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Li Y, Liu S, Zhou K, Wang Y, Chen Y, Hu W, Li S, Li H, Wang Y, Wang Q, He D, Xu H. Neuromedin U programs eosinophils to promote mucosal immunity of the small intestine. Science 2023; 381:1189-1196. [PMID: 37708282 DOI: 10.1126/science.ade4177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023]
Abstract
Eosinophils are granulocytes that play an essential role in type 2 immunity and regulate multiple homeostatic processes in the small intestine (SI). However, the signals that regulate eosinophil activity in the SI at steady state remain poorly understood. Through transcriptome profiling of eosinophils from various mouse tissues, we found that a subset of SI eosinophils expressed neuromedin U (NMU) receptor 1 (NMUR1). Fate-mapping analyses showed that NMUR1 expression in SI eosinophils was programmed by the local microenvironment and further enhanced by inflammation. Genetic perturbation and eosinophil-organoid coculture experiments revealed that NMU-mediated eosinophil activation promotes goblet cell differentiation. Thus, NMU regulates epithelial cell differentiation and barrier immunity by stimulating NMUR1-expressing eosinophils in the SI, which highlights the importance of neuroimmune-epithelial cross-talk in maintaining tissue homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Li
- School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, Zhejiang, China
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shaorui Liu
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kewen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinsheng Wang
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Center for Inflammatory Bowel Diseases, Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen Hu
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310003, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuyan Li
- Department of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310009, Zhejiang, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiuying Wang
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Danyang He
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
| | - Heping Xu
- Key Laboratory of Growth Regulation and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Center for Infectious Disease Research, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
- Laboratory of Systems Immunology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou 310024, Zhejiang, China
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Botticelli L, Micioni Di Bonaventura E, Del Bello F, Giorgioni G, Piergentili A, Quaglia W, Bonifazi A, Cifani C, Micioni Di Bonaventura MV. The neuromedin U system: Pharmacological implications for the treatment of obesity and binge eating behavior. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106875. [PMID: 37517560 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a bioactive peptide produced in the gut and in the brain, with a role in multiple physiological processes. NMU acts by binding and activating two G protein coupled receptors (GPCR), the NMU receptor 1 (NMU-R1), which is predominantly expressed in the periphery, and the NMU receptor 2 (NMU-R2), mainly expressed in the central nervous system (CNS). In the brain, NMU and NMU-R2 are consistently present in the hypothalamus, commonly recognized as the main "feeding center". Considering its distribution pattern, NMU revealed to be an important neuropeptide involved in the regulation of food intake, with a powerful anorexigenic ability. This has been observed through direct administration of NMU and by studies using genetically modified animals, which revealed an obesity phenotype when the NMU gene is deleted. Thus, the development of NMU analogs or NMU-R2 agonists might represent a promising pharmacological strategy to treat obese individuals. Furthermore, NMU has been demonstrated to influence the non-homeostatic aspect of food intake, playing a potential role in binge eating behavior. This review aims to discuss and summarize the current literature linking the NMU system with obesity and binge eating behavior, focusing on the influence of NMU on food intake and the neuronal mechanisms underlying its anti-obesity properties. Pharmacological strategies to improve the pharmacokinetic profile of NMU will also be reported.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luca Botticelli
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Del Bello
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Gianfabio Giorgioni
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Piergentili
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Wilma Quaglia
- School of Pharmacy, Medicinal Chemistry Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, Camerino 62032, Italy
| | - Alessandro Bonifazi
- Medicinal Chemistry Section, Molecular Targets and Medications Discovery Branch, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Intramural Research Program, National Institutes of Health, 333 Cassell Drive, Baltimore, MD 21224, United States
| | - Carlo Cifani
- School of Pharmacy, Pharmacology Unit, University of Camerino, via Madonna delle Carceri, 9, Camerino 62032, Italy.
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Medrano M, Allaoui W, Van Bulck M, Thys S, Makrini-Maleville L, Seuntjens E, De Vos WH, Valjent E, Gaszner B, Van Eeckhaut A, Smolders I, De Bundel D. Neuroanatomical characterization of the Nmu-Cre knock-in mice reveals an interconnected network of unique neuropeptidergic cells. Open Biol 2023; 13:220353. [PMID: 37311538 PMCID: PMC10264104 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.220353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is an evolutionary conserved neuropeptide that has been implicated in multiple processes, such as circadian regulation, energy homeostasis, reward processing and stress coping. Although the central expression of NMU has been addressed previously, the lack of specific and sensitive tools has prevented a comprehensive characterization of NMU-expressing neurons in the brain. We have generated a knock-in mouse model constitutively expressing Cre recombinase under the Nmu promoter. We have validated the model using a multi-level approach based on quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reactions, in situ hybridization, a reporter mouse line and an adenoviral vector driving Cre-dependent expression of a fluorescent protein. Using the Nmu-Cre mouse, we performed a complete characterization of NMU expression in adult mouse brain, unveiling a potential midline NMU modulatory circuit with the ventromedial hypothalamic nucleus (VMH) as a key node. Moreover, immunohistochemical analysis suggested that NMU neurons in the VMH mainly constitute a unique population of hypothalamic cells. Taken together, our results suggest that Cre expression in the Nmu-Cre mouse model largely reflects NMU expression in the adult mouse brain, without altering endogenous NMU expression. Thus, the Nmu-Cre mouse model is a powerful and sensitive tool to explore the role of NMU neurons in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Medrano
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Wissal Allaoui
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Mathias Van Bulck
- Laboratory of Medical and Molecular Oncology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sofie Thys
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology and Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
| | | | - Eve Seuntjens
- Department of Biology, Laboratory of Developmental Neurobiology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Winnok H. De Vos
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, Laboratory of Cell Biology and Histology and Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- μNEURO Research Centre of Excellence, University of Antwerp, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium
- Antwerp Centre for Advanced Microscopy (ACAM), 2610 Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Emmanuel Valjent
- IGF, Université de Montpellier, CNRS, Inserm, 34094 Montpellier, France
| | - Bálazs Gaszner
- Medical School, Research Group for Mood Disorders, Department of Anatomy and Centre for Neuroscience, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary
| | - Ann Van Eeckhaut
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Ilse Smolders
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
| | - Dimitri De Bundel
- Center for Neurosciences, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Drug Analysis and Drug Information, Research Group Experimental Pharmacology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, 1090 Brussels, Belgium
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Piwowarczyk-Nowak A, Pałasz A, Suszka-Świtek A, Della Vecchia A, Grajoszek A, Krzystanek M, Worthington JJ. Escitalopram alters local expression of noncanonical stress-related neuropeptides in the rat brain via NPS receptor signaling. Pharmacol Rep 2022; 74:637-653. [PMID: 35653031 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-022-00374-z] [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: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuropeptide S (NPS) is a multifunctional regulatory factor that exhibits a potent anxiolytic activity in animal models. However, there are no reports dealing with the potential molecular relationships between the anxiolytic activity of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and NPS signaling, especially in the context of novel stress-related neuropeptides action. The present work therefore focused on gene expression of novel stress neuropeptides in the rat brain after acute treatment with escitalopram and in combination with neuropeptide S receptor (NPSR) blockade. METHODS Studies were carried out on adult, male Sprague-Dawley rats that were divided into five groups: animals injected with saline (control) and experimental rats treated with escitalopram (at single dose 10 mg/kg daily), escitalopram and SHA-68, a selective NPSR antagonist (at a single dose of 40 mg/kg), SHA-68 alone and corresponding vehicle (solvent SHA-68) control. To measure anxiety-like behavior and locomotor activity the open field test was performed. All individuals were killed under anaesthesia and the whole brain was excised. Total mRNA was isolated from homogenized samples of the amygdala, hippocampus, hypothalamus, thalamus, cerebellum, and brainstem. Real-time PCR was used for estimation of related NPS, NPSR, neuromedin U (NMU), NMU receptor 2 (NMUR2) and nesfatin-1 precursor nucleobindin-2 (NUCB2) gene expression. RESULTS Acute escitalopram administration affects the local expression of the examined neuropeptides mRNA in a varied manner depending on brain location. An increase in NPSR and NUCB2 mRNA expression in the hypothalamus and brainstem was abolished by SHA-68 coadministration, while NMU mRNA expression was upregulated after NPSR blockade in the hippocampus and cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS The pharmacological effects of escitalopram may be connected with local NPSR-related alterations in NPS/NMU/NMUR2 and nesfatin-1 gene expression at the level of selected rat brain regions. A novel alternative mode of SSRI action can be therefore cautiously proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aneta Piwowarczyk-Nowak
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Artur Pałasz
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Suszka-Świtek
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 18, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Alessandra Della Vecchia
- Section of Psychiatry, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 67, Via Roma, 56100, Pisa, Italy
| | - Aniela Grajoszek
- Department for Experimental Medicine, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Medyków 4, 40-752, Katowice, Poland
| | - Marek Krzystanek
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Katowice, Clinic of Psychiatric Rehabilitation, Medical University of Silesia, ul. Ziolowa 45/47, 40-635, Katowice, Poland
| | - John J Worthington
- Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, LA1 4YQ, UK
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Sasaki-Hamada S, Maeno Y, Yabe M, Ishibashi H. Neuromedin U modulates neuronal excitability in rat hippocampal slices. Neuropeptides 2021; 89:102168. [PMID: 34243110 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2021.102168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a neuropeptide that was initially isolated from the porcine spinal cord and later from several species. Although NMU receptors exist in the CA1 region of the hippocampus, the role of NMU in hippocampal synaptic transmission remains unknown. In the present study, we demonstrated that the colocalization ratio of NMU type 1 (NMUR1) or type 2 (NMUR2) receptors was higher with neuronal nuclei (a neuronal marker) than with glial fibrillary acidic protein (an astrocyte marker) in the CA1 region of rats. Moreover, we revealed that the bath application of NMU (1 μM) enhanced extracellular field excitatory postsynaptic potentials at Schaffer collateral-CA1 synapses in rat hippocampal slices (+28.9 ± 1.3%; P < 0.05). After extracellular recordings, we examined the pattern of neuronal activation induced by NMU using c-Fos immunohistochemistry (Fos-IR). Histological analyses revealed that NMU increased Fos-IR in the CA1 region, but reduced the proportion of Fos-IR colocalized with glutamic acid decarboxylase (a GABA neuron marker). These results suggest that the activation of NMU receptors contributes to GABAergic neuronal activity in the CA1 region of the hippocampus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachie Sasaki-Hamada
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan.
| | - Yoshimichi Maeno
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Mizuki Yabe
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Ishibashi
- Department of Physiology, School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
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Neuromedin U, a Key Molecule in Metabolic Disorders. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22084238. [PMID: 33921859 PMCID: PMC8074168 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is now a public health concern. The leading cause of obesity is an energy imbalance between ingested and expended calories. The mechanisms of feeding behavior and energy metabolism are regulated by a complex of various kinds of molecules, including anorexigenic and orexigenic neuropeptides. One of these neuropeptides, neuromedin U (NMU), was isolated in the 1980s, and its specific receptors, NMUR1 and NMUR2, were defined in 2000. A series of subsequent studies has revealed many of the physiological roles of the NMU system, including in feeding behavior, energy expenditure, stress responses, circadian rhythmicity, and inflammation. Particularly over the past decades, many reports have indicated that the NMU system plays an essential and direct role in regulating body weight, feeding behavior, energy metabolism, and insulin secretion, which are tightly linked to obesity pathophysiology. Furthermore, another ligand of NMU receptors, NMS (neuromedin S), was identified in 2005. NMS has physiological functions similar to those of NMU. This review summarizes recent observations of the NMU system in relation to the pathophysiology of obesity in both the central nervous systems and the peripheral tissues.
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Ye Y, Liang Z, Xue L. Neuromedin U: potential roles in immunity and inflammation. Immunology 2021; 162:17-29. [PMID: 32888314 PMCID: PMC7730025 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Revised: 08/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Since the discovery of neuromedin U (NmU) from porcine spinal cord in 1985, this neuropeptide has been subsequently identified in many other species with multiple physiological and pathophysiological roles detected, ranging from smooth muscle contraction, feeding, energy balance to tumorigenesis. Intriguingly, NmU is also emerging to play pro-inflammatory roles involving immune cell activation and cytokine release in a neuron-dependent or neuron-independent manner. The NmU-mediated inflammatory responses have already been observed in worm infection, sepsis, autoimmune arthritis and allergic animal models. In this review, we focus on the roles of NmU in immunity and inflammation by highlighting the interactions between NmU and immune cells, summarizing the signalling mechanism involved in their reactions and discussing its potential contributions to inflammatory diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Ye
- The Respiratory Medicine UnitOxford NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineWest China School of Medicine and West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Zongan Liang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care MedicineWest China School of Medicine and West China HospitalSichuan UniversityChengduChina
| | - Luzheng Xue
- The Respiratory Medicine UnitOxford NIHR Biomedical Research CentreUniversity of OxfordOxfordUK
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Yuan Y, Wang H, He J, Sun H, Zhu D, Bi Y. Peripheral Administration of NMU Promotes White Adipose Tissue Beiging and Improves Glucose Tolerance. Int J Endocrinol 2021; 2021:6142096. [PMID: 34422045 PMCID: PMC8373479 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6142096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Targeting white adipose tissue (WAT) beiging has been proposed as an effective way to increase thermogenesis and improve glucose metabolism. Neuromedin U (NMU) is a neuropeptide that could increase energy expenditure, while its effects on WAT beiging and glucose homeostasis remain to be investigated. METHODS Male C57BL/6 mice were fed with high fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity and hyperglycemia and then treated with chronic subcutaneous injection of NMU. Body weight and food intake were recorded daily. After 14 days of injection, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance tests and 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose micro-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG micro-PET/CT) scans were conducted. Subcutaneous WAT (sWAT) and interscapular brown adipose tissue were collected for the evaluation of adipocyte size, expression of uncoupling protein 1 (Ucp1), and other thermogenic-related genes. Stromal vascular fraction of subcutaneous WAT was extracted for the measurement of type 2 innate lymphocytes (ILC2s) proportions. RESULTS Glucose tolerance was markedly improved by peripherally administered NMU. Micro-PET/CT suggested that NMU promoted WAT beiging, which was further confirmed by haematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and immunohistochemistry. In diet-induced-obese (DIO) mice, NMU activated thermogenic-related genes in WAT. In addition, NMU stimulated ILC2s in the stromal vascular fraction of WAT. CONCLUSION Taken together, our study indicates that peripheral administration of NMU is a potential therapeutic strategy for the promotion of WAT beiging and the improvement of impaired glucose tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Yuan
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongdong Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jielei He
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Haixiang Sun
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Dalong Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Bi
- Department of Endocrinology, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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Ren X, Dong F, Zhuang Y, Wang Y, Ma W. Effect of neuromedin U on allergic airway inflammation in an asthma model. Exp Ther Med 2019; 19:809-816. [PMID: 32010240 PMCID: PMC6966147 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.8283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 11/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Asthma is a major inflammatory airway disease with high incidence and mortality rates. The Global Initiative for Asthma released a report called ‘The Global Burden of Asthma’ in 2004. However, the specific pathogenesis of asthma remains unclear. An increasing number of studies have demonstrated that neuromedin U (NMU) plays a pleiotropic role in the pathogenesis of asthma. NMU is a highly structurally conserved neuropeptide that was first purified from porcine spinal cord and named for its contractile effect on the rat uterus. NMU amplifies type 2 innate lymphoid cell (ILC2)-driven allergic lung inflammation. The NMU receptors (NMURs), designated as NMUR1 and NMUR2, belong to the G protein-coupled receptor family. NMUR1 has also been found in immune cells, including ILC2s, mast cells and eosinophils. In view of the important roles of NMU in the pathogenesis of asthma, the present review evaluates the potential mechanisms underlying the impact of NMU on asthma and its association with asthma therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaojie Ren
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Fang Dong
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yuerong Zhuang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Yong Wang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
| | - Wuhua Ma
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China.,Department of Anaesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510405, P.R. China
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Han M, Xu Y, Yuan J, Zhu Y, Zhou J, Liu L, Li X, Zhang H. Circulating neuromedin U levels are similar in subjects with NGT and newly diagnosed T2DM and do not correlate with insulin secretion. Diabetes Res Clin Pract 2019; 151:163-168. [PMID: 31004673 DOI: 10.1016/j.diabres.2019.04.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2018] [Revised: 02/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Neuromedin U (NMU), a highly conserved peptide, is implicated in energy homeostasis and is involved in regulating insulin secretion as a decretin hormone in animals. However, there have been no reports on the relationship between NMU and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). The aim of this study was to investigate circulating NMU concentrations in healthy subjects and T2DM patients and to evaluate the association between serum NMU levels and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. METHODS We used ELISA to analyze NMU concentrations in blood samples from newly diagnosed T2DM patients (n = 57) and age-, sex- and BMI-matched healthy control subjects (n = 50). Anthropometric parameters, oral glucose tolerance, glycosylated hemoglobin, blood lipids, insulin sensitivity, and insulin secretion were measured. RESULTS No difference was observed in serum NMU levels between control subjects and newly diagnosed T2DM patients (p = 0.788). The oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) results indicated that serum NMU concentrations did not change and did not correlate with insulin levels at fasting and 1 h, 2 h and 3 h after glucose load in both healthy controls and newly diagnosed T2DM patients. CONCLUSION Circulating NMU concentrations were similar in control subjects and newly diagnosed T2DM patients and were not associated with glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. Serum NMU is not a human decretin hormone and may not play a role in the pathogenesis of T2DM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingzhu Han
- Department of Endocrinology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China
| | - Yanhong Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China
| | - Jing Yuan
- Department of Statistics, Shandong Institute of Business and Technology, Yantai 264005, China
| | - Yi Zhu
- Department of Endocrinology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China
| | - Jianhua Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China
| | - Lu Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China
| | - Xiaohua Li
- Department of Endocrinology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China.
| | - Hongli Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200137, China.
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11
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Peng S, Lu Y, Li P, Liu P, Shi X, Liu C, Zhang Y, Liu S, Wang J. The short interference RNA (siRNA) targeting NMUR2 relieves nociception in a bone cancer pain model of rat through PKC-ERK and PI3K-AKT pathways. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2019; 512:616-622. [PMID: 30914203 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.03.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/12/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM Bone cancer pain (BCP) causes troubles and burdens to patients globally. Increasing evidence proved that neuromedin U receptor 2 (NMUR2) was involved in pains. Our study was performed to investigate the role of NMUR2 on BCP and the underlying mechanism. METHODS The rats were raised and BCP rat model was established by injection with Walker 256 cells. The RNA and protein expression levels of NMUR2 in rat neurons-dorsal spinal cord cells, RNdsc cells were detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. The administration with NMUR2 was via intrathecal injection with siRNA to silence NMUR2. The tolerance of rat to pain was measured by mechanical allodynia test and presented by paw withdrawal threshold (PWT) value. The effects on protein kinase C (PKC)/extracellular regulated protein kinases (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signal pathways were examined by western blot. RESULTS The expression of NMUR2 in both mRNA and protein levels was upregulated in BCP rat model. In addition, siRNA injection significantly decreased the expression of NMUR2 on the 3rd, 7th and 14th day. BCP group revealed lower PWT value compared with control while NMUR2 silence increased the PWT value compared with negative control. The phosphorylation of PKC, ERK, PI3K and AKT was increased in BCP model while was decreased by si-NMUR2. PKC/ERK and PI3K/AKT inhibitor administration increased the PWT value compared with BCP group. CONCLUSION si-NMUR2 alleviates BCP via inactivation of PKC/ERK and PI3K/AKT signal pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Peng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, No.358 Datong Road, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Yingjun Lu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, No.748 Zhongshan Middle Road, Shanghai, 201600, China.
| | - Pengyi Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, No.42 Baiziting, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Peirong Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, No.358 Datong Road, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Xiaowei Shi
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, No.358 Datong Road, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Chunliang Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, No.358 Datong Road, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, No.358 Datong Road, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Shasha Liu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, No.358 Datong Road, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, No.358 Datong Road, Shanghai, 200137, China
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12
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Kuhre RE, Christiansen CB, Ghiasi SM, Gabe MBN, Skat-Rørdam PA, Modvig IM, Mandrup-Poulsen T, Albrechtsen R, Rosenkilde MM, Hartmann B, Wewer Albrechtsen NJ, Holst JJ. Neuromedin U Does Not Act as a Decretin in Rats. Cell Metab 2019; 29:719-726.e5. [PMID: 30449683 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2018.10.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 10/19/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
Studies on isolated pancreatic islets suggest that neuromedin U (NMU), a brain and gastrointestinal peptide, acts as a decretin hormone, inhibiting glucose-stimulated insulin secretion. We investigated whether this effect could be reproduced in vivo and in isolated perfused rat pancreas. Unlike the incretin hormone, glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), intravenous NMU administration had no effects on blood glucose and plasma insulin and glucagon in vivo. Moreover, NMU neither changed insulin, glucagon, or somatostatin secretion from isolated perfused rat pancreas, nor affected GLP-1-stimulated insulin and somatostatin secretion. For NMU to act as a decretin hormone, its secretion should increase following glucose ingestion; however, glucose did not affect NMU secretion from isolated perfused rat small intestine, which contained extractable NMU. Furthermore, the two NMU receptors were not detected in endocrine rat or human pancreas. We conclude that NMU does not act as a decretin hormone in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rune Ehrenreich Kuhre
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Bayer Christiansen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Seyed Mojtaba Ghiasi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Maria Buur Nordskov Gabe
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Patricia Almine Skat-Rørdam
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ida Marie Modvig
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas Mandrup-Poulsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Reidar Albrechtsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Marie Rosenkilde
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Bolette Hartmann
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nicolai Jacob Wewer Albrechtsen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark; Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jens Juul Holst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Panum Institute, Blegdamsvej 3B, 12.2, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark; NNF Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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13
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Jarry AC, Merah N, Cisse F, Cayetanot F, Fiamma MN, Willemetz A, Gueddouri D, Barka B, Valet P, Guilmeau S, Bado A, Le Beyec J, Bodineau L, Le Gall M. Neuromedin U is a gut peptide that alters oral glucose tolerance by delaying gastric emptying via direct contraction of the pylorus and vagal-dependent mechanisms. FASEB J 2019; 33:5377-5388. [PMID: 30753087 DOI: 10.1096/fj.201801718r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The gut-brain peptide neuromedin U (NMU) decreases food intake and body weight and improves glucose tolerance. Here, we characterized NMU as an enteropeptide and determined how it impacts glucose excursion. NMU was expressed predominantly in the proximal small intestine, and its secretion was triggered by ingestion of a mixed meal. Although a single peripheral injection of NMU in C57BL/6NRj mice prevented the rise of glycemia upon an oral but not an intraperitoneal load of glucose, it unexpectedly prevented insulin secretion, only slightly improved peripheral insulin sensitivity, and barely reduced intestinal glucose absorption. Interestingly, peripheral administration of NMU abrogated gastric emptying. NMU receptors 1 and 2 were detected in pyloric muscles and NMU was able to directly induce pyloric contraction in a dose-dependent manner ex vivo in isometric chambers. Using a modified glucose tolerance test, we demonstrate that improvement of oral glucose tolerance by NMU was essentially, if not exclusively, because of its impact on gastric emptying. Part of this effect was abolished in vagotomized (VagoX) mice, suggesting implication of the vagus tone. Accordingly, peripheral injection of NMU was associated with increased number of c-FOS-positive neurons in the nucleus of the solitary tract, which was partly prevented in VagoX mice. Finally, NMU kept its ability to improve oral glucose tolerance in obese and diabetic murine models. Together, these data demonstrate that NMU is an enteropeptide that prevents gastric emptying directly by triggering pylorus contraction and indirectly through vagal afferent neurons. This blockade consequently reduces intestinal nutrient absorption and thereby results in an apparent improved tolerance to oral glucose challenge.-Jarry, A.-C., Merah, N., Cisse, F., Cayetanot, F., Fiamma, M.-N., Willemetz, A., Gueddouri, D., Barka, B., Valet, P., Guilmeau, S., Bado, A., Le Beyec, J., Bodineau, L., Le Gall, M. Neuromedin U is a gut peptide that alters oral glucose tolerance by delaying gastric emptying via direct contraction of the pylorus and vagal-dependent mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Charlotte Jarry
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1149, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Nadir Merah
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1149, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Fanta Cisse
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1149, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Florence Cayetanot
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Marie-Noëlle Fiamma
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Alexandra Willemetz
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1149, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Dalale Gueddouri
- INSERM, Unité 1016, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 8104, Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - Besma Barka
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Philippe Valet
- INSERM, Unité 1048, Institut des Maladies Métaboliques et Cardiovasculaires (I2MC), Université Toulouse III-Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Sandra Guilmeau
- INSERM, Unité 1016, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS) Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 8104, Institut Cochin, Université Paris Descartes, Paris, France
| | - André Bado
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1149, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
| | - Johanne Le Beyec
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1149, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France.,Sorbonne Université, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Department of Endocrine and Oncological Biochemistry, Paris, France
| | - Laurence Bodineau
- Sorbonne Université, INSERM, Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) S1158 Neurophysiologie Respiratoire Expérimentale et Clinique, Paris, France
| | - Maude Le Gall
- Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale (INSERM), Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR) 1149, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Diderot, Paris, France
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14
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Development of potent and proteolytically stable human neuromedin U receptor agonists. Eur J Med Chem 2018; 144:887-897. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2017.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 12/05/2017] [Accepted: 12/11/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
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15
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Sasaki-Hamada S, Funane T, Nakao Y, Sasaki R, Nagai M, Ueta Y, Yoshizawa K, Horiguchi M, Yamashita C, Oka JI. Intranasal administration of neuromedin U derivatives containing cell-penetrating peptides and a penetration-accelerating sequence induced memory improvements in mice. Peptides 2018; 99:241-246. [PMID: 29079533 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2017.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a neuropeptide that is expressed and secreted in the brain and gut. We previously demonstrated that the intracerebroventricular (i.c.v.) administration of NMU inhibited inflammation-mediated memory impairment in mice. In order to utilize NMU as a clinical treatment tool for inflammation-mediated amnesia, we herein focused on non-invasive intranasal delivery because the i.c.v. administration route is invasive and impractical. In the present study, we prepared two NMU derivatives containing cell-penetrating peptides (CPPs), octaarginine (R8), and each penetration-accelerating sequence, namely FFLIPKG (PASR8-NMU) and FFFFG (F4R8-NMU), for intranasal (i.n.) administration. In the Y-maze test, the i.c.v. administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10μg/mouse) significantly decreased spontaneous alternation behavior, and this was prevented by the prior administration of PASR8-NMU or F4R8-NMU (5.6μg/mouse, i.n.). Moreover, the administration of PASR8-NMU or F4R8-NMU (5.6μg/mouse, i.n.) just before the Y-maze test also improved LPS-induced memory impairment. Indocyanine green (ICG)-labeled PASR8-NMU (i.n.) was significantly observed in the hippocampus and paraventricular hypothalamic nucleus 30min after its i.n. administration. PASR8-NMU, but not F4R8-NMU guaranteed the stability of the administration liquid for 24h. These results suggest that PASR8-NMU is effective for i.n. delivery to the brain, and may be useful in the clinical treatment of inflammation-mediated amnesia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sachie Sasaki-Hamada
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; Center for Translational Research, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Taichi Funane
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Yusuke Nakao
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Rie Sasaki
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Mio Nagai
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Yudai Ueta
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Kazumi Yoshizawa
- Laboratory of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Michiko Horiguchi
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; Center for Drug Delivery Research, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Chikamasa Yamashita
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutics and Drug Delivery, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; Center for Drug Delivery Research, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan
| | - Jun-Ichiro Oka
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan; Center for Translational Research, Tokyo University of Science, 2641 Yamazaki, Noda, Chiba 278-8510, Japan.
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16
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Nagai H, Kaisho T, Yokoyama K, Asakawa T, Fujita H, Matsumiya K, Noguchi J, Tsuchimori K, Nishizawa N, Kanematsu-Yamaki Y, Dote K, Inooka H, Sakamoto JI, Ohtaki T, Asami T, Takekawa S. Differential effects of selective agonists of neuromedin U1 and U2 receptors in obese and diabetic mice. Br J Pharmacol 2017; 175:359-373. [PMID: 29057457 DOI: 10.1111/bph.14077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/15/2017] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Neuromedin U (NmU) may be a novel target for obesity treatment owing to its anorectic and energy expenditure enhancing effects. Although two receptors, NMU1 and NMU2, are both responsible for the NmU-mediated anti-obesity effects, the receptor agonist with the most appropriate profiles for treating obesity and diabetes in terms of efficacy and safety is as yet unknown. Thus, we developed and evaluated novel NMU1/2 receptor-selective agonists. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Efficacy and safety were assessed in mice with diet-induced obesity (DIO) and those with leptin-deficient diabetes (ob/ob) through repeated peripheral administration of selective agonists to NMU1 (NMU-6102) and NMU2 (NMU-2084), along with non-selective NMU1/2 agonists (NMU-0002 and NMU-6014). We also performed immunohistochemistry for c-Fos protein expression in the brain to probe their mechanisms of action. KEY RESULTS Although both non-selective NMU1/2 agonists and the NMU2-selective agonist had high efficacy compared with the NMU1-selective agonist, only the NMU2-selective agonist led to relatively low adverse effects, such as diarrhoea, in DIO mice. However, the non-selective NMU1/2 agonist and the NMU1-selective agonist, but not the NMU2-selective agonist, were effective in diabetic ob/ob mice. Mechanistically, NMU2-selective agonists preferentially activate pro-opiomelanocortin neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus but not in the paraventricular nucleus. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS These results suggest that an NMU2 receptor-selective agonist may be a well-balanced drug for the treatment of obesity and that an NMU1 receptor-selective agonist may also be beneficial for treating obesity and diabetes once its side effects are minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Nagai
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Tomoko Kaisho
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kotaro Yokoyama
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Tomoko Asakawa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Hisashi Fujita
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kouta Matsumiya
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Jiro Noguchi
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Kazue Tsuchimori
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Naoki Nishizawa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | | | - Katsuko Dote
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Inooka
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | | | - Tetsuya Ohtaki
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Taiji Asami
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
| | - Shiro Takekawa
- Research, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Fujisawa, Japan
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17
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Neuronal regulation of type 2 innate lymphoid cells via neuromedin U. Nature 2017; 549:277-281. [PMID: 28869974 PMCID: PMC5714273 DOI: 10.1038/nature23469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 394] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) regulate inflammation, tissue repair and metabolic homeostasis1. ILC2 activation is driven by host-derived cytokines and alarmins1. While discrete immune cell subsets integrate nervous system cues2–4, it remains unclear whether neuronal-derived signals control ILC2s. Here we show that Neuromedin U (NMU) is a uniquely fast and potent regulator of type 2 innate immunity in the context of a novel neuron-ILC2 unit. We found that ILC2s selectively express Neuromedin U receptor 1 (Nmur1), while mucosal neurons express NMU. ILC2-autonomous activation with NMU resulted in immediate and strong production of innate inflammatory and tissue repair cytokines, in a NMUR1-dependent manner. NMU controlled ILC2s downstream of extracellular signal–regulated kinase (ERK) and calcium (Ca2+)-influx-dependent activation of Calcineurin and nuclear factor of activated T cells (NFAT). NMU treatment in vivo resulted in immediate protective type 2 responses. Accordingly, ILC2-autonomous ablation of Nmur1 led to impaired type 2 responses and poor worm infection control. Strikingly, mucosal neurons were found adjacent to ILC2s, directly sensed worm products and alarmins to induce NMU and to control innate type 2 cytokines. Our work reveals that neuron-ILC2 cell units are poised to confer a first-line of immediate tissue protection via coordinated neuro-immune sensory responses.
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18
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Zhang W, Sakoda H, Miura A, Shimizu K, Mori K, Miyazato M, Takayama K, Hayashi Y, Nakazato M. Neuromedin U suppresses glucose-stimulated insulin secretion in pancreatic β cells. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2017; 493:677-683. [PMID: 28864416 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2017.08.132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2017] [Accepted: 08/28/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU), a highly conserved peptide in mammals, is implicated in energy homeostasis and glycemic control, and may also be involved in the regulation of adipoinsular axis function. However, the role of NMU in regulating insulin secretion has not been clearly established. In this study, we investigated the role of NMU in the regulation of insulin secretion both in vitro and in vivo. We found that NMU and NMU receptor (NMUR) 1 were expressed in mouse islets and β cell-derived MIN6-K8 cells. In mice, NMU suppressed glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) both in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, an NMUR1 agonist inhibited GSIS in both MIN6-K8 cells and mice islets. Moreover, NMU attenuated intracellular Ca2+ influx in MIN6-K8 cells, potentially causing a decrease in insulin secretion. siNmu-transfected MIN6-K8 cells showed elevated GSIS. Treatment with anti-NMU IgG increased GSIS in isolated mouse pancreatic islets. These results suggested that NMU can act directly on β cells through NMUR1 in an autocrine or paracrine fashion to suppress insulin secretion. Collectively, our results highlight the crucial role of NMU in suppressing pancreatic insulin secretion, and may improve our understanding of glucose homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weidong Zhang
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sakoda
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Ayako Miura
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Koichiro Shimizu
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan
| | - Kenji Mori
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Mikiya Miyazato
- Department of Biochemistry, National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center Research Institute, 5-7-1 Fujishirodai, Suita, Osaka 565-8565, Japan
| | - Kentaro Takayama
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Yoshio Hayashi
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Tokyo University of Pharmacy and Life Sciences, Horinouchi, Hachioji, Tokyo 192-0392, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Nakazato
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Miyazaki 889-1692, Japan; AMED-CREST, Agency for Medical Research and Development, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan.
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Gajjar S, Patel BM. Neuromedin: An insight into its types, receptors and therapeutic opportunities. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:438-447. [PMID: 31994106 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/26/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Neuropeptides are small protein used by neurons in signal communications. Neuromedin U was the first neuropeptide discovered from the porcine spinal and showed its potent constricting activities on uterus hence was entitled with neuromedin U. Following neuromedin U another of its isoform was discovered neuromedin S which was observed in suprachiasmatic nucleus hence was entitled neuromedin S. Neuromedin K and neuromedin L are of kanassin class which belong to tachykinin family. Bombesin family consists of neuromedin B and neuromedin C. All these different neuromedins have various physiological roles like constrictive effects on the smooth muscles, control of blood pressure, pain sensations, hunger, bone metastasis and release and regulation of hormones. Over the years various newer physiological roles have been observed thus opening ways for various novel therapeutic treatments. This review aims to provide an overview of important different types of neuromedin, their receptors, signal transduction mechanism and implications for various diseases.
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Ueta Y, Ozaki Y, Saito J, Onaka T. Involvement of Novel Feeding-Related Peptides in Neuroendocrine Response to Stress. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2016; 228:1168-74. [PMID: 14610256 DOI: 10.1177/153537020322801011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Various stressors are known to cause eating disorders. However, it is not known in detail about the neural network and molecular mechanism that are involved in the stress-induced changes of feeding behavior in the central nervous system. Many novel feeding-regulated peptides such as orexins/hypocretins and ghrelin have been discovered since the discovery of leptin derived from adipocytes as a product of the ob gene. These novel peptides were identified as endogenous ligands of orphan G protein-coupled receptors. The accumulating evidence reveals that these peptides may be involved in stress responses via the central nervous system, as well as feeding behavior. The possible involvement of novel feeding-related peptides in neuroendocrine responses to stress is reviewed here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoichi Ueta
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Occupational and Environmental Health, Kitakyushu 807-8555, Japan.
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21
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Schlegel P, Texada MJ, Miroschnikow A, Schoofs A, Hückesfeld S, Peters M, Schneider-Mizell CM, Lacin H, Li F, Fetter RD, Truman JW, Cardona A, Pankratz MJ. Synaptic transmission parallels neuromodulation in a central food-intake circuit. eLife 2016; 5:16799. [PMID: 27845623 PMCID: PMC5182061 DOI: 10.7554/elife.16799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2016] [Accepted: 11/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
NeuromedinU is a potent regulator of food intake and activity in mammals. In Drosophila, neurons producing the homologous neuropeptide hugin regulate feeding and locomotion in a similar manner. Here, we use EM-based reconstruction to generate the entire connectome of hugin-producing neurons in the Drosophila larval CNS. We demonstrate that hugin neurons use synaptic transmission in addition to peptidergic neuromodulation and identify acetylcholine as a key transmitter. Hugin neuropeptide and acetylcholine are both necessary for the regulatory effect on feeding. We further show that subtypes of hugin neurons connect chemosensory to endocrine system by combinations of synaptic and peptide-receptor connections. Targets include endocrine neurons producing DH44, a CRH-like peptide, and insulin-like peptides. Homologs of these peptides are likewise downstream of neuromedinU, revealing striking parallels in flies and mammals. We propose that hugin neurons are part of an ancient physiological control system that has been conserved at functional and molecular level. DOI:http://dx.doi.org/10.7554/eLife.16799.001
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Affiliation(s)
- Philipp Schlegel
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Michael J Texada
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Anton Miroschnikow
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Andreas Schoofs
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sebastian Hückesfeld
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Marc Peters
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | - Haluk Lacin
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Feng Li
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Richard D Fetter
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - James W Truman
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Albert Cardona
- Janelia Research Campus, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Ashburn, United States
| | - Michael J Pankratz
- Department of Molecular Brain Physiology and Behavior, LIMES Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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Vallöf D, Vestlund J, Engel JA, Jerlhag E. The Anorexigenic Peptide Neuromedin U (NMU) Attenuates Amphetamine-Induced Locomotor Stimulation, Accumbal Dopamine Release and Expression of Conditioned Place Preference in Mice. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0154477. [PMID: 27139195 PMCID: PMC4854378 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0154477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2015] [Accepted: 04/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Amphetamine dependence, besides its substantial economical consequence, is a serious cause of mortality and morbidity. By investigations of the neurochemical correlates through which addictive drugs, such as amphetamine, activate the mesoaccumbal dopamine system unique targets for treatment of drug addiction can be identified. This reward link consists of a dopamine projection from the ventral tegmental area to the nucleus accumbens (NAc) suggesting that these brain areas are important for reward. The physiological function of gut-brain peptides has expanded beyond food intake modulation and involves regulation of drug reinforcement. A novel candidate for reward regulation is the anorexigenic peptide neuromedin U (NMU). We therefore investigated the effects of intracerebroventricular (icv) administration of NMU on amphetamine’s well-documented effects on the mesoaccumbal dopamine system, i.e. locomotor stimulation and accumbal dopamine release in mice. In addition, the effect of accumbal NMU administration on locomotor activity was examined. The effect of NMU, icv or intra-NAc, on the expression of conditioned place preference (CPP) was elucidated. Firstly, we showed that icv administration of NMU attenuate the amphetamine-induced locomotor stimulation, accumbal dopamine release and expression of CPP in mice. Secondly, we found that a lower dose of NMU (icv) reduce the amphetamine-induced locomotor stimulation in mice. Thirdly, we demonstrated that NMU administration into the NAc block the ability of amphetamine to cause a locomotor stimulation in mice. However, accumbal NMU administration did not attenuate the amphetamine-induced expression of CPP in mice. Our novel data suggest that central NMU signalling is involved in development of amphetamine dependence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Vallöf
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jesper Vestlund
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Jörgen A Engel
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Elisabet Jerlhag
- Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Department of Pharmacology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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Röder PV, Wu B, Liu Y, Han W. Pancreatic regulation of glucose homeostasis. Exp Mol Med 2016; 48:e219. [PMID: 26964835 PMCID: PMC4892884 DOI: 10.1038/emm.2016.6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 467] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2015] [Revised: 12/03/2015] [Accepted: 12/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to ensure normal body function, the human body is dependent on a tight control of its blood glucose levels. This is accomplished by a highly sophisticated network of various hormones and neuropeptides released mainly from the brain, pancreas, liver, intestine as well as adipose and muscle tissue. Within this network, the pancreas represents a key player by secreting the blood sugar-lowering hormone insulin and its opponent glucagon. However, disturbances in the interplay of the hormones and peptides involved may lead to metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) whose prevalence, comorbidities and medical costs take on a dramatic scale. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to uncover and understand the mechanisms underlying the various interactions to improve existing anti-diabetic therapies and drugs on the one hand and to develop new therapeutic approaches on the other. This review summarizes the interplay of the pancreas with various other organs and tissues that maintain glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, anti-diabetic drugs and their impact on signaling pathways underlying the network will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pia V Röder
- Metabolism in Human Diseases Unit, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Metabolism in Human Diseases Unit, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore. E-mail: or
| | - Bingbing Wu
- Laboratory of Metabolic Medicine, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Yixian Liu
- Laboratory of Metabolic Medicine, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Weiping Han
- Metabolism in Human Diseases Unit, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Singapore
- Laboratory of Metabolic Medicine, Singapore Bioimaging Consortium, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
- Metabolism in Human Diseases Unit, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138673, Singapore. E-mail: or
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Abstract
A small library of truncated/lipid-conjugated neuromedin U (NmU) analogs was synthesized and tested in vitro using an intracellular calcium signaling assay. The selected, most active analogs were then tested in vivo, and showed potent anorexigenic effects in a diet-induced obese (DIO) mouse model. The most promising compound, NM4-C16 was effective in a once-weekly-dose regimen. Collectively, our findings suggest that short, lipidated analogs of NmU are suitable leads for the development of novel anti-obesity therapeutics.
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Dalbøge LS, Pedersen SL, Secher T, Holst B, Vrang N, Jelsing J. Neuromedin U inhibits food intake partly by inhibiting gastric emptying. Peptides 2015; 69:56-65. [PMID: 25895852 DOI: 10.1016/j.peptides.2015.04.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2015] [Revised: 03/31/2015] [Accepted: 04/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a gut-brain peptide, implicated in energy and glucose homeostasis via the peripherally expressed NMU receptor 1 (NMUR1) and the central NMUR2. We investigated the effects of a lipidated NMU analog on gastric emptying (GE), glucose homeostasis and food intake to evaluate the use of a NMU analog as drug candidate for treatment of obesity and diabetes. Finally mRNA expression of NMU and NMUR1 in the gut and NMUR2 in the hypothalamus was investigated using a novel chromogen-based in situ hybridization (ISH) assay. Effects on food intake (6 and 18 h post dosing) were addressed in both mice and rats. The effects on GE and glycaemic control were assessed in mice, immediately after the first dose and after seven days of bidaily (BID) dosing. The lipidated NMU analog exerted robust reductions in GE and food intake in mice and improved glycaemic control when measured immediately after the first dose. No effects were observed after seven days BID. In rats, the analog induced only a minor effect on food intake. NMU mRNA was detected in the enteric nervous system throughout the gut, whereas NMUR1 was confined to the lamina propria. NMUR2 was detected in the paraventricular (PVN) and arcuate nuclei (ARC) in mice, with a reduced expression in ARC in rats. In summary, the anorectic effect of the lipidated NMU is partly mediated by a decrease in gastric emptying which is subject to tachyphylaxis after continuous dosing. Susceptibility to NMU appears to be species specific.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louise S Dalbøge
- Gubra ApS, Agern Alle 1, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark; University of Copenhagen, The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | | | | | - Birgitte Holst
- University of Copenhagen, The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200 Copenhagen N, Denmark
| | - Niels Vrang
- Gubra ApS, Agern Alle 1, 2970 Hørsholm, Denmark
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Martinez VG, O'Driscoll L. Neuromedin U: a multifunctional neuropeptide with pleiotropic roles. Clin Chem 2015; 61:471-82. [PMID: 25605682 DOI: 10.1373/clinchem.2014.231753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromedin U (NmU) belongs to the neuromedin family, comprising a series of neuropeptides involved in the gut-brain axis and including neuromedins B and C (bombesin-like), K (neurokinin B), L (neurokinin A or neurotensin), N, S, and U. CONTENT Although initially isolated from porcine spinal cord on the basis of their ability to induce uterine smooth muscle contraction, these peptides have now been found to be expressed in several different tissues and have been ascribed numerous functions, from appetite regulation and energy balance control to muscle contraction and tumor progression. NmU has been detected in several species to date, particularly in mammals (pig, rat, rabbit, dog, guinea pig, human), but also in amphibian, avian, and fish species. The NmU sequence is highly conserved across different species, indicating that this peptide is ancient and plays an important biological role. Here, we summarize the main structural and functional characteristics of NmU and describe its many roles, highlighting the jack-of-all-trades nature of this neuropeptide. SUMMARY NmU involvement in key processes has outlined the possibility that this neuropeptide could be a novel target for the treatment of obesity and cancer, among other disorders. Although the potential for NmU as a therapeutic target is obvious, the multiple functions of this molecule should be taken into account when designing an approach to targeting NmU and/or its receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanesa G Martinez
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lorraine O'Driscoll
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
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27
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Xu X, Lai R. The chemistry and biological activities of peptides from amphibian skin secretions. Chem Rev 2015; 115:1760-846. [PMID: 25594509 DOI: 10.1021/cr4006704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 233] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Xueqing Xu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences & Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology , Kunming 650223, Yunnan, China
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28
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Dalbøge LS, Pedersen SL, van Witteloostuijn SB, Rasmussen JE, Rigbolt KTG, Jensen KJ, Holst B, Vrang N, Jelsing J. Synthesis and evaluation of novel lipidated neuromedin U analogs with increased stability and effects on food intake. J Pept Sci 2014; 21:85-94. [DOI: 10.1002/psc.2727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2014] [Revised: 11/26/2014] [Accepted: 11/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Louise S. Dalbøge
- Gubra ApS; Agern Alle 1 2970 Hørsholm Denmark
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research; University of Copenhagen; Blegdamsvej 3B 2200 Copenhagen N Denmark
| | | | - Søren B. van Witteloostuijn
- Gubra ApS; Agern Alle 1 2970 Hørsholm Denmark
- Department of Chemistry; University of Copenhagen; Thorvaldsensvej 40 1871 Frederiksberg C Denmark
| | - Jakob E. Rasmussen
- Department of Chemistry; University of Copenhagen; Thorvaldsensvej 40 1871 Frederiksberg C Denmark
| | | | - Knud J. Jensen
- Department of Chemistry; University of Copenhagen; Thorvaldsensvej 40 1871 Frederiksberg C Denmark
| | - Birgitte Holst
- The Novo Nordisk Foundation Center for Basic Metabolic Research; University of Copenhagen; Blegdamsvej 3B 2200 Copenhagen N Denmark
| | - Niels Vrang
- Gubra ApS; Agern Alle 1 2970 Hørsholm Denmark
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29
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Helfer G, Ross AW, Morgan PJ. Neuromedin U partly mimics thyroid-stimulating hormone and triggers Wnt/β-catenin signalling in the photoperiodic response of F344 rats. J Neuroendocrinol 2013; 25:1264-1272. [PMID: 24164054 PMCID: PMC4253136 DOI: 10.1111/jne.12116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2013] [Revised: 10/11/2013] [Accepted: 10/20/2013] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
In seasonal animals, photoperiod exerts profound effects on physiology, such as growth, energy balance and reproduction, via changes in the neuroendocrine axes. A key element of the photoperiodic response is the thyroid hormone level in the hypothalamus, which is controlled via retrograde transport of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pars tuberalis of the pituitary. TSH regulates type II deiodinase (Dio2) expression, which transforms inactive thyroid hormone to its active form, via TSH receptors expressed in the ependymal cells of the hypothalamus. In the present study, we hypothesised that a second peptide hormone, neuromedin U (NMU), may play a role in the photoperiodic response alongside TSH because the gene for NMU is also expressed in a strongly photoperiod-dependent manner in the pars tuberalis and its receptor NMU2 is expressed in the ependymal layer of the third ventricle in photoperiod-sensitive F344 rats. Consistent with other studies conducted in nonseasonal mammals, we found that acute i.c.v. injections of NMU into the hypothalamus negatively regulated food intake and body weight and increased core body temperature in F344 rats. At the same time, NMU increased Dio2 mRNA expression in the ependymal region of the hypothalamus similar to the effects of TSH. These data suggest that NMU may affect acute and photoperiodically controlled energy balance through distinct pathways. We also showed that TSH inhibits the expression of type III deiodinase (Dio3) in F344 rats, a response not mimicked by NMU. Furthermore, NMU also increased the expression of genes from the Wnt/β-catenin pathway within the ependymal layer of the third ventricle. This effect was not influenced by TSH. These data indicate that, although NMU acts with some similarities to TSH, it also has completely distinct signalling functions that do not overlap. In summary, the present study of NMU signalling reveals the potential for a new player in the control of seasonal biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Helfer
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, UK
| | - A W Ross
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, UK
| | - P J Morgan
- Rowett Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Aberdeen, Bucksburn, Aberdeen, UK
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Tanaka M, Telegdy G. Neurotransmissions of antidepressant-like effects of neuromedin U-23 in mice. Behav Brain Res 2013; 259:196-9. [PMID: 24239690 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2013.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2013] [Revised: 10/31/2013] [Accepted: 11/02/2013] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NmU) is a widely distributed and multifunctional peptide in the central nervous system and the peripheral tissues. Little is know about the mechanisms of NmU on brain functions. The rodent isoform of the NmU, NmU-23, has been shown to have anxiolytic effects involved in the β-adrenergic and cholinergic nervous systems in elevated plus maze test. NmU-23 was tested for antidepressant-like effects in modified forced swimming test (FST) in mice and furthermore, the involvement of the adrenergic, serotonergic, cholinergic, dopaminergic or gaba-ergic receptors in the antidepressant-like effect of NmU-23 was studied in modified mice FST. Mice were pretreated with a non-selective α-adrenergic receptor antagonist phenoxybenzamine, an α1/α2β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, prazosin, an α2-adrenergic receptor antagonist, yohimbine, a β-adrenergic receptor antagonist, propranolol, a mixed 5-HT1/5-HT2 serotonergic receptor antagonist, methysergide, a non-selective 5-HT2 serotonergic receptor antagonist, cyproheptadine, nonselective muscarinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist, atropine, D2,D3,D4 dopamine receptor antagonist, haloperidol or γ-aminobutyric acid subunit A (GABAA) receptor antagonist, bicuculline. NmU-23 showed the antidepressant-like effects by decreasing the immobility time and increasing the climbing and swimming time. Prazosin, haloperidol, and bicuculline prevented the effects of NmU-23 on the climbing and swimming time. Methysergide and cyproheptadine prevented the effects of NmU-23 on the immobility, swimming and climbing time. Atropine prevented the effects of NmU-23 on the climbing time. Phenoxybenzamine, yohimbine and propranolol did not change the effects of NmU-23. The results demonstrated that the antidepressant-like effect of NmU-23 is mediated, at least in part, by an interaction of the α2-adrenergic, 5-HT1-2 serotonergic, D2,D3,D4 dopamine receptor, muscarinic acetylcholine receptors and γ-aminobutyric acid subunit A (GABAA) receptor in a modified mouse FST.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Tanaka
- Department of Pathophysiology, MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gyula Telegdy
- Department of Pathophysiology, MTA-SZTE Neuroscience Research Group, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Semmelweis 1, 6701 Szeged, Hungary.
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Ingallinella P, Peier AM, Pocai A, Marco AD, Desai K, Zytko K, Qian Y, Du X, Cellucci A, Monteagudo E, Laufer R, Bianchi E, Marsh DJ, Pessi A. PEGylation of Neuromedin U yields a promising candidate for the treatment of obesity and diabetes. Bioorg Med Chem 2012; 20:4751-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2012.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2012] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 06/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
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Rahman AA, Shahid IZ, Pilowsky PM. Intrathecal neuromedin U induces biphasic effects on sympathetic vasomotor tone, increases respiratory drive and attenuates sympathetic reflexes in rat. Br J Pharmacol 2012; 164:617-31. [PMID: 21488865 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01436.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuromedin U (NMU) is a brain-gut peptide that plays regulatory roles in feeding, anxiety, smooth muscle contraction, blood flow, pain and adrenocortical function via two receptors, the NMU receptor 1 and NMU receptor 2. NMU has several known functions in the periphery, but its role in central cardiorespiratory regulation remains poorly understood. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Experiments were conducted on urethane-anaesthetized, vagotomized and artificially ventilated male Sprague-Dawley rats (n= 42) to determine if NMU modulates sympathetic vasomotor output at the spinal level or modulates baro-, chemo- and somato-sympathetic reflexes. KEY RESULTS Intrathecal (i.t.) injections of NMU (2.5-20 nmol) caused a dose-dependent biphasic response, initially a brief period of hypertension and sympatho-excitation followed by prolonged hypotension and sympatho-inhibition. Peak excitatory as well as inhibitory responses were observed at 20 nmol. NMU (20 nmol) initially increased mean arterial pressure and splanchnic sympathetic nerve activity by 24 mmHg and 27% and then reduced these by 37 mmHg and 47%, respectively. NMU also dose-dependently increased respiratory drive, as indicated by a rise in phrenic nerve amplitude, an increase in neural minute ventilation and a shortening of the inspiratory period. Both sympatho-excitatory peaks of the somato-sympathetic reflex were abolished by i.t. NMU. Pressor, sympatho-excitatory and tachycardiac responses to chemoreceptor activation (100% N₂) were blocked or significantly reduced following i.t. NMU. NMU also reduced barosensitivity. CONCLUSIONS The data demonstrate that NMU, acting in the spinal cord, differentially contributes to the control of sympathetic tone and adaptive sympathetic reflexes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A A Rahman
- Australian School of Advanced Medicine, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
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33
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Chu CP, Xu CJ, Kannan H, Qiu DL. Corticotrophin-releasing factor inhibits neuromedin U mRNA expressing neuron in the rat hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus in vitro. Neurosci Lett 2012; 511:79-83. [PMID: 22306094 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2012.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2011] [Revised: 01/09/2012] [Accepted: 01/17/2012] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
In the present study, we examined the effects of corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) on neuromedin U (NMU) mRNA-expressing neurons in the rat paraventricular nucleus (PVN) by whole-cell patch-clamp recordings and single-cell reverse transcription-multiplex polymerase chain reaction (single-cell RT-mPCR) techniques. In total, of 116 PVN putative parvocellular neurons screened for NMU mRNA, 14.7% (17/116) of them expressed NMU mRNA. The electrophysiological properties observed in the NMU mRNA-expressing neurons were generation of a low-threshold Ca(2+) spike (LTS) and robust low voltage-activated (T-type) Ca(2+) currents. Under current-clamp conditions, CRF (100 nM) induced a reversible decrease in spike firing and significantly diminished the LTS in 88.2% (15/17) of NMU mRNA-expressing neurons. Extracellular application of 1 μM α-helical CRF-(9-14) (α-hCRF), a selective CRF receptor antagonist, completely blocked the CRF-induced decrease in spike firing in the NMU mRNA-expressing neurons. Under voltage-clamp conditions, CRF (100 nM) significantly decreased the peak value of the T-type Ca(2+) currents by 35.6±7.8%. These findings suggest that CRF decreases neuronal excitability and diminishes T-type Ca(2+) currents in a population of rat PVN NMU phenotype neurons in vitro.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ping Chu
- Cellular Function Research Center, Yanbian University, 977, GongYuan Road, Yanji City, Jilin Province 133002, China
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Malendowicz LK, Ziolkowska A, Rucinski M. Neuromedins U and S involvement in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal axis. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2012; 3:156. [PMID: 23227022 PMCID: PMC3514618 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2012.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
We reviewed neuromedin U (NMU) and neuromedin S (NMS) involvement in the regulation of the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis function. NMU and NMS are structurally related and highly conserved neuropeptides. They exert biological effects via two GPCR receptors designated as NMUR1 and NMUR2 which show differential expression. NMUR1 is expressed predominantly at the periphery, while NMUR2 in the central nervous system. Elements of the NMU/NMS and their receptors network are also expressed in the HPA axis and progress in molecular biology techniques provided new information on their actions within this system. Several lines of evidence suggest that within the HPA axis NMU and NMS act at both hypothalamic and adrenal levels. Moreover, new data suggest that NMU and NMS are involved in central and peripheral control of the stress response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ludwik K. Malendowicz
- *Correspondence: Ludwik K. Malendowicz, Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 6 Swięcicki St., 60-781 Poznan, Poland. e-mail:
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Nixon JP, Kotz CM, Novak CM, Billington CJ, Teske JA. Neuropeptides controlling energy balance: orexins and neuromedins. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2012:77-109. [PMID: 22249811 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-642-24716-3_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
In this chapter, we review the feeding and energy expenditure effects of orexin (also known as hypocretin) and neuromedin. Orexins are multifunctional neuropeptides that affect energy balance by participating in regulation of appetite, arousal, and spontaneous physical activity. Central orexin signaling for all functions originates in the lateral hypothalamus-perifornical area and is likely functionally differentiated based on site of action and on interacting neural influences. The effect of orexin on feeding is likely related to arousal in some ways but is nonetheless a separate neural process that depends on interactions with other feeding-related neuropeptides. In a pattern distinct from other neuropeptides, orexin stimulates both feeding and energy expenditure. Orexin increases in energy expenditure are mainly by increasing spontaneous physical activity, and this energy expenditure effect is more potent than the effect on feeding. Global orexin manipulations, such as in transgenic models, produce energy balance changes consistent with a dominant energy expenditure effect of orexin. Neuromedins are gut-brain peptides that reduce appetite. There are gut sources of neuromedin, but likely the key appetite-related neuromedin-producing neurons are in the hypothalamus and parallel other key anorectic neuropeptide expression in the arcuate to paraventricular hypothalamic projection. As with other hypothalamic feeding-related peptides, hindbrain sites are likely also important sources and targets of neuromedin anorectic action. Neuromedin increases physical activity in addition to reducing appetite, thus producing a consistent negative energy balance effect. Together with the other various neuropeptides, neurotransmitters, neuromodulators, and neurohormones, neuromedin and orexin act in the appetite network to produce changes in food intake and energy expenditure, which ultimately influences the regulation of body weight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua P Nixon
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Research Service (151), Minneapolis, MN, USA
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Peier AM, Desai K, Hubert J, Du X, Yang L, Qian Y, Kosinski JR, Metzger JM, Pocai A, Nawrocki AR, Langdon RB, Marsh DJ. Effects of peripherally administered neuromedin U on energy and glucose homeostasis. Endocrinology 2011; 152:2644-54. [PMID: 21586559 DOI: 10.1210/en.2010-1463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is a highly conserved peptide reported to modulate energy homeostasis. Pharmacological studies have shown that centrally administered NMU inhibits food intake, reduces body weight, and increases energy expenditure. NMU-deficient mice develop obesity, whereas transgenic mice overexpressing NMU become lean and hypophagic. Two high-affinity NMU receptors, NMUR1 and NMUR2, have been identified. NMUR1 is found primarily in the periphery and NMUR2 primarily in the brain, where it mediates the anorectic effects of centrally administered NMU. Given the broad expression pattern of NMU, we evaluated whether peripheral administration of NMU has effects on energy homeostasis. We observed that acute and chronic peripheral administration of NMU in rodents dose-dependently reduced food intake and body weight and that these effects required NMUR1. The anorectic effects of NMU appeared to be partly mediated by vagal afferents. NMU treatment also increased core body temperature and metabolic rate in mice, suggesting that peripheral NMU modulates energy expenditure. Additionally, peripheral administration of NMU significantly improved glucose excursion. Collectively, these data suggest that NMU functions as a peripheral regulator of energy and glucose homeostasis and the development of NMUR1 agonists may be an effective treatment for diabetes and obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea M Peier
- Merck Research Laboratories, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA.
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Ahnaou A, Drinkenburg WHIM. Neuromedin U(2) receptor signaling mediates alteration of sleep-wake architecture in rats. Neuropeptides 2011; 45:165-74. [PMID: 21296417 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2011.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2011] [Accepted: 01/07/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence indicates that neuromedin U (NmU) neuropeptide system plays an integral role in mediating the stress response through the corticotrophin-releasing factor (CRF) pathways. Stress is often associated with alteration in sleep-wake architecture both in human and laboratory animals. Here, we investigated whether activation of the NmU₂ receptor, a major high affinity receptor for NmU predominantly expressed in the brain, affects sleep behavior in rats. Effects of single (acute) intracebroventricular (icv) infusion of 2.5 nmol of the full agonists porcine NmU8 and rat NmU23 were assessed on sleep-wake architecture in freely moving rats, which were chronically implanted with EEG and EMG electrodes. In addition, repeated once daily administration of NmU8 at 2.5 nmol during 8 consecutive days (sub-chronic) was studied. Acute icv infusion of NmU23 elicited a robust alteration in sleep-wake architecture, namely enhanced wakefulness and suppressed sleep during the first 4h after administration. Acute infusion NmU8 had no effect on spontaneous sleep-wake architecture. However, sub-chronic icv infusion of NmU8 increased the amount of rapid eye movement (REM) sleep and intermediate stage (IS), while decreased light sleep. Additionally, NmU8 increased transitions from sleep states towards wakefulness suggesting a disruption in sleep continuity. The present results show that central-activation of NmU₂ receptor markedly reduced sleep duration and disrupted the mechanisms underlying NREM-REM sleep transitions. Given that sleep-wakefulness cycle is strongly influenced by stress and the role of NmU/NmU₂ receptor signaling in stress response, the disruption in sleep pattern associated with peptides species may support at least some signs of stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Ahnaou
- Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Dept. of Neurosciences, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica N.V., Turnhoutseweg 30, B-2340 Beerse, Belgium.
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Nakashima Y, Ida T, Sato T, Nakamura Y, Takahashi T, Mori K, Miyazato M, Kangawa K, Kusukawa J, Kojima M. Neuromedin U is necessary for normal gastrointestinal motility and is regulated by serotonin. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2010; 1200:104-11. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2010.05504.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Kim ER, Mizuno TM. Role of neurotensin receptor 1 in the regulation of food intake by neuromedins and neuromedin-related peptides. Neurosci Lett 2010; 468:64-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2009.10.064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2009] [Revised: 10/13/2009] [Accepted: 10/20/2009] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
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Egecioglu E, Ploj K, Xu X, Bjursell M, Salomé N, Andersson N, Ohlsson C, Taube M, Hansson C, Bohlooly-Y M, Morgan DGA, Dickson SL. Central NMU signaling in body weight and energy balance regulation: evidence from NMUR2 deletion and chronic central NMU treatment in mice. Am J Physiol Endocrinol Metab 2009; 297:E708-16. [PMID: 19584200 DOI: 10.1152/ajpendo.91022.2008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
To investigate the role of the central neuromedin U (NMU) signaling system in body weight and energy balance regulation, we examined the effects of long-term intracerebroventricular (icv) infusion of NMU in C57Bl/6 mice and in mice lacking the gene encoding NMU receptor 2. In diet-induced obese male and female C57BL/6 mice, icv infusion of NMU (8 microg x day(-1) x mouse(-1)) for 7 days decreased body weight and total energy intake compared with vehicle treatment. However, these parameters were unaffected by NMU treatment in lean male and female C57BL/6 mice fed a standard diet. In addition, female (but not male) NMUR2-null mice had increased body weight and body fat mass when fed a high-fat diet but lacked a clear body weight phenotype when fed a standard diet compared with wild-type littermates. Furthermore, female (but not male) NMUR2-null mice fed a high-fat diet were protected from central NMU-induced body weight loss compared with littermate wild-type mice. Thus, we provide the first evidence that long-term central NMU treatment reduces body weight, food intake, and adiposity and that central NMUR2 signaling is required for these effects in female but not male mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emil Egecioglu
- Dept. of Physiology/Endocrinology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy at the Univ. of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) is known to have potent actions on appetite and energy expenditure. Deletion of the NMU gene in mice leads to an obese phenotype, characterized by hyperphagia and decreased energy expenditure. Conversely, transgenic mice that overexpress proNMU exhibit reduced body weight and fat storage. Here, we show that central administration of NMU or the related peptide neuromedin S (NMS) dose-dependently decreases food intake, increases metabolic rate, and leads to significant weight loss in mice. The effects of NMU and NMS on both feeding and metabolism are almost completely lost in mice lacking the putative CNS receptor for NMU and NMS, NMUr2. However, NMUr2 knockout mice do not exhibit overt differences in body weight or energy expenditure compared with wild-type mice, suggesting that the dramatic phenotype of the NMU gene knockout mouse is not due simply to the loss of NMU/NMUr2 signaling. Putative proteolytic cleavage sites indicate that an additional peptide is produced from the NMU precursor protein, which is extremely well conserved between human, mouse, and rat. Here, we demonstrate that this peptide, proNMU(104-136), has a pronounced effect on energy balance in mice. Specifically, central administration of proNMU(104-136) causes a significant but transient ( approximately 4 h) increase in feeding, yet both food intake and body weight are decreased over the following 24 h. proNMU(104-136) administration also significantly increased metabolic rate. These results suggest that proNMU(104-136) is a novel modulator of energy balance and may contribute to the phenotype exhibited by NMU knockout mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- David A Bechtold
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
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Peier A, Kosinski J, Cox-York K, Qian Y, Desai K, Feng Y, Trivedi P, Hastings N, Marsh DJ. The antiobesity effects of centrally administered neuromedin U and neuromedin S are mediated predominantly by the neuromedin U receptor 2 (NMUR2). Endocrinology 2009; 150:3101-9. [PMID: 19324999 PMCID: PMC2703546 DOI: 10.1210/en.2008-1772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) and neuromedin S (NMS) are structurally related neuropeptides that have been reported to modulate energy homeostasis. Pharmacological data have shown that NMU and NMS inhibit food intake when administered centrally and that NMU increases energy expenditure. Additionally, NMU-deficient mice develop obesity, whereas transgenic mice overexpressing NMU are lean and hypophagic. Two high-affinity NMU/NMS receptors, NMUR1 and NMUR2, have been identified. NMUR1 is predominantly expressed in the periphery, whereas NMUR2 is predominantly expressed in the brain, suggesting that the effects of centrally administered NMU and NMS are mediated by NMUR2. To evaluate the role of NMUR2 in the regulation of energy homeostasis, we characterized NMUR2-deficient (Nmur2(-/-)) mice. Nmur2(-/-) mice exhibited a modest resistance to diet-induced obesity that was at least in part due to reduced food intake. Acute central administration of NMU and NMS reduced food intake in wild-type but not in Nmur2(-/-) mice. The effects on activity and core temperature induced by centrally administered NMU were also absent in Nmur2(-/-) mice. Moreover, chronic central administration of NMU and NMS evoked significant reductions in body weight and sustained reductions in food intake in mice. In contrast, Nmur2(-/-) mice were largely resistant to these effects. Collectively, these data demonstrate that the anorectic and weight-reducing actions of centrally administered NMU and NMS are mediated predominantly by NMUR2, suggesting that NMUR2-selective agonists may be useful for the treatment of obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Peier
- Merck Research Laboratories, Department of Metabolic Disorders, 126 East Lincoln Avenue, RY80L-126, Rahway, New Jersey 07065, USA
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Mitchell JD, Maguire JJ, Davenport AP. Emerging pharmacology and physiology of neuromedin U and the structurally related peptide neuromedin S. Br J Pharmacol 2009; 158:87-103. [PMID: 19519756 DOI: 10.1111/j.1476-5381.2009.00252.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) has been paired with the G-protein-coupled receptors (GPRs) NMU(1) (formerly designated as the orphan GPR66 or FM-3) and NMU(2) (FM-4 or hTGR-1). Recently, a structurally related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS), which shares an amidated C-terminal heptapeptide motif, has been identified in both rat and human, and has been proposed as a second ligand for these receptors. Messenger RNA encoding NMU receptor subtypes shows differential expression: NMU(1) is predominantly expressed in peripheral tissues, particularly the gastrointestinal tract, whereas NMU(2) is abundant within the brain and spinal cord. NMU peptide parallels receptor distribution with highest expression in the gastrointestinal tract and specific structures within the brain, reflecting its major role in the regulation of energy balance. The NMU knockout mouse has an obese phenotype and, in agreement, the Arg165Trp amino acid variant of NMU-25 in humans, which is functionally inactive, co-segregated with childhood-onset obesity. Emerging physiological roles for NMU include vasoconstriction mediated predominantly via NMU(1) with nociception and bone remodelling via NMU(2). The NMU system has also been implicated in the pathogenesis of septic shock and cancers including bladder carcinoma and acute myeloid leukaemia. Intriguingly, NMS is more potent at NMU(2) receptors in vivo where it has similar central actions in suppression of feeding and regulation of circadian rhythms to NMU. Taken together with its vascular actions, NMU may be a functional link between energy balance and the cardiovascular system and may provide a future target for therapies directed against the disorders that comprise metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- J D Mitchell
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Cambridge, Level 6 Centre for Clinical Investigation, Cambridge, UK
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Ketterer K, Kong B, Frank D, Giese NA, Bauer A, Hoheisel J, Korc M, Kleeff J, Michalski CW, Friess H. Neuromedin U is overexpressed in pancreatic cancer and increases invasiveness via the hepatocyte growth factor c-Met pathway. Cancer Lett 2009; 277:72-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.11.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2008] [Revised: 11/10/2008] [Accepted: 11/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
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Liu JJ, Payza K, Huang J, Liu R, Chen T, Coupal M, Laird JMA, Cao CQ, Butterworth J, Lapointe S, Bayrakdarian M, Trivedi S, Bostwick JR. Discovery and Pharmacological Characterization of a Small-Molecule Antagonist at Neuromedin U Receptor NMUR2. J Pharmacol Exp Ther 2009; 330:268-75. [DOI: 10.1124/jpet.109.152967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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Mitchell JD, Maguire JJ, Kuc RE, Davenport AP. Expression and vasoconstrictor function of anorexigenic peptides neuromedin U-25 and S in the human cardiovascular system. Cardiovasc Res 2008; 81:353-61. [PMID: 18987052 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvn302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Neuromedin U-25 (NMU-25), a brain-gut peptide with anorexigenic actions, was paired with the G-protein-coupled receptors NMU1 and NMU2 in 2000. NMU-25 elicited a potent hypertensive effect in rats but little is known about its cardiovascular effects in humans. We examined the hypothesis that NMU fulfils the criteria for controlling vascular reactivity within the human cardiovascular system. METHODS AND RESULTS The radioligand [125I]-NMU-25 demonstrated specific, saturable, and high affinity (K(D) = 0.26 +/- 0.06 nM) binding in the human left ventricle and coronary artery, and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction revealed that mRNA encoding NMU1 predominated in these tissues. NMU-25-like immunoreactivity was detected in human plasma, left ventricle, coronary artery, saphenous vein, and epicardial adipose tissue, and both NMU-25 and a related peptide, neuromedin S (NMS), were identified by high-performance liquid chromatography in the left ventricle. NMU receptor and peptide were localized to endothelial cells, with the receptor also present on vascular smooth muscle cells. NMU-25 was a potent vasoconstrictor of isolated rings of human coronary and mammary artery and saphenous vein. Compared with NMU-25, NMS had a significantly reduced maximum response in saphenous vein, and the Arg165Trp variant of NMU-25, associated with childhood-onset obesity, was without effect. NMU-25 precursor mRNA was upregulated in the left ventricle from patients with dilated cardiomyopathy and ischaemic heart disease. CONCLUSION We have detected the expression of both NMU receptor and peptide in human cardiovascular tissues and have shown that NMU-25 and NMS act as potent vasoconstrictors in human vascular beds.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Mitchell
- Clinical Pharmacology Unit, Centre for Clinical Investigation, Box 110, Addenbrooke's Hospital, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB22QQ, UK.
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Seto K, Sasaki T, Katsunuma K, Kobayashi N, Tanaka K, Tack J. Acotiamide hydrochloride (Z-338), a novel prokinetic agent, restores delayed gastric emptying and feeding inhibition induced by restraint stress in rats. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2008; 20:1051-9. [PMID: 18482254 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2008.01135.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Acotiamide hydrochloride (Z-338) is a member of new class prokinetic agents currently being developed for the treatment of functional dyspepsia (FD). DNA microarray analysis showed that acotiamide altered the expressions of stress-related genes such as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors, GABA transporters and neuromedin U (NmU) in the medulla oblongata or hypothalamus after administration of acotiamide. Therefore, effects of acotiamide on stress-related symptoms, delayed gastric emptying and feeding inhibition, in rats were examined. Acotiamide significantly improved both delayed gastric emptying and feeding inhibition in restraint stress-induced model, but did not affect both basal gastric emptying and feeding in intact rats, indicating that acotiamide exerted effects only on gastric emptying and feeding impaired by the stress. On the other hand, mosapride showed significant acceleration of gastric emptying in intact and restraint stress-induced model, and itopride showed no effect on restraint stress-induced delayed gastric emptying. In addition, gene expression of NmU increased by restraint stress was suppressed by administration of acotiamide, while acotiamide had no effect on delayed gastric emptying induced by an intracerebroventricular administration of NmU, suggesting that the suppressive effect of acotiamide on gene expression of NmU might be important to restore delayed gastric emptying or feeding inhibition induced by restraint stress. These findings suggest that acotiamide might play an important role in regulation of stress response. As stress is considered to be a major contributing factor in the development of FD, the observed effects may be relevant for symptom improvement in FD.
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Affiliation(s)
- K Seto
- Central Research Laboratories, Zeria Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Saitama, Japan
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Mangold C, Ksiazek I, Yun SW, Berger E, Binkert C. Distribution of neuromedin U binding sites in the rat CNS revealed by in vitro receptor autoradiography. Neuropeptides 2008; 42:377-86. [PMID: 18547640 DOI: 10.1016/j.npep.2008.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2007] [Revised: 04/28/2008] [Accepted: 04/29/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU), a neuropeptide implicated in feeding, inflammation, pain control and anxiety-related behaviours, is widely distributed in peripheral organs and the CNS. These effects are thought to be mediated by its receptors NMU(1) and NMU(2). Since its precise sites of interaction in the CNS were to date unknown, we studied the distribution of in vitro binding sites for (125)I-NMU-23 in the rat CNS by receptor autoradiography. High-density specific binding was found in discrete areas of the brain and spinal cord, namely in the limbic system (hippocampal formation, septohippocampal nucleus, indusium griseum, hypothalamus, amygdaloid nuclei), superior colliculus, dorsal raphé, and substantia gelatinosa of the spinal cord. Our findings provide further supportive evidence for a multifunctional role for the peptide in the brain and spinal cord.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Mangold
- Actelion Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Gewerbestrasse 16, CH-4123 Allschwil, Switzerland
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Sasaki T, Shimizu T, Wakiguchi H, Yokotani K. Centrally administered neuromedin U elevates plasma adrenaline by brain prostanoid TP receptor-mediated mechanisms in rats. Eur J Pharmacol 2008; 592:81-6. [PMID: 18647601 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2008.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2008] [Revised: 06/23/2008] [Accepted: 07/05/2008] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Neuromedin U is a hypothalamic peptide involved in energy homeostasis and stress responses. The peptide, when administered intracerebroventricularly (i.c.v.), decreases food intake and body weight while increasing body temperature and heat production. We examined the effect of i.c.v. administered neuromedin U on plasma catecholamines with regard to the brain prostanoid using anesthetized rats. Neuromedin U (0.1, 0.5 and 1 nmol/animal, i.c.v.) effectively elevated plasma adrenaline (a maximal response was obtained at 0.5 nmol/animal), but had little effect on plasma noradrenaline. However, intravenously administered neuromedin U (0.5 nmol/animal) had no effect on plasma catecholamines. Neuromedin U (0.5 nmol/animal, i.c.v.)-induced elevation of plasma adrenaline was effectively reduced by intracerebroventricular pretreatments with indomethacin (an inhibitor of cyclooxygenase) (0.6 and 1.2 micromol/animal), furegrelate (an inhibitor of thromboxane A2 synthase) (0.9 and 1.8 micromol/animal) and (+)-S-145 (a blocker of prostanoid TP receptors) (250 and 625 nmol/animal), respectively. The neuromedin U-induced adrenaline response was also abolished by acute bilateral adrenalectomy. These results suggest that centrally administered neuromedin U evokes the secretion of adrenaline from the adrenal medulla by brain prostanoid TP receptor-mediated mechanisms in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsuyoshi Sasaki
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Kochi University, Nankoku, Kochi 783-8505, Japan
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Shimizu F, Matsuzaki T, Iwasa T, Minakuchi M, Kuwahara A, Yasui T, Irahara M. Estradiol suppresses NMU mRNA expression during sexual maturation in the female rat pituitary. Int J Dev Neurosci 2007; 26:381-4. [PMID: 18258403 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijdevneu.2007.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2007] [Revised: 11/07/2007] [Accepted: 11/16/2007] [Indexed: 10/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuromedin U (NMU) suppresses food intake and gonadotropin secretion. However, the developmental transition of NMU expression in the pituitary gland and the regulation of NMU expression are unclear. The objective of this study was to examine the transition of the expression of NMU mRNA in the pituitary glands of female rats from the juvenile period to the mature period of development. Furthermore, factors such as estradiol, insulin, leptin, and inhibin A, whose expressions change throughout puberty and which affect gonadotropin secretion in pituitary cell culture, were examined. In the pituitary gland, the expression of NMU mRNA was significantly lower in 8-week-old rats than in 4- and 6-week-old rats. In the pituitary cell culture, the expressions of NMU mRNA in the estradiol- and insulin-treated groups were significantly lower than in the control group. These results suggest that the expression of NMU mRNA in the female rat pituitary is reduced as the rats develop from the pubertal to the mature period. Additionally, the reduction of NMU expression in the pituitary may be related to the increases in serum estradiol and insulin levels that occur during the pubertal period, which may negate NMU suppression of gonadotropin secretion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumi Shimizu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Institute of Health Biosciences, The University of Tokushima Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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