia-depleted mice. Ceramide preferentially influenced microglia in the thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN), and local depletion of TRN microglia produced similar impaired wakefulness. Chemogenetic manipulations of anterior TRN neurons showed that they regulated transitions between wakefulness and NREM sleep. Their firing capacity was suppressed by both microglial depletion and added ceramide. In microglia-depleted mice, activating anterior TRN neurons or inhibiting ceramide production both restored stable wakefulness. These findings demonstrate that microglia can modulate stable wakefulness through anterior TRN neurons via ceramide signaling.

The Role of Fatty Acids in Ceramide Pathways and Their Influence on Hypothalamic Regulation of Energy Balance: A Systematic Review

Obesity is a global health issue for which no major effective treatments have been well established. High-fat diet consumption is closely related to the development of obesity because it negatively modulates the hypothalamic control of food intake due to metaflammation and lipotoxicity. The use of animal models, such as rodents, in conjunction with in vitro models of hypothalamic cells, can enhance the understanding of hypothalamic functions related to the control of energy balance, thereby providing knowledge about the impact of diet on the hypothalamus, in addition to targets for the development of new drugs that can be used in humans to decrease body weight. Recently, sphingolipids were described as having a lipotoxic effect in peripheral tissues and the central nervous system. Specifically, lipid overload, mainly from long-chain saturated fatty acids, such as palmitate, leads to excessive ceramide levels that can be sensed by the hypothalamus, triggering the dysregulation of energy balance control. However, no systematic review has been undertaken regarding studies of sphingolipids, particularly ceramide and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P), the hypothalamus, and obesity. This review confirms that ceramides are associated with hypothalamic dysfunction in response to metaflammation, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and lipotoxicity, leading to insulin/leptin resistance. However, in contrast to ceramide, S1P appears to be a central satiety factor in the hypothalamus. Thus, our work describes current evidence related to sphingolipids and their role in hypothalamic energy balance control. Hypothetically, the manipulation of sphingolipid levels could be useful in enabling clinicians to treat obesity, particularly by decreasing ceramide levels and the inflammation/endoplasmic reticulum stress induced in response to overfeeding with saturated fatty acids.

Curcumin Reduces Neuronal Loss and Inhibits the NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in an Epileptic Rat Model

Background:

Epilepsy is a chronic neurological disorder affecting an estimated 50 mil-lion people worldwide. Emerging evidences have accumulated over the past decades supporting the role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. Curcumin is a nature-derived active molecule demonstrating anti-inflammation efficacy. However, its effects on epilepsy and corresponding mech-anisms remain elusive.

Objective:

To investigate the effects of curcumin on epilepsy and its underlying mechanism.

Method:

Forty Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: (1) control group; (2) Kainic Acid (KA)-induced epilepsy group; (3) curcumin group; and (4) curcumin pretreatment before KA stimulation group. Morris water maze was utilized to assess the effect of curcumin on KA-induced epilepsy. The hippocampi were obtained from rats and subjected to western blot. Immunohistochem-istry was conducted to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

Results:

Rats received curcumin demonstrated improvement of recognition deficiency and epilepsy syndromes induced by KA. Western blot showed that KA stimulation increased the expression of IL-1β and NLRP3, which were reduced by curcumin treatment. Further investigations revealed that curcumin inhibited the activation of NLPR3/inflammasome in epilepsy and reduced neuronal loss in hippocampus.

Conclusion:

Curcumin inhibits KA-induced epileptic syndromes via suppression of NLRP3 in-flammasome activation; therefore, offers a potential therapy for epilepsy.

Cell-Type-Specific Interleukin 1 Receptor 1 Signaling in the Brain Regulates Distinct Neuroimmune Activities

Interleukin-1 (IL-1) signaling is important for multiple potentially pathogenic processes in the central nervous system (CNS), but the cell-type-specific roles of IL-1 signaling are unclear. We used a genetic knockin reporter system in mice to track and reciprocally delete or express IL-1 receptor 1 (IL-1R1) in specific cell types, including endothelial cells, ventricular cells, peripheral myeloid cells, microglia, astrocytes, and neurons. We found that endothelial IL-1R1 was necessary and sufficient for mediating sickness behavior and drove leukocyte recruitment to the CNS and impaired neurogenesis, whereas ventricular IL-1R1 was critical for monocyte recruitment to the CNS. Although microglia did not express IL-1R1, IL-1 stimulation of endothelial cells led to the induction of IL-1 in microglia. Together, these findings describe the structure and functions of the brain's IL-1R1-expressing system and lay a foundation for the dissection and identification of IL-1R1 signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of CNS diseases.

HIV gp120-induced neuroinflammation potentiates NMDA receptors to overcome basal suppression of inhibitory synapses by p38 MAPK

HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder affects about half of HIV-infected patients. HIV impairs neuronal function through indirect mechanisms mainly mediated by inflammatory cytokines and neurotoxic viral proteins, such as the envelope protein gp120. HIV gp120 elicits a neuroinflammatory response that potentiates NMDA receptor function and induces the loss of excitatory synapses. How gp120 influences neuronal inhibition remains unknown. In this study, we expressed a green fluorescent protein (GFP)-tagged recombinant antibody-like protein that binds to the post-synaptic scaffolding protein gephyrin to label inhibitory synapses in living neurons. Treatment with 600 pM gp120 for 24 h increased the number of labeled inhibitory synapses. HIV gp120 evoked the release of interleukin-1β (IL-1β) from microglia to activate IL-1 receptors on neurons. Subsequent activation of the tyrosine kinase Src and GluN2A-containing NMDA receptors increased the number of inhibitory synapses via a process that required protein synthesis. In naïve cultures, inhibition of neuronal p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) increased the number of inhibitory synapses suggesting that p38 MAPK produces a basal suppression of inhibitory synapses that is overcome in the presence of gp120. Direct activation of a mutant form of p38 MAPK expressed in neurons mimicked basal suppression of inhibitory synapses. This study shows for the first time that gp120-induced neuroinflammation increases the number of inhibitory synapses and that this increase overcomes a basal suppression of synaptic inhibition. Increased inhibition may be an adaptive mechanism enabling neurons to counteract excess excitatory input in order to maintain network homeostasis. OPEN SCIENCE BADGES: This article has received a badge for *Open Materials* because it provided all relevant information to reproduce the study in the manuscript. The complete Open Science Disclosure form for this article can be found at the end of the article. More information about the Open Practices badges can be found at https://cos.io/our-services/open-science-badges/.

IL-1β suppresses cLTP-induced surface expression of GluA1 and actin polymerization via ceramide-mediated Src activation

BACKGROUND

Brain inflammation including increases in inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β is widely believed to contribute to the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease. Although IL-1β-induced impairments in long-term potentiation (LTP) in acute hippocampal slices and memory functions in vivo have been well documented, the neuron-specific molecular mechanisms of IL-1β-mediated impairments of LTP and memory remain unclear.

METHODS

This study uses an in vitro approach in primary hippocampal neurons to evaluate the effect of IL-1β on chemical LTP (cLTP)-induced structural plasticity and signaling.

RESULTS

We found that IL-1β reduces both the surface expression of alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazolepropionic acid (AMPA) receptor subunit GluA1 and the spine growth following cLTP. These effects of IL-1β were mediated by impairing actin polymerization during cLTP, as IL-1β decreased the cLTP-induced formation of F-actin, and the effect of IL-1β on cLTP-induced surface expression of GluA1 can be mimicked by latrunculin, a toxin that disrupts dynamics of actin filaments, and can be prevented by jasplakinolide, a cell-permeable peptide that stabilizes F-actin. Moreover, live-cell imaging demonstrated that IL-1β decreased the stability of the actin cytoskeleton in spines, which is required for LTP consolidation. We further examined the role of sphingolipid signaling in the IL-1β-mediated impairment of spine plasticity and found that both the neutral sphingomyelinase inhibitor GW4869 and the inhibitor of Src kinase PP2 attenuated the IL-1β-mediated suppression of cLTP-induced surface expression of GluA1 and actin polymerization.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings support a mechanism by which IL-1β, via the sphingomyelinase/ceramide/Src pathway, impairs structural spine remodeling essential for LTP consolidation and memory.

Novel Role of IL (Interleukin)-1β in Neutrophil Extracellular Trap Formation and Abdominal Aortic Aneurysms

OBJECTIVE

Neutrophils promote experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) formation via a mechanism that is independent from MMPs (matrix metalloproteinases). Recently, we reported a dominant role of IL (interleukin)-1β in the formation of murine experimental AAAs. Here, the hypothesis that IL-1β-induced neutrophil extracellular trap formation (NETosis) promotes AAA was tested.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

NETs were identified through colocalized staining of neutrophil, Cit-H3 (citrullinated histone H3), and DNA, using immunohistochemistry. NETs were detected in human AAAs and were colocalized with IL-1β. In vitro, IL-1RA attenuated IL-1β-induced NETosis in human neutrophils. Mechanistically, IL-1β treatment of isolated neutrophils induced nuclear localization of ceramide synthase 6 and synthesis of C16-ceramide, which was inhibited by IL-1RA or fumonisin B1, an inhibitor of ceramide synthesis. Furthermore, IL-1RA or fumonisin B1 attenuated IL1-β-induced NETosis. In an experimental model of murine AAA, NETs were detected at a very early stage-day 3 of aneurysm induction. IL-1β-knockout mice demonstrated significantly lower infiltration of neutrophils to aorta and were protected from AAA. Adoptive transfer of wild-type neutrophils promoted AAA formation in IL-1β-knockout mice. Moreover, treatment of wild-type mice with Cl-amidine, an inhibitor NETosis, significantly attenuated AAA formation, whereas, treatment with deoxyribonuclease, a DNA digesting enzyme, had no effect on AAA formation.

CONCLUSIONS

Altogether, the results suggest a dominant role of IL-1β-induced NETosis in AAA formation.

Depression following a traumatic brain injury: uncovering cytokine dysregulation as a pathogenic mechanism

A substantial number of individuals have long-lasting adverse effects from a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Depression is one of these long-term complications that influences many aspects of life. Depression can limit the ability to return to work, and even worsen cognitive function and contribute to dementia. The mechanistic cause for the increased depression risk associated with a TBI remains to be defined. As TBI results in chronic neuroinflammation, and priming of glia to a secondary challenge, the inflammatory theory of depression provides a promising framework for investigating the cause of depression following a TBI. Increases in cytokines similar to those seen in depression in the general population are also increased following a TBI. Biomarker levels of cytokines peak within hours-to-days after the injury, yet pro-inflammatory cytokines may still be elevated above physiological levels months-to-years following TBI, which is the time frame in which post-TBI depression can persist. As tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1 can signal directly at the neuronal synapse, pathophysiological levels of these cytokines can detrimentally alter neuronal synaptic physiology. The purpose of this review is to outline the current evidence for the inflammatory hypothesis of depression specifically as it relates to depression following a TBI. Moreover, we will illustrate the potential synaptic mechanisms by which tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin 1 could contribute to depression. The association of inflammation with the development of depression is compelling; however, in the context of post-TBI depression, the role of inflammation is understudied. This review attempts to highlight the need to understand and treat the psychological complications of a TBI, potentially by neuroimmune modulation, as the neuropsychiatric disabilities can have a great impact on the rehabilitation from the injury, and overall quality of life.

Sphingolipids and Lipoproteins in Health and Metabolic Disorders

Sphingolipids are structurally and functionally diverse molecules with significant physiologic functions and are found associated with cellular membranes and plasma lipoproteins. The cellular and plasma concentrations of sphingolipids are altered in several metabolic disorders and may serve as prognostic and diagnostic markers. Here we discuss various sphingolipid transport mechanisms and highlight how changes in cellular and plasma sphingolipid levels contribute to cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes, insulin resistance, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Understanding of the mechanisms involved in intracellular transport, secretion, and extracellular transport may provide novel information that might be amenable to therapeutic targeting for the treatment of various metabolic disorders.

Phosphoglycerol dihydroceramide, a distinctive ceramide produced by Porphyromonas gingivalis, promotes RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by acting on non-muscle myosin II-A (Myh9), an osteoclast cell fusion regulatory factor

Among several virulence factors produced by the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis (Pg), a recently identified novel class of dihydroceramide lipids that contains a long acyl-chain has the potential to play a pathogenic role in periodontitis because of its higher level of tissue penetration compared to other lipid classes produced by Pg. However, the possible impact of Pg ceramides on osteoclastogenesis is largely unknown. In the present study, we report that the phosphoglycerol dihydroceramide (PGDHC) isolated from Pg enhanced osteoclastogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Using RAW264.7 cells, in vitro assays indicated that PGDHC can promote RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis by generating remarkably larger TRAP+ multinuclear osteoclasts compared to Pg LPS in a TLR2/4-independent manner. According to fluorescent confocal microscopy, co-localization of non-muscle myosin II-A (Myh9) and PGDHC was observed in the cytoplasm of osteoclasts, indicating the membrane-permeability of PGDHC. Loss- and gain-of-function assays using RNAi-based Myh9 gene silencing, as well as overexpression of the Myh9 gene, in RAW264.7 cells showed that interaction of PGDHC with Myh9 enhances RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. It was also demonstrated that PGDHC can upregulate the expression of dendritic cell-specific transmembrane protein (DC-STAMP), an important osteoclast fusogen, through signaling that involves Rac1, suggesting that interaction of PGDHC with Myh9 can elicit the cell signal that promotes osteoclast cell fusion. Taken together, our data indicated that PGDHC is a Pg-derived, cell-permeable ceramide that possesses a unique property of promoting osteoclastogenesis via interaction with Myh9 which, in turn, activates a Rac1/DC-STAMP pathway for upregulation of osteoclast cell fusion.

Interleukin-1β activates an Src family kinase to stimulate the plasma membrane Ca2+ pump in hippocampal neurons

The plasma membrane Ca(2+) ATPase (PMCA) plays a major role in clearing Ca(2+) from the neuronal cytoplasm. The cytoplasmic Ca(2+) clearance rate affects neuronal excitability, synaptic plasticity, and neurotransmission. Here, we examined the modulation of PMCA activity by PTKs in hippocampal neurons. PMCA-mediated Ca(2+) clearance slowed in the presence of pyrazolopyrimidine 2, an inhibitor of Src family kinases (SFKs), and accelerated in the presence of C2-ceramide, an activator of PTKs. Ca(2+) clearance kinetics were attenuated in cells expressing a dominant-negative Src mutant, suggesting that the pump is tonically stimulated by a PTK. Tonic stimulation was reduced in hippocampal neurons expressing short hairpin (sh)RNA directed to mRNA for Yes. shRNA-mediated knockdown of PMCA isoform 1 (PMCA1) removed tonic stimulation of Ca(2+) clearance, indicating that the kinase stimulates PMCA1. IL-1β accelerated Ca(2+) clearance in a manner blocked by an IL-1β receptor antagonist or by an inhibitor of neutral sphingomyelinase, the enzyme that produces ceramide. Thus IL-1β activates an SFK to stimulate the plasma membrane Ca(2+) pump, decreasing the duration of Ca(2+) transients in hippocampal neurons.

Neuromodulatory properties of inflammatory cytokines and their impact on neuronal excitability

Increasing evidence underlines that prototypical inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6) either synthesized in the central (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS) by resident cells, or imported by immune blood cells, are involved in several pathophysiological functions, including an unexpected impact on synaptic transmission and neuronal excitability. This review describes these unconventional neuromodulatory properties of cytokines, that are distinct from their classical action as effector molecules of the immune system. In addition to the role of cytokines in brain physiology, we report evidence that dysregulation of their biosynthesis and cellular release, or alterations in receptor-mediated intracellular pathways in target cells, leads to neuronal cell dysfunction and modifications in neuronal network excitability. As a consequence, targeting of these cytokines, and related signalling molecules, is considered a novel option for the development of therapies in various CNS or PNS disorders associated with an inflammatory component. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Neuroimmunology and Synaptic Function'.

Lipid dynamics at dendritic spines

Dynamic changes in the structure and composition of the membrane protrusions forming dendritic spines underlie memory and learning processes. In recent years a great effort has been made to characterize in detail the protein machinery that controls spine plasticity. However, we know much less about the involvement of lipids, despite being major membrane components and structure determinants. Moreover, protein complexes that regulate spine plasticity depend on specific interactions with membrane lipids for proper function and accurate intracellular signaling. In this review we gather information available on the lipid composition at dendritic spine membranes and on its dynamics. We pay particular attention to the influence that spine lipid dynamism has on glutamate receptors, which are key regulators of synaptic plasticity.

Anti-inflammatory properties of a novel peptide interleukin 1 receptor antagonist

Background

Interleukin 1 (IL-1) is implicated in neuroinflammation, an essential component of neurodegeneration. We evaluated the potential anti-inflammatory effect of a novel peptide antagonist of IL-1 signaling, Ilantide.

Methods

We investigated the binding of Ilantide to IL-1 receptor type I (IL-1RI) using surface plasmon resonance, the inhibition of Il-1β-induced activation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) in HEK-Blue cells that contained an IL-1β-sensitive reporter, the secretion of TNF-α in macrophages, protection against IL-1-induced apoptosis in neonatal pancreatic islets, and the penetration of Ilantide through the blood–brain barrier using competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). We studied the effects of the peptide on social behavior and memory in rat models of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and amyloid-induced neuroinflammation, respectively, and its effect in a rat model of experimental autoimmune enchephalomyelitis.

Results

Ilantide bound IL-1RI, inhibited the IL-1β-induced activation of NF-κB, and inhibited the secretion of TNF-α in vitro. Ilantide protected pancreatic islets from apoptosis in vitro and reduced inflammation in an animal model of arthritis. The peptide penetrated the blood–brain barrier. It reduced the deficits in social activity and memory in LPS- and amyloid-treated animals and delayed the development of experimental autoimmune enchephalomyelitis.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that Ilantide is a novel and potent IL-1RI antagonist that is able to reduce inflammatory damage in the central nervous system and pancreatic islets.

Does brain inflammation mediate pathological outcomes in epilepsy?

Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with epilepsy and is characterized by the increased levels of a complex set of soluble molecules and their receptors in epileptogenic foci with profound neuromodulatory effects. These molecules activate receptor-mediated pathways in glia and neurons that contribute to hyperexcitability in neural networks that underlie seizure generation. As a consequence, exciting new opportunities now exist for novel therapies targeting the various components of the immune system and the associated inflammatory mediators, especially the IL-1β system. This review summarizes recent findings that increased our understanding of the role of inflammation in reducing seizure threshold, contributing to seizure generation, and participating in epileptogenesis. We will discuss preclinical studies supporting the hypothesis that pharmacological inhibition of specific proinflammatory signalings may be useful to treat drug-resistant seizures in human epilepsy, and possibly delay or arrest epileptogenesis.

A biological perspective of CSF lipids as surrogate markers for cognitive status in HIV

The development and application of biomarkers to neurodegenerative diseases has become increasingly important in clinical practice and therapeutic trials. While substantial progress has been made at the basic science level in understanding the pathophysiology of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND), there are significant limitations in our current ability to predict the onset or trajectory of disease, and to accurately determine the effects of therapeutic interventions. Thus, the development of objective biomarkers is critical to further our understanding and treatment of HAND. In recent years, biomarker discovery efforts have largely been driven forward through the implementation of multiple "omics" approaches that include (but are not restricted to): Lipidomics, proteomics, metabolomics, genomics, transcriptomics, and advances in brain imaging approaches such as functional connectomics. In this paper we summarize our progress to date on lipidomic approaches to biomarker discovery, discuss how these data have influenced basic research on the neuropathology of HAND, and implications for the development of therapeutics that target metabolic pathways involved in lipid handling.

Immune-neural connections: how the immune system's response to infectious agents influences behavior

Humans and animals use the classical five senses of sight, sound, touch, smell and taste to monitor their environment. The very survival of feral animals depends on these sensory perception systems, which is a central theme in scholarly research on comparative aspects of anatomy and physiology. But how do all of us sense and respond to an infection? We cannot see, hear, feel, smell or taste bacterial and viral pathogens, but humans and animals alike are fully aware of symptoms of sickness that are caused by these microbes. Pain, fatigue, altered sleep pattern, anorexia and fever are common symptoms in both sick animals and humans. Many of these physiological changes represent adaptive responses that are considered to promote animal survival, and this constellation of events results in sickness behavior. Infectious agents display a variety of pathogen-associated molecular patterns (PAMPs) that are recognized by pattern recognition receptors (PRRs). These PRR are expressed on both the surface [e.g. Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4] and in the cytoplasm [e.g. nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (Nod)-like receptors] of cells of the innate immune system, primarily macrophages and dendritic cells. These cells initiate and propagate an inflammatory response by stimulating the synthesis and release of a variety of cytokines. Once an infection has occurred in the periphery, both cytokines and bacterial toxins deliver this information to the brain using both humoral and neuronal routes of communication. For example, binding of PRR can lead to activation of the afferent vagus nerve, which communicates neuronal signals via the lower brain stem (nucleus tractus solitarius) to higher brain centers such as the hypothalamus and amygdala. Blood-borne cytokines initiate a cytokine response from vascular endothelial cells that form the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Cytokines can also reach the brain directly by leakage through the BBB via circumventricular organs or by being synthesized within the brain, thus forming a mirror image of the cytokine milieu in the periphery. Although all cells within the brain are capable of initiating cytokine secretion, microglia have an early response to incoming neuronal and humoral stimuli. Inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines that are induced following bacterial infection blocks the appearance of sickness behaviors. Collectively, these data are consistent with the notion that the immune system communicates with the brain to regulate behavior in a way that is consistent with animal survival.

A signaling cascade mediated by ceramide, src and PDGFRβ coordinates the activation of the redox-sensitive neutral sphingomyelinase-2 and sphingosine kinase-1

Stress-inducing agents, including oxidative stress, generate the sphingolipid mediators ceramide (Cer) and sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) that are involved in stress-induced cellular responses. The two redox-sensitive neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2) and sphingosine kinase-1 (SK1) participate in transducing stress signaling to ceramide and S1P, respectively; however, whether these key enzymes are coordinately regulated is not known. We investigated whether a signaling link coordinates nSMase2 and SK1 activation by H2O2. In mesenchymal cells, H2O2 elicits a dose-dependent biphasic effect, mitogenic at low concentration (5μM), and anti-proliferative and toxic at high concentration (100μM). Low H2O2 concentration triggered activation of nSMase2 and SK1 through a nSMase2/Cer-dependent signaling pathway that acted upstream of activation of SK1. Further results implicated src and the trans-activation of PDGFRβ, as supported by the blocking effect of specific siRNAs, pharmacological inhibitors, and genetically deficient cells for nSMase2, src and SK1. The H2O2-induced src/PDGFRβ/SK1 signaling cascade was impaired in nSMase2-deficient fro/fro cells and was rescued by exogenous C2Cer that activated src/PDGFRβ/SK1. Thus, the results define a nSMase2/SK1 signaling pathway implicated in the mitogenic response to low oxidative stress. On the other hand, high oxidative stress induced inhibition of SK1. The results also showed that the toxicity of high H2O2 concentration was comparable in control and nSMase2-deficient cells. Taken together the results identify a tightly coordinated nSMase2/SK1 pathway that mediates the mitogenic effects of H2O2 and may sense the degree of oxidative stress.

Heroin-induced conditioned immunomodulation requires expression of IL-1β in the dorsal hippocampus

Opioid-associated environmental stimuli elicit robust immune-altering effects via stimulation of a neural circuitry that includes the basolateral amygdala and nucleus accumbens. These brain regions are known to have both direct and indirect connections with the hippocampus. Thus, the present study evaluated whether the dorsal hippocampus (DH), and more specifically interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) within the DH, is necessary for the expression of heroin-induced conditioned immunomodulation. Rats received five Pavlovian pairings of systemic heroin administration (1.0mg/kg, SC) with placement into a distinct environment (conditioned stimulus, CS). Six days after conditioning, a GABAA/B agonist cocktail or IL-1β small interfering RNA (siRNA) was microinfused into the DH to inhibit neuronal activity or IL-1β gene expression prior to CS or home cage exposure. Control animals received saline or negative control siRNA microinfusions. Furthermore, all rats received systemic administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to stimulate proinflammatory nitric oxide production. CS exposure suppressed LPS-induced nitric oxide production relative to home cage exposure. Inactivation of, or IL-1β silencing in, the DH disrupted the CS-induced suppression of nitric oxide production relative to vehicle or negative control siRNA treatment. These results are the first to show a role for DH IL-1β expression in heroin-conditioned suppression of a proinflammatory immune response.

Sphingolipids in psychiatric disorders and pain syndromes

Despite the high prevalence and devastating impact of psychiatric disorders, little is known about their etiopathology. In this review, we provide an overview on the participation of sphingolipids and enzymes responsible for their metabolism in mechanisms underlying psychiatric disorders. We focus on the pathway from sphingomyelin to proapoptotic ceramide and the subsequent metabolism of ceramide to sphingosine, which is in turn phosphorylated to yield anti-apoptotic sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P).The sphingomyelinase/ceramide system has been linked to effects of reactive oxygen species and proinflammatory cytokines in the central nervous system as well as to synaptic transmission. Compared to ubiquitously expressed acid sphingomyelinase, acid and neutral ceramidase and neutral sphingomyelinase are highly active in brain regions. Depressed patients show elevated plasma ceramide levels and increased activities of acid sphingomyelinase which is functionally inhibited by many anti-depressive drugs. Exposure to alcohol is associated with an activation of acid and neutral sphingomyelinase observed in cell culture, mouse models and in alcohol-dependent patients and with increased concentrations of ceramide in various organs.Levels of sphingomyelin and ceramide are altered in erythrocytes and post-mortem brain tissues of schizophrenic patients in addition to changes in expression patterns for serine palmitoyltransferase and acid ceramidase leading to impaired myelination. After induction of anxiety-like behavior in animal models, higher serum levels of S1P were reported to lead to neurodegeneration. Correspondingly, S1P infusion appeared to increase anxiety-like behavior. Significantly upregulated levels of the endogenous ceramide catabolite N,N-dimethylsphingosine were observed in rat models of allodynia. Conversely, rats injected intrathecally with N,N-dimethylsphingosine developed mechanical allodynia. Moreover, S1P has been implicated in spinal nociceptive processing.The increasing interest in lipidomics and improved analytical methods led to growing insight into the connection between psychiatric and neurological disorders and sphingolipid metabolism and may once provide new targets and strategies for therapeutic intervention.

TRAF6 protein couples Toll-like receptor 4 signaling to Src family kinase activation and opening of paracellular pathway in human lung microvascular endothelia

Gram-negative bacteria release lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the bloodstream. Here, it engages Toll-like receptor (TLR) 4 expressed in human lung microvascular endothelia (HMVEC-Ls) to open the paracellular pathway through Src family kinase (SFK) activation. The signaling molecules that couple TLR4 to the SFK-driven barrier disruption are unknown. In HMVEC-Ls, siRNA-induced silencing of TIRAP/Mal and overexpression of dominant-negative TIRAP/Mal each blocked LPS-induced SFK activation and increases in transendothelial [(14)C]albumin flux, implicating the MyD88-dependent pathway. LPS increased TRAF6 autoubiquitination and binding to IRAK1. Silencing of TRAF6, TRAF6-dominant-negative overexpression, or preincubation of HMVEC-Ls with a cell-permeable TRAF6 decoy peptide decreased both LPS-induced SFK activation and barrier disruption. LPS increased binding of both c-Src and Fyn to GST-TRAF6 but not to a GST-TRAF6 mutant in which the three prolines in the putative Src homology 3 domain-binding motif (amino acids 461-469) were substituted with alanines. A cell-permeable decoy peptide corresponding to the same proline-rich motif reduced SFK binding to WT GST-TRAF6 compared with the Pro → Ala-substituted peptide. Finally, LPS increased binding of activated Tyr(P)(416)-SFK to GST-TRAF6, and preincubation of HMVEC-Ls with SFK-selective tyrosine kinase inhibitors, PP2 and SU6656, diminished TRAF6 binding to c-Src and Fyn. During the TRAF6-SFK association, TRAF6 catalyzed Lys(63)-linked ubiquitination of c-Src and Fyn, whereas SFK activation increased tyrosine phosphorylation of TRAF6. The TRAF6 decoy peptide blocked both LPS-induced SFK ubiquitination and TRAF6 phosphorylation. Together, these data indicate that the proline-rich Src homology 3 domain-binding motif in TRAF6 interacts directly with activated SFKs to couple LPS engagement of TLR4 to SFK activation and loss of barrier integrity in HMVEC-Ls.

Role of pro-inflammatory cytokines released from microglia in neurodegenerative diseases

Microglia are activated in response to a number of different pathological states within the CNS including injury, ischemia, and infection. Microglial activation results in their production of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α. While release of these factors is typically intended to prevent further damage to CNS tissue, they may also be toxic to neurons and other glial cells. Mounting evidence indicates that chronic microglial activation may also contribute to the development and progression of neurodegenerative disorders. Unfortunately, determining the role of pro-inflammatory cytokines in these disorders has been complicated by their dual roles in neuroprotection and neurodegeneration. The purpose of this review is to summarize current understanding of the involvement of cytokines in neurodegenerative disorders and their potential signaling mechanisms in this context. Taken together, recent findings suggest that microglial activation and pro-inflammatory cytokines merit interest as targets in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Inflammation in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease that is characterized by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Inflammatory responses manifested by glial reactions, T cell infiltration, and increased expression of inflammatory cytokines, as well as other toxic mediators derived from activated glial cells, are currently recognized as prominent features of PD. The consistent findings obtained by various animal models of PD suggest that neuroinflammation is an important contributor to the pathogenesis of the disease and may further propel the progressive loss of nigral dopaminergic neurons. Furthermore, although it may not be the primary cause of PD, additional epidemiological, genetic, pharmacological, and imaging evidence support the proposal that inflammatory processes in this specific brain region are crucial for disease progression. Recent in vitro studies, however, have suggested that activation of microglia and subsequently astrocytes via mediators released by injured dopaminergic neurons is involved. However, additional in vivo experiments are needed for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in PD pathogenesis. Further insight on the mechanisms of inflammation in PD will help to further develop alternative therapeutic strategies that will specifically and temporally target inflammatory processes without abrogating the potential benefits derived by neuroinflammation, such as tissue restoration.

The human immunodeficiency virus coat protein gp120 promotes forward trafficking and surface clustering of NMDA receptors in membrane microdomains

Infection by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can result in debilitating neurological syndromes collectively known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Although the HIV coat protein gp120 has been identified as a potent neurotoxin that enhances NMDA receptor function, the exact mechanisms for this effect are not known. Here we provide evidence that gp120 activates two separate signaling pathways that converge to enhance NMDA-evoked calcium flux by clustering NMDA receptors in modified membrane microdomains. gp120 enlarged and stabilized the structure of lipid microdomains on dendrites by mechanisms that involved a redox-regulated translocation of a sphingomyelin hydrolase (neutral sphingomyelinase-2) to the plasma membrane. A concurrent pathway was activated that accelerated the forward traffic of NMDA receptors by a PKA-dependent phosphorylation of the NR1 C-terminal serine 897 (masks an ER retention signal), followed by a PKC-dependent phosphorylation of serine 896 (important for surface expression). NMDA receptors were preferentially targeted to synapses and clustered in modified membrane microdomains. In these conditions, NMDA receptors were unable to laterally disperse and did not internalize, even in response to strong agonist induction. Focal NMDA-evoked calcium bursts were enhanced by threefold in these regions. Inhibiting membrane modification or NR1 phosphorylation prevented gp120 from accelerating the surface localization of NMDA receptors. Disrupting the structure of membrane microdomains after gp120 treatments restored the ability of NMDA receptors to disperse and internalize. These findings demonstrate that gp120 contributes to synaptic dysfunction in the setting of HIV infection by interfering with NMDA receptor trafficking.

Interleukin-1 and stroke: biomarker, harbinger of damage, and therapeutic target

Inflammation is established as a contributor to cerebrovascular disease. Risk factors for stroke include many conditions associated with chronic or acute inflammation, and inflammatory changes in the brain after cerebrovascular events contribute to outcome in experimental studies, with growing evidence from clinical research. The brain is extremely susceptible to inflammatory challenge, but resident glia, endothelial cells and neurones can all mount a pronounced inflammatory response to infection or injury. Recent discoveries highlight the importance of peripherally-derived immune cells and inflammatory molecules in various central nervous system disorders, including stroke. The inflammatory cytokine, interleukin-1 (IL-1), plays a pivotal role in both local and systemic inflammation, and is a key driver of peripheral and central immune responses to infection or injury. Inhibition of IL-1 has beneficial effects in a variety of experimental paradigms of acute brain injury and is a promising clinical target in stroke. We propose that blockade of IL-1 could be therapeutically useful in several diseases which are risk factors for stroke, and there is already considerable pre-clinical and clinical evidence that inhibition of IL-1 by IL-1 receptor antagonist may be valuable in the management of acute stroke.

IL-1 receptor/Toll-like receptor signaling in infection, inflammation, stress and neurodegeneration couples hyperexcitability and seizures

Increasing evidence supports the involvement of immune and inflammatory processes in the etiopathogenesis of seizures. In particular, activation of innate immune mechanisms and the subsequent inflammatory responses, that are induced in the brain by infection, febrile seizures, neurotrauma, stroke are well documented conditions associated with acute symptomatic seizures and with a high risk of developing epilepsy. A decade ago, pharmacological experiments showed that elevated brain levels of the anti-inflammatory molecule IL-1 receptor antagonist reduced seizures in epilepsy models. This observation, together with the evidence of in situ induction of inflammatory mediators and their receptors in experimental and human epileptogenic brain tissue, established the proof-of-concept evidence that the activation of innate immunity and inflammation in the brain are intrinsic features of the pathologic hyperexcitable tissue. Recent breakthroughs in understanding the molecular organization of the innate immune system first in macrophages, then in the different cell types of the CNS, together with pharmacological and genetic studies in epilepsy models, showed that the activation of IL-1 receptor/Toll-like receptor (IL-1R/TLR) signaling significantly contributes to seizures. IL-1R/TLR mediated pro-excitatory actions are elicited in the brain either by mimicking bacterial or viral infections and inflammatory responses, or via the action of endogenous ligands. These ligands include proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1beta, or danger signals, such as HMGB1, released from activated or injured cells. The IL-1R/TLR signaling mediates rapid post-translational changes in voltage- and ligand-gated ion channels that increase excitability, and transcriptional changes in genes involved in neurotransmission and synaptic plasticity that contribute to lower seizure thresholds chronically. The anticonvulsant effects of inhibitors of the IL-1R/TLR signaling in various seizures models suggest that this system could be targeted to inhibit seizures in presently pharmaco-resistant epilepsies.

Interleukin-1 type 1 receptor/Toll-like receptor signalling in epilepsy: the importance of IL-1beta and high-mobility group box 1

Inflammatory processes in brain tissue have been described in human epilepsy of various aetiologies and in experimental models of seizures. This, together with the anticonvulsant properties of anti-inflammatory therapies both in clinical and in experimental settings, highlights the important role of brain inflammation in the aetiopathogenesis of seizures. Preclinical investigations in experimental models using pharmacological and genetic tools have identified a significant contribution of interleukin-1 (IL-1) type 1 receptor/Toll-like receptor (IL-1R/TLR) signalling to seizure activity. This signalling can be activated by ligands associated with infections (pathogen-associated molecular patterns) or by endogenous molecules, such as proinflammatory cytokines (e.g. IL-1beta) or danger signals [damage-associated molecular patterns, e.g. high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1)]. IL-1beta and HMGB1 are synthesized and released by astrocytes and microglia in the rodent brain during seizures. Notably, a rapid release of HMGB1 from neurons appears to be triggered by proconvulsant drugs even before seizure occurrence and is involved in their precipitation of seizures. The activation of IL-1R/TLR signalling mediates rapid post-translational changes in N-methyl-d-aspartate-gated ion channels in neurons. A long-term decrease in seizure threshold has also been observed, possibly mediated by transcriptional activation of genes contributing to molecular and cellular plasticity. This emerging evidence identifies specific targets with potential anticonvulsant effects in drug-resistant forms of epilepsy.

The role of inflammation in epilepsy

Epilepsy is the third most common chronic brain disorder, and is characterized by an enduring predisposition to generate seizures. Despite progress in pharmacological and surgical treatments of epilepsy, relatively little is known about the processes leading to the generation of individual seizures, and about the mechanisms whereby a healthy brain is rendered epileptic. These gaps in our knowledge hamper the development of better preventive treatments and cures for the approximately 30% of epilepsy cases that prove resistant to current therapies. Here, we focus on the rapidly growing body of evidence that supports the involvement of inflammatory mediators-released by brain cells and peripheral immune cells-in both the origin of individual seizures and the epileptogenic process. We first describe aspects of brain inflammation and immunity, before exploring the evidence from clinical and experimental studies for a relationship between inflammation and epilepsy. Subsequently, we discuss how seizures cause inflammation, and whether such inflammation, in turn, influences the occurrence and severity of seizures, and seizure-related neuronal death. Further insight into the complex role of inflammation in the generation and exacerbation of epilepsy should yield new molecular targets for the design of antiepileptic drugs, which might not only inhibit the symptoms of this disorder, but also prevent or abrogate disease pathogenesis.

Inhibition of neutral sphingomyelinase-2 perturbs brain sphingolipid balance and spatial memory in mice

The sphingolipid ceramide is a bioactive signaling lipid that is thought to play important roles in modulating synaptic activity, in part by regulating the function of excitatory postsynaptic receptors. However, the molecular mechanisms by which ceramide exerts its effects on synaptic activity remain largely unknown. We recently demonstrated that a rapid generation of ceramide by neutral sphingomyelinase-2 (nSMase2; also known as "sphingomyelin phosphodiesterase-3") played a key role in modulating excitatory postsynaptic currents by controlling the insertion and clustering of NMDA receptors (Wheeler et al. [2009] J. Neurochem. 109:1237-1249). We now demonstrate that nSMase2 plays a role in memory. Inhibition of nSMase2 impaired spatial and episodic-like memory in mice. At the molecular level, inhibition of nSMase2 decreased ceramide, increased PSD-95, increased the number of AMPA receptors, and altered the subunit composition of NMDA receptors. Our study identifies nSMase2 as an important component for efficient memory formation and underscores the importance of ceramide in regulating synaptic events related to learning and memory.

Single cell transcriptomics of hypothalamic warm sensitive neurons that control core body temperature and fever response Signaling asymmetry and an extension of chemical neuroanatomy

We report on an 'unbiased' molecular characterization of individual, adult neurons, active in a central, anterior hypothalamic neuronal circuit, by establishing cDNA libraries from each individual, electrophysiologically identified warm sensitive neuron (WSN). The cDNA libraries were analyzed by Affymetrix microarray. The presence and frequency of cDNAs were confirmed and enhanced with Illumina sequencing of each single cell cDNA library. cDNAs encoding the GABA biosynthetic enzyme Gad1 and of adrenomedullin, galanin, prodynorphin, somatostatin, and tachykinin were found in the WSNs. The functional cellular and in vivo studies on dozens of the more than 500 neurotransmitters, hormone receptors and ion channels, whose cDNA was identified and sequence confirmed, suggest little or no discrepancy between the transcriptional and functional data in WSNs; whenever agonists were available for a receptor whose cDNA was identified, a functional response was found. Sequencing single neuron libraries permitted identification of rarely expressed receptors like the insulin receptor, adiponectin receptor 2 and of receptor heterodimers; information that is lost when pooling cells leads to dilution of signals and mixing signals. Despite the common electrophysiological phenotype and uniform Gad1 expression, WSN transcriptomes show heterogeneity, suggesting strong epigenetic influence on the transcriptome. Our study suggests that it is well-worth interrogating the cDNA libraries of single neurons by sequencing and chipping.

Sphingolipids in neurodegeneration

Although the brain contains a high content of sphingolipids, we know relatively little about the roles that sphingolipids play in regulating neural functions. Once regarded only for their structural roles in maintaining the integrity of cellular and sub-cellular compartments, it is now apparent that many sphingolipid species are biologically active and play important roles in regulating signaling events. Recent technological and scientific advances are rapidly increasing our knowledge of the roles that sphingolipids play in regulating normal neural activity. Likewise, we are beginning to understand how perturbations in sphingolipid metabolism contribute to the pathogenesis of a variety of neurodegenerative conditions. In this special issue of NeuroMolecular Medicine, we present a series of review articles that summarize new and emerging technologies for the analysis of sphingolipids, sphingolipid metabolic pathways, and how dysfunctions in sphingolipid metabolism contribute to neurodegeneration in lysosomal storage disorders, Alzheimer's disease and Multiple Sclerosis.

Roles for dysfunctional sphingolipid metabolism in Alzheimer's disease neuropathogenesis

Sphingolipids in the membranes of neurons play important roles in signal transduction, either by modulating the localization and activation of membrane-associated receptors or by acting as precursors of bioactive lipid mediators. Activation of cytokine and neurotrophic factor receptors coupled to sphingomyelinases results in the generation of ceramides and gangliosides, which in turn, modify the structural and functional plasticity of neurons. In aging and neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), there are increased membrane-associated oxidative stress and excessive production and accumulation of ceramides. Studies of brain tissue samples from human subjects, and of experimental models of the diseases, suggest that perturbed sphingomyelin metabolism is a pivotal event in the dysfunction and degeneration of neurons that occurs in AD and HIV dementia. Dietary and pharmacological interventions that target sphingolipid metabolism should be pursued for the prevention and treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.

Dual functionality of interleukin-1 family cytokines: implications for anti-interleukin-1 therapy

Dysregulated inflammation contributes to disease pathogenesis in both the periphery and the brain. Cytokines are coordinators of inflammation and were originally defined as secreted mediators, released from expressing cells to activate plasma membrane receptors on responsive cells. However, a group of cytokines is now recognized as having dual functionality. In addition to their extracellular effects, these cytokines act inside the nuclei of cytokine-expressing or cytokine-responsive cells. Interleukin-1 (IL-1) family cytokines are key pro-inflammatory mediators, and blockade of the IL-1 system in inflammatory diseases is an attractive therapeutic goal. All current therapies target IL-1 extracellular actions. Here we review evidence that suggests IL-1 family members have dual functionality. Several IL-1 family members have been detected inside the nuclei of IL-1-expressing or IL-1-responsive cells, and intranuclear IL-1 is reported to regulate gene transcription and mRNA splicing. However, further work is required to determine the impact of IL-1 intranuclear actions on disease pathogenesis. The intranuclear actions of IL-1 family members represent a new and potentially important area of IL-1 biology and may have implications for the future development of anti-IL-1 therapies.

Hypothalamic and dietary control of temperature-mediated longevity

Temperature is an important modulator of longevity and aging in both poikilotherms and homeotherm animals. In homeotherms, temperature homeostasis is regulated primarily in the preoptic area (POA) of the hypothalamus. This region receives and integrates peripheral, central and environmental signals and maintains a nearly constant core body temperature (T(core)) by regulating the autonomic and hormonal control of heat production and heat dissipation. Temperature sensitive neurons found in the POA are considered key elements of the neuronal circuitry modulating these effects. Nutrient homeostasis is also a hypothalamically regulated modulator of aging as well as one of the signals that can influence T(core) in homeotherms. Investigating the mechanisms of the regulation of nutrient and temperature homeostasis in the hypothalamus is important to understanding how these two elements of energy homeostasis influence longevity and aging as well as how aging can affect hypothalamic homeostatic mechanisms.

Sphingolipids and gangliosides of the nervous system in membrane function and dysfunction

Simple sphingolipids such as ceramide and sphingomyelin (SM) as well as more complex glycosphingolipids play very important roles in cell function under physiological conditions and during disease development and progression. Sphingolipids are particularly abundant in the nervous system. Due to their amphiphilic nature they localize to cellular membranes and many of their roles in health and disease result from membrane reorganization and from lipid interaction with proteins within cellular membranes. In this review we discuss some of the functions of sphingolipids in processes that entail cellular membranes and their role in neurodegenerative diseases, with an emphasis on SM, ceramide and gangliosides.

Mapping of the full length and the truncated interleukin-18 receptor alpha in the mouse brain

The cytokine IL-18 acts on the CNS both in physiological and pathological conditions. Its action occurs through the heterodimeric receptor IL-18Ralpha\beta. To better understand IL-18 central effects, we investigated in the mouse brain the distribution of two IL-18Ralpha transcripts, a full length and an isoform lacking the intracellular domain hypothesized to be a decoy receptor. Both isoforms were expressed in neurons throughout the brain primarily with overlapping distribution but also with some unique pattern. These data suggest that IL-18 may modulate neuronal functions and that its action may be regulated through expression of a decoy receptor.

Effect of interleukin-1beta on spinal cord nociceptive transmission of normal and monoarthritic rats after disruption of glial function

Introduction

Cytokines produced by spinal cord glia after peripheral injuries have a relevant role in the maintenance of pain states. Thus, while IL-1β is overexpressed in the spinal cords of animals submitted to experimental arthritis and other chronic pain models, intrathecal administration of IL-1β to healthy animals induces hyperalgesia and allodynia and enhances wind-up activity in dorsal horn neurons.

Methods

To investigate the functional contribution of glial cells in the spinal cord nociceptive transmission, the effect of intrathecally administered IL-1β was studied in both normal and adjuvant-induced arthritic rats with or without glial inhibition. Four weeks after induction of monoarthritis, rats were treated with the glial cell inhibitor propentofylline (10 μg i.t. daily during 10 days) and submitted to a C-fiber-mediated reflex paradigm evoked by single and repetitive (wind-up) electric stimulation.

Results

Both the propentofylline treatment and the monoarthritic condition modified the stimulating current required for threshold activation of C reflex responses. Intrathecal IL-1β increased spinal cord wind-up activity in normal and monoarthritic rats without propentofylline pre-treatment, but resulted in decreased wind-up activity in normal and monoarthritic propentofylline-treated animals. Intrathecal saline did not produce any effect. Thus, glial inactivation reverted into inhibition the excitatory effect of IL-1β on spinal cord wind-up, irrespective of the normal or monoarthritic condition of rats.

Conclusions

The results suggest that the excitatory effect of nanomolar doses of IL-1β on spinal wind-up in healthy rats is produced by an unidentified glial mediator, while the inhibitory effects of IL-1β on wind-up activity in animals with inactivated glia resulted from a direct effect of the cytokine on dorsal horn neurons. The present study failed to demonstrate a differential sensitivity of normal and monoarthritic rats to IL-1β administration into the spinal cord and to disruption of β glial function, as both normal and monoarthritic animals changes wind-up activity in the same direction after propentofylline treatment, suggesting that after glial inhibition normal and monoarthritic animals behave similarly relative to the capability of dorsal horn neurons to generate wind-up activity when repeatedly stimulated by C-fibers.

Cell-specific and concentration-dependent actions of interleukin-1 in acute brain inflammation

Interleukin (IL)-1 is a pivotal pro-inflammatory cytokine and an important mediator of both acute and chronic central nervous system (CNS) injuries. Despite intense research in CNS IL-1 biology over the past two decades, its precise mechanism of action in inflammatory responses to acute brain disorders remains largely unknown. In particular, much effort has been focussed on using in vitro approaches to better understand the cellular and signalling mechanisms of actions of IL-1, yet some discrepancies in the literature regarding the effects produced by IL-1beta in in vitro paradigms of injury still exist, particularly as to whether IL-1 exerts neurotoxic or neuroprotective effects. Here we aim to review the cell-specific and concentration-dependent actions of IL-1 in brain cells, to depict the mechanism by which this cytokine induces neurotoxicity or neuroprotection in acute brain injury.

A novel non-transcriptional pathway mediates the proconvulsive effects of interleukin-1beta

Interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta) is overproduced in human and rodent epileptogenic tissue and it exacerbates seizures upon brain application in rodents. Moreover, pharmacological prevention of IL-1beta endogenous synthesis, or IL-1 receptor blockade, mediates powerful anticonvulsive actions indicating a significant role of this cytokine in ictogenesis. The molecular mechanisms of the proconvulsive actions of IL-1beta are not known. We show here that EEG seizures induced by intrahippocampal injection of kainic acid in C57BL6 adult mice were increased by 2-fold on average by pre-exposure to IL-1beta and this effect was blocked by 3-O-methylsphingomyelin (3-O-MS), a selective inhibitor of the ceramide-producing enzyme sphingomyelinase. C2-ceramide, a cell permeable analog of ceramide, mimicked IL-1beta action suggesting that ceramide may be the second messenger of the proconvulsive effect of IL-1beta. The seizure exacerbating effects of either IL-1beta or C2-ceramide were dependent on activation of the Src family of tyrosine kinases since they were prevented by CGP76030, an inhibitor of this enzyme family. The proconvulsive IL-1beta effect was associated with increased Tyr(418) phosphorylation of Src-family of kinases indicative of its activation, and Tyr(1472) phosphorylation of one of its substrate, the NR2B subunit of the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor, which were prevented by 3-O-MS and CGP76030. Finally, the proconvulsive effect of IL-1beta was blocked by ifenprodil, a selective NR2B receptor antagonist. These results indicate that the proconvulsive actions of IL-1beta depend on the activation of a sphingomyelinase- and Src-family of kinases-dependent pathway in the hippocampus which leads to the phosphorylation of the NR2B subunit, thus highlighting a novel, non-transcriptional mechanism underlying seizure exacerbation in inflammatory conditions.

Signalling adaptors used by Toll-like receptors: an update

Research into the five Toll/IL1 receptor (TIR) adaptor proteins involved in innate immunity continues to advance. Here we outline some of the more recent findings. MyD88 has a key role in signalling by the IL1 receptor complex and TLRs. However, a MyD88-independent pathway of IL1beta signalling in neurons has been described which involves the protein kinase Akt, and which has an anti-apoptotic effect. This pathway may also be important for the mechanism whereby Alum exerts its adjuvant effect since this depends on IL1beta but is MyD88-independent. MyD88 is also involved in tumourigenesis in models of hepatocarcinoma and familial associated polyposis (FAP); negative regulation of TLR3 signalling and in PKCepsilon activation. The adaptor Mal is regulated by phosphorylation and caspase-1 cleavage. A variant form of Mal in humans termed S180L confers protection in multiple infectious diseases. TRAM is controlled by myristoylation and phosphorylation and the localisation of TRAM with TLR4 to endosomes is required for activation of IRF3 and induction of IFNbeta. Finally SARM has been shown to regulate TRIF and also appears to be involved in neuronal injury mediated by oxidative stress in mouse neurons. These advances confirm the importance for the TIR domain-containing adapters in host defence and inflammation.

Sphingolipids, insulin resistance, and metabolic disease: new insights from in vivo manipulation of sphingolipid metabolism

Obesity and dyslipidemia are risk factors for metabolic disorders including diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Sphingolipids such as ceramide and glucosylceramides, while being a relatively minor component of the lipid milieu in most tissues, may be among the most pathogenic lipids in the onset of the sequelae associated with excess adiposity. Circulating factors associated with obesity (e.g., saturated fatty acids, inflammatory cytokines) selectively induce enzymes that promote sphingolipid synthesis, and lipidomic profiling reveals relationships between tissue sphingolipid levels and certain metabolic diseases. Moreover, studies in cultured cells and isolated tissues implicate sphingolipids in certain cellular events associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease, including insulin resistance, pancreatic beta-cell failure, cardiomyopathy, and vascular dysfunction. However, definitive evidence that sphingolipids contribute to insulin resistance, diabetes, and atherosclerosis has come only recently, as researchers have found that pharmacological inhibition or genetic ablation of enzymes controlling sphingolipid synthesis in rodents ameliorates each of these conditions. Herein we will review the role of ceramide and other sphingolipid metabolites in insulin resistance, beta-cell failure, cardiomyopathy, and vascular dysfunction, focusing on these in vivo studies that identify enzymes controlling sphingolipid metabolism as therapeutic targets for combating metabolic disease.