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Tang X, Chen H, Zhao M, Yang W, Shuang R, Xu S. α7nAChR-mediated astrocytic activation: A novel mechanism of Xiongzhi Dilong decoction in ameliorating chronic migraine. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118509. [PMID: 38971346 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 06/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/08/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR)-mediated astrocytic activation is closely related to central sensitization of chronic migraine (CM). Xiongzhi Dilong decoction (XZDL), originated from Xiongzhi Shigao decoction of Yi-zong-jin-jian, has been confirmed to relieve CM in experiment and clinic. However, its underlying mechanism for treating CM has not been elucidated. AIM OF THE STUDY To reveal the underlying mechanisms of XZDL to alleviate CM in vivo focusing mainly on α7nAChR-mediated astrocytic activation and central sensitization in TNC. MATERIALS AND METHODS CM rat model was established by subcutaneous injection of nitroglycerin (NTG) recurrently, and treated with XZDL simultaneously. Migraine-like behaviors of rats (ear redness, head scratching, and cage climbing) and pain-related reactions (mechanical hind-paw withdrawal threshold) of rats were evaluated before and after NTG injection and XZDL administration at different points in time for nine days. The immunofluorescence single and double staining were applied to detect the levels of CGRP, c-Fos, GFAP and α7nAChR in NTG-induced CM rats. ELISA kits were employed to quantify levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 in medulla oblongata of CM rats. The expression levels of target proteins were examined using western blotting. Finally, methyllycaconitine citrate (MLA, a specific antagonist of α7nAChR) was applied to further validate the mechanisms of XZDL in vivo. RESULTS XZDL significantly attenuated the pain-related behaviors of the NTG-induced CM rats, manifesting as constraints of aberrant migraine-like behaviors including elongated latency of ear redness and decreased numbers of head scratching and cage climbing, and increment of mechanical withdrawal threshold. Moreover, XZDL markedly lowered levels of CGRP and c-Fos, as well as inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) in CM rats. Furthermore, XZDL significantly enhanced α7nAChR expression and its co-localization with GFAP, while markedly inhibited the expression of GFAP and the activation of JAK2/STAT3/NF-κB pathway in the TNC of CM rats. Finally, blocking α7nAChR with MLA reversed the effects of XZDL on astrocytic activation, central sensitization, and the pain-related behaviors in vivo. CONCLUSION XZDL inhibited astrocytic activation and central sensitization in NTG-induced CM rats by facilitating α7nAChR expression and suppressing JAK2/STAT3/NF-κB pathway, implying that the regulation of α7nAChR-mediated astrocytic activation represents a novel mechanism of XZDL for relieving CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqian Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Hao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Meihuan Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Wenqin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Ruonan Shuang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China
| | - Shijun Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China; Institute of Meterial Medica Integration and Transformation for Brain Disorders, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, 611137, China.
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Abbondanza A, Urushadze A, Alves-Barboza AR, Janickova H. Expression and function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in specific neuronal populations: Focus on striatal and prefrontal circuits. Pharmacol Res 2024; 204:107190. [PMID: 38704107 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in the central nervous system and play an important role in the control of neural functions including neuronal activity, transmitter release and synaptic plasticity. Although the common subtypes of nAChRs are abundantly expressed throughout the brain, their expression in different brain regions and by individual neuronal types is not homogeneous or incidental. In recent years, several studies have emerged showing that particular subtypes of nAChRs are expressed by specific neuronal populations in which they have major influence on the activity of local circuits and behavior. It has been demonstrated that even nAChRs expressed by relatively rare neuronal types can induce significant changes in behavior and contribute to pathological processes. Depending on the identity and connectivity of the particular nAChRs-expressing neuronal populations, the activation of nAChRs can have distinct or even opposing effects on local neuronal signaling. In this review, we will summarize the available literature describing the expression of individual nicotinic subunits by different neuronal types in two crucial brain regions, the striatum and the prefrontal cortex. The review will also briefly discuss nicotinic expression in non-neuronal, glial cells, as they cannot be ignored as potential targets of nAChRs-modulating drugs. The final section will discuss options that could allow us to target nAChRs in a neuronal-type-specific manner, not only in the experimental field, but also eventually in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alice Abbondanza
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14200, Czech Republic
| | - Anna Urushadze
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14200, Czech Republic
| | - Amanda Rosanna Alves-Barboza
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14200, Czech Republic
| | - Helena Janickova
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Physiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14200, Czech Republic.
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3
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Knox D, Parikh V. Basal forebrain cholinergic systems as circuits through which traumatic stress disrupts emotional memory regulation. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 159:105569. [PMID: 38309497 PMCID: PMC10948307 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105569] [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: 09/11/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
Contextual and spatial systems facilitate changes in emotional memory regulation brought on by traumatic stress. Cholinergic basal forebrain (chBF) neurons provide input to contextual/spatial systems and although chBF neurons are important for emotional memory, it is unknown how they contribute to the traumatic stress effects on emotional memory. Clusters of chBF neurons that project to the prefrontal cortex (PFC) modulate fear conditioned suppression and passive avoidance, while clusters of chBF neurons that project to the hippocampus (Hipp) and PFC (i.e. cholinergic medial septum and diagonal bands of Broca (chMS/DBB neurons) are critical for fear extinction. Interestingly, neither Hipp nor PFC projecting chMS/DBB neurons are critical for fear extinction. The retrosplenial cortex (RSC) is a contextual/spatial memory system that receives input from chMS/DBB neurons, but whether this chMS/DBB-RSC circuit facilitates traumatic stress effects on emotional memory remain unexplored. Traumatic stress leads to neuroinflammation and the buildup of reactive oxygen species. These two molecular processes may converge to disrupt chBF circuits enhancing the impact of traumatic stress on emotional memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayan Knox
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Behavioral Neuroscience Program, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA.
| | - Vinay Parikh
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience Program, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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Cao H, Li B, Mu M, Li S, Chen H, Tao H, Wang W, Zou Y, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Tao X. Nicotine suppresses crystalline silica-induced astrocyte activation and neuronal death by inhibiting NF-κB in the mouse hippocampus. CNS Neurosci Ther 2024; 30:e14508. [PMID: 37864452 PMCID: PMC11017465 DOI: 10.1111/cns.14508] [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: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Exposure to crystalline silica (CS) in occupational settings induces chronic inflammation in the respiratory system and, potentially, the brain. Some workers are frequently concurrently exposed to both CS and nicotine. Here, we explored the impact of nicotine on CS-induced neuroinflammation in the mouse hippocampus. METHODS In this study, we established double-exposed models of CS and nicotine in C57BL/6 mice. To assess depression-like behavior, experiments were conducted at 3, 6, and 9 weeks. Serum inflammatory factors were analyzed by ELISA. Hippocampus was collected for RNA sequencing analysis and examining the gene expression patterns linked to inflammation and cell death. Microglia and astrocyte activation and hippocampal neuronal death were assessed using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. Western blotting was used to analyze the NF-κB expression level. RESULTS Mice exposed to CS for 3 weeks showed signs of depression. This was accompanied by elevated IL-6 in blood, destruction of the blood-brain barrier, and activation of astrocytes caused by an increased NF-κB expression in the CA1 area of the hippocampus. The elevated levels of astrocyte-derived Lcn2 and upregulated genes related to inflammation led to higher neuronal mortality. Moreover, nicotine mitigated the NF-κB expression, astrocyte activation, and neuronal death, thereby ameliorating the associated symptoms. CONCLUSION Silica exposure induces neuroinflammation and neuronal death in the mouse hippocampal CA1 region and depressive behavior. However, nicotine inhibits CS-induced neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis, alleviating depressive-like behaviors in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hangbing Cao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Bing Li
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Min Mu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of PharmacyBengbu Medical CollegeBengbuChina
| | - Haoming Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Huihui Tao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Wenyang Wang
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Yuanjie Zou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Yehong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Yang Liu
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
| | - Xinrong Tao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Control and Occupational Health of the Ministry of EducationAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Deep Reduction and Occupational Health and Safety of Anhui Higher Education InstitutesAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and SafetyAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
- School of Medicine, Department of Medical Frontier Experimental CenterAnhui University of Science and TechnologyHuainanChina
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Vallés AS, Barrantes FJ. Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Dysfunction in Addiction and in Some Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Diseases. Cells 2023; 12:2051. [PMID: 37626860 PMCID: PMC10453526 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic system plays an essential role in brain development, physiology, and pathophysiology. Herein, we review how specific alterations in this system, through genetic mutations or abnormal receptor function, can lead to aberrant neural circuitry that triggers disease. The review focuses on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) and its role in addiction and in neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric diseases and epilepsy. Cholinergic dysfunction is associated with inflammatory processes mainly through the involvement of α7 nAChRs expressed in brain and in peripheral immune cells. Evidence suggests that these neuroinflammatory processes trigger and aggravate pathological states. We discuss the preclinical evidence demonstrating the therapeutic potential of nAChR ligands in Alzheimer disease, Parkinson disease, schizophrenia spectrum disorders, and in autosomal dominant sleep-related hypermotor epilepsy. PubMed and Google Scholar bibliographic databases were searched with the keywords indicated below.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Sofía Vallés
- Bahía Blanca Institute of Biochemical Research (UNS-CONICET), Bahía Blanca 8000, Argentina;
| | - Francisco J. Barrantes
- Biomedical Research Institute (BIOMED), Faculty of Medical Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina—National Scientific and Technical Research Council, Av. Alicia Moreau de Justo 1600, Buenos Aires C1107AFF, Argentina
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Marmouzi I, Myers S, Buck DJ, Davis RL, Arias HR. α7 Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor potentiation downregulates chemotherapy-induced inflammatory overactivation by overlapping intracellular mechanisms. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2023; 158:106405. [PMID: 36966906 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2023.106405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
We studied, using a combination of animal and cellular models, the glial mechanisms underlying the anti-neuropathic and anti-inflammatory properties of PAM-2 [(E)-3-furan-2-yl-N-p-tolyl-acrylamide], a positive allosteric modulator of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). In mice, PAM-2 decreased the inflammatory process induced by the combination of oxaliplatin (OXA), a chemotherapeutic agent, and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), a pro-inflammatory molecule. In the brain and spinal cord of treated animals, PAM-2 reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines by mechanisms involving mRNA downregulation of factors in the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway, and increased the precursor of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (proBDNF). To determine the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory activity of PAM-2, both human C20 microglia and normal human astrocytes (NHA) were used. The results showed that PAM-2-induced potentiation of glial α7 nAChRs decreases OXA/IL-1β-induced overexpression of inflammatory molecules by different mechanisms, including mRNA downregulation of factors in the NF-κB pathway (in microglia and astrocyte) and ERK (only in microglia). The OXA/IL-1β-mediated reduction in proBDNF was prevented by PAM-2 in microglia, but not in astrocytes. Our findings also indicate that OXA/IL-1β-induced organic cation transporter 1 (OCT1) expression is decreased by PAM-2, suggesting that decreased OXA influx may be involved in the protective effects of PAM-2. The α7-selective antagonist methyllycaconitine blocked the most important effects mediated by PAM-2 at both animal and cellular levels, supporting a mechanism involving α7 nAChRs. In conclusion, glial α7 nAChR stimulation/potentiation downregulates neuroinflammatory targets, and thereby remains a promising therapeutic option for cancer chemotherapy-induced neuroinflammation and neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilias Marmouzi
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Stephanie Myers
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Daniel J Buck
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA
| | - Randall L Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA.
| | - Hugo R Arias
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University Center for Health Sciences, Tulsa, OK, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Oklahoma State University College of Osteopathic Medicine at Cherokee Nation, Tahlequah, OK, USA
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Fontana IC, Kumar A, Nordberg A. The role of astrocytic α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in Alzheimer disease. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:278-288. [PMID: 36977843 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00792-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
The ongoing search for therapeutic interventions in Alzheimer disease (AD) has highlighted the complexity of this condition and the need for additional biomarkers, beyond amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau, to improve clinical assessment. Astrocytes are brain cells that control metabolic and redox homeostasis, among other functions, and are emerging as an important focus of AD research owing to their swift response to brain pathology in the initial stages of the disease. Reactive astrogliosis - the morphological, molecular and functional transformation of astrocytes during disease - has been implicated in AD progression, and the definition of new astrocytic biomarkers could help to deepen our understanding of reactive astrogliosis along the AD continuum. As we highlight in this Review, one promising biomarker candidate is the astrocytic α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), upregulation of which correlates with Aβ pathology in the brain of individuals with AD. We revisit the past two decades of research into astrocytic α7nAChRs to shed light on their roles in the context of AD pathology and biomarkers. We discuss the involvement of astrocytic α7nAChRs in the instigation and potentiation of early Aβ pathology and explore their potential as a target for future reactive astrocyte-based therapeutics and imaging biomarkers in AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor C Fontana
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Amit Kumar
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Agneta Nordberg
- Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Center for Alzheimer Research, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Theme Inflammation and Aging, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.
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Influence of a Polyherbal Choline Source in Dogs: Body Weight Changes, Blood Metabolites, and Gene Expression. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12101313. [PMID: 35625159 PMCID: PMC9137459 DOI: 10.3390/ani12101313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Choline chloride is used to provide choline in dog foods; however, in other domestic species, it has been replaced with a polyherbal containing phosphatidylcholine. A polyherbal containing Achyrantes aspera, Trachyspermum ammi, Citrullus colocynthis, Andrographis paniculata, and Azadirachta indica was evaluated in adult dogs through body weight changes, subcutaneous fat thickness, blood metabolites, and gene expression. Forty dogs (4.6 ± 1.6 years old) who were individually housed in concrete kennels were randomly assigned to the following treatments: unsupplemented diet (377 mg choline/kg), choline chloride (3850 mg/kg equivalent to 2000 mg choline/kg diet), and polyherbal (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg) for 60 days. Blood samples were collected on day 59 for biochemistry, biometry, and gene expression analysis through microarray assays. Intake, final body weight, and weight changes were similar for the two choline sources. Feed intake variation among dogs (p = 0.01) and dorsal fat (p = 0.03) showed a quadratic response to herbal choline. Dogs that received the polyherbal diet had reduced blood cholesterol levels (Quadratic, p = 0.02). The gene ontology analysis indicated that 15 biological processes were modified (p ≤ 0.05) with implications for preventing cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, cancer prevention, inflammatory and immune response, and behavior and cognitive process. According to these results that were observed in a 60 day trial, the polyherbal form could replace choline chloride in dog diets at a concentration of 400 mg/kg.
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Park JE, Leem YH, Park JS, Kim DY, Kang JL, Kim HS. Anti-Inflammatory and Neuroprotective Mechanisms of GTS-21, an α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Agonist, in Neuroinflammation and Parkinson's Disease Mouse Models. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23084420. [PMID: 35457238 PMCID: PMC9026703 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23084420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Revised: 04/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is crucial in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Thus, controlling neuroinflammation has been proposed as an important therapeutic strategy for neurodegenerative disease. In the present study, we examined the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of GTS-21, a selective α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7 nAChR) agonist, in neuroinflammation and Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse models. GTS-21 inhibited the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and proinflammatory cytokines in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV2 microglial cells and primary microglia. Further research revealed that GTS-21 has anti-inflammatory properties by inhibiting PI3K/Akt, NF-κB, and upregulating AMPK, Nrf2, CREB, and PPARγ signals. The effects of GTS-21 on these pro-/anti-inflammatory signaling molecules were reversed by treatment with an α7 nAChR antagonist, suggesting that the anti-inflammatory effects of GTS-21 are mediated through α7 nAChR activation. The anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties of GTS-21 were then confirmed in LPS-induced systemic inflammation and MPTP-induced PD model mice. In LPS-injected mouse brains, GTS-21 reduced microglial activation and production of proinflammatory markers. Furthermore, in the brains of MPTP-injected mice, GTS-21 restored locomotor activity and dopaminergic neuronal cell death while inhibiting microglial activation and pro-inflammatory gene expression. These findings suggest that GTS-21 has therapeutic potential in neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative diseases such as PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung-Eun Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (D.-Y.K.)
| | - Yea-Hyun Leem
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (D.-Y.K.)
| | - Jin-Sun Park
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (D.-Y.K.)
| | - Do-Yeon Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (D.-Y.K.)
| | - Jihee Lee Kang
- Department of Physiology, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea;
| | - Hee-Sun Kim
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Inflammation-Cancer Microenvironment Research Center, School of Medicine, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 07804, Korea; (J.-E.P.); (Y.-H.L.); (J.-S.P.); (D.-Y.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-6986-6270
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The α7 nAChR allosteric modulator PNU-120596 amends neuroinflammatory and motor consequences of parkinsonism in rats: Role of JAK2/NF-κB/GSk3β/ TNF-α pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 148:112776. [PMID: 35272136 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is the second most common neurodegenerative disorder and a leading cause of disability. The current gold standard for PD treatment, L-Dopa, has limited clinical efficacy and multiple side effects. Evidence suggests that activation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChRs) abrogates neuronal and inflammatory insults. Here we tested whether PNU-120596 (PNU), a type II positive allosteric modulator of α7 nAChR, has a critical role in regulating motor dysfunction and neuroinflammation correlated with the associated PD dysfunction. Neuroprotective mechanisms were investigated through neurobehavioral, molecular, histopathological, and immunohistochemical studies. PNU reversed motor incoordination and hypokinesia induced via the intrastriatal injection of 6-hydroxydopamine and manifested by lower falling latency in the rotarod test, short ambulation time and low rearing incidence in open field test. Tyrosine hydroxylase immunostaining showed a significant restoration of dopaminergic neurons following PNU treatment, in addition to histopathological restoration in nigrostriatal tissues. PNU halted striatal neuroinflammation manifested as a suppressed expression of JAK2/NF-κB/GSk3β accompanied by a parallel decline in the protein expression of TNF-α in nigrostriatal tissue denoting the modulator anti-inflammatory capacity. Moreover, the protective effects of PNU were partially reversed by the α7 nAChR antagonist, methyllycaconitine, indicating the role of α7 nAChR modulation in the mechanism of action of PNU. This is the first study to reveal the positive effects of PNU-120596 on motor derangements of PD via JAK2/NF-κB/GSk3β/ TNF-α neuroinflammatory pathways, which could offer a potential therapeutic strategy for PD.
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11
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Neuronal SH2B1 attenuates apoptosis in an MPTP mouse model of Parkinson's disease via promoting PLIN4 degradation. Redox Biol 2022; 52:102308. [PMID: 35390677 PMCID: PMC8987406 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of Parkinson's disease (PD) has increased tremendously, especially in the aged population and people with metabolic dysfunction; however, its underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. SH2B1, an intracellular adaptor protein, contributes to the signal transduction of several receptor tyrosine kinases and exerts beneficial metabolic effects for body weight regulation; however, whether SH2B1 plays a major role in pathological neurodegeneration in PD has not yet been investigated. This study aimed to investigate the effects of SH2B1 in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)–induced PD mice with Sh2b1 deficiency or neuron-specific Sh2b1 overexpression. Cellular and molecular mechanisms were elucidated using human dopaminergic neuron SH-SY5Y cells analysed. We found that SH2B1 expression was confirmed to be downregulated in the blood samples of PD patients and in the brains of mice with MPTP-induced chronic PD. Sh2b1 deficiency caused marked exacerbation of behavioural defects and increased neuronal apoptosis in MPTP-treated mice, whereas restoration of neuron-specific Sh2b1 expression significantly reversed these effects. Similar results were observed in MPP + -treated SH-SY5Y cells. Mechanistically, upon binding to heat shock cognate 70 (HSC70), SH2B1 promotes HSC70-related recognition and PLIN4 lysosomal translocation and degradation, thus suppressing lipid peroxidation stress in the brains of PD mice. Adeno-associated virus-mediated rescue of neuronal HSC70 expression functionally alleviated the neuropathology of PD in wild-type but not in Sh2b1-deficient mice. This is the first study to examine the molecular underpinnings of SH2B1 against MPTP-induced neurodegeneration through cell autonomous promotion of neuronal survival in an in vivo PD model. Our findings reveal that SH2B1 antagonizes neurodegenerative pathology in PD via the SH2B1–HSC70–PLIN4 axis. Brain tissues, especially in TH+ neurons, of PD mice showed low SH2B1 expression. SH2B1 suppressed MPTP-induced neurodegeneration by inhibiting neuronal apoptosis. SH2B1 overexpression protected against MPP + -induced cell death via HSC70. SH2B1 interacts with HSC70 to form a complex that regulates PLIN4 degradation.
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12
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Pattanaik B, Hammarlund M, Mjörnstedt F, Ulleryd MA, Zhong W, Uhlén M, Gummesson A, Bergström G, Johansson ME. Polymorphisms in alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene, CHRNA7, and its partially duplicated gene, CHRFAM7A, associate with increased inflammatory response in human peripheral mononuclear cells. FASEB J 2022; 36:e22271. [PMID: 35344211 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202101898r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The vagus nerve can, via the alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR), regulate inflammation. The gene coding for the α7nAChR, CHRNA7, can be partially duplicated, that is, CHRFAM7A, which is reported to impair the anti-inflammatory effect mediated via the α7nAChR. Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been described in both CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A, however, the functional role of these SNPs for immune responses remains to be investigated. In the current study, we set out to investigate whether genetic variants of CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A can influence immune responses. By investigating data available from the Swedish SciLifeLab SCAPIS Wellness Profiling (S3WP) study, in combination with droplet digital PCR and freshly isolated PBMCs from the S3WP participants, challenged with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), we show that CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A are expressed in human PBMCs, with approximately four times higher expression of CHRFAM7A compared with CHRNA7. One SNP in CHRFAM7A, rs34007223, is positively associated with hsCRP in healthy individuals. Furthermore, gene ontology (GO)-terms analysis of plasma proteins associated with gene expression of CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A demonstrated an involvement for these genes in immune responses. This was further supported by in vitro data showing that several SNPs in both CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A are significantly associated with cytokine response. In conclusion, genetic variants of CHRNA7 and CHRFAM7A alters cytokine responses. Furthermore, given that CHRFAM7A SNP rs34007223 is associated with inflammatory marker hsCRP in healthy individuals suggests that CHRFAM7A may have a more pronounced role in regulating inflammatory processes in humans than previously been recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bagmi Pattanaik
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria Hammarlund
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Filip Mjörnstedt
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Marcus A Ulleryd
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Wen Zhong
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Mathias Uhlén
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Protein Science, KTH-Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anders Gummesson
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Bergström
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Medicine, Wallenberg Laboratory for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Research, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Maria E Johansson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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13
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Song WS, Sung CY, Ke CH, Yang FY. Anti-inflammatory and Neuroprotective Effects of Transcranial Ultrasound Stimulation on Parkinson's Disease. ULTRASOUND IN MEDICINE & BIOLOGY 2022; 48:265-274. [PMID: 34740497 DOI: 10.1016/j.ultrasmedbio.2021.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Low-intensity pulsed ultrasound (LIPUS) is a promising non-invasive neuromodulation tool for deep brain stimulation. Here, we investigated the impact of LIPUS, including neuroprotective effects, on the pathology of Parkinson's disease (PD) in an animal model. Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with 6-hydroxydopamine (6-OHDA) at two sites in the right striatum. LIPUS (1 MHz, 5% duty cycle, 1-Hz pulse repetition frequency, 15 min/d) stimulation was then applied to some of the rats (the 6-OHDA + LIPUS group) beginning 2 wk after the 6-OHDA administration, while the remaining rats (the 6-OHDA group) received no LIPUS stimulation. The 6-OHDA-induced inflammatory responses and expressions of neurotrophic factors were quantified with immunofluorescence activity. The safety of LIPUS was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Nissl staining. LIPUS treatment significantly inhibited 6-OHDA-induced glial activation and the phosphorylation of nuclear factor-κB p65 in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Further study revealed that LIPUS effectively preserved the levels of neurotrophic factors, dopamine transporter and tight junction proteins of the blood-brain barrier in the 6-OHDA + LIPUS group compared with the 6-OHDA group. These results indicate that LIPUS acts via multiple neuroprotective mechanisms in the PD rat model and suggest that LIPUS can be viewed as a potential treatment for PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Shin Song
- Division of Neurosurgery, Cheng Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Neurological Surgery, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chen-Yu Sung
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Hua Ke
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Feng-Yi Yang
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Biomedical Imaging and Radiological Sciences, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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14
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Hastings N, Kuan WL, Osborne A, Kotter MRN. Therapeutic Potential of Astrocyte Transplantation. Cell Transplant 2022; 31:9636897221105499. [PMID: 35770772 PMCID: PMC9251977 DOI: 10.1177/09636897221105499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell transplantation is an attractive treatment strategy for a variety of brain disorders, as it promises to replenish lost functions and rejuvenate the brain. In particular, transplantation of astrocytes has come into light recently as a therapy for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS); moreover, grafting of astrocytes also showed positive results in models of other conditions ranging from neurodegenerative diseases of older age to traumatic injury and stroke. Despite clear differences in etiology, disorders such as ALS, Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, and Huntington's diseases, as well as traumatic injury and stroke, converge on a number of underlying astrocytic abnormalities, which include inflammatory changes, mitochondrial damage, calcium signaling disturbance, hemichannel opening, and loss of glutamate transporters. In this review, we examine these convergent pathways leading to astrocyte dysfunction, and explore the existing evidence for a therapeutic potential of transplantation of healthy astrocytes in various models. Existing literature presents a wide variety of methods to generate astrocytes, or relevant precursor cells, for subsequent transplantation, while described outcomes of this type of treatment also differ between studies. We take technical differences between methodologies into account to understand the variability of therapeutic benefits, or lack thereof, at a deeper level. We conclude by discussing some key requirements of an astrocyte graft that would be most suitable for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Hastings
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Wei-Li Kuan
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew Osborne
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Mark R N Kotter
- Department of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.,Wellcome-MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
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15
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Neuroinflammation Modulation via α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor and Its Chaperone, RIC-3. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26206139. [PMID: 34684720 PMCID: PMC8539643 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely expressed in or on various cell types and have diverse functions. In immune cells nAChRs regulate proliferation, differentiation and cytokine release. Specifically, activation of the α7 nAChR reduces inflammation as part of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. Here we review numerous effects of α7 nAChR activation on immune cell function and differentiation. Further, we also describe evidence implicating this receptor and its chaperone RIC-3 in diseases of the central nervous system and in neuroinflammation, focusing on multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Deregulated neuroinflammation due to dysfunction of α7 nAChR provides one explanation for involvement of this receptor and of RIC-3 in neurodegenerative diseases. In this review, we also provide evidence implicating α7 nAChRs and RIC-3 in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and Parkinson’s disease (PD) involving neuroinflammation. Besides, we will describe the therapeutic implications of activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway for diseases involving neuroinflammation.
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16
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Akther S, Hirase H. Assessment of astrocytes as a mediator of memory and learning in rodents. Glia 2021; 70:1484-1505. [PMID: 34582594 DOI: 10.1002/glia.24099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The classical view of astrocytes is that they provide supportive functions for neurons, transporting metabolites and maintaining the homeostasis of the extracellular milieu. This view is gradually changing with the advent of molecular genetics and optical methods allowing interrogation of selected cell types in live experimental animals. An emerging view that astrocytes additionally act as a mediator of synaptic plasticity and contribute to learning processes has gained in vitro and in vivo experimental support. Here we focus on the literature published in the past two decades to review the roles of astrocytes in brain plasticity in rodents, whereby the roles of neurotransmitters and neuromodulators are considered to be comparable to those in humans. We outline established inputs and outputs of astrocytes and discuss how manipulations of astrocytes have impacted the behavior in various learning paradigms. Multiple studies suggest that the contribution of astrocytes has a considerably longer time course than neuronal activation, indicating metabolic roles of astrocytes. We advocate that exploring upstream and downstream mechanisms of astrocytic activation will further provide insight into brain plasticity and memory/learning impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonam Akther
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hajime Hirase
- Center for Translational Neuromedicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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17
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Hammarlund ME, Darsalia V, Mjörnstedt F, Pattanaik B, Mallard C, Rocha-Ferreira E, Patrone C, Johansson M. The selective alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor agonist AR-R17779 does not affect ischemia-reperfusion brain injury in mice. Biosci Rep 2021; 41:BSR20210736. [PMID: 34008839 PMCID: PMC8200656 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20210736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation plays a central role in stroke-induced brain injury. The alpha7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) can modulate immune responses in both the periphery and the brain. The aims of the present study were to investigate α7nAChR expression in different brain regions and evaluate the potential effect of the selective α7nAChR agonist AR-R17779 on ischemia-reperfusion brain injury in mice. Droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) was used to evaluate the absolute expression of the gene encoding α7nAChR (Chrna7) in hippocampus, striatum, thalamus and cortex in adult, naïve mice. Mice subjected to transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) or sham surgery were treated with α7nAChR agonist AR-R17779 (12 mg/kg) or saline once daily for 5 days. Infarct size and microglial activation 7 days after tMCAO were analyzed using immunohistochemistry. Chrna7 expression was found in all analyzed brain regions in naïve mice with the highest expression in cortex and hippocampus. At sacrifice, white blood cell count was significantly decreased in AR-R17779 treated mice compared with saline controls in the sham groups, although, no effect was seen in the tMCAO groups. Brain injury and microglial activation were evident 7 days after tMCAO. However, no difference was found between mice treated with saline or AR-R17779. In conclusion, α7nAChR expression varies in different brain regions and, despite a decrease in white blood cells in sham mice receiving AR-R17779, this compound does not affect stroke-induced brain injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria E. Hammarlund
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Vladimer Darsalia
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Filip Mjörnstedt
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Bagmi Pattanaik
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Carina Mallard
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eridan Rocha-Ferreira
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Clinical Sciences, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Cesare Patrone
- Department of Clinical Science and Education, Södersjukhuset, Internal Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria E. Johansson
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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18
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Piovesana R, Salazar Intriago MS, Dini L, Tata AM. Cholinergic Modulation of Neuroinflammation: Focus on α7 Nicotinic Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094912. [PMID: 34066354 PMCID: PMC8125157 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
All nervous system pathologies (e.g., neurodegenerative/demyelinating diseases and brain tumours) develop neuroinflammation, a beneficial process during pathological events, aimed at removing damaged cells, toxic agents, and/or pathogens. Unfortunately, excessive inflammation frequently occurs during nervous system disorders, becoming a detrimental event capable of enhancing neurons and myelinating glial cell impairment, rather than improving their survival and activity. Consequently, targeting the neuroinflammation could be relevant for reducing brain injury and rescuing neuronal and glial cell functions. Several studies have highlighted the role of acetylcholine and its receptors in the regulation of central and peripheral inflammation. In particular, α7 nicotinic receptor has been described as one of the main regulators of the “brain cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway”. Its expression in astrocytes and microglial cells and the ability to modulate anti-inflammatory cytokines make this receptor a new interesting therapeutic target for neuroinflammation regulation. In this review, we summarize the distribution and physiological functions of the α7 nicotinic receptor in glial cells (astrocytes and microglia) and its role in the modulation of neuroinflammation. Moreover, we explore how its altered expression and function contribute to the development of different neurological pathologies and exacerbate neuroinflammatory processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Piovesana
- Département de Neurosciences, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada;
- Groupe de Recherche sur le Système Nerveux Central, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3C 3J7, Canada
| | | | - Luciana Dini
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.S.I.); (L.D.)
| | - Ada Maria Tata
- Department of Biology and Biotechnologies “Charles Darwin”, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (M.S.S.I.); (L.D.)
- Research Centre of Neurobiology “Daniel Bovet”, Sapienza, University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-06-4991-2822
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19
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Xu ZQ, Zhang JJ, Kong N, Zhang GY, Ke P, Han T, Su DF, Liu C. Autophagy is Involved in Neuroprotective Effect of Alpha7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor on Ischemic Stroke. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:676589. [PMID: 33995108 PMCID: PMC8117007 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.676589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) belongs to the superfamily of cys loop cationic ligand-gated channels, which consists of homogeneous α7 subunits. Although our lab found that activation of α7nAChR could alleviate ischemic stroke, the mechanism is still unknown. Herein, we explored whether autophagy is involved in the neuroprotective effect mediated by α7nAChR in ischemic stroke. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) and oxygen and glucose deprivation (OGD/R) exposure were applied to in vivo and in vitro models of ischemic stroke, respectively. Neurological deficit score and infarct volume were used to evaluate outcomes of tMCAO in the in vivo study. Autophagy-related proteins were detected by Western blot, and autophagy flux was detected by using tandem fluorescent mRFP-GFP-LC3 lentivirus. At 24 h after tMCAO, α7nAChR knockout mice showed worse neurological function and larger infarct volume than wild-type mice. PNU282987, an α7nAChR agonist, protected against OGD/R-induced neuronal injury, enhanced autophagy, and promoted autophagy flux. However, the beneficial effects of PNU282987 were eliminated by 3-methyladenine (3-MA), an autophagy inhibitor. Moreover, we found that PNU282987 treatment could activate the AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway in the in vitro study, while the effect was attenuated by compound C, an AMPK inhibitor. Our results demonstrated that the beneficial effect on neuronal survival via activation of α7nAChR was associated with enhanced autophagy, and the AMPK-mTOR-p70S6K signaling pathway was involved in α7nAChR activation-mediated neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Qi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Jing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ni Kong
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang-Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Ke
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Han
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding-Feng Su
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chong Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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20
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Xu ZQ, Zhang WJ, Su DF, Zhang GQ, Miao CY. Cellular responses and functions of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation in the brain: a narrative review. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:509. [PMID: 33850906 PMCID: PMC8039675 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) has been studied for many years since its discovery. Although many functions and characteristics of brain α7nAChR are widely understood, much remains to be elucidated. The α7nAChR is widely expressed in the central nervous system, not only in neurons but also in astrocytes, microglia, and endothelial cells. α7nAChR can be activated by endogenous agonist like acetylcholine or exogenous agonists like nicotine and PNU282987. Its agonists can be divided into selective agonists and non-selective agonists. The activation of α7nAChR results in a series of physiological processes which have both short-term and long-term effects on cells, for example, calcium influx, neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, and excitatory transmission. It also induces other downstream events, such as inflammation, autophagy, necrosis, transcription, and apoptosis. The cellular responses to α7nAChR activation vary according to cell types and conditions. For example, α7nAChR activation in pyramidal neurons leads to long-term potentiation, while α7nAChR activation in GABAergic interneurons leads to long-term depression. Studies have also shown some contradictory phenomena, which requires further study for clarification. Herein, the cellular responses of α7nAChR activation are summarized, and the functions of α7nAChR in neurons and non-neuronal cells are discussed. We also summarized contradictory conclusions to show where we stand and where to go for future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhe-Qi Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jun Zhang
- Department of Neurology, Dongying People's Hospital, Dongying, China
| | - Ding-Feng Su
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Qing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Yu Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, Second Military Medical University/Naval Medical University, Shanghai, China
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21
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Nourse JB, Harshefi G, Marom A, Karmi A, Cohen Ben-Ami H, Caldwell KA, Caldwell GA, Treinin M. Conserved nicotine-activated neuroprotective pathways involve mitochondrial stress. iScience 2021; 24:102140. [PMID: 33665559 PMCID: PMC7900352 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Tobacco smoking is a risk factor for several human diseases. Conversely, smoking also reduces the prevalence of Parkinson's disease, whose hallmark is degeneration of substantia nigra dopaminergic neurons (DNs). We use C. elegans as a model to investigate whether tobacco-derived nicotine activates nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) to selectively protect DNs. Using this model, we demonstrate conserved functions of DN-expressed nAChRs. We find that DOP-2, a D3-receptor homolog; MCU-1, a mitochondrial calcium uniporter; PINK-1 (PTEN-induced kinase 1); and PDR-1 (Parkin) are required for nicotine-mediated protection of DNs. Together, our results support involvement of a calcium-modulated, mitochondrial stress-activated PINK1/Parkin-dependent pathway in nicotine-induced neuroprotection. This suggests that nicotine-selective protection of substantia nigra DNs is due to the confluence of two factors: first, their unique vulnerability to mitochondrial stress, which is mitigated by increased mitochondrial quality control due to PINK1 activation, and second, their specific expression of D3-receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J Brucker Nourse
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, 35487 AL, USA
| | - Gilad Harshefi
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Adi Marom
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Abdelrahaman Karmi
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Hagit Cohen Ben-Ami
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
| | - Kim A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, 35487 AL, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, 35294 AL, USA
| | - Guy A Caldwell
- Department of Biological Sciences, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, 35487 AL, USA.,Departments of Neurology and Neurobiology, Center for Neurodegeneration and Experimental Therapeutics, Nathan Shock Center of Excellence in the Basic Biology of Aging, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, Birmingham, 35294 AL, USA
| | - Millet Treinin
- Department of Medical Neurobiology, Hebrew University - Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem 91120, Israel
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22
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Vetel S, Foucault-Fruchard L, Tronel C, Buron F, Vergote J, Bodard S, Routier S, Sérrière S, Chalon S. Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of a therapy combining agonists of nicotinic α7 and σ1 receptors in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Neural Regen Res 2021; 16:1099-1104. [PMID: 33269756 PMCID: PMC8224116 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.300451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
To date there is no treatment able to stop or slow down the loss of dopaminergic neurons that characterizes Parkinson’s disease. It was recently observed in a rodent model of Alzheimer’s disease that the interaction between the α7 subtype of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR) and sigma-1 receptor (σ1-R) could exert neuroprotective effects through the modulation of neuroinflammation which is one of the key components of the pathophysiology of Parkinson’s disease. In this context, the aim of the present study was to assess the effects of the concomitant administration of N-(3R)-1-azabicyclo[2.2.2]oct-3-yl-furo[2,3-c]pyridine-5-carboxamide (PHA) 543613 as an α7-nAChR agonist and 2-(4-morpholinethyl) 1-phenylcyclohexanecarboxylate (PRE)-084 as a σ1-R agonist in a well-characterized 6-hydroxydopamine rat model of Parkinson’s disease. The animals received either vehicle separately or the dual therapy PHA/PRE once a day until day 14 post-lesion. Although no effect was noticed in the amphetamine-induced rotation test, our data has shown that the PHA/PRE treatment induced partial protection of the dopaminergic neurons (15–20%), assessed by the dopamine transporter density in the striatum and immunoreactive tyrosine hydroxylase in the substantia nigra. Furthermore, this dual therapy reduced the degree of glial activation consecutive to the 6-hydroxydopamine lesion, i.e, the 18 kDa translocation protein density and glial fibrillary acidic protein staining in the striatum, and the CD11b and glial fibrillary acidic protein staining in the substantia nigra. Hence, this study reports for the first time that concomitant activation of α7-nAChR and σ1-R can provide a partial recovery of the nigro-striatal dopaminergic neurons through the modulation of microglial activation. The study was approved by the Regional Ethics Committee (CEEA Val de Loire n°19) validated this protocol (Authorization N°00434.02) on May 15, 2014.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven Vetel
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | | | - Claire Tronel
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Frédéric Buron
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique, ICOA, UMR CNRS 7311, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Jackie Vergote
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Sylvie Bodard
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Sylvain Routier
- Institut de Chimie Organique et Analytique, ICOA, UMR CNRS 7311, Université d'Orléans, Orléans, France
| | - Sophie Sérrière
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
| | - Sylvie Chalon
- UMR 1253, iBrain, Université de Tours, Inserm, Tours, France
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23
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Dong Y, Bi W, Zheng K, Zhu E, Wang S, Xiong Y, Chang J, Jiang J, Liu B, Lu Z, Cheng Y. Nicotine Prevents Oxidative Stress-Induced Hippocampal Neuronal Injury Through α7-nAChR/Erk1/2 Signaling Pathway. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:557647. [PMID: 33328880 PMCID: PMC7717967 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.557647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 10/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress-induced neuronal damage has been implicated to play a dominant role in neurodegenerative disorders, such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Nicotine, a principal additive compound for tobacco users, is thought as a candidate to attenuate amyloid-β-mediated neurotoxicity and NMDA-induced excitotoxicity. Previous studies demonstrated that nicotine exerted this neuroprotective action on oxidative stress. However, the mechanisms underlying how nicotine contributes on oxidative injury in immortalized hippocampal HT-22 cells remain largely unknown. Therefore, in this study we investigated that the potential effects of nicotine on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative injury and underlying mechanisms in HT-22 cells. We found that pretreatment with nicotine at low concentrations markedly recovered the cell cycle that was arrested at the G2/M phase in the presence of H2O2 through reduced intracellular ROS generation. Moreover, nicotine attenuated H2O2-induced mitochondrial dysfunctions. Mechanistically, the application of nicotine significantly upregulated the levels of phosphorylated Erk1/2. The neuroprotective effects of nicotine, in turn, were abolished by PD0325901, a selective Erk1/2 inhibitor. Further obtained investigation showed that nicotine exerted its neuroprotective effects via specifically activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs). A selective inhibitor of α7-nAChRs, methyllycaconitine citrate (MLA), not only completely prevented nicotine-mediated antioxidation but also abolished expression of p-Erk1/2. Taken together, our findings suggest that nicotine suppresses H2O2-induced HT-22 cell injury through activating the α7-nAChR/Erk1/2 signaling pathway, which indicates that nicotine may be a novel strategy for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Dong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenchuan Bi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Kai Zheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Enni Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Shaoxiang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiping Xiong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Junlei Chang
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianbing Jiang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bingfeng Liu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhonghua Lu
- Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yongxian Cheng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Health Science Center, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
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24
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Gamage R, Wagnon I, Rossetti I, Childs R, Niedermayer G, Chesworth R, Gyengesi E. Cholinergic Modulation of Glial Function During Aging and Chronic Neuroinflammation. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:577912. [PMID: 33192323 PMCID: PMC7594524 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.577912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a complex biological process that increases the risk of age-related cognitive degenerative diseases such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Lewy Body Dementia (LBD), and mild cognitive impairment (MCI). Even non-pathological aging of the brain can involve chronic oxidative and inflammatory stress, which disrupts the communication and balance between the brain and the immune system. There has been an increasingly strong connection found between chronic neuroinflammation and impaired memory, especially in AD. While microglia and astrocytes, the resident immune cells of the central nervous system (CNS), exerting beneficial effects during the acute inflammatory phase, during chronic neuroinflammation they can become more detrimental. Central cholinergic circuits are involved in maintaining normal cognitive function and regulating signaling within the entire cerebral cortex. While neuronal-glial cholinergic signaling is anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative, central cholinergic neuronal degeneration is implicated in impaired learning, memory sleep regulation, and attention. Although there is evidence of cholinergic involvement in memory, fewer studies have linked the cholinergic anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant pathways to memory processes during development, normal aging, and disease states. This review will summarize the current knowledge of cholinergic effects on microglia and astroglia, and their role in both anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant mechanisms, concerning normal aging and chronic neuroinflammation. We provided details on how stimulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α7nACh) receptors can be neuroprotective by increasing amyloid-β phagocytosis, decreasing inflammation and reducing oxidative stress by promoting the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways and decreasing the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines. There is also evidence for astroglial α7nACh receptor stimulation mediating anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by inhibiting the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) pathway and activating the Nrf2 pathway respectively. We conclude that targeting cholinergic glial interactions between neurons and glial cells via α7nACh receptors could regulate neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, relevant to the treatment of several neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashmi Gamage
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Ingrid Wagnon
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilaria Rossetti
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Ryan Childs
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Garry Niedermayer
- School of Science, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Rose Chesworth
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
| | - Erika Gyengesi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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25
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Molecular Mechanisms of Glial Cells Related Signaling Pathways Involved in the Neuroinflammatory Response of Depression. Mediators Inflamm 2020; 2020:3497920. [PMID: 33100903 PMCID: PMC7569467 DOI: 10.1155/2020/3497920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 09/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysfunction of the glial cells, such as astrocytes and microglia, is one of the pathological features in many psychiatric disorders, including depression, which emphasizes that glial cells driving neuroinflammation is not only an important pathological change in depression but also a potential therapeutic target. In this review, we summarized a recent update about several signaling pathways in which glial cells may play their roles in depression through neuroinflammatory reactions. We focused on the basic knowledge of these signaling pathways by elaborating each of them. This review may provide an updated image about the recent advances on these signaling pathways that are essential parts of neuroinflammation involved in depression.
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26
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Stevenson R, Samokhina E, Rossetti I, Morley JW, Buskila Y. Neuromodulation of Glial Function During Neurodegeneration. Front Cell Neurosci 2020; 14:278. [PMID: 32973460 PMCID: PMC7473408 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2020.00278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glia, a non-excitable cell type once considered merely as the connective tissue between neurons, is nowadays acknowledged for its essential contribution to multiple physiological processes including learning, memory formation, excitability, synaptic plasticity, ion homeostasis, and energy metabolism. Moreover, as glia are key players in the brain immune system and provide structural and nutritional support for neurons, they are intimately involved in multiple neurological disorders. Recent advances have demonstrated that glial cells, specifically microglia and astroglia, are involved in several neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Epilepsy, Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and frontotemporal dementia (FTD). While there is compelling evidence for glial modulation of synaptic formation and regulation that affect neuronal signal processing and activity, in this manuscript we will review recent findings on neuronal activity that affect glial function, specifically during neurodegenerative disorders. We will discuss the nature of each glial malfunction, its specificity to each disorder, overall contribution to the disease progression and assess its potential as a future therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca Stevenson
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Evgeniia Samokhina
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Ilaria Rossetti
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - John W. Morley
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
| | - Yossi Buskila
- School of Medicine, Western Sydney University, Campbelltown, NSW, Australia
- International Centre for Neuromorphic Systems, The MARCS Institute for Brain, Behaviour and Development, Penrith, NSW, Australia
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27
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Divanbeigi A, Nasehi M, Vaseghi S, Amiri S, Zarrindast MR. Tropisetron But Not Granisetron Ameliorates Spatial Memory Impairment Induced by Chronic Cerebral Hypoperfusion. Neurochem Res 2020; 45:2631-2640. [PMID: 32797381 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-020-03110-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 08/03/2020] [Accepted: 08/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tropisetron and Granisetorn are 5-HT3 antagonists with antiemetic effects. Tropisetron also has a partial agonistic effect on alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7 nAChRs). On the other hand, chronic cerebral hypoperfusion (CCH) attenuates cerebral blood flow and impairs cognitive functions. The goal of this study was to investigate the effect of Tropisetron and Granisetron on CCH-induced spatial memory impairment in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were used in this study. 2-VO surgery was done to induce CCH and Radial Eight Arm Maz apparatus was used to evaluate spatial memory (working and reference memory). Tropisetron was injected intraperitoneally at the doses of 1 and 5 mg/kg, and Granisetron was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 3 mg/kg. Dorsal hippocampal (CA1) neurons count, Interleukin 6 (IL-6) serum level, and serotonin-reuptake transporter (SERT) gene expression were also evaluated. The results showed, CCH impaired working and reference memory, increased IL-6 serum level, and decreased CA1 neurons and SERT expression. Tropisetron at the dose of 5 mg/kg restored all the effects of CCH. However, Granisetron did not restore CCH-induced memory impairment. Furthermore, Granisetron had no effect on IL-6. While, it increased SERT expression and CA1 neurons. In conclusion, Tropisetron but not Granisetron, ameliorated spatial memory impairment induced by CCH. We suggested conducting more detailed studies investigating the role of serotonergic system (5-HT3 receptors and serotonin transporters) and also α7 nAChRs in the effects of Tropisetron.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashkan Divanbeigi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.,Scientific Research Committee, Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shohada Tajrish Comprehensive Neurosurgical Center of Excellence, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nasehi
- Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Salar Vaseghi
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.,Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Amiri
- Shefa Neuroscience Research Center, Khatam Alanbia Hospital, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Zarrindast
- Department of Cognitive Neuroscience, Institute for Cognitive Science Studies (ICSS), Tehran, Iran.,Cognitive and Neuroscience Research Center (CNRC), Amir-Almomenin Hospital, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, P.O. Box 13145-784, Tehran, Iran.,Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Iranian National Center for Addiction Studies, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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28
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Zeng Z, Roussakis AA, Lao-Kaim NP, Piccini P. Astrocytes in Parkinson's disease: from preclinical assays to in vivo imaging and therapeutic probes. Neurobiol Aging 2020; 95:264-270. [PMID: 32905922 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2020.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is increasingly thought to be associated with glial pathology. Recently, research in neurodegenerative disorders has applied a greater focus to better understanding the role of astrocytes in the disease pathophysiology. In this article, we review results from the latest preclinical and clinical work, including functional imaging studies on astrocytes in PD and highlight key molecules that may prove valuable as biomarkers. We discuss how astrocytes may contribute to the initiation and progression of PD. We additionally present trials of investigational medicinal products and the current background for the design of future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhou Zeng
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Neurology Imaging Unit, London, UK; Department of Neurology, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | | | - Nicholas P Lao-Kaim
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Neurology Imaging Unit, London, UK
| | - Paola Piccini
- Department of Brain Sciences, Imperial College London, Neurology Imaging Unit, London, UK.
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29
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Horio T, Ozawa A, Kamiie J, Sakaue M. Immunohistochemical analysis for acetylcholinesterase and choline acetyltransferase in mouse cerebral cortex after traumatic brain injury. J Vet Med Sci 2020; 82:827-835. [PMID: 32321871 PMCID: PMC7324811 DOI: 10.1292/jvms.19-0551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of glial cells, especially astrocytes and microglia, is important to
prevent the exacerbation of a brain injury because over-reactive glial cells promote
neuronal death. Acetylcholine (ACh), a neurotransmitter synthesized and hydrolyzed by
choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE), respectively, in the
central nervous system, has the potential to regulate glial cells’ states, i.e.,
non-reactive and reactive states. However, the expression levels of these ACh-related
enzymes in areas containing reactive glial cells are unclear. Herein we
immunohistochemically investigated the distributions of AChE and ChAT with reactive glial
cells in the cryo-injured brain of mice as a traumatic brain injury model.
Immunohistochemistry revealed AChE- and ChAT-immunopositive signals in injured areas at 7
days post-injury. The signals were observed in and around glial fibrillary acidic protein
(GFAP)- or CD68-immunopositive cells, and the numbers of cells doubly positive for
GFAP/AChE, GFAP/ChAT, CD68/AChE, and CD68/ChAT were significantly increased in injured
areas compared to sham-operated areas. Enzyme histochemistry for AChE showed intensely
positive signals in injured areas. These results suggest that reactive astrocytes and
microglia express and secrete AChE and ChAT in brain-injury areas. These glial cells may
adjust the ACh concentration around themselves through the regulation of the expression of
ACh-related enzymes in order to control their reactive states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyo Horio
- Laboratory of Anatomy II, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Aisa Ozawa
- Laboratory of Anatomy II, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Junichi Kamiie
- Laboratory of Veterinary Pathology, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
| | - Motoharu Sakaue
- Laboratory of Anatomy II, Department of Veterinary Medicine, School of Veterinary Medicine, Azabu University, Kanagawa 252-5201, Japan
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30
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Ruszkiewicz JA, Zhang Z, Gonçalves FM, Tizabi Y, Zelikoff JT, Aschner M. Neurotoxicity of e-cigarettes. Food Chem Toxicol 2020; 138:111245. [PMID: 32145355 PMCID: PMC7089837 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2020.111245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Revised: 02/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It appears that electronic cigarettes (EC) are a less harmful alternative to conventional cigarette (CC) smoking, as they generate substantially lower levels of harmful carcinogens and other toxic compounds. Thus, switching from CC to EC may be beneficial for smokers. However, recent accounts of EC- or vaping-associated lung injury (EVALI) has raised concerns regarding their adverse health effects. Additionally, the increasing popularity of EC among vulnerable populations, such as adolescents and pregnant women, calls for further EC safety evaluation. In this state-of-the-art review, we provide an update on recent findings regarding the neurological effects induced by EC exposure. Moreover, we discuss possible neurotoxic effects of nicotine and numerous other chemicals which are inherent both to e-liquids and EC aerosols. We conclude that in recognizing pertinent issues associated with EC usage, both government and scientific researchers must address this public health issue with utmost urgency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna A Ruszkiewicz
- Molecular Toxicology Group, Department of Biology, University of Konstanz, Konstanz, Germany
| | - Ziyan Zhang
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Filipe Marques Gonçalves
- Biochemistry Graduate Program, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, Brazil
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington DC, United States
| | - Judith T Zelikoff
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, Manhattan, NY, United States
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States.
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31
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Azam S, Haque ME, Jakaria M, Jo SH, Kim IS, Choi DK. G-Protein-Coupled Receptors in CNS: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Intervention in Neurodegenerative Disorders and Associated Cognitive Deficits. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020506. [PMID: 32102186 PMCID: PMC7072884 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases are a large group of neurological disorders with diverse etiological and pathological phenomena. However, current therapeutics rely mostly on symptomatic relief while failing to target the underlying disease pathobiology. G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are one of the most frequently targeted receptors for developing novel therapeutics for central nervous system (CNS) disorders. Many currently available antipsychotic therapeutics also act as either antagonists or agonists of different GPCRs. Therefore, GPCR-based drug development is spreading widely to regulate neurodegeneration and associated cognitive deficits through the modulation of canonical and noncanonical signals. Here, GPCRs’ role in the pathophysiology of different neurodegenerative disease progressions and cognitive deficits has been highlighted, and an emphasis has been placed on the current pharmacological developments with GPCRs to provide an insight into a potential therapeutic target in the treatment of neurodegeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shofiul Azam
- Department of Applied Life Science & Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (S.A.); (M.E.H.); (M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
| | - Md. Ezazul Haque
- Department of Applied Life Science & Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (S.A.); (M.E.H.); (M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
| | - Md. Jakaria
- Department of Applied Life Science & Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (S.A.); (M.E.H.); (M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Song-Hee Jo
- Department of Applied Life Science & Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (S.A.); (M.E.H.); (M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
| | - In-Su Kim
- Department of Integrated Bioscience & Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, and Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
- Correspondence: (I.-S.K.); (D.-K.C.); Tel.: +82-010-3876-4773 (I.-S.K.); +82-43-840-3610 (D.-K.C.); Fax: +82-43-840-3872 (D.-K.C.)
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Applied Life Science & Integrated Bioscience, Graduate School, Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea; (S.A.); (M.E.H.); (M.J.); (S.-H.J.)
- Department of Integrated Bioscience & Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, and Research Institute of Inflammatory Disease (RID), Konkuk University, Chungju 27478, Korea
- Correspondence: (I.-S.K.); (D.-K.C.); Tel.: +82-010-3876-4773 (I.-S.K.); +82-43-840-3610 (D.-K.C.); Fax: +82-43-840-3872 (D.-K.C.)
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32
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Bi W, Lan X, Zhang J, Xiao S, Cheng X, Wang H, Lu D, Zhu L. USP8 ameliorates cognitive and motor impairments via microglial inhibition in a mouse model of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Brain Res 2019; 1719:40-48. [PMID: 31075263 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a common and serious complication of sepsis, which is thought to be caused by neuroinflammation. In our previous study, ubiquitin-specific protease 8 (USP8), was reported to regulate inflammation in vitro. In the current study, we investigated whether increased USP8 expression would ameliorate the cognitive and motor impairments induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) in mice, a model of SAE. Male adult mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, sham, CLP, and CLP + USP8 groups. The CLP + USP8 mice showed reduced weight loss on day 4 post-CLP, with a slight increase noted on day 7. The mortality rate in the CLP group was 70% 48 h after CLP; however, USP8 significantly improved survival after CLP. USP8 modulated the neurobehavioral scores in CLP mice. Our results also indicate that USP8 attenuated the CLP-induced cognitive and motor impairments, based on the performance of mice in the Morris water maze (MWM), pole-climbing, and wire suspension tests. USP8 suppressed the release of pro-inflammatory mediators, including prostaglandin E2(PGE2) in the serum and nitric oxide (NO) in brain tissue, as well as levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in brain tissue. Immunofluorescence experiments revealed that USP8 inhibited CLP-induced increases in microglial size and density in the hippocampus, and protected hippocampal neurons. Our findings indicate that neuroinflammation occurs in the brains of CLP mice, and that USP8 exerts protective effects against CLP-induced neuroinflammation and cognitive and motor impairments, which may aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for SAE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Bi
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - Xin Lan
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - JiaWei Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Shu Xiao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - XiaoFeng Cheng
- Department of Neurology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou 510630, PR China
| | - HuaDong Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - DaXiang Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China
| | - Lihong Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, PR China.
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Aucubin alleviates glial cell activation and preserves dopaminergic neurons in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine-induced parkinsonian mice. Neuroreport 2019; 29:1075-1083. [PMID: 29985188 DOI: 10.1097/wnr.0000000000001075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Aucubin (AUC) is a major bioactive ingredient in Eucommia ulmoides, Plantain asiatica, and Aucuba japonica, and has been shown to exert anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, and neuroprotective effects. We explore the neuroprotective effects of AUC in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced parkinsonian mice. Mice were administered MPTP (30 mg/kg) daily for 5 days, followed by treatment with AUC for 7 days. Measurement of dopamine levels was performed by high-performance liquid chromatography and tyrosine hydroxylase expression was assessed by western blot. Our results showed that AUC treatment improved mobility in the pole descent test and the traction test, and reduced the loss of dopaminergic neurons in MPTP-induced parkinsonian mice. AUC treatment rescued the decreased dopamine and tyrosine hydroxylase levels in the striatum of parkinsonian mice. Furthermore, AUC treatment reduced both microglia and astrocyte activation in the substantia nigra of parkinsonian mice. These findings suggest that AUC exerts neuroprotective effects, in part by reducing inflammation and preserving dopaminergic neurons. Possible protection mechanisms involved in MPTP-induced parkinsonian mice need to be clarified further.
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Novel targets for parkinsonism-depression comorbidity. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2019; 167:1-24. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2019.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Bushen-Yizhi Formula Alleviates Neuroinflammation via Inhibiting NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation in a Mouse Model of Parkinson's Disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:3571604. [PMID: 30224927 PMCID: PMC6129340 DOI: 10.1155/2018/3571604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2018] [Revised: 07/20/2018] [Accepted: 08/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD), the second most common neurodegenerative disease, is characterized by the progressive loss of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra. Although the molecular mechanisms underlying dopaminergic neuronal degeneration in PD remain unclear, neuroinflammation is considered as the vital mediator in the pathogenesis and progression of PD. Bushen-Yizhi Formula (BSYZ), a traditional Chinese medicine, has been demonstrated to exert antineuroinflammation in our previous studies. However, it remains unclear whether BSYZ is effective for PD. Here, we sought to assess the neuroprotective effects and explore the underlying mechanisms of BSYZ in a 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1, 2, 3, 6-tetrahydropyridine- (MPTP-) induced mouse model of PD. Our results indicate that BSYZ significantly alleviates the motor impairments and dopaminergic neuron degeneration of MPTP-treated mice. Furthermore, BSYZ remarkably attenuates microglia activation, inhibits NLPR3 activation, and decreases the levels of inflammatory cytokines in MPTP-induced mouse brain. Also, BSYZ inhibits NLRP3 activation and interleukin-1β production of the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-pyridinium (MPP+) stimulated BV-2 microglia cells. Taken together, our results indicate that BSYZ alleviates MPTP-induced neuroinflammation probably via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in microglia. Collectively, BSYZ may be a potential therapeutic agent for PD and the related neurodegeneration diseases.
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Sawamura N, Ju Y, Asahi T. Cholinergic receptor, nicotinic, alpha 7 as a target molecule of Arctic mutant amyloid β. Neural Regen Res 2018; 13:1360-1361. [PMID: 30106044 PMCID: PMC6108216 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.235238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Naoya Sawamura
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ye Ju
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Toru Asahi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering; Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University, Tokyo, Japan
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Neuroprotective effect of the ethanol extract of Artemisia capillaris on transient forebrain ischemia in mice via nicotinic cholinergic receptor. Chin J Nat Med 2018; 16:428-435. [DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(18)30076-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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Conti MM, Chambers N, Bishop C. A new outlook on cholinergic interneurons in Parkinson's disease and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2018; 92:67-82. [PMID: 29782883 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2018.05.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2017] [Revised: 01/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/16/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Traditionally, dopamine (DA) and acetylcholine (ACh) striatal systems were considered antagonistic and imbalances or aberrant signaling between these neurotransmitter systems could be detrimental to basal ganglia activity and pursuant motor function, such as in Parkinson's disease (PD) and L-DOPA-induced dyskinesia (LID). Herein, we discuss the involvement of cholinergic interneurons (ChIs) in striatally-mediated movement in a healthy, parkinsonian, and dyskinetic state. ChIs integrate numerous neurotransmitter signals using intrinsic glutamate, serotonin, and DA receptors and convey the appropriate transmission onto nearby muscarinic and nicotinic ACh receptors to produce movement. In PD, severe DA depletion causes abnormal rises in ChI activity which promote striatal signaling to attenuate normal movement. When treating PD with L-DOPA, hyperkinetic side effects, or LID, develop due to increased striatal DA; however, the role of ChIs and ACh transmission, until recently has been unclear. Fortunately, new technology and pharmacological agents have facilitated understanding of ChI function and ACh signaling in the context of LID, thus offering new opportunities to modify existing and discover future therapeutic strategies in movement disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa M Conti
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA.
| | - Nicole Chambers
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA.
| | - Christopher Bishop
- Behavioral Neuroscience Program, Department of Psychology, Binghamton University, 4400 Vestal Parkway East, Binghamton, NY 13902-6000, USA.
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Pacheco SM, Azambuja JH, de Carvalho TR, Soares MSP, Oliveira PS, da Silveira EF, Stefanello FM, Braganhol E, Gutierres JM, Spanevello RM. Glioprotective Effects of Lingonberry Extract Against Altered Cellular Viability, Acetylcholinesterase Activity, and Oxidative Stress in Lipopolysaccharide-Treated Astrocytes. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2018; 38:1107-1121. [PMID: 29556871 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-018-0581-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Altered astrocytic function is a contributing factor to the development of neurological diseases and neurodegeneration. Berry fruits exert neuroprotective effects by modulating pathways involved in inflammation, neurotransmission, and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of the lingonberry extract on cellular viability and oxidative stress in astrocytes exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS). In the reversal protocol, primary astrocytic cultures were first exposed to 1 µg/mL LPS for 3 h and subsequently treated with lingonberry extract (10, 30, 50, and 100 μg/mL) for 24 and 48 h. In the prevention protocol, exposure to the lingonberry extract was performed before treatment with LPS. In both reversal and prevention protocols, the lingonberry extracts, from 10 to 100 μg/mL, attenuated LPS-induced increase in reactive oxygen species (around 55 and 45%, respectively, P < 0.01), nitrite levels (around 50 and 45%, respectively, P < 0.05), and acetylcholinesterase activity (around 45 and 60%, respectively, P < 0.05) in astrocytic cultures at 24 and 48 h. Also, in both reversal and prevention protocols, the lingonberry extract also prevented and reversed the LPS-induced decreased cellular viability (around 45 and 90%, respectively, P < 0.05), thiol content (around 55 and 70%, respectively, P < 0.05), and superoxide dismutase activity (around 50 and 145%, respectively, P < 0.05), in astrocytes at both 24 and 48 h. Our findings suggested that the lingonberry extract exerted a glioprotective effect through an anti-oxidative mechanism against LPS-induced astrocytic damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simone Muniz Pacheco
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Caixa Postal 354, Campus Capão do Leão, s/n, Pelotas, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Juliana Hofstätter Azambuja
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, RS, Brazil
| | - Taíse Rosa de Carvalho
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Caixa Postal 354, Campus Capão do Leão, s/n, Pelotas, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Mayara Sandrielly Pereira Soares
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Caixa Postal 354, Campus Capão do Leão, s/n, Pelotas, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Pathise Souto Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Caixa Postal 354, Campus Capão do Leão, s/n, Pelotas, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Elita Ferreira da Silveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Fisiológicas, Departamento de Morfologia, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande, Rio Grande, CEP 96201-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Francieli Moro Stefanello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Caixa Postal 354, Campus Capão do Leão, s/n, Pelotas, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Elizandra Braganhol
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Biociências, Departamento de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, 90050-170, RS, Brazil
| | - Jessié Martins Gutierres
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Caixa Postal 354, Campus Capão do Leão, s/n, Pelotas, 96010-900, RS, Brazil
| | - Roselia Maria Spanevello
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Bioquímica e Bioprospecção, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Caixa Postal 354, Campus Capão do Leão, s/n, Pelotas, 96010-900, RS, Brazil.
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More SV, Choi DK. Emerging preclinical pharmacological targets for Parkinson's disease. Oncotarget 2018; 7:29835-63. [PMID: 26988916 PMCID: PMC5045437 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological condition caused by the degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the basal ganglia. It is the most prevalent form of Parkinsonism, categorized by cardinal features such as bradykinesia, rigidity, tremors, and postural instability. Due to the multicentric pathology of PD involving inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, apoptosis, and protein aggregation, it has become difficult to pin-point a single therapeutic target and evaluate its potential application. Currently available drugs for treating PD provide only symptomatic relief and do not decrease or avert disease progression resulting in poor patient satisfaction and compliance. Significant amount of understanding concerning the pathophysiology of PD has offered a range of potential targets for PD. Several emerging targets including AAV-hAADC gene therapy, phosphodiesterase-4, potassium channels, myeloperoxidase, acetylcholinesterase, MAO-B, dopamine, A2A, mGlu5, and 5-HT-1A/1B receptors are in different stages of clinical development. Additionally, alternative interventions such as deep brain stimulation, thalamotomy, transcranial magnetic stimulation, and gamma knife surgery, are also being developed for patients with advanced PD. As much as these therapeutic targets hold potential to delay the onset and reverse the disease, more targets and alternative interventions need to be examined in different stages of PD. In this review, we discuss various emerging preclinical pharmacological targets that may serve as a new promising neuroprotective strategy that could actually help alleviate PD and its symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandeep Vasant More
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
| | - Dong-Kug Choi
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Biomedical and Health Science, Konkuk University, Chungju, South Korea
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Maurer SV, Williams CL. The Cholinergic System Modulates Memory and Hippocampal Plasticity via Its Interactions with Non-Neuronal Cells. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1489. [PMID: 29167670 PMCID: PMC5682336 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 149] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Degeneration of central cholinergic neurons impairs memory, and enhancement of cholinergic synapses improves cognitive processes. Cholinergic signaling is also anti-inflammatory, and neuroinflammation is increasingly linked to adverse memory, especially in Alzheimer's disease. Much of the evidence surrounding cholinergic impacts on the neuroimmune system focuses on the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (ACh) receptor, as stimulation of this receptor prevents many of the effects of immune activation. Microglia and astrocytes both express this receptor, so it is possible that some cholinergic effects may be via these non-neuronal cells. Though the presence of microglia is required for memory, overactivated microglia due to an immune challenge overproduce inflammatory cytokines, which is adverse for memory. Blocking these exaggerated effects, specifically by decreasing the release of tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6), has been shown to prevent inflammation-induced memory impairment. While there is considerable evidence that cholinergic signaling improves memory, fewer studies have linked the "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway" to memory processes. This review will summarize the current understanding of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway as it relates to memory and will argue that one mechanism by which the cholinergic system modulates hippocampal memory processes is its influence on neuroimmune function via the α7 nicotinic ACh receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara V. Maurer
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Christina L. Williams
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, United States
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Revisiting nicotine’s role in the ageing brain and cognitive impairment. Rev Neurosci 2017; 28:767-781. [DOI: 10.1515/revneuro-2017-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2017] [Accepted: 04/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
AbstractBrain ageing is a complex process which in its pathologic form is associated with learning and memory dysfunction or cognitive impairment. During ageing, changes in cholinergic innervations and reduced acetylcholinergic tonus may trigger a series of molecular pathways participating in oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, amyloid-β toxicity, apoptosis, neuroinflammation, and perturb neurotrophic factors in the brain. Nicotine is an exogenous agonist of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and acts as a pharmacological chaperone in the regulation of nAChR expression, potentially intervening in age-related changes in diverse molecular pathways leading to pathology. Although nicotine has therapeutic potential, paradoxical effects have been reported, possibly due to its inverted U-shape dose-response effects or pharmacokinetic factors. Additionally, nicotine administration should result in optimum therapeutic effects without imparting abuse potential or toxicity. Overall, this review aims to compile the previous and most recent data on nicotine and its effects on cognition-related mechanisms and age-related cognitive impairment.
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D’Souza GX, Waldvogel HJ. Targeting the Cholinergic System to Develop a Novel Therapy for Huntington's Disease. J Huntingtons Dis 2017; 5:333-342. [PMID: 27983560 PMCID: PMC5181681 DOI: 10.3233/jhd-160200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In this review, we outline the role of the cholinergic system in Huntington’s disease, and briefly describe the dysfunction of cholinergic transmission, cholinergic neurons, cholinergic receptors and cholinergic survival factors observed in post-mortem human brains and animal models of Huntington’s disease. We postulate how the dysfunctional cholinergic system can be targeted to develop novel therapies for Huntington’s disease, and discuss the beneficial effects of cholinergic therapies in pre-clinical and clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Henry J. Waldvogel
- Correspondence to: Associate Professor Henry J. Waldvogel, Centre for Brain Research and Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Private Bag 92019, Auckland, New Zealand. Tel.: +64 9 923 6051; E-mail:
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Xu YD, Cui C, Sun MF, Zhu YL, Chu M, Shi YW, Lin SL, Yang XS, Shen YQ. Neuroprotective Effects of Loganin on MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Disease Mice: Neurochemistry, Glial Reaction and Autophagy Studies. J Cell Biochem 2017; 118:3495-3510. [PMID: 28338241 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.26010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease, involving resting tremor and bradykinesia, for which no recognized therapies or drugs are available to halt or slow progression. In recent years, natural botanic products have been considered relatively safe, with limited side effects, and are expected to become an important source for clinical mediation of PD in the future. Our study focuses on the ability of loganin, a compound derived from fruits of cornus, to mediate neuroprotection in a mouse model of PD. Mice were administered 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) with a dosage of 30 mg/kg daily for 5 days to establish a subacute PD model and treated with loganin. Locomotor activity was assessed by a pole test, then mice were euthanized at 1 and 3 days after the last treatment, and brain tissue was prepared for subsequent assays. Loganin rescued decrease of dopamine levels and tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the striatum, and shortened total locomotor activity (TLA) time of mice. Furthermore, loganin alleviated microglia and astrocyte activation, and suppressed TNF-α and caspase-3 expression through a c-Abl-p38-NFκB pathway. Loganin also downregulated LC3-II and Drp1 expression, and decreased the level of acidic vesicular organelles (AVOs). Loganin exerts neuroprotective effects on MPTP-induced PD mice by decreasing inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis, suggesting that loganin could serve as a therapeutic drug to ameliorate PD. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 3495-3510, 2017. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Da Xu
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Chun Cui
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Meng-Fei Sun
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Ying-Li Zhu
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Min Chu
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Yun-Wei Shi
- Medical School of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, China
| | - Stanley Li Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | | | - Yan-Qin Shen
- Wuxi Medical School, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
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Patel H, McIntire J, Ryan S, Dunah A, Loring R. Anti-inflammatory effects of astroglial α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors are mediated by inhibition of the NF-κB pathway and activation of the Nrf2 pathway. J Neuroinflammation 2017; 14:192. [PMID: 28950908 PMCID: PMC5615458 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-017-0967-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) are widely distributed throughout the central nervous system and are reported to have neuroprotective properties. α7 nAChRs are expressed on astrocytes, which are key regulators of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress in several neurodegenerative diseases. However, the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of astroglial α7 nAChRs are not well studied. Therefore, we evaluated the role of astroglial α7 nAChR activation in neuroinflammation. Methods Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of α7 nAChR activation were evaluated in an in vitro mouse model of neuroinflammation using lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in primary astrocyte cultures. α7 nAChR anti-inflammatory effects on the NF-κB pathway were evaluated using ELISA, gene expression analysis, immunofluorescence, and western blotting. Antioxidant effect of α7 nAChR activation on expression profiles of canonical Nrf2 target genes was examined by quantitative PCR and western blotting. The role of the Nrf2 pathway in α7 nAChR-mediated anti-inflammatory response was evaluated using Nrf2 knockout astrocytes. Brain ex vivo NF-κB luciferase signals were evaluated after treatment with an α7 nAChR agonist in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-injected NF-κB luciferase reporter mouse model. Results Astrocytes treated with the α7 nAChR partial agonist (GTS21) showed significantly reduced LPS-mediated secretion of inflammatory cytokines and this effect was reversed by the α7 nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine (MLA) and by knockdown of α7 nAChR expression with a short hairpin RNA. Further, α7 nAChR activation blocked LPS-mediated NF-κB nuclear translocation indicating that the observed anti-inflammatory effect may be mediated through inhibition of the NF-κB pathway. Treatment with GTS21 also upregulated canonical Nrf2 antioxidant genes and proteins suggesting antioxidant properties of α7 nAChR in astrocytes. Using an astrocyte conditioned media approach, we demonstrated reduction in neuronal apoptosis when astrocytes were pretreated with GTS21. Finally, in an in vivo neuroinflammation model using LPS in NF-κB luciferase reporter mice, we demonstrated reduction in LPS-induced NF-κB activity and pro-inflammatory cytokines with GTS21 treatment in brain tissue. Conclusion Our results suggest that activating astroglial α7 nAChRs may have a role in neuroprotection by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress, and therefore could have therapeutic implication for disease modifying treatments of neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiral Patel
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA. .,Neurology Research, Biogen, 225 Binney street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
| | | | - Sarah Ryan
- Pre-Clinical Imaging & Pharmacology, Biogen, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Anthone Dunah
- Neurology Research, Biogen, 225 Binney street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Ralph Loring
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
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Ju Y, Asahi T, Sawamura N. Arctic Aβ40 blocks the nicotine-induced neuroprotective effect of CHRNA7 by inhibiting the ERK1/2 pathway in human neuroblastoma cells. Neurochem Int 2017; 110:49-56. [PMID: 28890319 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 09/01/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Amyloid β protein (Aβ) plays a central role in Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathogenesis. Point mutations in the Aβ sequence, which cluster around the central hydrophobic core of the peptide, are associated with familial AD (FAD). Several mutations have been identified, with the Arctic mutation exhibiting a purely cognitive phenotype that is typical of AD. Our previous findings suggest that Arctic Aβ40 binds to and aggregates with CHRNA7, thereby inhibiting the calcium response and signaling pathways downstream of the receptor. Activation of CHRNA7 is neuroprotective both in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated whether Arctic Aβ40 affects neuronal survival and/or death via CHRNA7. Using human neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells, we found that the neuroprotective function of CHRNA7 is blocked by CHRNA7 knockdown using RNA interference. Furthermore, Arctic Aβ40 blocked the neuroprotective effect of nicotine by inhibiting the ERK1/2 pathway downstream of CHRNA7. Moreover, we show that ERK1/2 activation mediates the neuroprotective effect of nicotine against oxidative stress. Collectively, our findings further our understanding of the molecular pathogenesis of Arctic FAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ye Ju
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Toru Asahi
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University #03C309, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan
| | - Naoya Sawamura
- Faculty of Science and Engineering, Waseda University, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan; Research Organization for Nano & Life Innovation, Waseda University #03C309, TWIns, 2-2 Wakamatsu, Shinjuku, Tokyo 162-8480, Japan.
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Liu J, Li C, Peng H, Yu K, Tao J, Lin R, Chen L. Electroacupuncture attenuates learning and memory impairment via activation of α7nAChR-mediated anti-inflammatory activity in focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injured rats. Exp Ther Med 2017; 14:939-946. [PMID: 28810545 PMCID: PMC5526149 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2017.4622] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Studies have reported that electroacupuncture (EA) may reduce learning and memory impairment following cerebral ischemic injury. However, the precise mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, the attenuation of focal cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury by EA in rats was investigated. EA at the Baihui (DU 20) and Shenting (DU 24) acupoints was demonstrated to significantly improve performance in the Morris water maze task, with shortened latency time and increased frequency of passing the platform. Molecular analysis revealed that EA activated the expression of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) in the hippocampus. In addition, EA led to a decreased expression of the microglia/macrophage marker Iba1 and the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein in the hippocampus. EA treatment also led to decreased production of the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Treatment with methyllycaconitine, an α7nAChR antagonist, attenuated the improvement of learning and memory following EA treatment and the inhibitory effects of EA on glial cell activation and inflammatory cytokine production. In conclusion, the findings of the present study demonstrate that EA is able to improve learning and memory function following cerebral ischemic injury via activation of α7nAChR, which significantly decreases the neuroinflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Fujian Rehabilitation Tech Co-innovation Center, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Li
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Hongwei Peng
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Kunqiang Yu
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Jing Tao
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
| | - Ruhui Lin
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China.,Academy of Integrative Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350122, P.R. China
| | - Lidian Chen
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, Fujian 350108, P.R. China
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The interaction between alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor and nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α represents a new antinociceptive signaling pathway in mice. Exp Neurol 2017; 295:194-201. [PMID: 28606623 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2017.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 06/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Recently, α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), primarily activated by binding of orthosteric agonists, represent a target for anti-inflammatory and analgesic drug development. These receptors may also be modulated by positive allosteric modulators (PAMs), ago-allosteric ligands (ago-PAMs), and α7-silent agonists. Activation of α7 nAChRs has been reported to increase the brain levels of endogenous ligands for nuclear peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors type-α (PPAR-α), palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) and oleoylethanolamide (OEA), in a Ca2+-dependent manner. Here, we investigated potential crosstalk between α7 nAChR and PPAR-α, using the formalin test, a mouse model of tonic pain. Using pharmacological and genetic approaches, we found that PNU282987, a full α7 agonist, attenuated formalin-induced nociceptive behavior in α7-dependent manner. Interestingly, the selective PPAR-α antagonist GW6471 blocked the antinociceptive effects of PNU282987, but did not alter the antinociceptive responses evoked by the α7 nAChR PAM PNU120596, ago-PAM GAT107, and silent agonist NS6740. Moreover, GW6471 administered systemically or spinally, but not via the intraplantar surface of the formalin-injected paw blocked PNU282987-induced antinociception. Conversely, exogenous administration of the naturally occurring PPAR-α agonist PEA potentiated the antinociceptive effects of PNU282987. In contrast, the cannabinoid CB1 antagonist rimonabant and the CB2 antagonist SR144528 failed to reverse the antinociceptive effects of PNU282987. These findings suggest that PPAR-α plays a key role in a putative antinociceptive α7 nicotinic signaling pathway.
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Wang J, Lu Z, Fu X, Zhang D, Yu L, Li N, Gao Y, Liu X, Yin C, Ke J, Li L, Zhai M, Wu S, Fan J, Lv L, Liu J, Chen X, Yang Q, Wang J. Alpha-7 Nicotinic Receptor Signaling Pathway Participates in the Neurogenesis Induced by ChAT-Positive Neurons in the Subventricular Zone. Transl Stroke Res 2017; 8:10.1007/s12975-017-0541-7. [PMID: 28551702 PMCID: PMC5704989 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-017-0541-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 05/09/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Choline acetyltransferase-positive (ChAT+) neurons within the subventricular zone (SVZ) have been shown to promote neurogenesis after stroke in mice by secreting acetylcholine (ACh); however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Receptors known to bind ACh include the nicotinic ACh receptors (nAChRs), which are present in the SVZ and have been shown to be important for cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. In this study, we investigated the neurogenic role of the alpha-7 nAChR (α7 nAChR) in a mouse model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) by using α7 nAChR inhibitor methyllycaconitine. Mice subjected to MCAO exhibited elevated expression of cytomembrane and nuclear fibroblast growth factor receptor 1 (FGFR1), as well as increased expression of PI3K, pAkt, doublecortin (DCX), polysialylated - neuronal cell adhesion molecule (PSA-NCAM), and mammalian achaete-scute homolog 1 (Mash1). MCAO mice also had more glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)/5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-positive cells and DCX-positive cells in the SVZ than did the sham-operated group. Methyllycaconitine treatment increased cytomembrane FGFR1 expression and GFAP/BrdU-positive cells, upregulated the levels of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and phospho-Akt (pAkt), decreased nuclear FGFR1 expression, decreased the number of DCX-positive cells, and reduced the levels of DCX, PSA-NCAM, and Mash1 in the SVZ of MCAO mice compared with levels in vehicle-treated MCAO mice. MCAO mice treated with α7 nAChR agonist PNU-282987 exhibited the opposite effects. Our data show that α7 nAChR may decrease the proliferation of neural stem cells and promote differentiation of existing neural stem cells after stroke. These results identify a new mechanism of SVZ ChAT+ neuron-induced neurogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianping Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
| | - Zhengfang Lu
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xiaojie Fu
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Lie Yu
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Nan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Yufeng Gao
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xianliang Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Chunmao Yin
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Junji Ke
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Liyuan Li
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Mengmeng Zhai
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Shiwen Wu
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Jiahong Fan
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Liang Lv
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Junchao Liu
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China
| | - Xuemei Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Qingwu Yang
- Department of Neurology, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, 400037, China
| | - Jian Wang
- Department of Neurology, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450052, China.
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- Department of Anesthesiology/Critical Care Medicine, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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Liu Y, Hao S, Yang B, Fan Y, Qin X, Chen Y, Hu J. Wnt/β-catenin signaling plays an essential role in α7 nicotinic receptor-mediated neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons in a mouse Parkinson's disease model. Biochem Pharmacol 2017; 140:115-123. [PMID: 28551099 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2017.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2017] [Accepted: 05/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a neurodegenerative disorder with an incidence second only to Alzheimer's disease. The main pathological feature of PD is the death of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta. Nicotinic receptor agonists are neuroprotective in several PD models and there is considerable evidence that α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7-nAChRs) are important therapeutic targets for neurodegenerative diseases. However, the involvement of α7-nAChRs and underlying signaling mechanisms in PD pathogenesis are unclear. The objective of the present study was to explore the potential functions of α7-nAChRs in PD pathology, and to determine whether these effects are exerted via Wnt/β-catenin signaling in a mouse PD model. In the in vivo study, α7-nAChR knockout (α7-KO) reversed the beneficial effects of nicotine on motor deficits, dopaminergic neuron loss, astrocyte and microglia activation, and reduced striatal dopamine release induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine. Injury to SH-SY5Y cells by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium treatment was also ameliorated by nicotine, and this effect was abolished by methyllycaconitine (MLA), a selective α7-nAChR antagonist, or by siRNA-mediated α7-nAChR knockdown. Furthermore, nicotine increased expression levels of Wnt/β-catenin signaling proteins in the PD mouse model or in the SH-SY5Y cells treated by 1-methyl-4-phenylpyridinium, and these effects were also reversed by MLA or α7-siRNA treatment in vivo or in vitro. These results suggest that endogenous α7-nAChR mechanisms play a crucial role in a mouse PD model via regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Shuai Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Beibei Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Yi Fan
- Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Xiaodong Qin
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
| | - Yun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.
| | - Jun Hu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China.
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