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Su Y, Verkhratsky A, Yi C. Targeting connexins: possible game changer in managing neuropathic pain? Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:642-659. [PMID: 38594094 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition caused by nerve injury or a variety of diseases. At the core of neuropathic pain lies the aberrant neuronal excitability in the peripheral and/or central nervous system (PNS and CNS). Enhanced connexin expression and abnormal activation of connexin-assembled gap junctional channels are prominent in neuropathic pain along with reactive gliosis, contributing to neuronal hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability. In this review, we delve into the current understanding of how connexin expression and function contribute to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and argue for connexins as potential therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixun Su
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active substance screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China.
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2
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Li GZ, Hu YH, Lu YN, Yang QY, Fu D, Chen F, Li YM. CaMKII and Ca V3.2 T-type calcium channel mediate Connexin-43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain. Cell Biol Toxicol 2023; 39:679-702. [PMID: 34286406 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-021-09631-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Vincristine (VCR), an alkaloid isolated from vinca, is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug. However, VCR therapy can lead to dose-dependent peripheral neurotoxicity, mainly manifesting as neuropathic pain, which is one of the dominant reasons for limiting its utility. Experimentally, we discovered that VCR-induced neuropathic pain (VINP) was accompanied by astrocyte activation; the upregulation of phospho-CaMKII (p-CaMKII), CaV3.2, and Connexin-43 (Cx43) expression; and the production and release of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in the spinal cord. Similar situations were also observed in astrocyte cultures. Interestingly, these alterations were all reversed by intrathecal injection of KN-93 (a CaMKII inhibitor) or L-Ascorbic acid (a CaV3.2 inhibitor). In addition, KN-93 and L-Ascorbic acid inhibited the increase in [Ca2+]i associated with astrocyte activation. We also verified that knocking down or inhibiting Cx43 level via intrathecal injection of Cx43 siRNA or Gap27 (a Cx43 mimetic peptide) relieved pain hypersensitivity and reduced the release of inflammatory factors; however, they did not affect astrocyte activation or p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expression. Besides, the overexpression of Cx43 through the transfection of the Cx43 plasmid did not affect p-CaMKII and CaV3.2 expressions in vitro. Therefore, CaMKII and CaV3.2 may activate astrocytes by increasing [Ca2+]i, thereby mediating Cx43-dependent inflammation in VINP. Moreover, we demonstrated that the CaMKII signalling pathway was involved in VCR-induced inflammation, apoptosis, and mitochondrial damage. Collectively, our findings show a novel mechanism by which CaMKII and CaV3.2 mediate Cx43-dependent inflammation by activating astrocytes in neuropathic pain induced by VCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gui-Zhou Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Ya-Hui Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China.
| | - Yi-Ni Lu
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qing-Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Di Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Feng Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 72 Guangzhou Road, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Yun-Man Li
- School of Basic Medicine and Clinical Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjiaxiang, Nanjing, 210009, China.
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Yang Q, Jiang M, Xu S, Yang L, Yang P, Song Y, Zhu H, Wang Y, Sun Y, Yan C, Yuan Z, Liu X, Bai Z. Mirror image pain mediated by D2 receptor regulation of astrocytic Cx43 phosphorylation and channel opening. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166657. [PMID: 36716897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166657] [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: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mirror image pain (MIP), a clinical syndrome of contralateral pain hypersensitivity caused by unilateral injury, has been identified in various neuropathological conditions. Gap junctional protein Connexin 43 (Cx43), its phosphorylation levels and dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) play key integrating roles in pain processing. We presume D2DR activity may affect Cx43 hemichannel opening via Cx43 phosphorylation levels to regulate MIP. This study shows that spinal astrocytic Cx43 directly interacts with DRD2 to mediate MIP. DRD2 and Cx43 expression levels were asymmetrically elevated in bilateral spinal during MIP, and DRD2 modulated the opening of primary astrocytic Cx43 hemichannels. Furthermore, Cx43 phosphorylation at Ser373 was increased during MIP, but decreased in DRD2 knockout (KO) mice. Finally, activation of spinal protein kinase A (PKA) altered the expression of Cx43 and its phosphorylation bilaterally, thus reversing the analgesic effect in DRD2 KO mice. Together, these data reveal that spinal Cx43 phosphorylation and channel opening are regulated by DRD2 via PKA activation, and that spinal Cx43 and DRD2 are key molecular sensors mediating mirror image pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghu Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Sen Xu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Pan Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yutian Song
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Hongni Zhu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yahan Sun
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Chengxiang Yan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Zhaoyue Yuan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Xia Liu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China.
| | - Zhantao Bai
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China.
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Rao Y, Li J, Qiao R, Luo J, Liu Y. Tetramethylpyrazine and Astragaloside IV have synergistic effects against spinal cord injury-induced neuropathic pain via the OIP5-AS1/miR-34a/Sirt1/NF-κB axis. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 115:109546. [PMID: 36577153 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Both Tetramethylpyrazine (TMPZ) and Astragaloside IV (AGS-IV) can ameliorate neuronal apoptosis and neuroinflammation in CNS diseases. This study revolves around the underlying mechanism of TMPZ and AGS-IV in spinal cord injury (SCI)-associated neuropathic pain (NP). MATERIALS AND METHODS An in-vivo NP model was constructed in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats via SCI. qRT-PCR was employed to detect OIP5-AS1 and miR-34a. The paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) and paw withdrawal latency (PWL) of the rats were evaluated. Neuronal apoptosis in the spinal cord of rats was examined by Nissl staining and TUNEL staining. The interactions between OIP5-AS1 and miR-34a as well as miR-34a and Sirt1 were investigated through dual luciferase assay and RIP assay. The protein expressions of Bad, Bax, Caspase-3, iNOS, COX2, NF-κB, and Sirt1 were examined by western blot. RESULTS TMPZ and AGS-IV combination relieved behavioral symptoms of neuropathic pain in the SCI rat model, enhanced the levels of OIP5-AS1 and Sirt1, and lowered the profile of miR-34a. OIP5-AS1 downregulation weakened the neuroprotective function of TMPZ and AGS-IV in SCI rats and reversed their anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects on LPS-elicited primary spinal cord neurons. miR-34a was identified as a target of OIP5-AS1. Upregulated miR-34a partly abated the protective functions of TMPZ and AGS-IV in primary spinal cord neurons. Additionally, miR-34a targeted and repressed Sirt1, thus activating the NF-κB pathway and inflammatory reactions. Sirt1 inhibition reduced the protective effects mediated by OIP5-AS1. CONCLUSION TMPZ and AGS-IV ameliorate SCI-elicited NP via the OIP5-AS1/miR-34a/Sirt1/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojian Rao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China.
| | - Junjie Li
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Ruofei Qiao
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Jinxin Luo
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, and College of Clinical Medicine of Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang 471003, China
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Qian C, Fan Y, Zong L, Miao C, Ji LL, Wan L, Jia R, Qin X, Wang Y, Wu Q, Tao XY, Hao L, Hu L, Liu WT. Opening K ATP channels induces inflammatory tolerance and prevents chronic pain. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 107:76-86. [PMID: 36198341 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for chronic pain are unsatisfactory, therefore, new therapeutics are urgently needed. Our previous study indicated that KATP channel openers have analgesic effects, but the underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. We speculated that KATP channel openers might increase suppressor of cytokine signaling (SOCS)-3 expression to induce inflammatory tolerance and attenuate chronic pain. Postoperative pain was induced by plantar incision to establish a chronic pain model. Growth arrest-specific 6 (Gas6)-/- and Axl-/- mice were used for signaling studies. The microglia cell line BV-2 was cultured for the in vitro experiments. The KATP channel opener significantly attenuated incision-induced mechanical allodynia in mice associated with the upregulated expression of SOCS3. Opening KATP channels induced the expression of SOCS3 in the Gas6/Axl signaling pathway in microglia, inhibited incision-induced mechanical allodynia by activating the Gas6/Axl-SOCS3 signaling pathway, and induced inflammatory tolerance to relieve neuroinflammation and postoperative pain. We demonstrated that opening of the KATP channel opening activated Gas6/Axl/SOCS3 signaling to induce inflammatory tolerance and relieve chronic pain. We explored a new target for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects by regulating the innate immune system and provided a theoretical basis for clinical preemptive analgesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng Qian
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China; Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yixin Fan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China; Sir Run Run Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211100, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lijuan Zong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chen Miao
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lu-Lu Ji
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Wan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rumeng Jia
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinmiao Qin
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qi Wu
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue-You Tao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Yangzhou Maternal and Child Health Hospital Affiliated to Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou 225001, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Lanxiang Hao
- The Yancheng Clinical College of Xuzhou Medical University, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, 224005 Jiangsu, China.
| | - Liang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wen-Tao Liu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China.
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Chen YL, Feng XL, Cheung CW, Liu JA. Mode of action of astrocytes in pain: From the spinal cord to the brain. Prog Neurobiol 2022; 219:102365. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2022.102365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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Yi L, Li S, Hou A, Dai L. Preliminary study of astragaloside IV on oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in rats. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x221094157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: As an effective component of Astragalus membranaceus, astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has a history of thousands of years in China. Many evidences have indicated that AS-IV has a potential neuroprotective effect. In this study, we aimed to preliminarily study the effects of AS-IV on oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity (OIPN) in rats. Methods: Intraperitoneal injection of oxaliplatin for 4 weeks (4 mg/kg, twice a week) was used to establish peripheral neurotoxicity in rats. 40 Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups, eight rats in each group, including control group, model group, and three AS-IV treated groups. Different doses of AS-IV (5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg, daily) were orally administrated to OIPN rats once a day for 4 weeks at beginning of oxaliplatin administration. Behaviors and histologic evaluation of sciatic nerve and dorsal root ganglia (DRG) were performed to assess the changes of peripheral neurotoxicity through mechanical allodynia and cold allodynia, immunofluorescence, H&E staining, myelin staining, and Nissl staining. Results: AS-IV treatments were able to significantly reduce oxaliplatin induced mechanical and cold allodynia. Moreover, AS-IV administration could increase the levels of NGF, but decrease the levels of TNF-α and IL-6 in oxaliplatin induced rats. AS-IV suppressed the activation of Iba-1 in anterior horn of spinal cord of OIPN rats. The myelin sheath degenerations in the sciatic nerve of OIPN rats were repaired after AS-IV administration. Through observation of sciatic nerves and DRG, AS-IV treatments improved the oxaliplatin induced pathologic injuries in a dose-dependent. Conclusion: AS-IV administration was able to attenuate the oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neurotoxicity in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lanjuan Yi
- Department of Gastroentrology, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Shan Li
- Department 4 of Oncology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Aihua Hou
- Department of Oncology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Lingling Dai
- Department 4 of Oncology, Yantai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Yantai, Shandong, China
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Hu N, Wang C, Wang B, Wang L, Huang J, Wang J, Li C. Qianghuo Shengshi decoction exerts anti-inflammatory and analgesic via MAPKs/CREB signaling pathway. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 284:114776. [PMID: 34710556 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 10/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Traditional Chinese Medicine Qianghuo Shengshi decoction (QSD) is widely used in the treatment of nervous headache, rheumatoid arthritis, sciatica, allergic purpura, and other clinical diseases in China. However, the underlying mechanisms of its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects has not been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study was to confirm the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects and the underlying mechanism of QSD in vivo. In addition, this study was also to isolate and analyze the main active components of QSD by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). MATERIALS AND METHODS In this study, the acetic acid writhing test, hot plate test and ear swelling test and formalin test were carried out to explore the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of QSD. The doses were set to 7.8 g/kg, 15.6 g/kg and 31.2 g/kg body weight. Western blot was utilized to study further possible mechanisms of QSD. Moreover, the HPLC method was used to isolate and identify the components in the extraction of QSD. RESULTS Twelve characteristic peaks were recognized in the HPLC spectrum, which all were the known compounds. The QSD exhibited dose-dependent effects in anti-inflammatory and analgesic aspects. Compared with model group, the writhing times of in groups of different doses of QSD (15.6 g/kg and 31.2 g/kg (oral administration = p.o.)) were reduced by 33.0% and 45.8% and indicated the QSD showed significant (p < 0.05) peripheral analgesic effect. QSD ((31.2 g/kg), p.o.) showed significant(p < 0.05) analgesic effect in the hot plate test. Inhibition rates of QSD ((15.6 g/kg and 31.2 g/kg), p.o.) in ear swelling test induced by p-xylene were 27.5% and 54.6% and demonstrated the significant (p < 0.05) anti-inflammatory activity. QSD ((31.2 g/kg), p.o.) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced times of paw licking in formalin test, and its inhibition rates were 34.3% and 28.0% in Phase I and Phase Ⅱ response, respectively. Western blot results showed that QSD inhibited the phosphorylation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) protein and cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB). CONCLUSIONS These results of this study undoubtedly confirmed that QSD expressed obvious analgesic and anti-inflammatory activities. Anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of QSD may be achieved by regulating the MAPKs protein and further regulating the expression of CREB. In all, QSD may play an anti-inflammatory and analgesic role through a variety of active ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Hu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Chunhao Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Baihui Wang
- Department of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Libo Wang
- Department of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jian Huang
- Department of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Jinhui Wang
- Department of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China
| | - Chunli Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China.
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Wu X, Yan Y, Zhang Q. Neuroinflammation and Modulation Role of Natural Products After Spinal Cord Injury. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:5713-5737. [PMID: 34764668 PMCID: PMC8576359 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s329864] [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: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a severe traumatic injury of the central nervous system, characterized by neurological dysfunction and locomotor disability. Although the underlying pathological mechanism of SCI is complex and remains unclear, the important role of neuroinflammation has been gradually unveiled in recent years. The inflammation process after SCI involves disruption of the blood–spinal cord barrier (BSCB), activation of gliocytes, infiltration of peripheral macrophages, and feedback loops between different cells. Thus, our first aim is to illustrate pathogenesis, related cells and factors of neuroinflammation after SCI in this review. Due to the good bioactivity of natural products derived from plants and medicinal herbs, these widely exist as food, health-care products and drugs in our lives. In the inflammation after SCI, multiple natural products exert satisfactory effects. Therefore, the second aim of this review is to sum up the effects and mechanisms of 25 natural compounds and 7 extracts derived from plants or medicinal herbs on neuroinflammation after SCI. Clarification of the SCI inflammation mechanism and a summary of the related natural products is helpful for in-depth research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Wu
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, The People's Republic of China
| | - Yaping Yan
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, The People's Republic of China
| | - Qian Zhang
- National Engineering Laboratory for Resource Development of Endangered Crude Drugs in Northwest China, The Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources and Natural Pharmaceutical Chemistry, The Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Shaanxi Normal University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, The People's Republic of China
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10
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Lu R, Cui SS, Wang XX, Chen L, Liu F, Gao J, Wang W. Astrocytic c-Jun N-terminal kinase-histone deacetylase-2 cascade contributes to glutamate transporter-1 decrease and mechanical allodynia following peripheral nerve injury in rats. Brain Res Bull 2021; 175:213-223. [PMID: 34333051 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2021.07.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Decrease of glutamate transporter-1 (GLT-1) in the spinal dorsal horn after nerve injury induces enhanced excitatory transmission and causes persistent pain. Histone deacetylases (HDACs)-catalyzed deacetylation might contribute to the decrease of GLT-1, while the detailed mechanisms have yet to be fully elaborated. Spinal nerve ligation (SNL) induced significant increases of HDAC2 and decreases of GLT-1 in spinal astrocytes. Intrathecal infusion of the HDAC2 inhibitors attenuated the decrease of GLT-1 and enhanced phosphorylation of glutamate receptors. GLT-1 and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) were highly colocalized in the spinal cord, and a large number of pJNK positive cells were HDAC2 positive. Intrathecally infusion of the JNK inhibitor SP600125 significantly inhibited SNL-induced upregulation of HDAC2. SNL-induced HDAC2 up-regulation could be inhibited by the neutralizing anti-tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) binding protein etanercept or the microglial inhibitor minocycline. In cultured astrocytes, TNF-α induced enhanced phosphorylation of JNK and a significant increase of HDAC2, as well as a remarkable decrease of GLT-1, which could be prevented by SP600125 or the HDAC2 specific inhibitor CAY10683. Our data suggest that astrocytic JNK-HDAC2 cascade contributes to GLT-1 decrease and mechanical allodynia following peripheral nerve injury. Neuroimmune activation after peripheral nerve injury could induce epigenetic modification changes in astrocytes and contribute to chronic pain maintenance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Lu
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, the Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Shan-Shan Cui
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, the Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710032, China; Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Hubei 430060, China
| | - Xiao-Xia Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, the Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Department of Pain Relief, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy (Tianjin), Tianjin's Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Fei Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, the Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710032, China
| | - Jing Gao
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Prosthodontics, School of Stomatology, the Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710032, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, State Key Laboratory of Military Stomatology, Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Department of Anesthesiology, School of Stomatology, the Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi 710032, China.
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Tsymbalyuk O, Gerzanich V, Mumtaz A, Andhavarapu S, Ivanova S, Makar TK, Sansur CA, Keller A, Nakamura Y, Bryan J, Simard JM. SUR1, newly expressed in astrocytes, mediates neuropathic pain in a mouse model of peripheral nerve injury. Mol Pain 2021; 17:17448069211006603. [PMID: 33788643 PMCID: PMC8020112 DOI: 10.1177/17448069211006603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Revised: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain following peripheral nerve injury (PNI) is linked to neuroinflammation in the spinal cord marked by astrocyte activation and upregulation of interleukin 6 (IL-6), chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1), with inhibition of each individually being beneficial in pain models. METHODS Wild type (WT) mice and mice with global or pGfap-cre- or pGFAP-cre/ERT2-driven Abcc8/SUR1 deletion or global Trpm4 deletion underwent unilateral sciatic nerve cuffing. WT mice received prophylactic (starting on post-operative day [pod]-0) or therapeutic (starting on pod-21) administration of the SUR1 antagonist, glibenclamide (10 µg IP) daily. We measured mechanical and thermal sensitivity using von Frey filaments and an automated Hargreaves method. Spinal cord tissues were evaluated for SUR1-TRPM4, IL-6, CCL2 and CXCL1. RESULTS Sciatic nerve cuffing in WT mice resulted in pain behaviors (mechanical allodynia, thermal hyperalgesia) and newly upregulated SUR1-TRPM4 in dorsal horn astrocytes. Global and pGfap-cre-driven Abcc8 deletion and global Trpm4 deletion prevented development of pain behaviors. In mice with Abcc8 deletion regulated by pGFAP-cre/ERT2, after pain behaviors were established, delayed silencing of Abcc8 by tamoxifen resulted in gradual improvement over the next 14 days. After PNI, leakage of the blood-spinal barrier allowed entry of glibenclamide into the affected dorsal horn. Daily repeated administration of glibenclamide, both prophylactically and after allodynia was established, prevented or reduced allodynia. The salutary effects of glibenclamide on pain behaviors correlated with reduced expression of IL-6, CCL2 and CXCL1 by dorsal horn astrocytes. CONCLUSION SUR1-TRPM4 may represent a novel non-addicting target for neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orest Tsymbalyuk
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Volodymyr Gerzanich
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Aaida Mumtaz
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sanketh Andhavarapu
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Svetlana Ivanova
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tapas K Makar
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System,
Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles A Sansur
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Asaf Keller
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yumiko Nakamura
- Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute, Seattle, WA,
USA
| | - Joseph Bryan
- Pacific Northwest Diabetes Research Institute, Seattle, WA,
USA
| | - J Marc Simard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Research Service, Veterans Affairs Maryland Health Care System,
Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Physiology, University of Maryland School of
Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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