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Donlon J, Kumari P, Varghese SP, Bai M, Florentin OD, Frost ED, Banks J, Vadlapatla N, Kam O, Shad MU, Rahman S, Abulseoud OA, Stone TW, Koola MM. Integrative Pharmacology in the Treatment of Substance Use Disorders. J Dual Diagn 2024; 20:132-177. [PMID: 38117676 DOI: 10.1080/15504263.2023.2293854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2023]
Abstract
The detrimental physical, mental, and socioeconomic effects of substance use disorders (SUDs) have been apparent to the medical community for decades. However, it has become increasingly urgent in recent years to develop novel pharmacotherapies to treat SUDs. Currently, practitioners typically rely on monotherapy. Monotherapy has been shown to be superior to no treatment at all for most substance classes. However, many randomized controlled trials (RCTs) have revealed that monotherapy leads to poorer outcomes when compared with combination treatment in all specialties of medicine. The results of RCTs suggest that monotherapy frequently fails since multiple dysregulated pathways, enzymes, neurotransmitters, and receptors are involved in the pathophysiology of SUDs. As such, research is urgently needed to determine how various neurobiological mechanisms can be targeted by novel combination treatments to create increasingly specific yet exceedingly comprehensive approaches to SUD treatment. This article aims to review the neurobiology that integrates many pathophysiologic mechanisms and discuss integrative pharmacology developments that may ultimately improve clinical outcomes for patients with SUDs. Many neurobiological mechanisms are known to be involved in SUDs including dopaminergic, nicotinic, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA), and kynurenic acid (KYNA) mechanisms. Emerging evidence indicates that KYNA, a tryptophan metabolite, modulates all these major pathophysiologic mechanisms. Therefore, achieving KYNA homeostasis by harmonizing integrative pathophysiology and pharmacology could prove to be a better therapeutic approach for SUDs. We propose KYNA-NMDA-α7nAChRcentric pathophysiology, the "conductor of the orchestra," as a novel approach to treat many SUDs concurrently. KYNA-NMDA-α7nAChR pathophysiology may be the "command center" of neuropsychiatry. To date, extant RCTs have shown equivocal findings across comparison conditions, possibly because investigators targeted single pathophysiologic mechanisms, hit wrong targets in underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms, and tested inadequate monotherapy treatment. We provide examples of potential combination treatments that simultaneously target multiple pathophysiologic mechanisms in addition to KYNA. Kynurenine pathway metabolism demonstrates the greatest potential as a target for neuropsychiatric diseases. The investigational medications with the most evidence include memantine, galantamine, and N-acetylcysteine. Future RCTs are warranted with novel combination treatments for SUDs. Multicenter RCTs with integrative pharmacology offer a promising, potentially fruitful avenue to develop novel therapeutics for the treatment of SUDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Donlon
- Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - Pooja Kumari
- Community Living Trent Highlands, Peterborough, Canada
| | - Sajoy P Varghese
- Addiction Recovery Treatment Services, Veterans Affairs Northern California Health Care System, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Michael Bai
- Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ori David Florentin
- Department of Psychiatry, Westchester Medical Center, Valhalla, New York, USA
| | - Emma D Frost
- Department of Neurology, Cooper University Health Care, Camden, New Jersey, USA
| | - John Banks
- Talkiatry Mental Health Clinic, New York, New York, USA
| | - Niyathi Vadlapatla
- Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
| | - Olivia Kam
- Stony Brook University Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Mujeeb U Shad
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Nevada Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
| | - Shafiqur Rahman
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, South Dakota State University, Brookings, South Dakota, USA
| | - Osama A Abulseoud
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Alix School of Medicine at Mayo Clinic, Phoenix, Arizona, USA
| | - Trevor W Stone
- Nuffield Department of Orthopedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences (NDORMS), University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Maju Mathew Koola
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Cooper University Health Care, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey, USA
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Asgari F, Nikzamir A, Baghaei K, Salami S, Masotti A, Rostami-Nejad M. Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Vitamin A and Tryptophan on Monocyte-Derived Dendritic Cells Stimulated with Gliadin in Celiac Disease Patients. Inflammation 2024:10.1007/s10753-024-02004-7. [PMID: 38492186 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-024-02004-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/18/2024]
Abstract
Celiac Disease (CeD) is an autoimmune disorder with various symptoms upon gluten exposure. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a crucial role in gliadin-induced inflammation. Vitamin A (retinol; Ret) and its metabolite, retinoic acid (RA), along with tryptophan (Trp) and its metabolite, kynurenic acid (KYNA), are known to influence the immune function of DCs and enhance their tolerogenicity. This research aims to assess the impact of gliadin on DC maturation and the potential of vitamin A and tryptophan to induce immune tolerance in DCs. The monocyte cells obtained from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of celiac disease patients were differentiated into DCs in the absence or presence of Ret, RA, Trp, KYNA, and then stimulated with peptic and tryptic (PT) digested of gliadin. We used flow cytometry to analyze CD11c, CD14, HLA-DR, CD83, CD86, and CD103 expression. ELISA was carried out to measure TGF-β, IL-10, IL-12, and TNF-α levels. qRT-PCR was used to assess the mRNA expression of retinaldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (RALDH2) and integrin αE (CD103). The mRNA and protein levels of Indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase (IDO) was analyzed by qRT-PCR and Western blot assays, respectively. Our findings demonstrate that PT-gliadin enhances the expression of maturation markers, i.e. CD83, CD86 and HLA-DR and promote the secretion of TNF-α and IL-12 in DCs. Interestingly, vitamin A, tryptophan, and their metabolites increase the expression of CD103, while limiting the expression of HLA-DR, CD83, and CD86. They also enhance RALDH2 and IDO expression and promote the secretion of TGF-β and IL-10, while limiting IL-12 and TNF-α secretion. These findings suggest that vitamin A and tryptophan have beneficial effects on PT-gliadin-stimulated DCs, highlighting their potential as therapeutic agents for celiac disease. However, further research is needed to fully understand their underlying mechanisms of action in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Asgari
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Abdolrahim Nikzamir
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Kaveh Baghaei
- Basic and Molecular Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Siamak Salami
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital-IRCCS, Research Laboratories, V.le San Paolo 15, 00146, Rome, Italy
| | - Mohammad Rostami-Nejad
- Celiac Disease and Gluten Related Disorders Research Center, Research Institute for Gastroenterology and Liver Diseases, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Huang Y, Chen L, Liu F, Xiong X, Ouyang Y, Deng Y. Tryptophan, an important link in regulating the complex network of skin immunology response in atopic dermatitis. Front Immunol 2024; 14:1300378. [PMID: 38318507 PMCID: PMC10839033 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1300378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a common chronic relapsing inflammatory skin disease, of which the pathogenesis is a complex interplay between genetics and environment. Although the exact mechanisms of the disease pathogenesis remain unclear, the immune dysregulation primarily involving the Th2 inflammatory pathway and accompanied with an imbalance of multiple immune cells is considered as one of the critical etiologies of AD. Tryptophan metabolism has long been firmly established as a key regulator of immune cells and then affect the occurrence and development of many immune and inflammatory diseases. But the relationship between tryptophan metabolism and the pathogenesis of AD has not been profoundly discussed throughout the literatures. Therefore, this review is conducted to discuss the relationship between tryptophan metabolism and the complex network of skin inflammatory response in AD, which is important to elucidate its complex pathophysiological mechanisms, and then lead to the development of new therapeutic strategies and drugs for the treatment of this frequently relapsing disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaxin Huang
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Lingna Chen
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Fuming Liu
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Xiong
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
| | - Yongliang Ouyang
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), Chengdu First People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Health Management Center, Luzhou People’s Hospital, Luzhou, China
| | - Yongqiong Deng
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan, China
- Department of Dermatology & Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD), Chengdu First People’s Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Sheibani M, Shayan M, Khalilzadeh M, Soltani ZE, Jafari-Sabet M, Ghasemi M, Dehpour AR. Kynurenine pathway and its role in neurologic, psychiatric, and inflammatory bowel diseases. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:10409-10425. [PMID: 37848760 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08859-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023]
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway is of central importance for the immune function. It prevents hyperinflammation and induces long-term immune tolerance. Accumulating evidence also demonstrates cytoprotective and immunomodulatory properties of kynurenine pathway in conditions affecting either central or peripheral nervous system as well as other conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Although multilevel association exists between the inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and various neurologic (e.g., neurodegenerative) disorders, it is believed that the kynurenine pathway plays a pivotal role in the development of both IBD and neurodegenerative disorders. In this setting, there is strong evidence linking the gut-brain axis with intestinal dysfunctions including IBD which is consistent with the fact that the risk of neurodegenerative diseases is higher in IBD patients. This review aims to highlight the role of kynurenine metabolic pathway in various neurologic and psychiatric diseases as well as relationship between IBD and neurodegenerative disorders in the light of the kynurenine metabolic pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Sheibani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Razi Drug Research Centre, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Shayan
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mina Khalilzadeh
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Ebrahim Soltani
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Majid Jafari-Sabet
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Razi Drug Research Centre, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehdi Ghasemi
- Department of Neurology, Lahey Hospital and Medical Center, 41 Mall Road, Burlington, MA, 01803, USA.
| | - Ahmad Reza Dehpour
- Experimental Medicine Research Centre, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, MS, Iran.
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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de Souza PB, de Araujo Borba L, Castro de Jesus L, Valverde AP, Gil-Mohapel J, Rodrigues ALS. Major Depressive Disorder and Gut Microbiota: Role of Physical Exercise. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16870. [PMID: 38069198 PMCID: PMC10706777 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Major depressive disorder (MDD) has a high prevalence and is a major contributor to the global burden of disease. This psychiatric disorder results from a complex interaction between environmental and genetic factors. In recent years, the role of the gut microbiota in brain health has received particular attention, and compelling evidence has shown that patients suffering from depression have gut dysbiosis. Several studies have reported that gut dysbiosis-induced inflammation may cause and/or contribute to the development of depression through dysregulation of the gut-brain axis. Indeed, as a consequence of gut dysbiosis, neuroinflammatory alterations caused by microglial activation together with impairments in neuroplasticity may contribute to the development of depressive symptoms. The modulation of the gut microbiota has been recognized as a potential therapeutic strategy for the management of MMD. In this regard, physical exercise has been shown to positively change microbiota composition and diversity, and this can underlie, at least in part, its antidepressant effects. Given this, the present review will explore the relationship between physical exercise, gut microbiota and depression, with an emphasis on the potential of physical exercise as a non-invasive strategy for modulating the gut microbiota and, through this, regulating the gut-brain axis and alleviating MDD-related symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Borges de Souza
- Center of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, SC, Brazil; (P.B.d.S.); (L.d.A.B.); (L.C.d.J.); (A.P.V.)
| | - Laura de Araujo Borba
- Center of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, SC, Brazil; (P.B.d.S.); (L.d.A.B.); (L.C.d.J.); (A.P.V.)
| | - Louise Castro de Jesus
- Center of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, SC, Brazil; (P.B.d.S.); (L.d.A.B.); (L.C.d.J.); (A.P.V.)
| | - Ana Paula Valverde
- Center of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, SC, Brazil; (P.B.d.S.); (L.d.A.B.); (L.C.d.J.); (A.P.V.)
| | - Joana Gil-Mohapel
- Island Medical Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
- Division of Medical Sciences, University of Victoria, Victoria, BC V8P 5C2, Canada
| | - Ana Lúcia S. Rodrigues
- Center of Biological Sciences, Department of Biochemistry, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis 88037-000, SC, Brazil; (P.B.d.S.); (L.d.A.B.); (L.C.d.J.); (A.P.V.)
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Sadok I, Jędruchniewicz K. Dietary Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites-Source, Fate, and Chromatographic Determinations. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16304. [PMID: 38003492 PMCID: PMC10671297 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolism plays an essential role in human health. In mammals, about 95% of dietary tryptophan is metabolized through the kynurenine pathway, which is associated with the development of several pathologies, including neurodegeneration. Some of the kynurenine pathway metabolites are agonists of the aryl hydrocarbon receptor involved in metabolic functions, inflammation, and carcinogenesis. Thus, their origins, fates, and roles are of widespread interest. Except for being produced endogenously, these metabolites can originate from exogenous sources (e.g., food) and undergo absorption in the digestive tract. Recently, a special focus on exogenous sources of tryptophan metabolites was observed. This overview summarizes current knowledge about the occurrence of the kynurenine pathway metabolites (kynurenines) in food and the analytical method utilized for their determination in different food matrices. Special attention was paid to sample preparation and chromatographic analysis, which has proven to be a core technique for the detection and quantification of kynurenines. A discussion of the fate and role of dietary kynurenines has also been addressed. This review will, hopefully, guide further studies on the impact of dietary kynurenines on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilona Sadok
- Laboratory of Separation and Spectroscopic Method Applications, Department of Chemistry, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Jędruchniewicz
- Laboratory of Separation and Spectroscopic Method Applications, The John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin, 20-708 Lublin, Poland;
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Stone TW, Williams RO. Interactions of IDO and the Kynurenine Pathway with Cell Transduction Systems and Metabolism at the Inflammation-Cancer Interface. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15112895. [PMID: 37296860 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15112895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms underlying a relationship between inflammation and cancer are unclear, but much emphasis has been placed on the role of tryptophan metabolism to kynurenine and downstream metabolites, as these make a substantial contribution to the regulation of immune tolerance and susceptibility to cancer. The proposed link is supported by the induction of tryptophan metabolism by indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) or tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO), in response to injury, infection or stress. This review will summarize the kynurenine pathway and will then focus on the bi-directional interactions with other transduction pathways and cancer-related factors. The kynurenine pathway can interact with and modify activity in many other transduction systems, potentially generating an extended web of effects other than the direct effects of kynurenine and its metabolites. Conversely, the pharmacological targeting of those other systems could greatly enhance the efficacy of changes in the kynurenine pathway. Indeed, manipulating those interacting pathways could affect inflammatory status and tumor development indirectly via the kynurenine pathway, while pharmacological modulation of the kynurenine pathway could indirectly influence anti-cancer protection. While current efforts are progressing to account for the failure of selective IDO1 inhibitors to inhibit tumor growth and to devise means of circumventing the issue, it is clear that there are wider factors involving the relationship between kynurenines and cancer that merit detailed consideration as alternative drug targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
| | - Richard O Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK
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Li X, Liu Y, Xu G, Xie Y, Wang X, Wu J, Chen H. Plasma metabolomic characterization of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron infection. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:276. [PMID: 37076483 PMCID: PMC10113737 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05791-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 have spread rapidly worldwide; however, most infected patients have mild or no symptoms. This study aimed to understand the host response to Omicron infections by performing metabolomic profiling of plasma. We observed that Omicron infections triggered an inflammatory response and innate immune, and adaptive immunity was suppressed, including reduced T-cell response and immunoglobulin antibody production. Similar to the original SARS-CoV-2 strain circulating in 2019, the host developed an anti-inflammatory response and accelerated energy metabolism in response to Omicron infection. However, differential regulation of macrophage polarization and reduced neutrophil function has been observed in Omicron infections. Interferon-induced antiviral immunity was not as strong in Omicron infections as in the original SARS-CoV-2 infections. The host response to Omicron infections increased antioxidant capacity and liver detoxification more than in the original strain. Hence, these findings suggest that Omicron infections cause weaker inflammatory alterations and immune responses than the original SARS-CoV-2 strain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Li
- Department of Basic Medicine, Haihe Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Department of Basic Medicine, Haihe Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, 300350, China
- Key Research Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention for State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yimeng Liu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Haihe Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Guiying Xu
- Department of Basic Medicine, Haihe Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Yi Xie
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, 300350, China
| | - Ximo Wang
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, 300350, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Acute Abdomen Disease Associated Organ injury and ITCWM Repair, Tianjin, China.
| | - Junping Wu
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, 300350, China.
- Key Research Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention for State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, 300350, China.
- Department of Tuberculosis, Haihe Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
| | - Huaiyong Chen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Haihe Clinical School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
- Department of Basic Medicine, Haihe Hospital, Tianjin University, Tianjin, 300350, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Lung Regenerative Medicine, Tianjin, 300350, China.
- Key Research Laboratory for Infectious Disease Prevention for State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin Institute of Respiratory Diseases, Tianjin, 300350, China.
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Tezcan D, Onmaz DE, Sivrikaya A, Körez MK, Hakbilen S, Gülcemal S, Yılmaz S. Kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism in patients with familial Mediterranean fever. Mod Rheumatol 2023; 33:398-407. [PMID: 35139221 DOI: 10.1093/mr/roac016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Familial Mediterranean fever (FMF) is an autoinflammatory syndrome characterized by recurrent episodes of fever and aseptic polyserositis. Subclinical inflammation generates a hidden threat to the development of FMF complications such as amyloidosis in attack-free intervals. The kynurenine pathway (KP) has been considered an important player in inflammation and immune response. The study was aimed to measure serum levels of KP metabolites in patients with FMF in the attack-free period. METHODS A total of 161 participants were recruited from the rheumatology department in this single-centre, case-control study. Participants meeting the eligibility criteria were divided into healthy controls (n = 80) and FMF (n = 81). The laboratory data were obtained from the electronic registration database. Serum tryptophan (TRP), kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine (3HK), and quinolinic acid (QUIN) concentrations were measured with tandem mass spectrometry. Laboratory findings of FMF patients and healthy controls subjects were compared and evaluated. RESULTS Serum TRP and KYNA levels were significantly decreased in both FMF groups compared to the control group, while the levels of KYN, QUIN, 3HK, the KYN/TRP ratio, and red cell distribution width were higher. CONCLUSION TRP degradation by the KP is increased in patients with FMF. KP metabolites can be useful in demonstrating subclinical inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dilek Tezcan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Gülhane Faculty of Medicine, University of Health Sciences Turkey, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Duygu Eryavuz Onmaz
- Department of Biochemistry, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Abdullah Sivrikaya
- Department of Biochemistry, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Muslu Kazım Körez
- Division of Biostatistics, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Selda Hakbilen
- Division of Rheumatology, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Semral Gülcemal
- Division of Rheumatology, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
| | - Sema Yılmaz
- Division of Rheumatology, Selcuk University Faculty of Medicine, Selcuklu, Konya, Turkey
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Yang C, Liao C, Zhao J, Guan Q, Wang G, Han Q. Dysregulation of tryptophan metabolism and distortion of cell signaling after oral exposure to ethanol and Kynurenic acid. Gene 2023; 852:147061. [PMID: 36423775 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2022.147061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA), an unavoidable tryptophan metabolite during fermentation is naturally blended with alcohol in all alcoholic beverages. Thus, alcohol drinking inevitably results in co-intake of KYNA. Effects of alcohol or KYNA on human health have been widely studied. However, the combined effects of both remain unknown. Here we report that alcohol and KYNA have a synergistic impact of on global gene expression, especially the gene sets related to tryptophan metabolism and cell signaling. Adult mice were exposed to alcohol (ethanol) and/or KYNA daily for a week. Transcriptomes of the brain, kidney and liver were profiled via bulk RNA sequencing. Results indicate that while KYNA alone largely promotes, and alcohol alone mostly inhibits gene expression, alcohol and KYNA co-administration has a stronger inhibition of global gene expression. Tryptophan metabolism is severely skewed towards kynurenine pathway by decreasing tryptophan hydroxylase 2 and increasing tryptophan dioxygenase. Quantification of tryptophan metabolic enzymes corroborates the transcriptional changes of these enzymes. Furthermore, the co-administration greatly enhances the GnRH signaling pathway. This research provides critical data to better understand the effects of alcohol and KYNA in mix on human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cihan Yang
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Chenghong Liao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Qingfeng Guan
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
| | - Guoshun Wang
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.
| | - Qian Han
- Laboratory of Tropical Veterinary Medicine and Vector Biology, School of Life Sciences, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China; One Health Institute, Hainan University, Haikou, Hainan 570228, China.
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11
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Stone TW, Clanchy FIL, Huang YS, Chiang NY, Darlington LG, Williams RO. An integrated cytokine and kynurenine network as the basis of neuroimmune communication. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1002004. [PMID: 36507331 PMCID: PMC9729788 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1002004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Two of the molecular families closely associated with mediating communication between the brain and immune system are cytokines and the kynurenine metabolites of tryptophan. Both groups regulate neuron and glial activity in the central nervous system (CNS) and leukocyte function in the immune system, although neither group alone completely explains neuroimmune function, disease occurrence or severity. This essay suggests that the two families perform complementary functions generating an integrated network. The kynurenine pathway determines overall neuronal excitability and plasticity by modulating glutamate receptors and GPR35 activity across the CNS, and regulates general features of immune cell status, surveillance and tolerance which often involves the Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AHR). Equally, cytokines and chemokines define and regulate specific populations of neurons, glia or immune system leukocytes, generating more specific responses within restricted CNS regions or leukocyte populations. In addition, as there is a much larger variety of these compounds, their homing properties enable the superimposition of dynamic variations of cell activity upon local, spatially limited, cell populations. This would in principle allow the targeting of potential treatments to restricted regions of the CNS. The proposed synergistic interface of 'tonic' kynurenine pathway affecting baseline activity and the superimposed 'phasic' cytokine system would constitute an integrated network explaining some features of neuroimmune communication. The concept would broaden the scope for the development of new treatments for disorders involving both the CNS and immune systems, with safer and more effective agents targeted to specific CNS regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Trevor W. Stone
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Trevor W. Stone,
| | - Felix I. L. Clanchy
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Yi-Shu Huang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Nien-Yi Chiang
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - L. Gail Darlington
- Department of Internal Medicine, Ashtead Hospital, Ashtead, United Kingdom
| | - Richard O. Williams
- The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, NDORMS, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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12
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Sun T, Xie R, He H, Xie Q, Zhao X, Kang G, Cheng C, Yin W, Cong J, Li J, Wang X. Kynurenic acid ameliorates NLRP3 inflammasome activation by blocking calcium mobilization via GPR35. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1019365. [PMID: 36311752 PMCID: PMC9606686 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1019365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 09/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The inflammasome has been linked to diverse inflammatory and metabolic diseases, and tight control of inflammasome activation is necessary to avoid excessive inflammation. Kynurenic acid (KA) is a tryptophan metabolite in the kynurenine pathway. However, the roles and mechanisms of the regulation of inflammasome activation by KA have not yet been fully elucidated. Here, we found that KA suppressed caspase-1 activation and IL-1β production in macrophages by specifically inhibiting canonical and noncanonical activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Mechanistically, KA reduced calcium mobilization through G-protein receptor 35 (GPR35), resulting in reduced mitochondrial damage and decreased mtROS production, thus blocking NLRP3 inflammasome assembly and activation. Importantly, KA prevented lipopolysaccharide-induced systemic inflammation, monosodium urate-induced peritoneal inflammation, and high-fat diet-induced metabolic disorder. Thus, KA ameliorated inflammation and metabolic disorders by blocking calcium mobilization-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation via GPR35. Our data reveal a novel mechanism for KA in the modulation of inflammasome activation and suggest that GPR35 might be a promising target for improving NLRP3 inflammasome-associated diseases by regulating calcium mobilization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyin Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ruiqian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Hongbin He
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
| | - Qianqian Xie
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xueqin Zhao
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guijie Kang
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chen Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Wenwei Yin
- Institute for Viral Hepatitis, Department of Infectious Diseases, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Jingjing Cong
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Xuefu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Inflammation and Immune-Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
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13
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Li Y, Liu N, Ge Y, Yang Y, Ren F, Wu Z. Tryptophan and the innate intestinal immunity: Crosstalk between metabolites, host innate immune cells and microbiota. Eur J Immunol 2022; 52:856-868. [PMID: 35362153 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The intestinal mucosal barrier is critical for the absorption of nutrients and the health of both humans and animals. Recent publications from clinical and experimental studies have shown the importanceof the nutrients-bacteria-host interaction for the intestinal homeostasis. Dysfunction of these interactions has been reported to be associated with metabolic disorders and development of intestinal diseases, such as the irritable bowel syndrome and inflammatory bowel diseases. Tryptophan and its metabolites, including kynurenine, kynurenic acid, and 5-hydroxytrptamine, can influence the proliferation of enterocytes, intestinal integrity and immune response, as well as intestinal microbiota, therefore regulating and contributing to the intestinal health. In this review, we highlight recent findings on the effect of tryptophan and its metabolites on the mucosal barrier and intestinal homeostasis and its regulation of innate immune response. Moreover, we present the signaling pathways related to Trp metabolism, such as mammalian target of rapamycin, aryl hydrocarbon receptor, and pregnane X receptor, that contribute to the intestinal homeostasis and discuss future perspectives on spontaneous interference in host tryptophan metabolism as potential clinical strategies of intestinal diseases. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunke Li
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ning Liu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Yao Ge
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Ying Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Fazheng Ren
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
| | - Zhenlong Wu
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Food Nutrition and Human Health, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China.,State Key Laboratory of Animal Nutrition, China Agricultural University, Beijing, 100193, China
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14
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Huang Y, Zhao M, Chen X, Zhang R, Le A, Hong M, Zhang Y, Jia L, Zang W, Jiang C, Wang J, Fan X, Wang J. Tryptophan Metabolism in Central Nervous System Diseases: Pathophysiology and Potential Therapeutic Strategies. Aging Dis 2022; 14:858-878. [PMID: 37191427 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2022.0916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The metabolism of L-tryptophan (TRP) regulates homeostasis, immunity, and neuronal function. Altered TRP metabolism has been implicated in the pathophysiology of various diseases of the central nervous system. TRP is metabolized through two main pathways, the kynurenine pathway and the methoxyindole pathway. First, TRP is metabolized to kynurenine, then kynurenic acid, quinolinic acid, anthranilic acid, 3-hydroxykynurenine, and finally 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid along the kynurenine pathway. Second, TRP is metabolized to serotonin and melatonin along the methoxyindole pathway. In this review, we summarize the biological properties of key metabolites and their pathogenic functions in 12 disorders of the central nervous system: schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, spinal cord injury, traumatic brain injury, ischemic stroke, intracerebral hemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and Huntington's disease. Furthermore, we summarize preclinical and clinical studies, mainly since 2015, that investigated the metabolic pathway of TRP, focusing on changes in biomarkers of these neurologic disorders, their pathogenic implications, and potential therapeutic strategies targeting this metabolic pathway. This critical, comprehensive, and up-to-date review helps identify promising directions for future preclinical, clinical, and translational research on neuropsychiatric disorders.
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15
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Alterations in Kynurenine and NAD + Salvage Pathways during the Successful Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease Suggest HCAR3 and NNMT as Potential Drug Targets. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222413497. [PMID: 34948292 PMCID: PMC8705244 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222413497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A meta-analysis of publicly available transcriptomic datasets was performed to identify metabolic pathways profoundly implicated in the progression and treatment of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). The analysis revealed that genes involved in tryptophan (Trp) metabolism are upregulated in Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and return to baseline after successful treatment with infliximab. Microarray and mRNAseq profiles from multiple experiments confirmed that enzymes responsible for Trp degradation via the kynurenine pathway (IDO1, KYNU, IL4I1, KMO, and TDO2), receptor of Trp metabolites (HCAR3), and enzymes catalyzing NAD+ turnover (NAMPT, NNMT, PARP9, CD38) were synchronously coregulated in IBD, but not in intestinal malignancies. The modeling of Trp metabolite fluxes in IBD indicated that changes in gene expression shifted intestinal Trp metabolism from the synthesis of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5HT, serotonin) towards the kynurenine pathway. Based on pathway modeling, this manifested in a decline in mucosal Trp and elevated kynurenine (Kyn) levels, and fueled the production of downstream metabolites, including quinolinate, a substrate for de novo NAD+ synthesis. Interestingly, IBD-dependent alterations in Trp metabolites were normalized in infliximab responders, but not in non-responders. Transcriptomic reconstruction of the NAD+ pathway revealed an increased salvage biosynthesis and utilization of NAD+ in IBD, which normalized in patients successfully treated with infliximab. Treatment-related changes in NAD+ levels correlated with shifts in nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) expression. This enzyme helps to maintain a high level of NAD+-dependent proinflammatory signaling by removing excess inhibitory nicotinamide (Nam) from the system. Our analysis highlights the prevalent deregulation of kynurenine and NAD+ biosynthetic pathways in IBD and gives new impetus for conducting an in-depth examination of uncovered phenomena in clinical studies.
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16
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Balla Z, Kormányos ES, Kui B, Bálint ER, Fűr G, Orján EM, Iványi B, Vécsei L, Fülöp F, Varga G, Harazin A, Tubak V, Deli MA, Papp C, Gácser A, Madácsy T, Venglovecz V, Maléth J, Hegyi P, Kiss L, Rakonczay Z. Kynurenic Acid and Its Analogue SZR-72 Ameliorate the Severity of Experimental Acute Necrotizing Pancreatitis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:702764. [PMID: 34745090 PMCID: PMC8567016 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.702764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The pathophysiology of acute pancreatitis (AP) is not well understood, and the disease does not have specific therapy. Tryptophan metabolite L-kynurenic acid (KYNA) and its synthetic analogue SZR-72 are antagonists of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) and have immune modulatory roles in several inflammatory diseases. Our aims were to investigate the effects of KYNA and SZR-72 on experimental AP and to reveal their possible mode of action. AP was induced by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of L-ornithine-HCl (LO) in SPRD rats. Animals were pretreated with 75-300 mg/kg KYNA or SZR-72. Control animals were injected with physiological saline instead of LO, KYNA and/or SZR-72. Laboratory and histological parameters, as well as pancreatic and systemic circulation were measured to evaluate AP severity. Pancreatic heat shock protein-72 and IL-1β were measured by western blot and ELISA, respectively. Pancreatic expression of NMDAR1 was investigated by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Viability of isolated pancreatic acinar cells in response to LO, KYNA, SZR-72 and/or NMDA administration was assessed by propidium-iodide assay. The effects of LO and/or SZR-72 on neutrophil granulocyte function was also studied. Almost all investigated laboratory and histological parameters of AP were significantly reduced by administration of 300 mg/kg KYNA or SZR-72, whereas the 150 mg/kg or 75 mg/kg doses were less or not effective, respectively. The decreased pancreatic microcirculation was also improved in the AP groups treated with 300 mg/kg KYNA or SZR-72. Interestingly, pancreatic heat shock protein-72 expression was significantly increased by administration of SZR-72, KYNA and/or LO. mRNA and protein expression of NMDAR1 was detected in pancreatic tissue. LO treatment caused acinar cell toxicity which was reversed by 250 µM KYNA or SZR-72. Treatment of acini with NMDA (25, 250, 2000 µM) did not influence the effects of KYNA or SZR-72. Moreover, SZR-72 reduced LO-induced H2O2 production of neutrophil granulocytes. KYNA and SZR-72 have dose-dependent protective effects on LO-induced AP or acinar toxicity which seem to be independent of pancreatic NMDA receptors. Furthermore, SZR-72 treatment suppressed AP-induced activation of neutrophil granulocytes. This study suggests that administration of KYNA and its derivative could be beneficial in AP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsolt Balla
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Balázs Kui
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Emese Réka Bálint
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Fűr
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Erik Márk Orján
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Béla Iványi
- Department of Pathology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Hungarian Academy of Sciences-University of Szeged Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences - University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fülöp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Stereochemistry Research Team, Hungarian Academy of Sciences - University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gabriella Varga
- Institute of Surgical Research, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - András Harazin
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | | | - Mária A Deli
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Csaba Papp
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Hungarian Academy of Sciences-University of Szeged Lendület Mycobiome Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Gácser
- Department of Microbiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Hungarian Academy of Sciences-University of Szeged Lendület Mycobiome Research Group, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Tamara Madácsy
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Viktória Venglovecz
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacotherapy, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - József Maléth
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Péter Hegyi
- Department of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Hungarian Academy of Sciences-University of Szeged Translational Gastroenterology Research Group, Szeged, Hungary.,Institute for Translational Medicine, University of Pécs, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Lóránd Kiss
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Zoltán Rakonczay
- Department of Pathophysiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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17
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Bratek-Gerej E, Ziembowicz A, Godlewski J, Salinska E. The Mechanism of the Neuroprotective Effect of Kynurenic Acid in the Experimental Model of Neonatal Hypoxia-Ischemia: The Link to Oxidative Stress. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10111775. [PMID: 34829646 PMCID: PMC8615281 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10111775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 11/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The over-activation of NMDA receptors and oxidative stress are important components of neonatal hypoxia-ischemia (HI). Kynurenic acid (KYNA) acts as an NMDA receptor antagonist and is known as a reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, which makes it a potential therapeutic compound. This study aimed to establish the neuroprotective and antioxidant potential of KYNA in an experimental model of HI. HI on seven-day-old rats was used as an experimental model. The animals were injected i.p. with different doses of KYNA 1 h or 6 h after HI. The neuroprotective effect of KYNA was determined by the measurement of brain damage and elements of oxidative stress (ROS and glutathione (GSH) level, SOD, GPx, and catalase activity). KYNA applied 1 h after HI significantly reduced weight loss of the ischemic hemisphere, and prevented neuronal loss in the hippocampus and cortex. KYNA significantly reduced HI-increased ROS, GSH level, and antioxidant enzyme activity. Only the highest used concentration of KYNA showed neuroprotection when applied 6 h after HI. The presented results indicate induction of neuroprotection at the ROS formation stage. However, based on the presented data, it is not possible to pinpoint whether NMDA receptor inhibition or the scavenging abilities are the dominant KYNA-mediated neuroprotective mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewelina Bratek-Gerej
- Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (E.S.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Apolonia Ziembowicz
- Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (E.S.)
| | - Jakub Godlewski
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Elzbieta Salinska
- Department of Neurochemistry, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, 02-106 Warsaw, Poland; (A.Z.); (E.S.)
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18
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Poles MZ, Nászai A, Gulácsi L, Czakó BL, Gál KG, Glenz RJ, Dookhun D, Rutai A, Tallósy SP, Szabó A, Lőrinczi B, Szatmári I, Fülöp F, Vécsei L, Boros M, Juhász L, Kaszaki J. Kynurenic Acid and Its Synthetic Derivatives Protect Against Sepsis-Associated Neutrophil Activation and Brain Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Rats. Front Immunol 2021; 12:717157. [PMID: 34475875 PMCID: PMC8406694 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.717157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Aims The systemic host response in sepsis is frequently accompanied by central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction. Evidence suggests that excessive formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) can increase the permeability of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) and that the evolving mitochondrial damage may contribute to the pathogenesis of sepsis-associated encephalopathy. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a metabolite of tryptophan catabolism, exerts pleiotropic cell-protective effects under pro-inflammatory conditions. Our aim was to investigate whether exogenous KYNA or its synthetic analogues SZR-72 and SZR-104 affect BBB permeability secondary to NET formation and influence cerebral mitochondrial disturbances in a clinically relevant rodent model of intraabdominal sepsis. Methods Sprague–Dawley rats were subjected to fecal peritonitis (0.6 g kg-1 ip) or a sham operation. Septic animals were treated with saline or KYNA, SZR-72 or SZR-104 (160 µmol kg-1 each ip) 16h and 22h after induction. Invasive monitoring was performed on anesthetized animals to evaluate respiratory, cardiovascular, renal, hepatic and metabolic parameters to calculate rat organ failure assessment (ROFA) scores. NET components (citrullinated histone H3 (CitH3); myeloperoxidase (MPO)) and the NET inducer IL-1β, as well as IL-6 and a brain injury marker (S100B) were detected from plasma samples. After 24h, leukocyte infiltration (tissue MPO) and mitochondrial complex I- and II-linked (CI–CII) oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) were evaluated. In a separate series, Evans Blue extravasation and the edema index were used to assess BBB permeability in the same regions. Results Sepsis was characterized by significantly elevated ROFA scores, while the increased BBB permeability and plasma S100B levels demonstrated brain damage. Plasma levels of CitH3, MPO and IL-1β were elevated in sepsis but were ameliorated by KYNA and its synthetic analogues. The sepsis-induced deterioration in tissue CI–CII-linked OXPHOS and BBB parameters as well as the increase in tissue MPO content were positively affected by KYNA/KYNA analogues. Conclusion This study is the first to report that KYNA and KYNA analogues are potential neuroprotective agents in experimental sepsis. The proposed mechanistic steps involve reduced peripheral NET formation, lowered BBB permeability changes and alleviation of mitochondrial dysfunction in the CNS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Z Poles
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Anna Nászai
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Levente Gulácsi
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint L Czakó
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Krisztián G Gál
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Romy J Glenz
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Dishana Dookhun
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Rutai
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Szabolcs P Tallósy
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Andrea Szabó
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint Lőrinczi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Research Group for Stereochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Szatmári
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Research Group for Stereochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fülöp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Research Group for Stereochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.,Neuroscience Research Group, Hungarian Academy of Sciences (MTA)-University of Szeged (SZTE), Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mihály Boros
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Juhász
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - József Kaszaki
- Institute of Surgical Research, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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19
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Torosyan R, Huang S, Bommi PV, Tiwari R, An SY, Schonfeld M, Rajendran G, Kavanaugh MA, Gibbs B, Truax AD, Bohney S, Calcutt MW, Kerr EW, Leonardi R, Gao P, Chandel NS, Kapitsinou PP. Hypoxic preconditioning protects against ischemic kidney injury through the IDO1/kynurenine pathway. Cell Rep 2021; 36:109547. [PMID: 34407414 PMCID: PMC8487442 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.109547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Prolonged cellular hypoxia leads to energetic failure and death. However, sublethal hypoxia can trigger an adaptive response called hypoxic preconditioning. While prolyl-hydroxylase (PHD) enzymes and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) have been identified as key elements of oxygen-sensing machinery, the mechanisms by which hypoxic preconditioning protects against insults remain unclear. Here, we perform serum metabolomic profiling to assess alterations induced by two potent cytoprotective approaches, hypoxic preconditioning and pharmacologic PHD inhibition. We discover that both approaches increase serum kynurenine levels and enhance kynurenine biotransformation, leading to preservation of NAD+ in the post-ischemic kidney. Furthermore, we show that indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (Ido1) deficiency abolishes the systemic increase of kynurenine and the subsequent renoprotection generated by hypoxic preconditioning and PHD inhibition. Importantly, exogenous administration of kynurenine restores the hypoxic preconditioning in the context of Ido1 deficiency. Collectively, our findings demonstrate a critical role of the IDO1-kynurenine axis in mediating hypoxic preconditioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Torosyan
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Shengping Huang
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Prashant V Bommi
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ratnakar Tiwari
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Si Young An
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael Schonfeld
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Ganeshkumar Rajendran
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Matthew A Kavanaugh
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Benjamin Gibbs
- The Jared Grantham Kidney Institute, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | | | | | - M Wade Calcutt
- Vanderbilt Institute of Chemical Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Evan W Kerr
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Roberta Leonardi
- Department of Biochemistry, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Peng Gao
- Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center Metabolomics Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Navdeep S Chandel
- Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center Metabolomics Core, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Pinelopi P Kapitsinou
- Feinberg Cardiovascular and Renal Research Institute, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Department of Medicine and Robert H. Lurie Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Nephrology & Hypertension, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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20
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Role of Kynurenine Pathway in Oxidative Stress during Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071603. [PMID: 34206739 PMCID: PMC8306609 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are chronic and life-threatening conditions negatively affecting the quality of patients’ lives. They often have a genetic background, but oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage seem to be at least partly responsible for their development. Recent reports indicate that the activation of the kynurenine pathway (KP), caused by an activation of proinflammatory factors accompanying neurodegenerative processes, leads to the accumulation of its neuroactive and pro-oxidative metabolites. This leads to an increase in the oxidative stress level, which increases mitochondrial damage, and disrupts the cellular energy metabolism. This significantly reduces viability and impairs the proper functioning of central nervous system cells and may aggravate symptoms of many psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This suggests that the modulation of KP activity could be effective in alleviating these symptoms. Numerous reports indicate that tryptophan supplementation, inhibition of KP enzymes, and administration or analogs of KP metabolites show promising results in the management of neurodegenerative disorders in animal models. This review gathers and systematizes the knowledge concerning the role of metabolites and enzymes of the KP in the development of oxidative damage within brain cells during neurodegenerative disorders and potential strategies that could reduce the severity of this process.
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Tanaka M, Tóth F, Polyák H, Szabó Á, Mándi Y, Vécsei L. Immune Influencers in Action: Metabolites and Enzymes of the Tryptophan-Kynurenine Metabolic Pathway. Biomedicines 2021; 9:734. [PMID: 34202246 PMCID: PMC8301407 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9070734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The tryptophan (TRP)-kynurenine (KYN) metabolic pathway is a main player of TRP metabolism through which more than 95% of TRP is catabolized. The pathway is activated by acute and chronic immune responses leading to a wide range of illnesses including cancer, immune diseases, neurodegenerative diseases and psychiatric disorders. The presence of positive feedback loops facilitates amplifying the immune responses vice versa. The TRP-KYN pathway synthesizes multifarious metabolites including oxidants, antioxidants, neurotoxins, neuroprotectants and immunomodulators. The immunomodulators are known to facilitate the immune system towards a tolerogenic state, resulting in chronic low-grade inflammation (LGI) that is commonly present in obesity, poor nutrition, exposer to chemicals or allergens, prodromal stage of various illnesses and chronic diseases. KYN, kynurenic acid, xanthurenic acid and cinnabarinic acid are aryl hydrocarbon receptor ligands that serve as immunomodulators. Furthermore, TRP-KYN pathway enzymes are known to be activated by the stress hormone cortisol and inflammatory cytokines, and genotypic variants were observed to contribute to inflammation and thus various diseases. The tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, the indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenases and the kynurenine-3-monooxygenase are main enzymes in the pathway. This review article discusses the TRP-KYN pathway with special emphasis on its interaction with the immune system and the tolerogenic shift towards chronic LGI and overviews the major symptoms, pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and toxic and protective KYNs to explore the linkage between chronic LGI, KYNs, and major psychiatric disorders, including depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, substance use disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and autism spectrum disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- MTA-SZTE—Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (M.T.); (F.T.)
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (H.P.); (Á.S.)
| | - Fanni Tóth
- MTA-SZTE—Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (M.T.); (F.T.)
| | - Helga Polyák
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (H.P.); (Á.S.)
| | - Ágnes Szabó
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (H.P.); (Á.S.)
| | - Yvette Mándi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6720 Szeged, Hungary;
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE—Neuroscience Research Group, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (M.T.); (F.T.)
- Interdisciplinary Excellence Centre, Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, H-6725 Szeged, Hungary; (H.P.); (Á.S.)
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22
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The Kynurenic Acid Analog SZR72 Enhances Neuronal Activity after Asphyxia but Is Not Neuroprotective in a Translational Model of Neonatal Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22094822. [PMID: 34062911 PMCID: PMC8125407 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22094822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 04/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) remains to be a major cause of long-term neurodevelopmental deficits in term neonates. Hypothermia offers partial neuroprotection warranting research for additional therapies. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous product of tryptophan metabolism, was previously shown to be beneficial in rat HIE models. We sought to determine if the KYNA analog SZR72 would afford neuroprotection in piglets. After severe asphyxia (pHa = 6.83 ± 0.02, ΔBE = -17.6 ± 1.2 mmol/L, mean ± SEM), anesthetized piglets were assigned to vehicle-treated (VEH), SZR72-treated (SZR72), or hypothermia-treated (HT) groups (n = 6, 6, 6; Tcore = 38.5, 38.5, 33.5 °C, respectively). Compared to VEH, serum KYNA levels were elevated, recovery of EEG was faster, and EEG power spectral density values were higher at 24 h in the SZR72 group. However, instantaneous entropy indicating EEG signal complexity, depression of the visual evoked potential (VEP), and the significant neuronal damage observed in the neocortex, the putamen, and the CA1 hippocampal field were similar in these groups. In the caudate nucleus and the CA3 hippocampal field, neuronal damage was even more severe in the SZR72 group. The HT group showed the best preservation of EEG complexity, VEP, and neuronal integrity in all examined brain regions. In summary, SZR72 appears to enhance neuronal activity after asphyxia but does not ameliorate early neuronal damage in this HIE model.
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23
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Balog A, Varga B, Fülöp F, Lantos I, Toldi G, Vécsei L, Mándi Y. Kynurenic Acid Analog Attenuates the Production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α, Calgranulins (S100A 8/9 and S100A 12), and the Secretion of HNP1-3 and Stimulates the Production of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Stimulated Gene-6 in Whole Blood Cultures of Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis. Front Immunol 2021; 12:632513. [PMID: 33897688 PMCID: PMC8062753 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.632513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, inflammatory joint disease with complex pathogenesis involving a variety of immunological events. Recently, it has been suggested that kynurenic acid (KYNA) might be a potential regulator of inflammatory processes in arthritis. KYNA has a definitive anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive function. The aim of the present study is to investigate the complex effects of a newly synthesized KYNA analog—SZR72 on the in vitro production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tumor necrosis factor-stimulated gene-6 (TSG-6), calprotectin (SA1008/9), SA100 12 (EN-RAGE), and HNP1–3 (defensin-α) in the peripheral blood of patients with RA and the various effects of the disease. Methods: Patients with RA (n = 93) were selected based on the DAS28 score, medication, and their rheumatoid factor (RF) status, respectively. Peripheral blood samples from 93 patients with RA and 50 controls were obtained, and activated by heat-inactivated S. aureus. Parallel samples were pretreated before the activation with the KYNA analog N-(2-N, N-dimethylaminoethyl)-4-oxo-1H-quinoline-2-carboxamide hydrochloride. Following the incubation period (18 h), the supernatants were tested for TNF-α, TSG-6, calprotectin, S100A12, and HNP1–3 content by ELISA. Results: SZR72 inhibited the production of the following inflammatory mediators: TNF-α, calprotectin, S100A12, and HNP1–3 in whole blood cultures. This effect was observed in each group of patients in various phases of the disease. The basic (control) levels of these mediators were higher in the blood of patients than in healthy donors. In contrast, lower TSG-6 levels were detected in patients with RA compared to healthy controls. In addition, the KYNA analog exerted a stimulatory effect on the TSG-6 production ex vivo in human whole blood cultures of patients with RA in various phases of the disease. Conclusion: These data further support the immunomodulatory role of KYNA in RA resulting in anti-inflammatory effects and draw the attention to the importance of the synthesis of the KYNA analog, which might have a future therapeutic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Attila Balog
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Borisz Varga
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fülöp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Research Group for Stereochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Lantos
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gergely Toldi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Yvette Mándi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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24
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Banfi D, Moro E, Bosi A, Bistoletti M, Cerantola S, Crema F, Maggi F, Giron MC, Giaroni C, Baj A. Impact of Microbial Metabolites on Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:1623. [PMID: 33562721 PMCID: PMC7915037 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The complex bidirectional communication system existing between the gastrointestinal tract and the brain initially termed the "gut-brain axis" and renamed the "microbiota-gut-brain axis", considering the pivotal role of gut microbiota in sustaining local and systemic homeostasis, has a fundamental role in the pathogenesis of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). The integration of signals deriving from the host neuronal, immune, and endocrine systems with signals deriving from the microbiota may influence the development of the local inflammatory injury and impacts also more distal brain regions, underlying the psychophysiological vulnerability of IBD patients. Mood disorders and increased response to stress are frequently associated with IBD and may affect the disease recurrence and severity, thus requiring an appropriate therapeutic approach in addition to conventional anti-inflammatory treatments. This review highlights the more recent evidence suggesting that alterations of the microbiota-gut-brain bidirectional communication axis may concur to IBD pathogenesis and sustain the development of both local and CNS symptoms. The participation of the main microbial-derived metabolites, also defined as "postbiotics", such as bile acids, short-chain fatty acids, and tryptophan metabolites in the development of IBD-associated gut and brain dysfunction will be discussed. The last section covers a critical evaluation of the main clinical evidence pointing to the microbiome-based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of IBD-related gastrointestinal and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Banfi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy; (D.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Elisabetta Moro
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Annalisa Bosi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy; (D.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Michela Bistoletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy; (D.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Silvia Cerantola
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Largo Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Francesca Crema
- Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Section of Pharmacology, University of Pavia, via Ferrata 9, 27100 Pavia, Italy; (E.M.); (F.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Maggi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy; (D.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
| | - Maria Cecilia Giron
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, Largo Meneghetti 2, 35131 Padova, Italy; (S.C.); (M.C.G.)
| | - Cristina Giaroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy; (D.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
- Centre of Neuroscience, University of Insubria, 21100 Varese, Italy
| | - Andreina Baj
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, via H Dunant 5, 21100 Varese, Italy; (D.B.); (A.B.); (M.B.); (F.M.); (A.B.)
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25
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Baumgartner R, Berg M, Matic L, Polyzos KP, Forteza MJ, Hjorth SA, Schwartz TW, Paulsson-Berne G, Hansson GK, Hedin U, Ketelhuth DFJ. Evidence that a deviation in the kynurenine pathway aggravates atherosclerotic disease in humans. J Intern Med 2021; 289:53-68. [PMID: 32794238 DOI: 10.1111/joim.13142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 05/24/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The metabolism of tryptophan (Trp) along the kynurenine pathway has been shown to carry strong immunoregulatory properties. Several experimental studies indicate that this pathway is a major regulator of vascular inflammation and influences atherogenesis. Knowledge of the role of this pathway in human atherosclerosis remains incomplete. OBJECTIVES In this study, we performed a multiplatform analysis of tissue samples, in vitro and in vivo functional assays to elucidate the potential role of the kynurenine pathway in human atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Comparison of transcriptomic data from carotid plaques and control arteries revealed an upregulation of enzymes within the quinolinic branch of the kynurenine pathway in the disease state, whilst the branch leading to the formation of kynurenic acid (KynA) was downregulated. Further analyses indicated that local inflammatory responses are closely tied to the deviation of the kynurenine pathway in the vascular wall. Analysis of cerebrovascular symptomatic and asymptomatic carotid stenosis data showed that the downregulation of KynA branch enzymes and reduced KynA production were associated with an increased probability of patients to undergo surgery due to an unstable disease. In vitro, we showed that KynA-mediated signalling through aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a major regulator of human macrophage activation. Using a mouse model of peritoneal inflammation, we showed that KynA inhibits leukocyte recruitment. CONCLUSIONS We have found that a deviation in the kynurenine pathway is associated with an increased probability of developing symptomatic unstable atherosclerotic disease. Our study suggests that KynA-mediated signalling through AhR is an important mechanism involved in the regulation of vascular inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Baumgartner
- From the, Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M Berg
- From the, Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - L Matic
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Vascular Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - K P Polyzos
- From the, Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M J Forteza
- From the, Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S A Hjorth
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - T W Schwartz
- Section for Metabolic Receptology, Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Laboratory for Molecular Pharmacology, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - G Paulsson-Berne
- From the, Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - G K Hansson
- From the, Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - U Hedin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Center for Molecular Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Vascular Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D F J Ketelhuth
- From the, Cardiovascular Medicine Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, Department of Medicine, Karolinska Institute, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Cardiovascular and Renal Research, Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
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26
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Pearce BD, Massa N, Goldsmith DR, Gandhi ZH, Hankus A, Alrohaibani A, Goel N, Cuthbert B, Fargotstein M, Barr DB, Panuwet P, Brown VM, Duncan E. Toxoplasma gondii Effects on the Relationship of Kynurenine Pathway Metabolites to Acoustic Startle Latency in Schizophrenia vs. Control Subjects. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:552743. [PMID: 33329089 PMCID: PMC7715008 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.552743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Chronic infection with Toxoplasma gondii (TOXO) results in microcysts in the brain that are controlled by inflammatory activation and subsequent changes in the kynurenine pathway. TOXO seropositivity is associated with a heightened risk of schizophrenia (SCZ) and with cognitive impairments. Latency of the acoustic startle response, a putative index of neural processing speed, is slower in SCZ. SCZ subjects who are TOXO seropositive have slower latency than SCZ subjects who are TOXO seronegative. We assessed the relationship between kynurenine pathway metabolites and startle latency as a potential route by which chronic TOXO infection can lead to cognitive slowing in SCZ. Methods: Fourty-seven SCZ subjects and 30 controls (CON) were tested on a standard acoustic startle paradigm. Kynurenine pathway metabolites were measured using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry were kynurenine (KYN), tryptophan (TRYP), 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-OHAA), anthranilic acid (AA), and kynurenic acid (KYNA). TOXO status was determined by IgG ELISA. Results: In univariate ANCOVAs on onset and peak latency with age and log transformed startle magnitude as covariates, both onset latency [F(1,61) = 5.76; p = 0.019] and peak latency [F(1,61) = 4.34; p = 0.041] were slower in SCZ than CON subjects. In stepwise backward linear regressions after stratification by Diagnosis, slower onset latency in SCZ subjects was predicted by higher TRYP (B = 0.42; p = 0.008) and 3-OHAA:AA (B = 3.68; p = 0.007), and lower KYN:TRYP (B = -185.42; p = 0.034). In regressions with peak latency as the dependent variable, slower peak latency was predicted by higher TRYP (B = 0.47; p = 0.013) and 3-OHAA:AA ratio (B = 4.35; p = 0.010), and by lower KYNA (B = -6.67; p = 0.036). In CON subjects neither onset nor peak latency was predicted by any KYN metabolites. In regressions stratified by TOXO status, in TOXO positive subjects, slower peak latency was predicted by lower concentrations of KYN (B = -8.08; p = 0.008), KYNA (B = -10.64; p = 0.003), and lower KYN:TRYP ratios (B = -347.01; p = 0.03). In TOXO negative subjects neither onset nor peak latency was predicted by any KYN metabolites. Conclusions: KYN pathway markers predict slowing of startle latency in SCZ subjects and in those with chronic TOXO infection, but this is not seen in CON subjects nor TOXO seronegative subjects. These findings coupled with prior work indicating a relationship of slower latency with SCZ and TOXO infection suggest that alterations in KYN pathway markers may be a mechanism by which neural processing speed, as indexed by startle latency, is affected in these subjects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bradley D. Pearce
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Nicholas Massa
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Decatur, GA, United States
| | - David R. Goldsmith
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Zeal H. Gandhi
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Allison Hankus
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | | | - Neha Goel
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Bruce Cuthbert
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Decatur, GA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Molly Fargotstein
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Dana Boyd Barr
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Parinya Panuwet
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Victoria M. Brown
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Erica Duncan
- Atlanta Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Decatur, GA, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States
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27
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Bosi A, Banfi D, Bistoletti M, Giaroni C, Baj A. Tryptophan Metabolites Along the Microbiota-Gut-Brain Axis: An Interkingdom Communication System Influencing the Gut in Health and Disease. Int J Tryptophan Res 2020; 13:1178646920928984. [PMID: 32577079 PMCID: PMC7290275 DOI: 10.1177/1178646920928984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The ‘microbiota-gut-brain axis’ plays a fundamental role in maintaining host homeostasis, and different immune, hormonal, and neuronal signals participate to this interkingdom communication system between eukaryota and prokaryota. The essential aminoacid tryptophan, as a precursor of several molecules acting at the interface between the host and the microbiota, is fundamental in the modulation of this bidirectional communication axis. In the gut, tryptophan undergoes 3 major metabolic pathways, the 5-HT, kynurenine, and AhR ligand pathways, which may be directly or indirectly controlled by the saprophytic flora. The importance of tryptophan metabolites in the modulation of the gastrointestinal tract is suggested by several preclinical and clinical studies; however, a thorough revision of the available literature has not been accomplished yet. Thus, this review attempts to cover the major aspects on the role of tryptophan metabolites in host-microbiota cross-talk underlaying regulation of gut functions in health conditions and during disease states, with particular attention to 2 major gastrointestinal diseases, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), both characterized by psychiatric disorders. Research in this area opens the possibility to target tryptophan metabolism to ameliorate the knowledge on the pathogenesis of both diseases, as well as to discover new therapeutic strategies based either on conventional pharmacological approaches or on the use of pre- and probiotics to manipulate the microbial flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Bosi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Davide Banfi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Michela Bistoletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Cristina Giaroni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Andreina Baj
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
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28
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Wirthgen E, Leonard AK, Scharf C, Domanska G. The Immunomodulator 1-Methyltryptophan Drives Tryptophan Catabolism Toward the Kynurenic Acid Branch. Front Immunol 2020; 11:313. [PMID: 32180772 PMCID: PMC7059861 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.00313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2019] [Accepted: 02/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Animal model studies revealed that the application of 1-methyltryptophan (1-MT), a tryptophan (TRP) analog, surprisingly increased plasma levels of the TRP metabolite, kynurenic acid (KYNA). Under inflammatory conditions, KYNA has been shown to mediate various immunomodulatory effects. Therefore, the present study aims to confirm and clarify the effects of 1-MT on TRP metabolism in mice as well as in humans. Methods: Splenocytes from Balb/C or indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase knockout (IDO1−/−) mice or whole human blood were stimulated with 1-MT for 6, 24, or 36 h. C57BL/6 mice received 1-MT in drinking water for 5 days. Cell-free supernatants and plasma were analyzed for TRP and its metabolites by tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS). Results: 1-MT treatment induced an increase in TRP and its metabolite, KYNA in Balb/C, IDO−/− mice, and in human blood. Concurrently, the intermediate metabolite kynurenine (KYN), as well as the KYN/TRP ratio, were reduced after 1-MT treatment. The effects of 1-MT on TRP metabolites were similar after the in vivo application of 1-MT to C57BL/6 mice. Conclusions: The data indicate that 1-MT induced an increase of KYNA ex vivo and in vivo confirming previously described results. Furthermore, the results of IDO−/− mice indicate that this effect seems not to be mediated by IDO1. Due to the proven immunomodulatory properties of KYNA, a shift toward this branch of the kynurenine pathway (KP) may be one potential mode of action by 1-MT and should be considered for further applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Wirthgen
- Department of Pediatrics, Rostock University Medical Center, Rostock, Germany
| | - Anne K Leonard
- Institute of Biochemistry, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Christian Scharf
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Grazyna Domanska
- Institute of Immunology and Transfusion Medicine, University Medicine Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany
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Dudzińska E, Szymona K, Kloc R, Gil-Kulik P, Kocki T, Świstowska M, Bogucki J, Kocki J, Urbanska EM. Increased expression of kynurenine aminotransferases mRNA in lymphocytes of patients with inflammatory bowel disease. Therap Adv Gastroenterol 2019; 12:1756284819881304. [PMID: 31666808 PMCID: PMC6801885 DOI: 10.1177/1756284819881304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Complex interaction of genetic defects with environmental factors seems to play a substantial role in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Accumulating data implicate a potential role of disturbed tryptophan metabolism in IBD. Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a derivative of tryptophan (TRP) along the kynurenine (KYN) pathway, displays cytoprotective and immunomodulating properties, whereas 3-OH-KYN is a cytotoxic compound, generating free radicals. METHODS The expression of lymphocytic mRNA encoding enzymes synthesizing KYNA (KAT I-III) and serum levels of TRP and its metabolites were evaluated in 55 patients with IBD, during remission or relapse [27 patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) and 28 patients with Crohn's disease (CD)] and in 50 control individuals. RESULTS The increased expression of KAT1 and KAT3 mRNA characterized the entire cohorts of patients with UC and CD, as well as relapse-remission subsets. Expression of KAT2 mRNA was enhanced in patients with UC and in patients with CD in remission. In the entire cohorts of UC or CD, TRP levels were lower, whereas KYN, KYNA and 3-OH-KYN were not altered. When analysed in subsets of patients with UC and CD (active phase-remission), KYNA level was significantly lower during remission than relapse, yet not versus control. Functionally, in the whole groups of patients with UC or CD, the TRP/KYN ratio has been lower than control, whereas KYN/KYNA and KYNA/3-OH-KYN ratios were not altered. The ratio KYN/3-OH-KYN increased approximately two-fold among all patients with CD; furthermore, patients with CD with relapse, manifested a significantly higher KYNA/3-OH-KYN ratio than patients in remission. CONCLUSION The presented data indicate that IBD is associated with an enhanced expression of genes encoding KYNA biosynthetic enzymes in lymphocytes; however, additional mechanisms appear to influence KYNA levels. Higher metabolic conversion of serum TRP in IBD seems to be followed by the functional shift of KYN pathway towards the arm producing KYNA during exacerbation. We propose that KYNA, possibly via interaction with aryl hydrocarbon receptor or G-protein-coupled orphan receptor 35, may serve as a counter-regulatory mechanism, decreasing cytotoxicity and inflammation in IBD. Further longitudinal studies evaluating the individual dynamics of TRP and KYN pathway in patients with IBD, as well as the nature of precise mechanisms regulating KYNA synthesis, should be helpful in better understanding the processes underlying the observed changes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kinga Szymona
- Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Lubelskie,
Poland
| | - Renata Kloc
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Lubelskie, Poland
| | - Paulina Gil-Kulik
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical
University of Lublin, Lublin, Lubelskie, Poland
| | - Tomasz Kocki
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Lubelskie, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Świstowska
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical
University of Lublin, Lublin, Lubelskie, Poland
| | - Jacek Bogucki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical
University of Lublin, Lublin, Lubelskie, Poland
| | - Janusz Kocki
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Medical
University of Lublin, Lublin, Lubelskie, Poland
| | - Ewa M. Urbanska
- Department of Experimental and Clinical
Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin, Lubelskie, Poland
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Dahiya S, Onteru SK, Singh D. Inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase attenuates endotoxin-mediated tolerance in granulosa cells through kynurenine pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:11931-11940. [PMID: 30983018 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2018] [Revised: 12/08/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Ovarian granulosa cells (GCs) have been shown to have innate immune capabilities, which modulate their native endocrine functions through toll-like receptors (TLRs). We have recently shown that GCs exposed to lipopolysaccharide (LPS; 1.0 µg/mL) transiently regulate proinflammatory cytokine expression (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α) through chromatin remodeling. In the present study, we have demonstrated that GCs become tolerant to LPS on repeated exposure of LPS. To understand the mechanism of this endotoxin tolerance (ET) phenomenon in buffalo GCs, we have further studied the genome-wide transcriptomic analyses in buffalo GCs (unpublished data) and identified indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1) gene, known to be involved in tryptophan catabolism, was found to be highly upregulated in endotoxin-tolerant GCs. Real-time gene expression analyses also showed similar results. Further analyses of tryptophan and tryptophan metabolite, kynurenine, showed that tryptophan was found to be depleted with the accumulation of kynurenine in the endotoxin-tolerant GCs. The effect of IDO1 induced ET was reversed when cells were pretreated with IDO1 inhibitor (1-methyl tryptophan, 1 mM). To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report describing the role of IDO1 gene in ET in GCs mimicked by repeated endotoxin exposure in vitro. In summary, the present study convincingly demonstrated that the tryptophan catabolism, through the kynurenine pathway, plays a crucial role as an immunomodulatory mechanism of ET in GCs. The finding could be exploited in developing potential therapeutics to treat impaired GCs function due to the ET underlying prolonged uterine or systemic infection leads to accumulation of endotoxin in follicular fluid.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunita Dahiya
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics, and Systems Biology Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Suneel Kumar Onteru
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics, and Systems Biology Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
| | - Dheer Singh
- Molecular Endocrinology, Functional Genomics, and Systems Biology Laboratory, Animal Biochemistry Division, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, Haryana, India
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Mándi Y, Endrész V, Mosolygó T, Burián K, Lantos I, Fülöp F, Szatmári I, Lőrinczi B, Balog A, Vécsei L. The Opposite Effects of Kynurenic Acid and Different Kynurenic Acid Analogs on Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) Production and Tumor Necrosis Factor-Stimulated Gene-6 (TSG-6) Expression. Front Immunol 2019; 10:1406. [PMID: 31316502 PMCID: PMC6611419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2019.01406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The investigation of anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions of Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is now in focus. There is also substantial evidence that TSG-6 has an anti-inflammatory activity. Therefore, in the present study, we compared the effects of newly synthetized KYNA analogs on the TNF-α production in U-937 monocytic cells in correlation with the effects on the TSG-6 expression. Methods: TNF-α production was measured by ELISA, the TSG-6 expression was determined by RTqPCR method. As cytokine inducers Staphylococcus aureus and Chlamydia pneumoniae were used. Results: KYNA and KYNA analogs attenuated TNF-α production and increased TSG-6 mRNA expression in U-937 cells stimulated by heat inactivated Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, KYNA and some of the KYNA analogs increased the TNF-α production of C. pneumoniae infected U-937 cells; however, the newly synthetized analogs (SZR104, SZR 105, and SZR 109) exerted significant inhibitory effects on the TNF-α synthesis. The inhibitory and stimulatory effects correlated inversely with the TSG-6 expression. Conclusions: TSG-6 expression following activation with bacterial components could participate in the suppression of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, We suppose that the elevation of the TSG-6 expression by KYNA and especially by new KYNA analogs might be one of the mechanisms that are responsible for their suppressive effect on TNF-α production as a feedback mechanism. KYNA and KYNA analogs have an important role in influencing TSG-6 expression, and there is a possible benefit of targeting TSG-6 expression by kynurenines in inflammatory conditions following infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yvette Mándi
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Valéria Endrész
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Timea Mosolygó
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Katalin Burián
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ildikó Lantos
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunobiology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fülöp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Research Group for Stereochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István Szatmári
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Research Group for Stereochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Bálint Lőrinczi
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Research Group for Stereochemistry, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila Balog
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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Badawy AAB. Tryptophan Metabolism: A Versatile Area Providing Multiple Targets for Pharmacological Intervention. EGYPTIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC AND CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY 2019; 9:10.32527/2019/101415. [PMID: 31105983 PMCID: PMC6520243 DOI: 10.32527/2019/101415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The essential amino acid L-tryptophan (Trp) undergoes extensive metabolism along several pathways, resulting in production of many biologically active metabolites which exert profound effects on physiological processes. The disturbance in Trp metabolism and disposition in many disease states provides a basis for exploring multiple targets for pharmaco-therapeutic interventions. In particular, the kynurenine pathway of Trp degradation is currently at the forefront of immunological research and immunotherapy. In this review, I shall consider mammalian Trp metabolism in health and disease and outline the intervention targets. It is hoped that this account will provide a stimulus for pharmacologists and others to conduct further studies in this rich area of biomedical research and therapeutics.
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Dadvar S, Ferreira DMS, Cervenka I, Ruas JL. The weight of nutrients: kynurenine metabolites in obesity and exercise. J Intern Med 2018; 284:519-533. [PMID: 30141532 DOI: 10.1111/joim.12830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Obesity ultimately results from an imbalance between energy intake and expenditure. However, in addition to their bioenergetic value, nutrients and their metabolites can function as important signalling molecules in energy homeostasis. Indeed, macronutrients and their metabolites can be direct regulators of metabolism through their actions on different organs. In turn, target organs can decide to use, store or transform the incoming nutrients depending on their physiological context and in coordination with other cell types. Tryptophan-kynurenine metabolites are an example of a family of compounds that can serve as systemic integrators of energy metabolism by signalling to different cell types. These include adipocytes, immune cells and muscle fibres, in addition to the well-known effects of kynurenine metabolites on the central nervous system. In the context of energy metabolism, several of the effects elicited by kynurenic acid are mediated by the G-protein-coupled receptor, GPR35. As GPR35 is expressed in tissues such as the adipose tissue, immune cells and the gastrointestinal tract, this receptor could be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of obesity, diabetes and other metabolic diseases. In addition, metabolic disorders often coincide with states of chronic inflammation, which further highlights GPR35 as an integration node in conditions where inflammation skews metabolism. Defining the molecular interplay between different tissues in the regulation of energy homeostasis can help us understand interindividual variability in the response to nutrient intake and develop safe and efficient therapies to fight obesity and metabolic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Dadvar
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular & Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - D M S Ferreira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular & Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - I Cervenka
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular & Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - J L Ruas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular & Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, Biomedicum, Stockholm, Sweden
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34
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Sofia MA, Ciorba MA, Meckel K, Lim CK, Guillemin GJ, Weber CR, Bissonnette M, Pekow JR. Tryptophan Metabolism through the Kynurenine Pathway is Associated with Endoscopic Inflammation in Ulcerative Colitis. Inflamm Bowel Dis 2018; 24:1471-1480. [PMID: 29796641 PMCID: PMC6196764 DOI: 10.1093/ibd/izy103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Mucosal appearance on endoscopy is an important indicator of inflammatory burden and determines prognosis in ulcerative colitis (UC). Inflammation induces tryptophan metabolism along the kynurenine pathway (KP) and yields immunologically relevant metabolites. We sought to examine whether changes in serum tryptophan metabolites and tissue expression of KP enzymes are associated with UC endoscopic and histologic disease severity. METHODS Serum and mucosal samples were prospectively obtained at colonoscopy in patients with UC. Mayo disease activity scores, demographics, smoking status, medications, and outcomes were collected. Serum tryptophan metabolites were analyzed using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (uHPLC), and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), and enzyme expression was determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Metabolite and enzyme levels were compared by endoscopic subscore, clinical disease activity, time to surgery, and hospitalization. RESULTS This study included 99 patients with Mayo endoscopic subscores 0-3. Kynurenic acid/tryptophan ratio (KYNA/T) and expression of indolamine 2,3-dioxygenase 1 (IDO1), tryptophan 2,3-dioxygenase, kynurinase, and kynurenine monooxygenase correlated positively with endoscopic subscore. Adjusting for age of diagnosis, smoking status, disease extent, and medications yielded significant odds of endoscopic inflammation with increasing KYNA/T (OR 1.0015, P = 0.0186) and IDO1 expression (OR 1.0635, P = 0.0215). The highest tertile ratio of KYNA/T had shorter time to surgery (P = 0.009) and hospitalization (P = 0.01) than the lowest. CONCLUSIONS Increasing KYNA/T is closely associated with endoscopic inflammation and predictive of disease outcomes in patients with UC. These findings identify this novel metabolic association and further support the role of the KP in regulating mucosal inflammation in UC. 10.1093/ibd/izy103_video1izy103.video15788135676001.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Anthony Sofia
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
- Address correspondence to: M. Anthony Sofia, MD, Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago Medicine, 5841 S. Maryland Ave, MC 4076, Chicago, IL, USA 60637. E-mail:
| | - Matthew A Ciorba
- Division of Gastroenterology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO, United States
| | - Katherine Meckel
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Chai K Lim
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Christopher R Weber
- Department of Pathology, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Marc Bissonnette
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Joel R Pekow
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Hepatology, and Nutrition, University of Chicago Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States
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35
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Badawy AAB. Hypothesis kynurenic and quinolinic acids: The main players of the kynurenine pathway and opponents in inflammatory disease. Med Hypotheses 2018; 118:129-138. [PMID: 30037600 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2018.06.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2018] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
I hypothesize that the intermediates of the kynurenine (Kyn) pathway (KP) of tryptophan (Trp) degradation kynurenic acid (KA) and quinolinic acid (QA) play opposite roles in inflammatory diseases, with KA being antiinflammatory and QA being immunosuppressant. Darlington et al. have demonstrated a decrease in the ratio of plasma 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid to anthranilic acid ([3-HAA]/[AA]) in many inflammatory conditions and proposed that this decrease either reflects inflammatory disease or is an antiinflammatory response. I argue in favour of the latter possibility and provide evidence that KA is responsible for the decrease in this ratio by increasing AA formation from Kyn through activation of the kynureninase reaction. Immunosuppression has been attributed to some Kyn metabolites tested at concentrations far greater than could occur in microenvironments. So far, only QA has been shown using immunohistochemistry to reach immunosuppressive levels. Future immune studies of the KP should focus on QA as the potentially main microenvironmentally measurable immunosuppressant and should include KA as an antiinflammatory metabolite.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdulla A-B Badawy
- School of Health Sciences, Cardiff Metropolitan University, Western Avenue, Cardiff CF5 2YB, Wales, UK.
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Sas K, Szabó E, Vécsei L. Mitochondria, Oxidative Stress and the Kynurenine System, with a Focus on Ageing and Neuroprotection. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23010191. [PMID: 29342113 PMCID: PMC6017505 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23010191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 01/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In this review, the potential causes of ageing are discussed. We seek to gain insight into the main physiological functions of mitochondria and discuss alterations in their function and the genome, which are supposed to be the central mechanisms in senescence. We conclude by presenting the potential modulating role of the kynurenine pathway in the ageing processes. Mitochondrial dynamics are supposed to have important physiological roles in maintaining cell homeostasis. During ageing, a decrease in mitochondrial dynamics was reported, potentially compromising the function of mitochondria. Mitochondrial biogenesis not only encompasses mitochondrial dynamics, but also the regulation of transcription and translation of genes, and mitochondria are supposed to play a prominent role in cell death during senescence. Defects in the mtDNA replication machinery and failure in the repair of mtDNA might result in the accumulation of mutations, leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and bioenergetic failure of the cell. The role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the ageing processes is widely acknowledged. Exaggerated oxidative damage to mDNA is supposed to take place during senescence, including single-nucleotide base alterations, nucleotide base pair alterations, chain breaks and cross linkage. A broad repertoire for the repair of DNA faults has evolved, but they do not function efficiently during senescence. Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) is an enzyme that assists in DNA repair, i.e., it participates in the repair of single-stranded DNA nicks, initiating base excision repair (BER). In the case of extensive DNA damage, PARP-1 becomes overactivated and rapidly depletes the intracellular NAD+ and ATP pools. This results in a profound energy loss of the cell and leads to cell dysfunction, or even cell death. Alterations in the kynurenine system have been linked with ageing processes and several age-related disorders. The kynurenine pathway degrades tryptophan (TRP) to several metabolites, among others kynurenine (KYN), kynurenic acid (KYNA) and quinolinic acid (QUIN). The end product of the route is NAD+. The first metabolic reaction is mediated by TRP-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO) or indolamine-2,3-dioxygenases (IDO), the latter being induced by inflammation, and it is thought to have a significant role in several disorders and in ageing. Research is currently focusing on the KYN pathway, since several intermediates possess neuro- and immunoactive properties, and hence are capable of modulating the activity of certain brain cells and inflammatory responses. During ageing, and in many age-associated disorders like obesity, dyslipidaemia, hypertension, insulin resistance and neurodegenerative diseases, low-grade, sustained inflammation and upregulation of IDO have been reported. However, TRP downstream catabolites create a negative feedback loop by weakening the activated immune system through several actions, including a decline in the Th1 response and an enhancement of Th2-type processes. The broad actions of the KYN-intermediates in brain excitation/inhibition and their role in regulating immune responses may provide the possibility of modifying the pathological processes in an array of age-associated diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Sas
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - Elza Szabó
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725 Szeged, Hungary.
| | - László Vécsei
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Albert Szent-Györgyi Clinical Center, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725 Szeged, Hungary.
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, 6725 Szeged, Hungary.
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Lajkó E, Tuka B, Fülöp F, Krizbai I, Toldi J, Magyar K, Vécsei L, Kőhidai L. Kynurenic acid and its derivatives are able to modulate the adhesion and locomotion of brain endothelial cells. J Neural Transm (Vienna) 2018; 125:899-912. [PMID: 29332257 DOI: 10.1007/s00702-018-1839-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2018] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
The neuroprotective actions of kynurenic acid (KYNA) and its derivatives in several neurodegenerative disorders [characterized by damage to the cerebral endothelium and to the blood-brain barrier (BBB)] are well established. Cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) adhesion is supposedly involved in recovery of impaired cerebral endothelium integrity (endothelial repair). The present work aimed to investigate the effects of KYNA and its synthetic derivatives on cellular behaviour (e.g. adhesion and locomotion) and on morphology of the GP8 rat brain endothelial cell line, modeling the BBB endothelium. The effects of KYNA and its derivatives on cell adhesion were measured using an impedance-based technique, the xCELLigence SP system. Holographic microscopy (Holomonitor™ M4) was used to analyse both chemokinetic responses and morphometry. The GP8 cells proved to be a suitable model cell line for investigating cell adhesion and the locomotion modulator effects of kynurenines. KYNA enhanced cell adhesion and spreading, and also decreased the migration/motility of GP8 cells at physiological concentrations (10-9 and 10-7 mol/L). The derivatives containing an amide side-chain at the C2 position (KYNA-A1 and A2) had lower adhesion inducer effects compared to KYNA. All synthetic analogues (except KYNA-A5) had a time-dependent inhibitory effect on GP8 cell adhesion at a supraphysiological concentration (10-3 mol/L). The immobilization promoting effect of KYNA and the adhesion inducer activity of its derivatives indicate that these compounds could contribute to maintaining or restoring the protective function of brain endothelium; they also suggest that cell-ECM adhesion and related cell responses (e.g. migration/motility) could be potential new targets of KYNA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eszter Lajkó
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary
| | - Bernadett Tuka
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, Szeged, 6725, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Fülöp
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Szeged, Eötvös u. 6, Szeged, 6720, Hungary
- Stereochemistry Research Group of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Eötvös utca 6, Szeged, H-6720, Hungary
| | - István Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - József Toldi
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, Szeged, 6725, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, University of Szeged, Közép Fasor 52, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Kálmán Magyar
- Department of Pharmacodynamics, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary
| | - László Vécsei
- MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Semmelweis u. 6, Szeged, 6725, Hungary
- Department of Neurology, University of Szeged, Semmelweis u. 6, Szeged, 6725, Hungary
| | - László Kőhidai
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Nagyvárad tér 4, Budapest, 1089, Hungary.
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Cervenka I, Agudelo LZ, Ruas JL. Kynurenines: Tryptophan's metabolites in exercise, inflammation, and mental health. Science 2018; 357:357/6349/eaaf9794. [PMID: 28751584 DOI: 10.1126/science.aaf9794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 696] [Impact Index Per Article: 116.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenine metabolites are generated by tryptophan catabolism and regulate biological processes that include host-microbiome signaling, immune cell response, and neuronal excitability. Enzymes of the kynurenine pathway are expressed in different tissues and cell types throughout the body and are regulated by cues, including nutritional and inflammatory signals. As a consequence of this systemic metabolic integration, peripheral inflammation can contribute to accumulation of kynurenine in the brain, which has been associated with depression and schizophrenia. Conversely, kynurenine accumulation can be suppressed by activating kynurenine clearance in exercised skeletal muscle. The effect of exercise training on depression through modulation of the kynurenine pathway highlights an important mechanism of interorgan cross-talk mediated by these metabolites. Here, we discuss peripheral mechanisms of tryptophan-kynurenine metabolism and their effects on inflammatory, metabolic, oncologic, and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Igor Cervenka
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Leandro Z Agudelo
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jorge L Ruas
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Molecular and Cellular Exercise Physiology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-17177 Stockholm, Sweden.
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Wirthgen E, Hoeflich A, Rebl A, Günther J. Kynurenic Acid: The Janus-Faced Role of an Immunomodulatory Tryptophan Metabolite and Its Link to Pathological Conditions. Front Immunol 2018; 8:1957. [PMID: 29379504 PMCID: PMC5770815 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 213] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2017] [Accepted: 12/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Tryptophan metabolites are known to participate in the regulation of many cells of the immune system and are involved in various immune-mediated diseases and disorders. Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is a product of one branch of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan metabolism. The influence of KYNA on important neurophysiological and neuropathological processes has been comprehensively documented. In recent years, the link of KYNA to the immune system, inflammation, and cancer has become more apparent. Given this connection, the anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive functions of KYNA are of particular interest. These characteristics might allow KYNA to act as a "double-edged sword." The metabolite contributes to both the resolution of inflammation and the establishment of an immunosuppressive environment, which, for instance, allows for tumor immune escape. Our review provides a comprehensive update of the significant biological functions of KYNA and focuses on its immunomodulatory properties by signaling via G-protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35)- and aryl hydrocarbon receptor-mediated pathways. Furthermore, we discuss the role of KYNA-GPR35 interaction and microbiota associated KYNA metabolism for gut homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Wirthgen
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Andreas Hoeflich
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Alexander Rebl
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
| | - Juliane Günther
- Institute for Genome Biology, Leibniz Institute for Farm Animal Biology, Dummerstorf, Germany
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Pett SL, Kunisaki KM, Wentworth D, Griffin TJ, Kalomenidis I, Nahra R, Montejano Sanchez R, Hodgson SW, Ruxrungtham K, Dwyer D, Davey RT, Wendt CH. Increased Indoleamine-2,3-Dioxygenase Activity Is Associated With Poor Clinical Outcome in Adults Hospitalized With Influenza in the INSIGHT FLU003Plus Study. Open Forum Infect Dis 2017; 5:ofx228. [PMID: 29322062 PMCID: PMC5753217 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofx228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) mediated tryptophan (TRP) depletion has antimicrobial and immuno-regulatory effects. Increased kynurenine (KYN)-to-TRP (KT) ratios, reflecting increased IDO activity, have been associated with poorer outcomes from several infections. Methods We performed a case-control (1:2; age and sex matched) analysis of adults hospitalized with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 with protocol-defined disease progression (died/transferred to ICU/mechanical ventilation) after enrollment (cases) or survived without progression (controls) over 60 days of follow-up. Conditional logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between baseline KT ratio and other metabolites and disease progression. Results We included 32 cases and 64 controls with a median age of 52 years; 41% were female, and the median durations of influenza symptoms prior to hospitalization were 8 and 6 days for cases and controls, respectively (P = .04). Median baseline KT ratios were 2-fold higher in cases (0.24 mM/M; IQR, 0.13-0.40) than controls (0.12; IQR, 0.09-0.17; P ≤ .001). When divided into tertiles, 59% of cases vs 20% of controls had KT ratios in the highest tertile (0.21-0.84 mM/M). When adjusted for symptom duration, the odds ratio for disease progression for those in the highest vs lowest tertiles of KT ratio was 9.94 (95% CI, 2.25-43.90). Conclusions High KT ratio was associated with poor outcome in adults hospitalized with influenza A(H1N1)pdm09. The clinical utility of this biomarker in this setting merits further exploration. ClinicalTrialsgov Identifier NCT01056185.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah L Pett
- Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit (MRC CTU), Institute of Clinical Trials and Methodology, University College London, UK.,Clinical Research Group, Infections and Population Health, UCL, London, UK.,Kirby Institute, University of New South Wales, Kensington, Australia
| | - Ken M Kunisaki
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Deborah Wentworth
- Division of Biostatistics, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Timothy J Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Ioannis Kalomenidis
- 1st Department of Critical Care and Pulmonary Medicine, University of Athens School of Medicine, Evangelismos General Hospital, Athens, Greece
| | - Raquel Nahra
- Cooper University Hospital, Division of Infectious Disease, Camden, New Jersey
| | | | | | - Kiat Ruxrungtham
- HIV-NAT, Thai Red Cross AIDS Research Center, Bangkok, Thailand.,Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Dominic Dwyer
- Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research, Pathology West and NSW Health Pathology, Westmead Hospital and University of Sydney, Westmead, Australia
| | - Richard T Davey
- National National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland
| | - Chris H Wendt
- Minneapolis VA Health Care System, Minneapolis, Minnesota.,Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Molecular Biology, and Biophysics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Tsukahara T, Hamouda N, Utsumi D, Matsumoto K, Amagase K, Kato S. G protein-coupled receptor 35 contributes to mucosal repair in mice via migration of colonic epithelial cells. Pharmacol Res 2017. [PMID: 28648739 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2017.06.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptor 35 (GPR35), a receptor for lysophosphatidic acid, is highly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract. Recently, GPR35 has been implicated in the onset of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), but its role in physiological and pathological processes in the colon remains undefined. In this study, we investigated the contribution of GPR35-mediated signalling to mucosal repair of colonic epithelium in IBD. GPR35 function was examined in a wound healing model, using young adult mouse colon epithelium (YAMC) cells, and in a dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced mouse model of colitis. Cell proliferation, mRNA expression, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation, and protein localization were determined by MTT assay, quantitative RT-PCR, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry, respectively. GPR35 agonists (YE120, zaprinast, and pamoic acid) promoted wound repair in a concentration-dependent manner independently of cell proliferation, whereas a specific GPR35 antagonist CID2745687, forskolin, and pertussis toxin reversed the YE120-induced effect. YE120 increased the mRNA expression of fibronectin and its receptor integrin α5, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, but these responses were attenuated by CID2745687 and forskolin. Furthermore, the severity of DSS-induced colitis was significantly reduced by daily injections of pamoic acid via upregulation of fibronectin and integrin α5 in the colonic epithelium. GPR35 signalling promotes mucosal repair by inducing fibronectin and integrin α5 expression, coupling to Gi protein, and activating ERK1/2 in colonic epithelial cells. These findings define GPR35 as a candidate therapeutic target in IBD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takuya Tsukahara
- Division of Pathological Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho Misasagi Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Nahla Hamouda
- Division of Pathological Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho Misasagi Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Daichi Utsumi
- Division of Pathological Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho Misasagi Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Kenjiro Matsumoto
- Division of Pathological Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho Misasagi Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Kikuko Amagase
- Division of Pathological Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho Misasagi Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
| | - Shinichi Kato
- Division of Pathological Sciences, Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, 5 Nakauchi-cho Misasagi Yamashina-ku, Kyoto, Japan.
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Kynurenic acid downregulates IL-17/1L-23 axis in vitro. Mol Cell Biochem 2017; 431:55-65. [PMID: 28285360 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-017-2975-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Exploring the function of interleukin (IL) 17 and related cytokine interactions have been proven useful toward understanding the role of inflammation in autoimmune diseases. Production of the inflammatory cytokine IL-23 by dendritic cells (DC's) has been shown to promote IL-17 expression by Th17 cells. It is well established that Th17 cells play an important role in several autoimmune diseases including psoriasis and alopecia. Our recent investigations have suggested that Kynurenine-rich environment can shift a pro-inflammatory response to an anti-inflammatory response, as is the case in the presence of the enzyme Indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase (IDO), the rate-limiting enzyme in tryptophan degradation and Kynurenine (Kyn) production. In this study, we sought to explore the potential role of kynurenic acid (KynA), in modulating the expression of IL-23 and IL-17 by DCs and CD4+ cells, respectively. The result of flow cytometry demonstrated that the frequency of IL-23-producing DCs is reduced with 100 µg/ml of KynA as compared with that of LPS-stimulated DCs. KynA (100 μg/ml) addition to activated T cells significantly decreased the level of IL-17 mRNA and frequency of IL-17+ T cells as compared to that of concanavalin (Con) A-activated T cells. To examine the mechanism of the suppressive role of KynA on IL-23/IL-17 in these cells, cells were treated with 3 μM G-protein-coupled receptor35 (GPCR35) inhibitor (CID), for 60 min. The result showed that the reduction of both adenylate cyclase (AC) and cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) by KynA is involved in suppression of LPS-induced IL-23p19 expression. Since GPCR35 is also detected on T cells; therefore, it is concluded that KynA plays an important role in modulating the expression of IL-23 and IL-17 in DCs and Th17 cells through inhibiting GPCR35 and downregulation of both AC and cAMP.
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The effect of kynurenic acid on the synthesis of selected cytokines by murine splenocytes - in vitro and ex vivo studies. Cent Eur J Immunol 2016; 41:39-46. [PMID: 27095921 PMCID: PMC4829820 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2016.58815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2015] [Accepted: 01/04/2016] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA), a secondary product of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan degradation, known mainly as an endogenous neuroprotectant, shows also immunotropic properties. Some quantities of KYNA are present in food and are effectively absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract. Since the spleen is an important target of dietary immunomodulators, the aim of the study was to determine the effect of exogenous KYNA on murine splenocytes. Splenocytes isolated from adult BALB/c mice were used in the study. Firstly, the effect of increasing KYNA concentrations (0-5 mM) on the viability, and proliferative and cytokine response (interleukin 1β [IL-1β], IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor α [TNF-α]) of murine splenocytes under in vitro conditions was determined. Then, proliferative and cytokine responses were determined in cells derived from animals receiving kynurenic acid in drinking water at concentrations of 2.5, 25, or 250 mg/l for 7-14 days. Cytokine levels were measured using commercial immunoassay (ELISA) kits, and cell viability and proliferation was determined with MTT reduction assay. Exogenous KYNA was characterised by a low level of cytotoxicity towards murine splenocytes, and was well tolerated by the animals receiving it in drinking water. As expected, it exhibited anti-inflammatory action towards the activated splenocytes, under both in vitro and ex vivo conditions. Surprisingly, however, KYNA itself influenced the activity of resting, non-stimulated cells, exerting an immunostimulant effect in vitro, and an immunosuppressive effect under ex vivo conditions. The obtained results indicate not only anti-inflammatory, but also more complex, immunomodulating properties of KYNA, which require more detailed investigation.
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Changing the face of kynurenines and neurotoxicity: therapeutic considerations. Int J Mol Sci 2015; 16:9772-93. [PMID: 25938971 PMCID: PMC4463617 DOI: 10.3390/ijms16059772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2015] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 04/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenines are the products of tryptophan metabolism. Among them, kynurenine and kynurenic acid are generally thought to have neuroprotective properties, while 3-hydroxykynurenine, 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid and quinolinic acid are considered neurotoxic. They participate in immunoregulation and inflammation and possess pro- or anti-excitotoxic properties, and their involvement in oxidative stress has also been suggested. Consequently, it is not surprising that kynurenines have been closely related to neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis and multiple sclerosis. More information about the less-known metabolites, picolinic and cinnabarinic acid, evaluation of new receptorial targets, such as aryl-hydrocarbon receptors, and intensive research on the field of the immunomodulatory function of kynurenines delineated the high importance of this pathway in general homeostasis. Emerging knowledge about the kynurenine pathway provides new target points for the development of therapeutical solutions against neurodegenerative diseases.
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Polyzos KA, Ovchinnikova O, Berg M, Baumgartner R, Agardh H, Pirault J, Gisterå A, Assinger A, Laguna-Fernandez A, Bäck M, Hansson GK, Ketelhuth DFJ. Inhibition of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase promotes vascular inflammation and increases atherosclerosis in Apoe-/- mice. Cardiovasc Res 2015; 106:295-302. [PMID: 25750192 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvv100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2014] [Accepted: 03/02/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease that is initiated by the retention and accumulation of low-density lipoprotein in the artery, leading to maladaptive response of cells from the immune system and vessel wall. Strong evidence implicates indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), the first and rate-limiting enzyme of the kynurenine pathway of tryptophan (Trp) degradation, with immune regulation and anti-inflammatory mechanisms in different diseases. However, the role of IDO and the endogenous degradation of Trp have never been directly examined in atherosclerosis development. We used the IDO inhibitor 1-methyl-Trp (1-MT) to determine the role of IDO-mediated Trp metabolism in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. METHODS AND RESULTS Apoe(-/-) mice were treated with 1-MT in drinking water for 8 weeks. Systemic IDO inhibition led to a significant increase in atherosclerotic lesions that were ∼58 and 54% larger in the aortic arch and root, respectively. 1-MT treatment enhanced vascular inflammation, up-regulated VCAM-1 and CCL2, and increased CD68 macrophage accumulation into the plaque. Notably, the rise in VCAM-1 expression was not limited to the plaque but also found in smooth muscle cells (SMCs) of the tunica media. Furthermore, we found that IDO-dependent Trp metabolism by SMCs regulates VCAM-1 expression, and that 1-MT-induced acceleration of atherosclerosis and vascular inflammation can be reversed by exogenous administration of the Trp metabolite 3-hydroxyanthranilic acid (3-HAA). CONCLUSION IDO-mediated Trp metabolism regulates vascular inflammation and plaque formation in hypercholesterolaemic Apoe(-/-) mice. Our data establish that this pathway plays a major role in the pathological process of atherogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Konstantinos A Polyzos
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Olga Ovchinnikova
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Martin Berg
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Roland Baumgartner
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Hanna Agardh
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - John Pirault
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Anton Gisterå
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Alice Assinger
- Institute of Physiology, Center for Physiology and Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Andres Laguna-Fernandez
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Magnus Bäck
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Göran K Hansson
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
| | - Daniel F J Ketelhuth
- Department of Medicine, Experimental Cardiovascular Research Unit, Center for Molecular Medicine, L8:03, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm S-17176, Sweden
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Salerno C, Zicari A, Mari E, D'Eufemia P. Scavenging properties of neutrophil 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase are based on a hypothesis that does not stand up to scrutiny. Biomed Pharmacother 2014; 68:1045-8. [PMID: 25443415 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2014] [Accepted: 09/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
It was previously reported by D'Eufemia et al. [9] that neutrophil preparations from a patient with tyrosinemia type III, i.e. with inherited deficiency of 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase (HPPD), exhibited a far higher NO release than controls, when NO was estimated in terms of nitrite content in the suspending media. It was hypothesized that HPPD might participate to NO sequestration in neutrophils and that excessive NO release might reflect the lack of the scavenging action in defective cells. In recent control experiments, we found that HPPD activity in neutrophils preparations from healthy subjects is below the detection limit of the enzymatic assay (less than 3nmol product/h per mg protein). This indicates that HPPD concentration in neutrophils is very low, if any, confirming what was already suggested in literature, and rules out the possibility of a prominent role of HPPD as NO scavenger in these cells. Moreover, we found that 500μM l-tyrosine increases nitrite release and accumulation in suspending media of U-937 cells, a human monoblast-like lymphoma cell line which displays many characteristics of macrophages, including the expression of inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases. We hypothesize that the increase of nitrite release by patient's neutrophils might be related to the presence of high l-tyrosine concentrations in the blood samples (426μmol/L instead of 52.1±10.9μmol/L as healthy subjects), rather than to HPPD deficiency of in these cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Costantino Salerno
- Department of Biochemical Sciences, University of Roma La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy.
| | - Alessandra Zicari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Roma La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Emanuela Mari
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Roma La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia D'Eufemia
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Roma La Sapienza, 00161 Rome, Italy
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Kang R, Chen R, Zhang Q, Hou W, Wu S, Cao L, Huang J, Yu Y, Fan XG, Yan Z, Sun X, Wang H, Wang Q, Tsung A, Billiar TR, Zeh HJ, Lotze MT, Tang D. HMGB1 in health and disease. Mol Aspects Med 2014; 40:1-116. [PMID: 25010388 PMCID: PMC4254084 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2014.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 670] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2014] [Accepted: 05/05/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Complex genetic and physiological variations as well as environmental factors that drive emergence of chromosomal instability, development of unscheduled cell death, skewed differentiation, and altered metabolism are central to the pathogenesis of human diseases and disorders. Understanding the molecular bases for these processes is important for the development of new diagnostic biomarkers, and for identifying new therapeutic targets. In 1973, a group of non-histone nuclear proteins with high electrophoretic mobility was discovered and termed high-mobility group (HMG) proteins. The HMG proteins include three superfamilies termed HMGB, HMGN, and HMGA. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), the most abundant and well-studied HMG protein, senses and coordinates the cellular stress response and plays a critical role not only inside of the cell as a DNA chaperone, chromosome guardian, autophagy sustainer, and protector from apoptotic cell death, but also outside the cell as the prototypic damage associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP). This DAMP, in conjunction with other factors, thus has cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor activity, orchestrating the inflammatory and immune response. All of these characteristics make HMGB1 a critical molecular target in multiple human diseases including infectious diseases, ischemia, immune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Indeed, a number of emergent strategies have been used to inhibit HMGB1 expression, release, and activity in vitro and in vivo. These include antibodies, peptide inhibitors, RNAi, anti-coagulants, endogenous hormones, various chemical compounds, HMGB1-receptor and signaling pathway inhibition, artificial DNAs, physical strategies including vagus nerve stimulation and other surgical approaches. Future work further investigating the details of HMGB1 localization, structure, post-translational modification, and identification of additional partners will undoubtedly uncover additional secrets regarding HMGB1's multiple functions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Kang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
| | - Ruochan Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Qiuhong Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Wen Hou
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Sha Wu
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Lizhi Cao
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Jin Huang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Xue-Gong Fan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, China
| | - Zhengwen Yan
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA; Department of Neurology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510120, China
| | - Xiaofang Sun
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Experimental Department of Institute of Gynecology and Obstetrics, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510510, China
| | - Haichao Wang
- Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research, Manhasset, NY 11030, USA
| | - Qingde Wang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Timothy R Billiar
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Herbert J Zeh
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Michael T Lotze
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA
| | - Daolin Tang
- Department of Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania 15213, USA.
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Dabrowski W, Kocki T, Pilat J, Parada-Turska J, Malbrain MLNG. Changes in plasma kynurenic acid concentration in septic shock patients undergoing continuous veno-venous haemofiltration. Inflammation 2014; 37:223-34. [PMID: 24043287 PMCID: PMC3929023 DOI: 10.1007/s10753-013-9733-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is one of the end products of tryptophan metabolism. The aim of this study was to analyse plasma KYNA concentration in septic shock patients (SSP) with acute kidney injury (AKI) undergoing continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH). Changes in KYNA content were compared to alterations in the levels of procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein and lactate. Adult SSP with AKI were examined. Measurements were conducted at seven time points: before beginning CVVH and at 6, 12, 24, 48, 72 and 96 h after the beginning of CVVH. Based on clinical outcomes, the data were analysed separately for survivors and non-survivors. Twenty-seven patients were studied. CVVH was associated with reduced plasma KYNA concentration only in survivors. Plasma KYNA concentration correlated with the levels of lactate and PCT only in survivors. (1) CVVH reduced plasma KYNA concentration only in survivors; (2) lack of this reduction may predict fatal outcomes in SSP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wojciech Dabrowski
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Intensive Therapy, Medical University of Lublin, Jaczewskiego Street 8, 20-954, Lublin, Poland,
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Effect of oral administration of kynurenic acid on the activity of the peripheral blood leukocytes in mice. Cent Eur J Immunol 2014; 39:6-13. [PMID: 26155092 PMCID: PMC4439973 DOI: 10.5114/ceji.2014.42115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2014] [Accepted: 02/21/2014] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA), an endogenous tryptophan metabolite, is a selective ligand of the GPR35 receptor, expressed mainly on the immune cells. In inflammatory conditions, by affecting this receptor, KYNA inhibits the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines and probably protects tissues from oxidative damage. However, we lack data regarding the effect of exogenous KYNA on the activity of immune cells in healthy individuals. The objective of this study has been to determine the influence of kynurenic acid administered to mice in different doses (2.5, 25 or 250 mg/l) and for different time periods (3, 7, 14, 28 days) in drinking water, on the activity of their peripheral blood leukocytes. The determinations comprised the proliferative activity of lymphocytes (MTT assay) and the phagocytic activity as well as the respiratory burst activity of granulocytes and monocytes (Phagotest, Phagoburst). It was only the lowest KYNA dose that influenced the mitogenic response of lymphocytes, namely by increasing the proliferation of T cells. The impact on the phagocytic activity was varied with KYNA dose and administration time. However, all the KYNA doses significantly lowered the activity of oxidative burst in phagocytes, which was probably associated with its antioxidant properties. In the light of the research results, kynurenic acid may find applications as an immuno-modulating agent able to correct an excessive or insufficient response of phagocytizing cells, protecting an organism from oxidative stress.
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Abstract
Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is the first and rate-limiting step along the kynurenine pathway and is thought to play a key role in immune homeostasis through depletion of tryptophan and accumulation of kynurenines. In this review we summarize recent research into the possibility of harnessing the IDO pathway for the therapy of rheumatoid arthritis. Inhibition of IDO activity, or knockout of the gene encoding IDO, was shown to cause an increase in the severity of collagen-induced arthritis, an animal model of rheumatoid arthritis. The increased severity of disease was associated with elevated numbers of pathogenic Th1 and Th17 cells in the joints and draining lymph nodes. In another study, analysis of the kinetics of expression of downstream kynurenine pathway enzymes during the course of arthritis revealed a potential role for tryptophan metabolites in resolution of arthritis. Furthermore, the therapeutic administration of L-kynurenine or [3,4-dimethoxycinnamonyl]-anthranilic acid (a synthetic derivative of 3-hydroxy-anthranilic acid) significantly reduced both clinical and histological progression of experimental arthritis. These findings raise the possibility of exploiting the IDO pathway for the therapy of autoimmune disease.
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