1
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Campanale A, Inserra A, Comai S. Therapeutic modulation of the kynurenine pathway in severe mental illness and comorbidities: A potential role for serotonergic psychedelics. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2024:111058. [PMID: 38885875 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2024.111058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/15/2024] [Accepted: 06/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/20/2024]
Abstract
Mounting evidence points towards a crucial role of the kynurenine pathway (KP) in the altered gut-brain axis (GBA) balance in severe mental illness (SMI, namely depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia) and cardiometabolic comorbidities. Preliminary evidence shows that serotonergic psychedelics and their analogues may hold therapeutic potential in addressing the altered KP in the dysregulated GBA in SMI and comorbidities. In fact, aside from their effects on mood, psychedelics elicit therapeutic improvement in preclinical models of obesity, metabolic syndrome, and vascular inflammation, which are highly comorbid with SMI. Here, we review the literature on the therapeutic modulation of the KP in the dysregulated GBA in SMI and comorbidities, and the potential application of psychedelics to address the altered KP in the brain and systemic dysfunction underlying SMI and comorbidities. Endogenous and exogenous psychedelics might therapeutically modulate the KP in the altered GBA in SMI and comorbidities directly, via altering the metabolic pathway by influencing the rate-limiting enzymes of the KP and affecting the levels of available tryptophan, or indirectly, by affecting the gut microbiome, gut metabolome, metabolism, and the immune system. Despite promising preliminary evidence, the mechanisms and outcomes of the KP modulation with psychedelics in SMI and systemic comorbidities remain largely unknown and require further investigation. Several concerns are discussed surrounding the potential side effects of this approach in specific cohorts of individuals with SMI and systemic comorbidities.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Antonio Inserra
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Stefano Comai
- Department of Psychiatry, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada; Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Padova, PD, Italy.; IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
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2
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Kondo T, Okada Y, Shizuya S, Yamaguchi N, Hatakeyama S, Maruyama K. Neuroimmune modulation by tryptophan derivatives in neurological and inflammatory disorders. Eur J Cell Biol 2024; 103:151418. [PMID: 38729083 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejcb.2024.151418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The nervous and immune systems are highly developed, and each performs specialized physiological functions. However, they work together, and their dysfunction is associated with various diseases. Specialized molecules, such as neurotransmitters, cytokines, and more general metabolites, are essential for the appropriate regulation of both systems. Tryptophan, an essential amino acid, is converted into functional molecules such as serotonin and kynurenine, both of which play important roles in the nervous and immune systems. The role of kynurenine metabolites in neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases has recently received particular attention. Recently, we found that hyperactivity of the kynurenine pathway is a critical risk factor for septic shock. In this review, we first outline neuroimmune interactions and tryptophan derivatives and then summarized the changes in tryptophan metabolism in neurological disorders. Finally, we discuss the potential of tryptophan derivatives as therapeutic targets for neuroimmune disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Takeshi Kondo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8636, Japan
| | - Yuka Okada
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Saika Shizuya
- Department of Ophthalmology, Wakayama Medical University School of Medicine, Wakayama 641-0012, Japan
| | - Naoko Yamaguchi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan
| | - Shigetsugu Hatakeyama
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine and Graduate School of Medicine, Hokkaido University, Hokkaido 060-8636, Japan
| | - Kenta Maruyama
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Aichi Medical University, Aichi 480-1195, Japan.
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3
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Maszka P, Kwasniak-Butowska M, Cysewski D, Slawek J, Smolenski RT, Tomczyk M. Metabolomic Footprint of Disrupted Energetics and Amino Acid Metabolism in Neurodegenerative Diseases: Perspectives for Early Diagnosis and Monitoring of Therapy. Metabolites 2023; 13:metabo13030369. [PMID: 36984809 PMCID: PMC10057046 DOI: 10.3390/metabo13030369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) is increasing due to the aging population and improved longevity. They are characterized by a range of pathological hallmarks, including protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. The aim of this review is to summarize the alterations in brain energy and amino acid metabolism in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Huntington’s disease (HD). Based on our findings, we proposed a group of selected metabolites related to disturbed energy or mitochondrial metabolism as potential indicators or predictors of disease. We also discussed the hidden challenges of metabolomics studies in NDs and proposed future directions in this field. We concluded that biochemical parameters of brain energy metabolism disruption (obtained with metabolomics) may have potential application as a diagnostic tool for the diagnosis, prediction, and monitoring of the effectiveness of therapies for NDs. However, more studies are needed to determine the sensitivity of the proposed candidates. We suggested that the most valuable biomarkers for NDs studies could be groups of metabolites combined with other neuroimaging or molecular techniques. To attain clinically applicable results, the integration of metabolomics with other “omic” techniques might be required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrycja Maszka
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kwasniak-Butowska
- Division of Neurological and Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Neurology, St. Adalbert Hospital, 80-462 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Dominik Cysewski
- Clinical Research Centre, Medical University of Bialystok, 15-276 Bialystok, Poland
| | - Jaroslaw Slawek
- Division of Neurological and Psychiatric Nursing, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland
- Department of Neurology, St. Adalbert Hospital, 80-462 Gdansk, Poland
| | - Ryszard T. Smolenski
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (R.T.S.); (M.T.)
| | - Marta Tomczyk
- Department of Biochemistry, Medical University of Gdansk, 80-210 Gdansk, Poland
- Correspondence: (R.T.S.); (M.T.)
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4
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Pivac N, Vuic B, Sagud M, Nedic Erjavec G, Nikolac Perkovic M, Konjevod M, Tudor L, Svob Strac D, Uzun S, Kozumplik O, Uzun S, Mimica N. PTSD, Immune System, and Inflammation. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2023; 1411:225-262. [PMID: 36949313 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-19-7376-5_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2023]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe trauma and stress-related disorder associated with different somatic comorbidities, especially cardiovascular and metabolic disorders, and with chronic low-grade inflammation. Altered balance of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, cytokines and chemokines, C-reactive protein, oxidative stress markers, kynurenine pathways, and gut microbiota might be involved in the alterations of certain brain regions regulating fear conditioning and memory processes, that are all altered in PTSD. In addition to the HPA axis, the gut microbiota maintains the balance and interaction of the immune, CNS, and endocrine pathways forming the gut-brain axis. Disbalance in the HPA axis, gut-brain axis, oxidative stress pathways and kynurenine pathways, altered immune signaling and disrupted homeostasis, as well as the association of the PTSD with the inflammation and disrupted cognition support the search for novel strategies for treatment of PTSD. Besides potential anti-inflammatory treatment, dietary interventions or the use of beneficial bacteria, such as probiotics, can potentially improve the composition and the function of the bacterial community in the gut. Therefore, bacterial supplements and controlled dietary changes, with exercise, might have beneficial effects on the psychological and cognitive functions in patients with PTSD. These new treatments should be aimed to attenuate inflammatory processes and consequently to reduce PTSD symptoms but also to improve cognition and reduce cardio-metabolic disorders associated so frequently with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nela Pivac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia.
| | - Barbara Vuic
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marina Sagud
- Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Gordana Nedic Erjavec
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Matea Nikolac Perkovic
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Marcela Konjevod
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Lucija Tudor
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dubravka Svob Strac
- Division of Molecular Medicine, Laboratory for Molecular Neuropsychiatry, Rudjer Boskovic Institute, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Suzana Uzun
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
| | | | - Sandra Uzun
- Department for Anesthesiology, Reanimatology, and Intensive Care, University Hospital Center Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ninoslav Mimica
- University of Zagreb School of Medicine, Zagreb, Croatia
- University Psychiatric Hospital Vrapce, Zagreb, Croatia
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Kurniati D, Hirai S, Egashira Y. Effect of apigenin on tryptophan metabolic key enzymes expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced microglial cells and its mechanism. Heliyon 2022; 9:e12743. [PMID: 36685364 PMCID: PMC9852672 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e12743] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
[Aims] Flavonoid apigenin (API) has a wide range of biological functions, particularly anti-inflammation. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) and 2-Amino-3-carboxymuconate-6-semialdehyde decarboxylase (ACMSD) are important tryptophan metabolic enzymes that play pivotal roles in the production of toxic metabolite quinolinic acid. However, the relationship between inflammation and ACMSD remains unclear. The present study investigated the relationship between inflammation and tryptophan metabolic key enzymes. Similarly, the anti-inflammatory effect of API on important tryptophan metabolic enzymes was examined in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated microglial cells. [Main methods] MG6 cells were exposed to LPS with or without API treatment for 24-48 h. IDO and ACMSD mRNA expression and production of inflammatory mediators were analyzed. Activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, such as mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), was also examined to study the mechanism of API in the inflammatory state. [Key findings] LPS suppressed ACMSD expression and enhanced IDO expression. However, API elevated ACMSD mRNA expression and suppressed IDO mRNA expression in LPS-treated MG6 cells. Furthermore, API suppressed interleukin-6 and nitric oxide production, whereas overproduction of inflammatory mediators enhanced IDO expression and assisted tryptophan degradation. API also inhibited activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) and jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) MAPK, and degradation of IκBα. [Significance] These results indicate alteration of ACMSD expression under inflammatory conditions. Moreover, API recovers expression of tryptophan metabolic key enzymes, which may be mediated by inhibition of proinflammatory mediator production via inactivation of Erk, JNK MAPK, and NF-κB pathways in LPS-stimulated microglial cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dian Kurniati
- Laboratory of Food and Nutrition, Division of Applied Biochemistry, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648, Matsudo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba, 271-8510, Japan,Department of Food Technology, Faculty of Agricultural Industrial Technology, Universitas Padjadjaran, Sumedang KM. 21, Jatinangor, 40600, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Shizuka Hirai
- Laboratory of Food and Nutrition, Division of Applied Biochemistry, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648, Matsudo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba, 271-8510, Japan
| | - Yukari Egashira
- Laboratory of Food and Nutrition, Division of Applied Biochemistry, Graduate School of Horticulture, Chiba University, 648, Matsudo, Matsudo-shi, Chiba, 271-8510, Japan,Corresponding author.
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6
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Swaih AM, Breda C, Sathyasaikumar KV, Allcock N, Collier MEW, Mason RP, Feasby A, Herrera F, Outeiro TF, Schwarcz R, Repici M, Giorgini F. Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase Interacts with Huntingtin at the Outer Mitochondrial Membrane. Biomedicines 2022; 10:2294. [PMID: 36140394 PMCID: PMC9496550 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10092294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The flavoprotein kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO) is localised to the outer mitochondrial membrane and catalyses the synthesis of 3-hydroxykynurenine from L-kynurenine, a key step in the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation. Perturbation of KP metabolism due to inflammation has long been associated with the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative disorders, including Huntington's disease (HD)-which is caused by the expansion of a polyglutamine stretch in the huntingtin (HTT) protein. While HTT is primarily localised to the cytoplasm, it also associates with mitochondria, where it may physically interact with KMO. In order to test this hypothesis, we employed bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and found that KMO physically interacts with soluble HTT exon 1 protein fragment in living cells. Notably, expansion of the disease-causing polyglutamine tract in HTT leads to the formation of proteinaceous intracellular inclusions that disrupt this interaction with KMO, markedly decreasing BiFC efficiency. Using confocal microscopy and ultrastructural analysis, we determined KMO and HTT localisation within the cell and found that the KMO-HTT interaction is localized to the outer mitochondrial membrane. These data suggest that KMO may interact with a pool of HTT at the mitochondrial membrane, highlighting a possible physiological role for mitochondrial HTT. The KMO-HTT interaction is abrogated upon polyglutamine expansion, which may indicate a heretofore unrecognized relevance in the pathogenesis of this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aisha M. Swaih
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Carlo Breda
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
- Leicester School of Allied Health Sciences, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, De Montfort University, Leicester LE1 9BH, UK
| | - Korrapati V. Sathyasaikumar
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Natalie Allcock
- Core Biotechnology Services, Adrian Building, University of Leicester, University Road, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Mary E. W. Collier
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Robert P. Mason
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Adam Feasby
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
| | - Federico Herrera
- Cell Structure and Dynamics Laboratory, Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
- BioISI—Biosystems & Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago F. Outeiro
- Department of Experimental Neurodegeneration, Center for Biostructural Imaging of Neurodegeneration, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37073 Göttingen, Germany
- Max Planck Institute for Experimental Medicine, 37075 Göttingen, Germany
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE2 4HH, UK
- Scientific Employee with an Honorary Contract at German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), 37075 Göttingen, Germany
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21201, USA
| | - Mariaelena Repici
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
- College of Health and Life Sciences, Aston University, Aston Triangle, Birmingham B4 7ET, UK
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7RH, UK
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7
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Cespedes M, Jacobs KR, Maruff P, Rembach A, Fowler CJ, Trounson B, Pertile KK, Rumble RL, Rainey-Smithe SR, Rowe CC, Villemagne VL, Bourgeat P, Lim CK, Chatterjee P, Martins RN, Ittner A, Masters CL, Doecke JD, Guillemin GJ, Lovejoy DB. Systemic perturbations of the kynurenine pathway precede progression to dementia independently of amyloid-β. Neurobiol Dis 2022; 171:105783. [DOI: 10.1016/j.nbd.2022.105783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
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Sathyasaikumar KV, Pérez de la Cruz V, Pineda B, Vázquez Cervantes GI, Ramírez Ortega D, Donley DW, Severson PL, West BL, Giorgini F, Fox JH, Schwarcz R. Cellular Localization of Kynurenine 3-Monooxygenase in the Brain: Challenging the Dogma. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020315. [PMID: 35204197 PMCID: PMC8868204 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine 3-monooxygenase (KMO), a key player in the kynurenine pathway (KP) of tryptophan degradation, regulates the synthesis of the neuroactive metabolites 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK) and kynurenic acid (KYNA). KMO activity has been implicated in several major brain diseases including Huntington’s disease (HD) and schizophrenia. In the brain, KMO is widely believed to be predominantly localized in microglial cells, but verification in vivo has not been provided so far. Here, we examined KP metabolism in the brain after depleting microglial cells pharmacologically with the colony stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor PLX5622. Young adult mice were fed PLX5622 for 21 days and were euthanized either on the next day or after receiving normal chow for an additional 21 days. Expression of microglial marker genes was dramatically reduced on day 22 but had fully recovered by day 43. In both groups, PLX5622 treatment failed to affect Kmo expression, KMO activity or tissue levels of 3-HK and KYNA in the brain. In a parallel experiment, PLX5622 treatment also did not reduce KMO activity, 3-HK and KYNA in the brain of R6/2 mice (a model of HD with activated microglia). Finally, using freshly isolated mouse cells ex vivo, we found KMO only in microglia and neurons but not in astrocytes. Taken together, these data unexpectedly revealed that neurons contain a large proportion of functional KMO in the adult mouse brain under both physiological and pathological conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korrapati V. Sathyasaikumar
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA;
| | - Verónica Pérez de la Cruz
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - Benjamín Pineda
- Neuroimmunology Department, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico;
| | - Gustavo Ignacio Vázquez Cervantes
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - Daniela Ramírez Ortega
- Neurobiochemistry and Behavior Laboratory, National Institute of Neurology and Neurosurgery “Manuel Velasco Suárez”, Mexico City 14269, Mexico; (V.P.d.l.C.); (G.I.V.C.); (D.R.O.)
| | - David W. Donley
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; (D.W.D.); (J.H.F.)
| | - Paul L. Severson
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.L.S.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Brian L. West
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA; (P.L.S.); (B.L.W.)
| | - Flaviano Giorgini
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE1 7JA, UK;
| | - Jonathan H. Fox
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Wyoming, Laramie, WY 82071, USA; (D.W.D.); (J.H.F.)
| | - Robert Schwarcz
- Maryland Psychiatric Research Center, Department of Psychiatry, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21228, USA;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-410-402-7635
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9
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Zhen D, Liu J, Zhang XD, Song Z. Kynurenic Acid Acts as a Signaling Molecule Regulating Energy Expenditure and Is Closely Associated With Metabolic Diseases. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2022; 13:847611. [PMID: 35282457 PMCID: PMC8908966 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2022.847611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenic acid (KYNA) is an important bio-active product of tryptophan metabolism. In addition to its well-known neuroprotective effects on mental health disorders, it has been proposed as a bio-marker for such metabolic diseases as atherosclerosis and diabetes. Emerging evidence suggests that KYNA acts as a signaling molecule controlling the networks involved in the balance of energy store and expenditure through GPR35 and AMPK signaling pathway. KYNA plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of several endocrine and metabolic diseases. Exercise training promotes KYNA production in skeletal muscles and increases thermogenesis in the long term and limits weight gain, insulin resistance and inflammation. Additionally, KYNA is also present in breast milk and may act as an anti-obesity agent in infants. Although we are far from fully understanding the role of KYNA in our body, administration of KYNA, enzyme inhibitors or metabolites may serve as a potential therapeutic strategy for treating metabolic diseases. The present review provides a perspective on the current knowledge regarding the biological effects of KYNA in metabolic diseases and perinatal nutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Delong Zhen
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Junjun Liu
- Shandong Institute of Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
| | - Xu Dong Zhang
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital and People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zehua Song
- Translational Research Institute, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital and People’s Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Academy of Medical Science, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
- ENNOVA Institute of Life Science and Technology, ENN Group, Langfang, China
- *Correspondence: Zehua Song,
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10
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Kynurenine Monooxygenase Expression and Activity in Human Astrocytomas. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082028. [PMID: 34440798 PMCID: PMC8393384 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and aggressive primary brain tumor. The enzyme indoleamine-2,3-dioxygenase (IDO), which participates in the rate-limiting step of tryptophan catabolism through the kynurenine pathway (KP), is associated with poor prognosis in patients with GBM. The metabolites produced after tryptophan oxidation have immunomodulatory properties that can support the immunosuppressor environment. In this study, mRNA expression, protein expression, and activity of the enzyme kynurenine monooxygenase (KMO) were analyzed in GBM cell lines (A172, LN-18, U87, U373) and patient-derived astrocytoma samples. KMO mRNA expression was assessed by real-time RT-qPCR, KMO protein expression was evaluated by flow cytometry and immunofluorescence, and KMO activity was determined by quantifying 3-hydroxykynurenine by HPLC. Heterogenous patterns of both KMO expression and activity were observed among the GBM cell lines, with the A172 cell line showing the highest KMO expression and activity. Higher KMO mRNA expression was observed in glioma samples than in patients diagnosed with only a neurological disease; high KMO mRNA expression was also observed when using samples from patients with GBM in the TCGA program. The KMO protein expression was localized in GFAP+ cells in tumor tissue. These results suggest that KMO is a relevant target to be explored in glioma since it might play a role in supporting tumor metabolism and immune suppression.
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11
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Nho K, Kueider-Paisley A, Arnold M, MahmoudianDehkordi S, Risacher SL, Louie G, Blach C, Baillie R, Han X, Kastenmüller G, Doraiswamy PM, Kaddurah-Daouk R, Saykin AJ. Serum metabolites associated with brain amyloid beta deposition, cognition and dementia progression. Brain Commun 2021; 3:fcab139. [PMID: 34396103 PMCID: PMC8361396 DOI: 10.1093/braincomms/fcab139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolomics in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative cohort provides a powerful tool for mapping biochemical changes in Alzheimer's disease, and a unique opportunity to learn about the association between circulating blood metabolites and brain amyloid-β deposition in Alzheimer's disease. We examined 140 serum metabolites and their associations with brain amyloid-β deposition, cognition and conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease in the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Processed [18F] Florbetapir PET images were used to perform a voxel-wise statistical analysis of the effect of metabolite levels on amyloid-β accumulation across the whole brain. We performed a multivariable regression analysis using age, sex, body mass index, apolipoprotein E ε4 status and study phase as covariates. We identified nine metabolites as significantly associated with amyloid-β deposition after multiple comparison correction. Higher levels of one acylcarnitine (C3; propionylcarnitine) and one biogenic amine (kynurenine) were associated with decreased amyloid-β accumulation and higher memory scores. However, higher levels of seven phosphatidylcholines (lysoPC a C18:2, PC aa C42:0, PC ae C42:3, PC ae C44:3, PC ae C44:4, PC ae C44:5 and PC ae C44:6) were associated with increased brain amyloid-β deposition. In addition, higher levels of PC ae C44:4 were significantly associated with lower memory and executive function scores and conversion from mild cognitive impairment to Alzheimer's disease dementia. Our findings suggest that dysregulation of peripheral phosphatidylcholine metabolism is associated with earlier pathological changes noted in Alzheimer's disease as measured by brain amyloid-β deposition as well as later clinical features including changes in memory and executive functioning. Perturbations in phosphatidylcholine metabolism may point to issues with membrane restructuring leading to the accumulation of amyloid-β in the brain. Additional studies are needed to explore whether these metabolites play a causal role in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease or if they are biomarkers for systemic changes during preclinical phases of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kwangsik Nho
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, and the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | | | - Matthias Arnold
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | | | - Shannon L Risacher
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, and the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Gregory Louie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Colette Blach
- Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | | | - Xianlin Han
- University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, San Antonio, TX 78249, USA
| | - Gabi Kastenmüller
- Institute of Computational Biology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health, Neuherberg 85764, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg 85764, Germany
| | - P Murali Doraiswamy
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Institute of Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Rima Kaddurah-Daouk
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Duke Institute of Brain Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Andrew J Saykin
- Department of Radiology and Imaging Sciences, Center for Computational Biology and Bioinformatics, and the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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12
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Role of Kynurenine Pathway in Oxidative Stress during Neurodegenerative Disorders. Cells 2021; 10:cells10071603. [PMID: 34206739 PMCID: PMC8306609 DOI: 10.3390/cells10071603] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurodegenerative disorders are chronic and life-threatening conditions negatively affecting the quality of patients’ lives. They often have a genetic background, but oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage seem to be at least partly responsible for their development. Recent reports indicate that the activation of the kynurenine pathway (KP), caused by an activation of proinflammatory factors accompanying neurodegenerative processes, leads to the accumulation of its neuroactive and pro-oxidative metabolites. This leads to an increase in the oxidative stress level, which increases mitochondrial damage, and disrupts the cellular energy metabolism. This significantly reduces viability and impairs the proper functioning of central nervous system cells and may aggravate symptoms of many psychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. This suggests that the modulation of KP activity could be effective in alleviating these symptoms. Numerous reports indicate that tryptophan supplementation, inhibition of KP enzymes, and administration or analogs of KP metabolites show promising results in the management of neurodegenerative disorders in animal models. This review gathers and systematizes the knowledge concerning the role of metabolites and enzymes of the KP in the development of oxidative damage within brain cells during neurodegenerative disorders and potential strategies that could reduce the severity of this process.
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Behl T, Kaur I, Sehgal A, Singh S, Bhatia S, Al-Harrasi A, Zengin G, Bumbu AG, Andronie-Cioara FL, Nechifor AC, Gitea D, Bungau AF, Toma MM, Bungau SG. The Footprint of Kynurenine Pathway in Neurodegeneration: Janus-Faced Role in Parkinson's Disorder and Therapeutic Implications. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6737. [PMID: 34201647 PMCID: PMC8268239 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/17/2021] [Accepted: 06/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Progressive degeneration of neurons and aggravation of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta results in the loss of dopamine in the brain of Parkinson's disease (PD) patients. Numerous therapies, exhibiting transient efficacy have been developed; however, they are mostly accompanied by side effects and limited reliability, therefore instigating the need to develop novel optimistic treatment targets. Significant therapeutic targets have been identified, namely: chaperones, protein Abelson, glucocerebrosidase-1, calcium, neuromelanin, ubiquitin-proteasome system, neuroinflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and the kynurenine pathway (KP). The role of KP and its metabolites and enzymes in PD, namely quinolinic acid (QUIN), kynurenic acid (KYNA), 3-hydroxykynurenine (3-HK), 3-hydroxyanthranillic acid (3-HAA), kunurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO), etc. has been reported. The neurotoxic QUIN, N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor agonist, and neuroprotective KYNA-which antagonizes QUIN actions-primarily justify the Janus-faced role of KP in PD. Moreover, KP has been reported to play a biomarker role in PD detection. Therefore, the authors detail the neurotoxic, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory neuroactive components, alongside the upstream and downstream metabolic pathways of KP, forming a basis for a therapeutic paradigm of the disease while recognizing KP as a potential biomarker in PD, thus facilitating the development of a suitable target in PD management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tapan Behl
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India; (I.K.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Ishnoor Kaur
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India; (I.K.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Aayush Sehgal
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India; (I.K.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Sukhbir Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India; (I.K.); (A.S.); (S.S.)
| | - Saurabh Bhatia
- Amity Institute of Pharmacy, Amity University, Gurugram, Haryana 122412, India;
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, PC 616 Birkat Al Mouz, Nizwa 611, Oman;
| | - Ahmed Al-Harrasi
- Natural and Medical Sciences Research Centre, University of Nizwa, P.O. Box 33, PC 616 Birkat Al Mouz, Nizwa 611, Oman;
| | - Gokhan Zengin
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Selcuk University Campus, Konya 42130, Turkey;
| | - Adrian Gheorghe Bumbu
- Department of Surgical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Felicia Liana Andronie-Cioara
- Department of Psycho-Neuroscience and Recovery, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania;
| | - Aurelia Cristina Nechifor
- Analytical Chemistry and Environmental Engineering Department, Polytechnic University of Bucharest, 011061 Bucharest, Romania;
| | - Daniela Gitea
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania; (D.G.); (M.M.T.)
| | | | - Mirela Marioara Toma
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania; (D.G.); (M.M.T.)
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania; (D.G.); (M.M.T.)
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
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Abstract
A three-part mechanism is proposed for the induction of Alzheimer’s disease: (1) decreased blood lactic acid; (2) increased blood ceramide and adipokines; (3) decreased blood folic acid. The age-related nature of these mechanisms comes from age-associated decreased muscle mass, increased visceral fat and changes in diet. This mechanism also explains why many people do not develop Alzheimer’s disease. Simple changes in lifestyle and diet can prevent Alzheimer’s disease. Alzheimer’s disease is caused by a cascade of events that culminates in damage to the blood–brain barrier and damage to neurons. The blood–brain barrier keeps toxic molecules out of the brain and retains essential molecules in the brain. Lactic acid is a nutrient to the brain and is produced by exercise. Damage to endothelial cells and pericytes by inadequate lactic acid leads to blood–brain barrier damage and brain damage. Inadequate folate intake and oxidative stress induced by activation of transient receptor potential cation channels and endothelial nitric oxide synthase damage the blood–brain barrier. NAD depletion due to inadequate intake of nicotinamide and alterations in the kynurenine pathway damages neurons. Changes in microRNA levels may be the terminal events that cause neuronal death leading to Alzheimer’s disease. A new mechanism of Alzheimer’s disease induction is presented involving lactic acid, ceramide, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor α, folate, nicotinamide, kynurenine metabolites and microRNA.
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Untargeted Urinary Metabolomics and Children's Exposure to Secondhand Smoke: The Influence of Individual Differences. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18020710. [PMID: 33467557 PMCID: PMC7830063 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18020710] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Children’s exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a severe public health problem. There is still a lack of evidence regarding panoramic changes in children’s urinary metabolites induced by their involuntary exposure to SHS, and few studies have considered individual differences. This study aims to clarify the SHS-induced changes in urinary metabolites in preschool children by using cross-sectional and longitudinal metabolomics analyses. Urinary metabolites were quantified by using untargeted ultra high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC(c)-MS/MS). Urine cotinine-measured SHS exposure was examined to determine the exposure level. A cross-sectional study including 17 children in a low-exposure group, 17 in a medium-exposure group, and 17 in a high-exposure group was first conducted. Then, a before–after study in the cohort of children was carried out before and two months after smoking-cessation intervention for family smokers. A total of 43 metabolites were discovered to be related to SHS exposure in children in the cross-sectional analysis (false discovery rate (FDR) corrected p < 0.05, variable importance in the projection (VIP) > 1.0). Only three metabolites were confirmed to be positively associated with children’s exposure to SHS (FDR corrected p < 0.05) in a follow-up longitudinal analysis, including kynurenine, tyrosyl-tryptophan, and 1-(3-pyridinyl)-1,4-butanediol, the latter of which belongs to carbonyl compounds, peptides, and pyridines. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis indicated that 1-(3-pyridinyl)-1,4-butanediol and kynurenine were significantly enriched in xenobiotic metabolism by cytochrome P450 (p = 0.040) and tryptophan metabolism (p = 0.030), respectively. These findings provide new insights into the pathophysiological mechanism of SHS and indicate the influence of individual differences in SHS-induced changes in urinary metabolites in children.
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Bhat A, Tan V, Heng B, Lovejoy DB, Sakharkar MK, Essa MM, Chidambaram SB, Guillemin GJ. Roflumilast, a cAMP-Specific Phosphodiesterase-4 Inhibitor, Reduces Oxidative Stress and Improves Synapse Functions in Human Cortical Neurons Exposed to the Excitotoxin Quinolinic Acid. ACS Chem Neurosci 2020; 11:4405-4415. [PMID: 33261317 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The overexpression of phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) enzymes is reported in several neurodegenerative diseases. PDE4 depletes cyclic 3'-5' adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) and, in turn, cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), the key players in cognitive function. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism behind the protective effects of roflumilast (ROF), a cAMP-specific PDE4 inhibitor, against quinolinic acid (QUIN)-induced neurotoxicity using human primary cortical neurons. Cytotoxicity was analyzed using an MTS assay. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential were measured by DCF-DA and JC-10 staining, respectively. Caspase 3/7 activity was measured using an ApoTox-Glo Triplex assay kit. cAMP was measured using an ELISA kit. The protein expression of CREB, BDNF, SAP-97, synaptophysin, synapsin-I, and PSD-95 was analyzed by the Western blotting technique. QUIN exposure down-regulated CREB, BDNF, and synaptic protein expression in neurons. Pretreatment with ROF increased the intracellular cAMP, mitochondrial membrane potential, and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) content and decreased the ROS and caspase 3/7 levels in QUIN-exposed neurons. ROF up-regulated the expression of synapse proteins SAP-97, synaptophysin, synapsin-I, PSD-95, and CREB and BDNF, which indicates its potential role in memory. This study suggests for the first time that QUIN causes pre- and postsynaptic protein damage. We further demonstrate the restorative effects of ROF on the mitochondrial membrane potential and antiapoptotic properties in human neurons. These data encourage further investigations to reposition ROF in neurodegenerative diseases and their associated cognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abid Bhat
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagar, Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Vanessa Tan
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Benjamin Heng
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - David B. Lovejoy
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
| | - Meena Kishore Sakharkar
- College of Pharmacy and Nutrition, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7N 5A2, Canada
| | - Musthafa Mohamed Essa
- Department of Food Science and Nutrition, CAMS, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
- Ageing and Dementia Research Group, Sultan Qaboos University, Muscat, Oman
| | - Saravana Babu Chidambaram
- Department of Pharmacology, JSS College of Pharmacy, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Sri Shivarathreeshwara Nagar, Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India
- Centre for Experimental Pharmacology and Toxicology, Central Animal Facility, JSS Academy of Higher Education & Research, Mysuru, Karnataka 570015, India
| | - Gilles J. Guillemin
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, New South Wales 2109, Australia
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Dahmani M, Anderson JF, Sultana H, Neelakanta G. Rickettsial pathogen uses arthropod tryptophan pathway metabolites to evade reactive oxygen species in tick cells. Cell Microbiol 2020; 22:e13237. [PMID: 32562372 DOI: 10.1111/cmi.13237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2020] [Revised: 06/10/2020] [Accepted: 06/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are induced upon pathogen infection plays an important role in host defence. The rickettsial pathogen Anaplasma phagocytophilum, which is primarily transmitted by Ixodes scapularis ticks in the United States, has evolved many strategies to escape ROS and survive in mammalian cells. However, little is known on the role of ROS in A. phagocytophilum infection in ticks. Our results show that A. phagocytophilum and hemin induce activation of l-tryptophan pathway in tick cells. Xanthurenic acid (XA), a tryptophan metabolite, supports A. phagocytophilum growth in tick cells through inhibition of tryptophan dioxygenase (TDO) activity leading to reduced l-kynurenine levels that subsequently affects build-up of ROS. However, hemin supports A. phagocytophilum growth in tick cells by inducing TDO activity leading to increased l-kynurenine levels and ROS production. Our data reveal that XA and kynurenic acid (KA) chelate hemin. Furthermore, treatment of tick cells with 3-hydroxyl l-kynurenine limits A. phagocytophilum growth in tick cells. RNAi-mediated knockdown of kynurenine aminotransferase expression results in increased ROS production and reduced A. phagocytophilum burden in tick cells. Collectively, these results suggest that l-tryptophan pathway metabolites influence A. phagocytophilum survival by affecting build up of ROS levels in tick cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustapha Dahmani
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.,Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland, USA
| | - John F Anderson
- Department of Entomology, Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Hameeda Sultana
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
| | - Girish Neelakanta
- Department of Biological Sciences, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, Virginia, USA.,Center for Molecular Medicine, Old Dominion University, Norfolk, VA, USA
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18
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Sundaram G, Lim CK, Brew BJ, Guillemin GJ. Kynurenine pathway modulation reverses the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse disease progression. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:176. [PMID: 32505212 PMCID: PMC7276083 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01844-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune-mediated disorder of the central nervous system characterized by demyelination, neuroinflammation, and neurodegeneration. Activation of the kynurenine pathway (KP) results from acute and chronic neuroinflammation leading to both immune suppression and neurotoxicity. However, the exact effects of KP metabolites and changes in neurodegenerative diseases over time are not fully understood. Studies, including those in MS models, have reported that short-term KP activation is beneficial through immune tolerance. However, the effects of long-term KP activation are poorly understood. We hypothesized that such chronic activation is responsible for the neurodegeneration in MS, and further, modulating the KP in EAE-induced mice could significantly decrease the EAE disease severity. METHODS We biochemically altered the KP at different stages of the disease in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) mouse model of MS and at two different enzymatic levels of the KP (IDO-1 (indoleamine 2,3 dioxygenase)) and KMO (kynurenine monooxygenase). CNS tissue and blood samples were analyzed longitudinally using GCMS, HPLC, IHC, and RT-PCR. RESULTS We showed that the KP was steadily upregulated correlating with disease severity and associated with a shift towards increasing concentrations of the KP metabolite quinolinic acid, a neuro- and gliotoxin. KP modulation by inhibition of IDO-1 with 1-methyl tryptophan (1-MT) was dependent on the timing of treatment at various stages of EAE. IDO-1 inhibition at EAE score 2 led to significantly higher numbers of FoxP3 cells (p < 0.001) in the spleen than earlier IDO-1 inhibition (prophylactic 1-MT treatment group (p < 0.001)), 1-MT treatment after EAE induction (EAE score 0; p < 0.001), and 1-MT treatment at EAE score of 1 (p < 0.05). Significant improvement of disease severity was observed in EAE mice treated with 1-MT at EAE score 2 compared to the untreated group (p < 0.05). KP modulation by KMO inhibition with Ro 61-8048 led to significantly greater numbers of Foxp3 cells (p < 0.05) in Ro 61-8048 treated mice and even more significant amelioration of EAE disease compared to the 1-MT treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS These results provide a new mechanistic link between neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration and point to KP modulation at the KMO level to preserve immune tolerance and limit neurodegeneration in EAE. They provide the foundation for new clinical trials for MS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Sundaram
- Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Chai K Lim
- Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Bruce J Brew
- Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
- Department of Neurology, St Vincent's Hospital, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
| | - Gilles J Guillemin
- Peter Duncan Neurosciences Research Unit, St Vincent's Centre for Applied Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia.
- Neuroinflammation Group, Faculty of Medicine, Health and Human Sciences, Macquarie University, Sydney, NSW, 2109, Australia.
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Visentin APV, Colombo R, Scotton E, Fracasso DS, da Rosa AR, Branco CS, Salvador M. Targeting Inflammatory-Mitochondrial Response in Major Depression: Current Evidence and Further Challenges. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2020; 2020:2972968. [PMID: 32351669 PMCID: PMC7178465 DOI: 10.1155/2020/2972968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The prevalence of psychiatric disorders has increased in recent years. Among existing mental disorders, major depressive disorder (MDD) has emerged as one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, affecting individuals throughout their lives. Currently, MDD affects 15% of adults in the Americas. Over the past 50 years, pharmacotherapy, psychotherapy, and brain stimulation have been used to treat MDD. The most common approach is still pharmacotherapy; however, studies show that about 40% of patients are refractory to existing treatments. Although the monoamine hypothesis has been widely accepted as a molecular mechanism to explain the etiology of depression, its relationship with other biochemical phenomena remains only partially understood. This is the case of the link between MDD and inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress. Studies have found that depressive patients usually exhibit altered inflammatory markers, mitochondrial membrane depolarization, oxidized mitochondrial DNA, and thus high levels of both central and peripheral reactive oxygen species (ROS). The effect of antidepressants on these events remains unclear. Nevertheless, the effects of ROS on the brain are well known, including lipid peroxidation of neuronal membranes, accumulation of peroxidation products in neurons, protein and DNA damage, reduced antioxidant defenses, apoptosis induction, and neuroinflammation. Antioxidants such as ascorbic acid, tocopherols, and coenzyme Q have shown promise in some depressive patients, but without consensus on their efficacy. Hence, this paper provides a review of MDD and its association with inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress and is aimed at thoroughly discussing the putative links between these events, which may contribute to the design and development of new therapeutic approaches for patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Rafael Colombo
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS 95070 560, Brazil
| | - Ellen Scotton
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Farmacologia e Terapêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Débora Soligo Fracasso
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS 95070 560, Brazil
| | - Adriane Ribeiro da Rosa
- Laboratório de Psiquiatria Molecular, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Catia Santos Branco
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS 95070 560, Brazil
| | - Mirian Salvador
- Instituto de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Caxias do Sul, Caxias do Sul, RS 95070 560, Brazil
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20
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Lu Y, Shao M, Wu T. Kynurenine-3-monooxygenase: A new direction for the treatment in different diseases. Food Sci Nutr 2020; 8:711-719. [PMID: 32148781 PMCID: PMC7020307 DOI: 10.1002/fsn3.1418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2019] [Revised: 11/24/2019] [Accepted: 12/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Kynurenine-3-monooxygenase (KMO) is an enzyme that relies on nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP), a key site in the kynurenine pathway (KP), which has great effects on neurological diseases, cancer, and peripheral inflammation. This review mainly pay attention to the research of KMO mechanism for the treatment of different diseases, and hopes to provide assistance for clinical and drug use. KMO controlling the chief division of the KP, which directly controls downstream product quinolinic acid (QUIN) and indirectly controls kynurenic acid (KYNA), plays an important role in many diseases, especially neurological diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Mingmei Shao
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine ResearchShanghai University of Traditional Chinese MedicineShanghaiChina
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Abstract
The kynurenine pathway (KP) plays a critical role in generating cellular energy in the form of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+). Because energy requirements are substantially increased during an immune response, the KP is a key regulator of the immune system. Perhaps more importantly in the context of psychiatry, many kynurenines are neuroactive, modulating neuroplasticity and/or exerting neurotoxic effects in part through their effects on NMDA receptor signaling and glutamatergic neurotransmission. As such, it is not surprising that the kynurenines have been implicated in psychiatric illness in the context of inflammation. However, because of their neuromodulatory properties, the kynurenines are not just additional members of a list of inflammatory mediators linked with psychiatric illness, but in preclinical studies have been shown to be necessary components of the behavioral analogs of depression and schizophrenia-like cognitive deficits. Further, as the title suggests, the KP is regulated by, and in turn regulates multiple other physiological systems that are commonly disrupted in psychiatric disorders, including endocrine, metabolic, and hormonal systems. This review provides a broad overview of the mechanistic pathways through which the kynurenines interact with these systems, thus impacting emotion, cognition, pain, metabolic function, and aging, and in so doing potentially increasing the risk of developing psychiatric disorders. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting the KP are discussed. Moreover, electroconvulsive therapy, ketamine, physical exercise, and certain non-steroidal anti-inflammatories have been shown to alter kynurenine metabolism, raising the possibility that kynurenine metabolites may have utility as treatment response or therapeutic monitoring biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan Savitz
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK, USA.
- Oxley College of Health Sciences, The University of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK, USA.
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22
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Morris G, Puri BK, Walker AJ, Berk M, Walder K, Bortolasci CC, Marx W, Carvalho AF, Maes M. The compensatory antioxidant response system with a focus on neuroprogressive disorders. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 95:109708. [PMID: 31351160 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2019.109708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2019] [Revised: 07/16/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Major antioxidant responses to increased levels of inflammatory, oxidative and nitrosative stress (ONS) are detailed. In response to increasing levels of nitric oxide, S-nitrosylation of cysteine thiol groups leads to post-transcriptional modification of many cellular proteins and thereby regulates their activity and allows cellular adaptation to increased levels of ONS. S-nitrosylation inhibits the function of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, toll-like receptor-mediated signalling and the activity of several mitogen-activated protein kinases, while activating nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2 or NFE2L2); in turn, the redox-regulated activation of Nrf2 leads to increased levels and/or activity of key enzymes and transporter systems involved in the glutathione system. The Nrf2/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 axis is associated with upregulation of NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase 1, which in turn has anti-inflammatory effects. Increased Nrf2 transcriptional activity also leads to activation of haem oxygenase-1, which is associated with upregulation of bilirubin, biliverdin and biliverdin reductase as well as increased carbon monoxide signalling, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity. Associated transcriptional responses, which may be mediated by retrograde signalling owing to elevated hydrogen peroxide, include the unfolded protein response (UPR), mitohormesis and the mitochondrial UPR; the UPR also results from increasing levels of mitochondrial and cytosolic reactive oxygen species and reactive nitrogen species leading to nitrosylation, glutathionylation, oxidation and nitration of crucial cysteine and tyrosine causing protein misfolding and the development of endoplasmic reticulum stress. It is shown how these mechanisms co-operate in forming a co-ordinated rapid and prolonged compensatory antioxidant response system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerwyn Morris
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Basant K Puri
- Department of Medicine, Hammersmith Hospital, Imperial College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adam J Walker
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Michael Berk
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia; Orygen, The National Centre of Excellence in Youth Mental Health, The Department of Psychiatry, The Florey Institute for Neuroscience and Mental Health, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Ken Walder
- CMMR Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Chiara C Bortolasci
- CMMR Strategic Research Centre, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Wolfgang Marx
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
| | - Andre F Carvalho
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada; Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Michael Maes
- IMPACT Strategic Research Centre, Barwon Health, School of Medicine, Deakin University, Geelong, VIC, Australia
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23
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Correlation between plasma and CSF concentrations of kynurenine pathway metabolites in Alzheimer's disease and relationship to amyloid-β and tau. Neurobiol Aging 2019; 80:11-20. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2019.03.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
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Microbiota Alterations in Alzheimer’s Disease: Involvement of the Kynurenine Pathway and Inflammation. Neurotox Res 2019; 36:424-436. [DOI: 10.1007/s12640-019-00057-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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25
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The ‘Yin’ and the ‘Yang’ of the kynurenine pathway: excitotoxicity and neuroprotection imbalance in stress-induced disorders. Behav Pharmacol 2019; 30:163-186. [DOI: 10.1097/fbp.0000000000000477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
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