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Campagnoli LIM, Ahmad L, Marchesi N, Greco G, Boschi F, Masi F, Mallucci G, Bergamaschi R, Colombo E, Pascale A. Disclosing the Novel Protective Mechanisms of Ocrelizumab in Multiple Sclerosis: The Role of PKC Beta and Its Down-Stream Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8923. [PMID: 39201609 PMCID: PMC11354964 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168923] [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: 07/12/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Ocrelizumab (OCR) is a humanized anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody approved for both Relapsing and Primary Progressive forms of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) treatment. OCR is postulated to act via rapid B cell depletion; however, by analogy with other anti-CD20 agents, additional effects can be envisaged, such as on Protein Kinase C (PKC). Hence, this work aims to explore novel potential mechanisms of action of OCR in peripheral blood mononuclear cells from MS patients before and after 12 months of OCR treatment. We first assessed, up-stream, PKCβII and subsequently explored two down-stream pathways: hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α)/vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and human antigen R (HuR)/manganese-dependent superoxide dismutase (MnSOD) and heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70). At baseline, higher levels of PKCβII, HIF-1α, and VEGF were found in MS patients compared to healthy controls (HC); interestingly, the overexpression of this inflammatory cascade was counteracted by OCR treatment. Conversely, at baseline, the content of HuR, MnSOD, and HSP70 was significantly lower in MS patients compared to HC, while OCR administration induced the up-regulation of these neuroprotective pathways. These results enable us to disclose the dual positive action of OCR: anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective. Therefore, in addition to B cell depletion, the effect of OCR on these molecular cascades can contribute to counteracting disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lara Ahmad
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Nicoletta Marchesi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (N.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Giacomo Greco
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Boschi
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (N.M.); (F.B.)
| | - Francesco Masi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
- Department of Brain and Behavioural Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Mallucci
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
- Neurocenter of Southern Switzerland, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Bergamaschi
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Elena Colombo
- Multiple Sclerosis Center, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.A.); (G.G.); (F.M.); (R.B.); (E.C.)
| | - Alessia Pascale
- Department of Drug Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (L.I.M.C.); (N.M.); (F.B.)
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Imraish A, Abu Thiab T, Alsalem M, Dahbour S, khleif H, Abu-Irmaileh B, Qasem R, El-Salem K. The neuroprotective effect of human primary astrocytes in multiple sclerosis: In vitro model. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0300203. [PMID: 38564643 PMCID: PMC10987000 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0300203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Recent studies highlighted the role of astrocytes in neuroinflammatory diseases, particularly multiple sclerosis, interacting closely with other CNS components but also with the immune cells. However, due to the difficulty in obtaining human astrocytes, their role in these pathologies is still unclear. In this study we develop an astrocyte in vitro model to evaluate their role in multiple sclerosis after being treated with CSF isolated from both healthy and MS diagnosed patients. Gene expression and ELISA assays reveal that several pro-inflammatory markers IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6, were significantly downregulated in astrocytes treated with MS-CSF. In contrast, neurotrophic survival, and growth factors, and GFAP, BDNF, GDNF and VEGF, were markedly elevated upon the same treatment. In summary, this study supports the notion of the astrocyte involvement in MS. The results reveal the neuroprotective role of astrocyte in MS pathogenicity by suppressing excessive inflammation and increasing the expression of tropic factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amer Imraish
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Tuqa Abu Thiab
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Mohammad Alsalem
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Saeed Dahbour
- Department of Neurology, Jordan University Hospital, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Hiba khleif
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Raneen Qasem
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Science, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan
| | - Khalid El-Salem
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
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Rajeswaren V, Wagner BD, Patnaik JL, Mandava N, Mathias MT, Manoharan N, de Carlo Forest TE, Gnanaraj R, Lynch AM, Palestine AG. Elevated tumor necrosis factor alpha and vascular endothelial growth factor in intermediate age-related macular degeneration and geographic atrophy. FRONTIERS IN OPHTHALMOLOGY 2024; 4:1356957. [PMID: 38984140 PMCID: PMC11182128 DOI: 10.3389/fopht.2024.1356957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
Introduction Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is an inflammatory cytokine implicated in pathological changes to the retinal pigment epithelium that are similar to changes in geographic atrophy (GA), an advanced form of age related macular degeneration (AMD). TNF-α also modulates expression of other cytokines including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), leading to choroidal atrophy in models of AMD. The purpose of this study was to investigate systemic TNF-α and VEGF in patients with GA and intermediate AMD (iAMD) compared to controls without AMD. Methods We examined plasma levels of TNF-α and VEGF in patients with GA, iAMD, and controls without AMD from the University of Colorado AMD registry (2014 to 2021). Cases and controls were characterized by multimodal imaging. TNF-α and VEGF were measured via multiplex immunoassay and data were analyzed using a non-parametric rank based linear regression model fit to plasma biomarkers. Results There were 97 GA, 199 iAMD patients and 139 controls. TNF-α was significantly increased in GA (Median:9.9pg/ml, IQR:7.3-11.8) compared to iAMD (Median:7.4, IQR:5.3-9.1) and in both GA and iAMD compared to controls (Median:6.4, IQR:5.3-7.8), p<0.01 for all comparisons. VEGF was significantly increased in iAMD (Median:8.9, IQR:4.8-14.3) compared to controls (Median:7.7, IQR:4.6-11.1), p<0.01. There was a significant positive correlation between TNF-α and VEGF in GA (0.46, p<0.01), and iAMD (0.20, p=0.01) with no significant interaction between TNF-α and VEGF in any group. Discussion These findings suggest TNF-α and VEGF may contribute to systemic inflammatory processes associated with iAMD and GA. TNF-α and VEGF may function as systemic biomarkers for disease development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivian Rajeswaren
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Brandie D. Wagner
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
- Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Jennifer L. Patnaik
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Naresh Mandava
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Marc T. Mathias
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Niranjan Manoharan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | | | - Ramya Gnanaraj
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Anne M. Lynch
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Alan G. Palestine
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, United States
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Koltsov IA, Shchukin IA, Fidler MS, Yasamanova AN, Aryasova IK, Boiko AN. [Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome in autoimmune disorders]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2024; 124:50-57. [PMID: 39175240 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro202412407250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) is characterized by nonspecific symptoms, including not only pronounced non-focal and various focal neurological signs but also specific neuroimaging features, including vasogenic edema affecting predominantly the posterior area. PRES usually develops in the setting of acute arterial hypertension. However, it is not uncommon for PRES to develop in non-hypertensive patients, including people with autoimmune disorders (multiple sclerosis, neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder, etc). PRES could also be due to the toxic effects of drugs or other substances. The pathophysiological mechanisms of PRES include impaired autoregulation of cerebral blood flow due to acute arterial hypertension and toxic endotheliotropic effects of endogenous and exogenous factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- I A Koltsov
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - I A Shchukin
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
| | - M S Fidler
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A N Yasamanova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - I K Aryasova
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - A N Boiko
- Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Federal Center of Brain Research and Neurotechnologies, Moscow, Russia
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Gill AJ, Schorr EM, Gadani SP, Calabresi PA. Emerging imaging and liquid biomarkers in multiple sclerosis. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2250228. [PMID: 37194443 PMCID: PMC10524168 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202250228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
The advent of highly effective disease modifying therapy has transformed the landscape of multiple sclerosis (MS) care over the last two decades. However, there remains a critical, unmet need for sensitive and specific biomarkers to aid in diagnosis, prognosis, treatment monitoring, and the development of new interventions, particularly for people with progressive disease. This review evaluates the current data for several emerging imaging and liquid biomarkers in people with MS. MRI findings such as the central vein sign and paramagnetic rim lesions may improve MS diagnostic accuracy and evaluation of therapy efficacy in progressive disease. Serum and cerebrospinal fluid levels of several neuroglial proteins, such as neurofilament light chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein, show potential to be sensitive biomarkers of pathologic processes such as neuro-axonal injury or glial-inflammation. Additional promising biomarkers, including optical coherence tomography, cytokines and chemokines, microRNAs, and extracellular vesicles/exosomes, are also reviewed, among others. Beyond their potential integration into MS clinical care and interventional trials, several of these biomarkers may be informative of MS pathogenesis and help elucidate novel targets for treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander J. Gill
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Emily M. Schorr
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Sachin P. Gadani
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, US
| | - Peter A. Calabresi
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Department of Neurology, Baltimore, MD, US
- Department of Neuroscience, Baltimore, MD, US
- Department of Ophthalmology, Baltimore, MD, US
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Amin NS, El Tayebi HM. More gain, less pain: How resistance training affects immune system functioning in multiple sclerosis patients: A review. Mult Scler Relat Disord 2023; 69:104401. [PMID: 36403379 DOI: 10.1016/j.msard.2022.104401] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is characterized by a complex etiology that is mirrored by the perplexing and inconsistent treatment responses observed across different patients. Although epigenetic research has garnered rightful interest in its efforts towards demystifying and understanding aberrant responses to treatment, the interim undoubtedly requires alternative non-pharmacological approaches towards attaining more effective management strategies. Of particular interest in this review is resistance training (RT) as a non-pharmacological exercise-based interventional strategy and its potential role as a disease-modifying tool. RT has been reported across literature to positively influence numerous aspects in the quality of life (QoL) and functional capacity of MS patients, and one of the attributes of these benefits may be a shift in the immune system of these individuals. RT has also been proven to affect different immune system key players associated with MS pathology. Ultimately, this brief review aims to provide a potential yet crucial link between RT, alterations in the expression profile of the immune system, and finally an imminent improvement in the overall well-being and QoL of MS patients, suggesting that utilizing RT as an interventional exercise modality may be an effective strategy that would aid in managing such a complex and debilitating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nada Sherif Amin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Head of Molecular Genetics and Pharmacology Research Group, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt
| | - Hend M El Tayebi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Molecular Pharmacology Research Group, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biotechnology, Head of Molecular Genetics and Pharmacology Research Group, German University in Cairo, Cairo 11835, Egypt.
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