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Zhang X, Chen Z, Xiong Y, Zhou Q, Zhu LQ, Liu D. The emerging role of nitric oxide in the synaptic dysfunction of vascular dementia. Neural Regen Res 2025; 20:402-415. [PMID: 38819044 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
With an increase in global aging, the number of people affected by cerebrovascular diseases is also increasing, and the incidence of vascular dementia-closely related to cerebrovascular risk-is increasing at an epidemic rate. However, few therapeutic options exist that can markedly improve the cognitive impairment and prognosis of vascular dementia patients. Similarly in Alzheimer's disease and other neurological disorders, synaptic dysfunction is recognized as the main reason for cognitive decline. Nitric oxide is one of the ubiquitous gaseous cellular messengers involved in multiple physiological and pathological processes of the central nervous system. Recently, nitric oxide has been implicated in regulating synaptic plasticity and plays an important role in the pathogenesis of vascular dementia. This review introduces in detail the emerging role of nitric oxide in physiological and pathological states of vascular dementia and summarizes the diverse effects of nitric oxide on different aspects of synaptic dysfunction, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and blood-brain barrier dysfunction that underlie the progress of vascular dementia. Additionally, we propose that targeting the nitric oxide-sGC-cGMP pathway using certain specific approaches may provide a novel therapeutic strategy for vascular dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Center for Cognitive Science and Transdisciplinary Studies, Jiujiang University, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhiying Chen
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Neurology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Yinyi Xiong
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, Affiliated Hospital of Jiujiang University, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qin Zhou
- Jiujiang Clinical Precision Medicine Research Center, Jiujiang, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Ling-Qiang Zhu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
| | - Dan Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei Province, China
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2
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van Kraaij SJW, Borghans L, Klaassen ES, Gal P, van der Grond J, Tripp K, Winrow C, Glasser C, Groeneveld GJ. Randomized placebo-controlled crossover study to assess tolerability and pharmacodynamics of zagociguat, a soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator, in healthy elderly. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2023; 89:3606-3617. [PMID: 37488930 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15861] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS Dysfunction of nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling is implicated in the pathophysiology of cognitive impairment. Zagociguat is a central nervous system (CNS) penetrant sGC stimulator designed to amplify nitric oxide-cyclic guanosine monophosphate signalling in the CNS. This article describes a phase 1b study evaluating the safety and pharmacodynamic effects of zagociguat. METHODS In this randomized crossover study, 24 healthy participants aged ≥65 years were planned to receive 15 mg zagociguat or placebo once daily for 2 15-day periods separated by a 27-day washout. Adverse events, vital signs, electrocardiograms and laboratory tests were conducted to assess safety. Pharmacokinetics of zagociguat were evaluated in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Pharmacodynamic assessments included evaluation of cerebral blood flow, CNS tests, pharmaco-electroencephalography, passive leg movement and biomarkers in blood, CSF and brain. RESULTS Twenty-four participants were enrolled; 12 participants completed both treatment periods, while the other 12 participants completed only 1 treatment period. Zagociguat was well-tolerated and penetrated the blood-brain barrier, with a CSF/free plasma concentration ratio of 0.45 (standard deviation 0.092) measured 5 h after the last dose of zagociguat on Day 15. Zagociguat induced modest decreases in blood pressure. No consistent effects of zagociguat on other pharmacodynamic parameters were detected. CONCLUSION Zagociguat was well-tolerated and induced modest blood pressure reductions consistent with other sGC stimulators. No clear pharmacodynamic effects of zagociguat were detected. Studies in participants with proven reduced cerebral blood flow or CNS function may be an avenue for further evaluation of the compound.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastiaan J W van Kraaij
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Pim Gal
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jeroen van der Grond
- Department of Radiology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Ken Tripp
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | | | - Chad Glasser
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug Research, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Surgery, Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Centre, Leiden, The Netherlands
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3
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Dow LF, Case AM, Paustian MP, Pinkerton BR, Simeon P, Trippier PC. The evolution of small molecule enzyme activators. RSC Med Chem 2023; 14:2206-2230. [PMID: 37974956 PMCID: PMC10650962 DOI: 10.1039/d3md00399j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
There is a myriad of enzymes within the body responsible for maintaining homeostasis by providing the means to convert substrates to products as and when required. Physiological enzymes are tightly controlled by many signaling pathways and their products subsequently control other pathways. Traditionally, most drug discovery efforts focus on identifying enzyme inhibitors, due to upregulation being prevalent in many diseases and the existence of endogenous substrates that can be modified to afford inhibitor compounds. As enzyme downregulation and reduction of endogenous activators are observed in multiple diseases, the identification of small molecules with the ability to activate enzymes has recently entered the medicinal chemistry toolbox to afford chemical probes and potential therapeutics as an alternative means to intervene in diseases. In this review we highlight the progress made in the identification and advancement of non-kinase enzyme activators and their potential in treating various disease states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise F Dow
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68106 USA
| | - Alfie M Case
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68106 USA
| | - Megan P Paustian
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68106 USA
| | - Braeden R Pinkerton
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68106 USA
| | - Princess Simeon
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68106 USA
| | - Paul C Trippier
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68106 USA
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68106 USA
- UNMC Center for Drug Discovery, University of Nebraska Medical Center Omaha NE 68106 USA
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4
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Nelissen E, Schepers M, Ponsaerts L, Foulquier S, Bronckaers A, Vanmierlo T, Sandner P, Prickaerts J. Soluble guanylyl cyclase: A novel target for the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment? Pharmacol Res 2023; 197:106970. [PMID: 37884069 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106970] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023]
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) describes neurodegenerative disorders characterized by a vascular component. Pathologically, it involves decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF), white matter lesions, endothelial dysfunction, and blood-brain barrier (BBB) impairments. Molecularly, oxidative stress and inflammation are two of the major underlying mechanisms. Nitric oxide (NO) physiologically stimulates soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) to induce cGMP production. However, under pathological conditions, NO seems to be at the basis of oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to a decrease in sGC activity and expression. The native form of sGC needs a ferrous heme group bound in order to be sensitive to NO (Fe(II)sGC). Oxidation of sGC leads to the conversion of ferrous to ferric heme (Fe(III)sGC) and even heme-loss (apo-sGC). Both Fe(III)sGC and apo-sGC are insensitive to NO, and the enzyme is therefore inactive. sGC activity can be enhanced either by targeting the NO-sensitive native sGC (Fe(II)sGC), or the inactive, oxidized sGC (Fe(III)sGC) and the heme-free apo-sGC. For this purpose, sGC stimulators acting on Fe(II)sGC and sGC activators acting on Fe(III)sGC/apo-sGC have been developed. These sGC agonists have shown their efficacy in cardiovascular diseases by restoring the physiological and protective functions of the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway, including the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammation, and improvement of vascular functioning. Yet, only very little research has been performed within the cerebrovascular system and VCI pathology when focusing on sGC modulation and its potential protective mechanisms on vascular and neural function. Therefore, within this review, the potential of sGC as a target for treating VCI is highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Laura Ponsaerts
- Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium; Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Sébastien Foulquier
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), School for Cardiovascular Diseases (CARIM), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Annelies Bronckaers
- Department of Cardio & Organ Systems (COS), Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek, Belgium
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands; Neuro-immune connect and repair lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, Hasselt 3500, Belgium
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, the Netherlands
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5
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Cummings JL, Osse AML, Kinney JW. Alzheimer's Disease: Novel Targets and Investigational Drugs for Disease Modification. Drugs 2023; 83:1387-1408. [PMID: 37728864 PMCID: PMC10582128 DOI: 10.1007/s40265-023-01938-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/28/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
Novel agents addressing non-amyloid, non-tau targets in Alzheimer's Disease (AD) comprise 70% of the AD drug development pipeline of agents currently in clinical trials. Most of the target processes identified in the Common Alzheimer's Disease Research Ontology (CADRO) are represented by novel agents in trials. Inflammation and synaptic plasticity/neuroprotection are the CADRO categories with the largest number of novel candidate therapies. Within these categories, there are few overlapping targets among the test agents. Additional categories being evaluated include apolipoprotein E [Formula: see text] 4 (APOE4) effects, lipids and lipoprotein receptors, neurogenesis, oxidative stress, bioenergetics and metabolism, vascular factors, cell death, growth factors and hormones, circadian rhythm, and epigenetic regulators. We highlight current drugs being tested within these categories and their mechanisms. Trials will be informative regarding which targets can be modulated to produce a slowing of clinical decline. Possible therapeutic combinations of agents may be suggested by trial outcomes. Biomarkers are evolving in concert with new targets and novel agents, and biomarker outcomes offer a means of supporting disease modification by the putative treatment. Identification of novel targets and development of corresponding therapeutics offer an important means of advancing new treatments for AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Cummings
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA.
- , 1380 Opal Valley Street, Henderson, Nevada, 89052, USA.
| | - Amanda M Leisgang Osse
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Jefferson W Kinney
- Department of Brain Health, Chambers-Grundy Center for Transformative Neuroscience, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
- Department of Brain Health, School of Integrated Health Sciences, University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
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6
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Friebe A, Kraehling JR, Russwurm M, Sandner P, Schmidtko A. The 10th International Conference on cGMP 2022: recent trends in cGMP research and development-meeting report. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2023; 396:1669-1686. [PMID: 37079081 PMCID: PMC10338386 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-023-02484-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Increasing cGMP is a unique therapeutic principle, and drugs inhibiting cGMP-degrading enzymes or stimulating cGMP production are approved for the treatment of various diseases such as erectile dysfunction, coronary artery disease, pulmonary hypertension, chronic heart failure, irritable bowel syndrome, or achondroplasia. In addition, cGMP-increasing therapies are preclinically profiled or in clinical development for quite a broad set of additional indications, e.g., neurodegenerative diseases or different forms of dementias, bone formation disorders, underlining the pivotal role of cGMP signaling pathways. The fundamental understanding of the signaling mediated by nitric oxide-sensitive (soluble) guanylyl cyclase and membrane-associated receptor (particulate) guanylyl cyclase at the molecular and cellular levels, as well as in vivo, especially in disease models, is a key prerequisite to fully exploit treatment opportunities and potential risks that could be associated with an excessive increase in cGMP. Furthermore, human genetic data and the clinical effects of cGMP-increasing drugs allow back-translation into basic research to further learn about signaling and treatment opportunities. The biannual international cGMP conference, launched nearly 20 years ago, brings all these aspects together as an established and important forum for all topics from basic science to clinical research and pivotal clinical trials. This review summarizes the contributions to the "10th cGMP Conference on cGMP Generators, Effectors and Therapeutic Implications," which was held in Augsburg in 2022 but will also provide an overview of recent key achievements and activities in the field of cGMP research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Friebe
- Institute of Physiology, University of Würzburg, Röntgenring 9, D-97070 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Jan R. Kraehling
- Pharmaceuticals, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, Bayer AG, Aprather Weg 18a, D-42096 Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Michael Russwurm
- Institute of Pharmacology, Ruhr-University Bochum, Universitätsstr. 150, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Pharmaceuticals, Research and Early Development, Pharma Research Center, Bayer AG, Aprather Weg 18a, D-42096 Wuppertal, Germany
- Institute of Pharmacology, Hannover Medical School, Carl-Neuberg-Str. 1, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Achim Schmidtko
- Institute of Pharmacology and Clinical Pharmacy, Goethe University, Max-Von-Laue-Str. 9, D-60438 Frankfurt Am Main, Germany
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7
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van Kraaij SJW, Gal P, Borghans LGJM, Klaassen ES, Dijkstra F, Winrow C, Glasser C, Groeneveld GJ. First-in-human trial to assess safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of zagociguat (CY6463), a CNS-penetrant soluble guanylyl cyclase stimulator. Clin Transl Sci 2023; 16:1381-1395. [PMID: 37118895 PMCID: PMC10432884 DOI: 10.1111/cts.13537] [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: 11/28/2022] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) and its product, cyclic guanosine monophosphate, play a role in learning and memory formation. Zagociguat (CY6463) is a novel stimulator of sGC being developed for the treatment of neurodegenerative disease. Single zagociguat doses of 0.3, 1, 3, 10, 20, 30, and 50 mg were administered once to healthy participants in a single-ascending-dose phase; then zagociguat 2, 5, 10, and 15 mg was administered q.d. for 14 days in a multiple-ascending-dose phase; and, finally, zagociguat 10 mg was administered once in both fed and fasted state in a food-interaction phase. Safety of zagociguat was evaluated by monitoring treatment-emergent adverse events, suicide risk, vital signs, electrocardiography, and laboratory tests. Pharmacokinetics of zagociguat were assessed through blood, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid sampling. Pharmacodynamic effects of zagociguat were evaluated with central nervous system (CNS) tests and pharmaco-electroencephalography. Zagociguat was well-tolerated across all doses evaluated. Zagociguat exposures increased in a dose-proportional manner. Median time to maximum concentration ranged from 0.8 to 5 h and mean terminal half-life from 52.8 to 67.1 h. CNS penetration of the compound was confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid sampling. Zagociguat induced up to 6.1 mmHg reduction in mean systolic and up to 7.5 mmHg reduction in mean diastolic blood pressure. No consistent pharmacodynamic (PD) effects on neurocognitive function were observed. Zagociguat was well-tolerated, CNS-penetrant, and demonstrated PD activity consistent with other sGC stimulators. The results of this study support further development of zagociguat.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pim Gal
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Francis Dijkstra
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
| | | | | | - Geert Jan Groeneveld
- Centre for Human Drug ResearchLeidenThe Netherlands
- Leiden University Medical CentreLeidenThe Netherlands
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8
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Abstract
eNOS (endothelial nitric oxide synthase) is critically important enzyme responsible for regulation of cardiovascular homeostasis. Under physiological conditions, constitutive eNOS activity and production of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) exert essential neurovascular protective functions. In this review, we first discuss the roles of endothelial NO in prevention of neuronal amyloid accumulation and formation of neurofibrillary tangles, hallmarks of Alzheimer disease pathology. Next, we review existing evidence suggesting that NO released from endothelium prevents activation of microglia, stimulates glycolysis in astrocytes, and increases biogenesis of mitochondria. We also address major risk factors for cognitive impairment including aging and ApoE4 (apolipoprotein 4) genotype with focus on their detrimental effects on eNOS/NO signaling. Relevant to this review, recent studies suggested that aged eNOS heterozygous mice are unique model of spontaneous cerebral small vessel disease. In this regard, we review contribution of dysfunctional eNOS to deposition of Aβ (amyloid-β) into blood vessel wall leading to development of cerebral amyloid angiopathy. We conclude that endothelial dysfunction manifested by the loss of neurovascular protective functions of NO may significantly contribute to development of cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zvonimir S. Katusic
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Livius V. d’Uscio
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
| | - Tongrong He
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota 55902, USA
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Marcos JL, Olivares-Barraza R, Ceballo K, Wastavino M, Ortiz V, Riquelme J, Martínez-Pinto J, Muñoz P, Cruz G, Sotomayor-Zárate R. Obesogenic Diet-Induced Neuroinflammation: A Pathological Link between Hedonic and Homeostatic Control of Food Intake. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24021468. [PMID: 36674982 PMCID: PMC9866213 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24021468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Obesity-induced neuroinflammation is a chronic aseptic central nervous system inflammation that presents systemic characteristics associated with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) and interleukin 18 (IL-18) and the presence of microglia and reactive astrogliosis as well as the activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. The obesity pandemic is associated with lifestyle changes, including an excessive intake of obesogenic foods and decreased physical activity. Brain areas such as the lateral hypothalamus (LH), lateral septum (LS), ventral tegmental area (VTA), and nucleus accumbens (NAcc) have been implicated in the homeostatic and hedonic control of feeding in experimental models of diet-induced obesity. In this context, a chronic lipid intake triggers neuroinflammation in several brain regions such as the hypothalamus, hippocampus, and amygdala. This review aims to present the background defining the significant impact of neuroinflammation and how this, when induced by an obesogenic diet, can affect feeding control, triggering metabolic and neurological alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
- José Luis Marcos
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Escuela de Ciencias Agrícolas y Veterinarias, Universidad Viña del Mar, Viña del Mar 2572007, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias e Ingeniería para la Salud, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Rossy Olivares-Barraza
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Karina Ceballo
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Programa de Doctorado en Ciencias Mención Neurociencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Melisa Wastavino
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Víctor Ortiz
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Julio Riquelme
- Escuela de Medicina y Centro de Neurología Traslacional (CENTRAS), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 2540064, Chile
| | - Jonathan Martínez-Pinto
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Pablo Muñoz
- Escuela de Medicina y Centro de Neurología Traslacional (CENTRAS), Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valparaíso, Viña del Mar 2540064, Chile
| | - Gonzalo Cruz
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
| | - Ramón Sotomayor-Zárate
- Centro de Neurobiología y Fisiopatología Integrativa (CENFI), Instituto de Fisiología, Facultad de Ciencias, Universidad de Valparaíso, Valparaíso 2360102, Chile
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +56-32-2508050
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Clinical Trials of New Drugs for Vascular Cognitive Impairment and Vascular Dementia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911067. [PMID: 36232368 PMCID: PMC9569827 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Revised: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Population aging has challenged the treatment of cognitive impairment or dementia. Vascular dementia is the second leading cause of dementia after Alzheimer’s disease. Cognitive consequences after ischemic brain injury have been recognized as a preferred target for therapeutic strategies, prompting the search for potential agents. The keyword “vascular dementia” was used to search ClinicalTrials.gov to determine agents represented in phases I, II, III, and IV. The agents were classified on the basis of their mechanisms. Of the 17 randomized controlled trials meeting our inclusion criteria, 9 were completed in the past 10 years, and 8 are ongoing or in the planning stages. We also identified one trial in phase I, nine in phase II, six in phase III, and one in phase IV. Fewer trials of new drugs for improving cognition or ameliorating the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia target vascular dementia than Alzheimer’s dementia. Drug trials on vascular dementia overlap with drug trials targeting functional outcomes in cerebrovascular disease. International pharmaceutical companies’ investment in new drugs targeting VCI and vascular dementia remains insufficient.
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11
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Soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator riociguat improves spatial memory in mice via peripheral mechanisms. Neurosci Lett 2022; 788:136840. [PMID: 35985509 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2022.136840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) - cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) signalling is important for healthy memory function and a healthy vascular system. Targeting sGC-cGMP signalling can therefore be a potential strategy to enhance memory processes. sGC can be targeted by using agonists, such as sGC stimulator riociguat. Therefore, this study aimed to target sGC using riociguat to investigate its acute effects on memory function and neuronal plasticity in mice. The effects of riociguat on long-term memory and a biperiden-induced memory deficit model for assessing short-term memory were tested in the object location task, and working memory was tested in the Y-maze continuous alternation task. Pharmacokinetic measurements were performed within brain tissue of mice, and hippocampal plasticity measures were assessed using western blotting. Acute oral administration with a low dose of 0.03 mg/kg riociguat was able to enhance working-, short-, and long-term spatial memory. Under cerebral vasoconstriction higher doses of riociguat were still effective on memory. Pharmacokinetic measurements revealed poor brain penetration of riociguat and its metabolite M-1. Increased activation of VASP was found, while no effects were found on other memory-related hippocampal plasticity measures. Memory enhancing effects of riociguat are most likely regulated by vascular peripheral effects on cGMP signalling. Yet, further research is needed to investigate the possible contribution of hemodynamic or metabolic effects of sGC stimulators on memory performance.
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Saiyasit N, Butlig EAR, Chaney SD, Traylor MK, Hawley NA, Randall RB, Bobinger HV, Frizell CA, Trimm F, Crook ED, Lin M, Hill BD, Keller JL, Nelson AR. Neurovascular Dysfunction in Diverse Communities With Health Disparities-Contributions to Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:915405. [PMID: 35844216 PMCID: PMC9279126 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.915405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) are an expanding worldwide crisis. In the absence of scientific breakthroughs, the global prevalence of ADRD will continue to increase as more people are living longer. Racial or ethnic minority groups have an increased risk and incidence of ADRD and have often been neglected by the scientific research community. There is mounting evidence that vascular insults in the brain can initiate a series of biological events leading to neurodegeneration, cognitive impairment, and ADRD. We are a group of researchers interested in developing and expanding ADRD research, with an emphasis on vascular contributions to dementia, to serve our local diverse community. Toward this goal, the primary objective of this review was to investigate and better understand health disparities in Alabama and the contributions of the social determinants of health to those disparities, particularly in the context of vascular dysfunction in ADRD. Here, we explain the neurovascular dysfunction associated with Alzheimer's disease (AD) as well as the intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors contributing to dysfunction of the neurovascular unit (NVU). Next, we ascertain ethnoregional health disparities of individuals living in Alabama, as well as relevant vascular risk factors linked to AD. We also discuss current pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical treatment options for neurovascular dysfunction, mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and AD, including relevant studies and ongoing clinical trials. Overall, individuals in Alabama are adversely affected by social and structural determinants of health leading to health disparities, driven by rurality, ethnic minority status, and lower socioeconomic status (SES). In general, these communities have limited access to healthcare and healthy food and other amenities resulting in decreased opportunities for early diagnosis of and pharmaceutical treatments for ADRD. Although this review is focused on the current state of health disparities of ADRD patients in Alabama, future studies must include diversity of race, ethnicity, and region to best be able to treat all individuals affected by ADRD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Napatsorn Saiyasit
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Evan-Angelo R. Butlig
- Department of Neurology, Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Samantha D. Chaney
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Miranda K. Traylor
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Nanako A. Hawley
- Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Ryleigh B. Randall
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Hanna V. Bobinger
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Carl A. Frizell
- Department of Physician Assistant Studies, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Franklin Trimm
- College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Errol D. Crook
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Mike Lin
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Benjamin D. Hill
- Department of Psychology, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Joshua L. Keller
- Department of Health, Kinesiology, and Sport, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
| | - Amy R. Nelson
- Department of Physiology and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, University of South Alabama, Mobile, AL, United States
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Jehle A, Garaschuk O. The Interplay between cGMP and Calcium Signaling in Alzheimer’s Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137048. [PMID: 35806059 PMCID: PMC9266933 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Revised: 05/31/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP) is a ubiquitous second messenger and a key molecule in many important signaling cascades in the body and brain, including phototransduction, olfaction, vasodilation, and functional hyperemia. Additionally, cGMP is involved in long-term potentiation (LTP), a cellular correlate of learning and memory, and recent studies have identified the cGMP-increasing drug Sildenafil as a potential risk modifier in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). AD development is accompanied by a net increase in the expression of nitric oxide (NO) synthases but a decreased activity of soluble guanylate cyclases, so the exact sign and extent of AD-mediated imbalance remain unclear. Moreover, human patients and mouse models of the disease present with entangled deregulation of both cGMP and Ca2+ signaling, e.g., causing changes in cGMP-mediated Ca2+ release from the intracellular stores as well as Ca2+-mediated cGMP production. Still, the mechanisms governing such interplay are poorly understood. Here, we review the recent data on mechanisms underlying the brain cGMP signaling and its interconnection with Ca2+ signaling. We also discuss the recent evidence stressing the importance of such interplay for normal brain function as well as in Alzheimer’s disease.
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Nelissen E, Possemis N, Van Goethem NP, Schepers M, Mulder-Jongen DAJ, Dietz L, Janssen W, Gerisch M, Hüser J, Sandner P, Vanmierlo T, Prickaerts J. The sGC stimulator BAY-747 and activator runcaciguat can enhance memory in vivo via differential hippocampal plasticity mechanisms. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3589. [PMID: 35246566 PMCID: PMC8897390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-07391-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) requires a heme-group bound in order to produce cGMP, a second messenger involved in memory formation, while heme-free sGC is inactive. Two compound classes can increase sGC activity: sGC stimulators acting on heme-bound sGC, and sGC activators acting on heme-free sGC. In this rodent study, we investigated the potential of the novel brain-penetrant sGC stimulator BAY-747 and sGC activator runcaciguat to enhance long-term memory and attenuate short-term memory deficits induced by the NOS-inhibitor L-NAME. Furthermore, hippocampal plasticity mechanisms were investigated. In vivo, oral administration of BAY-747 and runcaciguat to male Wistar rats enhanced memory acquisition in the object location task (OLT), while only BAY-747 reversed L-NAME induced memory impairments in the OLT. Ex vivo, both BAY-747 and runcaciguat enhanced hippocampal GluA1-containing AMPA receptor (AMPAR) trafficking in a chemical LTP model for memory acquisition using acute mouse hippocampal slices. In vivo only runcaciguat acted on the glutamatergic AMPAR system in hippocampal memory acquisition processes, while for BAY-747 the effects on the neurotrophic system were more pronounced as measured in male mice using western blot. Altogether this study shows that sGC stimulators and activators have potential as cognition enhancers, while the underlying plasticity mechanisms may determine disease-specific effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Nina Possemis
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Nick P Van Goethem
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Melissa Schepers
- Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair Lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Danielle A J Mulder-Jongen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Dietz
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Wiebke Janssen
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Michael Gerisch
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Jörg Hüser
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113, Wuppertal, Germany
- Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany
| | - Tim Vanmierlo
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Neuro-Immune Connect and Repair Lab, Biomedical Research Institute, Hasselt University, 3500, Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
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Wallace DJ, Storz T, Balanov A, Kissel WS. Accelerated Development of a Scalable Synthesis of CY6463, a CNS-Penetrant sGC Stimulator for the Treatment of Neurodegenerative Diseases. Org Process Res Dev 2021. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.oprd.1c00204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Debra J. Wallace
- Chemical Development, Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc., 245 First Street Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Thomas Storz
- Chemical Development, Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc., 245 First Street Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - Anna Balanov
- Chemical Development, Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc., 245 First Street Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
| | - William S. Kissel
- Chemical Development, Cyclerion Therapeutics, Inc., 245 First Street Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, United States
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Correia SS, Liu G, Jacobson S, Bernier SG, Tobin JV, Schwartzkopf CD, Atwater E, Lonie E, Rivers S, Carvalho A, Germano P, Tang K, Iyengar RR, Currie MG, Hadcock JR, Winrow CJ, Jones JE. The CNS-penetrant soluble guanylate cyclase stimulator CYR119 attenuates markers of inflammation in the central nervous system. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:213. [PMID: 34537066 PMCID: PMC8449877 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02275-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) is observed in many neurological disorders. Nitric oxide-soluble guanylate cyclase-cyclic guanosine monophosphate (NO–sGC–cGMP) signaling plays an essential role in modulating neuroinflammation. CYR119 is a CNS-penetrant sGC stimulator that amplifies endogenous NO–sGC–cGMP signaling. We evaluated target engagement and the effects of CYR119 on markers of neuroinflammation in vitro in mouse microglial cells and in vivo in quinolinic acid (QA)-induced and high-fat diet-induced rodent neuroinflammation models.
Methods Target engagement was verified in human embryonic kidney (HEK) cells, rat primary neurons, mouse SIM-A9 cells, and in rats by measuring changes in cGMP and downstream targets of sGC signaling [phosphorylated vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (pVASP), phosphorylated cAMP-response element binding (pCREB)]. In SIM-A9 cells stimulated with lipopolysaccharides (LPS), markers of inflammation were measured when cells were treated with or without CYR119. In rats, microinjections of QA and vehicle were administered into the right and left hemispheres of striatum, respectively, and then rats were dosed daily with either CYR119 (10 mg/kg) or vehicle for 7 days. The activation of microglia [ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (Iba1)] and astrocytes [glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP)] was measured by immunohistochemistry. Diet-induced obese (DIO) mice were treated daily with CYR119 (10 mg/kg) for 6 weeks, after which inflammatory genetic markers were analyzed in the prefrontal cortex. Results In vitro, CYR119 synergized with exogenous NO to increase the production of cGMP in HEK cells and in primary rat neuronal cell cultures. In primary neurons, CYR119 stimulated sGC, resulting in accumulation of cGMP and phosphorylation of CREB, likely through the activation of protein kinase G (PKG). CYR119 attenuated LPS-induced elevation of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in mouse microglial cells. Following oral dosing in rats, CYR119 crossed the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and stimulated an increase in cGMP levels in the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). In addition, levels of proinflammatory markers associated with QA administration or high-fat diet feeding were lower in rodents treated with CYR119 than in those treated with vehicle. Conclusions These data suggest that sGC stimulation could provide neuroprotective effects by attenuating inflammatory responses in nonclinical models of neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susana S Correia
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Guang Liu
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Sarah Jacobson
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Sylvie G Bernier
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Jenny V Tobin
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Chad D Schwartzkopf
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Emily Atwater
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | | | - Sam Rivers
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Andrew Carvalho
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Peter Germano
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Kim Tang
- Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Rajesh R Iyengar
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Mark G Currie
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - John R Hadcock
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Christopher J Winrow
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Juli E Jones
- Cyclerion Therapeutics, 245 First St., Riverview II, 18th Floor, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA.
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Nelissen E, Argyrousi EK, Van Goethem NP, Zhao F, Hines CDG, Swaminath G, Gerisch M, Hueser J, Sandner P, Prickaerts J. Soluble Guanylate Cyclase Stimulator Vericiguat Enhances Long-Term Memory in Rats without Altering Cerebral Blood Volume. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1047. [PMID: 34440254 PMCID: PMC8393324 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9081047] [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: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) is characterized by impairments in cerebral blood flow (CBF), endothelial function and blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity. These processes are all physiologically regulated by the nitric oxide (NO)-soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC)-cGMP signaling pathway. Additionally, cGMP signaling plays an important role in long-term potentiation (LTP) underlying memory formation. Therefore, targeting the NO-sGC-cGMP pathway may be a therapeutic strategy for treating VCI. Hence, in this study we investigated whether sGC stimulator vericiguat has potential as a cognitive enhancer. The effects of vericiguat on long-term memory were measured in rats using an object location task. Due to the low brain-penetrance of vericiguat found in this study, it was investigated whether in the absence of BBB limitations, vericiguat enhanced hippocampal plasticity using an ex vivo memory acquisition-like chemical LTP model. Finally, peripheral effects were measured by means of blood pressure and cerebral blood volume. Vericiguat successfully enhanced long-term memory and increased hippocampal plasticity via enhanced translocation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid (AMPA) receptors to the cell membrane, while blood pressure and cerebral blood volume were unaltered. Although the memory enhancing effects in this study are likely due to peripheral effects on the cerebral microvasculature, sGC stimulation may provide a new therapeutic strategy for treating VCI, especially when BBB integrity is reduced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellis Nelissen
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Elentina K. Argyrousi
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Nick P. Van Goethem
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
| | - Fuqiang Zhao
- Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ 07033, USA; (F.Z.); (C.D.G.H.)
| | | | | | - Michael Gerisch
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Joerg Hueser
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
| | - Peter Sandner
- Bayer AG, Pharmaceuticals R&D, Pharma Research Center, 42113 Wuppertal, Germany; (M.G.); (J.H.); (P.S.)
- Hannover Medical School, Institute for Pharmacology, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jos Prickaerts
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Universiteitssingel 50, 6229 ER Maastricht, The Netherlands; (E.N.); (E.K.A.); (N.P.V.G.)
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