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Rinaldi A, Balietti M, Principi E, De Luca M, De Felice E, Narcisi FM, Vilardo L, Rosito M, Piacentini R, D'Alessandro G, D'Agnano I, Maggi L, Conti F, Limatola C, Catalano M. BV2-derived extracellular vesicles modulate microglia inflammatory profile, neuronal plasticity, and behavioural performances in late adult mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 122:58-74. [PMID: 39128568 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 08/08/2024] [Indexed: 08/13/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND During aging, both the brain and the immune system undergo a progressive impairment of physiological functions. Microglia, the immunocompetent cells of the central nervous system, shift towards a chronic mild inflammatory state that impacts brain homeostasis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) released by microglia transport packages of molecular information that mirror the inflammatory status of donor cells and modulate the inflammatory phenotype of recipient microglia and other cell types. RESULTS We demonstrated that intranasal administration of EVs derived from microglial-like BV2 cells to late adult mice (16-20 months of age) shifts microglia toward a "juvenile" morphology affecting their inflammatory profile. Mice treated with BV2-derived EVs have a reduction of anxiety-like behavior and an increased spatial learning, with sex-dependent differences. Further, BV2-derived EVs increased neuronal plasticity both in male and female mice. These findings suggest the involvement of microglial cells in vesicles-mediated anti-aging effect. CONCLUSIONS Our data indicate that BV2-derived EVs could represent a resource to slow down age-dependent inflammation in the mouse brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Rinaldi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Marta Balietti
- Università Politecnica delle Marche, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Via Tronto 10/a, Ancona 60126, Italy
| | - Elisa Principi
- IRCCS INRCA, Center for Neurobiology of Aging, Via Birarelli 8, Ancona 60121, Italy
| | | | - Eleonora De Felice
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Laura Vilardo
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, CNR, 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Maria Rosito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Center for Life Nanoscience & Neuroscience Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia@Sapienza, Rome, Italy
| | - Roberto Piacentini
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli, Largo A. Gemelli 1, Roma, Italy
| | - Giuseppina D'Alessandro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy
| | - Igea D'Agnano
- Institute of Biomedical Technologies, CNR, 20054 Segrate, Italy
| | - Laura Maggi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Università Politecnica delle Marche, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Via Tronto 10/a, Ancona 60126, Italy; IRCCS INRCA, Center for Neurobiology of Aging, Via Birarelli 8, Ancona 60121, Italy
| | - Cristina Limatola
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, IS, Italy; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Laboratory affiliated to Institute Pasteur Italia, Rome, Italy
| | - Myriam Catalano
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
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Balietti M, Principi E, Giacomini L, Giorgetti B, Conti F. The effect of late-life environmental enrichment on stress and anxiety: The role of sex and age-related differences in coping with aversive stimuli. Heliyon 2024; 10:e32021. [PMID: 38867995 PMCID: PMC11168381 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32021] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Anxiety significantly diminishes the quality of life in older adults, and the drugs used for its treatment often come with risky side effects. Non-pharmacological protocols could be valuable, but more research is needed in this area. Environmental enrichment induces positive effects on anxiety-like behavior in young and adult animals; whether the same happens in aged animals is still elusive. The aged brain undergoes changes that contribute to make it "fragile" and consequently even mild, potentially positive stimuli can trigger dyshomeostasis, worsening rather than ameliorating functioning. Here, by combining behavioral analysis and measurement of serum and brain corticosterone levels, we show that late-life environmental enrichment can induce eustress or distress, depending on sex and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis function. These findings pave the way for optimizing outcomes and minimizing undesired effects in the clinical setting, underscoring the need to overcome the limits of gender medicine and emphasizing the crucial role of individually tailored therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Balietti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
| | - Elisa Principi
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | - Luca Giacomini
- Center for Animal Welfare, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
| | | | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy
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3
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Zhang YH, Zhao P, Gao HL, Zhong ML, Li JY. Screening Targets and Therapeutic Drugs for Alzheimer's Disease Based on Deep Learning Model and Molecular Docking. J Alzheimers Dis 2024; 100:863-878. [PMID: 38995776 DOI: 10.3233/jad-231389] [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] [Indexed: 07/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disorder caused by a complex interplay of various factors. However, a satisfactory cure for AD remains elusive. Pharmacological interventions based on drug targets are considered the most cost-effective therapeutic strategy. Therefore, it is paramount to search potential drug targets and drugs for AD. Objective We aimed to provide novel targets and drugs for the treatment of AD employing transcriptomic data of AD and normal control brain tissues from a new perspective. Methods Our study combined the use of a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) with differential expression analysis, variance assessment and molecular docking to screen targets and drugs for AD. Results We identified the seven differentially expressed genes (DEGs) with the most significant variation (ANKRD39, CPLX1, FABP3, GABBR2, GNG3, PPM1E, and WDR49) in transcriptomic data from AD brain. A newly built MLP was used to confirm the association between the seven DEGs and AD, establishing these DEGs as potential drug targets. Drug databases and molecular docking results indicated that arbaclofen, baclofen, clozapine, arbaclofen placarbil, BML-259, BRD-K72883421, and YC-1 had high affinity for GABBR2, and FABP3 bound with oleic, palmitic, and stearic acids. Arbaclofen and YC-1 activated GABAB receptor through PI3K/AKT and PKA/CREB pathways, respectively, thereby promoting neuronal anti-apoptotic effect and inhibiting p-tau and Aβ formation. Conclusions This study provided a new strategy for the identification of targets and drugs for the treatment of AD using deep learning. Seven therapeutic targets and ten drugs were selected by using this method, providing new insight for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya-Hong Zhang
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pu Zhao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hui-Ling Gao
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Man-Li Zhong
- College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jia-Yi Li
- Health Sciences Institute, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Department of Experimental Medical Science, Neuronal Plasticity and Repair Unit, Wallenberg Neuroscience Center, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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4
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Nelissen E, Schepers M, Ponsaerts L, Foulquier S, Bronckaers A, Vanmierlo T, Sandner P, Prickaerts J. Soluble guanylyl cyclase: A novel target for the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment? Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106970. [PMID: 37884069 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) describes neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a vascular component. Pathologically, it involves decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF), white matter lesions, endothelial dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairments. Molecularly, oxidative stress and inflammation are two of the major underlying mechanisms. Nitric oxide (NO) physiologically stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to induce cGMP production. However, under pathological conditions, NO seems to be at the basis of oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a decrease in sGC activity and expression. The native form of sGC needs a ferrous heme group bound in order to be sensitive to NO (Fe(II)sGC). Oxidation of sGC leads to the conversion of ferrous to ferric heme (Fe(III)sGC) and even heme-loss (apo-sGC). Both Fe(III)sGC and apo-sGC are insensitive to NO, and the enzyme is therefore inactive. sGC activity can be enhanced either by targeting the NO-sensitive native sGC (Fe(II)sGC), or the inactive, oxidized sGC (Fe(III)sGC) and the heme-free apo-sGC. For this purpose, sGC stimulators acting on Fe(II)sGC and sGC activators acting on Fe(III)sGC/apo-sGC have been developed. These sGC agonists have shown their efficacy in cardiovascular diseases by restoring the physiological and protective functions of the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway, including the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and improvement of vascular functioning. Yet, only very little research has been performed within the cerebrovascular system and VCI pathology when focusing on sGC modulation and its potential protective mechanisms on vascular and neural function. Therefore, within this review, the potential of sGC as a target for treating VCI is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Laura Ponsaerts
- Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
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van Kraaij SJW, Gal P, Borghans LGJM, Klaassen ES, Dijkstra F, Winrow C, Glasser C, Groeneveld GJ. First-in-human trial to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of zagociguat (CY6463), a CNS-penetrant soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator. Clin Transl Sci 2023; 16:1381-1395. [PMID: 37118895 PMCID: PMC10432884 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and its product, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, play a role in learning and memory formation. Zagociguat (CY6463) is a novel stimulator of sGC being developed for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. Single zagociguat doses of 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 20, 30, and 50 mg were administered once to healthy participants in a single-ascending-dose phase; then zagociguat 2, 5, 10, and 15 mg was administered q.d. for 14 days in a multiple-ascending-dose phase; and, finally, zagociguat 10 mg was administered once in both fed and fasted state in a food-interaction phase. Safety of zagociguat was evaluated by monitoring treatment-emergent adverse events, suicide risk, vital signs, electrocardiography, and laboratory tests. Pharmacokinetics of zagociguat were assessed through blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid sampling. Pharmacodynamic effects of zagociguat were evaluated with central nervous system (CNS) tests and pharmaco-electroencephalography. Zagociguat was well-tolerated across all doses evaluated. Zagociguat exposures increased in a dose-proportional manner. Median time to maximum concentration ranged from 0.8 to 5 h and mean terminal half-life from 52.8 to 67.1 h. CNS penetration of the compound was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid sampling. Zagociguat induced up to 6.1 mmHg reduction in mean systolic and up to 7.5 mmHg reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure. No consistent pharmacodynamic (PD) effects on neurocognitive function were observed. Zagociguat was well-tolerated, CNS-penetrant, and demonstrated PD activity consistent with other sGC stimulators. The results of this study support further development of zagociguat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pim Gal
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Francis Dijkstra
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
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6
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Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat improves spatial memory in mice via peripheral mechanisms. Neurosci Lett 2022; 788:136840. [PMID: 35985509 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) - cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling is important for healthy memory function and a healthy vascular system. Targeting sGC-cGMP signalling can therefore be a potential strategy to enhance memory processes. sGC can be targeted by using agonists, such as sGC stimulator riociguat. Therefore, this study aimed to target sGC using riociguat to investigate its acute effects on memory function and neuronal plasticity in mice. The effects of riociguat on long-term memory and a biperiden-induced memory deficit model for assessing short-term memory were tested in the object location task, and working memory was tested in the Y-maze continuous alternation task. Pharmacokinetic measurements were performed within brain tissue of mice, and hippocampal plasticity measures were assessed using western blotting. Acute oral administration with a low dose of 0.03 mg/kg riociguat was able to enhance working-, short-, and long-term spatial memory. Under cerebral vasoconstriction higher doses of riociguat were still effective on memory. Pharmacokinetic measurements revealed poor brain penetration of riociguat and its metabolite M-1. Increased activation of VASP was found, while no effects were found on other memory-related hippocampal plasticity measures. Memory enhancing effects of riociguat are most likely regulated by vascular peripheral effects on cGMP signalling. Yet, further research is needed to investigate the possible contribution of hemodynamic or metabolic effects of sGC stimulators on memory performance.
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Nelissen E, Possemis N, Van Goethem NP, Schepers M, Mulder-Jongen DAJ, Dietz L, Janssen W, Gerisch M, Hüser J, Sandner P, Vanmierlo T, Prickaerts J. The sGC stimulator BAY-747 and activator runcaciguat can enhance memory in vivo via differential hippocampal plasticity mechanisms. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3589. [PMID: 35246566 PMCID: PMC8897390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) requires a heme-group bound in order to produce cGMP, a second messenger involved in memory formation, while heme-free sGC is inactive. Two compound classes can increase sGC activity: sGC stimulators acting on heme-bound sGC, and sGC activators acting on heme-free sGC. In this rodent study, we investigated the potential of the novel brain-penetrant sGC stimulator BAY-747 and sGC activator runcaciguat to enhance long-term memory and attenuate short-term memory deficits induced by the NOS-inhibitor L-NAME. Furthermore, hippocampal plasticity mechanisms were investigated. In vivo, oral administration of BAY-747 and runcaciguat to male Wistar rats enhanced memory acquisition in the object location task (OLT), while only BAY-747 reversed L-NAME induced memory impairments in the OLT. Ex vivo, both BAY-747 and runcaciguat enhanced hippocampal GluA1-containing AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking in a chemical LTP model for memory acquisition using acute mouse hippocampal slices. In vivo only runcaciguat acted on the glutamatergic AMPAR system in hippocampal memory acquisition processes, while for BAY-747 the effects on the neurotrophic system were more pronounced as measured in male mice using western blot. Altogether this study shows that sGC stimulators and activators have potential as cognition enhancers, while the underlying plasticity mechanisms may determine disease-specific effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Nina Possemis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nick P Van Goethem
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair Lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Danielle A J Mulder-Jongen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Dietz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Wiebke Janssen
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Michael Gerisch
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jörg Hüser
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair Lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Yu KH, Hung HY. Synthetic strategy and structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies of 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'-furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1, Lificiguat): a review. RSC Adv 2021; 12:251-264. [PMID: 35424505 PMCID: PMC8978903 DOI: 10.1039/d1ra08120a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Since 1994, YC-1 (Lificiguat, 3-(5′-hydroxymethyl-2′-furyl)-1-benzylindazole) has been synthesized, and many targets for special bioactivities have been explored, such as stimulation of platelet-soluble guanylate cyclase, indirect elevation of platelet cGMP levels, and inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) and NF-κB. Recently, Riociguat®, the first soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) stimulator drug used to treat pulmonary hypertension and pulmonary arterial hypertension, was derived from the YC-1 structure. In this review, we aim to highlight the synthesis and structure–activity relationships in the development of YC-1 analogs and their possible indications. Since 1994, YC-1 (Lificiguat) has been synthesized, and many targets for special bioactivities have been explored, such as stimulation of platelet-soluble guanylate cyclase, indirect elevation of platelet cGMP levels, and inhibition of HIF-1 and NF-κB.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Ko-Hua Yu
- School of Pharmacy College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Tainan 701 Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Yi Hung
- School of Pharmacy College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University Tainan 701 Taiwan
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Nelissen E, Argyrousi EK, Van Goethem NP, Zhao F, Hines CDG, Swaminath G, Gerisch M, Hueser J, Sandner P, Prickaerts J. Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Vericiguat Enhances Long-Term Memory in Rats without Altering Cerebral Blood Volume. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1047. [PMID: 34440254 PMCID: PMC8393324 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is characterized by impairments in cerebral blood flow (CBF), endothelial function and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. These processes are all physiologically regulated by the nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cGMP signaling pathway. Additionally, cGMP signaling plays an important role in long-term potentiation (LTP) underlying memory formation. Therefore, targeting the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway may be a therapeutic strategy for treating VCI. Hence, in this study we investigated whether sGC stimulator vericiguat has potential as a cognitive enhancer. The effects of vericiguat on long-term memory were measured in rats using an object location task. Due to the low brain-penetrance of vericiguat found in this study, it was investigated whether in the absence of BBB limitations, vericiguat enhanced hippocampal plasticity using an ex vivo memory acquisition-like chemical LTP model. Finally, peripheral effects were measured by means of blood pressure and cerebral blood volume. Vericiguat successfully enhanced long-term memory and increased hippocampal plasticity via enhanced translocation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors to the cell membrane, while blood pressure and cerebral blood volume were unaltered. Although the memory enhancing effects in this study are likely due to peripheral effects on the cerebral microvasculature, sGC stimulation may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating VCI, especially when BBB integrity is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Elentina K. Argyrousi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Nick P. Van Goethem
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Fuqiang Zhao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (F.Z.); (C.D.G.H.)
| | | | | | - Michael Gerisch
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Joerg Hueser
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Pharmacology, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
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10
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Wang H, Shi X, Cheng L, Han J, Mu J. Hydrogen sulfide restores cardioprotective effects of remote ischemic preconditioning in aged rats via HIF-1α/Nrf2 signaling pathway. THE KOREAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY & PHARMACOLOGY : OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KOREAN PHYSIOLOGICAL SOCIETY AND THE KOREAN SOCIETY OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 25:239-249. [PMID: 33859064 PMCID: PMC8050610 DOI: 10.4196/kjpp.2021.25.3.239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The present study explored the therapeutic potential of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) in restoring aging-induced loss of cardioprotective effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) along with the involvement of signaling pathways. The left hind limb was subjected to four short cycles of ischemia and reperfusion (IR) in young and aged male rats to induce RIPC. The hearts were subjected to IR injury on the Langendorff apparatus after 24 h of RIPC. The measurement of lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase and cardiac troponin served to assess the myocardial injury. The levels of H2S, cystathionine β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine γ-lyase (CSE), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) were also measured. There was a decrease in cardioprotection in RIPC-subjected old rats in comparison to young rats along with a reduction in the myocardial levels of H2S, CBS, CSE, HIF-1α, and nuclear: cytoplasmic Nrf2 ratio. Supplementation with sodium hydrogen sulfide (NaHS, an H2S donor) and l-cysteine (H2S precursor) restored the cardioprotective actions of RIPC in old hearts. It increased the levels of H2S, HIF-1α, and Nrf2 ratio without affecting CBS and CSE. YC-1 (HIF-1α antagonist) abolished the effects of NaHS and l-cysteine in RIPC-subjected old rats by decreasing the Nrf2 ratio and HIF-1α levels, without altering H2S.The late phase of cardioprotection of RIPC involves an increase in the activity of H2S biosynthetic enzymes, which increases the levels of H2S to upregulate HIF-1α and Nrf2. H2S has the potential to restore aging-induced loss of cardioprotective effects of RIPC by upregulating HIF-1α/Nrf2 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haixia Wang
- Department of Cardiovascular, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.,Department of Cardiovascular, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, China
| | - Xin Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, China
| | - Longlong Cheng
- Department of Judicial Expertise, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, China
| | - Jie Han
- Department of Cardiovascular, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning 116001, China
| | - Jianjun Mu
- Department of Cardiovascular, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
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Memory Enhancers for Alzheimer's Dementia: Focus on cGMP. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:ph14010061. [PMID: 33451088 PMCID: PMC7828493 DOI: 10.3390/ph14010061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine-3',5'-monophosphate, better known as cyclic-GMP or cGMP, is a classical second messenger involved in a variety of intracellular pathways ultimately controlling different physiological functions. The family of guanylyl cyclases that includes soluble and particulate enzymes, each of which comprises several isoforms with different mechanisms of activation, synthesizes cGMP. cGMP signaling is mainly executed by the activation of protein kinase G and cyclic nucleotide gated channels, whereas it is terminated by its hydrolysis to GMP operated by both specific and dual-substrate phosphodiesterases. In the central nervous system, cGMP has attracted the attention of neuroscientists especially for its key role in the synaptic plasticity phenomenon of long-term potentiation that is instrumental to memory formation and consolidation, thus setting off a "gold rush" for new drugs that could be effective for the treatment of cognitive deficits. In this article, we summarize the state of the art on the neurochemistry of the cGMP system and then review the pre-clinical and clinical evidence on the use of cGMP enhancers in Alzheimer's disease (AD) therapy. Although preclinical data demonstrates the beneficial effects of cGMP on cognitive deficits in AD animal models, the results of the clinical studies carried out to date are not conclusive. More trials with a dose-finding design on selected AD patient's cohorts, possibly investigating also combination therapies, are still needed to evaluate the clinical potential of cGMP enhancers.
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12
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Balietti M, Pugliese A, Conti F. In aged rats, differences in spatial learning and memory influence the response to late-life Environmental Enrichment. Exp Gerontol 2020; 146:111225. [PMID: 33388381 DOI: 10.1016/j.exger.2020.111225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
It has clearly been demonstrated that cognitive stimulation, physical exercise, and social engagement help counteract age-related cognitive decline. However, several important issues remain to be addressed. Given the wide differences in cognitive impairment found among individuals of the same age, identifying the subjects who will benefit most from late-life interventions is one such issue. Environmental Enrichment (EE) is a particularly valuable approach to do this. In this study, aged (21-month-old) rats were assigned to a better (BL) or a worse (WL) learner group (training phase) and to a non-impaired (NI) or an impaired (I) group (probe phase) by their performance on the Morris Water Maze, using the test performances of adult (12-month-old) rats as the cut-offs. The aged rats were retested after a 12-week EE or standard housing (SH) protocol. After 12 weeks, the performances of SH rats had deteriorated, whereas all rats benefited from EE, albeit in different ways. In particular, the animals assigned to the BL and the NI groups prior to EE still performed as well as the adult rats (performance preservation) whereas, critically, the animals assigned to the WL and the I groups before EE showed such improved performances that they reached the level of the adult rats (performance improvement), despite having aged further. EE seems to induce the preservation in BLs and the improvement in WLs of spatial search strategies and the preservation in NIs and the increase in Is of a focused and protract research of the escape point. Our findings suggest that late-life EE prevents spatial learning and memory decline in still cognitively preserved animals and stimulates residual functional reserve in already cognitively compromised animals. Future research should focus on individually tailored stimulation protocols to improve their effect and afford a better understanding of the underlying processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Balietti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Arianna Pugliese
- Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
| | - Fiorenzo Conti
- Center for Neurobiology of Aging, IRCCS INRCA, Ancona, Italy; Section of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università Politecnica delle Marche, Ancona, Italy.
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13
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Argyrousi EK, Heckman PRA, Prickaerts J. Role of cyclic nucleotides and their downstream signaling cascades in memory function: Being at the right time at the right spot. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 113:12-38. [PMID: 32044374 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2019] [Revised: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
A plethora of studies indicate the important role of cAMP and cGMP cascades in neuronal plasticity and memory function. As a result, altered cyclic nucleotide signaling has been implicated in the pathophysiology of mnemonic dysfunction encountered in several diseases. In the present review we provide a wide overview of studies regarding the involvement of cyclic nucleotides, as well as their upstream and downstream molecules, in physiological and pathological mnemonic processes. Next, we discuss the regulation of the intracellular concentration of cyclic nucleotides via phosphodiesterases, the enzymes that degrade cAMP and/or cGMP, and via A-kinase-anchoring proteins that refine signal compartmentalization of cAMP signaling. We also provide an overview of the available data pointing to the existence of specific time windows in cyclic nucleotide signaling during neuroplasticity and memory formation and the significance to target these specific time phases for improving memory formation. Finally, we highlight the importance of emerging imaging tools like Förster resonance energy transfer imaging and optogenetics in detecting, measuring and manipulating the action of cyclic nucleotide signaling cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elentina K Argyrousi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200 MD, the Netherlands
| | - Pim R A Heckman
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200 MD, the Netherlands
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, Maastricht, 6200 MD, the Netherlands.
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14
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Xiao S, Li Q, Hu L, Yu Z, Yang J, Chang Q, Chen Z, Hu G. Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulators and Activators: Where are We and Where to Go? Mini Rev Med Chem 2019; 19:1544-1557. [PMID: 31362687 DOI: 10.2174/1389557519666190730110600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2019] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Soluble Guanylate Cyclase (sGC) is the intracellular receptor of Nitric Oxide (NO). The activation of sGC results in the conversion of Guanosine Triphosphate (GTP) to the secondary messenger cyclic Guanosine Monophosphate (cGMP). cGMP modulates a series of downstream cascades through activating a variety of effectors, such as Phosphodiesterase (PDE), Protein Kinase G (PKG) and Cyclic Nucleotide-Gated Ion Channels (CNG). NO-sGC-cGMP pathway plays significant roles in various physiological processes, including platelet aggregation, smooth muscle relaxation and neurotransmitter delivery. With the approval of an sGC stimulator Riociguat for the treatment of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), the enthusiasm in the discovery of sGC modulators continues for broad clinical applications. Notably, through activating the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway, sGC stimulator and activator potentiate for the treatment of various diseases, such as PAH, Heart Failure (HF), Diabetic Nephropathy (DN), Systemic Sclerosis (SS), fibrosis as well as other diseases including Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) and Central Nervous System (CNS) disease. Here, we review the preclinical and clinical studies of sGC stimulator and activator in recent years and prospect for the development of sGC modulators in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sijia Xiao
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Qianbin Li
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Liqing Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zutao Yu
- Department of Chemistry, Graduate School of Science Kyoto University Kitashirakawa- Oiwakecho, Sakyo-Ku, kyoto, Japan
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Qi Chang
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Zhuo Chen
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
| | - Gaoyun Hu
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Xiangya School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South University, Changsha, 410013, Hunan, China
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15
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Yazir Y, Polat S, Utkan T, Aricioglu F. Role of the nitric oxide-soluble guanylyl cyclase pathway in cognitive deficits in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. PSYCHIAT CLIN PSYCH 2018. [DOI: 10.1080/24750573.2018.1471883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/16/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Yusufhan Yazir
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Research and Application Center, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Selen Polat
- Stem Cell and Gene Therapy Research and Application Center, Kocaeli University, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Tijen Utkan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Medical Research and Application Unit, Kocaeli University Faculty of Medicine, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Feyza Aricioglu
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacology and Psychopharmacology Research Unit, Marmara University, İstanbul, Turkey
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Alvarado BA, Lemus M, Montero S, Melnikov V, Luquín S, García-Estrada J, Roces de Álvarez-Buylla E. Nitric oxide in the nucleus of the tractus solitarius is involved in hypoglycemic conditioned response. Brain Res 2017; 1667:19-27. [PMID: 28483509 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2017.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Revised: 03/31/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
The repeated injection of insulin (unconditioned stimulus, UCS) immediately followed by exposure to sensory stimulation (e.g. sound or odor; conditioned stimulus, CS) results in a learned conditioned reflex in which the exposure to the CS alone lowers blood glucose. The brain regions participating in this hypoglycemic Pavlovian response remain unknown. Here we investigate if nitric oxide (NO) in the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS), a nucleus known to be involved in glucose homeostasis, participates in this hypoglycemic reflex. Insulin injections (UCS) were paired with exposure to menthol odor (CS). After 8-10 reinforcements (4-5days training), rats acquire the learned hypoglycemic response. An increase in c-Fos expression was observed in the NTS, the ventrolateral hypothalamic nucleus (VLH) and other brain regions of conditioned rats. Microinjections of 3-(5'-hydroxymethyl-2'furyl)-1-benzyl indazole (YC-1) a stimulator of soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) into NTS before the UCS accelerated the acquisition of the learned hypoglycemic response; 5-6 reinforcement produced pronounced glucose drop when exposed to the CS. In contrast, an inhibitor of NO synthase (NOS) Nω-Nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) in the NTS prolonged the required training period (11-15 reinforcements) to obtain the hypoglycemic reflex, and reduced the glycemic response. The number of c-Fos expressing cells in the NTS and VLH in rats receiving YC-1was significantly higher than that observed in rats receiving L-NAME. These findings suggest that NO-cGMP-PKG signaling in the NTS can modify the acquisition of conditioned hypoglycemia, and suggests that this nucleus directly participates in this reflex.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz A Alvarado
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, University Center of Biomedical Research, Colima University, Colima, Mexico
| | - Mónica Lemus
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, University Center of Biomedical Research, Colima University, Colima, Mexico
| | - Sergio Montero
- Department of Neuroendocrinology, University Center of Biomedical Research, Colima University, Colima, Mexico; Faculty of Medicine, Colima University, Colima, Mexico
| | | | - Sonia Luquín
- Department of Neurosciences, University Center of Health Sciences, Guadalajara University, Guadalajara, Mexico
| | - Joaquín García-Estrada
- Department of Neurosciences, University Center of Health Sciences, Guadalajara University, Guadalajara, Mexico
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17
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Pahaye DB, Bum EN, Taïwé GS, Ngoupaye GT, Sidiki N, Moto FCO, Kouemou N, Njapdounke SJK, Nkantchoua G, Kandeda A, Omam JPO, Mairaira V, Ojong JL. Neuroprotective and Antiamnesic Effects of Mitragyna inermis Willd (Rubiaceae) on Scopolamine-Induced Memory Impairment in Mice. Behav Neurol 2017; 2017:5952897. [PMID: 28386162 PMCID: PMC5366228 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5952897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2016] [Revised: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim. To assess memory improvement and neuroprotective and antioxidant effects of Mitragyna inermis (M. inermis) leaf decoction on the central nervous system. Methodology. Leaf decoction of M. inermis was tested on learning and memory in normal and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairment in mice using memory behavioral tests such as the Morris water maze, object recognition task, and elevated plus maze. Oxidative stress enzymes-catalase, superoxide dismutase, and the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance, a product of lipid peroxidation-were quantified. In each test, mice 18 to 25 g were divided into groups of 5. Results. The extract reversed the effects of scopolamine in mice. The extract significantly increased discrimination index in the object recognition task test and inflexion ratio in the elevated plus maze test. The times spent in target quadrant in MWM increased while the transfer latency decreased in mice treated by M. inermis at the dose of 196.5 mg/kg. The activity levels of superoxide dismutase and catalase were significantly increased, whereas the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance was significantly decreased after 8 consecutive days of treatment with M. inermis at the dose of 393 mg/kg. Conclusion. These results suggest that M. inermis leaf extract possess potential antiamnesic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Bougolla Pahaye
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Elisabeth Ngo Bum
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- Institute of Mines and Petroleum Industries, University of Maroua, P.O. Box 46, Maroua, Cameroon
| | - Germain Sotoing Taïwé
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | - Gwladys Temkou Ngoupaye
- Department of Animal Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Dschang, P.O. Box 67, Dschang, Cameroon
| | - Neteydji Sidiki
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | | | - Nadège Kouemou
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- Department of Zoology and Animal Physiology, Faculty of Science, University of Buea, P.O. Box 63, Buea, Cameroon
| | | | - Gisele Nkantchoua
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Antoine Kandeda
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- Department of Animal Biology and Physiology, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 812, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Jean Pierre Omam Omam
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- Higher Teachers' Training College, University of Yaoundé I, P.O. Box 47, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Veronique Mairaira
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
| | - Josiane Lucie Ojong
- Department of Biological Science, Faculty of Sciences, University of Ngaoundéré, P.O. Box 454, Ngaoundéré, Cameroon
- Center of Medical Research, Institute of Medical Research and Medical Plants Studies, P.O. Box 6163, Yaoundé, Cameroon
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18
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Sahin D, Erdolu CO, Karadenizli S, Kara A, Bayrak G, Beyaz S, Demir B, Ates N. Effects of gestational and lactational exposure to low dose mercury chloride (HgCl2) on behaviour, learning and hearing thresholds in WAG/Rij rats. EXCLI JOURNAL 2016; 15:391-402. [PMID: 27540351 PMCID: PMC4983802 DOI: 10.17179/excli2016-315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
We investigated the effects of inorganic mercury exposure during gestational/lactational periods on the behaviour, learning and hearing functions in a total of 32, 5-week-old and 5-month-old WAG/Rij rats (equally divided into 4 groups as 5-week and 5-month control mercury exposure groups). We evaluated the rats in terms of locomotor activity (LA), the Morris-water-maze (MWM) test and the passive avoidance (PA) test to quantify learning and memory performance; we used distortion product otoacoustic emission (DPOAE) tests to evaluate hearing ability. There were no significant differences between the 5-week-old rat groups in LA, and we detected a significant difference (p < 0.05) in the HgCl2-treated group in PA, MWM and DPOAE tests compared with the control group. The HgCl2-treated 5-week-old group exhibited worse emotional memory performance in PA, worse spatial learning and memory performances in MWM. There were no significant differences between the groups of 5-month-old rats in LA, MWM or PA. However, the DPOAE tests worsened in the mid- and high-frequency hearing thresholds. The HgCl2-treated 5-month-old group exhibited the most hearing loss of all groups. Our results convey that mercury exposure in young rats may worsen learning and memory performances as well as hearing at high-frequency levels. While there was no statistically significant difference in the behavior and learning tests in adult rats, the DPOAE test produced poorer results. Early detection of effects of mercury exposure provides medicals team with an opportunity to determinate treatment regimens and mitigate ototoxicity. DPOAE test can be used in clinical and experimental research investigating heavy metal ototoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deniz Sahin
- Kocaeli University / Medical Faculty, Physiology, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | | | | | - Ahmet Kara
- Sakarya University Training and Research Hospital, Otorhinolaryngology Department, Sakarya,Turkey
| | - Gunce Bayrak
- Kocaeli University / Medical Faculty, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Sumeyye Beyaz
- Kocaeli University / Medical Faculty, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Buse Demir
- Kocaeli University / Medical Faculty, Kocaeli, Turkey
| | - Nurbay Ates
- Kocaeli University / Medical Faculty, Physiology, Kocaeli, Turkey
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19
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Interplay between receptor tyrosine kinases and hypoxia signaling in cancer. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2015; 62:101-14. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2015.02.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2014] [Revised: 02/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/25/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Brodziak A, Wolińska A, Kołat E, Różyk-Myrta A. Guidelines for prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment in the elderly. Med Sci Monit 2015; 21:585-97. [PMID: 25708246 PMCID: PMC4349161 DOI: 10.12659/msm.892542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study is to present the available and verified methods of prevention of cognitive decline in healthy older adults and to review clinical trials of therapies to improve impaired cognitive performance. We discuss data about the actual possibility of pharmacological treatment, usefulness of physical exercises, and effectiveness of different cognitive training methods. In a separate chapter we discuss why older people cope much better in life challenges then it would appear from the measurements made by use of neuro-psychological tests. We also discuss the so-called issue of transfers, ie, the question of how certain cognitive characteristics, improved through cognitive training, are transferred to other mental skills. We distinguish between simple and sophisticated (usually computerized) forms of cognitive training and pay particular attention to methods that are simple and easy to use. In particular, we discuss the so-called “learning therapy”, which amounts to “reading aloud and simple arithmetic calculations”, the method based on “switching between words and imagination”, and also the method consisting of personal counseling, support, and assistance in learning, especially in the form of home visits. In the final chapter we formulate practical advice, not only for individuals who want to undertake the preventing or correction activities alone with eventual help of medical professionals, but also for the members of health institutions that wish to implement preventive and therapeutic actions directed to a chosen population. We also discuss the indications and rationale for further research and clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Brodziak
- Independent Researcher, Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | | | - Estera Kołat
- Institute of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences, Nysa, Poland
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21
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Brodziak A, Kołat E, Różyk-Myrta A. In search of memory tests equivalent for experiments on animals and humans. Med Sci Monit 2014; 20:2733-9. [PMID: 25524993 PMCID: PMC4280055 DOI: 10.12659/msm.891056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Older people often exhibit memory impairments. Contemporary demographic trends cause aging of the society. In this situation, it is important to conduct clinical trials of drugs and use training methods to improve memory capacity. Development of new memory tests requires experiments on animals and then clinical trials in humans. Therefore, we decided to review the assessment methods and search for tests that evaluate analogous cognitive processes in animals and humans. This review has enabled us to propose 2 pairs of tests of the efficiency of working memory capacity in animals and humans. We propose a basic set of methods for complex clinical trials of drugs and training methods to improve memory, consisting of 2 pairs of tests: 1) the Novel Object Recognition Test – Sternberg Item Recognition Test and 2) the Object-Location Test – Visuospatial Memory Test. We postulate that further investigations of methods that are equivalent in animals experiments and observations performed on humans are necessary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrzej Brodziak
- Institute of Occupational Medicine and Environmental Health, Sosnowiec, Poland
| | - Estera Kołat
- Institute of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences, Nysa, Poland
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