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Meeusen H, Kalf RS, Broekaart DWM, Silva JP, Verkuyl JM, van Helvoort A, Gorter JA, van Vliet EA, Aronica E. Effective reduction in seizure severity and prevention of a fatty liver by a novel low ratio ketogenic diet composition in the rapid kindling rat model of epileptogenesis. Exp Neurol 2024; 379:114861. [PMID: 38876196 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2024.114861] [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: 12/15/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/16/2024]
Abstract
Drug-resistant epilepsy patients may benefit from non-pharmacological therapies, such as the ketogenic diet (KD). However, its high fat content poses compliance challenges and metabolic risks. To mitigate this, we developed a novel KD composition with less fat and additional nutrients (citrate, nicotinamide riboside, and omega-3 fatty acids) for ketone-independent neuroprotection. The efficacy, metabolic and neuropathological effects of the novel KD and a classic KD were compared to a control diet in the rapid kindling model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Both KD groups entered ketosis before kindling onset, with higher ketone levels in the classic KD group. Remarkably, rats on the novel KD had slower progression of behavioral seizures as compared to rats on a control diet, while this was not the case for rats on a classic KD. Both KDs reduced electrographic after-discharge duration, preserved neurons in the dorsal hippocampus, and normalized activity in open field tests. The novel KD, despite lower fat and ketone levels, demonstrated effective reduction of behavioral seizure severity while the classic KD did not, suggesting alternative mode(s) of action are involved. Additionally, the novel KD significantly mitigated liver triglyceride and plasma fatty acid levels compared to the classic KD, indicating a reduced risk of long-term liver steatosis. Our findings highlight the potential of the novel KD to enhance therapeutic efficacy and compliance in epilepsy patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hester Meeusen
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Dept of (Neuro)pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Danone Research & Innovation, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Rozemarijn S Kalf
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Dept of (Neuro)pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Danone Research & Innovation, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Diede W M Broekaart
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Dept of (Neuro)pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jose P Silva
- Danone Research & Innovation, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | | - Ardy van Helvoort
- Danone Research & Innovation, Utrecht, the Netherlands; NUTRIM - Institute of Nutrition and Translational Research in Metabolism, Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jan A Gorter
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erwin A van Vliet
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Dept of (Neuro)pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Amsterdam UMC location University of Amsterdam, Dept of (Neuro)pathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, the Netherlands
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2
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Harnett A, Mathoux J, Wilson MM, Heiland M, Mamad O, Srinivas S, Sanfeliu A, Sanz-Rodriguez A, How KLE, Delanty N, Cryan J, Brett FM, Farrell MA, O'Brien DF, Henshall DC, Brennan GP. Impact of JQ1 treatment on seizures, hippocampal gene expression, and gliosis in a mouse model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Eur J Neurosci 2024. [PMID: 39149798 DOI: 10.1111/ejn.16499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disease characterised by recurrent seizures with complex aetiology. Temporal lobe epilepsy, the most common form in adults, can be acquired following brain insults including trauma, stroke, infection or sustained status epilepticus. The mechanisms that give rise to the formation and maintenance of hyperexcitable networks following acquired insults remain unknown, yet an extensive body of literature points towards persistent gene and epigenomic dysregulation as a potential mediator of this dysfunction. While much is known about the function of specific classes of epigenetic regulators (writers and erasers) in epilepsy, much less is known about the enzymes, which read the epigenome and modulate gene expression accordingly. Here, we explore the potential role for the epigenetic reader bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) proteins in epilepsy. Using the intra-amygdala kainic acid model of temporal lobe epilepsy, we initially identified widespread dysregulation of important epigenetic regulators including EZH2 and REST as well as altered BRD4 expression in chronically epileptic mice. BRD4 activity was also notably affected by epilepsy-provoking insults as seen by elevated binding to and transcriptional regulation of the immediate early gene Fos. Despite influencing early aspects of epileptogenesis, blocking BET protein activity with JQ1 had no overt effects on epilepsy development in mice but did alter glial reactivity and influence gene expression patterns, promoting various neurotransmitter signalling mechanisms and inflammatory pathways in the hippocampus. Together, these results confirm that epigenetic reader activity is affected by epilepsy-provoking brain insults and that BET activity may exert cell-specific actions on inflammation in epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aileen Harnett
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Justine Mathoux
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Marc-Michel Wilson
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mona Heiland
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Omar Mamad
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sujithra Srinivas
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
| | - Albert Sanfeliu
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Amaya Sanz-Rodriguez
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Kelvin Lau E How
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Norman Delanty
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | | | | | | | - David C Henshall
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Gary P Brennan
- Department of Physiology and Medical Physics, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
- FutureNeuro Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- UCD School of Biomolecular and Biomedical Science, UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin 4, Ireland
- UCD Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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3
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Bojja SL, Anand S, Minz RW, Medhi B. Metformin alleviates reactive gliosis and neurodegeneration, improving cognitive deficit in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy. Brain Res 2024; 1844:149138. [PMID: 39134259 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149138] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/03/2024] [Indexed: 08/17/2024]
Abstract
Cognitive impairment is a prevalent co-morbidity associated with epilepsy. Emerging studies indicate that neuroinflammation could be a possible link between epilepsy and its comorbidities, including cognitive impairment. In this context, the roles of glial activation, proinflammatory mediators, and neuronal death have been well studied and correlated with epilepsy-associated cognitive impairment in animal studies. While recent reports have demonstrated the anti-epileptogenic and anti-convulsant actions of metformin, its effect on epilepsy associated cognitive deficit remains unknown. Therefore, the current study investigated the effect of metformin treatment on neuroinflammation, neurodegeneration, and cognitive deficits after inducing status epilepticus (SE) with lithium-pilocarpine in rats. Metformin treatment improved the hippocampal-dependent spatial and recognition memory in Morris water maze and Novel object recognition tasks, respectively. Further, metformin treatment attenuated microglial and astroglial activation, accompanied by reduced IL-1β, COX-2 and NF-ĸβ gene expression. Additionally, metformin conferred neuroprotection by inhibiting the neuronal death as assessed by Nissl staining and transmission electron microscopy. These findings suggest that metformin holds promise as a therapeutic intervention for cognitive impairment associated with epilepsy, possibly through its modulation of glial activation and neuronal survival. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and to assess the long-term effect of metformin in epilepsy-associated cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sree Lalitha Bojja
- Department of Pharmacology, Manipal College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104, India
| | - Shashi Anand
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Ranjana W Minz
- Department of Immunopathology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India
| | - Bikash Medhi
- Department of Pharmacology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh 160012, India.
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Dwivedi R, Kaushik M, Tripathi M, Dada R, Tiwari P. Unraveling the genetic basis of epilepsy: Recent advances and implications for diagnosis and treatment. Brain Res 2024; 1843:149120. [PMID: 39032529 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2024.149120] [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: 05/20/2024] [Revised: 07/05/2024] [Accepted: 07/08/2024] [Indexed: 07/23/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy, affecting approximately 1% of the global population, manifests as recurring seizures and is heavily influenced by genetic factors. Recent advancements in genetic technologies have revolutionized our understanding of epilepsy's genetic landscape. Key studies, such as the discovery of mutations in ion channels (e.g., SCN1A and SCN2A), neurotransmitter receptors (e.g., GABRA1), and synaptic proteins (e.g., SYNGAP1, KCNQ2), have illuminated critical pathways underlying epilepsy susceptibility and pathogenesis. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified specific genetic variations linked to epilepsy risk, such as variants near SCN1A and PCDH7, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and enabling personalized treatment strategies. Moreover, epigenetic mechanisms, including DNA methylation (e.g., MBD5), histone modifications (e.g., HDACs), and non-coding RNAs (e.g., miR-134), play pivotal roles in altering gene expression and synaptic plasticity, contributing to epileptogenesis. These discoveries offer promising avenues for therapeutic interventions aimed at improving outcomes for epilepsy patients. Genetic testing has become essential in clinical practice, facilitating precise diagnosis and tailored management approaches based on individual genetic profiles. Furthermore, insights into epigenetic regulation suggest novel therapeutic targets for developing more effective epilepsy treatments. In summary, this review highlights significant progress in understanding the genetic and epigenetic foundations of epilepsy. By integrating findings from key studies and specifying genes involved in epigenetic modifications, we underscore the potential for advanced therapeutic strategies in this complex neurological disorder, emphasizing the importance of personalized medicine approaches in epilepsy management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rekha Dwivedi
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Meenakshi Kaushik
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Manjari Tripathi
- Department of Neurology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Rima Dada
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Prabhakar Tiwari
- Department of Anatomy, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi 110029, India.
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Riva A, Sahin E, Volpedo G, Petretto A, Lavarello C, Di Sapia R, Barbarossa D, Zaniani NR, Craparotta I, Barbera MC, Sezerman U, Vezzani A, Striano P, Ravizza T. Identification of an epilepsy-linked gut microbiota signature in a pediatric rat model of acquired epilepsy. Neurobiol Dis 2024; 194:106469. [PMID: 38485093 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2024.106469] [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: 12/20/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
A dysfunctional gut microbiota-brain axis is emerging as a potential pathogenic mechanism in epilepsy, particularly in pediatric forms of epilepsy. To add new insights into gut-related changes in acquired epilepsy that develops early in life, we used a multi-omics approach in a rat model with a 56% incidence of epilepsy. The presence of spontaneous seizures was assessed in adult rats (n = 46) 5 months after status epilepticus induced by intra-amygdala kainate at postnatal day 13, by 2 weeks (24/7) ECoG monitoring. Twenty-six rats developed epilepsy (Epi) while the remaining 20 rats (No-Epi) did not show spontaneous seizures. At the end of ECoG monitoring, all rats and their sham controls (n = 20) were sacrificed for quantitative histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses of the gut structure, glia and macrophages, as well as RTqPCR analysis of inflammation/oxidative stress markers. By comparing Epi, No-Epi rats, and sham controls, we found structural, cellular, and molecular alterations reflecting a dysfunctional gut, which were specifically associated with epilepsy. In particular, the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio and number of Goblet cells were reduced in the duodenum of Epi rats vs both No-Epi rats and sham controls (p < 0.01). Villus height and crypt depth in the duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.01) were increased in No-Epi vs both Epi and sham controls. We also detected enhanced Iba1-positive macrophages, together with increased IL1b and NFE2L2 transcripts and TNF protein, in the small intestine of Epi vs both No-Epi and sham control rats (p < 0.01), denoting the presence of inflammation and oxidative stress. Astroglial GFAP-immunostaining was similar in all experimental groups. Metagenomic analysis in the feces collected 5 months after status epilepticus showed that the ratio of two dominant phyla (Bacteroidota-to-Firmicutes) was similarly increased in Epi and No-Epi rats vs sham control rats. Notably, the relative abundance of families, genera, and species associated with SCFA production differed in Epi vs No-Epi rats, describing a bacterial imprint associated with epilepsy. Furthermore, Epi rats showed a blood metabolic signature characterized by changes in lipid metabolism compared to both No-Epi and sham control rats. Our study provides new evidence of long-term gut alterations, along with microbiota-related metabolic changes, occurring specifically in rats that develop epilepsy after brain injury early in life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Riva
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Eray Sahin
- Acıbadem University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Greta Volpedo
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | | | | | - Rossella Di Sapia
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Davide Barbarossa
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Nasibeh Riahi Zaniani
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Ilaria Craparotta
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Barbera
- Department of Oncology, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Uğur Sezerman
- Acıbadem University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Annamaria Vezzani
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- IRCCS Istituto Giannina Gaslini, Genova, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, Università degli Studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Teresa Ravizza
- Department of Acute Brain and Cardiovascular Injury, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri IRCCS, Milano, Italy.
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Chen S, Huang M, Xu D, Li M. Epigenetic regulation in epilepsy: A novel mechanism and therapeutic strategy for epilepsy. Neurochem Int 2024; 173:105657. [PMID: 38145842 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2023.105657] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder characterized by recurrent seizures with excessive and abnormal neuronal discharges. Epileptogenesis is usually involved in neuropathological processes such as ion channel dysfunction, neuronal injury, inflammatory response, synaptic plasticity, gliocyte proliferation and mossy fiber sprouting, currently the pathogenesis of epilepsy is not yet completely understood. A growing body of studies have shown that epigenetic regulation, such as histone modifications, DNA methylation, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs), N6-methyladenosine (m6A) and restrictive element-1 silencing transcription factor/neuron-restrictive silencing factor (REST/NRSF) are also involved in epilepsy. Through epigenetic studies, we found that the synaptic dysfunction, nerve damage, cognitive dysfunction and brain development abnormalities are affected by epigenetic regulation of epilepsy-related genes in patients with epilepsy. However, the functional roles of epigenetics in pathogenesis and treatment of epilepsy are still to be explored. Therefore, profiling the array of genes that are epigenetically dysregulated in epileptogenesis is likely to advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of epilepsy and may for the amelioration of these serious human conditions provide novel insight into therapeutic strategies and diagnostic biomarkers for epilepsy to improve serious human condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuang Chen
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Ming Huang
- Department of Neurology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430000, China
| | - Da Xu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, 430022, China.
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Thai K, Taylor MW, Fernandes T, Akinade EA, Campbell SL. Topiramate alters the gut microbiome to aid in its anti-seizure effect. Front Microbiol 2023; 14:1242856. [PMID: 37942078 PMCID: PMC10629356 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2023.1242856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction There is a growing interest in the role of the gut microbiota in epilepsy, however, it is unclear if anti-seizure medications (ASMs) play a role in the gut-brain axis. To test this, we investigated the impact of the ASM topiramate on the gut microbiome of mice. Methods C57BL/6J mice were administered topiramate in their drinking water for 5 weeks. 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing was performed on fecal samples collected at 5 weeks. Analysis of alpha diversity, beta diversity, and differential abundance were performed. Cecal contents were analyzed for short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) composition. Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ)-kindling was performed in saline, topiramate, Lactobacillus johnsonii, and topiramate and Lactobacillus johnsonii treated mice. Mice received PTZ injection every other day for a total of twelve injections, seizure activity was video monitored for 30 minutes and scored. Results and discussion Our study revealed that topiramate ingestion significantly increased Lactobacillus johnsonii in the gut microbiome of naïve mice. Treatment with topiramate and Lactobacillus johnsonii together, but not alone, reduced susceptibility to PTZ-induced seizures. Co-treatment also significantly increased the percent of butyrate and the abundance of butyrate-producing family Lachnospiraceae in the gut, and elevated the GABA/glutamate ratio in the cortex. Our results demonstrate that an ASM can alter the gut microbiome to aid in their anti-seizure effect in vivo and suggest the potential of the probiotic Lactobacillus johnsonii as an adjunct therapy with topiramate in reducing seizure susceptibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- K'Ehleyr Thai
- Graduate Program in Translational Biology Medicine and Health, Virginia Tech, Roanoke, VA, United States
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Michael W. Taylor
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Tatiane Fernandes
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Eunice A. Akinade
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
| | - Susan L. Campbell
- School of Animal Sciences, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
- School of Neuroscience, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, United States
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Jeremic D, Jiménez-Díaz L, Navarro-López JD. Targeting epigenetics: A novel promise for Alzheimer's disease treatment. Ageing Res Rev 2023; 90:102003. [PMID: 37422087 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2023.102003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
So far, the search for a cure for Alzheimer Disease (AD) has been unsuccessful. The only approved drugs attenuate some symptoms, but do not halt the progress of this disease, which affects 50 million people worldwide and will increase its incidence in the coming decades. Such scenario demands new therapeutic approaches to fight against this devastating dementia. In recent years, multi-omics research and the analysis of differential epigenetic marks in AD subjects have contributed to our understanding of AD; however, the impact of epigenetic research is yet to be seen. This review integrates the most recent data on pathological processes and epigenetic changes relevant for aging and AD, as well as current therapies targeting epigenetic machinery in clinical trials. Evidence shows that epigenetic modifications play a key role in gene expression, which could provide multi-target preventative and therapeutic approaches in AD. Both novel and repurposed drugs are employed in AD clinical trials due to their epigenetic effects, as well as increasing number of natural compounds. Given the reversible nature of epigenetic modifications and the complexity of gene-environment interactions, the combination of epigenetic-based therapies with environmental strategies and drugs with multiple targets might be needed to properly help AD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danko Jeremic
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Lab, Biomedical Research Center (CRIB), School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Spain
| | - Lydia Jiménez-Díaz
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Lab, Biomedical Research Center (CRIB), School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Spain.
| | - Juan D Navarro-López
- University of Castilla-La Mancha, NeuroPhysiology & Behavior Lab, Biomedical Research Center (CRIB), School of Medicine of Ciudad Real, Spain.
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9
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Wang SE, Jiang YH. Novel epigenetic molecular therapies for imprinting disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2023; 28:3182-3193. [PMID: 37626134 PMCID: PMC10618104 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-023-02208-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Genomic imprinting disorders are caused by the disruption of genomic imprinting processes leading to a deficit or increase of an active allele. Their unique molecular mechanisms underlying imprinted genes offer an opportunity to investigate epigenetic-based therapy for reactivation of an inactive allele or reduction of an active allele. Current treatments are based on managing symptoms, not targeting the molecular mechanisms underlying imprinting disorders. Here, we highlight molecular approaches of therapeutic candidates in preclinical and clinical studies for individual imprinting disorders. These include the significant progress of discovery and testing of small molecules, antisense oligonucleotides, and CRISPR mediated genome editing approaches as new therapeutic strategies. We discuss the significant challenges of translating these promising therapies from the preclinical stage to the clinic, especially for genome editing based approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung Eun Wang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Yong-Hui Jiang
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Neuroscience, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar street, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
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10
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Stein RA, Riber L. Epigenetic effects of short-chain fatty acids from the large intestine on host cells. MICROLIFE 2023; 4:uqad032. [PMID: 37441522 PMCID: PMC10335734 DOI: 10.1093/femsml/uqad032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Adult humans harbor at least as many microbial cells as eukaryotic ones. The largest compartment of this diverse microbial population, the gut microbiota, encompasses the collection of bacteria, archaea, viruses, and eukaryotic organisms that populate the gastrointestinal tract, and represents a complex and dynamic ecosystem that has been increasingly implicated in health and disease. The gut microbiota carries ∼100-to-150-times more genes than the human genome and is intimately involved in development, homeostasis, and disease. Of the several microbial metabolites that have been studied, short-chain fatty acids emerge as a group of molecules that shape gene expression in several types of eukaryotic cells by multiple mechanisms, which include DNA methylation changes, histone post-translational modifications, and microRNA-mediated gene silencing. Butyric acid, one of the most extensively studied short-chain fatty acids, reaches higher concentrations in the colonic lumen, where it provides a source of energy for healthy colonocytes, and its concentrations decrease towards the bottom of the colonic crypts, where stem cells reside. The lower butyric acid concentration in the colonic crypts allows undifferentiated cells, such as stem cells, to progress through the cell cycle, pointing towards the importance of the crypts in providing them with a protective niche. In cancerous colonocytes, which metabolize relatively little butyric acid and mostly rely on glycolysis, butyric acid preferentially acts as a histone deacetylase inhibitor, leading to decreased cell proliferation and increased apoptosis. A better understanding of the interface between the gut microbiota metabolites and epigenetic changes in eukaryotic cells promises to unravel in more detail processes that occur physiologically and as part of disease, help develop novel biomarkers, and identify new therapeutic modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard A Stein
- Corresponding author. Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, NYU Tandon School of Engineering, 6 MetroTech Center, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA. Tel: +1-917-684-9438; E-mail: ;
| | - Leise Riber
- Department of Plant & Environmental Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Thorvaldsensvej 40, DK-1871 Frederiksberg, Denmark
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11
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Majumdar A, Siva Venkatesh IP, Basu A. Short-Chain Fatty Acids in the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: Role in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Viral Infections. ACS Chem Neurosci 2023; 14:1045-1062. [PMID: 36868874 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.2c00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut-brain axis (GBA) is the umbrella term to include all bidirectional communication between the brain and gastrointestinal (GI) tract in the mammalian body. Evidence from over two centuries describes a significant role of GI microbiome in health and disease states of the host organism. Short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), mainly acetate, butyrate, and propionate that are the physiological forms of acetic acid, butyric acid, and propionic acid respectively, are GI bacteria derived metabolites. SCFAs have been reported to influence cellular function in multiple neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). In addition, the inflammation modulating properties of SCFAs make them suitable therapeutic candidates in neuroinflammatory conditions. This review provides a historical background of the GBA and current knowledge of the GI microbiome and role of individual SCFAs in central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Recently, a few reports have also identified the effects of GI metabolites in the case of viral infections. Among these viruses, the flaviviridae family is associated with neuroinflammation and deterioration of CNS functions. In this context, we additionally introduce SCFA based mechanisms in different viral pathogenesis to understand the former's potential as agents against flaviviral disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atreye Majumdar
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana 122052, India
| | | | - Anirban Basu
- National Brain Research Centre, Manesar, Haryana 122052, India
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12
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Ots HD, Anderson T, Sherrerd-Smith W, DelBianco J, Rasic G, Chuprin A, Toor Z, Fitch E, Ahuja K, Reid F, Musto AE. Scoping review of disease-modifying effect of drugs in experimental epilepsy. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1097473. [PMID: 36908628 PMCID: PMC9997527 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1097473] [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: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective Epilepsy affects ~50 million people worldwide causing significant medical, financial, and sociologic concerns for affected patients and their families. To date, treatment of epilepsy is primarily symptomatic management because few effective preventative or disease-modifying interventions exist. However, recent research has identified neurobiological mechanisms of epileptogenesis, providing new pharmacologic targets to investigate. The current scientific evidence remains scattered across multiple studies using different model and experimental designs. The review compiles different models of anti-epileptogenic investigation and highlights specific compounds with potential epileptogenesis-modifying experimental drugs. It provides a platform for standardization of future epilepsy research to allow a more robust compound analysis of compounds with potential for epilepsy prevention. Methods PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, and Web of Science were searched from 2007 to 2021. Studies with murine models of epileptogenesis and explicitly detailed experimental procedures were included in the scoping review. In total, 51 articles were selected from 14,983 and then grouped by five core variables: (1) seizure frequency, (2) seizure severity, (3) spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRS), (4) seizure duration, and (5) mossy fiber sprouting (MFS). The variables were differentiated based on experimental models including methods of seizure induction, treatment schedule and timeline of data collection. Data was categorized by the five core variables and analyzed by converting original treatment values to units of percent of its respective control. Results Discrepancies in current epileptogenesis models significantly complicate inter-study comparison of potential anti-epileptogenic interventions. With our analysis, many compounds showed a potential to reduce epileptogenic characteristics defined by the five core variables. WIN55,212-2, aspirin, rapamycin, 1400W, and LEV + BQ788 were identified compounds with the potential of effective anti-epileptic properties. Significance Our review highlights the need for consistent methodology in epilepsy research and provides a novel approach for future research. Inconsistent experimental designs hinder study comparison, slowing the progression of treatments for epilepsy. If the research community can optimize and standardize parameters such as methods of seizure induction, administration schedule, sampling time, and aniMal models, more robust meta-analysis and collaborative research would follow. Additionally, some compounds such as rapamycin, WIN 55,212-2, aspirin, 1400W, and LEV + BQ788 showed anti-epileptogenic modulation across multiple variables. We believe they warrant further study both individually and synergistically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather D Ots
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Taylor Anderson
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | | | - John DelBianco
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Gordana Rasic
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Anthony Chuprin
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Zeeshan Toor
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Fitch
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Kripa Ahuja
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Faith Reid
- School of Medicine, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
| | - Alberto E Musto
- Department of Pathology and Anatomy, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States.,Department of Neurology, Eastern Virginia Medical School, Norfolk, VA, United States
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13
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Efficacy of the FDA-approved cannabidiol on the development and persistence of temporal lobe epilepsy and complex focal onset seizures. Exp Neurol 2023; 359:114240. [PMID: 36216124 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2022.114240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Presently there is no drug therapy for curing epilepsy. Despite many advancements in epilepsy research, nearly 30% of people with epilepsy remain refractory to current antiseizure medications (ASM). Cannabidiol (CBD) has recently been approved as an ASM for pediatric refractory seizures, but it has not been widely tested for adult epileptogenesis and focal onset seizures. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of the FDA-approved CBD in controlling epileptogenesis and complex focal onset seizures using the mouse kindling model of human temporal lobe epilepsy. We also tested combination regimens of CBD with other ASMs. The two primary outcome measures were disease modification and suppression of generalized seizures. In the epileptogenesis study, CBD had a striking effect in attenuating kindling development, with a dose-dependent decrease in behavioral and electrographic seizure activity. In the retention study, mice previously treated with CBD had significantly reduced overall seizure burden, suggesting disease modification. In a fully-kindled seizure study, CBD produced rapid and atypical U-shaped dose-dependent protection against generalized seizures (ED50, 52 mg/kg, i.p.). In a time-course study, CBD showed a maximal protective effect within 1 h of injection, and it declined within 4 h with a biphasic response. In the combination study, CBD produced synergistic/ additive protection when given with midazolam and ganaxolone but not with tiagabine, indicating its strong potential as an adjunct ASM. Finally, the protective effects of CBD were not associated with motor and functional impairments. These preclinical findings demonstrate the potential of adjunct CBD for controlling adult complex focal onset seizure conditions.
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14
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HAT- and HDAC-Targeted Protein Acetylation in the Occurrence and Treatment of Epilepsy. Biomedicines 2022; 11:biomedicines11010088. [PMID: 36672596 PMCID: PMC9856006 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2022] [Revised: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a common and severe chronic neurological disorder. Recently, post-translational modification (PTM) mechanisms, especially protein acetylation modifications, have been widely studied in various epilepsy models or patients. Acetylation is regulated by two classes of enzymes, histone acetyltransferases (HATs) and histone deacetylases (HDACs). HATs catalyze the transfer of the acetyl group to a lysine residue, while HDACs catalyze acetyl group removal. The expression of many genes related to epilepsy is regulated by histone acetylation and deacetylation. Moreover, the acetylation modification of some non-histone substrates is also associated with epilepsy. Various molecules have been developed as HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), which have become potential antiepileptic drugs for epilepsy treatment. In this review, we summarize the changes in acetylation modification in epileptogenesis and the applications of HDACi in the treatment of epilepsy as well as the mechanisms involved. As most of the published research has focused on the differential expression of proteins that are known to be acetylated and the knowledge of whole acetylome changes in epilepsy is still minimal, a further understanding of acetylation regulation will help us explore the pathological mechanism of epilepsy and provide novel ideas for treating epilepsy.
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15
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Reddy DS, Abeygunaratne HN. Experimental and Clinical Biomarkers for Progressive Evaluation of Neuropathology and Therapeutic Interventions for Acute and Chronic Neurological Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:11734. [PMID: 36233034 PMCID: PMC9570151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2022] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 09/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
This article describes commonly used experimental and clinical biomarkers of neuronal injury and neurodegeneration for the evaluation of neuropathology and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. Biomarkers are vital for diagnostics of brain disease and therapeutic monitoring. A biomarker can be objectively measured and evaluated as a proxy indicator for the pathophysiological process or response to therapeutic interventions. There are complex hurdles in understanding the molecular pathophysiology of neurological disorders and the ability to diagnose them at initial stages. Novel biomarkers for neurological diseases may surpass these issues, especially for early identification of disease risk. Validated biomarkers can measure the severity and progression of both acute neuronal injury and chronic neurological diseases such as epilepsy, migraine, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, traumatic brain injury, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, and other brain diseases. Biomarkers are deployed to study progression and response to treatment, including noninvasive imaging tools for both acute and chronic brain conditions. Neuronal biomarkers are classified into four core subtypes: blood-based, immunohistochemical-based, neuroimaging-based, and electrophysiological biomarkers. Neuronal conditions have progressive stages, such as acute injury, inflammation, neurodegeneration, and neurogenesis, which can serve as indices of pathological status. Biomarkers are critical for the targeted identification of specific molecules, cells, tissues, or proteins that dramatically alter throughout the progression of brain conditions. There has been tremendous progress with biomarkers in acute conditions and chronic diseases affecting the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Hasara Nethma Abeygunaratne
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
- Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX 77807, USA
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16
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Suvekbala V, Ramachandran H, Veluchamy A, Mascarenhas MAB, Ramprasath T, Nair MKC, Garikipati VNS, Gundamaraju R, Subbiah R. The Promising Epigenetic Regulators for Refractory Epilepsy: An Adventurous Road Ahead. Neuromolecular Med 2022:10.1007/s12017-022-08723-0. [DOI: 10.1007/s12017-022-08723-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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17
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Watanangura A, Meller S, Suchodolski JS, Pilla R, Khattab MR, Loderstedt S, Becker LF, Bathen-Nöthen A, Mazzuoli-Weber G, Volk HA. The effect of phenobarbital treatment on behavioral comorbidities and on the composition and function of the fecal microbiome in dogs with idiopathic epilepsy. Front Vet Sci 2022; 9:933905. [PMID: 35990279 PMCID: PMC9386120 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2022.933905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenobarbital (PB) is one of the most important antiseizure drugs (ASDs) to treat canine idiopathic epilepsy (IE). The effect of PB on the taxonomic changes in gastrointestinal microbiota (GIM) and their functions is less known, which may explain parts of its pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties, especially its antiseizure effect and drug responsiveness or drug resistance as well as its effect on behavioral comorbidities. Fecal samples of 12 dogs with IE were collected prior to the initiation of PB treatment and 90 days after oral PB treatment. The fecal samples were analyzed using shallow DNA shotgun sequencing, real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR)-based dysbiosis index (DI), and quantification of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Behavioral comorbidities were evaluated using standardized online questionnaires, namely, a canine behavioral assessment and research questionnaire (cBARQ), canine cognitive dysfunction rating scale (CCDR), and an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) questionnaire. The results revealed no significant changes in alpha and beta diversity or in the DI, whereas only the abundance of Clostridiales was significantly decreased after PB treatment. Fecal SCFA measurement showed a significant increase in total fecal SCFA concentration and the concentrations of propionate and butyrate, while acetate concentrations revealed an upward trend after 90 days of treatment. In addition, the PB-Responder (PB-R) group had significantly higher butyrate levels compared to the PB-Non-Responder (PB-NR) group. Metagenomics of functional pathway genes demonstrated a significant increase in genes in trehalose biosynthesis, ribosomal synthesis, and gluconeogenesis, but a decrease in V-ATPase-related oxidative phosphorylation. For behavioral assessment, cBARQ analysis showed improvement in stranger-directed fear, non-social fear, and trainability, while there were no differences in ADHD-like behavior and canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) scores after 90 days of PB treatment. While only very minor shifts in bacterial taxonomy were detected, the higher SCFA concentrations after PB treatment could be one of the key differences between PB-R and PB-NR. These results suggest functional changes in GIM in canine IE treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antja Watanangura
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
- Veterinary Research and Academic Service, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kasetsart University, Kamphaeng Saen, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand
| | - Sebastian Meller
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Jan S. Suchodolski
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Rachel Pilla
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Mohammad R. Khattab
- Gastrointestinal Laboratory, Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, United States
| | - Shenja Loderstedt
- Department for Small Animal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Lisa F. Becker
- Department for Small Animal, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Leipzig University, Leipzig, Germany
| | | | - Gemma Mazzuoli-Weber
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
- Institute for Physiology and Cell Biology, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
| | - Holger A. Volk
- Department of Small Animal Medicine and Surgery, University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover, Hannover, Germany
- Center for Systems Neuroscience (ZSN), Hannover, Germany
- *Correspondence: Holger A. Volk
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18
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Kim S, Park S, Choi TG, Kim SS. Role of Short Chain Fatty Acids in Epilepsy and Potential Benefits of Probiotics and Prebiotics: Targeting “Health” of Epileptic Patients. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14142982. [PMID: 35889939 PMCID: PMC9322917 DOI: 10.3390/nu14142982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The WHO’s definition of health transcends the mere absence of disease, emphasizing physical, mental, and social well-being. As this perspective is being increasingly applied to the management of chronic diseases, research on gut microbiota (GM) is surging, with a focus on its potential for persistent and noninvasive dietary therapeutics. In patients with epilepsy (PWE), a chronic lack of seizure control along with often neglected psychiatric comorbidities greatly disrupt the quality of life. Evidence shows that GM-derived short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) may impact seizure susceptibility through modulating (1) excitatory/inhibitory neurotransmitters, (2) oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and (3) psychosocial stress. These functions are also connected to shared pathologies of epilepsy and its two most common psychiatric consequences: depression and anxiety. As the enhancement of SCFA production is enabled through direct administration, as well as probiotics and prebiotics, related dietary treatments may exert antiseizure effects. This paper explores the potential roles of SCFAs in the context of seizure control and its mental comorbidities, while analyzing existing studies on the effects of pro/prebiotics on epilepsy. Based on currently available data, this study aims to interpret the role of SCFAs in epileptic treatment, extending beyond the absence of seizures to target the health of PWE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soomin Kim
- Department of Preliminary Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea;
| | - Siyeon Park
- School of Pharmacy, Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
| | - Tae Gyu Choi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Correspondence: (T.G.C.); (S.S.K.); Tel.: +82-2-961-0287 (T.G.C.); +82-2-961-0524 (S.S.K.)
| | - Sung Soo Kim
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Biomedical Science Institute, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Correspondence: (T.G.C.); (S.S.K.); Tel.: +82-2-961-0287 (T.G.C.); +82-2-961-0524 (S.S.K.)
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19
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Reddy DS, Golub VM, Ramakrishnan S, Abeygunaratne H, Dowell S, Wu X. A Comprehensive and Advanced Mouse Model of Post-Traumatic Epilepsy with Robust Spontaneous Recurrent Seizures. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e447. [PMID: 35671160 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of epilepsy in military persons and civilians. Spontaneous recurrent seizures (SRSs) occur in the months or years following the injury, which is commonly referred to as post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE). Currently, there is no effective treatment or cure for PTE; therefore, there is a critical need to develop animal models to help further understand and assess mechanisms and interventions related to TBI-induced epilepsy. Despite many attempts to induce PTE in animals, success has been limited due to a lack of consistent SRSs after TBI. We present a comprehensive protocol to induce PTE after contusion brain injury in mice, which exhibit robust SRSs along with neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation. This article provides a complete set of protocols for injury, outcomes, troubleshooting, and data analysis. Our broad profiling of a TBI mouse reveals features of progressive, long-lasting epileptic activity, hippocampal sclerosis, and comorbid mood and memory deficits. Overall, the PTE mouse shows striking consistency in recapitulating major hallmark features of human PTE. This mouse model will be helpful in assessing mechanisms of and interventions for TBI-induced epileptogenesis, epilepsy, and neuropsychiatric dysfunction. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Inducing controlled cortical impact injuries Support Protocol: Creating the custom domed camp Basic Protocol 2: Recording long-term video-EEG signals Basic Protocol 3: Analyzing video-EEG recordings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas.,Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas.,Department of Veterinary Integrative Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Victoria M Golub
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas.,Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
| | - Sreevidhya Ramakrishnan
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
| | - Hasara Abeygunaratne
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas.,Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
| | - Samantha Dowell
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas.,Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas.,Institute of Pharmacology and Neurotherapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
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20
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Epigenetics of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Histone Deacetylases. Biol Psychiatry 2022; 91:922-933. [PMID: 35120709 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2021.11.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) remains unknown, but gene-environment interactions, mediated through epigenetic mechanisms, are thought to be a key contributing factor. Prenatal environmental factors have been shown to be associated with both increased risk of ASD and altered histone deacetylases (HDACs) or acetylation levels. The relationship between epigenetic changes and gene expression in ASD suggests that alterations in histone acetylation, which lead to changes in gene transcription, may play a key role in ASD. Alterations in the acetylome have been demonstrated for several genes in ASD, including genes involved in synaptic function, neuronal excitability, and immune responses, which are mechanisms previously implicated in ASD. We review preclinical and clinical studies that investigated HDACs and autism-associated behaviors and discuss risk genes for ASD that code for proteins associated with HDACs. HDACs are also implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders with a known genetic etiology, such as 15q11-q13 duplication and Phelan-McDermid syndrome, which share clinical features and diagnostic comorbidities (e.g., epilepsy, anxiety, and intellectual disability) with ASD. Furthermore, we highlight factors that affect the behavioral phenotype of acetylome changes, including sensitive developmental periods and brain region specificity in the context of epigenetic programming.
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21
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Golub VM, Reddy DS. Post-Traumatic Epilepsy and Comorbidities: Advanced Models, Molecular Mechanisms, Biomarkers, and Novel Therapeutic Interventions. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:387-438. [PMID: 35302046 PMCID: PMC8973512 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.121.000375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic epilepsy (PTE) is one of the most devastating long-term, network consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI). There is currently no approved treatment that can prevent onset of spontaneous seizures associated with brain injury, and many cases of PTE are refractory to antiseizure medications. Post-traumatic epileptogenesis is an enduring process by which a normal brain exhibits hypersynchronous excitability after a head injury incident. Understanding the neural networks and molecular pathologies involved in epileptogenesis are key to preventing its development or modifying disease progression. In this article, we describe a critical appraisal of the current state of PTE research with an emphasis on experimental models, molecular mechanisms of post-traumatic epileptogenesis, potential biomarkers, and the burden of PTE-associated comorbidities. The goal of epilepsy research is to identify new therapeutic strategies that can prevent PTE development or interrupt the epileptogenic process and relieve associated neuropsychiatric comorbidities. Therefore, we also describe current preclinical and clinical data on the treatment of PTE sequelae. Differences in injury patterns, latency period, and biomarkers are outlined in the context of animal model validation, pathophysiology, seizure frequency, and behavior. Improving TBI recovery and preventing seizure onset are complex and challenging tasks; however, much progress has been made within this decade demonstrating disease modifying, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective strategies, suggesting this goal is pragmatic. Our understanding of PTE is continuously evolving, and improved preclinical models allow for accelerated testing of critically needed novel therapeutic interventions in military and civilian persons at high risk for PTE and its devastating comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria M Golub
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
| | - Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, Texas
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22
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Selected Molecular Targets for Antiepileptogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22189737. [PMID: 34575901 PMCID: PMC8466306 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22189737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2021] [Revised: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The term epileptogenesis defines the usually durable process of converting normal brain into an epileptic one. The resistance of a significant proportion of patients with epilepsy to the available pharmacotherapy prompted the concept of a causative treatment option consisting in stopping or modifying the progress of epileptogenesis. Most antiepileptic drugs possess only a weak or no antiepileptogenic potential at all, but a few of them appear promising in this regard; these include, for example, eslicarbazepine (a sodium and T-type channel blocker), lamotrigine (a sodium channel blocker and glutamate antagonist) or levetiracetam (a ligand of synaptic vehicle protein SV2A). Among the approved non-antiepileptic drugs, antiepileptogenic potential seems to reside in losartan (a blocker of angiotensin II type 1 receptors), biperiden (an antiparkinsonian drug), nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antioxidative drugs and minocycline (a second-generation tetracycline with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties). Among other possible antiepileptogenic compounds, antisense nucleotides have been considered, among these an antagomir targeting microRNA-134. The drugs and agents mentioned above have been evaluated in post-status epilepticus models of epileptogenesis, so their preventive efficacy must be verified. Limited clinical data indicate that biperiden in patients with brain injuries is well-tolerated and seems to reduce the incidence of post-traumatic epilepsy. Exceptionally, in this regard, our own original data presented here point to c-Fos as an early seizure duration, but not seizure intensity-related, marker of early epileptogenesis. Further research of reliable markers of early epileptogenesis is definitely needed to improve the process of designing adequate antiepileptogenic therapies.
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23
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Bruxel EM, do Canto AM, Bruno DCF, Geraldis JC, Lopes-Cendes I. Multi-omic strategies applied to the study of pharmacoresistance in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Epilepsia Open 2021; 7 Suppl 1:S94-S120. [PMID: 34486831 PMCID: PMC9340306 DOI: 10.1002/epi4.12536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2021] [Revised: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 08/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE) is the most common type of focal epilepsy in adults, and hippocampal sclerosis (HS) is a frequent histopathological feature in patients with MTLE. Pharmacoresistance is present in at least one-third of patients with MTLE with HS (MTLE+HS). Several hypotheses have been proposed to explain the mechanisms of pharmacoresistance in epilepsy, including the effect of genetic and molecular factors. In recent years, the increased knowledge generated by high-throughput omic technologies has significantly improved the power of molecular genetic studies to discover new mechanisms leading to disease and response to treatment. In this review, we present and discuss the contribution of different omic modalities to understand the basic mechanisms determining pharmacoresistance in patients with MTLE+HS. We provide an overview and a critical discussion of the findings, limitations, new approaches, and future directions of these studies to improve the understanding of pharmacoresistance in MTLE+HS. However, it is important to point out that, as with other complex traits, pharmacoresistance to anti-seizure medications is likely a multifactorial condition in which gene-gene and gene-environment interactions play an important role. Thus, studies using multidimensional approaches are more likely to unravel these intricate biological processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estela M Bruxel
- Departments of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Amanda M do Canto
- Departments of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Danielle C F Bruno
- Departments of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline C Geraldis
- Departments of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), Campinas, Brazil
| | - Iscia Lopes-Cendes
- Departments of Translational Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, University of Campinas (UNICAMP), Campinas, Brazil.,Brazilian Institute of Neuroscience and Neurotechnology (BRAINN), Campinas, Brazil
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24
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Yu N, Lin XJ, Di Q. How to Find Candidate Drug-targets for Antiepileptogenic Therapy? Curr Neuropharmacol 2021; 18:624-635. [PMID: 31989901 PMCID: PMC7457424 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x18666200128124338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 12/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Although over 25 antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) have become currently available for clinical use, the incidence of epilepsy worldwide and the proportions of drug-resistant epilepsy among them are not significantly reduced during the past decades. Traditional screens for AEDs have been mainly focused on their anti-ictogenic roles, and their efficacies primarily depend on suppressing neuronal excitability or enhancing inhibitory neuronal activity, almost without the influence on the epileptogenesis or with inconsistent results from different studies. Epileptogenesis refers to the pathological process of a brain from its normal status to the alterations with the continuous prone of unprovoked spontaneous seizures after brain insults, such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, CNS infectious, and autoimmune disorders, and even some specific inherited conditions. Recently growing experimental and clinical studies have discovered the underlying mechanisms for epileptogenesis, which are multi-aspect and multistep. These findings provide us a number of interesting sites for antiepileptogenic drugs (AEGDs). AEGDs have been evidenced as significantly roles of postponing or completely blocking the development of epilepsy in experimental models. The present review will introduce potential novel candidate drug-targets for AEGDs based on the published studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Yu
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Xing-Jian Lin
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, China
| | - Qing Di
- Department of Neurology, The Affiliated Nanjing Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029, Nanjing, China
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25
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Bondarev AD, Attwood MM, Jonsson J, Chubarev VN, Tarasov VV, Schiöth HB. Recent developments of HDAC inhibitors: Emerging indications and novel molecules. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2021; 87:4577-4597. [PMID: 33971031 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.14889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Revised: 04/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone deacetylase (HDAC) enzymes, a class of epigenetic regulators, are historically well established as attractive therapeutic targets. During investigation of trends within clinical trials, we have identified a high number of clinical trials involving HDAC inhibitors, prompting us to further evaluate the current status of this class of therapeutic agents. In total, we have identified 32 agents with HDAC-inhibiting properties, of which 29 were found to interact with the HDAC enzymes as their primary therapeutic target. In this review, we provide an overview of the clinical drug development highlighting the recent advances and provide analysis of specific trials and, where applicable, chemical structures. We found haematologic neoplasms continue to represent the majority of clinical indications for this class of drugs; however, it is clear that there is an ongoing trend towards diversification. Therapies for non-oncology indications including HIV infection, muscular dystrophies, inflammatory diseases as well as neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, frontotemporal dementia and Friedreich's ataxia are achieving promising clinical progress. Combinatory regimens are proving to be useful to improve responsiveness among FDA-approved agents; however, it often results in increased treatment-related toxicities. This analysis suggests that the indication field is broadening through a high number of clinical trials while several fields of preclinical development are also promising.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrey D Bondarev
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Misty M Attwood
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jörgen Jonsson
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Vladimir N Chubarev
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Vadim V Tarasov
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Pharmacy, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.,Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
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26
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Impact of Stress on Epilepsy: Focus on Neuroinflammation-A Mini Review. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084061. [PMID: 33920037 PMCID: PMC8071059 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy, one of the most common neurological disorders worldwide, is characterized by recurrent seizures and subsequent brain damage. Despite strong evidence supporting a deleterious impact on seizure occurrence and outcome severity, stress is an overlooked component in people with epilepsy. With regard to stressor duration and timing, acute stress can be protective in epileptogenesis, while chronic stress often promotes seizure occurrence in epilepsy patients. Preclinical research suggests that chronic stress promotes neuroinflammation and leads to a depressive state. Depression is the most common psychiatric comorbidity in people with epilepsy, resulting in a poor quality of life. Here, we summarize studies investigating acute and chronic stress as a seizure trigger and an important factor that worsens epilepsy outcomes and psychiatric comorbidities. Mechanistic insight into the impact of stress on epilepsy may create a window of opportunity for future interventions targeting neuroinflammation-related disorders.
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27
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Noches V, Rivera C, González MP, Merello G, Olivares-Costa M, Andrés ME. Pilocarpine-induced seizures associate with modifications of LSD1/CoREST/HDAC1/2 epigenetic complex and repressive chromatin in mice hippocampus. Biochem Biophys Rep 2021; 25:100889. [PMID: 33426312 PMCID: PMC7779720 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrep.2020.100889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder of genetic or environmental origin characterized by recurrent spontaneous seizures. A rodent model of temporal lobe epilepsy is induced by a single administration of pilocarpine, a non-selective cholinergic muscarinic receptor agonist. The molecular changes associated with pilocarpine-induced seizures are still poorly described. Epigenetic multiprotein complexes that regulate gene expression by changing the structure of chromatin impose transcriptional memories. Among the epigenetic enzymes relevant to the epileptogenic process is lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1, KDM1A), which regulates the expression of genes that control neuronal excitability. LSD1 forms complexes with the CoREST family of transcriptional corepressors, which are molecular bridges that bring HDAC1/2 and LSD1 enzymes to deacetylate and demethylate the tail of nucleosomal histone H3. To test the hypothesis that LSD1-complexes are involved in initial modifications associated with pilocarpine-induced epilepsy, we studied the expression of main components of LSD1-complexes and the associated epigenetic marks on isolated neurons and the hippocampus of pilocarpine-treated mice. Using a single injection of 300 mg/kg of pilocarpine and after 24 h, we found that protein levels of LSD1, CoREST2, and HDAC1/2 increased, while CoREST1 decreased in the hippocampus. In addition, we observed increased histone H3 lysine 9 di- and trimethylation (H3K9me2/3) and decreased histone H3 lysine 4 di and trimethylation (H3K4me2/3). Similar findings were observed in cultured hippocampal neurons and HT-22 hippocampal cell line treated with pilocarpine. In conclusion, our data show that muscarinic receptor activation by pilocarpine induces a global repressive state of chromatin and prevalence of LSD1-CoREST2 epigenetic complexes, modifications that could underlie the pathophysiological processes leading to epilepsy.
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Key Words
- CoREST, Corepressor for element-1 silencing transcription factor
- H3K4me2
- H3K4me2, histone H3 lysine 4 dimethylation
- H3K4me3, histone H3 lysine 4 trimethylation
- H3K9me2
- H3K9me2, histone H3 lysine 9 dimethylation
- H3K9me3, histone H3 lysine 9 trimethylation
- H3ac, Histone H3 acetylated
- HDAC, Histone deacetylase
- HP1α, heterochromatin protein 1α
- LCH Complex, LSD1/CoREST/HDACs complex
- LCH complex
- LSD1, lysine-specific demethylase 1
- Muscarinic receptors
- Pilo, Pilocarpine
- Pilocarpine
- SMN, Scopolamine Methyl Nitrate
- Status epilepticus
- TLE, Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
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Affiliation(s)
- Verónica Noches
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Carlos Rivera
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Marcela P González
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gianluca Merello
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Montserrat Olivares-Costa
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - María Estela Andrés
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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28
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Kumar S, Attrish D, Srivastava A, Banerjee J, Tripathi M, Chandra PS, Dixit AB. Non-histone substrates of histone deacetylases as potential therapeutic targets in epilepsy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2020; 25:75-85. [PMID: 33275850 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2021.1860016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Epilepsy is a network-level neurological disorder characterized by unprovoked recurrent seizures and associated comorbidities. Aberrant activity and localization of histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been reported in epilepsy and HDAC inhibitors (HDACi) have been used for therapeutic purposes. Several non-histone targets of HDACs have been recognized whose reversible acetylation can modulate protein functions and can contribute to disease pathology. Areas covered: This review provides an overview of HDACs in epilepsy and reflects its action on non-histone substrates involved in the pathogenesis of epilepsy and explores the effectiveness of HDACi as anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs). It also covers the efforts undertaken to target the interaction of HDACs with their substrates. We have further discussed non-deacetylase activity possessed by specific HDACs that might be essential in unraveling the molecular mechanism underlying the disease. For this purpose, relevant literature from 1996 to 2020 was derived from PubMed. Expert opinion: The interaction of HDACs and their non-histone substrates can serve as a promising therapeutic target for epilepsy. Pan-HDACi offers limited benefits to the epileptic patients. Thus, identification of novel targets of HDACs contributing to the disease and designing inhibitors targeting these complexes would be more effective and holds a greater potential as an anti-epileptogenic therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonali Kumar
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi , New Delhi, India
| | - Diksha Attrish
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi , New Delhi, India
| | | | | | | | | | - Aparna Banerjee Dixit
- Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Centre for Biomedical Research (ACBR), University of Delhi , New Delhi, India
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29
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Shen D, Chen J, Liu D, Shen M, Wang X, Wu Y, Ke S, Macdonald RL, Zhang Q. The GABRG2 F343L allele causes spontaneous seizures in a novel transgenic zebrafish model that can be treated with suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA). ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1560. [PMID: 33437759 PMCID: PMC7791267 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-3745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Mutations in the γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptor γ2 subunit gene, GABRG2, have been associated frequently with epilepsy syndromes with varying severities. Recently, a de novo GABRG2 mutation, c.T1027C, p.F343L, was identified in a patient with an early onset epileptic encephalopathy (EOEE). In vitro, we demonstrated that GABAA receptors containing the mutant γ2(F343L) subunit have impaired trafficking to the cell surface. Here, we aim to validate an in vivo zebrafish model of EOEE associated with the GABRG2 mutation T1027C. Methods We generated a novel transgenic zebrafish (AB strain) that overexpressed mutant human γ2(F343L) subunits and provided an initial characterization of the transgenic Tg(hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish. Results Real-time quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization identified a significant up-regulation of c-fos in the mutant transgenic zebrafish, which has a well-established role in epileptogenesis. In the larval stage 5 days postfertilization (dpf), freely swimming Tg(hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish displayed spontaneous seizure-like behaviors consisting of whole-body shaking and hyperactivity during automated locomotion video tracking, and seizures can be induced by light stimulation. Using RNA sequencing, we investigated transcriptomic changes due to the presence of mutant γ2L(F343L) subunits and have found 524 genes that are differentially expressed, including up-regulation of 33 genes associated with protein processing. More specifically, protein network analysis indicated histone deacetylases (HDACs) as potential therapeutic targets, and suberanilohydroxamic acid (SAHA), a broad HDACs inhibitor, alleviated seizure-like phenotypes in mutant zebrafish larvae. Conclusions Overall, our Tg(hGABRG2F343L) overexpression zebrafish model provides the first example of a human epilepsy-associated GABRG2 mutation resulting in spontaneous seizures in zebrafish. Moreover, HDAC inhibition may be worth investigating as a therapeutic strategy for genetic epilepsies caused by missense mutations in GABRG2 and possibly in other central nervous system genes that impair surface trafficking.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingding Shen
- Department of Neurology & Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Juan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dong Liu
- School of Life Science, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Mi Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Youjia Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Shuan Ke
- Xinglin College, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Robert L Macdonald
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
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30
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Role of Altered Expression, Activity and Sub-cellular Distribution of Various Histone Deacetylases (HDACs) in Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy with Hippocampal Sclerosis. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2020; 42:1049-1064. [PMID: 33258018 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00994-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) have been described to have both neurotoxic and neuroprotective roles, and partly, depend on its sub-cellular distribution. HDAC inhibitors have a long history of use in the treatment of various neurological disorders including epilepsy. Key role of HDACs in GABAergic neurotransmission, synaptogenesis, synaptic plasticity and memory formation was demonstrated whereas very less is known about their role in drug-resistant epilepsy pathologies. The present study was aimed to investigate the changes in the expression of HDACs, activity and its sub-cellular distribution in mesial temporal lobe epilepsy with hippocampal sclerosis (MTLE-HS) patients. For this study, surgically resected hippocampal tissue specimens of 28 MTLE-HS patients and 20 hippocampus from post-mortem cases were obtained. Real-time PCR was done to analyse the mRNA expression. HDAC activity and the protein levels of HDACs in cytoplasm as well as nucleus were measured spectrophotometrically. Further, sub-cellular localization of HDACs was characterized by immunofluorescence. Significant upregulation of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC4, HDAC5, HDAC6, HDAC10 and HDAC11 mRNA were observed in MTLE-HS. Alterations in the mRNA expression of glutamate and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor subunits have been also demonstrated. We observed significant increase of HDAC activity and nuclear level of HDAC1, HDAC2, HDAC5 and HDAC11 in the hippocampal samples obtained from patients with MTLE-HS. Moreover, we found altered cytoplasmic level of HDAC4, HDAC6 and HDAC10 in the hippocampal sample obtained from patients with MTLE-HS. Alterations in the level of HDACs could potentially be part of a dynamic transcription regulation associated with MTLE-HS. Changes in cytoplasmic level of HDAC4, 6 and 10 suggest that cytoplasmic substrates may play a crucial role in the pathophysiology of MTLE-HS. Knowledge regarding expression pattern and sub-cellular distribution of HDACs may help to devise specific HDACi therapy for epilepsy.
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31
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Murugan M, Boison D. Ketogenic diet, neuroprotection, and antiepileptogenesis. Epilepsy Res 2020; 167:106444. [PMID: 32854046 PMCID: PMC7655615 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2020.106444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
High fat, low carbohydrate ketogenic diets (KD) have been in use for the treatment of epilepsy for almost a hundred years. Remarkably, seizures that are resistant to conventional anti-seizure drugs can in many cases be controlled by the KD therapy, and it has been shown that many patients with epilepsy become seizure free even after discontinuation of the diet. These findings suggest that KD combine anti-seizure effects with disease modifying effects. In addition to the treatment of epilepsy, KDs are now widely used for the treatment of a wide range of conditions including weight reduction, diabetes, and cancer. The reason for the success of metabolic therapies is based on the synergism of at least a dozen different mechanisms through which KDs provide beneficial activities. Among the newest findings are epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation and histone acetylation) through which KD exerts long-lasting disease modifying effects. Here we review mechanisms through which KD can affect neuroprotection in the brain, and how a combination of those mechanisms with epigenetic alterations can attenuate and possibly reverse the development of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuvika Murugan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States
| | - Detlev Boison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ 08854, United States; Department of Neurosurgery, New Jersey Medical School, Rutgers University, Newark, NJ 07102, United States; Rutgers Neurosurgery H.O.P.E. Center, Department of Neurosurgery, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ 08901, United States.
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32
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Gáll Z, Kelemen K, Mihály I, Salamon P, Miklóssy I, Zsigmond B, Kolcsár M. Role of Lacosamide in Preventing Pentylenetetrazole Kindling-Induced Alterations in the Expression of the Gamma-2 Subunit of the GABAA Receptor in Rats. Curr Mol Pharmacol 2020; 13:251-260. [DOI: 10.2174/1874467213666200102095023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Background:
Epilepsy remains challenging to treat still no etiologic treatment has been identified,
however, some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) are able to modify the pathogenesis of the disease.
Lacosamide (LCM) has been shown to possess complex anticonvulsant and neuroprotective actions,
being an enhancer of the slow inactivation of voltage-gated sodium channels, and it has the potential to
prevent epileptogenesis. Recent evidence has shown that LCM indirectly improves the function of
GABAA receptors. Receptors at most GABAergic synapses involve the gamma-2 subunit, which contributes
to both phasic and tonic inhibition, and its presence assures benzodiazepine sensitivity. Moreover,
mutant gamma-2 subunits were associated with generalized epilepsy syndromes. In animal models,
the expression of the gamma-2 subunit of the gamma-aminobutyric acid A receptor (GABAAg2) was
shown to be increased in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced chemical kindling in Wistar rats.
Objective:
This study hypothesized that LCM might affect the kindling process by influencing the
expression of GABAA receptors in the hippocampus.
Methods:
The gene and protein expression levels of the GABAAg2 were studied using RT-qPCR and
immunofluorescent staining.
Results:
It was found that LCM treatment (10 mg/kg i.p. daily for 57 days) reduced the maximal
intensity of the PTZ-induced seizures but did not prevent kindling. On the other hand, LCM treatment
reverted the increase of mRNA expression of GABAAg2 in the hippocampus and prevented the
decrease of GABAAg2 protein in the hippocampal CA1 region.
Conclusion:
LCM could exhibit modulatory effects on the GABAergic system of the hippocampus that
may be independent of the anticonvulsant action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Gáll
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Krisztina Kelemen
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - István Mihály
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Pál Salamon
- Department of Bioengeneering, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
| | - Ildikó Miklóssy
- Department of Bioengeneering, Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania, Miercurea Ciuc, Romania
| | - Brigitta Zsigmond
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
| | - Melinda Kolcsár
- Department of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Science, and Technology of Targu Mures, Targu Mures, Romania
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33
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Boison D, Rho JM. Epigenetics and epilepsy prevention: The therapeutic potential of adenosine and metabolic therapies. Neuropharmacology 2020; 167:107741. [PMID: 31419398 PMCID: PMC7220211 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2019.107741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2019] [Revised: 07/08/2019] [Accepted: 08/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Prevention of epilepsy and its progression remains the most urgent need for epilepsy research and therapy development. Novel conceptual advances are required to meaningfully address this fundamental challenge. Maladaptive epigenetic changes, which include methylation of DNA and acetylation of histones - among other mechanisms, are now well recognized to play a functional role in the development of epilepsy and its progression. The methylation hypothesis of epileptogenesis suggests that changes in DNA methylation are implicated in the progression of the disease. In this context, global DNA hypermethylation is particularly associated with chronic epilepsy. Likewise, acetylation changes of histones have been linked to epilepsy development. Clinical as well as experimental evidence demonstrate that epilepsy and its progression can be prevented by metabolic and biochemical manipulations that target previously unrecognized epigenetic functions contributing to epilepsy development and maintenance of the epileptic state. This review will discuss epigenetic mechanisms implicated in epilepsy development as well as metabolic and biochemical interactions thought to drive epileptogenesis. Therefore, metabolic and biochemical mechanisms are identified as novel targets for epilepsy prevention. We will specifically discuss adenosine biochemistry as a novel therapeutic strategy to reconstruct the DNA methylome as antiepileptogenic strategy as well as metabolic mediators, such as beta-hydroxybutyrate, which affect histone acetylation. Finally, metabolic dietary interventions (such as the ketogenic diet) which have the unique potential to prevent epileptogenesis through recently identified epigenetic mechanisms will be reviewed. This article is part of the special issue entitled 'New Epilepsy Therapies for the 21st Century - From Antiseizure Drugs to Prevention, Modification and Cure of Epilepsy'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Detlev Boison
- Dept. of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA.
| | - Jong M Rho
- Depts. of Neurosciences and Pediatrics, University of California San Diego, Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, CA, 92117, USA
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34
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Bertogliat MJ, Morris-Blanco KC, Vemuganti R. Epigenetic mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases and acute brain injury. Neurochem Int 2020; 133:104642. [PMID: 31838024 PMCID: PMC8074401 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2019.104642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2019] [Revised: 10/25/2019] [Accepted: 12/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are emerging as major players in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders and susceptibility to acute brain injury. DNA and histone modifications act together with non-coding RNAs to form a complex gene expression machinery that adapts the brain to environmental stressors and injury response. These modifications influence cell-level operations like neurogenesis and DNA repair to large, intricate processes such as brain patterning, memory formation, motor function and cognition. Thus, epigenetic imbalance has been shown to influence the progression of many neurological disorders independent of aberrations in the genetic code. This review aims to highlight ways in which epigenetics applies to several commonly researched neurodegenerative diseases and forms of acute brain injury as well as shed light on the benefits of epigenetics-based treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario J Bertogliat
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Kahlilia C Morris-Blanco
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; William S. Middleton VA Hospital, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Raghu Vemuganti
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA; William S. Middleton VA Hospital, Madison, WI, USA.
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Binder DK, Boison D, Eid T, Frankel WN, Mingorance A, Smith BN, Dacks PA, Whittemore V, Poduri A. Epilepsy Benchmarks Area II: Prevent Epilepsy and Its Progression. Epilepsy Curr 2020; 20:14S-22S. [PMID: 31937124 PMCID: PMC7031802 DOI: 10.1177/1535759719895274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Area II of the 2014 Epilepsy Research Benchmarks aims to establish goals for preventing the development and progression of epilepsy. In this review, we will highlight key advances in Area II since the last summary of research progress and opportunities was published in 2016. We also highlight areas of investigation that began to develop before 2016 and in which additional progress has been made more recently.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devin K Binder
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Center for Glial-Neuronal Interactions, University of California, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Detlev Boison
- Department of Neurosurgery, Robert Wood Johnson and New Jersey Medical Schools, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
| | - Tore Eid
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Neurosurgery and Molecular Physiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Wayne N Frankel
- Department of Genetics & Development, Institute for Genomic Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Bret N Smith
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, KY, USA
| | | | - Vicky Whittemore
- Division of Neuroscience, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Annapurna Poduri
- Epilepsy Genetics Program, Department of Neurology, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Epigenetics and noncoding RNA: Recent developments and future therapeutic opportunities. Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2020; 24:30-34. [PMID: 31235424 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2019.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2019] [Revised: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/06/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Acquired and genetic forms of epilepsy are associated with dysregulation of gene expression within the brain. Identifying mechanisms controlling gene expression may provide novel opportunities for the development of disease-modifying therapies. Epigenetic processes influence the medium-to long-term readability and accessibility of the genome to transcription. The mediators include biochemical modifications to DNA and the histones around which DNA is wrapped, as well as non-coding RNAs. Here, the main epigenetic processes are briefly reviewed. Examples are provided of altered epigenetic processes and mutations in genes with epigenetic functions in experimental models and human epilepsy. The outcome of recent studies manipulating epigenetics to protect the brain or reduce seizures in preclinical models is considered, with specific focus on RNA therapies. Last, future applications of epigenetics research are appraised, including opportunities to map and change epigenetic marks and the prospects for therapies based on manipulation of epigenetics and noncoding RNAs. In summary, epigenetics and noncoding RNAs are important mechanisms and targets to modulate brain excitability which together provides novel insight into patho-mechanisms, biomarkers and novel therapies for epilepsy.
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Li H, Russo A, DiAntonio A. SIK3 suppresses neuronal hyperexcitability by regulating the glial capacity to buffer K + and water. J Cell Biol 2019; 218:4017-4029. [PMID: 31645458 PMCID: PMC6891094 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201907138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/19/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial regulation of extracellular potassium (K+) helps to maintain appropriate levels of neuronal excitability. While channels and transporters mediating K+ and water transport are known, little is understood about upstream regulatory mechanisms controlling the glial capacity to buffer K+ and osmotically obliged water. Here we identify salt-inducible kinase 3 (SIK3) as the central node in a signal transduction pathway controlling glial K+ and water homeostasis in Drosophila Loss of SIK3 leads to dramatic extracellular fluid accumulation in nerves, neuronal hyperexcitability, and seizures. SIK3-dependent phenotypes are exacerbated by K+ stress. SIK3 promotes the cytosolic localization of HDAC4, thereby relieving inhibition of Mef2-dependent transcription of K+ and water transport molecules. This transcriptional program controls the glial capacity to regulate K+ and water homeostasis and modulate neuronal excitability. We identify HDAC4 as a candidate therapeutic target in this pathway, whose inhibition can enhance the K+ buffering capacity of glia, which may be useful in diseases of dysregulated K+ homeostasis and hyperexcitability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hailun Li
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Alexandra Russo
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
| | - Aaron DiAntonio
- Department of Developmental Biology, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
- Needleman Center for Neurometabolism and Axonal Therapeutics, Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO
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38
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Paternal valproic acid exposure in mice triggers behavioral alterations in offspring. Neurotoxicol Teratol 2019; 76:106837. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ntt.2019.106837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2019] [Revised: 08/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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De Caro C, Leo A, Nesci V, Ghelardini C, di Cesare Mannelli L, Striano P, Avagliano C, Calignano A, Mainardi P, Constanti A, Citraro R, De Sarro G, Russo E. Intestinal inflammation increases convulsant activity and reduces antiepileptic drug efficacy in a mouse model of epilepsy. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13983. [PMID: 31562378 PMCID: PMC6764994 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50542-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the effects of intestinal inflammation on pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in mice and the effects thereon of some antiepileptic and anti-inflammatory treatments to establish if a link may exist. The agents tested were: alpha-lactoalbumin (ALAC), a whey protein rich in tryptophan, effective in some animal models of epilepsy and on colon/intestine inflammation, valproic acid (VPA), an effective antiepileptic drug in this seizure model, mesalazine (MSZ) an effective aminosalicylate anti-inflammatory treatment against ulcerative colitis and sodium butyrate (NaB), a short chain fatty acid (SCFA) normally produced in the intestine by gut microbiota, important in maintaining gut health and reducing gut inflammation and oxidative stress. Intestinal inflammation was induced by dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) administration for 6 days. Drug treatment was started on day 3 and lasted 11 days, when seizure susceptibility to PTZ was measured along with intestinal inflammatory markers (i.e. NF-κB, Iκ-Bα, COX-2, iNOS), histological damage, disease activity index (DAI) and SCFA concentration in stools. DSS-induced colitis increased seizure susceptibility and while all treatments were able to reduce intestinal inflammation, only ALAC and NaB exhibited significant antiepileptic properties in mice with induced colitis, while they were ineffective as antiepileptics at the same doses in control mice without colitis. Interestingly, in DSS-treated mice, VPA lost part of its antiepileptic efficacy in comparison to preventing seizures in non-DSS-treated mice while MSZ remained ineffective in both groups. Our study demonstrates that reducing intestinal inflammation through ALAC or NaB administration has specific anticonvulsant effects in PTZ-treated mice. Furthermore, it appears that intestinal inflammation may reduce the antiepileptic effects of VPA, although we confirm that it decreases seizure threshold in this group. Therefore, we suggest that intestinal inflammation may represent a valid antiepileptic target which should also be considered as a participating factor to seizure incidence in susceptible patients and also could be relevant in reducing standard antiepileptic drug efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carmen De Caro
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health-Neurofarba-Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Pasquale Striano
- Pediatric Neurology and Muscular Diseases Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Rehabilitation, Ophthalmology, Genetics, Maternal and Child Health, University of Genoa, "G. Gaslini" Institute, Genoa, Italy
| | - Carmen Avagliano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | | | - Andrew Constanti
- Department of Pharmacology, UCL School of Pharmacy, 29/39 Brunswick Square, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rita Citraro
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Department of Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Catanzaro, Italy.
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Citraro R, Leo A, De Caro C, Nesci V, Gallo Cantafio ME, Amodio N, Mattace Raso G, Lama A, Russo R, Calignano A, Tallarico M, Russo E, De Sarro G. Effects of Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors on the Development of Epilepsy and Psychiatric Comorbidity in WAG/Rij Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2019; 57:408-421. [PMID: 31368023 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-019-01712-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Epigenetic mechanisms, such as alterations in histone acetylation based on histone deacetylases (HDACs) activity, have been linked not only to normal brain function but also to several brain disorders including epilepsy and the epileptogenic process. In WAG/Rij rats, a genetic model of absence epilepsy, epileptogenesis and mild-depression comorbidity, we investigated the effects of two HDAC inhibitors (HDACi), namely sodium butyrate (NaB), valproic acid (VPA) and their co-administration, on the development of absence seizures and related psychiatric/neurologic comorbidities following two different experimental paradigms. Treatment effects have been evaluated by EEG recordings (EEG) and behavioural tests at different time points. Prolonged and daily VPA and NaB treatment, started before absence seizure onset (P30), significantly reduced the development of absence epilepsy showing antiepileptogenic effects. These effects were enhanced by NaB/VPA co-administration. Furthermore, early-chronic HDACi treatment improved depressive-like behaviour and cognitive performance 1 month after treatment withdrawal. WAG/Rij rats of 7 months of age showed reduced acetylated levels of histone H3 and H4, analysed by Western Blotting of homogenized brain, in comparison to WAG/Rij before seizure onset (P30). The brain histone acetylation increased significantly during treatment with NaB or VPA alone and more markedly during co-administration. We also observed decreased expression of both HDAC1 and 3 following HDACi treatment compared to control group. Our results suggest that histone modifications may have a crucial role in the development of epilepsy and early treatment with HDACi might be a possible strategy for preventing epileptogenesis also affecting behavioural comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rita Citraro
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella, 115, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Antonio Leo
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella, 115, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Carmen De Caro
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella, 115, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Valentina Nesci
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella, 115, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Maria E Gallo Cantafio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Nicola Amodio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Magna Graecia University and Translational Medical Oncology Unit, Salvatore Venuta University Campus, Catanzaro, Italy
| | | | - Adriano Lama
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Roberto Russo
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Antonio Calignano
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Tallarico
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella, 115, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.,Pharmacology Section, CNR, Institute of Neurological Sciences, Roccelletta di Borgia, Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Emilio Russo
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella, 115, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy.
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Department of Health Science, School of Medicine, University of Catanzaro, Via T. Campanella, 115, 88100, Catanzaro, Italy
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Thinking Above the Genome: Epigenetic Manipulation as a Disease-Modifying Strategy in Epilepsy. Epilepsy Curr 2018; 18:255-256. [PMID: 30254525 DOI: 10.5698/1535-7597.18.4.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
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Abstract
Evidence from both preclinical and clinical studies suggest the importance of zinc homeostasis in seizures/epilepsy. Undoubtedly, zinc, via modulation of a variety of targets, is necessary for maintaining the balance between neuronal excitation and inhibition, while an imbalance between excitation and inhibition underlies seizures. However, the relationship between zinc signaling and seizures/epilepsy is complex as both extracellular and intracellular zinc may produce either protective or detrimental effects. This review provides an overview of preclinical/behavioral, functional and molecular studies, as well as clinical data on the involvement of zinc in the pathophysiology and treatment of seizures/epilepsy. Furthermore, the potential of targeting elements associated with zinc signaling or homeostasis and zinc levels as a therapeutic strategy for epilepsy is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Młyniec
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Wlaź
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Department of Applied Pharmacy, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland
| | - Gabriel Nowak
- Department of Pharmacobiology, Jagiellonian University Medical College, Kraków, Poland; Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Kraków, Poland
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology, Institute of Biology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Lublin, Poland
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Reddy DS, Wu X, Golub VM, Dashwood WM, Dashwood RH. Measuring Histone Deacetylase Inhibition in the Brain. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 81:e41. [PMID: 29927058 DOI: 10.1002/cpph.41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Histone deacetylases (HDACs) represent a family of enzymes that are targets for epigenetic modulation of genomic activity and may be beneficial in the treatment of many diseases, including cancer and central nervous system disorders. In animal models, HDAC inhibitors have neuroprotective, antiepileptogenic, and antidepressant effects. Assaying HDAC activity provides a robust method for identifying HDAC inhibitors and for assessing their effects under various physiological conditions or after pathological insults. In this unit, a simple and sensitive assay for measuring HDAC activity is described. HDAC activity in tissue lysates can be assessed fluorometrically using a Boc-Lys(Ac) HDAC activity kit. HDACs catalyze the deacetylation of the substrate Boc-Lys(Ac)-AMC. Addition of a trypsin-containing developer converts the deacetylated product to a quantifiable fluorophore that can be used both as a screening method to identify putative HDAC inhibitors and to assess the effects of these inhibitors on tissue and animal epigenetic-modulated phenotypes. © 2018 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Xin Wu
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - Victoria M Golub
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Bryan, Texas
| | - W Mohaiza Dashwood
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease Prevention, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
| | - Roderick H Dashwood
- Center for Epigenetics & Disease Prevention, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, College of Medicine, Houston, Texas
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Reddy DS, Yoshimura RF, Ramanathan G, Carver C, Johnstone TB, Hogenkamp DJ, Gee KW. Role of β 2/3-specific GABA-A receptor isoforms in the development of hippocampus kindling epileptogenesis. Epilepsy Behav 2018; 82:57-63. [PMID: 29587186 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2018.02.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2017] [Revised: 02/16/2018] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Subunit-specific positive allosteric modulators (PAMs) of gamma-aminobutyric acid-A (GABA-A) receptors are commonly used to uncover the role of GABA-A receptor isoforms in brain function. Recently, we have designed novel PAMs selective for β2/3-subunit containing GABA-A receptors (β2/3-selective PAMs) that are nonbenzodiazepine site-mediated and do not show an α-subunit isoform selectivity, yet exhibit anxiolytic efficacy with reduced potential for sedation, cognitive impairment, and tolerance. In this study, we used three novel β2/3-selective PAMs (2-261, 2-262, and 10029) with differential β2/3-subunit potency to identify the role of β2/3-selective receptor isoforms in limbic epileptogenesis. METHODS Experimental epileptogenesis was induced in mice by daily hippocampus stimulations until each mouse showed generalized (stage 5) seizures. Patch-clamp electrophysiology was used to record GABA-gated currents. Brain levels of β2/3-selective PAMs were determined for mechanistic correlations. RESULTS Treatment with the β2/3-selective PAMs 2-261 (30mg/kg), 2-262 (10mg/kg), and 10029 (30mg/kg), 30min prior to stimulations, significantly suppressed the rate of development of kindled seizure activity without affecting the afterdischarge (AD) signal, indicating their disease-modifying activity. The β2/3-selective agents suppressed chemical epileptogenesis in the pentylenetetrazol model. Test doses of these agents were devoid of acute antiseizure activity in the kindling model. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate that β2/3-selective PAMs can moderately retard experimental epileptogenesis, indicating the protective role of β2/3-subunit GABA-A receptor isoforms in the development of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doodipala Samba Reddy
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States.
| | - Ryan F Yoshimura
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Gunasekaran Ramanathan
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Chase Carver
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, United States
| | - Timothy B Johnstone
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Derk J Hogenkamp
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
| | - Kelvin W Gee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine, California, United States
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