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Rahangdale S, Deshmukh P, Sammeta S, Aglawe M, Kale M, Umekar M, Kotagale N, Taksande B. Agmatine modulation of gut-brain axis alleviates dysbiosis-induced depression-like behavior in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2024; 981:176884. [PMID: 39134294 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2024.176884] [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: 01/16/2024] [Revised: 07/20/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Depression is a global health concern affecting nearly 280 million individuals. It not only imposes a significant burden on economies and healthcare systems but also manifests complex physiological connections and consequences. Agmatine, a putative neuromodulator derived primarily from beneficial gut microbes specially Lactobacillus, has emerged as a potential therapeutic agent for mental health. The microbiota-gut-brain axis is involved in the development of depression through the peripheral nervous system, endocrine system, and immune system and may be a key factor in the effect of agmatine. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential mechanism of agmatine in antibiotic-induced dysbiosis and depression-like behavior in rats, focusing on its modulation of the gut-brain axis. Depression-like behavior associated with dysbiosis was induced through a seven-day regimen of the broad-spectrum antibiotic, comprising ampicillin and metronidazole and validated through microbial, biochemical, and behavioral alterations. On day 8, antibiotic-treated rats exhibited loose fecal consistency, altered fecal microbiota, and depression-like behavior in forced swim test. Pro-inflammatory cytokines were elevated, while agmatine and monoamine levels decreased in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Antibiotic administration disrupted tight junction proteins in the ileum, affecting gut architecture. Oral administration of agmatine alone or combined with probiotics significantly reversed antibiotic-induced dysbiosis, restoring gut microbiota and mitigating depression-like behaviors. This intervention also restored neuro-inflammatory markers, increased agmatine and monoamine levels, and preserved gut integrity. The study highlights the regulatory role of endogenous agmatine in the gut-brain axis in broad-spectrum antibiotic induced dysbiosis and associated depression-like behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandip Rahangdale
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur, M.S., 441 002, India
| | - Pankaj Deshmukh
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur, M.S., 441 002, India
| | - Shivkumar Sammeta
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur, M.S., 441 002, India
| | - Manish Aglawe
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur, M.S., 441 002, India
| | - Mayur Kale
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur, M.S., 441 002, India
| | - Milind Umekar
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur, M.S., 441 002, India
| | - Nandkishor Kotagale
- Government College of Pharmacy, Kathora Naka, VMV Road, Amravati, M.S., 44604, India
| | - Brijesh Taksande
- Division of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology, Smt. Kishoritai Bhoyar College of Pharmacy, New Kamptee, Nagpur, M.S., 441 002, India.
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Rafi H, Rafiq H, Farhan M. Pharmacological profile of agmatine: An in-depth overview. Neuropeptides 2024; 105:102429. [PMID: 38608401 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102429] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Agmatine, a naturally occurring polyamine derived from arginine via arginine decarboxylase, has been shown to play multifaceted roles in the mammalian body, impacting a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. This comprehensive review delineates the significant insights into agmatine's pharmacological profile, emphasizing its structure and metabolism, neurotransmission and regulation, and pharmacokinetics and function. Agmatine's biosynthesis is highly conserved across species, highlighting its fundamental role in cellular functions. In the brain, comparable to established neurotransmitters, agmatine acts as a neuromodulator, influencing the regulation, metabolism, and reabsorption of neurotransmitters that are key to mood disorders, learning, cognition, and the management of anxiety and depression. Beyond its neuromodulatory functions, agmatine exhibits protective effects across various cellular and systemic contexts, including neuroprotection, nephroprotection, cardioprotection, and cytoprotection, suggesting a broad therapeutic potential. The review explores agmatine's interaction with multiple receptor systems, including NMDA, α2-adrenoceptors, and imidazoline receptors, elucidating its role in enhancing cell viability, neuronal protection, and synaptic plasticity. Such interactions underpin agmatine's potential in treating neurological diseases and mood disorders, among other conditions. Furthermore, agmatine's pharmacokinetics, including its absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion, are discussed, underlining the complexity of its action and the potential for therapeutic application. The safety and efficacy of agmatine supplementation, demonstrated through various animal and human studies, affirm its potential as a beneficial therapeutic agent. Conclusively, the diverse physiological and therapeutic effects of agmatine, spanning neurotransmission, protection against cellular damage, and modulation of various receptor pathways, position it as a promising candidate for further research and clinical application. This review underscores the imperative for continued exploration into agmatine's mechanisms of action and its potential in pharmacology and medicine, promising advances in the treatment of numerous conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hira Rafi
- Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Pakistan.
| | - Hamna Rafiq
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Karachi, Pakistan
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Saha P, Panda S, Holkar A, Vashishth R, Rana SS, Arumugam M, Ashraf GM, Haque S, Ahmad F. Neuroprotection by agmatine: Possible involvement of the gut microbiome? Ageing Res Rev 2023; 91:102056. [PMID: 37673131 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102056] [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: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 08/09/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous polyamine derived from L-arginine, elicits tremendous multimodal neuromodulant properties. Alterations in agmatinergic signalling are closely linked to the pathogeneses of several brain disorders. Importantly, exogenous agmatine has been shown to act as a potent neuroprotectant in varied pathologies, including brain ageing and associated comorbidities. The antioxidant, anxiolytic, analgesic, antidepressant and memory-enhancing activities of agmatine may derive from its ability to regulate several cellular pathways; including cell metabolism, survival and differentiation, nitric oxide signalling, protein translation, oxidative homeostasis and neurotransmitter signalling. This review briefly discusses mammalian metabolism of agmatine and then proceeds to summarize our current understanding of neuromodulation and neuroprotection mediated by agmatine. Further, the emerging exciting bidirectional links between agmatine and the resident gut microbiome and their implications for brain pathophysiology and ageing are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Saha
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Subhrajita Panda
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Aayusha Holkar
- Department of Integrative Biology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Rahul Vashishth
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Sandeep Singh Rana
- Department of Biosciences, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Mohanapriya Arumugam
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India
| | - Ghulam Md Ashraf
- University of Sharjah, College of Health Sciences, and Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates.
| | - Shafiul Haque
- Research and Scientific Studies Unit, College of Nursing and Allied Health Sciences, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia; Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon; Centre of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Faraz Ahmad
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Bio Sciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, India.
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Ozden A, Angelos H, Feyza A, Elizabeth W, John P. Altered plasma levels of arginine metabolites in depression. J Psychiatr Res 2020; 120:21-28. [PMID: 31629205 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2019.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
L-Arginine pathway metabolites appear to play differential roles in the pathogenesis of major depressive disorder (MDD). Studies have revealed an antidepressant and anxiolytic effect of agmatine and putrescine. Possible mechanisms of these effects include inhibition of nitric oxide synthase and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors. The present study sought to determine whether MDD is associated with altered levels of arginine metabolites and whether these metabolites are associated with depression, anxiety and stress severity. Seventy seven MDD patients 21-65 years of age with a minimum score of 18 on the Hamilton Depression Scale, and 27 age and sex matched healthy controls (HC) were included. Patients with uncontrolled physical diseases, abnormal routine lab tests, other psychiatric diagnoses, or under psychotropic medication were excluded. HC subjects were recruited from the community. Rating instruments included Hamilton Depression and Anxiety Scales, Beck Depression and Anxiety Inventory and Perceived Stress Scale. Fasting blood was drawn between 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used to measure plasma arginine metabolites. ADMA (Asymmetrical dimethylarginine) and putrescine were significantly lower while SDMA (Symmetric dimethylarginine), agmatine and ornithine were significantly higher in MDD patients (p˂0.05). Depression, anxiety and stress severity were negatively correlated with ADMA and putrescine (p˂0.05). Stress was positively correlated with citrulline, NOHA (N-omega-hydroxy-nor-l-arginine), SDMA, agmatine and ornithine (p˂0.05). Lower putrescine levels predicted depression diagnosis (p = 0.039) and depression severity (p = 0.003). Low ADMA level predicted depression severity as well. Arginine pathway metabolites are associated with the pathophysiology of depression. Putrescine may be a biomarker to predict MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arisoy Ozden
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Bolu Abant Izzet Baysal University Medical Faculty, Bolu, Turkey
| | - Halaris Angelos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA.
| | - Aricioglu Feyza
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Marmara University, Haydarpasa, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Wild Elizabeth
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA; Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Shreveport, Department of Neurosurgery, USA
| | - Piletz John
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Maywood, IL, USA; Department of Biology, Missisipi College, Jackson, Missisipi, USA
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Synthesis of homoagmatine and GC–MS analysis of tissue homoagmatine and agmatine: evidence that homoagmatine but not agmatine is a metabolite of pharmacological L-homoarginine in the anesthetized rat. Amino Acids 2019; 52:235-245. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-019-02808-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Patočka J, Kuehn GD. Natural Polyamines and Their Biological Consequence in Mammals. ACTA MEDICA (HRADEC KRÁLOVÉ) 2019. [DOI: 10.14712/18059694.2019.124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The polyamines (putrescine, cadaverine, agmatine, spermidine and spermine), wide-spread in all organisms, have been shown to play a role in regulation of growth and differentiation of virtually all types of cells. Their role in many physiological and pathophysiological processes have been studied very intensively during the last two decades. Inhibitors of polyamine biosynthesis have potential clinical uses as antitumor and antiparasitic agents. The brief summary with regard to their biological consequences in mammals is discussed in this paper.
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Halaris A, Leonard BE. Unraveling the complex interplay of immunometabolic systems that contribute to the neuroprogression of psychiatric disorders. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.npbr.2019.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Camargo A, Rodrigues ALS. Novel Targets for Fast Antidepressant Responses: Possible Role of Endogenous Neuromodulators. CHRONIC STRESS (THOUSAND OAKS, CALIF.) 2019; 3:2470547019858083. [PMID: 32440595 PMCID: PMC7219953 DOI: 10.1177/2470547019858083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The available medications for the treatment of major depressive disorder have limitations, particularly their limited efficacy, delayed therapeutic effects, and the side effects associated with treatment. These issues highlight the need for better therapeutic agents that provide more efficacious and faster effects for the management of this disorder. Ketamine, an N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor antagonist, is the prototype for novel glutamate-based antidepressants that has been shown to cause a rapid and sustained antidepressant effect even in severe refractory depressive patients. Considering the importance of these findings, several studies have been conducted to elucidate the molecular targets for ketamine's effect. In addition, efforts are under way to characterize ketamine-like drugs. This review focuses particularly on evidence that endogenous glutamatergic neuromodulators may be able to modulate mood and to elicit fast antidepressant responses. Among these molecules, agmatine and creatine stand out as those with more published evidence of similarities with ketamine, but guanosine and ascorbic acid have also provided promising results. The possibility that these neuromodulators and ketamine have common neurobiological mechanisms, mainly the ability to activate mechanistic target of rapamycin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor signaling, and synthesis of synaptic proteins in the prefrontal cortex and/or hippocampus is presented and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anderson Camargo
- Neuroscience Postgraduate Program,
Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina,
Florianópolis, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S. Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of
Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis,
Brazil
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Guerra de Souza AC, Gonçalves CL, de Souza V, Hartwig JM, Farina M, Prediger RD. Agmatine attenuates depressive-like behavior and hippocampal oxidative stress following amyloid β (Aβ1-40) administration in mice. Behav Brain Res 2018; 353:51-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2018.06.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2018] [Revised: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 06/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
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10
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Chen GG, Almeida D, Fiori L, Turecki G. Evidence of Reduced Agmatine Concentrations in the Cerebral Cortex of Suicides. Int J Neuropsychopharmacol 2018; 21:895-900. [PMID: 29986038 PMCID: PMC6165952 DOI: 10.1093/ijnp/pyy058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The polyamines are a group of ubiquitous low-molecular-weight aliphatic molecules that play an essential role in various physiological functions of the mammalian CNS. Previous literature has indicated alterations in the expression of polyamine-related genes in the brains of individuals who died by suicide, including downregulation of spermidine/spermine N1-acetyltransferase, a key enzyme involved in polyamine catabolism. One such polyamine, agmatine, has been shown to act as an antidepressant in animal models of depressive-like behavior. However, agmatine concentrations have not been explored in postmortem human brain of individuals who died by suicide. METHODS To measure agmatine in postmortem human brain tissue, we employed our previously published high-resolution capillary gas chromatography in combination with mass spectrometry method. Using this method, we analyzed agmatine levels in a total of 120 tissue samples from Brodmann areas 4, 11, and 44 of 40 male subjects comprising controls (n=13), individuals who died by suicide and met criteria for major depressive disorder (n=14), and subjects who died by suicide and did not meet criteria for major depressive disorder (n=13). RESULTS Agmatine fell within the expected nanomolar range and was significantly reduced in the cortex of suicides, irrespective of meeting criteria for major depressive disorder compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS This is the first gas chromatography-mass spectrometry study to analyze agmatine concentrations in human postmortem brain of individuals who died by suicide. These results add to our mechanistic understanding of the role that the polyamine stress response pathway may play in the neurobiology of major depression and/or suicide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary G Chen
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Daniel Almeida
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Laura Fiori
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada
| | - Gustavo Turecki
- McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Hospital Research Center, Verdun, QC, Canada,Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada,Correspondence: Gustavo Turecki, MD, PhD, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Frank B Common Pavilion, Room F-3125, 6875 LaSalle Boulevard, Montreal, Quebec, H4H 1R3 ()
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Benítez J, García D, Romero N, González A, Martínez-Oyanedel J, Figueroa M, Salas M, López V, García-Robles M, Dodd PR, Schenk G, Carvajal N, Uribe E. Metabolic strategies for the degradation of the neuromodulator agmatine in mammals. Metabolism 2018; 81:35-44. [PMID: 29162499 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Agmatine (1-amino-4-guanidinobutane), a precursor for polyamine biosynthesis, has been identified as an important neuromodulator with anticonvulsant, antineurotoxic and antidepressant actions in the brain. In this context it has emerged as an important mediator of addiction/satiety pathways associated with alcohol misuse. Consequently, the regulation of the activity of key enzymes in agmatine metabolism is an attractive strategy to combat alcoholism and related addiction disorders. Agmatine results from the decarboxylation of L-arginine in a reaction catalyzed by arginine decarboxylase (ADC), and can be converted to either guanidine butyraldehyde by diamine oxidase (DAO) or putrescine and urea by the enzyme agmatinase (AGM) or the more recently identified AGM-like protein (ALP). In rat brain, agmatine, AGM and ALP are predominantly localised in areas associated with roles in appetitive and craving (drug-reinstatement) behaviors. Thus, inhibitors of AGM or ALP are promising agents for the treatment of addictions. In this review, the properties of DAO, AGM and ALP are discussed with a view to their role in the agmatine metabolism in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Benítez
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - David García
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Nicol Romero
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Arlette González
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - José Martínez-Oyanedel
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Maximiliano Figueroa
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Mónica Salas
- Instituto de Bioquímica y Microbiología, Universidad Austral de Chile, Valdivia, Chile
| | - Vasthi López
- Departamento de Ciencias Biomédicas, Universidad Católica del Norte, Coquimbo, Chile
| | - María García-Robles
- Departamento de Biología Celular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Peter R Dodd
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Gerhard Schenk
- School of Chemistry and Molecular Biosciences, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Nelson Carvajal
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile
| | - Elena Uribe
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Casilla 160-C, Concepción, Chile.
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12
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Decreased plasma agmatine levels in autistic subjects. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:735-740. [DOI: 10.1007/s00702-017-1836-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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13
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Neis VB, Rosa PB, Olescowicz G, Rodrigues ALS. Therapeutic potential of agmatine for CNS disorders. Neurochem Int 2017; 108:318-331. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 05/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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14
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Agmatine: multifunctional arginine metabolite and magic bullet in clinical neuroscience? Biochem J 2017; 474:2619-2640. [DOI: 10.1042/bcj20170007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, the decarboxylation product of arginine, was largely neglected as an important player in mammalian metabolism until the mid-1990s, when it was re-discovered as an endogenous ligand of imidazoline and α2-adrenergic receptors. Since then, a wide variety of agmatine-mediated effects have been observed, and consequently agmatine has moved from a wallflower existence into the limelight of clinical neuroscience research. Despite this quantum jump in scientific interest, the understanding of the anabolism and catabolism of this amine is still vague. The purification and biochemical characterization of natural mammalian arginine decarboxylase and agmatinase still are open issues. Nevertheless, the agmatinergic system is currently one of the most promising candidates in order to pharmacologically interfere with some major diseases of the central nervous system, which are summarized in the present review. Particularly with respect to major depression, agmatine, its derivatives, and metabolizing enzymes show great promise for the development of an improved treatment of this common disease.
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15
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Freitas AE, Neis VB, Rodrigues ALS. Agmatine, a potential novel therapeutic strategy for depression. Eur Neuropsychopharmacol 2016; 26:1885-1899. [PMID: 27836390 DOI: 10.1016/j.euroneuro.2016.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Revised: 10/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is the most common psychiatric disorder with lifetime prevalence of up to 20% worldwide. It is responsible for more years lost to disability than any other disorder. Despite the fact that current available antidepressant drugs are safe and effective, they are far from ideal. In addition to the need to administer the drugs for weeks or months to obtain clinical benefit, side effects are still a serious problem. Agmatine is an endogenous polyamine synthesized by the enzyme arginine decarboxylase. It modulates several receptors and is considered as a neuromodulator in the brain. In this review, studies demonstrating the antidepressant effects of agmatine are presented and discussed, as well as, the mechanisms of action related to these effects. Also, the potential beneficial effects of agmatine for the treatment of other neurological disorders are presented. In particular, we provide evidence to encourage future clinical studies investigating agmatine as a novel antidepressant drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andiara E Freitas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94158, USA; Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Vivian B Neis
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Ana Lúcia S Rodrigues
- Department of Biochemistry, Center of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, 88040-900 Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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Agmatine ameliorates lipopolysaccharide induced depressive-like behaviour in mice by targeting the underlying inflammatory and oxido-nitrosative mediators. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2016; 149:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2016.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2016] [Revised: 06/28/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Involvement of the agmatinergic system in the depressive-like phenotype of the Crtc1 knockout mouse model of depression. Transl Psychiatry 2016; 6:e852. [PMID: 27404284 PMCID: PMC5545706 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2016.116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2015] [Revised: 04/27/2016] [Accepted: 04/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies implicate the arginine-decarboxylation product agmatine in mood regulation. Agmatine has antidepressant properties in rodent models of depression, and agmatinase (Agmat), the agmatine-degrading enzyme, is upregulated in the brains of mood disorder patients. We have previously shown that mice lacking CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1 (CRTC1) associate behavioral and molecular depressive-like endophenotypes, as well as blunted responses to classical antidepressants. Here, the molecular basis of the behavioral phenotype of Crtc1(-/-) mice was further examined using microarray gene expression profiling that revealed an upregulation of Agmat in the cortex of Crtc1(-/-) mice. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analyses confirmed Agmat upregulation in the Crtc1(-/-) prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, which were further demonstrated by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy to comprise an increased number of Agmat-expressing cells, notably parvalbumin- and somatostatin-positive interneurons. Acute agmatine and ketamine treatments comparably improved the depressive-like behavior of male and female Crtc1(-/-) mice in the forced swim test, suggesting that exogenous agmatine has a rapid antidepressant effect through the compensation of agmatine deficit because of upregulated Agmat. Agmatine rapidly increased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels only in the PFC of wild-type (WT) females, and decreased eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) phosphorylation in the PFC of male and female WT mice, indicating that agmatine might be a fast-acting antidepressant with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist properties. Collectively, these findings implicate Agmat in the depressive-like phenotype of Crtc1(-/-) mice, refine current understanding of the agmatinergic system in the brain and highlight its putative role in major depression.
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Keller B, García-Sevilla JA. Immunodetection and subcellular distribution of imidazoline receptor proteins with three antibodies in mouse and human brains: Effects of treatments with I1- and I2-imidazoline drugs. J Psychopharmacol 2015; 29:996-1012. [PMID: 26038110 DOI: 10.1177/0269881115586936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Various imidazoline receptor (IR) proteins have been proposed to mediate the effects of selective I1- and I2-IR drugs. However, the association of these IR-binding proteins with classic I1- and I2-radioligand binding sites remains somewhat controversial. In this study, three IR antibodies (anti-NISCH and anti-nischarin for I1-IRs; and anti-IRBP for I1/I2-IRs) were used to immunodetect, characterize and compare IR protein patterns in brain (mouse and human; total homogenate, subcellular fractionation, grey and white matter) and some cell systems (neurones, astrocytes, human platelets). Various immunoreactive IRs (specific molecular weight bands coincidently detected with the different antibodies) were related to I1-IR (167 kDa, 105/115 kDa and 85 kDa proteins) or I2-IR (66 kDa, 45 kDa and 30 kDa proteins) types. The biochemical characterization of cortical 167 kDa protein, localized in the membrane/cytosol but not in the nucleus, indicated that this I1-IR also forms part of higher order nischarin-related complexes. The contents of I1-IR (167 kDa, 105/115 kDa, and 85 kDa) proteins in mouse brain cortex were upregulated by treatment with I1-drugs (moxonidine, efaroxan) but not with I2-drugs (BU-224, LSL 61122). Conversely, the contents of I2-IR (66 kDa, 45 kDa and 30 kDa) proteins in mouse brain cortex were modulated by treatment with I2-drugs (decreases after BU-224 and LSL 61122, and increases after idazoxan) but not with I1-drugs (with the exception of moxonidine). These findings further indicate that brain immunoreactive IR proteins exist in multiple forms that can be grouped in the already known I1- and I2-IR types, which are expressed both in neurones and astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Keller
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, IUNICS-IdISPa, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús A García-Sevilla
- Laboratori de Neurofarmacologia, IUNICS-IdISPa, Universitat de les Illes Balears, Palma de Mallorca, Spain and Redes Temáticas de Investigación Cooperativa en Salud-Red de Trastornos Adictivos (RETICS-RTA), ISCIII, Madrid, Spain
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Neis VB, Moretti M, Manosso LM, Lopes MW, Leal RB, Rodrigues ALS. Agmatine enhances antidepressant potency of MK-801 and conventional antidepressants in mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2015; 130:9-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2014.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2014] [Revised: 12/18/2014] [Accepted: 12/20/2014] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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Ramos-Molina B, López-Contreras AJ, Lambertos A, Dardonville C, Cremades A, Peñafiel R. Influence of ornithine decarboxylase antizymes and antizyme inhibitors on agmatine uptake by mammalian cells. Amino Acids 2015; 47:1025-34. [PMID: 25655388 DOI: 10.1007/s00726-015-1931-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 01/24/2015] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine (4-aminobutylguanidine), a dicationic molecule at physiological pH, exerts relevant modulatory actions at many different molecular target sites in mammalian cells, having been suggested that the administration of this compound may have therapeutic interest. Several plasma membrane transporters have been implicated in agmatine uptake by mammalian cells. Here we report that in kidney-derived COS-7 cell line, at physiological agmatine levels, the general polyamine transporter participates in the plasma membrane translocation of agmatine, with an apparent Km of 44 ± 7 µM and Vmax of 17.3 ± 3.3 nmol h(-1) mg(-1) protein, but that at elevated concentrations, agmatine can be also taken up by other transport systems. In the first case, the physiological polyamines (putrescine, spermidine and spermine), several diguanidines and bis(2-aminoimidazolines) and the polyamine transport inhibitor AMXT-1501 markedly decreased agmatine uptake. In cells transfected with any of the three ornithine decarboxylase antizymes (AZ1, AZ2 and AZ3), agmatine uptake was dramatically reduced. On the contrary, transfection with antizyme inhibitors (AZIN1 and AZIN2) markedly increased the transport of agmatine. Furthermore, whereas putrescine uptake was significantly decreased in cells transfected with ornithine decarboxylase (ODC), the accumulation of agmatine was stimulated, suggesting a trans-activating effect of intracellular putrescine on agmatine uptake. All these results indicate that ODC and its regulatory proteins (antizymes and antizyme inhibitors) may influence agmatine homeostasis in mammalian tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Ramos-Molina
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular B e Inmunología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Murcia, Campus de Espinardo, 30100, Murcia, Spain
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Neis VB, Manosso LM, Moretti M, Freitas AE, Daufenbach J, Rodrigues ALS. Depressive-like behavior induced by tumor necrosis factor-α is abolished by agmatine administration. Behav Brain Res 2014; 261:336-44. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.12.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2013] [Revised: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 12/23/2013] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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Uzbay T, Goktalay G, Kayir H, Eker SS, Sarandol A, Oral S, Buyukuysal L, Ulusoy G, Kirli S. Increased plasma agmatine levels in patients with schizophrenia. J Psychiatr Res 2013; 47:1054-60. [PMID: 23664672 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2013.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2013] [Revised: 04/02/2013] [Accepted: 04/04/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is an endogenous substance, synthesized from l-arginine, and it is proposed to be a new neurotransmitter. Preclinical studies indicated that agmatine may have an important role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. This study was organized to investigate plasma agmatine in patients with schizophrenia and in healthy controls. Eighteen patients with schizophrenia and 19 healthy individuals constituted the subjects. Agmatine levels in the plasma were measured using the HPLC method. The S100B protein level, which is a peripheral biomarker for brain damage, was also measured using the ELISA method. While plasma levels of agmatine in patients with schizophrenia were significantly increased (p < 0.0001) compared to those of healthy individuals (control), there were no significant changes in the levels of S100B protein (p = 0.660). An ROC (receiver operating characteristic) curve analysis revealed that measuring plasma agmatine levels as a clinical diagnostic test would significantly differentiate between patients with schizophrenia and those in the control group (predictive value: 0.969; p < 0.0001). The predictive value of S100B measurements was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). A multiple regression analysis revealed that the age of the patient and the severity of the illness, as indicated by the PANSS score, significantly contributed the plasma agmatine levels in patients with schizophrenia. These results support the hypothesis that an excess agmatine release is important in the development of schizophrenia. The findings also imply that the plasma agmatine level may be a potential biomarker of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tayfun Uzbay
- Uskudar University, Neuropsychopharmacology Application and Research Center, Istanbul, Turkey.
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Piletz JE, Aricioglu F, Cheng JT, Fairbanks CA, Gilad VH, Haenisch B, Halaris A, Hong S, Lee JE, Li J, Liu P, Molderings GJ, Rodrigues ALS, Satriano J, Seong GJ, Wilcox G, Wu N, Gilad GM. Agmatine: clinical applications after 100 years in translation. Drug Discov Today 2013; 18:880-93. [PMID: 23769988 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2013.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2013] [Revised: 04/27/2013] [Accepted: 05/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine (decarboxylated arginine) has been known as a natural product for over 100 years, but its biosynthesis in humans was left unexplored owing to long-standing controversy. Only recently has the demonstration of agmatine biosynthesis in mammals revived research, indicating its exceptional modulatory action at multiple molecular targets, including neurotransmitter systems, nitric oxide (NO) synthesis and polyamine metabolism, thus providing bases for broad therapeutic applications. This timely review, a concerted effort by 16 independent research groups, draws attention to the substantial preclinical and initial clinical evidence, and highlights challenges and opportunities, for the use of agmatine in treating a spectrum of complex diseases with unmet therapeutic needs, including diabetes mellitus, neurotrauma and neurodegenerative diseases, opioid addiction, mood disorders, cognitive disorders and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Piletz
- Department of Biology, Mississippi College, Clinton, MS 39058, USA
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The pharmacological importance of agmatine in the brain. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2012; 36:502-19. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2011.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2011] [Revised: 06/23/2011] [Accepted: 08/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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Bernstein HG, Stich C, Jäger K, Dobrowolny H, Wick M, Steiner J, Veh R, Bogerts B, Laube G. Agmatinase, an inactivator of the putative endogenous antidepressant agmatine, is strongly upregulated in hippocampal interneurons of subjects with mood disorders. Neuropharmacology 2011; 62:237-46. [PMID: 21803059 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2011.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2011] [Revised: 06/28/2011] [Accepted: 07/12/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The diamine agmatine may serve as a precursor in polyamine synthesis. In addition, agmatine may also act as a neurotransmitter, binding to imidazoline receptors. Behaviorally, agmatine exerts antidepressant-like effects. The enzyme agmatinase degrades agmatine. The gene coding for human agmatinase is located on chromosome 1p36, a gene locus which has been linked to bipolar disorder and major depression, but the enzyme has not yet been studied in the context of neuropsychiatric diseases. We analyzed agmatinase protein expression in postmortem hippocampi of individuals with affective disorders. Data from eleven patients with mood disorders (unipolar and bipolar depression) and twelve matched control cases were compared by immunocytochemical and morphometrical analysis. Agmatinase protein was detected in a subset of hippocampal interneurons. The protein was localized to perikarya, neurites and putative nerve endings contacting hippocampal pyramidal neurons and dentate gyrus granule cells. The number and the numerical density of agmatinase-immunopositive cell bodies were strongly elevated in depressive patients. In addition, a significantly increased density of agmatinase-immunoreactive punctate profiles was observed in the CA(4) region in unipolar and bipolar depression. The reported increased expression of agmatinase suggests a functional relevance of the enzyme in the pathophysiology of human affective disorders. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled 'Anxiety and Depression'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans-Gert Bernstein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Magdeburg, Leipziger Str. 44, D-39120 Magdeburg, Germany.
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Castagnolo D, Schenone S, Botta M. Guanylated Diamines, Triamines, and Polyamines: Chemistry and Biological Properties. Chem Rev 2011; 111:5247-300. [PMID: 21657224 DOI: 10.1021/cr100423x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Castagnolo
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, via Alcide de Gasperi 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
| | - Silvia Schenone
- Dipartimento di Scienze Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV 3, I-16132 Genova, Italy
| | - Maurizio Botta
- Dipartimento Farmaco Chimico Tecnologico, Università degli Studi di Siena, via Alcide de Gasperi 2, 53100 Siena, Italy
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Riaza Bermudo-Soriano C, Perez-Rodriguez MM, Vaquero-Lorenzo C, Baca-Garcia E. New perspectives in glutamate and anxiety. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2011; 100:752-74. [PMID: 21569789 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2011.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2010] [Revised: 04/05/2011] [Accepted: 04/15/2011] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and stress-related disorders, namely posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (ODC), social and specific phobias, and panic disorder, are a major public health issue. A growing body of evidence suggests that glutamatergic neurotransmission may be involved in the biological mechanisms underlying stress response and anxiety-related disorders. The glutamatergic system mediates the acquisition and extinction of fear-conditioning. Thus, new drugs targeting glutamatergic neurotransmission may be promising candidates for new pharmacological treatments. In particular, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptors (NMDAR) antagonists (AP5, AP7, CGP37849, CGP39551, LY235959, NPC17742, and MK-801), NMDAR partial agonists (DCS, ACPC), α-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptors (AMPARs) antagonists (topiramate), and several allosteric modulators targeting metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) mGluR1, mGluR2/3, and mGluR5, have shown anxiolytic-like effects in several animal and human studies. Several studies have suggested that polyamines (agmatine, putrescine, spermidine, and spermine) may be involved in the neurobiological mechanisms underlying stress-response and anxiety-related disorders. This could mainly be attributed to their ability to modulate ionotropic glutamate receptors, especially NR2B subunits. The aim of this review is to establish that glutamate neurotransmission and polyaminergic system play a fundamental role in the onset of anxiety-related disorders. This may open the way for new drugs that may help to treat these conditions.
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Wegener G, Volke V. Nitric Oxide Synthase Inhibitors as Antidepressants. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2010; 3:273-299. [PMID: 27713253 PMCID: PMC3991030 DOI: 10.3390/ph3010273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2009] [Revised: 01/07/2010] [Accepted: 01/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Affective and anxiety disorders are widely distributed disorders with severe social and economic effects. Evidence is emphatic that effective treatment helps to restore function and quality of life. Due to the action of most modern antidepressant drugs, serotonergic mechanisms have traditionally been suggested to play major roles in the pathophysiology of mood and stress-related disorders. However, a few clinical and several pre-clinical studies, strongly suggest involvement of the nitric oxide (NO) signaling pathway in these disorders. Moreover, several of the conventional neurotransmitters, including serotonin, glutamate and GABA, are intimately regulated by NO, and distinct classes of antidepressants have been found to modulate the hippocampal NO level in vivo. The NO system is therefore a potential target for antidepressant and anxiolytic drug action in acute therapy as well as in prophylaxis. This paper reviews the effect of drugs modulating NO synthesis in anxiety and depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregers Wegener
- Centre for Psychiatric Research, University of Aarhus, Skovagervej 2, DK-8240 Risskov, Denmark.
| | - Vallo Volke
- Department of Physiology, University of Tartu, Ravila 19, EE-70111 Tartu, Estonia.
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Regunathan S, Dozier D, Takkalapalli R, Phillips WJ. Agmatine Levels in the Cerebrospinal Fluid of Normal Human Volunteers. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2009; 23:35-9. [DOI: 10.1080/15360280902728161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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Haenisch B, von Kügelgen I, Bönisch H, Göthert M, Sauerbruch T, Schepke M, Marklein G, Höfling K, Schröder D, Molderings GJ. Regulatory mechanisms underlying agmatine homeostasis in humans. Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol 2008; 295:G1104-10. [PMID: 18832451 DOI: 10.1152/ajpgi.90374.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Regulation of agmatine homeostasis has so far only been poorly defined. In the present study, three mechanisms regulating human agmatine homeostasis were investigated. 1) Enzymatic regulation: expression of arginine decarboxylase, diamine oxidase, and ornithine decarboxylase in human colon neoplastic tissue was, at the mRNA level, about 75% and 50% lower and 150% higher, respectively, than in the adjacent normal tissue; expression of agmatinase was unchanged. 2) Bacteria-derived agmatine: ten representative bacteria strains of the human intestinal microbiota considerably differed in agmatine production and its efflux into their surrounding fluid, suggesting that the composition of the intestinal microbiota influences the agmatine availability in the gut lumen for absorption. 3) Regulation of blood plasma agmatine concentration by the human liver: at low concentrations in portal venous blood plasma, agmatine either slightly increased or further decreased in blood plasma through liver passage. Above a threshold of 14 ng/ml agmatine in the portal venous blood plasma, substantial hepatic agmatine removal from blood occurred. Taken together, a perturbation of agmatine homeostasis has been proven to be involved in the regulation of malignant cell proliferation. The amount of agmatine available for absorption, which is an important physiological source of agmatine in the human organism, should differ considerably depending on the composition of the bacterial flora in the chyme since the various species of intestinal bacteria largely differ in their ability to form agmatine. Finally, evidence has been presented that the liver plays a crucial physiological role in the maintenance of agmatine homeostasis in the human organism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Britta Haenisch
- Inst. of Human Genetics, Univ. Hospital of Bonn, D-53111 Bonn, Germany
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Abstract
Agmatine is an endogenous neuromodulator that, based on animal studies, has the potential for new drug development. As an endogenous aminoguanidine compound (1-amino-4-guanidinobutane), it is structurally unique compared with other monoamines. Agmatine was long thought to be synthesised only in lower life forms, until its biosynthetic pathway (decarboxylation of arginine) was described in the mammalian brain in 1994. Human arginine decarboxylase has been cloned and shown to have 48% identity to ornithine decarboxylase. In neurons of the brain and spinal cord, agmatine is packaged into synaptic vesicles and released upon neuronal depolarisation. Other evidence of a neuromodulation role for agmatine is the presence of a specific cellular uptake mechanism and a specific metabolic enzyme (agmatinase; which forms putrescine).Initially, agmatine was conceptualised as an endogenous clonidine-displacing substance of imidazoline receptors; however, it has now been established to have affinity for several transmembrane receptors, such as alpha(2)-adrenergic, imidazoline I(1) and glutamatergic NMDA receptors. In addition to activity at these receptors, agmatine irreversibly inhibits neuronal nitric oxide synthase and downregulates inducible nitric oxide synthase. Endogenous agmatine is induced in response to stress and/or inflammation. Stressful conditions that induce agmatine include hypoxic-ischaemia and cold-restraint stress of ulcerogenic proportion. Induction of agmatine in the brain seems to occur in astrocytes, although neurons also synthesise agmatine. The effects of injected agmatine in animals include anticonvulsant-, antineurotoxic- and antidepressant-like actions. Intraperitoneal or intracerebroventricular injections of agmatine rapidly elicit antidepressant-like behavioural changes in the rodent forced swim test and tail suspension test. Intraperitoneal injections of agmatine into rats and mice also elicit acute anxiolytic-like behavioural changes in the elevated plus-maze stress test. In an animal model of acute stress disorder, intraperitoneal agmatine injections diminish contextual fear learning. Furthermore, intraperitoneal injections of agmatine reduce alcohol and opioid dependence by diminishing behaviour in a rat conditioned place preference paradigm. Based on these findings, agmatine appears to be an endogenous neuromodulator of mental stress. The possible roles and/or beneficial effects of agmatine in stress-related disorders, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder, merit further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelos Halaris
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, Illinois 60153, USA.
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Regunathan S. Agmatine: biological role and therapeutic potentials in morphine analgesia and dependence. AAPS JOURNAL 2006; 8:E479-84. [PMID: 17025265 PMCID: PMC2761054 DOI: 10.1208/aapsj080356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is an amine that is formed by decarboxylation of L-arginine by the enzyme arginine decarboxylase (ADC) and hydrolyzed by the enzyme agmatinase to putrescine. Agmatine binds to several target receptors in the brain and has been proposed as a novel neuromodulator. In animal studies, agmatine potentiated morphine analgesia and reduced dependence/withdrawal. While the exact mechanism is not clear, the interactions with N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptors, alpha2-adrenergic receptors, and intracellular cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling have been proposed as possible targets. Like other monoamine transmitter molecules, agmatine is rapidly metabolized in the periphery and has poor penetration into the brain, which limits the use of agmatine itself as a therapeutic agent. However, the development of agmatinase inhibitors will offer a useful method to increase endogenous agmatine in the brain as a possible therapeutic approach to potentiate morphine analgesia and reduce dependence/withdrawal. This review provides a succinct discussion of the biological role/therapeutic potential of agmatine during morphine exposure/pain modulation, with an extensive amount of literature cited for further details.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soundar Regunathan
- Division of Neurobiology and Behavior Research, Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 N State Street, Jackson, MS 39216, USA.
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Teneggi V, Tiffany ST, Squassante L, Milleri S, Ziviani L, Bye A. Effect of sustained-release (SR) bupropion on craving and withdrawal in smokers deprived of cigarettes for 72 h. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2005; 183:1-12. [PMID: 16160876 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-005-0145-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2004] [Accepted: 07/26/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Sustained-release (SR) bupropion enhances quit rates of smokers, generally decreases tobacco withdrawal, and in some studies, reduces craving. OBJECTIVE Investigate the effects of SR bupropion on craving and withdrawal during cigarette abstinence. METHODS Twenty three smokers participated in three 17-day periods composed of 14 out-patient days followed by 3 (72 h) in-patient days. During the out-patient days, subjects received SR bupropion, placebo, or no drug. During the in-patient days, subjects were abstinent from cigarettes on two occasions while receiving either SR bupropion or placebo and smoked freely during the other occasion. SR bupropion was titrated over the first three out-patient days followed by a fixed dose (300 mg/day) for 14 days (including the three in-patient abstinence days). Cigarette craving, withdrawal, and selected physiological measures were assessed repeatedly over the 72-h periods. RESULTS During the 72-h periods, craving intensity was significantly lower with free smoke and SR bupropion than with placebo, and significantly lower during free smoke than during SR bupropion. Overall withdrawal symptoms were significantly lower with free smoke than with either placebo or SR bupropion. Among individual withdrawal symptoms (excluding craving), appetite increase was significantly reduced during SR bupropion compared to placebo. During placebo and SR bupropion, craving intensity displayed a circadian pattern that was different from that observed during free smoke. CONCLUSIONS SR bupropion reduced craving and appetite increase during smoking abstinence. These findings support the hypothesis that craving and withdrawal symptoms may be controlled by distinct central nervous system pathways.
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Dias Elpo Zomkowski A, Oscar Rosa A, Lin J, Santos ARS, Calixto JB, Lúcia Severo Rodrigues A. Evidence for serotonin receptor subtypes involvement in agmatine antidepressant like-effect in the mouse forced swimming test. Brain Res 2004; 1023:253-63. [PMID: 15374751 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2004.07.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/13/2004] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated the involvement of 5-HT(1) and 5-HT(2) receptors in the antidepressant-like effect of agmatine in the mouse forced swimming test (FST). Pretreatment with p-chlorophenylalanine methyl ester (PCPA; 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.), an inhibitor of serotonin synthesis, for 4 consecutive days), methysergide (5 mg/kg, i.p., a serotonin (5-HT) antagonist), pindolol (32 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(1A/1B) receptor/beta-adrenoceptor antagonist), N-[2-[4-(2-methoxyphenyl)-1-piperazinyl]ethyl]-N-(2-pyridynyl)cyclohexanecarboxamide (WAY 100635; 0.3 mg/kg, subcutaneously (s.c.), a selective 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist), 1-(2-methoxyphenyl)-4[-(2-phthalimido)butyl]piperazine) (NAN-190; 0.5 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(1A) receptor antagonist), 1-(2-(1-pyrrolyl)-phenoxy)-3-isopropylamino-2-propanol (isamoltane; 2.5 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(1B) receptor antagonist), cyproheptadine (3 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(2) antagonist) or ketanserin (5 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist), but not with propranolol (2 mg/kg, i.p., a beta-adrenoceptor antagonist), prevented the effect of agmatine (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in the FST. A subeffective dose of agmatine (0.001 mg/kg, i.p.) produced a synergistic antidepressant-like effect with pindolol (32 mg/kg), NAN-190 (0.5 mg/kg, i.p.), WAY 100635 (0.03 mg/kg, s.c.), (+)-8-hydroxy-2-(di-n-propylamino)tetralin HBr (8-OH-DPAT; 0.01 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(1A) receptor agonist), R(-)-1-(2,5-dimethoxy-4-iodophenyl)-2-aminopropane HCl (DOI; 1 mg/kg, i.p., a preferential 5-HT(2A) receptor agonist), or fluoxetine (10 mg/kg, i.p., a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, SSRI) but not with isamoltane (2.5 mg/kg, i.p.), ritanserin (4 mg/kg, i.p., a 5-HT(2A/2C) receptor antagonist) or ketanserin (5 mg/kg, i.p.). Taken together, the results firstly demonstrate that agmatine antidepressant-like effects in the FST seem to be mediated, at least in part, by an interaction with 5-HT(1A/1B) and 5-HT(2) receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Dias Elpo Zomkowski
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Centro de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Campus Universitário, Trindade, Florianópolis 88040-900, SC, Brazil
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35
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Abstract
Agmatine is a metabolite of L-arginine. It is formed by the decarboxylation of L-arginine via arginine decarboxylase in bacteria, plants and mammals. It is becoming clear that it has multiple physiological functions as a potential transmitter. Agmatine binds to alpha2-adrenoceptors and to imidazoline binding sites. It blocks NMDA receptors and other ligand-gated cation channels. It also inhibits nitric oxide synthase, induces release of peptide hormones and antizyme and plays a role during cell proliferation by interacting with the generation and transport of polyamines. Although the precise function of endogenously released agmatine is presently still unclear, this review will summarize several aspects concerning the biological function of agmatine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Berkels
- Institut für Pharmakologie, Klinikum der Universität zu Köln, Gleueler Str. 24, D-50931 Köln, Germany.
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Zhang WZ, Kaye DM. Simultaneous determination of arginine and seven metabolites in plasma by reversed-phase liquid chromatography with a time-controlled ortho-phthaldialdehyde precolumn derivatization. Anal Biochem 2004; 326:87-92. [PMID: 14769339 DOI: 10.1016/j.ab.2003.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2003] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
In an attempt to simultaneously detect molecules generated through the metabolism of l-arginine, a high-performance liquid chromatography method with on-line time-controlled preinjection reaction of ortho-phthaldialdehyde derivatization was developed. Plasma concentrations of citrulline, N(G)-hydroxy-l-arginine, N(G)-monomethyl-l-arginine, asymmetric N (G), N (G)-dimethyl-l-arginine, symmetric N (G), N (G')-dimethyl-l-arginine, ornithine, and agmatine were analyzed within 35min, using only 20microl of sample, pretreated by a simple cold ethanol cleanup procedure. Plasma samples of 35 healthy human volunteers were analyzed and results were comparable to other published data. All detection parameters of the method demonstrate that it is a reliable and efficient means for the comprehensive determination of arginine and its metabolites, making this approach suitable for routine clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-zheng Zhang
- Wynn Department of Metabolic Cardiology, Baker Heart Research Institute, Melbourne Vic. 8008, Australia
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Li YF, Gong ZH, Cao JB, Wang HL, Luo ZP, Li J. Antidepressant-like effect of agmatine and its possible mechanism. Eur J Pharmacol 2003; 469:81-8. [PMID: 12782188 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-2999(03)01735-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
In mammalian brain, agmatine is an endogenous neurotransmitter and/or neuromodulator, which is considered as an endogenous ligand for imidazoline receptors. In this study, the antidepressant-like action of agmatine administered p.o. or s.c. was evaluated in three behavioral models in mice or rats. Agmatine at doses 40 and 80 mg/kg (p.o.) reduced immobility time in the tail suspension test and forced swim test in mice or at dose 20 mg/kg (s.c.) in the forced swim test. Agmatine also reduced immobility time at 10 mg/kg (p.o.) or at 1.25, 2.5 and 5 mg/kg (s.c.) in the forced swim test in rats. These results firstly indicated that agmatine possessed an antidepressant-like action. With 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and lactic dehydrogenase (LDH) assay, 1, 10 and 100 microM agmatine or a classical antidepressant, 2.5 and 10 microM desipramine, protected PC12 cells from the lesion induced by 300 microM N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) treatment for 24 h. Using high-performance liquid chromatography with electrochemical detection (HPLC-ECD), it was found that the levels of monoamines including norepinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine or 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) in PC12 cells decreased after the treatment with 200 microM NMDA for 24 h, while in the presence of 1 and 10 microM agmatine or 1 and 5 microM desipramine, the levels of norepinephrine, epinephrine or dopamine were elevated significantly while 5-HT did not change. Moreover, norepinephrine, 5-HT or dopamine had the same cytoprotective effect as agmatine at doses 0.1, 1 and 10 microM. In the fura-2/AM (acetoxymethyl ester) labeling assay, 1 and 10 microM agmatine, 1 and 5 microM desipramine or monoamines norepinephrine, 5-HT at doses 0.1 and 1 microM attenuated the intracellular Ca(2+) overloading induced by 200 microM NMDA treatment for 24 h in PC12 cells. In summary, we firstly demonstrated that agmatine has an antidepressant-like effect in mice and rats. A classical antidepressant, desipramine, as well as agmatine or monoamines protect the PC12 cells from the lesion induced by NMDA treatment. Agmatine reverses the NMDA-induced intracellular Ca(2+) overloading and the decrease of monoamines (including norepinephrine, epinephrine or dopamine) contents in PC12 cells, indicating that agmatine's antidepressant-like action may be related to its modulation of NMDA receptor activity and/or reversal of the decrease of monoamine contents and Ca(2+) overloading induced by NMDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Feng Li
- Division of Psychopharmacology, Beijing Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, 27 Taiping Road, Beijing 100850, China.
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Bence AK, Worthen DR, Stables JP, Crooks PA. An in vivo evaluation of the antiseizure activity and acute neurotoxicity of agmatine. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2003; 74:771-5. [PMID: 12543244 DOI: 10.1016/s0091-3057(02)01079-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine, an endogenous cationic amine, exerts a wide range of biological effects, including modulation of glutamate-activated N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor function in the central nervous system (CNS). Since glutamate and the NMDA receptor have been implicated in the initiation and spread of seizure activity, the capacity of agmatine to inhibit seizure spread was evaluated in vivo. Orally administered agmatine (30 mg/kg) protected against maximal electroshock seizure (MES)-induced seizure spread in rats as rapidly as 15 min and for as long as 6 h after administration. Inhibition of MES-induced seizure spread was also observed when agmatine was administered intraperitoneally. Agmatine's antiseizure activity did not appear to be dose-dependent. An in vivo neurotoxicity screen indicated that agmatine was devoid of any acute neurological toxicity at the doses tested. These preliminary data suggest that agmatine has promising anticonvulsant activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aimee K Bence
- Division of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Kentucky, 800 Rose Street, Lexington, KY 40536-0082, USA
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Aricioglu-Kartal F, Regunathan S. Effect of chronic morphine treatment on the biosynthesis of agmatine in rat brain and other tissues. Life Sci 2002; 71:1695-701. [PMID: 12137915 DOI: 10.1016/s0024-3205(02)01911-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine is an endogenous amine derived from the decarboxylation of arginine by arginine decarboxylase (ADC), and metabolized to putrescine by agmatinase. Exogenously administered agmatine has several biological actions including its ability to potentiate morphine analgesia and block symptoms of morphine tolerance/withdrawal in rats. To investigate the role of endogenous agmatine in this action, we sought to determine whether chronic exposure to morphine and induction of withdrawal modulate the synthesis of agmatine in rat brain and other tissues. Exposure of rats to morphine for three days significantly decreases the activity of ADC and the levels of agmatine in rat liver, kidney, brain, aorta and intestine with no changes in agmatinase activity. The precipitation of withdrawal syndrome by injecting naloxone further decreases ADC activity and agmatine levels in these tissues. We conclude that endogenous agmatine may play an important role in regulating morphine tolerance/dependence and withdrawal symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feyza Aricioglu-Kartal
- Division of Neurobiology, Department of Neurology and Neuroscience, Weill Medical College of Cornell University, 411, East 69th Street, New York, NY 10021, USA
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Zomkowski ADE, Hammes L, Lin J, Calixto JB, Santos ARS, Rodrigues ALS. Agmatine produces antidepressant-like effects in two models of depression in mice. Neuroreport 2002; 13:387-91. [PMID: 11930146 DOI: 10.1097/00001756-200203250-00005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Agmatine produces an antidepressant-like effect when assessed in the forced swimming test (FST) and in the tail suspension test (TST) in mice (dose range 0.01-50 mg/kg, i.p.), without accompanying changes in ambulation in an open-field. I.c.v. injection of agmatine (1-100 nmol/site) also reduced the immobility time in the FST. Agmatine significantly enhanced the anti-immobility effect of imipramine, but did not affect that of MK-801. The anti-immobility effect of agmatine assessed in the FST was not affected by pre-treatment with prazosin. In contrast, agmatine's antidepressant-like effect was completely prevented by pre-treatment of animals with yohimbine, GMP or L-arginine. Taken together these data demonstrate that agmatine elicited a significant antidepressant-like effect through a mechanism that seems to involve an interaction with NMDA receptors, the L-arginine-nitric oxide pathway and alpha2-adrenoceptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea D E Zomkowski
- Departamento de Bioquímica and Departamento de Farmacologia, CCB, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Florianópolis, Brazil
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Raasch W, Schäfer U, Chun J, Dominiak P. Biological significance of agmatine, an endogenous ligand at imidazoline binding sites. Br J Pharmacol 2001; 133:755-80. [PMID: 11454649 PMCID: PMC1572857 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjp.0704153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- W Raasch
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, 23538 Lübeck, Germany.
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Halaris A, Piletz JE. Imidazoline receptors: possible involvement in the pathophysiology and treatment of depression. Hum Psychopharmacol 2001; 16:65-69. [PMID: 12404600 DOI: 10.1002/hup.185] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Imidazoline receptors (IR), a novel family of non-adrenergic receptors, are present in brain, especially the limbic system, and platelets among other organs. Their functions include central mediation of blood pressure control and possibly modulation of affective symptomatology. Studies of unipolar depressed patients have revealed consistent up-regulation of the I(1) subtype on the platelet. Treatment with cyclic antidepressants is accompanied by down-regulation in responders. Treatment with the non-cyclic bupropion produced similar findings. Studies of human post-mortem brain show changes in depressed subjects but the protein fragments assessed are of different molecular weights than in the platelet. Plasma agmatine is believed to be a putative endogenous ligand for I receptors. Thus, IR may be useful state markers of affective disorders. Copyright 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelos Halaris
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Piletz JE, Zhu H, Ordway G, Stockmeier C, Dilly G, Reis D, Halaris A. Imidazoline receptor proteins are decreased in the hippocampus of individuals with major depression. Biol Psychiatry 2000; 48:910-9. [PMID: 11074229 DOI: 10.1016/s0006-3223(00)00892-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A downregulation of I(2)-imidazoline binding sites has been reported in frontal cortices of depressed suicide victims, according to I(2)-radioligand binding and confirmed by Western blotting. We now report Western blots of imidazoline receptor proteins in hippocampi of subjects with and without depression at the time of death. METHODS Postmortem diagnoses were obtained from 17 cases of Axis I major depressive disorder and 17 cases without Axis I psychopathology. No psychotropic compounds were found in body fluids. Hippocampi were removed, sectioned, and assessed histologically. Throughout the analysis, each major depressive disorder sample was paired with a sample from a psychiatrically healthy subject based on equivalent life spans and postmortem delays. The antiserum was identical to that used in previous studies that reported a downregulation of cortical 29/30-kd imidazoline receptor-binding proteins in depression. RESULTS A triad of imidazoline receptor-binding protein bands (40-50 kd) was detected in the human hippocampus. Subjects with major depressive disorder had significantly less intensity in each imidazoline receptor-binding proteins band compared with control subjects (p =. 01 for overall bands). CONCLUSIONS The present results can be aligned with previous reports of downregulation of I(2)-radioligand binding sites in both cortices and platelets of depressed patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Piletz
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216, USA
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Piletz JE, Zhu H, Madakasira S, Pazzaglia P, Lindsay DeVane C, Goldman N, Halaris A. Elevated P-selectin on platelets in depression: response to bupropion. J Psychiatr Res 2000; 34:397-404. [PMID: 11165307 DOI: 10.1016/s0022-3956(00)00034-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increased platelet activation has been suggested as a possible reason for the increased vulnerability of depressed patients to ischemic heart disease (IHD). Translocation of P-selectin, an integral alpha-granule membrane protein, to the platelet surface is a measure of platelet activation. Herein, western blots of platelet plasma membranes containing P-selectin were quantified in patients with major depression (n=19; mean age=39 +/- 2 years) and healthy comparison subjects (n=17; mean age=36 +/- 2 years). None evidenced clinical signs of IHD, and only two patients had a lifestyle IHD risk factor (smoking). Blood was obtained from all 19 depressed patients before treatment, and 15 returned after 6-8 weeks of open-label bupropion treatment. Bupropion was chosen as the antidepressant because it did not elevate plasma norepinephrine or serotonin, endogenous agonists that can induce platelet degranulation. Western blotting revealed more P-selectin immunoreactivity (75 kD band) in depressed patients compared to healthy controls (P=0.003). After bupropion treatment, P-selectin remained high in depressed patients. beta3-Integrin, a reference plasma membrane protein that does not translocate during activation, was of equivalent density in depressed patients and healthy control subjects, and was unchanged after treatment with bupropion. P-Selectin failed to correlate with severity of illness based on the Hamilton Depression scale, or with the post-treatment plasma concentration of bupropion. The results suggest an elevation in P-selectin on platelet plasma membranes might be a trait marker for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- J E Piletz
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Room. G128, 2500 North State Street, Jackson, MS 39216-4505, USA.
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Abstract
We investigated the effect of agmatine, an arginine metabolite synthesized in the brain, in cultured microglia obtained from neonatal rat cerebral cortex. Agmatine (1-300 microM) did not affect viability of cultured microglia. Activation of microglia by lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 microg/ml) caused the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and the production of nitric oxide (NO) assessed as the accumulation of nitrite in the culture supernatants. Agmatine had no effect on the expression of iNOS, but significantly suppressed the LPS-induced NO production in a concentration-dependent manner. Agmatine was also effective in suppressing the production of NO induced by a combination of interferon-gamma (500 U/ml) and amyloid beta protein (10 microM). In co-cultures of rat cortical neurons and microglia, LPS caused significant loss of neuron viability. The LPS neurotoxicity was not observed in the absence of microglia, and was completely blocked by the NOS inhibitor diphenyleneiodoium chloride. The neuronal death induced by microglia-derived NO was significantly attenuated by the presence of agmatine. These results suggest that agmatine works to protect neurons by inhibiting the production of NO in microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Abe
- Department of Chemical Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 113-0033, Tokyo, Japan.
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