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Cao J, Yu X, Liu J, Fu J, Wang B, Wu C, Zhang S, Chen H, Wang Z, Xu Y, Sui T, Chang J, Cao X. Ruxolitinib improves the inflammatory microenvironment, restores glutamate homeostasis, and promotes functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Neural Regen Res 2024; 19:2499-2512. [PMID: 38526286 PMCID: PMC11090442 DOI: 10.4103/nrr.nrr-d-23-01863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
JOURNAL/nrgr/04.03/01300535-202419110-00030/figure1/v/2024-03-08T184507Z/r/image-tiff The inflammatory microenvironment and neurotoxicity can hinder neuronal regeneration and functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Ruxolitinib, a JAK-STAT inhibitor, exhibits effectiveness in autoimmune diseases, arthritis, and managing inflammatory cytokine storms. Although studies have shown the neuroprotective potential of ruxolitinib in neurological trauma, the exact mechanism by which it enhances functional recovery after spinal cord injury, particularly its effect on astrocytes, remains unclear. To address this gap, we established a mouse model of T10 spinal cord contusion and found that ruxolitinib effectively improved hindlimb motor function and reduced the area of spinal cord injury. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that ruxolitinib alleviated inflammation and immune response after spinal cord injury, restored EAAT2 expression, reduced glutamate levels, and alleviated excitatory toxicity. Furthermore, ruxolitinib inhibited the phosphorylation of JAK2 and STAT3 in the injured spinal cord and decreased the phosphorylation level of nuclear factor kappa-B and the expression of inflammatory factors interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Additionally, in glutamate-induced excitotoxicity astrocytes, ruxolitinib restored EAAT2 expression and increased glutamate uptake by inhibiting the activation of STAT3, thereby reducing glutamate-induced neurotoxicity, calcium influx, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis, and increasing the complexity of dendritic branching. Collectively, these results indicate that ruxolitinib restores glutamate homeostasis by rescuing the expression of EAAT2 in astrocytes, reduces neurotoxicity, and effectively alleviates inflammatory and immune responses after spinal cord injury, thereby promoting functional recovery after spinal cord injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao Yu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jingcheng Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jiaju Fu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Binyu Wang
- Department of Trauma Surgery, Subei People’s Hospital of Jiangsu, Clinical Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Chaoqin Wu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hongtao Chen
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zi Wang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yinyang Xu
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tao Sui
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jie Chang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiaojian Cao
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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2
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Harders AR, Watermann P, Karger G, Denieffe SC, Weller A, Dannemann AC, Willker JE, Köhler Y, Arend C, Dringen R. Consequences of a 2-Deoxyglucose Exposure on the ATP Content and the Cytosolic Glucose Metabolism of Cultured Primary Rat Astrocytes. Neurochem Res 2024:10.1007/s11064-024-04192-y. [PMID: 38898248 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-024-04192-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024]
Abstract
The glucose analogue 2-deoxyglucose (2DG) has frequently been used as a tool to study cellular glucose uptake and to inhibit glycolysis. Exposure of primary cultured astrocytes to 2DG caused a time- and concentration-dependent cellular accumulation of 2-deoxyglucose-6-phosphate (2DG6P) that was accompanied by a rapid initial decline in cellular ATP content. Inhibitors of mitochondrial respiration as well as inhibitors of mitochondrial uptake of pyruvate and activated fatty acids accelerated the ATP loss, demonstrating that mitochondrial ATP regeneration contributes to the partial maintenance of the ATP content in 2DG-treated astrocytes. After a 30 min exposure to 10 mM 2DG the specific content of cellular 2DG6P had accumulated to around 150 nmol/mg, while cellular ATP was lowered by 50% to around 16 nmol/mg. Following such a 2DG6P-loading of astrocytes, glycolytic lactate production from applied glucose was severely impaired during the initial 60 min of incubation, but was reestablished during longer incubation concomitant with a loss in cellular 2DG6P content. In contrast to glycolysis, the glucose-dependent NADPH regeneration via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) was only weakly affected in 2DG6P-loaded astrocytes and in cells that were coincubated with glucose in the presence of an excess of 2DG. Additionally, in the presence of 2DG PPP-dependent WST1 reduction was found to have doubled compared to hexose-free control incubations, indicating that cellular 2DG6P can serve as substrate for NADPH regeneration by the astrocytic PPP. The data presented provide new insights on the metabolic consequences of a 2DG exposure on the energy and glucose metabolism of astrocytes and demonstrate the reversibility of the inhibitory potential of a 2DG-treatment on the glucose metabolism of cultured astrocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Regina Harders
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
- Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Patrick Watermann
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
- Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Gabriele Karger
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
- Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Sadhbh Cynth Denieffe
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
| | - Alina Weller
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
| | - Annika Carina Dannemann
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
| | - Johanna Elisabeth Willker
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
| | - Yvonne Köhler
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
- Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Christian Arend
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany
- Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany
| | - Ralf Dringen
- Centre for Biomolecular Interactions Bremen, Faculty 2 (Biology/Chemistry), University of Bremen, P.O. Box 330440, 28334, Bremen, Germany.
- Centre for Environmental Research and Sustainable Technologies, University of Bremen, Bremen, Germany.
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3
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Azzini E, Peña-Corona SI, Hernández-Parra H, Chandran D, Saleena LAK, Sawikr Y, Peluso I, Dhumal S, Kumar M, Leyva-Gómez G, Martorell M, Sharifi-Rad J, Calina D. Neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of curcumin in Alzheimer's disease: Targeting neuroinflammation strategies. Phytother Res 2024; 38:3169-3189. [PMID: 38616356 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8200] [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: 01/01/2024] [Revised: 03/17/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder characterized by the accumulation of amyloid-beta plaques and neurofibrillary tangles, leading to neuronal loss. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Curcuma longa, has shown potential neuroprotective effects due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. This review aims to synthesize current preclinical data on the anti-neuroinflammatory mechanisms of curcumin in the context of AD, addressing its pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and potential as a therapeutic adjunct. An exhaustive literature search was conducted, focusing on recent studies within the last 10 years related to curcumin's impact on neuroinflammation and its neuroprotective role in AD. The review methodology included sourcing articles from specialized databases using specific medical subject headings terms to ensure precision and relevance. Curcumin demonstrates significant neuroprotective properties by modulating neuroinflammatory pathways, scavenging reactive oxygen species, and inhibiting the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Despite its potential, challenges remain regarding its limited bioavailability and the scarcity of comprehensive human clinical trials. Curcumin emerges as a promising therapeutic adjunct in AD due to its multimodal neuroprotective benefits. However, further research is required to overcome challenges related to bioavailability and to establish effective dosing regimens in human subjects. Developing novel delivery systems and formulations may enhance curcumin's therapeutic potential in AD treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Azzini
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-AN), Rome, Italy
| | - Sheila I Peña-Corona
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Héctor Hernández-Parra
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Deepak Chandran
- Department of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Amrita School of Agricultural Sciences, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham University, Coimbatore, India
| | | | - Yousef Sawikr
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine University of Ajdabiya, Ajdabiya, Libya
| | - Ilaria Peluso
- Research Centre for Food and Nutrition, Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA-AN), Rome, Italy
| | - Sangram Dhumal
- Division of Horticulture, RCSM College of Agriculture, Kolhapur, India
| | - Manoj Kumar
- Chemical and Biochemical Processing Division, ICAR-Central Institute for Research on Cotton Technology, Mumbai, India
| | - Gerardo Leyva-Gómez
- Departamento de Farmacia, Facultad de Química, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Ciudad de México, Mexico
| | - Miquel Martorell
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Pharmacy, and Centre for Healthy Living, University of Concepción, Concepción, Chile
| | | | - Daniela Calina
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Medicine and Pharmacy of Craiova, Craiova, Romania
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Zieger K, Cao C, Engele J. Evaluating CXCL12 for Effects on Reactive Gene Expression in Primary Astrocytes. J Mol Neurosci 2024; 74:57. [PMID: 38802573 DOI: 10.1007/s12031-024-02231-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Upon injury to the CNS, astrocytes undergo morphological and functional changes commonly referred to as astrocyte reactivity. Notably, these reactive processes include altered expression of factors that control immune processes and neuronal survival, as well as increased expression of the CXCL12 receptor, CXCR7/ACKR3. We now asked whether these events are related in that the astrocytic CXCL12 system modulates immune responses and/or neuronal survival. Short-term exposure of astrocytes cultured from the postnatal rat cortex to CXCL12 prominently increased the expression of serpine1/PAI1 on the mRNA level, but showed either no or only minor effects on the expression of additional reactive genes, selected from previous array studies. CXCL12-induced increases in PAI1 protein levels were only detectable in the additional presence of chemokines/cytokines, suggesting that translation of serpine1 mRNA depends on the cooperation of various factors. As expected, expression of most of the selected genes increased after acute or chronic activation of astrocytes with either LPS or a combination of IL-1β and TNFα. CXCL12 partially attenuated expression of some of the LPS and IL-1β/TNFα-induced genes under acute conditions, in particular those encoding CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11, and CCL5. Taken together, these findings argue for the involvement of the astrocyte CXCL12 system in the control of the immune response of the injured CNS, where it may control distinct steps.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstanze Zieger
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 13, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Carolina Cao
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 13, 04103, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Jürgen Engele
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty, University of Leipzig, Liebigstr. 13, 04103, Leipzig, Germany.
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Angarita-Rodríguez A, Matiz-González JM, Pinzón A, Aristizabal AF, Ramírez D, Barreto GE, González J. Enzymatic Metabolic Switches of Astrocyte Response to Lipotoxicity as Potential Therapeutic Targets for Nervous System Diseases. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:648. [PMID: 38794218 PMCID: PMC11124372 DOI: 10.3390/ph17050648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes play a pivotal role in maintaining brain homeostasis. Recent research has highlighted the significance of palmitic acid (PA) in triggering pro-inflammatory pathways contributing to neurotoxicity. Furthermore, Genomic-scale metabolic models and control theory have revealed that metabolic switches (MSs) are metabolic pathway regulators by potentially exacerbating neurotoxicity, thereby offering promising therapeutic targets. Herein, we characterized these enzymatic MSs in silico as potential therapeutic targets, employing protein-protein and drug-protein interaction networks alongside structural characterization techniques. Our findings indicate that five MSs (P00558, P04406, Q08426, P09110, and O76062) were functionally linked to nervous system drug targets and may be indirectly regulated by specific neurological drugs, some of which exhibit polypharmacological potential (e.g., Trifluperidol, Trifluoperazine, Disulfiram, and Haloperidol). Furthermore, four MSs (P00558, P04406, Q08426, and P09110) feature ligand-binding or allosteric cavities with druggable potential. Our results advocate for a focused exploration of P00558 (phosphoglycerate kinase 1), P04406 (glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase), Q08426 (peroxisomal bifunctional enzyme, enoyl-CoA hydratase, and 3-hydroxyacyl CoA dehydrogenase), P09110 (peroxisomal 3-ketoacyl-CoA thiolase), and O76062 (Delta(14)-sterol reductase) as promising targets for the development or repurposing of pharmacological compounds, which could have the potential to modulate lipotoxic-altered metabolic pathways, offering new avenues for the treatment of related human diseases such as neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Angarita-Rodríguez
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - J. Manuel Matiz-González
- Molecular Genetics and Antimicrobial Resistance Unit, Universidad El Bosque, Bogotá 110121, Colombia
| | - Andrés Pinzón
- Laboratorio de Bioinformática y Biología de Sistemas, Universidad Nacional de Colombia, Bogotá 111321, Colombia
| | - Andrés Felipe Aristizabal
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
| | - David Ramírez
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad de Concepción, Concepción 4030000, Chile
| | - George E. Barreto
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, V94 T9PX Limerick, Ireland
| | - Janneth González
- Departamento de Nutrición y Bioquímica, Facultad de Ciencias, Pontificia Universidad Javeriana, Bogotá 110231, Colombia
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Krix S, Wilczynski E, Falgàs N, Sánchez-Valle R, Yoles E, Nevo U, Baruch K, Fröhlich H. Towards early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease: advances in immune-related blood biomarkers and computational approaches. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1343900. [PMID: 38720902 PMCID: PMC11078023 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1343900] [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: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease has an increasing prevalence in the population world-wide, yet current diagnostic methods based on recommended biomarkers are only available in specialized clinics. Due to these circumstances, Alzheimer's disease is usually diagnosed late, which contrasts with the currently available treatment options that are only effective for patients at an early stage. Blood-based biomarkers could fill in the gap of easily accessible and low-cost methods for early diagnosis of the disease. In particular, immune-based blood-biomarkers might be a promising option, given the recently discovered cross-talk of immune cells of the central nervous system with those in the peripheral immune system. Here, we give a background on recent advances in research on brain-immune system cross-talk in Alzheimer's disease and review machine learning approaches, which can combine multiple biomarkers with further information (e.g. age, sex, APOE genotype) into predictive models supporting an earlier diagnosis. In addition, mechanistic modeling approaches, such as agent-based modeling open the possibility to model and analyze cell dynamics over time. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of immune-system related blood-based biomarkers and their potential for the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Krix
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Sankt Augustin, Germany
- Bonn-Aachen International Center for Information Technology (b-it), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Ella Wilczynski
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Neus Falgàs
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (FCRB-IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Raquel Sánchez-Valle
- Alzheimer’s Disease and Other Cognitive Disorders Unit, Neurology Service, Hospital Clínic de Barcelona, Fundació de Recerca Clínic Barcelona-Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (FCRB-IDIBAPS), University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eti Yoles
- ImmunoBrain Checkpoint Ltd., Rechovot, Israel
| | - Uri Nevo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Iby and Aladar Fleischman Faculty of Engineering, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
- Sagol School of Neuroscience, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Kuti Baruch
- ImmunoBrain Checkpoint Ltd., Rechovot, Israel
| | - Holger Fröhlich
- Department of Bioinformatics, Fraunhofer Institute for Algorithms and Scientific Computing (SCAI), Sankt Augustin, Germany
- Bonn-Aachen International Center for Information Technology (b-it), University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Wee IC, Arulsamy A, Corrigan F, Collins-Praino L. Long-Term Impact of Diffuse Traumatic Brain Injury on Neuroinflammation and Catecholaminergic Signaling: Potential Relevance for Parkinson's Disease Risk. Molecules 2024; 29:1470. [PMID: 38611750 PMCID: PMC11013319 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29071470] [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: 01/05/2024] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is associated with an increased risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD), though the exact mechanisms remain unclear. TBI triggers acute neuroinflammation and catecholamine dysfunction post-injury, both implicated in PD pathophysiology. The long-term impact on these pathways following TBI, however, remains uncertain. In this study, male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent sham surgery or Marmarou's impact acceleration model to induce varying TBI severities: single mild TBI (mTBI), repetitive mild TBI (rmTBI), or moderate-severe TBI (msTBI). At 12 months post-injury, astrocyte reactivity (GFAP) and microglial levels (IBA1) were assessed in the striatum (STR), substantia nigra (SN), and prefrontal cortex (PFC) using immunohistochemistry. Key enzymes and receptors involved in catecholaminergic transmission were measured via Western blot within the same regions. Minimal changes in these markers were observed, regardless of initial injury severity. Following mTBI, elevated protein levels of dopamine D1 receptors (DRD1) were noted in the PFC, while msTBI resulted in increased alpha-2A adrenoceptors (ADRA2A) in the STR and decreased dopamine beta-hydroxylase (DβH) in the SN. Neuroinflammatory changes were subtle, with a reduced number of GFAP+ cells in the SN following msTBI. However, considering the potential for neurodegenerative outcomes to manifest decades after injury, longer post-injury intervals may be necessary to observe PD-relevant alterations within these systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ing Chee Wee
- Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Alina Arulsamy
- Neuropharmacology Research Laboratory, Jeffrey Cheah School of Medicine and Health Sciences, Monash University Malaysia, Bandar Sunway 47500, Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia;
| | - Frances Corrigan
- Head Injury Lab, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Lyndsey Collins-Praino
- Cognition, Ageing and Neurodegenerative Disease Laboratory, School of Biomedicine, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
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Mazzitelli M, Ponomareva O, Presto P, John J, Neugebauer V. Impaired amygdala astrocytic signaling worsens neuropathic pain-associated neuronal functions and behaviors. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1368634. [PMID: 38576475 PMCID: PMC10991799 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1368634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 03/06/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Pain is a clinically relevant health care issue with limited therapeutic options, creating the need for new and improved analgesic strategies. The amygdala is a limbic brain region critically involved in the regulation of emotional-affective components of pain and in pain modulation. The central nucleus of amygdala (CeA) serves major output functions and receives nociceptive information via the external lateral parabrachial nucleus (PB). While amygdala neuroplasticity has been linked causally to pain behaviors, non-neuronal pain mechanisms in this region remain to be explored. As an essential part of the neuroimmune system, astrocytes that represent about 40-50% of glia cells within the central nervous system, are required for physiological neuronal functions, but their role in the amygdala remains to be determined for pain conditions. In this study, we measured time-specific astrocyte activation in the CeA in a neuropathic pain model (spinal nerve ligation, SNL) and assessed the effects of astrocyte inhibition on amygdala neuroplasticity and pain-like behaviors in the pain condition. Methods and Results: Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, astrocytic marker) immunoreactivity and mRNA expression were increased at the chronic (4 weeks post-SNL), but not acute (1 week post-SNL), stage of neuropathic pain. In order to determine the contribution of astrocytes to amygdala pain-mechanisms, we used fluorocitric acid (FCA), a selective inhibitor of astrocyte metabolism. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings were performed from neurons in the laterocapsular division of the CeA (CeLC) obtained from chronic neuropathic rats. Pre-incubation of brain slices with FCA (100 µM, 1 h), increased excitability through altered hyperpolarization-activated current (Ih) functions, without significantly affecting synaptic responses at the PB-CeLC synapse. Intra-CeA injection of FCA (100 µM) had facilitatory effects on mechanical withdrawal thresholds (von Frey and paw pressure tests) and emotional-affective behaviors (evoked vocalizations), but not on facial grimace score and anxiety-like behaviors (open field test), in chronic neuropathic rats. Selective inhibition of astrocytes by FCA was confirmed with immunohistochemical analyses showing decreased astrocytic GFAP, but not NeuN, signal in the CeA. Discussion: Overall, these results suggest a complex modulation of amygdala pain functions by astrocytes and provide evidence for beneficial functions of astrocytes in CeA in chronic neuropathic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariacristina Mazzitelli
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Olga Ponomareva
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Peyton Presto
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Julia John
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
| | - Volker Neugebauer
- Department of Pharmacology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Center of Excellence for Translational Neuroscience and Therapeutics, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
- Garrison Institute on Aging, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, TX, United States
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9
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Carvalho FV, Landis HE, Getachew B, Silva VDA, Ribeiro PR, Aschner M, Tizabi Y. Iron toxicity, ferroptosis and microbiota in Parkinson's disease: Implications for novel targets. ADVANCES IN NEUROTOXICOLOGY 2024; 11:105-132. [PMID: 38770370 PMCID: PMC11105119 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ant.2024.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
Abstract
Parkinson's Disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease characterized by loss of dopaminergic neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNpc). Iron (Fe)-dependent programmed cell death known as ferroptosis, plays a crucial role in the etiology and progression of PD. Since SNpc is particularly vulnerable to Fe toxicity, a central role for ferroptosis in the etiology and progression of PD is envisioned. Ferroptosis, characterized by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-dependent accumulation of lipid peroxides, is tightly regulated by a variety of intracellular metabolic processes. Moreover, the recently characterized bi-directional interactions between ferroptosis and the gut microbiota, not only provides another window into the mechanistic underpinnings of PD but could also suggest novel interventions in this devastating disease. Here, following a brief discussion of PD, we focus on how our expanding knowledge of Fe-induced ferroptosis and its interaction with the gut microbiota may contribute to the pathophysiology of PD and how this knowledge may be exploited to provide novel interventions in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Harold E. Landis
- Integrative Medicine Fellow, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, United States
| | - Bruk Getachew
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Paulo R. Ribeiro
- Metabolomics Research Group, Institute of Chemistry, Federal University of Bahia, Brazil
| | - Michael Aschner
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Yousef Tizabi
- Department of Pharmacology, Howard University College of Medicine, Washington, DC, United States
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10
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Paciello F, Pisani A, Rolesi R, Montuoro R, Mohamed-Hizam V, Boni G, Ripoli C, Galli J, Sisto R, Fetoni AR, Grassi C. Oxidative stress and inflammation cause auditory system damage via glial cell activation and dysregulated expression of gap junction proteins in an experimental model of styrene-induced oto/neurotoxicity. J Neuroinflammation 2024; 21:4. [PMID: 38178142 PMCID: PMC10765700 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-023-02996-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Redox imbalance and inflammation have been proposed as the principal mechanisms of damage in the auditory system, resulting in functional alterations and hearing loss. Microglia and astrocytes play a crucial role in mediating oxidative/inflammatory injury in the central nervous system; however, the role of glial cells in the auditory damage is still elusive. OBJECTIVES Here we investigated glial-mediated responses to toxic injury in peripheral and central structures of the auditory pathway, i.e., the cochlea and the auditory cortex (ACx), in rats exposed to styrene, a volatile compound with well-known oto/neurotoxic properties. METHODS Male adult Wistar rats were treated with styrene (400 mg/kg daily for 3 weeks, 5/days a week). Electrophysiological, morphological, immunofluorescence and molecular analyses were performed in both the cochlea and the ACx to evaluate the mechanisms underlying styrene-induced oto/neurotoxicity in the auditory system. RESULTS We showed that the oto/neurotoxic insult induced by styrene increases oxidative stress in both cochlea and ACx. This was associated with macrophages and glial cell activation, increased expression of inflammatory markers (i.e., pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokine receptors) and alterations in connexin (Cxs) and pannexin (Panx) expression, likely responsible for dysregulation of the microglia/astrocyte network. Specifically, we found downregulation of Cx26 and Cx30 in the cochlea, and high level of Cx43 and Panx1 in the ACx. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, our results provide novel evidence on the role of immune and glial cell activation in the oxidative/inflammatory damage induced by styrene in the auditory system at both peripheral and central levels, also involving alterations of gap junction networks. Our data suggest that targeting glial cells and connexin/pannexin expression might be useful to attenuate oxidative/inflammatory damage in the auditory system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabiola Paciello
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Pisani
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Rolando Rolesi
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Raffaele Montuoro
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giammarco Boni
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristian Ripoli
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
| | - Jacopo Galli
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Rome, Italy
| | - Renata Sisto
- Department of Occupational and Environmental Medicine, Epidemiology and Hygiene, Italian Workers' Compensation Authority (INAIL), Monte Porzio Catone, Rome, Italy
| | - Anna Rita Fetoni
- Department of Neuroscience, Unit of Audiology, Università Degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Naples, Italy.
| | - Claudio Grassi
- Department of Neuroscience, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168, Rome, Italy
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168, Rome, Italy
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11
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Pauwels EK, Boer GJ. Friends and Foes in Alzheimer's Disease. Med Princ Pract 2023; 32:313-322. [PMID: 37788649 PMCID: PMC10727688 DOI: 10.1159/000534400] [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: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a disabling neurodegenerative disease. The prognosis is poor, and currently there are no proven effective therapies. Most likely, the etiology is related to cerebral inflammatory processes that cause neuronal damage, resulting in dysfunction and apoptosis of nerve cells. Pathogens that evoke a neuroinflammatory response, collectively activate astrocytes and microglia, which contributes to the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. This leads to the deposit of clustered fragments of beta-amyloid and misfolded tau proteins which do not elicit an adequate immune reaction. Apart from the function of astrocytes and microglia, molecular entities such as TREM2, SYK, C22, and C33 play a role in the physiopathology of AD. Furthermore, bacteria and viruses may trigger an overactive inflammatory response in the brain. Pathogens like Helicobacter pylori, Chlamydia pneumonia, and Porphyromonas gingivalis (known for low-grade infection in the oral cavity) can release gingipains, which are enzymes that can damage and destroy neurons. Chronic infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (the causative agent of Lyme disease) can co-localize with tau tangles and amyloid deposits. As for viral infections, herpes simplex virus 1, cytomegalovirus, and Epstein-Barr virus can play a role in the pathogenesis of AD. Present investigations have resulted in the development of antibodies that can clear the brain of beta-amyloid plaques. Trials with humanized aducanumab, lecanemab, and donanemab revealed limited success in AD patients. However, AD should be considered as a continuum in which the initial preclinical phase may take 10 or even 20 years. It is generally thought that this phase offers a window for efficacious treatment. Therefore, research is also focused on the identification of biomarkers for early AD detection. In this respect, the plasma measurement of neurofilament light chain in patients treated with hydromethylthionine mesylate may well open a new way to prevent the formation of tau tangles and represents the first treatment for AD at its roots.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ernest K.J. Pauwels
- Leiden University and Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gerard J. Boer
- Netherlands Institute for Brain Research, Royal Academy of Arts and Sciences, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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12
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Li Y, Que M, Wang X, Zhan G, Zhou Z, Luo X, Li S. Exploring Astrocyte-Mediated Mechanisms in Sleep Disorders and Comorbidity. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2476. [PMID: 37760916 PMCID: PMC10525869 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11092476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Astrocytes, the most abundant cells in the brain, are integral to sleep regulation. In the context of a healthy neural environment, these glial cells exert a profound influence on the sleep-wake cycle, modulating both rapid eye movement (REM) and non-REM sleep phases. However, emerging literature underscores perturbations in astrocytic function as potential etiological factors in sleep disorders, either as protopathy or comorbidity. As known, sleep disorders significantly increase the risk of neurodegenerative, cardiovascular, metabolic, or psychiatric diseases. Meanwhile, sleep disorders are commonly screened as comorbidities in various neurodegenerative diseases, epilepsy, and others. Building on existing research that examines the role of astrocytes in sleep disorders, this review aims to elucidate the potential mechanisms by which astrocytes influence sleep regulation and contribute to sleep disorders in the varied settings of brain diseases. The review emphasizes the significance of astrocyte-mediated mechanisms in sleep disorders and their associated comorbidities, highlighting the need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujuan Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (Y.L.); (M.Q.); (X.W.); (G.Z.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Mengxin Que
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (Y.L.); (M.Q.); (X.W.); (G.Z.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (Y.L.); (M.Q.); (X.W.); (G.Z.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Gaofeng Zhan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (Y.L.); (M.Q.); (X.W.); (G.Z.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Zhiqiang Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (Y.L.); (M.Q.); (X.W.); (G.Z.); (Z.Z.)
| | - Xiaoxiao Luo
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China
| | - Shiyong Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Hubei Key Laboratory of Geriatric Anesthesia and Perioperative Brain Health, Wuhan Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Anesthesia, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430074, China; (Y.L.); (M.Q.); (X.W.); (G.Z.); (Z.Z.)
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