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Bobermin LD, da Costa DS, de Moraes ADM, da Silva VF, de Oliveira GT, Sesterheim P, Tramontina AC, Basso LA, Leipnitz G, Quincozes-Santos A, Gonçalves CA. Effect of metformin in hypothalamic astrocytes from an immunocompromised mice model. Biochimie 2024; 223:196-205. [PMID: 38642825 DOI: 10.1016/j.biochi.2024.04.005] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 02/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/22/2024]
Abstract
Astrocytes are glial cells that play key roles in neuroinflammation, which is a common feature in diabetic encephalopathy and aging process. Metformin is an antidiabetic compound that shows neuroprotective properties, including in inflammatory models, but astroglial signaling pathways involved are still poorly known. Interferons α/β are cytokines that participate in antiviral responses and the lack of their signaling increases susceptible to viral infections. Here, we investigated the effects of metformin on astrocytes from hypothalamus, a crucial brain region related to inflammatory processes. Astrocyte cultures were derived from interferon α/β receptor knockout (IFNα/βR-/-) and wild-type (WT) mice. Metformin did not change the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein but caused an anti-inflammatory effect by decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β), as well as increasing gene expression of anti-inflammatory proteins interleukin-10 and Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid derived 2 like 2). However, nuclear factor κB p65 and cyclooxygenase 2 were downregulated in WT astrocytes and upregulated in IFNα/βR-/- astrocytes. AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), a molecular target of metformin, was upregulated only in WT astrocytes, while sirtuin 1 increased in both mice models. The expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase was decreased in WT astrocytes and heme oxygenase 1 was increased in IFNα/βR-/- astrocytes. Although loss of IFNα/βR-mediated signaling affects some effects of metformin, our results support beneficial roles of this drug in hypothalamic astrocytes. Moreover, paradoxical response of metformin may involve AMPK. Thus, metformin can mediate glioprotection due its effects on age-related disorders in non-diabetic and diabetic encephalopathy individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Larissa Daniele Bobermin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Daniele Schauren da Costa
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Aline Daniel Moreira de Moraes
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Fernanda da Silva
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo Tomazzoni de Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Patrícia Sesterheim
- Centro de Cardiologia Experimental, Instituto de Cardiologia/Fundação Universitária de Cardiologia, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Centro Estadual de Vigilância em Saúde da Secretaria de Saúde do Estado do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Carolina Tramontina
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ambiente e Sustentabilidade, Universidade Estadual do Rio Grande do Sul, São Francisco de Paula, RS, Brazil
| | - Luiz Augusto Basso
- Centro de Pesquisas em Biologia Molecular e Funcional (CPBMF), Pontifícia Universidade Católica do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guilhian Leipnitz
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André Quincozes-Santos
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Vizuete AFK, Fróes F, Seady M, Hansen F, Ligabue-Braun R, Gonçalves CA, Souza DO. A Mechanism of Action of Metformin in the Brain: Prevention of Methylglyoxal-Induced Glutamatergic Impairment in Acute Hippocampal Slices. Mol Neurobiol 2024; 61:3223-3239. [PMID: 37980327 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-023-03774-1] [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: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Metformin, a biguanide compound (N-1,1-dimethylbiguanide), is widely prescribed for diabetes mellitus type 2 (T2D) treatment. It also presents a plethora of properties, such as anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptosis, anti-tumorigenic, and anti-AGE formation activity. However, the precise mechanism of action of metformin in the central nervous system (CNS) needs to be clarified. Herein, we investigated the neuroprotective role of metformin in acute hippocampal slices exposed to methylglyoxal (MG), a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound and a key molecule in T2D developmental pathophysiology. Metformin protected acute hippocampal slices from MG-induced glutamatergic neurotoxicity and neuroinflammation by reducing IL-1β synthesis and secretion and RAGE protein expression. The drug also improved astrocyte function, particularly with regard to the glutamatergic system, increasing glutamate uptake. Moreover, we observed a direct effect of metformin on glutamate transporters, where the compound prevented glycation, by facilitating enzymatic phosphorylation close to Lys residues, suggesting a new neuroprotective role of metformin via PKC ζ in preventing dysfunction in glutamatergic system induced by MG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adriana Fernanda K Vizuete
- Laboratory of Calcium-Binding Proteins in the CNS, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Post Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Fróes
- Laboratory of Calcium-Binding Proteins in the CNS, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Marina Seady
- Laboratory of Calcium-Binding Proteins in the CNS, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Hansen
- Department of Nutrition, Health Sciences Center, Federal University of Santa Catarina, University Campus, Trindade, Florianópolis, Santa Catarina, 88040-900, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Ligabue-Braun
- Department of Pharmacosciences, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Avenida Sarmento Leite 245, Porto Alegre, 90050-130, Brazil
| | - Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Laboratory of Calcium-Binding Proteins in the CNS, Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Universidade Federal Do Rio Grande Do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Post Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Diogo O Souza
- Post Graduate Program in Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, UFRGS, Ramiro Barcelos, 2600-Anexo, Porto Alegre, RS, 90035-003, Brazil
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Grote K, Schaefer AC, Soufi M, Ruppert V, Linne U, Mukund Bhagwat A, Szymanski W, Graumann J, Gercke Y, Aldudak S, Hilfiker-Kleiner D, Schieffer E, Schieffer B. Targeting the High-Density Lipoprotein Proteome for the Treatment of Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4522. [PMID: 38674105 PMCID: PMC11049911 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Here, we target the high-density lipoprotein (HDL) proteome in a case series of 16 patients with post-COVID-19 symptoms treated with HMG-Co-A reductase inhibitors (statin) plus angiotensin II type 1 receptor blockers (ARBs) for 6 weeks. Patients suffering from persistent symptoms (post-acute sequelae) after serologically confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection (post-COVID-19 syndrome, PCS, n = 8) or following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination (PVS, n = 8) were included. Asymptomatic subjects with corresponding serological findings served as healthy controls (n = 8/8). HDL was isolated using dextran sulfate precipitation and the HDL proteome of all study participants was analyzed quantitatively by mass spectrometry. Clinical symptoms were assessed using questionnaires before and after therapy. The inflammatory potential of the patients' HDL proteome was addressed in human endothelial cells. The HDL proteome of patients with PCS and PVS showed no significant differences; however, compared to controls, the HDL from PVS/PCS patients displayed significant alterations involving hemoglobin, cytoskeletal proteins (MYL6, TLN1, PARVB, TPM4, FLNA), and amyloid precursor protein. Gene Ontology Biological Process (GOBP) enrichment analysis identified hemostasis, peptidase, and lipoprotein regulation pathways to be involved. Treatment of PVS/PCS patients with statins plus ARBs improved the patients' clinical symptoms. After therapy, three proteins were significantly increased (FAM3C, AT6AP2, ADAM10; FDR < 0.05) in the HDL proteome from patients with PVS/PCS. Exposure of human endothelial cells with the HDL proteome from treated PVS/PCS patients revealed reduced inflammatory cytokine and adhesion molecule expression. Thus, HDL proteome analysis from PVS/PCS patients enables a deeper insight into the underlying disease mechanisms, pointing to significant involvement in metabolic and signaling disturbances. Treatment with statins plus ARBs improved clinical symptoms and reduced the inflammatory potential of the HDL proteome. These observations may guide future therapeutic strategies for PVS/PCS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karsten Grote
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Ann-Christin Schaefer
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Muhidien Soufi
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Volker Ruppert
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Uwe Linne
- Mass Spectrometry Facility, Department of Chemistry, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Aditya Mukund Bhagwat
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany (W.S.)
| | - Witold Szymanski
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany (W.S.)
| | - Johannes Graumann
- Institute of Translational Proteomics & Core Facility Translational Proteomics, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany (W.S.)
| | - Yana Gercke
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Sümeya Aldudak
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Denise Hilfiker-Kleiner
- Institute Cardiovascular Complications in Pregnancy and Oncologic Therapies, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany;
| | - Elisabeth Schieffer
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
| | - Bernhard Schieffer
- Department of Cardiology, Angiology, and Intensive Care, Philipps University Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany; (K.G.); (A.-C.S.); (M.S.); (V.R.); (S.A.); (E.S.)
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Fani M, Moossavi M, Bakhshi H, Jahrodi AN, Khazdair MR, Zardast AH, Ghafari S. Targeting host calcium channels and viroporins: a promising strategy for SARS-CoV-2 therapy. Future Virol 2023:10.2217/fvl-2022-0203. [PMID: 37700758 PMCID: PMC10494978 DOI: 10.2217/fvl-2022-0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
Despite passing the pandemic phase of the COVID-19, researchers are still investigating various drugs. Previous evidence suggests that blocking the calcium channels may be a suitable treatment option. Ca2+ is required to enhance the fusion process of Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Also, some important inflammatory factors during SARS-CoV-2 infection are dependent on Ca2+ level. On the other hand, viroporins have emerged as attractive targets for antiviral therapy due to their essential role in viral replication and pathogenesis. By inhibiting the host calcium channels and viroporins, it is possible to limit the spread of infection. Therefore, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) and drugs targeting Viroporins can be considered an effective option in the fight against SARS-CoV-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mona Fani
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
- North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | - Maryam Moossavi
- Department of Immunology, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | - Hasan Bakhshi
- Vector-borne Diseases Research Center, North Khorasan University of Medical Sciences, Bojnurd, Iran
| | | | - Mohammad Reza Khazdair
- Pharmaceutical Science & Clinical Physiology, Cardiovascular Diseases Research Center, Birjand University of Medical Sciences, Birjand, Iran
| | | | - Shokouh Ghafari
- Cellular & Molecular Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, 8815713471, Iran
- Department of Microbiology & Immunology, School of Medicine, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, 8815713471, Iran
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Gonçalves CA, Bobermin LD, Sesterheim P, Netto CA. SARS-CoV-2-Induced Amyloidgenesis: Not One, but Three Hypotheses for Cerebral COVID-19 Outcomes. Metabolites 2022; 12:1099. [PMID: 36422238 PMCID: PMC9692683 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12111099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2024] Open
Abstract
The main neuropathological feature of Alzheimer's disease (AD) is extracellular amyloid deposition in senile plaques, resulting from an imbalance between the production and clearance of amyloid beta peptides. Amyloid deposition is also found around cerebral blood vessels, termed cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA), in 90% of AD cases. Although the relationship between these two amyloid disorders is obvious, this does not make CAA a characteristic of AD, as 40% of the non-demented population presents this derangement. AD is predominantly sporadic; therefore, many factors contribute to its genesis. Herein, the starting point for discussion is the COVID-19 pandemic that we are experiencing and how SARS-CoV-2 may be able to, both directly and indirectly, contribute to CAA, with consequences for the outcome and extent of the disease. We highlight the role of astrocytes and endothelial cells in the process of amyloidgenesis, as well as the role of other amyloidgenic proteins, such as fibrinogen and serum amyloid A protein, in addition to the neuronal amyloid precursor protein. We discuss three independent hypotheses that complement each other to explain the cerebrovascular amyloidgenesis that may underlie long-term COVID-19 and new cases of dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlos-Alberto Gonçalves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Larissa Daniele Bobermin
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
| | - Patricia Sesterheim
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Centro Estadual de Vigilância Sanitária do Rio Grande do Sul (CEVS-RS), Porto Alegre 90450-190, Brazil
| | - Carlos Alexandre Netto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Biológicas: Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Neurociências, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, UFRGS, Porto Alegre 90035-003, Brazil
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