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Wu W, Song W, Zhao J, Guo S, Hong M, Zheng J, Hua Y, Cao P, Liu R, Duan JA. Saiga antelope horn suppresses febrile seizures in rats by regulating neurotransmitters and the arachidonic acid pathway. Chin Med 2024; 19:78. [PMID: 38831318 PMCID: PMC11149251 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-024-00949-3] [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: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Saiga antelope horn (SAH) is a traditional Chinese medicine for treating febrile seizure (FS) with precise efficacy, but its mechanism of action and functional substances are still unclear. Given the need for further research on SAH, our group conducted studies to elucidate its mechanisms and active substances. METHODS An FS rat pup model was constructed through intraperitoneal injection of LPS and hyperthermia induction. Behavioural indicators of seizures, hippocampal histopathological alterations, serum levels of inflammatory cytokines and hippocampal levels of neurotransmitters were observed and measured to investigate the effects of SAH on FS model rats. Hippocampal metabolomics and network pharmacology analyses were conducted to reveal the differential metabolites, key peptides and pathways involved in the suppression of FS by SAH. RESULTS SAH suppressed FS, decreased the inflammatory response and regulated the Glu-GABA balance. Metabolomic analysis revealed 13 biomarkers of FS, of which SAH improved the levels of 8 differential metabolites. Combined with network pharmacology, a "biomarker-core target-key peptide" network was constructed. The peptides of SAH, such as YGQL and LTGGF, could exert therapeutic effects via the arachidonic acid pathway. Molecular docking and ELISA results indicated that functional peptides of SAH could bind to PTGS2 target, inhibiting the generation of AA and its metabolites in hippocampal samples. CONCLUSION In summary, the functional peptides contained in SAH are the main material basis for the treatment of FS, potentially acting through neurotransmitter regulation and the arachidonic acid pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenxing Wu
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Animal-Derived Chinese Medicine and Functional Peptides International Collaboration Joint Laboratory, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Wencong Song
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jingjing Zhao
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Sheng Guo
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Min Hong
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yongqing Hua
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Peng Cao
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Animal-Derived Chinese Medicine and Functional Peptides International Collaboration Joint Laboratory, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Rui Liu
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Animal-Derived Chinese Medicine and Functional Peptides International Collaboration Joint Laboratory, Nanjing, 210023, China.
| | - Jin-Ao Duan
- National and Local Collaborative Engineering Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, and Jiangsu Key Laboratory for High Technology Research of Traditional Chinese Medicine Formulae, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, No 138 Xianlin Road, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Animal-Derived Chinese Medicine and Functional Peptides International Collaboration Joint Laboratory, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Xiao W, Li P, Kong F, Kong J, Pan A, Long L, Yan X, Xiao B, Gong J, Wan L. Unraveling the Neural Circuits: Techniques, Opportunities and Challenges in Epilepsy Research. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2024; 44:27. [PMID: 38443733 PMCID: PMC10914928 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-024-01458-5] [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: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Epilepsy, a prevalent neurological disorder characterized by high morbidity, frequent recurrence, and potential drug resistance, profoundly affects millions of people globally. Understanding the microscopic mechanisms underlying seizures is crucial for effective epilepsy treatment, and a thorough understanding of the intricate neural circuits underlying epilepsy is vital for the development of targeted therapies and the enhancement of clinical outcomes. This review begins with an exploration of the historical evolution of techniques used in studying neural circuits related to epilepsy. It then provides an extensive overview of diverse techniques employed in this domain, discussing their fundamental principles, strengths, limitations, as well as their application. Additionally, the synthesis of multiple techniques to unveil the complexity of neural circuits is summarized. Finally, this review also presents targeted drug therapies associated with epileptic neural circuits. By providing a critical assessment of methodologies used in the study of epileptic neural circuits, this review seeks to enhance the understanding of these techniques, stimulate innovative approaches for unraveling epilepsy's complexities, and ultimately facilitate improved treatment and clinical translation for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Xiao
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Peile Li
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Fujiao Kong
- Department of Anesthesiology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Jingyi Kong
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Aihua Pan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Lili Long
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xiaoxin Yan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China
| | - Bo Xiao
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiaoe Gong
- Department of Neurology, Hunan Children's Hospital, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
| | - Lily Wan
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Central South University Xiangya Medical School, Changsha, Hunan Province, China.
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Zhang S, Yuan L, Liu C, Kuang S, Wang J, Liang S, Cong M. Conduction treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy in rats: the dose-effect relationship between current resistance and therapeutic effect. Front Neurol 2023; 14:1181953. [PMID: 37305762 PMCID: PMC10248515 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1181953] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of current resistance on therapeutic outcomes, and the mechanism of current conduction treatment in a rat model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Methods Rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, epileptic group, low-resistance conduction (LRC) and high-resistance conduction (HRC) group. The content of glutamate (Glu) and gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA) in the hippocampus was determined using a neurotransmitter analyzer. mRNA and protein expression of interleukin 1β (IL-1β) /IL-1 receptor 1(IL-1R1) and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB-1)/toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) in hippocampal neurons were tested. Video electroencephalogram monitoring was used to record seizures and EEG discharges. Cognitive function in the rats was tested using the Morris water maze. Results Glu/GABA ratio in the epileptic control and HRC groups was significant differences from LRC group. The levels of HMGB1/TLR4 and IL-1β/IL-1R1 in the LRC group and normal control group were significantly lower than those in epileptic control group (p < 0.01) and the HRC group. The mRNA levels of HMGB1/TLR4 and IL-1β/IL-1R1 in the LRC group and normal control group were significantly lower than those in epileptic control group. The frequency of total and propagated seizures was lower in the LRC group than in the epileptic control and HRC groups (p < 0.01). The numbers of platform crossings in the LRC group and normal control group were significantly higher than those in the epileptic control and HRC groups in the space exploration experiment. Conclusion Current resistance affected seizure control and cognitive protection in rats with TLE treated by current conduction. The lower current resistance, the better seizure control and cognitive protection in rats with TLE treated by current conduction. Glu/GABA, IL-1β/IL-1R1, and HMGB1/TLR-4 may participate in the anti-seizure mechanism of current conduction treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaohui Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Children’s Health Center of China, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Liu Yuan
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Children’s Health Center of China, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunxiu Liu
- The State Key Laboratory of Transducer Technology, Aerospace Information Research Institute (AIR), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Suhui Kuang
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Children’s Health Center of China, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Children’s Health Center of China, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Shuli Liang
- Functional Neurosurgery Department, National Children’s Health Center of China, Beijing Children’s Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Major Diseases in Children, Ministry of Education, Beijing, China
| | - Ming Cong
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, China
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Yang Y, Zhang F, Gao X, Feng L, Xu K. Progressive alterations in electrophysiological and epileptic network properties during the development of temporal lobe epilepsy in rats. Epilepsy Behav 2023; 141:109120. [PMID: 36868167 DOI: 10.1016/j.yebeh.2023.109120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2023] [Indexed: 03/05/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Refractory temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) with recurring seizures causing continuing pathological changes in neural reorganization. There is an incomplete understanding of how spatiotemporal electrophysiological characteristics changes during the development of TLE. Long-term multi-site epilepsy patients' data is hard to obtain. Thus, our study relied on animal models to reveal the changes in electrophysiological and epileptic network characteristics systematically. METHODS Long-term local field potentials (LFPs) were recorded over a period of 1 to 4 months from 6 pilocarpine-treated TLE rats. We compared variations of seizure onset zone (SOZ), seizure onset pattern (SOP), the latency of seizure onsets, and functional connectivity network from 10-channel LFPs between the early and late stages. Moreover, three machine learning classifiers trained by early-stage data were used to test seizure detection performance in the late stage. RESULTS Compared to the early stage, the earliest seizure onset was more frequently detected in hippocampus areas in the late stage. The latency of seizure onsets between electrodes became shorter. Low-voltage fast activity (LVFA) was the most common SOP and the proportion of it increased in the late stage. Different brain states were observed during seizures using Granger causality (GC). Moreover, seizure detection classifiers trained by early-stage data were less accurate when tested in late-stage data. SIGNIFICANCE Neuromodulation especially closed-loop deep brain stimulation (DBS) is effective in the treatment of refractory TLE. Although the frequency or amplitude of the stimulation is generally adjusted in existing closed-loop DBS devices in clinical usage, the adjustment rarely considers the pathological progression of chronic TLE. This suggests that an important factor affecting the therapeutic effect of neuromodulation may have been overlooked. The present study reveals time-varying electrophysiological and epileptic network properties in chronic TLE rats and indicates that classifiers of seizure detection and neuromodulation parameters might be designed to adapt to the current state dynamically with the progression of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufang Yang
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Fang Zhang
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xiang Gao
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Institute of Advanced Digital Technology and Instrument, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China.
| | | | - Kedi Xu
- Qiushi Academy for Advanced Studies, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Cardio-Cerebral Vascular Detection Technology and Medicinal Effectiveness Appraisal, Key Laboratory of Biomedical Engineering of Education Ministry, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China; The MOE Frontier Science Center for Brain Science and Brain-machine Integration, Hangzhou, China.
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Kruyer A, Kalivas PW, Scofield MD. Astrocyte regulation of synaptic signaling in psychiatric disorders. Neuropsychopharmacology 2023; 48:21-36. [PMID: 35577914 PMCID: PMC9700696 DOI: 10.1038/s41386-022-01338-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Over the last 15 years, the field of neuroscience has evolved toward recognizing the critical role of astroglia in shaping neuronal synaptic activity and along with the pre- and postsynapse is now considered an equal partner in tripartite synaptic transmission and plasticity. The relative youth of this recognition and a corresponding deficit in reagents and technologies for quantifying and manipulating astroglia relative to neurons continues to hamper advances in understanding tripartite synaptic physiology. Nonetheless, substantial advances have been made and are reviewed herein. We review the role of astroglia in synaptic function and regulation of behavior with an eye on how tripartite synapses figure into brain pathologies underlying behavioral impairments in psychiatric disorders, both from the perspective of measures in postmortem human brains and more subtle influences on tripartite synaptic regulation of behavior in animal models of psychiatric symptoms. Our goal is to provide the reader a well-referenced state-of-the-art understanding of current knowledge and predict what we may discover with deeper investigation of tripartite synapses using reagents and technologies not yet available.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Kruyer
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Peter W Kalivas
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
| | - Michael D Scofield
- Department of Neuroscience, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
- Department of Anesthesia & Perioperative Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA.
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Zou W, Guo Z, Suo L, Zhu J, He H, Li X, Wang K, Chen R. Nucleus accumbens shell modulates seizure propagation in a mouse temporal lobe epilepsy model. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1031872. [PMID: 36589737 PMCID: PMC9797862 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1031872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is the most common form of epilepsy with focal seizures which in some conditions can develop into secondarily generalized tonic-clonic seizures by the propagation of epileptic activities in the temporal lobe to other brain areas. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been suggested as a treatment target for TLE as accumulating evidence indicates that the NAc, especially its shell, participates in the process of epileptic seizures of patients and animal models with TLE. The majority of neurons in the NAc are GABAergic medium spiny neurons (MSNs) expressing dopamine receptor D1 (D1R) or dopamine receptor D2 (D2R). However, the direct evidence of the NAc shell participating in the propagation of TLE seizures is missing, and its cell type-specific modulatory roles in TLE seizures are unknown. In this study, we microinjected kainic acid into basolateral amygdala (BLA) to make a mouse model of TLE with initial focal seizures and secondarily generalized seizures (SGSs). We found that TLE seizures caused robust c-fos expression in the NAc shell and increased neuronal excitability of D1R-expressing MSN (D1R-MSN) and D2R-expressing MSN (D2R-MSN). Pharmacological inhibition of the NAc shell alleviated TLE seizures by reducing the number of SGSs and seizure stages. Cell-type-specific chemogenetic inhibition of either D1R-MSN or D2R-MSN showed similar effects with pharmacological inhibition of the NAc shell. Both pharmacological and cell-type-specific chemogenetic inhibition of the NAc shell did not alter the onset time of focal seizures. Collectively, these findings indicate that the NAc shell and its D1R-MSN or D2R-MSN mainly participate in the propagation and generalization of the TLE seizures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Zou
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhipeng Guo
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Longge Suo
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jianping Zhu
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Haiyang He
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiufeng Li
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Kewan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Kewan Wang, ; Rongqing Chen,
| | - Rongqing Chen
- Guangdong Province Key Laboratory of Psychiatric Disorders, Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,Key Laboratory of Mental Health of the Ministry of Education, Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Center for Brain Science and Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China,*Correspondence: Kewan Wang, ; Rongqing Chen,
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Jones-Muhammad M, Shao Q, Warrington JP. Increased seizure sensitivity in pregnant mice with genetic knockdown of acid sensing ion channel 2a is associated with impaired hippocampal inflammatory response. Front Physiol 2022; 13:983506. [PMID: 36187797 PMCID: PMC9515891 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.983506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Acid sensing ion channels (ASICs) are mechano- and chemo-receptor channels that are activated by drops in extracellular pH as occurs after neurotransmission. In our previous study, we demonstrated that mice subjected to reduced utero-placental perfusion pressure during pregnancy, to mimic the pregnancy complication of preeclampsia, have reduced hippocampal expression of ASIC2a protein. We also showed that pregnant mice with heterozygous expression of ASIC2a (+/-) had increased sensitivity and severity to pentylenetetrazol-induced seizures; however, the mechanisms by which this occurs remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate key molecular targets involving neurotransmission and inflammation that are differentially changed following seizure exposure in pregnant ASIC2a +/- mice. On gestational day 18.5, ASIC2a wild-type (+/+, n = 7) and +/- (n = 14) mice were injected with 40 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol and monitored for 30 min. Western blot and ELISA analysis revealed no difference in hippocampal synaptosome glutamate-related proteins but an increase in GABA concentration in pregnant +/- mice. Using ELISA and multiplex assays, we found a significant decrease in serum TNFα, and a decreased concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines in hippocampal cytosolic fraction. Significant reductions in IL-1β, IL-3, IL-12 (p70), eotaxin, interferon gamma, and macrophage inflammatory protein (MIP-1β), in the hippocampal cytosolic fractions of +/- mice were observed compared to +/+ mice. Additionally, there was no difference in hippocampal microglia density or activation in pregnant ASIC2a+/+ vs. +/- mice. These results support the hypothesis that pregnant mice with reduced ASIC2a may not be able to mount an inflammatory response following acute seizure exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jones-Muhammad
- Program in Neuroscience, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Qingmei Shao
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
| | - Junie P. Warrington
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, United States
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D-Penicillamine Reveals the Amelioration of Seizure-Induced Neuronal Injury via Inhibiting Aqp11-Dependent Ferroptosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081602. [PMID: 36009321 PMCID: PMC9405105 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Repetitive seizures, a common phenomenon in diverse neurologic conditions such as epilepsy, can undoubtedly cause neuronal injury and our prior work reveals that ferroptosis is a contributing factor of neuronal damage post seizure. However, there is no drug available in clinical practice for ameliorating seizure-induced neuronal impairment via targeting ferroptosis. Our present work aimed to explore whether D-penicillamine (DPA), an originally approved drug for treating Wilson’s disease, inhibited neuronal ferroptosis and alleviated seizure-associated brain damage. Our findings revealed that DPA remarkably improved neuronal survival in kainic acid (KA)-treated mouse model. Furthermore, ferroptosis-associated indices including acyl-coA synthetase long chain family member 4 (ACSL4), prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 (Ptgs2) gene and lipid peroxide (LPO) level were significantly decreased in KA mouse model after DPA treatment. In a ferroptotic cell death model induced by glutamate or erastin, DPA was also validated to evidently suppress neuronal ferroptosis. The results from RNA-seq analysis indicated that Aqp11, a gene coding previously reported channel protein responsible for transporting water and small solutes, was identified as a molecular target by which DPA exerted anti-ferroptotic potential in neurons. The experimental results from in vivo Aqp11 siRNA transfer into the brain also confirmed that knockdown of Aqp11 abrogated the inhibitory effect of seizure-induced ferroptosis after DPA treatment, suggesting that the effects of DPA on ferroptosis process are dependent upon Aqp11. In conclusion, DPA can be repurposed to cure seizure disorders such as epilepsy.
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Abstract
Metabolomics is the laboratory analysis and scientific study of the metabolome—that is, the entire collection of small molecule chemicals in an organism. The metabolome represents the functional state of an organism and provides a multifaceted readout of the aggregate activity of endogenous (cellular) and exogenous (environmental) processes. In this review, we discuss how the integrative and dynamic properties of the metabolome create unique opportunities to study complex pathologies that evolve and oscillate over time, like epilepsy. We explain how the scientific progress and clinical applications of metabolomics remain hampered by biological and technical challenges, and we propose best practices to overcome these challenges so that metabolomics can be used in a rigorous and effective manner to further epilepsy research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tore Eid
- Departments of Laboratory Medicine, of Neurosurgery, and of Cellular and Molecular Physiology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
- Clinical Chemistry Laboratory, Yale-New Haven Hospital, New Haven, CT, USA
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Garcia JP, Dulla CG. Oops!...Glutamate Did it Again. Epilepsy Curr 2022; 22:61-63. [PMID: 35233203 PMCID: PMC8832338 DOI: 10.1177/15357597211055287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
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Green JL, Dos Santos WF, Fontana ACK. Role of glutamate excitotoxicity and glutamate transporter EAAT2 in epilepsy: Opportunities for novel therapeutics development. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 193:114786. [PMID: 34571003 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Epilepsy is a complex neurological syndrome characterized by seizures resulting from neuronal hyperexcitability and sudden and synchronized bursts of electrical discharges. Impaired astrocyte function that results in glutamate excitotoxicity has been recognized to play a key role in the pathogenesis of epilepsy. While there are 26 drugs marketed as anti-epileptic drugs no current treatments are disease modifying as they only suppress seizures rather than the development and progression of epilepsy. Excitatory amino acid transporters (EAATs) are critical for maintaining low extracellular glutamate concentrations and preventing excitotoxicity. When extracellular glutamate concentrations rise to abnormal levels, glutamate receptor overactivation and the subsequent excessive influx of calcium into the post-synaptic neuron can trigger cell death pathways. In this review we discuss targeting EAAT2, the predominant glutamate transporter in the CNS, as a promising approach for developing therapies for epilepsy. EAAT2 upregulation via transcriptional and translational regulation has proven successful in vivo in reducing spontaneous recurrent seizures and offering neuroprotective effects. Another approach to regulate EAAT2 activity is through positive allosteric modulation (PAM). Novel PAMs of EAAT2 have recently been identified and are under development, representing a promising approach for the advance of novel therapeutics for epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Leigh Green
- Department of Pharmacology and Physiology, Drexel University College of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, 19102, United States
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