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Chen J, Xiang Z, Zhang Z, Yang Y, Shu K, Lei T. Acromegalic Rat Model Presented Cognitive Impairments and Tau Hyperphosphorylation in the Hippocampus. Neuroendocrinology 2024; 114:577-588. [PMID: 38368872 PMCID: PMC11151995 DOI: 10.1159/000537813] [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: 10/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Acromegaly patients, in addition to the most prominent physical and endocrine changes, also exhibit a higher risk of cognitive dysfunction. However, the reasons and mechanisms underlying cognitive impairments in acromegaly patients remain unknown. METHODS Acromegalic rats were induced by subcutaneous injection of tumor cells, with continuous monitoring of the body weight and hormones to confirm the occurrence of acromegaly. Behavioral assessments, including open field test, novel object recognition test, and Barnes maze test, were conducted to evaluate the animals' cognitive function. Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence techniques were employed to examine changes in the hippocampal tau protein, Aβ, and associated signaling pathways. RESULTS The tumor cells secreting growth hormone increased the secretion of growth hormone, resulting in changes in body size and endocrine functions, thus causing acromegaly. The acromegaly model showed deficiencies in working memory and spatial memory. Hyperphosphorylation of tau protein was observed in the hippocampus of the acromegaly model, but no Aβ deposition was observed. The acromegaly model exhibits hippocampal growth hormone (GH) resistance, decreased expression of GH receptors, and subsequently reduced expression activity of the PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway, which is responsible for the hyperphosphorylation of tau protein. CONCLUSION The prolonged elevation of GH and insulin-like growth factor 1 caused by acromegaly may lead to abnormalities in the SD rat's PI3K-Akt-GSK3β signaling pathway, subsequently resulting in hyperphosphorylation of the hippocampal tau protein and cognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Chen
- Sino-German Neuro-Oncology Molecular Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhigao Xiang
- Sino-German Neuro-Oncology Molecular Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Sino-German Neuro-Oncology Molecular Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Kai Shu
- Sino-German Neuro-Oncology Molecular Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Ting Lei
- Sino-German Neuro-Oncology Molecular Laboratory, Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital of Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Neural Injury and Functional Reconstruction, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Katane M, Homma H. Biosynthesis and Degradation of Free D-Amino Acids and Their Physiological Roles in the Periphery and Endocrine Glands. Biol Pharm Bull 2024; 47:562-579. [PMID: 38432912 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00485] [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] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
It was long believed that D-amino acids were either unnatural isomers or laboratory artifacts, and that the important functions of amino acids were exerted only by L-amino acids. However, recent investigations have revealed a variety of D-amino acids in mammals that play important roles in physiological functions, including free D-serine and D-aspartate that are crucial in the central nervous system. The functions of several D-amino acids in the periphery and endocrine glands are also receiving increasing attention. Here, we present an overview of recent advances in elucidating the physiological roles of D-amino acids, especially in the periphery and endocrine glands.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masumi Katane
- Medicinal Research Laboratories, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University
| | - Hiroshi Homma
- Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Kitasato University
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Holeček M. Aspartic Acid in Health and Disease. Nutrients 2023; 15:4023. [PMID: 37764806 PMCID: PMC10536334 DOI: 10.3390/nu15184023] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Aspartic acid exists in L- and D-isoforms (L-Asp and D-Asp). Most L-Asp is synthesized by mitochondrial aspartate aminotransferase from oxaloacetate and glutamate acquired by glutamine deamidation, particularly in the liver and tumor cells, and transamination of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), particularly in muscles. The main source of D-Asp is the racemization of L-Asp. L-Asp transported via aspartate-glutamate carrier to the cytosol is used in protein and nucleotide synthesis, gluconeogenesis, urea, and purine-nucleotide cycles, and neurotransmission and via the malate-aspartate shuttle maintains NADH delivery to mitochondria and redox balance. L-Asp released from neurons connects with the glutamate-glutamine cycle and ensures glycolysis and ammonia detoxification in astrocytes. D-Asp has a role in brain development and hypothalamus regulation. The hereditary disorders in L-Asp metabolism include citrullinemia, asparagine synthetase deficiency, Canavan disease, and dicarboxylic aminoaciduria. L-Asp plays a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric and neurologic disorders and alterations in BCAA levels in diabetes and hyperammonemia. Further research is needed to examine the targeting of L-Asp metabolism as a strategy to fight cancer, the use of L-Asp as a dietary supplement, and the risks of increased L-Asp consumption. The role of D-Asp in the brain warrants studies on its therapeutic potential in psychiatric and neurologic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milan Holeček
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Šimkova 870, 500 03 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
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Di Maio A, Nuzzo T, Gilio L, Serra M, Buttari F, Errico F, De Rosa A, Bassi MS, Morelli M, Sasabe J, Sulzer D, Carta M, Centonze D, Usiello A. Homeostasis of serine enantiomers is disrupted in the post-mortem caudate putamen and cerebrospinal fluid of living Parkinson's disease patients. Neurobiol Dis 2023:106203. [PMID: 37336364 DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2023.106203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023] Open
Abstract
L-serine generated in astrocytes plays a pivotal role in modulating essential neurometabolic processes, while its enantiomer, D-serine, specifically regulates NMDA receptor (NMDAR) signalling. Despite their physiological relevance in modulating cerebral activity, serine enantiomers metabolism in Parkinson's disease (PD) remains elusive. Using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC), we measured D- and L-serine levels along with other amino acids known to modulate NMDAR function, such as L-glutamate, L-aspartate, D-aspartate, and glycine, in the post-mortem caudate putamen (CPu) and superior frontal gyrus (SFG) of PD patients. Moreover, we examined these amino acids in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of de novo living PD, Alzheimer's disease (AD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients versus subjects with other neurological disorders (OND), used as control. We found higher D-serine and L-serine levels in the CPu of PD patients but not in the SFG, a cerebral region that, in contrast to the CPu, is not innervated by nigral dopaminergic terminals. We also highlighted a significant elevation of both serine enantiomers in the CSF samples from PD but not in those of AD and ALS patients, compared with control subjects. By contrast, none or only minor changes were found in the amount of other neuroactive amino acids mentioned above. Our findings identify D-serine and L-serine level upregulation as a biochemical signature associated with nigrostriatal dopaminergic degeneration in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Di Maio
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Tommaso Nuzzo
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | - Luana Gilio
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Faculty of Psychology, Uninettuno Telematic International University, Rome, Italy; Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy
| | - Marcello Serra
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Fabio Buttari
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy
| | - Francesco Errico
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Naples "Federico II", Portici, Italy
| | - Arianna De Rosa
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy
| | | | - Micaela Morelli
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy; National Research Council of Italy, Institute of Neuroscience, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Jumpei Sasabe
- Department of Pharmacology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - David Sulzer
- Departments of Psychiatry, Neurology, Pharmacology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, Division of Molecular Therapeutics, New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, NY, USA
| | - Manolo Carta
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Cagliari, Monserrato, Italy
| | - Diego Centonze
- Unit of Neurology, IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli (IS), Italy; Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandro Usiello
- Laboratory of Translational Neuroscience, Ceinge Biotecnologie Avanzate Franco Salvatore, Naples, Italy; Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, Università degli Studi della Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Caserta, Italy.
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Venditti M, Santillo A, Latino D, Ben Rhouma M, Romano MZ, Haddadi A, Di Fiore MM, Minucci S, Messaoudi I, Chieffi Baccari G. Evidence of the protective role of D-Aspartate in counteracting/preventing cadmium-induced oxidative stress in the rat testis. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 259:115067. [PMID: 37244200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.115067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd), by producing oxidative stress and acting as an endocrine disruptor, is known to cause severe testicular injury, documented by histological and biomolecular alterations, such as decreased serum testosterone (T) level and impairment of spermatogenesis. This is the first report on the potential counteractive/preventive action of D-Aspartate (D-Asp), a well-known stimulator of T biosynthesis and spermatogenesis progression by affecting hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, in alleviating Cd effects in the rat testis. Our results confirmed that Cd affects testicular activity, as documented by the reduction of serum T concentration and of the protein levels of steroidogenesis (StAR, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD) and spermatogenesis (PCNA, p-H3, and SYCP3) markers. Moreover, higher protein levels of cytochrome C and caspase 3, together with the number of cells positive to TUNEL assay, indicated the intensification of the apoptotic process. D-Asp administered either simultaneously to Cd, or for 15 days before the Cd-treatment, reduced the oxidative stress induced by the metal, alleviating the consequent harmful effects. Interestingly, the preventive action of D-Asp was more effective than its counteractive effect. A possible explanation is that giving D-Asp for 15 days induces its significant uptake in the testes, reaching the concentrations necessary for optimum function. In summary, this report highlights, for the first time, the beneficial role played by D-Asp in both counteracting/preventing the adverse Cd effects in the rat testis, strongly encouraging further investigations to consider the potential value of D-Asp also in improving human testicular health and male fertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo Venditti
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Alessandra Santillo
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Debora Latino
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Mariem Ben Rhouma
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Maria Zelinda Romano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy
| | - Asma Haddadi
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Maria Maddalena Di Fiore
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
| | - Sergio Minucci
- Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale, Sez. Fisiologia Umana e Funzioni Biologiche Integrate, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', via Santa Maria di Costantinopoli, 16-80138 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Imed Messaoudi
- LR11ES41: Génetique, Biodiversité et Valorisation des Bioressources, Institut Supérieur de Biotechnologie, Université de Monastir, Monastir, Tunisia
| | - Gabriella Chieffi Baccari
- Dipartimento di Scienze e Tecnologie Ambientali, Biologiche e Farmaceutiche, Università degli Studi della Campania 'Luigi Vanvitelli', Via Vivaldi, 43-81100 Caserta, Italy
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Santillo A, Falvo S, Venditti M, Di Maio A, Chieffi Baccari G, Errico F, Usiello A, Minucci S, Di Fiore MM. D-Aspartate Depletion Perturbs Steroidogenesis and Spermatogenesis in Mice. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13040621. [PMID: 37189369 DOI: 10.3390/biom13040621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
High levels of free D-aspartate (D-Asp) are present in vertebrate testis during post-natal development, coinciding with the onset of testosterone production, which suggests that this atypical amino acid might participate in the regulation of hormone biosynthesis. To elucidate the unknown role of D-Asp on testicular function, we investigated steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in a one-month-old knockin mouse model with the constitutive depletion of D-Asp levels due to the targeted overexpression of D-aspartate oxidase (DDO), which catalyzes the deaminative oxidation of D-Asp to generate the corresponding α-keto acid, oxaloacetate, hydrogen peroxide, and ammonium ions. In the Ddo knockin mice, we found a dramatic reduction in testicular D-Asp levels, accompanied by a significant decrease in the serum testosterone levels and testicular 17β-HSD, the enzyme involved in testosterone biosynthesis. Additionally, in the testes of these Ddo knockin mice, the expression of PCNA and SYCP3 proteins decreased, suggesting alterations in spermatogenesis-related processes, as well as an increase in the cytosolic cytochrome c protein levels and TUNEL-positive cell number, which indicate an increase in apoptosis. To further investigate the histological and morphometric testicular alterations in Ddo knockin mice, we analyzed the expression and localization of prolyl endopeptidase (PREP) and disheveled-associated activator of morphogenesis 1 (DAAM1), two proteins involved in cytoskeletal organization. Our results showed that the testicular levels of DAAM1 and PREP in Ddo knockin mice were different from those in wild-type animals, suggesting that the deficiency of D-Asp is associated with overall cytoskeletal disorganization. Our findings confirmed that physiological D-Asp influences testosterone biosynthesis and plays a crucial role in germ cell proliferation and differentiation, which are required for successful reproduction.
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The Role of D-Serine and D-Aspartate in the Pathogenesis and Therapy of Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14235142. [PMID: 36501171 PMCID: PMC9736950 DOI: 10.3390/nu14235142] [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: 10/19/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Schizophrenia (Sch) is a severe and widespread mental disorder. Antipsychotics (APs) of the first and new generations as the first-line treatment of Sch are not effective in about a third of cases and are also unable to treat negative symptoms and cognitive deficits of schizophrenics. This explains the search for new therapeutic strategies for a disease-modifying therapy for treatment-resistant Sch (TRS). Biological compounds are of great interest to researchers and clinicians, among which D-Serine (D-Ser) and D-Aspartate (D-Asp) are among the promising ones. The Sch glutamate theory suggests that neurotransmission dysfunction caused by glutamate N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs) may represent a primary deficiency in this mental disorder and play an important role in the development of TRS. D-Ser and D-Asp are direct NMDAR agonists and may be involved in modulating the functional activity of dopaminergic neurons. This narrative review demonstrates both the biological role of D-Ser and D-Asp in the normal functioning of the central nervous system (CNS) and in the pathogenesis of Sch and TRS. Particular attention is paid to D-Ser and D-Asp as promising components of a nutritive disease-modifying therapy for TRS.
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Semreen AM, Alsoud LO, El-Huneidi W, Ahmed M, Bustanji Y, Abu-Gharbieh E, El-Awady R, Ramadan WS, Alqudah MA, Shara M, Abuhelwa AY, Soares NC, Semreen MH, Alzoubi KH. Metabolomics Analysis Revealed Significant Metabolic Changes in Brain Cancer Cells Treated with Paclitaxel and/or Etoposide. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232213940. [PMID: 36430415 PMCID: PMC9693830 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232213940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/07/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer of the central nervous system (CNS) is ranked as the 19th most prevalent form of the disease in 2020. This study aims to identify candidate biomarkers and metabolic pathways affected by paclitaxel and etoposide, which serve as potential treatments for glioblastoma, and are linked to the pathogenesis of glioblastoma. We utilized an untargeted metabolomics approach using the highly sensitive ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS) for identification. In this study, 92 and 94 metabolites in U87 and U373 cell lines were profiled, respectively. The produced metabolites were then analyzed utilizing t-tests, volcano plots, and enrichment analysis modules. Our analysis revealed distinct metabolites to be significantly dysregulated (nutriacholic acid, L-phenylalanine, L-arginine, guanosine, ADP, hypoxanthine, and guanine), and to a lesser extent, mevalonic acid in paclitaxel and/or etoposide treated cells. Furthermore, both urea and citric acid cycles, and metabolism of polyamines and amino acids (aspartate, arginine, and proline) were significantly enriched. These findings can be used to create a map that can be utilized to assess the antitumor effect of paclitaxel and/or etoposide within the studied cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahlam M. Semreen
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Leen Oyoun Alsoud
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Waseem El-Huneidi
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munazza Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Yasser Bustanji
- Department of Basic and Clinical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
| | - Eman Abu-Gharbieh
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Raafat El-Awady
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Wafaa S. Ramadan
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad A.Y. Alqudah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Mohd Shara
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ahmad Y. Abuhelwa
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Nelson C. Soares
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad H. Semreen
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (M.H.S.); (K.H.A.)
| | - Karem H. Alzoubi
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Correspondence: (M.H.S.); (K.H.A.)
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Noghani AE, Asadpour R, Saberivand A, Mazaheri Z, Rodriguez-Wallberg KA, Hamidian G. Differentiation of neonate mouse spermatogonia on two-dimensional and three-dimensional culture systems supplemented with d-Serine and Dizocilpine (MK-801). Theriogenology 2022; 191:168-178. [PMID: 35998400 DOI: 10.1016/j.theriogenology.2022.08.004] [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: 01/22/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) modulates the spermatogenesis process through stimulating the steroid hormone biosynthesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of NMDA receptors agonists (d-Serine) and antagonists (MK801) on spermatogonia differentiation on decellularization testicular matrix (DTM) hydrogel scaffold. Four treatment groups were planned: 2D + D-Serine, 3D + D-Serine, 2D + MK801, and 3D + MK801. Results showed that cell viability was significantly decreased after 48 h in the 3D + D-Serine group and after 24 and 48 h in the 3D + MK801 group compared to the controls. The spermatogonia proliferation after two, four, and eight weeks was significantly increased in the 3D + D-Serine culture, while it was significantly reduced in the 2D + MK801 and 3D + MK801 groups after four and eight weeks. Real-time PCR results demonstrated that pre-meiotic gene (Plzf) expression was significantly increased only in the 3D + D-Serine culture compared to the control groups after four weeks of culture. The meiotic gene (Sycp3) expression was significantly increased in the 2D + D-Serine and 3D + D-Serine compared to the 2D controls after four and eight weeks. The post-meiotic gene (Tnp1) level in the 3D + D-Serine was significantly higher than the other groups. Flow-cytometry results indicated that the protein expression of Plzf (after four and eight weeks), Sycp3 (after eight weeks), and Tnp1 (after eight weeks) in the d-Serine-treated groups was significantly increased compared with the 2D control groups. There were not any significant changes in the gene expression of spermatogenic-related markers in MK801 culture media. However, a significant decrease in the protein levels of Plzf after eight weeks and Sycp3 after four and eight weeks was observed. In conclusion, the addition of NMDARs agonists (d-Serine) could be used to regulate the differentiation of spermatogonia in the 3D culture system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhessam Eskafi Noghani
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Reza Asadpour
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Adel Saberivand
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Zohreh Mazaheri
- Basic Medical Science Research Center, Histogenotech Company, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Kenny A Rodriguez-Wallberg
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Department of Reproductive Medicine, Division of Gynecology and Reproduction, Karolinska University Hospital, Novumhuset Plan 4, SE-141 86, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Gholamreza Hamidian
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tabriz, Tabriz, Iran.
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Promising Application of D-Amino Acids toward Clinical Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810794. [PMID: 36142706 PMCID: PMC9503604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The versatile roles of D-amino acids (D-AAs) in foods, diseases, and organisms, etc., have been widely reported. They have been regarded, not only as biomarkers of diseases but also as regulators of the physiological function of organisms. Over the past few decades, increasing data has revealed that D-AAs have great potential in treating disease. D-AAs also showed overwhelming success in disengaging biofilm, which might provide promise to inhibit microbial infection. Moreover, it can effectively restrain the growth of cancer cells. Herein, we reviewed recent reports on the potential of D-AAs as therapeutic agents for treating neurological disease or tissue/organ injury, ameliorating reproduction function, preventing biofilm infection, and inhibiting cancer cell growth. Additionally, we also reviewed the potential application of D-AAs in drug modification, such as improving biostability and efficiency, which has a better effect on therapy or diagnosis.
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Oral D-Aspartate Treatment Improves Sperm Fertility in Both Young and Adult B6N Mice. Animals (Basel) 2022; 12:ani12111350. [PMID: 35681815 PMCID: PMC9179375 DOI: 10.3390/ani12111350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Investigations concerning the impact of D-Aspartate on fertility suggest that it has a positive influence on the in vitro fertilization rate in young C57BL/6N mice. Here, we demonstrated that adult C57BL/6N mice that received an oral treatment of D-Aspartate also have a higher fertilizing capability and the quality of their spermatozoa increased after only two weeks of treatment. Hence, this study gives us new insights on the role of D-Aspartate in the regulation of the reproductive activity in both young and adult mice. Abstract D-Aspartate (D-Asp) treatment improved the fertility of young male C57BL/6N mice in vivo revealing a direct role on capacitation, acrosome reaction, and fertility in vitro in young males only. We investigated whether the positive effect of D-Asp on fertility could be extended to adult males and evaluated the efficacy of a 2- or 4-week-treatment in vivo. Therefore, 20 mM sodium D-Asp was supplied in drinking water to males of different ages so that they were 9 or 16 weeks old at the end of the experiments. After sperm freezing, the in vitro fertilization (IVF) rate, the birth rate, hormone levels (luteinizing hormone (LH), epitestosterone, and testosterone), the sperm quality (morphology, abnormalities, motility, and velocity), the capacitation rate, and the acrosome reaction were investigated. Oral D-Asp treatment improves the fertilizing capability in mice regardless of the age of the animals. Importantly, a short D-Asp treatment of 2 weeks in young males elevates sperm parameters to the levels of untreated adult animals. In vivo, D-Asp treatment highly improves sperm quality but not sperm concentration. Therefore, D-Asp plays a beneficial role in mouse male fertility and may be highly relevant for cryorepositories to improve mouse sperm biobanking.
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d-aspartate and N-methyl-d-aspartate promote proliferative activity in mouse spermatocyte GC-2 cells. Reprod Biol 2022; 22:100601. [PMID: 35032869 DOI: 10.1016/j.repbio.2021.100601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 12/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
D-Aspartate (D-Asp) and its methylated form N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) promote spermatogenesis by stimulating the biosynthesis of sex steroid hormones. d-Asp also induces spermatogonia proliferation directly by activating the ERK/Aurora B pathway. In the present study, a mouse spermatocyte-derived cell line (GC-2) which represents a stage between preleptotene spermatocyte and round spermatids was exposed to 200 μM d-Asp or 50 μM NMDA for 30 min, 2 h, and 4 h to explore the influence of these amino acids on cell proliferation and mitochondrial activities occurring during this process. By Western blotting analyses, the expressions of AMPAR (GluA1-GluA2/3 subunits), cell proliferation as well as mitochondria functionality markers were determined at different incubation times. The results revealed that d-Asp or NMDA stimulate proliferation and meiosis in the GC-2 cells via the AMPAR/ERK/Akt pathway, which led to increased levels of the PCNA, p-H3, and SYCP3 proteins. The effects of d-Asp and NMDA on the mitochondrial functionality of the GC-2 cells strongly suggested an active role of these amino acids in germ cell maturation. In both d-Asp- and NMDA-treated GC-2 cells mitochondrial biogenesis as well as mitochondrial fusion are increased while mitochondria fission is inhibited. Finally, the findings showed that NMDA significantly increased the expressions of the CII, CIII, CIV, and CV complexes of oxidative phosphorylation system (OXPHOS), whereas d-Asp induced a significant increase in the expressions only of the CIV and CV complexes. The present study provides novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the role of d-Asp and NMDA in promoting spermatogenesis.
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TAKANO Y, TAKAHASHI M, KOBAYASHI M, UEMURA T, FURUCHI T. <i>N</i><sup>α</sup>-(5-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)-L-leucinamide-Derivatized LC/MS/MS Analysis of Amino Acid Enantiomers in HepG2 Cells. CHROMATOGRAPHY 2021. [DOI: 10.15583/jpchrom.2021.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yusuke TAKANO
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Josai University
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Pollegioni L, Molla G, Sacchi S, Murtas G. Human D-aspartate Oxidase: A Key Player in D-aspartate Metabolism. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:689719. [PMID: 34250021 PMCID: PMC8260693 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.689719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the D-enantiomers of amino acids have been recognized as natural molecules present in all kingdoms, playing a variety of biological roles. In humans, d-serine and d-aspartate attracted attention for their presence in the central nervous system. Here, we focus on d-aspartate, which is involved in glutamatergic neurotransmission and the synthesis of various hormones. The biosynthesis of d-aspartate is still obscure, while its degradation is due to the peroxisomal flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD)-containing enzyme d-aspartate oxidase. d-Aspartate emergence is strictly controlled: levels decrease in brain within the first days of life while increasing in endocrine glands postnatally and through adulthood. The human d-aspartate oxidase (hDASPO) belongs to the d-amino acid oxidase-like family: its tertiary structure closely resembles that of human d-amino acid oxidase (hDAAO), the enzyme that degrades neutral and basic d-amino acids. The structure-function relationships of the physiological isoform of hDASPO (named hDASPO_341) and the regulation of gene expression and distribution and properties of the longer isoform hDASPO_369 have all been recently elucidated. Beyond the substrate preference, hDASPO and hDAAO also differ in kinetic efficiency, FAD-binding affinity, pH profile, and oligomeric state. Such differences suggest that evolution diverged to create two different ways to modulate d-aspartate and d-serine levels in the human brain. Current knowledge about hDASPO is shedding light on the molecular mechanisms underlying the modulation of d-aspartate levels in human tissues and is pushing novel, targeted therapeutic strategies. Now, it has been proposed that dysfunction in NMDA receptor-mediated neurotransmission is caused by disrupted d-aspartate metabolism in the nervous system during the onset of various disorders (such as schizophrenia): the design of suitable hDASPO inhibitors aimed at increasing d-aspartate levels thus represents a novel and useful form of therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredano Pollegioni
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Gianluca Molla
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Silvia Sacchi
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Giulia Murtas
- Department of Biotechnology and Life Sciences, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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Simultaneous Measurement of Amino Acid Enantiomers in Aged Mouse Brain Samples by LC/MS/MS Combined with Derivatization Using N
α-(5-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)-l-leucinamide (l-FDLA). Metabolites 2021; 11:metabo11010057. [PMID: 33467775 PMCID: PMC7829926 DOI: 10.3390/metabo11010057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
d-amino acids have distinct roles from their l-enantiomer. In particular, some d-amino acids function as agonists or antagonists of neuronal receptors and are involved in higher brain functions. Thus, it is important to precisely measure the levels of these amino acid enantiomers in cells and tissues. Various quantification methods have been developed for measurements of chiral amino acids. However, each method has advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, measuring the amino acid enantiomers in crude biological samples requires a higher selectivity. In this study, we developed a quantification method for amino acid enantiomers using derivatization with Nα-(5-Fluoro-2,4-dinitrophenyl)-l-leucinamide (l-FDLA) followed by liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS) with a conventional reversed-phase column. We simultaneously identified 10 chiral amino acids. Furthermore, we applied this method to investigate murine tissue samples and examined the effect of aging on the amino acid levels in aged brain regions. We found that aging decreased the levels of both d-serine and d-aspartate in the hippocampus. In addition, d-Phenylalanine in the thalamus significantly increased with age. In conclusion, our method is suitable for the quantification of the d-amino acids in crude biological samples and may contribute to elucidating the biological roles of chiral amino acids.
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