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Leal-Nazaré CG, Arrifano GP, Lopes-Araújo A, Santos-Sacramento L, Barthelemy JL, Soares-Silva I, Crespo-Lopez ME, Augusto-Oliveira M. Methylmercury neurotoxicity: Beyond the neurocentric view. THE SCIENCE OF THE TOTAL ENVIRONMENT 2024; 920:170939. [PMID: 38365040 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2024.170939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 02/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
Mercury is a highly toxic metal widely used in human activities worldwide, therefore considered a global public health problem. Many cases of mercury intoxication have occurred in history and represent a huge challenge nowadays. Of particular importance is its methylated form, methylmercury (MeHg). This mercurial species induces damage to several organs in the human body, especially to the central nervous system. Neurological impairments such as executive, memory, motor and visual deficits are associated with MeHg neurotoxicity. Molecular mechanisms involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity include excitotoxicity due to glutamatergic imbalance, disturbance in calcium homeostasis and oxidative balance, failure in synaptic support, and inflammatory response. Although neurons are largely affected by MeHg intoxication, they only represent half of the brain cells. Glial cells represent roughly 50 % of the brain cells and are key elements in the functioning of the central nervous system. Particularly, astrocytes and microglia are deeply involved in MeHg-induced neurotoxicity, resulting in distinct neurological outcomes depending on the context. In this review, we discuss the main findings on astroglial and microglial involvement as mediators of neuroprotective and neurotoxic responses to MeHg intoxication. The literature shows that these responses depend on chemical and morphophysiological features, thus, we present some insights for future investigations, considering the particularities of the context, including time and dose of exposure, brain region, and species of study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caio Gustavo Leal-Nazaré
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Gabriela P Arrifano
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Amanda Lopes-Araújo
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Leticia Santos-Sacramento
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Jean Ludger Barthelemy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Isabela Soares-Silva
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-Lopez
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
| | - Marcus Augusto-Oliveira
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém, PA, Brazil.
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Iijima Y, Miki R, Takasugi N, Fujimura M, Uehara T. Characterization of pathological changes in the olfactory system of mice exposed to methylmercury. Arch Toxicol 2024; 98:1163-1175. [PMID: 38367039 PMCID: PMC10944439 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-024-03682-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a well-known environmental neurotoxicant that causes severe brain disorders such as Minamata disease. Although some patients with Minamata disease develop olfactory dysfunction, the underlying pathomechanism is largely unknown. We examined the effects of MeHg on the olfactory system using a model of MeHg poisoning in which mice were administered 30 ppm MeHg in drinking water for 8 weeks. Mice exposed to MeHg displayed significant mercury accumulation in the olfactory pathway, including the nasal mucosa, olfactory bulb, and olfactory cortex. The olfactory epithelium was partially atrophied, and olfactory sensory neurons were diminished. The olfactory bulb exhibited an increase in apoptotic cells, hypertrophic astrocytes, and amoeboid microglia, mainly in the granular cell layer. Neuronal cell death was observed in the olfactory cortex, particularly in the ventral tenia tecta. Neuronal cell death was also remarkable in higher-order areas such as the orbitofrontal cortex. Correlation analysis showed that neuronal loss in the olfactory cortex was strongly correlated with the plasma mercury concentration. Our results indicate that MeHg is an olfactory toxicant that damages the central regions involved in odor perception. The model described herein is useful for analyzing the mechanisms and treatments of olfactory dysfunction in MeHg-intoxicated patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuta Iijima
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700‑8530, Japan
| | - Ryohei Miki
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700‑8530, Japan
| | - Nobumasa Takasugi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700‑8530, Japan
| | - Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Science, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto, 867‑0008, Japan
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, 700‑8530, Japan.
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Liu C, Guo S, Liu R, Guo M, Wang Q, Chai Z, Xiao B, Ma C. Fasudil-modified macrophages reduce inflammation and regulate the immune response in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:671-679. [PMID: 37721300 PMCID: PMC10581551 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.379050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis is characterized by demyelination and neuronal loss caused by inflammatory cell activation and infiltration into the central nervous system. Macrophage polarization plays an important role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, a traditional experimental model of multiple sclerosis. This study investigated the effect of Fasudil on macrophages and examined the therapeutic potential of Fasudil-modified macrophages in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. We found that Fasudil induced the conversion of macrophages from the pro-inflammatory M1 type to the anti-inflammatory M2 type, as shown by reduced expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase/nitric oxide, interleukin-12, and CD16/32 and increased expression of arginase-1, interleukin-10, CD14, and CD206, which was linked to inhibition of Rho kinase activity, decreased expression of toll-like receptors, nuclear factor-κB, and components of the mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathway, and generation of the pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin-6. Crucially, Fasudil-modified macrophages effectively decreased the impact of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, resulting in later onset of disease, lower symptom scores, less weight loss, and reduced demyelination compared with unmodified macrophages. In addition, Fasudil-modified macrophages decreased interleukin-17 expression on CD4+ T cells and CD16/32, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and interleukin-12 expression on F4/80+ macrophages, as well as increasing interleukin-10 expression on CD4+ T cells and arginase-1, CD206, and interleukin-10 expression on F4/80+ macrophages, which improved immune regulation and reduced inflammation. These findings suggest that Fasudil-modified macrophages may help treat experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by inducing M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting the inflammatory response, thereby providing new insight into cell immunotherapy for multiple sclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunyun Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Shangde Guo
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Rong Liu
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Minfang Guo
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Qing Wang
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Zhi Chai
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
| | - Baoguo Xiao
- Institute of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Institutes of Brain Science and State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cungen Ma
- Institute of Brain Science, Shanxi Datong University, Datong, Shanxi Province, China
- The Key Research Laboratory of Benefiting Qi for Acting Blood Circulation Method to Treat Multiple Sclerosis of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine/Research Center of Neurobiology, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, China
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Huang YR, Xie XX, Yang J, Sun XY, Niu XY, Yang CG, Li LJ, Zhang L, Wang D, Liu CY, Hou SJ, Jiang CY, Xu YM, Liu RT. ArhGAP11A mediates amyloid-β generation and neuropathology in an Alzheimer's disease-like mouse model. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112624. [PMID: 37302068 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112624] [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: 06/13/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Amyloid-β (Aβ) plays an important role in the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but some factors promoting Aβ generation and Aβ oligomer (Aβo) neurotoxicity remain unclear. We here find that the levels of ArhGAP11A, a Ras homology GTPase-activating protein, significantly increase in patients with AD and amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin-1 (PS1) mice. Reducing the ArhGAP11A level in neurons not only inhibits Aβ generation by decreasing the expression of APP, PS1, and β-secretase (BACE1) through the RhoA/ROCK/Erk signaling pathway but also reduces Aβo neurotoxicity by decreasing the expressions of apoptosis-related p53 target genes. In APP/PS1 mice, specific reduction of the ArhGAP11A level in neurons significantly reduces Aβ production and plaque deposition and ameliorates neuronal damage, neuroinflammation, and cognitive deficits. Moreover, Aβos enhance ArhGAP11A expression in neurons by activating E2F1, which thus forms a deleterious cycle. Our results demonstrate that ArhGAP11A may be involved in AD pathogenesis and that decreasing ArhGAP11A expression may be a promising therapeutic strategy for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Ru Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xi-Xiu Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Henan Medical Key Laboratory of Neurogenetic and Neurodegenerative Disease, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiao-Yun Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Ningxia University, Yinchuan 750021, Ningxia, China
| | - Cheng-Gang Yang
- Department of BigData, Beijing Medintell Bioinformatic Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100081, China; Department of Research and Development, Gu'an Bojian Bio-Technology Co., Ltd., Langfang 065000, Hebei, China
| | - Ling-Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Lun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of BigData, Beijing Medintell Bioinformatic Technology Co., Ltd., Beijing 100081, China
| | - Chun-Yu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; Shandong Agricultural University, Tai'an 271000, Shandong, China
| | - Sheng-Jie Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Chen-Yang Jiang
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China
| | - Yu-Ming Xu
- Department of Neurology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China; Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular Disease of Henan Province, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan, China.
| | - Rui-Tian Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Biochemical Engineering, Institute of Process Engineering, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China.
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Glotfelty EJ, Tovar-y-Romo LB, Hsueh SC, Tweedie D, Li Y, Harvey BK, Hoffer BJ, Karlsson TE, Olson L, Greig NH. The RhoA-ROCK1/ROCK2 Pathway Exacerbates Inflammatory Signaling in Immortalized and Primary Microglia. Cells 2023; 12:1367. [PMID: 37408199 PMCID: PMC10216802 DOI: 10.3390/cells12101367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a unifying factor among all acute central nervous system (CNS) injuries and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Here, we used immortalized microglial (IMG) cells and primary microglia (PMg) to understand the roles of the GTPase Ras homolog gene family member A (RhoA) and its downstream targets Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinases 1 and 2 (ROCK1 and ROCK2) in neuroinflammation. We used a pan-kinase inhibitor (Y27632) and a ROCK1- and ROCK2-specific inhibitor (RKI1447) to mitigate a lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. In both the IMG cells and PMg, each drug significantly inhibited pro-inflammatory protein production detected in media (TNF-α, IL-6, KC/GRO, and IL-12p70). In the IMG cells, this resulted from the inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation and the blocking of neuroinflammatory gene transcription (iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-6). Additionally, we demonstrated the ability of both compounds to block the dephosphorylation and activation of cofilin. In the IMG cells, RhoA activation with Nogo-P4 or narciclasine (Narc) exacerbated the inflammatory response to the LPS challenge. We utilized a siRNA approach to differentiate ROCK1 and ROCK2 activity during the LPS challenges and showed that the blockade of both proteins may mediate the anti-inflammatory effects of Y27632 and RKI1447. Using previously published data, we show that genes in the RhoA/ROCK signaling cascade are highly upregulated in the neurodegenerative microglia (MGnD) from APP/PS-1 transgenic Alzheimer's disease (AD) mice. In addition to illuminating the specific roles of RhoA/ROCK signaling in neuroinflammation, we demonstrate the utility of using IMG cells as a model for primary microglia in cellular studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elliot J. Glotfelty
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luis B. Tovar-y-Romo
- Division of Neuroscience, Institute of Cellular Physiology, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City 04510, Mexico
| | - Shih-Chang Hsueh
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - David Tweedie
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Yazhou Li
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Brandon K. Harvey
- Molecular Mechanisms of Cellular Stress and Inflammation Unit, Integrative Neuroscience Department, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
| | - Barry J. Hoffer
- Department of Neurosurgery, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Tobias E. Karlsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lars Olson
- Department of Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nigel H. Greig
- Drug Design & Development Section, Translational Gerontology Branch, Intramural Research Program National Institute on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA
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Taha M, Eldemerdash OM, Elshaffei IM, Yousef EM, Soliman AS, Senousy MA. Apigenin Attenuates Hippocampal Microglial Activation and Restores Cognitive Function in Methotrexate-Treated Rats: Targeting the miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2 Pathway. Mol Neurobiol 2023; 60:3770-3787. [PMID: 36943623 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03299-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
Microglial activation underpins the methotrexate (MTX)-induced neurotoxicity; however, the precise mechanism remains unclear. This study appraised the potential impact of apigenin (Api), a neuroprotective flavonoid, in MTX-induced neurotoxicity in rats in terms of microglial activation through targeting the miR-15a/Rho-associated protein kinase-1 (ROCK-1)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2) pathway. Male Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: Normal control (saline i.p. daily and i.v. on days 8 and 15); Api control (20 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 30 days; MTX-alone (75 mg/kg, i.v.) on days 8 and 15, then four i.p. injections of leucovorin (LCV): 6 mg/kg after 18 h, then three doses (3 mg/kg) every 8 h post-MTX; and Api co-treated (20 mg/kg/day, p.o.) throughout the model for 30 days, with administration of MTX and LCV as in group 3. MTX administration elevated hippocampal ionized calcium-binding adaptor protein-1 (Iba-1) immunostaining, indicating microglial activation. This was accompanied by neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and enhanced apoptosis manifested by elevated hippocampal interleukin-1β, malondialdehyde, and caspase-3, and decreased reduced glutathione levels. Concurrently, abated miR-15a expression, overexpression of its target ROCK-1, diminished downstream ERK1/2 and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation, and decreased hippocampal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were observed. Api mitigated the MTX-induced neurotoxicity by reversing the biochemical, histopathological, and behavioral derangements tested by novel object recognition and Morris water maze tests. Conclusively, Api lessens MTX-induced neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis and boosts cognitive function through inhibiting microglial activation via modulating the miR-15a/ROCK-1/ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway. Graphical abstract showing the effects of methotrexate and apigenin co-treatment in MTX-induced neurotoxicity model. On the left, methotrexate (MTX) administration to rats resulted in hippocampal miR-15a downregulation, which triggered an enhanced expression of its target ROCK-1, consequently inhibiting the downstream ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway, instigating a state of microglial activation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis. On the other hand, apigenin (Api) co-treatment restored miR-15a, inhibited ROCK-1 expression, and activated the ERK1/2/CREB/BDNF pathway, leading to diminished hippocampal microglial activation, neuroinflammation, and apoptosis, and restoration of the redox balance, along with improvement in memory and cognitive function of the MTX-treated rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed Taha
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Ainy st., Cairo, 11562, Egypt.
| | - Omar Mohsen Eldemerdash
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), KM 28 Cairo, Ismailia Road, Cairo, 44971, Egypt
| | - Ismail Mohamed Elshaffei
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), KM 28 Cairo, Ismailia Road, Cairo, 44971, Egypt
| | - Einas Mohamed Yousef
- Department of Histology and Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shibin El Kom, Egypt
| | - Ayman S Soliman
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Ahmed Senousy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El Ainy st., Cairo, 11562, Egypt
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy and Drug Technology, Egyptian Chinese University, Cairo, 11786, Egypt
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Shinoda Y, Akiyama M, Toyama T. Potential Association between Methylmercury Neurotoxicity and Inflammation. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:1162-1168. [PMID: 37661394 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is the causal substrate of Minamata disease and a major environmental toxicant. MeHg is widely distributed, mainly in the ocean, meaning its bioaccumulation in seafood is a considerable problem for human health. MeHg has been intensively investigated and is known to induce inflammatory responses and neurodegeneration. However, the relationship between MeHg-induced inflammatory responses and neurodegeneration is not understood. In the present review, we first describe recent findings showing an association between inflammatory responses and certain MeHg-unrelated neurological diseases caused by neurodegeneration. In addition, cell-specific MeHg-induced inflammatory responses are summarized for the central nervous system including those of microglia, astrocytes, and neurons. We also describe MeHg-induced inflammatory responses in peripheral cells and tissue, such as macrophages and blood. These findings provide a concept of the relationship between MeHg-induced inflammatory responses and neurodegeneration, as well as direction for future research of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yo Shinoda
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Pharmacy, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences
| | - Masahiro Akiyama
- Research Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Pharmacy and Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Keio University
| | - Takashi Toyama
- Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Metabolism, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University
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8
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Martins B, Novo JP, Fonseca É, Raposo R, Sardão VA, Pereira F, Oriá RB, Fontes-Ribeiro C, Malva J. Necrotic-like BV-2 microglial cell death due to methylmercury exposure. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1003663. [PMID: 36408241 PMCID: PMC9667718 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1003663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a dangerous environmental contaminant with strong bioaccumulation in the food chain and neurotoxic properties. In the nervous system, MeHg may cause neurodevelopment impairment and potentially interfere with immune response, compromising proper control of neuroinflammation and aggravating neurodegeneration. Human populations are exposed to environmental contamination with MeHg, especially in areas with strong mining or industrial activity, raising public health concerns. Taking this into consideration, this work aims to clarify pathways leading to acute toxic effects caused by MeHg exposure in microglial cells. BV-2 mouse microglial cells were incubated with MeHg at different concentrations (0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10 µM) for 1 h prior to continuous Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 μg/ml) exposure for 6 or 24 h. After cell exposure, reactive oxygen species (ROS), IL-6 and TNF-α cytokines production, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression, nitric oxide (NO) release, metabolic activity, propidium iodide (PI) uptake, caspase-3 and -9 activities and phagocytic activity were assessed. MeHg 10 µM decreased ROS formation, the production and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, iNOS immunoreactivity, the release of NO in BV-2 cells. Furthermore, MeHg 10 µM decreased the metabolic activity of BV-2 and increased the number of PI-positive cells (necrotic-like cell death) when compared to the respective control group. Besides, MeHg did not interfere with caspase activity or the phagocytic profile of cells. The short-term effects of a high concentration of MeHg on BV-2 microglial cells lead to impaired production of several pro-inflammatory mediators, as well as a higher microglial cell death via necrosis, compromising their neuroinflammatory response. Clarifying the mechanisms underlying MeHg-induced neurotoxicity and neurodegeneration in brain cells is relevant to better understand acute and long-term chronic neuroinflammatory responses following MeHg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- B. Martins
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J. P. Novo
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - É. Fonseca
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - R. Raposo
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Experimental Biology Core, Health Sciences Center, University of Fortaleza, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - V. A. Sardão
- Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Center for Neuroscience and Cell Biology (CNC), UC Biotech, University of Coimbra, Cantanhede, Portugal
| | - F. Pereira
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - R. B. Oriá
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny, and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | - C. Fontes-Ribeiro
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal
| | - J. Malva
- Coimbra Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal,*Correspondence: J. Malva,
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9
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Fujimura M, Usuki F. Cellular Conditions Responsible for Methylmercury-Mediated Neurotoxicity. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137218. [PMID: 35806222 PMCID: PMC9266708 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a widely known environmental pollutant that causes severe neurotoxicity. MeHg-induced neurotoxicity depends on various cellular conditions, including differences in the characteristics of tissues and cells, exposure age (fetal, childhood, or adulthood), and exposure levels. Research has highlighted the importance of oxidative stress in the pathogenesis of MeHg-induced toxicity and the site- and cell-specific nature of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. The cerebellar granule cells and deeper layer cerebrocortical neurons are vulnerable to MeHg. In contrast, the hippocampal neurons are resistant to MeHg, even at high mercury accumulation levels. This review summarizes the mechanisms underlying MeHg-mediated intracellular events that lead to site-specific neurotoxicity. Specifically, we discuss the mechanisms associated with the redox ability, neural outgrowth and synapse formation, cellular signaling pathways, epigenetics, and the inflammatory conditions of microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masatake Fujimura
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, National Institute for Minamata Disease, Kumamoto 867-0008, Japan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +81-966-63-3111; Fax: +81-966-61-1145
| | - Fusako Usuki
- Division of Neuroimmunology, Joint Research Center for Human Retrovirus Infection, Kagoshima University, Kagoshima 890-8544, Japan;
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10
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Chen C, Hu N, Wang J, Xu L, Jia XL, Fan X, Shi JX, Chen F, Tu Y, Wang YW, Li XH. Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells promote neurological repair after traumatic brain injury through regulating Treg/Th17 balance. Brain Res 2021; 1775:147711. [PMID: 34793756 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a brain injury resulting from blunt mechanical external forces, which is a crucial public health and socioeconomic problem worldwide. TBI is one of the leading causes of death or disability. The primary injury of TBI is generally irreversible. Secondary injury caused by neuroinflammation could result in exacerbation of patients, which indicated that anti-inflammation and immunomodulatory were necessary for the treatment of TBI. Accumulated evidence reveals that the transplantation of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) could regulate the microenvironment in vivo and keep a balance of helper T 17(Th17)/ regulatory T cell (Treg). Therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the UCMSCs could repair neurological impairment by maintaining the balance of Th17/Treg after TBI. In the study, we observed the phenomenon of trans-differentiation of T lymphocytes into Th17 cells after TBI. Rats were divided into Sham, TBI, and TBI + UCMSCs groups to explore the effects of the UCMSCs. The results manifested that trans-differentiation of Th17 into Treg was facilitated by UCMSCs, which was followed by promotion of neurological recovery and improvement of learning and memory in TBI rats. Furthermore, UCMSCs decreased the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and increased the expression of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (Smad3) in vivo and vitro experiments. In conclusion, UCMSCs maintained Th17/Treg balance via the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/ Smad3/ NF-κB signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Chen
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Nan Hu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin 300162, China; Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030032, China
| | - Lin Xu
- Medical Psychology Section, Hubei General Hospital of Armed Police Force, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiao-Li Jia
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Xiu Fan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jian-Xin Shi
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - Yue Tu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of PAPF, Tianjin 300162, China
| | - You-Wei Wang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China; Tianjin Key Laboratory of Brain Science and Neural Engineering, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China.
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11
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Hamada K, Shinozaki Y, Namekata K, Matsumoto M, Ohno N, Segawa T, Kashiwagi K, Harada T, Koizumi S. Loss of P2Y 1 receptors triggers glaucoma-like pathology in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2021; 178:4552-4571. [PMID: 34309010 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Glaucoma, the leading cause of blindness, damages the retinal ganglion cells. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is a high-risk factor for glaucoma, so topical hypotensive drugs are usually used for treatment. Because not all patients do not respond adequately to current treatments, there is a need to identify a new molecular target to reduce IOP. Here, we have assessed the role of P2Y1 receptors in mediating elevated IOP. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH P2Y1 receptor agonist was instilled into the eyes of mice, and the IOP changes were measured by a rebound-type tonometer. Expression of P2Y1 receptors was estimated by immunohistochemistry. Ocular function was measured by a multifocal electroretinogram. KEY RESULTS A single dose of the P2Y1 receptor agonist transiently reduced IOP and such effects were absent in P2Y1 receptor-deficient (P2Y1 KO) mice. P2Y1 receptors were functionally expressed in the ciliary body, trabecular meshwork and Schlemm's canal. Activation of P2Y1 receptors negatively regulated aquaporin 4 (AQP4) function but up-regulated endothelial NOS (eNOS). P2Y1 KO mice showed chronic ocular hypertension regardless of age. P2Y1 KO mice at 3 months old showed no damage to retinal ganglion cells, whereas 12-month-old mice showed a significant loss of these cells and impairment of ocular functions. Damage to retinal ganglion cells was attenuated by chronic administration of an IOP-reducing agent. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS Activation of P2Y1 receptors reduced IOP via dual pathways including AQP4 and eNOS. Loss of P2Y1 receptors resulted in glaucomatous optic neuropathy, suggesting that P2Y1 receptors might provide an effective target in the treatment of glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kentaro Hamada
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Youichi Shinozaki
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.,GLIA Center, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Namekata
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mami Matsumoto
- Division of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Physiological Sciences, Aichi, Japan
| | - Nobuhiko Ohno
- Division of Ultrastructural Research, National Institute of Physiological Sciences, Aichi, Japan.,Department of Anatomy, Jichi Medical University, Tochigi, Japan
| | - Takahiro Segawa
- Center for Life Science Research, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Kenji Kashiwagi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
| | - Takayuki Harada
- Visual Research Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Schuichi Koizumi
- Department of Neuropharmacology, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan.,GLIA Center, Interdisciplinary Graduate School of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, Yamanashi, Japan
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Cai R, Wang Y, Huang Z, Zou Q, Pu Y, Yu C, Cai Z. Role of RhoA/ROCK signaling in Alzheimer's disease. Behav Brain Res 2021; 414:113481. [PMID: 34302876 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2021.113481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase (ROCK), a serine/threonine kinase regulated by the small GTPase RhoA, is involved in regulating cell migration, proliferation, and survival. Numerous studies have shown that the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway can promote Alzheimer's disease (AD) occurrence. ROCK activation increases β-secretase activity and promotes amyloid-beta (Aβ) production; moreover, Aβ further activates ROCK. This is suggestive of a possible positive feedback role for Aβ and ROCK. Moreover, ROCK activation promotes the formation of neurofibrillary tangles and abnormal synaptic contraction. Additionally, ROCK activation can promote the neuroinflammatory response by activating microglia and astrocytes to release inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, ROCK is a promising drug target in AD; further, there is a need to elucidate the specific mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- RuoLan Cai
- Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563003, China; Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China; Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - YangYang Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - ZhenTing Huang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Qian Zou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - YinShuang Pu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China
| | - Changyin Yu
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, 563000, China.
| | - Zhiyou Cai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Neurodegenerative Diseases, Chongqing, 400013, China; Department of Neurology, Chongqing General Hospital, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chongqing, 400013, China.
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13
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Wei Y, Ni L, Pan J, Li X, Xu B, Deng Y, Yang T, Liu W. The Roles of Oxidative Stress in Regulating Autophagy in Methylmercury-induced Neurotoxicity. Neuroscience 2021; 469:175-190. [PMID: 34174372 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2021.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 06/16/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) is a potential neurotoxin that is highly toxic to the human central nervous system. Although MeHg neurotoxicity has been widely studied, the mechanism of MeHg neurotoxicity has not yet been fully elucidated. Some research evidence suggests that oxidative stress and autophagy are important molecular mechanisms of MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. Researchers have widely accepted that oxidative stress regulates the autophagy pathway. The current study reviews the activation of Nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf2)-related oxidative stress pathways and autophagy signaling pathways in the case of MeHg neurotoxicity. In addition, autophagy mainly plays a role in the neurotoxicity of MeHg through mTOR-dependent and mTOR-independent autophagy signaling pathways. Finally, the regulation of autophagy by reactive oxygen species (ROS) and Nrf2 in MeHg neurotoxicity was explored in this review, providing a new concept for the study of the neurotoxicity mechanism of MeHg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Wei
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Linlin Ni
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Jingjing Pan
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoyang Li
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Bin Xu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Yu Deng
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Tianyao Yang
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Department of Environmental Health, School of Public Health, China Medical University, No. 77 Puhe Road, Shenyang North New Area, Shenyang 110122, Liaoning, China.
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14
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Novo JP, Martins B, Raposo RS, Pereira FC, Oriá RB, Malva JO, Fontes-Ribeiro C. Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Methylmercury Neurotoxicity and Neuroinflammation. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22063101. [PMID: 33803585 PMCID: PMC8003103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22063101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Methylmercury (MeHg) toxicity is a major environmental concern. In the aquatic reservoir, MeHg bioaccumulates along the food chain until it is consumed by riverine populations. There has been much interest in the neurotoxicity of MeHg due to recent environmental disasters. Studies have also addressed the implications of long-term MeHg exposure for humans. The central nervous system is particularly susceptible to the deleterious effects of MeHg, as evidenced by clinical symptoms and histopathological changes in poisoned humans. In vitro and in vivo studies have been crucial in deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying MeHg-induced neurotoxicity. A collection of cellular and molecular alterations including cytokine release, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, Ca2+ and glutamate dyshomeostasis, and cell death mechanisms are important consequences of brain cells exposure to MeHg. The purpose of this review is to organize an overview of the mercury cycle and MeHg poisoning events and to summarize data from cellular, animal, and human studies focusing on MeHg effects in neurons and glial cells. This review proposes an up-to-date compendium that will serve as a starting point for further studies and a consultation reference of published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- João P. Novo
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
| | - Beatriz Martins
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
| | - Ramon S. Raposo
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
- Experimental Biology Core, University of Fortaleza, Health Sciences, Fortaleza 60110-001, Brazil
| | - Frederico C. Pereira
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
| | - Reinaldo B. Oriá
- Laboratory of Tissue Healing, Ontogeny and Nutrition, Department of Morphology and Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza 60430-270, Brazil;
| | - João O. Malva
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
- Correspondence: (J.O.M.); (C.F.-R.)
| | - Carlos Fontes-Ribeiro
- Institute for Clinical and Biomedical Research (iCBR), Center for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology (CIBB), and Institute of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal; (J.P.N.); (B.M.); (R.S.R.); (F.C.P.)
- Correspondence: (J.O.M.); (C.F.-R.)
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15
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Ferrer B, Prince LM, Tinkov AA, Santamaria A, Farina M, Rocha JB, Bowman AB, Aschner M. Chronic exposure to methylmercury enhances the anorexigenic effects of leptin in C57BL/6J male mice. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 147:111924. [PMID: 33338554 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111924] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Several studies have demonstrated that heavy metals disrupt energy homeostasis. Leptin inhibits food intake and decreases body weight through activation of its receptor in the hypothalamus. The impact of heavy metals on leptin signaling in the hypothalamus is unclear. Here, we show that the environmental pollutant, methylmercury (MeHg), favors an anorexigenic profile in wild-type males. C57BL/6J mice were exposed to MeHg via drinking water (5 ppm) up to 30 days. Our data shows that MeHg exposure was associated with changes in leptin induced activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway in the hypothalamus. In males, the activation of JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway was sustained by an increase in SOCS3 protein levels. In females, MeHg-activated STAT3 was inhibited by a concomitant increase in PTP1B. Taken together, our data suggest that MeHg enhanced leptin effects in males, favoring an anorexigenic profile in males, which notably, have been shown to be more sensitive to the neurological effects of this organometal than females. A better understanding of MeHg-induced molecular mechanism alterations in the hypothalamus advances the understanding of its neurotoxicity and provides molecular sites for novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Ferrer
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Lisa M Prince
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
| | - Alexey A Tinkov
- Yaroslavl State University, Yaroslavl, Russia; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia; Federal Research Centre of Biological Systems and Agro-technologies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia.
| | - Abel Santamaria
- Laboratorio de Aminoácidos Excitadores, Instituto Nacional de Neurología y Neurocirugía, 14269, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Marcelo Farina
- Department of Biochemistry, Biological Sciences Center, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - João Batista Rocha
- Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
| | - Aaron B Bowman
- School of Health Sciences, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN, United States.
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Neuroscience, and Pediatrics, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, 1300 Morris Park Avenue, 10461, Bronx, NY, USA; IM Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Institute of Cellular and Intracellular Symbiosis, Russian Academy of Sciences, Orenburg, Russia.
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Liu XY, Wei MG, Liang J, Xu HH, Wang JJ, Wang J, Yang XP, Lv FF, Wang KQ, Duan JH, Tu Y, Zhang S, Chen C, Li XH. Injury-preconditioning secretome of umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells amplified the neurogenesis and cognitive recovery after severe traumatic brain injury in rats. J Neurochem 2019; 153:230-251. [PMID: 31465551 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 07/10/2019] [Accepted: 08/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a dominant cause of death and permanent disability worldwide. Although TBI could significantly increase the proliferation of adult neural stem cells in the hippocampus, the survival and maturation of newborn cells is markedly low. Increasing evidence suggests that the secretome derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) would be an ideal alternative to MSC transplantation. The successive and microenvironmentally responsive secretion in MSCs may be critical for the functional benefits provided by transplanted MSCs after TBI. Therefore, it is reasonable to hypothesize that the signaling molecules secreted in response to local tissue damage can further facilitate the therapeutic effect of the MSC secretome. To simulate the complex microenvironment in the injured brain well, we used traumatically injured brain tissue extracts to pretreat umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) in vitro and stereotaxically injected the secretome from traumatic injury-preconditioned UCMSCs into the dentate gyrus of the hippocampus in a rat severe TBI model. The results revealed that compared with the normal secretome, the traumatic injury-preconditioned secretome could significantly further promote the differentiation, migration, and maturation of newborn cells in the dentate gyrus and ultimately improve cognitive function after TBI. Cytokine antibody array suggested that the increased benefits of secretome administration were attributable to the newly produced proteins and up-regulated molecules from the MSC secretome preconditioned by a traumatically injured microenvironment. Our study utilized the traumatic injury-preconditioned secretome to amplify neurogenesis and improve cognitive recovery, suggesting this method may be a novel and safer candidate for nerve repair. Cover Image for this issue: doi: 10.1111/jnc.14741.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yin Liu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Meng-Guang Wei
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Jun Liang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Hai-Huan Xu
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing-Jing Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Xi-Ping Yang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Fang-Fang Lv
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Ke-Qiang Wang
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing-Hao Duan
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yue Tu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Sai Zhang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Chong Chen
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiao-Hong Li
- Academy of Medical Engineering and Translational Medicine, Tianjin University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Neurotrauma Repair, Pingjin Hospital Brain Center, Characteristic Medical Center of People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, China
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