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Andrade V, Wong-Guerra M, Cortés N, Pastor G, González A, Calfío C, Guzmán-Martínez L, Navarrete LP, Ramos-Escobar N, Morales I, Santander R, Andrades-Lagos J, Bacho M, Rojo LE, Maccioni RB. Scaling the Andean Shilajit: A Novel Neuroprotective Agent for Alzheimer's Disease. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:960. [PMID: 37513872 PMCID: PMC10383824 DOI: 10.3390/ph16070960] [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: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/28/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder without a cure, despite the enormous number of investigations and therapeutic approaches. AD is a consequence of microglial responses to "damage signals", such as aggregated tau oligomers, which trigger a neuro-inflammatory reaction, promoting the misfolding of cytoskeleton structure. Since AD is the most prevalent cause of dementia in the elderly (>60 years old), new treatments are essential to improve the well-being of affected subjects. The pharmaceutical industry has not developed new drugs with efficacy for controlling AD. In this context, major attention has been given to nutraceuticals and novel bioactive compounds, such as molecules from the Andean Shilajit (AnSh), obtained from the Andes of Chile. Primary cultures of rat hippocampal neurons and mouse neuroblastoma cells were evaluated to examine the functional and neuroprotective role of different AnSh fractions. Our findings show that AnSh fractions increase the number and length of neuronal processes at a differential dose. All fractions were viable in neurons. The AnSh fractions inhibit tau self-aggregation after 10 days of treatment. Finally, we identified two candidate molecules in M3 fractions assayed by UPLC/MS. Our research points to a novel AnSh-derived fraction that is helpful in AD. Intensive work toward elucidation of the molecular mechanisms is being carried out. AnSh is an alternative for AD treatment or as a coadjuvant for an effective treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor Andrade
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
- Division of Neurogenetics and Molecular Psychiatry, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50923 Köln, Germany
- Department of Neurodegenerative Diseases and Geriatric Psychiatry, University Hospital Bonn, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Maylin Wong-Guerra
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Metabolism, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Nicole Cortés
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Gabriela Pastor
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Metabolism, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Andrea González
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Camila Calfío
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Leonardo Guzmán-Martínez
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Leonardo P Navarrete
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
- Biochemistry School, Faculty of Health Sciences, Andres Bello University, Santiago 8370035, Chile
| | - Nicolas Ramos-Escobar
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Inelia Morales
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
| | - Rocío Santander
- Laboratory of Kinetics and Photochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Juan Andrades-Lagos
- Facultad de Medicina y Ciencia, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago 7510157, Chile
- Drug Development Laboratory, Faculty of Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8380492, Chile
| | - Mitchell Bacho
- Organic and Organometallic Synthesis Laboratory, Faculty of Chemistry, Andrés Bello University, Santiago 8370186, Chile
- Laboratory of Natural Resources, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7750000, Chile
| | - Leonel E Rojo
- Laboratory of Toxicology and Metabolism, Faculty of Chemistry and Biology, University of Santiago of Chile, Santiago 9170022, Chile
| | - Ricardo Benjamín Maccioni
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Functional Medicine, International Center for Biomedicine, Faculty of Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 7800003, Chile
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Tumayhi M, Banji D, Khardali I, Banji OJF, Alshahrani S, Alqahtani SS, Muqri S, Abdullah A, Sherwani W, Attafi I. Amphetamine-Related Fatalities and Altered Brain Chemicals: A Preliminary Investigation Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database. Molecules 2023; 28:4787. [PMID: 37375342 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28124787] [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: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 06/04/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Amphetamine is a psychostimulant drug with a high risk of toxicity and death when misused. Abuse of amphetamines is associated with an altered organic profile, which includes omega fatty acids. Low omega fatty acid levels are linked to mental disorders. Using the Comparative Toxicogenomic Database (CTD), we investigated the chemical profile of the brain in amphetamine-related fatalities and the possibility of neurotoxicity. We classified amphetamine cases as low (0-0.5 g/mL), medium (>0.5 to 1.5 g/mL), and high (>1.5 g/mL), based on amphetamine levels in brain samples. All three groups shared 1-octadecene, 1-tridecene, 2,4-di-tert-butylphenol, arachidonic acid (AA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), eicosane, and oleylamide. We identified chemical-disease associations using the CTD tools and predicted an association between DHA, AA and curated conditions like autistic disorder, disorders related to cocaine, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive dysfunction. An amphetamine challenge may cause neurotoxicity in the human brain due to a decrease in omega-3 fatty acids and an increase in oxidative products. Therefore, in cases of amphetamine toxicity, a supplement therapy may be needed to prevent omega-3 fatty acid deficiency.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murad Tumayhi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - David Banji
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibrahim Khardali
- Forensic Toxicology Services, Forensic Medical Center, Ministry of Health, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Otilia J F Banji
- Pharmacy Practice Research Unit, Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saeed Alshahrani
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saad S Alqahtani
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 61421, Saudi Arabia
| | - Safiah Muqri
- Forensic Toxicology Services, Forensic Medical Center, Ministry of Health, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Abdullah
- Forensic Toxicology Services, Forensic Medical Center, Ministry of Health, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wedad Sherwani
- Forensic Toxicology Services, Forensic Medical Center, Ministry of Health, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ibraheem Attafi
- Forensic Toxicology Services, Forensic Medical Center, Ministry of Health, Jazan 45142, Saudi Arabia
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de Oliveira FR, da Silva NM, Hamoy M, Crespo-López ME, Ferreira IM, da Silva EO, de Matos Macchi B, do Nascimento JLM. The GABAergic System and Endocannabinoids in Epilepsy and Seizures: What Can We Expect from Plant Oils? Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27113595. [PMID: 35684543 PMCID: PMC9182121 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27113595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Seizures and epilepsy are some of the most common serious neurological disorders, with approximately 80% of patients living in developing/underdeveloped countries. However, about one in three patients do not respond to currently available pharmacological treatments, indicating the need for research into new anticonvulsant drugs (ACDs). The GABAergic system is the main inhibitory system of the brain and has a central role in seizures and the screening of new ACD candidates. It has been demonstrated that the action of agents on endocannabinoid receptors modulates the balance between excitatory and inhibitory neurotransmitters; however, studies on the anticonvulsant properties of endocannabinoids from plant oils are relatively scarce. The Amazon region is an important source of plant oils that can be used for the synthesis of new fatty acid amides, which are compounds analogous to endocannabinoids. The synthesis of such compounds represents an important approach for the development of new anticonvulsant therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fábio Rodrigues de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (F.R.d.O.); (N.M.d.S.); (E.O.d.S.)
- Laboratório de Controle de Qualidade e Bromatologia, Curso de Farmácia, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá 68902-280, Brazil
| | - Nágila Monteiro da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (F.R.d.O.); (N.M.d.S.); (E.O.d.S.)
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
| | - Moisés Hamoy
- Laboratório de Farmacologia e Toxicologia de Produtos Naturais, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
| | - Maria Elena Crespo-López
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Farmacologia Molecular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
| | - Irlon Maciel Ferreira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá 68902-280, Brazil;
- Laboratório de Biocatálise e Síntese Orgânica Aplicada, Departamento de Ciências Exatas e Tecnológicas, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá 68902-280, Brazil
| | - Edilene Oliveira da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (F.R.d.O.); (N.M.d.S.); (E.O.d.S.)
- Laboratorio de Biologia Estrutural, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia de Biologia Estrutural e Bioimagem (INCT-INBEB), Rio de Janeiro 21941-590, Brazil
| | - Barbarella de Matos Macchi
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
| | - José Luiz Martins do Nascimento
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências e Biologia Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil; (F.R.d.O.); (N.M.d.S.); (E.O.d.S.)
- Laboratório de Neuroquímica Molecular e Celular, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Biológicas, Universidade Federal do Pará, Belém 66075-110, Brazil;
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Departamento de Ciências Biológicas e da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá 68902-280, Brazil;
- Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia em Neuroimunomodulação (INCT-NIM), Rio de Janeiro 21040-900, Brazil
- Correspondence:
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Verhoog QP, Holtman L, Aronica E, van Vliet EA. Astrocytes as Guardians of Neuronal Excitability: Mechanisms Underlying Epileptogenesis. Front Neurol 2020; 11:591690. [PMID: 33324329 PMCID: PMC7726323 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.591690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes are key homeostatic regulators in the central nervous system and play important roles in physiology. After brain damage caused by e.g., status epilepticus, traumatic brain injury, or stroke, astrocytes may adopt a reactive phenotype. This process of reactive astrogliosis is important to restore brain homeostasis. However, persistent reactive astrogliosis can be detrimental for the brain and contributes to the development of epilepsy. In this review, we will focus on physiological functions of astrocytes in the normal brain as well as pathophysiological functions in the epileptogenic brain, with a focus on acquired epilepsy. We will discuss the role of astrocyte-related processes in epileptogenesis, including reactive astrogliosis, disturbances in energy supply and metabolism, gliotransmission, and extracellular ion concentrations, as well as blood-brain barrier dysfunction and dysregulation of blood flow. Since dysfunction of astrocytes can contribute to epilepsy, we will also discuss their role as potential targets for new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quirijn P. Verhoog
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Linda Holtman
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, Leiden, Netherlands
| | - Eleonora Aronica
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Stichting Epilepsie Instellingen Nederland (SEIN), Heemstede, Netherlands
| | - Erwin A. van Vliet
- Department of Neuropathology, Amsterdam Neuroscience, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Center for Neuroscience, Swammerdam Institute for Life Sciences, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
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Nam HY, Na EJ, Lee E, Kwon Y, Kim HJ. Antiepileptic and Neuroprotective Effects of Oleamide in Rat Striatum on Kainate-Induced Behavioral Seizure and Excitotoxic Damage via Calpain Inhibition. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:817. [PMID: 29209207 PMCID: PMC5702338 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Oleamide was first known as a sleep-inducing fatty acid amide, and later shown to have wide range of neuropharmacological effects upon different neurochemical systems. However, the effects of oleamide on brain damage have scarcely been studied, and the molecular mechanisms and sites of its action remain elusive. Kainic acid (KA) has been used to produce an epileptic animal model that mimics human temporal lobe epilepsy and to induce calpain-activated excitotoxicity, which occurs in numerous neurodegenerative disorders. In this study, we examined whether oleamide protects against the KA-induced excitotoxic brain damage accompanied by behavioral seizure activity and neuronal cell death. Moreover, whether these effects of oleamide were mediated by calpain activity-related cellular mechanisms was investigated. KA-induced epileptic rats were produced by an intrastriatal injection of KA (5 nmole). Oral administration of oleamide (0.5, 2, and 10 mg/kg) 30 min prior to the KA injection showed dose-dependent inhibition of the KA-induced behavioral seizure activities that were monitored starting from 60 to 180 min post-surgery. Further repetitive oral administration of oleamide (once per day) for the next 4 consecutive days post-KA injection produced significant neuroprotection against the disrupted neuronal integrity that resulted from KA-induced excitotoxic damage that was also demonstrated by staining of striatal tissue sections with cresyl violet, hematoxylin/eosin, and fluoro-Jade B. In addition, oleamide blocked the KA-induced cleavage of cyclin-dependent kinase-5 coactivator (Cdk5-p35) and collapsin response mediator protein-2, which are believed to be mediated by calpain activation in striatal tissues dissected from KA-induced epileptic rats. Oleamide also reversed the KA-induced reduction in expression of an endogenous calpain inhibitory protein, calpastatin, and a marker of synaptic activity, synapsin-II. The hypothesis that oleamide could induce direct calpain inhibition was further investigated using in vitro calpain assays in both brain tissue and a cell-free and calpain-overexpressed neuronal cell system. These findings together suggest that oleamide has protective effects against excitotoxicity-induced neuronal death and behavioral seizure, partly via its direct calpain inhibitory activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Yeon Nam
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eun Jung Na
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Eunyoung Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Youngjoo Kwon
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hwa-Jung Kim
- College of Pharmacy, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
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Manjarrez-Marmolejo J, Franco-Pérez J. Gap Junction Blockers: An Overview of their Effects on Induced Seizures in Animal Models. Curr Neuropharmacol 2017; 14:759-71. [PMID: 27262601 PMCID: PMC5050393 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x14666160603115942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Gap junctions are clusters of intercellular channels allowing the bidirectional pass of ions directly into the cytoplasm of adjacent cells. Electrical coupling mediated by gap junctions plays a role in the generation of highly synchronized electrical activity. The hypersynchronous neuronal activity is a distinctive characteristic of convulsive events. Therefore, it has been postulated that enhanced gap junctional communication is an underlying mechanism involved in the generation and maintenance of seizures. There are some chemical compounds characterized as gap junction blockers because of their ability to disrupt the gap junctional intercellular communication. OBJECTIVE Hence, the aim of this review is to analyze the available data concerning the effects of gap junction blockers specifically in seizure models. RESULTS Carbenoxolone, quinine, mefloquine, quinidine, anandamide, oleamide, heptanol, octanol, meclofenamic acid, niflumic acid, flufenamic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid and retinoic acid have all been evaluated on animal seizure models. In vitro, these compounds share anticonvulsant effects typically characterized by the reduction of both amplitude and frequency of the epileptiform activity induced in brain slices. In vivo, gap junction blockers modify the behavioral parameters related to seizures induced by 4-aminopyridine, pentylenetetrazole, pilocarpine, penicillin and maximal electroshock. CONCLUSION Although more studies are still required, these molecules could be a promising avenue in the search for new pharmaceutical alternatives for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Javier Franco-Pérez
- Laboratory of Physiology of Reticular Formation, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery, M.V.S. Insurgentes Sur 3877, Col. La Fama, C.P. 14269, Mexico D.F., Mexico
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Juszczak GR, Swiergiel AH. Properties of gap junction blockers and their behavioural, cognitive and electrophysiological effects: animal and human studies. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2009; 33:181-98. [PMID: 19162118 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2008.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 172] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2008] [Revised: 12/22/2008] [Accepted: 12/22/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Gap junctions play an important role in brain physiology. They synchronize neuronal activity and connect glial cells participating in the regulation of brain metabolism and homeostasis. Gap junction blockers (GJBs) include various chemicals that impair gap junction communication, disrupt oscillatory neuronal activity over a wide range of frequencies, and decrease epileptic discharges. The behavioural and clinical effects of GJBs suggest that gap junctions can be involved in the regulation of locomotor activity, arousal, memory, and breathing. Severe neuropsychiatric side effects suggest the involvement of gap junctions in mechanisms of consciousness. Unfortunately, the available GJBs are not selective and can bind to targets other than gap junctions. Other problems in behavioural studies include the possible adverse effects of GJBs, for example, retinal toxicity and hearing disturbances, changes in blood-brain transport, and the metabolism of other drugs. Therefore, it is necessary to design experiments properly to avoid false, misleading or uninterpretable results. We review the pharmacological properties and electrophysiological, behavioural and cognitive effects of the available gap junction blockers, such as carbenoxolone, glycyrrhetinic acid, quinine, quinidine, mefloquine, heptanol, octanol, anandamide, fenamates, 2-APB, several anaesthetics, retinoic acid, oleamide, spermine, aminosulfonates, and sodium propionate. It is concluded that despite a number of different problems, the currently used gap junction blockers could be useful tools in pharmacology and neuroscience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz R Juszczak
- Department of Animal Behaviour, Institute of Genetics and Animal Breeding, Jastrzebiec, ul. Postepu 1, 05-552 Wolka Kosowska, Poland.
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Baroffio M, Crimi E, Brusasco V. Airway smooth muscle as a model for new investigative drugs in asthma. Ther Adv Respir Dis 2009; 2:129-39. [PMID: 19124365 DOI: 10.1177/1753465808091154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Bronchial asthma as such exists because airway smooth muscle (ASM) contracts excessively in response to various stimuli. After several decades during which research was mainly focused on airway inflammation, increasing attention is now being paid to a possible abnormal behaviour of ASM. Thus, ASM is regarded as a major target for anti-asthma treatments. This review first describes the mechanisms of ASM contraction and airway hyperresponsiveness, through cellular, animal and human models. The developments of new drugs targeting extra and/or intracellular pathway of ASM contraction are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Baroffio
- Dipartimento di Medicina Interna, Università di Genova, Viale Benedetto XV, 6, 16132 Genova, Italy
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Wei XY, Yang JY, Dong YX, Wu CF. Anxiolytic-like effects of oleamide in group-housed and socially isolated mice. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2007; 31:1189-95. [PMID: 17521793 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2007.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2006] [Revised: 04/14/2007] [Accepted: 04/16/2007] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Oleamide (cis-9,10-octadecenoamide) is an endogenous sleep-inducing lipid and prototypic member of a new class of biological signaling molecules identified in recent years. In the present study, the anxiolytic-like effect of oleamide was studied in several experimental models of anxiety in group-housed and socially isolated mice. As the results show, socially isolated mice exhibited an anxiogenic-like profile in the elevated plus-maze test, the light/dark test, and the hole-board test, which could be significantly reversed by oleamide (10 or 20 mg/kg, i.p.). Moreover, oleamide significantly reduced the anxiety levels in grouped-housed mice. In the isolation-induced aggressive test, oleamide markedly reduced the attacking duration and increased the attacking latency. It is concluded that oleamide has an anxiolytic-like effect in socially isolated or group-housed mice, which suggests that fatty acid amides might be involved in the regulation of anxiety-related behavior in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiu Yan Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 110016 Shenyang, PR China
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Logan AC. Omega-3 and depression research: hold the olive oil. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2005; 72:441. [PMID: 15919612 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2005.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2005] [Revised: 01/26/2005] [Accepted: 02/27/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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