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Yu M, Lin L, Xu K, Xu M, Ren J, Niu X, Gao X, Zhang M, Yang Z, Dang J, Tao Q, Han S, Wang W, Cheng J, Zhang Y. Changes in aspartate metabolism in the medial-prefrontal cortex of nicotine addicts based on J-edited magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Hum Brain Mapp 2023; 44:6429-6438. [PMID: 37909379 PMCID: PMC10681642 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.26519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 09/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
This study aims to explore the changes of the aspartate (Asp) level in the medial-prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of subjects with nicotine addiction (nicotine addicts [NAs]) using the J-edited 1 H MR spectroscopy (MRS), which may provide a positive imaging evidence for intervention of NA. From March to August 2022, 45 males aged 40-60 years old were recruited from Henan Province, including 21 in NA and 24 in nonsmoker groups. All subjects underwent routine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and J-edited MRS scans on a 3.0 T MRI scanner. The Asp level in mPFC was quantified with reference to the total creatine (Asp/Cr) and water (Aspwater-corr , with correction of the brain tissue composition) signals, respectively. Two-tailed independent samples t-test was used to analyze the differences in levels of Asp and other coquantified metabolites (including total N-acetylaspartate [tNAA], total cholinine [tCho], total creatine [tCr], and myo-Inositol [mI]) between the two groups. Finally, the correlations of the Asp level with clinical characteristic assessment scales were performed using the Spearman criteria. Compared with the control group (n = 22), NAs (n = 18) had higher levels of Asp (Asp/Cr: p = .005; Aspwater-corr : p = .004) in the mPFC, and the level of Asp was positively correlated with the daily smoking amount (Asp/Cr: p < .001; Aspwater-corr : p = .004). No significant correlation was found between the level of Asp and the years of nicotine use, Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence (FTND), Russell Reason for Smoking Questionnaire (RRSQ), or Barratt Impulsivity Scale (BIS-11) score. The elevated Asp level was observed in mPFC of NAs in contrast to nonsmokers, and the Asp level was positively correlated with the amount of daily smoking, which suggests that nicotine addiction may result in elevated Asp metabolism in the human brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miaomiao Yu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Liangjie Lin
- Clinical and Technical SupportPhilips HealthcareBeijingChina
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Man Xu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jianxin Ren
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xiaoyu Niu
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Xinyu Gao
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Mengzhe Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Zhengui Yang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jinghan Dang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Qiuying Tao
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Shaoqiang Han
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Weijian Wang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Jingliang Cheng
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
| | - Yong Zhang
- Department of Magnetic Resonance ImagingThe First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou UniversityZhengzhouChina
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Souza INDO, Roychaudhuri R, de Belleroche J, Mothet JP. d-Amino acids: new clinical pathways for brain diseases. Trends Mol Med 2023; 29:1014-1028. [PMID: 37770379 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023]
Abstract
Free d-amino acids (d-AAs) are emerging as a novel and important class of signaling molecules in many organs, including the brain and endocrine systems. There has been considerable progress in our understanding of the fundamental roles of these atypical messengers, with increasingly recognized implications in a wide range of neuropathologies, including schizophrenia (SCZ), epilepsy, Alzheimer's disease (AD), amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), substance abuse, and chronic pain, among others. Research has enabled the discovery that d-serine, d-aspartate and more recently d-cysteine are essential for the healthy development and function of the central nervous system (CNS). We discuss recent progress that has profoundly transformed our vision of numerous physiological processes but has also shown how d-AAs are now offering therapeutic promise in clinical settings for several human diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isis Nem de Oliveira Souza
- Biophotonics and Synapse Physiopathology Team, Laboratoire LuMIn UMR9024 Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, CentraleSupelec, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France; Molecular Pharmacology Laboratory, Biomedical Sciences Institute, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Robin Roychaudhuri
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Birth Defects, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Jacqueline de Belleroche
- Neurogenetics Group, Division of Brain Sciences, Department of Medicine, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Jean-Pierre Mothet
- Biophotonics and Synapse Physiopathology Team, Laboratoire LuMIn UMR9024 Université Paris-Saclay, ENS Paris-Saclay, CNRS, CentraleSupelec, 91190 Gif-sur-Yvette, France.
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3
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Perrone M, Pagano M, Belardo C, Ricciardi F, Ricciardi F, Fusco A, Trotta MC, Infantino R, Gargano F, Parente A, Giacca R, Pieretti G, Luongo L, Maione S, Boccella S, Guida F. Potential role of the hydroxyl carboxylic acid receptor type 2 (HCAR2) in microglia pathophysiology: A possible cross-talk with C-X-C chemokine receptor 1 (CXCR1). Neuropharmacology 2023; 228:109456. [PMID: 36796675 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2023.109456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
Following insults or injury, microglia cells are activated contributing to the cytotoxic response or by promoting an immune-mediated damage resolution. Microglia cells express HCA2R, a hydroxy carboxylic acid (HCA) receptor, which has been shown to mediate neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study we found that HCAR2 expression levels were increased in cultured rat microglia cells after Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) exposure. In a similar fashion, the treatment with MK 1903, a potent full agonist of HCAR2, increased the receptor protein levels. Moreover, HCAR2 stimulation prevented i) cells viability ii) morphological activation iii) pro/anti-inflammatory mediators production in LPS-treated cells. Likewise, HCAR2 stimulation reduced the proinflammatory mediators mRNA expression induced by neuronal chemokine fractalkine (FKN), a neuronal derived chemokine activating its unique receptor, chemokine receptor 1 (CX3CR1) on microglia surface. Interestingly, electrophysiological recordings in vivo revealed that MK1903 was able to prevent the increase of the nociceptive neurons (NS) firing activity mediated by the spinal FKN application in healthy rats. Collectively, our data demonstrate that HCAR2 is functionally expressed in microglia, by showing its capability to shift microglia toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Moreover, we indicated the contribute of HCAR2 in the FKN signaling and suggested a possible HCAR2/CX3CR1 functional interaction. This study paves the way for further investigations aimed at understanding the role HCAR2 as potential target in neuroinflammation-based CNS disorders. This article is part of the Special Issue on "The receptor-receptor interaction as a new target for therapy".
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Affiliation(s)
- Michela Perrone
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Martina Pagano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Federica Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Antimo Fusco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Maria Consiglia Trotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosmara Infantino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Gargano
- Unit of Anaesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Management, Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, 00128, Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Parente
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Rosa Giacca
- Department of Precision Medicine, Division of Biochemistry, Biophysics and General Pathology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Gorizio Pieretti
- Multidisciplinary Department of Surgical and Dental Specialities, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Division of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
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Gasmi A, Nasreen A, Menzel A, Gasmi Benahmed A, Pivina L, Noor S, Peana M, Chirumbolo S, Bjørklund G. Neurotransmitters Regulation and Food Intake: The Role of Dietary Sources in Neurotransmission. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010210. [PMID: 36615404 PMCID: PMC9822089 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Neurotransmitters (NTs) are biologically active chemicals, which mediate the electrochemical transmission between neurons. NTs control numerous organic functions particularly crucial for life, including movement, emotional responses, and the physical ability to feel pleasure and pain. These molecules are synthesized from simple, very common precursors. Many types of NTs have both excitatory and inhibitory effects. Neurotransmitters' imbalance can cause many diseases and disorders, such as Parkinson's disease, depression, insomnia, increased anxiety, memory loss, etc. Natural food sources containing NTs and/or their precursors would be a potential option to help maintain the balance of NTs to prevent brain and psychiatric disorders. The level of NTs could be influenced, therefore, by targeting dietary habits and nutritional regimens. The progressive implementation of nutritional approaches in clinical practice has made it necessary to infer more about some of the nutritional NTs in neuropsychiatry. However, the importance of the intake of nutritional NTs requires further understanding, since there are no prior significant studies about their bioavailability, clinical significance, and effects on nerve cells. Interventional strategies supported by evidence should be encouraged.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amin Gasmi
- Société Francophone de Nutrithérapie et de Nutrigénétique Appliquée, 69100 Villeurbanne, France
| | - Aniqa Nasreen
- Department of Physiology, King Edward Medical University, Lahore 54000, Pakistan
| | - Alain Menzel
- Laboratoires Réunis, 38, Rue Hiehl, L-6131 Junglinster, Luxembourg
| | - Asma Gasmi Benahmed
- Académie Internationale de Médecine Dentaire Intégrative, 75000 Paris, France
| | - Lyudmila Pivina
- Department of Neurology, Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology, Semey Medical University, 071400 Semey, Kazakhstan
- CONEM Kazakhstan Environmental Health and Safety Research Group, Semey Medical University, 071400 Semey, Kazakhstan
| | - Sàdaf Noor
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 60800, Pakistan
| | - Massimiliano Peana
- Department of Chemical, Physical, Mathematical and Natural Sciences, University of Sassari, Via Vienna 2, 07100 Sassari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Chirumbolo
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, 37134 Verona, Italy
- CONEM Scientific Secretary, Strada Le Grazie 9, 37134 Verona, Italy
| | - Geir Bjørklund
- Council for Nutritional and Environmental Medicine, Toften 24, 8610 Mo i Rana, Norway
- Correspondence:
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5
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Promising Application of D-Amino Acids toward Clinical Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810794. [PMID: 36142706 PMCID: PMC9503604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The versatile roles of D-amino acids (D-AAs) in foods, diseases, and organisms, etc., have been widely reported. They have been regarded, not only as biomarkers of diseases but also as regulators of the physiological function of organisms. Over the past few decades, increasing data has revealed that D-AAs have great potential in treating disease. D-AAs also showed overwhelming success in disengaging biofilm, which might provide promise to inhibit microbial infection. Moreover, it can effectively restrain the growth of cancer cells. Herein, we reviewed recent reports on the potential of D-AAs as therapeutic agents for treating neurological disease or tissue/organ injury, ameliorating reproduction function, preventing biofilm infection, and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Additionally, we also reviewed the potential application of D-AAs in drug modification, such as improving biostability and efficiency, which has a better effect on therapy or diagnosis.
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Notartomaso S, Boccella S, Antenucci N, Ricciardi F, Fazio F, Liberatore F, Scarselli P, Scioli M, Mascio G, Bruno V, Battaglia G, Nicoletti F, Maione S, Luongo L. Analgesic Activity of Cinnabarinic Acid in Models of Inflammatory and Neuropathic Pain. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:892870. [PMID: 35721314 PMCID: PMC9204652 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.892870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Cinnabarinic acid (CA) is a trace kynurenine metabolite, which activates both type-4 metabotropic glutamate (mGlu4) and arylic hydrocarbon (Ah) receptors. We examined the action of CA in models of inflammatory and neuropathic pain moving from the evidence that mGlu4 receptors are involved in the regulation of pain thresholds. Systemic administration of low doses of CA (0.125 and 0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced nocifensive behaviour in the second phase of the formalin test. CA-induced analgesia was abrogated in mGlu4 receptor knockout mice, but was unaffected by treatment with the Ah receptor antagonist, CH223191 (1 mg/Kg, s.c.). Acute injection of low doses of CA (0.25 mg/kg, i.p.) also caused analgesia in mice subjected to Chronic Constriction Injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. Electrophysiological recording showed no effect of CA on spinal cord nociceptive neurons and a trend to a lowering effect on the frequency and duration of excitation of the rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) ON cells in CCI mice. However, local application of CH223191 or the group-III mGlu receptor antagonist, MSOP disclosed a substantial lowering and enhancing effect of CA on both populations of neurons, respectively. When repeatedly administered to CCI mice, CA retained the analgesic activity only when combined with CH223191. Repeated administration of CA plus CH223191 restrained the activity of both spinal nociceptive neurons and RVM ON cells, in full agreement with the analgesic activity. These findings suggest that CA is involved in the regulation of pain transmission, and its overall effect depends on the recruitment of mGlu4 and Ah receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Notartomaso
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - N. Antenucci
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Fazio
- Department of Psychiatry and Health Science, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, United States
| | - F. Liberatore
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - P. Scarselli
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - M. Scioli
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Giada Mascio
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - V. Bruno
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Battaglia
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Nicoletti
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
- Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS) Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
- *Correspondence: Livio Luongo,
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Wangchuk P, Anderson D, Yeshi K, Loukas A. Identification of Small Molecules of the Infective Stage of Human Hookworm Using LCMS-Based Metabolomics and Lipidomics Protocols. ACS Infect Dis 2021; 7:3264-3276. [PMID: 34767348 DOI: 10.1021/acsinfecdis.1c00428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hookworm infections affect millions of people worldwide and are responsible for impaired mental and physical growth in children, and anemias. There is no vaccine, and increasing anthelmintic drug resistance in nematodes of domestic animals, and reduced drug cure rates in nematode infections of humans is alarming. Despite this looming health problem, there is a significant knowledge gap in terms of nonproteinaceous "excretory/secretory products" (ESPs) and how they orchestrate a parasitic existence. In the current study, we have conducted the first metabolomic and lipidomic analysis of the infective third-stage filariform larvae (L3) of the predominant human hookworm Necator americanus using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Altogether, we have identified a total of 645 small molecules that were mainly produced through amino acid and glycerophospholipid metabolism. Putatively, 495 metabolites were unique to the somatic tissue extract, and 34 metabolites were present only in the ESP component. More than 21 novel mass features with nitrogen and sulfur functional groups were detected in the ESP component for the first time from helminths. While this study could not establish the biological functions of the metabolites identified, literature searches revealed that these metabolites possess various biological properties, including anti-inflammatory activities. These metabolites are likely used by the parasite upon exposure to a host to facilitate skin penetration, passage through different tissues, and immune regulation in the small bowel. Overall, the results presented herein offer significant insight into the metabolome of N. americanus L3 and have the potential to instigate future work to establish biomarkers of infection. This area urgently needs attention, given the lack of sensitive point-of-care diagnostic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Dovile Anderson
- Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Royal Parade, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia
| | - Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Road, Smithfield, Cairns, Queensland 4878, Australia
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Micheli L, Parisio C, Lucarini E, Vona A, Toti A, Pacini A, Mello T, Boccella S, Ricciardi F, Maione S, Graziani G, Lacal PM, Failli P, Ghelardini C, Di Cesare Mannelli L. VEGF-A/VEGFR-1 signalling and chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain: therapeutic potential of a novel anti-VEGFR-1 monoclonal antibody. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2021; 40:320. [PMID: 34649573 PMCID: PMC8515680 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-021-02127-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropathic pain is a clinically relevant adverse effect of several anticancer drugs that markedly impairs patients' quality of life and frequently leads to dose reduction or therapy discontinuation. The poor knowledge about the mechanisms involved in neuropathy development and pain chronicization, and the lack of effective therapies, make treatment of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain an unmet medical need. In this context, the vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A) has emerged as a candidate neuropathy hallmark and its decrease has been related to pain relief. In the present study, we have investigated the role of VEGF-A and its receptors, VEGFR-1 and VEGFR-2, in pain signalling and in chemotherapy-induced neuropathy establishment as well as the therapeutic potential of receptor blockade in the management of pain. METHODS Behavioural and electrophysiological analyses were performed in an in vivo murine model, by using selective receptor agonists, blocking monoclonal antibodies or siRNA-mediated silencing of VEGF-A and VEGFRs. Expression of VEGF-A and VEGFR-1 in astrocytes and neurons was detected by immunofluorescence staining and confocal microscopy analysis. RESULTS In mice, the intrathecal infusion of VEGF-A (VEGF165 isoforms) induced a dose-dependent noxious hypersensitivity and this effect was mediated by VEGFR-1. Consistently, electrophysiological studies indicated that VEGF-A strongly stimulated the spinal nociceptive neurons activity through VEGFR-1. In the dorsal horn of the spinal cord of animals affected by oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy, VEGF-A expression was increased in astrocytes while VEGFR-1 was mainly detected in neurons, suggesting a VEGF-A/VEGFR-1-mediated astrocyte-neuron cross-talk in neuropathic pain pathophysiology. Accordingly, the selective knockdown of astrocytic VEGF-A by intraspinal injection of shRNAmir blocked the development of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic hyperalgesia and allodynia. Interestingly, both intrathecal and systemic administration of the novel anti-VEGFR-1 monoclonal antibody D16F7, endowed with anti-angiogenic and antitumor properties, reverted oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain. Besides, D16F7 effectively relieved hypersensitivity induced by other neurotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, such as paclitaxel and vincristine. CONCLUSIONS These data strongly support the role of the VEGF-A/VEGFR-1 system in mediating chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain at the central nervous system level. Thus, treatment with the anti-VEGFR-1 mAb D16F7, besides exerting antitumor activity, might result in the additional advantage of attenuating neuropathic pain when combined with neurotoxic anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Micheli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Carmen Parisio
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Lucarini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessia Vona
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Toti
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessandra Pacini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine - DMSC - Anatomy and Histology Section, University of Florence, L.go Brambilla 3, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Tommaso Mello
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Campania "L. Vanvitelli", Via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli 16, 80138, Naples, Italy
- I.R.C.S.S., Neuromed, 86077, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Grazia Graziani
- Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- IDI-IRCCS, Via Monti di Creta 104, 00167, Rome, Italy.
| | | | - Paola Failli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Carla Ghelardini
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Di Cesare Mannelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychology, Drug Research and Child Health - NEUROFARBA - Pharmacology and Toxicology Section, University of Florence, Viale G. Pieraccini 6, 50139, Florence, Italy.
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9
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Katane M, Matsuda S, Saitoh Y, Miyamoto T, Sekine M, Sakai-Kato K, Homma H. Glyoxylate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase regulates the free d-aspartate level in mammalian cells. J Cell Biochem 2021; 122:1639-1652. [PMID: 34289161 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Multiple d-amino acids are present in mammalian cells, and these compounds have distinctive physiological functions. Among the free d-amino acids identified in mammals, d-aspartate plays critical roles in the neuroendocrine and endocrine systems, as well as in the central nervous system. Mammalian cells have the molecular apparatus necessary to take up, degrade, synthesize, and release d-aspartate. In particular, d-aspartate is degraded by d-aspartate oxidase (DDO), a peroxisome-localized enzyme that catalyzes the oxidative deamination of d-aspartate to generate oxaloacetate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonia. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms underlying d-aspartate homeostasis in cells. In this study, we established a cell line that overexpresses cytoplasm-localized DDO; this cell line cannot survive in the presence of high concentrations of d-aspartate, presumably because high levels of toxic hydrogen peroxide are produced by metabolism of abundant d-aspartate by DDO in the cytoplasm, where hydrogen peroxide cannot be removed due to the absence of catalase. Next, we transfected these cells with a complementary DNA library derived from the human brain and screened for clones that affected d-aspartate metabolism and improved cell survival, even when the cells were challenged with high concentrations of d-aspartate. The screen identified a clone of glyoxylate reductase/hydroxypyruvate reductase (GRHPR). Moreover, the GRHPR metabolites glyoxylate and hydroxypyruvate inhibited the enzymatic activity of DDO. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of GRHPR and peroxisome-localized DDO on d- and l-aspartate levels in cultured mammalian cells. Our findings show that GRHPR contributes to the homeostasis of these amino acids in mammalian cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Katane
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satsuki Matsuda
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Saitoh
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Miyamoto
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masae Sekine
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kumiko Sakai-Kato
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Homma
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
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10
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Usiello A, Di Fiore MM, De Rosa A, Falvo S, Errico F, Santillo A, Nuzzo T, Chieffi Baccari G. New Evidence on the Role of D-Aspartate Metabolism in Regulating Brain and Endocrine System Physiology: From Preclinical Observations to Clinical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E8718. [PMID: 33218144 PMCID: PMC7698810 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21228718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 11/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The endogenous amino acids serine and aspartate occur at high concentrations in free D-form in mammalian organs, including the central nervous system and endocrine glands. D-serine (D-Ser) is largely localized in the forebrain structures throughout pre and postnatal life. Pharmacologically, D-Ser plays a functional role by acting as an endogenous coagonist at N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs). Less is known about the role of free D-aspartate (D-Asp) in mammals. Notably, D-Asp has a specific temporal pattern of occurrence. In fact, free D-Asp is abundant during prenatal life and decreases greatly after birth in concomitance with the postnatal onset of D-Asp oxidase expression, which is the only enzyme known to control endogenous levels of this molecule. Conversely, in the endocrine system, D-Asp concentrations enhance after birth during its functional development, thereby suggesting an involvement of the amino acid in the regulation of hormone biosynthesis. The substantial binding affinity for the NMDAR glutamate site has led us to investigate the in vivo implications of D-Asp on NMDAR-mediated responses. Herein we review the physiological function of free D-Asp and of its metabolizing enzyme in regulating the functions of the brain and of the neuroendocrine system based on recent genetic and pharmacological human and animal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Usiello
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara Falvo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Francesco Errico
- Dipartimento di Agraria, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Università, 100, 80055 Portici, Italy;
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
- CEINGE Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Gaetano Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy;
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università della Campania «L. Vanvitelli», Via Vivaldi 43, 81100 Caserta, Italy; (M.M.D.F.); (S.F.); (A.S.); (T.N.)
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11
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Yeshi K, Creek DJ, Anderson D, Ritmejerytė E, Becker L, Loukas A, Wangchuk P. Metabolomes and Lipidomes of the Infective Stages of the Gastrointestinal nematodes, Nippostrongylus brasiliensis and Trichuris muris. Metabolites 2020; 10:metabo10110446. [PMID: 33171998 PMCID: PMC7694664 DOI: 10.3390/metabo10110446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Soil-transmitted helminths, including hookworms and whipworms, infect billions of people worldwide. Their capacity to penetrate and migrate through their hosts’ tissues is influenced by the suite of molecules produced by the infective developmental stages. To facilitate a better understanding of the immunobiology and pathogenicity of human hookworms and whipworms, we investigated the metabolomes of the infective stage of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis third-stage larvae (L3) which penetrate the skin and Trichuris muris eggs which are orally ingested, using untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS). We identified 55 polar metabolites through Metabolomics Standard Initiative level-1 (MSI-I) identification from N. brasiliensis and T. muris infective stages, out of which seven were unique to excretory/secretory products (ESPs) of N. brasiliensis L3. Amino acids were a principal constituent (33 amino acids). Additionally, we identified 350 putative lipids, out of which 28 (all known lipids) were unique to N. brasiliensis L3 somatic extract and four to T. muris embryonated egg somatic extract. Glycerophospholipids and glycerolipids were the major lipid groups. The catalogue of metabolites identified in this study shed light on the biology, and possible therapeutic and diagnostic targets for the treatment of these critical infectious pathogens. Moreover, with the growing body of literature on the therapeutic utility of helminth ESPs for treating inflammatory diseases, a role for metabolites is likely but has received little attention thus far.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karma Yeshi
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (K.Y.); (P.W.)
| | - Darren J. Creek
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.C.); (D.A.)
| | - Dovile Anderson
- Drug Delivery, Disposition and Dynamics, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, 381 Royal Parade, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia; (D.J.C.); (D.A.)
| | - Edita Ritmejerytė
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Luke Becker
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Alex Loukas
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
| | - Phurpa Wangchuk
- Centre for Molecular Therapeutics, Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Building E4, McGregor Rd, Smithfield, Cairns, QLD 4878, Australia; (E.R.); (L.B.); (A.L.)
- Correspondence: (K.Y.); (P.W.)
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12
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Vacca V, Madaro L, De Angelis F, Proietti D, Cobianchi S, Orsini T, Puri PL, Luvisetto S, Pavone F, Marinelli S. Revealing the Therapeutic Potential of Botulinum Neurotoxin Type A in Counteracting Paralysis and Neuropathic Pain in Spinally Injured Mice. Toxins (Basel) 2020; 12:E491. [PMID: 32751937 PMCID: PMC7472120 DOI: 10.3390/toxins12080491] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Botulinum neurotoxin type A (BoNT/A) is a major therapeutic agent that has been proven to be a successful treatment for different neurological disorders, with emerging novel therapeutic indications each year. BoNT/A exerts its action by blocking SNARE complex formation and vesicle release through the specific cleavage of SNAP-25 protein; the toxin is able to block the release of pro-inflammatory molecules for months after its administration. Here we demonstrate the extraordinary capacity of BoNT/A to neutralize the complete paralysis and pain insensitivity induced in a murine model of severe spinal cord injury (SCI). We show that the toxin, spinally administered within one hour from spinal trauma, exerts a long-lasting proteolytic action, up to 60 days after its administration, and induces a complete recovery of muscle and motor function. BoNT/A modulates SCI-induced neuroglia hyperreactivity, facilitating axonal restoration, and preventing secondary cells death and damage. Moreover, we demonstrate that BoNT/A affects SCI-induced neuropathic pain after moderate spinal contusion, confirming its anti-nociceptive action in this kind of pain, as well. Our results provide the intriguing and real possibility to identify in BoNT/A a therapeutic tool in counteracting SCI-induced detrimental effects. Because of the well-documented BoNT/A pharmacology, safety, and toxicity, these findings strongly encourage clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Vacca
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (RM), Italy; (V.V.); (T.O.); (S.L.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Roma, Italy; (L.M.); (F.D.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Luca Madaro
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Roma, Italy; (L.M.); (F.D.A.); (D.P.)
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | | | - Daisy Proietti
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Roma, Italy; (L.M.); (F.D.A.); (D.P.)
- DAHFMO-Unit of Histology and Medical Embryology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Stefano Cobianchi
- Institute of Neurosciences and Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, Universitat Autonoma de Barcelona, E-08193 Bellaterra, Spain;
| | - Tiziana Orsini
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (RM), Italy; (V.V.); (T.O.); (S.L.)
| | - Pier Lorenzo Puri
- Development, Aging and Regeneration Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA;
| | - Siro Luvisetto
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (RM), Italy; (V.V.); (T.O.); (S.L.)
| | - Flaminia Pavone
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (RM), Italy; (V.V.); (T.O.); (S.L.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Roma, Italy; (L.M.); (F.D.A.); (D.P.)
| | - Sara Marinelli
- CNR—National Research Council, Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, 00015 Monterotondo Scalo (RM), Italy; (V.V.); (T.O.); (S.L.)
- IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, 00143 Roma, Italy; (L.M.); (F.D.A.); (D.P.)
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13
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Guida F, Boccella S, Belardo C, Iannotta M, Piscitelli F, De Filippis F, Paino S, Ricciardi F, Siniscalco D, Marabese I, Luongo L, Ercolini D, Di Marzo V, Maione S. Altered gut microbiota and endocannabinoid system tone in vitamin D deficiency-mediated chronic pain. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 85:128-141. [PMID: 30953765 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2018] [Revised: 02/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent evidence points to the gut microbiota as a regulator of brain and behavior, although it remains to be determined if gut bacteria play a role in chronic pain. The endocannabinoid system is implicated in inflammation and chronic pain processing at both the gut and central nervous system (CNS) levels. In the present study, we used low Vitamin D dietary intake in mice and evaluated possible changes in gut microbiota, pain processing and endocannabinoid system signaling. Vitamin D deficiency induced a lower microbial diversity characterized by an increase in Firmicutes and a decrease in Verrucomicrobia and Bacteroidetes. Concurrently, vitamin D deficient mice showed tactile allodynia associated with neuronal hyperexcitability and alterations of endocannabinoid system members (endogenous mediators and their receptors) at the spinal cord level. Changes in endocannabinoid (anandamide and 2-arachidonoylglycerol) levels were also observed in the duodenum and colon. Remarkably, the anti-inflammatory anandamide congener, palmitoylethanolamide, counteracted both the pain behaviour and spinal biochemical changes in vitamin D deficient mice, whilst increasing the levels of Akkermansia, Eubacterium and Enterobacteriaceae, as compared with vehicle-treated mice. Finally, induction of spared nerve injury in normal or vitamin D deficient mice was not accompanied by changes in gut microbiota composition. Our data suggest the existence of a link between Vitamin D deficiency - with related changes in gut bacterial composition - and altered nociception, possibly via molecular mechanisms involving the endocannabinoid and related mediator signaling systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
| | - Serena Boccella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Fabiana Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy
| | - Francesca De Filippis
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy; Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Salvatore Paino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Flavia Ricciardi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Dario Siniscalco
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Ida Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Livio Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo Ercolini
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Portici, Italy; Task Force on Microbiome Studies, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Pozzuoli, Italy; Canada Excellence Research Chair on the Microbiome-Endocannabinoidome Axis in Metabolic Health, Quèbec Heart and Lung Institute and Institute for Nutrition and Functional Foods, Université Laval, 2325 Rue de l'Université, Québec, QC G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Naples, Italy.
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14
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Farghaly HSM, Elbadr MM, Ahmed MA, Abdelhaffez AS. Effect of single and repeated administration of amitriptyline on neuropathic pain model in rats: Focus on glutamatergic and upstream nitrergic systems. Life Sci 2019; 233:116752. [PMID: 31415770 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.116752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Revised: 08/03/2019] [Accepted: 08/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Few studies have compared the interaction of single and repeated administration of amitriptyline (amit) with the nitrergic system and glutamatergic system in the experimental model of neuropathic pain. We aimed to evaluate the antinociceptive effect of single and repeated administration of amit and to assess whether glutamate preceded inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibition as a mechanism of the analgesic effect of amit in the neuropathic model of pain. MATERIALS AND METHODS Male Wistar rats were subjected to left sciatic nerve ligation. The effect of single (25 mg kg-1) and repeated (10 mg kg-1 daily for 3 weeks) administration of amit intraperitoneally (i.p.) alone or in combination with aminoguanidine (AG i.p., 100 mg kg-1 for 3 days, a selective iNOS inhibitor) and MK-801 (0.05 mg kg-1 i.p., NMDA antagonist) on resting paw posture and mechanical hyperalgesia were studied. Glutamate level and iNOS protein expression in hippocampus were detected. KEY FINDINGS Single and repeated administration of amit alone or in combination with AG or MK-801 demonstrated a significant decrease in resting pain score and increase in the pain threshold. Both glutamate and nitrite levels decreased in the hippocampi of single and repeated amit + MK-801 groups. Immunohistochemistry showed a marked decrease in iNOS immunoreactivity in rats treated with single and repeated amit + MK-801. SIGNIFICANCE Our results suggest that glutamate-dependent mechanisms are involved in the analgesic responses to amit administration. Importantly, glutamatergic system and its upstream nitrergic system play an important role in the antinociceptive action of amit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanan S M Farghaly
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed M Elbadr
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Marwa A Ahmed
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
| | - Azza S Abdelhaffez
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71526, Egypt
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15
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Medeiros P, de Freitas RL, Boccella S, Iannotta M, Belardo C, Mazzitelli M, Romano R, De Gregorio D, Coimbra NC, Palazzo E, Maione S. Characterization of the sensory, affective, cognitive, biochemical, and neuronal alterations in a modified chronic constriction injury model of neuropathic pain in mice. J Neurosci Res 2019; 98:338-352. [PMID: 31396990 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.24501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve is a nerve injury-based model of neuropathic pain (NP). Comorbidities of NP such as depression, anxiety, and cognitive deficits are associated with a functional reorganization of the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Here, we have employed an adapted model of CCI by placing one single loose ligature around the sciatic nerve in mice for investigating the alterations in sensory, motor, affective, and cognitive behavior and in electrophysiological and biochemical properties in the prelimbic division (PrL) of the mPFC. Our adapted model of CCI induced mechanical allodynia, motor, and cognitive impairments and anxiety- and depression-like behavior. In the PrL division of mPFC was observed an increase in GABA and a decrease in d-aspartate levels. Moreover an increase in the activity of neurons responding to mechanical stimulation with an excitation, mPFC (+), and a decrease in those responding with an inhibition, mPFC (-), was found. Altogether these findings demonstrate that a single ligature around the sciatic nerve was able to induce sensory, affective, cognitive, biochemical, and functional alterations already observed in other neuropathic pain models and it may be an appropriate and easily reproducible model for studying neuropathic pain mechanisms and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Medeiros
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions and Multi-User Centre of Neuroelectrophysiology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Renato Leonardo de Freitas
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy.,Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions and Multi-User Centre of Neuroelectrophysiology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Biomedical Sciences Institute, Federal University of Alfenas (UNIFAL), Alfenas (MG), Brazil
| | - Serena Boccella
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Monica Iannotta
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Carmela Belardo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Rosaria Romano
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Danilo De Gregorio
- Neurobiological Psychiatry Unit, Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Norberto Cysne Coimbra
- Laboratory of Neurosciences of Pain & Emotions and Multi-User Centre of Neuroelectrophysiology, Department of Surgery and Anatomy, Ribeirão Preto Medical School of the University of São Paulo (FMRP-USP), Ribeirão Preto (SP), Brazil.,Laboratory of Neuroanatomy and Neuropsychobiology, Department of Pharmacology, FMRP-USP, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil.,Behavioural Neurosciences Institute (INeC), Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Enza Palazzo
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
| | - Sabatino Maione
- Division of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental Medicine, Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Naples, Italy
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16
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Gautam M, Ramanathan M. Ameliorative potential of flavonoids of Aegle marmelos in vincristine-induced neuropathic pain and associated excitotoxicity. Nutr Neurosci 2019; 24:296-306. [PMID: 31221045 DOI: 10.1080/1028415x.2019.1627768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The objective of the study is to elucidate the effect of Aegle marmelos bark hydroalcoholic extract (AMHE) and the role of its constituents marmelosin, umbelliferone, and Para-coumaric acid in attenuating neuropathic pain.Methodology: Peripheral neuropathy was induced by vincristine 100 μg/ml. AMHE was administered in three dose levels (100, 200 and 300 mg/kg) for 21 days. Mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia were assessed by Randall Sellitto and electronic Von-Frey test, respectively. Functional loss and recovery of the nerve were assessed by sciatic functional index test. The nerve conduction velocity and formalin test were done to assess the peripheral and central response of the extract. Inflammatory mediators in both sciatic nerve and brain and neurotransmitters glutamate and aspartate were measured to support the data.Results and discussion: The inflammatory mediators in both sciatic nerve and brain (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were found to be attenuated with AMHE-treated group in comparison to the group treated only with vincristine, which indicates the extract has anti-inflammatory property. AMHE treated rats were found to be active in all the behavioural tests, suggesting its activity could be mediated through a central and peripheral mechanism to attenuate the pain response. The levels of excitatory neurotransmitters were found to be reduced with AMHE treatment.Conclusion: It could be concluded that AMHE is active in attenuating the neuropathic pain caused by vincristine. The peripheral action would have mediated through lowering the inflammatory mediators as well as the excitotoxicity caused due to peripheral neuropathy and neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, India
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17
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Gautam M, Ramanathan M. Saponins of Tribulus terrestris attenuated neuropathic pain induced with vincristine through central and peripheral mechanism. Inflammopharmacology 2018; 27:761-772. [PMID: 29938333 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-018-0502-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The study comprises exploring the effects of saponins from Tribulus terrestris (TT) in attenuating the neuropathic pain caused by vincristine (100 μg/ml i.p.) for 10 days (in two 5 day cycles with 2 days pause). Mechanical hyperalgesia and allodynia were assessed by Randall-Sellitto and electronic von Frey tests, respectively. Chemical- induced nociception was assessed by formalin test. Neurophysiological effect of the extract was evaluated by recording sciatic functional index (SFI) on the test days (7, 10, 14, and 21) and sciatic nerve conduction velocity test (SNCV) on the last day. Inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) in both sciatic nerve and brain and brain neurotransmitters, glutamate and aspartate, were measured to support the behavioral response. The saponins of TT-treated group were found to be effective in the behavioral experiments, implying its activity both centrally and peripherally in attenuating pain. The inflammatory mediators in both sciatic nerve and brain (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) were found to be attenuated with TT saponin treatment in comparison to vincristine-treated group, indicating its anti-inflammatory property. The excitatory neurotransmitters, L-glutamic acid and L-aspartic acid, were also found to be attenuated with TT saponins, implying restoration of neuronal damage and synaptic activity caused by high amount of glutamate due to excess TNF-α in brain and reversing the nociceptive threshold lowered due to aspartate. Thus, TT(S) is peripherally and centrally active in lowering the inflammatory mediators, reversing the neuronal damage and increasing the nociceptive threshold caused due to peripheral neuropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mrinmoy Gautam
- Department of Pharmacology, PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, 641004, India
| | - Muthiah Ramanathan
- Department of Pharmacology, PSG College of Pharmacy, Coimbatore, 641004, India.
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18
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Li Y, Han H, Yin J, Li T, Yin Y. Role of D-aspartate on biosynthesis, racemization, and potential functions: A mini-review. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2018; 4:311-315. [PMID: 30175260 PMCID: PMC6116324 DOI: 10.1016/j.aninu.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 03/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
D-aspartate, a natural and endogenous amino acid, widely exists in animal tissues and can be synthesized through aspartate racemase and transformed by D-aspartate oxidase (DDO). D-aspartate mainly serves as a neurotransmitter and has been demonstrated to exhibit various physiological functions, including nutritional potential, regulation on reproduction and hormone biology, and neuron protection. This article mainly reviews the synthesis, racemization, and physiological functions of D-aspartate with emphasis on the potential in diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuying Li
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Hui Han
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Jie Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Tiejun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha 410128, China
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Yulong Yin
- Key Laboratory of Agro-Ecological Processes in Subtropical Region, National Engineering Laboratory for Pollution Control and Waste Utilization in Livestock and Poultry Production, Hunan Provincial Engineering Research Center for Healthy Livestock and Poultry Production, Scientific Observing and Experimental Station of Animal Nutrition and Feed Science in South-Central, Ministry of Agriculture, Institute of Subtropical Agriculture, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changsha 410125, China
- Hunan Co-Innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha 410128, China
- Corresponding authors.
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19
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Katane M, Kuwabara H, Nakayama K, Saitoh Y, Miyamoto T, Sekine M, Homma H. Rat d-aspartate oxidase is more similar to the human enzyme than the mouse enzyme. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2017; 1866:806-812. [PMID: 29292239 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Revised: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
d-Aspartate oxidase (DDO) is a degradative enzyme that is stereospecific for the acidic amino acid d-aspartate, an endogenous agonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Dysregulation of NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission has been implicated in the onset of various neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, as well as chronic pain. Thus, appropriate regulation of d-aspartate is believed to be important for maintaining proper neural activity in the nervous system. Accordingly, much attention has been paid to the role(s) of DDO in the metabolism of d-aspartate in vivo, and the physiological functions of DDO have been actively investigated using experimental rats and mice. However, detailed characterisation of rat DDO has not yet been performed, and little is known about species-specific differences in the properties of mammalian DDOs. In this study, the structural and enzymatic properties of purified recombinant rat, mouse and human DDOs were examined and compared. The results showed that rat DDO is more similar to human DDO than to mouse DDO. This work provides useful insight into the use of rats as an experimental model for investigating the biological significance of human DDO and/or d-aspartate. This article is part of a Special Issue entitled: d-Amino acids: biology in the mirror, edited by Dr. Loredano Pollegioni, Dr. Jean-Pierre Mothet and Dr. Molla Gianluca.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Katane
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Hisashi Kuwabara
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nakayama
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Saitoh
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Miyamoto
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Masae Sekine
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Homma
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan.
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20
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Katane M, Kanazawa R, Kobayashi R, Oishi M, Nakayama K, Saitoh Y, Miyamoto T, Sekine M, Homma H. Structure-function relationships in human d-aspartate oxidase: characterisation of variants corresponding to known single nucleotide polymorphisms. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-PROTEINS AND PROTEOMICS 2017. [PMID: 28629864 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbapap.2017.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
d-Aspartate oxidase (DDO) is a degradative enzyme that is stereospecific for the acidic amino acid d-aspartate, an endogenous agonist of the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. Dysregulation of NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission has been implicated in the onset of various neuropsychiatric disorders including schizophrenia and in chronic pain. Thus, appropriate regulation of the amount of d-aspartate is believed to be important for maintaining proper neural activity in the nervous system. Herein, the effects of the non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) R216Q and S308N on several properties of human DDO were examined. Analysis of the purified recombinant enzyme showed that the R216Q and S308N substitutions reduce enzyme activity towards acidic d-amino acids, decrease the binding affinity for the coenzyme flavin adenine dinucleotide and decrease the temperature stability. Consistent with these findings, further experiments using cultured mammalian cells revealed elevated d-aspartate in cultures of R216Q and S308N cells compared with cells expressing wild-type DDO. Furthermore, accumulation of several amino acids other than d-aspartate also differed between these cultures. Thus, expression of DDO genes carrying the R216Q or S308N SNP substitutions may increase the d-aspartate content in humans and alter homeostasis of several other amino acids. This work may aid in understanding the correlation between DDO activity and the risk of onset of NMDA receptor-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Katane
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Ryo Kanazawa
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Risa Kobayashi
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Megumi Oishi
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Kazuki Nakayama
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Yasuaki Saitoh
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Miyamoto
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Masae Sekine
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Homma
- Laboratory of Biomolecular Science, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University, 5-9-1 Shirokane, Minato-ku, Tokyo 108-8641, Japan.
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21
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Liu P, Xing B, Chu Z, Liu F, Lei G, Zhu L, Gao Y, Chen T, Dang YH. Dopamine D3 receptor knockout mice exhibit abnormal nociception in a sex-different manner. J Neurosci Res 2016; 95:1438-1445. [PMID: 27716994 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.23952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2016] [Revised: 08/19/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Pain is a complex and subjective experience. Previous studies have shown that mice lacking the dopamine D3 receptor (D3RKO) exhibit hypoalgesia, indicating a role of the D3 receptor in modulation of nociception. Given that there are sex differences in pain perception, there may be differences in responses to nociceptive stimuli between male and female D3RKO mice. In the current study, we examined the role of the D3 receptor in modulating nociception in male and female D3RKO mice. Acute thermal pain was modeled by hot-plate test. This test was performed at different temperatures including 52°C, 55°C, and 58°C. The von Frey hair test was applied to evaluate mechanical pain. And persistent pain produced by peripheral tissue injury and inflammation was modeled by formalin test. In the hot-plate test, compared with wild-type (WT) mice, D3RKO mice generally exhibited longer latencies at each of the three temperatures. Specially, male D3RKO mice showed hypoalgesia compared with male WT mice when the temperature was 55°C, while for the female mice, there was a statistical difference between genotypes when the test condition was 52°C. In the von Frey hair test, both male and female D3RKO mice exhibited hypoalgesia. In the formalin test, the male D3RKO mice displayed a similar nociceptive behavior as their sex-matched WT littermates, whereas significantly depressed late-phase formalin-induced nociceptive behaviors were observed in the female mutants. These findings indicated that the D3 receptor affects nociceptive behaviors in a sex-specific manner and that its absence induces more analgesic behavior in the female knockout mice. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Liu
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Bo Xing
- Xi'an Mental Health Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, PR China
| | - Zheng Chu
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Liu
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Affiliated Stomatology Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Gang Lei
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhu
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Ya Gao
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry for Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of the Education Ministry, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Teng Chen
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry for Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of the Education Ministry, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
| | - Yong-Hui Dang
- College of Medicine & Forensics, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of the Health Ministry for Forensic Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases of the Education Ministry, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi, People's Republic of China
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22
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d-Aspartate drinking solution alleviates pain and cognitive impairment in neuropathic mice. Amino Acids 2016; 48:1553-67. [DOI: 10.1007/s00726-016-2205-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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23
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Errico F, Mothet JP, Usiello A. d-Aspartate: An endogenous NMDA receptor agonist enriched in the developing brain with potential involvement in schizophrenia. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2015; 116:7-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2015.03.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2014] [Revised: 03/11/2015] [Accepted: 03/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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24
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Guida F, Luongo L, Marmo F, Romano R, Iannotta M, Napolitano F, Belardo C, Marabese I, D'Aniello A, De Gregorio D, Rossi F, Piscitelli F, Lattanzi R, de Bartolomeis A, Usiello A, Di Marzo V, de Novellis V, Maione S. Palmitoylethanolamide reduces pain-related behaviors and restores glutamatergic synapses homeostasis in the medial prefrontal cortex of neuropathic mice. Mol Brain 2015; 8:47. [PMID: 26260027 PMCID: PMC4532244 DOI: 10.1186/s13041-015-0139-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2015] [Accepted: 08/02/2015] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enhanced supraspinal glutamate levels following nerve injury are associated with pathophysiological mechanisms responsible for neuropathic pain. Chronic pain can interfere with specific brain areas involved in glutamate-dependent neuropsychological processes, such as cognition, memory, and decision-making. The medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) is thought to play a critical role in pain-related depression and anxiety, which are frequent co-morbidities of chronic pain. Using an animal model of spared nerve injury (SNI) of the sciatic nerve, we assess bio-molecular modifications in glutamatergic synapses in the mPFC that underlie neuropathic pain-induced plastic changes at 30 days post-surgery. Moreover, we examine the effects of palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) administration on pain-related behaviours, as well as the cortical biochemical and morphological changes that occur in SNI animals. RESULTS At 1 month, SNI was associated with mechanical and thermal hypersensitivity, as well as depression-like behaviour, cognitive impairments, and obsessive-compulsive activities. Moreover, we observed an overall glutamate synapse modification in the mPFC, characterized by changes in synaptic density proteins and amino acid levels. Finally, with regard to the resolution of pain and depressive-like syndrome in SNI mice, PEA restored the glutamatergic synapse proteins and changes in amino acid release. CONCLUSIONS Given the potential role of the mPFC in pain mechanisms, our findings may provide novel insights into neuropathic pain forebrain processes and indicate PEA as a new pharmacological tool to treat neuropathic pain and the related negative affective states. Graphical Abstract Palmitoylethanolamide: a new pharmacological tool to treat neuropathic pain and the related negative affective states.
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Affiliation(s)
- F Guida
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - L Luongo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - F Marmo
- Department of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, University School of Medicine "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - R Romano
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - M Iannotta
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - F Napolitano
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Comunale Margherita 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - C Belardo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - I Marabese
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - A D'Aniello
- Stazione Zoologica "Anton Dohrn", Naples, Italy
| | - D De Gregorio
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - F Rossi
- Department of Women, Child and General and Specialistic Surgery, Second University of Naples, Naples, Italy
| | - F Piscitelli
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - R Lattanzi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - A de Bartolomeis
- Department of Neuroscience, Laboratory of Molecular and Translational Psychiatry, University School of Medicine "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - A Usiello
- Behavioural Neuroscience Laboratory, CEINGE - Biotecnologie Avanzate, Via Comunale Margherita 482, 80145, Naples, Italy
| | - V Di Marzo
- Institute of Biomolecular Chemistry, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Campi Flegrei 34, 80078, Pozzuoli, NA, Italy
| | - V de Novellis
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy
| | - S Maione
- Department of Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology L. Donatelli, Second University of Naples, 80138, Naples, Italy.
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