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Cen YY, Gao XL, Feng YH, Zhou C, Li CJ, Liu F, Shen JF, Zhang YY. The Double-Edged Effect of Connexins and Pannexins of Glial Cells in Central and Peripheral Nervous System After Nerve Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2025:10.1007/s12035-025-04991-6. [PMID: 40310549 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-025-04991-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2025] [Accepted: 04/21/2025] [Indexed: 05/02/2025]
Abstract
Glial cells play pivotal roles in homeostatic regulation and driving reactive pathologic changes after nerve injury. Connexins (Cxs) and pannexins (Panxs) have emerged as seminal proteins implicated in cell-cell communication, exerting a profound impact on the response processes of glial cell activation, proliferation, protein synthesis and secretion, as well as apoptosis following nerve injury. These influences are mediated through various forms, including protein monomers, hemichannel (HC), and gap junction (GJ), mainly by regulating intercellular or intracellular signaling pathways. Multiple Cx and Panx isoforms have been detected in central nervous system (CNS) or peripheral nervous system (PNS). Each isoform exhibits distinct cellular and subcellular localization, and the differential regulation and functional roles of various protein isoforms are observed post-injury. The quantitative and functional alterations of the same protein isoform in different studies remain inconsistent, attributable to factors such as the predominant mode of protein polymerization, the specific injury model, and the injury site. Similarly, the same protein isoforms have different roles in regulating the response processes after nerve injury, thus exerting a double-edged sword effect. This review describes the regulatory mechanisms and bidirectional effects of Cxs and Panxs. Additionally, it surveys the current status of research and application of drugs as therapeutic targets for neuropathic injuries. We summarize comprehensive and up-to-date information on these proteins in the glial cell response to nerve injury, providing new perspectives for future mechanistic exploration and development of targeted therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue-Yan Cen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Xin-Lin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Yu-Heng Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Cheng Zhou
- Laboratory of Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine, Translational Neuroscience Center, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chun-Jie Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Jie-Fei Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
| | - Yan-Yan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
- Department of Prosthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, No. 14, Section 3, Renminnan Road, Chengdu, 610041, China.
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Liu Y, Cai X, Shi B, Mo Y, Zhang J, Luo W, Yu B, Li X. Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects of Microglia-Astrocyte Interactions in Neuropathic Pain Following Spinal Cord Injury. Mol Neurobiol 2025; 62:4654-4676. [PMID: 39470872 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04562-1] [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: 05/24/2024] [Accepted: 10/16/2024] [Indexed: 11/01/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a prevalent and debilitating condition experienced by the majority of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI). The complex pathophysiology of neuropathic pain, involving continuous activation of microglia and astrocytes, reactive gliosis, and altered neuronal plasticity, poses significant challenges for effective treatment. This review focuses on the pivotal roles of microglia and astrocytes, the two major glial cell types in the central nervous system, in the development and maintenance of neuropathic pain after SCI. We highlight the extensive bidirectional interactions between these cells, mediated by the release of inflammatory mediators, neurotransmitters, and neurotrophic factors, which contribute to the amplification of pain signaling. Understanding the microglia-astrocyte crosstalk and its impact on neuronal function is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies targeting neuropathic pain. In addition, this review discusses the fundamental biology, post-injury pain roles, and therapeutic prospects of microglia and astrocytes in neuropathic pain after SCI and elucidates the specific signaling pathways involved. We also speculated that the extracellular matrix (ECM) can affect the glial cells as well. Furthermore, we also mentioned potential targeted therapies, challenges, and progress in clinical trials, as well as new biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Finally, other relevant cell interactions in neuropathic pain and the role of glial cells in other neuropathic pain conditions have been discussed. This review serves as a comprehensive resource for further investigations into the microglia-astrocyte interaction and the detailed mechanisms of neuropathic pain after SCI, with the aim of improving therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yinuo Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- The Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xintong Cai
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
- The Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bowen Shi
- The Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Yajie Mo
- The Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Jianmin Zhang
- The Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wenting Luo
- The Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Bodong Yu
- The Clinical Medical College, Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Xi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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Mostaar A, Behroozi Z, MotamedNezhad A, Taherkhani S, Mojarad N, Ramezani F, Janzadeh A, Hajimirzaie P. The effect of intra spinal administration of cerium oxide nanoparticles on central pain mechanism: An experimental study. J Bioenerg Biomembr 2024; 56:505-515. [PMID: 39102102 DOI: 10.1007/s10863-024-10033-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
This study investigated Cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeONPs) effect on central neuropathic pain (CNP). The compressive method of spinal cord injury (SCI) model was used for pain induction. Three groups were formed by a random allocation of 24 rats. In the treatment group, CeONPs were injected above and below the lesion site immediately after inducing SCI. pain symptoms were evaluated using acetone, Radian Heat, and Von Frey tests weekly for six weeks. Finally, we counted fibroblasts using H&E staining. We evaluated the expression of Cx43, GAD65 and HDAC2 proteins using the western blot method. The analysis of results was done by PRISM software. At the end of the study, we found that CeONPs reduced pain symptoms to levels similar to those observed in normal animals. CeONPs also increased the expression of GAD65 and Cx43 proteins but did not affect HDAC2 inhibition. CeONPs probably have a pain-relieving effect on chronic pain by potentially preserving GAD65 and Cx43 protein expression and hindering fibroblast infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad Mostaar
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Behroozi
- Physiology Research Center, Institute of Neuropharmacology, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ali MotamedNezhad
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Islamic Azad University, Karaj, Alborz, Iran
| | - Sourosh Taherkhani
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Negin Mojarad
- Program in Neuroscience, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI, 48859, USA
| | - Fatemeh Ramezani
- Physiology Research Center, , Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Atousa Janzadeh
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Pooya Hajimirzaie
- Radiation Biology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Su Y, Verkhratsky A, Yi C. Targeting connexins: possible game changer in managing neuropathic pain? Trends Mol Med 2024; 30:642-659. [PMID: 38594094 DOI: 10.1016/j.molmed.2024.03.009] [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: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is a chronic debilitating condition caused by nerve injury or a variety of diseases. At the core of neuropathic pain lies the aberrant neuronal excitability in the peripheral and/or central nervous system (PNS and CNS). Enhanced connexin expression and abnormal activation of connexin-assembled gap junctional channels are prominent in neuropathic pain along with reactive gliosis, contributing to neuronal hypersensitivity and hyperexcitability. In this review, we delve into the current understanding of how connexin expression and function contribute to the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of neuropathic pain and argue for connexins as potential therapeutic targets for neuropathic pain management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yixun Su
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Alexei Verkhratsky
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK; Achucarro Center for Neuroscience, IKERBASQUE, Bilbao, Spain; Department of Stem Cell Biology, State Research Institute Centre for Innovative Medicine, Vilnius, Lithuania; Department of Forensic Analytical Toxicology, School of Forensic Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, China.
| | - Chenju Yi
- Research Centre, Seventh Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Brain Function and Disease, Guangzhou, China; Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Active substance screening and Translational Research, Shenzhen, China.
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Zhang M, Wang ZZ, Chen NH. Connexin 43 Phosphorylation: Implications in Multiple Diseases. Molecules 2023; 28:4914. [PMID: 37446576 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28134914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexin 43 (Cx43) is most widely distributed in mammals, especially in the cardiovascular and nervous systems. Its phosphorylation state has been found to be regulated by the action of more than ten kinases and phosphatases, including mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signaling and regulating kinase signaling. In addition, the phosphorylation status of different phosphorylation sites affects its own synthesis and assembly and the function of the gap junctions (GJs) to varying degrees. The phosphorylation of Cx43 can affect the permeability, electrical conductivity, and gating properties of GJs, thereby having various effects on intercellular communication and affecting physiological or pathological processes in vitro and in vivo. Therefore, clarifying the relationship between Cx43 phosphorylation and specific disease processes will help us better understand the disease. Based on the above clinical and preclinical findings, we present in this review the functional significance of Cx43 phosphorylation in multiple diseases and discuss the potential of Cx43 as a drug target in Cx43-related disease pathophysiology, with an emphasis on the importance of connexin 43 as an emerging therapeutic target in cardiac and neuroprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
| | - Nai-Hong Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines, Institute of Materia Medica & Neuroscience Center, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100050, China
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Yang Q, Jiang M, Xu S, Yang L, Yang P, Song Y, Zhu H, Wang Y, Sun Y, Yan C, Yuan Z, Liu X, Bai Z. Mirror image pain mediated by D2 receptor regulation of astrocytic Cx43 phosphorylation and channel opening. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2023; 1869:166657. [PMID: 36716897 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2023.166657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Mirror image pain (MIP), a clinical syndrome of contralateral pain hypersensitivity caused by unilateral injury, has been identified in various neuropathological conditions. Gap junctional protein Connexin 43 (Cx43), its phosphorylation levels and dopamine D2 receptor (DRD2) play key integrating roles in pain processing. We presume D2DR activity may affect Cx43 hemichannel opening via Cx43 phosphorylation levels to regulate MIP. This study shows that spinal astrocytic Cx43 directly interacts with DRD2 to mediate MIP. DRD2 and Cx43 expression levels were asymmetrically elevated in bilateral spinal during MIP, and DRD2 modulated the opening of primary astrocytic Cx43 hemichannels. Furthermore, Cx43 phosphorylation at Ser373 was increased during MIP, but decreased in DRD2 knockout (KO) mice. Finally, activation of spinal protein kinase A (PKA) altered the expression of Cx43 and its phosphorylation bilaterally, thus reversing the analgesic effect in DRD2 KO mice. Together, these data reveal that spinal Cx43 phosphorylation and channel opening are regulated by DRD2 via PKA activation, and that spinal Cx43 and DRD2 are key molecular sensors mediating mirror image pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qinghu Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Ming Jiang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Sen Xu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Liang Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Pan Yang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yutian Song
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Hongni Zhu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yu Wang
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Yahan Sun
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Chengxiang Yan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Zhaoyue Yuan
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China
| | - Xia Liu
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China.
| | - Zhantao Bai
- School of Life Science & Research Center for Natural Peptide Drugs, Shaanxi Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Conservation & Utilization of Regional Biological Resources, Yanan University, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Engineering & Technological Research Centre for Resource Peptide Drugs, Yanan 716000, China; Yanan Key Laboratory for Neural Immuno-Tumor and Stem Cell, Yanan 716000, China.
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Liang T, Chen XF, Yang Y, Yang F, Yu Y, Yang F, Wang XL, Wang JL, Sun W, Chen J. Secondary damage and neuroinflammation in the spinal dorsal horn mediate post-thalamic hemorrhagic stroke pain hypersensitivity: SDF1-CXCR4 signaling mediation. Front Mol Neurosci 2022; 15:911476. [PMID: 36034499 PMCID: PMC9416701 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2022.911476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is an intractable neuropathic pain, which can be caused by primary lesion of central somatosensory system. It is also a common sequelae of the thalamic hemorrhagic stroke (THS). So far, the underlying mechanisms of CPSP remain largely unknown. Our previous studies have demonstrated that SDF1-CXCR4 signaling in the hemorrhagic region contributes to the maintenance of the THS pain hypersensitivity via mediation of the thalamic neuroinflammation. But whether the spinal dorsal horn, an initial point of spinothalamic tract (STT), suffers from retrograde axonal degeneration from the THS region is still unknown. In this study, neuronal degeneration and loss in the spinal dorsal horn were detected 7 days after the THS caused by intra-thalamic collagenase (ITC) injection by immunohistochemistry, TUNEL staining, electron microscopy, and extracellular multi-electrode array (MEA) recordings, suggesting the occurrence of secondary apoptosis and death of the STT projecting neuronal cell bodies following primary THS via retrograde axonal degeneration. This retrograde degeneration was accompanied by secondary neuroinflammation characterized by an activation of microglial and astrocytic cells and upregulation of SDF1-CXCR4 signaling in the spinal dorsal horn. As a consequence, central sensitization was detected by extracellular MEA recordings of the spinal dorsal horn neurons, characterized by hyperexcitability of both wide dynamic range and nociceptive specific neurons to suprathreshold mechanical stimuli. Finally, it was shown that suppression of spinal neuroinflammation by intrathecal administration of inhibitors of microglia (minocycline) and astrocytes (fluorocitrate) and antagonist of CXCR4 (AMD3100) could block the increase in expression levels of Iba-1, GFAP, SDF1, and CXCR4 proteins in the dorsal spinal cord and ameliorate the THS-induced bilateral mechanical pain hypersensitivity, implicating that, besides the primary damage at the thalamus, spinal secondary damage and neuroinflammation also play the important roles in maintaining the central post-THS pain hypersensitivity. In conclusion, secondary neuronal death and neuroinflammation in the spinal dorsal horn can be induced by primary thalamic neural damage via retrograde axonal degeneration process. SDF1-CXCR4 signaling is involved in the mediation of secondary spinal neuroinflammation and THS pain hypersensitivity. This finding would provide a new therapeutic target for treatment of CPSP at the spinal level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Liang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
| | - Xue-Feng Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People’s Liberation Army, Xi’an, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People’s Liberation Army, Xi’an, China
| | - Fei Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Clinical Medical College (900 Hospital of the Joint Logistic Support Force), Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People’s Liberation Army, Xi’an, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People’s Liberation Army, Xi’an, China
| | - Xiao-Liang Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People’s Liberation Army, Xi’an, China
| | - Jiang-Lin Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Department of Pain Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People’s Liberation Army, Xi’an, China
- Wei Sun,
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, Xi’an, China
- Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People’s Liberation Army, Xi’an, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Chen, ,
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Effect and Mechanism of Endothelin Receptor A Inhibitor BQ-123 Combined with Electroacupuncture on Tibia Cancer Pain in Rats. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:8563202. [PMID: 35620269 PMCID: PMC9129989 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8563202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Objective To research the impact and mechanism of endothelin receptor A inhibitor BQ-123 combined with electroacupuncture on tibia cancer pain in rats. Methods Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into sham group (SHAM group) and bone cancer pain model group (BCP group). The behavior of SD rats was measured. The histology of the right tibia was observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The remaining rats were randomly divided into model, BQ-123, electroacupuncture, and BQ-123+ electroacupuncture group. Behavioral tests were performed, and mechanical pain threshold (MWT) and thermal pain threshold (TWL) were measured. The expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA), ETAR (endothelin A receptor), ETB (End of Transmission Block), P-Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), and P-Protein kinase B (Akt) were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and western blot. Results In the BCP group, bone structure was severely damaged, local tissue swelling was obvious, bone trabecula was missing, and bone cortex was discontinuous. The optical density of Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and CD11b immunoreactive signal in BCP group was significantly increased, and most of the ETAR of endothelin receptor was comapped with NeuN, and a small part of GFAP was comapped with CD11b, but no comapped with CD11b. The AS score of BQ-123+ electroacupuncture group was significantly lower than that of BQ-123 group and electroacupuncture group (P < 0.05), whereas the MWT and TWL values were significantly higher than that of the BQ-123 group and electroacupuncture group (P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of α-SMA and ETAR in BQ-123+ electroacupuncture group was lower than that in BQ-123 and electroacupuncture group, and the protein expression of P-PI3K and P-Akt in BQ-123+ electroacupuncture group was lower as well. Conclusion BQ-123 may inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt signal path combined with electroacupuncture to alleviate the effects of tibia cancer pain in rats.
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Chronic Stress and Gonadectomy Affect the Expression of Cx37, Cx40 and Cx43 in the Spinal Cord. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11121330. [PMID: 34947861 PMCID: PMC8706389 DOI: 10.3390/life11121330] [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: 09/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The study aimed to determine whether the exposure to chronic stress and/or performance of gonadectomy might lead to disturbance in the expression of connexin (Cx) 37, 40 and 43 in the spinal cord (SC), as a potential explanation for sex differences in stress-related chronic pain conditions. After the rats were sham-operated or gonadectomized, three 10-day sessions of sham or chronic stress were applied. Immunohistochemistry and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were used to examine Cx localization and expression in the SC. The gonadectomy resulted in an increase of Cx37 expression in the dorsal horn (DH) of the female rats, but chronic stress suppressed the effects of castration. In male rats, only the combined effects of castration and chronic stress increased Cx37 expression. The influence of chronic stress on the DH Cx40 expression was inversely evident after the castration: increased in the ovariectomized female rats, while decreased in the orchidectomized male rats. We did not find any effect of chronic stress and castration, alone or together, on Cx43 expression in the DH, but the percentage of Cx43 overlapping the astrocyte marker glial fibrillary acidic protein (gfap) increased in the male stressed group after the castration. In conclusion, the association of the chronic stress with sex hormone depletion results in disturbances of the SC Cx expression and might be a possible mechanism of disturbed pain perception after chronic stress exposure.
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Calapai F, Mondello E, Mannucci C, Sorbara EE, Gangemi S, Quattrone D, Calapai G, Cardia L. Pain Biomarkers in Cancer: An Overview. Curr Pharm Des 2021; 27:293-304. [PMID: 33138755 DOI: 10.2174/1381612826666201102103520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Accepted: 08/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pain is a common symptom in oncologic patients and its management is generally guided with reference to pain individually perceived by patients and expressed through self-reported scales. However, the utility of these tools is limited as it strongly depends on patients' opinions. For this reason, more objective instruments are desirable. OBJECTIVE In this overview, scientific articles indicating potential markers to be used for pain management in cancer were collected and discussed. METHODS Research was performed on principal electronic scientific databases by using the words "pain", "cancer", "markers" and "biomarkers" as the main keywords, and findings describing potential biomarkers for the management of cancer pain were reported. RESULTS Studies on pain markers not specific for cancer typology (inflammatory, genetic markers predicting response to analgesic drugs, neuroimaging markers) and pain markers for specific types of cancer (bone cancer, breast cancer, lung cancer, head and neck cancer, prostate cancer, cancer in pediatrics) have been presented and commented on. CONCLUSION This overview supports the view of the involvement of inflammatory mediators in the mechanisms underlying cancer pain. Only a small amount of data from research up till today is available on markers that can help in the management of pain, except for pro-inflammatory cytokines and other inflammatory indexes such as C-reactive protein (CRP). However, biomarkers are a promising strategy useful to predict pain intensity and to objectively quantify analgesic response in guiding decisions regarding individual-tailored treatments for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabrizio Calapai
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging - University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Epifanio Mondello
- Anesthesia, Intensive Care and Pain Therapy, Policlinico "G. Martino" - University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Carmen Mannucci
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging - University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Emanuela E Sorbara
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging - University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- School and Division of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, Department of Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Domenico Quattrone
- Pain Therapy Unit, Grande Ospedale Metropolitano "Bianchi-Melacrino-Morelli" - Reggio Calabria, Italy
| | - Gioacchino Calapai
- Department of Biomedical and Dental Sciences and Morphological and Functional Imaging - University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - Luigi Cardia
- IRCCS Centro Neurolesi Bonino- Pulejo, Messina, Italy
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11
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Sun C, Hu A, Wang S, Tian B, Jiang L, Liang Y, Wang H, Dong J. ADAM17-regulated CX3CL1 expression produced by bone marrow endothelial cells promotes spinal metastasis from hepatocellular carcinoma. Int J Oncol 2020; 57:249-263. [PMID: 32319605 PMCID: PMC7252465 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2020.5045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Accepted: 03/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal metastasis occurs in 50-75% of bone metastases caused by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and HCC-derived spinal metastasis can lead to a less favorable prognosis. Recently, several studies have demonstrated that C-X3-C motif chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1) is closely associated with cancer metastasis, and its secretion is modulated by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17). Bone marrow endothelial cells (BMECs) are an essential component of bone marrow. However, little is known about the roles in and effects of BMECs on HCC spinal metastasis. The present study demonstrated that CX3CL1 and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 3 (CXCR3) expression was upregulated in HCC spinal metastases, and that CX3CL1 promoted the migration and invasion of HCC cells to the spine. Western blot analysis revealed that the Src/protein tyrosine kinase 2 (PTK2) axis participated in CX3CL1-induced HCC cell invasion and migration. CX3CL1 also increased the expression of M2 macrophage markers in THP-1 monocytes. BMECs promoted the migration and invasion of Hep3B and MHCC97H cells by secreting soluble CX3CL1, whereas the neutralization of CX3CL1 inhibited this enhancement. CX3CL1 enhanced the activation of the phosphatidylinositol-4,5-bisphos-phate 3-kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PIK3CA)/AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) and Ras homolog family member A (RHOA)/Rho associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2) signaling pathways through the Src/PTK2 signaling pathway. Furthermore, ADAM17 was activated by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) z14 in BMECs and significantly promoted the secretion of CX3CL1. HCC cells enhanced the recruitment and proliferation of BMECs. The overexpression of CX3CR1 facilitated the spinal metastasis of HCC in a mouse model in vivo. In addition, in vivo experiments revealed that BMECs promoted the growth of HCC in the spine. The present study demonstrated that CX3CL1 participates in HCC spinal metastasis, and that BMECs play an important role in the regulation of CX3CL1 in the spinal metastatic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Sun
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Annan Hu
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Shengxing Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Bo Tian
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Libo Jiang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Yun Liang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Houlei Wang
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
| | - Jian Dong
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, P.R. China
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12
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Xia CY, Xu JK, Pan CH, Lian WW, Yan Y, Ma BZ, He J, Zhang WK. Connexins in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes: Possible factors for demyelination in multiple sclerosis. Neurochem Int 2020; 136:104731. [PMID: 32201280 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuint.2020.104731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Increasing evidences support that glial connexins are involved in the demyelination pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disorder. Here, we review the data from patients with MS and animal models of MS that implicate connexins in demyelination. Connexins expressed in oligodendrocytes and astrocytes show diverse changes at the different phases of MS. Loss of oligodendrocyte or astrocyte connexins contributes to demyelination and exaggerates the pathology of MS. Channel-dependent and -independent connexins are involved in the pathology of demyelination, which is related with myelin integrity, metabolic homeostasis, the brain-blood barrier, the immune cell infiltration, and the inflammatory response. A comprehensive understanding of connexin function in demyelination may provide new therapeutic targets for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Yuan Xia
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie-Kun Xu
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Hao Pan
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-Wen Lian
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Yu Yan
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Bing-Zhi Ma
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun He
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
| | - Wei-Ku Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy & Institute of Clinical Medical Sciences, China-Japan Friendship Hospital, Beijing, 100029, People's Republic of China.
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13
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Hang LH, Chen HM, Yu JM, Xu Y, Li SN. Evidence of the involvement of spinal αB-crystallin in the maintenance of bone cancer pain in rats. Pharmacol Rep 2020; 72:208-213. [PMID: 32016842 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-019-00052-7] [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: 04/17/2019] [Revised: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 12/11/2019] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND αB-crystallin (CRYAB) is a small heat shock protein that is able to inhibit neuroinflammatory responses under various pathological conditions. Some studies have proven that neuroinflammatory mechanisms play important roles in bone cancer pain (BCP). However, whether CRYAB participates in the maintenance of BCP has not yet been examined. METHODS Walker256 tumour cells were inoculated into the tibia to induce a rat model of BCP. Von Frey hairs were used to measure mechanical allodynia. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting were used to examine the expression level of CRYAB in the spinal dorsal horn. RESULTS The gradual development of mechanical allodynia was induced by the injection of Walker256 cells into the tibia. The downregulation of spinal CRYAB expression was found in BCP rats. The intrathecal administration of CRYAB (from days 9 to 15 post-inoculation) dose-dependently alleviated mechanical allodynia in BCP rats. Additionally, there were concomitant increases in spinal CRYAB expression and decreases in TNF-α expression. CONCLUSIONS Spinal CRYAB may participate in the maintenance of BCP in rats. The findings will help to identify new drugs for the management of BCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Hang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Hao-Ming Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Jian-Mang Yu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kunshan First People's Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, Kunshan, 215000, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Xu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
| | - Shu-Na Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, People's Republic of China
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14
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Morioka N, Nakamura Y, Zhang FF, Hisaoka-Nakashima K, Nakata Y. Role of Connexins in Chronic Pain and Their Potential as Therapeutic Targets for Next-Generation Analgesics. Biol Pharm Bull 2019; 42:857-866. [PMID: 31155584 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b19-00195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Chronic pain, including inflammatory, neuropathic pain, is a serious clinical issue. There are increasing numbers of patients with chronic pain due to the growing number of elderly and it is estimated that about 25% of the global population will develop chronic pain. Chronic pain patients are refractory to medications used to treat acute pain such as opioids and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Furthermore, the complexity and diversity of chronic pain mechanisms hinder the development of new analgesics. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanism of chronic pain is needed, which would facilitate the development of novel analgesics based on novel mechanisms. With this goal, connexins (Cxs) could be targeted for the development of new analgesics. Connexins are proteins with 20 subtypes, and function as channels, gap junctions between cells, and hemichannels that sample the extracellular space and release molecules such as neurotransmitters. Furthermore, Cxs could have functions independent of channel activity. Recent studies have shown that Cxs could be crucial in the induction and maintenance of chronic pain, and modulation of the activity or the expression of Cxs ameliorates nociceptive hypersensitivity in multiple chronic pain models. This review will cite novel findings on the role of of Cxs in the nociceptive transduction pathway under the chronic pain state and antinociceptive effects of various molecules modulating activity or expression of Cxs. Also, the potential of Cx modulation as a therapeutic strategy for intractable chronic pain will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norimitsu Morioka
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
| | - Yoki Nakamura
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
| | - Fang Fang Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences.,Institute of Pharmacology, Taishan Medical University
| | - Kazue Hisaoka-Nakashima
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
| | - Yoshihiro Nakata
- Department of Pharmacology, Hiroshima University Graduate School of Biomedical & Health Sciences
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15
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Deng GC, Lu M, Zhao YY, Yuan Y, Chen G. Activated spinal astrocytes contribute to the later phase of carrageenan-induced prostatitis pain. J Neuroinflammation 2019; 16:189. [PMID: 31653262 PMCID: PMC6814979 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-019-1584-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prostatodynia is the main symptom of chronic prostatitis and the main reason that patients go to the hospital for treatment. Although a variety of factors, including inflammatory immune response, nervous system sensitization, and psychological factors, have been shown to play important roles in the induction and development of chronic pain in prostatitis, the underlying cause of chronic prostatodynia maintenance in prostatitis patients remains unclear. Methods A mouse model of chronic prostatitis induced by carrageenan injection was used. The von Frey test was used to measure pain behavior. The microglial and astrocyte activations were immunohistochemically demonstrated with antibodies against Iba1 and GFAP. The expression of cytokine or signaling pathway was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blotting. Results In this study, we provide several lines of evidence to demonstrate that activated spinal astrocytes contribute to the later phase (5 weeks after carrageenan injection) of carrageenan-induced prostatitis pain. First, activation of spinal astrocytes but not microglia was found in the spinal cord dorsal horn at 5 weeks. Second, intrathecal injection of the astroglial toxin L-2-Aminoadipate acid (L-AA) but not microglial inhibitor minocycline reduced mechanical allodynia at 5 weeks. Third, chronic prostatitis induced a profound and persistent upregulation of connexin-43 hemichannels in spinal astrocytes, and spinal injection of the connexin-43 inhibitor carbenoxolone (CBX) effectively reduced pain symptoms. Fourth, increased expression and release of chemokine C-X-C motif ligand 1 (CXCL1) in the spinal dorsal horn and intrathecal injection of a CXCL1 neutralizing antibody or the CXCR2 (a major receptor of CXCL1) antagonist SB225002 significantly reduced mechanical allodynia at 5 weeks. Conclusions In this study, we found that a novel mechanism of activated spinal astrocytes plays a crucial role in maintaining chronic prostatitis-induced persistent pain via connexin-43-regulated CXCL1 production and secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo-Chuang Deng
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ming Lu
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (The First People's Hospital of Nantong), Nantong, China
| | - Ya-Yu Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Ying Yuan
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Department of Tissue and Embryology, Medical School of Nantong University, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China. .,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China.
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16
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Sarrouilhe D, Mesnil M, Dejean C. Targeting Gap Junctions: New Insights into the Treatment of Major Depressive Disorder. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:3775-3791. [DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180327103530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Background:Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a multifactorial chronic and debilitating mood disease with high lifetime prevalence and associated with excess mortality. Treatments for this disease are not effective in all patients showing the need to find new therapeutic targets.Objective:This review aims to update our knowledge on the involvement of astroglial gap junctions and hemichannels in MDD and to show how they have become potential targets for the treatment of this pathology.Methods:The method applied in this review includes a systematic compilation of the relevant literature.Results and Conclusion:The use of rodent models of depression, gene analysis of hippocampal tissues of MDD patients and post-mortem studies on the brains from MDD patients suggest that astrocytic gap junction dysfunction may be a part of MDD etiologies. Chronic antidepressant treatments of rats, rat cultured cortical astrocytes and human astrocytoma cell lines support the hypothesis that the up-regulation of gap junctional coupling between astrocytes could be an underlying mechanism for the therapeutic effect of antidepressants. However, two recent functional studies suggest that connexin43 hemichannel activity is a part of several antidepressants’ mode of action and that astrocyte gap junctional intercellular communication and hemichannels exert different effects on antidepressant drug response. Even if they emerge as new therapeutic targets for new and more active treatments, further studies are needed to decipher the sophisticated and respective role of astrocytic gap junctions and hemichannels in MDD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis Sarrouilhe
- Laboratoire de Physiologie Humaine, Faculte de Medecine et Pharmacie, Universite de Poitiers, 6 rue de la Miletrie, Bat D1, TSA 51115, 86073 Poitiers, Cedex 9, France
| | - Marc Mesnil
- STIM, ERL 7003, CNRS-Universite de Poitiers, Pole Biologie Sante, Bat B36, TSA 51106, 1 rue Georges Bonnet, 86073 Poitiers, Cedex 9, France
| | - Catherine Dejean
- Service Pharmacie, Pavillon Janet, Centre Hospitalier Henri Laborit, 370 avenue Jacques Coeur, 86021 Poitiers Cedex, France
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17
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Wang A, Xu C. The role of connexin43 in neuropathic pain induced by spinal cord injury. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2019; 51:555-561. [PMID: 31056639 DOI: 10.1093/abbs/gmz038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain is caused by the damage or dysfunction of the nervous system. In many neuropathic pain models, there is an increase in the number of gap junction (GJ) channels, especially the upregulation of the expression of connexin43 (Cx43), leading to the secretion of various types of cytokines and involvement in the formation of neuropathic pain. GJs are widely distributed in mammalian organs and tissues, and Cx43 is the most abundant connexin (Cx) in mammals. Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell type in the central nervous system (CNS), which mainly express Cx43. More importantly, GJs play an important role in regulating cell metabolism, signaling, and function. Many existing literatures showed that Cx43 plays an important role in the nervous system, especially in the CNS under normal and pathological conditions. However, many internal mechanisms have not yet been thoroughly explored. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of the role and association of Cx and pannexin channels in neuropathic pain, especially after spinal cord injury, as well as some of our own insights and thoughts which suggest that Cx43 may become an emerging therapeutic target for future neuropathic pain, bringing new hope to patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anhui Wang
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Changshui Xu
- Department of Physiology, Basic Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Key Laboratory of Autonomic Nervous Function and Disease, Nanchang, China
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18
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Ni HD, Xu LS, Wang Y, Li H, An K, Liu M, Liu Q, Deng H, He Q, Huang B, Fang J, Yao M. Astrocyte activation in the periaqueductal gray promotes descending facilitation to cancer-induced bone pain through the JNK MAPK signaling pathway. Mol Pain 2019; 15:1744806919831909. [PMID: 30700204 PMCID: PMC6388461 DOI: 10.1177/1744806919831909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Descending nociceptive modulation from the supraspinal structures has an important role in cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Midbrain ventrolateral periaqueductal gray (vlPAG) is a critical component of descending nociceptive circuits; nevertheless, its precise cellular and molecular mechanisms involved in descending facilitation remain elusive. Our previous study has shown that the activation of p38 MAPK in vlPAG microglia is essential for the neuropathic pain sensitization. However, the existence of potential connection between astrocytes and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway in CIBP has not yet been elucidated. The following study examines the involvement of astrocyte activation and upregulation of p-JNK in vlPAG, using a CIBP rat model. Briefly, CIBP was mimicked by an intramedullary injection of Walker 256 mammary gland carcinoma cells into the animal tibia. A significant increase in expression levels of astrocytes in the vlPAG of CIBP rats was observed. Furthermore, stereotaxic microinjection of the astrocytic cytotoxin L-α-aminoadipic acid decreased the mechanical allodynia as well as established and reversed the astrocyte activation in CIBP rats. A significant increase in expression levels of p-JNK in astrocytes in vlPAG of CIBP rats was also observed. Moreover, the intrathecal administration of JNK inhibitors SP600125 reduced the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein, while microinjection of the SP600125 decreased the mechanical allodynia of CIBP rats. These results suggested that CIBP is associated with astrocyte activation in the vlPAG that probably participates in driving descending pain facilitation through the JNK MAPK signaling pathway. To sum up, these findings reveal a novel site of astrocytes modulation of CIBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hua-Dong Ni
- 1 The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China.,2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Long Sheng Xu
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Yungong Wang
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Hongbo Li
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Kang An
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Mingjuan Liu
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Qianying Liu
- 3 Department of Anesthesiology, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Houshen Deng
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Qiuli He
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Bing Huang
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Jianqiao Fang
- 1 The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medicine University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Yao
- 2 Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
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Xing L, Yang T, Cui S, Chen G. Connexin Hemichannels in Astrocytes: Role in CNS Disorders. Front Mol Neurosci 2019; 12:23. [PMID: 30787868 PMCID: PMC6372977 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2019.00023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 01/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In the central nervous system (CNS), astrocytes form networks interconnected by gap junctions made from connexins of the subtypes Cx30 and Cx43. When unopposed by an adjoining hemichannel, astrocytic connexins can act as hemichannels to control the release of small molecules such as ATP and glutamate into the extracellular space. Accruing evidence indicates that astrocytic connexins are crucial for the coordination and maintenance of physiologic CNS activity. Here we provide an update on the role of astrocytic connexins in neurodegenerative disorders, glioma, and ischemia. In addition, we address the regulation of Cx43 in chronic pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- LingYan Xing
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China
| | - Tuo Yang
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - ShuSen Cui
- Department of Hand Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Gang Chen
- Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and Ministry of Education, Co-innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Nantong University, Nantong, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, China
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20
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Xu W, Liu W, Yu W. The involvement of iron responsive element (-) divalent metal transporter 1-mediated the spinal iron overload via CXCL10/CXCR3 pathway in neuropathic pain in rats. Neurosci Lett 2019; 694:154-160. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2018.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2018] [Revised: 11/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/01/2018] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
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21
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The Role of Connexin-43 in the Inflammatory Process: A New Potential Therapy to Influence Keratitis. J Ophthalmol 2019; 2019:9312827. [PMID: 30805212 PMCID: PMC6360563 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9312827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 11/12/2018] [Accepted: 11/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The studies outlined in this review highlight the relationship between inflammatory signaling molecules and connexin-43 (Cx43). Gap junction (GJ) channels and hemichannels (HCs) participate in the metabolic activity between intra- and extracellular space. Some ions and small molecules are exchanged from cell to cell or cell to extracellular space to affect the process of inflammation via GJ. We analyzed the effects of signaling molecules, such as innate immunity messengers, transcription factors, LPS, cytokine, inflammatory chemokines, and MMPs, on Cx43 expression during the inflammatory process. At the same time, we found that these signaling molecules play a critical role in the pathogenesis of keratitis. Thus, we assessed the function of Cx43 during inflammatory corneal disease. Corneal healing plays an essential role in the late stage of keratitis. We found that Cx43 is involved in wound healing. Studies have shown that the decrease of Cx43 can decrease the time of healing. We also report several Cx43 mimic peptides which can inhibit the activity of Cx43 Hc to mediate the releasing of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which may in turn influence the inflammatory process.
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Yang H, Yan H, Li X, Liu J, Cao S, Huang B, Huang D, Wu L. Inhibition of Connexin 43 and Phosphorylated NR2B in Spinal Astrocytes Attenuates Bone Cancer Pain in Mice. Front Cell Neurosci 2018; 12:129. [PMID: 29867362 PMCID: PMC5951934 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2018.00129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Bone cancer pain (BCP) is common in patients with advanced cancers when the tumors are metastasized to bone. The limited understanding of the complex pathogenesis of BCP leads to the poor effectiveness of clinical treatment. Previous studies have shown that astrocyte-specific connexin (Cx) 43, a forming protein of gap junction (GJ) and hemichannel, and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors (NMDARs), especially the phosphorylated NMDAR 2B subunit (NR2B) phosphorylated NR2B (p-NR2B) subunit are involved in BCP. However, the relationship between Cx43 and p-NR2B in BCP remains unclear. In the present study, we investigated the expressions of Cx43, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP, a marker of astrocytes), and p-NR2B in the spinal dorsal horn (SDH) in a mouse model of BCP established by intra-femural inoculation of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells via intrathecal (ith) injection of the GJ/hemichannel blocker carbenoxolone (CARB) and the NMDAR antagonist MK801, respectively. We found that the characters of BCP were mimicked by intra-femural inoculation of LLC cells in mice, and the expressions of Cx43, GFAP and p-NR2B in BCP mice were remarkably increased in a time-dependent manner from day 7 to day 21 after cell inoculation with a gradual aggravate in spontaneous pain and mechanical allodynia. Furthermore, Cx43 was predominantly expressed in the spinal astrocytes. Both CARB and MK801 inhibited the expressions of Cx43, GFAP and p-NR2B with attenuated pain hypersensitivity in BCP mice. In addition, Cx43 was co-localized with p-NR2B in the SDH, which further evidenced the presence of functional NR2B in the spinal astrocytes in BCP mice. Our findings demonstrate that inhibition of Cx43 and p-NR2B in spinal astrocytes could attenuate BCP in mice and Cx43 and p-NR2B in the astrocytes of the SDH may play an important role via their combination action in the development and maintenance of BCP in mice. These results may provide a potential therapeutic target in the prevention and/or treatment of BCP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Yang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Hui Yan
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Xin Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China.,Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Shousong Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Baisheng Huang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Dong Huang
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lixiang Wu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, Changsha, China
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23
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Abstract
Metastatic bone pain is the single most common form of cancer pain and persists as a result of peripheral and central inflammatory, as well as neuropathic mechanisms. Here, we provide the first characterization of sphingolipid metabolism alterations in the spinal cord occurring during cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP). Following femoral arthrotomy and syngenic tumor implantation in mice, ceramides decreased with corresponding increases in sphingosine and the bioactive sphingolipid metabolite, sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P). Intriguingly, de novo sphingolipid biosynthesis was increased as shown by the elevations of dihydro-ceramides and dihydro-S1P. We next identified the S1P receptor subtype 1 (S1PR1) as a novel target for therapeutic intervention. Intrathecal or systemic administration of the competitive and functional S1PR1 antagonists, TASP0277308 and FTY720/Fingolimod, respectively, attenuated cancer-induced spontaneous flinching and guarding. Inhibiting CIBP by systemic delivery of FTY720 did not result in antinociceptive tolerance over 7 days. FTY720 administration enhanced IL-10 in the lumbar ipsilateral spinal cord of CIBP animals and intrathecal injection of an IL-10 neutralizing antibody mitigated the ability of systemic FTY720 to reverse CIBP. FTY720 treatment was not associated with alterations in bone metabolism in vivo. Studies here identify a novel mechanism to inhibit bone cancer pain by blocking the actions of the bioactive metabolites S1P and dihydro-S1P in lumbar spinal cord induced by bone cancer and support potential fast-track clinical application of the FDA-approved drug, FTY720, as a therapeutic avenue for CIBP.
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25
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Ginsenoside improves papillary thyroid cancer cell malignancies partially through upregulating connexin 31. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2018; 34:313-320. [PMID: 29747774 DOI: 10.1016/j.kjms.2017.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 11/28/2017] [Accepted: 12/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Connexin 31 (Cx31) is considered a suppressor for many tumors. Ginsenoside (Rg1) is a traditional Chinese herb that is widely acknowledged due to its anti-tumor characteristics. However, limited studies have focused on the role of Rg1 in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) cells. In the current study, we found that the expression of Cx31 in thyroid cancer tissues and thyroid cancer cell lines was significantly lower than that in normal thyroid epithelial tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of Cx31 reduced thyroid cancer cell proliferation, migration and invasion. Furthermore, we found that Rg1 significantly enhanced the expression of Cx31. Moreover, the proliferation and migration of IHH-4 and BCPAP cells were significantly reduced by Rg1 treatment. In contrast, the silencing of Cx31 enhanced the expression of Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Meanwhile, treatment with Rg1 significantly decreased the protein levels of Ki67 and PCNA, but these effects could be abolished by transfection with si-Cx31. In summary, we provide novel evidence that the expression of Cx31 was decreased in thyroid cancer cells, but Rg1 treatment could significantly enhance the expression of Cx31 thereby suppressing thyroid cancer cell proliferation and migration.
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Yang F, Luo WJ, Sun W, Wang Y, Wang JL, Yang F, Li CL, Wei N, Wang XL, Guan SM, Chen J. SDF1-CXCR4 Signaling Maintains Central Post-Stroke Pain through Mediation of Glial-Neuronal Interactions. Front Mol Neurosci 2017; 10:226. [PMID: 28785202 PMCID: PMC5519565 DOI: 10.3389/fnmol.2017.00226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 07/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Central post-stroke pain (CPSP) is an intractable central neuropathic pain that has been poorly studied mechanistically. Here we showed that stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF1 or CXCL12), a member of the CXC chemokine family, and its receptor CXCR4 played a key role in the development and maintenance of thalamic hemorrhagic CPSP through hypoxia inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) mediated microglial-astrocytic-neuronal interactions. First, both intra-thalamic collagenase (ITC) and SDF1 injections could induce CPSP that was blockable and reversible by intra-thalamic administration of both AMD3100 (a selective CXCR4 antagonist) and inhibitors of microglial or astrocytic activation. Second, long-term increased-expression of SDF1 and CXCR4 that was accompanied by activations of both microglia and astrocytes following ITC could be blocked by both AMD-3100 and YC-1, a selective inhibitor of HIF-1α. AMD-3100 could also inhibit release of proinflammatory mediators (TNFα, IL1β and IL-6). Increased-expression of HIF-1α, SDF1, CXCR4, Iba1 and GFAP proteins could be induced by both ITC and intra-thalamic CoCl2, an inducer of HIF-1α that was blockable by both HIF-1α inhibition and CXCR4 antagonism. Finally, inhibition of HIF-1α was only effective in prevention, but not in treatment of ITC-induced CPSP. Taken together, the present study demonstrated that in the initial process of thalamic hemorrhagic state HIF-1α up-regulated SDF1-CXCR4 signaling, while in the late process SDF1-CXCR4 signaling-mediated positive feedback plays more important role in glial-glial and glial-neuronal interactions and might be a novel promising molecular target for treatment of CPSP in clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Yang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Wen-Jun Luo
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army (PLA)Xi'an, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army (PLA)Xi'an, China
| | - Jiang-Lin Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Fan Yang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army (PLA)Xi'an, China
| | - Chun-Li Li
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army (PLA)Xi'an, China
| | - Na Wei
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army (PLA)Xi'an, China
| | - Xiao-Liang Wang
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army (PLA)Xi'an, China
| | - Su-Min Guan
- School of Stomatology, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Institute for Biomedical Sciences of Pain, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical UniversityXi'an, China.,Key Laboratory of Brain Stress and Behavior, People's Liberation Army (PLA)Xi'an, China.,Beijing Institute for Brain DisordersBeijing, China
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28
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Li X, Jiang S, Yang H, Liao Q, Cao S, Yan X, Huang D. Breakthrough Cancer Pain Is Associated with Spinal Gap Junction Activation via Regulation of Connexin 43 in a Mouse Model. Front Cell Neurosci 2017; 11:207. [PMID: 28769766 PMCID: PMC5511832 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2017.00207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Breakthrough cancer pain (BTcP) is a high-intensity, short-duration, unpredictable and uncontrollable pain. Recent studies have shown that activation of gap junction (GJ) in spinal cord plays an important role in the pathogenesis of BTcP. We examined the expressions of Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), connexin (Cx) 43 protein and phosphorylation of Cx43 (p-Cx43) in the spinal cord of mice. In addition, we investigated the effects of Gap26, a selective GJ blocker, on the expressions of GFAP, Cx43 and p-Cx43 in BTcP mice. We found that the expressions of GFAP and Cx43 proteins were significantly upregulated while p-Cx43 was down-regulated in the spinal cord in a mouse model of BTcP. The overexpression of Cx43 protein in the spinal cord increased GJ formation and enhanced BTcP. The variation of the ratio of p-Cx43/T-Cx43 (total Cx43) affected the function of GJ to induce BTcP. Furthermore, BTcP was alleviated by Gap26 via reducing pain hypersensitivity. The inhibition of Cx43 and p-Cx43 by Gap26 attenuated BTcP but the p/T ratio of Cx43 remained unchanged in BTcP mice. We reveal that the expression and phosphorylation of Cx43 affected BTcP and GJ activation facilitated BTcP via a Cx43-mediated signaling in the spinal cord. The finding may provide a scientific rationale for discovery and development of novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of BTcP clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Li
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Siqing Jiang
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Hui Yang
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Qian Liao
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Shousong Cao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Southwest Medical UniversityLuzhou, China
| | - Xuebin Yan
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
| | - Dong Huang
- Department of Pain, The Third Xiangya Hospital and Institute of Pain Medicine, Central South UniversityChangsha, China
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29
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Hang LH, Li SN, Dan X, Shu WW, Luo H, Shao DH. Involvement of Spinal CCR5/PKCγ Signaling Pathway in the Maintenance of Cancer-Induced Bone Pain. Neurochem Res 2016; 42:563-571. [PMID: 27848062 DOI: 10.1007/s11064-016-2108-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 10/21/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-induced bone pain (CIBP) is a challenging medical problem that considerably influences cancer patients' quality of life. Currently, few treatments have been developed to conquer CIBP because of a poor understanding of the potential mechanisms. Our previous work has proved that spinal RANTES (a major ligand for CCR5) was involved in the maintenance of CIBP. In this study, we attempted to investigate whether spinal CCR5 and its downstream PKCγ pathway is involved in the maintenance of CIBP. Inoculation of Walker 256 cells into the tibia could induce a marked mechanical allodynia with concomitant upregulation of spinal CCR5 and p-PKCγ expression from day 6 to day 15 after inoculation. Spinal CCR5 was prominently expressed in microglia, and mechanical allodynia was attenuated by intrathecal injection of DAPTA (a specific antagonist of CCR5) with downregulation of spinal CCR5 and p-PKCγ expression levels at day 15 in inoculated rats. Pre-intrathecal injection of RANTES could reverse the anti-allodynia effects of DAPTA. Intrathecal administration of GF109203X (an inhibitor of PKC) could alleviate mechanical allodynia as well as decrease of spinal p-PKCγ expression level, but no influence on spinal CCR5 level. Our findings suggest that CCR5/PKCγ signaling pathway in microglia may contribute to the maintenance of CIBP in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Hua Hang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China.
| | - Shu-Na Li
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiang Dan
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei-Wei Shu
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Luo
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
| | - Dong-Hua Shao
- Department of Anesthesiology, The Affiliated People's Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, 212002, Jiangsu, People's Republic of China
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30
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Shenoy PA, Kuo A, Vetter I, Smith MT. The Walker 256 Breast Cancer Cell- Induced Bone Pain Model in Rats. Front Pharmacol 2016; 7:286. [PMID: 27630567 PMCID: PMC5005431 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2016.00286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2016] [Accepted: 08/18/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with terminal breast cancer show signs of bone metastasis, the most common cause of pain in cancer. Clinically available drug treatment options for the relief of cancer-associated bone pain are limited due to either inadequate pain relief and/or dose-limiting side-effects. One of the major hurdles in understanding the mechanism by which breast cancer causes pain after metastasis to the bones is the lack of suitable preclinical models. Until the late twentieth century, all animal models of cancer induced bone pain involved systemic injection of cancer cells into animals, which caused severe deterioration of animal health due to widespread metastasis. In this mini-review we have discussed details of a recently developed and highly efficient preclinical model of breast cancer induced bone pain: Walker 256 cancer cell- induced bone pain in rats. The model involves direct localized injection of cancer cells into a single tibia in rats, which avoids widespread metastasis of cancer cells and hence animals maintain good health throughout the experimental period. This model closely mimics the human pathophysiology of breast cancer induced bone pain and has great potential to aid in the process of drug discovery for treating this intractable pain condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyank A Shenoy
- School of Biomedical Sciences, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia; Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Andy Kuo
- Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development, The University of Queensland Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Irina Vetter
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Maree T Smith
- Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia; School of Pharmacy, The University of QueenslandBrisbane, QLD, Australia
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Wan W, Cao L, Khanabdali R, Kalionis B, Tai X, Xia S. The Emerging Role of HMGB1 in Neuropathic Pain: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Neuroinflammation. J Immunol Res 2016; 2016:6430423. [PMID: 27294160 PMCID: PMC4887637 DOI: 10.1155/2016/6430423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 04/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuropathic pain (NPP) is intolerable, persistent, and specific type of long-term pain. It is considered to be a direct consequence of pathological changes affecting the somatosensory system and can be debilitating for affected patients. Despite recent progress and growing interest in understanding the pathogenesis of the disease, NPP still presents a major diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) mediates inflammatory and immune reactions in nervous system and emerging evidence reveals that HMGB1 plays an essential role in neuroinflammation through receptors such as Toll-like receptors (TLR), receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), C-X-X motif chemokines receptor 4 (CXCR4), and N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor. In this review, we present evidence from studies that address the role of HMGB1 in NPP. First, we review studies aimed at determining the role of HMGB1 in NPP and discuss the possible mechanisms underlying HMGB1-mediated NPP progression where receptors for HMGB1 are involved. Then we review studies that address HMGB1 as a potential therapeutic target for NPP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenbin Wan
- Department of Neurology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Lan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Medical Neurobiology, Department of Neurobiology and Institutes of Brain Science, School of Basic Medical Science, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Ramin Khanabdali
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Bill Kalionis
- Department of Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Pregnancy Research Centre and Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Royal Women's Hospital, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Xiantao Tai
- School of Acupuncture, Massage and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming 650500, China
| | - Shijin Xia
- Shanghai Institute of Geriatrics, Huadong Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, China
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