Role of inflammation and apoptosis in multiple sclerosis: Comparative analysis between the periphery and the central nervous system

Melatonin synergistically potentiates the effect of methylprednisolone on reducing neuroinflammation in the experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis mouse model of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune neurodegenerative disease of unknown etiology characterized by infiltration of encephalitogenic cells in the central nervous system (CNS) resulting in the presence of multifocal areas of demyelination leading to neurodegeneration. The infiltrated immune cells population is composed mainly of effector CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells that secrete pro-inflammatory factors that eventually damage myelin leading to axonal damage. The most common clinical form of MS is relapsing-remitting (RR), characterized by neuroinflammatory episodes followed by partial or total recovery of neurological deficits. The first-line treatment for RRMS relapses is a high dose of glucocorticoids, especially methylprednisolone, for three to five consecutive days. Several studies have reported the beneficial effects of melatonin in the context of neuroinflammation associated with MS or experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the preclinical model for MS. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the combined treatment of melatonin and methylprednisolone on the neuroinflammatory response associated with the EAE development. This study shows for the first time the protective synergistic effect of co-treatment with melatonin and methylprednisolone on reducing the severity of EAE by decreasing CD4 lymphocytes, B cells, macrophages and dendritic cells in the CNS, as well as modulating the population of infiltrated T and B cells toward regulatory phenotypes to the detriment of pro-inflammatory effector functions. In addition to the potentiation of the protective role of methylprednisolone, treatment with melatonin from the clinical onset of EAE improves the natural course of the EAE and the response to a subsequent treatment with methylprednisolone in a later relapse of the disease, pointing melatonin as potential therapeutic tool in combination with methylprednisolone for the treatment of relapses in MS.

Primary Progressive Multiple Sclerosis-A Key to Understanding and Managing Disease Progression

Primary progressive multiple sclerosis (PPMS), the least frequent type of multiple sclerosis (MS), is characterized by a specific course and clinical symptoms, and it is associated with a poor prognosis. It requires extensive differential diagnosis and often a long-term follow-up before its correct recognition. Despite recent progress in research into and treatment for progressive MS, the diagnosis and management of this type of disease still poses a challenge. Considering the modern concept of progression "smoldering" throughout all the stages of disease, a thorough exploration of PPMS may provide a better insight into mechanisms of progression in MS, with potential clinical implications. The goal of this study was to review the current evidence from investigations of PPMS, including its background, clinical characteristics, potential biomarkers and therapeutic opportunities. Processes underlying CNS damage in PPMS are discussed, including chronic immune-mediated inflammation, neurodegeneration, and remyelination failure. A review of potential clinical, biochemical and radiological biomarkers is presented, which is useful in monitoring and predicting the progression of PPMS. Therapeutic options for PPMS are summarized, with approved therapies, ongoing clinical trials and future directions of investigations. The clinical implications of findings from PPMS research would be associated with reliable assessments of disease outcomes, improvements in individualized therapeutic approaches and, hopefully, novel therapeutic targets, relevant for the management of progression.

Ferroptosis contributes to multiple sclerosis and its pharmacological targeting suppresses experimental disease progression

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterized by central nervous (CNS) demyelination resulting in axonal injury and neurological deficits. Essentially, MS is driven by an auto-amplifying mechanism of inflammation and cell death. Current therapies mainly focus on disease modification by immunosuppression, while no treatment specifically focuses on controlling cell death injury. Here, we report that ferroptosis, an iron-catalyzed mode of regulated cell death (RCD), contributes to MS disease progression. Active and chronic MS lesions and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of MS patients revealed several signs of ferroptosis, reflected by the presence of elevated levels of (labile) iron, peroxidized phospholipids and lipid degradation products. Treatment with our candidate lead ferroptosis inhibitor, UAMC-3203, strongly delays relapse and ameliorates disease progression in a preclinical model of relapsing-remitting MS. In conclusion, the results identify ferroptosis as a detrimental and targetable factor in MS. These findings create novel treatment options for MS patients, along with current immunosuppressive strategies.

Role of DAMPs and cell death in autoimmune diseases: the example of multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic neuroinflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) of unknown etiology and still incompletely clarified pathogenesis. The disease is generally considered a disorder resulting from a complex interplay between environmental risk factors and predisposing causal genetic variants. To examine the etiopathogenesis of the disease, two complementary pre-clinical models are currently discussed: the "outside-in" model proposing a peripherally elicited inflammatory/autoimmune attack against degraded myelin as the cause of the disease, and the "inside-out" paradigm implying a primary cytodegenerative process of cells in the CNS that triggers secondary reactive inflammatory/autoimmune responses against myelin debris. In this review, the integrating pathogenetic role of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) in these two scenario models is examined by focusing on the origin and sources of these molecules, which are known to promote neuroinflammation and, via activation of pattern recognition receptor-bearing antigen-presenting cells, drive and shape autoimmune responses. In particular, environmental factors are discussed that are conceptually defined as agents which produce endogenous DAMPs via induction of regulated cell death (RCD) or act themselves as exogenous DAMPs. Indeed, in the field of autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis, recent research has focused on environmental triggers that cause secondary events in terms of subroutines of RCD, which have been identified as prolific sources of DAMPs. Finally, a model of a DAMP-driven positive feed-forward loop of chronic inflammatory demyelinating processes is proposed, aimed at reconciling the competing "inside-out" and "outside-in" paradigms.

Effects of Au@Ag core-shell nanostructure with alginate coating on male reproductive system in mice

Despite the widespread use of silver nanoparticles (NPs), these NPs can accumulate and have toxic effects on various organs. However, the effects of silver nanostructures (Ag-NS) with alginate coating on the male reproductive system have not been studied. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the impacts of this NS on sperm function and testicular structure. After the synthesis and characterization of Ag-NS, the animals were divided into five groups (n = 8), including one control group, two sham groups (received 1.5 mg/kg/day alginate solution for 14 and 35 days), and two treatment groups (received Ag-NS at the same dose and time). Following injections, sperm parameters, apoptosis, and autophagy were analyzed by the TUNEL assay and measurement of the mRNA expression of Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, LC3, and Beclin-1. Fertilization rate was assessed by in vitro fertilization (IVF), and testicular structure was analyzed using the TUNEL assay and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. The results showed that the NS was rod-shaped, had a size of about 60 nm, and could reduce sperm function and fertility. Gene expression results demonstrated an increase in the apoptotic markers and a decrease in autophagy markers, indicating apoptotic cell death. Moreover, Ag-NS invaded testicular tissues, especially in the chronic phase (35 days), resulting in tissue alteration and epithelium disintegration. The results suggest that sperm parameters and fertility were affected. In addition, NS has negative influences on testicular tissues, causing infertility in men exposed to these NS.

Wuzi Yanzong Pill relieves CPZ-induced demyelination by improving the microenvironment in the brain

Ethnopharmacology relevance

Wuzi Yanzong Pill (WYP), a well-known prescription for invigorating the kidney and essence, which is widely used to treat infertility such as oligoasthenospermia. Studies have shown that WYP can be used to treat neurological diseases, but its therapeutic effects and mechanisms for multiple sclerosis (MS) remain unclear.

Aim of the study

Based on the establishment of Cuprizone (CPZ)-induced demyelination model, this study determined the effect of WYP on remyelination by detecting changes in the microenvironment of the central nervous system.

Materials and methods

C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups. The CPZ group and CPZ + WYP group were fed with 0.2% CPZ feed, and the control group was fed normal feed, for 6 weeks. At the end of the second week, the CPZ + WYP group was gavaged with WYP solution (16 g/kg/d), and the other two groups were gavaged with normal saline twice a day with an interval of 12 h each time, for 4 weeks. Forced swimming and elevated plus maze were used to detect changes in anxiety and depression before and after treatment. Luxol fast blue staining and the expression of MBP were used to evaluate the demyelination of the brain. Western blot was used to detect the expression of microglia and their subtype markers Iba-1, Arg-1, iNOS, the expression of neurotrophic factors BDNF, GDNF, CNTF, and the expression of oligodendrocyte precursor cells NG2. ELISA detected the content of IL-6, IL-1β, IL-10, TGF-β, BDNF, GDNF, CNTF in the brain. The distribution of Iba-1 in the corpus callosum was observed by immunofluorescence.

Results

The results showed that on the basis of improving mood abnormalities and demyelination, WYP reduced the protein content of Iba-1 and iNOS, increased the protein content of Arg-1, and reduce accumulation of microglia in the corpus callosum. In addition, WYP reduced the secretion of IL-6 and IL-1β while promoting the secretion of IL-10 and TGF-β. After WYP intervention treatment, the levels of neurotrophic factors BDNF, GDNF, CNTF increased. Due to the improvement of inflammatory and nutritional environment in the CNS, promoting the proliferation of NG2 oligodendrocyte, increased the expression of MBP, and repairing myelin sheath.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that WYP promoted the proliferation and development of oligodendrocytes by improving the CNS microenvironment, effectively alleviating demyelination.

Apoptotic protease activating factor-1 gene and MicroRNA-484: A possible interplay in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Emerging evidence suggests that dysregulated apoptosis might be implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS). The aim of the current study was to evaluate the expression of Apoptotic protease activating factor-1 (APAF1) mRNA and its potential regulator miR-484 in relapsing remitting MS patients (RRMS) and to investigate their role as potential disease biomarkers.

METHODS

After Bioinformatic analysis was conducted and revealed miR-484 involvement in the regulation of APAF-1 gene expression. Reverse Transcription-quantitative Real-Time PCR (RT-qPCR) was performed to detect the expression levels of APAF-1 and miR-484 in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of 34 RRMS patients recruited from the MS clinic of kasr al ainy hospital- faculty of medicine-Egypt and 34 healthy controls.

RESULTS

APAF-1 mRNA was significantly downregulated in patients whereas miR-484 expression was upregulated compared to controls (p < 0.01). Sensitivity and specificity of APAF-1 and miR-484 to diagnose MS was (85.3%, 76.5%) and (88.2% and 86.7%) respectively.

CONCLUSION

APAF-1 and miR-484 could play a role as potential MS diagnostic biomarkers. However, absence of a control group of patients with other inflammatory diseases in our study warrants further research to corroborate our findings.

Treatment With CD52 Antibody Protects Neurons in Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis Mice During the Recovering Phase

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease driven by T and B lymphocytes. The remyelination failure and neurodegeneration results in permanent clinical disability in MS patients. A desirable therapy should not only modulate the immune system, but also promote neuroprotection and remyelination. To investigate the neuroprotective effect of CD52 antibody in MS, both C57BL/6J and SJL mice with experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) were treated with CD52 antibody at the peak of disease. Treatment with CD52 antibody depleted T but not B lymphocytes in the blood, reduced the infiltration of T lymphocytes and microglia/macrophages in the spinal cord. Anti-CD52 therapy attenuated EAE scores during the recovery phase. It protected neurons immediately after treatment (within 4 days) as shown by reducing the accumulation of amyloid precursor proteins. It potentially promoted remyelination as it increased the number of olig2/CC-1-positive mature oligodendrocytes and prevented myelin loss in the following days (e.g., 14 days post treatment). In further experiments, EAE mice with a conditional knockout of BDNF in neurons were administered with CD52 antibodies. Neuronal deficiency of BDNF attenuated the effect of anti-CD52 treatment on reducing EAE scores and inflammatory infiltration but did not affect anti-CD52 treatment-induced improvement of myelin coverage in the spinal cord. In summary, anti-CD52 therapy depletes CD4-positive T lymphocytes, prevents myelin loss and protects neurons in EAE mice. Neuronal BDNF regulates neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory effect of CD52 antibody in EAE mice.

Conjunctival impression cytology and tear film parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis

PURPOSE

To evaluate conjunctival impression cytology (CIC) findings and tear film parameters in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) compared with controls.

METHODS

Thirty-three patients with MS (MS group) and 33 age- and sex-matched healthy subjects (control group) were included in this cross-sectional comparative study. CIC grades, tear break-up time (TBUT), Schirmer 1 test results, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) scores were compared between the two groups, and correlations between CIC grade, TBUT, Schirmer 1 test result, OSDI score, Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and disease duration were analyzed.

RESULTS

Mean CIC grade was higher in the MS group than in the control group (1.48 ± 0.71 and 0.39 ± 0.56, respectively; p < 0.001). In the MS group, CIC of the 14 participants (42.4%) was grade 2-3. In the control group, CIC of the only one participant (3.3%) was grade 2, and none of them was grade 3. TBUT (8.12 ± 3.16, 13.06 ± 4.23 s in MS and control groups, respectively; p < 0.001) and Schirmer 1 test results (8.45 ± 5.75, 17.36 ± 10.89 mm in MS and control groups, respectively; p < 0.001) were lower, and OSDI score (36.36 ± 19.19, 13.70 ± 15.36 in MS and control groups, respectively; p < 0.001) was higher in the MS group compared to the control group.

CONCLUSION

In patients with MS, objective findings of dry eye, subjective symptoms related to dry eye, and CIC abnormalities, including high grades of conjunctival squamous metaplasia and goblet cell loss, are more common. Patients with MS should be monitored for ocular surface alterations and dry eye disease.

Understanding Abnormal c-JNK/p38MAPK Signaling Overactivation Involved in the Progression of Multiple Sclerosis: Possible Therapeutic Targets and Impact on Neurodegenerative Diseases

Demyelination, immune dysregulation, and neuroinflammation are the most common triggers of motor neuron disorders such as multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic demyelinating neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system caused by abnormal immune activation, which causes myelin sheath damage. Cell signal transduction pathways are required for a variety of physiological and pathological processes in the brain. When these signaling systems become overactive, they can lead to disease progression. In various physiological conditions, abnormal mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation is associated with several physiological dysfunctions that cause neurodegeneration. Previous research indicates that c-JNK and p38MAPK signaling play critical roles in neuronal growth and differentiation. c-JNK/p38MAPK is a member of the MAPK family, which regulates metabolic pathways, cell proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis that control certain neurological activities. During brain injuries, c-JNK/p38MAPK also affects neuronal elastic properties, nerve growth, and cognitive processing. This review systematically linked abnormal c-JNK/p38MAPK signaling activation to multiple neuropathological pathways in MS and related neurological dysfunctions. MS progression is linked to genetic defects, oligodendrocyte destruction, glial overactivation, and immune dysregulation. We concluded that inhibiting both the c-JNK/p38MAPK signaling pathways can promote neuroprotection and neurotrophic effects against the clinical-pathological presentation of MS and influence other neurological disorders. As a result, the potential benefits of c-JNK/p38MAPK downregulation for the development of disease-modifying treatment interventions in the future could include MS prevention and related neurocomplications.

IFP35 family proteins promote neuroinflammation and multiple sclerosis

Excessive activation of T cells and microglia represents a hallmark of the pathogenesis of human multiple sclerosis (MS). However, the regulatory molecules overactivating these immune cells remain to be identified. Previously, we reported that extracellular IFP35 family proteins, including IFP35 and NMI, activated macrophages as proinflammatory molecules in the periphery. Here, we investigated their functions in the process of neuroinflammation both in the central nervous system (CNS) and the periphery. Our analysis of clinical transcriptomic data showed that expression of IFP35 family proteins was up-regulated in patients with MS. Additional in vitro studies demonstrated that IFP35 and NMI were released by multiple cells. IFP35 and NMI subsequently triggered nuclear factor kappa B-dependent activation of microglia via the TLR4 pathway. Importantly, we showed that both IFP35 and NMI activated dendritic cells and promoted naïve T cell differentiation into Th1 and Th17 cells. Nmi-/- , Ifp35-/- , or administration of neutralizing antibodies against IFP35 alleviated the immune cells' infiltration and demyelination in the CNS, thus reducing the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Together, our findings reveal a hitherto unknown mechanism by which IFP35 family proteins facilitate overactivation of both T cells and microglia and propose avenues to study the pathogenesis of MS.

Different neuroinflammatory gene expression profiles in highly active and benign multiple sclerosis

In this study, we aimed to explore the expression of genes associated with neuroinflammation in patients with benign and highly active multiple sclerosis (MS) and healthy controls, to define gene signatures associated with MS as well as disease activity and progression. We identified differences in the expression of 89 genes in benign and highly active MS patients and in healthy controls (q < 0.05). Twenty-eight genes related to myeloid cells function, the innate immune response, apoptosis, and autophagy were differentially expressed in patients with benign and highly active MS. Time to second relapse and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores were correlated with the expression of genes associated with myeloid cells function, innate immunity, and apoptosis. Our results could indicate the importance of innate immunity-associated pathways in maintaining high disease activity in MS and their crucial role in disease progression.

Celecoxib Exerts a Therapeutic Effect Against Demyelination by Improving the Immune and Inflammatory Microenvironments

Background

The myelin sheath can be damaged by genetic and/or environmental factors, leading to demyelinating diseases, for which effective treatments are lacking. Recently, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) overexpression was detected in demyelinating lesions both in patients and animal models, opening an avenue for promoting endogenous remyelination. The aim of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of celecoxib, a selective COX-2 inhibitor, against demyelination in a zebrafish model.

Methods

The biotoxicity of celecoxib was evaluated on zebrafish embryos. Metronidazole was used to deplete the oligodendrocytes in Tg (mbp:nfsB-egfp) transgenic fish. Celecoxib was then administered both in larvae and adults. The regeneration of the myelin sheath and the underlying mechanisms were explored by immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, Western blot analysis, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and behavioral test.

Results

Celecoxib had low in vivo toxicity. A stable and practical demyelination model was established by metronidazole induction. Following celecoxib treatment, the number of oligodendrocytes was increased significantly and the concentric structure of the myelin sheath reappeared. The locomotor ability was notably improved and was close to its physiological levels. The expression of arg1, mrc1, il-10, and il-4 was upregulated, while that of il-1β, il-12, tnf-α, il-6, caspase-3 and caspase-7 was downregulated.

Conclusion

Inhibition of COX-2 contributed to the transformation of microglia/macrophages from the M1 to the M2 phenotype, improved the inflammatory microenvironment, and suppressed caspase-dependent apoptosis, thus exerting a therapeutic effect against demyelination.

Elevated Concentrations of Soluble Fas and FasL in Multiple Sclerosis Patients with Antinuclear Antibodies

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are currently considered as an epiphenomenon of apoptotic processes, possibly in control of autoreactivity in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). Apoptosis of reactive lymphocytes by the Fas/FasL system is described as an effective control mechanism for autoreactivity in MS. We aimed to provide a context to the potential link between ANA and peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis in MS. The presence of ANA was detected in sera by immunofluorescence assay, and concentrations of sFas and sFasL were determined in the sera of 44 and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of 11 relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients using cytometric bead-based array, and their association with the disease characteristics was determined. ANA were detected in the sera of 43.2% of RRMS patients, and their frequency was the highest in patients with disease duration of less than one year (88,89%). In addition, the number of experienced relapses was lower in ANA-positive patients. Concentrations of sFasL were inversely associated with patients' expanded disability status scale (EDSS) scores. Low concentrations of both soluble factors strongly discriminated patients with moderate to severe disability, from patients with mild or absent disability only in a group of patients with prolonged disease duration (>10 years). Both soluble mediators were significantly higher in ANA-positive patients. FasL concentrations were inversely associated with the number of relapses. There is a potential link between the presence of ANA and peripheral lymphocyte apoptosis mediated by Fas/FasL system in MS, whose precise role and significance needs to be determined by future mechanistic studies.

Extracellular Vesicles Derived From Apoptotic Cells: An Essential Link Between Death and Regeneration

Apoptosis is a universal and continuous event during tissue development, restoration, repair, and regeneration. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that apoptosis is essential for the activation of tissue regeneration. However, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. A striking development in recent years comes from research on extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from apoptotic cells. During apoptosis, cells secrete vesicles of various sizes containing various components. Apoptotic cell-derived EVs (ApoEVs) have been found to transit to neighboring cells or cells in distant tissues through the circulation. These vesicles could act as containers to transmit the nucleic acid, protein, and lipid signals to target cells. ApoEVs have been shown to promote regeneration in the cardiovascular system, skin, bone, muscle, kidney, etc. Moreover, several specific signaling pathways mediating the anabolic effects of ApoEVs have been classified. In this review, we comprehensively discussed the latest findings on the function of ApoEVs in tissue regeneration and disease prevention. These findings may reveal unexpected clues regarding the regulatory network between cell death and tissue regeneration and suggest novel targets for regenerative medicine. The findings discussed here also raise the question whether and to what extent ApoEVs contribute to embryonic development. This question is all the more urgent because the exact functions of apoptotic events during numerous developmental processes are still largely unclear.

Isolation and Quantification of Blood Apoptotic Bodies, a Non-invasive Tool to Evaluate Apoptosis in Patients with Ischemic Stroke and Neurodegenerative Diseases

Background

Improper regulation of apoptosis has been postulated as one of the main factors that contributes to the etiology and/or progression of several prevalent diseases, including ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative pathologies. Consequently, in the last few years, there has been an ever-growing interest in the in vivo study of apoptosis. The clinical application of the tissue sampling and imaging approaches to analyze apoptosis in neurological diseases is, however, limited. Since apoptotic bodies are membrane vesicles that are released from fragmented apoptotic cells, it follows that the presence of these vesicles in the bloodstream is likely due to the apoptotic death of cells in tissues. We therefore propose to use circulating apoptotic bodies as biomarkers for measuring apoptotic death in patients with ischemic stroke and neurodegenerative diseases.

Results

Since there is no scientific literature establishing the most appropriate method for collecting and enumerating apoptotic bodies from human blood samples. Authors, here, describe a reproducible centrifugation-based method combined with flow cytometry analysis to isolate and quantify plasma apoptotic bodies of patients with ischemic stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease and also in healthy controls. Electron microscopy, dynamic light scattering and proteomic characterization in combination with flow cytometry studies revealed that our isolation method achieves notable recovery rates of highly-purified intact apoptotic bodies.

Conclusions

This easy, minimally time consuming and effective procedure for isolating and quantifying plasma apoptotic bodies could help physicians to implement the use of such vesicles as a non-invasive tool to monitor apoptosis in patients with cerebrovascular and neurodegenerative diseases for prognostic purposes and for monitoring disease activity.

microRNAs: key modulators of disease-modifying therapies in multiple sclerosis

There is a high level of heterogeneity in symptom manifestations and response to disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) in multiple sclerosis (MS), an immune-based neurodegenerative disease with ever-increasing prevalence in recent decades. Because of unknown aspects of the etiopathology of MS and mechanism of action of DMTs, the reason for this variability is undetermined, and much remains to be understood. Traditionally, physicians consider switching to other DMTs based on the exacerbation of symptoms and/or change in the results of magnetic resonance imaging and biochemical factors. Therefore, identifying biological treatment response markers that help us recognizing non-responders rapidly and subsequently choosing another DMTs is necessary. microRNAs (miRNAs) are micromanagers of gene expression which have been profiled in different samples of MS patients, highlighting their role in pathogenetic of MS. Recent studies have investigated expression profiling of miRNAs after treatment with DMTs to clarify possible DMTs-mediated mechanism and obtaining response to therapy biomarkers. In this review, we will discuss the modulation of miRNAs by DMTs in cells and pathways involved in MS.

MicroRNA-31 regulating apoptosis by mediating the phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling pathway in treatment of spinal cord injury

Apoptosis is a highly conservative energy demand program for non-inflammatory cell death, which is extremely significant in normal physiology and disease. There are many techniques used for studying apoptosis. MicroRNA (miRNA) is closely related to cell apoptosis, and especially microRNA-31 (miR-31) is involved in apoptosis by regulating a large number of target genes and signaling pathways. In many neurological diseases, cell apoptosis or programmed cell death plays an important role in the reduction of cell number, including the reduction of neurons in spinal cord injuries. In recent years, the phosphoinositol 3-kinase/AKT (PI3K/AKT) signal pathway, as a signal pathway involved in a variety of cell functions, has been studied in spinal cord injury diseases. The PI3K/AKT pathway directly or indirectly affects whether apoptosis occurs in a cell, thereby affecting a significant intracellular event sequence. This paper reviewed the interactions of miR-31 target sites in the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, and explored new ways to prevent and treat spinal cord injury by regulating the effect of miR-31 on apoptosis.

Genetic polymorphisms and epigenetic regulation of survivin encoding gene, BIRC5, in multiple sclerosis patients

Background

The persistent the inflammatory condition in multiple sclerosis (MS) may due to the aberrant regulation of the elimination of the pathogenic autoreactive lymphocytes through apoptosis. Survivin, encoded by the BIRC5 gene, has been indicated to be involved in the regulation of apoptosis. This survey intended to investigate the genetic and microRNA mediated regulation of survivin in relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) disease.

Results

It was observed that the C allele (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.05–1.348, P = 0.022) and CC genotype (OR = 1.84, 95% CI = 1.06–3.19; P = 0.029) in the rs9904341 polymorphism increased the disease risk. Furthermore, miR-34a was significantly downregulated (Fold change = 0.41, P = 0.001) in the PBMCs from RRMS subjects. Survivin mRNA expression in PBMCs and serum survivin level were increased in RRMS patients in comparison to the controls. Downregulation of miR-34a was negatively correlated with increased survivin level.

Conclusion

Although the genetic polymorphism of BIRC5 gene was associated with the disease risk, miR-34a was suggested to be involved in the regulation of survivin in the RRMS patients.

Gene expression profiles of TNF-like cytokine 1A (TL1A) and its receptors death receptor 3 (DR3) and decoy receptor 3 (DcR3) in multiple sclerosis

TL1A/DR3/DcR3 pathway is an important mediator of inflammatory responses and contributes to the pathogenesis of several chronic inflammatory diseases. Therefore, we analysed PBMC gene expression of these molecules in 30 relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) patients, 8 secondary progressive MS (SPMS), 9 primary progressive MS (PPMS), 11 clinically isolated syndrome (CIS) patients, and 16 healthy controls (HCs), to evaluate their biomarker potential in MS. The results showed significant decrease in TL1A expression in RRMS compared to other study groups. TL1A as a marker of inflammation, we found its higher expression among treatment näive RRMS patients as compared to HCs and among patients who were treated with DMTs. Moreover, TL1A expression was found to be associated with the clinical and MRI findings of MS patients suggesting its possible involvement in the establishment or preservation of immune system homeostasis or in the regulation of inflammatory activity. Taken together, these findings suggest the TL1A should be evaluated further for its potential as a candidate biomarker of inflammatory activity and the marker of therapeutic response to immunomodulatory treatments in MS.

A cell type-specific transcriptomic approach to map B cell and monocyte type I interferon-linked pathogenic signatures in Multiple Sclerosis

Alteration in endogenous Interferon (IFN) system may profoundly impact immune cell function in autoimmune diseases. Here, we provide evidence that dysregulation in IFN-regulated genes and pathways are involved in B cell- and monocyte-driven pathogenic contribution to Multiple Sclerosis (MS) development and maintenance. In particular, by using an Interferome-based cell type-specific approach, we characterized an increased susceptibility to an IFN-linked caspase-3 dependent apoptotic cell death in both B cells and monocytes of MS patients that may arise from their chronic activation and persistent stimulation by activated T cells. Ongoing caspase-3 activation functionally impacts on MS monocyte properties influencing the STAT-3/IL-16 axis, thus, driving increased expression and massive release of the bio-active IL-16 triggering and perpetuating CD4⁺ T cell migration. Importantly, our analysis also identified a previously unknown multi-component defect in type I IFN-mediated signaling and response to virus pathways specific of MS B cells, impacting on induction of anti-viral responses and Epstein-barr virus infection control in patients. Taking advantage of cell type-specific transcriptomics and in-depth functional validation, this study revealed pathogenic contribution of endogenous IFN signaling and IFN-regulated cell processes to MS pathogenesis with implications on fate and functions of B cells and monocytes that may hold therapeutic potential.

Apoptosis and apoptotic body: disease message and therapeutic target potentials

Apoptosis is widely known as programmed cell death eliciting no inflammatory responses. The intricacy of apoptosis has been a focus of an array of researches, accumulating a wealth of knowledge which led to not only a better understanding of the fundamental process, but also potent therapies of diseases. The classic intrinsic and extrinsic signaling pathways of apoptosis, along with regulatory factors have been well delineated. Drugs and therapeutic measures designed based on current understanding of apoptosis have long been employed. Small-molecule apoptosis inducers have been clinically used for eliminating morbid cells and therefore treating diseases, such as cancer. Biologics with improved apoptotic efficacy and selectivity, such as recombinant proteins and antibodies, are being extensively researched and some have been approved by the FDA. Apoptosis also produces membrane-bound vesicles derived from disassembly of apoptotic cells, now known as apoptotic bodies (ApoBDs). These little sealed sacs containing information as well as substances from dying cells were previously regarded as garbage bags until they were discovered to be capable of delivering useful materials to healthy recipient cells (e.g., autoantigens). In this review, current understandings and knowledge of apoptosis were summarized and discussed with a focus on apoptosis-related therapeutic applications and ApoBDs.

Peucedani Japonici Radix ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced neuroinflammation by regulating microglial responses

Neuroinflammation is an inflammatory process within the central nervous system that is mediated by microglial activation, which releases pro-inflammatory mediators leading to neurodegeneration. In this study, we investigated the effects of Peucedani Japonici Radix (PJR), a medicinal herb traditionally used in East Asia to treat neuroinflammation both in vitro and in vivo. First, we examined the effects of PJR on pro-inflammatory mediators in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated BV-2 microglial cells. The results showed that PJR suppressed the LPS-induced increase of several inflammatory factors, such as nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, cyclooxygenase-2, prostaglandin E2, interleukin-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-α. We also revealed that PJR inhibited the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) pathway, which is the upstream modulator of inflammatory processes. Furthermore, to confirm the regulatory effects of PJR on microglia in vivo, we measured the number of ionized calcium-binding adapter molecule 1-positive cells in mouse brains and found that PJR treatment reduced microglial activation. Taken together, these results suggest that PJR inhibits microglia-mediated neuroinflammation through the modulation of NF-κB signaling and has the therapeutic potential to prevent inflammation-related neurodegenerative diseases.

Selective Modulation of TNF-TNFRs Signaling: Insights for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment

Autoimmunity develops when self-tolerance mechanisms are failing to protect healthy tissue. A sustained reaction to self is generated, which includes the generation of effector cells and molecules that destroy tissues. A way to restore this intrinsic tolerance is through immune modulation that aims at refurbishing this immunologically naïve or unresponsive state, thereby decreasing the aberrant immune reaction taking place. One major cytokine has been shown to play a pivotal role in several autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS): tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) modulates the induction and maintenance of an inflammatory process and it comes in two variants, soluble TNF (solTNF) and transmembrane bound TNF (tmTNF). tmTNF signals via TNFR1 and TNFR2, whereas solTNF signals mainly via TNFR1. TNFR1 is widely expressed and promotes mainly inflammation and apoptosis. Conversely, TNFR2 is restricted mainly to immune and endothelial cells and it is known to activate the pro-survival PI3K-Akt/PKB signaling pathway and to sustain regulatory T cells function. Anti-TNFα therapies are successfully used to treat diseases such as RA, colitis, and psoriasis. However, clinical studies with a non-selective inhibitor of TNFα in MS patients had to be halted due to exacerbation of clinical symptoms. One possible explanation for this failure is the non-selectivity of the treatment, which avoids TNFR2 stimulation and its immune and tissue protective properties. Thus, a receptor-selective modulation of TNFα signal pathways provides a novel therapeutic concept that might lead to new insights in MS pathology with major implications for its effective treatment.

Synthesis and Functional Investigations of Computer Designed Novel Cladribine-Like Compounds for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Cladribine (2-CdA) is used as an anti-cancer drug but is currently studied as a potential treatment for use in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (MS). In this study, we computer designed, synthesized, and characterized two novel derivatives of 2-CdA, K1-5d and K2-4c, and investigated their underlying mechanism of beneficial effect using the CCRF-CEM and RAJI cell lines. For this purpose, we first determined their effect on MS and DNA damage and repair-related gene expression profiles using custom arrays along with 2-CdA treatment at non-toxic doses. Then, we determined whether cells underwent apoptosis after treatment with 2-CdA, K1-5d, and K2-4c in CCRF-CEM and RAJI cells, using the DNA fragmentation assay. It was found that both derivatives modulated the expression of the pathway-related genes that are important in inflammatory signaling, apoptosis, ATM/ATR, double-strand break repair, and the cell cycle. Furthermore, 2-CdA, K1-5d, and K2-4c significantly activated apoptosis in both cell lines. In summary, our data demonstrate that although both derivatives act as anti-inflammatory and apoptotic agents, inducing the accumulation of DNA strand breaks and activating the ultimate tumor suppressor p53 in T and B lymphocytes, the K1-5d derivative has shown more promising activities for further studies.

Vaccinia Related Kinase 2 (VRK2) expression in neurological disorders: schizophrenia, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis

BACKGROUND

Schizophrenia (SCZ), epilepsy and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) are neurological disorders with increasing prevalence disturb the patients' lives and are regarded as burdens to the society. As multifactorial disorders, genetic susceptibility factors are involved in their pathogenesis. The Vaccinia-Related Kinase 2 (VRK2) gene codes for a serine threonine kinase recently reported to be contributed in the pathogenesis of some neurological disorders. In the present case-control study we compared the VRK2 gene expression in peripheral blood samples from SCZ, epilepsy and MS patients with normal subjects.

METHOD

A total of 300 subjects comprising 50 patients in each disease category (SCZ, epilepsy and MS) as well as 150 healthy individuals (50 matched controls for each disorder) participated in the current study.

RESULT

The VRK2 blood mRNA expression level was measured using the TaqMan real time PCR. The results demonstrated significant down-regulation of VRK2 gene in SCZ (P<0.0001), epilepsy (P=0.008) and MS (P=0.029) compared with the healthy subjects.

CONCLUSION

Consequently, VRK2 is suggested as a candidate gene for neurological disorders through its role in signaling pathway, the neuronal loss and stress response.

Chinese herbal medicine adjunct therapy in patients with acute relapse of multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Many patients with multiple sclerosis (MS) resort to complementary and alternative medicine, which is used in 33%-80% of MS patients in the developed country. The purpose of this study is to assess the efficacy and safety of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) as an adjunct therapy of patients with acute relapse of MS.

METHODS

Six databases were searched for randomized-controlled trial of CHM for acute relapse of MS. The risk of bias was assessed by using the twelve criteria recommended by the Cochrane Back Review Group. The primary outcome measures of interest are the Expanded Disability Status Score, annual relapse frequency, annual relapse rate, and annual relapse interval. The secondary outcome measures are the clinical efficacy rate and adverse events. The selection criteria of high-frequency herbs for MS are those with cumulative frequency over 50%. We analyzed the data using Review Manager (version 5.3).

RESULTS

A total of 1100 participants were included in the 20 studies from 2004 to 2015. The number of risk of bias which met the criteria varied from 5/12 to 7/12. The top 5 most frequently used herbs are ordinally Radix Angelicae Sinensis, Radix Glycyrrhizae, Radix Paeoniae Rubra, Radix Rehmanniae Preparata, and Bombyx Batryticatus. The meta-analysis showed a significant effect of CHM for improving Expanded Disability Status Score (P<0.01), annual relapse frequency (P<0.01) and the total clinical efficacy rate (P<0.01) compared with western conventional treatment. In analysis of annual relapse rate and annual relapse interval, there was a significant difference between CHMs and western conventional treatment (P<0.01). Adverse effects were monitored in 6 studies, and were well tolerated in all MS patients.

CONCLUSIONS

The available evidence from present study supported but limited to recommend the routine use of CHM adjuvant therapy for MS because of the poor methodological quality and clinical heterogeneity. However, we identified an area that is worthy of further study. Furthermore, we selected high frequent use of CHMs as a promising candidate for further clinical application and MS trials. Further rigorous randomized-controlled trials are needed.

Creatine Enhances Mitochondrial-Mediated Oligodendrocyte Survival After Demyelinating Injury

Chronic oligodendrocyte loss, which occurs in the demyelinating disorder multiple sclerosis (MS), contributes to axonal dysfunction and neurodegeneration. Current therapies are able to reduce MS severity, but do not prevent transition into the progressive phase of the disease, which is characterized by chronic neurodegeneration. Therefore, pharmacological compounds that promote oligodendrocyte survival could be beneficial for neuroprotection in MS. Here, we investigated the role of creatine, an organic acid involved in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) buffering, in oligodendrocyte function. We found that creatine increased mitochondrial ATP production directly in oligodendrocyte lineage cell cultures and exerted robust protection on oligodendrocytes by preventing cell death in both naive and lipopolysaccharide-treated mixed glia. Moreover, lysolecithin-mediated demyelination in mice deficient in the creatine-synthesizing enzyme guanidinoacetate-methyltransferase (Gamt) did not affect oligodendrocyte precursor cell recruitment, but resulted in exacerbated apoptosis of regenerated oligodendrocytes in central nervous system (CNS) lesions. Remarkably, creatine administration into Gamt-deficient and wild-type mice with demyelinating injury reduced oligodendrocyte apoptosis, thereby increasing oligodendrocyte density and myelin basic protein staining in CNS lesions. We found that creatine did not affect the recruitment of macrophages/microglia into lesions, suggesting that creatine affects oligodendrocyte survival independently of inflammation. Together, our results demonstrate a novel function for creatine in promoting oligodendrocyte viability during CNS remyelination.SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT We report that creatine enhances oligodendrocyte mitochondrial function and protects against caspase-dependent oligodendrocyte apoptosis during CNS remyelination. This work has important implications for the development of therapeutic targets for diseases characterized by oligodendrocyte death, including multiple sclerosis.

Mitochondria in Multiple Sclerosis: Molecular Mechanisms of Pathogenesis

Mitochondria, the organelles that function as the powerhouse of the cell, have been increasingly linked to the pathogenesis of many neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis (MS). MS is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system (CNS) and a leading cause of neurological disability in young adults in the western world. Its etiology remains unknown, and while the inflammatory component of MS has been heavily investigated and targeted for therapeutic intervention, the failure of remyelination and the process of axonal degeneration are still poorly understood. Recent studies suggest a role of mitochondrial dysfunction in the neurodegenerative aspects of MS. This review is focused on mitochondrial functions under physiological conditions and the consequences of mitochondrial alterations in various CNS disorders. Moreover, we summarize recent findings linking mitochondrial dysfunction to MS and discuss novel therapeutic strategies targeting mitochondria-related pathways as well as emerging experimental approaches for modeling mitochondrial disease.