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α-Melanocyte-Stimulating Hormone Attenuates Neovascularization by Inducing Nitric Oxide Deficiency via MC-Rs/PKA/NF-κB Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19123823. [PMID: 30513637 PMCID: PMC6321109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19123823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Revised: 11/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH) has been characterized as a novel angiogenesis inhibitor. The homeostasis of nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in neovascularization. However, it remains unclear whether α-MSH mitigates angiogenesis through modulation of NO and its signaling pathway. The present study elucidated the function and mechanism of NO signaling in α-MSH-induced angiogenesis inhibition using cultured human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), rat aorta rings, and transgenic zebrafish. By Griess reagent assay, it was found α-MSH dose-dependently reduced the NO release in HUVECs. Immunoblotting and immunofluorescence analysis revealed α-MSH potently suppressed endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthase (eNOS/iNOS) expression, which was accompanied with inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activities. Excessive supply of NO donor l-arginine reversed the α-MSH-induced angiogenesis inhibition in vitro and in vivo. By using antibody neutralization and RNA interference, it was delineated that melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1-R) and melanocortin-2 receptor (MC2-R) participated in α-MSH-induced inhibition of NO production and NF-κB/eNOS/iNOS signaling. This was supported by pharmaceutical inhibition of protein kinase A (PKA), the downstream effector of MC-Rs signaling, using H89 abolished the α-MSH-mediated suppression of NO release and eNOS/iNOS protein level. Therefore, α-MSH exerts anti-angiogenic function by perturbing NO bioavailability and eNOS/iNOS expression in endothelial cells.
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do Carmo JM, da Silva AA, Wang Z, Fang T, Aberdein N, Perez de Lara CE, Hall JE. Role of the brain melanocortins in blood pressure regulation. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:2508-2514. [PMID: 28274841 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2017] [Revised: 02/27/2017] [Accepted: 03/02/2017] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortins play an important role in regulating blood pressure (BP) and sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity as well as energy balance, glucose and other metabolic functions in humans and experimental animals. In experimental models of hypertension with high SNS activity, blockade of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) reduces BP despite causing marked hyperphagia and obesity. Activation of the central nervous system (CNS) pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-MC4R pathway appears to be an important link between obesity, SNS activation and hypertension. Despite having severe obesity, subjects with MC4R deficiency exhibit reductions in BP, heart rate, and urinary catecholamine excretion, as well as attenuated SNS responses to cold stimuli compared to obese subjects with normal MC4R function. In this review we discuss the importance of the brain POMC-MC4R system in regulating SNS activity and BP in obesity and other forms of hypertension. We also highlight potential mechanisms and brain circuitry by which the melanocortin system regulates cardiovascular function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jussara M do Carmo
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Alexandre A da Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA; Barão de Mauá University Center, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil; Universidade Estadual de Minas Gerais, Passos, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Taolin Fang
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Nicola Aberdein
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Cecilia E Perez de Lara
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - John E Hall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Multiple beneficial effects of melanocortin MC 4 receptor agonists in experimental neurodegenerative disorders: Therapeutic perspectives. Prog Neurobiol 2016; 148:40-56. [PMID: 27916623 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2016.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2015] [Revised: 11/22/2016] [Accepted: 11/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides induce neuroprotection in acute and chronic experimental neurodegenerative conditions. Melanocortins likewise counteract systemic responses to brain injuries. Furthermore, they promote neurogenesis by activating critical signaling pathways. Melanocortin-induced long-lasting improvement in synaptic activity and neurological performance, including learning and memory, sensory-motor orientation and coordinated limb use, has been consistently observed in experimental models of acute and chronic neurodegeneration. Evidence indicates that the neuroprotective and neurogenic effects of melanocortins, as well as the protection against systemic responses to a brain injury, are mediated by brain melanocortin 4 (MC4) receptors, through an involvement of the vagus nerve. Here we discuss the targets and mechanisms underlying the multiple beneficial effects recently observed in animal models of neurodegeneration. We comment on the potential clinical usefulness of melanocortin MC4 receptor agonists as neuroprotective and neuroregenerative agents in ischemic stroke, subarachnoid hemorrhage, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury, and Alzheimer's disease.
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Stump M, Guo DF, Lu KT, Mukohda M, Liu X, Rahmouni K, Sigmund CD. Effect of selective expression of dominant-negative PPARγ in pro-opiomelanocortin neurons on the control of energy balance. Physiol Genomics 2016; 48:491-501. [PMID: 27199455 DOI: 10.1152/physiolgenomics.00032.2016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/06/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), a master regulator of adipogenesis, was recently shown to affect energy homeostasis through its actions in the brain. Deletion of PPARγ in mouse brain, and specifically in the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons, results in resistance to diet-induced obesity. To study the mechanisms by which PPARγ in POMC neurons controls energy balance, we constructed a Cre-recombinase-dependent conditionally activatable transgene expressing either wild-type (WT) or dominant-negative (P467L) PPARγ and the tdTomato reporter. Inducible expression of both forms of PPARγ was validated in cells in culture, in liver of mice infected with an adenovirus expressing Cre-recombinase (AdCre), and in the brain of mice expressing Cre-recombinase either in all neurons (NES(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L) or selectively in POMC neurons (POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L). Whereas POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L mice exhibited a normal pattern of weight gain when fed 60% high-fat diet, they exhibited increased weight gain and fat mass accumulation in response to a 10% fat isocaloric-matched control diet. POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L mice were leptin sensitive on control diet but became leptin resistant when fed 60% high-fat diet. There was no difference in body weight between POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-WT mice and controls in response to 60% high-fat diet. However, POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-WT, but not POMC(Cre)/PPARγ-P467L, mice increased body weight in response to rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist. These observations support the concept that alterations in PPARγ-driven mechanisms in POMC neurons can play a role in the regulation of metabolic homeostasis under certain dietary conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeliene Stump
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and
| | - Deng-Fu Guo
- Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and
| | - Ko-Ting Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and
| | - Masashi Mukohda
- Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and
| | - Xuebo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and
| | - Kamal Rahmouni
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and UIHC Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | - Curt D Sigmund
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; Department of Pharmacology, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa; and UIHC Center for Hypertension Research, Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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NDP-α-MSH attenuates heart and liver responses to myocardial reperfusion via the vagus nerve and JAK/ERK/STAT signaling. Eur J Pharmacol 2015; 769:22-32. [PMID: 26477637 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2015.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2015] [Revised: 10/09/2015] [Accepted: 10/12/2015] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides afford cardioprotection during myocardial ischemia/reperfusion via janus kinases (JAK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and signal transducers/activators of transcription (STAT) pathways. Here we investigated whether melanocortin-induced modulation of the JAK/ERK/STAT signaling occurs via the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, focusing our study on cardiac and hepatic responses to prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Ischemia was produced in rats by ligature of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30min; effects of ischemia/reperfusion were evaluated using Western blot of heart and liver proteins. Intravenous treatment, during coronary artery occlusion, with the melanocortin analog (Nle(4), D-Phe(7))α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) induced a left ventricle up-regulation of the cardioprotective transcription factors pJAK2, pERK1/2 and pTyr-STAT3 (JAK-dependent), and a reduction in the levels of the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and pJNK (a transcription factor also involved in apoptosis), as assessed at the end of the 2-h reperfusion period. Further, these beneficial effects of NDP-α-MSH were associated with heart over-expression of the pro-survival proteins heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and Bcl-XL, and decrease of ventricular arrhythmias and infarct size. In the liver NDP-α-MSH induced a decrease in the pJAK2 and pTyr-STAT3 levels, and strongly reduced pERK1/2 expression. In the liver of ischemic rats NDP-α-MSH also blunted pJNK activity and TNF-α expression, and up-regulated Bcl-XL. Bilateral cervical vagotomy prevented all effects of NDP-α-MSH, both in the heart and liver. These results indicate that melanocortins inhibit heart and liver damage triggered by prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion likely, as main mechanism, via the vagus nerve-mediated modulation of the JAK/STAT/ERK signaling pathways.
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Shukla C, Koch LG, Britton SL, Cai M, Hruby VJ, Bednarek M, Novak CM. Contribution of regional brain melanocortin receptor subtypes to elevated activity energy expenditure in lean, active rats. Neuroscience 2015; 310:252-67. [PMID: 26404873 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2015.09.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Revised: 09/10/2015] [Accepted: 09/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Physical activity and non-exercise activity thermogenesis (NEAT) are crucial factors accounting for individual differences in body weight, interacting with genetic predisposition. In the brain, a number of neuroendocrine intermediates regulate food intake and energy expenditure (EE); this includes the brain melanocortin (MC) system, consisting of MC peptides as well as their receptors (MCR). MC3R and MC4R have emerged as critical modulators of EE and food intake. To determine how variance in MC signaling may underlie individual differences in physical activity levels, we examined behavioral response to MC receptor agonists and antagonists in rats that show high and low levels of physical activity and NEAT, that is, high- and low-capacity runners (HCR, LCR), developed by artificial selection for differential intrinsic aerobic running capacity. Focusing on the hypothalamus, we identified brain region-specific elevations in expression of MCR 3, 4, and also MC5R, in the highly active, lean HCR relative to the less active and obesity-prone LCR. Further, the differences in activity and associated EE as a result of MCR activation or suppression using specific agonists and antagonists were similarly region-specific and directly corresponded to the differential MCR expression patterns. The agonists and antagonists investigated here did not significantly impact food intake at the doses used, suggesting that the differential pattern of receptor expression may by more meaningful to physical activity than to other aspects of energy balance regulation. Thus, MCR-mediated physical activity may be a key neural mechanism in distinguishing the lean phenotype and a target for enhancing physical activity and NEAT.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Shukla
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States; Harvard Medical School - VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA, United States.
| | - L G Koch
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - S L Britton
- Department of Anesthesiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States; Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - M Cai
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - V J Hruby
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - M Bednarek
- MedImmune Limited, Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - C M Novak
- Department of Biological Sciences, Kent State University, Kent, OH, United States
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NDP-α-MSH induces intense neurogenesis and cognitive recovery in Alzheimer transgenic mice through activation of melanocortin MC4 receptors. Mol Cell Neurosci 2015; 67:13-21. [PMID: 26003413 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2015.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2014] [Revised: 05/15/2015] [Accepted: 05/20/2015] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanocortins exert neuroprotection in a variety of experimental neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer's disease (AD). Further, in previous research we showed that these endogenous peptides stimulate neurogenesis in an acute neurodegenerative disorder such as ischemic stroke. In the present research, we investigated the potential neurogenic effect of melanocortins in AD using APPSwe transgenic mice (Tg2576). To this purpose, 24week-old animals were prepared for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling of proliferating cells on days 1-11 of the study. Treatment of Tg2576 mice with nanomolar doses of the melanocortin analog [Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH), administered once daily from day 1 to 50, improved brain histology and cognitive functions relative to saline-treated Tg2576 animals. No signs of toxicity were observed. Immunohistochemical examination of the hippocampus at the end of the study (day 50) showed that NDP-α-MSH-treated Tg2576 mice had a greater number of BrdU immunoreactive cells colocalized with NeuN (an indicator of mature neurons) and Zif268 (an indicator of functionally integrated neurons) in the dentate gyrus, relative to saline-treated Tg2576 animals; no newly formed astrocytes were found. Animal pretreatment with the selective melanocortin MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 before each NDP-α-MSH administration prevented all the beneficial effects of the peptide. The present data indicate that MC4 receptor stimulation by a melanocortin prevents cognitive decline in experimental AD, this effect being associated not only with neuroprotection but also with an intense neurogenesis. MC4 receptor agonists could be innovative and safe candidates to counteract AD progression in humans.
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da Silva AA, do Carmo JM, Wang Z, Hall JE. The brain melanocortin system, sympathetic control, and obesity hypertension. Physiology (Bethesda) 2015; 29:196-202. [PMID: 24789984 DOI: 10.1152/physiol.00061.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Excess weight gain is the most significant, preventable cause of increased blood pressure (BP) in patients with primary (essential) hypertension and increases the risk for cardiovascular and renal diseases. In this review, we discuss the role of the brain melanocortin system in causing increased sympathetic activity in obesity and other forms of hypertension. In addition, we highlight potential mechanisms by which the brain melanocortin system modulates metabolic and cardiovascular functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre A da Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Mississippi Center for Obesity Research, and Cardiovascular-Renal Research Center, The University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
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Melanocortin-4 receptor agonists alleviate intestinal dysfunction in secondary intra-abdominal hypertension rat model. J Surg Res 2015; 195:263-70. [PMID: 25659615 DOI: 10.1016/j.jss.2015.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2014] [Revised: 12/11/2014] [Accepted: 01/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a potentially life-threatening disease. Melanocortin-4 (MC4) receptor activation exhibits life-saving properties. The aim of the present study was to examine whether treatment with the MC4 receptor agonist RO27-3225 ameliorates intestinal injury in IAH rats. METHODS A total of 72 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into six groups. Group 1 was the sham group. Group 2, the sham + RO group, received RO27-3225 (180 μg/kg, intraperitoneally). IAH was induced in group 3, the IAH group, by blood draw (mean arterial pressure = 30 mm Hg for 90 min) followed by shed blood and/or Ringer solution reinfusion. Intra-abdominal pressure was increased to 20 mm Hg by injecting air into the peritoneal cavity. Group 4, the RO group, was administered RO27-3225 at 5 min after blood draw. Groups 5 and 6 were the chlorisondamine (Chl) and HS024 groups, in which the rats were pretreated with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist Chl or selective MC4 receptor antagonist (HS024), respectively, at 2 min before RO27-3225 was administered. RESULTS RO27-3225 restored mean arterial pressure, reduced tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β messenger RNA expression increased by IAH, alleviated histologic damage, and improved superoxide dismutase activity in the intestine. Compared with the IAH group, the levels of intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, intestinal edema and intestinal permeability were lower in the RO group. Furthermore, the RO27-3225 treatment increased the expression of Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 1 and phosphorylated myosin light chain. Chl and HS024 abrogated the protective effects of RO27-3225. CONCLUSIONS These data indicate that the MC4 receptor agonist counteracts the intestinal inflammatory response, ameliorating intestinal injury in experimental secondary IAH by MC4 receptor-triggered activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. It may represent a promising strategy for the treatment of IAH in the future.
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Ottani A, Neri L, Canalini F, Calevro A, Rossi R, Cappelli G, Ballestri M, Giuliani D, Guarini S. Protective effects of the melanocortin analog NDP-α-MSH in rats undergoing cardiac arrest. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 745:108-16. [PMID: 25446929 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2014] [Revised: 10/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
We previously reported that melanocortins afford cardioprotection in conditions of experimental myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, with involvement of the janus kinases (JAK), extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT) signalings. We investigated the influence of the melanocortin analog [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) on short-term detrimental responses to cardiac arrest (CA) induced in rats by intravenous (i.v.) administration of potassium chloride, followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) plus epinephrine treatment. In CA/CPR rats i.v. treated with epinephrine (0.1 mg/kg) and returned to spontaneous circulation (48%) we recorded low values of mean arterial pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR), alteration of hemogasanalysis parameters, left ventricle low expression of the cardioprotective transcription factors pJAK2 and pTyr-STAT3 (JAK-dependent), increased oxidative stress, up-regulation of the inflammatory mediators tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and down-regulation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, as assessed at 1h and 3h after CPR. On the other hand, i.v. treatment during CPR with epinephrine plus NDP-α-MSH (340 μg/kg) almost completely restored the basal conditions of MAP and HR, reversed metabolic acidosis, induced left ventricle up-regulation of pJAK2, pTyr-STAT3 and IL-10, attenuated oxidative stress, down-regulated TNF-α and IL-6 levels, and improved survival rate by 81%. CA/CPR plus epinephrine alone or in combination with NDP-α-MSH did not affect left ventricle pSer-STAT3 (ERK1/2-dependent) and pERK1/2 levels. These results indicate that melanocortins improve return to spontaneous circulation, reverse metabolic acidosis, and inhibit heart oxidative stress and inflammatory cascade triggered by CA/CPR, likely via activation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Ottani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Neri
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Canalini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anita Calevro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Rosario Rossi
- Division of Cardiology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Gianni Cappelli
- Division of Nephrology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Marco Ballestri
- Division of Nephrology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Salvatore Guarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Giuliani D, Galantucci M, Neri L, Canalini F, Calevro A, Bitto A, Ottani A, Vandini E, Sena P, Sandrini M, Squadrito F, Zaffe D, Guarini S. Melanocortins protect against brain damage and counteract cognitive decline in a transgenic mouse model of moderate Alzheimer׳s disease. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:144-50. [PMID: 25034807 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2014] [Revised: 06/25/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2014] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
We previously reported that melanocortins induce neuroprotection in experimental acute and chronic neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer׳s disease (AD) of mild severity. Here we investigated whether melanocortins afford neuroprotection and counteract cognitive decline in AD with a medium level of severity by using 24 week-old (at the start of the study) APPSwe transgenic mice (Tg2576). Saline-treated (days 1-50) control Tg2576 mice showed an impairment in spatial learning and memory, associated (at day 50, end of the study) with hippocampus at low levels of the synaptic activity-dependent gene Zif268, relevant brain changes such as cerebral cortex/hippocampus increased level of β-amyloid (Aβ) deposit, and neuronal loss, in comparison with wild-type animals. Treatment of Tg2576 mice (once daily at days 1-50) with a nanomolar dose of the melanocortin analog [Nle4,D-Phe7]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) reduced cerebral cortex/hippocampus level of Aβ deposit, decreased neuronal loss, increased hippocampus Zif268 expression and improved cognitive functions, relative to saline-treated Tg2576 mice. Pharmacological blockade of melanocortin MC4 receptors with the MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 prevented all favorable effects of NDP-α-MSH. Our data indicate that MC4 receptor-stimulating melanocortins are able to counteract cognitive decline in experimental AD of medium severity through induction of neuroprotection and improvement of synaptic transmission. After further studies, these agents could gain a role as disease modifying therapeutics for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
| | - Maria Galantucci
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Laura Neri
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Canalini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Anita Calevro
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Alessandra Ottani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Eleonora Vandini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Paola Sena
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Human Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Maurizio Sandrini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Davide Zaffe
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Human Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Salvatore Guarini
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy.
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Weng WT, Huang SC, Ma YL, Chan HH, Lin SW, Wu JC, Wu CY, Wen ZH, Wang EM, Wu CL, Tai MH. α-Melanocyte-stimulating hormone inhibits angiogenesis through attenuation of VEGF/VEGFR2 signaling pathway. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2014; 1840:1850-60. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2014.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2013] [Revised: 01/06/2014] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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Giuliani D, Bitto A, Galantucci M, Zaffe D, Ottani A, Irrera N, Neri L, Cavallini GM, Altavilla D, Botticelli AR, Squadrito F, Guarini S. Melanocortins protect against progression of Alzheimer's disease in triple-transgenic mice by targeting multiple pathophysiological pathways. Neurobiol Aging 2013; 35:537-47. [PMID: 24094579 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2013.08.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 08/20/2013] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Besides specific triggering causes, Alzheimer's disease (AD) involves pathophysiological pathways that are common to acute and chronic neurodegenerative disorders. Melanocortins induce neuroprotection in experimental acute neurodegenerative conditions, and low melanocortin levels have been found in occasional studies performed in AD-type dementia patients. Here we investigated the possible neuroprotective role of melanocortins in a chronic neurodegenerative disorder, AD, by using 12-week-old (at the start of the study) triple-transgenic (3xTg-AD) mice harboring human transgenes APPSwe, PS1M146V, and tauP301L. Treatment of 3xTg-AD mice, once daily until the end of the study (30 weeks of age), with the melanocortin analog [Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) reduced cerebral cortex/hippocampus phosphorylation/level of all AD-related biomarkers investigated (mediators of amyloid/tau cascade, oxidative/nitrosative stress, inflammation, apoptosis), decreased neuronal loss, induced over-expression of the synaptic activity-dependent gene Zif268, and improved cognitive functions, relative to saline-treated 3xTg-AD mice. Pharmacological blockade of melanocortin MC4 receptors prevented all neuroprotective effects of NDP-α-MSH. Our study identifies, for the first time, a class of drugs, MC4 receptor-stimulating melanocortins, that are able to counteract the progression of experimental AD by targeting pathophysiological mechanisms up- and down-stream of β-amyloid and tau. These data could have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
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Modulation of the JAK/ERK/STAT signaling in melanocortin-induced inhibition of local and systemic responses to myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Pharmacol Res 2013; 72:1-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2013.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 03/15/2013] [Accepted: 03/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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15
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Spaccapelo L, Galantucci M, Neri L, Contri M, Pizzala R, D'Amico R, Ottani A, Sandrini M, Zaffe D, Giuliani D, Guarini S. Up-regulation of the canonical Wnt-3A and Sonic hedgehog signaling underlies melanocortin-induced neurogenesis after cerebral ischemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2013; 707:78-86. [PMID: 23535605 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2013.03.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2012] [Revised: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 03/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
In experimental cerebral ischemia, melanocortin MC4 receptor agonists induce neuroprotection and neurogenesis with subsequent long-lasting functional recovery. Here we investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying melanocortin-induced neurogenesis. Gerbils were subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia, then they were treated every 12 h, and until sacrifice, with 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU; to label proliferating cells), and the melanocortin analog [Nle(4),d-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) or saline. NDP-α-MSH increased hippocampus dentate gyrus (DG) expression of Wnt-3A, β-catenin, Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Zif268, interleukin-10 (IL-10) and doublecortin (DCX), as detected at days 3, 6 and 10 after the ischemic insult. Further, an elevated number of BrdU immunoreactive cells was found at days 3 and 10, and an improved histological picture with reduced neuronal loss at day 10, associated with learning and memory recovery. Pharmacological blockade of the Wnt-3A/β-catenin and Shh pathways, as well as of melanocortin MC4 receptors, prevented all effects of NDP-α-MSH. These data indicate that, in experimental brain ischemia, treatment with melanocortins acting at MC4 receptors induces neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation in the DG by promptly and effectively triggering the canonical Wnt-3A/β-catenin and Shh signaling pathways. Activation of these pathways is associated with up-regulation of the repair factor Zif268 and the neurogenesis facilitating factor IL-10, and it seems to address mainly toward a neuronal fate, as indicated by the increase in DCX positive cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Spaccapelo
- Department of Biomedical, Metabolic and Neural Sciences, Section of Pharmacology and Molecular Medicine, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125 Modena, Italy
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Rinne P, Harjunpää J, Mäkelä S, Savontaus E. Genetic and pharmacological mouse models of chronic melanocortin activation show enhanced baroreflex control of heart rate. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 182:19-27. [DOI: 10.1016/j.regpep.2012.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2012] [Revised: 09/05/2012] [Accepted: 12/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
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17
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Bassi M, Giusti H, Leite CM, Anselmo-Franci JA, do Carmo JM, da Silva AA, Hall JE, Colombari E, Glass ML. Central leptin replacement enhances chemorespiratory responses in leptin-deficient mice independent of changes in body weight. Pflugers Arch 2012; 464:145-53. [PMID: 22585210 DOI: 10.1007/s00424-012-1111-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2012] [Revised: 04/13/2012] [Accepted: 04/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies showed that leptin-deficient (ob/ob) mice develop obesity and impaired ventilatory responses to CO(2) (V(E) - CO(2)). In this study, we examined if leptin replacement improves chemorespiratory responses to hypercapnia (7 % CO(2)) in ob/ob mice and if these effects were due to changes in body weight or to the direct effects of leptin in the central nervous system (CNS). V(E) - CO(2) was measured via plethysmography in obese leptin-deficient- (ob/ob) and wild-type- (WT) mice before and after leptin (10 μg/2 μl day) or vehicle (phosphate buffer solution) were microinjected into the fourth ventricle for four consecutive days. Although baseline V(E) was similar between groups, obese ob/ob mice exhibited attenuated V(E) - CO(2) compared to WT mice (134 ± 9 versus 196 ± 10 ml min(-1)). Fourth ventricle leptin treatment in obese ob/ob mice significantly improved V(E) - CO(2) (from 131 ± 15 to 197 ± 10 ml min(-1)) by increasing tidal volume (from 0.38 ± 0.03 to 0.55 ± 0.02 ml, vehicle and leptin, respectively). Subcutaneous leptin administration at the same dose administered centrally did not change V(E) - CO(2) in ob/ob mice. Central leptin treatment in WT had no effect on V(E) - CO(2). Since the fourth ventricle leptin treatment decreased body weight in ob/ob mice, we also examined V(E) - CO(2) in lean pair-weighted ob/ob mice and found it to be impaired compared to WT mice. Thus, leptin deficiency, rather than obesity, is the main cause of impaired V(E) - CO(2) in ob/ob mice and leptin appears to play an important role in regulating chemorespiratory response by its direct actions on the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirian Bassi
- Department of Physiology and Pathology, School of Dentistry, São Paulo State University, UNESP, 1680 Humaita St. Araraquara, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Giuliani D, Minutoli L, Ottani A, Spaccapelo L, Bitto A, Galantucci M, Altavilla D, Squadrito F, Guarini S. Melanocortins as potential therapeutic agents in severe hypoxic conditions. Front Neuroendocrinol 2012; 33:179-93. [PMID: 22531139 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2012.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2011] [Revised: 03/26/2012] [Accepted: 04/09/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Melanocortin peptides with the adrenocorticotropin/melanocyte-stimulating hormone (ACTH/MSH) sequences and synthetic analogs have protective and life-saving effects in experimental conditions of circulatory shock, myocardial ischemia, ischemic stroke, traumatic brain injury, respiratory arrest, renal ischemia, intestinal ischemia and testicular ischemia, as well as in experimental heart transplantation. Moreover, melanocortins improve functional recovery and stimulate neurogenesis in experimental models of cerebral ischemia. These beneficial effects of ACTH/MSH-like peptides are mostly mediated by brain melanocortin MC(3)/MC(4) receptors, whose activation triggers protective pathways that counteract the main ischemia/reperfusion-related mechanisms of damage. Induction of signaling pathways and other molecular regulators of neural stem/progenitor cell proliferation, differentiation and integration seems to be the key mechanism of neurogenesis stimulation. Synthesis of stable and highly selective agonists at MC(3) and MC(4) receptors could provide the potential for development of a new class of drugs for a novel approach to management of severe ischemic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41125 Modena, Italy
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19
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Bitto A, Polito F, Irrera N, Calò M, Spaccapelo L, Marini HR, Giuliani D, Ottani A, Rinaldi M, Minutoli L, Guarini S, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Protective effects of melanocortins on short-term changes in a rat model of traumatic brain injury*. Crit Care Med 2012; 40:945-51. [PMID: 22036855 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e318236efde] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Treatment for traumatic brain injury remains elusive despite compelling evidence from animal models for a variety of therapeutic targets. Melanocortins have established neuroprotective effects against experimental ischemic stroke. We investigated whether melanocortin treatment of traumatic brain injury induces neuroprotection and promotes functional recovery. DESIGN Randomized experiment. SETTING Research laboratory at a university hospital. SUBJECTS Male Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 215). INTERVENTIONS Experimental rat model of diffuse traumatic brain injury, the impact-acceleration model. MEASUREMENT AND MAIN RESULTS Brain tissue nitrites, phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, and c-jun N-terminal kinases; and expression of active caspase-3, tumor necrosis factor-α, BAX, and Bcl-2 as well as serum levels of interleukin-6, high mobility group box-1, interleukin-10, and brain histologic damage were evaluated 24 or 48 hrs after the insult. Sensorimotor orientation and limb use were evaluated at day 7 and learning and memory at days 23-30 after injury. Posttraumatic treatment every 12 hrs with the melanocortin analog [Nle, D-Phe]-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (starting 3 or 6 hrs after injury) inhibited traumatic brain injury-induced upregulation of nitric oxide synthesis, phosphorylation level of extracellular signal-regulated kinases, phosphorylation level of c-jun N-terminal kinases, and active caspase-3; reduced expressions/levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, BAX, interleukin-6, and high mobility group box-1; and increased those of Bcl-2 and interleukin-10. These molecular changes were associated with a reduction in brain tissue damage, as highlighted by histopathological findings and improved functional recovery. Pretreatment with the melanocortin MC4 receptor antagonist HS024 abated the positive effects of [Nle, D-Phe]-α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that melanocortins protect against traumatic brain injury, in a broad time window and through activation of MC4 receptors, by counteracting the main traumatic brain injury-related mechanisms of damage. These findings could have major clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Barkey NM, Tafreshi NK, Josan JS, De Silva CR, Sill KN, Hruby VJ, Gillies RJ, Morse DL, Vagner J. Development of melanoma-targeted polymer micelles by conjugation of a melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) specific ligand. J Med Chem 2011; 54:8078-84. [PMID: 22011200 DOI: 10.1021/jm201226w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of malignant melanoma is rising faster than that of any other cancer in the United States. Because of its high expression on the surface of melanomas, MC1R has been investigated as a target for selective imaging and therapeutic agents against melanoma. Eight ligands were screened against cell lines engineered to overexpress MC1R, MC4R, or MC5R. Of these, compound 1 (4-phenylbutyryl-His-dPhe-Arg-Trp-NH(2)) exhibited high (0.2 nM) binding affinity for MC1R and low (high nanomolar) affinities for MC4R and MC5R. Functionalization of the ligand at the C-terminus with an alkyne for use in Cu-catalyzed click chemistry was shown not to affect the binding affinity. Finally, formation of the targeted polymer, as well as the targeted micelle formulation, also resulted in constructs with low nanomolar binding affinity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie M Barkey
- Department of Imaging, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, United States
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21
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Giuliani D, Zaffe D, Ottani A, Spaccapelo L, Galantucci M, Minutoli L, Bitto A, Irrera N, Contri M, Altavilla D, Botticelli AR, Squadrito F, Guarini S. Treatment of cerebral ischemia with melanocortins acting at MC4 receptors induces marked neurogenesis and long-lasting functional recovery. Acta Neuropathol 2011; 122:443-53. [PMID: 21927944 DOI: 10.1007/s00401-011-0873-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 09/08/2011] [Accepted: 09/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortins produce neuroprotection against ischemic stroke with subsequent long-lasting functional recovery, through melanocortin MC(4) receptor activation. Here we investigated whether the long-lasting beneficial effect of melanocortins in stroke conditions is associated with a stimulation of neurogenesis. Gerbils were subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia by occluding both common carotid arteries for 10 min; then, they were prepared for 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling of proliferating cells. Delayed treatment (up to 9 h after the ischemic injury) for 11 days with the melanocortin analog [Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) improved learning and memory throughout the 50-day observation period. Immunohistochemical examination of the hippocampus on day 50 showed, in the dentate gyrus, an elevated number of BrdU immunoreactive cells colocalized with NeuN (used as indicator of mature neurons) and Zif268 (used as indicator of functionally integrated neurons). Retrospective analysis during the early stage of neural stem/progenitor cell development (days 3 and 4 after stroke) showed, in NDP-α-MSH-treated gerbils, a high degree of daily cell proliferation and revealed that NDP-α-MSH favorably affects Wnt-3A signaling pathways and doublecortin expression. Pharmacologic blockade of MC(4) receptors prevented all effects of NDP-α-MSH. These data indicate that treatment of cerebral ischemia with MC(4) receptor agonists induces, with a broad window of therapeutic opportunity, long-lasting functional recovery associated with a large number of mature and likely functional newborn neurons in brain injured areas. Our findings reveal previously undescribed effects of melanocortins which might have major clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela Giuliani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
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22
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Minutoli L, Bitto A, Squadrito F, Irrera N, Rinaldi M, Nicotina PA, Arena S, Magno C, Marini H, Spaccapelo L, Ottani A, Giuliani D, Romeo C, Guarini S, Antonuccio P, Altavilla D. Melanocortin 4 receptor activation protects against testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury by triggering the cholinergic antiinflammatory pathway. Endocrinology 2011; 152:3852-61. [PMID: 21828180 PMCID: PMC3176654 DOI: 10.1210/en.2011-1016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Melanocortins (MC) trigger a vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic-antiinflammatory pathway projecting to the testis. We tested whether pharmacological activation of brain MC receptors might protect the testis from the damage induced by ischemia-reperfusion. Adult male rats were subjected to 1-h testicular ischemia, followed by 24-h reperfusion [testicular ischemia-reperfusion (TI/R)]. Before TI/R, groups of animals were subjected to bilateral cervical vagotomy, or pretreated with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist chlorisondamine or the selective MC(4) receptor antagonist HS024. Immediately after reperfusion, rats were ip treated with saline or the MC analog [Nle(4),D-Phe(7)]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) (340 μg/kg). We evaluated testicular IL-6 and TNF-α by Western blot analysis and organ damage by light microscopy. Some experimental groups were prepared for neural efferent activity recording along the vagus nerve starting 30 min after treatment with NDP-α-MSH or saline, and for a 30-min period. Additional groups of TI/R rats were treated for 30 d with saline, NDP-α-MSH, chlorisondamine plus NDP-α-MSH, or HS024 plus NDP-α-MSH to evaluate spermatogenesis, organ damage, and the apoptosis machinery. After a 24-h reperfusion, in TI/R saline-treated rats, there was an increase in IL-6 and TNF-α expression and a marked damage in both testes. NDP-α-MSH inhibited IL-6 and TNF-α expression, decreased histological damage, and increased neural efferent activity. Furthermore, NDP-α-MSH administration for 30 d greatly improved spermatogenesis, reduced organ damage, and inhibited apoptosis. All positive NDP-α-MSH effects were abrogated by vagotomy, chlorisondamine, or HS024. Our data suggest that selective MC(4) receptor agonists might be therapeutic candidates for the management of testicular torsion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letteria Minutoli
- Section of Pharmacology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Messina, 98125 Messina, Italy
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Spaccapelo L, Bitto A, Galantucci M, Ottani A, Irrera N, Minutoli L, Altavilla D, Novellino E, Grieco P, Zaffe D, Squadrito F, Giuliani D, Guarini S. Melanocortin MC₄ receptor agonists counteract late inflammatory and apoptotic responses and improve neuronal functionality after cerebral ischemia. Eur J Pharmacol 2011; 670:479-86. [PMID: 21946115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2011.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2011] [Revised: 08/29/2011] [Accepted: 09/07/2011] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Indirect evidence indicates that, in cerebral ischemia, melanocortins have neuroprotective effects likely mediated by MC₄ receptors. To gain direct insight into the role of melanocortin MC₄ receptors in ischemic stroke, we investigated the effects of a highly selective MC₄ receptor agonist. Gerbils were subjected to transient global cerebral ischemia by occluding both common carotid arteries for 10 min. In saline-treated stroke animals, an impairment in learning and memory occurred that, at day 11 after stroke, was associated with hippocampus up-regulation of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), BAX, activated extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK1/2), c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNK1/2) and caspase-3, down-regulation of Bcl-2, and neuronal loss. Treatment for 11days with the selective melanocortin MC₄ receptor agonist RO27-3225, as well as with the well known non-selective [Nle⁴,D-Phe⁷]α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-α-MSH) as a reference non-selective melanocortin, counteracted the inflammatory and apoptotic responses, as indicated by the changes in TNF-α, BAX, ERK1/2, JNK1/2, caspase-3 and Bcl-2 protein expression. Furthermore, melanocortin treatment reduced neuronal loss and dose-dependently improved learning and memory. These positive effects were associated with overexpression of Zif268, an immediate early gene involved in injury repair, synaptic plasticity and memory formation. Pharmacological blockade of MC₄ receptors with the selective MC₄ receptor antagonist HS024 prevented all effects of RO27-3225 and NDP-α-MSH. These data give direct evidence that stimulation of MC₄ receptors affords neuroprotection and promotes functional recovery from stroke, by counteracting prolonged and/or recurrent inflammatory and apoptotic responses, and likely by triggering brain repair pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Spaccapelo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Pharmacology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Via G. Campi 287, 41125, Modena, Italy
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Minutoli L, Squadrito F, Nicotina PA, Giuliani D, Ottani A, Polito F, Bitto A, Irrera N, Guzzo G, Spaccapelo L, Fazzari C, Macrì A, Marini H, Guarini S, Altavilla D. Melanocortin 4 receptor stimulation decreases pancreatitis severity in rats by activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Crit Care Med 2011; 39:1089-96. [PMID: 21263321 DOI: 10.1097/ccm.0b013e318207ea80] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Acute pancreatitis is an inflammatory condition that may lead to multisystemic organ failure. Melanocortin peptides have been successfully used in experimental models of organ failure and shock, and their protective effect occurs through the activation of a vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by acting at brain melanocortin 4 receptors. In the light of these observations, we studied the effects of the selective melanocortin 4 receptor agonist RO27-3225 in an experimental model of cerulein-induced pancreatitis. DESIGN Randomized experiment. SETTING Research laboratory at a university hospital. SUBJECT Experimental pancreatitis in rats. INTERVENTIONS Acute pancreatitis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats by intraperitoneal injections of cerulein (80 μg/kg, four injections at hourly intervals). Before pancreatitis induction, groups of animals were subjected to bilateral cervical vagotomy, pretreated with the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist chlorisondamine or the selective melanocortin 4 receptor antagonist HS024, or not pretreated. Thirty minutes after the first cerulein injection, rats were intraperitoneally treated with a nanomolar dose of RO27-3225 or vehicle. Some experimental groups were prepared for neural efferent activity recording along the vagus nerve starting 30 mins after treatment with RO27-3225 or vehicle, and for a 30-min period. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Serum lipase and amylase activity, tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 expression, pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity, and histologic damage were evaluated; neural efferent activity of vagal fibers was also assessed. RO27-3225 reduced cerulein-induced serum lipase and amylase activity, blunted the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6, abated the increase in pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity, and protected against histologic damage. Furthermore, RO27-3225 markedly increased neural efferent activity along the vagus nerve. Vagotomy, chlorisondamine, and HS024 abated these protective effects of RO27-3225. CONCLUSIONS Our data show that melanocortin 4 receptor agonists reduce pancreatitis severity through the activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. These findings could be of particular interest in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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25
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Bitto A, Polito F, Altavilla D, Irrera N, Giuliani D, Ottani A, Minutoli L, Spaccapelo L, Galantucci M, Lodi R, Guzzo G, Guarini S, Squadrito F. Melanocortins protect against multiple organ dysfunction syndrome in mice. Br J Pharmacol 2011; 162:917-28. [PMID: 21039420 PMCID: PMC3042202 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2010.01098.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2010] [Revised: 09/17/2010] [Accepted: 10/09/2010] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Melanocortins reverse circulatory shock and improve survival by counteracting the systemic inflammatory response, and through the activation of the vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. To gain insight into the potential therapeutic value of melanocortins against multiple organ damage following systemic inflammatory response, here we investigated the effects of the melanocortin analogue [Nle⁴ D-Phe⁷]α-MSH (NDP-α-MSH) in a widely used murine model of multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH MODS was induced in mice by a single intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide followed, 6 days later (= day 0), by zymosan. After MODS or sham MODS induction, animals were randomized to receive intraperitoneally NDP-α-MSH (340 µg·kg⁻¹ day) or saline for up to 16 days. Additional groups of MODS mice were concomitantly treated with the melanocortin MC₄ receptor antagonist HS024, or the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist chlorisondamine, and NDP-α-MSH. KEY RESULTS At day 7, in the liver and lung NDP-α-MSH, significantly reduced mRNA expression of tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), increased mRNA expression of interleukin-10 and improved the histological picture, as well as reduced TNF-α plasma levels; furthermore, NDP-α-MSH dose-dependently increased survival rate, as assessed throughout the 16 day observation period. HS024 and chlorisondamine prevented all the beneficial effects of NDP-α-MSH in MODS mice. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These data indicate that NDP-α-MSH protects against experimental MODS by counteracting the systemic inflammatory response, probably through brain MC₄ receptor-triggered activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. These findings reveal previously undescribed effects of melanocortins and could have clinical relevance in the MODS setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine and Pharmacology, Section of Pharmacology, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
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Abstract
The growing worldwide obesity epidemic and obesity-related disorders present a huge unmet medical need for safe and effective anti-obesity medications. The discovery of leptin in 1994 was rapidly succeeded by a wave of related discoveries leading to the elaboration of a hypothalamic melanocortinergic neuronal circuit regulated by leptin and other central and peripheral signaling molecules to control energy homeostasis. The identification of specific neuronal subtypes along with their unique connections and expression products generated a rich target menu for anti-obesity drug discovery programs. Over the course of the last decade, several new chemical entities aimed at these targets have reached various stages or successfully completed the drug discovery/regulatory process only to be dropped or taken off the market. There are now in fact fewer options for anti-obesity drug therapies in late 2010 than were available in 2000. The challenge to discover safe and effective anti-obesity drugs is alive and well.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Robert George MacKenzie
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed; E-Mail: ; Tel.: +1-313-577-0677; Fax: +1-313-577-9469
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Hall JE, da Silva AA, do Carmo JM, Dubinion J, Hamza S, Munusamy S, Smith G, Stec DE. Obesity-induced hypertension: role of sympathetic nervous system, leptin, and melanocortins. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:17271-6. [PMID: 20348094 PMCID: PMC2878489 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.r110.113175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 337] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Excess weight gain contributes to increased blood pressure in most patients with essential hypertension. Although the mechanisms of obesity hypertension are not fully understood, increased renal sodium reabsorption and impaired pressure natriuresis play key roles. Several mechanisms contribute to altered kidney function and hypertension in obesity, including activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which appears to be mediated in part by increased levels of the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin, stimulation of pro-opiomelanocortin neurons, and subsequent activation of central nervous system melanocortin 4 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Hall
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi 39216-4505, USA.
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Melanocortins counteract inflammatory and apoptotic responses to prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion through a vagus nerve-mediated mechanism. Eur J Pharmacol 2010; 637:124-30. [PMID: 20385118 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2010.03.052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2009] [Revised: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/24/2010] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Recently we reported that an efferent vagal fibre-mediated cholinergic protective pathway, activated by melanocortins acting at brain melanocortin MC(3) receptors, is operative in a condition of short-term myocardial ischemia/reperfusion associated with a high incidence of severe arrhythmias and death. Here we investigated melanocortin effects, and the role of the vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic protective pathway, in a rat model of prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion associated with marked inflammatory and apoptotic reactions, and a large infarct size. Ischemia was produced in rats by ligature of the left anterior descending coronary artery for 30 min. At the end of the 2-h reperfusion, western blot analysis of the inflammatory and apoptotic markers tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), c-jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and caspase-3, as well as of the anti-apoptotic extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK 1/2), was performed in the left ventricle. In saline-treated ischemic rats there was an increase in TNF-alpha levels and in the activity of JNK and caspase-3 accompanied, despite an appreciable ERK 1/2 activation, by a large infarct size. Intravenous treatment, during coronary artery occlusion, with the melanocortin analog [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-alpha-MSH) produced a reduction in TNF-alpha levels and in the activity of JNK and caspase-3, associated with marked activation of the pro-survival kinases ERK 1/2, and consequent attenuation of infarct size. Bilateral cervical vagotomy blunted the protective effects of NDP-alpha-MSH. These results indicate that melanocortins modulate the inflammatory and apoptotic cascades triggered by prolonged myocardial ischemia/reperfusion, and reduce infarct size, seemingly by activation of the vagus nerve-mediated cholinergic protective pathway.
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