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Lei L, Wang YF, Chen CY, Wang YT, Zhang Y. Novel insight into astrocyte-mediated gliotransmission modulates the synaptic plasticity in major depressive disorder. Life Sci 2024; 355:122988. [PMID: 39153595 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.122988] [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: 04/25/2024] [Revised: 07/23/2024] [Accepted: 08/13/2024] [Indexed: 08/19/2024]
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a form of glial cell-based synaptic dysfunction disease in which glial cells interact closely with neuronal synapses and perform synaptic information processing. Glial cells, particularly astrocytes, are active components of the brain and are responsible for synaptic activity through the release gliotransmitters. A reduced density of astrocytes and astrocyte dysfunction have both been identified the brains of patients with MDD. Furthermore, gliotransmission, i.e., active information transfer mediated by gliotransmitters between astrocytes and neurons, is thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of MDD. However, the mechanism by which astrocyte-mediated gliotransmission contributes to depression remains unknown. This review therefore summarizes the alterations in astrocytes in MDD, including astrocyte marker, connexin 43 (Cx43) expression, Cx43 gap junctions, and Cx43 hemichannels, and describes the regulatory mechanisms of astrocytes involved in synaptic plasticity. Additionally, we investigate the mechanisms acting of the glutamatergic, gamma-aminobutyric acidergic, and purinergic systems that modulate synaptic function and the antidepressant mechanisms of the related receptor antagonists. Further, we summarize the roles of glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, d-serine, and adenosine triphosphate in depression, providing a basis for the identification of diagnostic and therapeutic targets for MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Lei
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yu-Fei Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Cong-Ya Chen
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ya-Ting Wang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Department of Anatomy, School of Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.
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2
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Qi W, Jin X, Guan W. Purinergic P2X7 receptor as a potential therapeutic target in depression. Biochem Pharmacol 2024; 219:115959. [PMID: 38052270 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2023.115959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The elaborate mechanisms of depression have always been a research hotspot in recent years, and the pace of research has never ceased. The P2X7 receptor (P2X7R) belongs to one of the adenosine triphosphates (ATP)-gated cation channels that exist widely in brain tissues and play a prominent role in the regulation of depression-related pathology. To date, the role of purinergic P2X7R in the mechanisms underlying depression is not fully understood. In this review, we conclude that the purinergic receptor P2X7 is a potential therapeutic target for depression based on research results published over the past 5 years in Google Scholar and the National Library of Medicine (PubMed). Additionally, we introduced the functional characteristics of P2X7R and confirmed that excessive activation of P2X7R led to increased release of inflammatory cytokines, which eventually contributed to depression. Furthermore, the inhibition of P2X7R produced antidepressant-like effects in animal models of depression, further proving that P2X7R signalling mediates depression-like behaviours. Finally, we summarised related studies on drugs that exert antidepressant effects by regulating the expression of P2X7R. We hope that the conclusions of this review will provide information on the role of P2X7R in the neuropathophysiology of depression and novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Qi
- Department of Pharmacology, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng 224000, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiang Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226002, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, Pharmacy College, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China.
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Iring-Varga B, Baranyi M, Gölöncsér F, Tod P, Sperlágh B. The antidepressant effect of short- and long-term zinc exposition is partly mediated by P2X7 receptors in male mice. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1241406. [PMID: 37908978 PMCID: PMC10613712 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1241406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: As a member of the purinergic receptor family, divalent cation-regulated ionotropic P2X7 (P2rx7) plays a role in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to investigate whether the effects of acute zinc administration and long-term zinc deprivation on depression-like behaviors in mice are mediated by P2X7 receptors. Methods: The antidepressant-like effect of elevated zinc level was studied using a single acute intraperitoneal injection in C57BL6/J wild-type and P2rx7 gene-deficient (P2rx7 -/-) young adult and elderly animals in the tail suspension test (TST) and the forced swim test (FST). In the long-term experiments, depression-like behavior caused by zinc deficiency was investigated with the continuous administration of zinc-reduced and control diets for 8 weeks, followed by the same behavioral tests. The actual change in zinc levels owing to the treatments was examined by assaying serum zinc levels. Changes in monoamine and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels were measured from the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex brain areas by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and high-performance liquid chromatography, respectively. Results: A single acute zinc treatment increased the serum zinc level evoked antidepressant-like effect in both genotypes and age groups, except TST in elderly P2rx7 -/- animals, where no significant effect was detected. Likewise, the pro-depressant effect of zinc deprivation was observed in young adult mice in the FST and TST, which was alleviated in the case of the TST in the absence of functional P2X7 receptors. Among elderly mice, no pro-depressant effect was observed in P2rx7 -/- mice in either tests. Treatment and genotype changes in monoamine and BDNF levels were also detected in the hippocampi. Conclusion: Changes in zinc intake were associated with age-related changes in behavior in the TST and FST. The antidepressant-like effect of zinc is partially mediated by the P2X7 receptor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bernadett Iring-Varga
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Mária Baranyi
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Flóra Gölöncsér
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Pál Tod
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Sperlágh
- Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Budapest, Hungary
- János Szentágothai Doctoral School, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
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4
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Ren WJ, Zhao YF, Li J, Rubini P, Yuan ZQ, Tang Y, Illes P. P2X7 receptor-mediated depression-like reactions arising in the mouse medial prefrontal cortex. Cereb Cortex 2023:7161772. [PMID: 37183178 DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhad166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder is a frequent and debilitating psychiatric disease. We have shown in some of the acute animal models of major depressive disorder (tail suspension test and forced swim test) that depression-like behavior can be aggravated in mice by the microinjection into the medial prefrontal cortex of the P2X7R agonistic adenosine 5'-triphosphate or its structural analog dibenzoyl-ATP, and these effects can be reversed by the P2X7R antagonistic JNJ-47965567. When measuring tail suspension test, the prolongation of immobility time by the P2YR agonist adenosine 5'-[β-thio]diphosphate and the reduction of the adenosine 5'-(γ-thio)triphosphate effect by P2Y1R (MRS 2179) or P2Y12R (PSB 0739) antagonists, but not by JNJ-47965567, all suggest the involvement of P2YRs. In order to elucidate the localization of the modulatory P2X7Rs in the brain, we recorded current responses to dibenzoyl-ATP in layer V astrocytes and pyramidal neurons of medial prefrontal cortex brain slices by the whole-cell patch-clamp procedure; the current amplitudes were not altered in preparations taken from tail suspension test or foot shock-treated mice. The release of adenosine 5'-triphosphate was decreased by foot shock, although not by tail suspension test both in the hippocampus and PFC. In conclusion, we suggest, that in the medial prefrontal cortex, acute stressful stimuli cause supersensitivity of P2X7Rs facilitating the learned helplessness reaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Jing Ren
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Ya-Fei Zhao
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Jie Li
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Patrizia Rubini
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Zeng-Qiang Yuan
- The Brain Science Center, Beijing Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Beijing 100850, China
- School of Medicine, University of South China, Hengyang 421000, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Tang
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
- Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
| | - Peter Illes
- International Joint Research Center on Purinergic Signaling of Sichuan Province, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
- School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu 610075, China
- Rudolf Boehm Institute for Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig 04107, Germany
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Ribeiro DE, Petiz LL, Glaser T, Oliveira-Giacomelli Á, Andrejew R, Saab FDAR, Milanis MDS, Campos HC, Sampaio VFA, La Banca S, Longo BM, Lameu C, Tang Y, Resende RR, Ferreira ST, Ulrich H. Purinergic signaling in cognitive impairment and neuropsychiatric symptoms of Alzheimer's disease. Neuropharmacology 2023; 226:109371. [PMID: 36502867 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuropharm.2022.109371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
About 10 million new cases of dementia develop worldwide each year, of which up to 70% are attributable to Alzheimer's disease (AD). In addition to the widely known symptoms of memory loss and cognitive impairment, AD patients frequently develop non-cognitive symptoms, referred to as behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSDs). Sleep disorders are often associated with AD, but mood alterations, notably depression and apathy, comprise the most frequent class of BPSDs. BPSDs negatively affect the lives of AD patients and their caregivers, and have a significant impact on public health systems and the economy. Because treatments currently available for AD are not disease-modifying and mainly aim to ameliorate some of the cognitive symptoms, elucidating the mechanisms underlying mood alterations and other BPSDs in AD may reveal novel avenues for progress in AD therapy. Purinergic signaling is implicated in the pathophysiology of several central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as AD, depression and sleep disorders. Here, we review recent findings indicating that purinergic receptors, mainly the A1, A2A, and P2X7 subtypes, are associated with the development/progression of AD. Current evidence suggests that targeting purinergic signaling may represent a promising therapeutic approach in AD and related conditions. This article is part of the Special Issue on "Purinergic Signaling: 50 years".
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Affiliation(s)
- Deidiane Elisa Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lyvia Lintzmaier Petiz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Universidade Federal do Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil
| | - Talita Glaser
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Roberta Andrejew
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Milena da Silva Milanis
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henrique Correia Campos
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Sophia La Banca
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Beatriz Monteiro Longo
- Laboratory of Neurophysiology, Department of Physiology, Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Claudiana Lameu
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Yong Tang
- International Collaborative Centre on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China; Acupuncture and Chronobiology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu, 610075, China
| | - Rodrigo Ribeiro Resende
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Sergio T Ferreira
- Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo (USP), São Paulo, Brazil; International Collaborative Centre on Big Science Plan for Purinergic Signalling, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.
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Pinocembrin Inhibits P2X4 Receptor–Mediated Pyroptosis in Hippocampus to Alleviate the Behaviours of Chronic Pain and Depression Comorbidity in Rats. Mol Neurobiol 2022; 59:7119-7133. [DOI: 10.1007/s12035-022-03023-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
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Szopa A, Socała K, Serefko A, Doboszewska U, Wróbel A, Poleszak E, Wlaź P. Purinergic transmission in depressive disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2021; 224:107821. [PMID: 33607148 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2021.107821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purinergic signaling involves the actions of purine nucleotides and nucleosides (such as adenosine) at P1 (adenosine), P2X, and P2Y receptors. Here, we present recent data contributing to a comprehensive overview of the association between purinergic signaling and depression. We start with background information on adenosine production and metabolism, followed by a detailed characterization of P1 and P2 receptors, with an emphasis on their expression and function in the brain as well as on their ligands. We provide data suggestive of altered metabolism of adenosine in depressed patients, which might be regarded as a disease biomarker. We then turn to considerable amount of preclinical/behavioral data obtained with the aid of the forced swim test, tail suspension test, learned helplessness model, or unpredictable chronic mild stress model and genetic activation/inactivation of P1 or P2 receptors as well as nonselective or selective ligands of P1 or P2 receptors. We also aimed to discuss the reason underlying discrepancies observed in such studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aleksandra Szopa
- Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Katarzyna Socała
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Serefko
- Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093 Lublin, Poland
| | - Urszula Doboszewska
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Andrzej Wróbel
- Second Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego 8, PL 20-090 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Poleszak
- Department of Applied and Social Pharmacy, Laboratory of Preclinical Testing, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki 1, PL 20-093 Lublin, Poland.
| | - Piotr Wlaź
- Department of Animal Physiology and Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka 19, PL 20-033 Lublin, Poland.
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Jiao H, Yang H, Yan Z, Chen J, Xu M, Jiang Y, Liu Y, Xue Z, Ma Q, Li X, Chen J. Traditional Chinese Formula Xiaoyaosan Alleviates Depressive-Like Behavior in CUMS Mice by Regulating PEBP1-GPX4-Mediated Ferroptosis in the Hippocampus. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2021; 17:1001-1019. [PMID: 33854318 PMCID: PMC8039849 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s302443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, the pathogenesis of depression is not fully understood, and nearly half of depression patients experience no obvious effects during treatment. This study aimed to establish a depression mouse model to explore the possible role of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of depression, and observe the effects of Xiaoyaosan on PEBP1-GPX4-mediated ferroptosis in the hippocampus. METHODS Forty-eight male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into a control group, CUMS group, Xiaoyaosan group and fluoxetine group, and the model was established by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) for a successive 6 weeks. The medication procedure was performed from the 4th to the 6th week of modeling. The behavioral evaluations were measured to evaluate depressive-like behaviors. The expressions of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL4 and COX2 were detected as ferroptosis-related indicators. Then, the total iron and ferrous content in the hippocampus were measured. The levels of PEBP1 and ERK1/2 were observed, and the expressions of GFAP and IBA1 were also detected to measure the functions of astrocytes and microglia in the hippocampus. RESULTS Eight herbs of Xiaoyaosan had 133 active ingredients which could regulate the 43 ferroptosis-related genes in depression. After 6 weeks of modeling, the data showed that mice in the CUMS group had obvious depressive-like behaviors, and medication with Xiaoyaosan or fluoxetine could significantly improve the behavioral changes. The expressions of GPX4, FTH1, ACSL4, COX2, PEBP1, ERK1/2, GFAP and IBA1 changed in the CUMS group mice, while the total iron and ferrous content also changed. Xiaoyaosan and fluoxetine had obvious curative effects that could significantly alleviate the above changes in the hippocampus. CONCLUSION Our results revealed that the activation of ferroptosis might exist in the hippocampi of CUMS-induced mice. The PEBP1-GPX4-mediated ferroptosis could be involved in the antidepressant mechanism of Xiaoyaosan. It also implied that ferroptosis could become a new target for research into the depression mechanism and antidepressant drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Jiao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongjun Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhiyi Yan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianbei Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengbai Xu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Youming Jiang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yueyun Liu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe Xue
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingyu Ma
- Formula-Pattern Research center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojuan Li
- Formula-Pattern Research center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiaxu Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.,Formula-Pattern Research center, School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Hyperactivation of P2X7 receptors as a culprit of COVID-19 neuropathology. Mol Psychiatry 2021; 26:1044-1059. [PMID: 33328588 PMCID: PMC7738776 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-020-00965-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Scientists and health professionals are exhaustively trying to contain the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic by elucidating viral invasion mechanisms, possible drugs to prevent viral infection/replication, and health cares to minimize individual exposure. Although neurological symptoms are being reported worldwide, neural acute and long-term consequences of SARS-CoV-2 are still unknown. COVID-19 complications are associated with exacerbated immunoinflammatory responses to SARS-CoV-2 invasion. In this scenario, pro-inflammatory factors are intensely released into the bloodstream, causing the so-called "cytokine storm". Both pro-inflammatory factors and viruses may cross the blood-brain barrier and enter the central nervous system, activating neuroinflammatory responses accompanied by hemorrhagic lesions and neuronal impairment, which are largely described processes in psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 infection could trigger and/or worse brain diseases. Moreover, patients with central nervous system disorders associated to neuroimmune activation (e.g. depression, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease) may present increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and/or achieve severe conditions. Elevated levels of extracellular ATP induced by SARS-CoV-2 infection may trigger hyperactivation of P2X7 receptors leading to NLRP3 inflammasome stimulation as a key mediator of neuroinvasion and consequent neuroinflammatory processes, as observed in psychiatric disorders and neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, P2X7 receptor antagonism could be a promising strategy to prevent or treat neurological complications in COVID-19 patients.
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Andrejew R, Oliveira-Giacomelli Á, Ribeiro DE, Glaser T, Arnaud-Sampaio VF, Lameu C, Ulrich H. The P2X7 Receptor: Central Hub of Brain Diseases. Front Mol Neurosci 2020; 13:124. [PMID: 32848594 PMCID: PMC7413029 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2020.00124] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
The P2X7 receptor is a cation channel activated by high concentrations of adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Upon long-term activation, it complexes with membrane proteins forming a wide pore that leads to cell death and increased release of ATP into the extracellular milieu. The P2X7 receptor is widely expressed in the CNS, such as frontal cortex, hippocampus, amygdala and striatum, regions involved in neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. Despite P2X7 receptor functions in glial cells have been extensively studied, the existence and roles of this receptor in neurons are still controversially discussed. Regardless, P2X7 receptors mediate several processes observed in neuropsychiatric disorders and brain tumors, such as activation of neuroinflammatory response, stimulation of glutamate release and neuroplasticity impairment. Moreover, P2X7 receptor gene polymorphisms have been associated to depression, and isoforms of P2X7 receptors are implicated in neuropsychiatric diseases. In view of that, the P2X7 receptor has been proposed to be a potential target for therapeutic intervention in brain diseases. This review discusses the molecular mechanisms underlying P2X7 receptor-mediated signaling in neurodegenerative diseases, psychiatric disorders, and brain tumors. In addition, it highlights the recent advances in the development of P2X7 receptor antagonists that are able of penetrating the central nervous system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roberta Andrejew
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Deidiane Elisa Ribeiro
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Talita Glaser
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Claudiana Lameu
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Institute of Chemistry, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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