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Chen J, Mita Y, Noguchi N. Ethanol enhances selenoprotein P expression via ERK-FoxO3a axis in HepG2 cells. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2024; 75:125-132. [PMID: 39345286 PMCID: PMC11425072 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.23-104] [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: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Drinking alcohol is considered one of the risk factors for development of diabetes mellitus. Recently, it was reported that selenoprotein P levels in blood are increased by ethanol intake. However, the mechanism by which ethanol increases selenoprotein P has not been elucidated. The expression of selenoprotein P protein and its mRNA were increased in a concentration- and time-dependent manner when human liver-derived HepG2 cells were treated with ethanol. Levels of AMPK and JNK proteins, which have been known to regulate selenoprotein P transcription, were unchanged by ethanol treatment. However, the amount of nuclear FoxO3a, a transcription factor of SeP, was increased. This was associated with dephosphorylation of ERK1 but not ERK2. It was found that ERK1 was dephosphorylated by activation of dual-specific phosphatase 5 and dual-specific phosphatase 6. However, the phosphorylation of MEK by ERK phosphokinase was not affected by ethanol treatment. These results suggest that the ethanol-induced increase in SeP levels occurs by enhanced transcription of SeP mRNA via the DUSP5/6-ERK1-FoxO3a pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Chen
- The Systems Life Sciences Laboratory, Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara-Miyakodani, Kyotanabe 610-0394, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Mita
- The Systems Life Sciences Laboratory, Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara-Miyakodani, Kyotanabe 610-0394, Japan
| | - Noriko Noguchi
- The Systems Life Sciences Laboratory, Department of Medical Life Systems, Faculty of Life and Medical Sciences, Doshisha University, 1-3 Tatara-Miyakodani, Kyotanabe 610-0394, Japan
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Hanim A, Mohamed IN, Mohamed RMP, Mokhtar MH, Makpol S, Naomi R, Bahari H, Kamal H, Kumar J. Alcohol Dependence Modulates Amygdalar mTORC2 and PKCε Expression in a Rodent Model. Nutrients 2023; 15:3036. [PMID: 37447362 PMCID: PMC10346598 DOI: 10.3390/nu15133036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 06/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple alcohol use disorder (AUD)-related behavioral alterations are governed by protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε), particularly in the amygdala. Protein kinase C (PKC) is readily phosphorylated at Ser729 before activation by the mTORC2 protein complex. In keeping with this, the current study was conducted to assess the variations in mTORC2 and PKCε during different ethanol exposure stages. The following groups of rats were employed: control, acute, chronic, ethanol withdrawal (EW), and EW + ethanol (EtOH). Ethanol-containing and non-ethanol-containing modified liquid diets (MLDs) were administered for 27 days. On day 28, either saline or ethanol (2.5 g/kg, 20% v/v) was intraperitoneally administered, followed by bilateral amygdala extraction. PKCε mRNA levels were noticeably increased in the amygdala of the EW + EtOH and EW groups. Following chronic ethanol consumption, the stress-activated map kinase-interacting protein 1 (Sin1) gene expression was markedly decreased. In the EW, EW + EtOH, and chronic ethanol groups, there was a profound increase in the protein expression of mTOR, Sin1, PKCε, and phosphorylated PKCε (Ser729). The PKCε gene and protein expressions showed a statistically significant moderate association, according to a correlation analysis. Our results suggest that an elevated PKCε protein expression in the amygdala during EW and EW + EtOH occurred at the transcriptional level. However, an elevation in the PKCε protein expression, but not its mRNA, after chronic ethanol intake warrants further investigation to fully understand the signaling pathways during different episodes of AUD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athirah Hanim
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (A.H.); (M.H.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Isa N. Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Rashidi M. P. Mohamed
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Mohd Helmy Mokhtar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (A.H.); (M.H.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Suzana Makpol
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia;
| | - Ruth Naomi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (R.N.); (H.B.)
| | - Hasnah Bahari
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang 43400, Malaysia; (R.N.); (H.B.)
| | - Haziq Kamal
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (A.H.); (M.H.M.); (H.K.)
| | - Jaya Kumar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, Cheras, Kuala Lumpur 56000, Malaysia; (A.H.); (M.H.M.); (H.K.)
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Zheng Y, Yang M, Chen X, Zhang G, Wan S, Zhang B, Huo J, Liu H. Decreased tubulin-binding cofactor B was involved in the formation disorder of nascent astrocyte processes by regulating microtubule plus-end growth through binding with end-binding proteins 1 and 3 after chronic alcohol exposure. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:989945. [PMID: 36385945 PMCID: PMC9641617 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.989945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is a neurological disease caused by excessive drinking during pregnancy and characterized by congenital abnormalities in the structure and function of the fetal brain. This study was proposed to provide new insights into the pathogenesis of FAS by revealing the possible mechanisms of alcohol-induced astrocyte injury. First, a chronic alcohol exposure model of astrocytes was established, and the formation disorder was found in astrocyte processes where tubulin-binding cofactor B (TBCB) was decreased or lost, accompanied by disorganized microtubules (MT). Second, to understand the relationship between TBCB reduction and the formation disorder of astrocyte processes, TBCB was silenced or overexpressed. It caused astrocyte processes to retract or lose after silencing, while the processes increased with expending basal part and obtuse tips after overexpressing. It confirmed that TBCB was one of the critical factors for the formation of astrocyte processes through regulating MT plus-end and provided a new view on the pathogenesis of FAS. Third, to explore the mechanism of TBCB regulating MT plus-ends, we first proved end-binding proteins 1 and 3 (EB1/3) were bound at MT plus-ends in astrocytes. Then, through interference experiments, we found that both EB1 and EB3, which formed in heterodimers, were necessary to mediate TBCB binding to MT plus-ends and thus regulated the formation of astrocyte processes. Finally, the regulatory mechanism was studied and the ERK1/2 signaling pathway was found as one of the main pathways regulating the expression of TBCB in astrocytes after alcohol injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Zheng
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, China
| | - Mei Yang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoqiao Chen
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Gaoli Zhang
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shanshan Wan
- Department of Blood Transfusion, Sichuan Cancer Hospital and Institute, Chengdu, China
| | - Bingqiu Zhang
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jiechao Huo
- Fujian Province University Engineering Research Center of Mindong She Medicine, Medical College, Ningde Normal University, Ningde, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Institute of Neuroscience, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- *Correspondence: Hui Liu
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El Mostafi H, Elhessni A, Touil T, Ouichou A, Laaziz A, Doumar H, Mesfioui A. Argan oil supplementation attenuates voluntary ethanol consumption and withdrawal syndrome promoted by adolescent intermittent ethanol in rat. Alcohol 2020; 87:39-50. [PMID: 32353590 DOI: 10.1016/j.alcohol.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2019] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 04/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The present study investigates the potential neuroprotective effect of argan oil (AO), a natural vegetable oil, commonly used in folk Moroccan medicines, on adolescent intermittent ethanol intoxication (IEI), induced voluntary ethanol consumption, and withdrawal syndrome in rats. Animals were treated with ethanol (intraperitoneally [i.p.], 3 g/kg body weight [bw]) in intermittent doses (2 days on; 2 days off, from postnatal day 30-43), with/without oral AO pre-treatment (10 mL/kg/day bw, from postnatal day 21-121). A 2-bottle free access test was performed over 10 weeks to assess 10% ethanol consumption. Behavioral signs of withdrawal were observed after 2, 6, 24, 48, and 72 h after ethanol removal. Anxiety-like behaviors in the elevated plus maze and the light/dark box tests were also evaluated at 72 h of withdrawal. We found that AO pre-treatment significantly decreased the voluntary ethanol consumption induced by adolescent IEI. In addition, by establishing low ethanol consumption, AO pre-treatment counteracts negative effects of ethanol withdrawal and anxiety-like behaviors in ethanol-treated rats after 72 h of abstinence. Following behavioral assays, oxidative stress markers were evaluated and histologic analysis of neurodegeneration was also performed. The results showed that the low ethanol drinking in the AO-supplemented rats was associated with inhibition of oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in the rats' brains. These findings provide evidence for the promising neuroprotective effect of AO supplementation in voluntary ethanol consumption and withdrawal syndrome, at least in part through counteracting oxidative stress markers and neurodegeneration.
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Qiao X, Gai H, Su R, Deji C, Cui J, Lai J, Zhu Y. PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-CREB signaling pathway regulates anxiety-like behavior in rats following alcohol withdrawal. J Affect Disord 2018; 235:96-104. [PMID: 29655081 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2018.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2018] [Revised: 03/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol abuse and anxiety disorders often occur concurrently, but their underlying cellular mechanisms remain unclear. Neuroadaptation within the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) have been implicated in the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol drinking behavior and withdrawal. METHODS A chronic alcohol exposure rat model (35 consecutive days of 10% alcohol intake and 48 h of withdrawal) was established, then, wortmannin (0.5 µg/side) was injected bilaterally into the mPFC. The elevated plus maze (EPM) and open field test (OFT) were used to assess anxiety-like behavior. Western blot assays were used to assess protein levels. RESULTS We found that anxiety-like behavior peaked approximately 6 h after alcohol withdrawal. However, wortmannin greatly decreased alcohol intake and attenuated anxiety-like behavior in the alcohol exposure rats. Moreover, the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β signaling pathway was activated after alcohol withdrawal, and phosphorylation of the downstream cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) was increased. Wortmannin uniformly reversed PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-CREB pathway phosphorylation. LIMITATIONS The downstream GSK3β activity was not intervened and a single dose level of wortmannin was used. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that activating the PI3K-AKT-GSK3β-CREB pathway in the mPFC is an important contributor to the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol withdrawal. PI3K signaling pathway inhibitors are thus potential candidates for treating alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Qiao
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Haiyun Gai
- Xi'an Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710021, China
| | - Rui Su
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Cuola Deji
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Jingjing Cui
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Jianghua Lai
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China; Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China
| | - Yongsheng Zhu
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, No. 76, Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710061, China.
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Qiao X, Yin F, Ji Y, Li Y, Yan P, Lai J. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine in the medial prefrontal cortex regulates alcohol-related behavior and Ntf3-TrkC expression in rats. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0179469. [PMID: 28614398 PMCID: PMC5470731 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0179469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent studies have indicated that DNA methylation plays an important role in the development of alcohol abuse. 5-Aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-Aza-dc), an inhibitor of DNA methyltransferases, was FDA approved for myelodysplastic syndrome treatment. However, it is unclear whether 5-Aza-dc is involved in alcohol abuse. In this study, using a chronic alcohol exposure model in rats, 5-Aza-dc was injected into the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Alcohol-drinking behavior and the anxiety related behavior were evaluated by two-bottle choice and open field test. We found that 5-Aza-dc injection into the mPFC significantly decreased alcohol consumption and alcohol preference in alcohol-exposure rats, corresponding to the reduced blood alcohol levels. Although 5-Aza-dc potentiated the anxiety-like behavior of alcohol-exposure rats, it had no effect on the locomotor activity. Moreover, both of the mRNA and protein levels of DNA Methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) and DNMT3B in the mPFC were upregulated after 35 days of alcohol exposure and this upregulation could be reversed by 5-Aza-dc treatment. Additionally, 5-Aza-dc reversed the alcohol-induced downregulation of neurotrophin-3 (Ntf3), correspondingly the expression of its receptor-TrkC was reduced. These findings identified a functional role of 5-Aza-dc in alcohol-related behavioral phenotypes and one of the potential target genes, Ntf3. We also provide novel evidence for DNA methyltransferases as potential therapeutic targets in alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomeng Qiao
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Fangyuan Yin
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yuanyuan Ji
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yunxiao Li
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Peng Yan
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Jianghua Lai
- College of Forensic Science, School of Medicine, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
- Key Laboratory of Environment and Genes Related to Diseases, Ministry of Education, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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Oliveros A, Cho CH, Cui A, Choi S, Lindberg D, Hinton D, Jang MH, Choi DS. Adenosine A 2A receptor and ERK-driven impulsivity potentiates hippocampal neuroblast proliferation. Transl Psychiatry 2017; 7:e1095. [PMID: 28418405 PMCID: PMC5416704 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2017.64] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 01/04/2017] [Accepted: 02/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Dampened adenosine A2A receptor (A2AR) function has been implicated in addiction through enhancement of goal-directed behaviors. However, the contribution of the A2AR to the control of impulsive reward seeking remains unknown. Using mice that were exposed to differential reward of low rate (DRL) schedules during Pavlovian-conditioning, second-order schedule discrimination, and the 5-choice serial reaction time task (5-CSRTT), we demonstrate that deficits of A2AR function promote impulsive responses. Antagonism of the A2AR lowered ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dorsal hippocampus (dHip) and potentiated impulsivity during Pavlovian-conditioning and the 5-CSRTT. Remarkably, inhibition of ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation by U0126 in the dHip prior to Pavlovian-conditioning exacerbated impulsive reward seeking. Moreover, we found decreased A2AR expression, and reduced ERK1 and ERK2 phosphorylation in the dHip of equilibrative nucleoside transporter type 1 (ENT1-/-) null mice, which displayed exacerbated impulsivity. To determine whether impulsive response behavior is associated with hippocampal neuroblast development, we investigated expression of BrdU+ and doublecortin (DCX+) following 5-CSRTT testing. These studies revealed that impulsive behavior driven by inhibition of the A2AR is accompanied by increased neuroblast proliferation in the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Oliveros
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - C H Cho
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - A Cui
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - S Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D Lindberg
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D Hinton
- Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - M-H Jang
- Department of Neurologic Surgery, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - D-S Choi
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Neurobiology of Disease Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA,Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
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Zhao L, Li J, Su J, Snead ML, Ruan J. LS8 cell apoptosis induced by NaF through p-ERK and p-JNK - a mechanism study of dental fluorosis. Acta Odontol Scand 2016; 74:539-549. [PMID: 27624793 DOI: 10.1080/00016357.2016.1214980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the possible biological mechanism of dental fluorosis at a molecular level. MATERIAL AND METHODS Cultured LS8 were incubated with serum-free medium containing selected concentrations of NaF (0 ∼ 2 mM) for either 24 or 48 h. Subcellular microanatomy was characterized using TEM; meanwhile, selected biomolecules were analysed using various biochemistry techniques. Transient transfection was used to modulate a molecular pathway for apoptosis. RESULTS Apoptosis of LS8 was induced by NaF treatment that showed both time and concentration dependency. The activity of caspase-3, -8, -9 was found to be increased with NaF in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot revealed that the protein expression of p-ERK and p-JNK were decreased, while the expression of p-P38 was increased. Inhibition of the p-ERK and p-JNK pathways resulted in a similar decrease for caspase-3. CONCLUSION During NaF-induced apoptosis of LS8, p-ERK and p-JNK were closely associated with induction of apoptosis, which might be a mechanism of dental fluorosis.
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Uys JD, McGuier NS, Gass JT, Griffin WC, Ball LE, Mulholland PJ. Chronic intermittent ethanol exposure and withdrawal leads to adaptations in nucleus accumbens core postsynaptic density proteome and dendritic spines. Addict Biol 2016; 21:560-74. [PMID: 25787124 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol use disorder is a chronic relapsing brain disease characterized by the loss of ability to control alcohol (ethanol) intake despite knowledge of detrimental health or personal consequences. Clinical and pre-clinical models provide strong evidence for chronic ethanol-associated alterations in glutamatergic signaling and impaired synaptic plasticity in the nucleus accumbens (NAc). However, the neural mechanisms that contribute to aberrant glutamatergic signaling in ethanol-dependent individuals in this critical brain structure remain unknown. Using an unbiased proteomic approach, we investigated the effects of chronic intermittent ethanol (CIE) exposure on neuroadaptations in postsynaptic density (PSD)-enriched proteins in the NAc of ethanol-dependent mice. Compared with controls, CIE exposure significantly changed expression levels of 50 proteins in the PSD-enriched fraction. Systems biology and functional annotation analyses demonstrated that the dysregulated proteins are expressed at tetrapartite synapses and critically regulate cellular morphology. To confirm this latter finding, the density and morphology of dendritic spines were examined in the NAc core of ethanol-dependent mice. We found that CIE exposure and withdrawal differentially altered dendrite diameter and dendritic spine density and morphology. Through the use of quantitative proteomics and functional annotation, these series of experiments demonstrate that ethanol dependence produces neuroadaptations in proteins that modify dendritic spine morphology. In addition, these studies identified novel PSD-related proteins that contribute to the neurobiological mechanisms of ethanol dependence that drive maladaptive structural plasticity of NAc neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joachim D. Uys
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - Natalie S. McGuier
- Department of Neuroscience; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - Justin T. Gass
- Department of Neuroscience; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - William C. Griffin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - Lauren E. Ball
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
| | - Patrick J. Mulholland
- Department of Neuroscience; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences; Medical University of South Carolina; Charleston SC USA
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Quadir SG, Santos JRBD, Campbell RR, Wroten MG, Singh N, Holloway JJ, Bal SK, Camarini R, Szumlinski KK. Homer2 regulates alcohol and stress cross-sensitization. Addict Biol 2016; 21:613-33. [PMID: 25916683 DOI: 10.1111/adb.12252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
An interaction exists between stress and alcohol in the etiology and chronicity of alcohol use disorders, yet a knowledge gap exists regarding the neurobiological underpinnings of this interaction. In this regard, we employed an 11-day unpredictable, chronic, mild stress (UCMS) procedure to examine for stress-alcohol cross-sensitization of motor activity as well as alcohol consumption/preference and intoxication. We also employed immunoblotting to relate the expression of glutamate receptor-related proteins within subregions of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) to the manifestation of behavioral cross-sensitization. UCMS mice exhibited a greater locomotor response to an acute injection of 2 g/kg alcohol than unstressed controls and this cross-sensitization extended to alcohol intake (0-20 percent), as well as to the intoxicating and sedative properties of 3 and 5 g/kg alcohol, respectively. Regardless of prior alcohol injection (2 g/kg), UCMS mice exhibited elevated NAC shell levels of mGlu1α, GluN2b and Homer2, as well as lower phospholipase Cβ within this subregion. GluN2b levels were also lower within the NAC core of UCMS mice. The expression of stress-alcohol locomotor cross-sensitization was associated with lower mGlu1α within the NAC core and lower extracellular signal-regulated kinase activity within both NAC subregions. As Homer2 regulates alcohol sensitization, we assayed also for locomotor cross-sensitization in Homer2 wild-type (WT) and knock-out (KO) mice. WT mice exhibited a very robust cross-sensitization that was absent in KO animals. These results indicate that a history of mild stress renders an animal more sensitive to the psychomotor and rewarding properties of alcohol, which may depend on neuroplasticity within NAC glutamate transmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sema G. Quadir
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | | | - Rianne R. Campbell
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Melissa G. Wroten
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Nimrita Singh
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - John J. Holloway
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Sukhmani K. Bal
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
| | - Rosana Camarini
- Department of Pharmacology; Institute of Biomedical Sciences; Universidade de São Paulo; São Paulo Brazil
| | - Karen K. Szumlinski
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences; Neuroscience Research Institute; University of California Santa Barbara; Santa Barbara CA USA
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11
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Sun WL, Quizon PM, Zhu J. Molecular Mechanism: ERK Signaling, Drug Addiction, and Behavioral Effects. PROGRESS IN MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE 2015; 137:1-40. [PMID: 26809997 DOI: 10.1016/bs.pmbts.2015.10.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Addiction to psychostimulants has been considered as a chronic psychiatric disorder characterized by craving and compulsive drug seeking and use. Over the past two decades, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that repeated drug exposure causes long-lasting neurochemical and cellular changes that result in enduring neuroadaptation in brain circuitry and underlie compulsive drug consumption and relapse. Through intercellular signaling cascades, drugs of abuse induce remodeling in the rewarding circuitry that contributes to the neuroplasticity of learning and memory associated with addiction. Here, we review the role of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), a member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase, and its related intracellular signaling pathways in drug-induced neuroadaptive changes that are associated with drug-mediated psychomotor activity, rewarding properties and relapse of drug seeking behaviors. We also discuss the neurobiological and behavioral effects of pharmacological and genetic interferences with ERK-associated molecular cascades in response to abused substances. Understanding the dynamic modulation of ERK signaling in response to drugs may provide novel molecular targets for therapeutic strategies to drug addiction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei-Lun Sun
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Pamela M Quizon
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, South Carolina College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA.
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Faccidomo S, Salling MC, Galunas C, Hodge CW. Operant ethanol self-administration increases extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK) phosphorylation in reward-related brain regions: selective regulation of positive reinforcement in the prefrontal cortex of C57BL/6J mice. Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2015; 232:3417-30. [PMID: 26123321 PMCID: PMC4537834 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-015-3993-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2014] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
RATIONALE Extracellular-signal regulated protein kinase (ERK1/2) is activated by ethanol in reward-related brain regions. Accordingly, systemic inhibition of ERK1/2 potentiates ethanol reinforcement. However, the brain region(s) that mediate this effect are unknown. OBJECTIVE This study aims to pharmacologically inhibit ERK1/2 in the medial prefrontal cortex (PFC), nucleus accumbens (NAC), and amygdala (AMY) prior to ethanol or sucrose self-administration, and evaluate effects of operant ethanol self-administration on ERK1/2 phosphorylation (pERK1/2). METHODS Male C57BL/6J mice were trained to lever press on a fixed-ratio-4 schedule of 9% ethanol + 2% sucrose (ethanol) or 2% sucrose (sucrose) reinforcement. Mice were sacrificed immediately after the 30th self-administration session and pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was quantified in targeted brain regions. Additional groups of mice were injected with SL 327 (0-1.7 μg/side) in PFC, NAC, or AMY prior to self-administration. RESULTS pERK1/2 immunoreactivity was significantly increased by operant ethanol (g/kg = 1.21 g/kg; BAC = 54.9 mg/dl) in the PFC, NAC (core and shell), and AMY (central nucleus) as compared to sucrose. Microinjection of SL 327 (1.7 μg) into the PFC selectively increased ethanol self-administration. Intra-NAC injection of SL 327 had no effect on ethanol- but suppressed sucrose-reinforced responding. Intra-AMY microinjection of SL 327 had no effect on either ethanol- or sucrose-reinforced responding. Locomotor activity was unaffected under all conditions. CONCLUSIONS Operant ethanol self-administration increases pERK1/2 activation in the PFC, NAC, and AMY. However, ERK1/2 activity only in the PFC mechanistically regulates ethanol self-administration. These data suggest that ethanol-induced activation of ERK1/2 in the PFC is a critical pharmacological effect that mediates the reinforcing properties of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Faccidomo
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Michael C Salling
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Christina Galunas
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
| | - Clyde W Hodge
- Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina at
Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599,Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina at Chapel
Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27599
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He D, Chen H, Muramatsu H, Lasek AW. Ethanol activates midkine and anaplastic lymphoma kinase signaling in neuroblastoma cells and in the brain. J Neurochem 2015. [PMID: 26206265 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Alcohol engages signaling pathways in the brain. Midkine (MDK) is a neurotrophic factor that is over-expressed in the prefrontal cortex of alcoholics. MDK and one of its receptors, anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK), also regulate behavioral responses to ethanol in mice. The goal of this study was to determine whether MDK and ALK expression and signaling are activated by ethanol. We found that ethanol treatment of neuroblastoma cells increased MDK and ALK expression. We also assessed activation of ALK by ethanol in cells and found that ALK and ALK-dependent extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation increased rapidly with ethanol exposure. Similarly, treatment of cells with recombinant MDK protein increased ALK, ERK and STAT3 phosphorylation, suggesting that ethanol may utilize MDK to activate ALK signaling. In support of this, transfection of cells with MDK siRNAs attenuated ALK signaling in response to ethanol. Ethanol also activates ERK signaling in the brain. We found that inhibition of ALK or knockout of MDK attenuated ethanol-induced ERK phosphorylation in mouse amygdala. These results demonstrate that ethanol engages MDK and ALK signaling, which has important consequences for alcohol-induced neurotoxicity and the regulation of behaviors related to alcohol abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donghong He
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hu Chen
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Hisako Muramatsu
- Faculty of Psychological and Physical Sciences, Aichi Gakuin University, Nisshin, Aichi, Japan
| | - Amy W Lasek
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA
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Differential phosphorylation of NMDAR1-CaMKII-MAPKs in the rat nucleus accumbens following chronic ethanol exposure. Neurosci Lett 2015; 597:60-5. [PMID: 25837445 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2015.03.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2015] [Revised: 03/13/2015] [Accepted: 03/27/2015] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies suggest that the nucleus accumbens shell (AcbSh) and core (AcbC) regions may have distinct roles in ethanol consumption. N-Methyl-d-aspartate receptor 1 (NMDAR1), Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs) have been demonstrated to contribute to and possibly interact in the molecular mechanism underlying ethanol dependence and relapse. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms underlying the effects of ethanol exposure, withdrawal, and re-exposure, particularly with regard to NMDAR1-CaMKII-ERK signaling in accumbens subregions. In the present study, rats were provided with a 6% ethanol solution as their only drinking source. We found that ethanol exerted locomotor stimulant and anxiolytic effects in open field behaviors. Phosphorylation of NMDAR1, CaMKII and ERK was significantly decreased in the AcbSh and AcbC following chronic ethanol exposure. Ethanol withdrawal increased phospho-NMDAR1 and phospho-CaMKII expression in the AcbSh. Ethanol withdrawal also induced an increase of phospho-ERK1/2 in both the AcbSh and AcbC, while ethanol re-exposure decreased phospho-ERK in the AcbSh. These results indicated that the activation of NMDAR1-CaMKII-ERK signaling in the AcbSh but not the AcbC would contribute more to ethanol drinking and chronic ethanol-related negative emotional states.
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Yang JY, Xue X, Tian H, Wang XX, Dong YX, Wang F, Zhao YN, Yao XC, Cui W, Wu CF. Role of microglia in ethanol-induced neurodegenerative disease: Pathological and behavioral dysfunction at different developmental stages. Pharmacol Ther 2014; 144:321-37. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 07/03/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Zamora-Martinez ER, Edwards S. Neuronal extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity as marker and mediator of alcohol and opioid dependence. Front Integr Neurosci 2014; 8:24. [PMID: 24653683 PMCID: PMC3949304 DOI: 10.3389/fnint.2014.00024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2014] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early pioneering work in the field of biochemistry identified phosphorylation as a crucial post-translational modification of proteins with the ability to both indicate and arbitrate complex physiological processes. More recent investigations have functionally linked phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) to a variety of neurophysiological mechanisms ranging from acute neurotransmitter action to long-term gene expression. ERK phosphorylation serves as an intracellular bridging mechanism that facilitates neuronal communication and plasticity. Drugs of abuse, including alcohol and opioids, act as artificial yet powerful rewards that impinge upon natural reinforcement processes critical for survival. The graded progression from initial exposure to addiction (or substance dependence) is believed to result from drug- and drug context-induced adaptations in neuronal signaling processes across brain reward and stress circuits following excessive drug use. In this regard, commonly abused drugs as well as drug-associated experiences are capable of modifying the phosphorylation of ERK within central reinforcement systems. In addition, chronic drug and alcohol exposure may drive ERK-regulated epigenetic and structural alterations that underlie a long-term propensity for escalating drug use. Under the influence of such a neurobiological vulnerability, encountering drug-associated cues and contexts can produce subsequent alterations in ERK signaling that drive relapse to drug and alcohol seeking. Current studies are determining precisely which molecular and regional ERK phosphorylation-associated events contribute to the addiction process, as well as which neuroadaptations need to be targeted in order to return dependent individuals to a healthy state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eva R Zamora-Martinez
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Neuroscience, The Scripps Research Institute La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Scott Edwards
- Department of Physiology and Alcohol and Drug Abuse Center of Excellence, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center New Orleans, LA, USA
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Inhibition of rat muscle and liver phosphofructokinases by high doses of ethanol. Biochem Res Int 2013; 2013:495135. [PMID: 24324886 PMCID: PMC3845836 DOI: 10.1155/2013/495135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2013] [Revised: 09/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/23/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Activities of both rat muscle and liver phosphofructokinases are significantly inhibited after a single ethanol intake in the dose of 2.5 g per kg of body weight. This inhibitory effect is indirect, since ethanol in concentration (50 mM) close to that established after 2.5 g per kg of body weight intake cannot decrease their activities in vitro. Inhibition of liver phosphofructokinase activity after the 5.0 g per kg ethanol intake may be direct, since liver phosphofructokinase activity decreases in vitro when ethanol is added to supernatants of rat liver tissue in 100 mM concentration. According to the results of molecular docking, ethanol at high concentrations can be bound by adenine-binding pocket of the allosteric ADP-binding site of liver phosphofructokinase (Asp543, Phe308, Phe538, and Phe671) and its activation by ADP can be blocked by C2H5OH molecule. Direct inhibition of muscle phosphofructokinase activity, probably due to the binding of ethanol to the similar ADP-binding site, is possible when the concentration of ethanol (500 mM) is much higher than the level which can be established in living cells. So, inhibition of muscle phosphofructokinase activity after a single 5.0 g per kg intake is indirect and probably linked with the inhibition of the enzyme by elevated citrate and phosphoenolpyruvate levels.
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