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Oz M, Kury LA, Sadek B, Mahgoub MO. The role of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors in the pathophysiology and pharmacotherapy of autism spectrum disorder: Focus on α7 nicotinic receptors. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 174:106634. [PMID: 39094731 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106634] [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: 05/27/2024] [Revised: 07/24/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024]
Abstract
Postmortem studies have revealed that brains of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) exhibit abnormalities in various components of the cholinergic system including cholinergic receptors, projections, and nuclei. Deletions in the 15q13.3 region which encompasses CHRNA7, the gene that encodes the α7-nACh receptor, have been linked to various neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. In addition, the involvement of α7-nACh receptors in biological phenomena known to play a role in the pathophysiology of ASD such as cognitive functions, learning, memory, neuroinflammation, and oxidative stress, as well as the excitation-inhibition balance in neuronal circuits and maternal immune activation have been reported in previous studies. Furthermore, evolving preclinical and clinical literature supports the potential therapeutic benefits of using selectively acting cholinergic compounds, particularly those targeting the α7-nACh receptor subtype, in the treatment of ASD. This study reviews the previous literature on the involvement of nACh receptors in the pathophysiology of ASD and focuses on the α7-nACh receptor as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait.
| | - Lina Al Kury
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, UAE University, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Omer Mahgoub
- Department of Health Sciences, College of Natural and Health Sciences, Zayed University, Abu Dhabi 144534, United Arab Emirates
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Jayaprakash P, Isaev D, Yang KHS, Beiram R, Oz M, Sadek B. Apigenin Alleviates Autistic-like Stereotyped Repetitive Behaviors and Mitigates Brain Oxidative Stress in Mice. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:482. [PMID: 38675442 PMCID: PMC11054933 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Studying the involvement of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), specifically α7-nAChRs, in neuropsychiatric brain disorders such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has gained a growing interest. The flavonoid apigenin (APG) has been confirmed in its pharmacological action as a positive allosteric modulator of α7-nAChRs. However, there is no research describing the pharmacological potential of APG in ASD. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the subchronic systemic treatment of APG (10-30 mg/kg) on ASD-like repetitive and compulsive-like behaviors and oxidative stress status in the hippocampus and cerebellum in BTBR mice, utilizing the reference drug aripiprazole (ARP, 1 mg/kg, i.p.). BTBR mice pretreated with APG (20 mg/kg) or ARP (1 mg/g, i.p.) displayed significant improvements in the marble-burying test (MBT), cotton-shredding test (CST), and self-grooming test (SGT) (all p < 0.05). However, a lower dose of APG (10 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to modulate behaviors in the MBT or SGT, but significantly attenuated the increased shredding behaviors in the CST of tested mice. Moreover, APG (10-30 mg/kg, i.p.) and ARP (1 mg/kg) moderated the disturbed levels of oxidative stress by mitigating the levels of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the hippocampus and cerebellum of treated BTBR mice. In patch clamp studies in hippocampal slices, the potency of choline (a selective agonist of α7-nAChRs) in activating fast inward currents was significantly potentiated following incubation with APG. Moreover, APG markedly potentiated the choline-induced enhancement of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents. The observed results propose the potential therapeutic use of APG in the management of ASD. However, further preclinical investigations in additional models and different rodent species are still needed to confirm the potential relevance of the therapeutic use of APG in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petrilla Jayaprakash
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates (R.B.)
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Dmytro Isaev
- Department of Cellular Membranology, Bogomoletz Institute of Physiology, 01024 Kiev, Ukraine;
| | - Keun-Hang Susan Yang
- Department of Biological Sciences, Schmid College of Science and Technology, Chapman University, One University Drive, Orange, CA 92866, USA;
| | - Rami Beiram
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates (R.B.)
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
| | - Murat Oz
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Pharmacy, Kuwait University, Safat 13110, Kuwait
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates (R.B.)
- Zayed Bin Sultan Center for Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain P.O. Box 15551, United Arab Emirates
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Nezhad Salari AM, Rasoulizadeh Z, Shabgah AG, Vakili-Ghartavol R, Sargazi G, Gholizadeh Navashenaq J. Exploring the mechanisms of kaempferol in neuroprotection: Implications for neurological disorders. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e3964. [PMID: 38439154 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.3964] [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: 12/06/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/21/2024] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Kaempferol, a flavonoid compound found in various fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants, has garnered increasing attention due to its potential neuroprotective effects in neurological diseases. This research examines the existing literature concerning the involvement of kaempferol in neurological diseases, including stroke, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, neuroblastoma/glioblastoma, spinal cord injury, neuropathic pain, and epilepsy. Numerous in vitro and in vivo investigations have illustrated that kaempferol possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties, contributing to its neuroprotective effects. Kaempferol has been shown to modulate key signaling pathways involved in neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, such as the PI3K/Akt, MAPK/ERK, and NF-κB pathways. Moreover, kaempferol exhibits potential therapeutic benefits by enhancing neuronal survival, attenuating oxidative stress, enhancing mitochondrial calcium channel activity, reducing neuroinflammation, promoting neurogenesis, and improving cognitive function. The evidence suggests that kaempferol holds promise as a natural compound for the prevention and treatment of neurological diseases. Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of action, optimize dosage regimens, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of this intervention in human clinical trials, thereby contributing to the advancement of scientific knowledge in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Zahra Rasoulizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
| | | | - Roghayyeh Vakili-Ghartavol
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Medical Sciences and Technologies, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Student Research Committee, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Ghasem Sargazi
- Noncommunicable Diseases Research Center, Bam University of Medical Sciences, Bam, Iran
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Gil Alabarse P, Chen LY, Oliveira P, Qin H, Liu-Bryan R. Targeting CD38 to Suppress Osteoarthritis Development and Associated Pain After Joint Injury in Mice. Arthritis Rheumatol 2023; 75:364-374. [PMID: 36103412 PMCID: PMC9998345 DOI: 10.1002/art.42351] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This study was undertaken to determine the role of CD38, which can function as an enzyme to degrade NAD+ , in osteoarthritis (OA) development. METHODS Human knee cartilage from normal donors and OA donors were examined for CD38 expression. "Gain-of-function," through overexpression of CD38 via transient transfection, and "loss-of-function," through pharmacologic inhibition of CD38, approaches were used to assess the effects of CD38 on intracellular NAD+ :NADH ratio and catabolic activity in chondrocytes. We also initiated joint injury-induced OA by surgical destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM) in CD38 knockout mice and wild-type (WT; C57BL/6) mice and in WT male mice in the presence or absence of apigenin treatment. Cartilage degradation, synovial inflammation, subchondral bone changes, and pain behavior were evaluated after DMM surgery. We also examined expression of CD38 and the neuropeptide calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in knee sections from these mice. RESULTS CD38 expression was up-regulated in human knee OA cartilage and in chondrocytes stimulated with the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β (IL-1β). Overexpression of CD38 in chondrocytes resulted in reduced cellular NAD+ :NADH ratio and augmented catabolic responses to IL-1β. These effects were reversed by pharmacologic inhibition of CD38. Cartilage degradation and synovial inflammation, associated with increased CD38 expression in cartilage and synovium, osteophyte formation and subchondral bone sclerosis, and pain-like behavior linked to increased CGRP expression in the synovium were observed in WT mice after joint injury. Such effects were significantly reduced in mice deficient in CD38 through either genetic knockout or pharmacologic inhibition. CONCLUSION CD38 deficiency exerts OA disease-modifying effects. Inhibition of CD38 has the potential to be a novel therapeutic approach for OA treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Liang-Yu Chen
- VA San Diego Healthcare System and University of California San Diego
| | - Patricia Oliveira
- VA San Diego Healthcare System and University of California San Diego
| | | | - Ru Liu-Bryan
- VA San Diego Healthcare System and University of California San Diego
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Godellas NE, Grosman C. Probing function in ligand-gated ion channels without measuring ion transport. J Gen Physiol 2022; 154:213244. [PMID: 35612603 DOI: 10.1085/jgp.202213082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the functional properties of ion channels are most accurately assessed using electrophysiological approaches, a number of experimental situations call for alternative methods. Here, working on members of the pentameric ligand-gated ion channel (pLGIC) superfamily, we focused on the practical implementation of, and the interpretation of results from, equilibrium-type ligand-binding assays. Ligand-binding studies of pLGICs are by no means new, but the lack of uniformity in published protocols, large disparities between the results obtained for a given parameter by different groups, and a general disregard for constraints placed on the experimental observations by simple theoretical considerations suggested that a thorough analysis of this classic technique was in order. To this end, we present a detailed practical and theoretical study of this type of assay using radiolabeled α-bungarotoxin, unlabeled small-molecule cholinergic ligands, the human homomeric α7-AChR, and extensive calculations in the framework of a realistic five-binding-site reaction scheme. Furthermore, we show examples of the practical application of this method to tackle two longstanding questions in the field: our results suggest that ligand-binding affinities are insensitive to binding-site occupancy and that mutations to amino-acid residues in the transmembrane domain are unlikely to affect the channel's affinities for ligands that bind to the extracellular domain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicole E Godellas
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
| | - Claudio Grosman
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL.,Center for Biophysics and Quantitative Biology, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL.,Neuroscience Program, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL
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Yuan Y, Zhai Y, Chen J, Xu X, Wang H. Kaempferol Ameliorates Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation/Reoxygenation-Induced Neuronal Ferroptosis by Activating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 Axis. Biomolecules 2021; 11:923. [PMID: 34206421 PMCID: PMC8301948 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 06/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Kaempferol has been shown to protect cells against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury through inhibition of apoptosis. In the present study, we sought to investigate whether ferroptosis is involved in the oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R)-induced neuronal injury and the effects of kaempferol on ferroptosis in OGD/R-treated neurons. Western blot, immunofluorescence, and transmission electron microscopy were used to analyze ferroptosis, whereas cell death was detected using lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. We found that OGD/R attenuated SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) levels as well as decreased endogenous antioxidants including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in neurons. Notably, OGD/R enhanced the accumulation of lipid peroxidation, leading to the induction of ferroptosis in neurons. However, kaempferol activated nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling, augmented antioxidant capacity, and suppressed the accumulation of lipid peroxidation in OGD/R-treated neurons. Furthermore, kaempferol significantly reversed OGD/R-induced ferroptosis. Nevertheless, inhibition of Nrf2 by ML385 blocked the protective effects of kaempferol on antioxidant capacity, lipid peroxidation, and ferroptosis in OGD/R-treated neurons. These results suggest that ferroptosis may be a significant cause of cell death associated with OGD/R. Kaempferol provides protection from OGD/R-induced ferroptosis partly by activating Nrf2/SLC7A11/GPX4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hongmei Wang
- Department of Neurology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai 200233, China; (Y.Y.); (Y.Z.); (J.C.); (X.X.)
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