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Liu Y, Li Y, Wei X, Ullah I, Uddin S, Wang J, Xia R, Wang M, Yang H, Li H. A comparative study on the effects of human serum albumin and α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone fusion proteins on the anti-neuroinflammatory in the central nervous system of adult mice. Neuropeptides 2024; 104:102410. [PMID: 38308948 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2024.102410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/05/2024]
Abstract
The immunomodulatory effects of α-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) in the central nervous system (CNS) have been investigated for forty years. The clinical applications of α-MSH are limited due to its short half-life. Our previous study has indicated that the short half-life of α-MSH can be extended by fusion with carrier human serum albumin (HSA) and this fusion protein has also retained the anti-inflammatory effect on the CNS. This improvement is still far from the clinical requirements. Thus, we expected to enhance the half-life and activity of the fusion protein by optimizing the linker peptide to get closer to clinical requirements. In a previous study, we screened out two candidates in vitro experiments with a flexible linker peptide (fusion protein with flexible linker peptide, FPFL) and a rigid linker peptide (fusion protein with rigid linker peptide, FPRL), respectively. However, it was not sure whether the anti-inflammatory effects in vitro could be reproduced in vivo. Our results show that FPRL is the best candidate with a longer half-life compared to the traditional flexible linker peptides. Meanwhile, the ability of FPRL to penetrate the blood-brain barrier (BBB) was enhanced, and the inhibition of TNF-α and IL-6 was improved. We also found that the toxicity of FPRL was decreased. All of the results suggested that trying to choose the rigid linker peptide in some fusion proteins may be a potential choice for improving the unsatisfactory characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiyao Liu
- Biopharmaceutical International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Li
- Gansu High Throughput Screening and Creation Center for Health Products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Xueyan Wei
- Biopharmaceutical International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Inam Ullah
- Biopharmaceutical International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Shahab Uddin
- Biopharmaceutical International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiatao Wang
- Gansu High Throughput Screening and Creation Center for Health Products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Runjie Xia
- Biopharmaceutical International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Meizhu Wang
- Gansu High Throughput Screening and Creation Center for Health Products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hui Yang
- Institute of Biology, Gansu Academy of Sciences, Dingxi Road No. 229, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongyu Li
- Biopharmaceutical International Science and Technology Cooperation Base, School of Life Sciences, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China; Gansu High Throughput Screening and Creation Center for Health Products, School of Pharmacy, Lanzhou University, Tianshui Road No. 222, Lanzhou 730000, Gansu Province, People's Republic of China.
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Lu J, Wang J, Ni H, Li B, Yang J, Zhu J, Qian J, Gao R, Xu R. Activation of the melanocortin-1 receptor attenuates neuronal apoptosis after traumatic brain injury by upregulating Merlin expression. Brain Res Bull 2024; 207:110870. [PMID: 38185389 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainresbull.2024.110870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 12/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024]
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a common disease worldwide with high mortality and disability rates. Besides the primary mechanical injury, the secondary injury associated with TBI can also induce numerous pathological changes, such as brain edema, nerve apoptosis, and neuroinflammation, which further aggravates neurological dysfunction and even causes the death due to the primary injury. Among them, neuronal apoptosis is a key link in the injury. Melanocortin-1 receptor (MC1R) is a G protein coupled receptor, belonging to the melanocortin receptor family. Studies have shown that activation of MC1R inhibits oxidative stress and apoptosis, and confers neuroprotective effects against various neurological diseases. Merlin is a protein product of the NF2 gene, which is widely expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) of mice, rats, and humans. Studies have indicated that Merlin is associated with MC1R. In this study, we explored the anti-apoptotic effects and potential mechanisms of MC1R. A rat model of TBI was established through controlled cortical impact. The MC1R-specific agonist Nle4-D-Phe7-α-Melanocyte (NDP-MSH) and the inhibitor MSG-606 were employed to explore the effects of MC1R and Merlin following TBI and investigated the associated mechanisms. The results showed that the expression levels of MC1R and Merlin were upregulated after TBI, and activation of MC1R promoted Merlin expression. Further, we found that MC1R activation significantly improved neurological dysfunction and reduced brain edema and neuronal apoptosis induced by TBI in rats. Mechanistically, its neuroprotective function and anti-apoptotic were partly associated with MC1R activation. In conclusion, we demonstrated that MC1R activation after TBI may inhibit apoptosis and confer neuroprotection by upregulating the expression of Merlin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinqi Lu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jin Wang
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Haibo Ni
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bing Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jingjing Yang
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Zhu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Jie Qian
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China
| | - Rong Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
| | - Rong Xu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, China.
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Chang CL, Cai Z, Hsu SYT. A gel-forming α-MSH analog promotes lasting melanogenesis. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 958:176008. [PMID: 37673364 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.176008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
The α-MSH peptide plays a significant role in the regulation of pigmentation via the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R). It increases the DNA repair capacity of melanocytes and reduces the incidence of skin cancers. As such, α-MSH analogs could have the utility for protecting against UV-induced skin DNA damage in susceptible patients. Recently, α-MSH analogs have been approved for the treatment of erythropoietic protoporphyria, hypoactive sexual desire, or pediatric obesity. However, the delivery of these drugs requires inconvenient implants or frequent injections. We recently found that select palmitoylated melanocortin analogs such as afamelanotide and adrenocorticotropin peptides self-assemble to form liquid gels in situ. To explore the utility of these novel analogs, we studied their pharmacological characteristics in vitro and in vivo. Acylated afamelanotide (DDE 313) and ACTH1-24 (DDE314) analogs form liquid gels at 6-20% and have a significantly increased viscosity at >2.5% compared to original analogs. Using the DDE313 analog as a prototype, we showed gel-formation reduces the passage of DDE313 through Centricon filters, and subcutaneous injection of analog gel in rats leads to the sustained presence of the peptide in circulation for >12 days. In addition, DDE313 darkened the skin of frogs for >4 weeks, whereas those injected with an equivalent dose of afamelanotide lost the tanning response within a few days. Because self-assembled gels allow sustained activation of melanocortin receptors, further studies of these analogs may allow the development of effective and convenient tanning therapies to prophylactically protect against UV-induced malignant transformation of skin cells in susceptible patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia Lin Chang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center, Chang Gung University, Kweishan, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Zheqing Cai
- CL Laboratory LLC, Gaithersburg, MD, 20878, United States
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Chen B, Alam Z, Ge Y, Dworkin L, Gong R. Pharmacological Melanocortin 5 Receptor Activation Attenuates Glomerular Injury and Proteinuria in Rats With Puromycin Aminonucleoside Nephrosis. Front Physiol 2022; 13:887641. [PMID: 35721571 PMCID: PMC9198460 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.887641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence indicates that the melanocortin peptide ACTH is effective in inducing remission of nephrotic glomerulopathies like minimal change disease (MCD) and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), including those resistant to steroids. This suggests that a steroid-independent melancortinergic mechanism may contribute. However, the type of melanocortin receptor (MCR) that conveys this beneficial effect as well as the underlying mechanisms remain controversial. Burgeoning evidence suggests that MC5R is expressed in glomeruli and may be involved in glomerular pathobiology. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a novel highly selective MC5R agonist (MC5R-A) in puromycin aminonucleoside (PAN) nephrosis. Upon PAN injury, rats developed evident proteinuria on day 5, denoting an established nephrotic glomerulopathy. Following vehicle treatment, proteinuria continued to persist on day 14 with prominent histologic signs of podocytopathy, marked by ultrastructural glomerular lesions, including extensive podocyte foot process effacement. Concomitantly, there was loss of podocyte homeostatic markers, such as synaptopodin and podocin, and de novo expression of the podocyte injury marker desmin. Treatment with MC5R-A attenuated urine protein excretion and mitigated the loss of podocyte marker proteins, resulting in improved podocyte ultrastructural changes. In vitro in cultured podocytes, MC5R-A prevented the PAN-induced disruption of actin cytoskeleton integrity and apoptosis. MC5R-A treatment in PAN-injured podocytes also reinstated inhibitory phosphorylation and thus averted hyperactivity of GSK3β, a convergent point of multiple podocytopathic pathways. Collectively, pharmacologic activation of MC5R by using the highly selective small-molecule agonist is likely a promising therapeutic strategy to improve proteinuria and glomerular injury in protenuric nephropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bohan Chen
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, United States
- The Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
- Center for Hypertension and Precision Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, United States
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Zubia Alam
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Yan Ge
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Lance Dworkin
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Rujun Gong
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, United States
- The Center for Diabetes and Endocrine Research, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
- Center for Hypertension and Precision Medicine, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH, United States
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences, Toledo, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Rujun Gong,
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Duan T, Li L, Yu Y, Li T, Han R, Sun X, Cui Y, Liu T, Wang X, Wang Y, Fan X, Liu Y, Zhang H. Traditional Chinese medicine use in the pathophysiological processes of intracerebral hemorrhage and comparison with conventional therapy. Pharmacol Res 2022; 179:106200. [PMID: 35367344 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) refers to hemorrhage caused by non-traumatic vascular rupture in the brain parenchyma, which is characterized by acute onset, severe illness, and high mortality and disability. The influx of blood into the brain tissue after cerebrovascular rupture causes severe brain damage, including primary injury caused by persistent hemorrhage and secondary brain injury (SBI) induced by hematoma. The mechanism of brain injury is complicated and is a significant cause of disability after ICH. Therefore, it is essential to understand the mechanism of brain injury after ICH to develop drugs to prevent and treat ICH. Studies have confirmed that many traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) can reduce brain injury by improving neurotoxicity, inflammation, oxidative stress (OS), blood-brain barrier (BBB), apoptosis, and neurological dysfunction after ICH. Starting from the pathophysiological process of brain injury after ICH, this paper summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM improves cerebral injury after ICH and its comparison with conventional western medicine, so as to provide clues and a reference for the clinical application of TCM in the prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic stroke and further research and development of new drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Duan
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Lin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yajun Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Tiantian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Rui Han
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xingyi Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yan Cui
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Tao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiaoying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Yu Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Xiang Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yang Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Han Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Component-based Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of Traditional Chinese Medical Formulae, Ministry of Education, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China; Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China.
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Ng TF, Dawit K, Taylor AW. Melanocortin receptor agonists suppress experimental autoimmune uveitis. Exp Eye Res 2022; 218:108986. [PMID: 35196505 PMCID: PMC9050930 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
The melanocortin system plays an essential role in the regulation of immune activity. The anti-inflammatory microenvironment of the eye is dependent on the expression of the melanocortin-neuropeptide alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH). In addition, the melanocortin system may have a role in retinal development and retinal cell survival under conditions of retinal degeneration. We have found that treating experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) with α-MSH suppresses retinal inflammation. Also, this augmentation of the melanocortin system promotes immune tolerance and protection of the retinal structure. The benefit of α-MSH-therapy appears to be dependent on different melanocortin receptors. Therefore, we treated EAU mice with α-MSH-analogs with different melanocortin-receptor targets. This approach demonstrated which melanocortin-receptors suppress inflammation, preserve retinal structure, and induce immune tolerance in uveitis. At the chronic stage of EAU the mice were injected twice 1 day apart with 50 μg of α-MSH or an α-MSH-analog. The α-MSH-analogs were a pan-agonist PL8331, PL8177 (potent MC1r-only agonist), PL5000 (a pan-agonist with no MC5r functional activity), MT-II (same as PL5000) and PG901 (MC5r agonist, but also an antagonist to MC3r, and MC4r). Clinical EAU scores were measured until resolution in the α-MSH-treated mice, when the eyes were collected for histology, and spleen cells collected for retinal-antigen-stimulated cytokine production. Significant suppression of EAU was seen with α-MSH or PL8331 treatment. This was accompanied with significant preservation of retinal structure. A similar effect was seen in EAU-mice that were treated with PL8177, except the suppression of EAU was temporary. In EAU mice treated with PL5000, MTII, or PG901, there was no suppression of EAU with a significant loss in whole retina and outer-nuclear layer thickness. There was significant suppression of IL-17 with induction of IL-10 by retinal-antigen stimulated spleen T cells from EAU mice treated with α-MSH, PL8331, PL8177, or PL5000, but not from EAU mice treated with MT-II, or PG901. Our previous studies show the melanocortin system's importance in maintaining ocular immune privilege and that α-MSH-treatment accelerates recovery and induces retinal-antigen-specific regulatory immunity in EAU. Our current results show that this activity is centered around MC1r and MC5r. In addition, the results suggest that a therapeutic potential to target MC1r and MC5r together to suppress uveitis induces regulatory immunity with potentially maintaining a normal retinal structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tat Fong Ng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Kaleb Dawit
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA, 02118, United States
| | - Andrew W Taylor
- Department of Ophthalmology, Boston University School of Medicine, 72 East Concord St., Boston, MA, 02118, United States.
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Ashwal S, Siebold L, Krueger AC, Wilson CG. Post-traumatic Neuroinflammation: Relevance to Pediatrics. Pediatr Neurol 2021; 122:50-58. [PMID: 34304972 DOI: 10.1016/j.pediatrneurol.2021.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Both detrimental and beneficial effects of post-traumatic neuroinflammation have become a major research focus as they offer the potential for immediate as well as delayed targeted reparative therapies. Understanding the complex interactions of central and peripheral immunocompetent cells as well as their mediators on brain injury and recovery is complicated by the temporal, regional, and developmental differences in their response to injuries. Microglia, the brain-resident macrophages, have become central in these investigations as they serve a major surveillance function, have the ability to react swiftly to injury, recruit various cellular and chemical mediators, and monitor the reparative/degenerative processes. In this review we describe selected aspects of this burgeoning literature, describing the critical role of cytokines and chemokines, microglia, advances in neuroimaging, genetics and fractal morphology analysis, our research efforts in this area, and selected aspects of pediatric post-traumatic neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Ashwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California.
| | - Lorraine Siebold
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - A Camille Krueger
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University, School of Medicine, Loma Linda, California
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Correa‐da‐Silva F, Fliers E, Swaab DF, Yi C. Hypothalamic neuropeptides and neurocircuitries in Prader Willi syndrome. J Neuroendocrinol 2021; 33:e12994. [PMID: 34156126 PMCID: PMC8365683 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS) is a rare and incurable congenital neurodevelopmental disorder, resulting from the absence of expression of a group of genes on the paternally acquired chromosome 15q11-q13. Phenotypical characteristics of PWS include infantile hypotonia, short stature, incomplete pubertal development, hyperphagia and morbid obesity. Hypothalamic dysfunction in controlling body weight and food intake is a hallmark of PWS. Neuroimaging studies have demonstrated that PWS subjects have abnormal neurocircuitry engaged in the hedonic and physiological control of feeding behavior. This is translated into diminished production of hypothalamic effector peptides which are responsible for the coordination of energy homeostasis and satiety. So far, studies with animal models for PWS and with human post-mortem hypothalamic specimens demonstrated changes particularly in the infundibular and the paraventricular nuclei of the hypothalamus, both in orexigenic and anorexigenic neural populations. Moreover, many PWS patients have a severe endocrine dysfunction, e.g. central hypogonadism and/or growth hormone deficiency, which may contribute to the development of increased fat mass, especially if left untreated. Additionally, the role of non-neuronal cells, such as astrocytes and microglia in the hypothalamic dysregulation in PWS is yet to be determined. Notably, microglial activation is persistently present in non-genetic obesity. To what extent microglia, and other glial cells, are affected in PWS is poorly understood. The elucidation of the hypothalamic dysfunction in PWS could prove to be a key feature of rational therapeutic management in this syndrome. This review aims to examine the evidence for hypothalamic dysfunction, both at the neuropeptidergic and circuitry levels, and its correlation with the pathophysiology of PWS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe Correa‐da‐Silva
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAmsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and MetabolismAmsterdam University Medical Center (UMC)University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Laboratory of EndocrinologyAmsterdam University Medical Center (UMC)University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Neuropsychiatric DisordersNetherlands Institute for NeuroscienceAn Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Eric Fliers
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAmsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and MetabolismAmsterdam University Medical Center (UMC)University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Dick F. Swaab
- Department of Neuropsychiatric DisordersNetherlands Institute for NeuroscienceAn Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Chun‐Xia Yi
- Department of Endocrinology and MetabolismAmsterdam Gastroenterology Endocrinology and MetabolismAmsterdam University Medical Center (UMC)University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Laboratory of EndocrinologyAmsterdam University Medical Center (UMC)University of AmsterdamAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Department of Neuropsychiatric DisordersNetherlands Institute for NeuroscienceAn Institute of the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and SciencesAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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Fang M, Wan W, Li Q, Wan W, Long Y, Liu H, Yang X. Asiatic acid attenuates diabetic retinopathy through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65 mediated modulation of microglia polarization. Life Sci 2021; 277:119567. [PMID: 33965378 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIM This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Asiatic acid (AA), a naturally occurring compound of pentacyclic triterpenoid, on the pathological processes of diabetic retinopathy (DR). METHODS SD rats were induced to develop early DR by intraperitoneal injection of STZ (60 mg/kg). Four weeks after injection, the diabetic rats were orally administrated with 37.5 mg/kg or 75 mg/kg AA every day for four weeks. The integrity of blood-retinal barrier (BRB) was measured by Evans blue staining. The polarization of microglia was determined by real-time PCR, western blot, and ELISA assays. The inner BRB (iBRB) or outer BRB (oBRB) breakdown was induced in human retinal endothelial cells or APRE19 cells through co-culture with high glucose and LPS-stimulated microglia BV2 cells. The damage to the iBRB and oBRB was measured using transendothelial/transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER/TER) and FITC-conjugated dextran cell permeability assays. KEY FINDINGS Results demonstrated that AA alleviated BRB breakdown, as evidenced by decreased protein expression of occludin, claudin-5, and ZO-1. Furthermore, AA treatment suppressed inflammation and M1 polarization, while it increased M2 polarization in the retina of DR rats. In vitro, the iBRB or oBRB breakdown was alleviated by AA. LPS-induced M1-polarization of BV2 cells under high glucose condition was also repressed through AA administration. Finally, we demonstrated that AA weakened the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65 signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro. SIGNIFICANCE AA ameliorated early DR by regulating microglia polarization via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB p65 pathway. These data indicate that AA is a potential candidate for DR treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyuan Fang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Wencui Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Qiuming Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Weiwei Wan
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Yang Long
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Hongzhuo Liu
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan, China
| | - Xin Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, 450052 Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
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10
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Laval K, Enquist LW. The Potential Role of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and Neuroinflammation in the Pathogenesis of Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurol 2021; 12:658695. [PMID: 33889129 PMCID: PMC8055853 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.658695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease affecting ~50 million people worldwide. To date, there is no cure and current therapies have not been effective in delaying disease progression. Therefore, there is an urgent need for better understanding of the pathogenesis of AD and to rethink possible therapies. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1) has recently received growing attention for its potential role in sporadic AD. The virus is a ubiquitous human pathogen that infects mucosal epithelia and invades the peripheral nervous system (PNS) of its host to establish a reactivable, latent infection. Upon reactivation, HSV1 spreads back to the epithelium and initiates a new infection, causing epithelial lesions. Occasionally, the virus spreads from the PNS to the brain after reactivation. In this review, we discuss current work on the pathogenesis of AD and summarize research results that support a potential role for HSV1 in the infectious hypothesis of AD. We also highlight recent findings on the neuroinflammatory response, which has been proposed to be the main driving force of AD, starting early in the course of the disease. Relevant rodent models to study neuroinflammation in AD and novel therapeutic approaches are also discussed. Throughout this review, we focus on several aspects of HSV1 pathogenesis, including its primary role as an invader of the PNS, that should be considered in the etiology of AD. We also point out some of the contradictory data and remaining knowledge gaps that require further research to finally fully understand the cause of AD in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathlyn Laval
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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11
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Melanocortin receptor activation alleviates amyloid pathology and glial reactivity in an Alzheimer's disease transgenic mouse model. Sci Rep 2021; 11:4359. [PMID: 33623128 PMCID: PMC7902646 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-83932-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a devastating neurodegenerative disorder with no disease-modifying treatment. AD progression is characterized by cognitive decline, neuroinflammation, and accumulation of amyloid-beta (Aβ) and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain, leading to neuronal and glial dysfunctions. Neuropeptides govern diverse pathophysiological processes and represent key players in AD pathogenesis, regulating synaptic plasticity, glial cell functions and amyloid pathology. Activation of the pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC)-derived neuropeptide and its receptor from the melanocortin receptor (MCR) family have previously been shown to rescue the impairment in hippocampus-dependent synaptic plasticity in the APP/PS1 mouse model of AD. However, the functional roles of MCR signaling in AD conditions, particularly in glial functions, are largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential benefits of MCR activation in AD. In APP/PS1 transgenic mice, we demonstrate that MCR activation mediated by the central administration of its agonist D-Tyr MTII substantially reduces Aβ accumulation, while alleviating global inflammation and astrocytic activation, particularly in the hippocampus. MCR activation prominently reduces the A1 subtype of reactive astrocytes, which is considered a key source of astrocytic neurotoxicity in AD. Concordantly, MCR activation suppresses microglial activation, while enhancing their association with amyloid plaques. The blunted activation of microglia may contribute to the reduction in the neurotoxic phenotypes of astrocytes. Importantly, transcriptome analysis reveals that MCR activation restores the impaired homeostatic processes and microglial reactivity in the hippocampus in APP/PS1 mice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate the potential of MCR signaling as therapeutic target for AD.
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12
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An anti-inflammatory gelatin hemostatic agent with biodegradable polyurethane nanoparticles for vulnerable brain tissue. MATERIALS SCIENCE & ENGINEERING. C, MATERIALS FOR BIOLOGICAL APPLICATIONS 2020; 121:111799. [PMID: 33579446 DOI: 10.1016/j.msec.2020.111799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/15/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Hemostasis plays a fundamental and critical role in all surgical procedures. However, the currently used topical hemostatic agents may at times undesirably induce inflammation, infection, and foreign body reaction and hamper the healing process. This may be serious in the central nervous system (CNS), especially for some neurosurgical diseases which have ongoing inflammation causing secondary brain injury. This study was aimed to develop a hemostatic agent with anti-inflammatory property by incorporating carboxyl-functionalized biodegradable polyurethane nanoparticles (PU NPs) and to evaluate its functionality using a rat neurosurgical model. PU NPs are specially-designed anti-inflammatory nanoparticles and absorbed by a commercially available hemostatic gelatin powder (Spongostan™). Then, the gelatin was implanted to the injured rat cortex and released anti-inflammatory PU NPs. The time to hemostasis, the cerebral edema formation, and the brain's immune responses were examined. The outcomes showed that PU NP-contained gelatin attenuated the brain edema, suppressed the gene expression levels of pro-inflammatory M1 biomarkers (e.g., IL-1β level to be about 25%), elevated the gene expression levels of anti-inflammatory M2 biomarkers (e.g., IL-10 level to be about 220%), and reduced the activation of inflammatory cells in the implanted site, compared with the conventional gelatin. Moreover, PU NP-contained gelatin increased the gene expression level of neurotrophic factor BDNF by nearly 3-folds. We concluded that the PU NP-contained hemostatic agents are anti-inflammatory with neuroprotective potential in vivo. This new hemostatic agent will be useful for surgery involving vulnerable tissue or organ (e.g., CNS) and also for diseases such as stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases.
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13
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Siebold L, Krueger AC, Abdala JA, Figueroa JD, Bartnik-Olson B, Holshouser B, Wilson CG, Ashwal S. Cosyntropin Attenuates Neuroinflammation in a Mouse Model of Traumatic Brain Injury. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:109. [PMID: 32670020 PMCID: PMC7332854 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of mortality/morbidity and is associated with chronic neuroinflammation. Melanocortin receptor agonists including adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ameliorate inflammation and provide a novel therapeutic approach. We examined the effect of long-acting cosyntropin (CoSyn), a synthetic ACTH analog, on the early inflammatory response and functional outcome following experimental TBI. Methods: The controlled cortical impact model was used to induce TBI in mice. Mice were assigned to injury and treatment protocols resulting in four experimental groups including sham + saline, sham + CoSyn, TBI + saline, and TBI + CoSyn. Treatment was administered subcutaneously 3 h post-injury and daily injections were given for up to 7 days post-injury. The early inflammatory response was evaluated at 3 days post-injury through the evaluation of cytokine expression (IL1β and TNFα) and immune cell response. Quantification of immune cell response included cell counts of microglia/macrophages (Iba1+ cells) and neutrophils (MPO+ cells) in the cortex and hippocampus. Behavioral testing (n = 10–14 animals/group) included open field (OF) and novel object recognition (NOR) during the first week following injury and Morris water maze (MWM) at 10–15 days post-injury. Results: Immune cell quantification showed decreased accumulation of Iba1+ cells in the perilesional cortex and CA1 region of the hippocampus for CoSyn-treated TBI animals compared to saline-treated. Reduced numbers of MPO+ cells were also found in the perilesional cortex and hippocampus in CoSyn treated TBI mice compared to their saline-treated counterparts. Furthermore, CoSyn treatment reduced IL1β expression in the cortex of TBI mice. Behavioral testing showed a treatment effect of CoSyn for NOR with CoSyn increasing the discrimination ratio in both TBI and Sham groups, indicating increased memory performance. CoSyn also decreased latency to find platform during the early training period of the MWM when comparing CoSyn to saline-treated TBI mice suggesting moderate improvements in spatial memory following CoSyn treatment. Conclusion: Reduced microglia/macrophage accumulation and neutrophil infiltration in conjunction with moderate improvements in spatial learning in our CoSyn treated TBI mice suggests a beneficial anti-inflammatory effect of CoSyn following TBI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorraine Siebold
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,The Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Amy C Krueger
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Jonathan A Abdala
- The Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Johnny D Figueroa
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Center for Health Disparities and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Brenda Bartnik-Olson
- Department of Radiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Barbara Holshouser
- Department of Radiology, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Christopher G Wilson
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Medicine, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,The Lawrence D. Longo MD Center for Perinatal Biology, Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA, United States.,Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
| | - Stephen Ashwal
- Department of Pediatrics, Loma Linda University Medical Center, Loma Linda, CA, United States
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14
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NDP-MSH binding melanocortin-1 receptor ameliorates neuroinflammation and BBB disruption through CREB/Nr4a1/NF-κB pathway after intracerebral hemorrhage in mice. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:192. [PMID: 31660977 PMCID: PMC6816206 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1591-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neuroinflammation and blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption are two vital mechanisms of secondary brain injury following intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). Recently, melanocortin-1 receptor (Mc1r) activation by Nle4-D-Phe7-α-MSH (NDP-MSH) was shown to play a neuroprotective role in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model. This study aimed to investigate whether NDP-MSH could alleviate neuroinflammation and BBB disruption after experimental ICH, as well as the potential mechanisms of its neuroprotective roles. Methods Two hundred and eighteen male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to autologous blood-injection ICH model. NDP-MSH, an agonist of Mc1r, was administered intraperitoneally injected at 1 h after ICH insult. To further explore the related protective mechanisms, Mc1r small interfering RNA (Mc1r siRNA) and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 1 (Nr4a1) siRNA were administered via intracerebroventricular (i.c.v) injection before ICH induction. Neurological test, BBB permeability, brain water content, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot analysis were implemented. Results The Expression of Mc1r was significantly increased after ICH. Mc1r was mainly expressed in microglia, astrocytes, and endothelial cells following ICH. Treatment with NDP-MSH remarkably improved neurological function and reduced BBB disruption, brain water content, and the number of microglia in the peri-hematoma tissue after ICH. Meanwhile, the administration of NDP-MSH significantly reduced the expression of p-NF-κB p65, IL-1β, TNF-α, and MMP-9 and increased the expression of p-CREB, Nr4a1, ZO-1, occludin, and Lama5. Inversely, the knockdown of Mc1r or Nr4a1 abolished the neuroprotective effects of NDP-MSH. Conclusions Taken together, NDP-MSH binding Mc1r attenuated neuroinflammation and BBB disruption and improved neurological deficits, at least in part through CREB/Nr4a1/NF-κB pathway after ICH.
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15
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Yu S, Zhang H, Hei Y, Yi X, Baskys A, Liu W, Long Q. High mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) antagonist BoxA suppresses status epilepticus-induced neuroinflammatory responses associated with Toll-like receptor 2/4 down-regulation in rats. Brain Res 2019; 1717:44-51. [PMID: 30986405 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2019.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 04/10/2019] [Accepted: 04/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
It has been generally accepted that inflammatory responses induced by status epilepticus (SE) in the brain are associated with microglial activation. One important regulator of microglial activation is high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) protein. HMGB1 exerts its influence on microglia via various pathways including Toll-like receptor (TLR) subtypes 2 and 4. To explore the HMGB1 role in the SE-induced microglial activation and the involvement of TLRs we conducted in vivo and ex vivo experiments using the HMGB1 antagonist BoxA. Blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability, brain water content, hippocampal neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis were measured 24 h after the pilocarpine induction of status epilepticus (SE) in Sprague-Dawley rats treated with BoxA. In ex vivo experiments, post-SE microglia cells were isolated from the hippocampal CA1 area and subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation followed by inflammatory cytokine IL-1β and IL-6 by qPCR and HMGB1, TLR2, TLR3 by Western blotting. A significant down-regulation of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α but not HMGB1 was found in BoxA-treated compared to untreated animals. These changes were associated with decreased BBB permeability, reduced hippocampal neuronal apoptosis and reduction in hippocampal microglial activation. We conclude that BoxA-induced suppression of HMGB1-mediated neuroinflammatory responses is associated with TLR-2 and 4 down-regulation and should be explored as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Airforce Military Medical University, No. 17 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, PR China; Department of Neurosurgery, 303 Hospital of PLA, No. 52 Zhiwu Road, Nanning 530021, PR China
| | - Hujing Zhang
- Mini-invasive Neurosurgery and Translational Medical Center, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, West 5th Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an 710003, PR China
| | - Yue Hei
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Airforce Military Medical University, No. 17 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Xicai Yi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Airforce Military Medical University, No. 17 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, PR China
| | - Andrius Baskys
- Mini-invasive Neurosurgery and Translational Medical Center, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, West 5th Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an 710003, PR China; Graduate College of Biomedical Sciences, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA 91766, USA
| | - Weiping Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xijing Hospital, Airforce Military Medical University, No. 17 Changle West Road, Xi'an 710032, PR China.
| | - Qianfa Long
- Mini-invasive Neurosurgery and Translational Medical Center, Xi'an Central Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, West 5th Road, Xincheng District, Xi'an 710003, PR China.
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16
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Baldini G, Phelan KD. The melanocortin pathway and control of appetite-progress and therapeutic implications. J Endocrinol 2019; 241:R1-R33. [PMID: 30812013 PMCID: PMC6500576 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 01/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The initial discovery that ob/ob mice become obese because of a recessive mutation of the leptin gene has been crucial to discover the melanocortin pathway to control appetite. In the melanocortin pathway, the fed state is signaled by abundance of circulating hormones such as leptin and insulin, which bind to receptors expressed at the surface of pro-opiomelanocortin (POMC) neurons to promote processing of POMC to the mature hormone α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (α-MSH). The α-MSH released by POMC neurons then signals to decrease energy intake by binding to melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) expressed by MC4R neurons to the paraventricular nucleus (PVN). Conversely, in the 'starved state' activity of agouti-related neuropeptide (AgRP) and of neuropeptide Y (NPY)-expressing neurons is increased by decreased levels of circulating leptin and insulin and by the orexigenic hormone ghrelin to promote food intake. This initial understanding of the melanocortin pathway has recently been implemented by the description of the complex neuronal circuit that controls the activity of POMC, AgRP/NPY and MC4R neurons and downstream signaling by these neurons. This review summarizes the progress done on the melanocortin pathway and describes how obesity alters this pathway to disrupt energy homeostasis. We also describe progress on how leptin and insulin receptors signal in POMC neurons, how MC4R signals and how altered expression and traffic of MC4R change the acute signaling and desensitization properties of the receptor. We also describe how the discovery of the melanocortin pathway has led to the use of melanocortin agonists to treat obesity derived from genetic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Baldini
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
| | - Kevin D. Phelan
- Department of Neurobiology & Developmental Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
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17
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Saba J, Carniglia L, Ramírez D, Turati J, Imsen M, Durand D, Lasaga M, Caruso C. Melanocortin 4 receptor activation protects striatal neurons and glial cells from 3-nitropropionic acid toxicity. Mol Cell Neurosci 2018; 94:41-51. [PMID: 30529228 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcn.2018.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Revised: 11/23/2018] [Accepted: 12/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
α-Melanocyte stimulating hormone (α-MSH) is a melanocortin which exerts potent anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects. Melanocortin 4 receptors (MC4R) are abundantly expressed in the brain and we previously demonstrated that [Nle(4), D-Phe(7)]melanocyte-stimulating hormone (NDP-MSH), an α-MSH analogue, increased expression of brain derived-neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). We hypothesized that melanocortins could affect striatal cell survival through BDNF and PPAR-γ. First, we determined the expression of these factors in the striatum. Acute intraperitoneal administration (0.5 mg/kg) of α-MSH increased the levels of BDNF mRNA in rat striatum but not in rat cerebral cortex. Also, protein expression of PPAR-γ and MC4R was increased by acute treatment with α-MSH in striatum but not in cortex. No changes were observed by 48 h treatment. Next, we evaluated melanocortins effect on neuron and glial survival. 3-nitropropionic acid (3-NP), which is known to induce striatal degeneration, was used to induce cell death in the rat striatal cell line ST14A expressing mutant human huntingtin (Q120) or in ST14A cells expressing normal human huntingtin (Q15), in primary cultured astrocytes, and in BV2 cells. NDP-MSH protected Q15 cells, astrocytes and BV2 cells from death by 3-NP whereas it did not fully protect Q120 cells. Protection of Q15 cells and astrocytes was blocked by a MC4R specific inhibitor (JKC-363) and a PPAR-γ antagonist (GW9662). The BDNF receptor antagonist (ANA-12) abolished NDP-MSH protective effect in astrocytes but not in Q15 cells. We demonstrate for the first time that melanocortins, acting through PPAR-γ and BDNF, protect neurons and glial cells from 3-NP toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julieta Saba
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lila Carniglia
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Delia Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Juan Turati
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Imsen
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Daniela Durand
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mercedes Lasaga
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carla Caruso
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (INBIOMED) UBA-CONICET, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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He ML, Lv ZY, Shi X, Yang T, Zhang Y, Li TY, Chen J. Interleukin-10 release from astrocytes suppresses neuronal apoptosis via the TLR2/NFκB pathway in a neonatal rat model of hypoxic-ischemic brain damage. J Neurochem 2017; 142:920-933. [PMID: 28700093 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.14126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The biological function of interleukin-10 (IL-10) and the relationship between IL-10 secretion and the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) expression levels in the central nervous system following hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) are poorly understood. Here, we intend to elucidate the biological function and mechanism of IL-10 secretion following HIBD. In this study, we used a neonatal rat model of HIBD and found that rats injected with adeno-associated virus-IL-10-shRNA (short hairpin RNA) exhibited partially impaired learning and memory function compared to rats administered adeno-associated virus-control-shRNA. In vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) induced IL-10 release from astrocytes but not from neurons. Pretreatment with exogenous recombinant IL-10 alleviated OGD-mediated apoptosis of neurons but not astrocytes. In addition, we also observed that hypoxic injury induced a marked increase in IL-10 expression in astrocytes as a result of activation of the TLR2/phosphorylated nuclear factor kappa B (p-NFκB) p65 signaling cascade; furthermore, this effect disappeared upon small interfering RNA targeting rat TLR2 gene (siTLR2) treatment. Pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, an inhibitor of NFκB activation, reduced the IL-10 expression levels in both OGD-injured astrocytes in vitro and the hippocampi of HIBD rats in vivo but did not significantly affect TLR2 expression. Furthermore, a luciferase assay revealed that p-NFκB p65 could bind the -1700/-1000 bp proximal region of the IL-10 gene promoter to regulate IL-10 secretion from astrocytes and that this interaction could be controlled by OGD treatment. These data suggest that HIBD induces IL-10 secretion from astrocytes to exert a paracrine-induced anti-apoptotic effect on injured neurons via the TLR2/NFκB signaling pathway, which may improve learning and memory dysfunction after ischemic injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mu Lan He
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ze Yu Lv
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xia Shi
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting Yang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yun Zhang
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Ting-Yu Li
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, Chongqing, China
| | - Jie Chen
- Children's Nutrition Research Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China.,Chongqing Stem Cell Therapy Engineering Technical Center, Children's Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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Melanocortins, Melanocortin Receptors and Multiple Sclerosis. Brain Sci 2017; 7:brainsci7080104. [PMID: 28805746 PMCID: PMC5575624 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci7080104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 08/08/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The melanocortins and their receptors have been extensively investigated for their roles in the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis, but to a lesser extent in immune cells and in the nervous system outside the hypothalamic axis. This review discusses corticosteroid dependent and independent effects of melanocortins on the peripheral immune system, central nervous system (CNS) effects mediated through neuronal regulation of immune system function, and direct effects on endogenous cells in the CNS. We have focused on the expression and function of melanocortin receptors in oligodendroglia (OL), the myelin producing cells of the CNS, with the goal of identifying new therapeutic approaches to decrease CNS damage in multiple sclerosis as well as to promote repair. It is clear that melanocortin signaling through their receptors in the CNS has potential for neuroprotection and repair in diseases like MS. Effects of melanocortins on the immune system by direct effects on the circulating cells (lymphocytes and monocytes) and by signaling through CNS cells in regions lacking a mature blood brain barrier are clear. However, additional studies are needed to develop highly effective MCR targeted therapies that directly affect endogenous cells of the CNS, particularly OL, their progenitors and neurons.
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20
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Neuropeptides and Microglial Activation in Inflammation, Pain, and Neurodegenerative Diseases. Mediators Inflamm 2017; 2017:5048616. [PMID: 28154473 PMCID: PMC5244030 DOI: 10.1155/2017/5048616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 143] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2016] [Revised: 11/26/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglial cells are responsible for immune surveillance within the CNS. They respond to noxious stimuli by releasing inflammatory mediators and mounting an effective inflammatory response. This is followed by release of anti-inflammatory mediators and resolution of the inflammatory response. Alterations to this delicate process may lead to tissue damage, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Chronic pain, such as inflammatory or neuropathic pain, is accompanied by neuroimmune activation, and the role of glial cells in the initiation and maintenance of chronic pain has been the subject of increasing research over the last two decades. Neuropeptides are small amino acidic molecules with the ability to regulate neuronal activity and thereby affect various functions such as thermoregulation, reproductive behavior, food and water intake, and circadian rhythms. Neuropeptides can also affect inflammatory responses and pain sensitivity by modulating the activity of glial cells. The last decade has witnessed growing interest in the study of microglial activation and its modulation by neuropeptides in the hope of developing new therapeutics for treating neurodegenerative diseases and chronic pain. This review summarizes the current literature on the way in which several neuropeptides modulate microglial activity and response to tissue damage and how this modulation may affect pain sensitivity.
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