1
|
Meng J, Zhu Y, Ma H, Wang X, Zhao Q. The role of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of cognitive dysfunction in type 2 diabetes. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114464. [PMID: 34329715 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 07/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Diabetic cognitive dysfunction (DCD) is mainly one of the complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) with complex and obscure pathogenesis. Extensive evidence has demonstrated the effectiveness and safety of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for DCD management. AIM OF THE STUDY This review attempted to systematically summarize the possible pathogenesis of DCD and the current Chinese medicine on the treatment of DCD. MATERIALS AND METHODS We acquired information of TCM on DCD treatment from PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and CNKI databases. We then dissected the potential mechanisms of currently reported TCMs and their active ingredients for the treatment of DCD by discussing the deficiencies and giving further recommendations. RESULTS Most TCMs and their active ingredients could improve DCD through alleviating insulin resistance, microvascular dysfunction, abnormal gut microbiota composition, inflammation, and the damages of the blood-brain barrier, cerebrovascular and neurons under hyperglycemia conditions. CONCLUSIONS TCM is effective in the treatment of DCD with few adverse reactions. A large number of in vivo and in vitro, and clinical trials are still needed to further reveal the potential quality markers of TCM on DCD treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jinni Meng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
| | - Yafei Zhu
- College of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
| | - Huixia Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China
| | - Xiaobo Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.
| | - Qipeng Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China; Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Neuroprotective Effects of ZiBuPiYin Recipe on db/db Mice via PI3K-Akt Signaling Pathway by Activating Grb2. Neural Plast 2021; 2021:8825698. [PMID: 33603781 PMCID: PMC7868140 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8825698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2020] [Revised: 12/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD) is one of the nervous system dysfunctions induced by diabetes mellitus with cognitive impairment as the major symptom. In a previous preliminary proteomic study, we found that endoplasmic reticulum processing and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway might be impaired in DACD pathogenesis. In addition, growth factor receptor-bound protein 2 might be a crucial protein as a molecular target of the neuroprotective effects of ZiBuPiYin recipe (ZBPYR). Methods In this study, 6-8 weeks aged db/db mice were treated with excipients or ZBPYR for 6 weeks. Body weight and RBG were recorded weekly. Oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance tests were used to assess insulin sensitivity. Morris water maze (MWM) tests were used to assess memory function. The expression of Grb2, Gab2, Akt, and GSK3β in mouse hippocampus and cerebral cortex were analyzed by Western blotting. Results ZBPYR not only significantly reduced RGB and improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance, but also improved spatial cognition in DACD mice. The expression of Grb2 and Gab2 in hippocampus and cerebral cortex of db/db mice was upregulated after treated with ZBPYR, and then affected the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway, and inhibited GSK3β overactivity. Conclusions This study showed that ZBPYR could enhance the memory and learning ability of db/db mice. Such neuroprotective effect might be related to the activation of Grb2-PI3K/Akt signaling which might provide a novel therapeutic target for the clinical treatment of DACD.
Collapse
|
3
|
Gu C, Zhou W, Wang W, Xiang H, Xu H, Liang L, Sui H, Zhan L, Lu X. ZiBuPiYin recipe improves cognitive decline by regulating gut microbiota in Zucker diabetic fatty rats. Oncotarget 2018; 8:27693-27703. [PMID: 28099913 PMCID: PMC5438601 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.14611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 01/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Numerous researches supported that microbiota can influence behavior and modulate cognitive function through “microbiota-gut-brain” axis. Our previous study has demonstrated that ZiBuPiYin recipe (ZBPYR) possesses excellent pharmacological effects against diabetes-associated cognitive decline. To elucidate the role of ZBPYR in regulating the balance of gut microbiota to improve psychological-stress-induced diabetes-associated cognitive decline (PSDACD), we compared blood glucose, behavioral and cognitive functions and diversity of the bacterial community among experimental groups. The Zucker diabetic fatty (ZDF) rats with PSDACD exhibited behavioral and cognitive anomalies showing as increased anxiety- and depression-like behaviors and decreased learning and memory abilities. High-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed that Roseburia and Coprococcus were decreased in ZDF rats with PSDACD compared with control group. Notably, these changes were reversed by ZBPYR treatment. Our findings indicate that ZBPYR might prevent PSDACD by maintaining the compositions of gut microbiota, which could be developed as a new therapy for T2D with PSDACD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chunyan Gu
- School of Medicine and Life Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wen Zhou
- Basic Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wang Wang
- School of Medicine and Life Science, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hong Xiang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Huiying Xu
- Basic Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lina Liang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hua Sui
- Institute of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Libin Zhan
- Basic Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.,The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoguang Lu
- Department of Emergency Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Dalian University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sun Z, Zhan L, Liang L, Sui H, Zheng L, Sun X, Xie W. ZiBu PiYin recipe prevents diabetes-associated cognitive decline in rats: possible involvement of ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance pathway and histopathological changes. BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2016; 16:200. [PMID: 27393392 PMCID: PMC4938951 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-016-1177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2015] [Accepted: 06/15/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Disturbance in energy metabolism, as a key factor in diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD), has become a promising therapeutic target of Chinese medicine ZiBu PiYin Recipe (ZBPYR). However, it is still not clear how ZBPYR affects the mitochondrial function in DACD rats' brains, which is considered as the crucial cell organelle to supply energy for the brain. METHODS Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) rat models were established by using high fat diet and streptozotocin (STZ) (30 mg/kg, ip). The evaluation of insulin sensitivity was performed by oral glucose tolerance and insulin tolerance test. After 7 weeks, the T2DM rats were treated with vehicle or ZBPYR for 11 weeks and morris water maze (MWM) test were used to evaluate memory function. The ultra structural changes of prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus were examined by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured with JC-1 and DCFDA assay. The levels of insulin proteins were quantified by Western Blot analysis and the markers of histopathological changes were detected by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS ZBPYR could alleviate learning and memory impairment of DACD rats. TEM showed that ZBPYR prevented mitochondrial ultra-structural alterations and number changes in the PFC and hippocampus of the DACD rats. In addition, ZBPYR significantly increased ΔΨm and lowered the levels of ROS. Further investigation indicated that ZBPYR suppressed the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria, strengthened insulin signaling and inhibited GSK3β over-expression. These positive effects were associated with reduced Aβ1-42 deposition and restored expression levels of microtubule-associated protein MAP2. CONCLUSION ZBPYR showed excellent protective effect against DACD via ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction, insulin resistance and histopathological changes.
Collapse
|
5
|
Dong P, Zhang L, Zhan L, Liu Y. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for the rapid analysis and global characterization of multiple constituents from Zibu Piyin Recipe. J Sep Sci 2015; 39:595-602. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201500852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 10/23/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Peipei Dong
- Institute of Integrative Medicine; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Institute of Integrative Medicine; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Libin Zhan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| | - Yanqiu Liu
- Institute of Integrative Medicine; Dalian Medical University; Dalian China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen Z, He Y, Song C, Dong Z, Su Z, Xue J. Sericin can reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis by activating the Akt signal transduction pathway in a rat model of diabetes mellitus. Neural Regen Res 2015; 7:197-201. [PMID: 25767499 PMCID: PMC4353114 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2012.03.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2011] [Accepted: 11/15/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
In the present study, a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus was established by continuous peritoneal injection of streptozotocin. Following intragastric perfusion of sericin for 35 days, blood glucose levels significantly reduced, neuronal apoptosis in the hippocampal CA1 region decreased, hippocampal phosphorylated Akt and nuclear factor kappa B expression were enhanced, but Bcl-xL/Bcl-2 associated death promoter expression decreased. Results demonstrated that sericin can reduce hippocampal neuronal apoptosis in a rat model of diabetes mellitus by regulating abnormal changes in the Akt signal transduction pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yaqiang He
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Chengjun Song
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhijun Dong
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Zhejun Su
- Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jingfeng Xue
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Chen Z, Yang S, He Y, Song C, Liu Y. Effect of sericin on diabetic hippocampal growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis. Neural Regen Res 2014; 8:1756-64. [PMID: 25206472 PMCID: PMC4145953 DOI: 10.3969/j.issn.1673-5374.2013.19.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2013] [Accepted: 04/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that sericin extracted from silk cocoon significantly reduces blood glucose levels and protects the nervous system against diabetes mellitus. In this study, a rat type 2 diabetes mellitus model was established by intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg streptozotocin for 3 successive days, following which the rats were treated with sericin for 35 days. After treatment, the blood glucose levels of the diabetic rats decreased significantly, the growth hormone level in serum and its expression in the hippocampus decreased significantly, while the insulin-like growth factor-1 level in serum and insulin-like growth factor-1 and growth hormone receptor expression in the hippocampus increased significantly. The experimental findings indicate that sericin improves disorders of the growth hormone/insulin-like growth factor 1 axis to alleviate hippocampal damage in diabetic rats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhihong Chen
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Songhe Yang
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yaqiang He
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Chengjun Song
- Department of Human Anatomy, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Yongping Liu
- Department of Biochemistry, Chengde Medical College, Chengde 067000, Hebei Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Chen J, Liang L, Zhan L, Zhou Y, Zheng L, Sun X, Gong J, Sui H, Jiang R, Zhang F, Zhang L. ZiBuPiYin recipe protects db/db mice from diabetes-associated cognitive decline through improving multiple pathological changes. PLoS One 2014; 9:e91680. [PMID: 24614172 PMCID: PMC3948870 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0091680] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/14/2014] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Multiple organ systems, including the brain, which undergoes changes that may increase the risk of cognitive decline, are adversely affected by diabetes mellitus (DM). Here, we demonstrate that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) db/db mice exhibited hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, which might associate with a reduction in dendritic spine density in the pyramidal neurons of brain, Aβ1-42 deposition in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus, and a decreased expression of neurostructural proteins including microtubule-associated protein (MAP2), a marker of dendrites, and postsynaptic density 95 (PSD95), a marker of excitatory synapses. To investigate the effects of the ZiBuPiYin recipe (ZBPYR), a traditional Chinese medicine recipe, on diabetes-related cognitive decline (DACD), db/db mice received daily administration of ZBPYR over an experimental period of 6 weeks. We then confirmed that ZBPYR rescued learning and memory performance impairments, reversed dendritic spine loss, reduced Aβ1-42 deposition and restored the expression levels of MAP2 and PSD95. The present study also revealed that ZBPYR strengthened brain leptin and insulin signaling and inhibited GSK3β overactivity, which may be the potential mechanism or underlying targets of ZBPYR. These findings conclude that ZBPYR prevents DACD, most likely by improving dendritic spine density and attenuating brain leptin and insulin signaling pathway injury. Our findings provide further evidence for the effects of ZBPYR on DACD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Lina Liang
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Libin Zhan
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Yan Zhou
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Luping Zheng
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Xiaoxin Sun
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Jin Gong
- Anatomy department of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Hua Sui
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Rujiao Jiang
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Fuliang Zhang
- Public Health department of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- College (Institute) of Integrative Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhan LB, Niu XP, Sui H, Gong XY. Protective effect of spleen-yin-nourishing recipe on amyloid beta-peptide-induced damage of primarily cultured rat hippocampal neurons and its mechanism. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 7:242-8. [PMID: 19284954 DOI: 10.3736/jcim20090309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To observe the relationship among amyloid beta-peptide (Abeta)-induced neurotoxicity, serum-inducible kinase (SNK)-spine-associated Rap guanosine triphosphatase activating protein (SPAR) pathway and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR), and to explore the mechanism of the protective effect of spleen-yin nourishing recipe (Zibu Piyin Recipe, ZBPYR) in hippocampal neurons against Abeta-induced neurotoxicity. METHODS The Abeta(1-40) powder was dissolved in 1 x PBS and incubated at 37 degrees centigrade, and then aggregated fibrillar Abeta(1-40) was obtained 72 h later. We used rat primary hippocampal neurons as cell model. ZBPYR-containing serum was gained by the method of serum pharmacology. ZBPYR-containing serum was added to the culture 1 h before Abeta(1-40) (5 micromol/L) exposure. Cells were harvested 2 h after Abeta(1-40) exposure for total RNA extracting. Then the mRNA expression levels of SNK, SPAR and NMDAR subunits NR1, NR2A and NR2B were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS After 2-hour Abeta(1-40) exposure, we found that the expression level of SNK mRNA was up-regulated and the expression levels of SPAR, NR1, NR2A and NR2B mRNAs were down-regulated in hippocampal neurons as compared with control group (P < 0.01, P < 0.05). While with ZBPYR-containing serum pretreatment, the expression level of SNK mRNA was down-regulated and the levels of SPAR, NR1, NR2A and NR2B were up-regulated as compared with Abeta(1-40) exposure, and 2% ZBPYR-containing serum showed the best effect (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Abeta-induced neurotoxicity was related to SNK-SPAR pathway and NMDAR; ZBPYR-containing serum can protect neurons from Abeta-induced neurotoxicity, and this protective effect may be performed by regulating the expression of NMDAR and blocking of the SNK-SPAR pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-bin Zhan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116023, Liaoning Province, China.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Shi X, Lu XG, Zhan LB, Qi X, Liang LN, Hu SY, Yan Y, Zhao SY, Sui H, Zhang FL. The effects of the Chinese medicine ZiBu PiYin recipe on the hippocampus in a rat model of diabetes-associated cognitive decline: a proteomic analysis. Diabetologia 2011; 54:1888-99. [PMID: 21509442 DOI: 10.1007/s00125-011-2147-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2010] [Accepted: 03/21/2011] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS/HYPOTHESIS Increasing evidence suggests that diabetes is associated with an enhanced risk of cognitive decline. The precise mechanisms underlying diabetes-associated cognitive decline (DACD) remain unclear. Here we investigated the molecular changes associated with DACD using a comparative proteomics study of hippocampus in a rat model of type 2 diabetes. In addition, we tested the effects of the Chinese medicine ZiBu PiYin recipe (ZBPYR) on DACD. METHODS The hippocampus was dissected from control, diabetic and diabetic rats treated with ZBPYR (DM/ZBPYR). Soluble proteins were separated using fluorescence-based difference gel electrophoresis. Protein spots were visualised with fluorescent dyes and spot density was compared between each pair of groups. Proteins of interest were identified using mass spectrometry. Proteins of specific interest were also tested by western blot and real-time PCR analysis. RESULTS We found 13 spots that were altered between control and diabetes groups, and 12 spots that were changed between diabetes and DM/ZBPYR groups. The identities of nine proteins were determined by mass spectrometry. The identified proteins were largely involved in energy metabolism, cytoskeleton regulation and oxidative stress. The protein alterations observed in the diabetes group were ameliorated to varying degrees following ZBPYR treatment. CONCLUSIONS/INTERPRETATION The protein changes identified in hippocampus from a rat model of type 2 diabetes suggest that specific cellular alterations contribute to DACD. The Chinese medicine ZBPYR was found to affect multiple targets and partially repaired the original cellular balance. This study may provide important insights into the molecular events underlying DACD and allow the identification of novel therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- X Shi
- The Second Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning Province 116023, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Surakul P, Weerachatyanukul W, Chutabhakdikul N. Repeated carbenoxolone injections during late pregnancy alter Snk-SPAR and PSD-95 expression in the hippocampus of rat pups. Neurosci Lett 2011; 494:75-9. [PMID: 21362453 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2011.02.060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2011] [Revised: 02/17/2011] [Accepted: 02/18/2011] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Homeostasis of circulating cortisol is maintained by the 11β-HSD2 enzyme which inactivates cortisol into cortisone. It is abundantly expressed in the placenta where it protects the fetus from high levels of maternal glucocorticoids (GCs). Maternal administration of Carbenoxolone (Cbx), a powerful 11β-HSD2 inhibitor, leads to an increase in fetal cortisol. Previous data showed that intrauterine environment plays a crucial role in determining hippocampal structure and function. Exposure of pregnant rats to high levels of GC leads to low birth weight in offspring and an increased risk of age related memory and cognitive deficits later in life. Glutamate receptors are localized in the postsynaptic density (PSD), where many signaling proteins, cytoskeleton proteins, and ion channels are found. Any change in the number of these molecules can influence the morphology and function of the dendritic spine. We proposed that repeated Cbx injections during late pregnancy may alter the scaffolding proteins of the NMDA receptor in the pup's brain. We investigated the effects of repeated maternal Cbx injections on the scaffolding proteins of NMDA receptor in the hippocampus of rat pups. We showed that injecting pregnant rats with Cbx injections (30mg/kg) during GD 14-21 leads to a significant decrease in SPAR (Spine Associated Rap Guanylate kinase activating protein) (p<0.001) and PSD-95 (p<0.05) but a significant increase in Snk (Serum inducible kinase) (p<0.001) in the pup's hippocampus at P40. In general, Snk is induced by neuronal activity and plays an important role in phosphorylating SPAR. The phosphorylated SPAR is then recognized and degraded by ubiquitin proteasome system (UPS), causing the depletion of SPAR and PSD-95 from the spines. The results suggest that fetal exposure to excessive GC levels may activate the Snk/SPAR pathway and lead to the depletion of SPAR and PSD-95. Since GCs drugs are commonly used in various obstetric and pediatric conditions, it is important to consider the risks and benefits of prenatal GCs exposure in order to prevent neurodevelopmental delay in the offspring.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pornprom Surakul
- Research Center for Neuroscience, Institute of Molecular Biosciences, Mahidol University, Salaya, Nakornpathom 73170, Thailand
| | | | | |
Collapse
|