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Cabrera-Pastor A. Extracellular Vesicles as Mediators of Neuroinflammation in Intercellular and Inter-Organ Crosstalk. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:7041. [PMID: 39000150 PMCID: PMC11241119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25137041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2024] [Revised: 06/20/2024] [Accepted: 06/22/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroinflammation, crucial in neurological disorders like Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis, and hepatic encephalopathy, involves complex immune responses. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a pivotal role in intercellular and inter-organ communication, influencing disease progression. EVs serve as key mediators in the immune system, containing molecules capable of activating molecular pathways that exacerbate neuroinflammatory processes in neurological disorders. However, EVs from mesenchymal stem cells show promise in reducing neuroinflammation and cognitive deficits. EVs can cross CNS barriers, and peripheral immune signals can influence brain function via EV-mediated communication, impacting barrier function and neuroinflammatory responses. Understanding EV interactions within the brain and other organs could unveil novel therapeutic targets for neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Cabrera-Pastor
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina y Odontología, Universitat de València, 46010 Valencia, Spain; or
- Fundación de Investigación del Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, INCLIVA, 46010 Valencia, Spain
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2
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Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Arenas YM, Martínez-García M, Vázquez L, Mincheva G, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Bohnen NI, Llansola M, Felipo V. Golexanolone reduces glial activation in the striatum and improves non-motor and some motor alterations in a rat model of Parkinson's disease. Front Aging Neurosci 2024; 16:1417938. [PMID: 38974902 PMCID: PMC11224447 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2024.1417938] [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: 04/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Parkinson's disease (PD) affects more than 6 million people worldwide. Along with motor impairments, patients and animal models exhibiting PD symptoms also experience cognitive impairment, fatigue, anxiety, and depression. Currently, there are no drugs available for PD that alter the progression of the disease. A body of evidence suggests that increased GABA levels contribute to the reduced expression of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) and accompanying behavioral deficits. TH expression may be restored by blocking GABAA receptors. We hypothesized that golexanolone (GR3027), a well-tolerated GABAA receptor-modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA), may improve Parkinson's symptoms in a rat model of PD. Objectives The aims of this study were to assess whether golexanolone can ameliorate motor and non-motor symptoms in a rat model of PD and to identify some underlying mechanisms. Methods We used the unilateral 6-OHDA rat model of PD. The golexanolone treatment started 4 weeks after surgery. Motor symptoms were assessed using Motorater and CatWalk tests. We also analyzed fatigue (using a treadmill test), anhedonia (via the sucrose preference test), anxiety (with an open field test), and short-term memory (using a Y maze). Glial activation and key proteins involved in PD pathogenesis were analyzed using immunohistochemistry and Western blot. Results Rats with PD showed motor incoordination and impaired locomotor gait, increased fatigue, anxiety, depression, and impaired short-term memory. Golexanolone treatment led to improvements in motor incoordination, certain aspects of locomotor gait, fatigue, anxiety, depression, and short-term memory. Notably, golexanolone reduced the activation of microglia and astrocytes, mitigated TH loss at 5 weeks after surgery, and prevented the increase of α-synuclein levels at 10 weeks. Conclusions Golexanolone may be useful in improving both motor and non-motor symptoms that adversely affect the quality of life in PD patients, such as anxiety, depression, fatigue, motor coordination, locomotor gait, and certain cognitive alterations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yaiza M. Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Mar Martínez-García
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Lola Vázquez
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | - Nicolaas I. Bohnen
- Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Neurology Service and GRECC, Veterans Administration Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Morris K. Udall Center of Excellence for Parkinson's Disease Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Parkinson's Foundation Center of Excellence, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Bäckström T, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Scharschmidt BF, Felipo V. Allopregnanolone and its antagonist modulate neuroinflammation and neurological impairment. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2024; 161:105668. [PMID: 38608826 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2024.105668] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 04/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024]
Abstract
Neuroinflammation accompanies several brain disorders, either as a secondary consequence or as a primary cause and may contribute importantly to disease pathogenesis. Neurosteroids which act as Positive Steroid Allosteric GABA-A receptor Modulators (Steroid-PAM) appear to modulate neuroinflammation and their levels in the brain may vary because of increased or decreased local production or import from the systemic circulation. The increased synthesis of steroid-PAMs is possibly due to increased expression of the mitochondrial cholesterol transporting protein (TSPO) in neuroinflammatory tissue, and reduced production may be due to changes in the enzymatic activity. Microglia and astrocytes play an important role in neuroinflammation, and their production of inflammatory mediators can be both activated and inhibited by steroid-PAMs and GABA. What is surprising is the finding that both allopregnanolone, a steroid-PAM, and golexanolone, a novel GABA-A receptor modulating steroid antagonist (GAMSA), can inhibit microglia and astrocyte activation and normalize their function. This review focuses on the role of steroid-PAMs in neuroinflammation and their importance in new therapeutic approaches to CNS and liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Llansola M. Preface for the Vicente Felipo Honorary Issue of Neurochemical Research. Neurochem Res 2024; 49:1421-1426. [PMID: 38641758 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04139-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Principe Felipe Research Center, Valencia, Spain.
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Wang DS, Ju L, Pinguelo AG, Kaneshwaran K, Haffey SC, Lecker I, Gohil H, Wheeler MB, Kaustov L, Ariza A, Yu M, Volchuk A, Steinberg BE, Goldenberg NM, Orser BA. Crosstalk between GABA A receptors in astrocytes and neurons triggered by general anesthetic drugs. Transl Res 2024; 267:39-53. [PMID: 38042478 DOI: 10.1016/j.trsl.2023.11.007] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/04/2023]
Abstract
General anesthetic drugs cause cognitive deficits that persist after the drugs have been eliminated. Astrocytes may contribute to such cognition-impairing effects through the release of one or more paracrine factors that increase a tonic inhibitory conductance generated by extrasynaptic γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors in hippocampal neurons. The mechanisms underlying this astrocyte-to-neuron crosstalk remain unknown. Interestingly, astrocytes express anesthetic-sensitive GABAA receptors. Here, we tested the hypothesis that anesthetic drugs activate astrocytic GABAA receptors to initiate crosstalk leading to a persistent increase in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor function in neurons. We also investigated the signaling pathways in neurons and aimed to identify the paracrine factors released from astrocytes. Astrocytes and neurons from mice were grown in primary cell cultures and studied using in vitro electrophysiological and biochemical assays. We discovered that the commonly used anesthetics etomidate (injectable) and sevoflurane (inhaled) stimulated astrocytic GABAA receptors, which in turn promoted the release paracrine factors, that increased the tonic current in neurons via a p38 MAPK-dependent signaling pathway. The increase in tonic current was mimicked by exogenous IL-1β and abolished by blocking IL-1 receptors; however, unexpectedly, IL-1β and other cytokines were not detected in astrocyte-conditioned media. In summary, we have identified a novel form of crosstalk between GABAA receptors in astrocytes and neurons that engages a p38 MAPK-dependent pathway. Brief commentary BACKGROUND: Many older patients experience cognitive deficits after surgery. Anesthetic drugs may be a contributing factor as they cause a sustained increase in the function of "memory blocking" extrasynaptic GABAA receptors in neurons. Interestingly, astrocytes are required for this increase; however, the mechanisms underlying the astrocyte-to-neuron crosstalk remain unknown. TRANSLATIONAL SIGNIFICANCE: We discovered that commonly used general anesthetic drugs stimulate GABAA receptors in astrocytes, which in turn release paracrine factors that trigger a persistent increase in extrasynaptic GABAA receptor function in neurons via p38 MAPK. This novel form of crosstalk may contribute to persistent cognitive deficits after general anesthesia and surgery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian-Shi Wang
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Li Ju
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Arsène G Pinguelo
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kirusanthy Kaneshwaran
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sean C Haffey
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Irene Lecker
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Himaben Gohil
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Michael B Wheeler
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Toronto General Hospital Research Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lilia Kaustov
- Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Anthony Ariza
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - MeiFeng Yu
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Allen Volchuk
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Benjamin E Steinberg
- Program in Cell Biology, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Neil M Goldenberg
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada; Program in Neurosciences & Mental Health, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Beverley A Orser
- Department of Physiology, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, Temerty Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Room 3318, Medical Sciences Building, 1 King's College Circle, Ontario M5S 1A8, Canada.
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Llansola M, Arenas YM, Sancho-Alonso M, Mincheva G, Palomares-Rodriguez A, Doverskog M, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Felipo V. Neuroinflammation alters GABAergic neurotransmission in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy, leading to motor incoordination. Mechanisms and therapeutic implications. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1358323. [PMID: 38560359 PMCID: PMC10978603 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1358323] [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: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission contributes to impairment of motor coordination and gait and of cognitive function in different pathologies, including hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Neuroinflammation is a main contributor to enhancement of GABAergic neurotransmission through increased activation of different pathways. For example, enhanced activation of the TNFα-TNFR1-NF-κB-glutaminase-GAT3 pathway and the TNFα-TNFR1-S1PR2-CCL2-BDNF-TrkB pathway in cerebellum of hyperammonemic rats enhances GABAergic neurotransmission. This is mediated by mechanisms affecting GABA synthesizing enzymes GAD67 and GAD65, total and extracellular GABA levels, membrane expression of GABAA receptor subunits, of GABA transporters GAT1 and GAT three and of chloride co-transporters. Reducing neuroinflammation reverses these changes, normalizes GABAergic neurotransmission and restores motor coordination. There is an interplay between GABAergic neurotransmission and neuroinflammation, which modulate each other and altogether modulate motor coordination and cognitive function. In this way, neuroinflammation may be also reduced by reducing GABAergic neurotransmission, which may also improve cognitive and motor function in pathologies associated to neuroinflammation and enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission such as hyperammonemia, hepatic encephalopathy or Parkinson's disease. This provides therapeutic targets that may be modulated to improve cognitive and motor function and other alterations such as fatigue in a wide range of pathologies. As a proof of concept it has been shown that antagonists of GABAA receptors such as bicuculline reduces neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function impairment in rat models of hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. Antagonists of GABAA receptors are not ideal therapeutic tools because they can induce secondary effects. As a more effective treatment to reduce GABAergic neurotransmission new compounds modulating it by other mechanisms are being developed. Golexanolone reduces GABAergic neurotransmission by reducing the potentiation of GABAA receptor activation by neurosteroids such as allopregnanolone. Golexanolone reduces neuroinflammation and GABAergic neurotransmission in animal models of hyperammonemia, hepatic encephalopathy and cholestasis and this is associated with improvement of fatigue, cognitive impairment and motor incoordination. This type of compounds may be useful therapeutic tools to improve cognitive and motor function in different pathologies associated with neuroinflammation and increased GABAergic neurotransmission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yaiza M. Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - María Sancho-Alonso
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Arenas YM, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Martinez-García M, Giménez-Garzó C, Mincheva G, Doverskog M, Jones DEJ, Balzano T, Llansola M, Felipo V. Golexanolone improves fatigue, motor incoordination and gait and memory in rats with bile duct ligation. Liver Int 2024; 44:433-445. [PMID: 38010893 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Many patients with the chronic cholestatic liver disease primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) show fatigue and cognitive impairment that reduces their quality of life. Likewise, rats with bile duct ligation (BDL) are a model of cholestatic liver disease. Current PBC treatments do not improve symptomatic alterations such as fatigue or cognitive impairment and new, more effective treatments are therefore required. Golexanolone reduces the potentiation of GABAA receptors activation by neurosteroids. Golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function in rats with chronic hyperammonemia. The aims of the present study were to assess if golexanolone treatment improves fatigue and cognitive and motor function in cholestatic BDL rats and if this is associated with improvement of peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum. METHODS Rats were subjected to bile duct ligation. One week after surgery, oral golexanolone was administered daily to BDL and sham-operated controls. Fatigue was analysed in the treadmill, motor coordination in the motorater, locomotor gait in the Catwalk, and short-term memory in the Y-maze. We also analysed peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission markers by immunohistochemistry and Western blot. RESULTS BDL induces fatigue, impairs memory and motor coordination, and alters locomotor gait in cholestatic rats. Golexanolone improves these alterations, and this was associated with improvement of peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, and GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum. CONCLUSION Golexanolone may have beneficial effects to treat fatigue, and motor and cognitive impairment in patients with the chronic cholestatic liver disease PBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaiza M Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Mar Martinez-García
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Giménez-Garzó
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - David E J Jones
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
- Freeman Hospital, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK
| | - Tiziano Balzano
- Centro Integral de Neurociencias, Hospital Universitario Puerta del Sur CINAC, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Abdelsalam HM. GABA Administration Ameliorates the Toxicity of Doxorubicin on CSF and the Brain of Albino Rats. Ann Neurosci 2024; 31:12-20. [PMID: 38584977 PMCID: PMC10996873 DOI: 10.1177/09727531231161911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 04/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the mammalian brain and is a non-proteinogenic amino acid. Doxorubcin (DOX) or adriamycin is one of the most potent chemotherapy drugs for breast cancer. Purpose This study focused on diminishing the brain injury and neurotoxicity of doxorubicin (DOX) by GABA administration. Methods Rats were randomly divided into four groups (8 rats each), which were the control group, DOX group (3 mg/kg for 4 weeks, then 2 mg/kg for 2 weeks), GABA group (2 mg/kg for 21 days), and DOX + GABA group (treated as the second and third groups). Neurotoxicity and brain injury were assessed by determining CSF biomarkers, serum inflammatory markers, and histopathological evaluation of the cerebral cortex. Results DOX treatment significantly increased the levels of all CSF biomarkers (S100B, IL-1β, ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCH-L1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), spectrin breakdown products (SBDP145), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2) and all inflammatory markers (IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ), causing extensive neutrophilic infiltration and great alteration in the cerebral cortex architecture as evidence of neurotoxicity. The oral administration of GABA significantly reduced the levels of all CSF biomarkers and inflammatory markers and restored the normal architecture of the cerebral cortex, with observed ameliorations in neutrophilic infiltration. Conclusion GABA administration can ameliorate neurotoxicity and protect the brain against the negative effects of DOX treatment.
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Balzano T, Llansola M, Arenas YM, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Felipo V. Hepatic encephalopathy: investigational drugs in preclinical and early phase development. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2023; 32:1055-1069. [PMID: 37902074 DOI: 10.1080/13543784.2023.2277386] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome, in patients with liver disease, which affects life quality and span. Current treatments are lactulose or rifaximin, acting on gut microbiota. Treatments aiming ammonia levels reduction have been tested with little success. AREAS COVERED Pre-clinical research shows that the process inducing HE involves sequentially: liver failure, altered microbiome, hyperammonemia, peripheral inflammation, changes in immunophenotype and extracellular vesicles and neuroinflammation, which alters neurotransmission impairing cognitive and motor function. HE may be reversed using drugs acting at any step: modulating microbiota with probiotics or fecal transplantation; reducing peripheral inflammation with anti-TNFα, autotaxin inhibitors or silymarin; reducing neuroinflammation with sulforaphane, p38 MAP kinase or phosphodiesteras 5 inhibitors, antagonists of sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2, enhancing meningeal lymphatic drainage or with extracellular vesicles from mesenchymal stem cells; reducing GABAergic neurotransmission with indomethacin or golexanolone. EXPERT OPINION A factor limiting the progress of HE treatment is the lack of translation of research advances into clinical trials. Only drugs acting on microbiota or ammonia reduction have been tested in patients. It is urgent to change the mentality on how to approach HE treatment to develop clinical trials to assess drugs acting on the immune system/peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation or neurotransmission to improve HE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiziano Balzano
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- HM CINAC (Centro Integral de Neurociencias Abarca Campal), Hospital Universitario HM Puerta del Sur, HM Hospitales, Madrid, Spain
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Yaiza M Arenas
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Patología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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Liang W, Wang J, Sui J, Yun F, Shen Y, Zhou J, Wu Y, Shen D, Zhang Q. Inflammation as a target for the treatment of fever-associated epilepsy in zebrafish larvae. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 116:109802. [PMID: 36738682 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.109802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation is considered to be involved in epileptogenesis. However, the relationship between fever and inflammation as well as the mechanisms of fever in the occurrence and development of childhood epilepsy need further investigation. Here, we described an in vivo model of hyperthermia-induced seizures in zebrafish larvae with pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) exposure. Hyperthermia increased the susceptibility to seizure and the production of pro-inflammatory factors in PTZ-induced zebrafish larvae. As mutations in GABRG2 have been associated with fever-associated epilepsy, we used a Tg(hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish model expressing mutant human GABRG2(F343L) to further investigate the involvement of inflammation in fever-induced seizures. Our data indicated that hyperthermia also increased the locomotor activity in Tg(hGABRG2F343L) zebrafish larvae. Although the production of pro-inflammatory factors was upregulated by GABRG2 mutation, hyperthermia did not change the production of pro-inflammatory factors significantly. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation was sufficient to increase the locomotor activity in zebrafish larvae, suggesting that inflammation contributed to fever-associated epilepsy. The expression of GABRG2 was increased with PTZ induction, especially at a higher temperature. Moreover, inhibition of inflammation by dexamethasone (DEX) reduced the excitability of zebrafish larvae, especially at a higher temperature. Finally, in vitro experiments proved that LPS stimulation increased the production of IL-1β and IL-6 in GABRG2(F343L) transfected cells. Collectively, our study demonstrated that neuroinflammation was induced in febrile seizures, and the increased expression of IL-1β and IL-6 might be responsible for epileptogenesis. The vicious cycle between fever and inflammation might induce seizure onset, and anti-inflammatory strategies might be a potential treatment for fever-associated epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenpeng Liang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jiahui Sui
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Feng Yun
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Yuntian Shen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Jing Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Youjia Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Dingding Shen
- Department of Neurology & Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Qi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Tissue Engineering Technology Products, Jiangsu Clinical Medicine Center of Tissue Engineering and Nerve Injury Repair, Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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Cellular Pathogenesis of Hepatic Encephalopathy: An Update. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020396. [PMID: 36830765 PMCID: PMC9953810 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 01/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome derived from metabolic disorders due to various liver failures. Clinically, HE is characterized by hyperammonemia, EEG abnormalities, and different degrees of disturbance in sensory, motor, and cognitive functions. The molecular mechanism of HE has not been fully elucidated, although it is generally accepted that HE occurs under the influence of miscellaneous factors, especially the synergistic effect of toxin accumulation and severe metabolism disturbance. This review summarizes the recently discovered cellular mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HE. Among the existing hypotheses, ammonia poisoning and the subsequent oxidative/nitrosative stress remain the mainstream theories, and reducing blood ammonia is thus the main strategy for the treatment of HE. Other pathological mechanisms mainly include manganese toxicity, autophagy inhibition, mitochondrial damage, inflammation, and senescence, proposing new avenues for future therapeutic interventions.
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Arenas YM, Martínez-García M, Llansola M, Felipo V. Enhanced BDNF and TrkB Activation Enhance GABA Neurotransmission in Cerebellum in Hyperammonemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231911770. [PMID: 36233065 PMCID: PMC9570361 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231911770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hyperammonemia is a main contributor to minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) in cirrhotic patients. Hyperammonemic rats reproduce the motor incoordination of MHE patients, which is due to enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum as a consequence of neuroinflammation. In hyperammonemic rats, neuroinflammation increases BDNF by activating the TNFR1–S1PR2–CCR2 pathway. (1) Identify mechanisms enhancing GABAergic neurotransmission in hyperammonemia; (2) assess the role of enhanced activation of TrkB; and (3) assess the role of the TNFR1–S1PR2–CCR2–BDNF pathway. In the cerebellum of hyperammonemic rats, increased BDNF levels enhance TrkB activation in Purkinje neurons, leading to increased GAD65, GAD67 and GABA levels. Enhanced TrkB activation also increases the membrane expression of the γ2, α2 and β3 subunits of GABAA receptors and of KCC2. Moreover, enhanced TrkB activation in activated astrocytes increases the membrane expression of GAT3 and NKCC1. These changes are reversed by blocking TrkB or the TNFR1–SP1PR2–CCL2–CCR2–BDNF–TrkB pathway. Hyperammonemia-induced neuroinflammation increases BDNF and TrkB activation, leading to increased synthesis and extracellular GABA, and the amount of GABAA receptors in the membrane and chloride gradient. These factors enhance GABAergic neurotransmission in the cerebellum. Blocking TrkB or the TNFR1–SP1PR2–CCL2–CCR2–BDNF–TrkB pathway would improve motor function in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and likely with other pathologies associated with neuroinflammation.
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Malaguarnera G, Catania VE, Bertino G, Chisari LM, Castorina M, Bonfiglio C, Cauli O, Malaguarnera M. Acetyl-L-carnitine Slows the Progression from Prefrailty to Frailty in Older Subjects: A Randomized Interventional Clinical Trial. Curr Pharm Des 2022; 28:3158-3166. [PMID: 36043711 DOI: 10.2174/1381612828666220830092815] [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: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ageing is characterized by a gradual decline in body function, representing the clinical situation called "frailty". Prefrailty is the intermediate stage between frailty and robust condition. L-carnitine (LC) plays an important role in energy production from long-chain fatty acids in mitochondria, and its serum level is lower in prefrail and frail subjects. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate the effect of Acetyl-L-carnitine (ALCAR) in pre-frail older patients. METHODS We scheduled 3 months of treatment and then 3 months of follow-up. A total of 92 subjects were selected from May, 2009 to July, 2017, in a randomized, observational, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We scheduled 3 months of treatment and then 3 months of follow-up. ALCAR (oral 1.5 g/bis in die - BID) or placebo groups were used. RESULTS After the treatment, only the treated group displayed a decrease in C reactive protein (CRP) p < 0.001 and an increase in serum-free carnitine and acetylcarnitine (p < 0.05) in Mini-Mental state (MMSE) p < 0.0001 and 6-walking distance (p < 0.0001); ALCAR group vs. placebo group showed a decrease in HDL cholesterol and CRP (p < 0.01), an increase in MMSE score (p < 0.001) and in the 6-walking distance (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS ALCAR treatment delays the incidence and severity of onset of degenerative disorders of the elderly in prefrail subjects with improvement in memory and cognitive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Vito Emanuele Catania
- Department of Medical, Surgical Sciences and Advanced Technologies "G.F. Ingrassia", University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Gaetano Bertino
- Hepatology Unit, A.O.U. Policlinico- San Marco, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Laura Maria Chisari
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | | | - Omar Cauli
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Podiatry, University of Valencia, c/Jaume Roig s/n, 46010 Valencia, Spain.,Frailty and Cognitive Impairment Organized Group (FROG), University of Valencia, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Michele Malaguarnera
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Science, University of Catania, Catania, Italy.,Department of Psychobiology, Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Valencia, Avda. Blasco Ibáñez, 21, 46010, Valencia, Spain
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Mincheva G, Gimenez-Garzo C, Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Martinez-Garcia M, Doverskog M, Blackburn TP, Hällgren A, Bäckström T, Llansola M, Felipo V. Golexanolone, a GABA A receptor modulating steroid antagonist, restores motor coordination and cognitive function in hyperammonemic rats by dual effects on peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation. CNS Neurosci Ther 2022; 28:1861-1874. [PMID: 35880480 PMCID: PMC9532914 DOI: 10.1111/cns.13926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Aims Hyperammonemic rats show peripheral inflammation, increased GABAergic neurotransmission and neuroinflammation in cerebellum and hippocampus which induce motor incoordination and cognitive impairment. Neuroinflammation enhances GABAergic neurotransmission in cerebellum by enhancing the TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways. Golexanolone reduces GABAA receptors potentiation by allopregnanolone. This work aimed to assess if treatment of hyperammonemic rats with golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and restores cognitive and motor function and to analyze underlying mechanisms. Methods Rats were treated with golexanolone and effects on peripheral inflammation, neuroinflammation, TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways, and cognitive and motor function were analyzed. Results Hyperammonemic rats show increased TNFα and reduced IL‐10 in plasma, microglia and astrocytes activation in cerebellum and hippocampus, and impaired motor coordination and spatial and short‐term memories. Treating hyperammonemic rats with golexanolone reversed changes in peripheral inflammation, microglia and astrocytes activation and restored motor coordination and spatial and short‐term memory. This was associated with reversal of the hyperammonemia‐enhanced activation in cerebellum of the TNFR1‐glutaminase‐GAT3 and TNFR1‐CCL2‐TrkB‐KCC2 pathways. Conclusion Reducing GABAA receptors activation with golexanolone reduces peripheral inflammation and neuroinflammation and improves cognitive and motor function in hyperammonemic rats. The effects identified would also occur in patients with hepatic encephalopathy and, likely, in other pathologies associated with neuroinflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gergana Mincheva
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Carla Gimenez-Garzo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Mar Martinez-Garcia
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Torbjörn Bäckström
- Umecrine Cognition AB, Solna, Sweden.,Umeå Neurosteroid Research Center, Clinical Sciences at Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden
| | - Marta Llansola
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
| | - Vicente Felipo
- Laboratory of Neurobiology, Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, Valencia, Spain
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15
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Izquierdo-Altarejos P, Martínez-García M, Felipo V. Extracellular Vesicles From Hyperammonemic Rats Induce Neuroinflammation in Cerebellum of Normal Rats: Role of Increased TNFα Content. Front Immunol 2022; 13:921947. [PMID: 35911759 PMCID: PMC9325972 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.921947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperammonemia plays a main role in the neurological impairment in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy. Rats with chronic hyperammonemia reproduce the motor incoordination of patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy, which is due to enhanced GABAergic neurotransmission in cerebellum as a consequence of neuroinflammation. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) could play a key role in the transmission of peripheral alterations to the brain to induce neuroinflammation and neurological impairment in hyperammonemia and hepatic encephalopathy. EVs from plasma of hyperammonemic rats (HA-EVs) injected to normal rats induce neuroinflammation and motor incoordination, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The aim of this work was to advance in the understanding of these mechanisms. To do this we used an ex vivo system. Cerebellar slices from normal rats were treated ex vivo with HA-EVs. The aims were: 1) assess if HA-EVs induce microglia and astrocytes activation and neuroinflammation in cerebellar slices of normal rats, 2) assess if this is associated with activation of the TNFR1-NF-kB-glutaminase-GAT3 pathway, 3) assess if the TNFR1-CCL2-BDNF-TrkB pathway is activated by HA-EVs and 4) assess if the increased TNFα levels in HA-EVs are responsible for the above effects and if they are prevented by blocking the action of TNFα. Our results show that ex vivo treatment of cerebellar slices from control rats with extracellular vesicles from hyperammonemic rats induce glial activation, neuroinflammation and enhance GABAergic neurotransmission, reproducing the effects induced by hyperammonemia in vivo. Moreover, we identify in detail key underlying mechanisms. HA-EVs induce the activation of both the TNFR1-CCL2-BDNF-TrkB-KCC2 pathway and the TNFR1-NF-kB-glutaminase-GAT3 pathway. Activation of these pathways enhances GABAergic neurotransmission in cerebellum, which is responsible for the induction of motor incoordination by HA-EVs. The data also show that the increased levels of TNFα in HA-EVs are responsible for the above effects and that the activation of both pathways is prevented by blocking the action of TNFα. This opens new therapeutic options to improve motor incoordination in hyperammonemia and also in cirrhotic patients with hepatic encephalopathy and likely in other pathologies in which altered cargo of extracellular vesicles contribute to the propagation of the pathology.
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Liu J, Feng X, Wang Y, Xia X, Zheng JC. Astrocytes: GABAceptive and GABAergic Cells in the Brain. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:892497. [PMID: 35755777 PMCID: PMC9231434 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.892497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most numerous glial cells in the brain, play an important role in preserving normal neural functions and mediating the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. Recent studies have shown that astrocytes are GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocytes express GABAA receptors, GABAB receptors, and GABA transporter proteins to capture and internalize GABA. GABAceptive astrocytes thus influence both inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission by controlling the levels of extracellular GABA. Furthermore, astrocytes synthesize and release GABA to directly regulate brain functions. In this review, we highlight recent research progresses that support astrocytes as GABAceptive and GABAergic cells. We also summarize the roles of GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocytes that serve as an inhibitory node in the intercellular communication in the brain. Besides, we discuss future directions for further expanding our knowledge on the GABAceptive and GABAergic astrocyte signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianhui Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanran Feng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Translational Research Center, Shanghai Yangzhi Rehabilitation Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiaohuan Xia
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jialin C Zheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Center for Translational Neurodegeneration and Regenerative Therapy, Tongji Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Frontiers Science Center of Nanocatalytic Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Translational Research Institute of Brain and Brain-Like Intelligence, Shanghai Fourth People's Hospital affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Collaborative Innovation Center for Brain Science, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Serum Folate deficiency in HCV related Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Sci Rep 2022; 12:5025. [PMID: 35322130 PMCID: PMC8943167 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-09030-1] [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: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Nutritional and environmental factors had been reporting in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, we focused our intervention in the correlation between the folate status and the progression of HCC in patients with chronic virus C (HCV) infection. Nine-eight patients, HCV positive with HCC and one hundred of patients with HCV positive liver cirrhosis (LC) and one hundred patients with HCV positive chronic hepatitis (CHC) and one hundred control subjects were enrolled. The viremia for hepatitis C patients (HCV) was determined by HCV RNA with polymerase chain reaction. HCV was confirmed by HCV RNA or a positive anti-HCV test with chronic liver disease. The comparison of folate serum levels in HCC patients vs Liver Cirrhosis (LC) patients showed a significant decrease of 1.16 ng/ml P = 0.0006 (95% CI-1.925 to − 0.395), in HCC patients versus CHC a decrease of 1.40 ng/ml P < 0.0001 (95% CI-2.16 to − 0.63), in HCC vs controls a decrease of 3.80 ng/ml P < 0.0001 (95% CI-4.56 to − 3.03). The comparison of homocysteine Hcy serum levels showed a significant increase in HCC vs LC of 4 nmol/L (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 2.77 to 5.22) versus CHC of 9 nmol/L (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 7.78 to 10.22) and vs Controls 9.30 nmol/L (P < 0.0001, 95% CI 8.07 to 10.52). With progression of HCV infection from chronic hepatitis to cirrhosis, then to HCC development, serum folate levels are progressively decreasing together with a progressive increase in serum homocysteine levels reflecting its role in disease progress and carcinogenesis.
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Sabaie H, Talebi M, Gharesouarn J, Asadi MR, Jalaiei A, Arsang-Jang S, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Jalili Khoshnoud R, Rezazadeh M. Identification and Analysis of BCAS4/hsa-miR-185-5p/SHISA7 Competing Endogenous RNA Axis in Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease Using Bioinformatic and Experimental Approaches. Front Aging Neurosci 2022; 14:812169. [PMID: 35264942 PMCID: PMC8899724 DOI: 10.3389/fnagi.2022.812169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a heterogeneous degenerative brain disorder with a rising prevalence worldwide. SHISA7 (CKAMP59) has emerged as one of the most intriguing new members of the SHISA family, in that, unlike other CKAMP counterparts, it exhibits a direct function in inhibitory synaptic GABAAR regulation. We used bioinformatics and experimental methods in this research to explore competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulation of BCAS4 and SHISA7 in tau pathogenesis and their capacity as peripheral biomarkers linked to an abnormal inflammatory response in AD. The Gene Expression Omnibus database included two microarray datasets, including information on mRNAs (GSE106241) and miRNAs (GSE157239) from individuals with AD with different degrees of AD-associated neurofibrillary pathology in the temporal cortex (TC) tissue specimens and corresponding controls were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The limma package in the R software was used to identify differently expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) and miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) associated with AD-related neurofibrillary pathology. Additionally, we used the quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique to examine the expression of the BCAS4/hsa-miR-185-5p/SHISA7 ceRNA axis in the peripheral blood (PB) of fifty AD patients and fifty control subjects. BCAS4 was shown to act as a ceRNA to control the SHISA7 expression throughout AD-associated neurofibrillary pathology in TC tissue specimens by sponging hsa-miR-185-5p, based on our bioinformatics study. Furthermore, in PB specimens from individuals suffering from AD and normal controls, we found no substantial differences in BCAS4 expression patterns. SHISA7 expression in AD patients’ PB was found to be reduced, as was the case in the TC. On the other hand, we discovered reduced amounts of hsa-miR-185-5p in AD patients’ PB samples compared to control subjects, unlike in TC tissue, where it had been demonstrated to be overexpressed. BCAS4 and SHISA7 expression levels showed a strong positive correlation, suggesting the presence of an interconnected network, most likely as a result of ceRNA regulation among PB specimens. The present study is the first evidence to highlight the expression of the BCAS4/miR-185-5p/SHISA7 ceRNA axis in the brain and PB of AD patients, and offers a new viewpoint on molecular processes underlying AD pathogenic mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hani Sabaie
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mahnaz Talebi
- Neurosciences Research Center (NSRC), Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Jalal Gharesouarn
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Reza Asadi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Abbas Jalaiei
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Shahram Arsang-Jang
- Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Iraq
- Center of Research and Strategic Studies, Lebanese French University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human Genetics, Jena University Hospital, Jena, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mohammad Taheri,
| | - Reza Jalili Khoshnoud
- Skull Base Research Center, Loghman Hakim Hospital, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Functional Neurosurgery Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Reza Jalili Khoshnoud,
| | - Maryam Rezazadeh
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr Hospital, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
- Maryam Rezazadeh,
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Electroacupuncture Synergistically Inhibits Proinflammatory Cytokine Production and Improves Cognitive Function in Rats with Cognitive Impairment due to Hepatic Encephalopathy through p38MAPK/STAT3 and TLR4/NF- κB Signaling Pathways. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:7992688. [PMID: 34630618 PMCID: PMC8500758 DOI: 10.1155/2021/7992688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Objective To investigate the effect of electroacupuncture (EA) on cognitive dysfunction in rats with hepatic encephalopathy and its underlying mechanism. Methods Fifty Wistar rats were randomly divided into a normal group (n = 10) and model group (n = 40). Rat models of hepatic encephalopathy were established by administration of carbon tetrachloride and thioacetamide for a total of 12 weeks. At the 9th week after modeling, rats with cognitive impairment in the model group were identified by conducting the Morris water maze test, which were then randomly divided into a control group (CCl4) and treatment groups including EA group (CCl4 + EA), lactulose group (CCl4 + Lac), and EA plus lactulose group (CCl4 + CM), with 9 rats in each group. At the end of the 9th week, rats in CCl4 + Lac and CCl4 + CM groups had lactulose gavage at a dose of 10 mL/kg body weight, while normal control and CCl4 groups had gavage with the same volume of normal saline once a day for 21 days until the end of the experiment. Rats in CCl4 + EA and CCl4 + CM groups underwent acupuncture at Baihui (GV[DU]20), Shenting (GV[DU]24), and Zusanli (ST36) acupoints, among which EA at Baihui and Shenting acupoints were given once daily for 30 min lasting for 21 consecutive days. The effect of the treatment was measured by the Morris water maze test for learning and memory ability and magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) for neuronal metabolism in the hippocampus of rats with hepatic encephalopathy. Pathological change in the rat hippocampus was observed by HE staining, while serum ammonia and liver function markers were detected. Western blot and real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR were used to detect the expressions of specific genes and proteins in the brain tissue. Results Compared with those in the control group, rats undergoing EA had significantly shortened escape latency and increased number of platform crossing. H&E staining confirmed that EA improved brain tissue necrosis and ameliorated nuclear pyknosis in rats with hepatic encephalopathy. Significantly decreased levels of serum ammonia, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), and total bile acid (TBA) were observed in rats undergoing EA, as well as improved levels of total protein (TP) and albumin (ALB). In addition, EA inhibited the brain expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, p38MAPK, phosphorylated (p)-p38MAPK, STAT3, and p-STAT3 genes, as well as protein expressions of TNF-α, IL-6, TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, p38MAPK, p-p38MAPK, STAT3, and p-STAT3. MRS showed increased Glx/Cr and decreased NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr and mI/Cr in the control group, and EA significantly reversed such changes in Glx/Cr and mI/Cr values. Conclusion EA ameliorated the production of excessive proinflammatory cytokines in the hippocampus of rats with cognitive dysfunction secondary to hepatic encephalopathy, which also gave rise to subsequent changes such as reduced blood ammonia level, brain-protective activated astrocytes, and lower degree of brain tissue injury. The p38MAPK/STAT3 and TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathways may be involved. EA can also improve the metabolism of NAA and Cho in the rat hippocampus and thereby improve learning and memory abilities.
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