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Cheng Z, Han T, Yao J, Wang K, Dong X, Yu F, Huang H, Han M, Liao Q, He S, Lyu W, Li Q. Targeting glycogen synthase kinase-3β for Alzheimer's disease: Recent advances and future Prospects. Eur J Med Chem 2024; 265:116065. [PMID: 38160617 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.116065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Senile plaques induced by β-amyloid (Aβ) abnormal aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) caused by tau hyperphosphorylation are important pathological manifestations of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is a conserved kinase; one member GSK-3β is highly expressed in the AD brain and involved in the formation of NFT. Hence, pharmacologically inhibiting GSK-3β activity and expression is a good approach to treat AD. As summarized in this article, multiple GSK-3β inhibitors has been comprehensively summarized over recent five years. However, only lithium carbonate and Tideglusib have been studied in clinical trials of AD. Besides ATP-competitive and non-ATP-competitive inhibitors, peptide inhibitors, allosteric inhibitors and other types of inhibitors have gradually attracted more interest. Moreover, considering the close relationship between GSK-3β and other targets involved in cholinergic hypothesis, Aβ aggregation hypothesis, tau hyperphosphorylation hypothesis, oxidative stress hypothesis, neuro-inflammation hypothesis, etc., diverse multifunctional molecules and multi-target directed ligands (MTDLs) have also been disclosed. We hope that these recent advances and critical perspectives will facilitate the discovery of safe and effective GSK-3β inhibitors for AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zimeng Cheng
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianyue Han
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtong Yao
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Kaixuan Wang
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xue Dong
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fan Yu
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - He Huang
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Menglin Han
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Qinghong Liao
- Shandong Kangqiao Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Qingdao, 266033, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Siyu He
- Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550025, Guizhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Weiping Lyu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing, 100191, People's Republic of China
| | - Qi Li
- Department of Medical Pharmacy, School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266071, Shandong, People's Republic of China.
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Su S, Chen G, Gao M, Zhong G, Zhang Z, Wei D, Luo X, Wang Q. Kai-Xin-San protects against mitochondrial dysfunction in Alzheimer's disease through SIRT3/NLRP3 pathway. Chin Med 2023; 18:26. [PMID: 36918872 PMCID: PMC10012453 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-023-00722-y] [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: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kai-Xin-San (KXS) has been reported to have a good curative impact on dementia. The purpose of the study was to determine whether KXS might ameliorate cognitive deficits in APP/PS1 mice and to evaluate its neuroprotective mechanism. METHODS APP/PS1 mice were employed as an AD animal model; Aβ1-42 and KXS-containing serum were used in HT22 cells. Four different behavioral tests were used to determine the cognitive ability of mice. Nissl staining was utilized to detect hippocampal neuron changes. ROS, SOD, and MDA were used to detect oxidative stress levels. Transmission electron microscopy and Western blot were used to evaluate mitochondrial morphology, mitochondrial division, and fusion state. Western blotting and immunofluorescence identified PSD95, BDNF, NGF, SYN, SIRT3, and NLRP3 inflammasome levels. RESULTS The results indicated that KXS protected APP/PS1 mice against cognitive impairments. KXS suppressed neuronal apoptosis and oxidative stress among APP/PS1 mice. KXS and KXS-containing serum improved mitochondrial dysfunction and synaptic and neurotrophic factors regarding APP/PS1 mice. In addition, KXS and KXS-containing serum enhanced mitochondrial SIRT3 expression and reduced NLRP3 inflammasome expression in APP/PS1 mice. CONCLUSION KXS improves cognitive dysfunction among APP/PS1 mice via regulating SIRT3-mediated neuronal cell apoptosis. These results suggested that KXS was proposed as a neuroprotective agent for AD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- ShiJie Su
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gongcan Chen
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minghuang Gao
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guangcheng Zhong
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zerong Zhang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongyun Wei
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue Luo
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qi Wang
- Science and Technology Innovation Center, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
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Gong W, Li X, Feng Y, Ji M, Zhang D, Chen B, Wang S, Wu X, Cui L, Li B, Xia M. Novel pathogenesis of post-traumatic stress disorder studied in transgenic mice. J Psychiatr Res 2023; 161:188-198. [PMID: 36933445 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2023.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is very common after exposure to trauma, mental stress or violence. Because objective biological markers for PTSD are lacking, exactly diagnosing PTSD is a challenge for clinical psychologists. In-depth research on the pathogenesis of PTSD is a key for solving this problem. In this work, we used male Thy1-YFP transgenic mice, in which neurons are fluorescently labeled, to research the effects of PTSD on neurons in vivo. We initially discovered that pathological stress associated with PTSD increased the activation of glycogen synthesis kinase-beta (GSK-3β) in neurons and induced the translocation of the transcription factor forkhead box-class O3a (FoxO3a) from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, which decreased the expression of uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) and increased mitochondrial production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) to trigger neuronal apoptosis in the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Furthermore, the PTSD model mice showed increased freezing and anxiety-like behaviors and more severe decrease of memory and exploratory behavior. Additionally, leptin attenuated neuronal apoptosis by increasing the phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), which further elevated the expression of UCP2 and inhibited the mitochondrial production of ROS induced by PTSD, thus reducing neuronal apoptosis and ameliorating PTSD-related behaviors. Our study is expected to promote the exploration of PTSD-related pathogenesis in neural cells and the clinical effectiveness of leptin for PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenliang Gong
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, PR China; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Yuliang Feng
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Ming Ji
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Dianjun Zhang
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Binjie Chen
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Siman Wang
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Xiafang Wu
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Lulu Cui
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China
| | - Baoman Li
- Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China.
| | - Maosheng Xia
- Department of Orthopaedics, The First Hospital of China Medical University, PR China; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, PR China; China Medical University Centre of Forensic Investigation, PR China; Liaoning Province Key Laboratory of Forensic Bio-evidence Sciences, PR China.
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Jiang H, Chen L, Li Y, Gao X, Yang X, Zhao B, Li Y, Wang Y, Yu X, Zhang X, Feng S, Chai Y, Meng H, Ren X, Bao T. Effects of acupuncture on regulating the hippocampal inflammatory response in rats exposed to post-traumatic stress disorder. Neurosci Lett 2023; 796:137056. [PMID: 36621587 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2023.137056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 12/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Data from clinical and experimental studies have verified the efficacy and safety of acupuncture in the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the concrete mechanism has not been well elucidated. The stress-induced activation of inflammatory response is involved in the development and pathogenesis of PTSD. Here, we aimed to investigate the effects of acupuncture on regulating the hippocampal inflammatory response in rats exposed to PTSD. Forty male rats were randomly divided into control, model, acupuncture and sertraline group. Within 1 day after adaptive feeding, all rats were exposed to single prolonged stress (SPS), except for the rats in the control group. Rats in acupuncture group were exposed to acupuncture intervention at the acupoints of Baihui (GV20) and Yintang (GV29), 20 min once per day for 15 days. Rats in sertraline group were exposed to a suspension of sertraline and distilled water (0.2 mg/ml), once per day for 15 days continuously. Body weight and elevated plus maze experiment were detected at different time-points to evaluate the behavioral changes of rats. HE staining method was used to observe the basic pathological morphological changes in hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining method was used to observe the activation of hippocampal microglia. The content of IL-6 and IL-1β in serum were detected by ELISA method. Compared with the control group, the body weight of rats in model group significantly decreased on 8 days, and the percentage of time in open arms and open arm entries decreased significantly on 15 days after SPS procedures, which indicated that SPS induced PTSD-like behavior in rats. Acupuncture exerted therapeutic effect. Simultaneously, the result of HE staining confirmed that SPS induced hippocampal morphological changes in SPS rats. Notably, acupuncture reversed the reduction and pathological injury to some extent. The results have also shown that acupuncture intervention effectively reversed the activated microglia of the hippocampus in rats. Moreover, the expression of IL-1β in serum was significantly decreased by acupuncture intervention. In summary, the present study demonstrated that the role of acupuncture in eliminating PTSD-like behavior might be connected with reversing the pathological process of the inflammatory response mediated by the activation of microglia induced by SPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huili Jiang
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
| | - Lu Chen
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yufei Li
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xingzhou Gao
- Beijing ChangPing District Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjing Yang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, South China Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Bingcong Zhao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Acupuncture Neuromodulation, Acupuncture and Moxibustion Department, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yahuan Li
- Beijing Increase Biomedical Company Limited, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Institute of Acupuncture and Moxibustion, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Yu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | | | - Shixing Feng
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yemao Chai
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hong Meng
- School of Science, Beijing Technology and Business University, Beijing, China
| | - Xiujun Ren
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tuya Bao
- School of Acupuncture-Moxibustion and Tuina, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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Liu M, Lian B, Lan Z, Sun H, Zhao Y, Sun T, Meng Z, Zhao C, Zhang J. Transcriptomic Profile Identifies Hippocampal Sgk1 as the Key Mediator of Ovarian Estrogenic Regulation on Spatial Learning and Memory and Aβ Accumulation. Neurochem Res 2022; 47:3369-3384. [PMID: 35915371 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-022-03690-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that ovarian estrogens are involved in the occurrence and pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) through regulation on hippocampal synaptic plasticity and spatial memory; however, the underlying mechanisms have not yet been elucidated at the genomic scale. In this study, we established the postmenopausal estrogen-deficient model by ovariectomy (OVX). Then, we used high-throughput Affymetrix Clariom transcriptomics and found 143 differentially expressed genes in the hippocampus of OVX mice with the absolute fold change ≥ 1.5 and P < 0.05. GO analysis showed that the highest enrichment was seen in long-term memory. Combined with the response to steroid hormone enrichment and GeneMANIA network prediction, the serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase 1 gene (Sgk1) was found to be the most potent candidate for ovarian estrogenic regulation. Sgk1 overexpression viral vectors (oSgk1) were then constructed and injected into the hippocampus of OVX mice. Morris water maze test revealed that the impaired spatial learning and memory induced by OVX was rescued by Sgk1 overexpression. Additionally, the altered expression of synaptic proteins and actin remodeling proteins and changes in CA1 spine density and synapse density induced by OVX were also significantly reversed by oSgk1. Moreover, the OVX-induced increase in Aβ-producing BACE1 and Aβ and the decrease in insulin degrading enzyme were significantly reversed by oSgk1. The above results show that multiple pathways and genes are involved in ovarian estrogenic regulation of the function of the hippocampus, among which Sgk1 may be a novel potent target against estrogen-sensitive hippocampal dysfunctions, such as Aβ-initiated AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengying Liu
- The 305 Hospital of PLA, Beijing, 100017, China.,Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Biyao Lian
- Department of Pediatrics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, China.,Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Zhen Lan
- Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Huan Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.,Center for Brain Science, First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710061, China
| | - Yangang Zhao
- Department of Neurology, Hainan Hospital of PLA General Hospital, Sanya, 572013, China
| | - Tao Sun
- Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Zhaoyou Meng
- Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China
| | - Chengjun Zhao
- Department of Human Anatomy and Tissue Embryology, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China. .,Medical Sci-Tech Research Center, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| | - Jiqiang Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400038, China.
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Maresin 1 alleviates sevoflurane-induced neuroinflammation in neonatal rats via JAK2/STAT3/IL-6 pathways. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108912. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2022] [Revised: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Wang T, Zhang X, Wang Y, Liu W, Wang L, Hao L, Ju M, Xiao R. High cholesterol and 27-hydroxycholesterol contribute to phosphorylation of tau protein by impairing autophagy causing learning and memory impairment in C57BL/6J mice. J Nutr Biochem 2022; 106:109016. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2022.109016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Revised: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Kabel AM, Arab HH, Atef A, Estfanous RS. Omarigliptin/galangin combination mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation in rats: Involvement of glucagon-like peptide-1, toll-like receptor-4, apoptosis and Akt/GSK-3β signaling. Life Sci 2022; 295:120396. [PMID: 35157909 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 02/07/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AIMS The objectives of this work were to assess the possibility of administration of omarigliptin and/or galangin to combat lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced neuroinflammation in rats and to explore the possible mechanisms that might contribute to their actions. MATERIALS AND METHODS In a rat model of LPS-induced neuroinflammation, the changes in the behavioral tests, biochemical parameters, and the histopathological picture were assessed. KEY FINDINGS Administration of either omarigliptin or galangin to LPS-injected rats was able to significantly improve the behavioral changes with restoration of the oxidant/antioxidant balance, decrement of toll-like receptor-4 levels, and amelioration of the neuroinflammation associated with inhibition of apoptosis and restoration of glucagon-like peptide-1 levels in the cerebral tissues. In addition, omarigliptin and/or galangin significantly reduced the levels of phospho-Akt and glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK-3β) and significantly increased the expression of beclin-1 in the cerebral tissues compared versus the group treated with LPS alone. As a result, these changes were positively reflected on the histopathological and the electron microscopic picture of the cerebral tissues. These beneficial effects were maximally evidenced in rats treated with omarigliptin/galangin combination relative to the use of either omarigliptin or galangin alone. SIGNIFICANCE Omarigliptin/galangin combination might be proposed as a promising therapeutic line for mitigation of the pathophysiologic events of LPS-induced neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed M Kabel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt.
| | - Hany H Arab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Aliaa Atef
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
| | - Remon S Estfanous
- Anatomy and Embryology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
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Tong L, Li MD, Nie PY, Chen Y, Chen YL, Ji LL. miR-132 downregulation alleviates behavioral impairment of rats exposed to single prolonged stress, reduces the level of apoptosis in PFC, and upregulates the expression of MeCP2 and BDNF. Neurobiol Stress 2021; 14:100311. [PMID: 33718536 PMCID: PMC7921013 DOI: 10.1016/j.ynstr.2021.100311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is usually accompanied by anxiety symptoms and decreased expression of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which played an important role in promoting neuronal proliferation and survival. Methyl CpG-binding protein 2 (MeCP2) is a positive mediator of BDNF and is regulated by miR-132-3p. In the present study, we explored the possible molecular mechanism of miR-132, focusing on the involvement of MeCP2 and BDNF in the formation of anxiety-like symptoms of PTSD. Single prolonged stress (SPS) was used to establish a model of PTSD in adult rats and the anxiety-like behavior was tested by the elevated plus-maze (EPM). The level of miR-132 in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) was increased and intraventricular injection of anti-miR-132 could significantly improve the anxiety-like behavior of rats exposed to SPS through MeCP2 and the subsequent upregulation of BDNF levels. Then tropomyosin-related kinase B (TrkB) and downstream signals, including MAP kinase ERK1/2 and phosphoinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt pathways, were activated by BDNF upregulation, and might participate in regulating dendritic complexity and the expression of postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95) and synapsin I in the PFC of SPS rats. Furthermore, we found that the apoptosis of cells in PFC induced by SPS procedure could be alleviated by miR-132 inhibition. Our results suggest that miR-132 might be involved in the formation of anxiety-like symptoms of adult rat PTSD models by targeting MeCP2, and this effect is related to BDNF/TrkB and its downstream ERK and Akt signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Tong
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Ming-Da Li
- Department of 1st Clinical Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Peng-Yin Nie
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Yu-Lu Chen
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Li-Li Ji
- Department of Anatomy, College of Basic Medical Sciences, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- Corresponding author.
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