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Kaplan A, Lakkis B, El-Samadi L, Karaayvaz EB, Booz GW, Zouein FA. Cooling Down Inflammation in the Cardiovascular System via the Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol 2023; 82:241-265. [PMID: 37539950 DOI: 10.1097/fjc.0000000000001455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Inflammation is a major player in many cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, myocardial infarction, and heart failure. In many individuals, these conditions coexist and mutually exacerbate each other's progression. The pathophysiology of these diseases entails the active involvement of both innate and adaptive immune cells. Immune cells that possess the α7 subunit of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor on their surface have the potential to be targeted through both pharmacological and electrical stimulation of the cholinergic system. The cholinergic system regulates the inflammatory response to various stressors in different organ systems by systematically suppressing spleen-derived monocytes and chemokines and locally improving immune cell function. Research on the cardiovascular system has demonstrated the potential for atheroma plaque stabilization and regression as favorable outcomes. Smaller infarct size and reduced fibrosis have been associated with improved cardiac function and a decrease in adverse cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, enhanced electrical stability of the myocardium can lead to a reduction in the incidence of ventricular tachyarrhythmia. In addition, improving mitochondrial dysfunction and decreasing oxidative stress can result in less myocardial tissue damage caused by reperfusion injury. Restoring baroreflex activity and reduction in renal damage can promote blood pressure regulation and help counteract hypertension. Thus, the present review highlights the potential of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor activation as a natural approach to alleviate the adverse consequences of inflammation in the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Kaplan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Cardiology, Kemer Public Hospital, Kemer, Antalya, Turkey
- The Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Excellence, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Bachir Lakkis
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Lana El-Samadi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Ekrem Bilal Karaayvaz
- Department of Cardiology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - George W Booz
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS; and
| | - Fouad A Zouein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
- The Cardiovascular, Renal, and Metabolic Diseases Research Center of Excellence, American University of Beirut Medical Center, Riad El-Solh, Beirut, Lebanon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS; and
- Department of Signaling and Cardiovascular Pathophysiology, UMR-S 1180, Inserm, Université Paris-Saclay, France
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Zouali M. Pharmacological and Electroceutical Targeting of the Cholinergic Anti-Inflammatory Pathway in Autoimmune Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1089. [PMID: 37631004 PMCID: PMC10459025 DOI: 10.3390/ph16081089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Continuous dialogue between the immune system and the brain plays a key homeostatic role in various immune responses to environmental cues. Several functions are under the control of the vagus nerve-based inflammatory reflex, a physiological mechanism through which nerve signals regulate immune functions. In the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, the vagus nerve, its pivotal neurotransmitter acetylcholine, together with the corresponding receptors play a key role in modulating the immune response of mammals. Through communications of peripheral nerves with immune cells, it modulates proliferation and differentiation activities of various immune cell subsets. As a result, this pathway represents a potential target for treating autoimmune diseases characterized by overt inflammation and a decrease in vagal tone. Consistently, converging observations made in both animal models and clinical trials revealed that targeting the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway using pharmacologic approaches can provide beneficial effects. In parallel, bioelectronic medicine has recently emerged as an alternative approach to managing systemic inflammation. In several studies, nerve electrostimulation was reported to be clinically relevant in reducing chronic inflammation in autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and diabetes. In the future, these new approaches could represent a major therapeutic strategy for autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moncef Zouali
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung 404, Taiwan
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Yun Y, Wang X, Xu J, Chen J, Wang X, Yang P, Qin L. Optogenetic stimulation of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons prevents neuroinflammation and neuropsychiatric manifestations in pristane induced lupus mice. BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN FUNCTIONS : BBF 2023; 19:11. [PMID: 37322485 DOI: 10.1186/s12993-023-00213-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation has been identified as one of the primary pathogenic factors of neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE). However, there are no dedicated treatments available in clinics to alleviate neuroinflammation in NPSLE. It has been proposed that stimulating basal forebrain (BF) cholinergic neurons may provide potent anti-inflammatory effects in several inflammatory diseases, but its potential role in NPSLE remains unexplored. This study aims to investigate whether and how stimulating BF cholinergic neurons has a protective effect on NPSLE. RESULTS Optogenetic stimulation of BF cholinergic neurons significantly ameliorated olfactory dysfunction and anxiety- and depression-like phenotype in pristane induced lupus (PIL) mice. The increased expression of adhesion molecules (P-selectin and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1)), leukocyte recruitment, blood-brain barrier (BBB) leakage were significantly decreased. Notably, the brain histopathological changes, including the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), IgG deposition in the choroid plexus and lateral ventricle wall and lipofuscin accumulation in the cortical and hippocampal neurons, were also significantly attenuated. Furthermore, we confirmed the colocalization between the BF cholinergic projections and the cerebral vessels, and the expression of α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) on the cerebral vessels. CONCLUSION Our data indicate that stimulation of BF cholinergic neurons could play a neuroprotective role in the brain through its cholinergic anti-inflammatory effects on cerebral vessels. Therefore, this may be a promising preventive target for NPSLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yun
- Department of Nephrology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xuejiao Wang
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingyi Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Xueru Wang
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Pingting Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ling Qin
- Department of Physiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
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4
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Tao Y, Young‐Stubbs C, Yazdizadeh Shotorbani P, Su D, Mathis KW, Ma R. Sex and strain differences in renal hemodynamics in mice. Physiol Rep 2023; 11:e15644. [PMID: 36946063 PMCID: PMC10031302 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.15644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The present study was to examine sex and strain differences in glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and renal blood flow (RBF) in C57BL6, 129/Sv, and C57BLKS/J mice, three commonly used mouse strains in renal research. GFR was measured by transdermal measurement of FITC-sinitrin clearance in conscious mice. RBF was measured by a flow probe placed in the renal artery under an anesthetic state. In C57BL6 mice, there were no sex differences in both GFR and RBF. In 129/Sv mice, females had significantly greater GFR than males at age of 24 weeks, but not at 8 weeks. However, males had higher RBF and lower renal vascular resistance (RVR). Similar to 129/Sv, female C57BLKS/J had significantly greater GFR at both 8 and 24 weeks, lower RBF, and higher RVR than males. Across strains, male 129/Sv had lower GFR and higher RBF than male C57BL6, but no significant difference in GFR and greater RBF than male C57BLKS/J. No significant difference in GFR or RBF was observed between C57BL6 and C57BLKS/J mice. Deletion of eNOS in C57BLKS/J mice reduced GFR in both sexes, but decreased RBF in males. Furthermore, there were no sex differences in the severity of renal injury in eNOS-/- dbdb mice. Taken together, our study suggests that sex differences in renal hemodynamics in mice are strain and age dependent. eNOS was not involved in the sex differences in GFR, but in RBF. Furthermore, the sexual dimorphism did not impact the severity of renal injury in diabetic nephropathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Tao
- Department of Physiology and AnatomyUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Cassandra Young‐Stubbs
- Department of Physiology and AnatomyUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | | | - Dong‐Ming Su
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and GeneticsUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Keisa W. Mathis
- Department of Physiology and AnatomyUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Physiology and AnatomyUniversity of North Texas Health Science CenterFort WorthTexasUSA
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5
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Chaudhari S, D'Souza BM, Morales JY, Young-Stubbs CM, Shimoura CG, Ma R, Mathis KW. Renal TLR-7/TNF-α pathway as a potential female-specific mechanism in the pathogenesis of autoimmune-induced hypertension. Am J Physiol Heart Circ Physiol 2022; 323:H1331-H1342. [PMID: 36367687 PMCID: PMC9744658 DOI: 10.1152/ajpheart.00286.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is prevalent in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The goal of the current study is to track the pathogenesis of hypertension and renal injury in SLE, identify contributory mechanisms, and highlight differences in disease development among sexes. Mean arterial pressure was measured in conscious male and female SLE (NZBWF1) and control (NZW) mice at 34-35 wk of age using indwelling arterial catheters. Measures of renal injury, renal inflammation, and renal hemodynamics were used to monitor the potential contributors to latent sex differences. Both male and female SLE mice were hypertensive at 35 wk of age, and the hypertension was linked to renal injury in females, but not in males. A known contributor of renal pathology in SLE, Toll-like receptor (TLR)-7, and its downstream effector, the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, were lower in male SLE mice than in females. Male SLE mice also had higher glomerular filtration rate (GFR) and lower renal vascular resistance (RVR) than females. Our data suggest that although hypertension in female SLE mice is associated with renal mechanisms, hypertension in male SLE mice may develop independent of renal changes. Future studies will continue to dissect sex-specific factors that should be considered when treating patients with hypertension with underlying chronic inflammation and/or autoimmunity.NEW & NOTEWORTHY There is a high prevalence of hypertension in male and female SLE; however, male SLE mice are hypertensive without renal involvement. The development of hypertension in female SLE mice is renocentric and strongly associated with injurious renal mechanisms like the TLR-7→TNF-α pathway. This clear difference in the pathogenesis among the sexes could have a significant impact on how we treat patients with hypertension with underlying chronic autoimmune/inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika Chaudhari
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Bradley M D'Souza
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Jessica Y Morales
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Cassandra M Young-Stubbs
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Caroline G Shimoura
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Rong Ma
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Keisa W Mathis
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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6
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Chaudhari S, Pham GS, Brooks CD, Dinh VQ, Young-Stubbs CM, Shimoura CG, Mathis KW. Should Renal Inflammation Be Targeted While Treating Hypertension? Front Physiol 2022; 13:886779. [PMID: 35770194 PMCID: PMC9236225 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2022.886779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite extensive research and a plethora of therapeutic options, hypertension continues to be a global burden. Understanding of the pathological roles of known and underexplored cellular and molecular pathways in the development and maintenance of hypertension is critical to advance the field. Immune system overactivation and inflammation in the kidneys are proposed alternative mechanisms of hypertension, and resistant hypertension. Consideration of the pathophysiology of hypertension in chronic inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune diseases, in which patients present with autoimmune-mediated kidney inflammation as well as hypertension, may reveal possible contributors and novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we 1) summarize current therapies used to control blood pressure and their known effects on inflammation; 2) provide evidence on the need to target renal inflammation, specifically, and especially when first-line and combinatory treatment efforts fail; and 3) discuss the efficacy of therapies used to treat autoimmune diseases with a hypertension/renal component. We aim to elucidate the potential of targeting renal inflammation in certain subsets of patients resistant to current therapies.
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Bellocchi C, Carandina A, Montinaro B, Targetti E, Furlan L, Rodrigues GD, Tobaldini E, Montano N. The Interplay between Autonomic Nervous System and Inflammation across Systemic Autoimmune Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052449. [PMID: 35269591 PMCID: PMC8910153 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the immune system are deeply interrelated. The ANS regulates both innate and adaptive immunity through the sympathetic and parasympathetic branches, and an imbalance in this system can determine an altered inflammatory response as typically observed in chronic conditions such as systemic autoimmune diseases. Rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis all show a dysfunction of the ANS that is mutually related to the increase in inflammation and cardiovascular risk. Moreover, an interaction between ANS and the gut microbiota has direct effects on inflammation homeostasis. Recently vagal stimulation techniques have emerged as an unprecedented possibility to reduce ANS dysfunction, especially in chronic diseases characterized by pain and a decreased quality of life as well as in chronic inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Bellocchi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (N.M.)
| | - Angelica Carandina
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Beatrice Montinaro
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
| | - Elena Targetti
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
| | - Ludovico Furlan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Gabriel Dias Rodrigues
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Laboratory of Experimental and Applied Exercise Physiology, Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Fluminense Federal University, Niterói 24210-130, Brazil
| | - Eleonora Tobaldini
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Internal Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (A.C.); (B.M.); (E.T.); (L.F.); (E.T.)
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
- Correspondence: (C.B.); (N.M.)
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Zhang W, Lin H, Zou M, Yuan Q, Huang Z, Pan X, Zhang W. Nicotine in Inflammatory Diseases: Anti-Inflammatory and Pro-Inflammatory Effects. Front Immunol 2022; 13:826889. [PMID: 35251010 PMCID: PMC8895249 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.826889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
As an anti-inflammatory alkaloid, nicotine plays dual roles in treating diseases. Here we reviewed the anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory effects of nicotine on inflammatory diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, arthritis, multiple sclerosis, sepsis, endotoxemia, myocarditis, oral/skin/muscle inflammation, etc., mainly concerning the administration methods, different models, therapeutic concentration and duration, and relevant organs and tissues. According to the data analysis from recent studies in the past 20 years, nicotine exerts much more anti-inflammatory effects than pro-inflammatory ones, especially in ulcerative colitis, arthritis, sepsis, and endotoxemia. On the other hand, in oral inflammation, nicotine promotes and aggravates some diseases such as periodontitis and gingivitis, especially when there are harmful microorganisms in the oral cavity. We also carefully analyzed the nicotine dosage to determine its safe and effective range. Furthermore, we summarized the molecular mechanism of nicotine in these inflammatory diseases through regulating immune cells, immune factors, and the vagus and acetylcholinergic anti-inflammatory pathways. By balancing the “beneficial” and “harmful” effects of nicotine, it is meaningful to explore the effective medical value of nicotine and open up new horizons for remedying acute and chronic inflammation in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenji Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tobacco Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement of Guangdong Province, Crops Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hui Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mingmin Zou
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tobacco Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement of Guangdong Province, Crops Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qinghua Yuan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tobacco Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement of Guangdong Province, Crops Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenrui Huang
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tobacco Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement of Guangdong Province, Crops Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Pan
- Guangdong Provincial Engineering & Technology Research Center for Tobacco Breeding and Comprehensive Utilization, Key Laboratory of Crop Genetic Improvement of Guangdong Province, Crops Research Institute, Guangdong Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoying Pan, ; Wenjuan Zhang,
| | - Wenjuan Zhang
- Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoying Pan, ; Wenjuan Zhang,
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9
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Lv J, Ji X, Li Z, Hao H. The role of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway in autoimmune rheumatic diseases. Scand J Immunol 2021; 94:e13092. [PMID: 34780075 DOI: 10.1111/sji.13092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a classic neuroimmune pathway, consisting of the vagus nerve, acetylcholine (ACh)-the pivotal neurotransmitter of the vagus nerve-and its receptors. This pathway can activate and regulate the activities of immune cells, inhibit cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as suppress cytokine release, thereby playing an anti-inflammatory role, and widely involved in the occurrence and development of various diseases; recent studies have demonstrated that the CAP may be a new target for the treatment of autoimmune rheumatic diseases. In this review, we will summarize the latest progress with the view of figuring out the role of the cholinergic pathway and how it interacts with inflammatory reactions in several autoimmune rheumatic diseases, and many advances are results from a wide range of experiments performed in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqi Lv
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Tongji Shanxi Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Ji
- Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
| | - Huiqin Hao
- Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Third Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, China.,Basic Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China
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10
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Autoimmune-mediated renal disease and hypertension. Clin Sci (Lond) 2021; 135:2165-2196. [PMID: 34533582 DOI: 10.1042/cs20200955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Hypertension is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease (CKD), and mortality. Troublingly, hypertension is highly prevalent in patients with autoimmune renal disease and hastens renal functional decline. Although progress has been made over the past two decades in understanding the inflammatory contributions to essential hypertension more broadly, the mechanisms active in autoimmune-mediated renal diseases remain grossly understudied. This Review provides an overview of the pathogenesis of each of the major autoimmune diseases affecting the kidney that are associated with hypertension, and describes the current state of knowledge regarding hypertension in these diseases and their management. Specifically, discussion focuses on Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Lupus Nephritis (LN), Immunoglobulin A (IgA) Nephropathy, Idiopathic Membranous Nephropathy (IMN), Anti-Neutrophil Cytoplasmic Antibody (ANCA)-associated glomerulonephritis, and Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP). A summary of disease-specific animal models found to exhibit hypertension is also included to highlight opportunities for much needed further investigation of underlying mechanisms and novel therapeutic approaches.
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11
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Morales JY, Young-Stubbs CM, Shimoura CG, Kem WR, Uteshev VV, Mathis KW. Systemic Administration of α7-Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor Ligands Does Not Improve Renal Injury or Behavior in Mice With Advanced Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:642960. [PMID: 33928103 PMCID: PMC8076522 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.642960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a critical need for safe treatment options to control inflammation in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) since the inflammation contributes to morbidity and mortality in advanced disease. Endogenous neuroimmune mechanisms like the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can be targeted to modulate inflammation, but the ability to manipulate such pathways and reduce inflammation and end organ damage has not been fully explored in SLE. Positive allosteric modulators (PAM) are pharmacological agents that inhibit desensitization of the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR), the main anti-inflammatory feature within the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, and may augment α7-dependent cholinergic tone to generate therapeutic benefits in SLE. In the current study, we hypothesize that activating the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway at the level of the α7-nAChR with systemic administration of a partial agonist, GTS-21, and a PAM, PNU-120596, would reduce inflammation, eliminating the associated end organ damage in a mouse model of SLE with advanced disease. Further, we hypothesize that systemic α7 ligands will have central effects and improve behavioral deficits in SLE mice. Female control (NZW) and SLE mice (NZBWF1) were administered GTS-21 or PNU-120596 subcutaneously via minipumps for 2 weeks. We found that the increased plasma dsDNA autoantibodies, splenic and renal inflammation, renal injury and hypertension usually observed in SLE mice with advanced disease at 35 weeks of age were not altered by GTS-21 or PNU-120596. The anxiety-like behavior presented in SLE mice was also not improved by GTS-21 or PNU-120596. Although no significant beneficial effects of α7 ligands were observed in SLE mice at this advanced stage, we predict that targeting this receptor earlier in the pathogenesis of the disease may prove to be efficacious and should be addressed in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Y Morales
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas (UNT) Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Cassandra M Young-Stubbs
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas (UNT) Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Caroline G Shimoura
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas (UNT) Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - William R Kem
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, United States
| | - Victor V Uteshev
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, University of North Texas (UNT) Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
| | - Keisa W Mathis
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas (UNT) Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX, United States
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12
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Pham GS, Shimoura CG, Chaudhari S, Kulp DV, Mathis KW. Chronic unilateral cervical vagotomy reduces renal inflammation, blood pressure, and renal injury in a mouse model of lupus. Am J Physiol Renal Physiol 2020; 319:F155-F161. [PMID: 32538149 DOI: 10.1152/ajprenal.00201.2020] [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] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is characterized by hypertension that results from chronic renal inflammation and dysautonomia in the form of dampened vagal tone. In health, the vagus nerve regulates inflammatory processes through mechanisms like the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway; so in the case of SLE, reduced efferent vagus nerve activity may indirectly affect renal inflammation and therefore hypertension. In this study, we sought to investigate the impact of disrupting vagal neurotransmission on renal inflammation and hypertension in the setting of chronic inflammatory disease. Female SLE (NZBWF1) and control (NZW) mice were subjected to a right unilateral cervical vagotomy or sham surgery and 3 wk later were implanted with indwelling catheters to measure blood pressure. Indices of splenic and renal inflammation, as well as renal injury, were assessed. Unilateral vagotomy blunted SLE-induced increases in mean arterial pressure, albumin excretion rate, and glomerulosclerosis. This protection was associated with reduced splenic T cells and attenuated SLE-induced increases in renal proinflammatory mediators. In summary, these data indicate that unilateral vagotomy reduces renal inflammation and reduces blood pressure in SLE mice. The vagus nerves have myriad functions, and perhaps other neuroimmune interactions compensate for the ligation of one nerve.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Pham
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas.,Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - C G Shimoura
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - S Chaudhari
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - D V Kulp
- Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - K W Mathis
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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Munguia-Realpozo P, Mendoza-Pinto C, Sierra Benito C, Escarcega RO, Garcia-Carrasco M, Mendez Martinez S, Etchegaray Morales I, Galvez Romero JL, Ruiz-Arguelles A, Cervera R. Systemic lupus erythematosus and hypertension. Autoimmun Rev 2019; 18:102371. [DOI: 10.1016/j.autrev.2019.102371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
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Downregulation of α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in peripheral blood monocytes is associated with enhanced inflammation in preeclampsia. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2019; 19:188. [PMID: 31138166 PMCID: PMC6540389 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-019-2340-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 05/13/2019] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Preeclampsia is associated with chronic inflammation. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway regulates systemic inflammation through activating α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) expressed in monocytes/macrophages. This study aimed to investigate the role of α7nAChR in peripheral blood monocytes in preeclampsia. Methods Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated from 30 nonpregnant (NP), 32 normotensive pregnant (NT), and 35 preeclamptic (PE) women. Results We found that both protein and mRNA expression levels of α7nAChR in monocytes from the PE women were significantly lower than those of the NP and NT women (both p < 0.01). α7nAChR protein expression levels in monocytes were negatively correlated with levels of systolic blood pressure (r = − 0.40, p = 0.04), proteinuria (r = − 0.54, p < 0.01), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, r = − 0.42, p = 0.01), and interleukin (IL)-1β (r = − 0.56, p < 0.01), while positively correlated with IL-10 levels (r = 0.43, p = 0.01) in the PE women. Both baseline and lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-induced increase of TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels from monocytes were higher in the PE group than the NP and NT groups (all p < 0.01), but IL-10 levels in the PE group was lower than that of the NP and NT groups (p < 0.01). In addition, the NF-κB activity in monocytes from the PE women was higher than the NP and NT women (p < 0.01). Importantly, activation of α7nAChR with its agonist PNU-282987 inhibited NF-κB, decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 release, and increased IL-10 release in monocytes from the PE women (all p < 0.01). Conclusion In conclusion, these findings suggest that downregulation of α7nAChR may be associated with the development of preeclampsia through increasing pro-inflammatory and decreasing anti-inflammatory cytokine release via the NF-κB pathway.
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Deng Y, Guo SL, Wei B, Gao XC, Zhou YC, Li JQ. Activation of Nicotinic Acetylcholine α7 Receptor Attenuates Progression of Monocrotaline-Induced Pulmonary Hypertension in Rats by Downregulating the NLRP3 Inflammasome. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:128. [PMID: 30863307 PMCID: PMC6399137 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.00128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Accepted: 02/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Inflammation and altered immunity contribute to the development of pulmonary arterial hypertension (PH). The alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) possesses anti-inflammatory activities. The current study was performed to investigate the effects of a selective α7nAChR agonist, PNU-282987, on controlling a monocrotaline (MCT)-induced rat model of PH and explored the underlying mechanisms. Methods: Sprague-Dawley rats were injected with MCT and treated with PNU-282987 at the prevention (starting 1 week before MCT) and treatment (starting 2 weeks after MCT) settings. Four weeks after MCT injection, hemodynamic changes, right ventricular structure, and lung morphological features were assessed. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to assess levels of inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 (Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3) inflammasome pathway in the rat lung tissues. In addition, the lung macrophage line NR8383 was used to confirm the in vivo data. Results: Monocrotaline injection produced PH in rats and downregulated α7nAChR mRNA and protein expression in rat lung tissues compared to sham controls. Pharmacological activation of α7nAChR by PNU-282987 therapy improved the rat survival rate, attenuated the development of PH as assessed by remodeling of pulmonary arterioles, reduced the right ventricular (RV) systolic pressure, and ameliorated the hypertrophy and fibrosis of the RV in rats with MCT-induced PH. The expression of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-18 were downregulated in rat lung tissues, which implied that PNU-282987 therapy may help regulate inflammation. These protective effects involved the inhibition of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In vitro assays of cultured rat lung macrophages confirmed that the anti-inflammation effect of PNU-282987 therapy may contribute to the disturbance of NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Conclusion: Targeting α7nAChR with PNU-282987 could effectively prevent and treat PH with benefits for preventing ongoing inflammation in the lungs of rats with MCT-induced PH by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Deng
- Department of Ultrasound, The Cardiovascular Disease Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital to Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Sheng-Lan Guo
- Department of Ultrasound, The Cardiovascular Disease Institute, The First Affiliated Hospital to Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Bin Wei
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital to Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xing-Cui Gao
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital to Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Ying-Chuan Zhou
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital to Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jia-Quan Li
- The Experimental Center of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Decreased α7nAChR mRNA levels in peripheral blood monocytes are associated with enhanced inflammatory cytokine production in patients with lupus nephritis. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 111:359-366. [PMID: 30594048 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.12.093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2018] [Revised: 12/16/2018] [Accepted: 12/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway modulates cytokine release by activating alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (α7nAChR) in monocytes/macrophages. We aimed to determine the role of α7nAChR in lupus nephritis (LN). We enrolled 36 inactive and 35 active LN patients, 34 primary glomerulonephritis patients, and 35 healthy controls. Peripheral blood monocytes were isolated, and mRNA expression of α7nAChR, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) in monocytes was measured. α7nAChR and IL-10 mRNA levels were significantly decreased, but IL-6 was increased, in LN patients compared with healthy controls or glomerulonephritis patients (all P < 0.01). Interestingly, α7nAChR mRNA levels were negatively correlated to SLEDAI (r = -0.68, P < 0.01), anti-dsDNA (r = -0.38, P < 0.05), and proteinuria (r = -0.49, P < 0.01) levels, and positively correlated to serum complement C3 levels (r = 0.38, P < 0.05) in patients with active LN. Furthermore, α7nAChR mRNA levels were negatively correlated to TNF-α (r = -0.50, P < 0.01), IL-1β (r = -0.42, P < 0.05), IL-6 (r = -0.69, P < 0.01) mRNA levels, and positively correlated to IL-10 (r = 0.45, P < 0.01). TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 protein levels in the supernatant of cultured monocytes from active LN patients were significantly higher, while IL-10 was lower, than that of healthy controls. PNU-282987, an α7nAChR agonist, significantly decreased TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 but increased IL-10 in the monocyte culture supernatant of active LN patients, which were abolished by an α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine. The effects of PNU-282987 were confirmed in lipopolysaccharides-stimulated monocytes. Taken together, these findings suggest that decrease in α7nAChR mRNA levels may play a role in LN and that activation of α7nAChR may inhibit inflammation in LN.
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Chaudhari S, Cushen SC, Osikoya O, Jaini PA, Posey R, Mathis KW, Goulopoulou S. Mechanisms of Sex Disparities in Cardiovascular Function and Remodeling. Compr Physiol 2018; 9:375-411. [PMID: 30549017 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c180003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Epidemiological studies demonstrate disparities between men and women in cardiovascular disease prevalence, clinical symptoms, treatments, and outcomes. Enrollment of women in clinical trials is lower than men, and experimental studies investigating molecular mechanisms and efficacy of certain therapeutics in cardiovascular disease have been primarily conducted in male animals. These practices bias data interpretation and limit the implication of research findings in female clinical populations. This review will focus on the biological origins of sex differences in cardiovascular physiology, health, and disease, with an emphasis on the sex hormones, estrogen and testosterone. First, we will briefly discuss epidemiological evidence of sex disparities in cardiovascular disease prevalence and clinical manifestation. Second, we will describe studies suggesting sexual dimorphism in normal cardiovascular function from fetal life to older age. Third, we will summarize and critically discuss the current literature regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of estrogens and androgens on cardiac and vascular physiology and the contribution of these hormones to sex differences in cardiovascular disease. Fourth, we will present cardiovascular disease risk factors that are positively associated with the female sex, and thus, contributing to increased cardiovascular risk in women. We conclude that inclusion of both men and women in the investigation of the role of estrogens and androgens in cardiovascular physiology will advance our understanding of the mechanisms underlying sex differences in cardiovascular disease. In addition, investigating the role of sex-specific factors in the development of cardiovascular disease will reduce sex and gender disparities in the treatment and diagnosis of cardiovascular disease. © 2019 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 9:375-411, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarika Chaudhari
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Spencer C Cushen
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Oluwatobiloba Osikoya
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Paresh A Jaini
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Rachel Posey
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Keisa W Mathis
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
| | - Styliani Goulopoulou
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA
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Pham GS, Wang LA, Mathis KW. Pharmacological potentiation of the efferent vagus nerve attenuates blood pressure and renal injury in a murine model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Am J Physiol Regul Integr Comp Physiol 2018; 315:R1261-R1271. [PMID: 30332305 DOI: 10.1152/ajpregu.00362.2017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Recent evidence suggests hypertension may be secondary to chronic inflammation that results from hypoactive neuro-immune regulatory mechanisms. To further understand this association, we used systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) as a model of inflammation-induced hypertension. In addition to prevalent inflammatory kidney disease and hypertension, SLE patients suffer from dysautonomia in the form of decreased efferent vagal tone. Based on this, the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway, an endogenous vagus-to-spleen mechanism that, when activated results in decreases in systemic inflammation, may be compromised in SLE. We hypothesized that stimulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway via pharmacological potentiation of the efferent vagus nerve would reduce inflammation and halt the development of hypertension and renal injury in SLE. Female NZBWF1 mice, an established model of murine SLE, and female control mice were treated with galantamine (4 mg/kg daily ip), an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor, or saline for 14 days. At the end of therapy, carotid catheters were surgically implanted and were used to measure mean arterial pressure before the animals were euthanized. Chronic galantamine administration attenuated both splenic and renal cortical inflammation, which likely explains why the hypertension and renal injury (i.e., glomerulosclerosis and fibrosis) typically observed in murine SLE was attenuated following therapy. Based on this, the anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, and renoprotective effects of galantamine may be mediated through activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. It is possible that dysfunction of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway exists in SLE at the level of the efferent vagus nerve and promoting restoration of its activity through central cholinergic receptor activation may be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace S Pham
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center , Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Lei A Wang
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center , Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Keisa W Mathis
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center , Fort Worth, Texas
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Pham GS, Mathis KW. Lipopolysaccharide Challenge Reveals Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal Axis Dysfunction in Murine Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Brain Sci 2018; 8:E184. [PMID: 30287776 PMCID: PMC6211064 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci8100184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2018] [Revised: 09/28/2018] [Accepted: 10/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Crosstalk between the brain and innate immune system may be dysregulated in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disease that presents with dysautonomia and aberrant inflammation. The hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis is an endogenous neuro-endocrine-immune pathway that can regulate inflammation following activation of vagal afferents. We hypothesized that chronic inflammatory processes in SLE are in part due to HPA axis dysfunction, at the level of either the afferent vagal-paraventricular nuclei (PVN) interface, the anterior pituitary, and/or at the adrenal glands. To study this, we challenged female control and SLE mice with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and measured c-Fos expression as an index of neuronal activation, plasma adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) as an index of anterior pituitary function, and plasma corticosterone as an index of adrenal function. We found that c-Fos expression in the PVN, and plasma ACTH and corticosterone were comparable between unchallenged SLE and control mice. PVN c-Fos was increased similarly in control and SLE mice three hours after LPS challenge; however, there were no changes in plasma ACTH amongst any experimental groups post inflammatory challenge. Plasma corticosterone was markedly increased in LPS-challenged SLE mice compared to their vehicle-treated counterparts, but not in controls. Paradoxically, following LPS challenge, brain and spleen TNF-α were elevated in LPS-challenged SLE mice despite heightened plasma corticosterone. This suggests that, despite normal c-Fos expression in the PVN and activation of the HPA axis following LPS challenge, this cumulative response may not adequately defend SLE mice against inflammatory stimuli, leading to abnormally heightened innate immune responses and peripheral inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Grace S Pham
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
| | - Keisa W Mathis
- Department of Physiology and Anatomy, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, TX 76107, USA.
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Li DJ, Liu J, Hua X, Fu H, Huang F, Fei YB, Lu WJ, Shen FM, Wang P. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit improves energy homeostasis and inhibits inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Metabolism 2018; 79:52-63. [PMID: 29129819 DOI: 10.1016/j.metabol.2017.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2017] [Revised: 10/31/2017] [Accepted: 11/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common liver diseases worldwide; yet, the pathogenesis of the disorder is not completely understood. The nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit (α7nAChR) plays an indispensable role in the vagus nerve-regulated cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway. METHODS In the present study, we investigated the key role of α7nAChR in NAFLD development. Male wild-type (WT) and α7nAChR knockout (α7nAChR-/-) mice were fed a normal chow or a high-fat diet (HFD) for 16weeks to induce NAFLD. RESULTS We found that both the mRNA and protein levels of α7nAChR in the liver tissue of NAFLD mice were significantly higher than those in mice fed normal chow. There were no differences in food intake, body weight, hepatic cholesterol and triglyceride contents, and insulin sensitivity between WT and α7nAChR-/- mice under normal condition. When the WT and α7nAChR-/- mice were challenged with HFD, the body weight of α7nAChR-/- mice became higher than that of WT mice. The oxygen consumption and energy expenditure in HFD-fed α7nAChR-/- mice were significantly lower than that in HFD-fed WT mice. The HFD-fed α7nAChR-/- mice also showed more aggravated hepatic lipid accumulation, steatosis and oxidative stress than HFD-fed WT mice. Macrophage infiltration; mRNA levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-1β; and liver fibrosis were significantly accelerated in HFD-fed α7nAChR-/- mice compared to that in HFD-fed WT mice. In addition, the bolus insulin injection-activated insulin signaling pathway, which was reflected by the phosphorylation of insulin receptor at Tyr1162/Tyr1163 site (p-IRTyr1162/Tyr1163), insulin receptor substrate-1 at Tyr612 site (p-IRS-1Tyr612) and Akt at Ser473 (p-AktSer473), was significantly compromised in liver tissues of HFD-fed α7nAChR-/- mice relative to HFD-fed WT mice. Finally, pharmacologically activation of α7nAChR in HFD-fed mice, with a selective agonist PNU-282987, remarkably ameliorated the hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our results demonstrate that activation of α7nAChR improves energy homeostasis and inhibits inflammation in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Jie Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian Liu
- Department of Biliary Tract Surgery, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xia Hua
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Fu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi-Bo Fei
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Jie Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Ming Shen
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Pei Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China; Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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Fairley AS, Mathis KW. Cholinergic agonists reduce blood pressure in a mouse model of systemic lupus erythematosus. Physiol Rep 2017; 5:e13213. [PMID: 28400502 PMCID: PMC5392509 DOI: 10.14814/phy2.13213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2017] [Revised: 02/21/2017] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Increased inflammation arising from an abnormal immune response can damage healthy tissue and lead to disease progression. An important example of this is the accumulation of inflammatory mediators in the kidney, which can subsequently lead to hypertension and renal injury. The origin of this inflammation may involve neuro-immune interactions. For example, the novel vagus nerve-to-spleen mechanism known as the "cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway" controls inflammation upon stimulation. However, if this pathway is dysfunctional, inflammation becomes less regulated and chronic inflammatory diseases such as hypertension may develop. Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease with aberrant immune function, increased renal inflammation, and prevalent hypertension. We hypothesized that the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is impaired in SLE and that stimulation of this pathway would protect from the progression of hypertension in SLE mice. Female SLE (NZBWF1) and control (NZW) mice were administered nicotine or vehicle for 7 days (2 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously) in order to stimulate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway at the level of the splenic nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7-nAChR). Blood pressure was assessed posttreatment. Nicotine-treated SLE mice did not develop hypertension and this lower blood pressure (compared to saline-treated SLE mice) coincided with lower splenic and renal cortical expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. These data provide evidence that the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway is impaired in SLE In addition, these data suggest that stimulation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway can protect the kidney by dampening inflammation and therefore prevent the progression of hypertension in the setting of SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber S Fairley
- Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
| | - Keisa W Mathis
- Institute for Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas
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