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Xia Z, He D, Wu Y, Kwok HF, Cao Z. Scorpion venom peptides: Molecular diversity, structural characteristics, and therapeutic use from channelopathies to viral infections and cancers. Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106978. [PMID: 37923027 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Animal venom is an important evolutionary innovation in nature. As one of the most representative animal venoms, scorpion venom contains an extremely diverse set of bioactive peptides. Scorpion venom peptides not only are 'poisons' that immobilize, paralyze, kill, or dissolve preys but also become important candidates for drug development and design. Here, the review focuses on the molecular diversity of scorpion venom peptides, their typical structural characteristics, and their multiple therapeutic or pharmaceutical applications in channelopathies, viral infections and cancers. Especially, the group of scorpion toxin TRPTx targeting transient receptor potential (TRP) channels is systematically summarized and worthy of attention because TRP channels play a crucial role in the regulation of homeostasis and the occurrence of diseases in human. We also further establish the potential relationship between the molecular characteristics and functional applications of scorpion venom peptides to provide a research basis for modern drug development and clinical utilization of scorpion venom resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiqiang Xia
- School of Biological and Food Processing Engineering, Huanghuai University, Zhumadian, China
| | - Dangui He
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao
| | - Yingliang Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Hang Fai Kwok
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; Cancer Centre, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao; MoE Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau, Avenida de Universidade, Taipa, Macao.
| | - Zhijian Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Virology, College of Life Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China; Bio-drug Research Center, Wuhan University, Wuhan, China.
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Bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms: therapeutic scaffolds and pharmacological tools. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:19-35. [PMID: 36641229 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60382-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Evolution and natural selection have endowed animal venoms, including scorpion venoms, with a wide range of pharmacological properties. Consequently, scorpions, their venoms, and/or their body parts have been used since time immemorial in traditional medicines, especially in Africa and Asia. With respect to their pharmacological potential, bioactive peptides from scorpion venoms have become an important source of scientific research. With the rapid increase in the characterization of various components from scorpion venoms, a large number of peptides are identified with an aim of combating a myriad of emerging global health problems. Moreover, some scorpion venom-derived peptides have been established as potential scaffolds helpful for drug development. In this review, we summarize the promising scorpion venoms-derived peptides as drug candidates. Accordingly, we highlight the data and knowledge needed for continuous characterization and development of additional natural peptides from scorpion venoms, as potential drugs that can treat related diseases.
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Zhao F, Fang L, Wang Q, Ye Q, He Y, Xu W, Song Y. Exploring the Pivotal Components Influencing the Side Effects Induced by an Analgesic-Antitumor Peptide from Scorpion Venom on Human Voltage-Gated Sodium Channels 1.4 and 1.5 through Computational Simulation. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 15:33. [PMID: 36668853 PMCID: PMC9864070 DOI: 10.3390/toxins15010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 12/29/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs, or Nav) are important determinants of action potential generation and propagation. Efforts are underway to develop medicines targeting different channel subtypes for the treatment of related channelopathies. However, a high degree of conservation across its nine subtypes could lead to the off-target adverse effects on skeletal and cardiac muscles due to acting on primary skeletal muscle sodium channel Nav1.4 and cardiac muscle sodium channel Nav1.5, respectively. For a long evolutionary process, some peptide toxins from venoms have been found to be highly potent yet selective on ion channel subtypes and, therefore, hold the promising potential to be developed into therapeutic agents. In this research, all-atom molecular dynamic methods were used to elucidate the selective mechanisms of an analgesic-antitumor β-scorpion toxin (AGAP) with human Nav1.4 and Nav1.5 in order to unravel the primary reason for the production of its adverse reactions on the skeletal and cardiac muscles. Our results suggest that the rational distribution of residues with ring structures near position 38 and positive residues in the C-terminal on AGAP are critical factors to ensure its analgesic efficacy. Moreover, the substitution for residues with benzene is beneficial to reduce its side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Liangyi Fang
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qi Wang
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Qi Ye
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yanan He
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Weizhuo Xu
- Faculty of Functional Food and Wine, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
| | - Yongbo Song
- School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, China
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Sivakumar PM, Prabhakar PK, Cetinel S, R N, Prabhawathi V. Molecular Insights on the Therapeutic Effect of Selected Flavonoids on Diabetic Neuropathy. Mini Rev Med Chem 2022; 22:1828-1846. [PMID: 35264089 DOI: 10.2174/1389557522666220309140855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
One of the common clinical complications of diabetes is diabetic neuropathy affecting the nervous system. Painful diabetic neuropathy is widespread and highly prevalent. At least 50% of diabetes patients develop diabetic neuropathy eventually. The four main types of diabetic neuropathy are peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, proximal neuropathy (diabetic polyradiculopathy), and mononeuropathy (Focal neuropathy). Glucose control remains the common therapy for diabetic neuropathy due to limited knowledge on early biomarkers that are expressed during nerve damage, thereby limiting the cure through pharmacotherapy. Glucose control dramatically reduces the onset of neuropathy in type 1 diabetes but proves less effective in type 2 diabetes. Therefore, the focus is on various herbal remedies for prevention and treatment. There is numerous research on the use of anticonvulsants and antidepressants for the management of pain in diabetic neuropathy. Extensive research is being done on natural products including the isolation of pure compounds like flavonoids from plants and their effect on diabetic neuropathy. This review focuses on the use of an important of flavonoids such as flavanols (e.g., quercetin, rutin, kaempferol, and isorhamnetin), flavanones (e.g., hesperidin, naringenin and c,lass eriodictyol), and flavones (e.g., apigenin, luteolin, tangeretin, chrysin, and diosmin) for the prevention and treatment of diabetic neuropathy. The mechanisms of action of flavonoids against diabetic neuropathy by their antioxidant, anti-inflammation, anti-glycation properties, etc. are also covered in this review article.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ponnurengam Malliappan Sivakumar
- Center for Molecular Biology, Institute of Research and Development, Duy Tan University, 03 Quang Trung, Da Nang, Vietnam.
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | | | - Sibel Cetinel
- Nanotechnology Research and Application Center (SUNUM), Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey.
- Center of Excellence for Functional Surfaces and Interfaces for Nano Diagnostics (EFSUN), Sabanci University, Istanbul 34956, Turkey
| | - Neelakandan R
- Department of Textile Technology, Anna University, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Veluchamy Prabhawathi
- Multidisciplinary Research Unit, Coimbatore Medical College, Coimbatore - 641014, Tamil Nadu, India
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Diochot S. Pain-related toxins in scorpion and spider venoms: a face to face with ion channels. J Venom Anim Toxins Incl Trop Dis 2021; 27:e20210026. [PMID: 34925480 PMCID: PMC8667759 DOI: 10.1590/1678-9199-jvatitd-2021-0026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Revised: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pain is a common symptom induced during envenomation by spiders and scorpions.
Toxins isolated from their venom have become essential tools for studying the
functioning and physiopathological role of ion channels, as they modulate their
activity. In particular, toxins that induce pain relief effects can serve as a
molecular basis for the development of future analgesics in humans. This review
provides a summary of the different scorpion and spider toxins that directly
interact with pain-related ion channels, with inhibitory or stimulatory effects.
Some of these toxins were shown to affect pain modalities in different animal
models providing information on the role played by these channels in the pain
process. The close interaction of certain gating-modifier toxins with membrane
phospholipids close to ion channels is examined along with molecular approaches
to improve selectivity, affinity or bioavailability in vivo for
therapeutic purposes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Diochot
- Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire (IPMC), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) UMR 7275 et Université Côte d'Azur (UCA), 06560 Valbonne, France. Institut de Pharmacologie Moléculaire et Cellulaire Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique Université Côte d'Azur Valbonne France
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Yu J, Luo Y, Jin H, Lv J, Zhou T, Yabasin IB, Wen Q. Scorpion alleviates bone cancer pain through inhibition of bone destruction and glia activation. Mol Pain 2021; 16:1744806920909993. [PMID: 32052691 PMCID: PMC7054730 DOI: 10.1177/1744806920909993] [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] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Bone cancer pain is common in patients with advanced cancers as
tumor metastasizes to bone. The inefficient clinical treatment
severely reduces quality of life of bone cancer pain patients.
During the pain status, activated spinal astrocytes and
microglia release various inflammatory cytokines, resulting in
spinal inflammation and the development of neuron sensitization.
Scorpion is the dry body of Buthus martensii Karsch and is often
used for various pain management in clinical practice. However,
its function on bone cancer pain is unclear. Methods We investigated the effects of intragastric administration of
scorpion on bone cancer pain induced by left tibial cavity
injection of Walker 256 cells. Nociceptive behavior was measured
using the von Frey filaments test and the spontaneous ambulatory
pain score. The bone destruction was assessed by tibial
radiographs. Expression of spinal cord astrocyte marker glial
fibrillary acidic protein and microglial marker Iba1 was
monitored by Western blot assay and immunofluorescence. Tumor
necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β was
detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The
proliferation of Walker 256 cells was evaluated by CCK8
assay. Results Intragastric administration of scorpion reduced bone cancer pain
behavior and relieved bone destruction, accompanied by decreased
expression of spinal glial fibrillary acidic protein and Iba1
protein level and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β mRNA level. Besides,
scorpion inhibited proliferation of Walker 256 cells in a dose-
and time-dependent manner. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that scorpion produces an analgesic effect
in a rat model of bone cancer pain via inhibiting bone
destruction and activation of spinal cord astrocytes and
microglia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiachuan Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Yuanyuan Luo
- CAS Key Laboratory of Separation Science for Analytical Chemistry, Dalian Institute of Chemical Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Dalian, China; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Huidan Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Jiaxin Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Tingting Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Iddrisu Baba Yabasin
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Qingping Wen
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
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BmK NSPK, a Potent Potassium Channel Inhibitor from Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, Promotes Neurite Outgrowth via NGF/TrkA Signaling Pathway. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13010033. [PMID: 33466524 PMCID: PMC7824859 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion toxins represent a variety of tools to explore molecular mechanisms and cellular signaling pathways of many biological functions. These toxins are also promising lead compounds for developing treatments for many neurological diseases. In the current study, we purified a new scorpion toxin designated as BmK NSPK (Buthus martensii Karsch neurite-stimulating peptide targeting Kv channels) from the BmK venom. The primary structure was determined using Edman degradation. BmK NSPK directly inhibited outward K+ current without affecting sodium channel activities, depolarized membrane, and increased spontaneous calcium oscillation in spinal cord neurons (SCNs) at low nanomolar concentrations. BmK NSPK produced a nonmonotonic increase on the neurite extension that peaked at ~10 nM. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that BmK NSPK increased the release of nerve growth factor (NGF). The tyrosine kinases A (TrkA) receptor inhibitor, GW 441756, eliminated the BmK NSPK-induced neurite outgrowth. BmK NSPK also increased phosphorylation levels of protein kinase B (Akt) that is the downstream regulator of TrkA receptors. These data demonstrate that BmK NSPK is a new voltage-gated potassium (Kv) channel inhibitor that augments neurite extension via NGF/TrkA signaling pathway. Kv channels may represent molecular targets to modulate SCN development and regeneration and to develop the treatments for spinal cord injury.
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Richard SA, Kampo S, Sackey M, Hechavarria ME, Buunaaim ADB. The Pivotal Potentials of Scorpion Buthus Martensii Karsch-Analgesic-Antitumor Peptide in Pain Management and Cancer. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2020; 2020:4234273. [PMID: 33178316 PMCID: PMC7647755 DOI: 10.1155/2020/4234273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch -analgesic-antitumor peptide (BmK AGAP) has been used to treat diseases like tetanus, tuberculosis, apoplexy, epilepsy, spasm, migraine headaches, rheumatic pain, and cancer in China. AGAP is a distinctive long-chain scorpion toxin with a molecular mass of 7142 Da and composed of 66 amino acids cross-linked by four disulfide bridges. Voltage-gated sodium channels (VGSCs) are present in excitable membranes and partakes in essential roles in action potentials generation as compared to the significant function of voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs). A total of nine genes (Nav1.1-Nav1.9) have been recognized to encode practical sodium channel isoforms. Nav1.3, Nav1.7, Nav1.8, and Nav1.9 have been recognized as potential targets for analgesics. Nav1.8 and Nav1.9 are associated with nociception initiated by inflammation signals in the neuronal pain pathway, while Nav1.8 is fundamental for neuropathic pain at low temperatures. AGAP has a sturdy inhibitory influence on both viscera and soma pain. AGAP potentiates the effects of MAPK inhibitors on neuropathic as well as inflammation-associated pain. AGAP downregulates the secretion of phosphorylated p38, phosphorylated JNK, and phosphorylated ERK 1/2 in vitro. AGAP has an analgesic activity which may be an effective therapeutic agent for pain management because of its downregulation of PTX3 via NF-κB and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling pathway. In cancers like colon cancer, breast cancer, lymphoma, and glioma, rAGAP was capable of blocking the proliferation. Thus, AGAP is a promising therapy for these tumors. Nevertheless, research is needed with other tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seidu A. Richard
- Department of Medicine, Princefield University, P.O. Box MA128, Ho, Ghana
| | - Sylvanus Kampo
- Department of Anesthesia and Critical Care, School of Medicine, University of Health and Allied Sciences, Ho, Ghana
| | - Marian Sackey
- Department of Pharmacy, Ho Teaching Hospital, P.O. Box MA-374, Ho, Ghana
| | | | - Alexis D. B. Buunaaim
- Department of Surgery, School of Medicine and Health Science, University for Development Studies, Tamale, Ghana
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Hong JS, Feng JH, Park JS, Lee HJ, Lee JY, Lim SS, Suh HW. Antinociceptive effect of chrysin in diabetic neuropathy and formalin-induced pain models. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2020; 24:143-150. [PMID: 33209194 PMCID: PMC7651853 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2020.1765019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 04/14/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chrysin, a natural flavonoid, is the main ingredient of many medicinal plants, which shows potent pharmacological properties. In the present study, the antinociceptive effects of chrysin were examined in ICR mice. Chrysin orally administered at the doses of from 10 to 100 mg/kg exerted the reductions of formalin-induced pain behaviors observed during the second phase in the formalin test in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, the antinociceptive effect of chrysin was further characterized in streptozotocin-induced diabetic neuropathy model. Oral administration chrysin caused reversals of decreased pain threshold observed in diabetic-induced peripheral neuropathy model. Intraperitoneally (i.p.) pretreatment with naloxone (a classic opioid receptor antagonist), but not yohimbine (an antagonist of α2-adrenergic receptors) or methysergide (an antagonist of serotonergic receptors), effectively reversed chrysin-induced antinociceptive effect in the formalin test. Moreover, chrysin caused a reduction of formalin-induced up-regulated spinal p-CREB level, which was also reversed by i.t. pretreated naloxone. Finally, chrysin also suppressed the increase of the spinal p-CREB level induced by diabetic neuropathy. Our results suggest that chrysin shows an antinociceptive property in formalin-induced pain and diabetic neuropathy models. In addition, spinal opioid receptors and CREB protein appear to mediate chrysin-induced antinociception in the formalin-induced pain model.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Seung Hong
- Department of Physical Education, College of Natural Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jing-Hui Feng
- Institute of Natural Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jung-Seok Park
- Department of Physical Education, College of Natural Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Lee
- Institute of Natural Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Soon-Sung Lim
- Department of Food Sciences and Nutrition, College of Natural, Health, and Life Sciences, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hong-Won Suh
- Institute of Natural Medicine, Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
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Ahmadi S, Knerr JM, Argemi L, Bordon KCF, Pucca MB, Cerni FA, Arantes EC, Çalışkan F, Laustsen AH. Scorpion Venom: Detriments and Benefits. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8050118. [PMID: 32408604 PMCID: PMC7277529 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8050118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 05/01/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion venom may cause severe medical complications and untimely death if injected into the human body. Neurotoxins are the main components of scorpion venom that are known to be responsible for the pathological manifestations of envenoming. Besides neurotoxins, a wide range of other bioactive molecules can be found in scorpion venoms. Advances in separation, characterization, and biotechnological approaches have enabled not only the development of more effective treatments against scorpion envenomings, but have also led to the discovery of several scorpion venom peptides with interesting therapeutic properties. Thus, scorpion venom may not only be a medical threat to human health, but could prove to be a valuable source of bioactive molecules that may serve as leads for the development of new therapies against current and emerging diseases. This review presents both the detrimental and beneficial properties of scorpion venom toxins and discusses the newest advances within the development of novel therapies against scorpion envenoming and the therapeutic perspectives for scorpion toxins in drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirin Ahmadi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
| | - Julius M. Knerr
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Lídia Argemi
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
| | - Karla C. F. Bordon
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Manuela B. Pucca
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Medical School, Federal University of Roraima, Boa Vista, Roraima 69310-000, Brazil
| | - Felipe A. Cerni
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Eliane C. Arantes
- Department of BioMolecular Sciences, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto—São Paulo 14040-903, Brazil; (K.C.F.B.); (E.C.A.)
| | - Figen Çalışkan
- Department of Biotechnology and Biosafety, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Eşkisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eşkisehir, Turkey;
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science and Letters, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, TR-26040 Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - Andreas H. Laustsen
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, DK-2800 Kongens Lyngby, Denmark; (J.M.K.); (L.A.); (M.B.P.); (F.A.C.)
- Correspondence: (S.A.); (A.H.L.); Tel.: +45-7164-6042 (S.A.); +45-2988-1134 (A.H.L.)
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Feng JH, Lee HJ, Sim SM, Shende M, Suh HW. The modulatory role of β-amyloid in the regulation of nociception in mice. Acta Neurobiol Exp (Wars) 2020. [DOI: 10.21307/ane-2020-032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
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12
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Ou Z, Zhao J, Zhu L, Huang L, Ma Y, Ma C, Luo C, Zhu Z, Yuan Z, Wu J, Li R, Yi J. Anti-inflammatory effect and potential mechanism of betulinic acid on λ-carrageenan-induced paw edema in mice. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 118:109347. [PMID: 31545273 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2019.109347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Revised: 08/05/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
λ-Carrageenan (Carr), a seaweed polysaccharide, is used as a proinflammatory agent in research. Betulinic acid (BA), a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid, exerts immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-malarial and anti-HIV effects. The aim of this study was to investigate whether BA exerts anti-inflammatory effect against Carr-induced paw edema in mice, and how BA could mediate the expression of inflammation-associated MAPK-COX-2-PGE2 signal pathway. BA pretreatment significantly reduced the inflammatory response to Carr-induced paw edema, especially at 4 h after injection. BA reduced the serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-5, IL-6, GM-CSF, KC, MCP-1 and PGE2 in Carr-treated mice, and increased those of anti-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-12. It also increased SOD, CAT and GSH-Px activities, and GSH content, and reduced MDA content in the liver of Carr-treated mice. Besides, BA reduced neutrophil infiltration in the basal and subcutaneous layers of the paw of Carr-treated mice, decreased the expression of COX-2 protein, and reduced the phosphorylation of JNK, p38 and ERK1/2. These results indicated that the protective effect of BA on Carr-induced paw edema might be due to its alleviation of inflammatory response and inhibition of oxidative stress, possibly by inhibiting MAPK-COX-2-PGE2 signaling pathway activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaoping Ou
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Lijuan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Lin Huang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Yurong Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Chaoyang Ma
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Chenxi Luo
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Zihan Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Zhihang Yuan
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China; Hunan Co-innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Jing Wu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China; Hunan Co-innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha City, 410128, China
| | - Rongfang Li
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China; Hunan Co-innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha City, 410128, China.
| | - Jine Yi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha City, 410128, China; Hunan Co-innovation Center of Animal Production Safety, Changsha City, 410128, China.
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13
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Zhao F, Wang JL, Ming HY, Zhang YN, Dun YQ, Zhang JH, Song YB. Insights into the binding mode and functional components of the analgesic-antitumour peptide from Buthus martensii Karsch to human voltage-gated sodium channel 1.7 based on dynamic simulation analysis. J Biomol Struct Dyn 2019; 38:1868-1879. [PMID: 31099313 DOI: 10.1080/07391102.2019.1620126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Voltage-gated sodium (Nav) channels are transmembrane proteins composed of four homologous domains (DI-DIV) that play important roles in membrane excitability in neurons and muscles. Analgesic-antitumour peptide (AGAP) is a neurotoxin from the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch, and has been shown to exert analgesic effect by binding on site 4 of human Nav1.7 (hNav1.7). Mechanistic details about this binding, however, remain unclear. To address this issue, we compared the binding modes of AGAP/AGAPW38G/AGAPW38F and the hNav1.7 voltage-sensing domain on DII (VSD2hNav1.7) using homology modeling, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation and steered molecular dynamics. Results revealed the key role of tryptophan at position 38 on the binding of AGAP to VSD2hNav1.7. Pivotal roles are played also by residues on the β-turn and negatively charged residues at the C-terminal. We further show that electrostatic interaction is the main contributor to the binding free energy of the complex. Agreement between our computational simulation findings and prior experimental data supports the accuracy of the described mechanism. Accordingly, these results can provide valuable information for designing potent toxin analgesics targeting hNav1.7 with high affinity.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Zhao
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jin-Long Wang
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Hong-Yan Ming
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University, Weihui, China
| | - Ya-Nan Zhang
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ying-Qiao Dun
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jing-Hai Zhang
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yong-Bo Song
- School of Life Science and Bio-pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
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14
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Li Z, Hu P, Wu W, Wang Y. Peptides with therapeutic potential in the venom of the scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch. Peptides 2019; 115:43-50. [PMID: 30858089 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2019.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2019] [Accepted: 02/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The scorpion Buthus martensii Karsch (BmK) has generated significant interest due to the presence of biologically active peptides in its venom. In the past decade, dozens of different peptides from BmK have been identified. Most of the peptides are neurotoxins and are responsible for the toxicity of BmK venom. Other peptides, including neurotoxins and non-disulfide-bridged peptides, show potential anticancer, antimicrobial, analgesic, and anti-epileptic therapeutic effects. These peptides are attractive candidates for drug development, and peptide derivatives have also been designed to enhance their therapeutic potential, such as ADWX-1 and Kn2-7. In this review, we provide an overview of the most promising peptides found in BmK venom and of modified peptide derivatives showing therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhongjie Li
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China.
| | - Ping Hu
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Wenlan Wu
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
| | - Yong Wang
- Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, 471003, China
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15
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Shi W, He P, Zeng XC, Wu W, Chen X. Inhibitory Effect of an Acidic Peptide on the Activity of an Antimicrobial Peptide from the Scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23123314. [PMID: 30558111 PMCID: PMC6321396 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23123314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Highly acidic peptides with no disulfide bridges are widely present in the scorpion venoms; however, none of them has been functionally characterized so far. Here, we cloned the full-length cDNA of a short-chain highly acidic peptide (referred to as HAP-1) from a cDNA library made from the venom glands of the Chinese scorpion Mesobuthus martensii Karsch. HAP-1 contains 19 amino acid residues with a predicted IP value of 4.25. Acidic amino residues account for 33.3% of the total residues in the molecule of HAP-1. HAP-1 shows 76⁻98% identities to some scorpion venom peptides that have not yet been functionally characterized. Secondary structure prediction showed that HAP-1 contains a beta-sheet region (residues 9⁻17), and two coiled coil regions (residues 1⁻8 and 18⁻19) located at the N-terminal and C-terminal regions of the peptide, respectively. Antimicrobial assay showed that HAP-1 does not have any effect on the growth of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus AB94004. However, it potently inhibits the antimicrobial activity of a 13-mer peptide from M. martensii Karsch against Staphylococcus aureus AB94004. This finding is the first characterization of the function of such highly acidic peptides from scorpions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanxia Shi
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Pengchen He
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Xian-Chun Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Weiwei Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
| | - Xiaoming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Biogeology and Environmental Geology & School of Environmental Studies, China University of Geosciences (Wuhan), Wuhan 430074, China.
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Rosa SG, Brüning CA, Pesarico AP, Souza ACGD, Nogueira CW. Anti-inflammatory and antinociceptive effects of 2,2`-dipyridyl diselenide through reduction of inducible nitric oxide synthase, nuclear factor-kappa B and c-Jun N-terminal kinase phosphorylation levels in the mouse spinal cord. J Trace Elem Med Biol 2018; 48:38-45. [PMID: 29773191 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtemb.2018.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Revised: 01/23/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Appropriate treatment of pain requires analgesics and anti-inflammatory drugs generally associated with undesirable side effects and not fully effective in a significant proportion of patients. Organoselenium compounds elicit a plenty of pharmacological effects in different animal models. Among these compounds, the 2,2`-dipyridyl diselenide (DPD) has a potent antioxidant effect and low toxicity. In this way, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible DPD antinociceptive effect and its mechanism of action, as well as the safety of the compound. Female Swiss mice were treated with vehicle or DPD (0.01-50 mg/kg) intragastrically. Dose-response curve and time-course of the antinociceptive effect of DPD were performed on formalin and tail immersion tests. Morphine (2.5 mg/kg, subcutaneous, 15 min earlier) was used as a positive control in behavioral tests. The results showed that DPD presents a rapid antinociceptive effect in low doses, without changing the spontaneous locomotor activity and parameters of toxicity in mice. The DPD antinociceptive effect was also confirmed in male Swiss mice in both formalin and tail immersion tests. In addition, DPD reduced the paw edema induced by 2.5% formalin and ear edema induced by 2.5% croton oil. l-arginine (600 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) reduced the DPD antinociceptive effect in the first phase of the formalin test. Moreover, DPD attenuated the increase in iNOS, NF-κB and JNK phosphorylation in the spinal cord of mice injected with formalin. These results showed that DPD exerts peripheral and central nociceptive actions associated with anti-inflammatory effect and this organoselenium compound could be an interesting alternative therapy for pain treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suzan Gonçalves Rosa
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - César Augusto Brüning
- Laboratório de Bioquímica e Neurofarmacologia Molecular, Grupo de Pesquisa em Neurobiotecnologia, Centro de Ciências Químicas, Farmacêuticas e de Alimentos, Universidade Federal de Pelotas, Pelotas, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Pesarico
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Ana Cristina Guerra de Souza
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil
| | - Cristina Wayne Nogueira
- Laboratório de Síntese, Reatividade e Avaliação Farmacológica e Toxicológica de Organocalcogênios, Departamento de Bioquímica e Biologia Molecular, Centro de Ciências Naturais e Exatas, Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, CEP 97105-900, Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.
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Jang SP, Park SH, Jung JS, Lee HJ, Hong JW, Lee JY, Suh HW. Characterization of changes of pain behavior and signal transduction system in food-deprived mice. Anim Cells Syst (Seoul) 2018; 22:227-233. [PMID: 30460102 PMCID: PMC6138332 DOI: 10.1080/19768354.2018.1490348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2018] [Revised: 05/23/2018] [Accepted: 05/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Fasting in general causes several metabolic changes. In the present study, we examined the possible changes of several types of nociception during the food deprivation were investigated in mice. After the mice were forced into the fasting for 12, 24, or 48 h, the changes of nociception were measured by the tail-flick, writhing, formalin or von-frey tests. We found that the nociceptive behavior induced by intraperitoneally (i.p.) administered acetic acid (writhing response) or intraplantar injection of 5% formalin into the hind-paw were reduced in fasted group. In addition, the tail-flick response and threshold for nociception in mechanical von-frey test were also elevated in fasted group. Moreover, the p-CREB and p-ERK levels in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) and the spinal cord were reduced in food-deprived group. Furthermore, p-AMPKα1 expressions in DRG and the spinal cord were up-regulated, whereas p-mTOR in DRG and the spinal cord was down-regulated in food-deprived group. Our results suggest that the chemical, mechanical, and thermal nociceptions appear to be reduced in a food-deprived mouse group. Additionally, reduction of nociception in food-deprived group appears to be closely associated with the expressions of several signal transduction molecules such as ERK, CREB, AMPKα1 and mTOR proteins in DRG and the spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang-Pil Jang
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Seong-Hwan Park
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jun-Sub Jung
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hee-Jung Lee
- Department of Life science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jung-Woo Hong
- Department of Biomedical Science, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Lee
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Hong-Won Suh
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Natural Medicine, College of Medicine, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Korea
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Monge-Fuentes V, Arenas C, Galante P, Gonçalves JC, Mortari MR, Schwartz EF. Arthropod toxins and their antinociceptive properties: From venoms to painkillers. Pharmacol Ther 2018; 188:176-185. [PMID: 29605457 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2018.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The complex process of pain control commonly involves the use of systemic analgesics; however, in many cases, a more potent and effective polypharmacological approach is needed to promote clinically significant improvement. Additionally, considering side effects caused by current painkillers, drug discovery is once more turning to nature as a source of more efficient therapeutic alternatives. In this context, arthropod venoms contain a vast array of bioactive substances that have evolved to selectively bind to specific pharmacological targets involved in the pain signaling pathway, playing an important role as pain activators or modulators, the latter serving as promising analgesic agents. The current review explores how the pain pathway works and surveys neuroactive compounds obtained from arthropods' toxins, which function as pain modulators through their interaction with specific ion channels and membrane receptors, emerging as promising candidates for drug design and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Monge-Fuentes
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil.
| | - Claudia Arenas
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Priscilla Galante
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Jacqueline Coimbra Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Márcia Renata Mortari
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
| | - Elisabeth Ferroni Schwartz
- Laboratory of Neuropharmacology, Department of Physiological Sciences, Institute of Biological Sciences, University of Brasília, Brasília 70910-900, Brazil
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19
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Ruan JP, Mao QH, Lu WG, Cai XT, Chen J, Li Q, Fu Q, Yan HJ, Cao JL, Cao P. Inhibition of spinal MAPKs by scorpion venom peptide BmK AGAP produces a sensory-specific analgesic effect. Mol Pain 2018; 14:1744806918761238. [PMID: 29424271 PMCID: PMC5844526 DOI: 10.1177/1744806918761238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Several studies have shown that scorpion venom peptide BmK AGAP has an analgesic activity. Our previous study also demonstrated that intraplantar injection of BmK AGAP ameliorates formalin-induced spontaneous nociceptive behavior. However, the effect of intrathecal injection of BmK AGAP on nociceptive processing is poorly understood. Methods We investigated the effects of intrathecal injection of BmK AGAP on spinal nociceptive processing induced by chronic constrictive injury or formalin. Thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia were measured using radiant heat and the von Frey filaments test. Formalin-induced spontaneous nociceptive behavior was also investigated. C-Fos expression was assessed by immunohistochemistry. Phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-MAPK) expression was monitored by Western blot assay. Results Intrathecal injection of BmK AGAP reduced chronic constrictive injury-induced neuropathic pain behavior and pain from formalin-induced inflammation, accompanied by decreased expression of spinal p-MAPKs and c-Fos protein. The results of combining low doses of different MAPK inhibitor (U0126, SP600125, or SB203580; 0.1 µg for each inhibitor) with a low dose of BmK AGAP (0.2 µg) suggested that BmK AGAP could potentiate the effects of MAPK inhibitors on inflammation-associated pain. Conclusion Our results demonstrate that intrathecal injection of BmK AGAP produces a sensory-specific analgesic effect via a p-MAPK-dependent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Ping Ruan
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing-Hong Mao
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wu-Guang Lu
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xue-Ting Cai
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiao Chen
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qing- Li
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qun- Fu
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huai-Jiang Yan
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun-Li Cao
- 3 Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical College, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Cao
- 1 Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, 66478 Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,2 375808 Jiangsu Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine , Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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20
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Zou Y, Zhang F, Li Y, Wang Y, Li Y, Long Z, Shi S, Shuai L, Liu J, Di Z, Yin S. Cloning, expression and identification of KTX-Sp4, a selective Kv1.3 peptidic blocker from Scorpiops pococki. Cell Biosci 2017; 7:60. [PMID: 29142737 PMCID: PMC5674823 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-017-0187-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Specific and selective peptidic blockers of Kv1.3 channels can serve as a valuable drug lead for treating T cell-mediated autoimmune diseases, and scorpion venom is an important source of kv1.3 channel inhibitors. Through conducting transcriptomic sequencing for the venom gland of Scorpiops pococki from Xizang province of China, this research aims to discover a novel functional gene encoding peptidic blocker of Kv1.3, and identify its function. Results We screened out a new peptide toxin KTX-Sp4 which had 43 amino acids including six cysteine residues. Electrophysiological experiments indicated that recombinant expression products of KTX-Sp4 blocked both endogenous and exogenous Kv1.3 channel concentration-dependently, and exhibited good selectivity on Kv1.3 over Kv1.1, Kv1.2, respectively. Mutation experiments showed that the Kv1 turret region was responsible for the selectivity of KTX-Sp4 peptide on Kv1.3 over Kv1.1. Conclusions This work not only provided a novel lead compound for the development of anti autoimmune disease drugs, but also enriched the molecular basis for the interaction between scorpion toxins and potassium channels, serving as an important theoretical basis for designing high selective Kv1.3 peptide inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Feng Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Yaxian Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Yuanfang Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhengtao Long
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Shujuan Shi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Li Shuai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Jiukai Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyong Di
- School of Life Sciences, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027 People's Republic of China
| | - Shijin Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China.,National Demonstration Center for Experimental Ethnopharmacology Education, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, 430074 People's Republic of China
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21
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Xu Y, Meng X, Hou X, Sun J, Kong X, Sun Y, Liu Z, Ma Y, Niu Y, Song Y, Cui Y, Zhao M, Zhang J. A mutant of the Buthus martensii Karsch antitumor-analgesic peptide exhibits reduced inhibition to hNa v1.4 and hNa v1.5 channels while retaining analgesic activity. J Biol Chem 2017; 292:18270-18280. [PMID: 28924048 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m117.792697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2017] [Revised: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Scorpion toxins can kill other animals by inducing paralysis and arrhythmia, which limits the potential applications of these agents in the clinical management of diseases. Antitumor-analgesic peptide (AGAP), purified from Buthus martensii Karsch, has been proved to possess analgesic and antitumor activities. Trp38, a conserved aromatic residue of AGAP, might play an important role in mediating AGAP activities according to the sequence and homology-modeling analyses. Therefore, an AGAP mutant, W38G, was generated, and effects of both AGAP and the mutant W38G were examined by whole-cell patch clamp techniques on the sodium channels hNav1.4 and hNav1.5, which were closely associated with the biotoxicity of skeletal and cardiac muscles, respectively. The data showed that both W38G and AGAP inhibited the peak currents of hNav1.4 and hNav1.5; however, W38G induced a much weaker inhibition of both channels than AGAP. Accordingly, W38G exhibited much less toxic effect on both skeletal and cardiac muscles than AGAP in vivo The analgesic activity of W38G and AGAP were verified in vivo as well, and W38G retained analgesic activity similar to AGAP. Inhibition to both Nav1.7 and Nav1.8 was involved in the analgesic mechanism of AGAP and W38G. These findings indicated that Trp38 was a key amino acid involved in the biotoxicity of AGAP, and the AGAP mutant W38G might be a safer alternative for clinical application because it retains the analgesic efficacy with less toxicity to skeletal and cardiac muscles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijia Xu
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Xiangxue Meng
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Xue Hou
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Jianfang Sun
- the College of Life and Health Sciences, Northeastern University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110004, and
| | - Xiaohua Kong
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Yuqi Sun
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Zeyu Liu
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Yuanyuan Ma
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Ye Niu
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Yongbo Song
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016
| | - Yong Cui
- the School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
| | - Mingyi Zhao
- From the School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutical Science, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016,
| | - Jinghai Zhang
- the School of Medical Devices, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, China
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Santos PL, Brito RG, Matos JPSCF, Quintans JSS, Quintans-Júnior LJ. Fos Protein as a Marker of Neuronal Activity: a Useful Tool in the Study of the Mechanism of Action of Natural Products with Analgesic Activity. Mol Neurobiol 2017; 55:4560-4579. [PMID: 28695537 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-017-0658-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pain treatment is still ineffective in many conditions and remains one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine. Historically, due to the incredible variety of pharmacologically promising natural products (NPs) and the chemical complexity of their compounds, scientists have explored their use as a source of treatment for diseases or symptomatology. Fos protein and its precursor, the gene c-Fos, have been the subject of study in relation to the pathophysiology of pain as a possible tool to aid in its understanding. More recently, it has become a useful tool in the study of NPs with analgesic profile. Thus, this systematic review aimed to investigate the analgesic effect of NPs and derivatives through changes in Fos protein or c-Fos expression in nervous system central. The search terms "analgesics," "Fos," and "drug effects" were used in the databases PubMed, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase. Forty-six articles were identified. Twenty-five articles investigated Fos expression in the spinal cord, 1 in dorsal root ganglion, 11 in brain areas, and 9 investigated the association between the spinal cord and brain areas. Although Fos protein expression has been used as a tool in the studies of the mechanism of action of pain in relation to NPs with analgesic activity, the associations between brain areas and the spinal cord-and the possible pathways involved-have not yet been fully elucidated and deserve further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila L Santos
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology (DFS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Av. Marechal Rondom, s/n, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Zip Code: 49.100-000, Brazil
| | - Renan G Brito
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology (DFS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Av. Marechal Rondom, s/n, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Zip Code: 49.100-000, Brazil
| | - João Pedro S C F Matos
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology (DFS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Av. Marechal Rondom, s/n, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Zip Code: 49.100-000, Brazil
| | - Jullyana S S Quintans
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology (DFS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Av. Marechal Rondom, s/n, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Zip Code: 49.100-000, Brazil
| | - Lucindo J Quintans-Júnior
- Laboratory of Neuroscience and Pharmacological Assays (LANEF), Department of Physiology (DFS), Federal University of Sergipe (UFS), Av. Marechal Rondom, s/n, São Cristóvão, Sergipe, Zip Code: 49.100-000, Brazil.
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Skopelja-Gardner S, Saha M, Alvarado-Vazquez PA, Liponis BS, Martinez E, Romero-Sandoval EA. Mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase-3 (MKP-3) in the surgical wound is necessary for the resolution of postoperative pain in mice. J Pain Res 2017; 10:763-774. [PMID: 28405172 PMCID: PMC5378457 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s129826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) phosphatase-3 (MKP-3) and its substrates (extracellular signal-regulated kinase [ERK] and p38) play an important role in pathophysiological mechanisms of acute postoperative and chronic neuropathic pain in the spinal cord. This study aimed to understand the role of MKP-3 and its target MAPKs at the site of surgical incision in nociceptive behavior. Wild-type (WT) and MKP-3 knockout (KO) mice underwent unilateral plantar hind paw incision. Mechanical allodynia was assessed by using von Frey filaments. Peripheral ERK-1/2 and p38 phosphorylation were measured by Western blot. Cell infiltration was determined using hematoxylin and eosin histological staining. Peripheral phosphorylated ERK-1/2 (p-ERK-1/2) inhibition was performed in MKP-3 KO mice. In WT mice, mechanical hypersensitivity was observed on postoperative day 1 (0.69±0.17 g baseline vs 0.13±0.08 g day 1), which resolved normally by postoperative day 12 (0.46±0.08 g, N=6). In MKP-3 KO mice, this hypersensitivity persisted at least 12 days after surgery (0.19±0.06 g; N=6). KO mice displayed higher numbers of infiltrating cells (51.4±6 cells/0.1 mm2) than WT mice (8.7±1.2 cells/0.1 mm2) on postoperative day 1 (vs 5–6 cells/0.1 mm2 at baseline) that returned to baseline 12 days after surgery (10–12 cells/0.1 mm2). In WT mice, peripheral p-p38 and p-ERK-1/2 expression increased (5- and 3-fold, respectively) on postoperative days 1 and 5, and returned to basal levels 7–12 days after surgery (N=3 per group). Peripheral p-p38 levels in MKP-3 KO mice followed a similar expression pattern as WT mice. Peripheral p-ERK-1/2 levels in MKP-3 KO mice remained elevated 12 days after surgery (2.5-fold, N=3 per group). Administration of PD98059 (MEK inhibitor, N=8, vehicle N=9) reduced p-ERK-1/2 expression in the incised tissue and blocked hypersensitivity in MKP-3 KO mice (N=6). The findings of this study suggest that MKP-3 is pivotal for normal resolution of acute postoperative allodynia, through the regulation of peripheral p-ERK-1/2.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madhurima Saha
- Department of Anesthesiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | | | - Brenna S Liponis
- Department of Anesthesiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - Elena Martinez
- Department of Anesthesiology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH
| | - E Alfonso Romero-Sandoval
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Administrative Sciences, Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, Clinton, SC, USA
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Marcus DJ, Zee M, Hughes A, Yuill MB, Hohmann AG, Mackie K, Guindon J, Morgan DJ. Tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of chronic morphine requires c-Jun N-terminal kinase. Mol Pain 2015; 11:34. [PMID: 26065412 PMCID: PMC4465461 DOI: 10.1186/s12990-015-0031-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2014] [Accepted: 06/01/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Morphine and fentanyl are opioid analgesics in wide clinical use that act through the μ-opioid receptor (MOR). However, one limitation of their long-term effectiveness is the development of tolerance. Receptor desensitization has been proposed as a putative mechanism driving tolerance to G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists. Recent studies have found that tolerance to morphine is mediated by the c-Jun N-terminal Kinase (JNK) signaling pathway. The goal of the present study was to test the hypotheses that: 1) JNK inhibition will be antinociceptive on its own; 2) JNK inhibition will augment morphine antinociception and; 3) JNK mediates chronic tolerance for the antinociceptive effects of morphine using acute (hotplate and tail-flick), inflammatory (10 μl of formalin 2.5%) and chemotherapy (cisplatin 5 mg/kg ip once weekly)-induced neuropathic pain assays. RESULTS We found that JNK inhibition by SP600125 (3 mg/kg) produces a greater antinociceptive effect than morphine (6 mg/kg) alone in the formalin test. Moreover, co-administration of morphine (6 mg/kg) with SP600125 (3 mg/kg) produced a sub-additive antinociceptive effect in the formalin test. We also show that pre-treatment with SP600125 (3 or 10 mg/kg), attenuates tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine (10 mg/kg), but not fentanyl (0.3 mg/kg), in the tail-flick and hotplate tests. Pre-treatment with SP600125 also attenuates tolerance to the hypothermic effects of both morphine and fentanyl. We also examined the role of JNK in morphine tolerance in a cisplatin-induced model of neuropathic pain. Interestingly, treatment with SP600125 (3 mg/kg) alone attenuated mechanical and cold allodynia in a chemotherapy-induced pain model using cisplatin. Strikingly, SP600125 (3 mg/kg) pre-treatment prolonged the anti-allodynic effect of morphine by several days (5 and 7 days for mechanical and cold, respectively). CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that JNK signaling plays a crucial role in mediating antinociception as well as chronic tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of morphine in acute, inflammatory, and neuropathic pain states. Thus, inhibition of JNK signaling pathway, via SP600125, represents an efficacious pharmacological approach to delay tolerance to the antinociceptive effects of chronic morphine in diverse pain models.
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Affiliation(s)
- David J Marcus
- Department of Anesthesiology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Room C2850, Mailcode H187, 17033, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Michael Zee
- Department of Anesthesiology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Room C2850, Mailcode H187, 17033, Hershey, PA, USA.,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Alex Hughes
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Matthew B Yuill
- Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, 17033, Hershey, PA, USA
| | - Andrea G Hohmann
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Ken Mackie
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA.,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Josée Guindon
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA. .,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, 3601 4th Street STOP 6592, 79430, Lubbock, TX, USA.
| | - Daniel J Morgan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Penn State College of Medicine, 500 University Drive, Room C2850, Mailcode H187, 17033, Hershey, PA, USA. .,Department of Pharmacology, Penn State College of Medicine, 17033, Hershey, PA, USA. .,Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA. .,Gill Center for Biomolecular Science, Indiana University, 47405, Bloomington, IN, USA.
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Jin S, Lin X, Guan H, Wu J. Cell-specific expression of the analgesic-antitumor peptide coding sequence under the control of the human α-fetoprotein gene promoter and enhancer. Exp Ther Med 2015; 9:863-867. [PMID: 25667643 PMCID: PMC4316983 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2015.2166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 12/19/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to construct a gene-modified hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-specific analgesic-antitumor peptide (AGAP) expression vector regulated by the α-fetoprotein (AFP) promoter and enhancer, in order to evaluate its effect. The AFP promoter is generally used in HCC-specific gene therapy strategies. However, this approach is limited by the weak activity of the AFP promoter. Linking the AFP enhancer and promoter has been shown to generate a stronger and more HCC-selective promoter. The AGAP DNA fragment was amplified from the total RNA of the Chinese scorpion, Buthus martensii Karsch. The fragment was subsequently cloned into the pAFP plasmid with the minimal essential DNA fragment, which included the AFP gene promoter and enhancer, to construct the recombinant plasmid, pAFP-AGAP. The plasmid was transfected into HepG2 cells and the mRNA expression levels of AGAP were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In addition, Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) was used to analyze the cytotoxicity of plasmid transfection. The length, position and orientation of the inserted AGAP gene were all confirmed to be correct; thus, the recombinant vector was successfully constructed. Using RT-PCR and CCK-8 analysis, the mRNA expression levels of AGAP and the cytotoxicity in AFP-producing human HCC cells were determined. The AFP promoter and enhancer were found to specifically accelerate the expression of the target genes within the cells that were positive for AFP. Therefore, the method used in the present study was demonstrated to be a novel integration of traditional Chinese medicine with western medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sisi Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xianfan Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Huaqin Guan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jinming Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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27
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Liu X, Li C, Chen J, Du J, Zhang J, Li G, Jin X, Wu C. AGAP, a new recombinant neurotoxic polypeptide, targets the voltage-gated calcium channels in rat small diameter DRG neurons. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 452:60-5. [PMID: 25148943 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.08.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2014] [Accepted: 08/11/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
A previous study showed that antitumor-analgesic peptide (AGAP), a novel recombinant polypeptide, which had been expressed in Escherichia coli, exhibits analgesic and antitumor effects in mice. In the present study, we investigated the underlying analgesic mechanism of AGAP. The effect of AGAP on voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCCs) was assessed in acutely isolated rat dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons using the whole-cell patch clamp technique. The results showed that AGAP potently inhibited VGCCs, especially high-voltage activated (HVA) calcium channels. AGAP inhibited HVA and T-type calcium currents in a dose-dependent manner, but had no significant effect on their dynamic functions in rat small-diameter DRG neurons. AGAP inhibited N- and L-type calcium currents at 78.2% and 57.3%, respectively. Thus, the present study demonstrates that AGAP affects calcium currents through the inhibition of N-, L- and T-type channels in DRG neurons, explaining the potential mechanisms of antinociception.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xifang Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Chunli Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China.
| | - Jianzhao Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jingnan Du
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Jinghai Zhang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Guixia Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Xiaoquan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China
| | - Chunfu Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Life Science and Biopharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, PR China.
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