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Metabolomics as a Crucial Tool to Develop New Therapeutic Strategies for Neurodegenerative Diseases. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12090864. [PMID: 36144268 PMCID: PMC9503806 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12090864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative diseases (NDs), such as Alzheimer’s (AD), Parkinson’s (PD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), share common pathological mechanisms, including metabolism alterations. However, their specific neuronal cell types affected and molecular biomarkers suggest that there are both common and specific alterations regarding metabolite levels. In this review, we were interested in identifying metabolite alterations that have been reported in preclinical models of NDs and that have also been documented as altered in NDs patients. Such alterations could represent interesting targets for the development of targeted therapy. Importantly, the translation of such findings from preclinical to clinical studies is primordial for the study of possible therapeutic agents. We found that N-acetyl-aspartate (NAA), myo-inositol, and glutamate are commonly altered in the three NDs investigated here. We also found other metabolites commonly altered in both AD and PD. In this review, we discuss the studies reporting such alterations and the possible pathological mechanism underlying them. Finally, we discuss clinical trials that have attempted to develop treatments targeting such alterations. We conclude that the treatment combination of both common and differential alterations would increase the chances of patients having access to efficient treatments for each ND.
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Metabolic Dysfunction in Motor Neuron Disease: Shedding Light through the Lens of Autophagy. Metabolites 2022; 12:metabo12070574. [PMID: 35888698 PMCID: PMC9317837 DOI: 10.3390/metabo12070574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients show a myriad of energetic abnormalities, such as weight loss, hypermetabolism, and dyslipidaemia. Evidence suggests that these indices correlate with and ultimately affect the duration of survival. This review aims to discuss ALS metabolic abnormalities in the context of autophagy, the primordial system acting at the cellular level for energy production during nutrient deficiency. As the primary pathway of protein degradation in eukaryotic cells, the fundamental role of cellular autophagy is the adaptation to metabolic demands. Therefore, autophagy is tightly coupled to cellular metabolism. We review evidence that the delicate balance between autophagy and metabolism is aberrant in ALS, giving rise to intracellular and systemic pathophysiology observations. Understanding the metabolism autophagy crosstalk can lead to the identification of novel therapeutic targets for ALS.
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Chang KH, Lin CN, Chen CM, Lyu RK, Chu CC, Liao MF, Huang CC, Chang HS, Ro LS, Kuo HC. Altered Metabolic Profiles of the Plasma of Patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121944. [PMID: 34944760 PMCID: PMC8699018 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 12/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/16/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, there is no objective biomarker to indicate disease progression and monitor therapeutic effects for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). This study aimed to identify plasma biomarkers for ALS using a targeted metabolomics approach. Plasma levels of 185 metabolites in 36 ALS patients and 36 age- and sex-matched normal controls (NCs) were quantified using an assay combining liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry and direct flow injection. Identified candidates were correlated with the scores of the revised ALS Functional Rating Scale (ALSFRS-r). Support vector machine (SVM) learning applied to selected metabolites was used to differentiate ALS and NC subjects. Forty-four metabolites differed significantly between ALS and NC subjects. Significant correlations with ALSFRS-r score were seen in 23 metabolites. Six of them showing potential to distinguish ALS from NC-asymmetric dimethylarginine (area under the curve (AUC): 0.829), creatinine (AUC: 0.803), methionine (AUC: 0.767), PC-acyl-alkyl C34:2 (AUC: 0.808), C34:2 (AUC: 0.763), and PC-acyl-acyl C42:2 (AUC: 0.751)-were selected for machine learning. The SVM algorithm using selected metabolites achieved good performance, with an AUC of 0.945. In conclusion, our findings indicate that a panel of metabolites were correlated with disease severity of ALS, which could be potential biomarkers for monitoring ALS progression and therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Hsuan Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
| | - Chia-Ni Lin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan
| | - Chiung-Mei Chen
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
| | - Rong-Kuo Lyu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
| | - Chun-Che Chu
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
| | - Ming-Feng Liao
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
| | - Chin-Chang Huang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
| | - Hong-Shiu Chang
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
| | - Long-Sun Ro
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
| | - Hung-Chou Kuo
- Department of Neurology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital Linkou Medical Center and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 333, Taiwan; (K.-H.C.); (C.-M.C.); (R.-K.L.); (C.-C.C.); (M.-F.L.); (C.-C.H.); (H.-S.C.); (L.-S.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-3-3281200-8340; Fax: +886-3-2287226
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Latif S, Kang YS. Differences of Transport Activity of Arginine and Regulation on Neuronal Nitric Oxide Synthase and Oxidative Stress in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Model Cell Lines. Cells 2021; 10:cells10123554. [PMID: 34944061 PMCID: PMC8700480 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
L-Arginine, a semi-essential amino acid, was shown to delay dysfunction of motor neurons and to prolong the lifespan, upon analysis of transgenic mouse models of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). We investigated the transport function of arginine and neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) expression after pretreatment with L-arginine in NSC-34 hSOD1WT (wild-type, WT) and hSOD1G93A (mutant-type, MT) cell lines. [3H]L-Arginine uptake was concentration-dependent, voltage-sensitive, and sodium-independent in both cell lines. Among the cationic amino acid transporters family, including system y+, b0,+, B0,+, and y+L, system y+ is mainly involved in [3H]L-arginine transport in ALS cell lines. System b0,+ accounted for 23% of the transport in both cell lines. System B0,+ was found only in MT, and whereas, system y+L was found only in WT. Lysine competitively inhibited [3H]L-arginine uptake in both cell lines. The nNOS mRNA expression was significantly lower in MT than in WT. Pretreatment with arginine elevated nNOS mRNA levels in MT. Oxidizing stressor, H2O2, significantly decreased their uptake; however, pretreatment with arginine restored the transport activity in both cell lines. In conclusion, arginine transport is associated with system y+, and neuroprotection by L-arginine may provide an edge as a possible therapeutic target in the treatment of ALS.
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Latif S, Kang YS. Change in Cationic Amino Acid Transport System and Effect of Lysine Pretreatment on Inflammatory State in Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Cell Model. Biomol Ther (Seoul) 2021; 29:498-505. [PMID: 33935047 PMCID: PMC8411026 DOI: 10.4062/biomolther.2021.037] [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: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a lethal neurological disorder characterized by the deterioration of motor neurons. The aim of this study was to investigate alteration of cationic amino acid transporter (CAT-1) activity in the transport of lysine and the pretreatment effect of lysine on pro-inflammatory states in an amyotrophic lateral sclerosis cell line. The mRNA expression of cationic amino acid transporter 1 was lower in NSC-34/hSOD1G93A (MT) than the control cell line (WT), lysine transport is mediated by CAT-1 in NSC-34 cell lines. The uptake of [3H]L-lysine was Na+-independent, voltage-sensitive, and strongly inhibited by inhibitors and substrates of cationic amino acid transporter 1 (system y+). The transport process involved two saturable processes in both cell lines. In the MT cell line, at a high-affinity site, the affinity was 9.4-fold higher and capacity 24-fold lower than that in the WT; at a low-affinity site, the capacity was 2.3-fold lower than that in the WT cell line. Donepezil and verapamil competitively inhibited [3H]L-lysine uptake in the NSC-34 cell lines. Pretreatment with pro-inflammatory cytokines decreased the uptake of [3H]L-lysine and mRNA expression levels in both cell lines; however, the addition of L-lysine restored the transport activity in the MT cell lines. L-Lysine exhibited neuroprotective effects against pro-inflammatory states in the ALS disease model cell lines. In conclusion, studying the alteration in the expression of transporters and characteristics of lysine transport in ALS can lead to the development of new therapies for neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sana Latif
- College of Pharmacy and Drug Information Research Institute, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
| | - Young-Sook Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Drug Information Research Institute, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul 04310, Republic of Korea
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Surbakti KP, Sjahrir H. The Effect of Flunarizine Prophylactic Treatment on Headache Frequency and Plasma Glutamate Levels in Chronic Tension-type Headache Patients. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2021. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2021.6304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Previous research has shown that flunarizine may be used for the prophylactic treatment of migraine and that plasma glutamate level monitoring in patients with migraine can serve as a biomarker of response to treatment. Our aim was to assess the efficacy of flunarizine and the correlation of glutamate levels in Chronic Tension-type Headache (CTTH) with response to medication.
Methods: We studied 19 patients with diagnosis of CTTH according to International Classification of Headache Disorder, 2nd edition criteria. The level of plasma glutamate was measured before and after 8-weeks prophylactic treatments. Subjects were randomized into three interventional groups (flunarizine 5 mg, flunarizine 10 mg and placebo). Glutamate levels were measured by means of Glutamate ELISA Kit KA1909 Abnova.
Results: Flunarizine 5 mg group had lower mean plasma glutamate levels significantly compared to placebo (p < 0.00; 95% CI: 0.40-1.07). Flunarizine 10 mg group had lower mean of plasma glutamate levels significantly compared to placebo (p< 0.00; 95% CI: 0.53-1.27). However, there were no significant differences of mean plasma glutamate levels between flunarizine 5 mg group and flunarizine 10 mg group (p < 0.37; 95% CI: -(0.54) - 0.21). There were no significant differences in headache frequency reduction among the three interventional groups.
Conclusions: The usage of flunarizine as prophylactic treatment can reduce plasma glutamate levels significantly in CTTH patients. Either flunarizine or placebo showed no significant difference in reducing headache frequency in CTTH patients.
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Mironova YS, Zhukova IA, Zhukova NG, Alifirova VM, Izhboldina OP, Latypova AV. [Parkinson's disease and glutamate excitotoxicity]. Zh Nevrol Psikhiatr Im S S Korsakova 2019; 118:50-54. [PMID: 30346434 DOI: 10.17116/jnevro201811806250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
AIM To measure the concentration of glutamate in the serum of patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) and determine its association with clinical variants of disease course. MATERIAL AND METHODS One hundred and ten patients with PD and 90 healthy people were examined. Glutamate concentration in the blood serum was determined with a spectrophotometric method. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Patients with Parkinson's disease had significantly higher levels of serum glutamate compared with healthy subjects (p<0,0001). Patients with a tremor-dominant subtype had significantly higher levels of serum glutamate compared to those in patients with akinetic-rigid and mixed subtypes. The results obtained allow us to expand our understanding of the pathogenesis of this disease. Changes in the concentration of glutamate may reflect neurodegenerative process in PD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - I A Zhukova
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | - N G Zhukova
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
| | | | | | - A V Latypova
- Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, Russia
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Campanari ML, Bourefis AR, Kabashi E. Diagnostic Challenge and Neuromuscular Junction Contribution to ALS Pathogenesis. Front Neurol 2019; 10:68. [PMID: 30787905 PMCID: PMC6372519 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2019.00068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2018] [Accepted: 01/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) represents the major adult-onset motor neuron disease. Both human and animal studies reveal the critical implication of muscle and neuromuscular junctions (NMJs) in the initial phase of this disease. Despite the common efforts, ALS diagnosis remains particularly challenging since many other disorders can overlap yielding similar clinical phenotypic features. A combination of further research on the NMJ parameters that are specific for this disease and laboratory tests are crucial for the early determination of specific changes in the muscle, as well as in motor neuron and the prediction of ALS progression. Also, it could provide a powerful tool in the discrimination of particular ALS and ALS-mimic cases and increase the efficacy of therapeutic treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria-Letizia Campanari
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
| | - Annis-Rayan Bourefis
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
| | - Edor Kabashi
- Sorbonne Université, Université Pierre et Marie Curie, Université de Paris 06, Unité Mixte 75, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM) Unité 1127, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Unité Mixte de Recherche 7225 Institut du Cerveau et de la Moelle Épinière, Paris, France.,Imagine Institute, INSERM Unité 1163, Paris Descartes Université, Paris, France
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Lee NY, Kang YS. Taurine Protects Glutamate Neurotoxicity in Motor Neuron Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2018; 975 Pt 2:887-895. [PMID: 28849508 DOI: 10.1007/978-94-024-1079-2_70] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fetal neurodegenerative disease that results in motor dysfunction and death. However, there is no cure or effective therapy for ALS. In our previous results, taurine protects motor neurons by repairing for constitutive oxidative stress in an ALS model. ALS is caused by multiple factors including inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, glutamate excitotoxicity and proteasomal dysfunction. Especially, glutamate excitotoxicity has been well known as a mediator in the disease process, and may occur from changes in the excitability of the neurons being stimulated. D-serine is known to a key factor of determination on glutamate toxicity in ALS. Therefore, in the present study, we investigated neuroprotective effects of taurine from glutamate excitotoxicity using motor neuron cells, mtSOD1 (G93A) transgenic cell line model of ALS (NSC-34/hSOD1G93A cells). We evidenced that taurine protects cultured motor neurons from neurotoxic injury. Our findings indicated that taurine has neuroprotective properties and may be a good candidate for therapeutic trials in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Young Lee
- College of Pharmacy and Research Center for Cell Fate Control, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Sook Kang
- College of Pharmacy and Research Center for Cell Fate Control, Sookmyung Women's University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Vejux A, Namsi A, Nury T, Moreau T, Lizard G. Biomarkers of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis: Current Status and Interest of Oxysterols and Phytosterols. Front Mol Neurosci 2018; 11:12. [PMID: 29445325 PMCID: PMC5797798 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2018.00012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a non-demyelinating neurodegenerative disease in adults with motor disorders. Two forms exist: a sporadic form (90% of cases) and a family form due to mutations in more than 20 genes including the Superoxide dismutase 1, TAR DNA Binding Protein, Fused in Sarcoma, chromosome 9 open reading frame 72 and VAPB genes. The mechanisms associated with this pathology are beginning to be known: oxidative stress, glutamate excitotoxicity, protein aggregation, reticulum endoplasmic stress, neuroinflammation, alteration of RNA metabolism. In various neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis, the involvement of lipids is increasingly suggested based on lipid metabolism modifications. With regard to ALS, research has also focused on the possible involvement of lipids. Lipid involvement was suggested for clinical arguments where changes in cholesterol and LDL/HDL levels were reported with, however, differences in positivity between studies. Since lipids are involved in the membrane structure and certain signaling pathways, it may be considered to look for oxysterols, mainly 25-hydroxycholesterol and its metabolites involved in immune response, or phytosterols to find suitable biomarkers for this pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Vejux
- Team Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism EA 7270, INSERM, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Amira Namsi
- Team Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism EA 7270, INSERM, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,Laboratoire de Neurophysiologie Fonctionnelle et Pathologies, UR11ES/09, Faculté des Sciences Mathématiques, Physiques et Naturelles de Tunis, Université de Tunis El Manar - Bienvenue, Tunis, Tunisia
| | - Thomas Nury
- Team Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism EA 7270, INSERM, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Thibault Moreau
- Team Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism EA 7270, INSERM, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France.,Department of Neurology, University Hospital/University Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
| | - Gérard Lizard
- Team Biochemistry of the Peroxisome, Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism EA 7270, INSERM, University of Bourgogne Franche-Comté, Dijon, France
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Surbakti KP, Sjahrir H, Juwita-Sembiring R, Mutiara E. Effect of Flunarizine on Serum Glutamate Levels and its Correlation with Headache Intensity in Chronic Tension-Type Headache Patients. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2017; 5:757-761. [PMID: 29104684 PMCID: PMC5661713 DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2017.172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/11/2017] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some of the excitatory neurotransmitters including glutamate have been suggested to be involved in headache pathophysiology. To our knowledge, there is a lack of publication about flunarizine efficacy in chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) treatments and the roles of glutamate in CTTH pathophysiology. AIM This study aimed to investigate the flunarizine effect on serum levels of glutamate and its correlation with headache intensity based on the Numeric Rating Scale for pain (NRS) scores in CTTH patients. METHOD In a prospective randomised, double-blind study with pre and post-test design, seventy-three CTTH patients were randomly allocated with flunarizine 5 mg, flunarizine 10 mg and amitriptyline 12.5 mg groups. The serum levels of glutamate and NRS scores were measured before and after 15-day treatment. RESULTS Flunarizine 5 mg was more effective than flunarizine 10 mg and amitriptyline 12.5 mg in reducing serum glutamate levels, whereas amitriptyline 12.5 mg was the most effective in reducing headache intensity. There was found nonsignificant, but very weak negative correlation between headache intensity and serum glutamate levels after flunarizine 5 mg administration (r = -0.062; P = 0.385), nonsignificant very weak negative correlation after flunarizine 10 mg administration (r = -0.007; P = 0.488) and there was found a significant moderate positive correlation (r = 0.508; P = 0.007) between headache intensity and serum glutamate levels after amitriptyline 12.5 mg administration. CONCLUSION Since there was no significant correlation found between serum glutamate and headache intensity after treatment with flunarizine, it is suggested that decreasing of headache intensity after flunarizine treatment occurred not through glutamate pathways in CTTH patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khairul Putra Surbakti
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | - Hasan Sjahrir
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
| | | | - Erna Mutiara
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Information, Faculty of Public Health, Universitas Sumatera Utara, Medan, Indonesia
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López Del Amo V, Palomino-Schätzlein M, Seco-Cervera M, García-Giménez JL, Pallardó FV, Pineda-Lucena A, Galindo MI. A Drosophila model of GDAP1 function reveals the involvement of insulin signalling in the mitochondria-dependent neuromuscular degeneration. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2017; 1863:801-809. [PMID: 28065847 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2017.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2016] [Revised: 12/13/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease is a rare peripheral neuropathy for which there is no specific treatment. Some forms of Charcot-Marie-Tooth are due to mutations in the GDAP1 gene. A striking feature of mutations in GDAP1 is that they have a variable clinical manifestation, according to disease onset and progression, histology and mode of inheritance. Studies in cellular and animal models have revealed a role of GDAP1 in mitochondrial morphology and distribution, calcium homeostasis and oxidative stress. To get a better understanding of the disease mechanism we have generated models of over-expression and RNA interference of the Drosophila Gdap1 gene. In order to get an overview about the changes that Gdap1 mutations cause in our disease model, we have combined a comprehensive determination of the metabolic profile in the flies by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy with gene expression analyses and biophysical tests. Our results revealed that both up- and down-regulation of Gdap1 results in an early systemic inactivation of the insulin pathway before the onset of neuromuscular degeneration, followed by an accumulation of carbohydrates and an increase in the β-oxidation of lipids. Our findings are in line with emerging reports of energy metabolism impairments linked to different types of neural pathologies caused by defective mitochondrial function, which is not surprising given the central role of mitochondria in the control of energy metabolism. The relationship of mitochondrial dynamics with metabolism during neurodegeneration opens new avenues to understand the cause of the disease, and for the discovery of new biomarkers and treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Víctor López Del Amo
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 46012 Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Marta Seco-Cervera
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 46012 Valencia, Spain; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - José Luis García-Giménez
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 46012 Valencia, Spain; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Federico Vicente Pallardó
- Center for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), 46012 Valencia, Spain; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Universitat de València, INCLIVA Biomedical Research Institute, 46010 Valencia, Spain
| | - Antonio Pineda-Lucena
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; Drug Discovery Unit, Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Fe, 46026 Valencia, Spain
| | - Máximo Ibo Galindo
- Centro de Investigación Príncipe Felipe, 46012 Valencia, Spain; IDM-Institute of Molecular Recognition, Universidad Politécnica de Valencia, 46022 Valencia, Spain; UPV-CIPF Joint Unit Disease Mechanisms and Nanomedicine, Valencia, Spain.
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Zarei S, Carr K, Reiley L, Diaz K, Guerra O, Altamirano PF, Pagani W, Lodin D, Orozco G, Chinea A. A comprehensive review of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Surg Neurol Int 2015; 6:171. [PMID: 26629397 PMCID: PMC4653353 DOI: 10.4103/2152-7806.169561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 377] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a late-onset fatal neurodegenerative disease affecting motor neurons with an incidence of about 1/100,000. Most ALS cases are sporadic, but 5–10% of the cases are familial ALS. Both sporadic and familial ALS (FALS) are associated with degeneration of cortical and spinal motor neurons. The etiology of ALS remains unknown. However, mutations of superoxide dismutase 1 have been known as the most common cause of FALS. In this study, we provide a comprehensive review of ALS. We cover all aspects of the disease including epidemiology, comorbidities, environmental risk factor, molecular mechanism, genetic factors, symptoms, diagnostic, treatment, and even the available supplement and management of ALS. This will provide the reader with an advantage of receiving a broad range of information about the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Zarei
- Department of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, USA
| | - Karen Carr
- Department of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, USA
| | - Luz Reiley
- Department of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, USA
| | - Kelvin Diaz
- Department of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, USA
| | - Orleiquis Guerra
- Department of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, USA
| | | | - Wilfredo Pagani
- Department of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, USA
| | - Daud Lodin
- Department of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, USA
| | - Gloria Orozco
- Department of Medicine, San Juan Bautista School of Medicine, Caguas, USA
| | - Angel Chinea
- Neurologist, Caribbean Neurological Center, Caguas, USA
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Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a dreadful, devastating and incurable motor neuron disease. Aetiologically, it is a multigenic, multifactorial and multiorgan disease. Despite intense research, ALS pathology remains unexplained. Following extensive literature review, this paper posits a new integrative explanation. This framework proposes that ammonia neurotoxicity is a main player in ALS pathogenesis. According to this explanation, a combination of impaired ammonia removal- mainly because of impaired hepatic urea cycle dysfunction-and increased ammoniagenesis- mainly because of impaired glycolytic metabolism in fast twitch skeletal muscle-causes chronic hyperammonia in ALS. In the absence of neuroprotective calcium binding proteins (calbindin, calreticulin and parvalbumin), elevated ammonia-a neurotoxin-damages motor neurons. Ammonia-induced motor neuron damage occurs through multiple mechanisms such as macroautophagy-endolysosomal impairment, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, CDK5 activation, oxidative/nitrosative stress, neuronal hyperexcitability and neuroinflammation. Furthermore, the regional pattern of calcium binding proteins' loss, owing to either ER stress and/or impaired oxidative metabolism, determines clinical variability of ALS. Most importantly, this new framework can be generalised to explain other neurodegenerative disorders such as Huntington's disease and Parkinsonism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhavin Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Science, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, S10 2TN, UK
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15
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Gliyazova NS, Huh EY, Ibeanu GC. A novel phenoxy thiophene sulphonamide molecule protects against glutamate evoked oxidative injury in a neuronal cell model. BMC Neurosci 2013; 14:93. [PMID: 24004478 PMCID: PMC3846642 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2202-14-93] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2013] [Accepted: 08/29/2013] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Glutamate is one of the major neurotransmitters in the central nervous system. It is a potent neurotoxin capable of neuronal destruction through numerous signal pathways when present in high concentration. Glutamate-evoked excitotoxicity has been implicated in the etiology of many neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and ischemic stroke. Increasing evidence has shown that reactive oxygen species (ROS) provoked by glutamate-linked oxidative stress plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of these disorders. We previously reported the discovery of an aryl thiophene compound, 4-chloro-N-(naphthalen-1-ylmethyl)-5-(3-(piperazin-1-yl)phenoxy)thiophene-2-sulfonamide (B355252) from a proprietary library of small molecules. We showed that this compound was capable of potentiating nerve growth factor (NGF)-primed neurite outgrowth in neuronal cell models in a low NGF environment. In the present study we investigated the neuroprotective effects and signaling pathways of B355252 on glutamate-evoked excitotoxicity in HT-22, a murine hippocampal neuronal cell line. Results Glutamate significantly decreased HT-22 neuronal cell viability in a concentration-dependent manner as measured by the MTT assay. Co-treatment with 2, 4, and 8 μM B355252 protected against cell death caused by glutamate-induced toxicity by 9.1% (p<0.01), 26.0% (p<0.001), and 61.9% (p<0.001) respectively, compared to glutamate-treated control group. B355252 at a concentration of 8 μM fully rescued HT-22 from the neurototoxic effects of glutamate, and by itself increased cell viability by 16% (p<0.001) above untreated control. Glutamate enhanced reduction in glutathione (GSH) synthesis was reversed by 15% (p<0.01) in the presence of B355252. B355252 reduced the expression of apoptosis inducing factor (AIF) by 27%, while the proapoptotic Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) was strongly attenuated 3-fold. Glutamate-evoked increase in intracellular calcium (Ca2+) load and subsequent ROS production was inhibited by 71% (p<0.001) and 40% (p<0.001) respectively, to comparable level as untreated control in the presence of B355252. Glutamate significantly upregulated the phosphorylation of extracellular signal regulated kinase Erk1/2 (pERK1/2), while decreasing Erk3. In contrast, B355252 potently attenuated the glutamate-dependent activation of Erk1/2 and robustly increased the level of ERK3 in HT-22. Conclusions A novel phenoxy thiophene small molecule, B355252, suppresses glutamate-evoked oxidative stress in HT-22 neurons by blocking Ca2+ and ROS production, and altering the expression or phosphorylation states of Erk kinases. This molecule previously reported to enhance neurite outgrowth in the presence of sub-physiological concentrations of NGF appears to be a promising drug candidate for development as a potential therapeutic and neuroprotective agent for various neurodegenerative disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nailya S Gliyazova
- BRITE, North Carolina Central University, 1801 Fayetteville Street, Durham, NC 27707, USA.
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16
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Expression of taurine transporter (TauT) is modulated by heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) in motor neurons of ALS. Mol Neurobiol 2012. [PMID: 23180277 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-012-8371-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by progressive paralysis caused by the degeneration of motor neurons throughout the central nervous system. Mutations of the free radical scavenging enzyme Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) are a cause of familial ALS. In the present study, we demonstrated an age-dependent increase in taurine transporter (TauT) immunoreactivity in spinal cord motor neurons of ALS transgenic mice (mutant SOD1 (G93A)) and a similar increase in TauT in spinal motor neurons of patients with ALS. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis verified that heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) preferentially occupies the HSF1 binding element in the promoter of TauT under oxidative stress conditions. Knockdown of HSF1 by small interfering RNA reduced the transcriptional activity of TauT. Using [(3)H] taurine, we confirmed that an elevated expression of TauT directly contributes to increased taurine uptake in ALS motor neurons. In addition, we showed that taurine plays an antioxidant role and may prevent motor neuron loss due to oxidative stress in ALS. Our findings suggest that HSF1-induced TauT expression partially protects motor neurons by compensating for constitutive oxidative stress, which is thought to be a key mechanism contributing to the pathogenesis of ALS. Taken together, our results suggest that TauT is a novel pathological marker for stressed motor neurons in ALS and that modulation of TauT and taurine may slow neuronal degeneration in ALS.
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Shimmura C, Suda S, Tsuchiya KJ, Hashimoto K, Ohno K, Matsuzaki H, Iwata K, Matsumoto K, Wakuda T, Kameno Y, Suzuki K, Tsujii M, Nakamura K, Takei N, Mori N. Alteration of plasma glutamate and glutamine levels in children with high-functioning autism. PLoS One 2011; 6:e25340. [PMID: 21998651 PMCID: PMC3187770 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0025340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It has recently been hypothesized that hyperglutamatergia in the brain is involved in the pathophysiology of autism. However, there is no conclusive evidence of the validity of this hypothesis. As peripheral glutamate/glutamine levels have been reported to be correlated with those of the central nervous system, the authors examined whether the levels of 25 amino acids, including glutamate and glutamine, in the platelet-poor plasma of drug-naïve, male children with high-functioning autism (HFA) would be altered compared with those of normal controls. Methodology/Principal Findings Plasma levels of 25 amino acids in male children (N = 23) with HFA and normally developed healthy male controls (N = 22) were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography. Multiple testing was allowed for in the analyses. Compared with the normal control group, the HFA group had higher levels of plasma glutamate and lower levels of plasma glutamine. No significant group difference was found in the remaining 23 amino acids. The effect size (Cohen's d) for glutamate and glutamine was large: 1.13 and 1.36, respectively. Using discriminant analysis with logistic regression, the two values of plasma glutamate and glutamine were shown to well-differentiate the HFA group from the control group; the rate of correct classification was 91%. Conclusions/Significance The present study suggests that plasma glutamate and glutamine levels can serve as a diagnostic tool for the early detection of autism, especially normal IQ autism. These findings indicate that glutamatergic abnormalities in the brain may be associated with the pathobiology of autism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chie Shimmura
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Shiro Suda
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- * E-mail:
| | - Kenji J. Tsuchiya
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kenji Hashimoto
- Center of Forensic Mental Health, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan
| | - Koji Ohno
- Department of Anatomy and Neuroscience, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Hideo Matsuzaki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Keiko Iwata
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Kaori Matsumoto
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Tomoyasu Wakuda
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Yosuke Kameno
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Katsuaki Suzuki
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Masatsugu Tsujii
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Faculty of Sociology, Chukyo University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Nakamura
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
| | - Nori Takei
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Division of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, London, United Kingdom
| | - Norio Mori
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurology, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
- Research Center for Child Mental Development, Hamamatsu University School of Medicine, Hamamatsu, Japan
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18
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Ryu H, Jeon GS, Cashman NR, Kowall NW, Lee J. Differential expression of c-Ret in motor neurons versus non-neuronal cells is linked to the pathogenesis of ALS. J Transl Med 2011; 91:342-52. [PMID: 21283077 PMCID: PMC3085919 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2010.203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by selective degeneration of motor neurons throughout the central nervous systems. Non-cell autonomous damage induced by glial cells is linked to the selective susceptibility of motor neurons in ALS, but the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon are not known. We found that the expression of non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated forms (tyrosine (Tyr) residue 905, 1016, and 1062) of c-Ret, a member of the glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) receptor, are altered in motor neurons of the lumbar spinal cord in ALS transgenic (G93A) mice and ALS (G93A) cell line models. Phosphorylated forms of c-Ret were colocalized with neurofilament aggregates in motor neurons of ALS mice. Consistent with the in vivo data, levels of non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated c-Ret (Tyr 905, 1016, and 1062) were decreased by oxidative stress in motor neuronal cells (NSC-34). Non-phosphorylated and phosphorylated forms of c-Ret immunoreactivity were markedly elevated in active microglia of ALS mice. Our findings suggest that constitutive oxidative stress modulates c-Ret function, thereby reducing GDNF signaling in motor neurons. Furthermore, the induction of c-Ret expression in microglia may contribute to non-cell autonomous cell death of motor neurons by available GDNF in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoon Ryu
- Department of Neurology and Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
| | - Gye Sun Jeon
- WCU Neurocytomics Group, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 113, Republic of Korea
| | - Neil R. Cashman
- Department of Medicine (Neurology) and Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia Hospital, University of British Columbia, 2211 Wesbrook Mall, Vancouver, BC, Canada V6T 2B5
| | - Neil W. Kowall
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA,Department of Neurology and Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Junghee Lee
- VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA,Department of Neurology and Pathology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA,To whom correspondence should be addressed: Hoon Ryu, Ph.D. and Junghee Lee, Ph.D., VA Boston Healthcare System, Building 1A, Rm 105, Boston, MA 02130, USA, Tel: 857-364-6034, Fax: 857-364-4540, and
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19
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Differential regulation of neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS) in the spinal cord of mutant SOD1 (G93A) ALS mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 387:202-6. [PMID: 19580782 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2009] [Accepted: 07/01/2009] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurological disorder characterized by degeneration of motor neurons throughout the central nervous system. Mutations of the free radical scavenging enzyme superoxide dismutase-1 (SOD1) are a cause of familial ALS but it is not known how mutations lead to cell death. Free radicals such as nitric oxide (NO) are thought to play a key pathogenic role. NO is synthesized by NO synthases (NOSs) from arginine, which is a rate-limiting factor for NO production. We found that neuronal NOS (nNOS)-positive motor neurons were depleted while inducible NOS (iNOS)-positive activated glial cells were increased in transgenic mtSOD1 (G93A) ALS mice. iNOS expression was up regulated consistent with the increases of motor neuron loss and glial activation and citrulline and NO levels while nNOS expression was decreased in G93A ALS mice. Administration of l-arginine to G93A mice reduced the severity of motor neuron depletion and glial activation. In treated animals, nNOS expression was preserved while citrulline and NO were reduced, possibly due to reduced activation of glia expressing iNOS. Our findings show that high concentrations of NO correlate with iNOS expression rather than nNOS expression in G93A ALS mice. This suggests that therapy focused on iNOS inhibition might be a fruitful direction for future ALS therapeutic trials.
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20
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Lee J, Ryu H, Kowall NW. Motor neuronal protection by L-arginine prolongs survival of mutant SOD1 (G93A) ALS mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2009; 384:524-9. [PMID: 19427829 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2009.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2009] [Accepted: 05/05/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive paralysis due to motor neuron degeneration. Despite the fact that many different therapeutic strategies have been applied to prevent disease progression, no cure or effective therapy is currently available for ALS. We found that L-arginine protects cultured motor neurons from excitotoxic injury. We also found that L-arginine supplementation both prior to and after the onset of motor neuron degeneration in mtSOD1 (G93A) transgenic ALS mice significantly slowed the progression of neuropathology in lumbar spinal cord, delayed onset of motor dysfunction, and prolonged life span. Moreover, L-arginine treatment was associated with preservation of arginase I activity and neuroprotective polyamines in spinal cord motor neurons. Our findings show that L-arginine has potent in vitro and in vivo neuroprotective properties and may be a candidate for therapeutic trials in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junghee Lee
- Department of Neurology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA.
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21
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Zoccolella S, Santamato A, Lamberti P. Current and emerging treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2009; 5:577-95. [PMID: 19966906 PMCID: PMC2785861 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s7788] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a relatively rare neurodegenerative disorder of both upper and lower motoneurons. Currently, the management of ALS is essentially symptoms-based, and riluzole, an antiglutamatergic agent, is the only drug for the treatment of ALS approved by the food and drug administration. OBJECTIVE We reviewed current literature concerning emerging treatments for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. METHODS A Medline literature search was performed to identify all studies on ALS treatment published from January 1st, 1986 through August 31st, 2009. We selected papers concerning only disease-modifying therapy. RESULTS Forty-eight compounds were identified and reviewed in this study. CONCLUSIONS Riluzole is the only compound that demonstrated a beneficial effect on ALS patients, but with only modest increase in survival. Although several drugs showed effective results in the animal models for ALS, none of them significantly prolonged survival or improved quality of life of ALS patients. Several factors have been implicated in explaining the predominantly negative results of numerous randomized clinical trials in ALS, including methodological problems in the use of animal-drug screening, the lack of assessment of pharmacokinetic profile of the drugs, and methodological pitfalls of clinical trials in ALS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Zoccolella
- Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Ospedali Riuniti, Department of Medical and Neurological Sciences, Clinic of Nervous System Diseases, University of Foggia, Italy.
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Fukushima T, Mitsuhashi S, Tomiya M, Iyo M, Hashimoto K, Toyo'oka T. Determination of kynurenic acid in human serum and its correlation with the concentration of certain amino acids. Clin Chim Acta 2007; 377:174-8. [PMID: 17112493 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2006.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2006] [Revised: 09/22/2006] [Accepted: 09/22/2006] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Kynurenic acid (KYNA)--a tryptophan metabolite--elicits antagonistic activity against glutaminergic and cholinergic receptors; it has been suggested to have some relationship with neurological disorders. Considering this, serum KYNA may be an important marker in clinical diagnosis. We determined serum KYNA concentration and elucidate its correlation with several amino acids in human serum. METHODS KYNA and amino acids concentrations in human serum of healthy subjects [n=35 (21 males and 14 females)] were determined by HPLC with fluorescence detection; thus, the correlation between KYNA concentration and that of several amino acids was examined in these subjects. RESULTS Of the amino acids examined in this study, a significant negative correlation was observed between KYNA and glutamine (Gln) concentrations (r=-0.452, p<0.01) in the healthy subjects, particularly males (r=-0.687, p<0.01), and age-related changes were not observed. In addition to Gln, Gly and Ala concentrations showed a significant negative correlation with KYNA concentration in the serum of male subjects (r=-0.440 and -0.456, respectively, p<0.05). CONCLUSION The significant correlation between KYNA and Gln concentrations in vivo may support the previous finding that kynurenine aminotransferase I (KAT I), responsible for the biosynthesis of KYNA, was identical to Gln transaminase K (GTK), which catalyses the transamination of Gln to 2-oxoglutamic acid. Both KYNA and Gln concentrations in vivo might be influenced due to altered KAT I/GTK activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Fukushima
- Division of Bio-Analytical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan.
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23
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Bos IWM, Hoogland G, Meine Jansen CF, Willigen GV, Spierenburg HA, van den Berg LH, de Graan PNE. Increased glutamine synthetase but normal EAAT2 expression in platelets of ALS patients. Neurochem Int 2006; 48:306-11. [PMID: 16426705 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2005.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2005] [Revised: 09/09/2005] [Accepted: 09/27/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis is a fatal neurodegenerative disease and glutamate excitotoxicity has been implicated in its pathogenesis. Platelets contain a glutamate uptake system and express components of the glutamate-glutamine cycle, such as the predominant glial excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT2). In several neurological diseases platelets have proven to be systemic markers for the disease. We compared properties of key components of the glutamate-glutamine cycle in blood platelets of ALS patients and healthy controls. Platelets were analyzed for (3)H-glutamate uptake in the presence or absence of thrombin and for EAAT2 and glutamine synthetase protein expression by Western blotting. Platelets of ALS patients showed a 37% increase in expression of glutamine synthetase, but normal expression of glutamate transporter EAAT2. Glutamate uptake in resting or thrombin-stimulated platelets did not differ significantly between platelets from ALS patients and controls. Thrombin-stimulation resulted in about a seven-fold increase in glutamate uptake. Our data suggest that glutamine synthetase may be a peripheral marker of ALS and encourage further investigation into the role of this enzyme in ALS.
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Affiliation(s)
- I W M Bos
- Rudolf Magnus Institute of Neuroscience, Department of Pharmacology and Anatomy, University Medical Center, Utrecht, The Netherlands
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Tatara MR, Brodzki A, Krupski W, Sliwa E, Silmanowicz P, Majcher P, Pierzynowski SG, Studziński T. Effects of alpha-ketoglutarate on bone homeostasis and plasma amino acids in turkeys. Poult Sci 2005; 84:1604-9. [PMID: 16335130 DOI: 10.1093/ps/84.10.1604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of denervation and alpha-ketoglutarate (AKG) administration on the development of osteopenia in the turkey radius. At 22 d of age, all turkeys were subjected to neurectomy of the right radius. Control turkeys were given a saline solution into the crop each day for 97 d. Experimental turkeys were given 0.4 g of AKG/kg of BW into the crop each day. After 98 d, BW was not affected by the AKG treatment. Volumetric bone mineral density of the radius was measured by quantitative computed tomography. Mechanical properties were tested using a 3-point bending test. Cross-sectional area, second moment of inertia, and mean relative wall thickness were measured as well. Amino acid concentrations were assessed with the use of ion-exchange chromatography. Denervation had a negative effect on all bone characteristics that were measured except bone length. The AKG had a positive effect on all bone characteristics except bone length. Plasma concentrations of proline and leucine were increased by AKG, whereas concentrations of taurine and glutamine were decreased. The turkey radius appears to be a good model for studying osteopenia because its development can be affected by treatments such as denervation and AKG administration.
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Affiliation(s)
- M R Tatara
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, The Agricultural University of Lublin, Lublin, Poland.
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