1
|
Falvey A, Palandira SP, Chavan SS, Brines M, Dantzer R, Tracey KJ, Pavlov VA. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus in male mice can regulate inflammation without affecting the heart rate. Brain Behav Immun 2024:S0889-1591(24)00376-3. [PMID: 38670240 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The vagus nerve plays an important role in neuroimmune interactions and in the regulation of inflammation. A major source of efferent vagus nerve fibers that contribute to the regulation of inflammation is the brainstem dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMN) as recently shown using optogenetics. In contrast to optogenetics, electrical neuromodulation has broad therapeutic implications. However, the anti-inflammatory effectiveness of electrical stimulation of the DMN (eDMNS) and the possible heart rate (HR) alterations associated with this approach have not been investigated. Here, we examined the effects of eDMNS on HR and cytokine levels in mice administered with lipopolysaccharide (LPS, endotoxin) and in mice subjected to cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) sepsis. METHODS Anesthetized male 8-10-week-old C57BL/6 mice on a stereotaxic frame were subjected to eDMNS using a concentric bipolar electrode inserted into the left or right DMN or sham stimulation. eDMNS (500, 250 or 50 μA at 30 Hz, for 1 min) was performed and HR recorded. In endotoxemia experiments, sham or eDMNS utilizing 250 μA or 50 μA was performed for 5 mins and was followed by LPS (0.5 mg/kg) i.p. administration. eDMNS was also applied in mice with cervical unilateral vagotomy or sham operation. In CLP experiments sham or left eDMNS was performed immediately post CLP. Cytokines and corticosterone were analyzed 90 mins after LPS administration or 24 h after CLP. CLP survival was monitored for 14 days. RESULTS Either left or right eDMNS at 500 μA and 250 μA decreased HR, compared with baseline pre-stimulation. This effect was not observed at 50 μA. Left side eDMNS at 50 μA, compared with sham stimulation, significantly decreased serum and splenic levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF and increased serum levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 during endotoxemia. The anti-inflammatory effect of eDMNS was abrogated in mice with unilateral vagotomy and was not associated with serum corticosterone alterations. Right side eDMNS in endotoxemic mice suppressed serum TNF and increased serum IL-10 levels but had no effects on splenic cytokines. In mice with CLP, left side eDMNS suppressed serum IL-6, as well as splenic IL-6 and increased splenic IL-10 and significantly improved the survival rate of CLP mice. CONCLUSIONS For the first time we show that a regimen of eDMNS which does not cause bradycardia alleviates LPS-induced inflammation. These eDMNS anti-inflammatory effects require an intact vagus nerve and are not associated with corticosteroid alterations. eDMNS also decreases inflammation and improves survival in a model of polymicrobial sepsis. These findings are of interest for further studies exploring bioelectronic anti-inflammatory approaches targeting the brainstem DMN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Falvey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Santhoshi P Palandira
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Robert Dantzer
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Symptom Research, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Thompson DA, Tsaava T, Rishi A, George SJ, Hepler TD, Hide D, Pavlov VA, Brines M, Chavan SS, Tracey KJ. Correction: Galantamine ameliorates experimental pancreatitis. Mol Med 2024; 30:45. [PMID: 38570740 PMCID: PMC10988957 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-024-00814-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/05/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dane A Thompson
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Northshore University Hospital, Northwell Health, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Tea Tsaava
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Arvind Rishi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Sam J George
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Tyler D Hepler
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Hide
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, 11030, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Gabalski AH, Tynan A, Tsaava T, Li JH, Lee D, Hepler TD, Hide D, George S, Iñiguez CEB, Thompson DA, Zhu C, Wang H, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Chavan SS. Circulating extracellular choline acetyltransferase regulates inflammation. J Intern Med 2024; 295:346-356. [PMID: 38011942 PMCID: PMC10922394 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) is required for the biosynthesis of acetylcholine, the molecular mediator that inhibits cytokine production in the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway of the vagus nerve inflammatory reflex. Abundant work has established the biology of cytoplasmic ChAT in neurons, but much less is known about the potential presence and function of ChAT in the extracellular milieu. OBJECTIVES We evaluated the hypothesis that extracellular ChAT activity responds to inflammation and serves to inhibit cytokine release and attenuate inflammation. METHODS After developing novel methods for quantification of ChAT activity in plasma, we determined whether ChAT activity changes in response to inflammatory challenges. RESULTS Active ChAT circulates within the plasma compartment of mice and responds to immunological perturbations. Following the administration of bacterial endotoxin, plasma ChAT activity increases for 12-48 h, a time period that coincides with declining tumor necrosis factor (TNF) levels. Further, a direct activation of the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway by vagus nerve stimulation significantly increases plasma ChAT activity, whereas the administration of bioactive recombinant ChAT (r-ChAT) inhibits endotoxin-stimulated TNF production and anti-ChAT antibodies exacerbate endotoxin-induced TNF levels, results of which suggest that ChAT activity regulates endogenous TNF production. Administration of r-ChAT significantly attenuates pro-inflammatory cytokine production and disease activity in the dextran sodium sulfate preclinical model of inflammatory bowel disease. Finally, plasma ChAT levels are also elevated in humans with sepsis, with the highest levels observed in a patient who succumbed to infection. CONCLUSION As a group, these results support further investigation of ChAT as a counter-regulator of inflammation and potential therapeutic agent.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Arielle H. Gabalski
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Aisling Tynan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Tea Tsaava
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Jian Hua Li
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Diana Lee
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Tyler D. Hepler
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Daniel Hide
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Sam George
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Carlos E. Bravo Iñiguez
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Dane A Thompson
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Cassie Zhu
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Haichao Wang
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
- Institute for Molecular Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Kevin J. Tracey
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| | - Sangeeta S. Chavan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Powell K, Wadolowski S, Tambo W, Strohl JJ, Kim D, Turpin J, Al-Abed Y, Brines M, Huerta PT, Li C. Intrinsic diving reflex induces potent antioxidative response by activation of NRF2 signaling. bioRxiv 2024:2024.02.12.579910. [PMID: 38405863 PMCID: PMC10888858 DOI: 10.1101/2024.02.12.579910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/27/2024]
Abstract
Aims This study aims to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of diving reflex, a powerful endogenous mechanism supporting underwater mammalian survival. Antioxidative responses, observed in marine mammals, may be contributing factors. Using a multi-organ approach, this study assesses whether acute and chronic diving reflex activate nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) signaling pathways, which regulate cellular antioxidant responses. Methods Male Sprague-Dawley rats ( n =38) underwent either a single diving session to elicit acute diving reflex, or daily diving sessions for 4-weeks to produce chronic diving reflex. NRF2 (total, nuclear, phosphorylated), NRF2-downstream genes, and malondialdehyde were assessed via Western blot, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR, and ELISA in brain, lung, kidney, and serum. Results Diving reflex increased nuclear NRF2, phosphorylated NRF2, and antioxidative gene expression, in an organ-specific and exposure time-specific manner. Comparing organs, the brain had the highest increase of phosphorylated NRF2 expression, while kidney had the highest degree of nuclear NRF2 expression. Comparing acute and chronic sessions, phosphorylated NRF2 increased the most with chronic diving reflex, but acute diving reflex had the highest antioxidative gene expression. Notably, calcitonin gene-related peptide appears to mediate diving reflex' effects on NRF2 activation. Conclusions Acute and chronic diving reflex activate potent NRF2 signaling in the brain and peripheral organs. Interestingly, acute diving reflex induces higher expression of downstream antioxidative genes compared to chronic diving reflex. This result contradicts previous assumptions requiring chronic exposure to diving for induction of antioxidative effects and implies that the diving reflex has a strong translational potential during preconditioning and postconditioning therapies. Key Points Diving reflex activates potent NRF2 signaling via multiple mechanisms, including phosphorylation, nuclear translocation, and KEAP1 downregulation with both acute and chronic exposure.Diving reflex activates NRF2 via differential pathways in the brain and other organs; phosphorylated NRF2 increases more in the brain, while nuclear NRF2 increases more in the peripheral organs.Acute diving reflex exposure induces a more pronounced antioxidative effect than chronic diving reflex exposure, indicating that the antioxidative response activated by diving reflex is not dependent upon chronic adaptive responses and supports diving reflex as both a preconditioning and postconditioning treatment.
Collapse
|
5
|
Metz CN, Xue X, Chatterjee PK, Adelson RP, Roth J, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Gregersen PK, Pavlov VA. Increased plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and altered inflammatory mediators in overweight women suggest a state of subclinical endotoxemia. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.18.540879. [PMID: 37293028 PMCID: PMC10245681 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.18.540879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation has been recognized as an underlying event linking obesity to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, inflammatory alterations in individuals who are overweight remain understudied. To provide insight, we determined the levels of key circulating biomarkers of endotoxemia and inflammation, including lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), CRP, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin in adult female subjects (n=40) who were lean or overweight and had high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure - two important conventional risk factors for CVD. Plasma levels of LBP were significantly higher in the overweight group compared with the lean group (P=0.005). The levels of CRP were also significantly higher in overweight subjects (P=0.01), as were IL-6 (P=0.02) and leptin (P=0.002), pro-inflammatory mediators associated with cardiovascular risk. Levels of adiponectin, an adipokine with anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic functions, were significantly lower in the overweight group (P=0.002). The leptin/adiponectin ratio, a preferential atherogenic marker was significantly increased in women who are overweight (P=0.02). LBP, CRP, leptin, and adiponectin levels significantly correlated with BMI, but not with age and there was a significant correlation between LBP and IL-6 levels. These results reveal the presence of subclinical endotoxemia and a pro-inflammatory state in overweight women and are of interest for further studies with the goal for improved understanding of cardiovascular health risks in women.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Christine N. Metz
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell-Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
| | - Xiangying Xue
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Prodyot K Chatterjee
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Robert P. Adelson
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Jesse Roth
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell-Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Kevin J. Tracey
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell-Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
| | - Peter K. Gregersen
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell-Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
| | - Valentin A. Pavlov
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell-Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11550, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thompson DA, Tsaava T, Rishi A, George SJ, Hepler TD, Hide D, Pavlov VA, Brines M, Chavan SS, Tracey KJ. Galantamine ameliorates experimental pancreatitis. Mol Med 2023; 29:149. [PMID: 37907853 PMCID: PMC10617083 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-023-00746-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis is a common and serious inflammatory condition currently lacking disease modifying therapy. The cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) is a potent protective anti-inflammatory response activated by vagus nerve-dependent α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) signaling using splenic CD4+ T cells as an intermediate. Activating the CAP ameliorates experimental acute pancreatitis. Galantamine is an acetylcholinesterase inhibitor (AChEI) which amplifies the CAP via modulation of central muscarinic ACh receptors (mAChRs). However, as mAChRs also activate pancreatitis, it is currently unknown whether galantamine would be beneficial in acute pancreatitis. METHODS The effect of galantamine (1-6 mg/kg-body weight) on caerulein-induced acute pancreatitis was evaluated in mice. Two hours following 6 hourly doses of caerulein (50 µg/kg-body weight), organ and serum analyses were performed with accompanying pancreatic histology. Experiments utilizing vagotomy, gene knock out (KO) technology and the use of nAChR antagonists were also performed. RESULTS Galantamine attenuated pancreatic histologic injury which was mirrored by a reduction in serum amylase and pancreatic inflammatory cytokines and an increase the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 in the serum. These beneficial effects were not altered by bilateral subdiaphragmatic vagotomy, KO of either choline acetyltransferase+ T cells or α7nAChR, or administration of the nAChR ganglionic blocker mecamylamine or the more selective α7nAChR antagonist methyllycaconitine. CONCLUSION Galantamine improves acute pancreatitis via a mechanism which does not involve previously established physiological and molecular components of the CAP. As galantamine is an approved drug in widespread clinical use with an excellent safety record, our findings are of interest for further evaluating the potential benefits of this drug in patients with acute pancreatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dane A Thompson
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
- Department of Surgery, Northshore University Hospital, Northwell Health, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Tea Tsaava
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Arvind Rishi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Sam J George
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Tyler D Hepler
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Daniel Hide
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Metz CN, Xue X, Chatterjee PK, Adelson RP, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Gregersen PK, Pavlov VA. Increased plasma lipopolysaccharide-binding protein and altered inflammatory mediators in overweight women suggest a state of subclinical endotoxemia. Res Sq 2023:rs.3.rs-3356683. [PMID: 37841878 PMCID: PMC10571637 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3356683/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023]
Abstract
Chronic low-grade inflammation has been recognized as an underlying event linking obesity to cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, inflammatory alterations in individuals who are overweight remain understudied. To provide insight, we determined the levels of key circulating biomarkers of endotoxemia and inflammation, including lipopolysaccharide-binding protein (LBP), CRP, IL-6, leptin, and adiponectin in adult female subjects (n = 20) who were lean or overweight and had high cholesterol and/or high blood pressure - two important conventional risk factors for CVD. Plasma levels of LBP (a recognized marker of metabolic endotoxemia in obesity) were significantly higher in the overweight group compared with the lean group (P = 0.005). The levels of CRP, a general marker of inflammation, were also significantly higher in overweight subjects (P = 0.01), as were IL-6 (P = 0.02) and leptin (P = 0.002), pro-inflammatory mediators associated with cardiovascular risk. Levels of adiponectin, an adipokine with anti-inflammatory and anti-atherogenic functions, were significantly lower in the overweight group (P = 0.002). The leptin/adiponectin ratio, a preferential atherogenic marker was significantly increased in women who are overweight (P = 0.02). LBP, CRP, leptin, and adiponectin levels significantly correlated with BMI, but not with age. These results reveal the presence of subclinical endotoxemia and a pro-inflammatory state in overweight women and are of interest for further studies with the goal for improved understanding of women's cardiovascular health.
Collapse
|
8
|
Falvey A, Palandira SP, Chavan SS, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Pavlov VA. Electrical stimulation of the dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus regulates inflammation without affecting the heart rate. bioRxiv 2023:2023.05.17.541191. [PMID: 37292846 PMCID: PMC10245723 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.17.541191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Background The vagus nerve plays an important role in neuroimmune interactions and in the regulation of inflammation. A major source of efferent vagus nerve fibers that contribute to the regulation of inflammation is the brainstem dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMN) as recently shown using optogenetics. In contrast to optogenetics, electrical neuromodulation has broad therapeutic implications, but the anti-inflammatory efficacy of electrical DMN stimulation (eDMNS) was not previously investigated. Here, we examined the effects of eDMNS on heart rate (HR) and cytokine levels in murine endotoxemia as well as the cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) model of sepsis. Methods Anesthetized male 8-10-week-old C57BL/6 mice on a stereotaxic frame were subjected to eDMNS using a concentric bipolar electrode inserted into the left or right DMN or sham stimulation. eDMNS (50, 250 or 500 μA and 30 Hz, for 1 min) was performed and HR recorded. In endotoxemia experiments, sham or eDMNS utilizing 250 μA or 50 μA was performed for 5 mins and was followed by LPS (0.5 mg/kg) i.p. administration. eDMNS was also applied in mice with cervical unilateral vagotomy or sham operation. In CLP experiments sham or left eDMNS was performed immediately post CLP. Cytokines and corticosterone were analyzed 90 mins after LPS administration or 24h after CLP. CLP survival was monitored for 14 days. Results Either left or right eDMNS at 250 μA and 500 μA decreased HR, compared with pre- and post-stimulation. This effect was not observed at 50 μA. Left side eDMNS at 50 μA, compared with sham stimulation, significantly decreased serum and splenic levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF and increased serum levels of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 during endotoxemia. The anti-inflammatory effect of eDMNS was abrogated in mice with unilateral vagotomy and were not associated with serum corticosterone alterations. Right side eDMNS suppressed serum TNF levels but had no effects on serum IL-10 and on splenic cytokines. In mice with CLP, left side eDMNS suppressed serum TNF and IL-6, as well as splenic IL-6 and increased splenic IL-10 and significantly improved the survival rate of CLP mice. Conclusions For the first time we show that a regimen of eDMNS which does not cause bradycardia alleviates LPS-induced inflammation and these effects require an intact vagus nerve and are not associated with corticosteroid alterations. eDMNS also decreases inflammation and improves survival in a model of polymicrobial sepsis. These findings are of interest for further studies exploring bioelectronic anti-inflammatory approaches targeting the brainstem DMN.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aidan Falvey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Santhoshi P. Palandira
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Sangeeta S. Chavan
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Kevin J. Tracey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Valentin A. Pavlov
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York 11549, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zanos S, Ntiloudi D, Pellerito J, Ramdeo R, Graf J, Wallace K, Cotero V, Ashe J, Moon J, Addorisio M, Shoudy D, Coleman TR, Brines M, Puleo C, Tracey KJ, Chavan SS. Focused ultrasound neuromodulation of the spleen activates an anti-inflammatory response in humans. Brain Stimul 2023; 16:703-711. [PMID: 37055009 PMCID: PMC10330863 DOI: 10.1016/j.brs.2023.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Focused ultrasound stimulation (FUS) activates mechanosensitive ion channels and is emerging as a method of noninvasive neuromodulation. In preclinical studies, FUS of the spleen (sFUS) activates an anti-inflammatory neural pathway which suppresses acute and chronic inflammation. However, the relevance of sFUS for regulating inflammatory responses in humans is unknown. Here, we used a modified diagnostic ultrasound imaging system to target the spleen of healthy human subjects with 3 min of continuously swept or stationary focused pulsed ultrasound, delivered at three different energy levels within allowable safety exposure limits. Potential anti-inflammatory effects of sFUS were assessed by measuring sFUS-elicited changes in endotoxin-induced tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production in whole blood samples from insonified subjects. We found that stimulation with either continuously swept or focused pulsed ultrasound has an anti-inflammatory effect: sFUS lowers TNF production for >2 h, with TNF returning to baseline by 24 h following sFUS. This response is independent of anatomical target (i.e., spleen hilum or parenchyma) or ultrasound energy level. No clinical, biochemical, or hematological parameters are adversely impacted. This is the first demonstration that sFUS suppresses the normal inflammatory response in humans, with potential implications for noninvasive bioelectronic therapy of inflammatory disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stavros Zanos
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Despoina Ntiloudi
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - John Pellerito
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA; Department of Radiology, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Richard Ramdeo
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - John Graf
- General Electric (GE) Research, Niskayuna, NY, USA, 12309
| | - Kirk Wallace
- General Electric (GE) Research, Niskayuna, NY, USA, 12309
| | | | - Jeff Ashe
- General Electric (GE) Research, Niskayuna, NY, USA, 12309
| | - Jessica Moon
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Meghan Addorisio
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - David Shoudy
- General Electric (GE) Research, Niskayuna, NY, USA, 12309
| | - Thomas R Coleman
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Chris Puleo
- General Electric (GE) Research, Niskayuna, NY, USA, 12309
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA; Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, USA; Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Thompson DA, Tsaava T, Rishi A, Nadella S, Mishra L, Tuveson DA, Pavlov VA, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Chavan SS. Optogenetic stimulation of the brainstem dorsal motor nucleus ameliorates acute pancreatitis. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1166212. [PMID: 37180135 PMCID: PMC10167283 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1166212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Inflammation is an inherently self-amplifying process, resulting in progressive tissue damage when unresolved. A brake on this positive feedback system is provided by the nervous system which has evolved to detect inflammatory signals and respond by activating anti-inflammatory processes, including the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway mediated by the vagus nerve. Acute pancreatitis, a common and serious condition without effective therapy, develops when acinar cell injury activates intrapancreatic inflammation. Prior study has shown that electrical stimulation of the carotid sheath, which contains the vagus nerve, boosts the endogenous anti-inflammatory response and ameliorates acute pancreatitis, but it remains unknown whether these anti-inflammatory signals originate in the brain. Methods Here, we used optogenetics to selectively activate efferent vagus nerve fibers originating in the brainstem dorsal motor nucleus of the vagus (DMN) and evaluated the effects on caerulein-induced pancreatitis. Results Stimulation of the cholinergic neurons in the DMN significantly attenuates the severity of pancreatitis as indicated by reduced serum amylase, pancreatic cytokines, tissue damage, and edema. Either vagotomy or silencing cholinergic nicotinic receptor signaling by pre-administration of the antagonist mecamylamine abolishes the beneficial effects. Discussion These results provide the first evidence that efferent vagus cholinergic neurons residing in the brainstem DMN can inhibit pancreatic inflammation and implicate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway as a potential therapeutic target for acute pancreatitis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dane A. Thompson
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Department of Surgery, Northshore University Hospital, Northwell Health, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Tea Tsaava
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Arvind Rishi
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Sandeep Nadella
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States
| | - Lopa Mishra
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, United States
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States
- Lustgarten Foundation Pancreatic Cancer Research Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States
| | - David A. Tuveson
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, Cold Spring Harbor, NY, United States
| | - Valentin A. Pavlov
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Michael Brines
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Kevin J. Tracey
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, United States
| | - Sangeeta S. Chavan
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY, United States
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
de Moraes TL, Costa FO, Cabral DG, Fernandes DM, Sangaleti CT, Dalboni MA, Motta E Motta J, de Souza LA, Montano N, Irigoyen MC, Brines M, J Tracey K, Pavlov VA, Consolim Colombo FM. Brief periods of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation improve autonomic balance and alter circulating monocytes and endothelial cells in patients with metabolic syndrome: a pilot study. Bioelectron Med 2023; 9:7. [PMID: 36998060 PMCID: PMC10064781 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-023-00109-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is emerging evidence that the nervous system regulates immune and metabolic alterations mediating Metabolic syndrome (MetS) pathogenesis via the vagus nerve. This study evaluated the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimulation (TAVNS) on key cardiovascular and inflammatory components of MetS. METHODS We conducted an open label, randomized (2:1), two-arm, parallel-group controlled trial in MetS patients. Subjects in the treatment group (n = 20) received 30 min of TAVNS with a NEMOS® device placed on the cymba conchae of the left ear, once weekly. Patients in the control group (n = 10) received no stimulation. Hemodynamic, heart rate variability (HRV), biochemical parameters, and monocytes, progenitor endothelial cells, circulating endothelial cells, and endothelial micro particles were evaluated at randomization, after the first TAVNS treatment, and again after 8 weeks of follow-up. RESULTS An improvement in sympathovagal balance (HRV analysis) was observed after the first TAVNS session. Only patients treated with TAVNS for 8 weeks had a significant decrease in office BP and HR, a further improvement in sympathovagal balance, with a shift of circulating monocytes towards an anti-inflammatory phenotype and endothelial cells to a reparative vascular profile. CONCLUSION These results are of interest for further study of TAVNS as treatment of MetS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nicola Montano
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Michael Brines
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Fernanda M Consolim Colombo
- Nove de Julho University - UNINOVE, São Paulo, Brazil.
- University of São Paulo, Hypertension Unit, São Paulo, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Winicki NM, Nanavati AP, Morrell CH, Moen JM, Axsom JE, Krawczyk M, Petrashevskaya NN, Beyman MG, Ramirez C, Alfaras I, Mitchell SJ, Juhaszova M, Riordon DR, Wang M, Zhang J, Cerami A, Brines M, Sollott SJ, de Cabo R, Lakatta EG. A small erythropoietin derived non-hematopoietic peptide reduces cardiac inflammation, attenuates age associated declines in heart function and prolongs healthspan. Front Cardiovasc Med 2023; 9:1096887. [PMID: 36741836 PMCID: PMC9889362 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.1096887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 12/28/2022] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Aging is associated with increased levels of reactive oxygen species and inflammation that disrupt proteostasis and mitochondrial function and leads to organism-wide frailty later in life. ARA290 (cibinetide), an 11-aa non-hematopoietic peptide sequence within the cardioprotective domain of erythropoietin, mediates tissue protection by reducing inflammation and fibrosis. Age-associated cardiac inflammation is linked to structural and functional changes in the heart, including mitochondrial dysfunction, impaired proteostasis, hypertrophic cardiac remodeling, and contractile dysfunction. Can ARA290 ameliorate these age-associated cardiac changes and the severity of frailty in advanced age? Methods We conducted an integrated longitudinal (n = 48) and cross-sectional (n = 144) 15 months randomized controlled trial in which 18-month-old Fischer 344 x Brown Norway rats were randomly assigned to either receive chronic ARA290 treatment or saline. Serial echocardiography, tail blood pressure and body weight were evaluated repeatedly at 4-month intervals. A frailty index was calculated at the final timepoint (33 months of age). Tissues were harvested at 4-month intervals to define inflammatory markers and left ventricular tissue remodeling. Mitochondrial and myocardial cell health was assessed in isolated left ventricular myocytes. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were established. Mixed ANOVA tests and linear mixed regression analysis were employed to determine the effects of age, treatment, and age-treatment interactions. Results Chronic ARA290 treatment mitigated age-related increases in the cardiac non-myocyte to myocyte ratio, infiltrating leukocytes and monocytes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, total NF-κB, and p-NF-κB. Additionally, ARA290 treatment enhanced cardiomyocyte autophagy flux and reduced cellular accumulation of lipofuscin. The cardiomyocyte mitochondrial permeability transition pore response to oxidant stress was desensitized following chronic ARA290 treatment. Concurrently, ARA290 significantly blunted the age-associated elevation in blood pressure and preserved the LV ejection fraction. Finally, ARA290 preserved body weight and significantly reduced other markers of organism-wide frailty at the end of life. Conclusion Administration of ARA290 reduces cell and tissue inflammation, mitigates structural and functional changes within the cardiovascular system leading to amelioration of frailty and preserved healthspan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nolan M. Winicki
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Alay P. Nanavati
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher H. Morrell
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jack M. Moen
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jessie E. Axsom
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Melissa Krawczyk
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Natalia N. Petrashevskaya
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Max G. Beyman
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Christopher Ramirez
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Irene Alfaras
- Laboratory of Experimental Gerontology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Sarah J. Mitchell
- Laboratory of Experimental Gerontology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Magdalena Juhaszova
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Daniel R. Riordon
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Mingyi Wang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jing Zhang
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Anthony Cerami
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY, United States
| | - Michael Brines
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Steven J. Sollott
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Rafael de Cabo
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Science, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Edward G. Lakatta
- Laboratory of Experimental Gerontology, Intramural Research Program, National Institute on Aging, Baltimore, MD, United States,*Correspondence: Edward G. Lakatta,
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Silverman HA, Tynan A, Hepler TD, Chang EH, Gunasekaran M, Li JH, Huerta TS, Tsaava T, Chang Q, Addorisio ME, Chen AC, Thompson DA, Pavlov VA, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Chavan SS. Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin-1-expressing vagus nerve fibers mediate IL-1β induced hypothermia and reflex anti-inflammatory responses. Mol Med 2023; 29:4. [PMID: 36650454 PMCID: PMC9847185 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00590-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inflammation, the physiological response to infection and injury, is coordinated by the immune and nervous systems. Interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and other cytokines produced during inflammatory responses activate sensory neurons (nociceptors) to mediate the onset of pain, sickness behavior, and metabolic responses. Although nociceptors expressing Transient Receptor Potential Ankyrin-1 (TRPA1) can initiate inflammation, comparatively little is known about the role of TRPA1 nociceptors in the physiological responses to specific cytokines. METHODS To monitor body temperature in conscious and unrestrained mice, telemetry probes were implanted into peritoneal cavity of mice. Using transgenic and tissue specific knockouts and chemogenetic techniques, we recorded temperature responses to the potent pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-1β. Using calcium imaging, whole cell patch clamping and whole nerve recordings, we investigated the role of TRPA1 during IL-1β-mediated neuronal activation. Mouse models of acute endotoxemia and sepsis were used to elucidate how specific activation, with optogenetics and chemogenetics, or ablation of TRPA1 neurons can affect the outcomes of inflammatory insults. All statistical tests were performed with GraphPad Prism 9 software and for all analyses, P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Here, we describe a previously unrecognized mechanism by which IL-1β activates afferent vagus nerve fibers to trigger hypothermia, a response which is abolished by selective silencing of neuronal TRPA1. Afferent vagus nerve TRPA1 signaling also inhibits endotoxin-stimulated cytokine storm and significantly reduces the lethality of bacterial sepsis. CONCLUSION Thus, IL-1β activates TRPA1 vagus nerve signaling in the afferent arm of a reflex anti-inflammatory response which inhibits cytokine release, induces hypothermia, and reduces the mortality of infection. This discovery establishes that TRPA1, an ion channel known previously as a pro-inflammatory detector of cold, pain, itch, and a wide variety of noxious molecules, also plays a specific anti-inflammatory role via activating reflex anti-inflammatory activity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harold A Silverman
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Aisling Tynan
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Tyler D Hepler
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Eric H Chang
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Manojkumar Gunasekaran
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Jian Hua Li
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Tomás S Huerta
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
| | - Tea Tsaava
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Qing Chang
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Meghan E Addorisio
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Adrian C Chen
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Dane A Thompson
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Department of Surgery, North Shore University Hospital, Northwell Health, 300 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Laboratory for Biomedical Sciences, Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 500 Hofstra Blvd, Hempstead, NY, 11549, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Palandira SP, Carrion J, Turecki L, Falvey A, Zeng Q, Liu H, Tsaava T, Herschberg D, Brines M, Chavan SS, Chang EH, Vo A, Ma Y, Metz CN, Al-Abed Y, Tracey KJ, Pavlov VA. A dual tracer [ 11C]PBR28 and [ 18F]FDG microPET evaluation of neuroinflammation and brain energy metabolism in murine endotoxemia. Bioelectron Med 2022; 8:18. [PMID: 36451231 PMCID: PMC9710165 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-022-00101-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain metabolic alterations and neuroinflammation have been reported in several peripheral inflammatory conditions and present significant potential for targeting with new diagnostic approaches and treatments. However, non-invasive evaluation of these alterations remains a challenge. METHODS Here, we studied the utility of a micro positron emission tomography (microPET) dual tracer ([11C]PBR28 - for microglial activation and [18F]FDG for energy metabolism) approach to assess brain dysfunction, including neuroinflammation in murine endotoxemia. MicroPET imaging data were subjected to advanced conjunction and individual analyses, followed by post-hoc analysis. RESULTS There were significant increases in [11C]PBR28 and [18F]FDG uptake in the hippocampus of C57BL/6 J mice 6 h following LPS (2 mg/kg) intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration compared with saline administration. These results confirmed previous postmortem observations. In addition, patterns of significant simultaneous activation were demonstrated in the hippocampus, the thalamus, and the hypothalamus in parallel with other tracer-specific and region-specific alterations. These changes were observed in the presence of robust systemic inflammatory responses manifested by significantly increased serum cytokine levels. CONCLUSIONS Together, these findings demonstrate the applicability of [11C]PBR28 - [18F]FDG dual tracer microPET imaging for assessing neuroinflammation and brain metabolic alterations in conditions "classically" characterized by peripheral inflammatory and metabolic pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Joseph Carrion
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Lauren Turecki
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Aidan Falvey
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Qiong Zeng
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Hui Liu
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Tea Tsaava
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Dov Herschberg
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Eric H Chang
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - An Vo
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Yilong Ma
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Christine N Metz
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Yousef Al-Abed
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Yang H, Datta-Chaudhuri T, George SJ, Haider B, Wong J, Hepler TD, Andersson U, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Chavan SS. High-frequency electrical stimulation attenuates neuronal release of inflammatory mediators and ameliorates neuropathic pain. Bioelectron Med 2022; 8:16. [PMID: 36195968 PMCID: PMC9533511 DOI: 10.1186/s42234-022-00098-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation is an important driver of acute and chronic pain states. Therefore, targeting molecular mediators of neuroinflammation may present an opportunity for developing novel pain therapies. In preclinical models of neuroinflammatory pain, calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), substance P and high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) are molecules synthesized and released by sensory neurons which activate inflammation and pain. High-frequency electrical nerve stimulation (HFES) has achieved clinical success as an analgesic modality, but the underlying mechanism is unknown. Here, we reasoned that HFES inhibits neuroinflammatory mediator release by sensory neurons to reduce pain. METHODS Utilizing in vitro and in vivo assays, we assessed the modulating effects of HFES on neuroinflammatory mediator release by activated sensory neurons. Dorsal root ganglia (DRG) neurons harvested from wildtype or transgenic mice expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) were cultured on micro-electrode arrays, and effect of HFES on optogenetic- or capsaicin-induced neuroinflammatory mediator release was determined. Additionally, the effects of HFES on local neuroinflammatory mediator release and hyperalgesia was assessed in vivo using optogenetic paw stimulation and the neuropathic pain model of chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. RESULTS Light- or capsaicin-evoked neuroinflammatory mediator release from cultured transgenic DRG sensory neurons was significantly reduced by concurrent HFES (10 kHz). In agreement with these findings, elevated levels of neuroinflammatory mediators were detected in the affected paw following optogenetic stimulation or CCI and were significantly attenuated using HFES (20.6 kHz for 10 min) delivered once daily for 3 days. CONCLUSION These studies reveal a previously unidentified mechanism for the pain-modulating effect of HFES in the setting of acute and chronic nerve injury. The results support the mechanistic insight that HFES may reset sensory neurons into a less pro-inflammatory state via inhibiting the release of neuroinflammatory mediators resulting in reduced inflammation and pain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| | - Timir Datta-Chaudhuri
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Sam J George
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Bilal Haider
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Jason Wong
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Tyler D Hepler
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Palus S, Elkina Y, Braun T, von Haehling S, Döhner W, Anker SD, Cerami A, Brines M, Springer J. The erythropoietin-derived peptide ARA 284 reduces tissue wasting and improves survival in a rat model of cancer cachexia. J Cachexia Sarcopenia Muscle 2022; 13:2202-2210. [PMID: 35586884 PMCID: PMC9397558 DOI: 10.1002/jcsm.13009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer cachexia (CC) is a severe complication during the last stages of the disease, which is characterized by the substantial loss of muscle and fat mass. Currently, there is no effective treatment of CC. Erythropoietin plays tissue-protective role in different tissues. Based on the structure of erythropoietin, small non-erythropoietic peptides were synthesized, which activate tissue-protective signalling pathways. METHODS Here, we investigated the influence of the tissue-protective peptide ARA 284 on CC in rats using the Yoshida hepatoma model. RESULTS Treatment with ARA 284 (1.7 μg/kg/day) counteracted the loss of body weight (12.46 ± 4.82% ARA 284 vs. 26.85 ± 0.88% placebo, P < 0.01), fat mass (P < 0.01), and lean mass (P < 0.01). It improved spontaneous activity of ARA 284-treated animals. Further, gastrocnemius mass was increased (13.2% ARA 284 vs. placebo, P < 0.01) in association with induced p-Akt (P < 0.01) and decreased in p-p38 MAPK, GSK-3β, and myostatin (all P < 0.01), suggesting an induction of anabolic pathways. At the same time, we observed the significant increase in the survival of animals by high-dose ARA 284 treatment (hazard ratio: 0.46, 95% confidence interval: 0.23-0.94, P = 0.0325). CONCLUSIONS Taken together these results suggest that ARA 284 can be considered beneficial in experimental CC and it remains to be seen, if it can have similar beneficial effects in CC patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sandra Palus
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Yulia Elkina
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Tanja Braun
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stephan von Haehling
- Department of Cardiology and Pneumology, University Medical Centre Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Wolfram Döhner
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,Centre for Stroke Research Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Stefan D Anker
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | | | | | - Jochen Springer
- Berlin Institute of Health Center for Regenerative Therapies (BCRT), Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany.,German Centre for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK) partner site Berlin, Charité Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yang H, George SJ, Thompson DA, Silverman HA, Tsaava T, Tynan A, Pavlov VA, Chang EH, Andersson U, Brines M, Chavan SS, Tracey KJ. Famotidine activates the vagus nerve inflammatory reflex to attenuate cytokine storm. Mol Med 2022; 28:57. [PMID: 35578169 PMCID: PMC9109205 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-022-00483-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Severe COVID-19 is characterized by pro-inflammatory cytokine release syndrome (cytokine storm) which causes high morbidity and mortality. Recent observational and clinical studies suggest famotidine, a histamine 2 receptor (H2R) antagonist widely used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease, attenuates the clinical course of COVID-19. Because evidence is lacking for a direct antiviral activity of famotidine, a proposed mechanism of action is blocking the effects of histamine released by mast cells. Here we hypothesized that famotidine activates the inflammatory reflex, a brain-integrated vagus nerve mechanism which inhibits inflammation via alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (α7nAChR) signal transduction, to prevent cytokine storm. METHODS The potential anti-inflammatory effects of famotidine and other H2R antagonists were assessed in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine storm. As the inflammatory reflex is integrated and can be stimulated in the brain, and H2R antagonists penetrate the blood brain barrier poorly, famotidine was administered by intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intraperitoneal (IP) routes. RESULTS Famotidine administered IP significantly reduced serum and splenic LPS-stimulated tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and IL-6 concentrations, significantly improving survival. The effects of ICV famotidine were significantly more potent as compared to the peripheral route. Mice lacking mast cells by genetic deletion also responded to famotidine, indicating the anti-inflammatory effects are not mast cell-dependent. Either bilateral sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy or genetic knock-out of α7nAChR abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of famotidine, indicating the inflammatory reflex as famotidine's mechanism of action. While the structurally similar H2R antagonist tiotidine displayed equivalent anti-inflammatory activity, the H2R antagonists cimetidine or ranitidine were ineffective even at very high dosages. CONCLUSIONS These observations reveal a previously unidentified vagus nerve-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of famotidine in the setting of cytokine storm which is not replicated by high dosages of other H2R antagonists in clinical use. Because famotidine is more potent when administered intrathecally, these findings are also consistent with a primarily central nervous system mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| | - Sam J George
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Dane A Thompson
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Harold A Silverman
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Téa Tsaava
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Aisling Tynan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Eric H Chang
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Hempstead, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Yang H, George SJ, Thompson DA, Brines M, Pavlav VA, Andersson U, Chavan SS, Tracey KJ. Famotidine exerts anti‐inflammatory effects via a vagus nerve‐dependent mechanism. FASEB J 2022. [DOI: 10.1096/fasebj.2022.36.s1.r5540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical ResearchManhassetNY
| | - Sam J. George
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical ResearchManhassetNY
| | | | | | | | - Ulf Andersson
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical ResearchManhassetNY
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Yang H, George SJ, Thompson D, Silverman HA, Tsaava T, Tynan A, Pavlov VA, Chang E, Andersson U, Brines M, Chavan SS, Tracey KJ. Famotidine activates the vagus nerve inflammatory reflex to attenuate cytokine storm. Res Sq 2022:rs.3.rs-1493296. [PMID: 35441176 PMCID: PMC9016653 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-1493296/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Background. Severe COVID-19 is characterized by pro-inflammatory cytokine release syndrome (cytokine storm) which causes high morbidity and mortality. Recent observational and clinical studies suggest famotidine, a histamine 2 receptor (H2R) antagonist widely used to treat gastroesophageal reflux disease , attenuates the clinical course of COVID-19. Because evidence is lacking for a direct antiviral activity of famotidine, a proposed mechanism of action is blocking the effects of histamine released by mast cells. Here we hypothesized that famotidine activates the inflammatory reflex, a brain-integrated vagus nerve mechanism which inhibits inflammation via alpha 7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor ( α7nAChR ) signal transduction, to prevent cytokine storm. Methods. The potential anti-inflammatory effects of famotidine and other H2R antagonists was assessed in mice exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cytokine storm. As the inflammatory reflex is integrated and can be stimulated in the brain, and H2R antagonists penetrate the blood brain barrier poorly, famotidine was administered by intracerebroventricular (ICV) or intraperitoneal (IP) routes. Results. Famotidine administered IP significantly reduced serum and splenic LPS-stimulated tumor necrosis factor α and interleukin-6 concentrations, significantly improving survival. The effects of ICV famotidine were significantly more potent as compared to the peripheral route. Mice lacking mast cells by genetic deletion also responded to famotidine, indicating the anti-inflammatory effects are not mast cell dependent. Either bilateral sub-diaphragmatic vagotomy or genetic knock-out of α7nAChR abolished the anti-inflammatory effects of famotidine, indicating the inflammatory reflex as famotidine's mechanism of action. While the structurally similar H2R antagonist tiotidine displayed equivalent anti-inflammatory activity, the H2R antagonists cimetidine or ranitidine were ineffective even at very high dosages. Conclusions. These observations reveal a previously unidentified vagus nerve-dependent anti-inflammatory effect of famotidine in the setting of cytokine storm which is not replicated by high dosages of other H2R antagonists in clinical use. Because famotidine is more potent when administered intrathecally, these findings are also consistent with a primarily central nervous system mechanism of action.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
| | - Sam J George
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | - Dane Thompson
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | - Harold A Silverman
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | - Tea Tsaava
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | - Aisling Tynan
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | - Eric Chang
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | | | - Michael Brines
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research Fertility Research Laboratory: Northwell Health Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Brines M, Carelli S, Samaja M, Schneider Gasser EM. Editorial: Erythropoietin and Its Analogues as Therapeutics for Neurological Diseases. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:841538. [PMID: 35237172 PMCID: PMC8883430 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.841538] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brines
- Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY, United States
| | - Stephana Carelli
- Pediatric Research Center "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi" Foundation, Milano, Italy
| | - Michele Samaja
- University of Milan, Italy, and MAGI Group, San Felice Del Benaco, Brescia, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Abstract
The nervous system has been increasingly recognized as a novel and accessible target in the regulation of inflammation. The use of implantable and invasive devices targeting neural circuits has yielded successful results in clinical settings but does have some risk or adverse effects. Recent advances in technology and understanding of mechanistic pathways have opened new avenues of non-invasive neuromodulation. Through this review we discuss the novel research and outcomes of major modalities of non-invasive neuromodulation in the context of inflammation including transcutaneous electrical, magnetic and ultrasound neuromodulation. In addition to highlighting the scientific observations and breakthroughs, we discuss the underlying mechanisms and pathways for neural regulation of inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aisling Tynan
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Laboratory of Biomedical Science, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Stiegler A, Li JH, Shah V, Tsaava T, Tynan A, Yang H, Tamari Y, Brines M, Tracey KJ, Chavan SS. Systemic administration of choline acetyltransferase decreases blood pressure in murine hypertension. Mol Med 2021; 27:133. [PMID: 34674633 PMCID: PMC8529785 DOI: 10.1186/s10020-021-00380-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2021] [Accepted: 09/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acetylcholine (ACh) decreases blood pressure by stimulating endothelium nitric oxide-dependent vasodilation in resistance arterioles. Normal plasma contains choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) and its biosynthetic product ACh at appreciable concentrations to potentially act upon the endothelium to affect blood pressure. Recently we discovered a T-cell subset expressing ChAT (TChAT), whereby genetic ablation of ChAT in these cells produces hypertension, indicating that production of ACh by TChAT regulates blood pressure. Accordingly, we reasoned that increasing systemic ChAT concentrations might induce vasodilation and reduce blood pressure. To evaluate this possibility, recombinant ChAT was administered intraperitoneally to mice having angiotensin II-induced hypertension. This intervention significantly and dose-dependently decreased mean arterial pressure. ChAT-mediated attenuation of blood pressure was reversed by administration of the nitric oxide synthesis blocker L-nitro arginine methyl ester, indicating ChAT administration decreases blood pressure by stimulating nitic oxide dependent vasodilation, consistent with an effect of ACh on the endothelium. To prolong the half life of circulating ChAT, the molecule was modified by covalently attaching repeating units of polyethylene glycol (PEG), resulting in enzymatically active PEG-ChAT. Administration of PEG-ChAT to hypertensive mice decreased mean arterial pressure with a longer response duration when compared to ChAT. Together these findings suggest further studies are warranted on the role of ChAT in hypertension.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Stiegler
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Jian-Hua Li
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Vivek Shah
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Tea Tsaava
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Aisling Tynan
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Huan Yang
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Yehuda Tamari
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Circulatory Technology, Inc, 21 Singworth St, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771, USA
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Northwell Health, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY, 11030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Yang H, Andersson U, Brines M. Neurons Are a Primary Driver of Inflammation via Release of HMGB1. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102791. [PMID: 34685772 PMCID: PMC8535016 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent data show that activation of nociceptive (sensory) nerves turns on localized inflammation within the innervated area in a retrograde manner (antidromically), even in the absence of tissue injury or molecular markers of foreign invaders. This neuroinflammatory process is activated and sustained by the release of neuronal products, such as neuropeptides, with the subsequent amplification via recruitment of immunocompetent cells, including macrophages and lymphocytes. High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) is a highly conserved, well characterized damage-associated molecular pattern molecule expressed by many cells, including nociceptors and is a marker of inflammatory diseases. In this review, we summarize recent evidence showing that neuronal HMGB1 is required for the development of neuroinflammation, as knock out limited to neurons or its neutralization via antibodies ameliorate injury in models of nerve injury and of arthritis. Further, the results of study show that HMGB1 is actively released during neuronal depolarization and thus plays a previously unrecognized key etiologic role in the initiation and amplification of neuroinflammation. Direct targeting of HMGB1 is a promising approach for novel anti-inflammatory therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA;
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (U.A.)
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (H.Y.); (U.A.)
| | - Michael Brines
- Institute for Bioelectronic Medicine, The Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, 350 Community Drive, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Yao M, Domogatskaya A, Ågren N, Watanabe M, Tokodai K, Brines M, Cerami A, Ericzon BG, Kumagai-Braesch M, Lundgren T. Cibinetide Protects Isolated Human Islets in a Stressful Environment and Improves Engraftment in the Perspective of Intra Portal Islet Transplantation. Cell Transplant 2021; 30:9636897211039739. [PMID: 34498509 PMCID: PMC8436319 DOI: 10.1177/09636897211039739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
During intra-portal pancreatic islet transplantation (PITx), innate immune reactions such as the instant blood mediated inflammatory reaction (IBMIR) cause an immediate loss of islets. The non-hematopoietic erythropoietin analogue cibinetide has previously shown islet-protective effects in mouse PITx. Herein, we aimed to confirm cibinetide's efficacy on human islets, and to characterize its effect on IBMIR. We cultured human islets with pro-inflammatory cytokines for 18 hours with or without cibinetide. ATP content and caspase 3/7 activity were measured. Dynamic glucose perfusion assay was used to evaluate islet function. To evaluate cibinetides effect on IBMIR, human islets were incubated in heparinized polyvinyl chloride tubing system with ABO compatible blood and rotated for 60 minutes to mimic the portal vein system. Moreover, human islets were transplanted into athymic mice livers via the portal vein with or without perioperative cibinetide treatment. The mice were sacrificed six days following transplantation and the livers were analyzed for human insulin and serum for human C-peptide levels. Histological examination of recipient livers to evaluate islet graft infiltration by CD11b+ cells was performed. Our results show that cibinetide maintained human islet ATP levels and reduced the caspase 3/7 activity during culture with pro-inflammatory cytokines and improved their insulin secreting capacity. In the PVC loop system, administration of cibinetide reduced the IBMIR-induced platelet consumption. In human islet to athymic mice PITx, cibinetide treatment showed an increased amount of human insulin in the livers and higher serum human C-peptide, while histological examination of the livers showed reduced infiltration of pro-inflammatory CD11b+ cells around islets grafts compared to the controls. In summary, Cibinetide protected isolated human islets in a pro-inflammatory milieu and reduced IBMIR related platelet consumption. It improved engraftment of human islets in athymic mice. The study confirms that cibinetide is a promising agent to be used in clinical PITx.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ming Yao
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anna Domogatskaya
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nils Ågren
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Masaaki Watanabe
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kazuaki Tokodai
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | | | - Bo-Göran Ericzon
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Makiko Kumagai-Braesch
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Torbjörn Lundgren
- Division of Transplantation Surgery, CLINTEC, Karolinska Institutet, and Department of Transplantation Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital Huddinge, 141 86 Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Yang H, Zeng Q, Silverman HA, Gunasekaran M, George SJ, Devarajan A, Addorisio ME, Li J, Tsaava T, Shah V, Billiar TR, Wang H, Brines M, Andersson U, Pavlov VA, Chang EH, Chavan SS, Tracey KJ. HMGB1 released from nociceptors mediates inflammation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:e2102034118. [PMID: 34385304 PMCID: PMC8379951 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2102034118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation, the body's primary defensive response system to injury and infection, is triggered by molecular signatures of microbes and tissue injury. These molecules also stimulate specialized sensory neurons, termed nociceptors. Activation of nociceptors mediates inflammation through antidromic release of neuropeptides into infected or injured tissue, producing neurogenic inflammation. Because HMGB1 is an important inflammatory mediator that is synthesized by neurons, we reasoned nociceptor release of HMGB1 might be a component of the neuroinflammatory response. In support of this possibility, we show here that transgenic nociceptors expressing channelrhodopsin-2 (ChR2) directly release HMGB1 in response to light stimulation. Additionally, HMGB1 expression in neurons was silenced by crossing synapsin-Cre (Syn-Cre) mice with floxed HMGB1 mice (HMGB1f/f). When these mice undergo sciatic nerve injury to activate neurogenic inflammation, they are protected from the development of cutaneous inflammation and allodynia as compared to wild-type controls. Syn-Cre/HMGB1fl/fl mice subjected to experimental collagen antibody-induced arthritis, a disease model in which nociceptor-dependent inflammation plays a significant pathological role, are protected from the development of allodynia and joint inflammation. Thus, nociceptor HMGB1 is required to mediate pain and inflammation during sciatic nerve injury and collagen antibody-induced arthritis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Huan Yang
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030;
| | - Qiong Zeng
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Harold A Silverman
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Manojkumar Gunasekaran
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Sam J George
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Alex Devarajan
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Meghan E Addorisio
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Jianhua Li
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Téa Tsaava
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Vivek Shah
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Timothy R Billiar
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Haichao Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Michael Brines
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
| | - Ulf Andersson
- Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Valentin A Pavlov
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY 11030
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
| | - Eric H Chang
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY 11030
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
| | - Sangeeta S Chavan
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030;
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY 11030
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
| | - Kevin J Tracey
- Laboratory of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Bioelectronic Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Northwell Health, Manhasset, NY 11030;
- The Elmezzi Graduate School of Molecular Medicine, Manhasset, NY 11030
- Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra University, Hempstead, NY 11549
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Awida Z, Kolomansky A, Hiram-Bab S, Ben-Califa N, Saad H, Liron T, Ibrahim M, Brines M, Gabet Y, Neumann D. The non-erythropoietic analogue cibinetide inhibits osteoclastogenesis in vitro and increases bone density in mice. Bone Rep 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bonr.2020.100459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
27
|
Lois N, Gardner E, McFarland M, Armstrong D, McNally C, Lavery NJ, Campbell C, Kirk RI, Bajorunas D, Dunne A, Cerami A, Brines M. A Phase 2 Clinical Trial on the Use of Cibinetide for the Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema. J Clin Med 2020; 9:jcm9072225. [PMID: 32674280 PMCID: PMC7408632 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2020] [Revised: 07/05/2020] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Evaluating the effects of cibinetide in diabetic macular edema (DME). METHODS Phase 2 trial. Naïve patients with >400 µm central retinal thickness (CRT) DME in one/both eyes were recruited (May 2016-April 2017) at the Belfast Health and Social Care Trust. The study eye was that with best vision and lowest CRT. Patients self-administered cibinetide 4 mg/day subcutaneously for 12 weeks. Primary and secondary outcomes: mean change from baseline to week 12 in best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), CRT, central retinal sensitivity, tear production, patient-reported outcomes, adverse events and antibodies to cibinetide. Descriptive statistics were used; exploratory analyses focused on non-study eyes, diabetic control, serum cytokines and albuminuria. RESULTS Nine patients were recruited; eight completed the study. There was no improvement in mean change baseline-week 12 in BCVA (-2.9 + 5.0), CRT (10 + 94.6 microns), central retinal sensitivity (-0.53 + 1.9 dB) or tear production (-0.13 + 7.7 mm), but there was an improvement in National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25) composite scores (2.7 + 3.1). Some participants experienced improvements in CRT, tear production, diabetic control and albuminuria. No serious adverse events/reactions or anti-cibinetide antibodies were seen. CONCLUSIONS The cibinetide 12-week course was safe. Improvements in NEI VFQ-25 scores, CRT, tear production, diabetic control and albuminuria, observed in some participants, warrant further investigation. TRIAL REGISTRATION EudraCT number: 2015-001940-12. ISRCTN16962255-registration date 25.06.15.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Noemi Lois
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (D.A.); (N.J.L.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Evie Gardner
- The Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit (NICTU), 1st Floor, Elliott Dynes Centre, Royal Hospitals, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK; (E.G.); (C.M.); (C.C.)
| | | | - David Armstrong
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (D.A.); (N.J.L.)
| | - Christine McNally
- The Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit (NICTU), 1st Floor, Elliott Dynes Centre, Royal Hospitals, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK; (E.G.); (C.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Nuala Jane Lavery
- The Wellcome-Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast, 97 Lisburn Road, Belfast BT9 7BL, UK; (D.A.); (N.J.L.)
| | - Christina Campbell
- The Northern Ireland Clinical Trials Unit (NICTU), 1st Floor, Elliott Dynes Centre, Royal Hospitals, Belfast BT12 6BA, UK; (E.G.); (C.M.); (C.C.)
| | - Rita I Kirk
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, 580 White Plains Road, Suite 210, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA; (R.I.K.); (D.B.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Daiva Bajorunas
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, 580 White Plains Road, Suite 210, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA; (R.I.K.); (D.B.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Ann Dunne
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, 580 White Plains Road, Suite 210, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA; (R.I.K.); (D.B.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Anthony Cerami
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, 580 White Plains Road, Suite 210, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA; (R.I.K.); (D.B.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (M.B.)
| | - Michael Brines
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, 580 White Plains Road, Suite 210, Tarrytown, NY 10591, USA; (R.I.K.); (D.B.); (A.D.); (A.C.); (M.B.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Amato F, Pérez N, López M, Ripoll A, Alastuey A, Pandolfi M, Karanasiou A, Salmatonidis A, Padoan E, Frasca D, Marcoccia M, Viana M, Moreno T, Reche C, Martins V, Brines M, Minguillón MC, Ealo M, Rivas I, van Drooge B, Benavides J, Craviotto JM, Querol X. Vertical and horizontal fall-off of black carbon and NO 2 within urban blocks. Sci Total Environ 2019; 686:236-245. [PMID: 31176822 DOI: 10.1016/j.scitotenv.2019.05.434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
While exposure to traffic pollutants significantly decreases with distance from the curb, very dense urban architectures hamper such dispersion. Moreover, the building height reduces significantly the dispersion of pollutants. We have investigated the horizontal variability of Black Carbon (BC) and the vertical variability of NO2 and BC within the urban blocks. Increasing the distance from road BC concentrations decreased following an exponential curve reaching halving distances at 25 m (median), although with a wide variability among sites. Street canyons showed sharper fall-offs than open roads or roads next to a park. Urban background concentrations were achieved at 67 m distance on average, with higher distances found for more trafficked roads. Vertical fall-off of BC was less pronounced than the horizontal one since pollutants homogenize quickly vertically after rush traffic hours. Even shallower vertical fall-offs were found for NO2. For both pollutants, background concentrations were never reached within the building height. A street canyon effect was also found exacerbating concentrations at the lowest floors of the leeward side of the road. These inputs can be useful for assessing population exposure, air quality policies, urban planning and for models validation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Amato
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain.
| | - N Pérez
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M López
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Ripoll
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Alastuey
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Pandolfi
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Karanasiou
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - A Salmatonidis
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - E Padoan
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain; University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - D Frasca
- Chemistry Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Marcoccia
- Chemistry Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - M Viana
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - T Moreno
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - C Reche
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - V Martins
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Brines
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M C Minguillón
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - M Ealo
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - B van Drooge
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - J Benavides
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - X Querol
- Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA), Spanish Research Council (CSIC), Barcelona, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Azmi S, Jeziorska M, Ferdousi M, Petropoulos IN, Ponirakis G, Marshall A, Alam U, Asghar O, Atkinson A, Jones W, Boulton AJM, Brines M, Augustine T, Malik RA. Early nerve fibre regeneration in individuals with type 1 diabetes after simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation. Diabetologia 2019; 62:1478-1487. [PMID: 31175373 PMCID: PMC6647173 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-019-4897-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS The study aimed to assess the impact on neuropathy of simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPK) in individuals with type 1 diabetes. METHODS This longitudinal observational study examined neuropathic symptoms, deficits, quantitative sensory testing, neurophysiology, corneal confocal microscopy and skin biopsy results in 32 healthy (non-diabetic) control participants, 29 individuals with type 1 diabetes and severe diabetic peripheral neuropathy [DPN] and 36 individuals with type 1 diabetes after SPK. RESULTS Following SPK, HbA1c, eGFR, triacylglycerols and HDL improved significantly (all p < 0.05). Compared with the DPN group, which remained unchanged over the 36 month study period, corneal confocal microscopy assessments improved over 36 months following SPK, with increasing corneal nerve fibre density of 5/mm2 (95% CI 1.8, 8.2; p = 0.003) and corneal nerve fibre length of 3.2 mm/mm2 (95% CI 0.9, 5.5; p = 0.006). The Neuropathy Symptom Profile and peroneal nerve conduction velocity also improved significantly by 36 months compared with DPN (2.5; 95% CI 0.7, 4.3; p = 0.008 and 4.7 m/s; 95% CI 2.2, 7.4; p = 0.0004, respectively), but with a temporal delay compared with the corneal confocal microscopy assessments. Intraepidermal nerve fibre density did not change following SPK; however, mean dendritic length improved significantly at 12 (p = 0.020) and 36 (p = 0.019) months. In contrast, there were no changes in the Neuropathy Disability Score, quantitative sensory testing or cardiac autonomic function assessments. Except for a small decrease in corneal nerve fibre density in the healthy control group, there were no changes in any other neuropathy measure in the healthy control or DPN groups over 36 months. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION SPK is associated with early and maintained small nerve fibre regeneration in the cornea and skin, followed by an improvement in neuropathic symptoms and peroneal nerve conduction velocity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shazli Azmi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Maria Jeziorska
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Maryam Ferdousi
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Ioannis N Petropoulos
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Andrew Marshall
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Uazman Alam
- Department of Eye and Vision Science, Institute of Ageing and Chronic Disease, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK
| | - Omar Asghar
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Andrew Atkinson
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Wendy Jones
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | - Andrew J M Boulton
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK
| | | | - Titus Augustine
- Department of Transplant and Endocrine Surgery, Central Manchester University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester and Central Manchester NHS Foundation Trust, Core Technology Facility, Grafton Street, Manchester, M13 9NT, UK.
- Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
O'Leary OE, Canning P, Reid E, Bertelli PM, McKeown S, Brines M, Cerami A, Du X, Xu H, Chen M, Dutton L, Brazil DP, Medina RJ, Stitt AW. The vasoreparative potential of endothelial colony-forming cells in the ischemic retina is enhanced by cibinetide, a non-hematopoietic erythropoietin mimetic. Exp Eye Res 2019; 182:144-155. [PMID: 30876881 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2018] [Revised: 01/24/2019] [Accepted: 03/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinal ischemia remains a common sight threatening end-point in blinding diseases such as diabetic retinopathy and retinopathy of prematurity. Endothelial colony forming cells (ECFCs) represent a subpopulation of endothelial progenitors with therapeutic utility for promoting reparative angiogenesis in the ischaemic retina. The current study has investigated the potential of enhancing this cell therapy approach by the dampening of the pro-inflammatory milieu typical of ischemic retina. Based on recent findings that ARA290 (cibinetide), a peptide based on the Helix-B domain of erythropoietin (EPO), is anti-inflammatory and tissue-protective, the effect of this peptide on ECFC-mediated vascular regeneration was studied in the ischemic retina. METHODS The effects of ARA290 on pro-survival signaling and function were assessed in ECFC cultures in vitro. Efficacy of ECFC transplantation therapy to promote retinal vascular repair in the presence and absence of ARA290 was studied in the oxygen induced retinopathy (OIR) model of retinal ischemia. The inflammatory cytokine profile and microglial activation were studied as readouts of inflammation. RESULTS ARA290 activated pro-survival signaling and enhanced cell viability in response to H2O2-mediated oxidative stress in ECFCs in vitro. Preconditioning of ECFCs with EPO or ARA290 prior to delivery to the ischemic retina did not enhance vasoreparative function. ARA290 delivered systemically to OIR mice reduced pro-inflammatory expression of IL-1β and TNF-α in the mouse retina. Following intravitreal transplantation, ECFCs incorporated into the damaged retinal vasculature and significantly reduced avascular area. The vasoreparative function of ECFCs was enhanced in the presence of ARA290 but not EPO. DISCUSSION Regulation of the pro-inflammatory milieu of the ischemic retina can be enhanced by ARA290 and may be a useful adjunct to ECFC-based cell therapy for ischemic retinopathies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia E O'Leary
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Canning
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Emma Reid
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Pietro M Bertelli
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Stuart McKeown
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Xuan Du
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Heping Xu
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Mei Chen
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Dutton
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Derek P Brazil
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Reinhold J Medina
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom
| | - Alan W Stitt
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Petropoulos IN, Ponirakis G, Khan A, Gad H, Almuhannadi H, Brines M, Cerami A, Malik RA. Corneal confocal microscopy: ready for prime time. Clin Exp Optom 2019; 103:265-277. [PMID: 30834591 DOI: 10.1111/cxo.12887] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2018] [Revised: 01/28/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Corneal confocal microscopy is a non-invasive ophthalmic imaging modality, which was initially used for the diagnosis and management of corneal diseases. However, over the last 20 years it has come to the forefront as a rapid, non-invasive, reiterative, cost-effective imaging biomarker for neurodegeneration. The human cornea is endowed with the densest network of sensory unmyelinated axons, anywhere in the body. A robust body of evidence shows that corneal confocal microscopy is a reliable and reproducible method to quantify corneal nerve morphology. Changes in corneal nerve morphology precede or relate to clinical manifestations of peripheral and central neurodegenerative conditions. Moreover, in clinical intervention trials, corneal nerve regeneration occurs early and predicts functional gains in trials of neuroprotection. In view of these findings, it is timely to summarise the knowledge in this area of research and to explain why the case for corneal confocal microscopy is sufficiently compelling to argue for its inclusion as a Food and Drug Administration endpoint in clinical trials of peripheral and central neurodegenerative conditions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Georgios Ponirakis
- Division of Research, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Adnan Khan
- Division of Research, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hoda Gad
- Division of Research, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | - Hamad Almuhannadi
- Division of Research, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| | | | | | - Rayaz A Malik
- Division of Research, Qatar Foundation, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Doha, Qatar
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Bitto A, Irrera N, Pizzino G, Pallio G, Mannino F, Vaccaro M, Arcoraci V, Aliquò F, Minutoli L, Colonna MR, Galeano MR, Brines M, De Ponte C, Collino M, Squadrito F, Altavilla D. Activation of the EPOR-β common receptor complex by cibinetide ameliorates impaired wound healing in mice with genetic diabetes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1864:632-639. [PMID: 29223734 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2017] [Revised: 11/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Diabetes is characterized by poor wound healing which currently lacks an efficacious treatment. The innate repair receptor (IRR) is a master regulator of tissue protection and repair which is expressed as a response injury or metabolic stress, including in diabetes. Activation of the IRR might provide benefit for diabetic wound healing. A specific IRR agonist cibinetide was administered in an incisional wound healing model performed mice with genetic diabetes (db+/db+) and compared to the normal wild-type. Animals were treated daily with cibinetide (30μg/kg/s.c.) or vehicle and euthanized 3, 7, and 14days after the injury to quantitate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), malondialdehyde (MAL), phospho-Akt (pAkt), phospho e-NOS (p-eNOS), and nitrite/nitrate content within the wound. Additional evaluations included quantification of skin histological change, angiogenesis, scar strength, and time to complete wound closure. Throughout the wound healing process diabetic animals treated with vehicle exhibited increased wound MAL with reduced VEGF, pAkt, peNOS and nitrite/nitrate, all associated with poor re-epitheliziation, angiogenesis, and wound breaking strength. Cibenitide administration significantly improved these abnormalities. The results suggest that cibinetide-mediated IRR activation may represent an interesting strategy to treat diabetes-associated wound healing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alessandra Bitto
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Natasha Irrera
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Gabriele Pizzino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Giovanni Pallio
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Mannino
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Mario Vaccaro
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Arcoraci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Federica Aliquò
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Letteria Minutoli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Chiara De Ponte
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| | - Massimo Collino
- Department of Drug Science and Technology, University of Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Squadrito
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Italy.
| | - Domenica Altavilla
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphofunctional Imaging, University of Messina, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Nairz M, Haschka D, Dichtl S, Sonnweber T, Schroll A, Aßhoff M, Mindur JE, Moser PL, Wolf D, Swirski FK, Theurl I, Cerami A, Brines M, Weiss G. Cibinetide dampens innate immune cell functions thus ameliorating the course of experimental colitis. Sci Rep 2017; 7:13012. [PMID: 29026145 PMCID: PMC5638901 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-13046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/15/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Two distinct forms of the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR) mediate the cellular responses to erythropoietin (EPO) in different tissues. EPOR homodimers signal to promote the maturation of erythroid progenitor cells. In other cell types, including immune cells, EPOR and the ß-common receptor (CD131) form heteromers (the innate repair receptor; IRR), and exert tissue protective effects. We used dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) to induce colitis in C57BL/6 N mice. Once colitis was established, mice were treated with solvent, EPO or the selective IRR agonist cibinetide. We found that both cibinetide and EPO ameliorated the clinical course of experimental colitis in mice, resulting in improved weight gain and survival. Correspondingly, DSS-exposed mice treated with cibinetide or EPO displayed preserved tissue integrity due to reduced infiltration of myeloid cells and diminished production of pro-inflammatory disease mediators including cytokines, chemokines and nitric oxide synthase-2. Experiments using LPS-activated primary macrophages revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of cibinetide were dependent on CD131 and JAK2 functionality and were mediated via inhibition of NF-κB subunit p65 activity. Cibinetide activation of the IRR exerts potent anti-inflammatory effects, especially within the myeloid population, reduces disease activity and mortality in mice. Cibinetide thus holds promise as novel disease-modifying therapeutic of inflammatory bowel disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Manfred Nairz
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria. .,Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA. .,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - David Haschka
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Stefanie Dichtl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Thomas Sonnweber
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Andrea Schroll
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Malte Aßhoff
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - John E Mindur
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Patrizia L Moser
- Department of Pathology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dominik Wolf
- Medical Clinic III for Oncology, Hematology, Immunoncology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Filip K Swirski
- Center for Systems Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Radiology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Igor Theurl
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Anthony Cerami
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Brines
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Günter Weiss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Infectious Diseases, Immunology, Rheumatology, Pneumology, Medical University Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Oudejans LC, Niesters M, Brines M, Dahan A, van Velzen M. Quantification of small fiber pathology in patients with sarcoidosis and chronic pain using cornea confocal microscopy and skin biopsies. J Pain Res 2017; 10:2057-2065. [PMID: 28894389 PMCID: PMC5584894 DOI: 10.2147/jpr.s142683] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Small fiber pathology with concomitant chronic neuropathic pain is a common complication of sarcoidosis. The gold standard of diagnosis of small fiber neuropathy (SFN) is the quantification of small nerve fibers in skin biopsies in combination with patient history and psychophysical tests; a new technique is the quantification of small nerve fibers in the cornea using cornea confocal microscopy (CCM). Here, we studied small fiber morphology in sarcoidosis patients with neuropathic pain using skin biopsies, CCM, and quantitative sensory testing (QST). Our aim was to construct specific phenotypes of neuropathic pain in sarcoidosis. Fifty-eight patients with a confirmed diagnosis of sarcoidosis and with moderate-to-severe neuropathic pain were tested. Decreased intraepidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) from skin biopsies was found in 28% of patients, and CCM abnormalities were observed in 45% of patients. There was no correlation between CCM and IENFD abnormalities. Eighty-three percent of patients had abnormal thermal detection thresholds, a sign of small fiber dysfunction. Based on the presence or absence of abnormalities in IENFD and CCM, four distinct phenotypes were identified with a distinct homogeneous pattern of somatosensory symptoms. We argue that these distinct phenotypes have a similar mechanistic construct with specific phenotype-specific treatment options. Additionally, our data suggest the presence of patients with length- and nonlength-dependent SFN within this population of sarcoidosis patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Cj Oudejans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Niesters
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | | | - Albert Dahan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Monique van Velzen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Culver DA, Dahan A, Bajorunas D, Jeziorska M, van Velzen M, Aarts LPHJ, Tavee J, Tannemaat MR, Dunne AN, Kirk RI, Petropoulos IN, Cerami A, Malik RA, Brines M. Cibinetide Improves Corneal Nerve Fiber Abundance in Patients With Sarcoidosis-Associated Small Nerve Fiber Loss and Neuropathic Pain. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2017; 58:BIO52-BIO60. [PMID: 28475703 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.16-21291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Sarcoidosis frequently is complicated by small nerve fiber loss (SNFL), which can be quantified using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). Prior studies suggest that the innate repair receptor agonist cibinetide reverses corneal nerve loss. This phase 2b, 28-day, randomized trial of 64 subjects with sarcoid-associated SNFL and neuropathic pain assessed the effect of cibinetide on corneal nerve fiber area (CNFA) and regenerating intraepidermal fibers (GAP-43+) as surrogate endpoints for disease modification, pain severity, and functional capacity (6-minute walk test [6MWT]). Methods Cibinetide (1, 4, or 8 mg/day) was compared to placebo. The primary study endpoint was a change in CNFA at 28 days. Results The placebo-corrected mean change from baseline CNFA (μm2) at day 28 was 109 (95% confidence interval [CI], -429, 647), 697 (159, 1236; P = 0.012), and 431 (-130, 992) in the 1, 4, and 8 mg groups, respectively. Intraepidermal GAP-43+ fibers increased in the 4 mg group (P = 0.035). Further, changes in CNFA correlated with changes in GAP-43+ (ρ = 0.575; P = 0.025) and 6MWT (ρ = 0.645; P = 0.009). Pain improved significantly in all groups, with subjects having moderate-severe pain reporting a clinically meaningful placebo-corrected decrease in pain intensity in the 4 mg group (P = 0.157). Conclusions Cibinetide significantly increased small nerve fiber abundance in the cornea and skin, consistent with a disease modifying effect. The relationships between CNFA and other clinical measures of disease support its use as a surrogate endpoint to assess potential disease modifying therapies for neuropathy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel A Culver
- Pulmonary Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | - Albert Dahan
- Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Maria Jeziorska
- Division of Cardiovascular Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Monique van Velzen
- Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Leon P H J Aarts
- Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Jinny Tavee
- Neuromuscular Center, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio, United States
| | | | - Ann N Dunne
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States
| | - Rita I Kirk
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States
| | | | - Anthony Cerami
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States
| | | | - Michael Brines
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Oudejans L, He X, Niesters M, Dahan A, Brines M, van Velzen M. Cornea nerve fiber quantification and construction of phenotypes in patients with fibromyalgia. Sci Rep 2016; 6:23573. [PMID: 27006259 PMCID: PMC4804273 DOI: 10.1038/srep23573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2015] [Accepted: 03/07/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Cornea confocal microscopy (CCM) is a novel non-invasive method to detect small nerve fiber pathology. CCM generally correlates with outcomes of skin biopsies in patients with small fiber pathology. The aim of this study was to quantify the morphology of small nerve fibers of the cornea of patients with fibromyalgia in terms of density, length and branching and further phenotype these patients using standardized quantitative sensory testing (QST). Small fiber pathology was detected in the cornea of 51% of patients: nerve fiber length was significantly decreased in 44% of patients compared to age- and sex-matched reference values; nerve fiber density and branching were significantly decreased in 10% and 28% of patients. The combination of the CCM parameters and sensory tests for central sensitization, (cold pain threshold, mechanical pain threshold, mechanical pain sensitivity, allodynia and/or windup), yielded four phenotypes of fibromyalgia patients in a subgroup analysis: one group with normal cornea morphology without and with signs of central sensitization, and a group with abnormal cornea morphology parameters without and with signs of central sensitization. In conclusion, half of the tested fibromyalgia population demonstrates signs of small fiber pathology as measured by CCM. The four distinct phenotypes suggest possible differences in disease mechanisms and may require different treatment approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linda Oudejans
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Xuan He
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Niesters
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Albert Dahan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Monique van Velzen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dahan A, Dunne A, Swartjes M, Proto PL, Heij L, Vogels O, van Velzen M, Sarton E, Niesters M, Tannemaat MR, Cerami A, Brines M. Erratum to: ARA 290 Improves Symptoms in Patients with Sarcoidosis-Associated Small Nerve Fiber Loss and Increases Corneal Nerve Fiber Density. Mol Med 2016; 22:674. [DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2013.00122.erratum] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
|
38
|
Muller C, Yassin K, Li LS, Palmblad M, Efendic S, Berggren PO, Cerami A, Brines M, Östenson CG. ARA290 Improves Insulin Release and Glucose Tolerance in Type 2 Diabetic Goto-Kakizaki Rats. Mol Med 2015; 21:969-978. [PMID: 26736179 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2015.00267] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2015] [Accepted: 12/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Effects of ARA290 on glucose homeostasis were studied in type 2 diabetic Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats. In GK rats receiving ARA290 daily for up to 4 wks, plasma glucose concentrations were lower after 3 and 4 wks, and hemoglobin A1c (Hb A1c) was reduced by ~20% without changes in whole body and hepatic insulin sensitivity. Glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was increased in islets from ARA290-treated rats. Additionally, in response to glucose, carbachol and KCl, islet cytoplasmic free Ca2+ concentrations, [Ca2+]i, were higher and the frequency of [Ca2+]i oscillations enhanced compared with placebo. ARA290 also improved stimulus-secretion coupling for glucose in GK rat islets, as shown by an improved glucose oxidation rate, ATP production and acutely enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. ARA290 also exerted an effect distal to the ATP-sensitive potassium (KATP) channel on the insulin exocytotic pathway, since the insulin response was improved following islet depolarization by KCl when KATP channels were kept open by diazoxide. Finally, inhibition of protein kinase A completely abolished effects of ARA290 on insulin secretion. In conclusion, ARA290 improved glucose tolerance without affecting hematocrit in diabetic GK rats. This effect appears to be due to improved γ-cell glucose metabolism and [Ca2+]i handling, and thereby enhanced glucose-induced insulin release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carole Muller
- Dept of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kamal Yassin
- Dept of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Luo-Sheng Li
- Dept of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stockholm, Sweden.,The Rolf Luft Research Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, KI, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Magnus Palmblad
- Dept Vascular Surgery, Leiden University Medical Center, The Netherlands
| | - Suad Efendic
- Dept of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per-Olof Berggren
- Dept of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stockholm, Sweden.,The Rolf Luft Research Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, KI, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Anthony Cerami
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael Brines
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Claes-Göran Östenson
- Dept of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet (KI), Stockholm, Sweden.,The Rolf Luft Research Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, KI, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
|
40
|
Collino M, Thiemermann C, Cerami A, Brines M. Flipping the molecular switch for innate protection and repair of tissues: Long-lasting effects of a non-erythropoietic small peptide engineered from erythropoietin. Pharmacol Ther 2015; 151:32-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2015.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
41
|
Brines M, Dunne AN, van Velzen M, Proto PL, Ostenson CG, Kirk RI, Petropoulos IN, Javed S, Malik RA, Cerami A, Dahan A. ARA 290, a nonerythropoietic peptide engineered from erythropoietin, improves metabolic control and neuropathic symptoms in patients with type 2 diabetes. Mol Med 2015; 20:658-66. [PMID: 25387363 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2014.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Although erythropoietin ameliorates experimental type 2 diabetes with neuropathy, serious side effects limit its potential clinical use. ARA 290, a nonhematopoietic peptide designed from the structure of erythropoietin, interacts selectively with the innate repair receptor that mediates tissue protection. ARA 290 has shown efficacy in preclinical and clinical studies of metabolic control and neuropathy. To evaluate the potential activity of ARA 290 in type 2 diabetes and painful neuropathy, subjects were enrolled in this phase 2 study. ARA 290 (4 mg) or placebo were self-administered subcutaneously daily for 28 d and the subjects followed for an additional month without further treatment. No potential safety issues were identified. Subjects receiving ARA 290 exhibited an improvement in hemoglobin A(1c) (Hb A(1c)) and lipid profiles throughout the 56 d observation period. Neuropathic symptoms as assessed by the PainDetect questionnaire improved significantly in the ARA 290 group. Mean corneal nerve fiber density (CNFD) was reduced significantly compared with normal controls and subjects with a mean CNFD >1 standard deviation from normal showed a significant increase in CNFD compared with no change in the placebo group. These observations suggest that ARA 290 may benefit both metabolic control and neuropathy in subjects with type 2 diabetes and deserves continued clinical evaluation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Brines
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Ann N Dunne
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Monique van Velzen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Paolo L Proto
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Claes-Goran Ostenson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Rita I Kirk
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Ioannis N Petropoulos
- Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Institute of Human Development, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Saad Javed
- Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Institute of Human Development, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Rayaz A Malik
- Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Institute of Human Development, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, United Kingdom.,Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Anthony Cerami
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Tarrytown, New York, United States of America
| | - Albert Dahan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Sfacteria A, Brines M, Blank U. The mast cell plays a central role in the immune system of teleost fish. Mol Immunol 2015; 63:3-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2014.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2013] [Accepted: 02/06/2014] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
43
|
Brines M. Discovery of a master regulator of injury and healing: tipping the outcome from damage toward repair. Mol Med 2014; 20 Suppl 1:S10-6. [PMID: 25549226 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2014.00167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/10/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Disease processes provoke a balancing act between tissue damage and repair. In the 1980s, the discovery that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α is a general mediator of disease-related injury led to the development of novel therapeutics to neutralize its activity. In contrast, identification of potential mediator(s) of tissue repair remained elusive. Studies performed over the last 15 years have documented that the type 1 cytokine erythropoietin (EPO), produced by cells within surrounding regions subjected to injury, acts as a master regulator, controlling both damage and repair. The transducer of these activities is the previously unrecognized innate repair receptor (IRR), which is comprised of the EPO receptor and β common receptor subunits. Notably, although proinflammatory cytokines upregulate the IRR, EPO and proinflammatory cytokines inhibit each other's production, resulting in a relative underproduction of EPO. Although exogenous EPO attenuates disease activity in many preclinical models, its clinical utility is limited by serious hematopoietic and thrombotic adverse effects. To circumvent this problem, novel compounds engineered from the structure of EPO have been developed as selective ligands of the IRR. These compounds possess no hematopoietic activity, yet are fully tissue-protective and reparative. The lead molecule of this development effort (the 11-amino acid peptide ARA290) tips the balance toward healing in diverse preclinical models of disease and is currently under evaluation in advanced clinical trials as a disease-modifying agent in painful neuropathy and diabetes.
Collapse
|
44
|
van Velzen M, Heij L, Niesters M, Cerami A, Dunne A, Dahan A, Brines M. ARA 290 for treatment of small fiber neuropathy in sarcoidosis. Expert Opin Investig Drugs 2014; 23:541-50. [PMID: 24555851 DOI: 10.1517/13543784.2014.892072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Painful peripheral neuropathy is a common, difficult-to-treat complication associated with a variety of diseases, including diabetes mellitus and sarcoidosis. It is caused by damage of small and autonomic nerve fibers, resulting in potentially debilitating symptoms of neuropathic pain and autonomic dysfunction. The limited efficacy of current treatment options dictates a rationalized design of novel compounds. AREAS COVERED The authors present the recent data from two Phase II clinical trials on ARA290, an erythropoietin derivative with tissue protective and healing properties that does not stimulate erythropoiesis. ARA 290 treatment was consistently associated with a significant improvement of neuropathic pain symptoms in sarcoidosis patients, evidenced by a decrease in pain scores on validated questionnaires. Moreover, ARA 290 treatment resulted in significant increases in corneal nerve fibers, improved sensory pain thresholds, improved quality of life and physical functioning. EXPERT OPINION Current treatment modalities of neuropathy are based on a trial-and-error approach, have limited efficacy and come with significant side effects. Given the excellent safety profile while reducing neuropathy symptoms, the prospects of ARA 290 treatment in sarcoid neuropathy seem promising. The long-lasting beneficial effects of ARA 290 on both pain-related and non-pain-related symptoms in sarcoidosis patients prompt additional studies on potential disease-modifying properties of ARA 290.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monique van Velzen
- Leiden University Medical Center, Department of Anesthesiology , Leiden , The Netherlands +31 71 526 2301 ; +31 71 526 6230 ;
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Swartjes M, van Velzen M, Niesters M, Aarts L, Brines M, Dunne A, Cerami A, Dahan A. ARA 290, a peptide derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin, produces long-term relief of neuropathic pain coupled with suppression of the spinal microglia response. Mol Pain 2014; 10:13. [PMID: 24529189 PMCID: PMC3928087 DOI: 10.1186/1744-8069-10-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 02/10/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Neuropathic pain is a difficult to treat disorder arising from central or peripheral nervous system lesions. The etiology of neuropathic pain consists of several overlapping pathways converging into an exaggerated pain state with symptoms such as allodynia and hyperalgesia. One of these pathways involves activation of spinal cord microglia and astrocytes, which drive and maintain the inflammatory response following the lesion. These cells are a potential target for drugs for neuropathic pain relief. In this current study, we investigated the dose-effect relationship of the tissue protective peptide ARA 290, derived from the tertiary structure of erythropoietin, on allodynia and concurrent spinal cord microglia and astrocytes. Results Following a spared nerve injury in rats, vehicle or ARA290 (administered in either one of 4 doses: 3, 10, 30 and 60 μg/kg) was administered on days 1, 3, 6, 8 and 10. ARA290 exerted a dose–response effect by significantly reducing mechanical allodynia up to 20 weeks when compared to vehicle. The reduction of cold allodynia was significant up to 20 weeks for the doses 3, 10, 30 and 60 μg/kg when compared to vehicle. The effect 10 and 30 μg/kg ARA290 and vehicle on the microglia response (iba-1-immunoreactivity, iba-1-IR) and astrocyte reaction (GFAP-immunoreactivity, GFAP-IR) was investigated in animals surviving 2 (group 1) or 20 (group 2) weeks following lesion or sham surgery. In group 1, significant microglia reactivity was observed in the L5 segment of the spinal cord of animals treated with vehicle when compared to sham operated, while animals treated with 10 or 30 μg/kg did not show a increase. In group 2, a more widespread and increased microglia reactivity was observed for animals treated with 0 and 10 μg/kg when compared to sham operated animals, indicated by involvement of more spinal cord segments and higher iba-1-IR. Animals treated with 30 μg/kg did not show increased microglia reactivity. No difference in astrocyte reaction was observed. Conclusions The erythropoietin-analogue ARA290 dose-dependently reduced allodynia coupled to suppression of the spinal microglia response, suggestive of a mechanistic link between ARA290-induced suppression of central inflammation and relief of neuropathic pain symptoms.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Albert Dahan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, P5-Q, 2300 RC Leiden, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Dahan A, Dunne A, Swartjes M, Proto PL, Heij L, Vogels O, van Velzen M, Sarton E, Niesters M, Tannemaat MR, Cerami A, Brines M. ARA 290 improves symptoms in patients with sarcoidosis-associated small nerve fiber loss and increases corneal nerve fiber density. Mol Med 2013; 19:334-45. [PMID: 24136731 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2013.00122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Accepted: 10/08/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Small nerve fiber loss and damage (SNFLD) is a frequent complication of sarcoidosis that is associated with autonomic dysfunction and sensory abnormalities, including pain syndromes that severely degrade the quality of life. SNFLD is hypothesized to arise from the effects of immune dysregulation, an essential feature of sarcoidosis, on the peripheral and central nervous systems. Current therapy of sarcoidosis-associated SNFLD consists primarily of immune suppression and symptomatic treatment; however, this treatment is typically unsatisfactory. ARA 290 is a small peptide engineered to activate the innate repair receptor that antagonizes inflammatory processes and stimulates tissue repair. Here we show in a blinded, placebo-controlled trial that 28 d of daily subcutaneous administration of ARA 290 in a group of patients with documented SNFLD significantly improves neuropathic symptoms. In addition to improved patient-reported symptom-based outcomes, ARA 290 administration was also associated with a significant increase in corneal small nerve fiber density, changes in cutaneous temperature sensitivity, and an increased exercise capacity as assessed by the 6-minute walk test. On the basis of these results and of prior studies, ARA 290 is a potential disease-modifying agent for treatment of sarcoidosis-associated SNFLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Albert Dahan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Ann Dunne
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Ossining, New York, United States of America
| | - Maarten Swartjes
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Paolo L Proto
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Lara Heij
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Oscar Vogels
- Department of Neurology, St. Antonius Hospital, Nieuwegein, the Netherlands
| | - Monique van Velzen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Elise Sarton
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Marieke Niesters
- Department of Anesthesiology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Martijn R Tannemaat
- Department of Neurology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Anthony Cerami
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Ossining, New York, United States of America Department of Internal Medicine, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Michael Brines
- Araim Pharmaceuticals, Ossining, New York, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Ueba H, Shiomi M, Brines M, Yamin M, Kobayashi T, Ako J, Momomura SI, Cerami A, Kawakami M. Suppression of coronary atherosclerosis by helix B surface Peptide, a nonerythropoietic, tissue-protective compound derived from erythropoietin. Mol Med 2013; 19:195-202. [PMID: 23648638 DOI: 10.2119/molmed.2013.00037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2013] [Accepted: 04/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO), a type I cytokine originally identified for its critical role in hematopoiesis, has been shown to have nonhematopoietic, tissue-protective effects, including suppression of atherosclerosis. However, prothrombotic effects of EPO hinder its potential clinical use in nonanemic patients. In the present study, we investigated the antiatherosclerotic effects of helix B surface peptide (HBSP), a nonerythropoietic, tissue-protective compound derived from EPO, by using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human monocytic THP-1 cells in vitro and Watanabe heritable hyperlipidemic spontaneous myocardial infarction (WHHLMI) rabbits in vivo. In HUVECs, HBSP inhibited apoptosis (≈70%) induced by C-reactive protein (CRP), a direct mediator of atherosclerosis. By using a small interfering RNA approach, Akt was shown to be a key molecule in HBSP-mediated prevention of apoptosis. HBSP also attenuated CRP-induced production of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and matrix metalloproteinase-9 in THP-1 cells. In the WHHLMI rabbit, HBSP significantly suppressed progression of coronary atherosclerotic lesions as assessed by mean cross-sectional stenosis (HBSP 21.3 ± 2.2% versus control peptide 38.0 ± 2.7%) and inhibited coronary artery endothelial cell apoptosis with increased activation of Akt. Furthermore, TNF-α expression and the number of M1 macrophages and M1/M2 macrophage ratio in coronary atherosclerotic lesions were markedly reduced in HBSP-treated animals. In conclusion, these data demonstrate that HBSP suppresses coronary atherosclerosis, in part by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis through activation of Akt and in association with decreased TNF-α production and modified macrophage polarization in coronary atherosclerotic lesions. Because HBSP does not have the prothrombotic effects of EPO, our study may provide a novel therapeutic strategy that prevents progression of coronary artery disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiroto Ueba
- Department of Integrated Medicine 1, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Van Den Broek M, Allaart CF, Brines M, Cerami A, Huizinga TW. SAT0116 Safety and Efficacy of Ara290, a Non-Hematopoietic Erythropoietin Derived Peptide, in a 4 Weeks Phase II Open Label Trial in Patients with Active Rheumatoid Arthritis. Ann Rheum Dis 2013. [DOI: 10.1136/annrheumdis-2013-eular.1842] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
|
49
|
Ahmet I, Tae HJ, Brines M, Cerami A, Lakatta EG, Talan MI. Chronic administration of small nonerythropoietic peptide sequence of erythropoietin effectively ameliorates the progression of postmyocardial infarction-dilated cardiomyopathy. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2013; 345:446-56. [PMID: 23584743 DOI: 10.1124/jpet.113.202945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The cardioprotective properties of erythropoietin (EPO) in preclinical studies are well documented, but erythropoietic and prothrombotic properties of EPO preclude its use in chronic heart failure (CHF). We tested the effect of long-term treatment with a small peptide sequence within the EPO molecule, helix B surface peptide (HBSP), that possesses tissue-protective, but not erythropoietic properties of EPO, on mortality and cardiac remodeling in postmyocardial infarction-dilated cardiomyopathy in rats. Starting 2 weeks after permanent left coronary artery ligation, rats received i.p. injections of HBSP (60 µg/kg) or saline two times per week for 10 months. Treatment did not elicit an immune response, and did not affect the hematocrit. Compared with untreated rats, HBSP treatment reduced mortality by 50% (P < 0.05). Repeated echocardiography demonstrated remarkable attenuation of left ventricular dilatation (end-diastolic volume: 41 versus 86%; end-systolic volume: 44 versus 135%; P < 0.05), left ventricle functional deterioration (ejection fraction: -4 versus -63%; P < 0.05), and myocardial infarction (MI) expansion (3 versus 38%; P < 0.05). A hemodynamic assessment at study termination demonstrated normal preload independent stroke work (63 ± 5 versus 40 ± 4; P < 0.05) and arterioventricular coupling (1.2 ± 0.2 versus 2.7 ± 0.7; P < 0.05). Histologic analysis revealed reduced apoptosis (P < 0.05) and fibrosis (P < 0.05), increased cardiomyocyte density (P < 0.05), and increased number of cardiomyocytes in myocardium among HBSP-treated rats. The results indicate that HBSP effectively reduces mortality, ameliorates the MI expansion and CHF progression, and preserves systolic reserve in the rat post-MI model. There is also a possibility that HBSP promoted the increase of the myocytes number in the myocardial wall remote from the infarct. Thus, HBSP peptide merits consideration for clinical testing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ismayil Ahmet
- Laboratory of Cardiovascular Sciences, National Institute on Aging/National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
50
|
Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) is a pleiotropic type I cytokine that has been identified as a major endogenous tissue protective molecule. In response to injury, EPO and a distinct receptor are expressed with a characteristic temporal and spatial expression pattern. Together, these serve to limit injury and to initiate repair. Administration of EPO in the setting of injury has been shown to be beneficial in a multitude of preclinical models. However, translation into the clinic has been hampered by EPO's adverse effects, including promotion of thrombosis. Recently, engineered molecules based on EPO's structure-activity relationships have been developed that are devoid of hematopoietic effects. These compounds are promising candidates for treatment of a wide variety of acute and chronic diseases.
Collapse
|