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Alshammari A, Pillai B, Kamat P, Jones TW, Bosomtwi A, Khan MB, Hess DC, Li W, Somanath PR, Sayed MA, Ergul A, Fagan SC. Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor Agonism Alleviates Progressive Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment in Aged Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. Transl Stroke Res 2024:10.1007/s12975-024-01232-1. [PMID: 38302738 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-024-01232-1] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Hypertension and aging are leading risk factors for stroke and vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia (VCID). Most animal models fail to capture the complex interplay between these pathophysiological processes. In the current study, we examined the development of cognitive impairment in 18-month-old spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) before and following ischemic stroke. Sixty SHRs were housed for 18 months with cognitive assessments every 6 months and post-surgery. MRI scans were performed at baseline and throughout the study. On day 3 post-stroke, rats were randomized to receive either angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) agonist Compound 21 (C21) or plain water for 8 weeks. SHRs demonstrated a progressive cognitive decline and significant MRI abnormalities before stroke. Perioperative mortality within 72 h of stroke was low. Stroke resulted in significant acute brain swelling, chronic brain atrophy, and sustained sensorimotor and behavioral deficits. There was no evidence of anhedonia at week 8. C21 enhanced sensorimotor recovery and ischemic lesion resolution at week 8. SHRs represent a clinically relevant animal model to study aging and stroke-associated VCID. This study underscores the importance of translational disease modeling and provides evidence that modulation of the AT2R signaling via C21 may be a useful therapeutic option to improve sensorimotor and cognitive outcomes even in aged animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulkarim Alshammari
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Health Care System and College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Northern Border University, Rafha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Bindu Pillai
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Health Care System and College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Pradip Kamat
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Timothy W Jones
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Health Care System and College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Asamoah Bosomtwi
- Georgia Cancer Center and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - David C Hess
- Department of Neurology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Weiguo Li
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Department of Pathology & Lab. Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave. MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29492, USA
| | - Payaningal R Somanath
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Health Care System and College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | | | - Adviye Ergul
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Health Care System and Department of Pathology & Lab. Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave. MSC 908, Charleston, SC, 29492, USA.
| | - Susan C Fagan
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Health Care System and College of Pharmacy, University of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
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Amado B, Melo L, Pinto R, Lobo A, Barros P, Gomes JR. Ischemic Stroke, Lessons from the Past towards Effective Preclinical Models. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2561. [PMID: 36289822 PMCID: PMC9599148 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 10/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a leading cause of death worldwide, mainly in western countries. So far, approved therapies rely on reperfusion of the affected brain area, by intravenous thrombolysis or mechanical thrombectomy. The last approach constitutes a breakthrough in the field, by extending the therapeutic window to 16-24 h after stroke onset and reducing stroke mortality. The combination of pharmacological brain-protective strategies with reperfusion is the future of stroke therapy, aiming to reduce brain cell death and decrease patients' disabilities. Recently, a brain-protective drug-nerinetide-reduced brain infarct and stroke mortality, and improved patients' functional outcomes in clinical trials. The success of new therapies relies on bringing preclinical studies and clinical practice close together, by including a functional outcome assessment similar to clinical reality. In this review, we focused on recent upgrades of in vitro and in vivo stroke models for more accurate and effective evaluation of therapeutic strategies: from spheroids to organoids, in vitro models that include all brain cell types and allow high throughput drug screening, to advancements in in vivo preclinical mouse stroke models to mimic the clinical reality in surgical procedures, postsurgical care, and functional assessment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatriz Amado
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lúcia Melo
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | - Raquel Pinto
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Pedro Barros
- Neurology Department, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
- Stroke Unit, Centro Hospitalar de Vila Nova de Gaia/Espinho, 4434-502 Vila Nova de Gaia, Portugal
| | - João R. Gomes
- Molecular Neurobiology Group, IBMC—Instituto de Biologia Molecular e Celular, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- i3S—Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen, 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
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Steckelings UM, Widdop RE, Sturrock ED, Lubbe L, Hussain T, Kaschina E, Unger T, Hallberg A, Carey RM, Sumners C. The Angiotensin AT 2 Receptor: From a Binding Site to a Novel Therapeutic Target. Pharmacol Rev 2022; 74:1051-1135. [PMID: 36180112 PMCID: PMC9553111 DOI: 10.1124/pharmrev.120.000281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Discovered more than 30 years ago, the angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) has evolved from a binding site with unknown function to a firmly established major effector within the protective arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and a target for new drugs in development. The AT2R represents an endogenous protective mechanism that can be manipulated in the majority of preclinical models to alleviate lung, renal, cardiovascular, metabolic, cutaneous, and neural diseases as well as cancer. This article is a comprehensive review summarizing our current knowledge of the AT2R, from its discovery to its position within the RAS and its overall functions. This is followed by an in-depth look at the characteristics of the AT2R, including its structure, intracellular signaling, homo- and heterodimerization, and expression. AT2R-selective ligands, from endogenous peptides to synthetic peptides and nonpeptide molecules that are used as research tools, are discussed. Finally, we summarize the known physiological roles of the AT2R and its abundant protective effects in multiple experimental disease models and expound on AT2R ligands that are undergoing development for clinical use. The present review highlights the controversial aspects and gaps in our knowledge of this receptor and illuminates future perspectives for AT2R research. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: The angiotensin AT2 receptor (AT2R) is now regarded as a fully functional and important component of the renin-angiotensin system, with the potential of exerting protective actions in a variety of diseases. This review provides an in-depth view of the AT2R, which has progressed from being an enigma to becoming a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Muscha Steckelings
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Robert E Widdop
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Edward D Sturrock
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Lizelle Lubbe
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Tahir Hussain
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Elena Kaschina
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Thomas Unger
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Anders Hallberg
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Robert M Carey
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
| | - Colin Sumners
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark (U.M.S.); Cardiovascular Disease Program, Biomedicine Discovery Institute, Department of Pharmacology, Monash University, Clayton, Victoria, Australia (R.E.W.); Department of Integrative Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, University of Cape Town, Republic of South Africa (E.D.S., L.L.); Department of Pharmacological and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Houston, Houston, Texas (T.H.); Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Institute of Pharmacology, Cardiovascular-Metabolic-Renal (CMR) Research Center, DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany (E.K.); CARIM - School for Cardiovascular Diseases, Maastricht University, The Netherlands (T.U.); Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden (A.H.); Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Medicine, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia (R.M.C.); and Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida (C.S.)
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4
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Conti E, Piccardi B, Sodero A, Tudisco L, Lombardo I, Fainardi E, Nencini P, Sarti C, Allegra Mascaro AL, Baldereschi M. Translational Stroke Research Review: Using the Mouse to Model Human Futile Recanalization and Reperfusion Injury in Ischemic Brain Tissue. Cells 2021; 10:3308. [PMID: 34943816 PMCID: PMC8699609 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The approach to reperfusion therapies in stroke patients is rapidly evolving, but there is still no explanation why a substantial proportion of patients have a poor clinical prognosis despite successful flow restoration. This issue of futile recanalization is explained here by three clinical cases, which, despite complete recanalization, have very different outcomes. Preclinical research is particularly suited to characterize the highly dynamic changes in acute ischemic stroke and identify potential treatment targets useful for clinical translation. This review surveys the efforts taken so far to achieve mouse models capable of investigating the neurovascular underpinnings of futile recanalization. We highlight the translational potential of targeting tissue reperfusion in fully recanalized mouse models and of investigating the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms from subcellular to tissue scale. We suggest that stroke preclinical research should increasingly drive forward a continuous and circular dialogue with clinical research. When the preclinical and the clinical stroke research are consistent, translational success will follow.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emilia Conti
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (A.L.A.M.)
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Benedetta Piccardi
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Alessandro Sodero
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Laura Tudisco
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Ivano Lombardo
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Enrico Fainardi
- Department of Biomedical, Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Morgagni 50, 50134 Florence, Italy; (I.L.); (E.F.)
| | - Patrizia Nencini
- Stroke Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Largo Brambilla 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Cristina Sarti
- Neurofarba Department, University of Florence, Via G. Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (A.S.); (L.T.); (C.S.)
| | - Anna Letizia Allegra Mascaro
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via G. Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (A.L.A.M.)
- European Laboratory for Non-Linear Spectroscopy, Via Nello Carrara 1, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy
| | - Marzia Baldereschi
- Neuroscience Institute, National Research Council, Via Madonna del Piano 10, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Italy;
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Candelario-Jalil E, Paul S. Impact of aging and comorbidities on ischemic stroke outcomes in preclinical animal models: A translational perspective. Exp Neurol 2021; 335:113494. [PMID: 33035516 PMCID: PMC7874968 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2020.113494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Revised: 09/25/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Ischemic stroke is a highly complex and devastating neurological disease. The sudden loss of blood flow to a brain region due to an ischemic insult leads to severe damage to that area resulting in the formation of an infarcted tissue, also known as the ischemic core. This is surrounded by the peri-infarct region or penumbra that denotes the functionally impaired but potentially salvageable tissue. Thus, the penumbral tissue is the main target for the development of neuroprotective strategies to minimize the extent of ischemic brain damage by timely therapeutic intervention. Given the limitations of reperfusion therapies with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator or mechanical thrombectomy, there is high enthusiasm to combine reperfusion therapy with neuroprotective strategies to further reduce the progression of ischemic brain injury. Till date, a large number of candidate neuroprotective drugs have been identified as potential therapies based on highly promising results from studies in rodent ischemic stroke models. However, none of these interventions have shown therapeutic benefits in stroke patients in clinical trials. In this review article, we discussed the urgent need to utilize preclinical models of ischemic stroke that more accurately mimic the clinical conditions in stroke patients by incorporating aged animals and animal stroke models with comorbidities. We also outlined the recent findings that highlight the significant differences in stroke outcome between young and aged animals, and how major comorbid conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, obesity and hyperlipidemia dramatically increase the vulnerability of the brain to ischemic damage that eventually results in worse functional outcomes. It is evident from these earlier studies that including animal models of aging and comorbidities during the early stages of drug development could facilitate the identification of neuroprotective strategies with high likelihood of success in stroke clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo Candelario-Jalil
- Department of Neuroscience, McKnight Brain Institute, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32610, USA.
| | - Surojit Paul
- Department of Neurology, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA
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6
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Bouchenaki H, Danigo A, Sturtz F, Hajj R, Magy L, Demiot C. An overview of ongoing clinical trials assessing pharmacological therapeutic strategies to manage chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy, based on preclinical studies in rodent models. Fundam Clin Pharmacol 2020; 35:506-523. [PMID: 33107619 DOI: 10.1111/fcp.12617] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2020] [Revised: 10/07/2020] [Accepted: 10/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is a major dose-limiting side effect induced by a variety of chemotherapeutic agents. Symptoms are mainly sensory: pain, tingling, numbness, and temperature sensitivity. They may require the tapering of chemotherapy regimens or even their cessation; thus, the prevention/treatment of CIPN is critical to increase effectiveness of cancer treatment. However, CIPN management is mainly based on conventional neuropathic pain treatments, with poor clinical efficacy. Therefore, significant effort is made to identify new pharmacological targets to prevent/treat CIPN. Animal modeling is a key component in predicting human response to drugs and in understanding the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CIPN. In fact, studies performed in rodents highlighted several pharmacological targets to treat/prevent CIPN. This review provides updated information about ongoing clinical trials testing drugs for the management of CIPN and presents some of their proof-of-concept studies conducted in rodent models. The presented drugs target oxidative stress, renin-angiotensin system, glutamatergic neurotransmission, sphingolipid metabolism, neuronal uptake transporters, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide metabolism, endocannabinoid system, transient receptor potential channels, and serotoninergic receptors. As some clinical trials focus on the effect of the drugs on pain, others evaluate their efficacy by assessing general neuropathy. Moreover, based on studies conducted in rodent models, it remains unclear if some of the tested drugs act in an antinociceptive fashion or have neuroprotective properties. Thus, further investigations are needed to understand their mechanism of action, as well as a global standardization of the methods used to assess efficacy of new therapeutic strategies in the treatment of CIPN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hichem Bouchenaki
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Pharnext SA, Issy-les-Moulineaux, France
| | - Aurore Danigo
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Franck Sturtz
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | | | - Laurent Magy
- Department of Neurology, Reference Center for Rare Peripheral Neuropathies, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Claire Demiot
- EA 6309 - Myelin Maintenance & Peripheral Neuropathy, Faculties of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
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7
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McFall A, Nicklin SA, Work LM. The counter regulatory axis of the renin angiotensin system in the brain and ischaemic stroke: Insight from preclinical stroke studies and therapeutic potential. Cell Signal 2020; 76:109809. [PMID: 33059037 PMCID: PMC7550360 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2020.109809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 10/09/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Stroke is the 2nd leading cause of death worldwide and the leading cause of physical disability and cognitive issues. Although we have made progress in certain aspects of stroke treatment, the consequences remain substantial and new treatments are needed. Hypertension has long been recognised as a major risk factor for stroke, both haemorrhagic and ischaemic. The renin angiotensin system (RAS) plays a key role in blood pressure regulation and this, plus local expression and signalling of RAS in the brain, both support the potential for targeting this axis therapeutically in the setting of stroke. While historically, focus has been on suppressing classical RAS signalling through the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), the identification of a counter-regulatory axis of the RAS signalling via the angiotensin type 2 receptor (AT2R) and Mas receptor has renewed interest in targeting the RAS. This review describes RAS signalling in the brain and the potential of targeting the Mas receptor and AT2R in preclinical models of ischaemic stroke. The animal and experimental models, and the route and timing of intervention, are considered from a translational perspective.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisling McFall
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Stuart A Nicklin
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Lorraine M Work
- Institute of Cardiovascular & Medical Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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8
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Correcting the imbalanced protective RAS in COVID-19 with angiotensin AT2-receptor agonists. Clin Sci (Lond) 2020; 134:2987-3006. [PMID: 33210709 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) that is responsible for the global corona virus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic enters host cells via a mechanism that includes binding to angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) 2 (ACE2). Membrane-bound ACE2 is depleted as a result of this entry mechanism. The consequence is that the protective renin-angiotensin system (RAS), of which ACE2 is an essential component, is compromised through lack of production of the protective peptides angiotensin-(1-7) and angiotensin-(1-9), and therefore decreased stimulation of Mas (receptor Mas) and angiotensin AT2-receptors (AT2Rs), while angiotensin AT1-receptors (AT1Rs) are overstimulated due to less degradation of angiotensin II (Ang II) by ACE2. The protective RAS has numerous beneficial actions, including anti-inflammatory, anti-coagulative, anti-fibrotic effects along with endothelial and neural protection; opposite to the deleterious effects caused by heightened stimulation of angiotensin AT1R. Given that patients with severe COVID-19 exhibit an excessive immune response, endothelial dysfunction, increased clotting, thromboses and stroke, enhancing the activity of the protective RAS is likely beneficial. In this article, we discuss the evidence for a dysfunctional protective RAS in COVID and develop a rationale that the protective RAS imbalance in COVID-19 may be corrected by using AT2R agonists. We further review preclinical studies with AT2R agonists which suggest that AT2R stimulation may be therapeutically effective to treat COVID-19-induced disorders of various organ systems such as lung, vasculature, or the brain. Finally, we provide information on the design of a clinical trial in which patients with COVID-19 were treated with the AT2R agonist Compound 21 (C21). This trial has been completed, but results have not yet been reported.
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9
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Sharma N, Gaikwad AB. Effects of renal ischemia injury on brain in diabetic and non-diabetic rats: Role of angiotensin II type 2 receptor and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 882:173241. [PMID: 32565336 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Clinically, patients with diabetes mellitus (DM) are more susceptible to ischemic renal injury (IRI) than non-diabetic (ND) patients. Besides, IRI predisposes distant organ dysfunctions including, neurological dysfunction, in which the major contributor remains renin-angiotensin system (RAS). Interestingly, the role of depressor arm of RAS on IRI-associated neurological sequalae remains unclear. Hence, this study aimed to delineate the role of angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) and angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) under the same. ND and Streptozotocin-induced DM rats with bilateral IRI were treated with AT2R agonist-Compound 21 (C21) (0.3 mg/kg/day, i.p.) or ACE2 activator-Diminazene Aceturate (Dize), (5 mg/kg/day, p.o.) either alone or as combination therapy. Effect of IRI on neurological functions were assessed by behavioural, biochemical, and histopathological analysis. Immunohistochemistry, ELISA and qRT-PCR experiments were conducted for evaluation of the molecular mechanisms. We found that in ND and DM rats, IRI causes increased hippocampal MDA and nitrite levels, augmented inflammatory cytokines (granulocyte-colony stimulating factor, glial fibrillary acidic protein), altered protein levels of Ang II, Ang-(1-7) and mRNA expressions of At1r, At2r and Masr. Treatment with C21 and Dize effectively normalised above-mentioned pathological alterations. Moreover, the protective effect of C21 and Dize combination therapy was better than respective monotherapies, and more likely, exerted via augmentation of protein and mRNA levels of depressor arm components. Thus, AT2R agonist and ACE2 activator therapy prevents the development of IRI-associated neurological dysfunction by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation, upregulating depressor arm of RAS in brain under ND and DM conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nisha Sharma
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India
| | - Anil Bhanudas Gaikwad
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, Pilani Campus, Rajasthan, 333031, India.
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10
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Rivas-Santisteban R, Rodriguez-Perez AI, Muñoz A, Reyes-Resina I, Labandeira-García JL, Navarro G, Franco R. Angiotensin AT 1 and AT 2 receptor heteromer expression in the hemilesioned rat model of Parkinson's disease that increases with levodopa-induced dyskinesia. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:243. [PMID: 32807174 PMCID: PMC7430099 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01908-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is altered in Parkinson's disease (PD), a disease due to substantia nigra neurodegeneration and whose dopamine-replacement therapy, using the precursor levodopa, leads to dyskinesias as the main side effect. Angiotensin AT1 and AT2 receptors, mainly known for their role in regulating water homeostasis and blood pressure and able to form heterodimers (AT1/2Hets), are present in the central nervous system. We assessed the functionality and expression of AT1/2Hets in Parkinson disease (PD). METHODS Immunocytochemistry was used to analyze the colocalization between angiotensin receptors; bioluminescence resonance energy transfer was used to detect AT1/2Hets. Calcium and cAMP determination, MAPK activation, and label-free assays were performed to characterize signaling in homologous and heterologous systems. Proximity ligation assays were used to quantify receptor expression in mouse primary cultures and in rat striatal sections. RESULTS We confirmed that AT1 and AT2 receptors form AT1/2Hets that are expressed in cells of the central nervous system. AT1/2Hets are novel functional units with particular signaling properties. Importantly, the coactivation of the two receptors in the heteromer reduces the signaling output of angiotensin. Remarkably, AT1/2Hets that are expressed in both striatal neurons and microglia make possible that candesartan, the antagonist of AT1, increases the effect of AT2 receptor agonists. In addition, the level of striatal expression increased in the unilateral 6-OH-dopamine lesioned rat PD model and was markedly higher in parkinsonian-like animals that did not become dyskinetic upon levodopa chronic administration if compared with expression in those that became dyskinetic. CONCLUSION The results indicate that boosting the action of neuroprotective AT2 receptors using an AT1 receptor antagonist constitutes a promising therapeutic strategy in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Rivas-Santisteban
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CiberNed, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ana I Rodriguez-Perez
- Centro de Investigación en Red, enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CiberNed, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Department of Morphological Sciences, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Ana Muñoz
- Centro de Investigación en Red, enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CiberNed, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Department of Morphological Sciences, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Irene Reyes-Resina
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biomedicine, School of Biology, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.,Centro de Investigación en Red, enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CiberNed, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Current adress: RG Neuroplasticity, Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology, 39118, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - José Luis Labandeira-García
- Centro de Investigación en Red, enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CiberNed, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.,Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Neurobiology of Parkinson's disease, Research Center for Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Department of Morphological Sciences, IDIS, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Gemma Navarro
- Centro de Investigación en Red, enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CiberNed, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. .,Department of Biochemistry and Physiology, School of Pharmacy and Food Sciences, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
| | - Rafael Franco
- Centro de Investigación en Red, enfermedades Neurodegenerativas, CiberNed, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain. .,School of Chemistry, Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
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11
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Jackson L, Dong G, Althomali W, Sayed MA, Eldahshan W, Baban B, Johnson MH, Filosa J, Fagan SC, Ergul A. Delayed Administration of Angiotensin II Type 2 Receptor (AT2R) Agonist Compound 21 Prevents the Development of Post-stroke Cognitive Impairment in Diabetes Through the Modulation of Microglia Polarization. Transl Stroke Res 2019; 11:762-775. [PMID: 31792796 DOI: 10.1007/s12975-019-00752-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
A disabling consequence of stroke is cognitive impairment, occurring in 12%-48% of patients, for which there is no therapy. A critical barrier is the lack of understanding of how post-stroke cognitive impairment (PSCI) develops. While 70% of stroke victims present with comorbid diseases such as diabetes and hypertension, the limited use of comorbid disease models in preclinical research further contributes to this lack of progress. To this end, we used a translational model of diabetes to study the development of PSCI. In addition, we evaluated the application of compound 21 (C21), an angiotensin II Type 2 receptor agonist, for the treatment of PSCI by blinding the treatment assignment, setting strict inclusion criteria, and implementing a delayed administration time point. Diabetes was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ) combination. Control and diabetic rats were subjected to 1 h middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) or sham surgery. Adhesive removal task (ART) and two-trial Y-maze were utilized to test sensorimotor and cognitive function. Three days post-stroke, rats that met the inclusion criteria were administered C21 or vehicle in drinking water at a dose of 0.12 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. Samples from freshly harvested brains were analyzed by flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry (IHC). Diabetes exacerbated the development of PSCI and increased inflammation and demyelination. Delayed administration of C21 3 days post-stroke reduced mortality and improved sensorimotor and cognitive deficits. It also reduced inflammation and demyelination through modulation of the M1:M2 ratio in the diabetic animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ladonya Jackson
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA.,Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, USA.,Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Guangkuo Dong
- Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Waleed Althomali
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA.,Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, USA
| | - Mohammed A Sayed
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA.,Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, USA
| | - Wael Eldahshan
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA.,Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, USA.,Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Babak Baban
- Oral Biology, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Maribeth H Johnson
- Department of Neuroscience and Regenerative Medicine, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Jessica Filosa
- Physiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA
| | - Susan C Fagan
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Georgia College of Pharmacy, Augusta, GA, USA.,Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Augusta, USA
| | - Adviye Ergul
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, 171 Ashley Ave. MSC, Charleston, SC, 908, USA. .,Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA.
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12
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Eldahshan W, Ishrat T, Pillai B, Sayed MA, Alwhaibi A, Fouda AY, Ergul A, Fagan SC. Angiotensin II type 2 receptor stimulation with compound 21 improves neurological function after stroke in female rats: a pilot study. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2019; 316:H1192-H1201. [PMID: 30822121 PMCID: PMC6580399 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00446.2018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Revised: 01/18/2019] [Accepted: 02/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The angiotensin II type 2 receptor (AT2R) agonist, compound 21 (C21), has been shown to be neurovascularly protective after ischemic stroke in male rats. In the current study, we aim to study the impact of C21 treatment on female rats. Young female Wistar rats were subjected to different durations of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) (3 h, 2 h, and 1 h) using a silicone-coated monofilament, treated at reperfusion with 0.03 mg/kg ip of C21 and followed up for different times (1, 3, and 14 days) after stroke. Behavioral tests were performed (Bederson, paw grasp, beam walk, and rotarod), and animals were euthanized for infarct size analysis and Western blot analysis. In vitro, primary male and female brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs) were grown in culture, and the expression of the AT2R was compared between males and females. At 1 day, C21 treatment resulted in an improvement in Bederson scores. However, at 3 days and 14 days, the impact of C21 on stroke outcomes was less robust. In vitro, the expression of the AT2R was significantly higher in female ECs compared with male ECs. In conclusion, C21 improves Bederson scores after stroke in female rats when administered early at reperfusion. The ability of C21 to exert its neuroprotective effects might be affected by fluctuating levels of female hormones. NEW & NOTEWORTHY The present study shows the neuroprotective impact of C21 on ischemic stroke in female rats and how the protective effects of C21 can be influenced by the hormonal status of female rodents.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Behavior, Animal/drug effects
- Brain/blood supply
- Brain/drug effects
- Brain/physiopathology
- Cells, Cultured
- Disease Models, Animal
- Endothelial Cells/drug effects
- Endothelial Cells/metabolism
- Female
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/diagnosis
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/drug therapy
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/physiopathology
- Infarction, Middle Cerebral Artery/psychology
- Male
- Microvessels/drug effects
- Microvessels/metabolism
- Motor Activity/drug effects
- Neuroprotective Agents/pharmacology
- PPAR gamma/agonists
- PPAR gamma/metabolism
- Pilot Projects
- Rats, Wistar
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/agonists
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/genetics
- Receptor, Angiotensin, Type 2/metabolism
- Recovery of Function
- Sex Factors
- Signal Transduction
- Sulfonamides/pharmacology
- Thiophenes/pharmacology
- Time Factors
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Affiliation(s)
- Wael Eldahshan
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Tauheed Ishrat
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Bindu Pillai
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Mohammed A Sayed
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Abdulrahman Alwhaibi
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Abdelrahman Y Fouda
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Adviye Ergul
- Department of Physiology, Augusta University , Augusta, Georgia
| | - Susan C Fagan
- Program in Clinical and Experimental Therapeutics, Charlie Norwood Veterans Affairs Medical Center and University of Georgia, College of Pharmacy , Augusta, Georgia
- Department of Neurology, Augusta University , Augusta, Georgia
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Luo Y, Tang H, Li H, Zhao R, Huang Q, Liu J. Recent advances in the development of neuroprotective agents and therapeutic targets in the treatment of cerebral ischemia. Eur J Med Chem 2019; 162:132-146. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2018.11.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/30/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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14
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Yong J, Yan L, Wang J, Xiao H, Zeng Q. Effects of compound 21, a non‑peptide angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist, on general anesthesia‑induced cerebral injury in neonatal rats. Mol Med Rep 2018; 18:5337-5344. [PMID: 30365086 PMCID: PMC6236271 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.9602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/22/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
General anesthesia has a great impact on neurodevelopment. However, the mechanisms underlying this effect and therapeutic methods to address it remain limited. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of compound (C)21, a non-peptide angiotensin II type 2 receptor agonist, on general anesthesia-induced cerebral injury in neonatal rats. Neonatal Sprague Dawley rats (postnatal day 7) were randomly divided into three groups (n=6 per group): The control, isoflurane and C21+ isoflurane (C21) group. General anesthesia was induced through inhalation of 1.3% isoflurane. Apoptosis and synaptic structure were analyzed. The levels of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α were detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. BCL2, apoptosis regulator (Bcl-2) expression was also measured. Compared with the control group, the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus in the isoflurane group had significantly more apoptotic cells (P<0.05). The nuclei of the control group were round and transparent, while shrunken nuclei and condensed chromatin were visible in the isoflurane group. A reduction in synapse number was observed in the isoflurane group compared with the control. By contrast, nuclei shrinkage and the decrease in synaptic number was improved in the C21 group. PPAR-α and Bcl-2 expression, at the mRNA and protein levels, was significantly reduced in the isoflurane group compared with the control (P<0.05). C21 treatment reduced the decrease in PPAR-α and Bcl-2 in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and hypothalamus (P<0.05). Collectively, it was demonstrated that C21 prevented apoptosis and synaptic loss induced by general anesthesia in neonatal rats by enhancing the expression of PPAR-α and Bcl-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Yong
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550014, P.R. China
| | - Li Yan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550014, P.R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550014, P.R. China
| | - Hongmei Xiao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550014, P.R. China
| | - Qingfan Zeng
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Baiyun Hospital Affiliated to Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550014, P.R. China
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15
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Neuroprotection via AT2 receptor agonists in ischemic stroke. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:1055-1067. [DOI: 10.1042/cs20171549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Stroke is a devastating disease that afflicts millions of people each year worldwide. Ischemic stroke, which accounts for ~88% of cases, occurs when blood supply to the brain is decreased, often because of thromboembolism or atherosclerotic occlusion. This deprives the brain of oxygen and nutrients, causing immediate, irreversible necrosis within the core of the ischemic area, but more delayed and potentially reversible neuronal damage in the surrounding brain tissue, the penumbra. The only currently approved therapies for ischemic stroke, the thrombolytic agent recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) and the endovascular clot retrieval/destruction processes, are aimed at restoring blood flow to the infarcted area, but are only available for a minority of patients and are not able in most cases to completely restore neurological deficits. Consequently, there remains a need for agents that will protect neurones against death following ischemic stroke. Here, we evaluate angiotensin II (Ang II) type 2 (AT2) receptor agonists as a possible therapeutic target for this disease. We first provide an overview of stroke epidemiology, pathophysiology, and currently approved therapies. We next review the large amount of preclinical evidence, accumulated over the past decade and a half, which indicates that AT2 receptor agonists exert significant neuroprotective effects in various animal models, and discuss the potential mechanisms involved. Finally, after discussing the challenges of delivering blood–brain barrier (BBB) impermeable AT2 receptor agonists to the infarcted areas of the brain, we summarize the evidence for and against the development of these agents as a promising therapeutic strategy for ischemic stroke.
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16
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Haspula D, Clark MA. Molecular Basis of the Brain Renin Angiotensin System in Cardiovascular and Neurologic Disorders: Uncovering a Key Role for the Astroglial Angiotensin Type 1 Receptor AT1R. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2018; 366:251-264. [PMID: 29752427 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.118.248831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 05/08/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The central renin angiotensin system (RAS) is one of the most widely investigated cardiovascular systems in the brain. It is implicated in a myriad of cardiovascular diseases. However, studies from the last decade have identified its involvement in several neurologic abnormalities. Understanding the molecular functionality of the various RAS components can thus provide considerable insight into the phenotypic differences and mechanistic drivers of not just cardiovascular but also neurologic disorders. Since activation of one of its primary receptors, the angiotensin type 1 receptor (AT1R), results in an augmentation of oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines, it becomes essential to investigate not just neuronal RAS but glial RAS as well. Glial cells are key homeostatic regulators in the brain and are critical players in the resolution of overt oxidative stress and neuroinflammation. Designing better and effective therapeutic strategies that target the brain RAS could well hinge on understanding the molecular basis of both neuronal and glial RAS. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the major studies that have investigated the mechanisms and regulation of the brain RAS, and it also provides insight into the potential role of glial AT1Rs in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular and neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dhanush Haspula
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (D.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (M.A.C.)
| | - Michelle A Clark
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, Wisconsin (D.H.); and College of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida (M.A.C.)
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17
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Protective effects of the angiotensin II AT 2 receptor agonist compound 21 in ischemic stroke: a nose-to-brain delivery approach. Clin Sci (Lond) 2018; 132:581-593. [PMID: 29500223 DOI: 10.1042/cs20180100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2018] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Significant neuroprotective effects of angiotensin II type 2 (AT2) receptor (AT2 receptor) agonists in ischemic stroke have been previously demonstrated in multiple studies. However, the routes of agonist application used in these pre-clinical studies, direct intracerebroventricular (ICV) and systemic administration, are unsuitable for translation into humans; in the latter case because AT2 receptor agonists are blood-brain barrier (BBB) impermeable. To circumvent this problem, in the current study we utilized the nose-to-brain (N2B) route of administration to bypass the BBB and deliver the selective AT2 receptor agonist Compound 21 (C21) to naïve rats or rats that had undergone endothelin 1 (ET-1)-induced ischemic stroke. The results obtained from the present study indicated that C21 applied N2B entered the cerebral cortex and striatum within 30 min in amounts that are therapeutically relevant (8.4-9 nM), regardless of whether BBB was intact or disintegrated. C21 was first applied N2B at 1.5 h after stroke indeed provided neuroprotection, as evidenced by a highly significant, 57% reduction in cerebral infarct size and significant improvements in Bederson and Garcia neurological scores. N2B-administered C21 did not affect blood pressure or heart rate. Thus, these data provide proof-of-principle for the idea that N2B application of an AT2 receptor agonist can exert neuroprotective actions when administered following ischemic stroke. Since N2B delivery of other agents has been shown to be effective in certain human central nervous system diseases, the N2B application of AT2 receptor agonists may become a viable mode of delivering these neuroprotective agents for human ischemic stroke patients.
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