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Truong N, Cottingham AL, Dharmaraj S, Shaw JR, Lasola JJM, Goodis CC, Fletcher S, Pearson RM. Multimodal nanoparticle-containing modified suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid polymer conjugates to mitigate immune dysfunction in severe inflammation. Bioeng Transl Med 2024; 9:e10611. [PMID: 38193117 PMCID: PMC10771562 DOI: 10.1002/btm2.10611] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Excessive immune activation and immunosuppression are opposing factors that contribute to the dysregulated innate and adaptive immune responses seen in severe inflammation and sepsis. Here, a novel analog of the histone deacetylase inhibitor (HDACi), suberoylanilide hydroxamic acid (SAHA-OH), was incorporated into immunomodulatory poly(lactic acid)-based nanoparticles (iNP-SAHA) by employing a prodrug approach through the covalent modification of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) with SAHA-OH. iNP-SAHA formulation allowed for controlled incorporation and delivery of SAHA-OH from iNP-SAHA and treatment led to multimodal biological responses including significant reductions in proinflammatory cytokine secretions and gene expression, while increasing the survival of primary macrophages under lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge. Using a lethal LPS-induced endotoxemia mouse model of sepsis, iNP-SAHA administration improved the survival of mice in a dose-dependent manner and tended to improve survival at the lowest doses compared to iNP control. Further, iNP-SAHA reduced the levels of plasma proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines associated with sepsis more significantly than iNP and similarly improved inflammation-induced spleen and liver toxicity as iNP, supporting its potential polypharmacological activity. Collectively, iNP-SAHA offers a potential drug delivery approach to modulate the multifaceted inflammatory responses observed in diseases such as sepsis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nhu Truong
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of PharmacyBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Andrea L. Cottingham
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of PharmacyBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Shruti Dharmaraj
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of PharmacyBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Jacob R. Shaw
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | | | - Christopher C. Goodis
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of PharmacyBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Steven Fletcher
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of PharmacyBaltimoreMarylandUSA
| | - Ryan M. Pearson
- Department of Pharmaceutical SciencesUniversity of Maryland School of PharmacyBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Department of Microbiology and ImmunologyUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer CenterUniversity of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimoreMarylandUSA
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Scotland BL, Shaw JR, Dharmaraj S, Caprio N, Cottingham AL, Joy Martín Lasola J, Sung JJ, Pearson RM. Cell and biomaterial delivery strategies to induce immune tolerance. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 203:115141. [PMID: 37980950 PMCID: PMC10842132 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115141] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of immune-mediated disorders, including autoimmune conditions and allergies, is steadily increasing. However, current therapeutic approaches are often non-specific and do not address the underlying pathogenic condition, often resulting in impaired immunity and a state of generalized immunosuppression. The emergence of technologies capable of selectively inhibiting aberrant immune activation in a targeted, antigen (Ag)-specific manner by exploiting the body's intrinsic tolerance pathways, all without inducing adverse side effects, holds significant promise to enhance patient outcomes. In this review, we will describe the body's natural mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance as well as innovative delivery strategies using cells and biomaterials targeting innate and adaptive immune cells to promote Ag-specific immune tolerance. Additionally, we will discuss the challenges and future opportunities that warrant consideration as we navigate the path toward clinical implementation of tolerogenic strategies to treat immune-mediated diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brianna L Scotland
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Jacob R Shaw
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Shruti Dharmaraj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Nicholas Caprio
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Andrea L Cottingham
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Jackline Joy Martín Lasola
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Junsik J Sung
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States
| | - Ryan M Pearson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States; Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, MD 21201, United States.
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Milutinovic B, Mahalingam R, Mendt M, Arroyo L, Seua A, Dharmaraj S, Shpall E, Heijnen CJ. Intranasally Administered MSC-Derived Extracellular Vesicles Reverse Cisplatin-Induced Cognitive Impairment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11862. [PMID: 37511623 PMCID: PMC10380450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411862] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Neurotoxic side effects of chemotherapy include deficits in attention, memory, and executive functioning. Currently, there are no FDA-approved therapies. In mice, cisplatin causes long-term cognitive deficits, white matter damage, mitochondrial dysfunction, and loss of synaptic integrity. We hypothesized that MSC-derived small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) could restore cisplatin-induced cognitive impairments and brain damage. Animals were injected with cisplatin intraperitoneally and treated with MSC-derived sEVs intranasally 48 and 96 h after the last cisplatin injection. The puzzle box test (PBT) and the novel object place recognition test (NOPRT) were used to determine cognitive deficits. Synaptosomal mitochondrial morphology was analyzed by transmission electron microscopy. Immunohistochemistry using antibodies against synaptophysin and PSD95 was applied to assess synaptic loss. Black-Gold II staining was used to quantify white matter integrity. Our data show that sEVs enter the brain in 30 min and reverse the cisplatin-induced deficits in executive functioning and working and spatial memory. Abnormalities in mitochondrial morphology, loss of white matter, and synaptic integrity in the hippocampus were restored as well. Transcriptomic analysis revealed upregulation of regenerative functions after treatment with sEVs, pointing to a possible role of axonal guidance signaling, netrin signaling, and Wnt/Ca2+ signaling in recovery. Our data suggest that intranasal sEV treatment could become a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of chemobrain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bojana Milutinovic
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rajasekaran Mahalingam
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Mayela Mendt
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Luis Arroyo
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Alexandre Seua
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Shruti Dharmaraj
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Elizabeth Shpall
- Department of Stem Cell Transplantation and Cellular Therapy, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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Zamorano M, Alexander JF, Catania D, Dharmaraj S, Kavelaars A, Heijnen CJ. Nasal administration of mesenchymal stem cells prevents accelerated age-related tauopathy after chemotherapy in mice. Immun Ageing 2023; 20:5. [PMID: 36698170 PMCID: PMC9874182 DOI: 10.1186/s12979-023-00328-w] [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: 09/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There is increasing concern that cancer and cancer treatment accelerate aging and the associated cognitive decline. We showed recently that treatment of 9-month-old male mice with cisplatin causes cognitive deficits that are associated with formation of tau deposits in the hippocampus. Here we explored the capacity of mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) given via the nose to prevent age-related brain tau deposits. Moreover, we more closely examined the cellular distribution of this hallmark of accelerated brain aging in response to treatment of 9-month-old female and male mice with cisplatin. RESULTS We show that cisplatin induces tau deposits in the entorhinal cortex and hippocampus in both sexes. The tau deposits colocalize with syndecan-2. Astrocytes surrounding tau deposits have increased glial fibrillary acidic protein glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression. Most of the cisplatin-induced tau deposits were located in microtubule associated protein-2 (MAP-2)+ neurons that were surrounded by aquaporin 4+ (AQP4)+ neuron-facing membrane domains of astrocytes. In addition, some tau deposits were detected in the perinuclear region of GFAP+ astrocytes and in CD31+ endothelial cells. There were no morphological signs of activation of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule-1+ (Iba-1)+ microglia and no increases in brain cytokine production. Nasal administration of MSC at 48 and 96 hours after cisplatin prevented formation of tau deposits and normalized syndecan-2 and GFAP expression. Behaviorally, cisplatin-induced tau cluster formation was associated with reduced executive functioning and working/spatial memory and nasal administration of MSC at 48 and 96 hours after cisplatin prevented these cognitive deficits. Notably, delayed MSC administration (1 month after cisplatin) also prevented tau cluster formation and cognitive deficits, in both sexes. CONCLUSION In summary, nasal administration of MSC to older mice at 2 days or 1 month after completion of cisplatin treatment prevents the accelerated development of tau deposits in entorhinal cortex and hippocampus and the associated cognitive deficits. Since MSC are already in clinical use for many other clinical indications, developing nasal MSC administration for treatment of accelerated brain aging and cognitive deficits in cancer survivors should be feasible and would greatly improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Zamorano
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.267308.80000 0000 9206 2401Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX USA
| | - Jenolyn F. Alexander
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA ,grid.410718.b0000 0001 0262 7331Institute of Medical Psychology and Behavioral Immunobiology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Hufelandstr, 55 Essen, Germany
| | - Desiree Catania
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Shruti Dharmaraj
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Annemieke Kavelaars
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
| | - Cobi J. Heijnen
- grid.240145.60000 0001 2291 4776Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX USA
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Chakraborty A, Dharmaraj S, Truong N, Pearson RM. Excipient-Free Ionizable Polyester Nanoparticles for Lung-Selective and Innate Immune Cell Plasmid DNA and mRNA Transfection. ACS Appl Mater Interfaces 2022; 14:56440-56453. [PMID: 36525379 PMCID: PMC9872050 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c14424] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Extrahepatic nucleic acid delivery using polymers typically requires the synthesis and purification of custom monomers, post-synthetic modifications, and incorporation of additional excipients to augment their stability, endosomal escape, and in vivo effectiveness. Here, we report the development of a single-component and excipient-free, polyester-based nucleic acid delivery nanoparticle platform comprising ionizable N-methyldiethanolamine (MDET) and various hydrophobic alkyl diols (Cp) that achieves lung-selective nucleic acid transfection in vivo. PolyMDET and polyMDET-Cp polyplexes displayed high serum and enzymatic stability, while delivering pDNA or mRNA to "hard-to-transfect" innate immune cells. PolyMDET-C4 and polyMDET-C6 mediated high protein expression in lung alveolar macrophages and dendritic cells without inducing tissue damage or systemic inflammatory responses. Improved strategies using readily available starting materials to produce a simple, excipient-free, non-viral nucleic acid delivery platform with lung-selective and innate immune cell tropism has the potential to expedite clinical deployment of polymer-based genetic medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atanu Chakraborty
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Shruti Dharmaraj
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Nhu Truong
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
| | - Ryan M Pearson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, 20 N. Pine Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 685 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Program in Molecular Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 655 W. Baltimore Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 22 S. Greene Street, Baltimore, Maryland21201, United States
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McAlpin BR, Mahalingam R, Singh AK, Dharmaraj S, Chrisikos TT, Boukelmoune N, Kavelaars A, Heijnen CJ. HDAC6 inhibition reverses long-term doxorubicin-induced cognitive dysfunction by restoring microglia homeostasis and synaptic integrity. Theranostics 2022; 12:603-619. [PMID: 34976203 PMCID: PMC8692908 DOI: 10.7150/thno.67410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common female malignancy in both the developed and developing world. Doxorubicin is one of the most commonly used chemotherapies for breast cancer. Unfortunately, up to 60% of survivors report long-term chemotherapy-induced cognitive dysfunction (CICD) characterized by deficits in working memory, processing speed and executive function. Currently, no therapeutic standard for treating CICD exists. Here, we hypothesized that treatment with a blood-brain barrier permeable histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) inhibitor can successfully reverse long-term doxorubicin-induced cognitive dysfunction. Methods: The puzzle box test and novel object/place recognition test were used to assess cognitive function following a therapeutic doxorubicin dosing schedule in female mice. Mitochondrial function and morphology in neuronal synaptosomes were evaluated using the Seahorse XF24 extracellular flux analyzer and transmission electron microscopy, respectively. Hippocampal postsynaptic integrity was evaluated using immunofluorescence. Hippocampal microglia phenotype was determined using advanced imaging techniques and single-nucleus RNA sequencing. Results: A 14-day treatment with a blood-brain barrier permeable HDAC6 inhibitor successfully reversed long-term CICD in the domains of executive function, working and spatial memory. No significant changes in mitochondrial function or morphology in neuronal synaptosomes were detected. Long-term CICD was associated with a decreased expression of postsynaptic PSD95 in the hippocampus. These changes were associated with decreased microglial ramification and alterations in the microglia transcriptome that suggest a stage 1 disease-associated microglia (DAM) phenotype. HDAC6 inhibition completely reversed these doxorubicin-induced alterations, indicating a restoration of microglial homeostasis. Conclusion: Our results show that decreased postsynaptic integrity and a neurodegenerative microglia phenotype closely resembling stage 1 DAM microglia contribute to long-term CICD. Moreover, HDAC6 inhibition shows promise as an efficacious pharmaceutical intervention to alleviate CICD and improve quality of life of breast cancer survivors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blake R McAlpin
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Rajasekaran Mahalingam
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Anand K Singh
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Shruti Dharmaraj
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Taylor T Chrisikos
- Department of Immunology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Nabila Boukelmoune
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Annemieke Kavelaars
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Cobi J Heijnen
- Laboratories of Neuroimmunology, Department of Symptom Research, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA
- ✉ Corresponding author: Cobi J. Heijnen, Ph.D., 6565 MD Anderson Blvd., Zayed Building Z8.5034, Houston, Texas 77030, Phone 713-563-0162,
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Householder KT, Dharmaraj S, Sandberg DI, Wechsler-Reya RJ, Sirianni RW. Fate of nanoparticles in the central nervous system after intrathecal injection in healthy mice. Sci Rep 2019; 9:12587. [PMID: 31467368 PMCID: PMC6715675 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-49028-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [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: 04/01/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced in the cerebral ventricles and circulates within the subarachnoid space (SAS) of the brain and spinal cord, where it exchanges with interstitial fluid of the parenchyma. The access of CSF to the entire central nervous system (CNS) makes it an attractive medium for drug delivery. However, few intrathecal (IT) therapies have reached the clinic due, in part, to limited distribution and rapid clearance. Given the success of nanoparticle (NP) carriers in prolonging circulation and improving delivery of systemically administered agents, we sought to evaluate the distribution of IT injected NPs within the CNS. We administered fluorescent, 100 nm PEGylated-NPs into the cisterna magna of healthy mice and studied their distribution along the brain and spinal cord. Our data demonstrate that NPs are capable of distributing rapidly through the SAS along the entire neuraxis with reproducible, anatomically defined patterns of delivery. NPs were well retained within the leptomeninges for over 3 weeks, showing preference for ventral surfaces and minimal penetration into the CNS parenchyma. Clearance of NPs occurred across the cribriform plate into the nasal mucosa, with a small fraction of NPs localizing with nerve roots exiting the spinal column. Larger 10 µm particles were also capable of moving through the SAS but did not achieve as widespread distribution. These studies demonstrate the ability of NPs to achieve widespread delivery along the neuraxis and highlight IT administration as a potentially significant route of administration for delivery of nanomedicine to the subarachnoid space.
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Affiliation(s)
- K T Householder
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350W. Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.,School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O Box 879709, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - S Dharmaraj
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350W. Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA.,School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O Box 879709, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - D I Sandberg
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.,Departments of Pediatric Surgery and Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, MSB 5.144, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - R J Wechsler-Reya
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, 10901N Torrey Pines Rd, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - R W Sirianni
- Vivian L. Smith Department of Neurosurgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, 6431 Fannin St, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. .,Barrow Brain Tumor Research Center, Barrow Neurological Institute, 350W. Thomas Rd, Phoenix, AZ, 85013, USA. .,School of Biological and Health Systems Engineering, Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering, Arizona State University, P.O Box 879709, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
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Praveen TK, Dharmaraj S, Bajaj J, Dhanabal SP, Manimaran S, Nanjan MJ, Razdan R. Hepatoprotective activity of petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and methanol extract of Scoparia dulcis L. against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice. Indian J Pharmacol 2011; 41:110-4. [PMID: 20442817 PMCID: PMC2861810 DOI: 10.4103/0253-7613.55206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2008] [Revised: 06/03/2008] [Accepted: 06/08/2009] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: The present study was aimed at assessing the hepatoprotective activity of 1:1:1 petroleum ether, diethyl ether, and methanol (PDM) extract of Scoparia dulcis L. against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice. Materials and Methods: The PDM extract (50, 200, and 800 mg/kg, p.o.) and standard, silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o) were tested for their antihepatotoxic activity against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice. The hepatoprotective activity was evaluated by measuring aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total proteins in serum, glycogen, lipid peroxides, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione reductase levels in liver homogenate and by histopathological analysis of the liver tissue. In addition, the extract was also evaluated for its in vitro antioxidant activity using 1, 1-Diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay. Results: The extract at the dose of 800 mg/kg, p.o., significantly prevented CCl4-induced changes in the serum and liver biochemistry (P < 0.05) and changes in liver histopathology. The above results are comparable to standard, silymarin (100 mg/kg, p.o.). In the in vitro 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay, the extract showed good free radical scavenging potential (IC 50 38.9 ± 1.0 μg/ml). Conclusions: The results of the study indicate that the PDM extract of Scoparia dulcis L. possesses potential hepatoprotective activity, which may be attributed to its free radical scavenging potential, due to the terpenoid constituents.
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Affiliation(s)
- T K Praveen
- TIFAC CORE HD, J.S.S College of Pharmacy, Rocklands, Ooty-643 001, Tamilnadu, India
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Paker AM, Sunness JS, Brereton NH, Speedie LJ, Albanna L, Dharmaraj S, Moser AB, Jones RO, Raymond GV. Docosahexaenoic acid therapy in peroxisomal diseases: results of a double-blind, randomized trial. Neurology 2010; 75:826-30. [PMID: 20805528 DOI: 10.1212/wnl.0b013e3181f07061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Peroxisome assembly disorders are genetic disorders characterized by biochemical abnormalities, including low docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). The objective was to assess whether treatment with DHA supplementation would improve biochemical abnormalities, visual function, and growth in affected individuals. METHODS This was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at a single center. Treatment groups received supplements of DHA (100 mg/kg per day). The primary outcome measures were the change from baseline in the visual function and physical growth during the 1 year follow-up period. RESULTS Fifty individuals were enrolled and randomized. Two were subsequently excluded from study analysis when it was determined that they had a single enzyme disorder of peroxisomal beta oxidation. Thirty-four returned for follow-up. Nine patients died during the trial of their disorder, and 5 others were lost to follow-up. DHA supplementation was well tolerated. There was no difference in the outcomes between the treated and untreated groups in biochemical function, electroretinogram, or growth. Improvements were seen in both groups in certain individuals. CONCLUSIONS DHA supplementation did not improve the visual function or growth of treated individuals with peroxisome assembly disorders. CLASSIFICATION OF EVIDENCE This interventional study provides Class II evidence that DHA supplementation did not improve the visual function or growth of treated individuals with peroxisome assembly disorders during an average of 1 year of follow-up in patients aged 1 to 144 months.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Paker
- University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX, USA
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10
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Khan T, De Goede C, Ross C, Kingston H, Lumsden C, Dharmaraj S, Selby A. P67 Early presentation of spinal muscular atrophy with respiratory distress (SMARD1). Neuromuscul Disord 2010. [DOI: 10.1016/s0960-8966(10)70082-1] [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: 11/17/2022]
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Abstract
PURPOSE To identify the genetic basis of recessive inheritance of high hyperopia and Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) in a family of Middle Eastern origin. MATERIALS AND METHODS The patients were examined using standard ophthalmic techniques. DNA samples were obtained and genetic linkage was carried out using polymorphic markers flanking the known genes and loci for LCA. Exons were amplified and sequenced. RESULTS All four members of this family affected by LCA showed high to extreme hyperopia, with average spherical refractive errors ranging from +5.00 to +10.00. Linkage was obtained to 1q31.3 with a maximal LOD score of 5.20 and a mutation found in exon 9 of the CRB1 gene, causing a G1103R substitution at a highly conserved site in the protein. CRB1 is a vertebrate homolog of the Drosophila crumbs gene, which is required for photoreceptor morphogenesis, and has been associated with either retinitis pigmentosa (RP) or LCA. This sequence variant has previously been reported as a compound heterozygote in one sporadic LCA patient. CONCLUSION Although hyperopia has been associated with LCA, it is typically moderate and variable between patients with the same mutation. In addition, some CRB1 mutations can be associated with either RP or LCA. We have shown that hyperopia and LCA are linked to the mutant CRB1 gene itself and are not dependent on unlinked modifiers.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Abouzeid
- The Johns Hopkins Center for Hereditary Eye Diseases, Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins Hospital, 600 N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21287-9237, USA.
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Suja CP, Dharmaraj S. In vitro culture of mantle tissue of the abalone Haliotis varia Linnaeus. Tissue Cell 2005; 37:1-10. [PMID: 15695171 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2004.08.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2004] [Revised: 07/19/2004] [Accepted: 08/11/2004] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
The study is aimed at developing a technology for the production of in vitro pearl through tissue culture of mantle of the abalone, Haliotis varia Linnaeus, as the production of free and spherical pearls in vivo is rather difficult in abalones. In the basic study, the cell yield was intensified from the explant after 24h incubation. Among the cells liberated, the granulocytes were dominant over hyalinocytes. The size of granulocytes ranged from 3 to 16 microm and of hyalinocytes from 13 to 18 microm. Fibroblast-like cells appeared in cultures after day 2. Both granulocytes and hyalinocytes developed pseudopodial-like extensions in all directions and formed organic matrix. Granulocytes contained granules in the cytoplasm. Specific granules were responsible for nucleation of crystals. Some crystals exhibited green colour resembling mother of pearl of abalone. scanning electron microscope (SEM) study revealed the oolitic amorphous state and rhombohedral state of crystals. Its analysis through energy dispersive X-ray microanalyzer (EDS) indicated the presence of calcium. The rhombohedral crystals under polarized light showed its high birefringence (0.18) and uniaxial optically negative calcite nature with high content of calcium. A mean survival of cells was found to be 102 days in T 25 flasks and 32 days in petri dishes. Growth of cells was studied. Thirty percent of cultures were found to have contaminated during the study. The study provides basic knowledge in the development of a technology for in vitro pearl production.
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Affiliation(s)
- C P Suja
- Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute, Tuticorin Research Centre, Tuticorin, India.
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14
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Silva E, Yang JM, Li Y, Dharmaraj S, Sundin OH, Maumenee IH. A CRX null mutation is associated with both Leber congenital amaurosis and a normal ocular phenotype. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2000; 41:2076-9. [PMID: 10892846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To identify and characterize new cone rod homeobox (CRX) mutations associated with the Leber congenital amaurosis phenotype. METHODS The human CRX gene was sequenced in 74 consecutive patients carrying the diagnosis of Leber congenital amaurosis. RESULTS Two mutations were identified in CRX that cause frameshifts and predict severe truncations of the encoded protein. One of these, a 1-bp insertion, spares only nine N-terminal amino acids, removing the homeodomain, WSP motif, and conserved OTX domain at the C terminus. Of the CRX mutations described in the literature, this is the first that convincingly represents a null allele of the gene. Although the patient heterozygous for this null allele is affected with Leber congenital amaurosis, it was surprising that her father, who had normal vision, was heterozygous for the same mutation. CONCLUSIONS These results strongly suggest that haploinsufficiency of CRX is not sufficient to cause a retinal disorder. Loss of function alleles of CRX appear to cause Leber congenital amaurosis through a recessive or multigenic mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Silva
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
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15
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Sohocki MM, Perrault I, Leroy BP, Payne AM, Dharmaraj S, Bhattacharya SS, Kaplan J, Maumenee IH, Koenekoop R, Meire FM, Birch DG, Heckenlively JR, Daiger SP. Prevalence of AIPL1 mutations in inherited retinal degenerative disease. Mol Genet Metab 2000; 70:142-50. [PMID: 10873396 DOI: 10.1006/mgme.2000.3001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) is the most severe form of inherited retinal dystrophy and the most frequent cause of inherited blindness in children. LCA is usually inherited in an autosomal recessive fashion, although rare dominant cases have been reported. One form of LCA, LCA4, maps to chromosome 17p13 and is genetically distinct from other forms of LCA. We recently identified the gene associated with LCA4, AIPL1 (aryl-hydrocarbon interacting protein-like 1) and identified three mutations that were the cause of blindness in five families with LCA. In this study, AIPL1 was screened for mutations in 512 unrelated probands with a range of retinal degenerative diseases to determine if AIPL1 mutations cause other forms of inherited retinal degeneration and to determine the relative contribution of AIPL1 mutations to inherited retinal disorders in populations worldwide. We identified 11 LCA families whose retinal disorder is caused by homozygous or compound heterozygous AIPL1 mutations. We also identified affected individuals in two apparently dominant families, diagnosed with juvenile retinitis pigmentosa or dominant cone-rod dystrophy, respectively, who are heterozygous for a 12-bp AIPL1 deletion. Our results suggest that AIPL1 mutations cause approximately 7% of LCA worldwide and may cause dominant retinopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- M M Sohocki
- Human Genetics Center, School of Public Health, Houston, Texas, 77225-0334, USA
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Du H, Yakhnin AV, Dharmaraj S, Babitzke P. trp RNA-binding attenuation protein-5' stem-loop RNA interaction is required for proper transcription attenuation control of the Bacillus subtilis trpEDCFBA operon. J Bacteriol 2000; 182:1819-27. [PMID: 10714985 PMCID: PMC101863 DOI: 10.1128/jb.182.7.1819-1827.2000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The trp RNA-binding attenuation protein (TRAP) regulates expression of the Bacillus subtilis trpEDCFBA operon by a novel transcription attenuation mechanism. Tryptophan-activated TRAP binds to the nascent trp leader transcript by interacting with 11 (G/U)AG repeats, 6 of which are present in an antiterminator structure. TRAP binding to these repeats prevents formation of the antiterminator, thereby promoting formation of an overlapping intrinsic terminator. A third stem-loop structure that forms at the extreme 5' end of the trp leader transcript also plays a role in the transcription attenuation mechanism. The 5' stem-loop increases the affinity of TRAP for trp leader RNA. Results from RNA structure mapping experiments demonstrate that the 5' stem-loop consists of a 3-bp lower stem, a 5-by-2 asymmetric internal loop, a 6-bp upper stem, and a hexaloop at the apex of the structure. Footprinting results indicate that TRAP interacts with the 5' stem-loop and that this interaction differs depending on the number of downstream (G/U)AG repeats present in the transcript. Expression studies with trpE'-'lacZ translational fusions demonstrate that TRAP-5' stem-loop interaction is required for proper regulation of the trp operon. 3' RNA boundary experiments indicate that the 5' structure reduces the number of (G/U)AG repeats required for stable TRAP-trp leader RNA association. Thus, TRAP-5' stem-loop interaction may increase the likelihood that TRAP will bind to the (G/U)AG repeats in time to block antiterminator formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Du
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania 16802, USA
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Abdul Razack EM, Dharmaraj S, Krishnaram AS, Selvaraj AM. Multicentric reticulohistiocytosis masquerading as lepromatous leprosy. Indian J Lepr 1988; 60:604-8. [PMID: 3253341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
A 23-year old male presented for evaluation of skin coloured, non-scaly, asymptomatic papulonodules of sizes varying from 0.5 cm to 2 cm of 4 years duration distributed all over the body including the ears. The plaques present on the face gave the appearance of a 'leonine facies'. Clinically mistaken for lepromatous leprosy in reaction the patient was treated with antileprosy and anti-inflammatory drugs in 3 other centres for months with no improvement. Systemic involvement included painful swelling of both knee joints, pericardial effusion episcleritis and enlarged liver. Negative slit smears for AFB from the nodules repeatedly and the histology of one on the skin nodules clinched the diagnosis of multicentric reticulohistiocytosis. The case is reported not only for its rarity, and varying clinical lesions simulating lepromatous leprosy but also to alert the leprologists to avert unreasonable delay in diagnosis.
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