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Fujikawa M, Ueda M, Maruyama K. Role of Kynurenine and Its Derivatives in the Neuroimmune System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7144. [PMID: 39000249 PMCID: PMC11241229 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2024] [Revised: 06/26/2024] [Accepted: 06/26/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
In recent years, there has been a growing realization of intricate interactions between the nervous and immune systems, characterized by shared humoral factors and receptors. This interplay forms the basis of the neuroimmune system, the understanding of which will provide insights into the pathogenesis of neurological diseases, in which the involvement of the immune system has been overlooked. Kynurenine and its derivatives derived from tryptophan have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological diseases. Recent studies have revealed their close association not only with neurological disorders but also with sepsis-related deaths. This review provides an overview of the biochemistry of kynurenine and its derivatives, followed by a discussion of their role via the modulation of the neuroimmune system in various diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Fujikawa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Masashi Ueda
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
| | - Kenta Maruyama
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Nagakute 480-1195, Aichi, Japan
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Yang Y, Liu X, Liu X, Xie C, Shi J. The role of the kynurenine pathway in cardiovascular disease. Front Cardiovasc Med 2024; 11:1406856. [PMID: 38883986 PMCID: PMC11176437 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2024.1406856] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) serves as the primary route for tryptophan metabolism in most mammalian organisms, with its downstream metabolites actively involved in various physiological and pathological processes. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) serve as the initial and pivotal enzymes of the KP, with IDO playing important and intricate roles in cardiovascular diseases. Multiple metabolites of KP have been observed to exhibit elevated concentrations in plasma across various cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, and acute myocardial infarction. Multiple studies have indicated that kynurenine (KYN) may serve as a potential biomarker for several adverse cardiovascular events. Furthermore, Kynurenine and its downstream metabolites have complex roles in inflammation, exhibiting both inhibitory and stimulatory effects on inflammatory responses under different conditions. In atherosclerosis, upregulation of IDO stimulates KYN production, mediating aromatic hydrocarbon receptor (AhR)-induced exacerbation of vascular inflammation and promotion of foam cell formation. Conversely, in arterial calcification, this mediation alleviates osteogenic differentiation of vascular smooth muscle cells. Additionally, in cardiac remodeling, KYN-mediated AhR activation exacerbates pathological left ventricular hypertrophy and fibrosis. Interventions targeting components of the KP, such as IDO inhibitors, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, and anthranilic acid, demonstrate cardiovascular protective effects. This review outlines the mechanistic roles of KP in coronary atherosclerosis, arterial calcification, and myocardial diseases, highlighting the potential diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic value of KP in cardiovascular diseases, thus providing novel insights for the development and application of related drugs in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuehang Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xing Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xinyi Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Chiyang Xie
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiawei Shi
- Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Wences Chirino T, Rangel López E, Luna Angulo A, Carrillo Mora P, Landa Solis C, Samudio Cruz MA, Fuentes Bello AC, Paniagua Pérez R, Ríos Martínez J, Sánchez Chapul L. Crosstalk between Exercise-Derived Endocannabinoidome and Kynurenines: Potential Target Therapies for Obesity and Depression Symptoms. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1421. [PMID: 37895892 PMCID: PMC10609722 DOI: 10.3390/ph16101421] [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: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) and the endocannabinoid system (ECS) are known to be deregulated in depression and obesity; however, it has been recognized that acute physical exercise has an important modulating role inducing changes in the mobilization of their respective metabolites-endocannabinoids (eCBs) and kynurenines (KYNs)-which overlap at some points, acting as important antidepressant, anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant biomarkers. Therefore, the aim of this review is to analyze and discuss some recently performed studies to investigate the potential interactions between both systems, particularly those related to exercise-derived endocannabinoidome and kynurenine mechanisms, and to elucidate how prescription of physical exercise could represent a new approach for the clinical management of these two conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiffany Wences Chirino
- Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Institute of Rehabilitation “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Mexico City 14389, Mexico; (T.W.C.); (A.L.A.); (A.C.F.B.)
| | - Edgar Rangel López
- Cell Reprogramming Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico;
| | - Alexandra Luna Angulo
- Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Institute of Rehabilitation “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Mexico City 14389, Mexico; (T.W.C.); (A.L.A.); (A.C.F.B.)
| | - Paul Carrillo Mora
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Institute of Rehabilitation “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Mexico City 14389, Mexico; (P.C.M.); (M.A.S.C.)
| | - Carlos Landa Solis
- Tissue Engineering, Cell Therapy, and Regenerative Medicine Unit, National Institute of Rehabilitation “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Mexico City 14389, Mexico;
| | - María Alejandra Samudio Cruz
- Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Institute of Rehabilitation “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Mexico City 14389, Mexico; (P.C.M.); (M.A.S.C.)
| | - Alim C. Fuentes Bello
- Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Institute of Rehabilitation “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Mexico City 14389, Mexico; (T.W.C.); (A.L.A.); (A.C.F.B.)
| | - Rogelio Paniagua Pérez
- Biochemistry Laboratory, National Institute of Rehabilitation “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Mexico City 14389, Mexico;
| | - Juan Ríos Martínez
- Health Sciences Research Institute, Mexican Navy, Mexico City 04470, Mexico;
| | - Laura Sánchez Chapul
- Neuromuscular Diseases Laboratory, Clinical Neurosciences Division, National Institute of Rehabilitation “Luis Guillermo Ibarra Ibarra”, Mexico City 14389, Mexico; (T.W.C.); (A.L.A.); (A.C.F.B.)
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Wang Y, Fang X, Wang G, Tang W, Liu S, Yang Y, Chen J, Ling Y, Zhou C, Zhang X, Zhang C, Su KP. The association between inflammation and kynurenine pathway metabolites in electroconvulsive therapy for schizophrenia: Implications for clinical efficacy. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 113:1-11. [PMID: 37353059 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan has been implicated in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia and its interaction with the immune system has been suggested to play a role. In this study, 28 schizophrenia patients and 25 healthy controls were recruited and divided into different inflammatory subgroups using a two-step recursive clustering analysis. Cytokine gene expression and plasma KP metabolites were measured before, during and after treatment. Our findings indicated that schizophrenia patients had lower levels of Tryptophan (TRP), N-formylkynurenine (NFK), xanthinic acid (XA), quinolinic acid (QA), kynurenic acid (KYNA), KYNA/KYN and QA/KYNA, but higher levels of IL-18 mRNA, KYN/TRP compared to healthy controls (all p < 0.05). After electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), patients with low inflammation achieved better clinical improvement (PANSS scores) compared to those with high inflammation (F = 5.672, P = 0.025), especially in negative symptoms (F = 6.382, P = 0.018, η2 = 0.197). While IL-18 mRNA (F = 32.910, P < 0.0001) was significantly decreased following ECT, the KYN/TRP (F = 3.455, p = 0.047) and KYNA/TRP (F = 4.264, P = 0.026) only significantly decreased in patients with low inflammation. Correlation analyses revealed that baseline IL-18 gene expression significantly correlated with pre- (r = 0.537, p = 0.008) and post-KYNA/TRP (r = 0.443, p = 0.034), post-KYN/TRP (r = 0.510, p = 0.013), and post-negative symptoms (r = 0.525, p = 0.010). Moreover, baseline TRP (r = -0.438, p = 0.037) and XA (r = -0.516, p = 0.012) were negatively correlated with baseline PANSS, while post-KYN (r = -0.475, p = 0.022), 2-AA (r = -0.447, p = 0.032) and KYN/TRP (r = -0.566, p = 0.005) were negatively correlated with Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) following ECT. Overall, these findings suggested that the association between inflammation and kynurenine pathway plays an essential role in mechanism of ECT for schizophrenia and that the regulation of ECT on KP is influenced by inflammatory characteristics, which may relate to clinical efficacy in schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Wang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xinyu Fang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Guangfa Wang
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Wei Tang
- The Affiliated Wenzhou Kangning Hospital, Wenzhou Medical University, China
| | - Shasha Liu
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yujing Yang
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China
| | - Yuru Ling
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chao Zhou
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiangrong Zhang
- Department of Geriatric Psychiatry, The Affiliated Brain Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China; The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Caiyi Zhang
- The Affiliated Xuzhou Oriental Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu 221004, China.
| | - Kuan-Pin Su
- College of Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan; An-Nan Hospital, China Medical University, Tainan, Taiwan.
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Liu L, Tong H, Sun Y, Chen X, Yang T, Zhou G, Li XJ, Li S. Huntingtin Interacting Proteins and Pathological Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13060. [PMID: 37685866 PMCID: PMC10488016 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241713060] [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: 07/06/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Huntington's disease (HD) is caused by an expansion of a CAG repeat in the gene that encodes the huntingtin protein (HTT). The exact function of HTT is still not fully understood, and previous studies have mainly focused on identifying proteins that interact with HTT to gain insights into its function. Numerous HTT-interacting proteins have been discovered, shedding light on the functions and structure of HTT. Most of these proteins interact with the N-terminal region of HTT. Among the various HTT-interacting proteins, huntingtin-associated protein 1 (HAP1) and HTT-interacting protein 1 (HIP1) have been extensively studied. Recent research has uncovered differences in the distribution of HAP1 in monkey and human brains compared with mice. This finding suggests that there may be species-specific variations in the regulation and function of HTT-interacting proteins. Understanding these differences could provide crucial insights into the development of HD. In this review, we will focus on the recent advancements in the study of HTT-interacting proteins, with particular attention to the differential distributions of HTT and HAP1 in larger animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Shihua Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Non-Human Primate Research, Key Laboratory of Central Nervous System Regeneration (Ministry of Education), Guangdong-Hongkong-Macau Institute of CNS Regeneration, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510623, China; (L.L.); (H.T.); (Y.S.); (X.C.); (T.Y.); (G.Z.); (X.-J.L.)
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Stone TW, Clanchy FIL, Huang YS, Chiang NY, Darlington LG, Williams RO. An integrated cytokine and kynurenine network as the basis of neuroimmune communication. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1002004. [PMID: 36507331 PMCID: PMC9729788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1002004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two of the molecular families closely associated with mediating communication between the brain and immune system are cytokines and the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan. Both groups regulate neuron and glial activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and leukocyte function in the immune system, although neither group alone completely explains neuroimmune function, disease occurrence or severity. This essay suggests that the two families perform complementary functions generating an integrated network. The kynurenine pathway determines overall neuronal excitability and plasticity by modulating glutamate receptors and GPR35 activity across the CNS, and regulates general features of immune cell status, surveillance and tolerance which often involves the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Equally, cytokines and chemokines define and regulate specific populations of neurons, glia or immune system leukocytes, generating more specific responses within restricted CNS regions or leukocyte populations. In addition, as there is a much larger variety of these compounds, their homing properties enable the superimposition of dynamic variations of cell activity upon local, spatially limited, cell populations. This would in principle allow the targeting of potential treatments to restricted regions of the CNS. The proposed synergistic interface of 'tonic' kynurenine pathway affecting baseline activity and the superimposed 'phasic' cytokine system would constitute an integrated network explaining some features of neuroimmune communication. The concept would broaden the scope for the development of new treatments for disorders involving both the CNS and immune systems, with safer and more effective agents targeted to specific CNS regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Trevor W. Stone,
| | - Felix I. L. Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nien-Yi Chiang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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Fathi M, Vakili K, Yaghoobpoor S, Tavasol A, Jazi K, Hajibeygi R, Shool S, Sodeifian F, Klegeris A, McElhinney A, Tavirani MR, Sayehmiri F. Dynamic changes in metabolites of the kynurenine pathway in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Huntington’s disease: A systematic Review and meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2022; 13:997240. [PMID: 36263032 PMCID: PMC9574226 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.997240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Tryptophan (TRP) is an essential amino acid that must be provided in the diet. The kynurenine pathway (KP) is the main route of TRP catabolism into nicotinamide adenosine dinucleotide (NAD+), and metabolites of this pathway may have protective or degenerative effects on the nervous system. Thus, the KP may be involved in neurodegenerative diseases. Objectives The purpose of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to assess the changes in KP metabolites such as TRP, kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), Anthranilic acid (AA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), 5-Hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA), and 3-Hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HANA) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD) patients compared to the control group. Methods We conducted a literature search using PubMed/Medline, Scopus, Google Scholar, Web of Science, and EMBASE electronic databases to find articles published up to 2022. Studies measuring TRP, KYN, KYNA, AA, 3-HK, 5-HIAA, 3-HANA in AD, PD, or HD patients and controls were identified. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were used to determine the differences in the levels of the KP metabolites between the two groups. Results A total of 30 studies compromising 689 patients and 774 controls were included in our meta-analysis. Our results showed that the blood levels of TRP was significantly lower in the AD (SMD=-0.68, 95% CI=-0.97 to -0.40, p=0.000, I2 = 41.8%, k=8, n=382), PD (SMD=-0.77, 95% CI=-1.24 to -0.30, p=0.001, I2 = 74.9%, k=4, n=352), and HD (SMD=-0.90, 95% CI=-1.71 to -0.10, p=0.028, I2 = 91.0%, k=5, n=369) patients compared to the controls. Moreover, the CSF levels of 3-HK in AD patients (p=0.020) and the blood levels of KYN in HD patients (p=0.020) were lower compared with controls. Conclusion Overall, the findings of this meta-analysis support the hypothesis that the alterations in the KP may be involved in the pathogenesis of AD, PD, and HD. However, additional research is needed to show whether other KP metabolites also vary in AD, PD, and HD patients. So, the metabolites of KP can be used for better diagnosing these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mobina Fathi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Vakili
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shirin Yaghoobpoor
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Arian Tavasol
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kimia Jazi
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Qom, Qom, Iran
| | - Ramtin Hajibeygi
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sina Shool
- Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sodeifian
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andis Klegeris
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Alyssa McElhinney
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus, Kelowna, BC, Canada
| | - Mostafa Rezaei Tavirani
- Proteomics Research Center, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mostafa Rezaei Tavirani, ; Fatemeh Sayehmiri,
| | - Fatemeh Sayehmiri
- Student Research Committee, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- *Correspondence: Mostafa Rezaei Tavirani, ; Fatemeh Sayehmiri,
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Bansal Y, Singh R, Sodhi RK, Khare P, Dhingra R, Dhingra N, Bishnoi M, Kondepudi KK, Kuhad A. Kynurenine monooxygenase inhibition and associated reduced quinolinic acid reverses depression-like behaviour by upregulating Nrf2/ARE pathway in mouse model of depression: In-vivo and In-silico studies. Neuropharmacology 2022; 215:109169. [PMID: 35753430 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109169] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/18/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenine pathway, a neuroimmunological pathway plays a substantial role in depression. Consistently, increased levels of neurotoxic metabolite of kynurenine pathway; quinolinic acid (QA) found in the suicidal patients and remitted major depressive patients. QA, an endogenous modulator of N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor is produced by microglial cells, may serve as a potential candidate for a link between antioxidant defence system and immune changes in depression. Further, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) like 2 (Nrf2), an endogenous antioxidant transcription factor plays a significant role in maintaining antioxidant homeostasis during basal and stress conditions. The present study was designed to explore the effects of KMO-inhibition (Kynurenine monooxygenase) and association of reduced QA on Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway activity in olfactory bulbectomized mice (OBX-mice). KMO catalysis the neurotoxic branch of kynurenine pathway directing the synthesis of QA. KMO inhibitionshowed significant reversal of depressive-like behaviour, restored Keap-1 and Nrf2 mRNA expression, and associated antioxidant levels in cortex and hippocampus of OBX-mice. KMO inhibition also increased PI3K/AKT mRNA expression in OBX-mice. KMO inhibition and associated reduced QA significantly decreased inflammatory markers, kynurenine and increased the 5-HT, 5-HIAA and tryptophan levels in OBX-mice. Furthermore, molecular docking studies has shown good binding affinity of QA towards ubiquitin proteasome complex and PI3K protein involved in Keap-1 dependent and independent proteasome degradation of Nrf2 respectively supporting our in-vivo findings. Hence, QA might act as pro-oxidant through downregulating Nrf2/ARE pathway along with modulating other pathways and KMO inhibition could be a potential therapeutic target for depression treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yashika Bansal
- Pharmacology Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Raghunath Singh
- Pharmacology Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur Sodhi
- Pharmacology Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Pragyanshu Khare
- Food and Nutritional Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Richa Dhingra
- Pharmachemistry Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Neelima Dhingra
- Pharmachemistry Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India
| | - Mahendra Bishnoi
- Food and Nutritional Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Kanthi Kiran Kondepudi
- Food and Nutritional Biotechnology, National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar, Punjab, India
| | - Anurag Kuhad
- Pharmacology Research Lab, University Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences UGC-Centre of Advanced Study, Panjab University, Chandigarh, India.
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