Deoxycholic acid inhibits smooth muscle contraction via protein kinase C-dependent modulation of L-type Ca2+ channels in rat proximal colon

Contributions of bile acids to gastrointestinal physiology as receptor agonists and modifiers of ion channels

Bile acids (BAs) are known to be important regulators of intestinal motility and epithelial fluid and electrolyte transport. Over the past two decades, significant advances in identifying and characterizing the receptors, transporters, and ion channels targeted by BAs have led to exciting new insights into the molecular mechanisms involved in these processes. Our appreciation of BAs, their receptors, and BA-modulated ion channels as potential targets for the development of new approaches to treat intestinal motility and transport disorders is increasing. In the current review, we aim to summarize recent advances in our knowledge of the different BA receptors and BA-modulated ion channels present in the gastrointestinal system. We discuss how they regulate motility and epithelial transport, their roles in pathogenesis, and their therapeutic potential in a range of gastrointestinal diseases.

Hydrophobic bile acids relax rat detrusor contraction via inhibiting the opening of the Na⁺/Ca²⁺ exchanger

Hydrophobic bile acids (BAs) are thought to inhibit smooth muscle contractility in several organs. The present study was undertaken to investigate the effects of hydrophobic BAs on the detrusor contractility of rat bladder and to explore the possible mechanism. Lithocholic acid (LCA) treatment increased the micturition interval and induced a concentration-dependent relaxation of bladder detrusor strips. In addition, LCA reduced the concentration of intracellular free Ca(2+)([Ca(2+)]i) and inhibited both the outward and inward Na(+)/Ca(2+) exchanger (NCX) current (INCX) in primary isolated smooth muscle cells (SMCs). To further investigate the mechanism of action of LCA, several pharmacologic agents were used. We found that the NCX inhibitor 3',4'-Dichlorobenzamil (DCB) can significantly inhibit the relaxation of detrusor strips and a reduction of the [Ca(2+)]i induced by LCA, while the antagonist of muscarinic receptor and the agonist of the G protein-coupled bile acid receptor (TGR5) and the farnesoid X receptor (FXR) had no effect. In conclusion, these data suggest that the relaxation of rat detrusor induced by hydrophobic BAs is mediated by NCX. Further research is needed to carry out to demonstrate the possible pathway and provide a potential new strategy to investigation for the treatment of the low urinary tract syndromes.

Targeting extra-oral bitter taste receptors modulates gastrointestinal motility with effects on satiation

Bitter taste receptors (TAS2Rs) are present in extra-oral tissues, including gut endocrine cells. This study explored the presence and mechanism of action of TAS2R agonists on gut smooth muscle in vitro and investigated functional effects of intra-gastric administration of TAS2R agonists on gastric motility and satiation. TAS2Rs and taste signalling elements were expressed in smooth muscle tissue along the mouse gut and in human gastric smooth muscle cells (hGSMC). Bitter tastants induced concentration and region-dependent contractility changes in mouse intestinal muscle strips. Contractions induced by denatonium benzoate (DB) in gastric fundus were mediated via increases in intracellular Ca²⁺ release and extracellular Ca²⁺-influx, partially masked by a hyperpolarizing K⁺-efflux. Intra-gastric administration of DB in mice induced a TAS2R-dependent delay in gastric emptying. In hGSMC, bitter compounds evoked Ca²⁺-rises and increased ERK-phosphorylation. Healthy volunteers showed an impaired fundic relaxation in response to nutrient infusion and a decreased nutrient volume tolerance and increased satiation during an oral nutrient challenge test after intra-gastric DB administration. These findings suggest a potential role for intestinal TAS2Rs as therapeutic targets to alter gastrointestinal motility and hence to interfere with hunger signalling.

Inhibition of L-type Ca(2+) channels by curcumin requires a novel protein kinase-theta isoform in rat hippocampal neurons

Curcumin, a major active compound of Curcuma longa, has been reported to have potent neuroprotective activities. However to date, the relevant mechanisms still remain unclear. In this study, we report that curcumin selectively inhibits L-type Ca(2+) channel currents in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. Whole-cell currents were recorded using 10mM barium as a charge carrier. Curcumin reversibly inhibited high-voltage-gated Ca(2+) channel (HVGCC) currents (IBa) in a concentration-dependent manner but had no apparent effects on the cells treated with nifedipine, a specific L-type Ca(2+) channel blocker. Curcumin did not markedly affect the activation of L-type Ca(2+) channels while significantly shifted the inactivation curve in the hyperpolarizing direction. Pretreatment of cells with the classical and novel PKC antagonists GF109203X and calphostin C completely abolished curcumin-induced IBa inhibition, whereas the classical PKC antagonist Gö6976 or inhibition of PKA activity elicited no such effects. Moreover, the curcumin-induced IBa response was abolished by intracellular application of the PKC-θ inhibitory peptide PKC-θ-IP or by siRNA knockdown of PKC-θ in cultured rat hippocampal neurons. In these neurons, novel isoforms of PKC including delta (PKC-δ), epsilon (PKC-ɛ) and theta (PKC-θ), but not eta (PKC-η), were endogenously expressed. Taken together, these results suggest that curcumin selectively inhibits IBavia a novel PKC-θ-dependent pathway, which could contribute to its neuroprotective effects in rat hippocampal neurons.