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Cao B, Xu Q, Shi Y, Zhao R, Li H, Zheng J, Liu F, Wan Y, Wei B. Pathology of pain and its implications for therapeutic interventions. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:155. [PMID: 38851750 PMCID: PMC11162504 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01845-w] [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: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Pain is estimated to affect more than 20% of the global population, imposing incalculable health and economic burdens. Effective pain management is crucial for individuals suffering from pain. However, the current methods for pain assessment and treatment fall short of clinical needs. Benefiting from advances in neuroscience and biotechnology, the neuronal circuits and molecular mechanisms critically involved in pain modulation have been elucidated. These research achievements have incited progress in identifying new diagnostic and therapeutic targets. In this review, we first introduce fundamental knowledge about pain, setting the stage for the subsequent contents. The review next delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying pain disorders, including gene mutation, epigenetic modification, posttranslational modification, inflammasome, signaling pathways and microbiota. To better present a comprehensive view of pain research, two prominent issues, sexual dimorphism and pain comorbidities, are discussed in detail based on current findings. The status quo of pain evaluation and manipulation is summarized. A series of improved and innovative pain management strategies, such as gene therapy, monoclonal antibody, brain-computer interface and microbial intervention, are making strides towards clinical application. We highlight existing limitations and future directions for enhancing the quality of preclinical and clinical research. Efforts to decipher the complexities of pain pathology will be instrumental in translating scientific discoveries into clinical practice, thereby improving pain management from bench to bedside.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Cao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Qixuan Xu
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Yajiao Shi
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Ruiyang Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Hanghang Li
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China
- Medical School of Chinese PLA, Beijing, 100853, China
| | - Jie Zheng
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China
| | - Fengyu Liu
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - You Wan
- Neuroscience Research Institute and Department of Neurobiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Key Laboratory for Neuroscience, Ministry of Education/National Health Commission, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, China.
| | - Bo Wei
- Department of General Surgery, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100853, China.
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Salniccia F, de Vidania S, Martinez-Caro L. Peripheral and central changes induced by neural mobilization in animal models of neuropathic pain: a systematic review. Front Neurol 2024; 14:1289361. [PMID: 38249743 PMCID: PMC10797109 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2023.1289361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Neural mobilization (NM) is a physiotherapy technique involving the passive mobilization of limb nerve structures with the aim to attempt to restore normal movement and structural properties. In recent years, human studies have shown pain relief in various neuropathic diseases and other pathologies as a result of this technique. Improvement in the range of motion (ROM), muscle strength and endurance, limb function, and postural control were considered beneficial effects of NM. To determine which systems generate these effects, it is necessary to conduct studies using animal models. The objective of this study was to gather information on the physiological effects of NM on the peripheral and central nervous systems (PNS and CNS) in animal models. Methods The search was performed in Medline, Pubmed and Web of Science and included 8 studies according to the inclusion criteria. Results The physiological effects found in the nervous system included the analgesic, particularly the endogenous opioid pathway, the inflammatory, by modulation of cytokines, and the immune system. Conclusion On the basis of these results, we can conclude that NM physiologically modifies the peripheral and central nervous systems in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Salniccia
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
| | - Silvia de Vidania
- Faculty of Sport Sciences, Universidad Europea de Madrid, Villaviciosa de Odón, Spain
| | - Leticia Martinez-Caro
- Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Internacional de La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
- Facultad de Ciencias Sociales Aplicadas y de la Comunicación, UNIE Universidad y Empresa, Madrid, Spain
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Yin X, Li YS, Ye SZ, Zhang T, Zhang YW, Xi Y, Tang HB. Promotion Effect of Coexposure to a High-Fat Diet and Nano-Diethylnitrosamine on the Progression of Fatty Liver Malignant Transformation into Liver Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14162. [PMID: 37762463 PMCID: PMC10531889 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 09/09/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Overconsumption of high-fat foods increases the risk of fatty liver disease (FLD) and liver cancer with long pathogenic cycles. It is also known that the intake of the chemical poison nitrosamine and its nanopreparations can promote the development of liver injuries, such as FLD, and hepatic fibrosis, and significantly shorten the formation time of the liver cancer cycle. The present work confirmed that the coexposure of a high-fat diet (HFD) and nano-diethylnitrosamine (nano-DEN) altered the tumor microenvironment and studied the effect of this coexposure on the progression of fatty liver malignant transformation into liver cancer. Gene transcriptomics and immunostaining were used to evaluate the tumor promotion effect of the coexposure in mice. After coexposure treatment, tumor nodules were obviously increased, and inflammation levels were elevated. The liver transcriptomics analysis showed that the expression levels of inflammatory, fatty, and fibrosis-related factors in the coexposed group were increased in comparison with the nano-DEN- and high-fat-alone groups. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) results showed that coexposure aggravated the high expression of genes related to the carcinomatous pathway and accelerated the formation of the tumor microenvironment. The immunohistochemical staining results showed that the coexposure significantly increased the abnormal changes in proteins related to inflammation, proliferation, aging, and hypoxia in mouse liver tissues. The coexposure of high fat and nano-DEN aggravated the process of steatosis and carcinogenesis. In conclusion, the habitual consumption of pickled foods containing nitrosamines in a daily HFD significantly increases the risk of liver pathology lesions progressing from FLD to liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yin
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, No. 182, Minyuan Road, Wuhan 430074, China; (X.Y.); (Y.-S.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.-W.Z.)
| | - Yu-Sang Li
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, No. 182, Minyuan Road, Wuhan 430074, China; (X.Y.); (Y.-S.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.-W.Z.)
| | - Sha-Zhou Ye
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, No. 818 Fenghua Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo 315211, China;
| | - Ting Zhang
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, No. 182, Minyuan Road, Wuhan 430074, China; (X.Y.); (Y.-S.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.-W.Z.)
| | - Yi-Wen Zhang
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, No. 182, Minyuan Road, Wuhan 430074, China; (X.Y.); (Y.-S.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.-W.Z.)
| | - Yang Xi
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine, Ningbo University, No. 818 Fenghua Road, Jiangbei District, Ningbo 315211, China;
| | - He-Bin Tang
- Lab of Hepatopharmacology and Ethnopharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central Minzu University, No. 182, Minyuan Road, Wuhan 430074, China; (X.Y.); (Y.-S.L.); (T.Z.); (Y.-W.Z.)
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Zhu Z, Bhatia M. Inflammation and Organ Injury the Role of Substance P and Its Receptors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076140. [PMID: 37047113 PMCID: PMC10094202 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tightly controlled inflammation is an indispensable mechanism in the maintenance of cellular and organismal homeostasis in living organisms. However, aberrant inflammation is detrimental and has been suggested as a key contributor to organ injury with different etiologies. Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide with a robust effect on inflammation. The proinflammatory effects of SP are achieved by activating its functional receptors, namely the neurokinin 1 receptor (NK1R) receptor and mas-related G protein-coupled receptors X member 2 (MRGPRX2) and its murine homolog MRGPRB2. Upon activation, the receptors further signal to several cellular signaling pathways involved in the onset, development, and progression of inflammation. Therefore, excessive SP-NK1R or SP-MRGPRX2/B2 signals have been implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammation-associated organ injury. In this review, we summarize our current knowledge of SP and its receptors and the emerging roles of the SP-NK1R system and the SP-MRGPRX2/B2 system in inflammation and injury in multiple organs resulting from different pathologies. We also briefly discuss the prospect of developing a therapeutic strategy for inflammatory organ injury by disrupting the proinflammatory actions of SP via pharmacological intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhixing Zhu
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
| | - Madhav Bhatia
- Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch 8140, New Zealand
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de Clauser L, Kappert C, Sondermann JR, Gomez-Varela D, Flatters SJL, Schmidt M. Proteome and Network Analysis Provides Novel Insights Into Developing and Established Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:818690. [PMID: 35250568 PMCID: PMC8895144 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.818690] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a debilitating side-effect of cancer therapies. So far, the development of CIPN cannot be prevented, neither can established CIPN be reverted, often leading to the cessation of necessary chemotherapy. Thus, there is an urgent need to explore the mechanistic basis of CIPN to facilitate its treatment. Here we used an integrated approach of quantitative proteome profiling and network analysis in a clinically relevant rat model of paclitaxel-induced peripheral neuropathy. We analysed lumbar rat DRG at two critical time points: (1) day 7, right after cessation of paclitaxel treatment, but prior to neuropathy development (pre-CIPN); (2) 4 weeks after paclitaxel initiation, when neuropathy has developed (peak-CIPN). In this way we identified a differential protein signature, which shows how changes in the proteome correlate with the development and maintenance of CIPN, respectively. Extensive biological pathway and network analysis reveals that, at pre-CIPN, regulated proteins are prominently implicated in mitochondrial (dys)function, immune signalling, neuronal damage/regeneration, and neuronal transcription. Orthogonal validation in an independent rat cohort confirmed the increase of β-catenin (CTNNB1) at pre-CIPN. More importantly, detailed analysis of protein networks associated with β-catenin highlights translationally relevant and potentially druggable targets. Overall, this study demonstrates the enormous value of combining animal behaviour with proteome and network analysis to provide unprecedented insights into the molecular basis of CIPN. In line with emerging approaches of network medicine our results highlight new avenues for developing improved therapeutic options aimed at preventing and treating CIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa de Clauser
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Institute for Biomedicine, Eurac Research, Affiliated Institute of the University of Lübeck, Bolzano, Italy
- *Correspondence: Larissa de Clauser, ; Manuela Schmidt,
| | - Christin Kappert
- Max Planck Institute of Experimental Medicine, Goettingen, Germany
| | - Julia R. Sondermann
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - David Gomez-Varela
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Sarah J. L. Flatters
- Wolfson Centre for Age-Related Diseases, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Manuela Schmidt
- Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- *Correspondence: Larissa de Clauser, ; Manuela Schmidt,
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Molecular Changes in the Dorsal Root Ganglion during the Late Phase of Peripheral Nerve Injury-induced Pain in Rodents: A Systematic Review. Anesthesiology 2021; 136:362-388. [PMID: 34965284 DOI: 10.1097/aln.0000000000004092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
The dorsal root ganglion is widely recognized as a potential target to treat chronic pain. A fundamental understanding of quantitative molecular and genomic changes during the late phase of pain is therefore indispensable. The authors performed a systematic literature review on injury-induced pain in rodent dorsal root ganglions at minimally 3 weeks after injury. So far, slightly more than 300 molecules were quantified on the protein or messenger RNA level, of which about 60 were in more than one study. Only nine individual sequencing studies were performed in which the most up- or downregulated genes varied due to heterogeneity in study design. Neuropeptide Y and galanin were found to be consistently upregulated on both the gene and protein levels. The current knowledge regarding molecular changes in the dorsal root ganglion during the late phase of pain is limited. General conclusions are difficult to draw, making it hard to select specific molecules as a focus for treatment.
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Gao Y, Zhou S, Pan Y, Gu L, He Y, Sun J. Wnt3a Inhibitor Attenuates Remifentanil-Induced Hyperalgesia via Downregulating Spinal NMDA Receptor in Rats. J Pain Res 2020; 13:1049-1058. [PMID: 32547170 PMCID: PMC7245459 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s250663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The upregulation of spinal NMDA receptor is a crucial mechanism in remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia (RIH). Wnt3a/β-catenin pathway plays an important role in neuropathic pain. We hypothesized that wnt3a inhibitor (iwp-2) could downregulate the expression of NR2B subunit in NMDA receptor, in order to relieve RIH. Materials and Methods The study has 2 phases. The phase 1 study is designed by different doses of iwp-2 groups to create an appropriate iwp-2 dose used in RIH alleviation. The phase 2 study is designed to prove that the wnt3a inhibitor could downregulate the activation of the NR2B to inhibit RIH in rats. Thermal hyperalgesia (PWTL) and mechanical allodynia (PWMT) were evaluated after RIH. The area under the PWTL and PWMT curves (AUC) were calculated. The amount of activated NR2B subunit, c-fos, NF-κB, β-catenin, wnt3a and p-GSK-3β (Ser9) were detected in the lumbar spinal cord. Results Remifentanil infusion could induce overexpression of β-catenin and wnt3a in rats. Iwp-2 (60μM, 120μM, 180μM) could dose-dependently inhibit thermal hyperalgesia and mechanical allodynia in rats. In phase 2 study, both NR2B subunit antagonist Ro25-6981 and iwp-2 decreased the amount of activated NR2B, enhanced p-GSK-3β (Ser9), reduced β-catenin, c-fos and NF-κB in the lumbar spinal cord (p < 0.001). In comparison with the group iwp-2, the group of Ro25-6981 had more benefit in reversing hyperalgesia, including higher AUC value of PWTL (p = 0.022) and PWMT (p = 0.035). Conclusion Remifentanil exposure could induce overexpression of wnt3a and enhance the production of β-catenin in the spinal dorsal horn. Inhibition of wnt3a response was capable of attenuating RIH in alleviating hyperalgesia-related behavioral parameters, as well as reducing overexpression of c-fos, NF-κB, NR2B in spinal dorsal horn.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Gao
- Department of Anesthesiology, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Songyi Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhao Pan
- Department of Anesthesiology, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Lijun Gu
- Department of Anesthesiology, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuting He
- Department of Anesthesiology, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiehao Sun
- Department of Anesthesiology, 1st Affiliated Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, People's Republic of China
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Martin SL, Reid AJ, Verkhratsky A, Magnaghi V, Faroni A. Gene expression changes in dorsal root ganglia following peripheral nerve injury: roles in inflammation, cell death and nociception. Neural Regen Res 2019; 14:939-947. [PMID: 30761997 PMCID: PMC6404509 DOI: 10.4103/1673-5374.250566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Subsequent to a peripheral nerve injury, there are changes in gene expression within the dorsal root ganglia in response to the damage. This review selects factors which are well-known to be vital for inflammation, cell death and nociception, and highlights how alterations in their gene expression within the dorsal root ganglia can affect functional recovery. The majority of studies used polymerase chain reaction within animal models to analyse the dynamic changes following peripheral nerve injuries. This review aims to highlight the factors at the gene expression level that impede functional recovery and are hence are potential targets for therapeutic approaches. Where possible the experimental model, specific time-points and cellular location of expression levels are reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Martin
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Adam J Reid
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester; University Hospital of South Manchester, Department of Plastic and Burns, Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Valerio Magnaghi
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Faroni
- Blond McIndoe Laboratories, School of Biological Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
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Li XJ, Huang FZ, Wan Y, Li YS, Zhang WK, Xi Y, Tian GH, Tang HB. Lipopolysaccharide Stimulated the Migration of NIH3T3 Cells Through a Positive Feedback Between β-Catenin and COX-2. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1487. [PMID: 30618773 PMCID: PMC6305731 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
How β-catenin/COX-2 contribute to inflammation-induced fibroblasts migration remains poorly understood. Therefore, in this study, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was used as a stimulus to accelerate the migration of NIH3T3 cells, which mimicked the tissue repair process. LPS treatment increased the cell migration in concentration-and time-dependent manner. And NS398, a COX-2 inhibitor, inhibited LPS-induced NIH3T3 cells migration. DKK-1, an antagonist of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, also inhibited that migration. However, TWS119, an inducer of β-catenin via GSK-3β, increased the cell migration. LPS or TWS119 treatment increased COX-2, β-catenin, TGF-β1, and HMGB-1 expressions, and that could be attenuated by NS398 or DKK-1 addition. LPS induced the PGE2 production, and PGE2 increased the expression and nuclear translocation of β-catenin, while EP2 blocker, AH6809, alleviated those effects. TWS119 increased the luciferase activity in the COX-2 promoter. In conclusion, LPS stimulated the NIH3T3 fibroblasts migration through a positive feedback between β-catenin and COX-2, in which PGE2, EP2, TGF-β1, and HMGB-1 played as signal molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng-Zhen Huang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Wan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu-Sang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Wei Kevin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Xi
- School of Medicine, Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Ningbo University, Ningbo, China
| | - Gui-Hua Tian
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - He-Bin Tang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, China.,Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,Research Institute of Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, China
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Extract of the Blood Circulation-Promoting Recipe-84 Can Protect Rat Retinas by Inhibiting the β-Catenin Signaling Pathway. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19092712. [PMID: 30208636 PMCID: PMC6164958 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19092712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2018] [Revised: 08/20/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Extract of the Blood Circulation-Promoting Recipe (EBR-84) from the Chinese Herbal medicine “Blood Circulation Promoting Recipe” could retard retinopathy development. This study investigated whether EBR-84 protects retinas by inhibiting the β-catenin pathway using a rat model of retinopathy and a retinal ganglion cell 5 (RGC-5) cell death model. RGC death was induced by either N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) or TWS119 (an activator of the β-catenin pathway). After the corresponding treatment with EBR-84, RGC death and the protein expression levels of β-catenin, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in rat retinas were examined. β-Catenin accumulated in the retinal ganglion cell layer (GCL) of NMDA-treated rats. EBR-84 (3.9, 7.8, and 15.6 g/kg) significantly attenuated the NMDA-induced RGC loss accompanying the reduction of β-catenin expression. Moreover, the expression levels of COX-2 and VEGF were decreased by EBR-84 in a dose-dependent manner. For the TWS119-treated rats, EBR-84 also ameliorated RGC loss and lowered the expression levels of β-catenin, COX-2, and VEGF. In vitro, EBR-84 increased the viability of NMDA-treated RGC-5 while decreased β-catenin expression. In conclusion, EBR-84 retarded ratretinopathy, and the β-catenin signaling pathway played an important role during this protective process.
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The Involvement of β-Catenin/COX-2/VEGF Axis in NMDA-Caused Retinopathy. J Ophthalmol 2017; 2017:9760501. [PMID: 29158916 PMCID: PMC5660823 DOI: 10.1155/2017/9760501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2017] [Revised: 07/31/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
NMDA, a molecule that is capable of producing the loss of retinal ganglia cells (RGCs), has been widely studied; however, the detailed mechanism is not yet clarified. Previously, Wnt/β-catenin signaling has been suggested to be involved in the NMDA-induced retinopathy. In addition, previous investigations in our group demonstrated the presence of a Wnt/β-catenin/COX-2 axis in dorsal root ganglions (DRGs). Therefore, here in this paper, we tested whether there is an association of such axis with NMDA-induced RGC loss. Rat retinal damage models generated by intravitreal injection of NMDA were used to measure the expression levels of β-catenin, COX-2, and VEGF in retinas, and the neuron numbers of the retinal GCL of rats were counted. Then, pharmacological tools (MK801, a NMDA receptor inhibitor; Dickkopf homolog 1, a specific inhibitor of the Wnt pathway; NS-398, a COX-2 inhibitor; and bevacizumab, IVB, a VEGF inhibitor) were introduced to evaluate the detailed roles of Wnt/β-catenin, COX-2, and VEGF in retinopathy of rats. Results demonstrated that all three factors in sequence are positively regulated neuronal loss induced by NMDA. These observations indicated that the Wnt pathway/COX-2/VEGF axis plays a pathogenic role in retinopathy and represented novel therapeutic targets.
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Electroacupuncture Treatment Alleviates Central Poststroke Pain by Inhibiting Brain Neuronal Apoptosis and Aberrant Astrocyte Activation. Neural Plast 2016; 2016:1437148. [PMID: 27774321 PMCID: PMC5059615 DOI: 10.1155/2016/1437148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2016] [Revised: 08/30/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Electroacupuncture (EA) is reported to effectively relieve the central poststroke pain (CPSP). However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The present study investigated the detailed mechanisms of action of EA treatment at different frequencies for CPSP. A CPSP model was established with a single collagenase injection to the left ventral posterolateral nucleus of the thalamus. The EA-treated groups then received EA treatment at frequency of 2, 2/15, or 15 Hz for 30 min daily for five days. The pain-related behavioral responses, neuronal apoptosis, glial activation, and the expression of pain signal transmission-related factors (β-catenin, COX-2, and NK-1R) were assessed using behavioral tests, Nissl staining, TUNEL staining, and immunohistochemical staining, respectively. The low-frequency EA treatment significantly (1) reduced brain tissue damage and hematoma sizes and (2) inhibited neuronal apoptosis, thereby exerting abirritative effects. Meanwhile, the high-frequency EA treatment induced a greater inhibition of the aberrant astrocyte activation, accompanied by the downregulation of the expressions of COX-2, β-catenin, and subsequently NK-1R, thereby alleviating inflammation and producing strong analgesic effects. Together, these findings suggest that CPSP is closely related to pathological changes of the neocortex and hippocampus. EA treatments at different frequencies may exert abirritative effects by inhibiting brain neuronal apoptosis and aberrant astrocyte activation in the brain.
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