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Chen X, Wang C, Zhao G, Li Z, Zhang W, Song T, Zhang C, Duan N. Suppression of DNMT2/3 by proinflammatory cytokines inhibits CtBP1/2-dependent genes to promote the occurrence of atrophic nonunion. Cytokine 2024; 173:156436. [PMID: 37979214 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 10/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
Failure of bone healing after fracture often results in nonunion, but the underlying mechanism of nonunion pathogenesis is poorly understood. Herein, we provide evidence to clarify that the inflammatory microenvironment of atrophic nonunion (AN) mice suppresses the expression levels of DNA methyltransferases 2 (DNMT2) and 3A (DNMT3a), preventing the methylation of CpG islands on the promoters of C-terminal binding protein 1/2 (CtBP1/2) and resulting in their overexpression. Increased CtBP1/2 acts as transcriptional corepressors that, along with histone acetyltransferase p300 and Runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2), suppress the expression levels of six genes involved in bone healing: BGLAP (bone gamma-carboxyglutamate protein), ALPL (alkaline phosphatase), SPP1 (secreted phosphoprotein 1), COL1A1 (collagen 1a1), IBSP (integrin binding sialoprotein), and MMP13 (matrix metallopeptidase 13). We also observe a similar phenomenon in osteoblast cells treated with proinflammatory cytokines or treated with a DNMT inhibitor (5-azacytidine). Forced expression of DNMT2/3a or blockage of CtBP1/2 with their inhibitors can reverse the expression levels of BGLAP/ALPL/SPP1/COL1A1/IBSP/MMP13 in the presence of proinflammatory cytokines. Administration of CtBP1/2 inhibitors in fractured mice can prevent the incidence of AN. Thus, we demonstrate that the downregulation of bone healing genes dependent on proinflammatory cytokines/DNMT2/3a/CtBP1/2-p300-Runx2 axis signaling plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of AN. Disruption of this signaling may represent a new therapeutic strategy to prevent AN incidence after bone fracture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xun Chen
- Department of Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Chaofeng Wang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Guolong Zhao
- Department of Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Zhong Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Wentao Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Tao Song
- Department of Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China
| | - Congming Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
| | - Ning Duan
- Department of Orthopaedics, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710054, China.
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Sharma R. Innovative Genoceuticals in Human Gene Therapy Solutions: Challenges and Safe Clinical Trials of Orphan Gene Therapy Products. Curr Gene Ther 2024; 24:46-72. [PMID: 37702177 DOI: 10.2174/1566523223666230911120922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/14/2023]
Abstract
The success of gene therapy attempts is controversial and inconclusive. Currently, it is popular among the public, the scientific community, and manufacturers of Gene Therapy Medical Products. In the absence of any remedy or treatment options available for untreatable inborn metabolic orphan or genetic diseases, cancer, or brain diseases, gene therapy treatment by genoceuticals and T-cells for gene editing and recovery remains the preferred choice as the last hope. A new concept of "Genoceutical Gene Therapy" by using orphan 'nucleic acid-based therapy' aims to introduce scientific principles of treating acquired tissue damage and rare diseases. These Orphan Genoceuticals provide new scope for the 'genodrug' development and evaluation of genoceuticals and gene products for ideal 'gene therapy' use in humans with marketing authorization application (MAA). This perspective study focuses on the quality control, safety, and efficacy requirements of using 'nucleic acid-based and human cell-based new gene therapy' genoceutical products to set scientific advice on genoceutical-based 'orphan genodrug' design for clinical trials as per Western and European guidelines. The ethical Western FDA and European EMA guidelines suggest stringent legal and technical requirements on genoceutical medical products or orphan genodrug use for other countries to frame their own guidelines. The introduction section proposes lessknown 'orphan drug-like' properties of modified RNA/DNA, human cell origin gene therapy medical products, and their transgene products. The clinical trial section explores the genoceutical sources, FDA/EMA approvals for genoceutical efficacy criteria with challenges, and ethical guidelines relating to gene therapy of specific rare metabolic, cancer and neurological diseases. The safety evaluation of approved genoceuticals or orphan drugs is highlighted with basic principles and 'genovigilance' requirements (to observe any adverse effects, side effects, developed signs/symptoms) to establish their therapeutic use. Current European Union and Food and Drug Administration guidelines continuously administer fast-track regulatory legal framework from time to time, and they monitor the success of gene therapy medical product efficacy and safety. Moreover, new ethical guidelines on 'orphan drug-like genoceuticals' are updated for biodistribution of the vector, genokinetics studies of the transgene product, requirements for efficacy studies in industries for market authorization, and clinical safety endpoints with their specific concerns in clinical trials or public use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rakesh Sharma
- Surgery NMR Lab, Plastic Surgery Research, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA 02114, USA
- CCSU, Government Medical College, Saharanpur, 247232 India
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Tonev D, Momchilova A. Oxidative Stress and the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) Pathway in Multiple Sclerosis: Focus on Certain Exogenous and Endogenous Nrf2 Activators and Therapeutic Plasma Exchange Modulation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17223. [PMID: 38139050 PMCID: PMC10743556 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417223] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) suggests that, in genetically susceptible subjects, T lymphocytes undergo activation in the peripheral compartment, pass through the BBB, and cause damage in the CNS. They produce pro-inflammatory cytokines; induce cytotoxic activities in microglia and astrocytes with the accumulation of reactive oxygen species, reactive nitrogen species, and other highly reactive radicals; activate B cells and macrophages and stimulate the complement system. Inflammation and neurodegeneration are involved from the very beginning of the disease. They can both be affected by oxidative stress (OS) with different emphases depending on the time course of MS. Thus, OS initiates and supports inflammatory processes in the active phase, while in the chronic phase it supports neurodegenerative processes. A still unresolved issue in overcoming OS-induced lesions in MS is the insufficient endogenous activation of the Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which under normal conditions plays an essential role in mitochondria protection, OS, neuroinflammation, and degeneration. Thus, the search for approaches aiming to elevate endogenous Nrf2 activation is capable of protecting the brain against oxidative damage. However, exogenous Nrf2 activators themselves are not without drawbacks, necessitating the search for new non-pharmacological therapeutic approaches to modulate OS. The purpose of the present review is to provide some relevant preclinical and clinical examples, focusing on certain exogenous and endogenous Nrf2 activators and the modulation of therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE). The increased plasma levels of nerve growth factor (NGF) in response to TPE treatment of MS patients suggest their antioxidant potential for endogenous Nrf2 enhancement via NGF/TrkA/PI3K/Akt and NGF/p75NTR/ceramide-PKCζ/CK2 signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Tonev
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital “Tzaritza Yoanna—ISUL”, Medical University of Sofia, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Albena Momchilova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Science, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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4
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Tonev D, Momchilova A. Therapeutic Plasma Exchange and Multiple Sclerosis Dysregulations: Focus on the Removal of Pathogenic Circulatory Factors and Altering Nerve Growth Factor and Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Plasma Levels. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:7749-7774. [PMID: 37886933 PMCID: PMC10605592 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45100489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Multiple sclerosis (MS) is predominantly an immune-mediated disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of unknown etiology with a possible genetic predisposition and effect of certain environmental factors. It is generally accepted that the disease begins with an autoimmune inflammatory reaction targeting oligodendrocytes followed by a rapid depletion of their regenerative capacity with subsequent permanent neurodegenerative changes and disability. Recent research highlights the central role of B lymphocytes and the corresponding IgG and IgM autoantibodies in newly forming MS lesions. Thus, their removal along with the modulation of certain bioactive molecules to improve neuroprotection using therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) becomes of utmost importance. Recently, it has been proposed to determine the levels and precise effects of both beneficial and harmful components in the serum of MS patients undergoing TPE to serve as markers for appropriate TPE protocols. In this review we discuss some relevant examples, focusing on the removal of pathogenic circulating factors and altering the plasma levels of nerve growth factor and sphingosine-1-phosphate by TPE. Altered plasma levels of the reviewed molecular compounds in response to TPE reflect a successful reduction of the pro-inflammatory burden at the expense of an increase in anti-inflammatory potential in the circulatory and CNS compartments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitar Tonev
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care, University Hospital “Tzaritza Yoanna—ISUL”, Medical University of Sofia, 1527 Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Albena Momchilova
- Institute of Biophysics and Biomedical Engineering, Bulgarian Academy of Science, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria;
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Chu H, Dong J, Tang Y, Huang C, Guo Q. Connexin 43 Promotes Neurogenesis via Regulating Aquaporin-4 after Cerebral Ischemia. Neurotox Res 2023; 41:349-361. [PMID: 37074591 DOI: 10.1007/s12640-023-00646-3] [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: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/02/2023] [Indexed: 04/20/2023]
Abstract
We aimed to test the effects of connexin43 (Cx43) on ischemic neurogenesis and examined whether it was dependent on aquaporin-4 (AQP4). We detected the expression of Cx43 and AQP4 in the ipsilateral subventricular zone (SVZ) and peri-infarct cortex after middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO). Also, we examined neurogenesis in the above regions via co-labeling of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU)/neuronal nuclear antigen (NeuN) and BrdU/doublecortin (DCX). The effects of Cx43 and AQP4 were investigated by using two transgenic animals: heterozygous Cx43 (Cx43±) mice and AQP4 knockout (AQP4-/-) mice, and connexin mimetic peptide (CMP), a selective Cx43 blocker. We demonstrated AQP4 and Cx43 were co-expressed in the astrocytes after MCAO and the expression was highly increased in ipsilateral SVZ and peri-infarct cortex. Cx43± mice had larger infarction volumes and worse neurological function. Both BrdU/NeuN and BrdU/DCX co-labeled cells in the two regions were reduced in Cx43± and AQP4-/- mice compared to wild-type (WT) mice, suggesting Cx43 and AQP4 participated in neurogenesis of neural stem cells. Moreover, CMP decreased AQP4 expression and inhibited neurogenesis in WT mice, while the latter failed to be observed in AQP4-/- mice. Besides, higher levels of IL-1β and TNF-α were detected in the SVZ and peri-infarct cortex of AQP4-/- and Cx43± mice than those in WT mice. In conclusion, our data suggest that Cx43 elicits neuroprotective effects after cerebral ischemia through promoting neurogenesis in the SVZ to regenerate the injured neurons, which is AQP4 dependent and associated with down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and TNF-α.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heling Chu
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 600 Yishan Road, 200233, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Dong
- Department of Internal Neurology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Yuping Tang
- Department of Neurology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, No. 12 Mid. Wulumuqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, China.
| | - Chuyi Huang
- Health Management Center, School of Medicine, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, No. 160 Pujian Road, Shanghai, 200120, China.
| | - Qihao Guo
- Department of Gerontology, Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 600 Yishan Road, 200233, Shanghai, China.
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6
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Woods R, Lorusso J, Fletcher J, ElTaher H, McEwan F, Harris I, Kowash H, D'Souza SW, Harte M, Hager R, Glazier JD. Maternal immune activation and role of placenta in the prenatal programming of neurodevelopmental disorders. Neuronal Signal 2023; 7:NS20220064. [PMID: 37332846 PMCID: PMC10273029 DOI: 10.1042/ns20220064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal infection during pregnancy, leading to maternal immune activation (mIA) and cytokine release, increases the offspring risk of developing a variety of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), including schizophrenia. Animal models have provided evidence to support these mechanistic links, with placental inflammatory responses and dysregulation of placental function implicated. This leads to changes in fetal brain cytokine balance and altered epigenetic regulation of key neurodevelopmental pathways. The prenatal timing of such mIA-evoked changes, and the accompanying fetal developmental responses to an altered in utero environment, will determine the scope of the impacts on neurodevelopmental processes. Such dysregulation can impart enduring neuropathological changes, which manifest subsequently in the postnatal period as altered neurodevelopmental behaviours in the offspring. Hence, elucidation of the functional changes that occur at the molecular level in the placenta is vital in improving our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie the pathogenesis of NDDs. This has notable relevance to the recent COVID-19 pandemic, where inflammatory responses in the placenta to SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy and NDDs in early childhood have been reported. This review presents an integrated overview of these collective topics and describes the possible contribution of prenatal programming through placental effects as an underlying mechanism that links to NDD risk, underpinned by altered epigenetic regulation of neurodevelopmental pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Woods
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jarred M. Lorusso
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jennifer Fletcher
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Heidi ElTaher
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Egypt
| | - Francesca McEwan
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Isabella Harris
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Hager M. Kowash
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, U.K
| | - Stephen W. D'Souza
- Division of Developmental Biology and Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9WL, U.K
| | - Michael Harte
- Division of Pharmacy and Optometry, School of Health Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Biology and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Reinmar Hager
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
| | - Jocelyn D. Glazier
- Division of Evolution, Infection and Genomics, School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, University of Manchester, Manchester M13 9PT, U.K
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7
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Neurotrophic Factors as Regenerative Therapy for Neurodegenerative Diseases: Current Status, Challenges and Future Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043866. [PMID: 36835277 PMCID: PMC9968045 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043866] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), are characterized by acute or chronic progressive loss of one or several neuronal subtypes. However, despite their increasing prevalence, little progress has been made in successfully treating these diseases. Research has recently focused on neurotrophic factors (NTFs) as potential regenerative therapy for neurodegenerative diseases. Here, we discuss the current state of knowledge, challenges, and future perspectives of NTFs with a direct regenerative effect in chronic inflammatory and degenerative disorders. Various systems for delivery of NTFs, such as stem and immune cells, viral vectors, and biomaterials, have been applied to deliver exogenous NTFs to the central nervous system, with promising results. The challenges that currently need to be overcome include the amount of NTFs delivered, the invasiveness of the delivery route, the blood-brain barrier permeability, and the occurrence of side effects. Nevertheless, it is important to continue research and develop standards for clinical applications. In addition to the use of single NTFs, the complexity of chronic inflammatory and degenerative diseases may require combination therapies targeting multiple pathways or other possibilities using smaller molecules, such as NTF mimetics, for effective treatment.
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Guarnieri G, Becatti M, Squecco R, Comeglio P, Garella R, Tamburrino L, Marchiani S, Vignozzi L, Vannelli GB, Maggi M, Morelli A. Effects of benzo[a]pyrene on the reproductive axis: Impairment of kisspeptin signaling in human gonadotropin-releasing hormone primary neurons. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2023; 317:120766. [PMID: 36460192 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2022.120766] [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: 08/02/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
The neuroendocrine control of reproduction is strictly coordinated at the central level by the pulsatile release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) by the hypothalamic GnRH neurons. Alterations of the GnRH-network, especially during development, lead to long-term reproductive and systemic consequences, also causing infertility. Recent evidence shows that benzo[a]pyrene (BaP), a diffuse pollutant that can play a role as an endocrine disruptor, affects gonadal function and gamete maturation, whereas data demonstrating its impact at hypothalamic level are very scarce. This study investigated the effects of BaP (10 μM) in a primary cell culture isolated from the human fetal hypothalamus (hfHypo) and exhibiting a clear GnRH neuron phenotype. BaP significantly decreased gene and protein expression of both GnRH and kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R), the master regulator of GnRH neuron function. Moreover, BaP exposure increased phospho-ERK1/2 signaling, a well-known mechanism associated with KISS1R activation. Interestingly, BaP altered the electrophysiological membrane properties leading to a significant depolarizing effect and it also significantly increased GnRH release, with both effects being not affected by kisspeptin addition. In conclusion, our findings demonstrate that BaP may alter GnRH neuron phenotype and function, mainly interfering with KISS1R signaling and GnRH secretion and therefore with crucial mechanisms implicated in the central neuroendocrine control of reproduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Roberta Squecco
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Rachele Garella
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lara Tamburrino
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Sara Marchiani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy; I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | | | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, Florence, Italy; I.N.B.B. (Istituto Nazionale Biostrutture e Biosistemi), Rome, Italy
| | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Kosyreva AM, Sentyabreva AV, Tsvetkov IS, Makarova OV. Alzheimer’s Disease and Inflammaging. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12091237. [PMID: 36138973 PMCID: PMC9496782 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12091237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease is one of the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorders. The main theory of Alzheimer’s disease progress is the amyloid-β cascade hypothesis. However, the initial mechanisms of insoluble forms of amyloid-β formation and hyperphosphorylated tau protein in neurons remain unclear. One of the factors, which might play a key role in senile plaques and tau fibrils generation due to Alzheimer’s disease, is inflammaging, i.e., systemic chronic low-grade age-related inflammation. The activation of the proinflammatory cell phenotype is observed during aging, which might be one of the pivotal mechanisms for the development of chronic inflammatory diseases, e.g., atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and Alzheimer’s disease. This review discusses the role of the inflammatory processes in developing neurodegeneration, activated during physiological aging and due to various diseases such as atherosclerosis, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and depressive disorders.
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10
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Cannabidiol modulation of oxidative stress and signalling. Neuronal Signal 2021; 5:NS20200080. [PMID: 34497718 PMCID: PMC8385185 DOI: 10.1042/ns20200080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the primary non-euphoric components in the Cannabis sativa L. plant, has undergone clinical development over the last number of years as a therapeutic for patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndromes. This phytocannabinoid demonstrates functional and pharmacological diversity, and research data indicate that CBD is a comparable antioxidant to common antioxidants. This review gathers the latest knowledge regarding the impact of CBD on oxidative signalling, with focus on the proclivity of CBD to regulate antioxidants and control the production of reactive oxygen species. CBD is considered an attractive therapeutic agent for neuroimmune disorders, and a body of literature indicates that CBD can regulate redox function at multiple levels, with a range of downstream effects on cells and tissues. However, pro-oxidant capacity of CBD has also been reported, and hence caution must be applied when considering CBD from a therapeutic standpoint. Such pro- and antioxidant functions of CBD may be cell- and model-dependent and may also be influenced by CBD dose, the duration of CBD treatment and the underlying pathology.
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11
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Bello-Corral L, Sánchez-Valdeón L, Casado-Verdejo I, Seco-Calvo JÁ, Antonio Fernández-Fernández J, Nélida Fernández-Martínez M. The Influence of Nutrition in Alzheimer's Disease: Neuroinflammation and the Microbiome vs. Transmissible Prion. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:677777. [PMID: 34489620 PMCID: PMC8417586 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.677777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a primary, progressive, neurodegenerative disorder. Many risk factors for the development of AD have been investigated, including nutrition. Although it has been proven that nutrition plays a role in AD, the precise mechanisms through which nutrition exerts its influence remain undefined. The object of this study is to address this issue by elucidating some of the mechanisms through which nutrition interacts with AD. This work is a qualitative systematic bibliographic review of the current literature searchable on various available databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar. Our evidence comprises 31 articles selected after a systematic search process. Patients suffering with AD present a characteristic microbiome that promotes changes in microglia generating a proinflammatory state. Many similarities exist between AD and prion diseases, both in terms of symptoms and in the molecular mechanisms of pathogenesis. Changes in the composition of the gut microbiome due to dietary habits could be one of the environmental factors affecting the development of AD; however, this is probably not the only factor. Similarly, the mechanism for self-propagation of beta-amyloid seen in AD is similar to that seen in prions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Bello-Corral
- Department of Nursing and Physical Therapy, University of León, León, Spain
| | | | | | - Jesús Ángel Seco-Calvo
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of León, León, Spain.,University of the Basque Country, Leioa, Spain
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12
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Guarnieri G, Becatti M, Comeglio P, Vignozzi L, Maggi M, Vannelli GB, Morelli A. Benzo[a]pyrene impairs the migratory pattern of human gonadotropin-releasing-hormone-secreting neuroblasts. Eur J Histochem 2021; 65. [PMID: 34459573 PMCID: PMC8419627 DOI: 10.4081/ejh.2021.3282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) is a widespread pollutant that can act as an endocrine disrupting compound (EDC) and interferes with reproductive function. The central regulatory network of the reproductive system is mediated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons, which originate in the olfactory placode and, during ontogenesis, migrate into the hypothalamus. Given the importance of the migratory process for GnRH neuron maturation, we investigated the effect of BaP (10 μM for 24 h) on GnRH neuroblasts isolated from the human fetal olfactory epithelium (FNCB4). BaP exposure significantly reduced the mRNA level of genes implicated in FNCB4 cell migration and affected their migratory ability. Our findings demonstrate that BaP may interfere with the central neuronal network controlling human reproduction affecting GnRH neuron maturation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Guarnieri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence.
| | - Matteo Becatti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence.
| | - Paolo Comeglio
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence.
| | - Linda Vignozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence.
| | - Mario Maggi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence.
| | | | - Annamaria Morelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence.
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13
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Marcucci F, Corti A, Ferreri AJM. Breaching the Blood-Brain Tumor Barrier for Tumor Therapy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102391. [PMID: 34063335 PMCID: PMC8156088 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumors affecting the central nervous system (CNS), either primary or secondary, are highly prevalent and represent an unmet medical need. Prognosis of these tumors remains poor, mostly due to the low intrinsic chemo/radio-sensitivity of tumor cells, a meagerly known role of the microenvironment and the poor CNS bioavailability of most used anti-cancer agents. The BBTB is the main obstacle for anticancer drugs to achieve therapeutic concentrations in the tumor tissues. During the last decades, many efforts have been devoted to the identification of modalities allowing to increase drug delivery into brain tumors. Until recently, success has been modest, as few of these approaches reached clinical testing and even less gained regulatory approval. In recent years, the scenario has changed, as various conjugates and drug delivery technologies have advanced into clinical testing, with encouraging results and without being burdened by a heavy adverse event profile. In this article, we review the different approaches aimed at increasing drug delivery to brain tumors, with particular attention to new, promising approaches that increase the permeability of the BBTB or exploit physiological transport mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Marcucci
- Department of Pharmacological and Biomolecular Sciences, University of Milan, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Angelo Corti
- Division of Experimental Oncology, Tumor Biology and Vascular Targeting Unit, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Università Vita-Salute San Raffaele, 20132 Milan, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.M.); (A.C.)
| | - Andrés J. M. Ferreri
- Lymphoma Unit, Department of Onco-Hematology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy;
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14
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Nosi D, Lana D, Giovannini MG, Delfino G, Zecchi-Orlandini S. Neuroinflammation: Integrated Nervous Tissue Response through Intercellular Interactions at the "Whole System" Scale. Cells 2021; 10:1195. [PMID: 34068375 PMCID: PMC8153304 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Different cell populations in the nervous tissue establish numerous, heterotypic interactions and perform specific, frequently intersecting activities devoted to the maintenance of homeostasis. Microglia and astrocytes, respectively the immune and the "housekeeper" cells of nervous tissue, play a key role in neurodegenerative diseases. Alterations of tissue homeostasis trigger neuroinflammation, a collective dynamic response of glial cells. Reactive astrocytes and microglia express various functional phenotypes, ranging from anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory. Chronic neuroinflammation is characterized by a gradual shift of astroglial and microglial phenotypes from anti-inflammatory to pro-inflammatory, switching their activities from cytoprotective to cytotoxic. In this scenario, the different cell populations reciprocally modulate their phenotypes through intense, reverberating signaling. Current evidence suggests that heterotypic interactions are links in an intricate network of mutual influences and interdependencies connecting all cell types in the nervous system. In this view, activation, modulation, as well as outcomes of neuroinflammation, should be ascribed to the nervous tissue as a whole. While the need remains of identifying further links in this network, a step back to rethink our view of neuroinflammation in the light of the "whole system" scale, could help us to understand some of its most controversial and puzzling features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Nosi
- Section of Histology anf Human Anatomy, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
| | - Daniele Lana
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 50139 Florence, Italy; (D.L.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Maria Grazia Giovannini
- Section of Clinical Pharmacology and Oncology, Department of Health Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Gaetano Pieraccini, 50139 Florence, Italy; (D.L.); (M.G.G.)
| | - Giovanni Delfino
- Department of Biology, University of Florence, Via Madonna del Piano, 6, 50019 Sesto Fiorentino, Florence, Italy;
| | - Sandra Zecchi-Orlandini
- Section of Histology anf Human Anatomy, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Largo Brambilla, 3, 50134 Florence, Italy;
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15
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Khorkova O, Hsiao J, Wahlestedt C. Nucleic Acid-Based Therapeutics in Orphan Neurological Disorders: Recent Developments. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:643681. [PMID: 33996898 PMCID: PMC8115123 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.643681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The possibility of rational design and the resulting faster and more cost-efficient development cycles of nucleic acid–based therapeutics (NBTs), such as antisense oligonucleotides, siRNAs, and gene therapy vectors, have fueled increased activity in developing therapies for orphan diseases. Despite the difficulty of delivering NBTs beyond the blood–brain barrier, neurological diseases are significantly represented among the first targets for NBTs. As orphan disease NBTs are now entering the clinical stage, substantial efforts are required to develop the scientific background and infrastructure for NBT design and mechanistic studies, genetic testing, understanding natural history of orphan disorders, data sharing, NBT manufacturing, and regulatory support. The outcomes of these efforts will also benefit patients with “common” diseases by improving diagnostics, developing the widely applicable NBT technology platforms, and promoting deeper understanding of biological mechanisms that underlie disease pathogenesis. Furthermore, with successes in genetic research, a growing proportion of “common” disease cases can now be attributed to mutations in particular genes, essentially extending the orphan disease field. Together, the developments occurring in orphan diseases are building the foundation for the future of personalized medicine. In this review, we will focus on recent achievements in developing therapies for orphan neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Claes Wahlestedt
- Center for Therapeutic Innovation and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami, Miami, FL, United States
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16
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Perspective: Treatment for Disease Modification in Chronic Neurodegeneration. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040873. [PMID: 33921342 PMCID: PMC8069143 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Symptomatic treatments are available for Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease. An unmet need is cure or disease modification. This review discusses possible reasons for negative clinical study outcomes on disease modification following promising positive findings from experimental research. It scrutinizes current research paradigms for disease modification with antibodies against pathological protein enrichment, such as α-synuclein, amyloid or tau, based on post mortem findings. Instead a more uniform regenerative and reparative therapeutic approach for chronic neurodegenerative disease entities is proposed with stimulation of an endogenously existing repair system, which acts independent of specific disease mechanisms. The repulsive guidance molecule A pathway is involved in the regulation of peripheral and central neuronal restoration. Therapeutic antagonism of repulsive guidance molecule A reverses neurodegeneration according to experimental outcomes in numerous disease models in rodents and monkeys. Antibodies against repulsive guidance molecule A exist. First clinical studies in neurological conditions with an acute onset are under way. Future clinical trials with these antibodies should initially focus on well characterized uniform cohorts of patients. The efficiency of repulsive guidance molecule A antagonism and associated stimulation of neurogenesis should be demonstrated with objective assessment tools to counteract dilution of therapeutic effects by subjectivity and heterogeneity of chronic disease entities. Such a research concept will hopefully enhance clinical test strategies and improve the future therapeutic armamentarium for chronic neurodegeneration.
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17
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Leão LL, Felício LFF, Engedal K, Tangen GG, Kristiansen KM, Santos SHS, de Paula AMB, Monteiro-Junior RS. The Link between Exercise and Homocysteine in the Alzheimer's Disease: A Bioinformatic Network Model. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS DRUG TARGETS 2021; 20:814-821. [PMID: 34852739 DOI: 10.2174/1871527320666210706122618] [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: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Elevated peripheral expression of homocysteine (Hcy) is associated with an increased risk of coronary heart disease and stroke, diabetes, and cancer. It is also associated with cognitive impairment as it has been reported that high levels of Hcy cause cognitive dysfunction and memory deficit. Among several etiological factors that contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer's disease (AD), Hcy seems to directly contribute to the generation of neurotoxicity factors. This study aims to hypothesize the molecular mechanism by which exercise can reduce the risk of neurological complications promoted by hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy), and discuss how exercise could reduce the risk of developing AD by using bioinformatics network models. According to the genes network, there are connections between proteins and amino acids associated with Hcy, exercise, and AD. Studies have evidenced that exercise may be one of several processes by which acid nitric availability can be maximized in the human body, which is particularly important in reducing cell loss and tau pathology and, thereby, leading to a reduced risk of complications associated with HHcy and AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luana Lemos Leão
- Graduate Program of Health Sciences, State University of Montes Claros, Montes Claros, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | | | - Knut Engedal
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Gro Gujord Tangen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Kari Midtbø Kristiansen
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
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