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Candeloro R, Ferri C, Bellini T, Pugliatti M, Castellazzi M. Breaking Barriers: Unveiling Sex-Related Differences in Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis-A Narrative Review. BIOLOGY 2024; 13:420. [PMID: 38927300 PMCID: PMC11200519 DOI: 10.3390/biology13060420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 05/30/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
(1) Background: The recent emphasis on sexual and gender diversity's impact on human health underscores the need for tailored diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in neurology. The aim of this article is to conduct a narrative review of the available scientific literature on sex differences in cerebrospinal fluid analysis. (2) Methods: The literature search encompassed PubMed databases, focusing on cerebrospinal fluid analysis and sex differences, considering parameters like cerebrospinal fluid protein content, cell count, albumin quotient (QAlb) and intrathecal IgG synthesis. (3) Results: Nine articles from the past two decades were identified, revealing limited research in this area. Males consistently exhibited higher cerebrospinal fluid protein content and albumin quotient values across various pathologies and age groups. Consequently, males more frequently manifested blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier dysfunction than females. No significant sex differences were observed in cerebrospinal fluid leukocyte count or intrathecal IgG synthesis. (4) Conclusions: This review highlights the dearth of research on sex differences in cerebrospinal fluid analysis, despite consistent findings of higher protein content and albumin quotient values in males. Revisiting current diagnostic thresholds based on sex is crucial for accurate prognosis and personalised treatment strategies in neurological disorders. Moving towards sex-specific approaches in clinical practice is imperative for advancing personalised medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Candeloro
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Caterina Ferri
- Department of Neuroscience, “S. Anna” University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
- University Strategic Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
- University Strategic Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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Li M, Gan J, Yang X, Liu S, Ji Y. Cerebrospinal fluid/serum albumin ratio in patients with Lewy body disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1390036. [PMID: 38756533 PMCID: PMC11096505 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1390036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Abnormal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum albumin ratio (Qalb) levels have been observed in patients with cognitive impairment. Few studies have specifically focused on Lewy Body Disease (LBD), and the results were controversial. Thus, we conducted this systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate Qalb levels in patients with LBD by including data from different studies. Method We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases for a collection of studies containing studies comparing Qalb levels in patients with LBD and healthy controls (including healthy controls and other dementia subtypes). In the initial search, 86 relevant papers were retrieved. Standardized mean differences (SMD) in Qalb levels were calculated using a random effects model. Results A total of 13 eligible studies were included. Mean Qalb levels were significantly higher in patients with LBD compared to healthy older adults [standardized mean difference (SMD): 2.95, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.89-5.00, Z = 2.81, p = 0.005]; and were significantly higher in patients with LBD than in patients with Alzheimer's disease (AD) (SMD: 1.13, 95% CI: 0.42-1.83, Z = 3.15, p = 0.002);whereas mean Qalb levels were significantly higher in patients with frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) compared to those with AD (SMD: 1.13, 95% CI,0.14-2.13, Z = 2.24, p = 0.03). Conclusion Qalb levels were significantly elevated in LBD patients compared with normal older adults and were higher than those in AD patients and FTLD patients, which helped in the differential diagnosis of LBD from other neurodegenerative diseases. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024496616.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moyu Li
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jinghuan Gan
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xia Yang
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuai Liu
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Dementia Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Yong Ji
- Department of Neurology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurology, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Cerebrovascular and Neurodegenerative Diseases, Tianjin Dementia Institute, Tianjin Huanhu Hospital, Tianjin, China
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Castellazzi M, Candeloro R, Trevisan C, Permunian S, Buscemi G, Ghisellini S, Negri G, Gilli G, Ferri C, Bellini T, Pizzicotti S, Pugliatti M. Sex Differences in Albumin Quotient and Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Protein Content Do Not Depend on Anthropometric Factors. J Pers Med 2024; 14:362. [PMID: 38672989 PMCID: PMC11051272 DOI: 10.3390/jpm14040362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum albumin quotient (QAlb) and CSF total protein (TP) are more elevated in males than females, and this has been hypothesised to be due to anthropometric differences between the sexes. This study aimed to investigate QAlb and CSF TP as a function of body height, weight, and body mass index (BMI). (2) Methods: A total of 207 patients were included in the study and analysed blinded to clinical diagnosis. (3) Results: Multivariable linear regressions were run to predict log-transformed Qalb and log-transformed CSF TP value from age, sex, weight, and height (first model) or from age, sex, and BMI (second model). In both models, age (β = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.002 to 0.006) and sex (β = -0.095, 95% CI = -0.169 to -0.021, and β = -0.135, 95% CI = -0.191 to -0.079) were significant predictors for QAlb, but weight, height, and BMI were not. Similarly, age (β = 0.004, 95% CI = 0.003 to 0.006) and sex (β = -0.077, 95% CI = -0.142 to -0.013, and β = -0.109, 95% CI = -0.157 to -0.060) were significant predictors for CSF TP, while anthropometric characteristics were not. No differences in QAlb and CSF TP were found when grouping males and females by BMI status. (4) Conclusions: Our data suggest that anthropometric characteristics could not explain the sex-related differences in QAlb and CSF TP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (S.P.); (G.B.); (G.G.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
- University Strategic Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Raffaella Candeloro
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (S.P.); (G.B.); (G.G.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Caterina Trevisan
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Samantha Permunian
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (S.P.); (G.B.); (G.G.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Gaia Buscemi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (S.P.); (G.B.); (G.G.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Sara Ghisellini
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, “S. Anna” University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (S.G.); (G.N.); (S.P.)
| | - Giovanna Negri
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, “S. Anna” University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (S.G.); (G.N.); (S.P.)
| | - Giada Gilli
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (S.P.); (G.B.); (G.G.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Caterina Ferri
- Department of Neuroscience, “S. Anna” University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (S.P.); (G.B.); (G.G.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
- University Strategic Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Pizzicotti
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, “S. Anna” University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (S.G.); (G.N.); (S.P.)
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (R.C.); (S.P.); (G.B.); (G.G.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
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Fong H, Zhou B, Feng H, Luo C, Bai B, Zhang J, Wang Y. Recapitulation of Structure-Function-Regulation of Blood-Brain Barrier under (Patho)Physiological Conditions. Cells 2024; 13:260. [PMID: 38334652 PMCID: PMC10854731 DOI: 10.3390/cells13030260] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/19/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a remarkable and intricate barrier that controls the exchange of molecules between the bloodstream and the brain. Its role in maintaining the stability of the central nervous system cannot be overstated. Over the years, advancements in neuroscience and technology have enabled us to delve into the cellular and molecular components of the BBB, as well as its regulation. Yet, there is a scarcity of comprehensive reviews that follow a logical framework of structure-function-regulation, particularly focusing on the nuances of BBB regulation under both normal and pathological conditions. This review sets out to address this gap by taking a historical perspective on the discovery of the BBB and highlighting the major observations that led to its recognition as a distinct brain barrier. It explores the intricate cellular elements contributing to the formation of the BBB, including endothelial cells, pericytes, astrocytes, and neurons, emphasizing their collective role in upholding the integrity and functionality of the BBB. Furthermore, the review delves into the dynamic regulation of the BBB in physiological states, encompassing neural, humoral, and auto-regulatory mechanisms. By shedding light on these regulatory processes, a deeper understanding of the BBB's response to various physiological cues emerges. This review also investigates the disruption of the BBB integrity under diverse pathological conditions, such as ischemia, infection, and toxin exposure. It elucidates the underlying mechanisms that contribute to BBB dysfunction and explores potential therapeutic strategies that aim to restore the BBB integrity and function. Overall, this recapitulation provides valuable insights into the structure, functions, and regulation of the BBB. By integrating historical perspectives, cellular elements, regulatory mechanisms, and pathological implications, this review contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of the BBB and paves the way for future research and therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hin Fong
- Faculty of Medicine, International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.F.); (C.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Botao Zhou
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical and Public Health School, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
| | - Haixiao Feng
- Gies College of Business, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana-Champaign, IL 61801, USA;
| | - Chuoying Luo
- Faculty of Medicine, International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.F.); (C.L.); (B.B.)
| | - Boren Bai
- Faculty of Medicine, International School, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China; (H.F.); (C.L.); (B.B.)
| | - John Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA 92350, USA
| | - Yuechun Wang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical and Public Health School, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China;
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Zhu G, Song X, Sun Y, Xu Y, Xiao L, Wang Z, Sun Y, Zhang L, Zhang X, Geng Z, Qi Q, Wang Y, Wang L, Li J, Zuo L, Hu J. Esculentoside A ameliorates BSCB destruction in SCI rat by attenuating the TLR4 pathway in vascular endothelial cells. Exp Neurol 2023; 369:114536. [PMID: 37690527 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114536] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/26/2023] [Accepted: 09/06/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Overexpressed MMP-9 in vascular endothelial cells is involved in blood spinal cord barrier (BSCB) dysfunction in spinal cord injury (SCI). Esculentoside A (EsA) has anti-inflammatory and cell protective effects. This study aimed to evaluate its effects on neuromotor function in SCI rats, as well as the potential mechanisms. METHODS The therapeutic effect of EsA in SCI rats was investigated using Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan (BBB) scores, a grid walk test and histological analyses. To assess the protective role of EsA in the BSCB and in oxygen glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced hBMECs, the BSCB function, tight junctions (TJ) protein (ZO-1 and claudin-5) expression, structure of the BSCB and Matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression were observed via Evans blue (EB) detection, immunofluorescence analyses and western blotting. Molecular docking simulations and additional experiments were performed to explore the potential mechanisms by which EsA maintains the function of the BSCB in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS EsA treatment improved BBB scores, reduced cavity formation and the loss of neuronal cells, demonstrating an improvement in motor function in SCI rats. In vivo experiments showed that EsA decreased the infiltration of blood cells and inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α) and protected the structure of TJs in the rat spinal cord and in OGD/R-induced hBMECs. EsA inhibited the activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signalling, which may be related to the protective effect of EsA against MMP-9-induced BSCB damage. CONCLUSIONS EsA downregulated MMP-9 expression in vascular endothelial cells, protected BSCB function in SCI rats and attenuated TLR4 signalling and thus provide new options for the treatment of SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoqing Zhu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Xue Song
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yang Sun
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yibo Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Linyu Xiao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | | | - Yijie Sun
- Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | | | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhijun Geng
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Department of Central Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Yueyue Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Lian Wang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Lugen Zuo
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Inflammatory Bowel Disease Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui, China
| | - Jianguo Hu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Key Laboratory of Tissue Transplantation, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Basic and Translational Research of Inflammation-related Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China.
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Arjmand S, Bender D, Jakobsen S, Wegener G, Landau AM. Peering into the Brain's Estrogen Receptors: PET Tracers for Visualization of Nuclear and Extranuclear Estrogen Receptors in Brain Disorders. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1405. [PMID: 37759805 PMCID: PMC10526964 DOI: 10.3390/biom13091405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERs) play a multitude of roles in brain function and are implicated in various brain disorders. The use of positron emission tomography (PET) tracers for the visualization of ERs' intricate landscape has shown promise in oncology but remains limited in the context of brain disorders. Despite recent progress in the identification and development of more selective ligands for various ERs subtypes, further optimization is necessary to enable the reliable and efficient imaging of these receptors. In this perspective, we briefly touch upon the significance of estrogen signaling in the brain and raise the setbacks associated with the development of PET tracers for identification of specific ERs subtypes in the brain. We then propose avenues for developing efficient PET tracers to non-invasively study the dynamics of ERs in the brain, as well as neuropsychiatric diseases associated with their malfunction in a longitudinal manner. This perspective puts several potential candidates on the table and highlights the unmet needs and areas requiring further research to unlock the full potential of PET tracers for ERs imaging, ultimately aiding in deepening our understanding of ERs and forging new avenues for potential therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shokouh Arjmand
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (D.B.); (S.J.)
| | - Dirk Bender
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (D.B.); (S.J.)
| | - Steen Jakobsen
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (D.B.); (S.J.)
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
| | - Anne M. Landau
- Translational Neuropsychiatry Unit, Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark;
- Department of Nuclear Medicine and PET Center, Aarhus University Hospital, 8200 Aarhus, Denmark; (D.B.); (S.J.)
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The neuroprotective effects of estrogen and estrogenic compounds in spinal cord injury. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 146:105074. [PMID: 36736846 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 01/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) occurs when the spinal cord is damaged from either a traumatic event or disease. SCI is characterised by multiple injury phases that affect the transmission of sensory and motor signals and lead to temporary or long-term functional deficits. There are few treatments for SCI. Estrogens and estrogenic compounds, however, may effectively mitigate the effects of SCI and therefore represent viable treatment options. This review systematically examines the pre-clinical literature on estrogen and estrogenic compound neuroprotection after SCI. Several estrogens were examined by the included studies: estrogen, estradiol benzoate, Premarin, isopsoralen, genistein, and selective estrogen receptor modulators. Across these pharmacotherapies, we find significant evidence that estrogens indeed offer protection against myriad pathophysiological effects of SCI and lead to improvements in functional outcomes, including locomotion. A STRING functional network analysis of proteins modulated by estrogen after SCI demonstrated that estrogen simultaneously upregulates known neuroprotective pathways, such as HIF-1, and downregulates pro-inflammatory pathways, including IL-17. These findings highlight the strong therapeutic potential of estrogen and estrogenic compounds after SCI.
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Ongay KK, Granato D, Barreto GE. Comparison of Antioxidant Capacity and Network Pharmacology of Phloretin and Phlorizin against Neuroinflammation in Traumatic Brain Injury. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28030919. [PMID: 36770586 PMCID: PMC9919876 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28030919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation is a hallmark of traumatic brain injury (TBI)'s acute and chronic phases. Despite the medical and scientific advances in recent years, there is still no effective treatment that mitigates the oxidative and inflammatory damage that affects neurons and glial cells. Therefore, searching for compounds with a broader spectrum of action that can regulate various inflammatory signaling pathways is of clinical interest. In this study, we determined not only the in vitro antioxidant capacity of apple pomace phenolics, namely, phlorizin and its metabolite, phloretin, but we also hypothesize that the use of these bioactive molecules may have potential use in TBI. We explored the antioxidant effects of both compounds in vitro (DPPH, iron-reducing capacity (IRC), and Folin-Ciocalteu reducing capacity (FCRC)), and using network pharmacology, we investigated the proteins involved in their protective effects in TBI. Our results showed that the antioxidant properties of phloretin were superior to those of phlorizin in the DPPH (12.95 vs. 3.52 mg ascorbic acid equivalent (AAE)/L), FCRC (86.73 vs. 73.69 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/L), and iron-reducing capacity (1.15 vs. 0.88 mg GAE/L) assays. Next, we examined the molecular signature of both compounds and found 11 proteins in common to be regulated by them and involved in TBI. Meta-analysis and GO functional enrichment demonstrated their implication in matrix metalloproteinases, p53 signaling, and cell secretion/transport. Using MCODE and Pearson's correlation analysis, a subcluster was generated. We identified ESR1 (estrogen receptor alpha) as a critical cellular hub being regulated by both compounds and with potential therapeutic use in TBI. In conclusion, our study suggests that because of their vast antioxidant effects, probably acting on estrogen receptors, phloretin and phlorizin may be repurposed for TBI treatment due to their ease of obtaining and low cost.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Daniel Granato
- Correspondence: (D.G.); (G.E.B.); Tel.: +353-(0)-61-202676 (G.E.B)
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Moruno-Manchon J, Noh B, McCullough L. Sex-biased autophagy as a potential mechanism mediating sex differences in ischemic stroke outcome. Neural Regen Res 2023; 18:31-37. [PMID: 35799505 PMCID: PMC9241419 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.340406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Stroke is the second leading cause of death and a major cause of disability worldwide, and biological sex is an important determining factor in stroke incidence and pathology. From childhood through adulthood, men have a higher incidence of stroke compared with women. Abundant research has confirmed the beneficial effects of estrogen in experimental ischemic stroke but genetic factors such as the X-chromosome complement can also play an important role in determining sex differences in stroke. Autophagy is a self-degrading cellular process orchestrated by multiple core proteins, which leads to the engulfment of cytoplasmic material and degradation of cargo after autophagy vesicles fuse with lysosomes or endosomes. The levels and the activity of components of these signaling pathways and of autophagy-related proteins can be altered during ischemic insults. Ischemic stroke activates autophagy, however, whether inhibiting autophagy after stroke is beneficial in the brain is still under a debate. Autophagy is a potential mechanism that may contribute to differences in stroke progression between the sexes. Furthermore, the effects of manipulating autophagy may also differ between the sexes. Mechanisms that regulate autophagy in a sex-dependent manner in ischemic stroke remain unexplored. In this review, we summarize clinical and pre-clinical evidence for sex differences in stroke. We briefly introduce the autophagy process and summarize the effects of gonadal hormones in autophagy in the brain and discuss X-linked genes that could potentially regulate brain autophagy. Finally, we review pre-clinical studies that address the mechanisms that could mediate sex differences in brain autophagy after stroke.
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10
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Shi Y, Kim H, Hamann CA, Rhea EM, Brunger JM, Lippmann ES. Nuclear receptor ligand screening in an iPSC-derived in vitro blood-brain barrier model identifies new contributors to leptin transport. Fluids Barriers CNS 2022; 19:77. [PMID: 36131285 PMCID: PMC9494897 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-022-00375-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The hormone leptin exerts its function in the brain to reduce food intake and increase energy expenditure to prevent obesity. However, most obese subjects reflect the resistance to leptin even with elevated serum leptin. Considering that leptin must cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB) in several regions to enter the brain parenchyma, altered leptin transport through the BBB might play an important role in leptin resistance and other biological conditions. Here, we report the use of a human induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived BBB model to explore mechanisms that influence leptin transport. METHODS iPSCs were differentiated into brain microvascular endothelial cell (BMEC)-like cells using standard methods. BMEC-like cells were cultured in Transwell filters, treated with ligands from a nuclear receptor agonist library, and assayed for leptin transport using an enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay. RNA sequencing was further used to identify differentially regulated genes and pathways. The role of a select hit in leptin transport was tested with the competitive substrate assay and after gene knockdown using CRISPR techniques. RESULTS Following a screen of 73 compounds, 17β-estradiol was identified as a compound that could significantly increase leptin transport. RNA sequencing revealed many differentially expressed transmembrane transporters after 17β-estradiol treatment. Of these, cationic amino acid transporter-1 (CAT-1, encoded by SLC7A1) was selected for follow-up analyses due to its high and selective expression in BMECs in vivo. Treatment of BMEC-like cells with CAT-1 substrates, as well as knockdown of CAT-1 expression via CRISPR-mediated epigenome editing, yielded significant increases in leptin transport. CONCLUSIONS A major female sex hormone, as well as an amino acid transporter, were revealed as regulators of leptin BBB transport in the iPSC-derived BBB model. Outcomes from this work provide insights into regulation of hormone transport across the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajuan Shi
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Hyosung Kim
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Catherine A Hamann
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Elizabeth M Rhea
- Division of Gerontology and Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jonathan M Brunger
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Ethan S Lippmann
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Interdisciplinary Materials Science Program, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
- Vanderbilt Memory and Alzheimer's Center, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
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11
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Trentini A, Manfrinato MC, Castellazzi M, Bellini T. Sex-Related Differences of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs): New Perspectives for These Biomarkers in Cardiovascular and Neurological Diseases. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12081196. [PMID: 35893290 PMCID: PMC9331234 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12081196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2022] [Revised: 07/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
It is now established that sex differences occur in clinical manifestation, disease progression, and prognosis for both cardiovascular (CVDs) and central nervous system (CNS) disorders. As such, a great deal of effort is now being put into understanding these differences and turning them into “advantages”: (a) for the discovery of new sex-specific biomarkers and (b) through a review of old biomarkers from the perspective of the “newly” discovered sex/gender medicine. This is also true for matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), enzymes involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) remodelling, which play a role in both CVDs and CNS disorders. However, most of the studies conducted up to now relegated sex to a mere confounding variable used for statistical model correction rather than a determining factor that can influence MMP levels and, in turn, disease prognosis. Consistently, this approach causes a loss of information that might help clinicians in identifying novel patterns and improve the applicability of MMPs in clinical practice by providing sex-specific threshold values. In this scenario, the current review aims to gather the available knowledge on sex-related differences in MMPs levels in CVDs and CNS conditions, hoping to shed light on their use as sex-specific biomarkers of disease prognosis or progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Environmental and Prevention Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy;
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maria Cristina Manfrinato
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.C.M.); (T.B.)
| | - Massimiliano Castellazzi
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.C.M.); (T.B.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, Via Luigi Borsari 46, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (M.C.M.); (T.B.)
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12
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Castellazzi M, Ferri C, Tecilla G, Huss A, Crociani P, Desina G, Barbella G, Piola A, Permunian S, Senel M, Leone M, Tumani H, Pugliatti M. The Sexual Dimorphism in Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein Content Does Not Affect Intrathecal IgG Synthesis in Multiple Sclerosis. J Pers Med 2022; 12:jpm12060977. [PMID: 35743761 PMCID: PMC9224729 DOI: 10.3390/jpm12060977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) that mainly affects young adults and females more than males. The detection of intrathecal IgG synthesis (IIS) on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis supports the diagnosis of MS. A sexual dimorphism has recently been described in CSF protein content. (2) Methods: Clinical and laboratory data from 340 MS patients (F = 231, M = 99) and 89 people with clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) (F = 57, M = 32) were retrospectively analyzed to assess the presence of variables affected by sex and age. (3) Results: In MS, the albumin quotient (QAlb), reflecting the blood–CSF barrier (BCSFB) function, was higher in males (5.6 vs. 4.34) and correlated to age with a constant difference between sexes (F = 41.71). In CIS patients, QAlb increased with age only in males (r = 0.3567). Age was positively correlated to disease duration and severity in MS (r = 0.3502, r = 0.2986, respectively). No differences emerged for quantitative and qualitative IIS determinations. (4) Discussion: Although the main difference between males and females concerns the function of BCSFB assessed by QAlb, this sexual dimorphism does not affect the determination of the IIS evaluated both by quantitative and qualitative methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (S.P.); (M.P.)
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-236388
| | - Caterina Ferri
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (S.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Ginevra Tecilla
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (S.P.); (M.P.)
| | - André Huss
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.H.); (M.S.); (H.T.)
| | - Paola Crociani
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (P.C.); (G.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Gaetano Desina
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (P.C.); (G.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Gianvito Barbella
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (S.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Alice Piola
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (S.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Samantha Permunian
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (S.P.); (M.P.)
| | - Makbule Senel
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.H.); (M.S.); (H.T.)
| | - Maurizio Leone
- Neurology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS “Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza”, 71013 San Giovanni Rotondo, Italy; (P.C.); (G.D.); (M.L.)
| | - Hayrettin Tumani
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (A.H.); (M.S.); (H.T.)
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Neurosciences and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (G.T.); (G.B.); (A.P.); (S.P.); (M.P.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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13
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Regulation of Tight Junctions by Sex Hormones in Goat Mammary Epithelial Cells. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111404. [PMID: 35681868 PMCID: PMC9179430 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary How ovarian hormones affect goat lactation by regulating cell–cell junctions is still unclear. Through the in vivo and in vitro assays, we found that ovarian hormones could elevate cell–cell junction protein expression, which may affect the intercellular space and molecule transportation between the goat mammary epithelial cells. Our assessment suggests that ovarian hormones may affect goat milk production by regulating the cell–cell junction protein expression between mammary epithelial cells. Abstract The sex hormones of estrogen and progesterone (P4) play a vital role in mammary gland development and milk lactation in ruminants. The tight junction (TJ) between adjacent secretory epithelial cells is instrumental in establishing the mammary blood–milk barrier. However, whether estrogen and P4 exert their effect on mammary function via regulating TJ remain unclear. Here, to clarify the role of 17-β estradiol (E2) and P4 in the regulation of TJ in goat mammary gland, we first explored the relationships between the concentrations of E2, P4, and the protein expression of claudin-1, claudin-3, occludin, and ZO-1 during the mammary gland development in goat. Then, we further explored the mRNA and protein expression of claudin-1, claudin-3, occludin, and ZO-1 in the goat mammary epithelial cells (GMECs) in vitro under different concentrations of E2 and P4. The results demonstrated that the protein expression of claudin-1 decreased, but occludin and ZO-1 increased with the decline in E2 and P4 during the transition from pregnancy to lactation. In the in vitro studies, E2 exerted a positive effect on the mRNA expression of claudin-1, and accelerated the proteins’ expression of claudin-1 and ZO-1 in GMECs; P4 upregulated the mRNA expression of claudin-1, claudin-3, occludin, and ZO-1, and also improved the protein expression of claudin-1, claudin-3, and ZO-1 in the GMECs. The results demonstrated that E2 and P4 play an important role in regulating the expression of the mammary TJ components, which may ultimately affect the mammary gland development and milk lactation.
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14
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Zhao Y, Gan L, Ren L, Lin Y, Ma C, Lin X. Factors influencing the blood-brain barrier permeability. Brain Res 2022; 1788:147937. [PMID: 35568085 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2022.147937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic structure that protects the brain from harmful blood-borne, endogenous and exogenous substances and maintains the homeostatic microenvironment. All constituent cell types play indispensable roles in the BBB's integrity, and other structural BBB components, such as tight junction proteins, adherens junctions, and junctional proteins, can control the barrier permeability. Regarding the need to exchange nutrients and toxic materials, solute carriers, ATP-binding case families, and ion transporter, as well as transcytosis regulate the influx and efflux transport, while the difference in localisation and expression can contribute to functional differences in transport properties. Numerous chemical mediators and other factors such as non-physicochemical factors have been identified to alter BBB permeability by mediating the structural components and barrier function, because of the close relationship with inflammation. In this review, we highlight recently gained mechanistic insights into the maintenance and disruption of the BBB. A better understanding of the factors influencing BBB permeability could contribute to supporting promising potential therapeutic targets for protecting the BBB and the delivery of central nervous system drugs via BBB permeability interventions under pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibin Zhao
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Lin Gan
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Ren
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yubo Lin
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Congcong Ma
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xianming Lin
- The Third Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China; Department of Neurobiology and Acupuncture Research, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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15
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Rana AK, Sharma S, Patial V, Singh D. Lithium therapy subdues neuroinflammation to maintain pyramidal cells arborization and rescues neurobehavioural impairments in ovariectomized rats. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:1706-1723. [PMID: 35018576 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-021-02719-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Oestrogen deprivation as a consequence of menopause alters the brain neuronal circuit and results in the development of neurobehavioural symptoms later. Hormone replacement therapy to some extent helps to overcome these abnormalities but is associated with various adverse events. Lithium therapy is being used to manage multiple neuropsychiatric disorders and is reported to maintain structural synaptic plasticity, suppress neuroinflammation, and promote adult neurogenesis. The present study examined the effect of lithium treatment on the neurobehavioural impairments in ovariectomized rat model mimicking clinical postmenopausal condition. A protective effect of lithium treatment was observed on the reconsolidation of spatial and recognition memory along with depression-like behaviour in ovariectomized rats. The Golgi-Cox staining revealed increased dendritic length and spine density in the pyramidal neurons of the CA1 region of the hippocampus, layer V of the somatosensory cortex, and layer II/III of the prefrontal cortex in the treated group. A significant reduction in pro-inflammatory markers, Il2, II6, and Il1b, was observed in the hippocampus, somatosensory cortex, and prefrontal cortex following lithium treatment. mRNA expression studies of Gfap and Pparg, along with histopathological analysis, suggested reactive astrogliosis to be a major contributor of neuroinflammation in ovariectomized rats that was normalized following lithium treatment. Further, the treatment inhibited Gsk-3β activity and maintained the normal level of β-catenin, CREB, and BDNF. The results revealed a defensive role of lithium against ovariectomy-induced neurobehavioural impairments, thus suggesting it to be a potential therapeutic agent for managing postmenopausal neurological symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anil Kumar Rana
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Dietetics and Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, 176061, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Supriya Sharma
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Dietetics and Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, 176061, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Vikram Patial
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Dietetics and Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, 176061, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India.,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India
| | - Damanpreet Singh
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Laboratory, Dietetics and Nutrition Technology Division, CSIR-Institute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, 176061, Palampur, Himachal Pradesh, India. .,Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), Ghaziabad, 201002, India.
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16
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Castellazzi M, Pizzicotti S, Lombardo I, Alfiero S, Morotti A, Pellegatti P, Negri G, Natali L, Ferri C, Fainardi E, Bellini T, Pugliatti M. Sexual dimorphism in the cerebrospinal fluid total protein content. Clin Chem Lab Med 2021; 58:1885-1890. [PMID: 32598300 DOI: 10.1515/cclm-2020-0419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless body fluid filling the central nervous system. The determination of the CSF total protein (TP) content represents an important screening test of various pathologies. We aimed to address the effect of sex and age on CSF-TP content and the use of the current upper reference limits (URLs). Methods CSF-TP content was analysed in a selected population of 1,252 patients (648 women and 604 men; age 18-89 years) who underwent lumbar puncture as a part of the diagnostic work-up. Samples presenting (i) more than 5 white blood cells (WBC)/µL, (ii) discolorations and (iii) reduced glucose were not included. Results The CSF-TP content median values were significantly higher in men than in women (46 vs. 37 mg/dL) even after adjusting for age and different hospital inpatients. CSF-TP content positively correlated with age both in men and in women with a constant difference between sexes of 8.5 mg/dL. Applying the most used URLs (mainly 45 and 50 mg/dL, but also 60 mg/dL), men received a laboratory report suggestive of altered CSF-TP content more frequently than women. The use of age- and sex-calibrated CSF-TP URLs reduced, but not eliminated, this sex-gap. Conclusions Using the current URLs, a condition of "elevated CSF-TP content" may be overestimated in men or, conversely, underestimated in women, regardless of the age and of the diagnosis. These results highlighted the need to apply CSF-TP URLs values normalized for both sex and age.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Stefano Pizzicotti
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, "S. Anna" University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilenia Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Sarah Alfiero
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Patrizia Pellegatti
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, "S. Anna" University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Giovanna Negri
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, "S. Anna" University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Lara Natali
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, "S. Anna" University Hospital, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Caterina Ferri
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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17
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Blawn KT, Kellohen KL, Galloway EA, Wahl J, Vivek A, Verkhovsky VG, Barker NK, Cottier KE, Vallecillo TG, Langlais PR, Liktor-Busa E, Vanderah TW, Largent-Milnes TM. Sex hormones regulate NHE1 functional expression and brain endothelial proteome to control paracellular integrity of the blood endothelial barrier. Brain Res 2021; 1763:147448. [PMID: 33771519 PMCID: PMC10494867 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2021.147448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sex hormones have been implicated in pH regulation of numerous physiological systems. One consistent factor of these studies is the sodium-hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1). NHE1 has been associated with pH homeostasis at epithelial barriers. Hormone fluctuations have been implicated in protection and risk for breaches in blood brain barrier (BBB)/blood endothelial barrier (BEB) integrity. Few studies, however, have investigated BBB/BEB integrity in neurological disorders in the context of sex-hormone regulation of pH homeostasis. METHODS//RESULTS Physiologically relevant concentrations of 17-β-estradiol (E2, 294 pM), progesterone (P, 100 nM), and testosterone (T,3.12 nM) were independently applied to cultured immortalized bEnd.3 brain endothelial cells to study the BEB. Individual gonadal hormones showed preferential effects on extracellular pH (E2), 14C-sucrose uptake (T), stimulated paracellular breaches (P) with dependence on functional NHE1 expression without impacting transendothelial resistance (TEER) or total protein expression. While total NHE1 expression was not changed as determined via whole cell lysate and subcellular fractionation experiment, biotinylation of NHE1 for surface membrane expression showed E2 reduced functional expression. Quantitative proteomic analysis revealed divergent effects of 17-β-estradiol and testosterone on changes in protein abundance in bEnd.3 endothelial cells as compared to untreated controls. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that circulating levels of sex hormones may independently control BEB integrity by 1) regulating pH homeostasis through NHE1 functional expression and 2) modifying the endothelial proteome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera T Blawn
- University of Arizona, Department of Pharmacology, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Emily A Galloway
- University of Arizona, Department of Pharmacology, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Jared Wahl
- University of Arizona, Department of Pharmacology, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Anjali Vivek
- University of Arizona, Department of Pharmacology, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Natalie K Barker
- University of Arizona, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | | | - Paul R Langlais
- University of Arizona, Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, College of Medicine, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | | | - Todd W Vanderah
- University of Arizona, Department of Pharmacology, Tucson, AZ, USA
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18
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Castellazzi M, Ferri C, Alfiero S, Lombardo I, Laudisi M, Tecilla G, Boni M, Pizzicotti S, Fainardi E, Bellini T, Pugliatti M. Sex-Related Differences in Cerebrospinal Fluid Plasma-Derived Proteins of Neurological Patients. Diagnostics (Basel) 2021; 11:diagnostics11050884. [PMID: 34065720 PMCID: PMC8156001 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics11050884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein content presents a sexual dimorphism in humans. We investigated sex-related differences in CSF IgG levels and in the quantification of intrathecal IgG synthesis (IIS). Methods: CSF, serum albumin and IgG were measured in 1519 neurological patients and both linear and hyperbolic formulas were used for the quantification of IIS. CSF-restricted oligoclonal IgG bands (OCBs) were used as “gold standard”. Results: The linear IgG Index showed a weak agreement with OCBs in males and females (k = 0.559, k = 0.587, respectively), while the hyperbolic Reiber’s formulas had a moderate agreement with OCBs in females (k = 0.635) and a weak agreement in males (k = 0.565). Higher CSF albumin and IgG levels were found in men than in women in the whole population and in subjects without IIS after adjusting for age and for serum concentrations of albumin and IgG, respectively (Quade statistics, p < 0.000001). CSF and serum albumin and IgG levels positively correlated to age in both sexes. CSF total protein content did not correlate with CSF leukocyte numbers but was higher in patients with marked pleocytosis. Conclusions: In neurological patients, men have higher levels of CSF serum-derived proteins, such as albumin and IgG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (S.A.); (I.L.); (M.L.); (G.T.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0532-236388
| | - Caterina Ferri
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (S.A.); (I.L.); (M.L.); (G.T.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Sarah Alfiero
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (S.A.); (I.L.); (M.L.); (G.T.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Ilenia Lombardo
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (S.A.); (I.L.); (M.L.); (G.T.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Michele Laudisi
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (S.A.); (I.L.); (M.L.); (G.T.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Ginevra Tecilla
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (S.A.); (I.L.); (M.L.); (G.T.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
| | - Michela Boni
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, “S. Anna” University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Stefano Pizzicotti
- Chemical-Clinical Analysis Laboratory, “S. Anna” University Hospital, 44124 Ferrara, Italy; (M.B.); (S.P.)
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, 50121 Florence, Italy;
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (S.A.); (I.L.); (M.L.); (G.T.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
- University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy; (C.F.); (S.A.); (I.L.); (M.L.); (G.T.); (T.B.); (M.P.)
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, 44121 Ferrara, Italy
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19
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Ricardo-da-Silva FY, Armstrong R, Vidal-Dos-Santos M, Correia CDJ, Coutinho E Silva RDS, da Anunciação LF, Moreira LFP, Leuvenink HGD, Breithaupt-Faloppa AC. 17β-Estradiol Treatment Protects Lungs Against Brain Death Effects in Female Rat Donor. Transplantation 2021; 105:775-784. [PMID: 33031230 DOI: 10.1097/tp.0000000000003467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain death (BD) affects the viability of lungs for transplantation. A correlation exists between high-lung inflammation after BD and the decrease in female sex hormones, especially estradiol. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 17β-estradiol (E2) treatment on the lungs of female brain dead rats. METHODS Female Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: BD (submitted to BD for 6 h), sham (false operated), E2-T0 (treated with E2 immediately after BD; 50 μg/mL, 2 mL/h), and E2-T3 (treated with E2 after 3 h of BD; 50 μg/mL, 2 mL/h). Lung edema, hemorrhage, and leukocyte infiltration were analyzed. Adhesion molecules were evaluated, and analysis of NO synthase gene and protein expression was performed using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. Release of chemokines and matrix degradation in the lungs was analyzed. RESULTS BD increased leukocyte infiltration, as shown by intravital microscopy (P = 0.017), bronchoalveolar lavage cell count (P = 0.016), the release of inflammatory mediators (P = 0.02), and expression of adhesion molecules. BD also increased microvascular permeability and the expression and activity of matrix metalloproteinase-9 in the lungs. E2 treatment reduced leukocyte infiltration, especially in the E2-T3 group, release of inflammatory mediators, adhesion molecules, and matrix metalloproteinase activity in the lungs. CONCLUSIONS E2 treatment was successful in controlling the lung inflammatory response in females submitted to BD. Our results suggest that E2 directly decreases the release of chemokines, restraining cell traffic into the lungs. Thus, E2 has a therapeutic potential, and its role in improving donor lung quality should be explored further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fernanda Yamamoto Ricardo-da-Silva
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Roberto Armstrong
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Marina Vidal-Dos-Santos
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Cristiano de Jesus Correia
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Raphael Dos Santos Coutinho E Silva
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Lucas Ferreira da Anunciação
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Luiz Felipe Pinho Moreira
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Cristina Breithaupt-Faloppa
- Laboratorio de Cirurgia Cardiovascular e Fisiopatologia da Circulação (LIM-11), Instituto do Coração (InCor), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Jin LY, Li J, Wang KF, Xia WW, Zhu ZQ, Wang CR, Li XF, Liu HY. Blood-Spinal Cord Barrier in Spinal Cord Injury: A Review. J Neurotrauma 2021; 38:1203-1224. [PMID: 33292072 DOI: 10.1089/neu.2020.7413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB), a physical barrier between the blood and spinal cord parenchyma, prevents the toxins, blood cells, and pathogens from entering the spinal cord and maintains a tightly controlled chemical balance in the spinal environment, which is necessary for proper neural function. A BSCB disruption, however, plays an important role in primary and secondary injury processes related to spinal cord injury (SCI). After SCI, the structure of the BSCB is broken down, which leads directly to leakage of blood components. At the same time, the permeability of the BSCB is also increased. Repairing the disruption of the BSCB could alleviate the SCI pathology. We review the morphology and pathology of the BSCB and progression of therapeutic methods targeting BSCB in SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lin-Yu Jin
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Jie Li
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Kai-Feng Wang
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Wei-Wei Xia
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Zhen-Qi Zhu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Chun-Ru Wang
- Beijing National Laboratory for Molecular Sciences, Key Laboratory of Molecular Nanostructure and Nanotechnology, CAS Research/Education Center for Excellence in Molecular Sciences, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Feng Li
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Hai-Ying Liu
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Peking University People's Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, P.R. China
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21
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Cheng X, Yu Z, Xu J, Quan D, Long H. Pathophysiological Changes and the Role of Notch-1 Activation After Decompression in a Compressive Spinal Cord Injury Rat Model. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:579431. [PMID: 33584186 PMCID: PMC7876297 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.579431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Surgical decompression is the primary treatment for cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM) patients with compressive spinal cord injury (CSCI). However, the prognosis of patients with CSCI varies, and the pathophysiological changes following decompression remain poor. This study aimed to investigate the pathophysiological changes and the role of Notch-1 activation after decompression in a rat CSCI model. Surgical decompression was conducted at 1 week post-injury (wpi). DAPT was intraperitoneally injected to down-regulate Notch-1 expression. Basso, Beattie, and Bresnahan scores and an inclined plane test were used to evaluate the motor function recovery. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess pathophysiological changes, while hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), von Willebrand factor (vWF), matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, MMP-2, Notch-1, and Hes-1 expression in the spinal cord were examined by immunohistochemical analysis or quantitative PCR. The results show that early decompression can partially promote motor function recovery. Improvements in structural and cellular damage and hypoxic levels were also observed in the decompressed spinal cord. Moreover, decompression resulted in increased VEGF and vWF expression, but decreased MMP-9 and MMP-2 expression at 3 wpi. Expression levels of Notch-1 and its downstream gene Hes-1 were increased after decompression, and the inhibition of Notch-1 significantly reduced the decompression-induced motor function recovery. This exploratory study revealed preliminary pathophysiological changes in the compressed and decompressed rat spinal cord. Furthermore, we confirmed that early surgical decompression partially promotes motor function recovery may via activation of the Notch-1 signaling pathway after CSCI. These results could provide new insights for the development of drug therapy to enhance recovery following surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Cheng
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhengran Yu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinghui Xu
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Daping Quan
- PCFM Lab, GD HPPC Lab, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Houqing Long
- Department of Spine Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
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22
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Rurak GM, Woodside B, Aguilar-Valles A, Salmaso N. Astroglial cells as neuroendocrine targets in forebrain development: Implications for sex differences in psychiatric disease. Front Neuroendocrinol 2021; 60:100897. [PMID: 33359797 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2020.100897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Astroglial cells are the most abundant cell type in the mammalian brain. They are implicated in almost every aspect of brain physiology, including maintaining homeostasis, building and maintaining the blood brain barrier, and the development and maturation of neuronal networks. Critically, astroglia also express receptors for gonadal sex hormones, respond rapidly to gonadal hormones, and are able to synthesize hormones. Thus, they are positioned to guide and mediate sexual differentiation of the brain, particularly neuronal networks in typical and pathological conditions. In this review, we describe astroglial involvement in the organization and development of the brain, and consider known sex differences in astroglial responses to understand how astroglial cell-mediated organization may play a role in forebrain sexual dimorphisms in human populations. Finally, we consider how sexually dimorphic astroglial responses and functions in development may lead to sex differences in vulnerability for neuropsychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gareth M Rurak
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Barbara Woodside
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Natalina Salmaso
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
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23
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Adivi A, Lucero J, Simpson N, McDonald JD, Lund AK. Exposure to traffic-generated air pollution promotes alterations in the integrity of the brain microvasculature and inflammation in female ApoE -/- mice. Toxicol Lett 2020; 339:39-50. [PMID: 33373663 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Traffic-generated air pollutants have been correlated with alterations in blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, which is associated with pathologies in the central nervous system (CNS). Much of the existing literature investigating the effects of air pollution in the CNS has predominately been reported in males, with little known regarding the effects in females. As such, this study characterized the effects of inhalation exposure to mixed vehicle emissions (MVE), as well as the presence of female sex hormones, in the CNS of female ApoE-/- mice, which included cohorts of both ovariectomized (ov-) and ovary-intact (ov+) mice. Ov + and ov- were placed on a high-fat diet and randomly grouped to be exposed to either filtered-air (FA) or MVE (200 PM/m3: 50 μg PM/m3 gasoline engine + 150 μg PM/m3 from diesel engine emissions) for 6 h/d, 7d/wk, for 30d. MVE-exposure resulted in altered cerebral microvascular integrity and permeability, as determined by the decreased immunofluorescent expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins, occludin, and claudin-5, and increased IgG extravasation into the cerebral parenchyma, compared to FA controls, regardless of ovary status. Associated with the altered cerebral microvascular integrity, we also observed an increase in matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) -2/9 activity in the MVE ov+, MVE ov-, and FA ov- groups, compared to FA ov+. There was also elevated expression of intracellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, inflammatory interleukins (IL-1, IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) mRNA in the cerebrum of MVE ov + and MVE ov- animals. IκB kinase (IKK) subunits IKKα and IKKβ mRNA expressions were upregulated in the cerebrum of MVE ov- and FA ov- mice. Our findings indicate that MVE exposure mediates altered integrity of the cerebral microvasculature correlated with increased MMP-2/9 activity and inflammatory signaling, regardless of female hormones present.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Adivi
- Advanced Environmental Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76201, USA
| | - JoAnn Lucero
- Advanced Environmental Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76201, USA
| | - Nicholas Simpson
- Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, 87108, USA
| | - Jacob D McDonald
- Lovelace Biomedical and Environmental Research Institute, Albuquerque, NM, 87108, USA
| | - Amie K Lund
- Advanced Environmental Research Institute, Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton, TX, 76201, USA.
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24
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Castellazzi M, Morotti A, Tamborino C, Alessi F, Pilotto S, Baldi E, Caniatti LM, Trentini A, Casetta I, Granieri E, Pugliatti M, Fainardi E, Bellini T. Increased age and male sex are independently associated with higher frequency of blood-cerebrospinal fluid barrier dysfunction using the albumin quotient. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:14. [PMID: 32024544 PMCID: PMC7003357 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-0173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)/serum quotient of albumin (QAlb) is the most used biomarker for the evaluation of blood–cerebrospinal fluid barrier (B-CSF-B) permeability. For years QAlb was considered only as an age-related parameter but recently it has also been associated to sex. The aim of the present study was to explore the impact of sex in the determination of B-CSF-B dysfunction. Methods The analysis was retrospectively conducted on subjects consecutively admitted to the neurological ward. CSF and serum albumin levels were measured by immunonephelometry and pathological QAlb thresholds were considered: 6.5 under 40 years, 8.0 in the age 40–60 and 9.0 over 60 years. Results 1209 subjects were included in the study. 718 females and 491 males (age: 15–88 years): 24.6% of patients had a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, 23.2% suffered from other inflammatory neurological diseases, 24.6% were affected by non-inflammatory neurological diseases, and for 27.6% of patients the final neurological diagnosis could not be traced. Dysfunctional B-CSF-B was detected more frequently (44 vs. 20.1%, p < 0.0001) and median QAlb value were higher (7.18 vs. 4.87, p < 0.0001) in males than in females in the overall study population and in all disease subgroups. QAlb and age were positively correlated both in female (p < 0.0001) and male (p < 0.0001) patients, however the slopes of the two regression lines were not significantly different (p = 0.7149), while the difference between the elevations was extremely significant (p < 0.0001) with a gap of 2.2 units between the two sexes. Finally, in a multivariable linear regression analysis increased age and male sex were independently associated with higher QAlb in the overall study population (both p < 0.001) and after stratification by age and disease group. Conclusions Accordingly, identification and validation of sex-targeted QAlb thresholds should be considered as a novel tool in an effort to achieve more precision in the medical approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, Settore 1C3, 44124, Ferrara, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Silvy Pilotto
- School of Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Eleonora Baldi
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luisa M Caniatti
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, Settore 1C3, 44124, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Ilaria Casetta
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, Settore 1C3, 44124, Ferrara, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Granieri
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, Settore 1C3, 44124, Ferrara, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, Settore 1C3, 44124, Ferrara, Italy. .,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Department of Biomedical and Specialist Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Aldo Moro 8, Settore 1C3, 44124, Ferrara, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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25
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Protective Effects of Melatonin on Methamphetamine-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Rat Model. Neurotox Res 2020; 37:640-660. [PMID: 31900895 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00156-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 11/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The specialized brain endothelial cells interconnected by unique junctions and adhesion molecules are distinctive features of the blood-brain barrier (BBB), maintaining the homeostasis of the cerebral microenvironment. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of melatonin on methamphetamine (METH)-induced alterations of BBB integrity. Wistar rats were randomly distributed into groups and underwent melatonin pretreatment and escalating-high doses of METH treatment. Immunohistochemistry was performed to demonstrate the BBB leakage. Protein and RNA samples were isolated from hippocampal and prefrontal cortical tissues and measured expression levels of molecular markers associated with BBB structural components and inflammatory processes. METH provoked the loss of zonula occludens (ZO)-1, occludin, and claudin-5 tight junction proteins. Furthermore, METH caused an excessive increase in matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) enzyme, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 (VCAM-1) and the increase in NAD(P)H oxidase 2 (NOX2). Melatonin exerted the protective effects by recovering tight junction loss; attenuating excessive MMP-9, NOX2, and cell adhesion molecule expression; and reducing serum albumin in the brain. Our results also showed the protective effects of melatonin against METH neurotoxic profiles, characterized by reactive gliosis: microglia (integrin-αM) and astrocyte (GFAP); an excessive upregulation of primary pro-inflammatory cytokines: interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); activation of neuroinflammatory signaling: nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB); and suppression of anti-oxidative signaling: nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), that may exacerbate BBB structural impairment. Our results provide insights into the beneficial effects of melatonin against METH-induced BBB disruption and mechanisms that play detrimental roles in BBB impairment by in vivo design.
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26
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Nuthikattu S, Milenkovic D, Rutledge J, Villablanca A. The Western Diet Regulates Hippocampal Microvascular Gene Expression: An Integrated Genomic Analyses in Female Mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:19058. [PMID: 31836762 PMCID: PMC6911042 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55533-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/22/2019] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperlipidemia is a risk factor for dementia, and chronic consumption of a Western Diet (WD) is associated with cognitive impairment. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying the development of microvascular disease in the memory centers of the brain are poorly understood. This pilot study investigated the nutrigenomic pathways by which the WD regulates gene expression in hippocampal brain microvessels of female mice. Five-week-old female low-density lipoprotein receptor deficient (LDL-R−/−) and C57BL/6J wild type (WT) mice were fed a chow or WD for 8 weeks. Metabolics for lipids, glucose and insulin were determined. Differential gene expression, gene networks and pathways, transcription factors, and non-protein coding RNAs were evaluated by genome-wide microarray and bioinformatics analysis of laser captured hippocampal microvessels. The WD resulted in differential expression of 2,412 genes. The majority of differential gene expression was attributable to differential regulation of cell signaling proteins and their transcription factors, approximately 7% was attributable to differential expression of miRNAs, and a lesser proportion was due to other non-protein coding RNAs, primarily long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs) not previously described to be modified by the WD in females. Our findings revealed that chronic consumption of the WD resulted in integrated multilevel molecular regulation of the hippocampal microvasculature of female mice and may provide one of the mechanisms underlying vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saivageethi Nuthikattu
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Dragan Milenkovic
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA.,Université Clermont Auvergne, INRA, UNH, CRNH Auvergne, F-63000, Clermont-Ferrand, France
| | - John Rutledge
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Amparo Villablanca
- Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA.
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27
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Azcoitia I, Barreto GE, Garcia-Segura LM. Molecular mechanisms and cellular events involved in the neuroprotective actions of estradiol. Analysis of sex differences. Front Neuroendocrinol 2019; 55:100787. [PMID: 31513774 DOI: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2019.100787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 09/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Estradiol, either from peripheral or central origin, activates multiple molecular neuroprotective and neuroreparative responses that, being mediated by estrogen receptors or by estrogen receptor independent mechanisms, are initiated at the membrane, the cytoplasm or the cell nucleus of neural cells. Estrogen-dependent signaling regulates a variety of cellular events, such as intracellular Ca2+ levels, mitochondrial respiratory capacity, ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential, autophagy and apoptosis. In turn, these molecular and cellular actions of estradiol are integrated by neurons and non-neuronal cells to generate different tissue protective responses, decreasing blood-brain barrier permeability, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and excitotoxicity and promoting synaptic plasticity, axonal growth, neurogenesis, remyelination and neuroregeneration. Recent findings indicate that the neuroprotective and neuroreparative actions of estradiol are different in males and females and further research is necessary to fully elucidate the causes for this sex difference.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iñigo Azcoitia
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Biology, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludables (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - George E Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, School of Natural Sciences, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Luis M Garcia-Segura
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Fragilidad y Envejecimiento Saludables (CIBERFES), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Avenida Monforte de Lemos, 3-5, 28029 Madrid, Spain; Instituto Cajal, CSIC, Avenida Doctor Arce 37, 28002 Madrid, Spain.
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28
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Howe MD, Furr JW, Zhu L, Edwards NJ, McCullough LD, Gonzales NR. Sex-specific Association of Matrix Metalloproteinases with Secondary Injury and Outcomes after Intracerebral Hemorrhage. J Stroke Cerebrovasc Dis 2019; 28:1718-1725. [PMID: 30922669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2019.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Intracerebral hemorrhage affects approximately 2 million individuals per year. While the incidence is roughly equal in men and women, few studies have examined the influence of sex on secondary injury and associated long-term functional outcomes. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) promote vessel rupture and worsen outcomes by potentiating blood-brain barrier breakdown after injury. We hypothesized that different MMP isoform levels would be predictive of injury severity, secondary injury, and long-term functional outcomes in males and females, respectively. METHODS We examined the levels of MMP isoforms in serum samples from a prospective patient biobank (n = 55). Baseline clinical, radiographic, and laboratory data were also analyzed. RESULTS We found that MMP-1 (P = .036), MMP-2 (P = .014), MMP-3 (P < .001), and MMP-9 (P = .02) levels gradually increased over time in male patients until 10 DPI. In female patients, we found a different pattern of activation: MMP-8 (P = .02) was the only isoform that significantly changed with time, which reached a peak at 3-5 days postinjury. Several MMP isoforms correlated with markers of secondary injury in female patients (all P < .05). Additionally, serum levels of MMP-3 (P = .011) in males and MMP-10 (P = .044) in females were significantly associated with long-term functional outcomes in a sex-specific manner. CONCLUSIONS This is the first sex-specific study to examine serum MMP levels and their correlation with clinicoradiologic measures after intracerebral hemorrhage, and identifies potential biomarkers of secondary injury and long-term outcomes in both sexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew D Howe
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
| | - J Weldon Furr
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Liang Zhu
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Nancy J Edwards
- Neuroscience, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City Medical Center, Redwood City, California
| | - Louise D McCullough
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
| | - Nicole R Gonzales
- Department of Neurology, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas
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Dual Roles of Astrocyte-Derived Factors in Regulation of Blood-Brain Barrier Function after Brain Damage. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20030571. [PMID: 30699952 PMCID: PMC6387062 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20030571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2018] [Revised: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 01/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a major functional barrier in the central nervous system (CNS), and inhibits the extravasation of intravascular contents and transports various essential nutrients between the blood and the brain. After brain damage by traumatic brain injury, cerebral ischemia and several other CNS disorders, the functions of the BBB are disrupted, resulting in severe secondary damage including brain edema and inflammatory injury. Therefore, BBB protection and recovery are considered novel therapeutic strategies for reducing brain damage. Emerging evidence suggests key roles of astrocyte-derived factors in BBB disruption and recovery after brain damage. The astrocyte-derived vascular permeability factors include vascular endothelial growth factors, matrix metalloproteinases, nitric oxide, glutamate and endothelin-1, which enhance BBB permeability leading to BBB disruption. By contrast, the astrocyte-derived protective factors include angiopoietin-1, sonic hedgehog, glial-derived neurotrophic factor, retinoic acid and insulin-like growth factor-1 and apolipoprotein E which attenuate BBB permeability resulting in recovery of BBB function. In this review, the roles of these astrocyte-derived factors in BBB function are summarized, and their significance as therapeutic targets for BBB protection and recovery after brain damage are discussed.
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30
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Sun M, Shinoda Y, Fukunaga K. KY-226 Protects Blood-brain Barrier Function Through the Akt/FoxO1 Signaling Pathway in Brain Ischemia. Neuroscience 2018; 399:89-102. [PMID: 30579831 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroscience.2018.12.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2018] [Revised: 12/12/2018] [Accepted: 12/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
KY-226 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) inhibitor that protects neurons from cerebral ischemic injury. KY-226 restores Akt (protein kinase B) phosphorylation and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) reduction in transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) damage. However, the mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of KY-226 are unclear. To address this, the effects of KY-226 on blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction were examined in tMCAO mice. KY-226 (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to ICR mice 30 min after 2 h of tMCAO. To assess Akt or ERK involvement, wortmannin (i.c.v.) or U0126 (i.v.), selective inhibitors of PI3K and ERK, respectively, were administered to mice 30 min before ischemia. BBB integrity was assessed by Evans blue leakage 24 h post-reperfusion. The levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins, ZO-1 and occludin, were measured by western blotting; ZO-1 mRNA level was measured by RT-PCR. Compared to vehicle, KY-226 treatment prevented BBB breakdown and reduction in TJ protein levels. KY-226 treatment restored ZO-1 mRNA levels post-reperfusion. Pre-administration of wortmannin or U0126 blocked the protective effects of KY-226 on ZO-1 protein and mRNA reduction in tMCAO mice. In bEnd.3 cells, lipopolysaccharide treatment reduced mRNA and protein levels of ZO-1, an effect rescued by KY-226 treatment. Further, KY-226 treatment restored phosphorylation of pAkt (T308) and its downstream target forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) (S256) in bEnd.3 cells. Collectively, we demonstrate that KY-226 protects BBB integrity by restoration of TJ proteins, an effect partly mediated by Akt/FoxO1 pathway activation. Thus, protection of BBB integrity likely underlies KY-226-induced neuroprotection in tMCAO mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Sun
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yasuharu Shinoda
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kohji Fukunaga
- Department of Pharmacology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tohoku University, 6-3 Aramaki-Aoba, Aoba-ku, Sendai, Japan.
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31
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Robison LS, Gannon OJ, Salinero AE, Zuloaga KL. Contributions of sex to cerebrovascular function and pathology. Brain Res 2018; 1710:43-60. [PMID: 30580011 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2018.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2018] [Revised: 12/18/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Sex differences exist in how cerebral blood vessels function under both physiological and pathological conditions, contributing to observed sex differences in risk and outcomes of cerebrovascular diseases (CBVDs), such as vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID) and stroke. Throughout most of the lifespan, women are protected from CBVDs; however, risk increases following menopause, suggesting sex hormones may play a significant role in this protection. The cerebrovasculature is a target for sex hormones, including estrogens, progestins, and androgens, where they can influence numerous vascular functions and pathologies. While there is a plethora of information on estrogen, the effects of progestins and androgens on the cerebrovasculature are less well-defined. Estrogen decreases cerebral tone and increases cerebral blood flow, while androgens increase tone. Both estrogens and androgens enhance angiogenesis/cerebrovascular remodeling. While both estrogens and androgens attenuate cerebrovascular inflammation, pro-inflammatory effects of androgens under physiological conditions have also been demonstrated. Sex hormones exert additional neuroprotective effects by attenuating oxidative stress and maintaining integrity and function of the blood brain barrier. Most animal studies utilize young, healthy, gonadectomized animals, which do not mimic the clinical conditions of aging individuals likely to get CBVDs. This is also concerning, as sex hormones appear to mediate cerebrovascular function differently based on age and disease state (e.g. metabolic syndrome). Through this review, we hope to inspire others to consider sex as a key biological variable in cerebrovascular research, as greater understanding of sex differences in cerebrovascular function will assist in developing personalized approaches to prevent and treat CBVDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa S Robison
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Olivia J Gannon
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Abigail E Salinero
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
| | - Kristen L Zuloaga
- Department of Neuroscience and Experimental Therapeutics, Albany Medical College, 47 New Scotland Ave, Albany, NY 12208, United States.
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32
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Castellazzi M, Ligi D, Contaldi E, Quartana D, Fonderico M, Borgatti L, Bellini T, Trentini A, Granieri E, Fainardi E, Mannello F, Pugliatti M. Multiplex Matrix Metalloproteinases Analysis in the Cerebrospinal Fluid Reveals Potential Specific Patterns in Multiple Sclerosis Patients. Front Neurol 2018; 9:1080. [PMID: 30619040 PMCID: PMC6305439 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2018.01080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are pleiotropic enzymes involved in extracellular protein degradation and turnover. MMPs are implicated in the pathogenesis of many neurological diseases, including multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: To search the level of MMPs in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients and detect possible disease-specific patterns. Methods: CSF samples from 32 MS patients and, from 15 control subjects with other inflammatory neurological diseases (OIND) were analyzed. The Bio-Plex Pro Human MMP 9-Plex Panel (Bio-Rad) was used for the quantification of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-3, MMP-7, MMP-8, MMP-9, MMP-10, MMP-12, and MMP-13. Results: CSF MMP-1 and MMP-12 levels were significantly reduced in MS as compared with OIND. In MS patients' CSF: (i) MMP-1 levels were significantly higher in women vs. men; (ii) MMP-10 concentrations were higher in patients with CSF-restricted IgG oligoclonal bands, and (iii) MMP-7 levels were increased in patients with longer disease duration. In the OIND group MMP-7 and MMP-12 levels significantly and directly correlated with age. Conclusions: Our study contributes to investigating the role of MMPs in MS, with regard to CSF immunological features and disease duration. Sex-specific differences were also detected in MMPs CSF levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimiliano Castellazzi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Daniela Ligi
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University "Carlo Bo" of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Elena Contaldi
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Davide Quartana
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | | | - Luca Borgatti
- Department of Neuroscience and Rehabilitation, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Tiziana Bellini
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,University Center for Studies on Gender Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alessandro Trentini
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Granieri
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Mannello
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University "Carlo Bo" of Urbino, Urbino, Italy
| | - Maura Pugliatti
- Department of Biomedical and Specialty Surgical Sciences, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy.,Interdepartmental Research Center for the Study of Multiple Sclerosis and Inflammatory and Degenerative Diseases of the Nervous System, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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33
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Hao FL, Han XF, Wang XL, Zhao ZR, Guo AH, Lu XJ, Zhao XF. The neurovascular protective effect of alogliptin in murine MCAO model and brain endothelial cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 109:181-187. [PMID: 30396075 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 10/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Endothelial damage and blood brain barrier disruption contribute to ischemic stroke and brain injury. Gliptins are a novel class of treatment agents for diabetes, and recent studies have linked the use of gliptins to neuroprotection. Alogliptin is a type of orally available gliptin that was approved for clinical use by the FDA in 2013. In this study, we investigated the neurovascular protective effects of alogliptin both in vivo and in vitro. In a murine middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) stroke model, administration of alogliptin ameliorated cerebral infarction and disruption of brain vascular permeability, and restored expression of the endothelial tight junction proteins occludin and zona occludens 1 (ZO-1). In brain vascular endothelial cells exposed to oxygen and glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R), alogliptin prevented OGD/R-induced high permeability of the endothelial monolayer. Alogliptin treatment recovered the reduction in occludin and ZO-1 induced by OGD/R. Moreover, alogliptin treatment prevented OGD/R-induced induction of metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and restored expression of tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 and TIMP-2. Collectively, our data indicate that alogliptin can improve neurovascular integrity and exerts neuroprotective effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng-Li Hao
- Department of Neurology, Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University, Xianyang, 712000, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Han
- Internal Medicine, Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University, Xianyang, China
| | - Xiao-Li Wang
- Department of Neurology, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an, China
| | - Zhi-Ru Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University, Xianyang, 712000, China.
| | - Ai-Hong Guo
- Department of Neurology, Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University, Xianyang, 712000, China
| | - Xin-Jian Lu
- Department of Neurology, Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University, Xianyang, 712000, China
| | - Xiong-Fei Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Xianyang Hospital of Yan'an University, Xianyang, 712000, China
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34
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Cottier KE, Galloway EA, Calabrese EC, Tome ME, Liktor-Busa E, Kim J, Davis TP, Vanderah TW, Largent-Milnes TM. Loss of Blood-Brain Barrier Integrity in a KCl-Induced Model of Episodic Headache Enhances CNS Drug Delivery. eNeuro 2018; 5:ENEURO.0116-18.2018. [PMID: 30073201 PMCID: PMC6071204 DOI: 10.1523/eneuro.0116-18.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 05/29/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Cortical spreading depression (CSD) in the CNS is suggested as a common mechanism contributing to headache. Despite strong evidence for CNS involvement in headache disorders, drug development for headache disorders remains focused on peripheral targets. Difficulty in delivering drugs across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) may partially account for this disparity. It is known, however, that BBB permeability is increased during several CNS pathologies. In this study, we investigated BBB changes in response to KCl-induced CSD events and subsequent allodynia in rats. Cortical KCl injection in awake, freely moving rats produced facial allodynia with peak intensity between 1.5 and 3 h and CSD induction within 0.5-2 h postinjection. Brain perfusion of 14C-sucrose as a marker of BBB paracellular permeability revealed increased leak in the cortex, but not brainstem, beginning 0.5 h post-KCl injection and resolving within 6 h; no changes in tight junction (TJ) proteins occludin or claudin-5 expression were observed. Acute pretreatment with topiramate to inhibit CSD did not prevent the increased BBB paracellular permeability. CNS delivery of the abortive anti-migraine agent sumatriptan was increased in the cortex 1.5 h post-KCl injection. Surprisingly, sumatriptan uptake was also increased in the brainstem following CSD induction, suggesting regulation of active transport mechanisms at the BBB. Together, these results demonstrate the ability of CSD events to produce transient, time-dependent changes in BBB permeability when allodynia is present and to mediate access of clinically relevant therapeutics (i.e., sumatriptan) to the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karissa E. Cottier
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - Emily A. Galloway
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - Elisa C. Calabrese
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - Margaret E. Tome
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - Erika Liktor-Busa
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - John Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - Thomas P. Davis
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724
| | - Todd W. Vanderah
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ 85724
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35
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Diotel N, Charlier TD, Lefebvre d'Hellencourt C, Couret D, Trudeau VL, Nicolau JC, Meilhac O, Kah O, Pellegrini E. Steroid Transport, Local Synthesis, and Signaling within the Brain: Roles in Neurogenesis, Neuroprotection, and Sexual Behaviors. Front Neurosci 2018; 12:84. [PMID: 29515356 PMCID: PMC5826223 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2018.00084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Sex steroid hormones are synthesized from cholesterol and exert pleiotropic effects notably in the central nervous system. Pioneering studies from Baulieu and colleagues have suggested that steroids are also locally-synthesized in the brain. Such steroids, called neurosteroids, can rapidly modulate neuronal excitability and functions, brain plasticity, and behavior. Accumulating data obtained on a wide variety of species demonstrate that neurosteroidogenesis is an evolutionary conserved feature across fish, birds, and mammals. In this review, we will first document neurosteroidogenesis and steroid signaling for estrogens, progestagens, and androgens in the brain of teleost fish, birds, and mammals. We will next consider the effects of sex steroids in homeostatic and regenerative neurogenesis, in neuroprotection, and in sexual behaviors. In a last part, we will discuss the transport of steroids and lipoproteins from the periphery within the brain (and vice-versa) and document their effects on the blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability and on neuroprotection. We will emphasize the potential interaction between lipoproteins and sex steroids, addressing the beneficial effects of steroids and lipoproteins, particularly HDL-cholesterol, against the breakdown of the BBB reported to occur during brain ischemic stroke. We will consequently highlight the potential anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and neuroprotective properties of sex steroid and lipoproteins, these latest improving cholesterol and steroid ester transport within the brain after insults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Diotel
- Université de La Réunion, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France
| | - Thierry D. Charlier
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Christian Lefebvre d'Hellencourt
- Université de La Réunion, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France
| | - David Couret
- Université de La Réunion, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France
- CHU de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
| | | | - Joel C. Nicolau
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Olivier Meilhac
- Université de La Réunion, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, UMR 1188, Diabète athérothrombose Thérapies Réunion Océan Indien, Saint-Denis de La Réunion, France
- CHU de La Réunion, Saint-Denis, France
| | - Olivier Kah
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
| | - Elisabeth Pellegrini
- Univ Rennes, Inserm, EHESP, Irset (Institut de recherche en santé, environnement et travail) - UMR_S 1085, Rennes, France
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36
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Na W, Shin JY, Lee JY, Jeong S, Kim WS, Yune TY, Ju BG. Dexamethasone suppresses JMJD3 gene activation via a putative negative glucocorticoid response element and maintains integrity of tight junctions in brain microvascular endothelial cells. J Cereb Blood Flow Metab 2017; 37:3695-3708. [PMID: 28338398 PMCID: PMC5718327 DOI: 10.1177/0271678x17701156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) exhibits a highly selective permeability to support the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). The tight junctions in the BBB microvascular endothelial cells seal the paracellular space to prevent diffusion. Thus, disruption of tight junctions results in harmful effects in CNS diseases and injuries. It has recently been demonstrated that glucocorticoids have beneficial effects on maintaining tight junctions in both in vitro cell and in vivo animal models. In the present study, we found that dexamethasone suppresses the expression of JMJD3, a histone H3K27 demethylase, via the recruitment of glucocorticoid receptor α (GRα) and nuclear receptor co-repressor (N-CoR) to the negative glucocorticoid response element (nGRE) in the upstream region of JMJD3 gene in brain microvascular endothelial cells subjected to TNFα treatment. The decreased JMJD3 gene expression resulted in the suppression of MMP-2, MMP-3, and MMP-9 gene activation. Dexamethasone also activated the expression of the claudin 5 and occludin genes. Collectively, dexamethasone attenuated the disruption of the tight junctions in the brain microvascular endothelial cells subjected to TNFα treatment. Therefore, glucocorticoids may help to preserve the integrity of the tight junctions in the BBB via transcriptional and post-translational regulation following CNS diseases and injuries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wonho Na
- 1 Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee Y Shin
- 1 Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jee Y Lee
- 2 Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangyun Jeong
- 3 Department of Molecular Biology, Chonbuk National University, Jeonju, Korea
| | - Won-Sun Kim
- 1 Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Tae Y Yune
- 2 Age-Related and Brain Diseases Research Center, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.,4 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Bong-Gun Ju
- 1 Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea
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37
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Jiang X, Andjelkovic AV, Zhu L, Yang T, Bennett MVL, Chen J, Keep RF, Shi Y. Blood-brain barrier dysfunction and recovery after ischemic stroke. Prog Neurobiol 2017; 163-164:144-171. [PMID: 28987927 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2017.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 557] [Impact Index Per Article: 79.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2016] [Revised: 05/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/02/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) plays a vital role in regulating the trafficking of fluid, solutes and cells at the blood-brain interface and maintaining the homeostatic microenvironment of the CNS. Under pathological conditions, such as ischemic stroke, the BBB can be disrupted, followed by the extravasation of blood components into the brain and compromise of normal neuronal function. This article reviews recent advances in our knowledge of the mechanisms underlying BBB dysfunction and recovery after ischemic stroke. CNS cells in the neurovascular unit, as well as blood-borne peripheral cells constantly modulate the BBB and influence its breakdown and repair after ischemic stroke. The involvement of stroke risk factors and comorbid conditions further complicate the pathogenesis of neurovascular injury by predisposing the BBB to anatomical and functional changes that can exacerbate BBB dysfunction. Emphasis is also given to the process of long-term structural and functional restoration of the BBB after ischemic injury. With the development of novel research tools, future research on the BBB is likely to reveal promising potential therapeutic targets for protecting the BBB and improving patient outcome after ischemic stroke.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Jiang
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | | | - Ling Zhu
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Tuo Yang
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Michael V L Bennett
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China; Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY 10461, USA
| | - Jun Chen
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA; State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Institute of Brain Sciences and Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Richard F Keep
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Yejie Shi
- Pittsburgh Institute of Brain Disorders & Recovery and Department of Neurology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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38
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Estrogen decreases tight junction protein ZO-1 expression in human primary gut tissues. Clin Immunol 2017; 183:174-180. [PMID: 28867253 DOI: 10.1016/j.clim.2017.08.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 08/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Females have a higher prevalence of most autoimmune diseases; however, the mechanism is unknown. In this study, we examined the expression of tight junction protein zonula occludens 1 (ZO-1) and estrogen receptor (ER)-α/β in human primary gut tissues by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence and qPCR. The expression of ZO-1 and ER-β but not ER-α was present in both male and female gut tissues. There was no sex difference in ER-β expression, but ZO-1 expression was decreased in females compared to males. In vitro, estrogen treatment decreased ZO-1 mRNA and protein expression, ZO-1 promoter activity, IL-6 production, and NF-κB activation in human primary gut tissues or the Caco-2 cells, but increased the ER-β expression in Caco-2 cells. Consistently, plasma IL-6 levels in females were reduced relative to males in vivo. Our finding indicates that estrogen may play a role in gut tight junction expression and permeability.
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Thomas R, Morris AW, Tai LM. Epidermal growth factor prevents APOE4-induced cognitive and cerebrovascular deficits in female mice. Heliyon 2017; 3:e00319. [PMID: 28626809 PMCID: PMC5463012 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2017.e00319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2017] [Revised: 05/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular dysfunction is re-emerging as a major component of aging, and may contribute to the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease (AD). Two important risk factors for cerebrovascular dysfunction are APOE and female sex, which are primarily researched in the context of high amyloid-β (Aβ) levels as found in AD. However, APOE4 and sex modulate Aβ-independent pathways that may induce cerebrovascular dysfunction as a downstream consequence. Therefore, testing the activity of factors that target cerebrovascular dysfunction in Aβ-independent models that incorporate APOE4 and female sex is crucial. We have previously demonstrated that peripheral administration of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) prevents cognitive dysfunction, cerebrovascular leakiness, and cerebrovascular coverage deficits in female mice that express APOE4 and overproduce Aβ, without affecting Aβ levels. These data raise the question of whether EGF protects the cerebrovasculature from general stress-induced damage. Therefore, the goal of this study was to determine whether EGF prevents Aβ-independent cerebrovascular dysfunction. In eight-month old mice that express human APOE, the interaction of APOE4 and female sex induced cognitive dysfunction, increased cerebrovascular leakiness and lowered vessel coverage. Importantly, in a prevention paradigm (from six to eight and a half months of age), EGF ameliorated cognitive decline and cerebrovascular deficits in female mice that express APOE4. Thus, developing treatment strategies based on EGF signaling could provide alternative therapeutic options for age-related cerebrovascular dysfunction and reduce AD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Leon M. Tai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 60612, USA
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Xie LJ, Huang JX, Yang J, Yuan F, Zhang SS, Yu QJ, Hu J. Propofol protects against blood-spinal cord barrier disruption induced by ischemia/reperfusion injury. Neural Regen Res 2017; 12:125-132. [PMID: 28250758 PMCID: PMC5319217 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.199004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Propofol has been shown to exert neuroprotective effects on the injured spinal cord. However, the effect of propofol on the blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) after ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is poorly understood. Therefore, we investigated whether propofol could maintain the integrity of the BSCB. Spinal cord IRI (SCIRI) was induced in rabbits by infrarenal aortic occlusion for 30 minutes. Propofol, 30 mg/kg, was intravenously infused 10 minutes before aortic clamping as well as at the onset of reperfusion. Then, 48 hours later, we performed histological and mRNA/protein analyses of the spinal cord. Propofol decreased histological damage to the spinal cord, attenuated the reduction in BSCB permeability, downregulated the mRNA and protein expression levels of matrix metalloprotease-9 (MMP-9) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), and upregulated the protein expression levels of occludin and claudin-5. Our findings suggest that propofol helps maintain BSCB integrity after SCIRI by reducing MMP-9 expression, by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway, and by maintaining expression of tight junction proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jie Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jin-Xiu Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Jian Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Fen Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Shuang-Shuang Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Qi-Jing Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Ji Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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Thomas R, Zuchowska P, Morris AWJ, Marottoli FM, Sunny S, Deaton R, Gann PH, Tai LM. Epidermal growth factor prevents APOE4 and amyloid-beta-induced cognitive and cerebrovascular deficits in female mice. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2016; 4:111. [PMID: 27788676 PMCID: PMC5084423 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-016-0387-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2016] [Accepted: 10/22/2016] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrovascular (CV) dysfunction is emerging as a critical component of Alzheimer's disease (AD), including altered CV coverage. Angiogenic growth factors (AGFs) are key for controlling CV coverage, especially during disease pathology. Therefore, evaluating the effects of AGFs in vivo can provide important information on the role of CV coverage in AD. We recently demonstrated that epidermal growth factor (EGF) prevents amyloid-beta (Aβ)-induced damage to brain endothelial cells in vitro. Here, our goal was to assess the protective effects of EGF on cognition, CV coverage and Aβ levels using an AD-Tg model that incorporates CV relevant AD risk factors. APOE4 is the greatest genetic risk factor for sporadic AD especially in women and is associated with CV dysfunction. EFAD mice express human APOE3 (E3FAD) or APOE4 (E4FAD), overproduce human Aβ42 and are a well characterized model of APOE pathology. Thus, initially the role of APOE and sex in cognitive and CV dysfunction was assessed in EFAD mice in order to identify a group for EGF treatment. At 8 months E4FAD female mice were cognitively impaired, had low CV coverage, high microbleeds and low plasma EGF levels. Therefore, E4FAD female mice were selected for an EGF prevention paradigm (300 μg/kg/wk, 6 to 8.5 months). EGF prevented cognitive decline and was associated with lower microbleeds and higher CV coverage, but not changes in Aβ levels. Collectively, these data suggest that EGF can prevent Aβ-induced damage to the CV. Developing therapeutic strategies based on AGFs may be particularly efficacious for APOE4-induced AD risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riya Thomas
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Paulina Zuchowska
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Alan W. J. Morris
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Felecia M. Marottoli
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Sangeeta Sunny
- Research Histology and Tissue Imaging Core (RHTIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Ryan Deaton
- Research Histology and Tissue Imaging Core (RHTIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Peter H. Gann
- Research Histology and Tissue Imaging Core (RHTIC), University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
- Department of Pathology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Leon M. Tai
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
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Bai Y, Zhang Y, Hua J, Yang X, Zhang X, Duan M, Zhu X, Huang W, Chao J, Zhou R, Hu G, Yao H. Silencing microRNA-143 protects the integrity of the blood-brain barrier: implications for methamphetamine abuse. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35642. [PMID: 27767041 PMCID: PMC5073292 DOI: 10.1038/srep35642] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 10/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNA-143 (miR-143) plays a critical role in various cellular processes; however, the role of miR-143 in the maintenance of blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity remains poorly defined. Silencing miR-143 in a genetic animal model or via an anti-miR-143 lentivirus prevented the BBB damage induced by methamphetamine. miR-143, which targets p53 unregulated modulator of apoptosis (PUMA), increased the permeability of human brain endothelial cells and concomitantly decreased the expression of tight junction proteins (TJPs). Silencing miR-143 increased the expression of TJPs and protected the BBB integrity against the effects of methamphetamine treatment. PUMA overexpression increased the TJP expression through a mechanism that involved the NF-κB and p53 transcription factor pathways. Mechanistically, methamphetamine mediated up-regulation of miR-143 via sigma-1 receptor with sequential activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and phosphatidylinositol-3' kinase (PI3K)/Akt and STAT3 pathways. These results indicated that silencing miR-143 could provide a novel therapeutic strategy for BBB damage-related vascular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Bai
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Hua
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangyu Yang
- Institute of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaotian Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ming Duan
- Virosis Laboratory, Key Laboratory of Zoonosis, Ministry of Education, Institute of Zoonosis, Jilin University, 5333 Xi An Road, Changchun, 130062, China
| | - Xinjian Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wenhui Huang
- Department of Molecular Physiology, Center for Integrative Physiology and Molecular Medicine, University of Saarland, Homburg D-66421, Germany
| | - Jie Chao
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Rongbin Zhou
- Institute of Immunology and the CAS Key Laboratory of Innate Immunity and Chronic Disease, School of Life Sciences and Medical Center, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Gang Hu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Neurodegeneration, Department of Pharmacology, Nanjing Medical University, 140 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Honghong Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Life Sciences, Key Laboratory of Developmental Genes and Human Disease, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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Zhang R, Xu M, Wang Y, Xie F, Zhang G, Qin X. Nrf2—a Promising Therapeutic Target for Defensing Against Oxidative Stress in Stroke. Mol Neurobiol 2016; 54:6006-6017. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-016-0111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 129] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Accepted: 09/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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Hu J, Yu Q, Xie L, Zhu H. Targeting the blood-spinal cord barrier: A therapeutic approach to spinal cord protection against ischemia-reperfusion injury. Life Sci 2016; 158:1-6. [PMID: 27329433 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2016.06.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2016] [Revised: 06/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
One of the principal functions of physical barriers between the blood and central nervous system protects system (i.e., blood brain barrier and blood-spinal cord barrier) is the protection from toxic and pathogenic agents in the blood. Disruption of blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) plays a key role in spinal cord ischemia-reperfusion injury (SCIRI). Following SCIRI, the permeability of the BSCB increases. Maintaining the integrity of the BSCB alleviates the spinal cord injury after spinal cord ischemia. This review summarizes current knowledge of the structure and function of the BSCB and its changes following SCIRI, as well as the prevention and cure of SCIRI and the role of the BSCB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430077, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Qijing Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, Hubei Province, China.
| | - Lijie Xie
- Department of Anesthesiology, Liyuan Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology, Wuhan 430077, Hubei Province, China
| | - Hongfei Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, School & Hospital of Stomatology, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430079, Hubei Province, China
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