Ghrelin alleviates 6-hydroxydopamine-induced neurotoxicity in SH-SY5Y cells

Unraveling Dysregulated Cell Signaling Pathways, Genetic and Epigenetic Mysteries of Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a prevalent and burdensome neurodegenerative disorder that has been extensively researched to understand its complex etiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The interplay between genetic and environmental factors in PD makes its pathophysiology difficult to comprehend, emphasizing the need for further investigation into genetic and epigenetic markers involved in the disease. Early diagnosis is crucial for optimal management of the disease, and the development of novel diagnostic biomarkers is ongoing. Although many efforts have been made in the field of recognition and interpretation of the mechanisms involved in the pathophysiology of the disease, the current knowledge about PD is just the tip of the iceberg. By scrutinizing genetic and epigenetic patterns underlying PD, new avenues can be opened for dissecting the pathology of the disorder, leading to more precise and efficient diagnostic and therapeutic approaches. This review emphasizes the importance of studying dysregulated cell signaling pathways and molecular processes associated with genes and epigenetic alterations in understanding PD, paving the way for the development of novel therapeutic strategies to combat this devastating disease.

Ghrelin inhibits NLRP3 inflammasome activation by upregulating autophagy to improve Alzheimer's disease

Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, autophagy, and the aggregation of β-amyloid (Aβ) are key factors in Alzheimer's disease (AD) development. Ghrelin has shown promise in providing neuroprotection for AD. However, the mechanism underlying ghrelin's ability to improve AD by modulating autophagy and the NLRP3 inflammasome requires further clarification. Primary hippocampus neurons and mice were stimulated with Aβ1-42 to create an in vitro and in vivo AD model, followed by ghrelin administration for intervention. Additionally, we subjected the cells to 3-methyladenine (3-MA) treatment. Neuron morphology, microtubule-associated protein 2 (MAP-2) expression, apoptosis, cytokine levels, and protein expression were measured using various techniques. The escape latency of mice was assessed using the Morris water maze (MWM) test, and histopathology of the hippocampus was determined using hematoxylin-eosin staining. At 1-100 nM, ghrelin increased neuron/synapse numbers and MAP-2 expression dose-dependently while blocking apoptosis in Aβ1-42-treated cells. Moreover, ghrelin reduced the expression of Aβ1-42, p-Tau/Tau, p62, NLRP3, ASC, and cleaved Caspase-1, while increasing the expression of LC3II/LC3I and Beclin1 in AD cells. Furthermore, ghrelin treatment also decreased the levels of Aβ1-42, IL-1β, and IL-18 in the cells. The effects of ghrelin were reversed by 3-MA. Our in vivo experiments provided further confirmation of the above effect of ghrelin on AD. Additionally, the injection of Aβ1-42 induced increased escape latency in mice and histopathological changes in hippocampal neurons. All of these abnormalities were significantly improved following administration of ghrelin. Ghrelin mitigated Aβ1-42-induced neurotoxicity and relieved neuronal damage by upregulating autophagy to inactivate NLRP3, thus showing promising potential in treating AD.

Update to the Treatment of Parkinson's Disease Based on the Gut-Brain Axis Mechanism

Gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms represented by constipation were significant non-motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease (PD) and were considered early manifestations and aggravating factors of the disease. This paper reviewed the research progress of the mechanism of the gut-brain axis (GBA) in PD and discussed the roles of α-synuclein, gut microbiota, immune inflammation, neuroendocrine, mitochondrial autophagy, and environmental toxins in the mechanism of the GBA in PD. Treatment of PD based on the GBA theory has also been discussed, including (1) dietary therapy, such as probiotics, vitamin therapy, Mediterranean diet, and low-calorie diet, (2) exercise therapy, (3) drug therapy, including antibiotics; GI peptides; GI motility agents, and (4) fecal flora transplantation can improve the flora. (5) Vagotomy and appendectomy were associated but not recommended.

Long Intergenic Noncoding RNAs Affect Biological Pathways Underlying Autoimmune and Neurodegenerative Disorders

Long intergenic noncoding RNAs (lincRNAs) are a class of independently transcribed molecules longer than 200 nucleotides that do not overlap known protein-coding genes. LincRNAs have diverse roles in gene expression and participate in a spectrum of biological processes. Dysregulation of lincRNA expression can abrogate cellular homeostasis, cell differentiation, and development and can also deregulate the immune and nervous systems. A growing body of literature indicates their important and multifaceted roles in the pathogenesis of several different diseases. Furthermore, certain lincRNAs can be considered potential therapeutic targets and valuable diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers capable of predicting the onset of a disease, its degree of activity, or the progression phase. In this review, we discuss possible mechanisms and molecular functions of lincRNAs in the pathogenesis of selected autoimmune and neurodegenerative disorders: multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, Sjögren’s syndrome, Huntington’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. This summary can provide new ideas for future research, diagnosis, and treatment of these highly prevalent and devastating diseases.

Ivermectin-Induced Apoptotic Cell Death in Human SH-SY5Y Cells Involves the Activation of Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Pathway and Akt/mTOR-Pathway-Mediated Autophagy

Ivermectin (IVM) could cause potential neurotoxicity; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain unclear. This study explores the cytotoxicity of IVM in human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results show that IVM treatment (2.5–15 μM) for 24 h could induce dose-dependent cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. Compared to the control, IVM treatment significantly promoted the production of ROS, mitochondrial dysfunction, and cell apoptosis. IVM treatment also promoted mitophagy and autophagy, which were charactered by the decreased expression of phosphorylation (p)-Akt and p-mTOR proteins, increased expression of LC3II, Beclin1, ATG5, PINK, and Pakin1 proteins and autophagosome formation. N-acetylcysteine treatment significantly inhibited the IVM-induced production of ROS and cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. Autophagy inhibitor (e.g., 3-methyladenine) treatment significantly inhibited IVM-induced autophagy, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. Taken together, our results reveal that IVM could induce autophagy and apoptotic cell death in SH-SY5Y cells, which involved the production of ROS, activation of mitochondrial pathway, and inhibition of Akt/mTOR pathway. Autophagy inhibition improved IVM-induced oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death in SH-SY5Y cells. This current study provides new insights into understanding the molecular mechanism of IVM-induced neurotoxicity and facilitates the discovery of potential neuroprotective agents.