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Li Y, Luo Y, Zhu P, Liang X, Li J, Dou X, Liu L, Qin L, Zhou M, Deng Y, Jiang L, Wang S, Yang W, Tang J, Tang Y. Running exercise improves astrocyte loss, morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted synapses in the hippocampus of CUS-induced depression model mice. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2024; 239:173750. [PMID: 38494007 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbb.2024.173750] [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: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Although the antidepressant effects of running exercise have been widely reported, further research is still needed to determine the structural bases for these effects. Astrocyte processes physically contact many synapses and directly regulate the numbers of synapses, but it remains unclear whether running exercise can modulate astrocyte morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted synapses in the hippocampus of the mice with depressive-like behavior. Male C57BL/6 J mice underwent four weeks of running exercise after four weeks of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). The sucrose preference test (SPT), tail suspension test (TST) and forced swim test (FST) were used to assess anhedonia in mice. Western blotting was used to measure the expression of astrocyte- and synapse-related proteins. Immunofluorescence and 3D reconstruction were used to quantify the density and morphology of astrocytes, and astrocyte-contacted synapses in each hippocampal subregion. Four weeks of running exercise alleviated depressive-like symptoms in mice. The expression of astrocyte- and synapse-related proteins in the hippocampus; astrocyte process lengths, process numbers, and dendritic arborization; and the number of astrocyte-contacted PSD95 positive synapses in the CA2-3 and DG regions were significantly decreased in the mice with depressive-like behavior, and running exercise successfully reserved these changes. Running exercise improved the decreases in astrocyte morphological complexity and astrocyte-contacted PSD95 positive synapses in the CA2-3 and DG regions of the mice with depressive-like behavior, suggesting that the physical interactions between astrocytes and synapses can be increased by running exercise, which might be an important structural basis for the antidepressant effects of running exercise.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yanmin Luo
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Peilin Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xin Liang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xiaoyun Dou
- Institute of Life Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Lu Qin
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Mei Zhou
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yuhui Deng
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Wenyu Yang
- Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cells and Tissue Engineering, School of Basic Medical Science, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
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Haque I, Thapa P, Burns DM, Zhou J, Sharma M, Sharma R, Singh V. NLRP3 Inflammasome Inhibitors for Antiepileptogenic Drug Discovery and Development. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:6078. [PMID: 38892264 PMCID: PMC11172514 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25116078] [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: 05/07/2024] [Revised: 05/28/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epilepsy is one of the most prevalent and serious brain disorders and affects over 70 million people globally. Antiseizure medications (ASMs) relieve symptoms and prevent the occurrence of future seizures in epileptic patients but have a limited effect on epileptogenesis. Addressing the multifaceted nature of epileptogenesis and its association with the Nod-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation requires a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these medications for the development of targeted therapeutic strategies beyond conventional antiseizure treatments. Several types of NLRP3 inhibitors have been developed and their effect has been validated both in in vitro and in vivo models of epileptogenesis. In this review, we discuss the advances in understanding the regulatory mechanisms of NLRP3 activation as well as progress made, and challenges faced in the development of NLRP3 inhibitors for the treatment of epilepsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inamul Haque
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Department of Math, Science and Business Technology, Kansas City Kansas Community College, Kansas City, KS 66112, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| | - Pritam Thapa
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans’ Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
| | - Douglas M. Burns
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Jianping Zhou
- Renal Research Laboratory, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA;
| | - Mukut Sharma
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans’ Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
- Renal Research Laboratory, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA;
| | - Ram Sharma
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
| | - Vikas Singh
- Research and Development Service, Kansas City Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA; (P.T.); (D.M.B.); (M.S.); (R.S.)
- Drug Discovery Program, Midwest Veterans’ Biomedical Research Foundation, KCVA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
- Division of Neurology, Kansas City VA Medical Center, Kansas City, MO 64128, USA
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Ducza L, Gaál B. The Neglected Sibling: NLRP2 Inflammasome in the Nervous System. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1006-1028. [PMID: 38722788 PMCID: PMC11081174 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0926-1] [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: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
While classical NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing protein 1 (NLRP1) and NLRP3 inflammasomal proteins have been extensively investigated, the contribution of NLRP2 is still ill-defined in the nervous system. Given the putative significance of NLRP2 in orchestrating neuroinflammation, further inquiry is needed to gain a better understanding of its connectome, hence its specific targeting may hold a promising therapeutic implication. Therefore, bioinformatical approach for extracting information, specifically in the context of neuropathologies, is also undoubtedly preferred. To the best of our knowledge, there is no review study selectively targeting only NLRP2. Increasing, but still fragmentary evidence should encourage researchers to thoroughly investigate this inflammasome in various animal- and human models. Taken together, herein we aimed to review the current literature focusing on the role of NLRP2 inflammasome in the nervous system and more importantly, we provide an algorithm-based protein network of human NLRP2 for elucidating potentially valuable molecular partnerships that can be the beginning of a new discourse and future therapeutic considerations.
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Affiliation(s)
- László Ducza
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary, Hungary
| | - Botond Gaál
- Department of Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Debrecen, Hungary, Hungary
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Zhang S, Chen Y, Wang Y, Wang H, Yao D, Chen G. Tau Accumulation in the Spinal Cord Contributes to Chronic Inflammatory Pain by Upregulation of IL-1β and BDNF. Neurosci Bull 2024; 40:466-482. [PMID: 38148427 PMCID: PMC11003936 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-023-01152-4] [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: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Microtubule-associated protein Tau is responsible for the stabilization of neuronal microtubules under normal physiological conditions. Much attention has been focused on Tau's contribution to cognition, but little research has explored its role in emotions such as pain, anxiety, and depression. In the current study, we found a significant increase in the levels of p-Tau (Thr231), total Tau, IL-1β, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on day 7 after complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) injection; they were present in the vast majority of neurons in the spinal dorsal horn. Microinjection of Mapt-shRNA recombinant adeno-associated virus into the spinal dorsal cord alleviated CFA-induced inflammatory pain and inhibited CFA-induced IL-1β and BDNF upregulation. Importantly, Tau overexpression was sufficient to induce hyperalgesia by increasing the expression of IL-1β and BDNF. Furthermore, the activation of glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta partly contributed to Tau accumulation. These findings suggest that Tau in the dorsal horn could be a promising target for chronic inflammatory pain therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuxia Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yeru Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Yongjie Wang
- Key Laboratory of Elemene Anti-Cancer Medicine of Zhejiang Province and Holistic Integrative Pharmacy Institutes, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
- Engineering Laboratory of Development and Application of Traditional Chinese Medicine from Zhejiang Province, Holistic Integrative Pharmacy Institutes, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, 311121, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Dandan Yao
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, School of Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, 310016, China.
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Weng HR. Emerging Molecular and Synaptic Targets for the Management of Chronic Pain Caused by Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3602. [PMID: 38612414 PMCID: PMC11011483 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2024] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) frequently experience chronic pain due to the limited effectiveness and safety profiles of current analgesics. Understanding the molecular and synaptic mechanisms underlying abnormal neuronal activation along the pain signaling pathway is essential for developing new analgesics to address SLE-induced chronic pain. Recent studies, including those conducted by our team and others using the SLE animal model (MRL/lpr lupus-prone mice), have unveiled heightened excitability in nociceptive primary sensory neurons within the dorsal root ganglia and increased glutamatergic synaptic activity in spinal dorsal horn neurons, contributing to the development of chronic pain in mice with SLE. Nociceptive primary sensory neurons in lupus animals exhibit elevated resting membrane potentials, and reduced thresholds and rheobases of action potentials. These changes coincide with the elevated production of TNFα and IL-1β, as well as increased ERK activity in the dorsal root ganglion, coupled with decreased AMPK activity in the same region. Dysregulated AMPK activity is linked to heightened excitability in nociceptive sensory neurons in lupus animals. Additionally, the increased glutamatergic synaptic activity in the spinal dorsal horn in lupus mice with chronic pain is characterized by enhanced presynaptic glutamate release and postsynaptic AMPA receptor activation, alongside the reduced activity of glial glutamate transporters. These alterations are caused by the elevated activities of IL-1β, IL-18, CSF-1, and thrombin, and reduced AMPK activities in the dorsal horn. Furthermore, the pharmacological activation of spinal GPR109A receptors in microglia in lupus mice suppresses chronic pain by inhibiting p38 MAPK activity and the production of both IL-1β and IL-18, as well as reducing glutamatergic synaptic activity in the spinal dorsal horn. These findings collectively unveil crucial signaling molecular and synaptic targets for modulating abnormal neuronal activation in both the periphery and spinal dorsal horn, offering insights into the development of analgesics for managing SLE-induced chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han-Rong Weng
- Department of Basic Sciences, California Northstate University College of Medicine, Elk Grove, CA 95757, USA
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Ducza L, Gajtkó A, Hegedűs K, Bakk E, Kis G, Gaál B, Takács R, Szücs P, Matesz K, Holló K. Neuronal P2X4 receptor may contribute to peripheral inflammatory pain in rat spinal dorsal horn. Front Mol Neurosci 2023; 16:1115685. [PMID: 36969557 PMCID: PMC10033954 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2023.1115685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
ObjectiveIntense inflammation may result in pain, which manifests as spinal central sensitization. There is growing evidence that purinergic signaling plays a pivotal role in the orchestration of pain processing. Over the last decade the ionotropic P2X purino receptor 4 (P2X4) got into spotlight in neuropathic disorders, however its precise spinal expression was scantily characterized during inflammatory pain. Thus, we intended to analyze the receptor distribution within spinal dorsal horn and lumbar dorsal root ganglia (DRG) of rats suffering in inflammatory pain induced by complete Freund adjuvant (CFA).MethodsCFA-induced peripheral inflammation was validated by mechanical and thermal behavioral tests. In order to ensure about the putative alteration of spinal P2X4 receptor gene expression qPCR reactions were designed, followed by immunoperoxidase and Western blot experiments to assess changes at a protein level. Colocalization of P2X4 with neuronal and glial markers was investigated by double immunofluorescent labelings, which were subsequently analyzed with IMARIS software. Transmission electronmicroscopy was applied to study the ultrastructural localization of the receptor. Concurrently, in lumbar DRG cells similar methodology has been carried out to complete our observations.ResultsThe figures of mechanical and thermal behavioral tests proved the establishment of CFA-induced inflammatory pain. We observed significant enhancement of P2X4 transcript level within the spinal dorsal horn 3 days upon CFA administration. Elevation of P2X4 immunoreactivity within Rexed lamina I-II of the spinal gray matter was synchronous with mRNA expression, and confirmed by protein blotting. According to IMARIS analysis the robust protein increase was mainly detected on primary afferent axonterminals and GFAP-labelled astrocyte membrane compartments, but not on postsynaptic dendrites was also validated ultrastructurally within the spinal dorsal horn. Furthermore, lumbar DRG analysis demonstrated that peptidergic and non-peptidergic nociceptive subsets of ganglia cells were also abundantly positive for P2X4 receptor in CFA model.ConclusionHere we provide novel evidence about involvement of neuronal and glial P2X4 receptor in the establishment of inflammatory pain.
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Wang YY, Zhou YN, Jiang L, Wang S, Zhu L, Zhang SS, Yang H, He Q, Liu L, Xie YH, Liang X, Tang J, Chao FL, Tang Y. Long-term voluntary exercise inhibited AGE/RAGE and microglial activation and reduced the loss of dendritic spines in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Exp Neurol 2023; 363:114371. [PMID: 36871860 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2023.114371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is closely related to hippocampal synapse loss, which can be alleviated by running exercise. However, further studies are needed to determine whether running exercise reduces synapse loss in the hippocampus in an AD model by regulating microglia. Ten-month-old male wild-type mice and APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into control and running groups. All mice in the running groups were subjected to voluntary running exercise for four months. After the behavioral tests, immunohistochemistry, stereological methods, immunofluorescence staining, 3D reconstruction, western blotting and RNA-Seq were performed. Running exercise improved the spatial learning and memory abilities of APP/PS1 mice and increased the total number of dendritic spines, the levels of the PSD-95 and Synapsin Ia/b proteins, the colocalization of PSD-95 and neuronal dendrites (MAP-2) and the number of PSD-95-contacting astrocytes (GFAP) in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, running exercise reduced the relative expression of CD68 and Iba-1, the number of Iba-1+ microglia and the colocalization of PSD-95 and Iba-1+ microglia in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 mice. The RNA-Seq results showed that some differentially expressed genes (DEGs) related to the complement system (Cd59b, Serping1, Cfh, A2m, and Trem2) were upregulated in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 mice, while running exercise downregulated the C3 gene. At the protein level, running exercise also reduced the expression of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), C1q and C3 in the hippocampus and AGEs and RAGE in hippocampal microglia in APP/PS1 mice. Furthermore, the Col6a3, Scn5a, Cxcl5, Tdg and Clec4n genes were upregulated in the hippocampi of APP/PS1 mice but downregulated after running, and these genes were associated with the C3 and RAGE genes according to protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis. These findings indicate that long-term voluntary exercise might protect hippocampal synapses and affect the function and activation of microglia, the AGE/RAGE signaling pathway in microglia and the C1q/C3 complement system in the hippocampus in APP/PS1 mice, and these effects may be related to the Col6a3, Scn5a, Cxcl5, Tdg and Clec4n genes. The current results provide an important basis for identifying targets for the prevention and treatment of AD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Ying Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yu-Ning Zhou
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Lin Jiang
- Lab Teaching & Management Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Shun Wang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Shan-Shan Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Hao Yang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Qi He
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Yu-Han Xie
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Xin Liang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Jing Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China
| | - Feng-Lei Chao
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
| | - Yong Tang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China; Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Faculty of Basic Medical College, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, PR China.
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Astrocytes in Chronic Pain: Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms. Neurosci Bull 2022; 39:425-439. [PMID: 36376699 PMCID: PMC10043112 DOI: 10.1007/s12264-022-00961-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractChronic pain is challenging to treat due to the limited therapeutic options and adverse side-effects of therapies. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cells in the central nervous system and play important roles in different pathological conditions, including chronic pain. Astrocytes regulate nociceptive synaptic transmission and network function via neuron–glia and glia–glia interactions to exaggerate pain signals under chronic pain conditions. It is also becoming clear that astrocytes play active roles in brain regions important for the emotional and memory-related aspects of chronic pain. Therefore, this review presents our current understanding of the roles of astrocytes in chronic pain, how they regulate nociceptive responses, and their cellular and molecular mechanisms of action.
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Silva Santos Ribeiro P, Willemen HLDM, Eijkelkamp N. Mitochondria and sensory processing in inflammatory and neuropathic pain. FRONTIERS IN PAIN RESEARCH (LAUSANNE, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 3:1013577. [PMID: 36324872 PMCID: PMC9619239 DOI: 10.3389/fpain.2022.1013577] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatic diseases, such as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, affect over 750 million people worldwide and contribute to approximately 40% of chronic pain cases. Inflammation and tissue damage contribute to pain in rheumatic diseases, but pain often persists even when inflammation/damage is resolved. Mechanisms that cause this persistent pain are still unclear. Mitochondria are essential for a myriad of cellular processes and regulate neuronal functions. Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in multiple neurological disorders, but its role in sensory processing and pain in rheumatic diseases is relatively unexplored. This review provides a comprehensive understanding of how mitochondrial dysfunction connects inflammation and damage-associated pathways to neuronal sensitization and persistent pain. To provide an overall framework on how mitochondria control pain, we explored recent evidence in inflammatory and neuropathic pain conditions. Mitochondria have intrinsic quality control mechanisms to prevent functional deficits and cellular damage. We will discuss the link between neuronal activity, mitochondrial dysfunction and chronic pain. Lastly, pharmacological strategies aimed at reestablishing mitochondrial functions or boosting mitochondrial dynamics as therapeutic interventions for chronic pain are discussed. The evidence presented in this review shows that mitochondria dysfunction may play a role in rheumatic pain. The dysfunction is not restricted to neuronal cells in the peripheral and central nervous system, but also includes blood cells and cells at the joint level that may affect pain pathways indirectly. Pre-clinical and clinical data suggest that modulation of mitochondrial functions can be used to attenuate or eliminate pain, which could be beneficial for multiple rheumatic diseases.
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Reedich EJ, Genry LT, Singer MA, Cavarsan CF, Mena Avila E, Boudreau DM, Brennan MC, Garrett AM, Dowaliby L, Detloff MR, Quinlan KA. Enhanced nociceptive behavior and expansion of associated primary afferents in a rabbit model of cerebral palsy. J Neurosci Res 2022; 100:1951-1966. [PMID: 35839339 PMCID: PMC9388620 DOI: 10.1002/jnr.25108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Spastic cerebral palsy (CP) is a movement disorder marked by hypertonia and hyperreflexia; the most prevalent comorbidity is pain. Since spinal nociceptive afferents contribute to both the sensation of painful stimuli as well as reflex circuits involved in movement, we investigated the relationship between prenatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI) injury which can cause CP, and possible changes in spinal nociceptive circuitry. To do this, we examined nociceptive afferents and mechanical and thermal sensitivity of New Zealand White rabbit kits after prenatal HI or a sham surgical procedure. As described previously, a range of motor deficits similar to spastic CP was observed in kits born naturally after HI (40 min at ~70%-80% gestation). We found that HI caused an expansion of peptidergic afferents (marked by expression of calcitonin gene-related peptide) in both the superficial and deep dorsal horn at postnatal day (P)5. Non-peptidergic nociceptive afferent arborization (labeled by isolectin B4) was unaltered in HI kits, but overlap of the two populations (peptidergic and non-peptidergic nociceptors) was increased by HI. Density of glial fibrillary acidic protein was unchanged within spinal cord white matter regions important in nociceptive transmission at P5. We found that mechanical and thermal nociception was enhanced in HI kits even in the absence of motor deficits. These findings suggest that prenatal HI injury impacts spinal sensory pathways in addition to the more well-established disruptions to descending motor circuits. In conclusion, changes to spinal nociceptive circuitry could disrupt spinal reflexes and contribute to pain experienced by individuals with CP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily J Reedich
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Landon T Genry
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Interdisciplinary Neuroscience Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Meredith A Singer
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Clarissa Fantin Cavarsan
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Elvia Mena Avila
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Daphne M Boudreau
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Michael C Brennan
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Alyssa M Garrett
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Rhode Island Institutional Development Award (IDeA) Network for Biomedical Research Excellence (INBRE) Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) Program, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Lisa Dowaliby
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
| | - Megan R Detloff
- Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy, Marion Murray Spinal Cord Research Center, College of Medicine, Drexel University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Katharina A Quinlan
- George and Anne Ryan Institute for Neuroscience, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
- Department of Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, Rhode Island, USA
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Mata-Martínez E, Díaz-Muñoz M, Vázquez-Cuevas FG. Glial Cells and Brain Diseases: Inflammasomes as Relevant Pathological Entities. Front Cell Neurosci 2022; 16:929529. [PMID: 35783102 PMCID: PMC9243488 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2022.929529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation mediated by the innate immune system is a physiopathological response to diverse detrimental circumstances such as microbe infections or tissular damage. The molecular events that underlie this response involve the assembly of multiprotein complexes known as inflammasomes. These assemblages are essentially formed by a stressor-sensing protein, an adapter protein and a non-apoptotic caspase (1 or 11). The coordinated aggregation of these components mediates the processing and release of pro-inflammatory interleukins (IL-β and IL-18) and cellular death by pyroptosis induction. The inflammatory response is essential for the defense of the organism; for example, it triggers tissue repair and the destruction of pathogen microbe infections. However, when inflammation is activated chronically, it promotes diverse pathologies in the lung, liver, brain and other organs. The nervous system is one of the main tissues where the inflammatory process has been characterized, and its implications in health and disease are starting to be understood. Thus, the regulation of inflammasomes in specific cellular types of the central nervous system needs to be thoroughly understood to innovate treatments for diverse pathologies. In this review, the presence and participation of inflammasomes in pathological conditions in different types of glial cells will be discussed.
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